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How to stay safe and be jolly during the holiday season

2022-12-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – While it’s the season for festivities and numerous joyous activities, a lot of mishaps can happen during the holidays, from baking snafus and turkey fires to decor disasters and pet problems. Fortunately, some smart preparation and mindful steps will help keep you and loved ones safe and jolly throughout the season.

Prioritize cooking and baking safety

Food is the center of many holiday celebrations, and it’s easy for holiday hosts to become overwhelmed while cooking and baking. In 2021, State Farm reported $142 million in total claim costs for grease fires and cooking-related fires. Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association. No matter what you’re whipping up, don’t get distracted. Use clocks and alarms to your advantage and also ask for help so more than one person is watching foods and appliances when in use.

Prevent turkey fryer fires

Turkey is a mainstay of holiday celebrations and the centerpiece on many tables across the country as family and friends gather. Frying a turkey has become a popular method for cooking a bird, but no matter your culinary skill level, a lot can go wrong during the process. This year, State Farm has already paid out a total of $4 million for outdoor cooking fires and expects that number to rise as we approach the holiday season. Make sure the turkey is thawed and dry before cooking. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey in oil, then turn it on. Always place fryers away from garages and trees and off decks. See here for more tips before frying.

Mind the glow of candles

It’s hard to resist the ambiance that candles create during the holiday season. However, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 7,400 home fires last year that were started by candles. These fires cause $291 million in direct property damage annually. It’s important to burn candles in short increments and in safe places, keeping them away from kids, pets and holiday decorations. What’s more, make sure your home and renters insurance is up to date so if something happens, you have the peace of mind that you’re financially protected.

Protect your pets

While family and friends flood your home for the holidays, the increased noise levels and new faces can cause anxiety for your pets. Discuss with guests how your pet prefers to be touched and separate your pet from crowds if a break is needed. Additionally, get pet medical insurance ahead of your gatherings as pets can become overwhelmed and aggressive, nipping, biting and scratching unexpectedly. Total cost of pet claims in 2021 was $161.7 million and the average cost per claim was $49,612, according to State Farm research. Protect yourself, your assets and your furry family member with Trupanion® pet insurance.

Understand electrical fire risks

Electrical distribution and lighting equipment was involved in nearly half (45%) of home tree fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Holiday decorations overall cause more than 770 house fires every year! To lower your risk and keep your family and home safe, make sure you don’t leave lights on trees or on other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. They could short and start a fire. Plus, if you’re planning to decorate outdoors, make sure that you use lights and decorations intended for outdoor use.

Update auto insurance and drive safe

Over the river and through the woods — many people take road trips during the holiday season to visit friends and family. If you’re hitting the road, make sure you check the weather before heading out and take any necessary precautions to stay safe if inclement weather is expected. Pack essentials in the car should you get stuck so you can stay safe. Always mind speed limits and be aware of other people on the road. Plus, make sure your auto insurance is up to date and you have access to the roadside call number for help should you need it.

Be a good neighbor

The holidays should be a joyous time to reconnect with loved ones. If you’re hosting for the holidays, respect noise levels in your community. Be courteous by shoveling the sidewalks for your neighbors. Lean on your trusted friends, neighbors, or a Neighborhood Watch member to watch your home if you’re leaving for the holidays.

Visit the State Farm Newsroom to make sure you’re set up for a joyous, safe holiday season.

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5 myths about Veteran Affairs loans

2022-11-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – More veterans are taking advantage of an important benefit for service members: A Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 1.4 million VA loans were taken out in 2021, a 15.6% increase from the previous year. However, there are still many veterans who are not using this important earned benefit for their service and sacrifice for the country.

VA home loans allow veterans and active-duty service members to obtain home mortgages with more favorable terms than other loans on the market. A VA loan is a mortgage supported by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and serviced by authorized lenders, like loanDepot, one of the nation’s largest non-bank retail mortgage lenders.

Why aren’t more veterans and active-duty service members using this benefit? Many are unaware of how to qualify for a VA loan or its benefits.

Eligibility and benefits

You may be eligible for a VA loan if you are an active duty servicemember with at least 90 days of continuous service, or if you are a veteran who served on active duty and was honorably discharged meeting minimum requirements based on your dates of service. National Guard and Reserve members who meet certain criteria are also eligible.

While there are a number of VA loan options, typical benefits can include:

  • No down payment
  • Competitively low-interest rates
  • No private mortgage insurance
  • Limited closing costs
  • Funding fee waived for disabled veterans
  • Lower credit minimums

“A VA home loan is one of the most powerful tools our nation’s veterans can use to purchase a home and build long-term wealth,” said Patton Gade, loanDepot branch manager and former U.S. Army officer. “Yet, it surprises me just how unknown and misunderstood these loans are among the people who have earned them. With all of the misconceptions out there, it’s important to work with a mortgage professional who specializes in VA loans, so you can better understand and unlock their full potential.”

Even knowing about the advantages of VA loans and that you may be eligible, you may still be unsure about using this earned benefit because of popular misconceptions.

1. Myth: A VA loan can only be accessed once

Many veterans are under the impression that you can only access a VA loan once. However, you can use and reuse the VA benefit again and again. There is no limit to how many times you can use the VA loan program as long as you remain eligible.

2. Myth: You can only have one VA loan at a time

Sometimes you may have to finance multiple properties at once. Under certain conditions, with a VA loan, you may be able to finance multiple homes simultaneously, including your primary home, rental properties and vacation homes.

3. Myth: VA loans are less preferable to sellers because they have a lot of restrictions

A VA loan may take a few days more to close versus a conventional loan, but that doesn’t necessarily make them more restrictive.

VA loans have additional controls in place to protect the veteran and their family; e.g., appraisals have to be completed by a VA-approved appraiser, which may increase the processing time of the loan.

4. Myth: The appraisal process for VA loans is more stringent and difficult than a conventional loan

The appraisal process is similar to a conventional loan. The VA approves and hires local appraisal professionals to ensure a smooth process.

5. Myth: VA loans take forever to close

Working with a lender that specializes in VA loans and understands how they work can prevent issues that may slow the process. They can help to keep everything moving on time so you can get the home of your dreams with minimal delays.

If you’re thinking of taking out a VA loan, be sure to work with a lender who has specific expertise with the product and working with the veteran community, so they are well prepared to help you.

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Get the Facts: Things to Know About Prostate Cancer and a Treatment Option

2022-11-30T13:09:38

(BPT) – This content is sponsored and provided by Myovant Sciences and Pfizer Inc.

Did you know that men are less likely to go to the doctor than women? A study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in 2018 found that nearly a quarter of men had not seen a doctor in the past year – while only half as many women reported the same. Some men may try to “tough it out” when they have an issue, rather than seeking help, but it is important to receive regular preventative care and manage any new or existing conditions in order to stay healthy. In addition to taking stock of your own health, it’s also a good idea to check in with the men in your life to make sure they’re taking care of themselves.

Take a few moments to review the following five frequently asked questions about prostate cancer to ensure you have a few key facts about this surprisingly common and potentially serious disease – including what you can do if you or a loved one is diagnosed.

1. How common is prostate cancer?

Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men, other than skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in the U.S. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 268,000 new cases of prostate cancer in 2022.

Risk factors for prostate cancer include older age (most commonly after age 65), race, family history and genetic factors.

2. Who should be screened for prostate cancer?

The American Urological Association (AUA) prostate cancer screening guidelines suggest men 55 to 69 years old have a discussion with their doctor about whether to get screened for prostate cancer. Men with a family history of prostate cancer and Black men may be at a higher risk for prostate cancer and can talk to their doctor about getting screened at an earlier age.

3. What can you do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer?

When someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer, they should talk to their doctor, who will work with them to assess their personal situation and determine how to help manage the disease. Some patients may feel overwhelmed, so it is important they take time to absorb the information their doctor shares with them. Asking any questions that come to mind is also crucial in order for patients to feel confident about their path forward.

Additionally, coping with a serious condition like cancer can take an emotional toll on the individual patient, so it is important for patients to take care of their mental health. Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can cause a range of feelings including disbelief, fear, anger, anxiety, and depression. Many prostate cancer patients experience severe levels of depression, which can negatively affect their treatment progress and disease course. Adding to this, prostate cancer may be seen as a private disease, which can be emotionally isolating.

Support from friends and family is also incredibly important, so if one of your loved ones has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, know there are many resources that can help you learn how to best support them.

4. What does it mean for prostate cancer to become advanced?

Prostate cancer is considered advanced if it is recurrent (meaning it has returned after initial treatment), locally advanced (meaning it has spread to tissues near the prostate) or metastatic (meaning it has spread to other parts of the body).

Some men with advanced prostate cancer may experience problems passing urine or may see blood in their urine. Some may also feel tired, weak or lose weight. However, some men with advanced prostate cancer may not have any signs or symptoms. While advanced prostate cancer cannot be cured, there are ways to treat it, once detected.

5. What are some potential treatment options?

If prostate cancer is detected, healthcare providers may suggest different treatment options based on the results of test findings, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health. It’s important for patients to work with their doctors to understand and assess each option and determine what is best for them.

For advanced prostate cancer, first-line treatment often includes androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), which can lower levels of testosterone – a hormone that most prostate cancer needs to grow. One ADT option is ORGOVYX® (relugolix), the first and only oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist prescription medicine used in adults for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Unlike other forms of ADT, ORGOVYX is a pill, not an injection. Please see Important Safety Information below and full Prescribing Information and Patient Information for ORGOVYX. For more information about ORGOVYX, visit www.ORGOVYX.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND USE

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking ORGOVYX?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have any heart problems, including a condition called long QT syndrome.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. ORGOVYX can harm your unborn baby and cause loss of pregnancy (miscarriage).
  • Have a partner who is pregnant or may become pregnant.
    • Males who have female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with ORGOVYX and for 2 weeks after the last dose of ORGOVYX.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ORGOVYX passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines or treatments you receive, including: prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking ORGOVYX with certain other medicines can affect how ORGOVYX works or may cause side effects.

You should not start or stop any medicine before you talk with your healthcare provider who prescribed ORGOVYX.

What are the possible side effects of ORGOVYX?

Serious side effects of ORGOVYX include:

  • Changes in the electrical activity of your heart (QT prolongation). Your healthcare provider may check your body salts (electrolytes) and the electrical activity of your heart during treatment with ORGOVYX. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any signs or symptoms of QT prolongation, including:
  • dizziness
  • fainting
  • feeling that your heart is pounding or racing (palpitations)
  • chest pain

Most common side effects of ORGOVYX include:

  • hot flushes
  • increased blood sugar levels
  • increased blood fat (triglyceride) levels
  • muscle and joint pain
  • decreased blood hemoglobin levels
  • increased liver enzymes
  • tiredness
  • constipation
  • diarrhea

ORGOVYX may cause other side effects including weight gain, decreased sex drive, and erectile function problems.

ORGOVYX may cause fertility problems in males, which may affect your ability to father children. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all the possible side effects of ORGOVYX. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects or if you have a side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You may report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is ORGOVYX?

ORGOVYX is a prescription medicine used in adults for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

It is not known if ORGOVYX is safe or effective in females or children.