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Comfy cozy: 5 style ideas for warming up your house this winter

2022-11-10T09:15:00

(BPT) – As days get shorter, temperatures fall and we begin to spend more time indoors, many of us are looking for ways to make our homes more snug and cozy. After all, the winter months can be much easier to withstand when our homes become havens of warmth, calm and comfort. As British poet Edith Sitwell once wrote: “Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand, and for a talk beside the fire: It is the time for home.”

The good news is that creating your own home haven need not be difficult if you understand how to create such environments through smart decor choices. With that in mind, here are five key decor elements that can go a long way toward making your home seem luxuriously warm and inviting — for both residents and guests.

Soft and luxurious textiles

The upholstery, drapes, curtains, linens, bedding and throws you pick can have a major impact on comfort levels. It may be worth spending more to purchase high-end textiles with high thread counts. One hundred percent cotton, bamboo or silk often feels best against the skin, but some luxury brands also use synthetic blends to their advantage.

Rich-looking hardwood floors

Hardwood floors offer unparalleled warmth and beauty to any home regardless of its architecture and design style. And thanks to technology, engineered hardwood flooring now offers the extra protection needed to keep them gorgeous even under duress. LL Flooring’s Era Collection line of engineered hardwood flooring, for example, is three times more impact- and scratch-resistant than traditional white oak hardwood flooring. These floors are even water-resistant, built with cutting-edge 5G locking technology to help stand up to winter’s toughest effects. What’s more, this collection features ultra-wide, ultra-long planks in stylish European oak.

“Engineered hardwood floors are a great home decor choice that offer the timeless appeal of hardwood with modern durability,” says Jen Meska, Director of Merchandising at LL Flooring. “They’re built to withstand changes in temperature and humidity in your home through all four seasons, while delivering the warm, organic benefits of hardwood that can make your home feel cozy and welcoming.”

Peaceful atmospheric lighting

Our natural human circadian rhythms dictate that warm yellowish-white light (as opposed to cooler blue light) helps us relax and unwind. In general, light bulbs marked “soft white” or “warm white” will warm up any room. Lighting experts recommend using ceiling and non-symmetric wall lights to create the most comforting settings, but firelight and candlelight can also add a relaxing ambiance.

Comfortable furniture

Plenty of manufacturers create furniture that’s stylish but not particularly comfortable. If your pieces fit that description, you may wish to exchange them for styles that allow you to come in from the cold, settle in and fully relax. Perhaps it’s time to invest in a new pillow-top mattress, a cushy sectional couch that can seat your entire family around the TV or dining room chairs comfortable enough for game-playing and lingering conversations.

Warm color schemes

Because warm colors such as reds, yellows, oranges and yellow-greens tend to remind us of sun, sand, and heat, they can make us perceive rooms as warmer and cozier. You may wish to boost that phenomenon by painting one or more of your rooms in those colors, or by choosing a neutral, subtly tinted tone in one of those shades. Many decorators suggest balancing the effect of intensely warm colors with accents in cooler hues.

With colder weather on the way, there’s much you can do to make your home a haven of comfort for your family. Take steps now to evaluate your home and think about improvements that could make it warmer and more wonderful throughout the winter months.

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Every Single Piece of Carter’s Holiday Wardrobe that Hilary Duff Loves

2022-11-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re dressing your baby for their very first holiday or asking your oldest to pick out their own outfit, for parents, half the stress of the holiday season is getting kids dressed and out the door. This year, Carter’s CMO Hilary Duff is sharing her favorite holiday picks to help make festive dressing less stressful.

Kids generally have a lot of activities, and it doubles during the holiday season, from school plays to parties and all the family gatherings, holiday photos, and outdoor activities in-between, there is a lot to shop for and Carter’s, the most trusted brand in baby and children’s apparel, has families covered no matter what you are shopping for this season.

Hilary Duff has curated an assortment of Carter’s holiday essentials as well as a few tips and tricks to make this holiday season the best part of the year.

Stay Warm, Keep Cool

We all know that when kids are cold, no one is happy — preparation is always key. These adorable winter pieces are perfect for bundling up as the wind chill drops. These jackets and vests make for the perfect layering piece when you are in a pinch. Just throw it over any outfit to guarantee your kids will be dressed for any last-minute functions of the day (that you may or may not have forgotten to put on the calendar!).

PJs All Day, Why Not?

From the Merry Fair Isle to the White Christmas pattern, these must-have Carter’s matching family pajamas are a holiday season staple no matter the occasion. Whether you are gathered in front of a fire, watching holiday movies, or just spending time together, once your family has these PJs on, there is no taking them off. Complete the look with cozy holiday socks and you have a picture-perfect family photo at your fingertips.

From casual playdates with friends to formal dinners with family, you want your kids dressed to impress while still staying comfortable. Choosing a few formal tops to match with leggings or denim will make putting together outfits a breeze!

Easy Festive Fashion

If you’re looking for one outfit to dress your kids this holiday season, go with a Carter’s two-piece set. CMO Hilary Duff loves these outfits as they are the perfect choice for families that are always on the go. Saving one step in the morning gives you and your kids more time to catch a few extra ZZZs before taking on the winter cold. Why not just wake up with an outfit you know will look great every time?

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Budgeting for college? Ways your bank can help you navigate your finances

2022-11-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Millions of college students are making a budget for school for the new year and taking charge of their finances for the first time. Managing money and homework can be stressful, especially with trying to make your money go further with recent inflation causing price hikes that may hit cash-strapped college students especially hard.

One of the best ways to get the most for your money is to make a plan from the very start. Here are some ways to make sure to stay on track financially this year:

Choose the best way to pay for things

When spending money, most people tend to think about how best to maximize their rewards. Rewards and cashback are great, but how you pay for things influences how much money you spend. That is especially true for college students who often manage their finances for the first time. Students can benefit from using a cash or debit card to get comfortable with spending, including keeping a budget and tracking expenditures, before moving on to a credit card.

This doesn’t mean giving up on earning rewards — many banks offer cashback for spending at certain retailers or offer rewards for using their products consistently. It’s critical to look at what each bank or debit card offers, as well as what types of fees they charge.

Make a budget & identify savings goals

Many people automatically assume budgeting means you cannot have any fun or enjoy things, but having a budget can give you the freedom to enjoy things that matter as long as you keep the other things in check. One of the essential parts of an effective budget is figuring out what expenses to plan around. For college students, the most common expenses include:

  • Apartment or dorm rent
  • Utilities (such as phone, electricity, water and internet bills)
  • Books
  • Food/bars
  • Gas
  • Car maintenance
  • Clothes
  • Greek life or other social organization dues
  • Season athletic tickets

Every budget is unique to an individual, and so each person should make sure they are setting aside what they need for essentials but then prioritizing what is most important to them.

Outside of a core budget, the other essential to consider is savings goals. Having an emergency fund is vital for everyone, but in college, students need to plan for things like Spring Break or significant Greek life events or outings. Most people only have two buckets of money, their spending in their checking account and all the money set aside for various goals in their savings. But most need more than that to help save money for multiple purposes. For instance, SoFi Checking & Savings¹ offers Vaults, allowing students to set cash into specific goal-related funds within their savings account so they can easily monitor their savings toward each particular goal.

Use technology to help monitor spending & stay on track

Managing money can feel overwhelming, but college can be extra stressful with managing classes and navigating money management for the first time. But every college student has a phone in their hand more often than not, so it’s an excellent opportunity to deputize said phone to make monitoring spending and budgeting easier.

For instance, SoFi Relay², a financial insights tool, shows individual purchases made across bank accounts and credit cards linked to the platform, as well as spending trends throughout the month, categories people spend the most in, and how it compares to previous months and how someone is saving each month. This takes the burden of tracking spending and purchases manually off of students and makes it simple to keep an eye on spending habits and adjust budgets as needed.

Identifying the best financial partner

For students looking for a simple, all-in-one way to spend and budget, SoFi Checking & Savings provides students flexibility, low costs and access to financial education and resources. When you bank with SoFi, members pay zero account fees and receive automatic savings features, as well as vital resources on financial literacy and access to credentialed financial planners for bespoke advice on managing money.

Students can also earn up to 15% cash back at local establishments3 and access fee-free ATMs via the Allpoint network4, which offers over 55,000 ATMs across the country, allowing students to avoid fees, whether at home or on-campus. SoFi offers all these perks to both students and post-grads.

For more information, you can visit: https://www.sofi.com/banking/.

Disclosures

  1. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A.
  2. SoFi’s Relay tool offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc’s service. The credit score provided to you is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
  3. Earn up to 15% cash back on local retailers. List of retailers may vary. See our terms and conditions.
  4. We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.

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5 tips for getting ready to buy your first home

2022-11-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – By AmeriSave Mortgage Corp.

For generations, homeownership has been synonymous with the idea of achieving the American Dream. This has certainly been true for many Hispanic Americans, who have used their homes to establish roots in their communities for their families.

More than 8.8 million Latino families now own homes across the U.S., according to a recent report from the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. The Latino homeownership rate is now more than 48%, a number that has been on the rise for the last several years.

Homebuying experts say that many more Latinos are interested in buying homes but have pushed off the decision because they’re unsure if they can afford it or because they would like more education about the process.

AmeriSave Mortgage Corp., one of the nation’s fastest-growing home loan providers, offers the following five tips for first-time homebuyers.

1.) Understand what your legal residency status enables you to do. You’re not required to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for a home loan. Anyone with permanent status — including certain non-U.S. citizen buyers — is eligible for a home loan. The best resource to determine what you can do is the comprehensive guide published by Fannie Mae.

2.) Calculate what you can afford. The amount you can borrow is determined primarily by your monthly income and credit score. Typically, people with higher incomes and credit scores can borrow more than those with lower incomes and lower credit scores. Online calculators can provide a general estimate of how much home you can afford and help you estimate your potential monthly mortgage payment. Not sure of your credit score? You can use a service like Experian, Equifax or TransUnion to learn where you stand.

3.) Report verifiable income. Any income you report to a lender must be verifiable taxable income. Cash income is not considered part of your earnings, so if you’re being paid by an employer in cash, you should ask to be paid via their payroll system, either in the form of a physical check or direct deposit. Similarly, if a large portion of your income comes from cash tips, talk with your employer about ensuring those tips are appropriately reflected on your W2.

4.) Don’t forget about the down payment. Regardless of how much you plan to borrow, you’ll need to set aside funds for a down payment and closing costs. Most lenders require 3% to 5% of the total purchase price, at minimum. Any funds you use for this purpose must be in a bank account for at least 60 days prior to underwriting, so make sure you deposit any cash that you receive from working side jobs, from gifts, etc., before starting the mortgage process. Many cities and counties across the U.S. also offer down payment assistance programs, which are intended to help first-time homeowners. Research these programs online as a first step.

5.) Do your research and partner with a qualified and experienced loan originator. Purchasing a home is the biggest financial decision most people will ever make, so it’s important to have trust in and be comfortable with your mortgage lender. You can verify your lender is authorized to do business in your state through the free NMLS® (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System) Consumer AccessSM page. If English is not your preferred language, many mortgage lenders, including AmeriSave Mortgage, have Spanish-speaking loan originators who can guide you through the entire process and provide forms you can complete in Spanish.

The prospect of buying a home can be daunting. But a qualified, experienced lender can make the process much simpler and less stressful. For more information, visit www.AmeriSave.com.

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How to beat the rush and shop smarter this Black Friday and Cyber Monday

2022-11-09T23:01:00

(BPT) – For many people, gift-giving during the holiday season is an important way they show their appreciation for their loved ones. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 62% of holiday shoppers agree it’s important to spend on holiday gifts and celebrations this year, and they’re even willing to cut back in other areas to celebrate like they usually do. However, with the continued rise of inflation in the U.S., it may be challenging for many to stick to their holiday budgets.

Before you make plans to go out and shop after you’ve enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal, remember that there are downsides to shopping in-store on Black Friday. Everyone has their own rendition of this story: standing in line for hours, shivering, only to be told at the front that the smart TV you’ve been eyeing was already sold out. Even worse: once you’re inside, you’re bombarded with so many offers that you have no idea if you are really getting the best price. These situations can be stressful and even make you go over your budget, despite your best efforts!

So how can you maximize savings on those special holiday gifts for each person on your list? And how can you find discounts and deals without wasting time searching for coupons that might not work at checkout? This year, avoid unnecessary stress and score the top deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday by shopping online with PayPal Honey. The PayPal Honey mobile and desktop browser extensions automatically discover and apply coupons at checkout and you can also earn points that can be redeemed for cash back and other rewards to make your holiday shopping even more rewarding.

If you’re looking to start shopping early, you can take advantage of PayPal Honey’s Droplist feature, which lets you add items you’re interested in to a watchlist and get automatically notified if the price drops so you can buy at a lower price. Your early holiday purchasing can be even more rewarding and done all from the comfort of your own home, so that you can focus on what matters most — your friends and family.

Get your shopping done easily, stay within your budget and make the holidays more enjoyable by shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday with PayPal Honey. To learn more and download the mobile and desktop extensions, visit JoinHoney.com/PayPal.

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Top 5 tips for a happy hosting experience this holiday season

2022-11-10T02:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are coming up, which means your life will be full of family, friends and many delicious meals. To keep everything running along merrily this year, why not take steps to make hosting less stressful, and a lot more joyful?

Here are 5 key tips and a few must-have kitchen essentials that can make your holiday hosting easier than ever.

1. Stock your pantry before the holidays

Even before finalizing your holiday menus, ensuring that your pantry staples are well stocked will prevent last-minute panic runs to the store for things like flour, salt, cooking oil and chocolate, lots of chocolate. Take inventory of your cupboards to see if any of those kitchen necessities are running low — then you’ll be ready for all kinds of tasty recipes.

2. Don’t underestimate your prep time

If your recipe says a dish takes 45 minutes to prepare and cook, build in an extra 30 minutes when scheduling your meal prep time before guests arrive. Even better, prep or cook some items (or components) ahead, so they’re pre-chopped or ready to take from the fridge and reheat. Everything always takes longer than expected, so you’ll relieve a lot of stress if you know you’ll have time to do it well. Then you can relax, put on your favorite music, gather your ingredients and get ready to make holiday magic.

3. Let many hands make light work

Holiday cooking and baking memories with friends and relatives may be some of the best memories from your own childhood, so go ahead and let your family and friends help out with some of your meal preparation, cooking and table setting. Even little hands can do a few simple tasks to help, and the more the merrier!

4. Use the right tools for the job

Cooking and baking are so much easier (and much more fun) if you have the best tools possible for the job. Here are some kitchen must-haves that can make your holiday hosting seem effortless:

GoodCook Quick-Baste Roasting Pan — You’ll be ready for any major holiday gathering with this 13×17 pan that comes with a locking rack. It’s large enough for all your favorite chicken, beef and pork roasts, and it can even handle a 25-pound turkey. Constructed with a unique v-shape that allows for the collecting of juices and liquids, you can safely baste in half the time and leave the oven door open for a shorter time to keep cooking temperature consistent. Made from heavy-duty steel, it has a durable nonstick coating that is safe for metal utensils.

GoodCook Meat Tenderizer — Worried about serving tough meat? Worry no more. This double-sided mallet features a textured side for breaking up fibers in tougher meat and a smooth side for flattening cutlets. It’s also the ultimate tool to ensure that your seasonings and toppings are perfectly pulverized, as it’s suitable for crushing nuts, smashing garlic, or mincing ginger spices that will add a delicious dash of flavor to your recipes. Plus, with the single-piece, cast aluminum construction, it is ideal for sanitary use and cleanup.

GoodCook Digital Thermometer — Make sure all your food is properly cooked with an accurate thermometer that has an easy-to-read digital display so you can read the temperature quickly. Its stainless probe has a protective sleeve with a rotating temperature guide for quick reference. As simple to clean as it is to use, when your work is done, you can easily sanitize, fold and store away until next time.

GoodCook AirPerfect Nonstick Baking Sheet — Be ready for cookie swaps or spontaneous baking moments with these insulated cookie sheets that provide even baking and moister cookies. Available in two sizes, you’ll have your pick of perfecting a small or larger batch. Even better, the sheets are designed to keep cookies from burning on the bottom, delivering golden brown results every time — and with the slide-off surface and secure indented handle, cookies are easier than ever to remove. As an added bonus, the nonstick surface makes it a snap to clean.

5. Clean as you go

If you can do some of the cleanup during the preparation and cooking process, you’ll not only maximize your prep surface, but you’ll also make it a lot easier to finish the cleaning after the festivities have wound down for the day.

There’s nothing more satisfying than collaborating with loved ones to prepare a celebration, so take time to have fun and savor the moment. Taste your own food, spend time with the people you care about and enjoy the wonderful holiday feeling you’ve helped to create.

Between the best tools, help from family and friends, plus your upbeat, can-do attitude, your holidays this year can be more fun, festive and flavorful than ever. Find more products to help your holidays be merry at GoodCook.com.

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5 tips for building an online profile to land a skilled trades job

2022-11-09T12:01:00

(BPT) – Across the U.S., there is a strong, growing need for highly skilled tradespeople. According to the Home Builders Institute, more than 300,000 skilled labor job openings remain unfilled. There are many reasons for this labor shortage, but one that doesn’t get enough attention is the lack of networking opportunities between hiring trades professionals and skilled tradespeople.

According to The Home Depot’s Pro Consumer Insights study, 94% of trades professionals struggle to find skilled workers. Unlike other professions, skilled trade workers looking to hire use word-of-mouth referrals as their primary or only recruitment method. Without a jobseeker platform to connect skilled tradespeople, many positions remain unfilled.

To help fill this gap, The Home Depot launched the Path to Pro Network, a new, unique jobseeker marketplace and platform focused on the skilled trades. This free platform allows candidates to connect with The Home Depot’s Pro customers looking to hire in their local area. Candidates can also apply directly to job postings that interest them.

“Connections are a tradesperson’s most powerful tool,” said Jenna Arca, Director of Workforce Development at The Home Depot. “Whether you’re entering the skilled trades for the first time, refreshing your talents or expanding on your skillset, the Path to Pro Network provides a free platform to showcase your trades experience and make connections with hiring Pros in need of skilled labor.”

Before you can make connections and apply for jobs to advance your career, you’ll need to create a strong profile that will make you stand out to potential employers. If you’re new to making a profile or resume, check out these five profile-building tips.

1. Pick your best work

When it comes to skilled trades, no project is too small to show off your mastery of the craft. However, hiring professionals are pressed for time. They need to be able to quickly assess if you’re the right person for the job.

Write a list of the jobs you’ve done and pick only the best ones that highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that the jobs you pick relate to the skilled trade job you’re hoping to land. Also, ensure the skillsets you include in your portfolio demonstrate familiarity with your desired trades job.

2. Take photos of your projects

You’ve probably heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. Hiring Pros need to see that you can produce quality craftsmanship when they are looking to hire a skilled professional for their team. The easiest and more impactful way to show your skill is to take and upload high-resolution photos to your profile.

During a job, take photos before, during and after to show key stages of your process. You don’t need an entire photo album worth of images. Generally, 3-5 photos of each project highlighting the details of your handiwork will be enough to show hiring Pros what you can do.

3. Describe your job process

Make sure to accompany your photos with descriptions of the steps and stages of each project. These descriptions give potential employers confidence in your ability to plan and execute your work.

You don’t need to write a novel. Keep it simple, short and clear. If you completed a project as part of a larger team, highlight your specific contributions, including examples of when you suggested a solution or collaborated with team members to solve a problem.

4. Sell yourself

At the end of the day, potential employers need to know who you are and that you have what it takes to work in the skilled trades. Make sure you have a profile photo that shows off your smile and personality. A photo helps you stand out in the crowd and adds a human touch to your profile.

The Path to Pro Network also features skill badges that indicate if you have accredited training, are a U.S. Military Veteran, or have graduated from The Home Depot’s free trades training program.

Lastly, don’t skip the “About Me” section. This short description gives hiring Pros a little more information about you before they read your work experience and skills. It doesn’t have to be long or super detailed. Make sure to touch on your current position or title, relevant skills and career goals. This short description gives Pros a quick snapshot of how you sell yourself professionally and if you’re a good fit for their needs.

5. Get connected and land your next job

Are you ready to get connected with Pros and land a job? Visit PathtoPro.com/FindJobs to create your own profile and access the Path to Pro Network, where you can find a job and explore new career opportunities. If you want to expand your existing skill set and get resume and interview assistance, you can also enroll in the Path to Pro Skills Program.

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Advocating for yourself while living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

2022-11-09T09:31:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Pfizer

Living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) – also known as eczema – can be challenging.[1] In addition to having the physical burden that includes flare-ups of red, itchy, painful skin, there is also the emotional and social impact.[2],[3],[4],[5] Those living with eczema aren’t alone – in fact AD is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, impacting people of all genders, races, ethnicities and ages.[2],[6],[7],[8] If you’re living with eczema, a proactive approach and self-advocacy can make a big difference in feeling empowered versus overpowered by your moderate-to-severe AD. Here are six ways to help you feel more confident and in control:

1. Take charge of living with eczema

You know your body best – if you think you have eczema or it may be worsening, speak up and consult with your doctor. Talk with your health care team about steps you can take to try to identify or eliminate triggers and irritants for your moderate-to-severe AD.[2],[9] Consider keeping a log of your symptoms and bringing this with you to doctor’s appointments to help understand what might be aggravating your skin. Openly sharing your concerns with your doctor may also help you to identify a treatment plan and options that might be helpful for you. A few simple steps now may make a big difference in how you look and feel in the future.

2. Establish a health care support team

Having a health care team you trust and feel comfortable with is critical. You should be able to speak candidly with your doctor and feel like you are being heard. If this is lacking, consider finding a different doctor, or getting a second opinion – many medical professionals even encourage this. Don’t hold back when it comes to finding the right fit for you.

3. Make the most of appointments

Whether in person or virtually, each appointment you have is an opportunity to see your physician and share the status of your eczema symptoms. But it’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions about your eczema. Consider writing your concerns and questions down ahead of time and bringing the list to the appointment to ensure you don’t forget anything and nothing is overlooked. You may also want to capture pictures of the eczema on your skin to share with them. This preparation can help ensure you make the most of the time you may have with your doctor during the visit.

4. Understand your insurance process

Health insurance policies vary greatly. It’s important to understand deductibles, copays and coverage before proceeding with any appointments or treatments, so you can plan accordingly. Call your health insurance provider to review the process and what you can expect, including prescription coverage.

5. Know you are not alone

Having moderate-to-severe AD can feel isolating but understand that you are not alone.[10] Try to connect with others who are living with or caring for someone with the disease through support networks, advocacy groups or on social media. It may help to share your own experience with others.

6. Research and explore treatment options

Although there is no cure for eczema, there are different treatment options available depending on various factors, such as age and eczema severity.[11],[12] Current therapeutic approaches include applying over-the-counter moisturizers and emollients, or prescription topical, oral and injectable medications, and phototherapy.[12] One option may be CIBINQO (abrocitinib) – a prescription medicine to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to other treatment and is not well controlled with prescription medicines, including biologics, or when they cannot be tolerated.[13] Learn more at www.CIBINQO.com.

If you’ve had success with CIBINQO, consider sharing your story to help inspire others at www.CIBINQO.com/share-your-experience. It can feel great to make a positive impact for others, especially those who may be struggling.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION FOR CIBINQO

CIBINQO may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious infections. CIBINQO can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Do not start CIBINQO if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body, have occurred in people taking CIBINQO or other similar medicines. Some people have died from these infections. Your risk of developing shingles may increase while taking CIBINQO.

Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before treatment with CIBINQO and monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment.

Before and after starting CIBINQO, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection, are being treated for one, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweating, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • cough or shortness of breath
  • blood in your phlegm
  • weight loss
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual
  • feeling very tired

CIBINQO can make you more likely to get infections or worsen infections you have.

There is an increased risk of death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (such as CIBINQO).

Cancer and immune system problems. CIBINQO may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People, especially current or past smokers, have a higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancers, while taking a JAK inhibitor. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight and avoid using tanning beds or sunlamps. When in the sun, wear protective clothing and use SPF 30+ sunscreen. This is especially important if you have very fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

There is an increased risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease (CV) risk factor and are taking a JAK inhibitor, especially for current or past smokers.

Some people taking CIBINQO have had major cardiovascular events.

Get emergency help right away if you develop any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking CIBINQO, including:

  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • weakness in one part or on one side of your body
  • slurred speech
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded

Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking CIBINQO. This may be life-threatening. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs have happened more often in people 50 years and older, with at least one heart disease (CV) risk factor, taking a JAK inhibitor. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past.

Get medical help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots including swelling, pain, or tenderness in one or both legs; sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Changes in certain laboratory test results. Your doctor should do blood tests before and during treatment with CIBINQO to check your lymphocyte, neutrophil, red blood cell, and platelet counts. You should not take CIBINQO if these counts are too low. Your healthcare provider may stop treatment for a period of time if there are changes in these blood test results. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your doctor should do blood tests about 4 weeks after you start treatment and 4 weeks after any increase in dose to check blood cell counts and as often as needed for other laboratory tests.

During the first 3 months of treatment with CIBINQO, do not take medicines that prevent blood clots except low-dose aspirin (≤81 mg daily), if prescribed.

Before taking CIBINQO, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • have an infection, are being treated for one, or have one that won’t go away or keeps returning
  • have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system
  • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
  • have had shingles (herpes zoster)
  • have had hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • live, have lived, or traveled to certain areas (such as Ohio & Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections. These infections may happen or worsen when taking CIBINQO. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re unsure if you have lived in an area where these infections are common
  • have had any type of cancer
  • have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs
  • are a current or past smoker
  • have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
  • have kidney or liver problems
  • have abnormal blood tests (low platelet count or white blood cell count)
  • have any eye problems, including cataracts or retinal detachment
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. People who take CIBINQO should not receive live vaccines
  • are or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if CIBINQO will harm your unborn baby. Pfizer has a Pregnancy Exposure Registry for pregnant women who take CIBINQO to check your health and the health of your baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking CIBINQO, ask your healthcare provider how you can join this pregnancy registry or call 1-877-311-3770 to enroll
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if CIBINQO passes into your breast milk. You should not take CIBINQO while breastfeeding
  • are taking other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. CIBINQO and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take aspirin or any antiplatelet therapies. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure

The most common side effects of CIBINQO include common cold, nausea, headache, herpes simplex including cold sores, increased blood level of creatinine phosphokinase, dizziness, urinary tract infection, tiredness, acne, vomiting, mouth and throat pain, flu, stomach flu, bacterial skin infection, high blood pressure, allergic skin rash to something you contacted, stomach pain, shingles, and low platelet count.

CIBINQO may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

Separation or tear to the lining of the back part of the eye (retinal detachment) has happened in people treated with CIBINQO. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any sudden changes in your vision.

These are not all of the possible side effects of CIBINQO.

What is CIBINQO (si-BINK-oh)?
CIBINQO (abrocitinib) is a prescription medicine to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to other treatment and is not well controlled with prescription medicines, including biologics, or when they cannot be tolerated.

It is not known if CIBINQO is safe and effective in children.

You are encouraged to report adverse events related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (U.S. only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. Visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

CIBINQO is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg pills.

Please click for full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide or visit CIBINQO.com

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

PP-CIB-USA-0235

###

[1] Hanifin JM, Reed ML. A population-based survey of eczema in the United States. Dermatitis.2007;18(2):82-91.

[2] Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatology. 2012;1(3):203-217.

[3] Lifschitz C. The impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;66(suppl 1):24-40.

[4] Zuberbier T, Orlow SJ, Paller AS, et al. Patient perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118(1):226-232.

[5] Anderson RT, Rajagopalan R. Effects of allergic dermatosis on health-related quality of life. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2001;1:309-315.

[6] Kaufman BP, Guttman-Yassky E, Alexis AF. Atopic dermatitis in diverse racial and ethnic groups-Variations in epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation and treatment. Exp Dermatol. 2018;27:340-357.

[7] Atar-Snir V. Gender and Dermatology. In: Tur E., Maibach H. (eds). Atopic Dermatitis. Springer. 2018;243-248.

[8] Akdis CA, Akdis M, Bieber T, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adults: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology/American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/PRACTALL consensus report. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118:115-169.

[9] Oszukowska M, Michalak I, Gutfreund K, et al. Role of primary and secondary prevention in atopic dermatitis. Postep Derm Alergol. 2015;32(6):409-420.

[10] Lewis-Jones S. Quality of life and childhood atopic dermatitis: the misery of living with childhood eczema. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60(8):984-992

[11] Ellis C, Luger T, Abeck D, et al. International consensus conference on atopic dermatitis II (ICCAD II*): clinical update and current treatment strategies. Br J Dermatol. 2003;148(Suppl. 63):3-10.

[12] Boguniewicz M, Fonacier L, Guttman-Yassky E, Ong PY, Silverberg J, Farrar JR. Atopic dermatitis yardstick: practical recommendations for an evolving therapeutic landscape. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(1):10-22.

[13] CIBINQO (abrocitinib). Full Prescribing Information. January 2022.

Posted on

4 myths and misconceptions of living with moderate-to-severe eczema

2022-11-09T09:39:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Pfizer

Living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis – also known as eczema – can be challenging.[1] In addition to having the physical burden that includes flare-ups of red, itchy, painful skin, there can also be a significant emotional and social impact.[2],[3],[4],[5] But those living with eczema aren’t alone. Eczema is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, impacting people of all genders, races, ethnicities and ages.[2],[6],[7],[8] There’s no time like the present to learn more about moderate-to-severe eczema, and to myth bust four common misconceptions about this condition.

Myth: Most people grow out of their eczema

Eczema most often occurs in babies and children. While childhood eczema may go away or get better with age, about 50% of pediatric patients may have recurrent symptoms into adolescence and adulthood.[9],[10] In fact, there are about 6.6 million adults living with moderate-to-severe eczema in the U.S.

Myth: Eczema is “just a rash”

While eczema is often defined by itchy, dry, scaly or red skin, its reach extends beyond the surface of the skin.[8] The physical burden of eczema can be relentless and demanding with a constant cycle of itching and scratching.[2],[5]

A study of over 1,000 people showed that about 6 in 10 people struggle to control their moderate-to-severe eczema. It’s important to tell your doctor about your eczema signs and symptoms. This can help them suggest a treatment plan that’s right for you.[11]

Myth: The cause of eczema is the same for everyone

Eczema occurs when inflammation of the skin and skin barrier defects change your skin’s ability to hold moisture. This can make your skin dry and easily irritated.[2],[8] There are a number of things that can trigger eczema flares, including genetic, environmental and emotional factors.[2]

For example, a child may be more likely to develop eczema if their parent has eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma or food allergy.[12] Some fabrics, food, sweat or even stress can also cause flares.[2] Some research suggests that stress makes it harder for your skin to recover from damage caused by eczema.[13] This extended healing time can then cause more stress — adding to a continuous cycle of stress and eczema.[13]

Myth: Topical creams and ointments are the only options available to treat moderate-to-severe eczema

Although there is no cure for eczema, there are different treatment options available. Appropriate options depend on different factors, such as age, eczema severity and previous treatment history.[14],[15] While current therapeutic approaches do include applying over-the-counter moisturizers and emollients, or prescription topicals, there are also oral and injectable medications, and phototherapy.[12] One option may be CIBINQO (abrocitinib) – a once-daily prescription pill to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to other treatment and is not well controlled with prescription medicines, including biologics, or when they cannot be tolerated.[16] Learn more at www.CIBINQO.com.

If you’ve had success with CIBINQO, consider sharing your story to help inspire others at www.CIBINQO.com/share-your-experience. It can feel great to make a positive impact for others, especially those who may be struggling.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION FOR CIBINQO

CIBINQO may cause serious side effects, including:

Serious infections. CIBINQO can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections. Do not start CIBINQO if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections, including tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body, have occurred in people taking CIBINQO or other similar medicines. Some people have died from these infections. Your risk of developing shingles may increase while taking CIBINQO.

Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before treatment with CIBINQO and monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of TB infection during treatment.

Before and after starting CIBINQO, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection, are being treated for one, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweating, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • cough or shortness of breath
  • blood in your phlegm
  • weight loss
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual
  • feeling very tired

CIBINQO can make you more likely to get infections or worsen infections you have.

There is an increased risk of death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor (such as CIBINQO).

Cancer and immune system problems. CIBINQO may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People, especially current or past smokers, have a higher risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancers, while taking a JAK inhibitor. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice about having your skin checked for skin cancer during treatment. Limit the amount of time you spend in sunlight and avoid using tanning beds or sunlamps. When in the sun, wear protective clothing and use SPF 30+ sunscreen. This is especially important if you have very fair skin or a family history of skin cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

There is an increased risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events such as heart attack, stroke or death in people 50 years and older who have at least one heart disease (CV) risk factor and are taking a JAK inhibitor, especially for current or past smokers.

Some people taking CIBINQO have had major cardiovascular events.

Get emergency help right away if you develop any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while taking CIBINQO, including:

  • discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back
  • severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
  • pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
  • weakness in one part or on one side of your body
  • slurred speech
  • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
  • breaking out in a cold sweat
  • nausea or vomiting
  • feeling lightheaded

Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking CIBINQO. This may be life-threatening. Blood clots in the veins of the legs and lungs have happened more often in people 50 years and older, with at least one heart disease (CV) risk factor, taking a JAK inhibitor. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past.

Get medical help right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots including swelling, pain, or tenderness in one or both legs; sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Changes in certain laboratory test results. Your doctor should do blood tests before and during treatment with CIBINQO to check your lymphocyte, neutrophil, red blood cell, and platelet counts. You should not take CIBINQO if these counts are too low. Your healthcare provider may stop treatment for a period of time if there are changes in these blood test results. You may also have changes in other laboratory tests, such as your blood cholesterol levels. Your doctor should do blood tests about 4 weeks after you start treatment and 4 weeks after any increase in dose to check blood cell counts and as often as needed for other laboratory tests.

During the first 3 months of treatment with CIBINQO, do not take medicines that prevent blood clots except low-dose aspirin (≤81 mg daily), if prescribed.

Before taking CIBINQO, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • have an infection, are being treated for one, or have one that won’t go away or keeps returning
  • have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system
  • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
  • have had shingles (herpes zoster)
  • have had hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • live, have lived, or traveled to certain areas (such as Ohio & Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections. These infections may happen or worsen when taking CIBINQO. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re unsure if you have lived in an area where these infections are common
  • have had any type of cancer
  • have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs
  • are a current or past smoker
  • have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
  • have kidney or liver problems
  • have abnormal blood tests (low platelet count or white blood cell count)
  • have any eye problems, including cataracts or retinal detachment
  • have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. People who take CIBINQO should not receive live vaccines
  • are or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if CIBINQO will harm your unborn baby. Pfizer has a Pregnancy Exposure Registry for pregnant women who take CIBINQO to check your health and the health of your baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking CIBINQO, ask your healthcare provider how you can join this pregnancy registry or call 1-877-311-3770 to enroll
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if CIBINQO passes into your breast milk. You should not take CIBINQO while breastfeeding
  • are taking other medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. CIBINQO and other medicines may affect each other, causing side effects. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take aspirin or any antiplatelet therapies. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure

The most common side effects of CIBINQO include common cold, nausea, headache, herpes simplex including cold sores, increased blood level of creatinine phosphokinase, dizziness, urinary tract infection, tiredness, acne, vomiting, mouth and throat pain, flu, stomach flu, bacterial skin infection, high blood pressure, allergic skin rash to something you contacted, stomach pain, shingles, and low platelet count.

CIBINQO may cause fertility problems in females, which may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about fertility.

Separation or tear to the lining of the back part of the eye (retinal detachment) has happened in people treated with CIBINQO. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any sudden changes in your vision.

These are not all of the possible side effects of CIBINQO.

What is CIBINQO (si-BINK-oh)?
CIBINQO (abrocitinib) is a prescription medicine to treat adults with moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) that did not respond to other treatment and is not well controlled with prescription medicines, including biologics, or when they cannot be tolerated.

It is not known if CIBINQO is safe and effective in children.

You are encouraged to report adverse events related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (U.S. only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. Visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

CIBINQO is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg pills.

Please click for full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide or visit CIBINQO.com

This article is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

PP-CIB-USA-0230

###

[1] Hanifin JM, Reed ML. A population-based survey of eczema in the United States. Dermatitis.2007;18(2):82-91.

[2] Bieber T. Atopic dermatitis. Dermatology. 2012;1(3):203-217.

[3] Lifschitz C. The impact of atopic dermatitis on quality of life. Ann Nutr Metab. 2015;66(suppl 1):24-40.

[4] Zuberbier T, Orlow SJ, Paller AS, et al. Patient perspectives on the management of atopic dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118(1):226-232.

[5] Anderson RT, Rajagopalan R. Effects of allergic dermatosis on health-related quality of life. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2001;1:309-315.

[6] Kaufman BP, Guttman-Yassky E, Alexis AF. Atopic dermatitis in diverse racial and ethnic groups-Variations in epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation and treatment. Exp Dermatol. 2018;27:340-357.

[7] Atar-Snir V. Gender and Dermatology. In: Tur E., Maibach H. (eds). Atopic Dermatitis. Springer. 2018;243-248.

[8] Akdis CA, Akdis M, Bieber T, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adults: European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology/American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology/PRACTALL consensus report. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118:115-169.

[9] Leung DYM. New insights into atopic dermatitis: role of skin barrier and immune dysregulation. Allergol Intl. 2013;62(2):151-161.

[10] Williams HC. Clinical practice. Atopic dermatitis. N Engl J Med. 2005;352(22):2314-2324.

[11] Wei, W., Anderson, P., Gadkari, A., Blackburn, S., Moon, R., Piercy, J., Shinde, S., Gomez, J., & Ghorayeb, E. (2018). Extent and consequences of inadequate disease control among adults with a history of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The Journal of dermatology, 45(2), 150–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/1346-8138.14116

[12] Eichenfield LF, Wynnis TL, Chamlin SL, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: part 1: diagnosis and assessment of atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2014;70(2):338-351.

[13] Bekić S, Martinek V, Talapko J, Majnarić L, Vasilj Mihaljević M, Škrlec I. Atopic Dermatitis and Comorbidity. Healthcare. 2020;8(2):70. doi:10.3390/healthcare8020070

[14] Ellis C, Luger T, Abeck D, et al. International consensus conference on atopic dermatitis II (ICCAD II*): clinical update and current treatment strategies. Br J Dermatol. 2003;148(Suppl. 63):3-10.

[15] Boguniewicz M, Fonacier L, Guttman-Yassky E, Ong PY, Silverberg J, Farrar JR. Atopic dermatitis yardstick: practical recommendations for an evolving therapeutic landscape. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2018;120(1):10-22.

[16] CIBINQO (abrocitinib). Full Prescribing Information. January 2022.

Posted on

U.S. veterans turn to hemp-derived cannabis as alternative to opioids

2022-11-09T10:31:00

(BPT) – Veterans are frequently underserved or abandoned while facing opioid addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), homelessness, physical disability and other issues. Too often many veterans turn to opioids for relief or self-medication with other drugs or alcohol.

Dave Walden, a veteran injured in combat who served two tours in Iraq, became addicted to opioids to help ease back pain and PTSD, until he came across hemp-derived Delta-8 products. “I know how much these products help me, and they need to be readily available to anyone who needs them,” says Walden, who testified last year on behalf of Hometown Hero CBD, which helped the Texas-based cannabusiness win a court injunction to keep these products on the shelves in their home state.

Walden’s challenges are shared by many fellow veterans, who have been heavily impacted by the opioid crises.

A study published in the July Annals of Medicine reported drug overdose mortality rates among U.S. military veterans increased by 53% from 2010 to 2019. Among Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans, 63% diagnosed with substance abuse disorders also met PTSD criteria, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Rather than rely on addictive drugs, thousands of veterans like Walden turn to hemp-derived CBD products to seek relief from pain, depression and other challenges.

Growing Adoption of Hemp

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a nonpsychoactive component of hemp. Hemp is defined as any part of the cannabis sativa plant with no more than 0.3% of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

A known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, CBD has been shown to help ease chronic pain. There have also been studies that indicate CBD oil and other CBD products may help reduce depression. Veterans are among the millions benefitting from hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Hometown Hero CBD is helping to fill that demand with a variety of hemp-derived THC and cannabidiol-based products geared for every consumer, from soccer moms and corporate executives to cannabis enthusiasts and service professionals.

U.S. Farm Bill

The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, otherwise known as the Farm Bill, laid the groundwork for the introduction of hemp-derived products nationwide. The law removed hemp from the Drug Enforcement Administration list of controlled substances, legalizing it nationally.

Jody McGuinness, executive director of the Hemp Industries Association, says it’s vital to keep the Farm Bill intact. “Unlike most other crops, hemp is entirely unsubsidized, so it’s essential that hemp farmers can rely on stability in the marketplace,” he says. “What hemp needs from the next Farm Bill is long-term investments in the infrastructure that exists to support all of our agricultural commodities.”

Support and Advocacy

Founded in 2015 by U.S. Coast Guard veteran Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer, Hometown Hero CBD donates a portion of proceeds from every product sold to nonprofits that help veterans in need. It recently gave $10,000 to VFW Post 10427 in Leander, Texas, for necessary infrastructure repairs and to raise awareness and support for veterans across the state.

Last year the company donated over $100,000 to veteran causes and organizations.

Mitch Fuller, national and state legislative chairman for the Texas VFW, says one of the top priorities of his organization is to ensure hemp-derived CBD products remain legal and accessible to veterans, their families and other caregivers.

“They are effective and affordable and save lives and help thousands of veterans,” he adds.

Hometown Hero is committed to fostering and supporting the continued success of the hemp industry.

“Hometown Hero CBD has been an industry advocate, advancing the availability of hemp-derived products,” says Gilkey, who was attached to a counter-narcotics unit with the U.S. Coast Guard. “It is vital that these products remain on the market for veterans like Dave Walden, and the millions of other adults who deserve the option to continue safely using hemp-derived cannabinoids.”