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How to dress babies and toddlers for warm weather

2022-03-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – With the season change comes change for kids, too. There’s more time to play outside, new milestones to hit and of course, a new wardrobe to address the changes in weather and their growing bodies.

To help you keep babies and toddlers comfortable during temperature changes, without spending a fortune, here are a few tips for dressing young ones.

Think in Layers

One of the most difficult parts about dressing your baby — or dressing yourself, for that matter — is that the temperature can fluctuate wildly throughout the day. The mornings tend to be cool and crisp, while the afternoons can get hot quickly. To avoid under- or over-dressing, proper layering is essential. Start with a lightweight Onesies® Brand Bodysuit that feels good against baby’s delicate skin. Then, add a pair of baby pants, a long-sleeved shirt and maybe even a lightweight jacket or cardigan. As the temperature heats up, you can peel off layers to keep your little one comfortable.

Another pro tip is to look for savings events, like the Gerber Semi-Annual Sale, as a way to stock up on essentials for the new season. Knowing that kids’ sizes can change as quickly as the temperature, finding options that fit their needs at an affordable price is the best way to dress for success.

Think of Blankets as a Basic

Receiving blankets are a versatile baby item that has many potential uses. For spring, a receiving blanket can be used to cover your little one’s car seat during transport. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this is a much safer option than dressing your newborn in bulky clothing, which can make it difficult to keep the car seat harness tight.

A receiving blanket can also be used as added warmth and protection against the elements on outdoor strolls. Simply place the blanket on baby and remove it when the temperatures start heating up.

Warm Their Little Legs

Baby bodysuits are a must-have essential in every baby’s wardrobe, but they don’t cover your baby’s tiny legs. The solution? A cute pair of leggings or pants, of course. For added warmth and style, slip a pair of solid-color pants over a bodysuit with a playful design (think: flowers and cheerful colors). Baby leg warmers are another option worth considering. Consider adding a pair of baby socks to their ensemble to keep their tiny toes warm.

Consider the Right Materials

Fabrics play an important role in keeping kids comfortable. Switch their sleepwear from fleece options to cotton materials and look for dresses, shorts and tees made from lightweight materials like gauze. This will help keep kids cool during the day and at night.

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4 essential spring lawn care tasks

2022-03-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – With spring on our doorstep, many homeowners are looking forward to spending time in their yards — but not before doing some spring cleanup. In a recent survey by TruGreen*, at least one-quarter of 2,000 survey respondents plan to start spring cleanup in March; April is the second-most popular month. In addition, a number of outdoor tasks are at the top of homeowners’ to-do lists this year, including: mowing the lawn (46%); raking leaves (43%); pruning bushes (40%); gardening and planting trees/shrubs (39%); pest control (39%); and weeding (37%).

Although spring cleanup can seem daunting — with 68% of respondents agreeing that their spring cleanup always feels overwhelming — TruGreen, the nation’s leading lawn care provider, breaks down the list of top tasks to help you take it one step at a time. You may even be surprised by how quickly your lawn springs to life.

Clean up debris

Use a rake to remove dead leaves, sticks, twigs and matted grass. If left on the ground, this layer of plant detritus can smother your lawn, leaving dead patches in your yard. Clearing this debris also makes way for lawn treatments, if necessary, to further improve your outdoor space.

Pro Tip: To protect your lawn from damage, rake when the ground is not soft, wet or muddy.

Beat the weeds

Weeds can be a huge nuisance for homeowners, and it’s important to fight these off early.

“Although keeping weeds at bay can be an ongoing chore, partnering with a lawn care specialist, such as TruGreen, can help alleviate this burden,” says Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “Get an expert assessment of your weed problem and develop a tailored treatment plan early to help you achieve a weed-free yard.”

Pro Tip: Get a jump on weeds early to prevent them from becoming stubborn problems in the future.

Cut the grass

After a long, dormant winter, your lawn deserves a new spring cut, so tune up that mower and get ready to manicure your blades of glory. Wait until grass is about three inches long and the ground isn’t soft. Most grass should be kept at least two inches tall — as longer, thicker turf helps combat weeds and conserve water in the soil. Plus, grass that is cut too short lets in more sunlight, which can give room for weeds to seize the day and germinate.

Pro Tip: Avoid cutting the lawn too short in dry weather. The grass tends to develop shallow roots, making the lawn susceptible to drought stress.

“Our survey found that 62% of homeowners will hire a professional to complete their outdoor spring cleanup,” said Feldman. “Not only will this help complete all your tasks, but it can ensure a healthy lawn this spring — and beyond — by implementing optimal treatments from the start.”

Hydrate your lawn

No matter where you are in the country, lawns need water. Nearly 48% of survey respondents say they plan to update their landscaping, so it’s important to water early and consistently. Natural watering will come from rainfall. During hotter, drier months, however, you’ll likely need to supplement nature’s bounty with your garden hose. Water before 10 a.m. when it’s still cool. Winds also tend to be calmer earlier in the day, so water soaks into the soil for grass roots to absorb before it evaporates. Aim for about an inch of water per week.

Pro Tip: Measure an inch of water by spreading a few empty tuna cans across your lawn as you water. When they’re full, you’ve watered an inch.

Survey responses show that 72% of homeowners agreed their spring cleanup plays a role in improving their overall well-being. Your investment of time and energy will be well worth the output.

Still have questions about checking off your lawn checklist this spring? Could you use an extra set of hands? Consult a lawn care professional to efficiently and effectively tidy up. With their Healthy Lawn Guarantee, TruGreen will gladly visit your property as often as needed between scheduled visits to make adjustments and ensure your satisfaction.

*Survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of lawn care company TruGreen polling 2,000 American homeowners with an outdoor space to analyze their spring-cleaning habits.

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In honor of Earth Day, make sure you’re disposing of medications properly

2022-03-17T11:37:00

(BPT) – Did you know that in 2019 up to 200 pharmaceuticals were detected in the surface water, ground water and drinking water in the U.S., according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development? Unfortunately, conventional wastewater treatment plants are not designed nor equipped to fully remove pharmaceuticals, which is how these substances end up in ground and surface water. To celebrate Earth Day this year, learn what you can do to dispose of medications properly and help prevent these potent chemicals from polluting the environment.

While 61% of Americans are concerned about flushed painkillers polluting drinking water and public waterways, 1 out of 4 admit to flushing leftover prescriptions down the drain, and another 25% reported throwing unused medications in the trash, according to a study by Stericycle. If you are concerned about the environment, you can be part of the solution by taking advantage of new ways to safely dispose of unused medications.

Here are practical do’s and don’ts to follow when discarding old medications or other household drugs:

DO: Regularly clean out your medicine cabinet. Are there unused medications you no longer need? Expired over-the-counter medications or prescriptions? Make it a habit to regularly inventory your medications and remove expired, unwanted and unneeded ones for disposal.

DON’T: Hold on to prescriptions you are no longer advised to take by your doctor. The Stericycle study found that Americans keep unused prescriptions either for future use (30%), because they fear their illness reoccurring (32%) or because they don’t know how to dispose of them (nearly 15%). However, keeping unused medications in your home can be unsafe and increases risks for accidental ingestion or potential substance misuse.

DO: Use one of these safe disposal methods for discarding unused medications in your home:

  • Use the Deterra® Drug Deactivation and Disposal System, a safe medication disposal pouch that can be used at home. It is the safest, most effective choice used to destroy and properly dispose of unused, unwanted and expired over-the-counter and prescription medications. Deterra permanently deactivates drugs in many forms including pills, patches, liquids, films and creams — with the simple addition of tap water. Easily available on Amazon, and in their online store, Deterra’s proprietary activated carbon renders drugs inert and harmless, and its plant-based packaging and non-toxic ingredients prevent harmful chemicals from entering landfills and water supplies.
  • Find a drug take-back program in your community. These collection sites or drop boxes may be located at a nearby hospital, clinic pharmacy or law enforcement agency. Sometimes you may also find pop-up drug collection events being held throughout the year. Be sure to ask what types of medications the program will accept, as some will not take liquids.

DON’T: Flush medications down the toilet, put them down the drain or throw them in the trash. While some sources may advise flushing pills or mixing meds with coffee grounds or kitty litter to make them unappealing to potential poachers, these methods do not render active chemicals inert and allow harmful ingredients to make their way into the water and soil after being discarded.

“It’s up to all of us — hospitals, clinics, families and individuals to ensure that we’re preventing medications from polluting our environment,” said Nancy Devine, chief operating officer at Verde Environmental Technologies, Inc. “The good news is, it’s not hard to do the right thing to keep hazardous substances from harming the planet.”

For more information about how to dispose of household medications and prescription drugs safely, visit DeterraSystem.com.

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Diaper Mishap? Here’s Some Relief

2022-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – From diaper malfunctions to mud puddle pile-ups, day-to-day parenting can get messy, but there’s one milestone parents will never forget, their first diaper blowout — the ultimate parenting rite of passage.

Carter’s, the most trusted brand of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, understands these parenting milestones and the emotions that come along with it, whether funny or frustrating. That’s why Carter’s has introduced “Blowout Insurance,” the first-ever parent protection plan for diaper mishaps.

“As a father, I have experienced my fair share of diaper failures, but over the years, I’ve learned that the best way to get through it is to laugh it off,” said Jeff Jenkins, executive vice president of global marketing at Carter’s. “Carter’s understands parents more than anyone and diaper blowouts are one of the most common parenting milestones. With Blowout Insurance, we hope to soften the blow and offer our customers an easy and rewarding way to replace their baby’s soiled clothes.”

To make these stinky situations more manageable, parents can follow a simple step-by-step process and submit claims via Carters.com/blowoutinsurance in exchange for gift cards to use toward refreshing your little one’s wardrobe this spring and making up for those once sweet, now soiled outfits.

Think you deserve to be rewarded? Simply follow the below steps:

  • Step one: Head to www.carters.com/blowoutinsurance to submit your “claim”
  • Step two: Next, fill the fields and describe your messy moment
  • Step three: Carter’s “Oops adjusters” will process your “claim” and grant $10 gift cards via email

From March 16 and through April 9, the first 2,000 families to submit their Blowout Insurance “claims” will receive a $10 Carter’s gift card to use toward future purchases. While diaper blowouts may stink, Carter’s Blowout Insurance gives parents a dash of humor and rewards when faced with this messy milestone.

For more information on Carter’s Blowout Insurance, visit carters.com/blowoutinsurance. While there, check out the brand’s signature adorable baby apparel and accessories, all at an incredible value.

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Simple DIY Projects for New Homeowners that Won’t Break the Bank

2022-03-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – The housing market is hot and doesn’t seem to be cooling down anytime soon. While a new home can feel like an exciting blank slate, new homeowners often find themselves left with more projects on their to-do list than anticipated, and the costs associated with those projects can add up fast.

Tackling new home improvement projects yourself doesn’t have to be a daunting, labor-intensive endeavor. In fact, with a few basic tools, like an Arrow Fastener staple gun, seemingly complicated DIY projects can be accomplished with ease.

Here are a few simple projects to help make your new house feel like home.

DIY stair runner – Stair runners are an unsung hero of home décor — they can quiet down creaky steps, prevent slips and falls, and, of course, add a fun design element to your space. Once you’ve picked out the perfect carpet, use an Arrow Fastener PT50 pneumatic staple gun to keep it in place. Follow along the step-by-step tutorial by carpenter and DIY extraordinaire Jen Woodhouse.

DIY loose carpet repair – Add pulling loose carpet to your “less-than-fun repairs to make in your new home” list, and then check it off! Complete this simple project with the Arrow Fastener T50 staple gun and PT18G pneumatic brad nailer. See for yourself how easy it is!

DIY spice drawer organizer – Spice up your kitchen organization with this easy DIY project! Say goodbye to the days of rummaging through all your spices before finding the one you’re looking for. Using the Arrow Fastener T50AC staple gun and nailer, some plywood, and a couple woodworking clamps (we love Pony Jorgensen!), you can make a quick and easy drawer insert that will hold everything, from allspice to zaatar. Get started with a step-by-step tutorial from Amanda at Love Renovations.

DIY kitchen backsplash – Who doesn’t love a good kitchen before and after? This DIY kitchen backsplash uses waterproof teak wood panels to elevate your space while adding value to your home. Using the Arrow Fastener PT23G pneumatic pin nailer and a Goldblatt steel notched trowel, this upgrade is easy enough for homeowners of any skill level to complete.

Don’t stop your new home renovations here! Check out more easy-to-tackle projects at arrowfastener.com/projects, or follow them on Instagram at @arrowfastener.

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Refresh your outdoor space with these 5 tips

2022-03-16T10:06:07

(BPT) – Over the last few years, you’ve likely spent more time at home than ever before. As a result, you’re more conscious of how you use your space and how design can impact your comfort and ease. To give you a bit more variety beyond your home’s walls, consider redesigning your outdoor spaces to create a haven for recreation and relaxation. Best of all, outdoor spaces add value to your home if you plan to sell.

If you need ideas on how to revamp your outdoor spaces, consider these top five outdoor design trends. Get inspired and create your own outdoor oasis.

1. Functionality

Homeowners are prioritizing day-to-day use of their outdoor spaces instead of entertaining, driving a need for functionality. Practical elements like lighting and audio technology can elevate the outdoor space. Other features like shade structures, privacy walls and screens, built-in barbecue grills and Wi-Fi allow you to use the space for working, relaxing, cooking and more.

2. Defined rooms

Whether it’s an outdoor kitchen, office or living room, homeowners are leaning toward more efficient, defined outdoor spaces. Homeowners want to use outdoor living on a day-to-day basis to unwind, connect with nature and take advantage of the health and well-being benefits the outdoors provide. Having an outdoor office can increase your productivity while decreasing stress as you enjoy the greenery and fresh air. Adding an outdoor kitchen may inspire you to make dishes using herbs and veggies you’ve grown in your garden, and an outdoor living room can help you bring the family together at the end of the school and workday.

3. Monochromatic colors with accents

While lighter, tone-on-tone color palettes remain popular, accent colors and accessories are on the rise. Using cool, monochromatic tones with choice accent colors can create a brighter or contrasting outdoor living space. Jetset, Belgard’s 2022 Color of the Year, is a true blue that is the perfect pop of color to enhance any color palette. “Jetset is a much-needed dose of liveliness and joy,” said Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard. “It represents the excitement of a new year and the readiness to do more, be more and live more.”

4. Modular design and geometric patterns

Another popular trend is modular, geometric standard patterns composed of clean lines and simple formats. Simple patterns create a modern, uncluttered aesthetic that emphasizes furniture or other focal points in the space. Large format patterns and pavers also lend themselves to this style, allowing for more efficient installation.

5. Entangled design

As people blend their outdoor spaces to serve as extensions of their homes, many are focusing on entangled design, which combines the surrounding landscape with the hardscape design. Fractured edges with no defined break, natural stone transitions and irregular edges blended with boulders, grass and aggregate create a more natural, organic look that enhances design continuity. To increase the depth of greens, grays and other neutral tones associated with entangled, biophilic design, consider using Jetset as the accent color for your outdoor spaces.

Feeling inspired but don’t know where to start? For more inspiration and a templated approach to design outdoor spaces that fit your needs and style, visit Belgard.com/Rooms.

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The first step businesses should take to protect their consumers, networks and financial accounts

2022-03-15T12:01:00

(BPT) – The threat of cyberattacks has never been a higher priority for businesses. According to DarkReading.com, cyberattack attempts had already reached an all-time high during the fourth quarter of 2021, but these threats show no signs of slowing down. Malware attacks, phishing emails, account breaches and account takeovers are on the rise in the financial world, so having a secure but user-friendly authentication process for consumers is no longer nice to have, but a necessity. Banks and other financial institutions are investing heavily in authentication solutions to help keep customers safe. Spending over $1 billion a year (representing approximately 30% of their total security budget), banks are leading investors in these types of technologies.

But banks and corporations are no longer the only target. Increasingly, small-to-mid-size businesses are also at risk. All companies, regardless of size, should enhance security protocols to prevent breaches before they occur.

Boosting authentication protocols

The first step in securing financial accounts is authentication — making sure each person accessing their account (or the network) is who they claim to be. While usernames and passwords are popular and convenient methods for accessing bank accounts and other financial apps, they are not the safest ways to protect customer information. What’s more, if you use only one factor of authentication without including additional security methods, you’re putting your financial details — and that company’s network — at risk.

Cybercriminals are always seemingly one step ahead. If a fraudster is ever able to get a hold of your username or password, it can have lasting consequences on your financial future. The solution is requiring more than one means to verify your identity.

Multi-Factor Authentication 101

What are the best ways to protect your financial information? Identity and security experts at TeleSign, global leader in digital identity and fraud prevention, recommend applying what is called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to help ensure your accounts are truly safe. MFA is a combination of multiple factors to prove that the one accessing the account is the owner of that account.

The easiest way to improve the security of your online accounts is to set up a second factor of authentication, also known as 2FA. It works like this: When you log into your account, an SMS One Time Password (OTP) is sent to your mobile phone. You enter this code in the login process, which shows that you have both the username and password, and possession of a phone that was registered to the account. That way, if your username and password is compromised, no one can access your account unless they have physical possession and access to your mobile phone.

This type of security is better than using a knowledge-based challenge like a password or your dog’s name, because both can be easily compromised. So much personal information is floating around the internet in today’s digital world, which unfortunately makes life easier for would-be hackers. For example, if you share your dog’s name on social media and then use that name to verify your bank account, it might create an opportunity for fraudsters to access your account. Simply stated, adopting 2FA is still the easiest way for you to protect your financial accounts.

Behind the scenes, financial companies are increasingly adopting digital identity checks that can quickly validate signals about your identity as well. These include how you last logged in, the device that is receiving the SMS code, or the IP address that is logging in. These “silent” factors help protect you as well to signal when something has changed and where access should be restricted or challenged to protect your information and accounts.

Worth the effort

Providing extra steps in the process of accessing accounts can be cumbersome but protecting your personal information in your bank account and other financial apps is critical to ensuring that your assets remain safe. Unfortunately, all types of accounts are potentially at risk for fraudulent activities, including buy-now-pay-later apps, investing platforms, insurance, and mortgage companies plus tax filing programs. While MFA security methods may seem time-consuming or inconvenient, taking those few extra minutes will help keep your most precious information secure, at the same time making business safer for everyone.

Companies need to strengthen their defenses

TeleSign’s technology uses complete in-depth data analysis to identify and prevent possible breaches, helping businesses set up and prepare fraud prevention solutions to create a frictionless, end-to-end customer journey. TeleSign’s solutions are trusted by some of the world’s largest platforms.

To learn how businesses can protect their networks and customers from fraud, cyberattacks and identity theft, visit TeleSign.com.

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5 female entrepreneurs share their tips for small business success

2022-03-15T13:33:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

According to a report commissioned by American Express in 2019, there are approximately 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. One key element to these entrepreneurial accomplishments is having a mentor, according to a recent survey* of 1,013 female small business owners, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Office Depot. The survey also found that 3 out of 4 women entrepreneurs (75%) credited their mentor with the success of their business. And many, especially women of color, understand their importance as role models, with 39% of the women of color surveyed expressing interest in “inspiring other women” with their business. Eighty-two percent of these women also said they wanted their success to show others it is possible to overcome stigmas and social imbalances in order to be a successful business owner.

Another crucial component to success is having access to funding and other vital resources. Survey respondents cited lacking funds (47%) as one of the toughest hurdles to overcome, along with trying to maintain a work-life balance (38%). Especially for women of color, over half (53%) said there weren’t enough resources available to them along their journey.

Fortunately, helping businesses start, manage and grow is at the heart of Office Depot’s mission. In addition to offering cash grants and educational opportunities to diverse small business owners through the Elevate Together™ powered by Round It Up America® initiative, they are also partnering with Brit + Co to present Selfmade — a 10-week online course designed to enable women to start and grow their own business. Three sessions are scheduled for spring, summer and fall, hosted by Brit + Co co-founder Brit Morin, with dozens of other female founders, experts and investors enlisted to teach the curriculum with topics on social media, branding, fundraising and more. Office Depot is sponsoring 200 scholarships per session in 2022, focusing on women of color, women from underrepresented communities and women in need of support to help them trailblaze.

Here are five tips to consider when starting a business from recent Selfmade alums:

1. Be willing to adapt to change

“Sometimes you need to pivot from your original direction and use your creative energy to stay the course or find another path,” says Maisa Mumtaz-Cassidy, founder of the sustainable fashion marketplace, Consciously.

Being resilient and adaptable is crucial as a business owner, as you never know what could come your way. Overall, women entrepreneurs exemplify this quality: Of the 417 survey respondents who started a business just in the past two years, 61% said the pandemic played a big factor in their decision. In other words, they were able to make the most of challenging times by turning adversity into positive action.

2. Set micro-goals

“It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the never-ending lists of to-dos, so I try to break them down into micro-goals and ensure that my days are set up to work toward achieving them,” observes Jill Apgar, founder of Coco Beans. Apgar began her business by designing a set of silk crib sheets with her daughter’s hair and skin in mind.

3. Listen to your customers

Wanting a cleaner beauty routine after giving birth to her child, pharmacist Lily Rostami of Dr. Lily Ros Organics made her own products and shared them with friends. What served as a personal need turned out to help others, too.

“I turned homemade beauty formulas into a thriving business by listening to customer feedback,” Rostami notes.

4. Market your brand

“Be consistent with social media posting and constantly create fresh content,” says Sigal Cohen, the creative force behind Shop Sigal, an ethically crafted resort wear line. “Constantly create fresh content, telling the story of the brand over and over again.”

5. Network

Founder of MiniAlps Diane Le designed a blanket/backpack combo for her family hikes and picnics, but after testing the concept found it had broader appeal. Not sure where to start the manufacturing process, she asked for help and learned through Selfmade that networking gets you everywhere.

“Networking has been the best strategy for us. Whenever we run into a challenge, we’ve reached out to our networks to ask, ‘Does anyone know someone who knows XYZ?’ and we’ve met many amazing people that way,” says Le. “I’m a big proponent in paying it forward as well. If there’s some help someone is looking for, I’m happy to share any information or potential leads with them.”

For more Selfmade success stories and advice, visit OfficeDepot.com/SelfmadeStories.

*Survey methodology:

This random double-opt-in survey of 1,013 female small business owners (including 505 who identified as White or Caucasian and 508 who identified as Asian or Pacific Islander, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Alaskan Native or other) was commissioned by Office Depot between February 3 and February 7, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

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Spring cleaning for your health: Are you at risk for pneumococcal pneumonia?

2022-03-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather changes and seasons transition, you’ve probably already started spring cleaning or it’s on your to-do list. But what are some of your health and wellness goals as you spring into 2022?

For example, you could:

  • Start or increase your exercise, such as yoga
  • Make mindfulness a part of your daily routine
  • Try eating more fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Connect with friends and family, even if it’s virtual
  • Make sure you are up to date on pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination, if you are an adult 19 or older at increased risk for the disease

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike in any season, but you can help protect yourself by getting vaccinated against it any time of year. Check it off your spring to-do list by asking your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination today.

What is pneumococcal pneumonia?

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks. In severe cases, it can put you in the hospital and even be life-threatening.

Who is at risk?

The risk for pneumococcal pneumonia increases for adults 19 or older with certain chronic health conditions, including COPD, asthma, diabetes and chronic heart disease, among others. People aged 65 or older are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, even if they’re generally healthy, because the immune system weakens with age.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

With the seasons changing, it’s time to spring into action and help protect yourself against pneumococcal pneumonia. You can get the disease any time of year, so don’t wait to talk to a doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal vaccination. To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com.

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How you can help find a cure for Parkinson’s

2022-03-15T06:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know, whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can make a difference in the future of brain health? Michael J. Fox, award-winning actor, author and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), who himself has lived with the disease since 1991 at age 29, has issued a call to action — seeking 100,000 individuals both with and without Parkinson’s to participate in the expansion of an unprecedented scientific study.

The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), first launched by MJFF in 2010, aims to rewrite the future of Parkinson’s disease, and brain health in general. And the more people who take part in the study, the better: More data gathered from over 100,000 volunteers globally will help improve researchers’ ability to predict who’s at risk for Parkinson’s, who gets the disease, who doesn’t and why. This seismic expansion of the study will accelerate the kind of breakthroughs that can lead to a cure — and you can be part of it.

The growing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease

Today there are an estimated six million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease, including one million in the U.S., and that number is expected to double by 2040. If you know anyone who has Parkinson’s, or other brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, you may be aware how devastating the effects can be.

While monetary donations toward MJFF’s aggressively funded and highly targeted research programs are always appreciated, donating your time to this study — regardless of whether you have a connection to Parkinson’s — has the potential to more directly contribute to the “holy grail” of medical research: developing a cure.

PPMI: The study that could change everything scientists know about brain disease

So far, PPMI scientists have studied the test results and brain scans of 1,400 people with and without Parkinson’s disease at more than 50 clinical sites across 12 countries to discover patterns related to the development of the disease. Study participants have contributed so much data already — from online questionnaires, clinical exams, to wearable tools — that if the PPMI data were printed, it would reach to the moon and back (over 225,000 miles!).

“The large-scale expansion of PPMI promises to change our understanding of Parkinson’s and enable the development of new therapeutics,” said PPMI’s principal investigator Ken Marek, MD, scientific advisor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation and president and senior scientist of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders. “PPMI data will provide researchers tools to uncover key biological and clinical changes that occur both once Parkinson’s disease has begun, and more importantly even before symptoms arise, with the ultimate goal of disease prevention.”

Who can participate?

Anyone over age 18 in the U.S. can participate through the study’s online platform, and some volunteers will be invited to enroll in person at a site near them. The valuable data collected online (with multiple measures in place to safeguard your data and keep your identity private) will complement the rich data and biological samples contributed at in-clinic visits.

While anyone can participate, researchers are looking for volunteers who:

  • Have a close family member with Parkinson’s (parents, brother or sister, or child with Parkinson’s) and are over age 60
  • Act out your dreams while asleep
  • Have a known genetic mutation linked to Parkinson’s disease (especially in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent)
  • Are a veteran
  • Are a man over 60 years old — men are especially needed to join PPMI, as historically Parkinson’s skews more male

Even if you have no known history of brain disease, you can still contribute by participating as a control volunteer.

Your participation will make a difference

With your help, PPMI has the power to bring the research field one step closer to finding a cure, living out the vision Michael J. Fox hoped for when starting the Michael J. Fox Foundation: a future without Parkinson’s disease.

“When the Foundation started in 2000, we set out to change the game on how Parkinson’s research gets done,” said Michael J. Fox. “Two decades later, I’m proud that we have continued to meet this challenge and have become more than just a research organization, but a space where patients bring their wisdom and energy. PPMI’s expansion is about getting this done, curing Parkinson’s, boiling down to a biomarker that we can identify early on and prevent the disease from ever impacting another family.”

Find out how you can get involved in helping researchers develop a cure for Parkinson’s disease by visiting PPMIOnline.org.