Month: July 2021

2021-07-26T15:01:01

(BPT) – Pack up your backpacks because it’s time to head back to school! After many months of remote classrooms and distance education, kids are excited to get back to their desks and start learning in person again. Help your students be prepared for the best first day ever with colorful supplies that support creativity and self-expression.

To get kids into the back-to-school spirit, Crayola is sharing some of the year’s must-have items to start off the school year in the most colorful way. From new twists on classic school must haves to cool brand-new items like Clicks Retractable Markers, here are top items every child needs for limitless creative possibilities:

Retractable markers

Say goodbye to markers that dry out! The new Clicks Retractable Markers are washable markers, made with specially formulated ink that prevents markers from drying out. Using these markers, kids can create bright, broad and fine lines with a convenient easy-click design, making it easier to color and retract with just one hand. These innovative markers are washable and come in 10 vibrant colors, great for school projects, doodling and all-around coloring fun!

Skin tone colored pencils

Inspired by the success of Crayola Colors of the World Crayons, you can now get Colors of the World Colored Pencils that make coloring pages and drawings even more detailed and realistic. The 24 formulated colors reflect more than 40 global complexion shades with realistic skin tone shades: Almond, Golden, and Rose — and all the darker and lighter shades in between.

Supersized poster markers

When you need full-coverage color, these supersized markers are a go-to for school project success! The XL Poster Markers from Crayola’s Project line feature bold and thick lines with an extra-wide chisel tip that is ideal for posters, signs, decorations and more. Whether it’s an “about me” poster, the science fair or another large project, your student is ready with big color.

Erasable colored pencils

Traditional colored pencils can’t be erased, which can be disappointing if kids make a mistake. Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils solve this problem with 24 pre-sharpened colored pencils with erasers that let kids easily redo drawings or correct mistakes. Students can now create brightly colored lines for school projects and erase with ease when needed.

Washable watercolor paints

Kids of all ages love to paint, but when the brushes come out, messes can happen quickly. That’s why Crayola Washable Watercolors are so great, inspiring creativity yet putting teachers’ and parents’ minds at ease because these paints will wash off skin and most clothing.

As anticipation grows for a new school year and a return to the classroom, you can help fuel the joy of learning for your child with supplies that inspire imagination and creativity. For more school supply ideas, visit crayola.com.

2021-07-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the pandemic slowly subsides in the U.S., people are looking to put the rubber to the road. Many like to travel out west to see the gorgeous stretches of mountains and quaint towns that provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of metro living.

While the quiet life and the breathtaking scenery may be calling your name, it’s important to be mindful stewards of the land, animals, culture and communities where you travel. You can make your trip to Wyoming and similar destinations a memorable and responsible one without sacrificing fun. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

Enjoy natural spaces responsibly

Be respectful of your surroundings by:

• Leaving places better than you found them: If you stop for a break and have a snack, throw everything away in a nearby garbage, recycling or compost bin. If none are available, hold onto your garbage until you can dispose of it appropriately.
• Stay on the trail: This is especially important for new hikers. Make sure you stay on marked trails and keep a map on you. While going off trail can seem like a quick and easy shortcut, you could risk damaging the flora and natural vegetation of the area, which can have an impact on the surrounding wildlife.
• Check the weather: If you plan outdoor activities, check the weather before you leave. Wyoming summers are usually mild. However, storms can catch you unprepared, especially in mountainous regions.
• Give wild animals some distance: Visiting Wyoming gives you the chance to encounter wildlife you don’t get to see in other places, like grizzly bears, black bears, bison and elk. If you’re planning to visit any national or state parks, chances are you will encounter some of these animals. As recommended by the National Park Service, remember to stay at least 100 yards away from predators such as bears and wolves and 25 yards away from all other wildlife. It’s also important not to taunt them, intimidate them or get near their offspring as that could increase your risk of injury.
• Keep it clean: Not all trailheads have bathrooms, so be sure to find a place to “do your business” before you start your hike. If you are backpacking or camping in an area with no restroom facilities, make sure you bring the appropriate tools to correctly dispose of your waste. And always pick up after your pets.

Be fire aware

If camping is on your itinerary, be cognizant of fire hazards. Some parts of Wyoming enact fire bans during the summer to protect land and prevent forest fires. When camping, choose a campsite with pre-existing fire rings and follow local and federal fire safety guidelines. Even when you’re in a camp with fire rings, your campfire can still burn out of control. You can reduce the risk of uncontrollable fires by:

• Fully extinguishing the fire upon leaving your campsite or going to bed
• Not leaving the fire unattended, especially when young children are present
• Not using chemicals like kerosene or gasoline
• Keeping dirt and water nearby to put out the fire easily
• Avoid parking in areas of tall grass. The exhaust and undercarriage can easily ignite a wildfire.

Be part of a responsible community

Chivalrous travelers don’t just respect and protect their natural surroundings; they make efforts to support local communities. Wyoming has fewer than 600,000 people, with most living in small to mid-size towns. Many of these communities rely on tourism to thrive, so it’s important to support locally owned restaurants, souvenir shops and local tourist stops beyond highly popular destinations, such as the national parks and monuments.

Responsible tourists also follow local health and safety guidelines. The pandemic saw people visiting Yellowstone and Grand Teton in record numbers. While Wyoming’s COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, some businesses and federal lands may have guidelines in place.

Find a new route

If you’re interested in and discovering the hidden gems of Wyoming, here are a few places locals suggest checking out:

• Wyoming Frontier Prison: Located in Rawlins, the prison was in use from 1901–1981 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can get hour-long guided tours that take you through three cell blocks, the cafeteria, the grounds and the Death House. This is turning into a popular destination, so consider booking your tour tickets in advance.
• Wind River Country: For more experienced hikers looking to go beyond Yellowstone, Wind River Country gives you stunning views with plenty of hiking/biking trails and fishing without a huge tourist influx.
• State Parks: Wyoming’s state parks are another great way to get outside and beat the crowds. Buffalo Bill State Park is great for those near Yellowstone who want a chance to explore the greater eco-system. Or, you can head over to Hot Springs State Park, which is known for its mineral waters, geological formations and bath house.
• National Museum of Military Vehicles: Built from its owner’s personal collection, the National Museum of Military Vehicles has nearly 475 restored artillery pieces, navy vessels aircrafts and other military vehicles, spanning across a multitude of wars. The museum also has a historic and significantly large firearm collection.
• Dinosaur attractions: These prehistoric creatures may be long gone, but there are plenty of places in Wyoming that preserve their history and legacy. If you’re a dinosaur nerd or looking for someplace fun to take the kids, consider checking out the Red Gulch Dinosaur track site, the Wyoming Dinosaur Center or Tate Dinosaur Safaris.

Explore everything Wyoming has to offer

Wyoming offers many opportunities for adventure. To help preserve this vast and gorgeous state, tourists and locals all play a part in being respectful and leaving things better than they found them.

Check out travelwyoming.com/wy-responsibly/ to learn more.

2021-07-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Maintaining balance is an important part of life, especially when it comes to health and wellness. For people with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, commonly referred to as CAH, balance can be an ongoing challenge.

CAH refers to a group of genetic conditions that affect the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis – or balance – especially in response to stress. Specifically, the body’s adrenal glands lack a key enzyme needed to produce certain important hormones, which then results in:

• Deficiency of cortisol, which regulates the body’s response to illness or stress
• Deficiency of mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone, which regulate electrolyte levels (sodium and potassium) and blood pressure
• Overproduction of androgens (male hormones), such as androstenedione and testosterone

CAH can affect children and adults. Classic CAH, a more severe, rare and life-threatening form of the disorder, affects approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. and 50,000 people in Europe.

Diagnosis and symptoms of classic CAH

In the U.S. and many other countries, newborns are screened for classic CAH at birth. Classic CAH can cause a number of complex symptoms for children and adults, making it a challenge to manage daily. Symptoms can include:

• Salt-wasting, meaning the body cannot retain sodium
• Abnormalities in growth, such as accelerated growth in childhood or early closure of growth plates, leading to short stature
• Early onset puberty
• Excess hair growth and acne in adolescent girls and women
• Irregular periods in adolescent girls and women
• Testicular tumors (benign) in males (usually after puberty)

Challenges of treating classic CAH

After hearing the diagnosis, the parents of children with classic CAH often find themselves in a challenging position of fact finding, identifying adequate medical expertise and learning to manage their child’s condition.

“The first couple of years are hard – but after some time, you start to feel more comfortable,” said Alexandra Dubois, whose 13-year-old son lives with classic CAH. “I always tell other parents who receive a classic CAH diagnosis for their child that it’s going to be okay. When it’s your child, and it’s so personal, it’s amazing what you’re capable of.”

Unfortunately, treatment options for classic CAH are limited. While glucocorticoid medication is life-saving for these patients, the typical doses prescribed to children with classic CAH can suppress growth and cause a number of other problems, such as weight gain, especially if the dose is too high.

“When a child is first diagnosed with classic CAH, parents are worried about giving daily medications,” said Oksana Lekarev, D.O., Associate Medical Director of the Comprehensive Care Center for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia at Weill Cornell Medicine. “Yet, therapy is life-saving and helps patients achieve a balance of adrenal hormones. Therefore, we stress the importance of daily treatment, and we help parents along the way.”

While the current standard of care with glucocorticoid therapy can improve symptoms for many, it does not address the underlying disease and requires ongoing effort to balance the negative effects of the medication, including high androgen levels. Finding this balance between reducing disease symptoms and minimizing medication side effects can be a challenge and requires ongoing dedication from caregivers, patients and healthcare providers alike.

Classic CAH research and clinical trials

Clinical trials are important for advancing treatment options for people living with classic CAH. Participation in these trials helps to improve the medical and scientific communities’ understanding of the disorder and informs future research and development efforts.

“Most of the families that we work with who have a child with classic CAH understand that more research needs to be done and that patients who enroll in clinical trials help us better understand investigational treatments,” said Dr. Lekarev.

“I feel fortunate that we have this community around us. So many healthcare professionals are looking at this and finding even better solutions to treat classic CAH. There’s so much to be optimistic about going into the future,” said Dubois.

If your child is living with classic CAH, talk to their doctor to see if participating in a clinical trial is an option. The CAHtalyst Pediatric Study, which is evaluating an investigational drug called crinecerfont, is currently enrolling children and adolescents with classic CAH ages 2-17 years old. To learn more, visit CAHtalystPediatricStudy.com.

2021-07-25T08:01:02

(BPT) – College costs can add up quickly. Not only are you and your child paying for tuition and fees, but you also have to factor in room and board, textbooks, extracurricular activities, the child’s personal expenses and more. For nearly three in four families (72%), the cost of college is more than they anticipated, according to a recent College Ave Student Loans survey. Costs families found surprisingly high included college tuition and fees (72%), room and board/rent and food (68%), school and activity fees (45%) and books and supplies (44%).

Good news: even if families find themselves short on cash, there are multiple, last-minute funding options available. Some of those include:

1. Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If your child hasn’t already, filling out the FAFSA should be every student’s first financial action item. Submitting this form will determine the amount of financial aid your child is eligible to receive, including grants, work-study and federal loans. In addition, some colleges rely on the FAFSA to help determine eligibility for certain merit aid.

2. Contacting the school’s financial aid office

If you find you are falling short on covering college costs, reach out to your child’s financial aid office. In many cases, they can lay out different funding options and help you or your child figure out a tuition payment plan. Especially if your circumstances have changed, your family may also be able to appeal their original financial aid offer. Each school has different options and policies, so contact yours to see what’s available.

3. Applying for last-minute scholarships

Encourage your child to continue to look for scholarships. According to the same College Ave survey, of those parents helping their child pay for college, grants and scholarships rank as the number one way families cover college costs (70%). Scholarships can cover from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, helping to lower the cost. They can also come from a wide variety of sources, including the school, private organizations, non-profit organizations and more. One easy one to apply for is the $1,000 monthly scholarship sweepstakes from College Ave.

4. Shopping for student loans

One of the best ways to get immediate financing to pay for school is by taking out a loan. If you’ve exhausted federal loans in the student’s name, private student loans can be a viable option.

“Private student loans are there for families who need extra financing for college,” says Angela Colatriano, Chief Marketing Officer, College Ave Student Loans. “Do your research – not all private student loans are the same. Shop for one with a simple application, flexible repayment terms, good interest rate, and great customer service.”

College Ave offers private student loans that fit your needs, goals and budget, with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options.

5. Encouraging your child to seek part-time work

If your child has the ability to, working a part-time job while attending school full-time may prove to be highly beneficial to them. Not only can the extra wages from a job help them cover school or living costs, but it can also help your child become a better student. Reports show students who work a part-time job during school end up getting better grades because balancing work and school can help them with time management.

6. Having a candid discussion with your child about costs

Most parents can’t outright pay for college, which is why it is so important to paint a clear financial picture for your child before they head off to college. Being forthright about the costs and your funding plan can help your child understand their financial responsibility. Be clear about who is paying for what and if you or your student are planning to borrow, who is going to repay the loans. Starting them on the right track early can help them avoid unnecessary financial stress in the future, which means peace of mind for both of you.

Some tips to consider when preparing your kids for college include teaching them how to build a basic budget and savings plan while leaving room for discretionary spending.

Find out what’s available for you

With so many unknowns, it can be hard to plan for everything when you’re budgeting for your child’s college education. Luckily, if you need last-minute help, there are multiple options available to get the funds you need. Check out www.collegeave.com to find competitive loan rates and flexible repayment plans. With a simple three minute application, you can breathe easy knowing you have college covered.

2021-07-23T13:01:00

(BPT) – After the past year, many companies are reflecting on their values and how they can make a positive impact in their communities. Finding better ways to interact with the world is not just good business sense, but helps a company become a positive force, leading to a more sustainable, thriving community for everyone.

Collaborating with employees and stakeholders to develop benchmarks that include everyone’s input helps motivate all toward these collective goals. It’s important to review your company’s progress toward your goals on a regular basis.

For example, at Nordstrom, Inc., their 2020 Sharing Our Progress report assesses the company’s accomplishments and reflects on the progress they’ve made against their 2025 goals. Over the next five years, they’re working to achieve specific outcomes, creating new programs in response to customer and employee expectations.

Here are five important ways your business can make positive changes.

1. Environmental sustainability

Customers today desire eco-friendly, sustainable products. From recycling and reducing packaging to energy conservation and decreasing your company’s carbon footprint, changes big and small help the environment.

For example, in 2020, Nordstrom Made brands reduced their single-use plastics by 13 million units. The company also launched BEAUTYCYCLE, the first beauty take-back and recycling program accepting all brands of beauty packaging at a major retailer, with the goal to recycle 100 tons of beauty waste by 2025.

2. Diversity, inclusion and belonging

Companies wanting to ensure that employees and customers know they walk the walk when it comes to diversity and inclusion must review their products, services, hiring and business practices. Making sure everyone is welcomed within the company is vital to ensuring you’re serving the entire community.

One way to demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion is to champion underrepresented brands. Last year, Nordstrom committed to $500 million in sales from Black and Latinx brands by 2025, and they made it easier for customers to find Black-founded brands online by launching a new category.

To better serve all their customers, the company also introduced Inclusive Beauty, a new category featuring a curated assortment of beauty products for everyone — regardless of skin or hair type, tone, complexion or texture.

Additionally, diversity should show up at all levels of a company. For instance, Nordstrom’s leadership is 60 percent women and its Board of Directors is 45 percent women, nearly 30 percent of whom are people of color.

3. Giving back to the community

For any size business, there are many ways to give back. From restaurants providing free meals to frontline workers to companies retooling their manufacturing setup to create face shields, giving back has been one of the most inspiring aspects of the pandemic.

Companies can also encourage employees to volunteer by offering days off for volunteerism, or to give to charities by offering a donation match. In 2020, Nordstrom gave more than $11 million, with $3.5 million to 3,615 causes through their employee matching gift program.

4. Supporting employees

Because the pandemic has posed so many challenges, companies wanting to retain talent need to ensure their business is a positive, nurturing place to work, even from home. Supporting employees is not just the right thing to do, it also helps your business grow and thrive.

Nordstrom has worked to ensure that their supply chain employees on the front lines were supported with the safest possible work environments, with enhanced pay and wellness resources.

Listening to employee feedback, the company also expanded flexible work solutions and added new caregiving benefits and mental health resources to help employees balance competing demands of work and family. Flex-work solutions included “no meeting” blocks, core work hours, reduced/part-time hours and job sharing. To help employees impacted by the pandemic, they also enhanced leave of absence options and introduced new benefits for caregivers — including back-up childcare options and elder care resources.

5. Global responsibility

While for some businesses global responsibility may seem daunting, it’s become clear that issues in one part of the world can affect people — and businesses — half a world away. It’s more important than ever to be aware of where the products you sell come from, and who is impacted by their creation.

Last year, 32 percent of Nordstrom Made products were manufactured in factories that invest in women’s empowerment, reaching 40,000 workers. Making a commitment to further empower women in developing countries is one crucial way to ensure your business is having a positive influence.

Learn more about how Nordstrom is working to make a difference at NordstromCares.com.

2021-07-23T15:48:55

(BPT) – As one of the world’s top paratriathletes, Amy Dixon is always looking forward. Even though an autoimmune disorder has taken away most of her ability to see, she has extraordinary vision for reaching her goals.

This summer, she competes in Tokyo. For Dixon, it’s an incredible journey that would have seemed unimaginable two decades earlier.

Vision troubles come to light

Dixon first noticed her vision problems as a 22-year-old college student. She struggled to see clearly in a darkened room. Driving at night, she failed to notice oncoming cars. The signs were clear that something was wrong with her eye health, but she wasn’t convinced.

“I had 20/20 vision as a kid, so I dismissed the problems I was having as being related to some other condition like migraine,” said Dixon, a migraine sufferer since she was a teen. “I was ignoring what was obvious — that something was wrong with my eyes.”

After scheduling an appointment with an ophthalmologist, Dixon learned she had uveitis, a form of inflammation inside the eye. Her doctor told her that the disease had already put her eyesight in serious jeopardy. He said that 70% of her peripheral vision had been lost and she would need to begin treatment immediately or risk going blind within 10 years.

“Unfortunately, I waited too long before having my eyes examined and uveitis had already attacked my vision. When the diagnosis sunk in, I thought I was destined to go blind,” Dixon said.

Becoming her own advocate

Rallying behind a forward-looking attitude that would become her calling card, Dixon confronted her condition head-on. Working with her doctor, she began an aggressive treatment regimen. While uveitis would eventually take 98% of her vision, the treatments succeeded in slowing down progression of the disease.

A new diagnosis and the athlete reemerges

With her uveitis in remission, Dixon received a second vision diagnosis: She now had developed glaucoma as a result of her treatment. Resilient and determined to keep her life moving forward, Dixon began treating her glaucoma.

Along the way, she reengaged in sports and took up swimming, a favorite activity for the former competitive high school swimmer. When a friend introduced her to triathlons (swimming, running and biking), she was hooked. She completed her first triathlon in 2013 and today, she is the reigning ITU Aquathlon World Champion and a seven-time ITU Triathlon Gold Medalist. When the competition in Tokyo starts in August, Dixon will race toward the finish line the same way she approaches life: by overcoming the setbacks in her path. It’s an important lesson she is eager to share.

“There is always a way forward,” said Dixon. “I encourage people to maximize the strengths they have and find creative ways to do the things they want. It may not be the way you wish for, but if you are open to learning, you can do great things.”

A prescription for better eye health

Dixon views her journey as a cautionary tale and she encourages everyone to be proactive in taking care of their eyes.

“Uveitis progressed quickly in impacting my vision because I waited too long to see a doctor and wasn’t diligent about getting my eyes examined annually,” Dixon said. “Pay attention to your eyes. If you suspect you have a vision problem, then see an eye doctor right away.”

As she continues to manage her glaucoma, she also urges people, particularly young adults, to be wary of a disease that can sneak up without symptoms and is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.

“A dilated eye exam could save your sight,” Dixon said. “The power is in your hands, so be your own advocate for achieving better eye health.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma or are caring for someone with glaucoma, a resource is “Understanding and Living with Glaucoma.” This free booklet is published by the Glaucoma Research Foundation, with support from Aerie Pharmaceuticals. It can be downloaded or ordered (in English and Spanish) at www.glaucoma.org/booklet.