Month: March 2022

2022-03-11T11:59:00

(BPT) – By Nev Schulman in partnership with Zelle^®

With technology and mobile apps, consumers can virtually do anything from managing finances, health and schedules to dating. However, scammers now have more opportunities to tap into these virtual places, take our information and, worse, our money.

So how do you protect yourselves from this? You may be thinking it’s obvious to spot a scam. For example, you probably know by now that no one wants to speak to us about our car’s extended warranty. However, a recent Zelle^® survey found that 53% of people have been more confident and aware of scams since the beginning of the pandemic, but this leaves a large portion that could still use help.

What if someone pretends to be a trustworthy source, and they call and text you in a way that looks and sounds legit? This uncertainty becomes more prevalent with more sophisticated scams. According to the FTC, consumers lost $547 million to scams in 2021. Many of these scams pretend to be from an organization you know like your bank. Here are some of the tactics scammers use and how you can protect yourself.

1. You get a text pretending to notice odd activity: A text pops up in your phone from your bank saying, “FRAUD ALERT Your account has been suspended due to fraudulent activity. Please login through this secure link and verify your account (LINK)”. Pause, this is not right.

What you need to know: Your bank would never ask you to click on an external link and provide a pin. Therefore, do not click the link — go directly into your mobile banking account or call the bank immediately to confirm.

2. Following the text, the scammer calls you pretending to be your bank while trying to disorient you further. The first instinct is to give them all the information. They texted and followed up with a call, so it seems legit. Take a breath — there is no reason to rush no matter how dire the situation seems.

What you need to know: Your bank will never call you and then ask you for your one-time verification code, PIN, password or other personal identification details. They do this only when you call them. If something feels strange, hang up immediately and call the phone number on the back of your credit or debit card.

3. On the phone or text, scammers create a sense of urgency for you to pay them, threatening to lock or close your account.

What you need to know: This scenario will never happen over one message or for a specific time. Anytime any “organization” is telling you they need payment immediately it’s a red flag. No one will pressure you to pay immediately.

While scammers are becoming more sophisticated, one rule of thumb always rings true — if it feels fishy or something feels off, it probably is. Listen to your instincts to save you from so much financial heartache.

For more tips on how to prevent scams, visit Zelle^® Pay it Safe website or follow me on TikTok, Instagram or Twitter.

Zelle^® and the Zelle^® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

2022-03-11T15:09:18

(BPT) – Your pets are part of your family, and you would do just about anything for them. From the tail wags and face licks to the head bumps and purr fests, your pets show their unconditional love in many ways, every single day. If you’re looking for ways to reciprocate, consider the following tips for things you can do to show your pet some extra love.

1. Have a “yes day” with your pet

When was the last time you devoted time to solely focusing on your pet and doing the activities you know they love to do? The truth is, your beloved pets love nothing more than hanging out with you — so why not make a whole day of it?

Start by making a list of all the activities your pet enjoys or saying ‘yes’ to your pet’s cues to see where the day takes you. One more treat after a walk through the park? Yes! One more minute of scratches behind the ear? Yes! Whatever you end up doing, know that any time spent with your pet is time they’ll love.

2. Feed them nutritious, delicious food

One simple, yet important, way to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy is by feeding them nutritious and tasty food and treats. Choosing food that uses all-natural ingredients will not only help maintain their well-being, but your four-legged family member will love it.

While finding pet-food products with organic fruits and vegetables and sustainably sourced ingredients may seem like a daunting task, raw pet food leader Stella & Chewy’s has a variety of products to keep your pet happy and healthy. For cats, consider Raw Coated Chicken and for dogs, check out the Red Meat With Grain Raw Blend — or find your own favorite by visiting StellaAndChewys.com to learn more.

3. Find a great new toy

Animals need the occasional stimulation of a new toy or game, and they love playing with you. Try a new interactive toy or activity that can keep you both entertained for hours. When playtime is done, put the toy away so it’s still fresh the next time you bring it out for a play session.

4. Take some PTO for your P-E-T

Between family and busy work schedules, you may be wondering how to carve out dedicated time for your pets. Why not take a day off work for exactly that?

“At our company, we make sure everyone has an extra day off to spend dedicated time with their pets,” said Marc Hill, CEO of Stella & Chewy’s. “Just as you might take a day off to celebrate a loved one’s birthday or anniversary, our pets are also our family, and we believe our employees — and their pets — deserve an additional day off to bask in the raw, unadulterated love we share with each other.”

With more than two-thirds of pet parents agreeing that it’s important for family vacations to be pet-friendly, consider taking that extra day off to embark on a road trip with your pet. Visit friends, head to a dog-friendly beach or go sightseeing at a national or state park. Whatever you do with your time off, your pet will appreciate the extra day hanging out with their favorite person — you!

5. Teach your pet a new trick

Most dogs — and even some cats — enjoy the challenge of learning something new.

Use their favorite treats to teach simple tricks at home like:

• “Paw” — Get your dog in a sitting position and show them you have a treat. Hold the treat in your hand close to your dog’s face and under their chin. Most dogs will try to paw at your hand to get to the treat. If your dog does this and touches your hand, give them the treat and praise.
• “Roll Over” — Sit in front of your cat with a treat 2-3 inches away from their nose. If you want your cat to roll to your right/their left, slowly arc the treat on a slight incline toward their right ear. For the left side, do the opposite, and reward with a tasty treat when the trick is completed.

2022-03-10T23:01:00

(BPT) – If you were to meet someone who works full-time as a dentist, spends the rest of her time with her husband and two young children and appears to be in good health, there would be no indication that just 10 years earlier she had been diagnosed with active tuberculosis (TB). When a Baltimore resident with Crohn’s disease was experiencing symptoms including high fever and chills, she assumed she was having a flareup. However, after receiving a chest X-ray at her primary care physician’s office, the results revealed a new diagnosis.

What ensued directly after receiving her TB diagnosis is a memory that Susan (patient’s name has been changed to protect her privacy) does not reflect on fondly. Due to the highly infectious nature of the disease, the hospital staff quickly masked up in N95s and immediately isolated her for two days while they determined the details of her condition. This experience instilled a sense of fear in Susan as she worried about the possibility of infecting others, such as her loved ones at home or her peers at her dental school.

About tuberculosis (TB)

Traditionally the most infectious disease in the world until COVID-19 came to the forefront in 2020, TB is an airborne, highly contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB typically affects the lungs, but it can also cause disease in any part of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, brain, organs and eyes. Often, an individual’s body can harbor Mycobacterium tuberculosis without becoming sick, known as latent TB, when the bacterium in the body is inactive, causes no symptoms and is not contagious. Latent TB can persist for weeks, months or years before developing into active contagious disease. The symptoms of active TB include chronic cough, fever, chest pain, unexplained weight loss and, if severe, night sweats and even coughing up blood.

Most people with latent TB never develop active TB, but in some cases, especially in patients with weakened immune systems, the disease can reactivate. This was the case with Susan, who was initially diagnosed with latent TB when she moved to the United States and was screened upon arrival. Since latent TB is treatable, she received therapy for six months to avoid developing active disease. However, the immunosuppression caused by her Crohn’s disease eventually triggered the disease to become active.

Working toward recovery

After the health department was put in touch with Susan to monitor her medication intake and ensure her recovery process was on track, she was eventually introduced to Dr. S. Sonia Qasba M.D., MPH, an infectious disease specialist, who worked with her to create an appropriate treatment regimen based on her unique condition. Due to her Crohn’s disease, Susan was at a higher risk for hepatitis, and her treatment plan had to be changed at one point because she continued to feel very ill.

While receiving treatment and working toward recovery, Susan was completing her first year of dental school and studying for her first set of dental board exams. “I remember feeling overwhelmed by attempting to balance my therapy with my academic and professional life. Thanks to the support of my family and feeling comfortable enough to openly communicate with my doctor, I was eventually able to recover after about nine months of treatment and successfully passed my exams.”

Preventing tuberculosis

According to the World Health Organization, every year 10 million people fall ill with TB. Despite being a preventable and curable illness, 1.5 million people die from TB each year, making it, until the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s top infectious disease killer. And about one-quarter of the world’s entire population is estimated to be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Qasba believes that greater awareness around TB and TB testing is key to eradicating the disease by treating latent TB cases before they become active. While the traditional 100-year-old skin test can often lead to misinterpreted results and require patients to come to their doctor’s office multiple times, Qasba instead recommends using QuantiFERON TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus). Equipped with advanced technology that yields more accurate results, QFT-Plus is both a more reliable and easier option, as it only requires a single patient visit.

If a patient tests positive for latent TB, Qasba recommends receiving therapy after being diagnosed. “Since there is always the possibility of reactivation of the disease later in life, it’s important to closely monitor your health and communicate with your doctor often and thoroughly regarding any concerning symptoms or changes that might be occurring,” suggests Qasba. She also notes that many people might assume that if they received the TB vaccine early in life, they maintain immunity. However, the vaccine simply prevents dissemination of TB for young children.

That is why it is critical for people at increased risk, such as those with compromised immune systems from diseases like HIV or taking immunosuppressant medications like Susan did, be tested for TB with QFT-Plus before it becomes active, allowing treatment to be administered while in its latent phase.

To learn more about latent and active tuberculosis, as well as testing options, visit https://www.quantiferon.com/us/products/quantiferon-tb-gold-plus-us/patient-resources/.

2022-03-10T19:25:47

(BPT) – An estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S. have chronic liver disease (CLD). In 2019, CLD and Cirrhosis were a bigger driver of mortality than stroke or diabetes in adults 25-54 years old. And chronic liver disease is on the rise. Mortality from chronic liver disease associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is projected to nearly triple by 2030.

CLD and cirrhosis is a growing problem in the United States that may lead to increases in mortality and other negative outcomes for patients who have it. Patients and their health care providers need to be aware of common signs and symptoms and test for the disease as appropriate.

While CLD and cirrhosis may be fairly common, the complications of cirrhosis, including hepatic encephalopathy (HE), may not be well understood.

Here are some facts you should know about chronic liver disease, and symptoms to be aware of.

What is liver disease?

While many people may identify alcoholism as the only cause of liver disease, few are aware that there are other causes that can affect liver health. CLD can lead to liver damage, liver scarring or even liver failure. Living with chronic liver disease for a long time can lead to cirrhosis, a severe form of liver disease, in which scar tissue replaces healthy tissue. As cirrhosis worsens, the liver has less healthy tissue to perform its function.

Why do we need our livers?

A healthy liver is needed to help your body process food and nutrients into energy, and to clean the blood by removing harmful toxins. When cirrhosis worsens the liver can no longer remove toxins from the blood like a healthy liver can, symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) may develop.

What are symptoms of HE?

The buildup of toxins in the blood that causes HE can reduce brain function. While a diagnosis of HE can be devastating, it is possible for patients to manage HE with their health care provider.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, CLD and cirrhosis are on the rise, and up to 80% of those with cirrhosis may develop some form of HE.

Hepatic Encephalopathy can be difficult to diagnose.

For those who have developed HE, diagnosis can be difficult, as many of the symptoms may present as other illnesses or conditions. HE can present itself physically and mentally, often starting out slowly — and at times might even go unnoticed by patients as well as families and friends. Symptoms may vary for each person, but can include:

• Mental symptoms: Forgetfulness, confusion, poor judgment, not knowing where you are or where you are going or personality changes.
• Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep pattern, tremors or shaking of hands or arms, slowed or sluggish movement, slurred speech and changes in breath odor. In the most severe form of HE, people can become unconscious and enter a coma.

The mental symptoms in particular may be mistaken for other conditions, leading to a delay in correct diagnosis. Early detection and diagnosis of HE can help patients to receive care sooner.

To learn more about chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, visit www.UnderstandingHE.com.

2022-03-10T19:35:35

(BPT) – Being mindful of your personal impact can save money, reduce your carbon footprint and inspire others to adopt sustainable habits in their daily routines. Whether it’s purchasing gifts from responsible brands, building backyard biodiversity or making eco-friendly swaps around the house and at the table, individual action can make a big difference. Here are a few ways to get started.

1) Boost biodiversity

Biodiversity makes the planet more resilient and helps fight climate change. Winter is a great time of year to set up nest boxes, put out bird feed and plan what you’ll be planting in the spring — whether it’s a few pots on your balcony or a backyard pollinator garden.

Pairing: Bonterra 2020 Sauvignon Blanc, California – Bonterra takes biodiversity and climate change seriously: they are the world’s first organically farmed, Climate Neutral Certified wine, and support biodiversity through cover cropping and incorporating animals in the vineyard. For a lively winter white, try this crisp Sauvignon Blanc that offers aromas of grapefruit on the nose and mango and passionfruit on the palate.

2) Try a plant-based menu

Conventional animal agriculture is associated with higher greenhouse gas emissions, so eating a plant-based diet can help reduce your personal impact on climate change. Rather than be relegated to side dish status, fruits and veggies are starting to take center stage for more meals. If leafy greens aren’t exactly your style, try “meatier” swap-ins such as savory mushrooms, vegan cheese and plant-based meat.

Pairing: Trivento 2020 Reserve Malbec, Mendoza – Perfect for a meat-free meal, Trivento wines are certified vegan. Imported by Fetzer Vineyards, this Argentine winery also powers a portion of its operations with an array of more than 900 solar panels. Rich flavors of plum and raspberry are accented with a hint of vanilla in this classic Malbec selection from Argentina.

3) Get creative with zero-waste styling

To eliminate waste and lighten your personal footprint, “reduce, reuse, recycle.” This could include upcycling scrap paper from greeting cards or magazines for custom gift wrapping, DIYing your table decorations, and buying the “ugly” produce at the grocery store (especially if you’re going to chop it up anyway!). Every little bit helps, and it’s an ideal time of year for getting creative.

Pairing: Fetzer 2020 Chardonnay, California – Fetzer is a B Corp and certified TRUE zero waste, and reduces water and energy usage through innovation at the winery. Fetzer recently lightweighted its Chardonnay bottles through improved design, meaning fewer emissions are created when bottles are made and shipped. Ripe flavors of pear and apple lead to notes of pineapple and honeydew in this bright Chardonnay.

4) Pay it forward

What goes around comes around — and this adage comes to life through conscious consumerism and the circular economy. It’s never been a better or more important time to pay attention to supply chains, worker welfare and paying it forward. Participate by buying from retailers whose values you share, tipping hard-working hospitality workers, and seeking out brands taking responsibility for their footprints from start to finish.

Pairing: Cono Sur 2019 Bicicleta Pinot Noir – Certified “Fair for Life” for Social Responsibility, Chilean winery Cono Sur emphasizes fair labor practices and delivers beneficial social works and community programs. Cono Sur also helps reduce your impact by ensuring CarbonNeutral delivery for its wines around the world. Vibrant notes of cherry and raspberry balance refreshing acidity and a fruit-forward palate in this rewarding red that’s perfect for sharing.

2022-03-10T19:58:43

(BPT) – Many people’s goals involve improving their health — exercising more, eating better and losing weight. Sticking to a plan can be hard, but a staple item in your kitchen can give you a leg up.

Potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable. Per 5.3-ounce serving, they have more potassium than a banana and more vitamin C than a tomato. Packed with energy and affordable, they deliver more nutrients per penny than most other vegetables.

But how can potatoes help achieve your goals? Let’s start with eating better. Here are five ways this vegetable can play a key role in many of the most popular approaches to eating well:

• 1) Plant-based diets: Plant-based diets are a growing trend, but getting enough high-quality protein is important. Potatoes provide 3 grams of plant-based protein, which is more than other commonly consumed vegetables except dried beans. Try some Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Kale.
• 2) Whole30: According to Whole30, “Potatoes of all varieties are real, nutrient-dense foods,” and the guidelines encourage mashing, baking or roasting potatoes. Try a Frittata with Potato Crust.
• 3) WW (formerly Weight Watchers): For people on this popular plan, potatoes are a ZeroPoint food because they’re “filling and nutritious.” Try 12 Surprising Ways to Cook with Potatoes from weightwatchers.com.
• 4) Mediterranean diet, DASH diet and flexitarian diet: U.S. News & World Report has ranked these as best overall diets as chosen by a panel of health experts, and potatoes are a staple in all three. Try some Manhattan Paella.
• 5) Gluten-free diets: Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, and they can help provide several of the nutrients often inadequately consumed by people following gluten-free diets, such as fiber, thiamin, folate, magnesium, calcium and iron. Try a Gluten-Free Spiralized Hash Brown Casserole.

Along with being nutrient-dense, some research suggests that potatoes are one of the most filling foods you can eat. Studies indicate that they may stave off hunger better than common sides like pasta, rice and bread.

Beyond eating well, working out more is a resolution for many people, and carbohydrates provide important fuel for muscles during exercise. However, not all carbs are created equal. A medium potato has 26 grams of quality carbs, which is important for optimal physical and mental performance. Potatoes also deliver the energy, potassium and vitamin C needed to fuel your workout. In particular, the potassium is perfect for aiding muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function during long endurance events.

On a final note, you may believe that sweet potatoes are healthier than regular potatoes, but they’re more alike than you think. They provide similar amounts of key nutrients like protein, potassium and vitamin B6, all of which contribute to a well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet. They’re also both included on the FDA’s Top 20 Raw Vegetable list, and they’re similar in calories and carbohydrates.

Visit www.potatogoodness.com for more information, recipes and inspiration.

2022-03-09T00:01:00

(BPT) – How are your savings goals for 2022 coming along? While lingering uncertainty and changes caused by the pandemic may have brought new challenges to our finances, there are many opportunities to make a positive impact on your personal money matters, especially for things you need most, such as internet and phone service.

One way is through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) recently created by Congress to replace the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. Having access to reliable broadband internet through the ACP benefit helps ensure families across the country can stay connected to conduct important daily activities including work, school, health care and more.

Administered by the Federal Communications Commission, the ACP provides eligible households a benefit of up to $30 a month and up to $75 a month on qualifying Tribal lands on wireless broadband and internet service. If you’re interested in the program, there are important steps you must take.

1. Determine if you qualify

Visit ACPbenefit.org or call the ACP Support Center at 833-511-0311 to see if your household is eligible. You may qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Visit acpbenefit.org/do-i-qualify to see if your household qualifies through income or participation in certain government assistance programs or Lifeline.

2. Apply and find an Internet or wireless provider

Once you’ve determined that you qualify, you can then complete enrollment through a participating wireless provider like Cricket Wireless. Contact the company and complete the ACP enrollment form to apply your benefit to your service.

Once enrollment is complete, Cricket will automatically apply your monthly benefit of up to $30 on non-Tribal lands beginning on your next month’s service. For example, customers on the $30 monthly plan who receive the benefit could see their monthly payment eliminated, with access to the 5G network on a compatible phone and 5 gigabytes of high-speed data.¹

Options for those who don’t qualify

Budgeting is important for everyone. Even if you don’t qualify for the ACP, you can still explore easy ways to save on your wireless internet costs. Verify you have the correct monthly data for your household’s use, so you aren’t paying for more than you need. Seek prepaid wireless plans for flexible and affordable access to stay connected. Inquire about product promos and sales. Ask about discounts for account holders, such as for those who enroll in autopay or refer a friend.

Saving money always matters, especially as people continue to navigate the pandemic the best they can. The ACP program and these additional tips will help keep you connected while supporting your budget.

¹ Cricket 5G is not available everywhere. See cricketwireless.com/map for coverage. Activation & add’l fees may apply. Usage, terms and restrictions apply. See cricketwireless.com/acp for more information.