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You Have To Go To Know: LeVar Burton on Why the Rare Blood Cancer Community Needs to Get Back to the Doctor

2021-07-22T08:31:00

(BPT) – Best known for his roles in Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation and helming Reading Rainbow, actor, director and longtime health advocate LeVar Burton strongly believes in using his voice and passion for storytelling to help others.

Recently, Burton, who has spent much of his career bringing stories to life, has taken on a new role. He has teamed up with Incyte on a timely health initiative called You Have to Go to Know, which aims to elevate the voices and stories of people living with and impacted by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of rare, chronic blood cancers. Burton hopes to encourage the MPN community to put their health first by seeking the care they need.

“When I learned people have been hesitant to visit their healthcare providers during the past year and a half, I felt compelled to use my voice. In particular, I learned that people with rare blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms or MPNs, may have been particularly impacted and could benefit from re-prioritizing their health and visiting their healthcare providers,” said Burton.

The three most common MPNs are polycythemia vera (PV), myelofibrosis (MF) and essential thrombocythemia (ET), which combined affect about 200,000 people in the U.S..[i],[ii] MPNs can affect people at any age but are more common in older adults.[i] They are progressive diseases, meaning they can change or worsen over time, and the best way to manage an MPN is through regular visits with a healthcare provider to monitor the disease to identify any changes.

Over the past year, however, many people have avoided visits to their healthcare providers due to health-related anxieties. In fact, nearly 41% of U.S. adults surveyed in 2020 indicated they didn’t feel comfortable visiting their healthcare provider in the months following the onset of the pandemic.[iii] Delaying or avoiding medical care can lead to serious health implications, especially for people with chronic conditions like cancer.

“While I am not personally impacted by an MPN, I am reminded of my mother and her growing health challenges as she got older. She sometimes skipped her required doctors’ visits and follow up appointments, and I saw first-hand the negative impact it had on her health. My hope is that this campaign encourages the MPN community, and others with chronic conditions, to once again seek the care they need,” said Burton.

Burton is sharing what he has learned from his conversations with patients with MPNs to help inspire people within the MPN community and others with chronic conditions to once again seek the care they need:

  • Schedule an appointment with your healthcare team – and keep it! Make and keep regular care appointments. Also, ask your healthcare team which appointments need to be in-person visits, and which can be telehealth (virtual) visits to potentially save time and energy driving to and from appointments.
    • In-person visits for patients with MPNs: Physical exams, blood tests, bone marrow tests, genetic tests and imaging scans require in-person visits.
    • Telehealth (virtual) appointments that patients with MPNs can consider: Each healthcare professional differs when it comes to what can be discussed during virtual appointments but typically the following can be discussed virtually: addressing symptoms, reviewing test results, asking questions, sharing health concerns, reviewing and tracking changes in a disease.
  • Be your own health advocate. Advocating for your own care can help you actively participate in decisions being made about your health. Keep an ongoing list of questions for your doctor and don’t be afraid to ask for additional details or clarification. Track and share all of your symptoms as well. The more you share about how your symptoms are changing and affecting you, the better your healthcare provider can help you to manage your MPN and stay on track with what is right for you.
  • You have to go to know. When you miss appointments, you also miss out on essential conversations. MPNs are progressive diseases that require constant monitoring. You Have To Go To Know… because your MPN isn’t waiting!

Visit www.voicesofmpn.com to learn more about MPNs and explore the many resources available to assist you with scheduling and making the most of your doctor’s visits.

© 2021, Incyte Corporation. MAT-HEM-02301 07/21

[i] MPN Research Foundation. Understanding MPNs. Available at: http://www.mpnresearchfoundation.org/overview-page. Accessed May 2021.

[ii] Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) | Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. (n.d.). https://www.lls.org/research/myeloproliferative-neoplasms-mpn

[iii] Anderson KE, McGinty EE, Presskreischer R, Barry CL. “Reports of Forgone Medical Care Among US Adults During the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic.” JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(1):e2034882. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.34882. Accessed May 2021.

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Don’t break the bank during wedding season in the ‘new normal’

2021-07-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Weddings are back with a vengeance and with that comes spending time and money for gifts, travel, and maybe even being a part of the wedding party. A recent Zelle® consumer behavior report says that 52% of people are likely to attend a large gathering in 2021/2022. Yes, weddings will be a lot for the bride and groom, but what about the wedding crew and guests who are filling up their schedules with celebrations? How do you make sure to respect the happy couple and your wallet?

Here is a checklist of what to do and how to not get too caught up in celebrating that you put yourself into debt for the newly invigorated wedding season.

1) Prioritize your event schedule: Many postponed weddings are now back on, which means that your social calendar is way busier than it used to be — no more virtual bachelorette parties in your pajamas. However, please don’t feel pressured to do it all. Pace yourself and prioritize which weddings and social events you can attend based on your comfort level and funds.

Pro tip: Look at locations, dates, and times and be mindful of how you will be spending your money. Get this all on a calendar so you can keep track of critical dates, so they don’t sneak up on you.

2) Create a wedding spending budget: If you are part of a string of bachelorette duties and events, that can take a toll on your wallet. Estimate how much you will be spending for that wedding and if it doesn’t meet your budget, have a conversation about what you can be comfortable with and work together with your crew.

Pro tip: Be honest with the bride or groom and let them know that you are committed to helping them celebrate and honor their occasion, but that you need to be mindful of your finances. Ask them what the most important events are.

3) Give the newlyweds the gift of money: Through a pandemic and all the difficulties people have faced in the last year, physical gifts and registries have become less of a focus for brides and grooms. A Zelle® study says 76% of people across all generations prefer to receive money rather than an actual physical gift. To lighten the load for you and the bride and groom, send them money via a P2P service like Zelle® with a special congratulatory note in the memo line. If they are already enrolled with Zelle®, they get the money directly in their bank account within minutes and can use it for whatever they choose (and if not enrolled, it just takes a few minutes to quickly and easily enroll to receive the gift money).

4) Remember to celebrate: It’s been a challenging year, and the great news is that people are starting to gather together again to commemorate new beginnings safely. Try to take a deep breath, go through your checklist and enjoy this moment!

For more tips on dealing with spending for weddings in the new normal, check out Farnoosh Torabi’s So Money podcast with post-pandemic spending tips.

Sponsored by Zelle®

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Survey: Americans’ relationship with cars shifts gears

2021-07-21T10:01:00

(BPT) – Without question, Americans’ relationship with vehicles turned a new direction over the last year and a half, and it is evolving yet again. As vaccination rates increase, restrictions ease and a sense of “normalcy” returns, new research revealed trends in the way drivers view, depend on and take care of their vehicles.

The daily commute is back, but routes are changing

According to Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey, fielded in late spring 2021, while 45% of people say they are driving every day (more than twice as many as this time in 2020), they are going to what were previously considered “usual places” less often. The survey found that one-third of drivers still say they are heading to the office or school much less often than before (33% and 36%, respectively).

But the daily drive isn’t the only thing that has shifted. The lasting economic impact of the pandemic combined with increased availability of in-home entertainment and food delivery apps could factor into a more permanent shift in how people are engaging with social, shopping and entertainment options. Most Americans point to curbside restaurant service (46%) and grocery pickup (45%) among the pandemic-driven services they would most like to see stay. Entertainment-based outings are still at lower levels, too, the survey found. Sixty-one percent of people say they are driving to events much less often than prior to the pandemic, and 54% say the same for restaurants. While that could be a ripple effect of continued event cancellations, it may also speak to a longer-term trend as lifestyles have shifted.

Dependence on car travel is growing

One in five (19%) Americans bought a new — or used — car because of the pandemic. This emphasizes another trend the latest research unveiled: a steadily growing dependence on vehicular transportation.

Understandably, the pandemic changed the way many viewed highly crowded mass transit options. And while air, train and public transportation seems to be quickly gaining steam again, most (78%) Americans still rank automotive as the mode of transportation they are most likely to use through the end of the summer.

That includes using cars for travel, too. Seventy percent of those planning travel anticipate using a car as their primary method of getting to their destination. Key factors behind the decision include flexibility (49%), an added feeling of safety over other forms of transportation (45%), in addition to general preference (47%).

However, car maintenance skills still need some tuning up

Despite this increased dependence on cars and road travel, the latest Gauge found that while many Americans have the equipment to handle an on-the-road emergency, they don’t necessarily know how to use it. For example, two-thirds (64%) of drivers own a tire jack, but 20% don’t know how to change a tire!

However, it is promising that most people (77%) owned their car maintenance tools prior to the onset of the pandemic. Perhaps the next evolution of Americans’ relationship with vehicles will be ensuring we’re keeping them in tip-top shape, for whatever the road ahead may bring.

Looking down that road, Hankook will continue to monitor the shifting landscape, as, due to the uncertainty of the pandemic and varying local restrictions, these trends may change in the future.

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4 ways to prepare your tech for hurricane season

2021-07-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Hurricane season is here. Following a record-breaking 2020 season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts yet another equally – if not, more – active hurricane season this year with at least 13 to 20 named storms.

Hurricanes can cause major damage to homes, businesses and critical communications infrastructure. Storms can knock out cable and fiber connections, as well as cell towers, making it difficult to receive emergency updates, track community response, and access critical financial and health information. While it’s hard to know where and when a hurricane may strike, residents and businesses in disaster-prone areas can weather the storm with a few simple steps.

Here’s what you can do:

1) Protect your data

Electronic devices store a tremendous amount of vital personal and business information. A best practice anytime of the year, but particularly in advance of severe weather, is to back up your data to the cloud so it is safe, secure and easily accessible whenever or wherever you need it. Depending on the device, you can even set a reminder that enables it to upload your data automatically to the cloud on a regular basis.

2) Preserve battery power

Make sure your devices are fully charged at all times. Consider purchasing portable power banks so you can charge your devices even if the power is out. To preserve existing battery life, keep screens in low light mode and close out any non-essential apps. You may also want to consider investing in a standalone generator that kicks in when the power goes out.

3) Pre-download emergency information

In the wake of natural disasters, receiving emergency information in real-time is critical. Emergency notification mobile apps, such as those from the American Red Cross and FEMA, offer real-time weather updates, disaster assistance, safety preparation, recovery advice and more. Download them and your local government websites so you can access them quickly in an emergency.

4) Safeguard your internet

For businesses, an internet outage can hinder payment processing, security and communication with employees, customers and vendors. Consider an internet service that’s less susceptible to storm damage – like satellite internet – for a primary or back-up service.

Award-winning satellite internet provider HughesNet connects rural communities that fiber and cable providers don’t reach. Transmitting from space, satellite internet is less susceptible to storm damage than land-based services, reliably connecting millions of users to the internet.

Plus, HughesNet offers a satellite backup service for small businesses that takes over when land-based connections are damaged, keeping operations running seamlessly during unexpected outages. With its Automatic Failover Router, HughesNet Internet Continuity automatically switches to satellite internet whenever the primary service goes down – protecting businesses against costly downtime.

While it is hard to predict where the next hurricane will hit, you can control how you prepare and respond. For residents and business owners in storm-prone regions, prepping your tech this hurricane season is the best thing you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your livelihood – no matter what storms might come your way.

Check out internetcontinuity.hughesnet.com for more tips.

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3 ways credit plays into mortgage refinancing

2021-07-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re thinking about refinancing your mortgage, there’s often a lot to consider. For instance, your decision to refinance may rely on current interest rates or your personal financial situation.

Your credit score also plays a role in the mortgage refinancing process. While it can certainly factor into your ability to refinance, the relationship between your mortgage and your credit score can be complicated. However, it doesn’t need to be.

What to know about credit scores and refinancing

Credit requirements can vary depending on the terms of your loan. But at the same time, many programs share similar traits. Here are a few you’ll want to know:

The score you need can depend on the type of loan you have

According to NerdWallet, if you’re refinancing a VA or conventional loan, you’ll typically need a score between 620 and 720 to qualify. And if you have an FHA loan, you need a score between at least 500 and 580 to qualify.

Fortunately, lenders understand that life happens and are willing to work through different options if your credit score recently dropped below the requirements. For instance, there are different streamline financing options for VA loans, FHA loans and USDA loans that don’t require credit checks or score benchmarks.

A lot of people also choose to get home loans through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two of the largest home loan lenders in the country. Both typically require a minimum credit score of 620 to get approved.

Good credit isn’t the only thing you need to qualify

When you’re looking to refinance, having an excellent credit score can be beneficial. However, your score doesn’t automatically make you eligible. Lenders will look at a number of other things before they approve refinancing, such as your:

  • Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): The amount of debt you have compared to how much money you make.
  • Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): Allows lenders to assess the lending risk before approving a mortgage or a mortgage refinance. Loans that have a higher LTV are typically considered to be a higher risk.

If your lender says you have a high LTV ratio, that doesn’t automatically disqualify you. There are government-sponsored programs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac that are available for borrowers who have LTV ratios that are 97.01% or higher.

Refinancing can drop your score temporarily

Like any changes to your installment accounts, refinancing your mortgage can lower your score. However, you don’t need to worry about this as much if your credit is already in good standing.

There are a couple of reasons why your score may drop. One is that lenders take what’s called a “hard inquiry,” or a detailed look, at your credit score. Such hard inquiries can cause your score to drop by a few points. The second is that the fact of refinancing itself can reduce your credit score. The third is a possible increase in your utilization ratio, which is calculated by comparing the amount you owe versus your total credit limit.

Start the refinancing process on the right foot

There’s a lot involved in the refinancing process. But when you know where your credit score is at before you begin, it can help you create a better plan for action.

With VantageScore’s latest scoring model, you can get an accurate and detailed picture of your credit scores so you can make the best refinancing decision for you.

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Avoiding Payroll Pitfalls: The Questions Small Business Owners Need to Ask

2021-07-20T15:49:00

(BPT) – Even amidst the uncertainty of 2020, entrepreneurship managed to grow. Nearly 4.5 million business applications were filed—the highest on record for a single year, up 24% from 2019.[1] This surge in new business formation means many small business owners may soon be hiring employees for the first time, which is both exciting and nerve-racking for these entrepreneurs.

While there are many things to consider when hiring your first employee, understanding payroll is key. When you know the basics of the process, not only will you save time and trouble, you’ll also be able to get back to what you love—your business—faster.

Can you afford payroll?

Stephanie Smith, a Block Advisors scholar and founder of Social by Steph, a digital advertising consultancy based in Atlanta, knew she needed to hire help if she wanted her business to grow. “I was saying ‘no’ to business due to the volume of referrals coming in. Still, I was worried it would be a huge chunk of my revenue to start paying people to help manage the additional work. Once I finally hired help, I realized that I’m actually able to bring in more revenue by finding good people to delegate tasks to,” she said.

The first thing to consider before you make the leap from “solopreneur” to employer is whether you can afford it. You’ll need a strong understanding of your business’s cash flow to determine how much you’ll spend on employee wages and what you’ll owe Uncle Sam in payroll taxes. Federal payroll taxes fall into three categories:

  • Withholding taxes: Taxes employees pay on their income; employers are responsible for withholding the tax from employees’ paychecks and depositing with the appropriate tax authorities.
  • Employer taxes: Taxes employers pay entirely, which are typically based on a percentage of the business’s payroll.
  • Shared taxes: Taxes split between an employer and their employees (usually 50/50). The employer must withhold employees’ shares from their paychecks and deposit, along with the employer portion due, to the IRS.

As if that’s not complicated enough, you’ll also pay taxes to the state and local governments that fall within each of the above categories.

The only exception is if you hire independent contractors, which is what Smith eventually did. You don’t have to withhold or pay taxes for independent contractors as they are responsible for their own taxes, but you do have to collect a W-9 from them before they can start working for you. You may also need to report to the IRS and state that you paid nonemployee compensation to the independent contractor. And it’s important to make sure they truly classify as an independent contractor, because the IRS is cracking down on employers who misclassify employees as independent contractors (hello, additional fees).

If you have any questions about your cash flow, employer readiness or how to classify your workers, Block Advisors is a small business partner that can help. “Our team of small business certified tax pros will put a financial lens on your business, guiding you to the best outcomes,” said Paul Ramos, director of small business tax for H&R Block. “We will propose opportunities to increase your cash flow and profitability by reducing expenses, while helping you understand fixed and variable costs, optimizing marketing spend and more. And we have the small business payroll services and support you need to stay compliant so you can focus on running your business.”

Do you have time to manage payroll?

Next, consider how you’ll handle payroll.

Running payroll in-house means assuming the role of calculating and issuing paychecks, managing taxes (including filing all corresponding tax forms, managing reporting and payment schedules, and staying on top of any tax changes), and remaining compliant with all local, state, and federal laws. This can be both daunting and time-consuming. Even if you purchase software to assist with this function, you’re still left doing the work and the homework, taking more time and increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

In fact, as Inc. recently reported, the IRS penalizes about one out of every three business owners for payroll errors. Penalties and interest will be assessed on your account if you fail to collect, report and remit payroll taxes. If you don’t file a report on time, the penalty is 5% per month of unpaid tax up to a maximum of 25%. And the penalty for missing a payment deadline is even more severe and expensive.

If you don’t feel comfortable handling payroll on your own (don’t worry, you aren’t alone!), look into payroll services that offer expert help.

Looking for expert help?

After considering the true cost of payroll and the time it takes to manage, determine what makes the most sense for your business. It can be a tough decision to outsource certain functions, but if you’re spending more time on running payroll than on your core business, it’s time to consider getting expert help.

“Give your payroll tasks to our team of payroll professionals,” said Ramos. “We make the whole process easy, from paying your employees to filing quarterly federal and state tax filings and forms, along with running and distributing wage reports—for both employees (W-2s) and independent contractors (1099s)—as you wrap up the year.”

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 experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com.


[1] https://eig.org/news/the-startup-surge-business-formation-trends-in-2020

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Is electrical engineering a good career?

2021-07-20T11:31:00

(BPT) – As the world becomes increasingly digital, careers in electrical engineering continue to be in high demand. Technology constantly changes and advances, which means trained electrical engineers who are skilled and agile will be needed to adapt to the needs of that ever-changing technology.

What do electrical engineers do?

Simply put, electrical engineers design, develop and test electrical equipment and systems. Their work ranges from managing the largest power grids to designing the smallest electrical components in cell phones.

“Electrical engineering is very broad, with many opportunities in integrated circuit design and manufacture, signal processing and machine learning, controls and robotics, telecommunication and antenna design, and electrical power generation and delivery,” said Dr. David Allee, professor at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.

A few examples of the tasks involved in electrical engineering include creating algorithms to better process digital signals, improving complex electrical devices, designing circuits systems and developing transistors.

Today, electrical engineers are needed in a wide variety of fields, including:

  • Auto industry
  • Energy systems
  • Health care
  • Mobile networking
  • Renewable energy
  • Robotics development
  • Space exploration
  • Sustainability
  • Telecommunications

Is electrical engineering a lucrative career?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for engineers is projected to continue growing over the next several years — about 3% from 2019-2029.

Job growth for electrical and electronics engineers is projected to occur largely in professional, scientific and technical services firms, as more companies are expected to tap the expertise of engineers for projects involving electronic devices and systems.

“Typically, electrical engineering graduates have no trouble getting a lucrative job,” Allee said. “Many get multiple good offers.”

The rapid pace of technological innovation will also create demand for electrical and electronics engineers to develop sophisticated consumer electronics such as virtual reality tools.

The bureau also notes that in research and development, engineering expertise will be needed to design electrical distribution systems related to new technologies, and electrical engineers will be essential in new developments including semiconductors and communications technologies.

“Electrical engineering is a rewarding and challenging career where your skills help build a better world,” he said. “Electrical engineering salaries are competitive as well.”

The salary range for electrical engineers is approximately $63,000–$155,000 per year. Here is the breakdown for salaries for electrical engineers in top industries:

  • Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences — $116,050
  • Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing — $107,680
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing — $104,480
  • Electric power generation, transmission and distribution — $102,510
  • Engineering services — $98,440

How to become an electrical engineer

Most electrical engineer jobs require a bachelor’s degree, and some positions require engineers to be licensed. There are degree programs that, in the process of graduating with a degree, will also lead to licensure.

“Upon entry into an electrical engineering program, the most important skills to have are an aptitude for mathematics and a willingness to work hard,” Allee said.

The role of electrical engineer requires general knowledge of:

  • The practical application of engineering science and technology.
  • Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Design techniques, tools and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models.
  • Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics and their applications.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including spelling, composition and grammar.

“Learn as much mathematics and physics as you can. Also, learn to work well with others. Engineering is a collaborative effort,” he said.

Where can you find an accredited engineering degree program?

According to CollegeFactual.com, there are 390 schools offering electrical engineering degrees in the U.S. Students seeking a quality electrical engineering program should look for those that both focus on the required knowledge listed above and are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).

Arizona State University is the first to offer fully online electrical engineering degree programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET through ASU Online. ASU Online degrees meet the commission’s educational standards and prepare students to excel in engineering fields.

A master’s degree in electrical engineering will help graduates pursue careers requiring advanced knowledge and skills, including specialized and supervisory positions. Some advanced engineering jobs or manager roles today may even require a master’s degree. Earning an advanced degree can also increase your salary and earning potential in the field.

To learn more about degrees in electrical engineering, check out ASUOnline.asu.edu.

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Expert tips to ease pandemic pets’ anxiety

2021-07-20T11:01:03

(BPT) – Pet adoption rates skyrocketed in 2020, with nearly 1 in 2 Gen Zers adopting a pet during the pandemic. For pets, the past year at home has meant more walks, constant belly rubs and endless treats. As restrictions ease, businesses return to the office and kids go back to in-person learning, your pandemic pup might start showing signs of separation anxiety. Pet anxiety can manifest in many ways, including hair loss, weight loss, barking, destruction of property, or loss of appetite.

Dr. Katalin Grant, DVM, has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified veterinarian, and has extensively researched pet health and wellness. Now working as a nutrition expert at Tailored Pet, Grant created these simple yet effective tips to help guide pet parents in alleviating their pets’ anxiety.

Tips to ease your dog’s anxiety

As we ease back into “normal” life, try these home remedies to help your pup manage their anxiety.

  • Identifying triggers

The first step to calming your pet is to identify the events that may trigger their anxiety, such as thunderstorms, loud noises or long periods of alone time. Once identified, you can better prepare for when you’re leaving the home.

  • Create a safe space

Make a den to serve as your pet’s safety zone while you’re away. Use soft, plush bedding inside a small crate in a designated place within your home to create a safe space your pup will want to nuzzle into. All dogs, large and small, like to feel safe. This tip is also helpful during thunderstorms, fireworks and any other anxiety-inducing events.

  • Play peaceful tunes

Try soothing your dog with classical or peaceful music. Classical music has been successfully used in many studies to calm pets. Keep the volume at a level that can drown out any outside noises, while not being overwhelming.

  • Get moving

Take your dog for a run, walk or play fetch before any events or leaving the house. This will help tire them out, and thus reduce their anxiety throughout the day. Try incorporating these activities into your daily routine.

  • Nutrition is key

A balanced diet does more for your dog than just manage their weight. Making sure your pup is getting the necessary nutrients can improve their digestive health, skin and coat, energy levels, allergies and sensitivities, and more. Determining and meeting the unique nutritional needs of your pet is made easier with personalized nutrition from Tailored Pet. By taking an online quiz about your dog’s needs, Tailored customizes a food blend optimized just for them.

If your pet’s anxiety becomes severe, Grant recommends visiting your veterinarian for a medical exam to ensure that medication can be handled safely by your pet. For even more information and tips from Dr. Grant, visit www.tailoredpet.com.

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5 telehealth tips for at-home health care

2021-07-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Telehealth is enabling health care professionals to provide patient care remotely, safely and conveniently through technologies such as a computer, mobile phone or landline telephone more than ever before. This has reduced barriers to care for millions of people who live far away from specialists, have transportation or mobility issues, or are in rural communities or other underserved areas. Many patients and providers are turning to Telehealth.HHS.gov for a one-stop resource to learn about telehealth care offerings, best practices for visits and to find answers to common questions.

One frequent concern for patients is what steps they can take for a successful telehealth visit. Here are five important tips Telehealth.HHS.gov says every patient can benefit from:

  1. Set an appointment: Ask your doctor if they offer telehealth, or find telehealth care through your health insurance company, provider or community health center.
  2. Get your info ready: Treat a virtual visit like an in-person appointment. Have a list of current medications ready, as well as a list of questions or concerns to address with the provider.
  3. Pick a good location: Position yourself in front of the camera someplace that is well-lit, quiet and private to ensure you can speak openly with the provider.
  4. Position yourself for success: Connect to your appointment five minutes early and wear loose clothing in case you need to show the provider something on your body.
  5. Check before you connect: Make sure your device is charged or plugged in and that the internet connection via Wi-Fi or ethernet cable is strong. Don’t forget to enable your privacy settings for the telehealth platform to use your camera and/or microphone.

To find more resources and tips for using telehealth care, visit Telehealth.HHS.gov.