Month: May 2022

2022-05-12T08:11:00

(BPT) – There are more than 150,000 teenagers experiencing foster care today in the United States. These teens are like any teenager — each with their own unique dreams, passions, personality and potential for the future.

Being a teenager can be a bumpy road for everyone. But the difference for teens experiencing foster care is they are often faced with the challenge of navigating these pivotal years without the support and guidance of a stable family system.

Adding to that challenge is the perception that teens experiencing foster care are “troubled youth,” marred with bad attitudes and behavior problems. As a result, teenagers experiencing foster care are among some of the hardest-to-place youth in the child welfare system.

The child welfare nonprofit Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth (SAFY) is launching the campaign Foster Me — Developing Dreams for Flourishing Futures to raise awareness about the need for foster parents to open up their hearts and homes and help develop the dreams of teens experiencing foster care nationwide.

Whether you are familiar with being a foster parent, considering fostering, or wanting to learn more about how to support teens everywhere, these four truths are likely to change the way you think about teens experiencing foster care.

1. Teens experiencing foster care are there due to no fault of their own

It is a common and unfortunate misconception that teens (or any youth) in foster care are there because of something they did, or because of bad behavior.

The truth is that youth experiencing foster care have been impacted by systemic issues such as poverty, domestic violence, parental incarceration, mental illness, and a lack of resources to preserve youth remaining in their family origin.

The goal of the child welfare system is to prevent the need to remove children from their family through focused treatment and interventions to resolve issues that threaten family stability. However, when that can’t happen, youth are placed with a foster family so they can have a safe, loving home until they are able to be reunited with their biological family.

2. Teens in foster care need access to the same opportunities as all teens

The statistics facing teens experiencing foster care are staggering. Nearly 50% of teens experiencing foster care will not graduate from high school, only half will be employed by the age of 24, and one in five will be homeless by the age of 18.

The reality is all teens, no matter their circumstances, deserve the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Child welfare agencies like SAFY work every day with teens to identify their strengths and interests to help them set achievable goals for future success.

All youth greatly benefit from having a supportive and nurturing family. Through the campaign Foster Me — Developing Dreams for Flourishing Futures, the hope is to remind caring adults of what they needed when they were teenagers, and how fostering a teen can be a rewarding and life-changing experience for a youth and a parent.

3. Teens in foster care are never too old to need stability and routine

According to Casey Family Programs, child development research shows that youth need consistency, predictability, and attachment to a caring adult to thrive. Instability through multiple foster home placements has been found to lead to delayed permanency, academic achievement, and development.

When a teen experiencing foster care is supported academically, socially, and with their physical and mental health, they are able to heal and build trusting relationships that contribute to their well-being and ability to thrive.

4. Teens in foster care are more than their case file

Often times, youth in foster care are reduced to the words and labels written about them in a file with little to no context. It’s been said that the longer a child is in the foster care system, the more labels they carry with them.

Any adult can relate to the labels and growing pains associated with being a teenager. All teens — regardless of whether they are experiencing foster care or not — are more than labels, and with the right family support can grow and thrive. As a society, our goal should be to see the value in teens everywhere, and never give up on them becoming successful adults.

The bottom line: Teens experiencing foster care are just like any average American teen! And just one caring adult can make all the difference in helping them achieve their dreams and have a flourishing future.

It’s up to all of us to ensure these teens experiencing foster care aren’t left behind. If you would like to learn learn more about becoming a foster parent or how you can support teens and youth in the foster care system, visit www.safy.org. We are actively recruiting foster families in our operating states, which include Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Ohio, and South Carolina. If you live outside of these seven states but would like to begin your foster parent journey, contact your local department of family services.

2022-05-12T08:31:00

(BPT) – With the rising cost of education, you might be thinking, is college really worth the investment? If you’re heading to college soon and trying to figure out what your ideal degree will net you, here are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Research majors and corresponding career opportunities

A recent study by the Federal Reserve analyzed college majors that offer the most earning potential after graduation. Chemical engineering, aerospace engineering and computer engineering topped the list of degrees with the highest salaries for college graduates. Others near the top of the list include pharmacy, computer science, business analytics and finance.

“When deciding on your college major, don’t solely focus on careers and salary. Take into consideration what you’re most passionate about,” said Brittany Mills, assistant manager of education lending at Navy Federal Credit Union. “Keep in mind that your interests may change throughout school, so be flexible and open to expanding the skills you want to build after graduation.”

Additionally, some lenders provide online job search training and resources as a student loan benefit.

“For example, all Navy Federal student loan borrowers have access to a Career Assistance Program, which allows them to search for jobs, get interviewing tips and assistance building a resume and much more,” said Mills.

Weigh benefits of the type of school and hybrid vs. in-person learning

The College Board reported that tuition and fees was $10,740 for in-state students at four-year public colleges, compared to $38,070 for students at four-year private colleges in the 2021-22 academic year.

By attending school in-state, you’ll save on transportation, as well as room and board if you live at home. But if you prefer to get the college experience away from home, an out-of-state college may be a good choice. Community colleges and trade schools also provide hands-on training and certificate programs for different skilled careers, if that’s of interest to you.

Many schools are now also offering the option to attend school virtually or a hybrid environment (combination of in-person and virtual learning). As these options can save you money on your overall education expenses, be sure to factor them into your decision. Make a list of pros and cons to determine which kind of school best fits your budget and lifestyle.

Explore financial aid to lower college costs

“Covering college looks very different for everyone, so take time to understand the types of financing in the market and how to apply for them,” said Mills.

Student loans are just one of several options to choose from when deciding how to pay for college.

Federal student loans are funded through the U.S. Department of Education and require you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Private student loans are available through a bank or credit union, and are based on your creditworthiness. Private loans can be a great tool to fulfill any unmet funding needs after you’ve received financial aid through federal loans, grants, scholarships or the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

“We provide loans for a semester or the entire academic year up to the school-certified cost of attendance,” added Mills. “We also offer in-school repayment options and a 0.25% interest rate reduction for setting up automatic payments to help reduce overall loan costs.”

In the long run, exploring your passions and potential career possibilities will give you a solid plan for determining whether college is the best investment for you and your finances.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2022-05-12T13:45:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc.

Stay-at-home guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic has kept many people behind doors for more than a year, but it is important that parents continue to focus on ways they can help protect their adolescent’s physical and emotional well-being.

Pediatrician Dr. Todd Wolynn, President & CEO of Kids Plus Pediatrics in Pittsburgh, PA, suggests parents consider the following tips to help keep adolescents healthy in the coming months.

1. Schedule health wellness visits:

While many parents delayed or cancelled routine wellness visits for their children in 2020, now may be the time to schedule your child’s wellness visit. It’s important to know that healthcare providers are working to keep in-person visits as safe as possible. This includes appointments for your child’s pediatrician checkups, dental, and eye care.

And don’t forget to ask your child’s doctor about health concerns that may not seem pressing right now but could potentially become serious in the future. For example, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can affect both males and females. For most people, HPV clears by itself. But, for those who do not clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers and diseases later in life. It’s important to talk to your child’s doctor to learn more about HPV and related cancers.

2. Be vigilant with your child’s emotional well-being:

While we’re still awaiting long-term data on the possible impact of the pandemic on social, emotional, and mental well-being, the CDC notes that trauma during adolescence may have long-term consequences. According to the CDC, some ways that parents can help provide stability and support to adolescents include maintaining a normal routine, helping them stay socially connected, and learning how to recognize and address their fear and stress.

3. Ensure your adolescent is exercising regularly:

According to the CDC, regular physical activity in adolescents can help improve academic performance and memory, and can help prevent risk factors for various health conditions like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Adolescents should do at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. You can help incorporate exercise into your child’s daily routine by encouraging them to sign up for a sport or even by taking walks as a family after dinner.

“The coming months are an important time for parents to focus on aspects of their child’s health that may have been neglected in the last year,” says Dr. Wolynn. “Now is an important time to catch up on any missed wellness and routine immunization visits, and to discuss any concerns you may have about your child’s overall health with their doctor.” For more information on how you can help protect your child’s health, reach out to your child’s doctor.

2022-05-12T00:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has shined much needed light on “whole person health” by highlighting the correlation between behavioral health and overall wellness. Many people with behavioral health challenges experienced worsening symptoms throughout the pandemic, while others struggled with conditions for the first time and didn’t know where to turn.

Understanding whole person health — and where to find resources that can help you support both your mental and physical health — is key to protecting and improving your overall well-being.

Whole person health is the recognition that our mental and physical health are interconnected and that an illness rarely affects a single body part or system. When you consider that nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness, and six in 10 adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease, it’s easy to consider how one might impact the other.

Benefits of whole person health and how to take action

According to Dr. Rhonda Randall, D.O., Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare, implementing integrated health care approaches has positive outcomes for patients, physicians and caregivers. By exploring health behaviors (like smoking, physical activity and eating habits), the community and environment where we live and work, genetics, behaviors and socio-economic influences on our health, physicians and patients create a comprehensive picture of the patient’s goals and create a comprehensive plan of care.

Here are three key ways this approach can help you, or someone you love — and how to take action.

1. Improve one area, improve the rest. Research shows that improving one area of a person’s physical, emotional and mental health can benefit the others. For example, we have long known that gut health is directly linked to mental health, but whole health argues these connections run throughout the entire body.

Take action: Take a moment to reflect on your health — what are you missing, and what are your goals? Make a list, then talk about it with your care team. Together, you can make a plan to address the changes you’d like to make.

2. Make mental health checks part of your regular health routine. As we age, chronic, or ongoing, conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain and others, tend to surface more frequently, but research suggests mentally healthy adults reported the fewest chronic diseases of all ages. By starting to care for your mental and behavioral health as soon as possible, patients can help safeguard the body for its future.

Take action: Just as we make yearly visits to our primary care physicians, it’s essential to prioritize regular mental health maintenance checks, whether with your physician, a specialist, or free self-assessment tools. It’s no secret that, for many, the pandemic has intensified and worsened mental health issues. The silver lining? Broad recognition has reduced the stigma and more than ever, virtual tools are available to help maintain treatment plans, improve access and remove cost barriers.

3. Prioritize preventive care to reduce health care costs. Chronic conditions, frequent trips to specialists and prescriptions are key drivers behind expensive out-of-pocket healthcare costs. By investing in whole health — examining diet, exercise and mental health, in conjunction with regular primary care visits — you can improve your health as well as your long-term financial health.

Take action: As you build your health team, look for professionals who subscribe to the whole health model and will proactively seek to coordinate care with other providers supporting your physical and mental health. When physician teams communicate effectively, patients become centered in their care.

Taking charge of your whole health

More and more, patients can be the drivers of their own health care journeys. Minor changes such as investing in self-care, improving lifestyle choices and early behavioral intervention if needed are key steps in ensuring overall wellness.

For more health and wellness information, visit UHC.com.

2022-05-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Breaking up is never easy, but often it’s necessary. For some, it might be ending a romantic relationship that’s not working or a friendship that no longer serves you. For others, it could be regaining power from a debilitating health condition that takes a major physical and emotional toll on your life.

One of these health conditions is Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) — a rare autoimmune disease that causes symptoms including eye bulging, double vision and terrible eye pain. Up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease — the most common form of hyperthyroidism — may develop TED, although TED can also occur among those with Hashimoto’s or hypothyroidism.

Living with any rare disease, including TED, is a very personal experience that can sometimes feel isolating and overwhelming. Many people with TED also report feeling less like themselves due to the impact of their symptoms on their everyday lives.

The emotional impact of a physical condition

In addition to the physical toll TED can take on one’s vision and appearance, the emotional toll can be just as difficult. When your vision is impacted, any type of movement may be dangerous — such as driving, walking or exercising, leaving many without their independence and unable to do the activities they once enjoyed. What’s more, they may feel too self-conscious to socialize and opt to stay home more often, which can result in lost connections with friends and family.

When your relationship with someone or something takes you away from who you once were, it’s time to reconsider your future.

“Breaking up” with TED

The first step in taking back control from TED is acknowledging the impact it has had on your life and that you deserve better. This campaign, which was initiated on Valentine’s Day — a day that traditionally has a high break-up rate — encourages those living with or affected by TED to write a “Dear TED” break-up letter. In this letter, you can write to TED directly about the negative effects of its symptoms and the actions you are taking to regain power, including getting the care you deserve.

Sharing your experience may help others feel less alone and empowered to break free from their own symptoms sooner.

To help you start, here are some letter-writing tips:

1. Describe when you or your loved one first met TED and how it made you feel.

2. Share the first signs you or your loved one noticed and how long it took to find out about TED.

3. Write about the impact TED has had on your life, including your relationships, work or social activities.

4. Tell TED the actions you are taking to regain your or your loved one’s power. This may include working with a TED Eye Specialist, staying vigilant about monitoring symptoms and connecting with support groups.

5. Make a promise to yourself to thrive or help your loved one thrive in spite of TED.

6. Share a piece of advice for others living with or caring for someone with TED.

To submit your Dear TED letter and learn more about TED, visit DearTEDLetters.com.

2022-05-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – The warmer months offer a great opportunity to refresh your living space and create a sparkling clean home for months to come.

Because of their eco-friendly nature and versatility, steam cleaners have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Superheated steam can clean, sanitize, disinfect, deodorize and refresh your home, without the use of toxic cleaning products.

As you approach your household cleaning this summer, here are smart tips for maximizing the power of a deep steam clean to keep your home pristine and healthy.

1. Keep dirt out

A powerful way to maintain a cleaner home is to focus on entryways, which can be especially dirty as seasons change. By preventing dirt and debris from entering your space in the first place, you’ve won half the battle.

• Use a steam cleaner to melt away dirt and residue from the insides of door panels.
• Snap on the squeegee attachment to eliminate pollen and dust from glass doors for a streak-free finish.
• Foyers and entry hallways track dirt from outdoors. A powerful spray of steam can instantly refresh any type of flooring to keep these well-trafficked areas spotless.

For example, the Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner is a portable, easy-to-use cleaner that harnesses the power of steam to thoroughly clean and sanitize a variety of surfaces with up to 17 accessories and attachments. The powerful, superheated steam (up to 275 degrees F) removes dirt, grease and stains, while also killing 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, pathogens and dust. Even better, you don’t need to use or refill toxic chemical products — all you need is tap water.

Regularly steam cleaning your doorways, foyer and entry hallway can help keep your entire home cleaner.

2. Ditch toxins in the kitchen

Tackle the toughest messes first by focusing on deep cleaning your kitchen. A well-cleaned kitchen is essential for a healthy home, and steam cleaning is your best bet to ensure you’ve addressed not only grease and grime but also bacteria and mold without introducing toxic chemicals into places where you prepare food.

• A powerful steam cleaner can blast away burnt grease in your oven, grease stains on your range and food residue from your oven grills.
• Your microwave can feel just like new again with a quick spray of steam to remove crumbs and messes.
• Fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meat can draw mold and bacteria to your refrigerator. Use the changing seasons to toss expired and unused items from your refrigerator and freezer, then sanitize top to bottom with superheated steam.

3. Destroy bathroom mold, mildew and bacteria

Bathrooms are a breeding spot for mold, mildew and bacteria, but you can quickly disinfect the entire space while ditching toxic chemicals with a deep steam clean. Dupray’s versatile steam cleaning attachments will help you work your way from the bath and shower to toilet and faucet in a breeze. Best of all, high-powered steam is a must-have for lifting stains and grime from grout in flooring and showers.

4. Allergy-proof your bedroom for better sleep

To create a healthy sleep environment free from dust mites, bed bugs, pollen, pet dander and other allergens, use a steam cleaner to disinfect and refresh mattresses and pillows without introducing chemical products into areas where your family sleeps. This can be a great help for family members with allergies. You can even use steam to refresh stuffed animals, children’s toys and pet beds.

Switch attachments and move to your windowsills and curtains, especially if you’re regularly opening windows or using screens to manage warmer temperatures. Like your entryway, these areas are prone to bringing dirt into your home.

5. Extend the deep clean outdoors

During summer months when your living space extends outdoors, a deep steam clean can make your patio the perfect spot to lounge or entertain friends. Before inviting the neighbors over, use a steam cleaner to refresh patio furniture and sanitize any tables or dining spaces. Dirt and dust accumulate much more rapidly outdoors.

Before firing up the grill, use the power of steam to disinfect and sanitize between uses to make sure food is prepared in a safe way.

If you’re feeling extra motivated, give your car a deep clean using steamer detailing tools to clean interior upholstery, dashboards, windows, wheels, rims and more.

Using the power of a steam cleaner to sanitize, disinfect and deodorize, you can enjoy a surprisingly satisfying clean for every room in your house from top to bottom, making it sparkle this summer. Visit Dupray.com to find the best steam cleaner for your needs.

2022-05-11T14:01:00

(BPT) – California regulators authorized commercial use of a specific red seaweed supplement as a feed additive for dairy cows. Straus Family Creamery Founder/CEO Albert Straus’ dairy is the first organic dairy farm committed to using this red seaweed when the certified organic feed becomes available at scale. This innovation is a critical solution in helping complete a carbon-neutral dairy farming model on the Straus Dairy Farm by 2023. After implementation, the farm’s organic milk will have a climate-positive footprint, similar to plant-based alternatives and a lower climate impact than soymilk. (This is based on a greenhouse gas footprint that includes agriculture and food manufacturing emissions.)