Month: April 2022

2022-04-28T08:35:00

(BPT) – Americans of all types love their credit cards. The vast majority own at least one card — including nearly two-thirds of those earning less than $40,000. Despite this card craze, many people don’t use their credit cards to their fullest potential.

Credit cards are much more than just a safe and convenient payment method. They also help consumers develop budgeting habits and build their credit, allowing future big-ticket purchases like houses and cars. Here are three tips everyone should know to get the most value out of their credit cards.

1.) Tap into valuable rewards

Credit card rewards programs are not new to American consumers. In fact, according to the Electronic Payments Coalition (electronicpaymentscoalition.org), 87% of cardholders owned a rewards credit card, including nearly three-fourths of low-income cardholders earning less than $20,000 per year. Moreover, these cardholders greatly prefer their rewards cards, spending on average 43% more compared to non-rewards accounts.

It’s no wonder why these types of cards are so popular. There are hundreds of credit card rewards programs to choose from, and each of them provides value for a different kind of lifestyle. For example, if a cardholder likes to travel, they might choose a program that earns airline miles, hotel stays or rental car points. Other cardholders may have large families, so they may find the most value in a rewards program that offers increased cashback at bulk retail or grocery stores like Costco or Sam’s Club.

No matter one’s lifestyle, there’s a credit card and rewards program out there for everyone. These cardholders understand the immense value gained from rewards programs. In fact, 96% of rewards cardholders say that their card-based rewards programs are valuable, and the majority report that their card rewards deliver value on every purchase.

2.) Set alerts to manage your spending

A simple swipe of the credit card is certainly easy and convenient, but sometimes it helps to set your own limits. Thankfully, electronic payments allow you to do precisely that. Many credit card companies provide online trackers and balance alerts to help their customers establish healthy financial practices.

These tools help cardholders manage their spending, ensuring consumers never incur overdraft fees. Utilizing real-time information, online trackers can show cardholders exactly how much they’ve spent in one period and how close they are to their limit. Adding another layer of protection, balance alerts notify cardholders when they’ve crossed a certain balance threshold via text, email or push notifications.

Better yet, these tools are often completely customizable — perfectly conforming to each cardholder’s unique needs. For example, a cardholder can set tighter restrictions and alerts on their credit accounts if they know they aren’t especially frugal. Another cardholder might want to save for a big purchase, so they could set a balance alert to ensure sufficient funds are set aside.

3.) Analyze your spending to build better financial habits

In addition to balance alerts and real-time trackers, most credit card companies will provide a detailed summary and analysis of a cardholder’s monthly spending. This detailed insight into cardholders’ purchase habits can inform and guide the development of better financial habits.

It’s easy to lose track of how many days you stop for coffee in the morning, and who could blame you — those pumpkin spice lattes are delicious! But those purchases add up, and it’s all too easy for unsuspecting patrons to overspend. Accessing this data provides essential resources for future budgeting and building better habits.

Without the use of a credit card, analyzing monthly spending habits would require an incredible amount of time — creating an unnecessary headache. Fortunately, credit cards make this process simple and easy. Cardholders can efficiently set budgets and monitor their purchases, gaining deeper insight into their own spending habits.

As you can see, credit cards provide their users with a variety of tools and resources to make their money work for them! Whether it’s earning rewards, building credit, setting spending limits, or strengthening healthy financial habits, there are many ways to get the most out of your credit card. So, what are you waiting for? Start using your card today.

2022-04-27T09:31:00

(BPT) – Not easily spotted, but always working behind the scenes, satellites are a big part of our modern digital world, making a positive impact on our lives in many ways each day. Whether you are using the map app on your phone, watching your favorite TV shows or catching a flight out of town, it’s all possible thanks to satellite connectivity.

Another way satellites touch our lives is by providing internet access. Since its invention 25 years ago, satellite internet has been a staple for millions of rurally located homes and businesses across the country and has grown to support email, social media, web browsing, watching videos and more. Plus, it’s available right now, no matter where you live.

History of satellite internet

In the mid-1990s, people accessed the internet using dial-up modems connecting over telephone lines. To improve the experience, engineers at Hughes applied satellite technology to transmit large files. That innovation shortened internet download times from over an hour to just 90 seconds.

Soon after, the company launched HughesNet^®, the first national, high-speed satellite internet service. It connects more than a million subscribers across the U.S. today, and Hughes engineers continue to innovate and advance the service for HughesNet customers and satellite internet users worldwide.

Accessibility

While you’re probably familiar with cable and fiber optic internet services, satellite internet is a lifeline for millions of people all over the U.S. and the world. Satellite internet reaches places where fiber and cable don’t. These are often areas with fewer residents, where it’s less profitable for companies to build their towers and lay their wires.

On the other hand, satellite internet is available everywhere, right now, helping people check emails, stay in touch with friends and family, share photos, attend classes, listen to music, explore interests, catch up on all the latest news, access critical health information, run their businesses and so much more.

A hobbyist’s best friend

Twenty-five years on, and satellite internet is an important part of many people’s lives — for enjoying their hobbies, as an example. With satellite internet, hobbyists — even in the most rural of areas — have the ability to pursue their interests or even turn their hobbies into business ventures. “I use satellite internet to purchase 90% of my fabric online and sell my outfits online,” said Martha D, a seamstress from rural Mississippi who uses HughesNet. “My internet service is my lifeline!”

Need for speed

Satellite internet has become much faster over the last 25 years. When internet first launched in the 1990s, plans started at 400 Kbps, and in-home Wi-Fi was just a dream. Even 10 years ago, the average internet download speed was around 5 Mbps, which pales compared to today’s broadband speeds of 25 Mbps. Companies like Hughes continue to advance the speed and effectiveness of satellite internet. In fact, the Hughes JUPITER™ 3 satellite, which is due to launch in 2022, will make it possible for customers to enjoy plans with speeds of up to 100 Mbps!

Satellite internet is here to stay and advancing every day, with even more innovations — like the JUPITER 3 satellite from Hughes — on the horizon. To learn more about the history and technology of satellite internet and how it can help connect you to the people and things that matter most, visit HughesNet.com.

2022-04-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that over 65 million people worldwide have some form of epilepsy?

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is defined as having unprovoked seizures, which are sudden surges of uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can be brief lapses of attention, episodes of involuntary movement in part of the body, or prolonged convulsions of the entire body.

What is EE-CSWS?

Epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike-and-wave during sleep, also known as EE-CSWS, is a rare form of pediatric epilepsy in which seizure-like activity typically occurs during sleep. As a result, the condition can easily go unnoticed. In fact, sometimes the only signs this abnormal activity is occurring are developmental and cognitive symptoms.

Early signs of EE-CSWS in children include:

• Developmental delays
• Autism-like symptoms
• Changes in learning, behavior, and/or coordination
• Halted progress in school

While EE-CSWS typically begins between 2-12 years of age, it most commonly starts when a child is 4-5 years old. Following puberty, the seizure-like activity tends to improve; however, developmental delays often remain.

How is EE-CSWS diagnosed?

The diagnosis and management of EE-CSWS is complex because it is a rare disease, and the symptoms can vary from person to person. The most accurate diagnostic test is an electroencephalogram (EEG) — a noninvasive test that measures electrical activity in the brain — that must be administered during non-REM sleep by a neurologist and interpreted by a clinical neurophysiologist or an epileptologist. Children with EE-CSWS have a characteristic EEG pattern known as electrical status epilepticus in sleep or ESES.¹

Because cognitive stagnation and regression typically peak around 5-6 years of age, delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment may lead to worse cognitive outcomes.

How is EE-CSWS treated?

There remains a critical unmet need for effective treatments for EE-CSWS, as there are currently no approved therapies for this condition. Commonly prescribed treatment options focus on improving seizure control and cognitive function but fail to address the underlying cause of the disease. Families who are coping with EE-CSWS know how serious it can be and hope for better options for their children.

“About a year and a half ago, we started noticing a significant mood and behavioral change in our son,” said Leah Myers, whose 11-year-old son began having seizures at 13 months old. “When the doctor diagnosed him with EE-CSWS, I knew this was very serious.”

Parents like Myers find it difficult to watch their children suffer, and it takes an emotional toll.

“When CSWS hit, my son’s happiness just went away. He wasn’t able to enjoy the same things that he enjoyed before, like being in the pool,” added Myers. “The impact of this disease on our family has been significant. For children like mine, there is a clear unmet need for more precise medications to treat this monster of a disease.”

What research is being done for new treatment options?

Researchers and pediatricians who specialize in neurology and epileptic disorders are still working toward developing the best possible treatments for their patients.

“When I give an EE-CSWS diagnosis, parents are often relieved that we have found a reason for their child’s change in behavior, but treating it can be very difficult,” said Ann Hyslop Segeren, MD, pediatric medicine specialist, Stanford Child Neurology Division. “Every child responds to different medications at different rates. We have a long treatment algorithm that we can follow, moving from anti-seizure medications to corticosteroids and benzodiazepines, and then other therapies that we tailor to the patient, but we are continually looking for better options. My hope for treating EE-CSWS is earlier identification of the disease. The sooner we start treatment, the more likely we’ll see full recovery of all cognitive functions.”

Research into therapies for EE-CSWS is ongoing, including clinical studies currently enrolling participants to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a potential treatment being developed.

Where can I learn more about clinical studies for EE-CSWS?

If your child is living with EE-CSWS, talk to their doctor to see if participating in a clinical study is an option. The Steamboat Study, a Phase 2 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of an investigational treatment, NBI827104, in children with EE-CSWS (ages 4-12 years), is now enrolling participants.

For more information, visit SteamboatStudy.com or ClinicalTrials.gov.

References:

1. Loddenkemper T, Fernández IS, Peters JM. Continuous spike and waves during sleep and electrical status epilepticus in sleep. J Clin Neurophysiol. 2011 Apr;28(2):15464.

doi: 10.1097/WNP.0b013e31821213eb.

PMID: 21399511.

2022-04-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Chase United

It’s no surprise that after a pause in travel for many over the last few years, people are craving new travel experiences now more than ever. In fact, according to The Vacationer, more than 80% of American adults intend to travel this summer.

The rise in travel demand makes planning ahead critical to ensuring your trip runs as smoothly as possible. The first step should be figuring out the type of trip you want to take and dates you’re looking to travel. From there, finding the best flights and hotels, mapping out your itinerary, and creating packing lists will ensure you’re prepared to have the best experience. Consider these planning tips to make your summer vacation a breeze.

Fly and rest with the best!

Once you’ve decided on your travel dates and vacation location, the next step is booking the best flight and accommodations within your budget. To maximize options and reward opportunities, consider applying for a travel rewards credit card. A great choice is the United Club^SM Infinite Card, where new cardmembers can currently earn 120,000 United MileagePlus^® Miles after spending $6,000 on qualifying purchases within the first three months of opening an account. Cardmembers earn 4 miles per dollar spent on United purchases and receive a United Club^SM membership for access to United Clubs across the world, making the airport experience that much sweeter. United Club Cardmembers also receive complimentary benefits at luxury hotels and resorts worldwide and up to $75 in statement credits as reimbursement for IHG^® Hotels and Resorts purchases charged to the card through Dec. 31, 2022.

Map out your itinerary

Whether it be a solo adventure trip, a family vacation or a friends’ getaway, having a planned itinerary can make your travel experience more fun and memorable. A flexible schedule of activities and restaurants can relieve the burden of determining what to do and where to go upon arrival. In fact, some travel rewards cards will reward you for indulging in a special meal, shopping or even exploring a new local attraction. For example, United Club Cardmembers earn 2 miles per dollar spent on dining and travel.

Packing lists are key!

A common saying all travelers should keep in mind is: ‘Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.’ Packing mishaps can result in a minor inconvenience or cause a large disruption to your vacation. However, creating detailed packing lists can prevent any mishaps and ensure you don’t find yourself without the essentials. Not sure where to start? Luckily, there are a variety of guides on the internet and apps on your phone that can help.

As summer approaches, many of us are eager to go out and explore the open world again. By incorporating these tips on your next trip and planning ahead, you’ll be able to focus on your summer trip and what really counts — making new memories!

Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Offer subject to change. Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2022-04-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Being diagnosed with a rare disease presents unique challenges for patients and caregivers alike. From symptom management to feelings of isolation, growing up and living with a rare disease can be difficult. In some cases, it can even be difficult to find doctors who specialize in treating a particular disease — as is the case for people living with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

What is congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, commonly referred to as CAH, is a genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis — or balance — in response to stress. Specifically, the body’s adrenal glands lack a key enzyme needed to produce several important hormones necessary for survival, including cortisol and aldosterone.

The missing enzyme also results in the overproduction of certain male hormones, called adrenal androgens.

What do these hormones do?

• Cortisol regulates the body’s response to illness or stress
• Aldosterone regulates sodium and potassium levels and blood pressure
• Male hormones, such as androstenedione and testosterone, regulate male characteristics such as facial hair and a deeper voice

There are two forms of CAH: classic and non-classic. Classic CAH is a more severe and rare form of the disorder, affecting approximately up to 30,000 people in the U.S. and 50,000 people in Europe.

Symptoms and Problems Associated with Classic CAH

Classic CAH causes complex symptoms in infants, children, adolescents, and adults that affect multiple organs, making it a challenge to manage.

Without cortisol, the body has difficulty responding to a stress situation, such as an infection or being in a major accident. Many people living with classic CAH also have salt wasting, meaning the body can’t retain sodium, which can cause blood pressure to become too low.

In addition, the overproduction of adrenal androgens causes difficult symptoms in females, including irregular menstrual periods, facial hair, acne, and other male-pattern characteristics. Males can develop testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) that can cause pain and infertility. Infertility is also a concern in females.

Treating Classic CAH

Treating classic CAH can be complex. Glucocorticoids are medicines used to treat the cortisol deficiency and mineralocorticoids are medicines used to treat the aldosterone deficiency. Unfortunately, the dose and duration of glucocorticoids required to control androgen levels are often well above what is needed for replacement dosing to treat cortisol deficiency. This leads to an undesirable trade-off of trying to balance the negative effects of too much glucocorticoids with the negative symptoms of too much androgen.

“For adult patients with classic CAH, it’s important to balance the use of steroids with the long-term impact steroids can have on the body,” said Dr. Maria Vogiatzi, professor of pediatrics and director of the Adrenal and Puberty Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which treats both children and adults with CAH. “It’s also important to provide guidance to young adults with classic CAH who are planning to have a family.”

Glucocorticoid medications at doses used to treat patients with classic CAH can cause serious side effects, including:

• Metabolic issues
• Bone loss
• Growth impairment
• Infection risk typical of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome

Treating classic CAH requires ongoing effort from clinicians and patients to find the right balance between disease symptoms and medication side effects. Additional research to develop new therapies is needed.

“I was fortunate to have very good care for my classic CAH as a child and into early adulthood, with labs multiple times a year for medication management,” said Erik Bogaard, who lives with classic CAH.

This clinician and patient partnership is one that typically starts during childhood and goes into adulthood. The issue is that there are not many clinicians who have expertise in and experience with treating adult patients with classic CAH. According to Dr. Vogiatzi, “It’s important to have a good hand-off between the pediatric endocrinologist to the adult endocrinologist.”

Mr. Bogaard agrees, “Making the transition to an adult endocrinologist who is experienced in treating classic CAH was difficult because there are few physicians with significant experience treating my rare medical condition. After searching, I was fortunate to find a wonderful, experienced adult endocrinologist — but many are not so lucky. Quality medical care for adults with classic CAH is critical for managing medications, navigating concerns about long-term steroid use, and providing care in the event of an adrenal crisis.”

The CAHtalyst™ Study, which is evaluating an investigational therapy called crinecerfont, is currently enrolling adults (ages 18 years and older) with classic CAH. Learn more at CAHtalyst, CAHStudies.com or ClinicalTrials.gov.

Clinical studies of crinecerfont are also underway in children and adolescents (ages 2 to 17 years old) with classic CAH. Learn more at CAHtalystPeds, CAHStudies.com or ClinicalTrials.gov.