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Ireland ranked No. 9 for foreign direct investment into the U.S. economy

2021-03-15T11:01:00

(BPT) –

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government agency for the international development of Irish firms, reports employment by Irish businesses in the United States has reached 110,000 and foreign direct investment from Ireland into the United States economy hit $225.5 billion* — ranking Ireland in the top nine investment sources to the United States. The strong performance of Irish businesses in the United States was accelerated by resilience and preparedness developed in response to the 2016 Brexit referendum. Additionally, Ireland’s considerable strengths in life science and construction, engineering, smart energy, smart city and digital technology enabled Irish firms to support the U.S. government and business roll-out of COVID-19 remediations. According to an OECD report, Ireland is fifth in the world for the export of COVID-19 related products and services and sixth in the global market of countries responding best in terms of innovation to the pandemic.

“Irish innovation and entrepreneurship shone brightly in what was a dark year,” the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Prime Minister of Ireland, said today. “I am highly encouraged by the resilience of Irish business leaders and their teams and I am proud of the positive impact they’re having in their business communities in the United States. 2021 promises to be a generation-defining year in the development of U.S.-Irish business partnerships. I am confident that Irish firms operating here will continue to advance the COVID-19 response, sustainability initiatives and infrastructure, and that we’ll see continued job growth and an increase in Irish FDI into the United States economy.”

Over 100 Enterprise Ireland-supported companies are responding to the pandemic with innovative solutions. Highlights include:

  • In New York and New Jersey, Nearform was one of the first to develop and launch a COVID-19 contact-tracing app for government agencies and has since become the official COVID-19 app of several U.S. states.
  • Irish biometric authentication solutions provider Daon has created VeriFLY, a mobile health passport. American Airlines is the first U.S. airline to adopt the VeriFLY technology, providing customers with an easy method of providing results from a negative coronavirus test and other completed documents required for international travel into the United States.
  • From Monaghan, forklift truck manufacturer, Combilift, developed the Combi-Ventilate, a splitter device that can turn one ventilator into multiple ventilator stations.
  • In Tampa, Shimmer Sensing, a leading provider of wearable wireless sensor products and solutions, partnered with the University of South Florida to research how Shimmer’s wearable device can help detect and assess the progression of COVID-19 in those who are most at-risk.
  • In Illinois, Druid Software, recognized as a market leader for its mature 4G & 5G LTE Private Cellular technology, helped deploy a CBRS enabled OnGo Private 4G wireless network at Memorial Health Systems to provide secure, reliable connectivity to temporary triage and testing tents where doctors and nurses delivered emergency care during the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Ireland’s sustained positive contribution to the United States economy in a year of unprecedented turmoil is a testament to the depth of trust between our business communities; the quality of commercial relationships and the value that Irish firms bring to the United States,” Julie Sinnamon, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Ireland said today. “Now, with vaccine deployments taking hold and green shoots emerging in the economy, the indicators point to Irish firms investing even more time and resources into the United States.”

Over the past year, Enterprise Ireland saw an average of two new Irish-based businesses established weekly in the United States. In 2020, Irish firms bolstered employee rosters in traditional hubs of Irish entrepreneurship in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston and Philadelphia, and also in Irish firms in Florida, Texas, Georgia and Minnesota.

“The fact that so many Irish firms sought to strengthen their United States presence in a WFH business environment underscores the confidence Irish firms have in themselves and in this market,” Sean Davis, North America Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland said today. “This bold new confidence is forged on conviction in the products and services and also informed insights on the needs and preferences of United States partners and customers.”

Enterprise Ireland is one of Europe’s leading venture capitalists: the agency is ranked first both in Europe and globally for active seed investments, according to PitchBook. Enterprise Ireland operates from New York, Boston, Austin, Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco. In addition to funding support, Enterprise Ireland also provides services including export assistance and assistance with research and development, as well as a broad network of key global industry-specific contacts.

More than 110,00 people are employed by almost 900 Irish-owned companies with Enterprise Ireland representing 700 of these companies in the United States. These Irish-owned companies operate across all 50 states and proudly represent a broad range of industries including construction, education, energy, environmental engineering, medical devices and software.

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish State agency that works with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership and competitiveness. In this way, it supports sustainable economic growth and regional development, and helps create and sustain employment in Ireland. For more information, please visit IrishAdvantage.com.

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*The United States Bureau of Economic Analysis.

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4 Smart Money Moves Small Business Owners Should Make from the Start

2021-03-15T18:15:00

(BPT) – Most small business owners start their business to pursue a passion, not to crunch numbers. However, it’s important to get the finances right in the beginning to have the best chance at success. If you’re not a numbers expert, you may need the help of an experienced professional, because accurate taxes and bookkeeping can help you avoid missed deductions or costly mistakes.

“If you’re thinking about starting your own small business, also think about getting help from day one,” said Ian Hardman, General Manager and Vice President of small business at H&R Block. “Block Advisors small business certified tax pros can help you make sound tax and financial decisions, guiding you to better outcomes so you can focus on what you love.”

Here are four smart money moves to make when starting your small business.

Secure funding

It costs money to start a business, so if you can’t personally cover your start-up costs, you’ll have to secure financing. This can be difficult, yet proper financing is one of the most important elements a company needs to succeed. Also, how you choose to finance your business could impact how you structure and run your business.

There are numerous financing options — not just the traditional bank loan. In fact, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) outlines several small business funding options. One thing to note: you’ll need a strong business plan and an accurate view of your financial situation and runway before you start.

Choose the right entity structure

Your business structure impacts everything from your day-to-day operations to your taxes and personal liability, so it’s important to choose the business structure that provides the best legal protection and least amount of tax responsibility for your business type. Many small businesses start as a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC). However, do your homework before deciding which structure makes the most sense for your business.

Set up a business bank account

Separating your business and personal finances is a must. It’ll make your accounting, quarterly, and end-of-year tax filings easier if there is a clear divide between your business and personal funds. Plus, a dedicated business account helps provide proof to the IRS that you’re running a legitimate, money-making operation.

Before deciding to open a business bank account, evaluate your options to identify banks that specialize in helping new and emerging businesses. H&R Block’s subsidiary, Wave Financial, offers a business bank account and debit card with built-in bookkeeping, with no monthly fees, account minimums, transaction fees, or ATM withdrawal fees if you withdraw from its network of 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Wave Money offers fast access to payments, automates bookkeeping and creates tax-ready records, freeing entrepreneurs from time-consuming administrative tasks.

Track your start-up expenses, including mileage

Every dollar counts when you’re a small business owner. If you’re even thinking about starting a business, keep track of your miscellaneous expenses, including mileage, while you explore your options. You won’t get to deduct these costs immediately, but when your business flips the “on” switch, you may be able to capture them on your taxes as start-up expenses.

If you use your car for both personal and business purposes, you must divide expenses based on the percentage of actual mileage driven for each use. Using a mileage and expense tracking app, like Everlance, can make it easy, both on you and your tax advisor. Block Advisors and Everlance have partnered to offer small business owners an opportunity to save money — discounted tax prep with an Everlance premium account.

“We understand that the financial aspects of running a small business can seem overwhelming, but Block Advisors can be your partner in figuring it out. We’re here to help take on some of those important financial tasks so you can focus on building your business,” Hardman said.

Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com.

Our small business tax professional certification is awarded by Block Advisors, a part of H&R Block, based upon successful completion of proprietary training. Our Block Advisors small business services are available at participating Block Advisors and H&R Block offices nationwide.

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Simple, smart steps to fix water leaks and preserve critical resources

2021-03-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – What do making coffee, brushing your teeth, doing dishes and washing your car have in common? All these activities require water. From the conveniences you enjoy at home to helping various industries make the things you use every day, water is essential to keeping life flowing.

With people spending more time at home , the important role water plays in daily life has come into focus. With more washing, cooking, trips to the bathroom — home water use is up as are utility bills.

You may also notice drips and leaks you hadn’t before and wondered about your own water use.

Home water leaks are a common problem

More than two-in-three Americans have experienced a leak at their home, according to recent data from American Water and global research agency Opinium. This includes 52% who have had a leak in their bathroom and 50% who have had a leak in the kitchen. These numbers could even be higher, as 77% of Americans report seeing signs that could indicate they have had a water leak, including 51% reporting a consistently dripping faucet and 28% saying they have experienced water stains in the toilet on multiple occasions.

Fix a Leak Week is March 15-21, but finding leaks, resolving problems and saving water is important all year long. Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water waste is just one consequence of these leaks — others include home damage, concealed mold buildup and decreased air quality.

Check leaks to limit water waste

The EPA suggests a few simple ways to find leaks so they can be fixed:

  • Check water usage during colder months like January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there are serious leaks.
  • Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, it likely indicates a leak.
  • Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)
  • Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

In addition to fixing leaks, it’s important to be aware of your water footprint and reduce unnecessary water use. The most common way Americans waste water is leaving the faucet on when brushing their teeth, according to the American Water report. While not as frequent, the next most wasteful action is using a hose to wash your car: just 5 minutes uses approximately 75 gallons of water!

Community actions matter

Water issues extend beyond your property lines. Most people don’t realize that the majority of the United States’ water infrastructure is aging, which can impact homeowners and communities as a whole.

“Many U.S. water and wastewater systems were built more than 70 years ago, meaning that our pipes, plants, and pumps have reached the end of their expected lifespan,” says David Choate, vice president, engineering at American Water. “Between 2012 and 2018, the rate of water main breaks across the U.S. increased by 27%, reaching the point where today, a water main breaks every two minutes. Because of water main breaks and continuous leaks, drinking water systems currently lose at least 6 billion gallons of treated water per day — the equivalent of 500+ billion bathtubs per year — with no sign of slowing down.”

American Water is committed to helping communities and preserving water by supporting major improvements to U.S. water infrastructure. Over the next 10 years, the company will invest an estimated $22 to $25 billion to help provide reliable, safe and affordable water and wastewater services through improvements like replacing aging pipes and upgrading treatment, storage and pumping facilities to expand capacity and comply with the latest standards.

In addition to fixing leaks and limiting water waste, you can support your community’s water systems by doing the following:

  • Don’t flush wipes, paper towels or other items to help prevent pipe clogs, overflows and damage to water infrastructure.
  • Limiting unnecessary water usage lowers system demands, which can help delay or even avoid required future infrastructure expansions.
  • Know your local water restrictions and follow them, such as when watering your grass during summer months.
  • Ask about your community’s fire hydrant flushing program and support efforts to keep these systems working properly.

The actions you take today will make a difference. Learn more at www.amwater.com.

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Here’s why you should consider seeing a geriatrician

2021-03-15T14:45:00

(BPT) – It comes as second nature for most parents to take their children to a pediatrician at least once a year. The differences between children and adults are so stark that it makes sense to choose a doctor specially trained to treat younger patients.

Yet as we age, far too few of us apply this same logic when choosing a physician, even though our health needs often change dramatically in our later years. And we know from recent experience with the COVID-19 pandemic that the health complexities for older adults can make them particularly vulnerable to certain illnesses, demonstrating the need for a care approach as tailored as the individuals themselves.

“The kind of care you deliver to an older adult is definitely not the same as the care you give to a middle-aged person,” said Michael Stockman, M.D., a geriatrician and medical director with UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “The physiology of older people is very different from people in other stages of life.”

Those differences are significant enough that the medical community developed a specialty called geriatrics, to address the needs of older adults. Geriatricians, like Dr. Stockman, are licensed physicians who have completed additional training in managing the care of older adults. That training makes geriatricians uniquely suited to help seniors manage the demands of their often-complex health issues.

One of those complex issues is the care of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, which are much more prevalent in older people than the rest of the population. More than half of older adults have at least two chronic conditions. This group is also at higher risk for developing chronic diseases, along with other complex conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Additionally, nearly 90% of adults 65 and older take at least one prescription medication, and more than half report that they take four or more, compared to one-third for those in the 50 to 64 age bracket.

Juggling multiple chronic conditions can be a challenge for the doctor and the patient. One condition can sometimes make the effects of another condition worse, and the treatments or medications for different illnesses sometimes interfere with each other.

Decisions about how to customize a patient’s treatment aren’t necessarily black and white, requiring a doctor and patient to carefully balance risks and benefits. For example, some diabetes medicines can cause dizziness, meaning the doctor needs to focus not just on regulating the patient’s blood sugar but also on minimizing the risk of a fall, which is the most common cause of injury in seniors.

“I think geriatricians are the only medical specialty more interested in taking away medications you don’t need than giving you new medications. A lot of what we do is determining which medications are more likely to cause harm than help,” Stockman said. “One of the most important things for geriatricians is the concept of shared decision-making. We ask patients, ‘What trade-offs are you willing to make?’”

Sometimes, the trade-offs are fairly simple — weighing the pros and cons of taking a certain medication or undergoing a specific screening, for example. But more often than not, they also incorporate a person’s overall quality-of-life goals. How important is it to maximize longevity? Comfort? How about independence? Each person answers those questions differently, and geriatricians are trained to use the answers to guide their treatment recommendations and care plan.

In addition to the clinical aspects of an individual’s care are the complexities of variables commonly referred to as “social determinants of health” — things like access to healthy food, financial burdens, racial disparities, transportation limitations and more. Many older adults are dealing with these potential barriers to health, and as Stockman noted, a geriatrician can help support his or her patients in identifying and addressing these challenges alongside their regular care plan.

So, when should someone seek out a geriatrician for themselves or a loved one? A significant change in health status could be a trigger for a geriatrician visit. But anytime an older adult feels his or her care is becoming too complex or needs better coordination, a visit with a geriatrician could help.

“Geriatricians can be really good at balancing all of a person’s medical needs and different doctors in one overall care plan,” Stockman said.

Think you could benefit from seeing a geriatrician?

With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, the demand for geriatricians continues to grow. Unfortunately, these specialists are a comparatively rare breed. While there are more than 58,000 general pediatricians practicing in the United States, there are fewer than 5,600 geriatricians.

For this reason, finding a board-certified geriatrician to support your ongoing health care needs may be difficult, but many geriatricians will see a patient on a one-time or as-needed basis and then make recommendations to the patient’s primary care physician.

The American Geriatrics Society offers information about how to find a geriatrician on its website, healthinaging.org, and many larger hospitals and university medical centers have geriatricians on staff who will see new patients. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, be sure to confirm if a geriatrician you want to see is in your plan’s network and whether your plan requires you to first get a referral from your primary care physician before a visit with a geriatrician will be covered.

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Signs that poor sleep may be a more significant health issue

2021-03-15T12:31:00

(BPT) – Sleep is essential to overall immunity and well-being, so disruptive sleep can affect personal health, family life and work. When you don’t get optimal sleep, it can hold you back from feeling energized, productive and healthy, not to mention lead to more significant health issues.

Everyone experiences a bad night of sleep every once in a while. But a new survey of 1,000 American adults reveals that stress over the past year is negatively impacting quality of sleep for half of Americans.

Results of the survey, conducted by digital health leader ResMed, indicate one in three adults are sleeping less than they did a year ago.

“This is an alarming trend and another important consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carlos M. Nunez, M.D., chief medical officer at ResMed. “While trouble sleeping can sometimes be chalked up to stress or anxiety, it’s critical to monitor other symptoms you might be experiencing, as it could point to a more concerning health issue.”

But when is poor sleep more than just a bad night or a result of a stressful day?

One of the most common sleep disorders is sleep apnea; 54 million adults in the U.S. have sleep apnea — but more than 80% don’t know they have it.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which the muscles in the throat relax to the point of collapse, restricting airflow. This causes breathing to become shallow and eventually stop for 10 or more seconds at a time, depriving the body and brain of oxygen.

In other words, millions of people are suffocating each night while they sleep and have no idea.

Many people don’t realize that sleep apnea not only impacts your quality of sleep and prevents you from getting proper rest, but can have additional devastating consequences if it goes undiagnosed and untreated. Untreated sleep apnea can immediately and negatively affect your energy, mood, relationships, ability to work and drive safely, and in the long term, it is linked to other chronic and life-threatening conditions — including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.

The most common sign of sleep apnea is usually observed by your bed partner: snoring.

Many people believe that snoring means someone is in a deep sleep or sleeping well, but it’s actually the number-one indicator of sleep apnea — for both men and women.

Other symptoms of sleep apnea include constant tiredness, poor concentration, morning headaches, depressed mood, night sweats, weight gain, lack of energy, forgetfulness, sexual dysfunction and frequent nighttime urination, among others.

“The good news is that sleep apnea is treatable and modern CPAP therapy is much more comfortable, quieter and smaller than ever before,” said Nunez. “Just by following the treatment for sleep apnea that your doctor recommends, your quality of sleep will dramatically increase, and your risk of other chronic conditions drops.”

If you’re concerned about your health and quality of sleep, Nunez suggests talking to your doctor about your symptoms. They may even ask you to track your sleep using a digital tool, like an app or one of the fitness wearables with sleep tracking features, or by taking notes in a journal. Additionally, you can visit SleepForBetterTomorrow.com to take a short quiz to see if you’re at risk for sleep apnea.

The next time you find yourself struggling to fall or stay asleep, or feeling constantly sluggish, don’t discount sleep apnea. It is common — and easily treated at home.

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5 smart steps to keep medications safe from kids of all ages

2021-03-15T01:01:00

(BPT) – Prescription medications have many benefits, including managing pain, regulating chronic conditions, preventing disease and more. Despite numerous positives, medications can be dangerous to others in your household, especially kids.

As routines have changed and people are spending more time at home, parents may be unintentionally leaving medications out and accessible to children. Babies and toddlers may rattle medicine bottles like a toy. Curious kids may think the contents inside are candy. Child-resistant caps aren’t enough, as many children can open them easily.

Every eight minutes a child goes to an emergency room for medicine poisoning, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, and three out of four ER visits for medicine poisoning are due to kids getting into parents’ or grandparents’ medicine. Unintentional injuries including poisoning are the leading cause of mortality among infants and children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Research from the American Association of Poison Control Centers shows the vast majority (90%) of poisonings occur at home. National Poison Prevention Week is March 21-27, a good reminder to look at how you use medications in your household and adopt safer practices that include:

Never leave medications out: When busy multitasking, you may leave your medication out on a counter or toss it in your purse or backpack. Leaving it out even for a minute could be enough time for a child to access and open it. Don’t leave medications where kids can see them or where they can easily be found, such as in drawers, on nightstands or in bags. If the medication is for your child when they are sick, never leave it in their bedroom.

Store medicines out of reach: Choose one storage location for all medication that is out of reach of children. This can be anywhere throughout the home that is high and out of sight. Get in the habit of putting medication back in its safe storage location every time.

Use a locking container: Even though most prescription containers have child-resistant caps, children can find ways to open them. Consider using Safe Rx Locking Pill Bottles to secure medications. The convenient portable containers require a four-digit code aligned from bottom to top to open. When you are done, you simply replace the cap and mix the numbers to lock the bottle securely.

Talk with your children: Be honest with kids about the dangers of taking prescriptions. Adjust your conversation based on your child’s age, stressing that medications are only meant for the person the doctor prescribed them for and can be harmful to anyone else. Tell them to never take a medication without checking with you first and if they find any pills or bottles to bring them to you right away.

Dispose of unneeded medication properly: Check if your community has a drug disposal program for any unneeded medications. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs as well to properly dispose of unused prescriptions. If nothing is available near you, dispose of medications at home by mixing the pills or capsules in a container with an unappealing substance like dirt or cat litter before placing in the trash.

These steps will help significantly reduce the chances your child will access your medication. However, in case of emergency, call poison control immediately. Program the poison control center at 800-222-1222 into your home and cell phones. You may want to add this number on a sticky note or other label in your medicine storage space as well.

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Need surgery during the pandemic? Ask these 6 questions

2021-03-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you need surgery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you may wonder what the procedure and recovery will be like. You may even be tempted to put it on hold. Prioritizing your health is important, and the good news is experts agree surgical procedures in the United States are safe.

“It is very safe to have surgery, especially with all of the precautions in place,” said Beverly K. Philip, M.D., FACA, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Surgeons, physician anesthesiologists and other providers caring for patients wear extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) and assess each patient to ensure they receive the safest and most appropriate care.”

As physician anesthesiologists, Dr. Philip and her colleagues at ASA have a unique position in the surgical landscape. Physician anesthesiologists are the most highly skilled medical experts in providing anesthesia care, pain management and critical care medicine with the education and training that ensures patient safety before, during and after surgery. They are involved in nearly every procedure — from joint replacement to open heart surgery to childbirth — and provide expert insight into precautions, including steps to protect patients from COVID-19.

“Patients should feel safe and secure that they can have surgery when they need it,” said Dr. Philip.

ASA recommends talking with your health care team about any concerns you have. During Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 14-20, the experts at ASA are providing answers to six common questions you may ask ahead of your surgery:

Will I need a COVID-19 test before surgery?

Although it will depend on the hospital or ambulatory (outpatient) surgery center, it is likely you will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test before surgery for the foreseeable future. If you need emergency surgery and you test positive or your results aren’t available quickly, your health care providers will perform the procedure, but will take extra precautions, such as enhanced PPE and placing you in quarantine for recovery. For non-urgent surgery, ASA recommends patients without symptoms of COVID-19 have a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test prior to moving forward with surgery.

Does COVID-19 or the vaccine interfere with anesthesia?

There is no evidence that either COVID-19 or the vaccine interferes with anesthesia. However, because surgery is stressful on the body and temporarily puts extra strain on your immune system, you should wait until you are fully recovered from COVID-19 or you are fully immunized after vaccination before proceeding with surgery.

Is it safe to have surgery if I recently had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated?

Yes, you can have essential or elective surgery once you have fully recovered from COVID-19. ASA recommends waiting from four weeks (if you had no symptoms or only mild symptoms) to 12 weeks (if you had been admitted to the ICU). If you’ve been vaccinated, your surgery should be scheduled at least two weeks after your final dose so you are fully protected.

Should I wait until I’m vaccinated before having surgery?

If you are eligible for vaccination and are having non-emergency surgery such as hip or knee replacement, it may be wise to get vaccinated first. If you are not yet eligible for the vaccine, talk to your surgeon or physician anesthesiologist about the best time to proceed.

Have rules for waiting rooms and mask-wearing changed forever?

The days of large families gathered in waiting rooms are likely gone. Some hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers don’t allow anyone to wait at the facility, requiring the patient to be dropped off and picked up at a designated entrance. Some hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers allow one person to wait for their loved one in a waiting room with socially distanced rules. And it is likely patients and visitors will be required to wear a mask the entire time they are in the hospital or ambulatory surgery center.

Will scheduling or having surgery take longer now?

This will depend on the hospital or ambulatory surgery center. Most have added time between surgeries for increased cleaning, so your surgery may occur later in the day than it would have previously, or take longer to schedule.

Although the pandemic has created the need for more rules and guidelines, it’s important to remember surgery and health care in general are safe.

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3 reasons why you might have missed out on stimulus money and what to do

2021-03-12T10:39:00

(BPT) – At a time when people are struggling financially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may have also missed out on all or part of their first and second full stimulus payments, money intended to help during a critical time. New parents and recent graduates could have unknowingly missed out on stimulus money and could claim a credit when they file a tax return.

Specifically, the first two stimulus payments were calculated using 2019 tax returns and for some people on 2018 returns, meaning the IRS wouldn’t have known about 2020 life changes such as adding new dependents, becoming a first-time filer, or reduced income if they didn’t receive the full amount. These individuals are likely due additional stimulus payments with the help of the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

“COVID has impacted nearly everyone’s taxes. As you navigate the recovery rebate credit and your tax situation you can get help online, virtually or in person from H&R Block’s highly trained tax pros,” said H&R Block Chief Tax Officer Kathy Pickering. “Working with a tax pro can help you feel confident that you can receive your full stimulus amount added to your refund.”

Reasons to use the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit to claim missed stimulus payments:

1. Unemployed or reduced income in 2020

For people whose income was above the income caps for the first and second stimulus payments but whose income was reduced in 2020 to under the income caps, additional stimulus payments via the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit may be available. To understand more about the tax implications of unemployment benefits, visit H&R Block’s unemployment and taxes resource center.

2. Expanded family with a new child

Many things happen in life that the IRS doesn’t know about until a tax return is filed, including having a baby, adopting or fostering a child. Approximately 3.7 million babies were born in 2020 and roughly 140,000 children adopted[1] in the United States. Families who added a child not previously claimed as a dependent on their tax return may be eligible for additional stimulus money.

3. First-time filers like recent college graduates

According to the Department of Education, 5.7 million students received high school or undergraduate degrees in 2020. Those starting careers will become first-time filers and likely can’t be claimed as a dependent, possibly making them eligible for stimulus money. For example, if a college graduate was a dependent in 2019, graduated and moved out on their own and started a new job, they are likely eligible for the 2020 Recovery Rebate Credit.

For help in understanding a tax situation and to find out more about who may be eligible for additional stimulus money, find a tax pro at hrblock.com. There is no additional cost for claiming a Recovery Rebate Credit whether a client chooses to get help from our experts or to do taxes on their own, including in H&R Block Free Online.


[1] Adoption Network, U.S. Adoption Statistics.

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The future of gardening: Information and inspiration

2021-03-12T15:31:00

(BPT) – Gardening saw record growth in 2020 and experts expect many more people will be digging in the dirt again this spring. From “Victory” vegetable gardens to balcony containers, outdoor gathering spaces and mood-lifting landscapes, gardening is providing an outlet during the pandemic. Research conducted late last year found that 86% of homeowners plan to continue gardening in 2021. Nearly half of respondents say they’ll be planting more and expanding their garden spaces this spring. With all that expansion and enthusiasm comes the need for inspiration and advice.

Help for beginners

One source provides both inspiration and advice, with a goal of helping people feel more successful in their gardening endeavors. The National Garden Bureau was founded in 1920 in the wake of World War I, when an increasing number of suburbanites needed basic backyard gardening instruction. The nonprofit organization’s mission is to provide education to motivate people to enjoy plants, from indoor houseplants to outdoor gardens.

Try something new

How do they do it? One way is with their ‘Year of’ program. Each year the National Garden Bureau selects one annual, one perennial, one bulb crop, one edible and one shrub as their ‘Year of the’ crops. “Our ‘Year of’ program puts a spotlight on timely, interesting varieties,” says Diane Blazek, executive director of NGB. “Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy to grow, widely adaptable and versatile.”

One of the more popular picks for 2021 is The Year of the Sunflower. “If there was ever a time where we needed to add some sunshine to the world, it’s now,” adds Blazek. “Sunflowers add bright, cheery color to the garden, and they’re extremely easy to grow. They’re simple to start from seed, or you can purchase new potted varieties that promise multiple blooms throughout the season.” 2021 is also the Year of the Green Bean, Hardy Hibiscus, Hyacinth and Monarda.

A look into the future

“A big trend we’ve seen in our Future of Gardening survey is all about creating beautiful spaces,” says Blazek. “Planting sunflowers, hibiscus, hyacinth, monarda and other easy-to-grow flowers can help add color and curb appeal, but they also add natural beauty to outdoor gathering spaces, another COVID-19 world trend.” Food gardens are also hot, especially with newer gardeners. “History shows that when there’s a national crisis, there is an increased interest in edible gardening,” she says. “That’s why we’re including more info on growing vegetables.”

Learn from the experts

NGB’s members are horticulture experts who know gardening. The curated information the organization provides comes directly from those sources, offering new and experienced home gardeners advice they can count on to create great garden spaces. “The increased interest in gardening is great news,” adds Blazek. “Our goal as an industry is to keep people engaged in gardening even beyond this season. We feel an even greater need to provide quality information for new gardeners and exciting ideas for gardeners who want to take their experience to the next level. NGB is a great resource for everyone.”

New plants for 2021

A popular area of NGB’s website is the New Plants section. In addition to searching by name, visitors to NGB.com can search by plant category, type and height to find the perfect variety for their garden. NGB.com also provides inspiration for plant combinations, delicious new vegetable varieties and tips to keep plants thriving throughout the season.

Need more information or inspiration for your garden this year? Visit NGB.org.

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How to take care of your family’s vision

2021-03-11T08:01:01

(BPT) –

When was the last time everyone in your family had a comprehensive eye exam or picked out a new pair of eyeglasses? Whether they already wear corrective lenses or not, an eye exam is an important part of one’s overall well-being. To make sure that your children are seeing as well as they should, in addition to monitoring any vision-related health concerns for you and for older members of your family, annual eye exams are essential.

1. Save both time and money

Catching up on your annual eye exams doesn’t need to be overly time-consuming or costly. At BJ’s Wholesale Club, members can easily get their eyes examined at BJ’s Optical Centers during their weekly shopping trip. And if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) through your employer, you can use those funds to help pay for your eye exams, glasses and/or contact lenses.

2. Choose from quality eyewear

There’s nothing worse than struggling to see properly through an out-of-date prescription or while wearing scratched-up or ill-fitting eyeglasses. At BJ’s Optical, members can choose from top contact lens brands and innovative prescription eyeglass lenses that can be customized to suit any lifestyle — for an incredible value. BJ’s Optical also offers a large assortment of high-quality frames suitable for the whole family, including popular name brands, plus BJ’s exclusive brands Berkley Jensen and Club DeCode frames. In addition, Berkley Jensen lenses offer multiple options for both single-vision and progressive-lens wearers.

3. Enjoy a great shopping experience

BJ’s Optical Centers have been redesigned to offer a fresher and easier shopping experience, along with their top selection of affordable, quality frames. So if you’re interested in joining BJ’s and visiting one of their Optical Centers, enter your zip code at BJs.com/Optical to find the closest one to you.

Rest assured that BJ’s Optical Centers have implemented additional safety protocols on top of their already high standards to help keep members and team members healthy and safe.

4. Order contact lenses online

Wear contact lenses? Nothing could be quicker or more convenient than ordering your contacts directly online with free delivery, saving you both time and money. Check out BJs.com/Optical for more details or to get started.

Ready to make sure that everyone in the family sees eye-to-eye? Then visit BJs.com/Optical today to find out more.