Month: July 2022

2022-07-27T20:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone has a teacher they remember that changed their life. It might be the bubbly one with a big personality, the one who believed in you no matter what, or the one who showed you how to think in new, creative ways.

Since August 2021, more than 1.4 million people have quit jobs in education, and an overwhelming number of them are teachers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With many educators choosing to leave the profession, students of all ages might be left waiting for an educator who will change their lives.

However, as the educator shortage continues, substitute teachers are filling in and positively impacting students in numerous ways. In fact, schools need more substitute teachers than ever to fill vacancies, and they need them on the first day of school.

If you have ever considered working in a school, this is a great time to explore substitute teaching. Kelly Education can help. With an easy-to-access online application process and free training, you can start making a difference while enjoying a flexible schedule.

What makes a great substitute teacher?

Patience, empathy, an appreciation of learning and a desire to help students grow are critical components of a great substitute educator. Substitute teachers from all walks of life — business professionals, retirees, college students, entrepreneurs and first responders — work in this valuable role.

Each person brings their diverse life skills and experiences to the classroom and this can make a difference in the lives of the students and colleagues they connect with at school.

Free training and incentives.

Never worked in a school before? No problem.

Before starting your job, we want to ensure you are ready on day one. Kelly Education provides paid post-hire orientation for all instructional and non-instructional roles. This covers Kelly Education and district-specific policies and procedures. Additionally, free, specialized training through live webinars and online modules gives you the insights, tactics and skills you need to succeed in the classroom and maximize student learning.

In addition to impacting the lives of children, there are many perks and benefits — including weekly pay with direct deposit, a 401(k) plan, a service bonus plan, insurance benefits and flexible schedules to fit your lifestyle. Many job options are available: substitute teacher, classroom aide, paraeducator, nutrition, custodial services, administration and more.

Ready to make a difference?

As a substitute teacher, you have the power to change the world one student at a time. You decide when, where and what grade levels you prefer. It’s the chance to do some of the most important work you will ever do, on your schedule. Visit WakeUpAndTeach.com to learn more.

2022-07-27T13:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re on a bike or behind the wheel, AARP members can explore savings this summer with benefits like AARP^® Motorcycle Insurance Program from Foremost^® and Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ points on qualified purchases. Learn more below.

2022-07-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – When a death occurs, it’s normal to wonder — and even worry — about the expense of memorializing a loved one, even though we are grieving. The costs of goods and services are making headlines every day recently. But, like planning a wedding or building a house, funeral costs include many variables, and the options for memorialization are endless, so it’s difficult to determine an exact price until you meet with a funeral professional.

According to a 2021 report by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a traditional funeral with a viewing is $7,848, not including cemetery or burial charges, while the national median cost of an adult cremation funeral with a visitation is $5,365. Some of these costs include:

• Recovery of the loved one from home, hospital or hospice and into the funeral home’s care at any time, on any day
• Transportation of the loved one to the funeral home
• Metal casket
• Urn
• Funeral director and staff’s time
• Access to the funeral home’s amenities, including chapels, visitation rooms, reception areas and more

A funeral requires a great deal of effort to organize, but in a very short timeframe. Few would attempt to plan a wedding in less than a week, yet the very things that go into wedding planning are all part of funerals: flowers, catering, music, transportation, venues, speeches, videos and event planning — not to mention completing paperwork for death certificates and obtaining permits for transportation, burial or cremation.

Funeral planning professionals are experts on helping you navigate your many choices. Will you want a traditional service, with a few meaningful hymns and a message from clergy, or do you want to honor your loved one with a celebration of life over a catered meal? Are there special touches that reflect your loved one’s unique life that you would like to incorporate into their memorial? These decisions will all impact the cost of the funeral, but you can download a free funeral pricing guide to get started.

Of course, the best way to manage funeral or cremation costs is to pre-plan and pre-arrange your own final arrangements. Not only does this alleviate a financial burden for your loved ones during a time when they are grieving, it also locks in today’s pricing and ensures that your exact wishes are met.

For more information, visit dignitymemorial.com.

2022-07-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by GSK

A concurrent outbreak and cluster of meningitis cases have led to at least 44 cases across the state of Florida. While cases in the outbreak have appeared primarily among members of the men who have sex with men community and the cluster of cases among college students at one university¹, anyone can get meningitis. Here are five things you need to know and the actions you should consider taking.

Who is affected by the current cases of meningitis?

The current outbreak and cluster of meningitis cases has included two different serogroups of the disease — serogroup B and serogroup C, and is impacting the following groups, for whom CDC is recommending two different meningitis vaccination considerations based on risk group¹.

• College and university undergraduate students in Leon County, FL
  • May receive meningitis B vaccination¹

• Men who have sex with men (MSM) living in or traveling to Florida (with or without HIV)
  • Should receive meningitis ACWY vaccination¹

Meningitis ACWY (MenACWY) vaccination is also routinely recommended for 11-12-year-olds with a booster at age 16.²

Should college students in other counties/states receive meningitis B vaccination?

• CDC recommends meningitis B (MenB) vaccination for adolescents and young adults aged 16-23 years (preferably ages 16-18) based on a discussion between a healthcare provider and the patient/parent/guardian.^3,4
• Colleges are environments prone to the spread of MenB: From 2011 through March 2019, MenB caused all U.S. college meningococcal outbreaks, which involved 13 campuses, 50 cases, and 2 deaths among an at-risk population of approximately 253,000 students.⁵
• Meningitis B vaccination has only been available since 2014, and seven out of ten 17-year-olds in the U.S. had not received one dose of meningitis B vaccination as of 2020.^6,7
• Parents of high school and college students should check their child’s vaccination records and ask their healthcare provider about meningitis B vaccination.

There’s more than one ‘kind’ of meningitis

Meningococcal disease, also known as meningitis, is caused by bacteria carried in the nose or back of the throat that can spread through respiratory secretions, saliva and close contact. There are five vaccine-preventable serogroups — A, C, W, Y and B, and two different vaccinations needed to help protect against them, one for Meningitis ACWY and one for Meningitis B.^2,6,8

Signs and symptoms

Early symptoms of meningitis may be similar to those of the flu but can progress rapidly. Symptoms can include fever, headache, and stiff neck as well as nausea, vomiting, rash, sensitivity to light and confusion.^9,10,11

Because meningitis may initially present with flu-like symptoms, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish its diagnosis from the flu or other viral illnesses.⁹

The best way to help protect yourself is through vaccination

Vaccination against meningitis is your best defense against the disease, according to the CDC.¹² Those interested in helping to protect themselves or their college students against meningitis ACWY and meningitis B can find vaccination by getting in touch with their health care providers, pharmacy, local health department or community health center. For more information visit CDC.gov/meningitis.

Citations:

1. CDC. Meningococcal disease in Florida, 2022. Reviewed May 5, 2022. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/outbreaks/FL2022.html

2. CDC. Meningococcal vaccination for adolescents: information for healthcare professionals. Reviewed October 12, 2021. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/hcp/adolescent-vaccine.html

3. CDC. Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2022. Reviewed February 17, 2022. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html

4. CDC. ACIP shared clinical decision-making recommendations. Reviewed February 10, 2020. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/acip-scdm-faqs.html

5. Marshall GS, Dempsey AF, Srivastava A, et al. US college students are at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. J Ped Infect Dis Soc 2020;9(2):244–247.

6. CDC. Meningococcal vaccination: what everyone should know. Reviewed October 12, 2021. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mening/public/index.html#types

7. Pingali C, Yankey D, Elam-Evans LD, et al. National, Regional, State, and Selected Local Area Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents Aged 13–17 Years – United States, 2020. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep (MMWR) 2021;70(35):1183-1190.

8. McNamara LA, Blain A. Meningococcal Disease in: Roush SW, Baldy LM, Hall MAK, eds. Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Reviewed January 5, 2022. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/surv-manual/chpt08-mening.html

9. Pelton SI: Meningococcal disease awareness: clinical and epidemiological factors affecting prevention and management in adolescents. J Adoles Health 2010;46:S9-S15.

10. Thompson MJ, Ninis N, Perera R, et al. Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. Lancet 2006;367:397–403.

11. CDC. Meningococcal disease: clinical information. Reviewed February 7, 2022. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/clinical-info.html

12. CDC. Meningococcal disease: prevention. Reviewed February 7, 2022. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/prevention.html

2022-07-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – The weeks before school begins are busy for families — full of shopping for supplies and getting ready for the change in routines. Prior to school getting under way is an ideal time to review your child’s needs for coping with allergies and asthma. Keep in mind their needs may change as they get older and move from one environment to another. If your child is dealing with allergies or asthma, you can take proactive steps to help them have the best experience possible this school year.

“Every time your child begins a new school year, it’s a good idea to revisit their allergy or asthma treatment plan with a board-certified allergist,” said American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) president Mark Corbett, M.D. “You can make the most of the new school year by taking a fresh look at your child’s health needs and exploring ways to improve their environment to help them feel their best — at home and at school.”

Here are tips from ACAAI to help your child have a healthy start to the school year.

See an allergist

If you suspect your child has allergies or asthma, make an appointment with an allergist. Board-certified allergists are trained to help you take control of your child’s allergies and asthma so they can live the life they want. An allergist creates an action plan for your child by determining their triggers and helping them understand what causes symptoms. Studies show that children with asthma who are under the care of an allergist have a 77% reduction in sick days.

Even if your child has seen an allergist before, it’s best to update them with your child’s current symptoms and review medications. Allergy and asthma symptoms can change as your child matures, and your child’s growth may also impact their medications and dosages. Schedule an appointment before the school year begins, or as soon as you can.

Find an allergist near you at ACAAI.org/find-an-allergist.

Communicate with the school

Especially if your child is starting at a new school, but even for each new grade, it’s a good idea to talk with classroom staff, administrators and the school nurse. Inform them about your child’s current allergy or asthma treatment plan, and what allergens are concerning for your child. Your child’s teachers need to know about severe allergies your child may have, including pollen, mold, animal dander (in case of a classroom pet) and foods. If your child has food allergies, put a workable plan in place for home-prepared lunches and substitute classroom snacks as needed.

Allergens can hide anywhere in the classroom, through substances in the room like mold, or pollen floating in from an open window, outside on the playing field — or even from classmates’ clothes and backpacks. Monitor changes your child experiences after the school year starts to determine if something at school might be affecting their symptoms.

Speak to school administrators about measures they might take. Depending on what your child is allergic to, changes such as keeping windows closed on high pollen days, limiting carpet in classrooms, fixing leaky faucets and pipes to alleviate mold and installing high-efficiency air filters could make a difference. Let them know that mold in the school can have an adverse effect on kids with allergies and asthma.

Be proactive about viruses

For a child with asthma, contracting any respiratory virus can make their symptoms more serious. Before your child goes back to school, it’s important to remind them to follow healthy practices such as frequent handwashing. Keep your child home when they’re sick and make sure everyone in the family is up to date on vaccines, including flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines. If the COVID-19 infection rate in your area is high, consider having your child continue to wear a mask.

Don’t forget the home front

Heading into the colder months, it’s crucial to do a thorough housecleaning, and step up any allergy mitigation measures you may have let slide over the summer. Dust and vacuum frequently used rooms, especially your child’s bedroom, then wash bedding in the hottest temperature possible. Also, make sure to replace your home’s HVAC filter. Putting these regular tasks on your calendar can also be a helpful reminder.

Find more helpful information and resources at ACAAI.org.

2022-07-27T00:01:00

(BPT) – For the past several years, homebuyers have faced a hot housing market and home prices have risen at what can seem like an intimidating rate. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 14 years to save for a 20% down payment plus closing costs, according to U.S. Mortgage Insurers (USMI). It is understandable that prospective homebuyers might be discouraged and want to wait. However, purchasing a home in an affordable and sustainable way is possible with a low down payment mortgage backed by private mortgage insurance (MI).

Here is how it works.

Private MI helps a borrower with less than 20% down qualify for a home loan and the average down payment for purchasing a home with private MI is 7%, according to USMI. Private MI is typically paid monthly along with the mortgage payment. The benefit is not just that the borrower is able to qualify for a home sooner, but also that the cost is temporary. Unlike government-insured mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), private MI cancels once a homeowner establishes 20% equity either through payments or home price appreciation. When the private MI is canceled, your monthly mortgage bill goes down.

Let’s look at how this would work in today’s market.

Consider you want to purchase a $407,600 home, the median sales price for a single-family home in 2022. A 5% down payment is $20,380 versus $81,520 for 20% down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $171. This is included in your monthly mortgage payment, and can be canceled, typically after five years once you reach 20% equity in your home.

But is it the right time to buy?

The right time to purchase a home is different for everyone, especially nowadays. Rising home prices mean homes will cost much more in the coming years. With higher home prices come higher down payments and, thus, more time required to save. Other factors such as rapidly changing interest rates can also make mortgage financing pricier down the line. Purchasing a home sooner allows you to begin building equity and the long-term wealth that comes with homeownership.

As we adapt to this changing world, it is important to know that it is possible to purchase a house now without exhausting your savings. Mortgage financing backed private MI makes this possible, helping borrowers gain access to housing sooner and succeed as sustainable homeowners.

According to USMI, private MI has helped more than 37 million families become homeowners over the past 65 years. In 2021 alone, nearly 2 million families accessed mortgage financing sooner because of private MI.

If you’re interested in learning more about private MI, check out lowdownpaymentfacts.com to calculate your cost and learn more about your options.

2022-07-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – August is Pet Digestive Health Month! Use this advice to protect and preserve your pet’s digestive health through the dog days of summer. For more pet digestive health tips, visit PetDigestiveHealthMonth.com.

2022-07-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – The human body is made up of voluntary and involuntary muscles. Involuntary muscles are those that cannot be controlled at will, like the beating of a heart. Voluntary muscles are those that you can consciously control — the opening and closing of your hand for example. Most of us take the use of our voluntary muscles for granted and don’t deliberately think when our brain signals them to work. However, for people living with myasthenia gravis (MG), their brain tries signaling the voluntary muscles to contract but they don’t respond normally.

MG is a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause muscle weakness. Normally, the body makes antibodies to attack viruses or bacteria that enter the body, but in people with MG, antibodies attack receptors that allow your brain and nerves to communicate with your muscles and tell them to move. These antibody attacks cause muscle weakness most commonly in the eye muscles, muscles that control chewing and swallowing, arm and leg muscles, and muscles that control breathing.

Treatment for MG

MG affects everyone differently and there is currently no cure for the disease; however, there are treatments available or in development that can help relieve the symptoms of MG.

In fact, researchers are looking for more people to participate in a trial to assess the safety and benefits of inebilizumab for the treatment of MG. Inebilizumab is an already FDA-approved treatment for people living with another chronic autoimmune condition called neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Clinical trials, also known as research studies, help researchers determine how safe and effective treatments are for certain diseases.

If you live with MG, ask your doctor about enrolling in a clinical trial. To learn more about the study, and to see if you may qualify to participate, please visit MyastheniaGravisMINTStudy.com.