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10 tips on how to have more family fishing fun

2022-03-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – There may be nothing more sweet in this big, wide world than gazing upon photos and videos of your kids or grandkids — with smiles a mile wide — holding up what they think is a huge “monster” fish (even if it’s just a small sunfish or bluegill), or photos of your family all together enjoying a day of fishing and having fun on the water.

If you love fishing and you want to share it with your family, it’s important to put a little planning in up front to help the experience go as smooth as it can to create those lasting memories and those stories that will be told for years of the monsters that were caught, and the big ones that got away.

To help you introduce the ones you love to a lifetime of fishing fun, the folks at Rapala, the legendary lure maker, offer these tips:

Remember, it’s all about the little wins – If you have smaller kids or beginners in the family, it’s likely they’ll be pulling up smaller catches. Though their sunfish might look measly to you, they might think it’s a monster! Hint, hint: So should you. Snap a picture to remember the beaming look on their faces and use this opportunity to show them how to conserve fish for future generations.

Let them guide you – When and where it’s safe, let the kids “co-pilot” with you by operating your boat’s trolling motor and guiding you to the perfect spot. Kids want to experience what the adults do. Operating a trolling motor will give them experience in positioning the boat and learning how to approach a spot.

Include your partner/spouse or others in your family in the fun – Families come in all shapes and sizes nowadays. Use fishing as an opportunity to gather in the great outdoors and share some precious time together. Involve your partner or spouse, uncles and aunts, grandparents and close friends who feel like family. A day on or near the water can be a great way for a family to get away from our always-on digital world.

Use good quality gear – Don’t skimp on cheap fishing gear. If your low-quality fishing gear breaks or malfunctions, it could ruin the moment. Good gear doesn’t cost a fortune. Choose gear with a lot of positive reviews and fishing lures, like Rapala lures, which are well-known for catching fish. Similarly, be prepared for accidents that happen and practice patience if a rod tip gets broken, a fishing rod falls into the water, or a fishing lure gets stuck high up in a tree. Stuff happens.

Safety first – Being in or around water means safety comes first. Make sure everyone has lifejackets, stays hydrated, and that you brief the kids on hook and water safety before handing over the rod. Remember to check the weather ahead of time so you can bundle up if it’s a crisp morning, and bring sunscreen and hats if the sun is blazing.

Bring a scale – Practice catch-weigh-photo-release to get the family in the swing of things. You can even have a competition to see who had the heaviest catch! Weigh the fish caught with a Rapala scale, perfect for taking photos that display just how hefty your catch is.

Don’t forget the snacks! – Make everyone’s day and keep spirits high by bringing special treats along for the ride. Ask each family member their favorite snack beforehand to make sure everyone is included. The only ‘hangry’ ones on your fishing trip should be the fish!

Think beyond fishing to get fishing – Tell stories, take pictures, and bring coloring books for the little ones if they need a break. And remember, it’s okay if not everyone wants to fish. Some members of your family may not be too keen on fishing. Make sure they feel welcome and invite them to read a book or do another activity while others in your family are fishing. They will surely want to be there when the others are showing their catches off.

Fishing is about learning – Fishing can be fun, but it’s also an opportunity to be part of nature and experience other precious moments, such as watching other wildlife (turtles, frogs, ducks, squirrels), identifying plants and trees, learning how a boat works, and trying different types of presentations to see which one is most effective in catching fish. If some members of your family really turn on to fishing, feed that passion with videos about fishing. Rapala has more than 600 informative videos on its YouTube channel alone.

Make a video – Take lots of photos and videos of your fishing trips with the family, then create a short movie with iMovie to help them relive the memories of fishing when it’s cold and wet outside. It’ll be fun to make, and the final product will be a memento your family will cherish forever.

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3 easy ways to update your outdoor entertaining space

2022-03-25T04:01:00

(BPT) – With summer just around the corner, now is the right time to plan ahead for outdoor entertaining, so you can look forward to enjoying your outdoor space more than ever. Dream about how you’d like to spend time in your yard, then start making plans so you can be ready in plenty of time for the warmer months to come.

Here are a few popular trends and ideas that can help you to update and enhance your outdoor living area this year.

1. Bring indoor living out, starting with the foundation

If you’re one of the many Americans looking for ways to expand your entertainment space beyond your indoor living room and ensure your outdoor areas are as stylish as those inside your home, turn to the latest trends in hardscaping to create a larger, more welcoming patio space that will be much more inviting. The latest trends include:

  • Opting for cool colors like soothing tones of light gray and subtle blues to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Choosing large pavers to delineate your patio area because they’re not only quicker and easier to install, but they’re also less visually “busy” than smaller pavers, helping you create the feeling of a relaxing oasis.
  • Keeping it “green” by not letting your outdoor space become a “concrete jungle.” Instead, design pathways or patios that allow for spaces of green turf in between large pavers to create a stepping stones appearance, softening the look through natural elements.

You can achieve all of these effects using the new Pavestone Avant XL patio stone, which are 24” by 24”, so you’ll need fewer of them for quick coverage. These extra large “pavers” come in six modern, on-trend colors like off-white Fog, as well as a variety of cool tones ranging from gray stone and graphite to brown. You can choose to vary the striation directions of each paver to create visually pleasing patterns such as parquet or running bond. Better yet, they are made of durable concrete that does not attract pests and are resistant to decay and fading.

While you can certainly hire a professional to install your pavers, installing them yourself makes for a good weekend DIY project.

2. Create a natural oasis

Once you’ve got your pavers set to define your overall outdoor space, you can accessorize the area in creative ways that incorporate elements of the natural environment. Here are trends homeowners are enjoying this year:

  • Mini-gardens: Choose small decorative planters to create green accents in and around your patio. Select plants that are suitable for your region’s climate — or be prepared to bring them indoors when summer is over.
  • Vertical gardens: Create a green, living wall that’s not only decorative, but can also help provide needed privacy. You can add plants to an existing pergola or other structure, or build a wall specifically made to highlight attractive greenery, resulting in a stunning visual focal point.
  • Water features: From a simple small fountain to a miniature waterfall, water features provide that relaxing sound of running water, creating visual beauty and bringing the soothing sound of nature into your space.

3. Add touches of comfort

Today’s outdoor furniture is made to not only withstand the elements, but also to be comfortable for days and evenings of lounging outside with friends and family. But beyond furnishings, here are a few accessories to consider for boosting the livability of your yard and patio.

  • Decorative lighting like bistro lights will make your space seem extra festive as you barbecue on a summer evening.
  • Add a sun shade sail to help provide cover on sunny days.
  • Set up a bar cart. Especially if you don’t have the space or means to build a full outdoor kitchen, a well-stocked bar cart allows you to entertain guests with minimum fuss.

Get ready for hours of outdoor fun this summer by planning ahead now. Check out all the hardscaping possibilities at Pavestone.com.

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10 fishing tips so you’re ready to hit the water and start catching

2022-03-24T16:42:08

(BPT) – You can smell it in the air. A warm, fresh breath of spring. And to you and millions like you, that can mean only one thing … fishing!

Here are 10 tips from the fishing enthusiasts at Rapala, the world’s best-selling fishing lure for the past 50 years, on what you can do now to be ready to hit the water and start catching.

1) Declutter the tackle box – If you’ve been fishing awhile, no doubt your tackle box might be feeling a bit cluttered. On those cold, nasty days, bring the tackle box inside to the warmth of your home and pluck out the stuff that doesn’t work and focus on what does. Taking the time to organize your gear will help you spend more time fishing and less time messing with your stuff.

2) Put on fresh line – What comes between you and a trophy fish? Your fishing line, of course. Don’t tempt fate. The experts at Sufix fishing line recommend changing out fishing line at least once a year. As you take off old line, look for frays and nicks — this may be a sign that one or more of the guides on your fishing rod is cracked or even missing.

3) Smooth fishing rod guides – Use a cotton swab and run it around the inside of each guide of your fishing rod. This will help you see if you have any cracks or breaks in your guides, which could cut your fishing line — when you have a fish on the line.

4) Watch fishing videos – Getting outside and spending time on the water is what fishing is all about. However, watching how-to videos on the Rapala YouTube Channel, which features more than 600 videos, can help you catch more fish year-round, on open water, in saltwater and on hardwater (ice fishing).

5) Sharp hooks equal more bites – What’s the first point of contact with a fish? It’s the point of your fishing hook. Sharp hooks mean you’ll catch more fish; dull hooks mean you’ll be one frustrated angler. So take some time to replace hooks on your go-to lures. It’s also important to select the right hook, say the hook gurus at VMC, one of the world’s largest fishing hook manufacturers. The mouths of fish vary from species to species, so make sure to select a hook that meets the challenge.

6) Go with your confidence bait – Nearly every angler has their go-to lure. It’s that one lure that seems to catch fish when all others fail. When you find your confidence bait, stock up on it. Have a few more of that lure tucked away in your tackle box for when you might need them even more. Don’t have a confidence bait yet? Well, you can’t go wrong with the lure that’s caught more world records than any other lure.

7) Experiment more – You wouldn’t play an 18-hole golf course with just a putter. Different lures are made to catch fish under different conditions. For example, Rapala offers freshwater lures, saltwater lures and ice fishing lures. It offers lures that can reach fish in any depth, from deep down to the surface. This year, treat yourself to a lure you’ve never tried before to learn from it and expand your ability to catch fish anytime, anywhere, under any condition. Or, try a lure, such as an ice fishing lure, for deep water bass and walleye in open water — sounds crazy, but it works.

8) Play fantasy fishing – That’s right. Playing Rapala Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing gives you an opportunity to win some incredible prizes. At the same time, it allows you to track the world’s best bass fishing pros and watch how they manage to catch fish even in the most difficult conditions. Understanding what they do can improve your real-world, on-the-water fishing.

9) Try someplace new – Anglers can be creatures of habit. We like to go to our favorite lake and often go to our favorite fishing hole time and time again. While you might be catching fish, you also may be limiting yourself. This year, try someplace new. Go to a new water. Try a different way of fishing, such as using a kayak. Go for a different species and see if your knowledge in bass fishing applies to a species such as walleye, muskies or redfish.

10) Introduce someone new to fishing – Spending time on the water, enjoying all that nature has to offer and catching fish is awesome, but there’s something even better — hooking someone new, especially a young person, on the joy of fishing. Take some time this year to intentionally teach someone about how to fish, or how to fish for a different species. It just may be your biggest catch of all.

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Aspirin 101: What You Need To Know About This Foundational Therapy

2022-03-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – There is no more familiar item in your medicine cabinet than a bottle of aspirin. In fact, aspirin has been sold for over a century as an over-the-counter medication and millions of people take aspirin. Aspirin is used to help treat pain associated with headaches and arthritis, and for fever reduction.

People also take low dose aspirin daily as part of their doctor-recommended plan following a heart attack or clot-related stroke for secondary prevention to prevent another heart attack or clot-related stroke. In fact, there are about 40 million vascular patients who may be on an aspirin therapy plan as advised by their doctor.

“Aspirin is an important and trusted medication with benefits for a number of different purposes,” said Mayme Lou Roettig, RN, MSN, Executive Medical Director, PLx Pharma, Inc. “It can also have side effects and needs to be tailored to individual patient benefit versus risk profile. Although aspirin is sold over-the-counter, doctors may recommend using aspirin for secondary prevention. Your medical condition is unique to you, and your doctor can help determine what you need, and what to be careful about.”

Benefits from taking aspirin
Here are the primary reasons people take aspirin.

Pain relief: Aspirin is a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) effective for the temporary relief of minor aches and pains and to reduce fevers. Aspirin is just one of several NSAIDs available. It’s always a good idea to ask your healthcare provider which specific NSAID(s) would be most beneficial to you given the type of pain you’re experiencing, and your medical history.

Heart attack: According to the American Heart Association, about 720,000 people in the U.S. have their first heart attack every year and an additional 335,000 will have a recurrent heart attack or a secondary event. In the U.S. a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds. Heart attacks occur when the blood flow to the heart is blocked by a blood clot. A blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a vital section of the heart. If the blood flow is completely disrupted, that part of the heart can die. While lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet and increasing exercise, can help prevent a heart attack, aspirin can reduce the risk of another heart attack by 31% by making blood platelets less likely to stick together in a clot.

Stroke: The American Heart Association also reports that about 610,000 people experience a new stroke in the U.S. and 185,000 have a recurrent or secondary event. Stroke is the leading cause of serious long-term disability. Stroke occurs when either blood flow to the brain is diminished or disrupted preventing brain tissue from getting needed oxygen and nutrients. Some brain cells begin to die, which can lead to loss of functions controlled by that part of the brain, such as walking or talking. Like a heart attack, lifestyle changes help reduce the chances of having a stroke and aspirin is clinically shown to help lower the risk of another clot-related stroke.

Common side effects of aspirin

Patients on aspirin therapy regardless of the dosage form may experience side effects and stop taking it. In fact, some patients who are taking physician-advised aspirin therapy stop taking it due to gastrointestinal (GI) issues, which is the most common side effect. This includes both rare gastric ulcers or gastric bleeding as well as more common dyspepsia — also known as indigestion or upset stomach discomfort.

If you were recommended aspirin by your physician to prevent another heart attack or stroke and experience side effects such as stomach discomfort or gastrointestinal issues, you should contact your doctor right away. Roettig suggests speaking to your doctor if there are alternatives that may help avoid or minimize potential side effects.

Enteric Coated Aspirin
Aspirin has been around for more than 100 years. Enteric coated aspirin, the most commonly used formulation, was developed more than 50 years ago with the intention of preventing aspirin from dissolving in the stomach. The enteric coated formulation was designed to help protect the stomach lining from irritation, especially for those who take aspirin on a regular basis. However, studies have not definitively demonstrated that enteric coated aspirin protects the stomach from irritation. According to the FDA class Aspirin Professional Labeling, enteric coated aspirin products are erratically absorbed from the GI tract.

Some studies have found that patients may not get the full effect of aspirin from a dose. This is an important consideration for patients who are trying to prevent another heart attack or clot-related stroke.

A novel delivery system for aspirin
There is a unique over-the-counter aspirin recently approved by the FDA available on shelves nationally — VAZALORE®.

VAZALORE is a liquid-filled aspirin capsule, available in 81 mg and 325 mg doses, which delivers aspirin differently from plain and enteric coated aspirin products. The special complex inside the VAZALORE capsule and its innovative delivery system allows for pH dependent targeted release of aspirin, limiting its direct contact with the stomach. VAZALORE delivers fast, reliable absorption for pain relief plus the life-saving benefits of aspirin to help prevent another heart attack or clot-related stroke.

Visit www.vazalore.com to learn more about aspirin and its benefits.

References

Pratt S, Thompson VJ, Elkin EP, Næsdal J, Sörstadius E. The impact of upper gastrointestinal symptoms on nonadherence to, and discontinuation of, low-dose acetylsalicylic acid in patients with cardiovascular risk. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2010;10(5):281-288.

Salim S. Virani, et al. The 2021 American Heart Association (AHA) Statistical Update. Circulation. 2021;143:e254–e743. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950.

Tournoij E, Peters RJG, Langenberg M, Kanhai KJK, Moll FL. The prevalence of intolerance for low-dose acetylsalicylacid in the secondary prevention of atherothrombosis. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2009;37(5):597-603.

Virani SS, Alonso A, Aparicio HJ, et al; American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics–2021 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2021;143(8):e254-e743.

Professional Labeling 21CFR 343.80

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How to break old habits and create new ones with meditation

2022-03-24T15:55:53

(BPT) – Trying to lose weight, exercise more or start on a difficult project? As Lao Tzu says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Sometimes that first step doesn’t even require standing up.

Studies show that even 11 minutes a day of Kundalini meditation can boost mental health, promote mindfulness and increase gratitude.

MRI imaging has demonstrated that meditation changes your brain; specifically, the regions involved in learning and memory processes, emotion regulation, self-referential processing and perspective taking.

This simple daily practice, when repeated for 40 days, may be exactly what you need to reach all your goals.

Why 40 days? Because it takes 20 days to break old habits, and 20 days to start new ones. There’s a reason Christians fast for 40 days during Lent, and Judaism teaches that those seeking answers to prayers should pray for 40 days in a row. Did you know that your skin cells renew, on average, every 40 days?

Meditation is easy. It’s quick. It works. And guess what? You can do it with your eyes closed.

Where to start? 3HO, an organization dedicated to sharing Kundalini Yoga around the world, offers dozens of meditations. Give this one a try.

1) Posture: Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, with a straight spine and your hands gently resting on your knees. Allow your shoulders to relax and picture a string lifting your sternum. Close your eyes and let your breath slow and deepen. Tuck your chin slightly into your chest so the back of your neck stays long and does not round. You’ll feel a slight pressure in your throat.

2) Hands: Make a fist with your hands and extend your thumbs. Then place your thumbs on your temples and find the niche where the thumbs just fit. Now lock your back molars together so that your lips close. Keep your teeth gently pressed together throughout this exercise.

3) Eyes: Keep your eyes closed and focus them on the center of your forehead between your eyebrows (sometimes called the “third eye”). This takes a little practice, and you will feel a tension in the ocular nerve.

4) Mantra: Silently repeat the following mantra — Sa Ta Na Ma — while focusing on your third eye.

5) Time: Continue for anywhere from 3-31 minutes. It’s a powerful practice, and even three minutes is enough to see results.

If you can, practice this meditation every day for 40 days.

You’ve got this.

For more information on Kundalini Yoga and meditation and how it can benefit your health and wellness, visit 3HO.org.

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3 ways drivers can extend their adventures this spring

2022-03-24T09:39:00

(BPT) – As winter warms into spring, there’s something else heating up: the travel plans of adventurers everywhere. Millions of Americans are preparing for their spring and summer journeys, but there’s one thing many are overlooking — a factor that will determine whether their trips are safe and successful.

Their tires.

Tires are the only part of a vehicle that touches the road, so they’re a pivotal part of every road trip. The right set of tires can even take drivers further than they’d otherwise be able to travel. Here’s how travelers can use their tires to extend their adventures.

1. Extend your terrain

Before fine-tuning final trip details, it is vital to make sure you’re riding on the right rubber. This time of year all-season tires will do the trick most places, but it’s important to note that they aren’t built for driving in winter conditions. If you’re headed way up north or into high elevations, it’s worth considering all-weather tires like the Nokian Tyres WRG4 or the all-terrain Nokian Tyres Outpost, since they are certified for winter driving and provide a true four-season solution in areas with unpredictable weather.

If you want to know whether a tire has the OK for winter driving, look for the three-peak mountain snowflake on the sidewall. That’s a certification indicating a tire has been tested in snow. If you live somewhere that experiences sustained winter conditions, it’s still best to drive a dedicated winter tire during that season, then switch to an all-season or all-weather tire in the spring and summer.

2. Extend your toughness

If you’re headed off the beaten path, you can extend your adventure with a set of tough all-terrain tires. Some tires are even reinforced with special fibers that help them resist potholes, ruts and rocks. That includes puncture-resistant Aramid fibers, the same material used in aerospace and bulletproof vests.

Nokian Tyres recommends finding a set of tires — like the Outpost — that is reinforced to help you avoid punctures and blowouts on your journey. If you’re going off-road, also consider an all-terrain tire with a high-tech tread pattern that helps you tackle the versatile conditions you’ll face. You’ll want deep tread, the ability to channel away water, and a tire that rides smoothly over gravel and bumps.

3. Extend your travel

Did you know tires could help you save gas mileage? The less friction created between the tire and the road, the further you can travel on a tank of gas. Some tiremakers have doubled down on decreasing the rolling resistance of their products, which increases fuel-efficiency, helping put money back in drivers’ wallets … which comes in especially handy when gas prices are high!

Nokian Tyres crafts tires that have low rolling resistance, a feature that also lowers CO2 emissions created when your vehicle expends energy propelling itself along the road. And drivers of electric vehicles are big fans of the efficiency that results from low rolling resistance, since it extends the range they can travel on each charge.

Before you hit the road this season, make sure your tires can extend your terrain, toughness and travel. To learn more about a new tire that accomplishes all three of those goals, visit NokianTires.com/Outpost.

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Take a wellness approach to bathroom renovations with a new bidet

2022-03-23T23:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for a fresh approach to your next bathroom renovation? Think in terms of how the updates would enhance your well-being.

Replacing an old appliance with a high-quality bidet, for example, is a relatively simple renovation that adds many wellness benefits to your life. With the right technologies and features, you can live cleaner, healthier, and more simply.

Because you want your new bidet to bring the routine-enhancing qualities you’re looking for, it’s worth taking time to research your brands. Because nowadays, there are many to choose from. TOTO, for example, is well known as the originator of the luxury bidet seat, giving the old-fashioned bidet a complete conceptual and technological overhaul with precision spraying and warm water cleansing.

Bidets are also available in a range of price points, so you can stick to your budget. Use the following guide to find one that best fits your wallet and your wellness lifestyle.

Elevate cleanliness and comfort

The best thing about a great bidet is getting clean. The warm aerated water provides a gentle wash, leaving you to feel more refreshed and confident to go on with your day. The WASHLET C2 bidet seat by TOTO is the perfect entry-level option to up your wellness game at an approachable price. This bidet seat easily installs onto your toilet. Its dual-action spray lets you adjust the water temperature and volume and also comes with oscillating and pulsing features.

Achieve healthier living

Stopping the spread of germs is step one of living healthier. A bidet seat is a perfect investment for your family’s well-being because it makes hygienic hands-free cleaning a reality. To achieve the fullest touch-free benefits, seek out smart features in your bidet, like automatic seat raising and lowering as well as touchless flushing.

Streamline your cleaning routine

The best innovation and technology begins with a desire to put more time back into your day. The enhanced technologies found in TOTO WASHLET + bidet toilets work together to create “Clean Synergy” and keep the bowl cleaner longer. The powerful TORNADO FLUSH system and the high-tech CEFIONTECT glazing dislodges and resists dirt while the PREMIST feature rinses the bowl before each use to prevent matter from sticking to its surface. The result: You’ll spend a lot less time scrubbing.

Next-level design

Achieve wellness and elegance with NEOREST. The low-profile skirted design provides a contemporary look, bringing polish and panache to your space. And it has the spa-like features you’d expect from a high-end bidet that will redefine your bathroom break.

When it comes time to renovate the bath, TOTO stands by its high-quality products with superior after-sales service. If you need help, reach out to a technical support team member by phone or chat. To learn more, visit TOTOUSA.com.

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Eco-friendly home improvements that can help save you money

2022-03-23T18:23:22

(BPT) – Today’s home improvements aren’t just about updating your home to make it more functional. Many homeowners are making strategic improvements that also help green their home and boost its resale value. One of the best places to start is also one of the most frequented rooms in the house: the bathroom.

Eco-friendly improvements help save money on utility bills, but that’s just the start. Green updates help you feel good about your impact on the earth, helping you eliminate water waste, use less energy and reduce use of toxic chemicals.

What’s more, green home improvements are in high demand in real estate, meaning your home can command a higher price at resale. Over half of agents and brokers found that consumers were interested in sustainability when shopping for a home, according to a 2021 report by the National Association of Realtors.

Bathrooms are one of the best places to make green updates that streamline use and reduce waste because they make your home more comfortable and they get noticed if you decide to sell. For example, toilets can be huge water-wasters, but a simple update can provide significant savings.

1) Opt for water-saving toilets

Dual-flush toilet systems are a modern option that lets you choose how much water is used when you flush based on if there is liquid or solid matter that needs disposal. Update your current bathrooms with dual-flush models, and to add even more value to your home, add a new bathroom that features this water-saving toilet.

With modern technology, you can install a bathroom virtually anywhere. Saniflo has created innovative, eco-friendly, above-floor plumbing technology that allows for quick and easy installation with minimal hassle and mess. Highly focused on sustainability, these macerators and grinders work throughout a home, including on a second story, in a basement, in a garage or in a structure that sits on a slab, like a shed that would traditionally require concrete cutting to create below-floor drainage.

For example, the Sanicompact can be used to add a small guest bathroom in an existing space without drilling through concrete, which saves materials and reduces waste. The dual-flush feature flushes waste with 1.28 gallons per flush and liquids with 1 gallon. The Saniaccess 3 macerating unit paired with the company’s water-saving rear-discharge toilet is ideal for full bathrooms, using a smaller amount of water than conventional toilets: 1.28 versus 1.6 gallons per flush with no sacrifice in flushing power. It is also recognized as water-saving by the EPA’s WaterSense program.

Dino and Beth Gregorich of San Diego, California, opted for the Sanicompact that helped them transform a storage shed behind their swimming pool into a half-bath and changing room without breaking through concrete. Saniflo toilets and self-contained macerating units are CEC (California Energy Commission) listed.

“You can use light flush with less water and a full flush with more,” he explains. “In San Diego, we pay a fortune for water, so we try to save as much as possible. Ultra-low-flush, high-efficiency toilets are very important here.”

2) Switch to energy-efficient lighting

In addition to upgrading the toilet, there are other important steps you can take to green the bathroom. Natural light and energy-efficient lighting are two practical and environmentally friendly ways to light the bathroom.

To start, swap out all light bulbs for long-lasting, energy-efficient LED bulbs. Then, consider opportunities for adding more natural light, such as a skylight that allows light in without sacrificing privacy. Depending on the type of skylight you select, this upgrade can provide solar heating, better ventilation, and reduce mildew and mold growth.

3) Use natural materials

Finally, to truly green your bathroom, it’s important to be mindful about using natural materials and avoiding VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are toxic to the environment. Popular eco-friendly products include glass, reclaimed wood, metal, bamboo, cork and porcelain. When choosing your materials, consider whether the materials will serve a long-lasting purpose and can eventually be recycled.

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The Powerful Relationship Between Patient and Provider When Living with Multiple Sclerosis

2022-03-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the CNS.

Erika, who works in Government and Public Affairs, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RMS) six years ago. All forms of MS, including RMS, can be difficult to diagnose since, when assessed individually, there are no specific symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests that determine if a person has MS. Making it even more difficult to diagnose, MS has heterogeneous clinical and imaging manifestations, which not only differ between patients, but also vary in individual patients over time. In Erika’s case, her RMS was identified quickly after initial symptoms appeared and was later confirmed through a diagnosis of optic neuritis, followed by an MRI, which showed old and active brain lesions, suggesting she had been living with RMS for quite some time, without her being aware.

The landscape for people living with MS has changed significantly over the last two decades, offering hope that may not have been previously present. Today, more than 20 MS treatments are approved in the U.S., allowing patients and their physicians the option to consider individual patient circumstances when establishing a treatment plan and strategy that addresses clinical needs.

Choosing the Appropriate RMS Treatment

Erika has had a strong relationship with her neurologists. In fact, the neurologist who confirmed her RMS helped her to feel optimistic about her diagnosis, especially given the number of approved treatment options available.

Erika notes, “This may sound strange, but I remember feeling a sense of hope when I was diagnosed because of the treatments available at that time and that so many more were being investigated.”

After her diagnosis, Erika’s neurologist referred her to MS specialist Heidi Crayton, MD. Over the years, Erika tried several medications, but in 2019 after experiencing side effects and new disease activity, she and Dr. Crayton discussed trying a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that was approved and became available at that time – MAVENCLAD® (cladribine) tablets 10 mg.

MAVENCLAD is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of MS, to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease in adults. Because of its safety profile, MAVENCLAD is generally used in people who have tried another MS medicine that they could not tolerate or that has not worked well enough. MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

MAVENCLAD may cause serious side effects including the risk of cancer (malignancies) and birth defects if used during pregnancy. Females must not be pregnant when they start treatment with MAVENCLAD or become pregnant during MAVENCLAD dosing and within six months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course. Additional side effects can include low blood cell counts, serious infections such as TB, hepatitis B or C, shingles, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), liver problems, allergic reactions and heart failure. The most common side effects of MAVENCLAD include upper respiratory infection, headache, and low white blood cell count.

“When I share more information about MAVENCLAD with my patients they are intrigued,” states Dr. Crayton. “Part of this is due to the dosing schedule of MAVENCLAD where it is taken no more than 10 days a year over a two-year period. In addition, patients find comfort in the fact that MAVENCLAD was approved after 10 years of safety follow up.”

Upon completing the initial screening and education component, including the use of effective contraception and the need for ongoing monitoring and doctor visits, Erika began her MAVENCLAD treatment. “Learning about MAVENCLAD was really important. The dosing schedule really worked for me, though this is my own personal experience and could vary for others,” says Erika. “I completed my final dose in 2021, and now that I am not taking DMT pills every day of the year, I find that I am not thinking about my RMS as much as I was during my previous therapies. I continue to touch base with my neurologist, as needed, and schedule my routine exams.”

The Importance of Working with Your Doctor

For Erika, it was important to work closely with her neurologist while continuing to manage her RMS, from initial diagnosis through treatment selection and every step along the way.

“This is my body and my RMS, so I was very involved when it came to treatment choice. I respected and trusted my neurologist to provide the best options,” notes Erika. “We had many candid conversations. I had a lot of questions and received solid responses that made me feel comfortable with MAVENCLAD.”

As someone who was immunocompromised, having a strong relationship with her neurologist proved even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MAVENCLAD works by depleting certain cells of the immune system, so ongoing discussions and trust in her neurologist made her feel armed with the appropriate information to make decisions during the pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I received a lot of questions from my MS patients about their treatments, as many thought that all DMTs were the same,” said Dr. Crayton. “As they are not all the same, I believe it’s important to share more information about the proposed mechanism of action for their respective treatments to better understand how their immune system may be affected, and further discuss vaccination considerations along with safety tips.”

When it comes to those newly diagnosed with MS, Erika has several pieces of advice:

  • Make sure you feel comfortable with your neurologist as well as the nurses and front desk personnel because they all are part of your MS multidisciplinary treatment team.
  • Keep track of symptoms and be prepared to discuss them at your appointment. Track everything in your calendar – no symptom is too small and may or may not be related to MS – so it is important for your doctor to be aware.
  • We live in an era where we have all of the information in the world readily available to us. Please do yourself a favor and keep it simple: when it comes to your MS and your treatment, the best resource for information is your neurologist.

MAVENCLAD® Indication and Important Safety Information

What is MAVENCLAD?

MAVENCLAD is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, MAVENCLAD is generally used in people who have tried another MS medicine that they could not tolerate or that has not worked well enough. MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). It is not known if MAVENCLAD is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age and is therefore not recommended.

MAVENCLAD may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Risk of cancer (malignancies). You should follow healthcare provider instructions about screening for cancer.
  • MAVENCLAD may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Females must not be pregnant when they start treatment with MAVENCLAD or become pregnant during MAVENCLAD dosing and within 6 months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course. You should stop treatment with MAVENCLAD and contact your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD.
  • For females who are able to become pregnant:
    • Your healthcare provider should order a pregnancy test before you begin your first and second yearly treatment course of MAVENCLAD to make sure that you are not pregnant.
    • Use effective birth control (contraception) on the days on which you take MAVENCLAD and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course.
    • Talk to your healthcare provider if you use oral contraceptives (the “pill”).
    • You should use a second method of birth control on the days on which you take MAVENCLAD and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose of each yearly treatment course.
  • For males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:
    • Use effective birth control (contraception) during the days on which you take MAVENCLAD and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course.

Do not take MAVENCLAD if you:

  • have cancer (malignancy).
  • are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are a woman of childbearing age or a man able to father a child and you are not using birth control.
  • are breastfeeding.
  • are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive.
  • have active infections, including tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B or C.
  • are allergic to cladribine.

Before you take MAVENCLAD, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • think you have an infection.
  • have taken, take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system or blood cells, or other treatments for MS. Certain medicines can increase your risk of getting an infection.
  • have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive live or live-attenuated vaccines within the 4 to 6 weeks preceding treatment with MAVENCLAD or receive these types of vaccines during your treatment with MAVENCLAD and unless directed by your healthcare provider.
  • have heart failure.
  • have or have had cancer.
  • have liver or kidney problems.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if MAVENCLAD passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed on the days on which you take MAVENCLAD, and for 10 days after the last dose.

How should I take MAVENCLAD?

  • MAVENCLAD is given as two yearly treatment courses.
  • Each yearly treatment course consists of 2 treatment weeks (also called cycles) that will be about a month apart.
  • Take MAVENCLAD with water and swallow whole without chewing. MAVENCLAD can be taken with or without food.
  • Swallow MAVENCLAD right away after opening the blister pack.
  • Your hands must be dry when handling MAVENCLAD and washed well with water afterwards.
  • Limit contact with your skin. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and other parts of the body. If you get MAVENCLAD on your skin or on any surface, wash it right away with water.
  • Take MAVENCLAD at least 3 hours apart from other medicines taken by mouth during the 4- to 5-day MAVENCLAD treatment week.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If the whole day passes before you remember, take your missed dose the next day. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Instead, you will extend the number of days in that treatment week.

Your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your health during the 2 yearly treatment courses, and for at least another 2 years during which you do not need to take MAVENCLAD. It is not known if MAVENCLAD is safe and effective in people who restart MAVENCLAD treatment more than 2 years after completing 2 yearly treatment courses.

MAVENCLAD can cause serious side effects. If you have any of these symptoms listed below, call your healthcare provider right away:

  • low blood cell counts have happened and can increase your risk of infections during treatment with MAVENCLAD. Blood tests are needed before you start treatment with MAVENCLAD, during your treatment with MAVENCLAD, and afterward, as needed.
  • serious infections such as:
  • TB, hepatitis B or C, and shingles (herpes zoster). Fatal cases of TB and hepatitis have happened with cladribine during clinical studies. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any symptoms of the following infection related problems or if any of the symptoms get worse, including: fever, aching painful muscles, headache, feeling of being generally unwell, loss of appetite, burning, tingling, numbness or itchiness of the skin in the affected area, skin blotches, blistered rash, or severe pain.
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability. Although PML has not been seen in MS patients taking MAVENCLAD, it may happen in people with weakened immune systems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening neurologic signs or symptoms. These may include: weakness on 1 side of your body, loss of coordination in your arms and legs, decreased strength, problems with balance, changes in your vision, changes in your thinking or memory, confusion, or changes in your personality.
  • liver problems. Blood tests should be performed to check your liver before you start taking MAVENCLAD. Symptoms of liver problems may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
  • allergic reactions (hypersensitivities). You should stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention if any signs or symptoms of allergic reactions occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: skin rash, swelling or itching of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.
  • heart failure. MAVENCLAD may cause heart failure, which means your heart may not pump as well as it should. Call your healthcare provider or go to the closest emergency room for medical help right away if you have any signs or symptoms such as shortness of breath, a fast or irregular heart beat, or unusual swelling in your body.

The most common side effects of MAVENCLAD include: upper respiratory infection, headache, and low white blood cell counts.

These are not all the possible side effects of MAVENCLAD. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information/Medication Guide, including serious side effects, for additional Important Safety Information.

Erika and Dr. Crayton are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc.

US-MAV-01485 February 2022 Intended for US only

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Clear definitions of financial industry terms empower people to move beyond debt

2022-03-23T13:31:00

(BPT) – If you’re dealing with personal and unsecured debt, like credit cards or medical bills, navigating financial terms can be confusing. The terms describing the entire debt settlement industry are used interchangeably, misleading the consumer. It can be challenging to find the right solution for you if you can’t fully understand your options.

Last year, Nerdwallet released a study on the “2021 American Household Credit Card Debt.” The average credit card debt per household is $6,006, down 13.8%. Despite that, one in five Americans experienced higher prices and lower wages, so they relied heavily on credit cards to pay for necessities during the pandemic.

This kind of debt has affected millions of Americans emotionally and physically. Remember, debt is something you have, not who you are, and you have options.

One way to erode the stress connected to debt begins with understanding the diverse types of aid available. Being clear about those terms is critical for finding the right fit from a reputable financial management organization to restore your peace of mind.

The debt settlement industry got its name because it offered clients assistance to settle personal debt and alleviate its stress. A synonym that has been used is “debt resolution” because that is the goal — creating a resolution to stressful personal finance challenges.

Financial organizations such as banks, credit counseling firms and even bankruptcy attorneys have used three separate terms interchangeably within the debt settlement industry. However, they mean different things. It’s essential to understand the differences and what they mean to take the proper steps for your specific situation.

1. Debt management

Consider debt management if you can’t repay your debt or aren’t skilled at personal finance activities like balancing a checkbook. Most people worry about damaging their credit by their inability to pay bills on time, so they call a credit counselor for help.

After hearing the situation, if appropriate, the counselor will typically ask a client to consider enrolling in a debt management plan (DMP). Based on an initial conversation, the debt management counselor designs a detailed plan to help you create and adhere to a budget while learning necessary money management skills.

Additionally, the DMP company may call your creditors and ask for a reduced interest rate or waive specific fees. Your requests may not be approved. If that happens to you, another possibility is considering debt consolidation.

2. Debt consolidation

Out-of-control debt can feel like a downward spiral that pulls you down with it. The cyclone involves multiple creditors, several payments and immense stress. A debt consolidation loan becomes a possibility because it’s easier to pay one general payment than several smaller ones.

If you have a strong enough credit score, you can visit online lenders or a few storefronts to get approved for a debt consolidation loan. That will roll all your bills together and make up an average — and often lower — interest rate. The loan types can vary, including a home equity loan, a 401(k) loan, a balance-transfer credit card or an actual debt consolidation loan.

What if you don’t qualify for a debt consolidation loan due to poor credit? You likely feel stuck, but debt resolution may be an option you haven’t considered.

3. Debt resolution

Debt resolution helps cut your total debt owed, while a debt consolidation loan helps minimize the total number of creditors you owe. Every day, reputable debt resolution organizations operate in full compliance with the Federal Trade Organization’s Telemarketing Sales Rule throughout the process.

It is essential to know that you should never have to pay any “resolution” fees until you’ve made at least one payment toward your settlement with a creditor. The company works on your behalf throughout the process as you make deposits into a private trust or escrow account used only to pay off debts enrolled in the program.

Most importantly, debt resolution is a bankruptcy alternative. You do not have to file bankruptcy if you can’t get a loan. Debt resolution allows you the right to pay back what you owe at a negotiated rate you can afford. It’s best to do your research to understand the facts and choose the proper remedy. For more information about managing and resolving your debt, visit BeyondFinance.com.