Month: August 2022

2022-08-16T11:03:00

(BPT) – Lance, the beloved snack brand that has been fueling America with its sandwich crackers for more than 100 years, and Little League are proud to announce the 2022 Coach of the Year Award winners and honorable mentions. The winners, Antonio Colon and Joy Magnabousco, will be awarded a $5,000 grant toward future programming for their league. Both brands are excited to celebrate these well-deserving Little League coaches and below are their tips and insights on how they foster team spirit and encourage kids to be the best they can be, both on and off the field.

2022-08-15T17:01:00

(BPT) – If you have a cat, you know that they are the kings and queens of their domains. As their owner, it’s your job to not only take care of them but also spoil them like royalty. You don’t have to break the bank to show your feline a good time. Check out these five tips below to help you treat your cat and build trust in your relationship with them.

1. Spruce up their sleep area

Cats sleep on average 15 hours a day, so sprucing up their nap spots is the best way to get on your kitty’s good side. “Because cats are prey animals, they enjoy elevated spaces,” said Purina senior pet behavior scientist Dr. Annie Valuska. “It makes them feel safe while still allowing them to be part of the action.” Create an elevated resting spot by installing a shelf with a soft bed, a kitty hammock or a tall cat tree.

2. Make mealtime indulgent

Spoil your cat with a decadent dinner that will leave them purring with happiness. Cats naturally prefer new food over familiar food. To keep your furry friend happy, add variety to their diet.

Complements and toppers are a great way to spruce up your cat’s meal. Try out Friskies Lil’ Shakes as a cat food topper on the next meal or serve as a yummy snack in between meals. Each flavor is made with real meat or seafood and blended with a “lil’” coconut milk. Best of all, it helps provide the hydration needed to keep your cat healthy and happy.

3. Make time for play

Playing with your cat is essential to their overall health and wellness, and it helps you bond with your feline friend. The best time to play with your cat is right before a meal. “Cats benefit from a strenuous play session before meals because it mimics their natural behavior pattern of hunt-catch prey-eat,” said Dr. Valuska. “Make sure to use random movements that mimic their natural prey and keep them interested.”

4. Enrich the senses

Just like humans, cats need entertainment to combat boredom. “When cats experience boredom, they might act out with inappropriate scratching and chewing and play aggression,” said Dr. Valuska. To keep your cat happy, it’s important to engage in enrichment activities.

For example, you can install a window catio so your pet can enjoy the outdoors without going outside. Add bird and squirrel feeders to your backyard or plant a butterfly garden to give them a variety of sights from your windows. Indoors, you can keep safe herbs like dill, oregano, parsley and rosemary plants to appeal to their sense of smell.

5. Treat them with some catnip

Last but certainly not least, catnip is one of the best ways to spoil your cat. You can buy some dried catnip and sprinkle it on your pet’s nap spots, scratching posts and toys. There are also plenty of toys infused with catnip that you can purchase or make your own by tying a pinch of herb into an old, clean sock. Make sure to check with your vet if catnip would be a good fit for your pet.

Remember, no two cats are the same. What works for one may not work for the other. Understanding your cat’s personality and preferences will help you learn the best ways to spoil them. However, these five tips are a great place to start.

2022-08-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you see your dog scratching a lot? If so, you’re not alone. Twenty million households have a dog with itchy skin (pruritus), so this behavior is more common than people realize.¹ While there was a 60% increase in itchy dogs being treated by a veterinarian over the past 5 years,² there are still an estimated 7 million itchy dogs that have never been seen by a veterinarian.²

Frequent scratching in dogs can be due to a variety of causes, including skin allergies (allergic dermatitis). If a dog is doing more than the occasional itch, they may need treatment to get relief and provide comfort to them (and their family).

Here are three important things to keep in mind when it comes to identifying the signs of allergic itch in dogs and how to help your four-legged friend feel better.

1. What dog behaviors to watch for

• Frequent scratching or licking: Be mindful of these signs, especially if they happen frequently or more than usual.
• Excessive scooting, rubbing, and rolling: While the occasional rub or roll is normal, seeing these signs frequently can mean a dog is very itchy.
• Recurring ear problems: Some common ear problems include head shaking, ear discharge, or scratching at the ears.
• Hair loss, body odor, or skin changes: Some skin changes to monitor for include rash, redness, greasy skin, or scabs.

2. What causes itchiness and what to do next?

Causes of allergic dermatitis in your dog can include:

• Flea allergy: Flea bites can lead to an allergic reaction in dogs. The fleas tend to bite around the hind end, tail base, and thighs. Signs include itchy skin, hair loss, and crusts in the infested areas.
• Food allergy: This is an allergic reaction to something in a dog’s diet. Signs include itching around the face, armpits, belly and feet. It also can lead to ear infections and digestive issues.
• Environmental allergy: A dog can be allergic to things in the environment, like pollen, dust mites, and mold. Signs include itching, redness, skin & ear infections, and hair loss. Commonly affected areas are the face, undersides, and paws.

If you notice any of the above signs and behaviors, or you’re unsure whether your dog needs treatment, the best thing to do is check with your vet. The vet can examine your dog, determine the cause of the itching, and decide the best course of treatment.

3. How to treat frequent itching

The best course of action? Reach out to your veterinarian. By working together, you both can help keep your dog healthy and happy. Don’t wait to relieve your dog’s allergic itch because it can lead to serious problems, such as:

• Continued itchiness
• Sores from scratching-induced skin damage
• Secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections
• Hair loss and other skin changes

Your veterinarian will be able to tell you about the best treatment options for your dog. Zoetis offers Apoquel^® (oclacitinib tablet), which is the #1 prescribed medication for allergic dermatitis in dogs.³ It starts working in 4 hours and controls allergic itch within 24 hours.^4,5 Additionally, Apoquel can be used for short term therapy and be given once daily for long term maintenance in dogs.^4,6 Apoquel is for dogs 12 months of age or older.

For more information, visit itchingforhelp.com and talk to your vet to see what treatment options may be right for your pet.

2022-08-16T06:01:00

(BPT) – By Truth Initiative

Mental health and nicotine use are connected in ways many may not realize with a large body of evidence revealing troubling links, including the fact that nicotine can amplify feelings of depression and anxiety. This connection is increasingly important as two health crises among youth — a mental health crisis and a vaping epidemic — pose increasing threats to a generation of young people.

The tobacco industry has long sold the myth of nicotine as a stress reliever, but according to a body of peer-reviewed research gathered in the Truth Initiative report “Colliding Crises: Youth Mental Health and Nicotine Use,” nicotine can worsen anxiety symptoms and feelings of depression. The common misconception that nicotine relieves stress, anxiety, and depression may be rooted in the cycle of nicotine withdrawal. Irritability, anxiety, and depression are some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, and using nicotine relieves these symptoms temporarily.

The good news? Quitting may alleviate these symptoms and lead to long-term improved mental health, and free, anonymous quit support is available.

The illusion of nicotine as a stress reliever

Many misinterpret the effects of tobacco products as a stress reliever. Indeed, Truth Initiative surveys show a large majority of young people who have used e-cigarettes started vaping nicotine to lessen feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, and many continue vaping nicotine to cope with these feelings. Though they may be looking to nicotine for relief, many young people are unaware that vaping nicotine may make their symptoms worse.

The cycle of nicotine withdrawal, subsequent nicotine use, and alleviation of symptoms all starts with nicotine addiction in the first place. The tobacco industry has also invested significant resources in marketing that connects tobacco use with mental well-being, stress relief, relaxation, and pleasure. truth, the proven-effective and nationally recognized youth smoking, vaping and nicotine prevention campaign from Truth Initiative, exposed nicotine’s role as a contributor to the worsening youth mental health crisis and the tobacco industry’s ongoing attempts to distort public perception about the health effects of vaping products. Building on “It’s Messing with Our Heads,” the latest effort, Breath of Stress Air, debunks the marketing of e-cigarettes as stress relievers and calls out the tobacco industry for selling vaping as a way to deal with stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quitting nicotine can alleviate mental health symptoms

Quitting smoking is linked with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as improved positive mood and quality of life compared with continuing to smoke, according to a 2014 meta-analysis of 26 studies about smoking and mental health published in the British Medical Journal.

Similarly, there is emerging evidence of a link between quitting vaping and improvements in mental health symptoms. Truth Initiative survey data show support for this link between quitting nicotine-containing e-cigarettes and improved mental health outcomes.

• 90% of those who quit said they felt less stressed, anxious, or depressed
• 47% of respondents who quit vaping nicotine reported that when they quit vaping they felt more in control
• 78% of respondents who reported ever vaping nicotine but had not quit said they would feel better about themselves if they quit vaping

Free and anonymous quit support is available

Previous Truth Initiative research published in Preventive Medicine Reports shows high interest in quitting among young people. A majority of current young e-cigarette users surveyed say they intend to quit, with one-third reporting a past-year quit attempt and 15% aiming to quit in the next month.

This is Quitting, the first-of-its-kind texting program from truth to help young people quit vaping, has become a resource for nearly 500,000 young people and is free. Compared to a control group in a recent clinical trial, This is Quitting increased quit vaping rates by 40%.

“With the daily texts from This is Quitting, I found inspiration, help to quit, and all sorts of content to distract me from thoughts of going back to vaping nicotine,” said Parker, a college student who quit using This is Quitting and is featured in a truth video series. “And since quitting, I am a more healthy person both mentally and physically.”

To access This is Quitting and receive immediate help, teens and young adults can text “DITCHVAPE” to 88709. Parents of young people who vape can receive support at BecomeAnEX.org, a free, digital quit tobacco program developed in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, which includes the largest and longest running online community of thousands of current and former tobacco users.

2022-08-16T00:01:00

(BPT) – As back-to-school season gets underway, it’s important to ensure that your child is ready for the school year, both physically and emotionally, by scheduling a well-child visit.

Annual well-child visits are doctor appointments for preventive health services which are essential for ensuring a child’s growth and tracking developmental milestones. The well-child visit is also the time for routine immunizations to prevent diseases like measles, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox, whooping cough and other serious diseases.

“Like vaccines, which prevent physical health conditions, speaking with your child’s primary care physician regularly about mental health concerns is also an essential part of overall preventive care,” said Rhonda L. Randall, D.O. and chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare. “Your annual well-child visit is also an opportunity to have a conversation with your child’s physician. It’s best to have these conversations when problems or warning signs first appear, so your physician can take the appropriate steps to best treat them.”

If you’re not sure what questions to ask your child’s primary care physician during an annual well-child visit, consider the following:

Ask what vaccines are appropriate for your child’s age — and how to make up any that have been missed. You can refer to the list of child and adolescent vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at CDC.gov/vaccines. In addition to other childhood vaccines, both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months of age and older. If you are concerned about childhood vaccines, ask the pediatrician about common side effects, which are typically very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site, and can include low-grade fever or rash.

Discuss changes in your child’s behavior. Some common warning signs that your child’s mental well-being isn’t where it needs to be include persistent sadness, withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions, displaying outbursts of extreme irritability, drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, frequent headaches or stomachaches, difficulty concentrating, changes in academic performance or avoiding or missing school.

Ask for guidance on how best to support your child. Whether you have concerns about your child’s nutrition, exercise, sleeping patterns or behavioral changes, your child’s primary care physician is a great place to start. With so many young children experiencing mental and emotional health challenges, it’s important to create opportunities for them to share how they are really doing. Remember that these can be sensitive topics for your child to discuss. Empathy and patience go a long way to help children and adolescents feel listened to and comfortable.

Don’t forget to bring your sports physical forms. It’s great if your child participates in school sports. The wellness visit is an opportune time to make sure your physician is aware that your child is a student-athlete and address any concerns like nutrition, prior injuries and family history.

Ask for recommendations for other health care professionals, if needed. For example, if your child hasn’t seen the dentist in a while, if their vision screening indicated that they need to see an eye doctor, or their mental health screening has raised concerns, ask which health care professionals in your plan’s network they would recommend.

“If you haven’t already, now is the time to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician, to give your child a healthy start to the school year,” added Randall. “Regular well-child visits are essential in making sure your child is up to date on immunizations and that their developmental milestones are on track — including their mental well-being.”

To learn more about recommended preventive care for your child, visit UHC.com.

2022-08-15T09:51:00

(BPT) – These days you’re likely thinking twice about making new purchases or doing a lot more research before clicking that buy button on websites. Fortunately, if you have a truck or Jeep^® you don’t have to buy a new one to customize it and match your lifestyle. RealTruck offers over a million parts and accessories for trucks and Jeeps^® to keep them looking and running as good as new. Here are the top five ways and products to affordably transform your vehicle so you can get out “In The Real.”

Keep a tonneau cover on your truck

BAK Industries^® manufactures America’s number one selling BAK Revolver X4S tonneau cover. It will keep your truck bed secure and protected from the elements. Designed with a low-profile appearance, it features flat side seals and redesigned rear corner caps for a sleek aesthetic. The tonneau showcases rotational locking rails that secure the X4S across the entire length of the truck bed, so items in your bed stay dry. It operates from either side with an automatic latch and has a roll-up cover that can be secured with straps and buckles. With an easy, no-drilling-required installation, this user-friendly tonneau cover will turn your truck bed into a fully functional space for all your gear and outdoor fall adventures.

Running boards & nerf bars give you a leg up

Update your truck with a set of Ionic 5″ black nerf bars. Nerf bars and running boards are made to fit your specific truck and run along the length of your vehicle. They allow you and your passengers to safely enter and exit your vehicle, while avoiding messy elements as you exit. While traveling “In The Real,” pull over at a viewpoint and step out on your nerf bars or running boards to look out at all nature has to offer. Give your truck a new look with this easy addition to your ride.

Fender flares protect tires from wear and tear

Flares are a must-have for any truck owner with oversized tires. Tires can be costly, depending on what make and model truck you have. Ensure tire longevity with pocket-style fender flares that will protect the rubber from UV rays, dirt and debris. The flares themselves are also UV resistant to prevent fading, cracking and chalking. They come in an OEM matte black finish and can be purchased in 2-piece or 4-piece sets. Get the most miles out of your tires with this upgrade.

Purchase Moto Wheels for the perfect deal

Give your truck the structural foundation it deserves with Moto Metal Machined Gloss Black MO970 Wheels. They’re made of heavy-duty cast aluminum which is super durable for all your on- and off-road adventures. These wheels have a unique eight-spoke design that’s sure to make your truck stand out. They come in multiple offsets, diameters and bolt patterns for a variety of trucks. Recommended especially for those who enjoy overlanding, these wheels will carry you on your way for many years to come.

Clean seats are hard to beat

Keep your seats stain free and stylish with Covercraft Carhartt Seat Covers, which are made of a breathable heavy-duty duck-weave fabric and are UV treated to prevent fading. They’re also coated with rain defender water repellent to protect from spills or meal mishaps while driving. The Covercraft seat covers are custom made for your exact vehicle and seat configuration, including heated seats and safety-resistant latch points. They’re machine washable and dryer friendly with a three-year limited warranty. Seat covers are a simple solution to help maintain your truck’s value.

Gear up, get out and go after it with all the truck essentials you need to make your truck up to date and looking good as new at RealTruck.com.

2022-08-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Myelofibrosis is a rare blood cancer that develops when a disruption occurs in blood stem cells, resulting in excessive scar tissue formation (fibrosis) in the bone marrow, where most blood cells are produced. To help compensate for abnormal blood counts, splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) occurs in most patients, which can cause pain below left side of the ribs and fullness.^[1] Other symptoms experienced by patients with myelofibrosis includes feeling tired or weak, bruising or bleeding easily and severe anemia, which is a lack of healthy red blood cells.^[2] If you are one of the thousands of people living with myelofibrosis in the U.S. today, you may be experiencing first-hand how these symptoms can be debilitating and greatly impact your quality of life.^[3] Myelofibrosis can occur in both men and women and is more likely to be diagnosed in people over age 50.^[4]

Current treatments

While there have been significant advances in the understanding and treatment of myelofibrosis, more remains to be done. Current treatments can help relieve symptoms or improve blood cell counts, but there are no treatments that address the underlying cause of disease. The good news is that research is underway to study this rare, difficult-to-treat blood cancer. To find out more about myelofibrosis research and potential eligibility to participate in ongoing studies, please visit www.myelofibrosisresearch.com/PAMR.

Cutting-edge research

New treatments are investigated through clinical research studies (also called clinical trials) which are scientific studies that evaluate an investigational medication in a certain condition. All medications must be tested in clinical research studies before they can be approved and prescribed to patients.

Research is ongoing to evaluate a new, potential option called navitoclax. Navitoclax is being studied in clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy in the treatment of myelofibrosis. It is an investigational, oral BCL-XL/BCL-2 inhibitor. The BCL-2 family of proteins are known regulators of the apoptosis (which means “cell death”) pathway. People with myelofibrosis often have a high expression of BCL-XL and BCL-2, and the BCL-2 family of proteins prevent apoptosis from occurring.^[5]

Navitoclax has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other regulatory health authorities. Safety and efficacy are under evaluation.

If you are over 18 years old with a diagnosis of myelofibrosis, you may be eligible to participate in one of these clinical trials.

How to get involved

Participating in a clinical trial is a personal decision. As with any new treatment under investigation, it may affect you differently from your current medication. You may also need more doctor visits which would necessitate more time and travel.

And finally, you could play a role in helping to advance the field of myelofibrosis research. Your participation in the study is voluntary – you can stop participating at any time for any reason. The investigational drug will be provided at no cost to you, and you will not be responsible for study procedures that are not part of the routine treatment for your disease. You may also be eligible for travel expense reimbursement.

To find out more about myelofibrosis research and potential eligibility for the studies, please visit www.myelofibrosisresearch.com/PAMR.

2022-08-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – As temperatures begin dropping this fall, you may be worrying about rising energy costs. Fortunately, there are a number of simple, proactive steps you can take that will save on energy and expenses for your home — while also increasing comfort — today and well into the future. On top of that, you will also be helping to increase the value of your home with these effective energy-saving measures.

Consider these 5 steps to help your home become more energy-efficient.

1. Give your furnace or boiler a checkup

Get in the habit of having your furnace or boiler professionally tuned up and cleaned at least once a year, ideally just before the weather starts turning colder. Just as you perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, make sure your entire HVAC system is in top condition — and replace your furnace filter at least every 90 days — to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This will reduce your utility bills over time, while keeping you and your family warmer.

2. Go tankless

Looking for a great way to cut down on energy usage and also ensure more consistent access to hot water? Upgrading to a tankless water heater will save on energy and expenses compared to a traditional water heater. For example, Noritz EZ Series high-efficiency, condensing tankless water heaters are engineered to replace larger, conventional storage tank-type units, cutting both installation time and costs substantially. The wall-hung technology also has zero footprint in your home, which is a great space saver for smaller homes or if you just need more areas for storage. Tankless water heaters efficiently provide continuous hot water — meaning no more cold showers — along with big energy savings. In addition, tankless water heaters like the Noritz EZ Series also result in reduced carbon emissions and have a longer life expectancy than traditional models. Tankless water heaters use top-mounted water connections, avoiding the need for additional and costly plumbing. Even better, you can often find money-saving rebate programs from your local gas utility for your new tankless water heater that will help cut the installed cost even more.

3. Insulate your attic

You’re probably aware that heat rises — so if your attic is not properly insulated, you may be losing a lot of heated air through your roof every winter. Lack of good attic insulation can also lead to damage from ice buildup, which is costly to repair. If you own an older home, it’s a good idea to have your attic inspected for insulation before winter sets in. And while older homes are the least likely to have properly insulated attics, even if you have a newer home it’s worth having a professional check to see if your attic is under-insulated. This can make a big difference when it comes to heating costs.

4. Make your thermostat programmable

If it’s been a while since you upgraded your thermostat, you may be surprised at what new programmable thermostats can do to help keep your home comfortable while also saving on utility bills. The latest models provide much better fine tuning when setting your thermostat, allowing better control of the energy you’re using to heat (or cool) your home. You can make sure you’re not overheating your house when you’re asleep or not at home. Traveling or on vacation? New smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home’s thermostat controls remotely, using your phone or another electronic device.

5. Check for leaks

Every year, homeowners lose a lot of heated (or cooled) air through leaks around areas like windows, doors and chimneys. Inspecting your home for leaks can alert you to spots where you may need to improve caulking, flashing or weather-stripping for a fairly low-cost fix. For a longer-term solution, you may want to consider replacing older, less energy-efficient windows and doors with new ones. For help finding leaks, call your utility company. Many provide energy audits to help customers locate trouble spots in their homes.

By taking a few of these proactive steps, you can help your family stay cozy and comfortable all winter, while also helping to save energy and protect your budget.

Visit EZSeries.Noritz.com to learn more about how you can save energy, space and expenses on heating water for your home.