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Essentials for summer travel

2022-08-18T12:01:00

(BPT) – Vacation season is in full swing, with summer travel in 2022 likely to surpass that of 2021. This season, August and September are projected to be some of the most popular vacation months too, representing 45% of all summer trips in 2022.

If you’re planning on traveling before the year’s end, you may also be looking for suggestions on must-have gear to help maximize your fun and relaxation, without over-packing your suitcase. Whether you’re flying halfway across the world, or driving just a couple hours from home, here are some tips for a few different summer travel scenarios to help you get a head start on collecting the perfect vacation essentials.

Heading to a music festival

If you’re one of the dedicated fans willing to travel hundreds of miles to see bands perform all day long, you aren’t alone. Many are willing to go to great lengths to see their favorite artist, with the average distance traveled to attend a music festival between 2021-2022 being 433 miles. To make the most of your festival experience, try using smart audio glasses like Amazon’s Echo Frames — they give you hands-free access to Alexa while also helping you stay present in reality:

  • While you’re traveling to the festival, you can use Echo Frames to jam out to your favorite artists before you see them perform — just say, “Alexa, play Harry Styles on Amazon Music.” Designed with open-ear audio, Echo Frames direct sound to your ears while minimizing what others around you can hear. That means you can listen to the top hits and not disturb your friends who may be resting before the day ahead.
  • If you’ve traveled far from home, Alexa can also help you find local spots to fuel up at before the show. For example, if you’re heading to Burning Man, you can ask, “Alexa, where are the top restaurants in Gerlach, Nevada?”

Heading to the beach

A summer classic, beach vacations are a popular trip for families across the country. If you’re hoping to last from sunrise to sunset, you’ll need the right set of accessories:

  • Comfortable seating: Upgrade your beach chairs this year to maximize comfort. Look for chairs with built-in cup holders and backpack straps for easy transport on and off the shore.
  • Sun protection: A day at the beach is all fun and games until you realize you left your sunscreen at home. Before you head out, make sure to check the UV index before deciding which SPF is best, and reapply throughout the day. And, make sure to bring along your favorite sunglasses. Echo Frames come in a polarized sunglass option with UV400 protection.
  • Relaxation tools: Use your beach trip as a time to relax and reset. Whether it’s bringing your new beach read to a beautiful spot by the water, or doing sunrise yoga to quiet your mind, find what brings you peace.

Flying across the world

Your vacation doesn’t have to wait until you arrive at your destination, the journey is part of the fun! Make sure you’re well equipped to make your next flight the most peaceful one yet. To start off your packing list, don’t forget to bring earbuds to unlock hours of entertainment to pass the time. If you want to stay fully immersed in your preferred content, like an audiobook, bring along Echo Buds with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. Try asking, “Alexa, read Harry Potter Book One” to stream the book with Audible.

And if you’re going to sleep on the plane, consider bringing accessories like an eye mask or neck pillow to help you catch some Z’s. Lastly, get ahead of dry skin due to extended time in the air — don’t forget a small lip balm and hand lotion in your carry-on can help you feel your best for the vacation ahead of you.

Echo Frames come in four color varieties and based on the color you select, you’ll see options for either prescription-ready, polarized blue mirror, classic sunglasses or blue-light filtering lenses. Find the hue that suits you at amazon.com.

Echo Buds come in Black and Glacier White with the option of a wired or wireless charging case. Echo Buds offers a customizable fit that’s made to move with you. Find your next pair at amazon.com.

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How to create lasting family bonds through cooking: 4 tips to try

2022-08-18T12:05:00

(BPT) – A cultural shift in 2022 has led to more multigenerational living across the United States and it is now becoming increasingly common. According to a recent Bosch survey, nearly a quarter of Americans live with relatives. With more people under one roof, how can families create lasting family bonds at home?

Americans are spending over 400 hours in the kitchen each year with their families. As the heart of the home, the kitchen offers families — no matter what they look like — an opportunity to connect over the power of food. Check out these four tips for cooking with family.

1. Pull out the family cookbook! What better way to reconnect with the family than with a traditional recipe that instantly brings back memories? Sixty-four percent of Americans say they still cook meals today that their parents or grandparents used to make for them as kids. And, well over a third of Americans say that their fondest childhood memory is learning how to make a recipe with family members, from “Aunt Lydia’s chicken” to “Grandma’s arroz con pollo.”

2. Grocery shop ahead of time. Cooking in the heart of the home is often a sacred family activity. Fifty-six percent of Americans say they wish they didn’t have to go to the grocery store so often for more food, ice or water, demonstrating the need for a kitchen that’s conducive to uninterrupted family time. Bulk buy your produce and keep it fresher for longer with a refrigerator that optimizes for temperature and humidity.

Forty-two percent of Americans believe that a refrigerator that limits food waste and keeps food fresh, such as the new Bosch Standard-Depth French door bottom mount refrigerator, is the most important feature in their household when preparing a meal. It has the capacity and the technology to keep your food at peak freshness.

3. Make it like mama. Precision is important when remaking a family recipe so it tastes just like you remember it. Three in five Americans say they can never make certain family recipes “just right,” mainly due to not having the same kitchen tools and appliances as their family members to make them of the same quality (59%).

While measuring out ingredients precisely is not typical for the family matriarch or patriarch — it’s usually a “pinch” of this, a “dash” of that — it is important to measure heat precisely, so you don’t overcook or undercook your meals. With the all-new Bosch industrial-style induction range, fuel-efficient technology provides precision in high heat to sear, or the perfect low simmer for delicate sauces, for repeatable results that make your family recipes taste “just like mama makes.”

4. Connect to something bigger. Fifty-six percent of all respondents agreed they’re proud to know recipes from their own cultural heritage and another 64% are eager to learn more about the foods and customs associated with their family’s culture. Branch out when deciding what to cook on a weekly or monthly basis and choose recipes that help you and your family connect with your cultural background.

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Starting a small business? These expert tips will help set you on a path to success

2022-08-17T12:01:00

(BPT) – The American entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well. After two record-breaking years of new business creation, there’s no sign of the trend slowing down with as many as 17 million new small businesses projected to start in 2022, according to a recent survey commissioned by Intuit QuickBooks.

If you’re one of these early start entrepreneurs, the first months as a business owner can be filled with myriad emotions. You may feel excited and empowered while also confused and stressed — and everything in between.

“Nothing really prepares you for the duality of emotions one experiences when becoming a small business owner,” said Dr. Sherry Walling, best-selling author, founder and lead psychologist for Zenfounder. “It’s definitely a long-game play if you’re going to survive, thrive and sustain a healthy entrepreneurial life. Integrating digital technology into your business can take some of the unnecessary burden and hard stuff away, giving you more confidence to run your business. It’s about working smarter, and putting your time and energy toward the activities that yield the highest return for you and for your business.”

Here are some simple steps Walling recommends for new small business owners to best position themselves for success:

Separate and track all expenses

The first rule of any business is don’t run out of money! A top priority for new small businesses is to keep track of expenses and earnings and open a business bank account. Not only will this keep you organized, but it can also benefit you and your business come tax time. QuickBooks offers more details on the importance of keeping your business and personal expenses separate in this helpful guide.

Build a strong online presence

You have to meet your customers where they are, and increasingly people are looking to shop online. According to a QuickBooks report, 61% of consumers said they use online sources to find local small businesses to shop at, including social media advertising (35%) and posts from friends and followers on social media (28%).

Whether you have a physical location or only sell online, investing in digital tools, a user-friendly website and social media can effectively increase your customer base without being bound by geographical limitations.

Leverage strategic marketing tools

Attracting new customers and keeping them coming back is essential to growing your business. Yet, for nearly half of small businesses, finding new customers is their biggest obstacle, and more than a quarter struggle to retain existing customers. Marketing solutions like Mailchimp can help you identify and engage with customers in creative ways — whether it’s through a timely holiday email campaign or running a discount or promotion. These types of strategic marketing campaigns can help increase sales and boost your revenue.

Network and build community support

Consider joining a business association. This is an opportunity to network, raise awareness of your business and engage with other new entrepreneurs who can relate to the challenges you may be experiencing. By connecting with other entrepreneurs who have similar goals, you can help encourage each other and provide important insights.

Be passionate yet patient

Your small business is your passion. It’s important to work hard to make your dream a reality. However, remember that building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. Take breaks, even if it’s just 20 minutes to walk, read or do whatever helps you recharge. Budget for a vacation, even during your first year in business. Be patient with yourself and others. Every step is an opportunity to learn, and you’ll grow stronger and more savvy each day.

For more information on how innovative business tools and solutions can help new entrepreneurs, please visit here.

For advice on why it’s important to set up a business bank account to keep your personal expenses separate, check out this helpful guide from QuickBooks.

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5 pro tips to sell your home quickly – or just make it more inviting

2022-08-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Glad

As the housing market cools down, sellers will need to work harder to attract buyers. Whether you’re putting your home on the market soon — or if you’d just like your house to look and feel more appealing for family and guests — you can take simple steps that make a big difference. Real estate agent and interior-design specialist, Amanza Smith, from the hit TV show “Selling Sunset” offers tips for making your home more attractive — or sell faster.

1. Declutter to highlight your home

For both potential buyers and guests, too much clutter — including furniture, loose items, and décor on walls — can distract from the positive aspects of your home.

“When staging your home to put on the market or simply making updates to create an inviting atmosphere, less is more,” says Smith. “Using a moderate amount of furniture creates a cleaner look and allows potential homebuyers to envision the home as their own.”

Consider putting excess furniture in storage temporarily, giving your home the best possible flow.

2. First impressions matter

When anyone enters your home, odor makes a huge difference in how they experience the space.

“Smell is a sense that evokes memories in people — good and bad. If the house smells like last night’s fish dinner or heavy fragrances, it can create a space that is not appealing to guests or potential buyers,” warns Smith.

In a YouGov study conducted for Glad, 93% of respondents said a home’s smell is important when considering purchasing a home, and 46% said the number one quality that would deter a buyer from purchasing a home is a bad odor or smell. In fact, 64% of the respondents said a bad odor would make them decrease their final offer.*

To help prevent this problem, Glad® ForceFlex Plus with Clorox™ Drawstring Trash Bags use odor-eliminating technology to help eliminate food and bacterial odors. While many competitor bags mask the smell of trash, Glad with Clorox bags help eliminate offensive odors to help keep your home smelling clean and fresh, without sacrificing strength and performance. So, if you forget to take out the trash before a showing or get-together, no one will know except you!

In the latest Glad Torture Test series, Glad partnered with Smith to host an Open House, where unsuspecting home buyers were brought in to tour their potential dream home. What the prospective buyers didn’t know was that there were trash-filled bags hidden throughout the house. See what happens when they experience the odor-eliminating technology of Glad with Clorox. Watch the video at Glad.com/Amanza.

3. Refresh with fresh paint

Making rooms look fresh and clean is easier (and less expensive) than you think, with a simple coat of paint.

“A neutral tone that brightens up the space is the best bet when you’re selling,” Smith notes. “And a fresh coat of neutral paint is an easy, effective way to enhance the space without breaking the bank!”

You can choose from white/off-white or light shades of gray, cream, beige, or tan.

4. Neutral staging is everything

Just like swapping your wall paint for a neutral palette, it’s also important not to distract the eye with garish throw pillows, area rugs or art. Choose a select few items in each room to complement the neutral palette of the walls. Removing items that are jarring to the eye not only boosts your home sale but can help you find your inner Zen.

“A clean palette allows new buyers to envision their own sense of style,” Smith advises. “Many retailers have affordable accent pieces, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to update the space.”

5. Bring outside areas into focus

Outdoor living is seriously on-trend these days, so be sure to optimize your outdoor space.

“If you have an outdoor gathering space, clean up the area and make it feel like another destination,” Smith recommends. “Having an outdoor area to hang out in with family and friends can be a big selling point.”

With these tips, you’re bound to have an easier time selling your home — or just relaxing and enjoying it.

*YouGov Plc, June 2022. Online survey of 500 U.S. adults who plan to purchase their next home in the next 12 months

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Why is customer experience essential to the MZ Generation? And why is that important?

2022-08-16T20:01:00

(BPT) – At the essence of CX (customer experience) is an increased focus on how customers feel when they experience a particular brand, product and service. Nowadays, comprehensively understanding CX has never been more fundamental for company growth. No longer confined to customer-product interactions, CX refers to the total flow of any interactions between the company and the customer, targeting all the experiences and emotions that customers have and feel from the moment they first learn about a product or service, to purchase, use, repair, disposal and so on.

Considering the emotions and reactions that customers have, CX — if done properly — goes beyond traditional definitions to provide value that surpasses customers’ expectations, successively increasing the attractiveness or appeal of a brand, product or service. And, with the recent business landscape reorganizing around online and omni-channels, “digital” has also become an integral part of CX and a key priority for companies.

The age of relational value: The customer-company interaction

The channels that users encounter and experience in the digital sphere are so diverse, with substantial variables in terms of the emotional responses elicited. While all variables cannot be controlled, the direction or even the degree of satisfaction can be modified by removing the source of dissatisfaction.

“Thorough analysis allows companies to determine what these may be and, subsequently, proactively respond to remove them from the equation,” said Lee Hyang-eun, managing director of the Customer Experience Innovation Division at LG Electronics.

“Brand competitiveness comes from offering a CX that fosters an emotional relationship with the customer and, to be successful at this, brands must be effective at increasing the positive emotions their customers experience.”

In the past, having competitive technologies or products and an aggressive marketing strategy was sufficient. However, in this new era, a company must focus all available resources on the needs of the customer, Hyang-eun said. CX, which includes direct, indirect and even virtual experiences, is where all such efforts come together. Direct experience comprises various categories, including exploration experience, purchase experience and user experience, along with the sharing and resale experience. For companies to compete in today’s market, offering a differentiated CX is essential, especially where the MZ Generation (a widely used term in South Korea that encompasses millennials and Gen Z) is concerned. With members of this group already accustomed to experiential marketing, designing a diverse range of experiences for them is exceptionally complex.

Favoring unique shopping experiences online and offline, the MZ Generation generally opts for experiences with optimized digital convenience and minimal interruptions. To provide a seamless CX without any hassle, companies are actively undertaking an array of digital transformation (DX) initiatives.

From a micro perspective, DX plays a significant role in CX, enabling companies to resolve pain points in a short period of time — exactly what consumers expect and demand in today’s market. The ultimate goal is the innovation of CX, something that is now essential. Conducted continuously in the background, silent and subtle support for better CX backed up by variable data serves as a steppingstone on the path to building strong and lasting relationships with customers.

At its core, CX is a journey where brand loyalty is earned through the development of trust as well as the delivery of immersive experiences. Cyclical in nature, the CX journey repeats again and again, creating a genuine connection with customers that grows over time. With CX, the concept of customer loyalty, which had been all but abandoned in recent years, is reborn and reimagined for a new era.

Recently, LG has introduced revolutionary products, such as an indoor gardening appliance that lets you grow your own greens and flowers in the comfort of your own home and a laundry solution that packs a full-size washer and dryer into a single unit — automatically applying the optimal drying cycle for user convenience. With user-centric innovations like these, LG and other like-minded companies are helping usher in an exciting, new era of CX.

To read the full Executive Corner piece and learn more about CX, visit lgnewsroom.com.

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Set Your Sights on Better Vision with the Latest in Eye Tech

2022-07-28T13:17:00

(BPT) – We optimize everything — sleep, exercise, nutrition — why not our vision? You may not even realize how much clearer, brighter and more vibrant the world can be until you visit your eye doctor. Whether you already wear glasses or contact lenses or are simply far overdue for an eye exam, it’s time to take stock of what’s right in front of your eyes.

As many of us spend more time in front of screens, eye health and associated concerns are rising in importance. Physicians like Luis Rojas, O.D., co-founder of DeNovo Eye, are increasingly emphasizing the need for regular eye exams to improve your overall quality of life. “Our industry has made great advancements over the past few years to where we now understand the daily life of a patient is variable focused. We can shed insight on health issues affecting the patient while offering cutting-edge eye technology.”

When listening to her patients mention their problems with fatigue, dry eyes or headaches, Patricia Poma-Nowinski, O.D., owner of Birmingham Vision Care, tells her patients they don’t have to live like this anymore. The answer may be contact lenses — and gone are the days when they weren’t for everyone.

“Contact lenses are constantly being improved to better our patients’ lives. You don’t have to suffer anymore. So talk to your eye doctor because contact lenses can offer so many solutions. No matter your symptoms, talking to your doctor will help you find the right contact lenses for your lifestyle.”

Seeing an eye doctor is about more than just picking the right contact lens for your needs or getting your prescription right. Eye doctors can identify early warning signs of more than 270 systemic and chronic diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers. Below are some need-to-know tips and reminders for making eye visits a mainstay in your personal healthcare plan.

Get the most out of your visit to the eye doctor

After you’ve made your appointment (and kudos for taking this important first step), it’s imperative that you properly prepare for your eye exam. Dr. Poma-Nowinski recommends preparing to share your concerns ahead of time. “During the exam, I try to get a sense of the patient’s lifestyle to not only get to know my patients but also it helps me to pinpoint specific areas I should focus on or even help with product recommendations.”

Before your exam, take a minute to run through the following checklist:

  1. Be prepared to discuss your lifestyle — exercise, working conditions, medications you take.
  2. Create a list of health concerns you may have like constant headaches, blurry vision or dry eyes.
  3. Be ready to ask your doctor about options for improving your vision and how contact lenses can help.
  4. Think about post care — ask your doctor how you can prioritize eye health when you get home.

Are contact lenses for you?

Many don’t realize how much contact lenses have evolved in the last decade. Whether you need multifocal lenses, have astigmatism or even light sensitivity, contact lenses can make a major impact on your vision quality. Dr. Rojas stresses the impact that contact lenses, like ACUVUE® products, have made for patients. “With the technological advancements in contact lenses, things have changed even just in the past five years so we can offer relief and lifestyle ease for our patients.”

The field is growing. ACUVUE®, for example, has pioneered improvements in supporting those with astigmatism, an imperfection in the curvature of the eye’s surface which causes blurry vision, and others who didn’t previously have the option to request contact lenses. After the age of 40 you may find that it is time for bifocals or “readers” — but with multifocal contact lenses, glasses aren’t necessary. The field continues to evolve and soon people with eye allergies or people seeking relief from staring at digital screens all day will have contact lenses made just for them.

Whatever lens type you need, consider daily disposables to maximize comfort and minimize potential exposure to contaminants. This way you can have a fresh, clean lens in your eye every morning!

The right time to schedule your eye exam

So, when should you get an eye exam? Lifestyle changes have a serious impact on our eye health. “Lack of sleep, more stress, or eye strain can actually impact your prescription,” says Dr. Rojas. Which is why receiving your eye exam once a year is the standard and so critical.

And parents, don’t forget your kids! The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children between the ages of 3 and 5 should have a thorough, in-person optometric eye examination. Seeing an eye doctor at a young age can possibly catch a disease that is affecting millions of children around the world. Myopia, sometimes called ‘nearsightedness,’ is a chronic and progressive disease that poses the biggest eye health threat of the 21st Century. Contacts are now available, like ACUVUE® Abiliti Therapeutic Lenses for Myopia Management, to specifically combat these issues.

Visiting your eye doctor regularly is the first step to set your sights on better vision and access the latest in eye tech. Find an eye care professional near you by visiting ACUVUE.com.

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The American Cowboy and How the Spirit of the West Affects Organ Donation

2022-08-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Long before organ and tissue donation and transplantation were medically possible, there existed the idea of the “Spirit of the West.” While this expression has no definitive definition, there is a meaning behind the expression that those who live in the western part of the United States have come to understand and embody. The American Cowboy embodied the “Spirit of the West.”

It’s that idea of venturing into unknown territory to open up areas of thought, research or development. That sense of adventure and an understanding that we need to rely on our neighbors to assist us in accomplishing our goals. Hike a mountain trail, walk through a neighborhood, community or sporting event and along the way, you will find other like-minded individuals who personify the “Spirit of the West” with a friendly smile in Colorado and Wyoming.

The Spirit of the West Connection to Organ and Tissue Donation

This spirit is not only alive in our outdoor activities, it also thrives within the organ and tissue donation communities throughout Colorado and Wyoming. The generosity of individuals in our communities keeps this spirit of the west alive even after their deaths. Colorado and Wyoming residents continue to lead the country with some of the highest donor designation rates by registering their decision to be organ, eye and tissue donors after death. This rate is consistently high from year to year and exceeds the national rate, proving that the “Spirit of the West” is alive and contributes to saving hundreds of lives each year.

Show your Spirit of the West – How You Can Help

Are you like the American Cowboy or Cowgirl? Do you have the “Spirit of the West”? Check your driver license or state ID for the designating heart symbol. It’s not too late to earn a heart on your license too! Say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation by signing up online at Donate Life Colorado, Donate Life Wyoming or at your local driver license or driver services office.

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7 first-aid kit must-haves for the home — and dorm room

2022-08-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – As your family switches over to fall mode, or you send your son or daughter off to college, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re prepared for the little cuts, scrapes and burns that can happen along the way. One vital step is to create complete first-aid kits for your home, your car(s) — and for your college student to keep in their dorm room. If you already have a first-aid kit, periodically take inventory to ensure you have enough of those essential supplies for coping with life’s minor injuries.

First, make sure you have large enough waterproof containers for your first-aid kits that are both lightweight and durable — and that everyone in your household knows where to find your home kit when it’s needed.

The inside lid of the box is also a good place to post:

  • Your family doctor’s contact information.
  • The nearest urgent care facility.
  • Poison control number (1-800-222-1222) or online at www.poison.org.
  • The Ask Alocane Chat URL: The Ask Alocane Chat will be live for extended hours through September 6, Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. (CST) and the website has useful information year-round. People with serious burn emergencies should always dial 911.

“We aim to provide immediate peace of mind with our live chat service,” said Anne Brolly, senior vice president of product development and marketing at Quest Products, Inc., makers of Alocane. “Oftentimes, a minor burn doesn’t feel small and is quite painful, so a little extra guidance goes a long way.”

How to stock your first-aid kit

To fill (or replenish) your first-aid kits, here are essential items to have on hand to treat minor injuries or burns. It’s also always important to read the labels on your products ahead of time to be aware of their age use requirements before you face a minor emergency:

1. Alcohol-free cleansing wipes — These are handy to clean a minor scratch or wound immediately, and will help decrease the chance of infection. To avoid the sting, wipes must be alcohol-free. Always use them to remove dirt or particles from the affected area before applying a bandage. It may also be helpful to include disposable gloves to minimize the spread of infection.

2. Antiseptic spray or cream — For open wounds or scratches, keep a trusted antiseptic on hand as your first line of defense against infection. Use on a clean wound as directed before applying a bandage. One handy option is Alocane Maximum Strength First Aid Antiseptic Spray.

3. Variety pack of adhesive bandages — Having various sizes will help you cover small- to medium-size wounds easily. Also include a roll of sterile dressing and gauze to cover larger areas when needed. For minor burns, consider adding Alocane Emergency Burn Pads infused with Alocane and 4% Lidocaine to your shopping list.

4. Small scissors — When working with rolls of bandages or gauze, you will be happy you added scissors to your first-aid kit. Depending on the wound’s location, you also may need to cut away clothing that gets in the way of dressing the wound properly.

5. Eyewash and pads — Including eyewash in your kit can make it easier to flush unwanted contaminants from an eye while simultaneously cleaning the area. After washing, you may want to cover the eye with sterile eye pads to protect it before seeking medical attention.

6. Tweezers — These can be used to remove splinters, bee stingers or small debris from wounds.

7. Alocane® Maximum Strength Emergency Burn Gel or Spray — Burns happen, so be prepared by having Alocane® Maximum Strength Emergency Burn Gel and/or Alocane Emergency Burn Spray in your first-aid kit to help prevent any minor burn from worsening. For concerns about any burns, call the Alocane Ask Alocane Chat at Alocane.com/AskAlocane.

With these first-aid items on hand and easy to locate, you and your family will feel much more prepared for any of the minor scrapes, cuts and burns that can happen as part of daily life.

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A Breast Cancer Diagnosis at Age 36 Inspired this Survivor to Support Others, Advance Research

2022-08-04T10:53:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by G1 Therapeutics, Inc.

Diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer? You Have Options

Regina Jones has twice heard the life-changing words, “It’s cancer.” The first time was in 2005 when her mother was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, a disease which claimed her life, and the second time was when Regina was planning her own wedding in 2011.

“The way I learned I had breast cancer was after attending an event led by a survivor who was telling us how important mammograms were,” said Jones, now a married mom of six-year-old twins. “She said, ‘None of you are listening.’ I told her that I was listening, and that I was going to schedule a mammogram even though I was only 36 years old.”

After the initial shock of her breast cancer diagnosis had subsided, Regina and her fiancé — now her husband — set out to decide how best to treat it. They quickly learned the importance of researching and evaluating all of their options: they got a second opinion, found the right doctor, asked a lot of questions and considered participating in a clinical trial.

When Current Treatments Aren’t Right for You – Clinical Trials Offer Choices

Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the efficacy, safety and side effects of investigational medicines or existing ones to determine if they are safe and effective in treating additional medical conditions. And while they aren’t without risk, clinical trials may offer access to investigational therapies that are not yet on the market. Regina and her husband learned about cancer clinical trials while she was receiving treatment at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, where the doctors, residents, interns, and nurses talked about research on a regular basis. Without clinical trials, new treatments cannot get approved by the FDA for patient use.

“If more people, and people of color, knew of the importance of clinical research, we could advance new therapies more quickly,” Jones said. “There’s a reason why doctors evaluate drugs in certain age groups, ethnicities and in women versus men; because doctors need to understand in which groups the drug works or works best. There may be some side effects from new drugs, but evaluating them in clinical trials helps us, as patients, find new treatments that could save and improve our lives.”

Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Near You

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with triple negative breast-cancer, you may be a good fit for one of three clinical trials evaluating an investigational drug for its ability to extend survival and/or its ability to help protect bone marrow against the damaging side effects of chemotherapy. The drug is currently approved for a different oncology indication and is now being evaluated in patients with triple negative breast-cancer. There are more options out there than you might think. A clinical trial — if you’re eligible to participate — might just be one of them.