Month: August 2022

2022-08-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Your home should be a sanctuary to take refuge from the world, relax and recharge. However, keeping a home clean and tidy can be difficult when life gets busy, especially when transitioning from summer activities and resuming back-to-school schedules.

Now that kids are back in the classrooms and fall and winter gatherings are on the horizon, many homeowners choose to refresh their living space with a deep clean. With Professional House Cleaners Day approaching on Sept. 17, it may be the perfect time to consider hiring a professional house cleaner to do the heavy lifting and deep cleaning for you.

If you’ve never hired a professional cleaner, it can seem daunting to find the right one. Melissa Homer, chief cleaning officer at MaidPro — a Boston-based franchisor of house cleaning services — has trained many MaidPro PROs and knows what makes a great house cleaner. Check out Homer’s top four questions homeowners should ask when interviewing potential cleaners.

1. How many hours will it take to clean my home?

A professional house cleaner should know how long it will take to clean an area or at least give a good faith estimate based on the size of your home. Homer says that if a potential house cleaner gives a vague response or just restates the price, run. This kind of response usually means that the cleaner plans to stay for a while initially and then trim cleaning sessions shorter and shorter to crank up their profitability once you’ve stopped paying attention. Homer shares that PROs are trained on clear communication so that homeowners and house cleaners are always on the same page.

2. How do you manage cross-contamination between rooms and customers’ homes?

How would you feel if you found out that the rag used to wipe your counter was used beforehand to clean your toilet? This kind of cross-contamination is easy to prevent if a house cleaner has a plan in place. If you ask a house cleaner this question and they stumble or cannot give a detailed answer, this is a red flag. Look for PROs with separate bags of rags, a color-coded system to keep bathroom scrubbers off the kitchen counter or at the very least separate supplies for each home they clean that day.

3. Do you rotate items, or do you clean everything each time, and is there a list of what you clean?

Homer says it’s essential to be on the same page with your house cleaner about the level of cleanliness to expect during each session. Some house cleaners may try to cut their cleaning time short by rotating items, which means they likely won’t remember to clean them until they’re visibly gross. Be sure to make a list of what you would like cleaned and review that list together. Homer points out that PROs tackle this with a comprehensive list in hand and always consult with clients to determine if any other areas need to be added.

4. How will you ensure my cleaning is handled if you are out sick or I have to change my schedule unexpectedly, and someone else needs to cover for you?

Emergencies happen, but a professional house cleaner should have a plan in place in case they can’t attend to your home and need to hand off the work to someone else. Homer says that if a house cleaner dodges the question, it’s best to move on to another potential hire.

It’s unrealistic to expect a house cleaner to remember the details of each client’s home. If they are sick or injured, an electronic record of client account notes and each client’s preferences ensures that even if someone else needs to cover, your home will be cleaned to your expectations every time.

A deep home cleaning is a process that is as emotional as it is functional, providing deeper stress relief and relaxation. While these four key questions help identify seasoned housekeepers, selecting a trusted, professional service provider offers peace of mind by offering reputable, reliable services while allowing you to effortlessly maintain an orderly, tranquil sanctuary. To learn more about MaidPro’s commitment to house cleaning and find a PRO to deep clean your home this fall, visit MaidPro.com.

2022-08-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Many people start their stories with, “Heart disease and stroke run in my family.” But “runs in the family” is not a diagnosis.

Genetic cholesterol disorders are often the hidden cause of early heart attack and stroke.

Like many men in their 20s, Chad Gradney led a healthy, active lifestyle as a father and husband. So, it was a surprise when he woke up one morning at the age of 27 with severe chest pain. He had multiple doctors visits dismissing his pain as acid reflux and even asthma. One day the pain was too much to bear and he went to the emergency room and soon was having emergency, open-heart, quadruple bypass surgery.

Gradney didn’t know there was a silent, undetected cause for his premature heart disease. Gradney recovered from surgery and tried to move on. Unfortunately, a few years later he was back in the ER with more blockages in his heart.

Gradney and his wife decided to visit a specialist who finally determined the underlying causes for his early heart disease: a common, life-threatening genetic condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). FH leads to very high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), also known as “the bad cholesterol.” Years later, Gradney also learned he has high Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), another genetic, cardiovascular risk factor.

This was devastating news, but the Gradneys were grateful to have a diagnosis.

FH and high Lp(a) increased Gradney’s risk for heart disease, but as a Black American person, the risk increased even higher. According to research from the Family Heart Foundation, Black persons with FH are less likely to be prescribed cholesterol-lowering treatments beyond statins. While statins are crucial in lowering cholesterol, those with FH typically need 3-5 medications to get to safe LDL-C levels. Black Americans also experience significantly higher Lp(a) levels, as compared to White persons.

“We were easily dismissed because Chad looked young and was healthy, so we had to advocate for ourselves in order to find answers,” said Gradney’s wife. “We found the Family Heart Foundation to be a good resource to get the answers we needed.”

Gradney has since received appropriate treatment. He combines several medications to lower his LDL cholesterol to recommended levels. Gradney also follows a heart-healthy lifestyle. Because FH and high Lp(a) are genetic disorders, the Gradneys decided to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation to have their children’s cholesterol tested at age 2. Chad also has two brothers, who despite knowing the history and sharing with healthcare providers, both had quadruple bypass surgery before the age of 45.

“I wish we knew that FH and high Lp(a) ran in our family when my father was alive so we could have had a chance to prevent early heart disease in my generation,” said Gradney. “Now that we know more, we can try to end heart disease in our family’s future generations.”

According to the Family Heart Foundation, most individuals born with FH or high Lp(a) do not know they are at risk for early heart disease or stroke. These conditions usually don’t have symptoms. In fact, their first sign may be a heart attack.

“The good news is genetic cholesterol disorders are not difficult to diagnose. The combination of elevated LDL-C or Lp(a), a family history of early cardiovascular disease, and a good physical exam can make the diagnosis. FH occurs in 1 in 250 individuals and elevated Lp(a) occurs in 1 in 5. Health care providers need to keep this in mind when treating their patients,” said Dr. Mary McGowan, chief medical officer at the Family Heart Foundation. “With early, consistent, and aggressive treatment, individuals with these conditions can live longer, healthier lives.” Medications to lower Lp(a) are currently in clinical trials.

Like many others battling FH and elevated Lp(a), Gradney’s story brings hope to people with increased risk of early heart disease.

For more information, or to find a specialist who treats genetic cholesterol disorders, visit morefamiliesmorehearts.org.

2022-08-19T11:35:00

(BPT) – The tween years can be incredibly tough to navigate. Between trying to figure out their passions, building friendships and keeping up with the demands of school, many self-discoveries happen. Research suggests that it takes time and exploration for tweens to find their identity and discover their passions, but that can be confusing and come with a lot of pressure.

Help your tween explore their creative pursuits by giving them outlets and the support to try, fail, learn and discover. With kids headed back to school, your family’s schedule can easily start to feel hectic. Being purposeful about integrating moments of creativity can help your tween discover what gets them excited, even in the little pockets of time you have with them.

Below are a few tips to help encourage your tween to think and act creatively this school year.

1. Make the kitchen into a screen-free zone

Every parent knows their kids’ first stop as soon as they get home from school will be the kitchen. Why not make yours a screen-free zone? That way, when your kids grab a snack, there’s greater room for open-minded thoughts, free of distraction. To remind and encourage your children, have a basket near the entrance to the kitchen where everyone can put their phones and other devices.

2. Be their confidence coach

Role model the self-talk you want to see in your tween. Normalize mistakes and help them to overcome the fear of failure by instilling confidence-building mantras (even if they don’t realize they’re mantras) like “you can do hard things” into your everyday language. Share the challenges of your day and how you managed them, demonstrating how overcoming small and big tests is something we all can do.

3. Encourage inventiveness in the kitchen

Stock your fridge with grab-and-go snacks that can mix and match with anything. Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese is the perfect canvas to pair with deli meat, fruits, nuts, spreads/sauces, pickles, pretzels, crackers and more.

Tween years are typically when children become more curious and comfortable trying new things. Take advantage of this curiosity by trying new flavors and finding favorites together to help create common interests and encourage creativity in and outside the kitchen.

4. Give them a ‘yes day’

Like the notable movie, carve out a day where your tween gets to dictate which creative-focused activities you do. A water balloon fight in the winter, a trip to a theme park, a concert that starts at 10 p.m. — it’s all fair game and can help open their world to new possibilities for their future.

5. Let them answer first

If a problem arises that affects both of you, give your child the chance to weigh in first with a potential solution. Got turned around on a hike? Let them think through the best way out. Rip in their favorite jeans? Let them brainstorm creative fixes or research how to sew them.

6. Create challenges that get them thinking

Fuel their creativity by putting them up to unexpected challenges with a time limit: Create a unique creature out of folding a piece of paper, see who can get through a scooter course the fastest or make up the silliest new lyrics to a favorite song. Use everyday moments like a snack in the car to double as creative inspiration. Challenge your tween to create a one-of-a-kind Cheese Heads character while they devour their string cheese on the way to practice.

7. Let them take a few risks

Allow your tweens the space to take moderate risks that get them out of their comfort zone. Let them sign up for an activity they’ve not yet tried, just to give it a shot. Show trust in their judgment by saying “yes” to things you wouldn’t have when they were younger, like snowboarding or going to the park with friends alone. Encouraging independent thinking in small ways helps build confidence and allows space for creative thinking.

8. Give their room a decor update

As your tween edges closer to their teen years, an upgrade to their room’s style may be in order as they transition from more adolescent colors and interests into more mature preferences. Let them dictate the style and work together to paint, curate and organize.

Lastly, sometimes the best thing you can do is to let them have space and time to figure out what they enjoy the most, what makes them happy and where their passions lie. If you foster an environment of open dialogue, they’ll share some updates when they’re ready. With these tips, you’re providing your child opportunities to explore and learn more about themselves with you as their guide through the challenges of building a strong self-identity in the tween years. Good luck!

2022-08-19T13:09:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

While last year’s back-to-school preparations were full of uncertainties, 2022 seems to be less stressful for many students, parents and teachers. A recent survey of 1,000 K-12 teachers and 1,000 parents of school-age children conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Office Depot found that over half of parents (55%) and 44% of teachers are feeling less anxious about the upcoming school year compared to last year. The survey also noted 57% of parents said their kids seem less anxious, too.

What helps students, parents and teachers feel more confident about school? Active conversations between parents and kids about what is needed to be successful in the classroom. Parents in the survey say they want to stay involved, with nearly half (49%) saying they plan to talk more with their kids about what they want to feel more prepared in the classroom this year.

Based on the survey’s findings, here’s what parents said their kids needed to have most to be ready for this new school year:

2022-2023 Student Must-Have Supplies According to Parents

1. Basic supplies (41% of parents)

Students always need pens and pencils, highlighters, rulers, folders, binders and notebooks. Consult your school’s current list to make sure you have an idea of everything required for each subject. But don’t make the mistake of thinking all pens and notebooks are alike. Kids like to express their individual personalities through these items so ask them which supplies align best with their personal style.

2. Laptop/tablet (38% of parents)

If you’re looking to upgrade your kids’ electronics, you can find tech to tackle any subject at Office Depot. From top-brand desktops, laptops and tablets, to monitors with built-in technology to help minimize eye fatigue, students and teachers can find what they need to power through the school year with ease and efficiency. You can also find printers with wireless connectivity, data storage devices, Texas Instruments^® calculators and more.

3. Backpack/lunchbox (32% of parents)

For those students returning to class in-person, make a confident entrance with a stylish backpack and lunchbox that reflects their personality. At Office Depot, shoppers can save on school backpacks and find plenty of fun lunch bags and boxes at a wide variety of price points to suit any budget.

4. Retro supplies (31% of parents)

A massive trend this school year is nostalgia. Students of all ages, and parents too, are crazy about items from the ‘90s like gel pens and scented markers. Even Trapper Keepers are making a return with a variety of retro patterns to help keep loose-leaf papers trapped on-the-go.

5. Headphones (27% of parents)

To help kids stay focused and even look forward to studying at home, consider choosing a unique set of headphones that your student would love, including on-ear headphones with padded ear cups for comfortable listening sessions and ones that come in fun designs.

Top Resources and Savings for Teachers

When asked what they’re looking forward to most this school year, nearly half the teachers surveyed (47%) said they couldn’t wait to customize their rooms with new supplies, furniture and learning tools.

To help teachers create a conducive learning environment, Office Depot carries a wide assortment of curated tools for teachers, including classroom and teaching supplies, instructional resources, storage solutions, whiteboards and bulletin boards, teacher planners, classroom decor and more. Office Depot also offers flexible delivery and pick-up options that work for busy schedules as the new year approaches.

More than half of teachers (59%) also shared that they expect to spend more this year than last year on school supplies.

When shopping for classroom needs, teachers can look for loyalty or discount programs to help them save and make their budgets work harder. For instance, with a free Office Depot^® OfficeMax^® Rewards program membership, teachers can earn 20% back in bonus rewards on qualifying in-store purchases until September 24. And now through September 10, teachers can also score 40% off print services for new classroom posters, student activities and more. To redeem each in-store offer, teachers should present their valid teacher ID, Rewards Member ID and coupon at checkout.

For additional products and solutions to help students, parents and teachers succeed this school year, visit officedepot.com/school or an Office Depot or OfficeMax store near you.

2022-08-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – As summer heats up with travel plans, social gatherings and lots of good food, it can be challenging to stick to a wellness routine. However, practicing self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. To ensure your body is supported and thriving throughout all of your summer activities, check out these five simple self-care tips.

1. Move your body

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults should get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. That may sound overwhelming, but when you spread it out from Monday through Friday, you’d spend about 30 minutes a day moving your body. Keep in mind, staying active is even more manageable if you commit to movement you actually enjoy, so feel free to switch up your movement to find what works best for you and your body.

Start your morning with a gentle yoga session, go for an evening stroll around the neighborhood or go for a longer bike ride on the weekend if you’re short on time during the workweek. No matter how you decide to exercise, you’ll feel more energized when you move your body a little each day.

2. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables

Did you know that eating seasonal produce is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than eating food that’s out of season? Head to your local grocery store or plan a trip to the farmers market for fresh, flavorful fruits and vegetables. Some summer seasonal foods include apples, avocados, cherries, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, peaches, radishes, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelon and zucchini.

3. Stay hydrated

The hotter it gets, the more you need to hydrate. You’ve probably heard before that you should drink eight glasses of water each day. While that’s a good general rule, how much water you actually need is based on your individual needs and will depend on your health, activity level, environment and other factors. For example, if you live in a drier climate, you may feel thirstier more often and sweat more, which means you need to be vigilant about hydrating.

If you aren’t already in the habit of drinking water, start by having a glass at each meal and drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning. You can also carry a reusable water bottle with you when you run errands so you can hydrate on the go.

4. Nourish your gut

When your stomach is uncomfortable, it can throw off your whole day. One way to keep yourself feeling healthy and energetic is to focus on your gut health. In addition to eating a balanced diet and hydrating, nourish your gut by taking prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics support gut health by nourishing good gut bacteria and probiotics add more and nourish good bacteria, both of which keep your gut health in check.

Consider taking fiber supplements like the new Benefiber Advanced Digestive Health Prebiotic + Probiotic Stick Packs. These convenient, on-the-go stick packs are perfect to carry with you throughout the day and support digestive health* by adding more and nourishing good bacteria* for dual-action digestive health. Benefiber also helps relieve occasional constipation*.

You can incorporate Benefiber into your routine by adding a stick pack to your water, morning coffee, smoothie or any non-carbonated beverage. Try this Cherry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe for a refreshing beverage that will keep you cool and filled with prebiotic fiber AND probiotics that work to help support digestive health*.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

5. Keep SPF on hand

Finally, while the sun is out in full force, don’t forget to put on and reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Start your day by putting on facial and body moisturizer with SPF. If you don’t spend much time outside, you likely won’t need to reapply. However, if you work outdoors or spend a lot of time in the sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Keep a bottle of SPF on hand in your car or a bag you regularly carry in case you’re out and about longer than expected. On particularly sunny days, you should also wear sunglasses, protective clothing and hats in addition to sunscreen to reduce sun exposure.

Using these five tips, you’ll create healthy habits that will keep you feeling well and energized this summer so you can fully appreciate everything the season has to offer. And, if you keep it up this fall, you’ll create habits that will help you thrive during the rest of the year!

2022-08-18T08:48:22

(BPT) – The stress of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients, families and caregivers. And while each person’s response to hearing the words “you have cancer” may differ, feelings of stress, fear and unease are common. According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, one in three people with cancer experience mental or emotional distress, and these challenges appear most (42%) among women with breast cancer.

Mental health can often take a back seat when a person is prioritizing their physical health, but managing mental health is essential and may even have an impact on living with metastatic breast cancer. Studies have shown that a decrease in symptoms of depression was associated with longer life in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

For Linda Carey, who has been living with MBC since 2006, having a community around her has been key to her well-being. “Your community and loved ones can be valuable sources of support and light in your metastatic breast cancer experience.”

Emotional health is important at every stage of a cancer diagnosis and treatment journey, and each person’s coping strategy is unique to them. “It is important to remember that most people experience some kind of impact on their mental health with a cancer diagnosis. It can be sadness, helplessness or another stronger feeling. We want anyone experiencing concerns about their mental health to know there are resources available at LBBC.org and elsewhere to help,” said Jean Sachs, MSS, MLSP, Chief Executive Officer at Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer.

There are a number of ways to manage the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Talking with someone about it, whether it’s your healthcare team or a loved one, can be a first step. Here are a few tips:

* Capture your experiences and feelings. Keep a journal to write down emotions and organize thoughts, record feelings in a video, or through music, photography, drawing or painting.

* Accept help from friends and family. Ask for and accept help. Friends and family can be sources of support and help lighten the load with daily tasks. Letting them take the kids to school, pick up groceries or help out with other household chores can have a meaningful impact on emotional stress.

* Seek out individual or group support. In-person or virtual support groups offer a space to connect with others experiencing something similar. Local advocacy groups can be a great resource to find a group or individual therapy to cope with feelings that accompany a cancer diagnosis.

* Be open with your healthcare providers and healthcare team. Have an honest, open dialogue with your healthcare team when making care decisions.

To learn more about life with metastatic breast cancer and find a list of community partners with mental health and educational resources available for people with cancer and their loved ones, visit LifeBeyondPink.com.

2022-08-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – A decade ago, life was good for Carion Young. He was playing competitive tennis, fixing cars and enjoying life. Carion was also living with Type 1 diabetes, and all this activity began taking a toll on his body.

His glucose levels weren’t under control, and he experienced burning pain, tingling and numbness in his legs and back. His doctor diagnosed him with painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) — one of the most prevalent and chronic complications of diabetes that most often damages nerves in the legs and feet. Symptoms are different for everyone, but include:

• Tingling, burning or freezing sensations
• Sharp stabbing, shooting pains and cramps
• Hypersensitivity to touch
• Deep, persistent aches

Following his diagnosis, Carion’s doctor initially prescribed nerve pain medication, which didn’t deliver the pain relief Carion needed. Carion was soon prescribed opioids of all kinds — hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and oxycontin, to name a few.

Battling Opioid Addiction

Eventually, Carion was taking six or seven types of medications every day. When the opioids kicked in it was a relief initially, but Carion quickly became dependent on them to get through the day. He was waking up in the middle of the night to take his medication to be sure he could function in the early morning and get to work.

“I’m not stupid, I knew they were drugs,” Carion said. “I just didn’t realize what they’d do to my body, or that I would become dependent on them.”

As reported in an FDA patient panel, people with PDN often have trouble achieving pain relief. Once diagnosed, standard treatment options such as physical therapy, injections, over-the-counter medications and prescription medications including opioids are often the first lines of treatment. While opioids can be used to manage chronic pain, their addiction potential can lead to long-term dependence, and they show little evidence of improving function. In academic and medical communities, opioids are referenced as the last resort for treating PDN.

While the opioid dispensing rate was at its lowest rate in 15 years in 2020 — 43.3 prescriptions per 100 people, according to CDC data — this rate remains very high in certain parts of the country. Some counties reported dispensing opioids at a rate nine times higher than the national average.

Carion got to a point where the pain or the opioid withdrawal symptoms kept him from working and living life fully. He knew something had to change.

PDN Relief Without Drugs

New, non-drug alternative treatment options for PDN are becoming available. In July 2021, the first spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system was approved by the FDA with a specific indication to treat PDN, Nevro HFX. Nevro HFX is a non-drug* alternative to treat pain related to diabetic neuropathy. HFX includes a small device that works inside your body quieting pain signals during the day and at night. And, unlike other available therapies, HFX uses a proprietary, high-frequency (10kHz) waveform to help people with PDN experience long-term relief. Other systems rely on distracting patients from their pain using a tingling sensation known as paresthesia — a common symptom of PDN on its own — whereas HFX both relieves pain and eliminates the pins and needles sensation.

Fed up with opioids, Carion sought out a Nevro HFX trial for himself. His care team recommended weaning off his medications, but Carion decided to quit cold turkey. He experienced immediate relief with Nevro HFX and now lives his life completely opioid-free.

“I’d recommend HFX to everyone,” Carion said. “I’m not proud of my history with painkillers, but I want my story to help others who may be facing similar struggles and are looking for a better option for pain relief.”

*HFX is not indicated to reduce opioid usage, but the pain relief it provides often alleviates the need for opioids.

2022-08-18T10:01:00

(BPT) – Back to school means new tech and gadgets, from tech devices and online learning platforms to online-only textbooks. With new digital learning devices and platforms comes the need for additional online safety tools and the ability to educate kids on safe online habits.

Before the school year starts, many families will need to tackle this head-on and teach kids the importance of digital safety. Not sure how to start the conversation? Check out these four tips to help protect your kids online as they begin a new school year.

1. Discuss the dangers of identity theft

Did you know that in 2021, more than 1.25 million children in the U.S. were victims of identity theft and fraud? According to Javelin Strategy & Research, over half of all identity theft cases involve children ages 9 and younger. Most victims won’t know their identity has been stolen until they’re adults and apply for a loan or credit card.

To reduce the risk of identity theft, teach your kids how to protect their personal information online. For younger children, emphasize the importance of keeping their full name, birthday, address and phone numbers private. If you have teenagers, make sure they understand that they shouldn’t share their Social Security numbers or driver’s license information.

2. Be mindful of what you post on social media

Potential fraudsters can glean sensitive information from you or your child’s social media profiles. You may not think twice about sharing a birthday photo or a snapshot of your family vacation, but scammers can easily use this information to access your accounts or find out where you live.

Sit down as a family and review your social media accounts to increase your digital security. Some ways you can enhance your social media privacy are to:

• Make your profiles private
• Restrict who can see your posts
• Limit comment access to close friends
• Limit message requests to approved followers only
• Never reveal your address or date of birth
• Disable location sharing on certain apps

By following these steps, you can instantly secure your family’s social media accounts and teach your children how to be digital security savvy.

3. Review password security best practices

If you use a password that contains personal information — like your birthday or a pet’s name — and you reuse passwords, chances are your children do too. Teach your children the importance of password protection and best practices for password security.

One way to easily protect your whole family’s passwords is to use a password manager. Aura, an all-in-one online safety platform, offers several ways to protect your devices, including a password manager. This feature stores and manages your family’s online accounts in one place and, more importantly, automatically chooses long, random and complex passwords that are difficult to crack. Never recycle passwords again!

4. Check parental controls

Parental controls are a powerful tool to give you peace of mind that your kids’ online activity and behavior are in accordance with your family’s preferences. Not only do they allow you to monitor your child’s screen time and online activity, but you can also use parental controls to block and filter harmful sites.

Included in Aura’s family plan is Circle Parental Controls, which allows you to manage mobile devices, filter websites, monitor internet usage, set screen time limits, limit video searches, ensure safe browsing and block online video games.

Get a handle on your family’s online safety before the fall term kicks off. Using these four tips, you can help your children stay safe online while securing their online presence.

In honor of back-to-school season, Aura is offering families a risk-free 14-day free trial and 50% off their family plan from Aug. 15-Sept. 12. The family plan comes with Circle Parental Controls (a $119 value) for free! Other features include antivirus and VPN protection, identity protection and 24/7 customer support. To learn more, visit Aura.com/bts.