Month: September 2023

2023-09-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – You may have heard about older adults being tricked into sending money to someone they think is a grandchild or other relative in trouble and thought to yourself, “How could anyone fall for that?” But the truth is, today’s advanced technology makes it easier than ever for scammers to trick their unsuspecting and well-meaning victims.

To protect yourself, it pays to understand how fraudsters work, what red flags to look for, and how to trust your instincts so you don’t end up on the losing end of one of these vicious scams.

How grandparent scams work

Scammers prey on kind-hearted victims by convincing people their grandchild or other relative has had an accident or is in some kind of legal or financial trouble. The scammers then plead for money to get them out of the “jam.”

For years, criminals have been able to gather facts and personal information from people’s social media accounts to contact their older relatives. Once the criminals contact older relatives via text, email or phone, the criminals can sound very convincingly like a relative in dire trouble.

The A.I. twist

Because of advances in artificial intelligence (A.I.), criminals can now make their pleas for cash sound even more convincing when calling on the phone. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scammers use A.I. voice cloning software to mimic your relative’s voice by pulling the audio from their social media videos.

Unfortunately, scammers often couple this tactic with a “spoofed” phone number that shows up on your caller ID with your relative’s name, so it looks like it’s really them calling you.

How to spot red flags

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent criminals from stealing from you. The United States Postal Inspection Service^® recommends a few simple steps to avoid being taken by this extremely vicious scam.

Watch out for these red flags:

• Late-night calls. Scammers often call victims in the middle of the night, hoping to catch you when you’re not fully awake and less likely to think clearly. If that happens to you, tell them you’ll call them right back. You can then take the time to fully wake up, gather your wits and contact your grandchild or relative via the method you usually use to talk to them. Do not return the call you just received.
• Urgent pleas for money. Be suspicious of any phone calls including requests for money, even if it sounds like someone you know. Scammers use fear to get you worried about your loved one, so you won’t take the time to think things through. If someone asks for money right away, hang up. Contact your loved one the way you usually contact them, and/or check with other trusted family members first.
• Requests for odd methods of payment. If you’re asked to send money using methods like a mobile payment app, mailing cash, wiring money, sending gift cards or money orders, or other unusual payment methods, hang up. Once money is sent using these methods, there’s no way to get it back. If you are asked to meet somewhere so you can give them cash in person, hang up and report the incident to law enforcement.

If you’ve been affected by crime that involves the U.S. Mail^®, contact the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or report it online at USPIS.gov/report. If you think you’ve been targeted by a grandparent scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 888-225-5322, or visit ConsumerComplaints.FCC.gov.

Learn more about elder fraud at USPIS.gov.

2023-09-27T08:07:00

(BPT) – While you may spend plenty of your time and energy working on health goals like physical fitness, how much effort do you put toward your urinary and vaginal health? If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable they can be. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to help relieve feminine discomfort.

“Similar to how one may care for their heart, lungs, and other vital organs, caring for and prioritizing one’s sexual health is equally as important,” says Dr. Jackie Walters, women’s advocate, TV personality, award-winning OB-GYN and RepHresh™ women’s health and wellness expert. “Not only can neglecting sexual health lead to discomfort and potential long-term complications, but it can also impact our relationships, confidence and overall well-being. However, in addition to keeping up with your annual well-woman exams, taking time to understand your body, evaluating existing healthy habits, and increasing the VQ – or vaginal IQ – can help women approach sexual health decisions with ease.”

The following are easy tips to consider in order to maintain women’s sexual health during Sexual Health Awareness Month.

1. Stay hydrated

Yes, you’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of drinking water to recover from strenuous exercise, aid in weight management, avoid heat exhaustion and more. But drinking water can also help keep your urinary tract free from infection. Experts at the National Institute of Health recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day to help prevent UTIs. It is also important to empty your bladder regularly to help keep your system flushed out.

2. Stay clean

The Mayo Clinic advises keeping the vulva clean and dry every day to help safeguard against vaginal health issues, especially after intercourse. Also, after using the bathroom, always wipe yourself from front to back.

3. Take a cranberry supplement

You can help to reduce the risk of recurring UTIs by taking a daily cranberry supplement, like RepHresh Urinary Tract Health + Immune Support*. Limited scientific evidence shows that by consuming 500 milligrams each day of a cranberry dietary supplement, healthy women who have had UTI may reduce risk of recurrent UTI. RepHresh Urinary Tract Health + Immune Support* is made with 500 milligrams of whole cranberry fruit powder per serving and blended with vitamin D and zinc for immune support, this supplement helps support your overall urinary tract health.*

4. Avoid scented products

The Center for Women’s Health at Oregon Health and Science University recommends following basic hygiene by washing the vulva with water and unscented soap when showering. They also advise against douching, which can disrupt your body’s natural balance, causing irritation.

5. Help eliminate odor

The thing about your period is that it’s not always over when it’s over. Sometimes odor can linger, but gynecologist-recommended RepHresh Vaginal Gel goes to work in seconds to help eliminate odor. It’s clinically tested to maintain healthy vaginal pH, and can relieve feminine discomfort due to dryness as well as eliminating feminine odor for up to three days.

6. Keep yeast and bacteria balanced

Another supplement that’s designed for supporting feminine health is RepHresh Pro-B, a daily oral probiotic supplement that helps balance yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health. Just one capsule per day is clinically shown to maintain vaginal flora in a normal range.

7. See your healthcare provider

Don’t put off going to regular wellness exams with your OB/GYN. Regular check-ups and preventive health screenings can spot problems while they are much more treatable. If you notice any changes or have any concerns with your body, remember to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Staying healthy means prioritizing all aspects of your health, including your sexual health. Following these tips can help you feel more in control of your sexual health, so you can keep on living your best life.

2023-09-26T20:15:00

(BPT) – If you’re trying to make better-for-you decisions when it comes to what you eat, you’ve probably read that foods like whole grains provide important nutrients. But have you heard about sprouted grains? Sprouting makes what’s already healthy about whole grains even better — naturally. Breads with sprouted grains offer even more benefits to support your well-being, providing nutrients that are easy for your body to use, easier to digest and fuel to help you get through your busy day.

“Adding sprouted grain bread to your meals is an easy swap if you’re looking to increase nutrition in your daily diet,” said registered dietitian Desiree Nielsen. “Sprouted grain breads are significantly more nutrient dense than regular 100% whole wheat breads. They typically contain more plant-based protein, more fiber and even more vitamins and minerals than a standard sandwich loaf.”

What exactly are sprouted grains?

Grains contain all the nutrients they need to grow into a new plant. When grains have enough water and warmth to grow, the germination process begins. As the grains start sprouting, enzymes wake up to break down their starch stores and the natural compounds that protected the grain’s nutrients (also called “antinutrients”). As the enzymes break down the grain’s starches into simpler carbohydrates, whole grains release access to all those stored nutrients.

Here are three ways sprouted grain bread offers more nutrition benefits to help support your wellness.

1. Their nutrients are easy for your body to process. Sprouting harnesses one of nature’s oldest processes to make the nutrients found in whole grains easier for your body to use. The early growth of the plant, known as sprouting, breaks down the antinutrients that protect the vitamins and minerals stored in every grain. This unlocks iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and other important nutrients so you can get even more nutritional value from sprouted whole grains than you get from unsprouted ones.

2. They’re easier on the digestive system. As a new plant starts to draw on the protein and starches stored in a grain, it uses enzymes to break these down into amino acids and simpler carbohydrates to fuel its growth. This makes sprouted whole grains and seeds easier to digest for people, too.

3. They offer steady energy for active lives. Whole grains in general are high-energy foods, rich in fiber plus important vitamins and minerals. Sprouted whole grains take it a step further, offering a better-for-you, slow-release carbohydrate that provides a strong contrast to refined carbs. Sprouted whole grains give you steady energy throughout the day to help your body keep up with your full and busy life.

Where to find sprouted grain breads

One example of a source for sprouted grain bread is Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery. Silver Hills products are all Non-GMO Project Verified, made with USDA Organic Ingredients, Certified Glyphosate Free, Certified Vegan, Kosher and Peanut and Nut Free.

Silver Hills’ new Omegamazing Bread goes even further, providing a sprouted whole wheat loaf made with whole and ground flax and chia seeds, offering 400 milligrams of Omega-3 ALAs per slice, plus 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to impact brain, eye and heart health as well as reduce inflammation.

“Omega-3s are an essential part of our diet, and flaxseeds and chia seeds are two of the best dietary sources of these excellent nutrients,” added Nielsen.

To learn more about the benefits of sprouted grain bread, visit SilverHillsBakery.ca/why-sprouted. To find locations with their products near you or to purchase products, visit www.theovendoor.ca.

2023-09-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s digital world, bad actors take advantage of technology to trick victims into scams. According to the Financial Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022.

Knowing how to spot tell-tale signs and being alert and informed are some of the best defenses to stop scammers in their tracks. Also, taking advantage of privacy and security protections available through your devices, financial accounts and using safe WiFi connections can all bolster protections for consumers.

“Scammers are always looking for ways to trick customers, and they may call or message you and make you panic, at moments when we are busy and vulnerable. The best defense is to stay calm and confident and use technology to your advantage: ignore, delete and block calls, messages or emails from sources you don’t recognize and remember that banks will never ask for personal information when we call you or urge you to send money,” said Darius Kingsley, Head of Consumer Business Practices at Chase Bank.

1. How you pay matters

Check fraud is on the rise. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network found instances of check fraud increased by 84% in 2022. The best way to prevent check fraud is to avoid paying by check altogether. If a business, institution or individual requires you to use a check, ask if they accept other payment methods. Electronic payment methods like Zelle, online bill pay or even something as simple as paying via debit card are secure ways to pay without sharing your bank account number — something that is printed at the bottom of your check, which also usually includes personal information like your address.

When sending money digitally, always make sure you know the sender. Remember: if you send money, you may not get it back if it’s a scam.

If you need to write a check, remember to always:

• Use permanent ink.
• Use the whole line or draw a line to the end when writing the payee’s name.
• Write out the amount in words and then numbers using the entire line at the end.
• Make sure that the words and numbers match the written amount.
• Avoid writing a check out to “cash.”

2. Beware of artificial intelligence (AI) or “deep fake” scams

Artificial intelligence scams are another emerging threat because smart technology allows scammers to duplicate familiar voices and trick consumers out of their money and personal information. Scammers gain the trust of victims by pretending to be a close family member or friend in need of money. In some cases, scammers claim to be a loved one in danger.

Never provide sensitive personal information over the phone and consider the following:

• When in doubt, hang up the phone: Directly call the person claiming to need something using a trusted phone number you know to be theirs.
• Verify identities: Establish a known code word among your close family and friends that can be used to verify their identity. Be sure to choose a word that cannot be commonly guessed.

Another modality to watch for is when scammers use a duplicate of your voice to gain access to your account, which usually happens when they impersonate your bank to “alert” you of trouble with your account. Read on for more.

3. That email, text or call from “your bank” could be an imposter.

There’s an increasing trend of scammers impersonating banks, utility companies and government agencies to trick unsuspecting consumers out of money. According to the FTC, consumers lost $2.6 billion to imposter scams in 2022, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.

Scammers may pose as a company or organization, such as the IRS, law enforcement, financial institutions or retailers. Scammers will contact victims via a call or text, demanding money to ensure something doesn’t happen to your bank account (e.g., account getting locked or deleted). They usually “spoof” or trick you by using caller ID info from your bank, or website links that look legitimate.

Be vigilant and look out for red flags:

• The most important reminder is to know that banks will never ask for personal or private information when THEY call you, but may need you to verify yourself if YOU call them.
• Never share personal information over the phone, even to someone claiming to be a representative from your bank. Be suspicious of any calls or texts you receive claiming to be your bank. Immediately hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card. Banks also will never ask you to send money to “prevent fraud” or fix an issue on your account.
• A government agency would never threaten you to make a payment or ask you not to tell anybody else. Government agencies will not contact you via phone for issues; you’ll likely receive a notice of any issues via mail.

4. Don’t let your favorite retailers fool you

There has been an alarming rise in cybersecurity fraud, with criminals devising new and sophisticated ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Scammers will claim to be a company you may be familiar with (e.g., your favorite online retailer), and declare there is an issue with your account or a recent order or sending you a fake receipt for goods to incite you to dispute them. Understand your risk so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Be careful when online shopping and protect yourself by doing the following:

• Be sure to make purchases from trusted websites and vendors only. Scammers can extract personal information if you’re not protecting yourself.
• Steer clear of private sellers with goods for sale at a price that seems too good to be true.
• If buying goods on a platform or marketplace online, never go off platform to close a deal or communicate with a buyer. Protections will only stay in place if you transact through the platform.
• Buy directly from a retailer’s official website and avoid websites offering unrealistic discounts on popular merchandise, concert or event tickets.

Always remember the adage, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

5. Wire transfers are never a typical request

Scammers may pose as real estate agents or landlords, looking to sell or rent a property and convince the victim to send them a deposit to hold the property for them.

Be cautious when buying your next home or long-term rental.

• Make sure that the listing appears on multiple online platforms, has a detailed description, contact information, and good customer reviews.
• If possible, try meeting the landlord, real estate agent, or host in person before fulfilling any request for a money transfer.

Remember: If you get a request for a wire transfer, for real estate or any other business, consider it carefully. Wire transfers are a way to directly deposit money from one account to another — they are rarely used by consumers for everyday needs.

6. Beware of tech support offerings

Some scammers will even assert there are issues with your computer, by posing as tech support. These scammers will encourage you to click suspicious links via text, or pop-up windows on your computer and say they can help solve your issue.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests for information.

• Remain alert: Beware of emails, text messages or phone calls that ask for personal information such as your account number and password. Cybercriminals may attempt to manipulate you into divulging sensitive information.
• Stay confidential: Never provide someone access to your computer if they are proactively reaching out.
• Always verify requests: Instead of immediately sharing information or providing access, call the company directly on the number stated on their official website to confirm if the request is legitimate.
• Use strong log-in credentials: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, incorporating a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols for ultimate protection. Make a routine to change them often.

Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and fraud techniques. Knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to scams. If you become a victim, don’t be embarrassed, and report it to your bank. Also, tell family and friends about your experience so they too can be on high alert.

For more fraud and scam prevention tips, visit Chase.com/SecurityTips, ww.ftc.gov, and follow #banksneveraskthat for more information.

2023-09-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Drugs for treating diabetes that also help people lose weight have been in the news a lot lately. The buzz around these medications leads many to hope they’re a silver bullet for curing excess weight or obesity — but it’s complicated. These medications are expensive, with some insurance companies not covering them, and growing demand makes access difficult. They also have serious potential side effects. The truth is, the most enduring ways to achieve a healthy weight — and keep it off — still include tried-and-true methods like being active, eating healthy and getting enough sleep.

Medications in the GLP-1 agonists family, like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, are designed to treat Type 2 diabetes, but because they work by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing satiety (a feeling of fullness), they can also prevent overeating — resulting in weight loss for many patients. Some think these drugs are a quick fix for anyone who is overweight, without realizing the drugs can have serious side effects — and patients may gain the weight back when they stop taking it.

But the biggest problem is, these medications don’t help people reach their overarching goal of improving their health.

“Using medications simply for weight loss without making changes to your lifestyle can result in some unintended, unwanted and dangerous consequences, like decreased muscle density, and malnutrition,” said Kent L. Bradley, M.D., MBA, MPH and chief health and nutrition officer at Herbalife. “Lasting behavioral change is needed for overall health and quality of life — and is achievable. Taking a balanced, realistic approach and embracing health and fitness as a lifestyle can help you ensure long-term success.”

There are people with genetic dispositions to obesity and Type 2 diabetes who may benefit from these drugs, so it’s best to consult your doctor to find the best recommendations for your situation. However, even those who require these drugs to medically treat obesity should consider changes in their lifestyle, including a healthy diet and a fitness regimen, for long-lasting results.

In the meantime, Dr. Bradley advises following these time-honored, common-sense tips for managing your weight.

1. Get active: Adults should aim for at least 25-45 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Examples include brisk walking, cycling or fast dancing.

2. Add strength training: Beyond getting your body moving and your heart pumping, adults also need to do some muscle strengthening, at least two days per week. This could include lifting weights and pushups. Strength training is especially important as you age. If you’re unsure how to begin, consider joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer or joining a professional-led workout group.

3. Balance your plate: To help you eat a more balanced diet every day, fill half your plate with healthy proteins and vegetables, with only one-fourth of your plate being whole grains and another one-fourth fruit. A balanced plate is an effective way to start shifting to a livable long-term approach.

4. Focus on plant proteins: There’s a reason there has been so much focus recently on plant-forward eating. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adding more plant-based foods and reducing red meat can lower your risk for serious health conditions, including obesity. And giving up meat does not mean giving up protein. The AHA points out that every plant contains some protein, with the highest amounts found in grains like quinoa, soybean-based foods like tofu — plus beans and legumes. Swapping out meat with lentils and beans is an easy way to increase plant intake while still giving your body the protein it needs.

5. Don’t forget sleep: Sleep is often underrated as a vital component of overall health. When you’re tired, it’s tempting to try boosting your energy with a sugary snack. But it’s more than that — sleep also helps regulate your heart rate, hormones and metabolism. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that getting more rest at night reduced the amount of food people ate during the day — about 270 calories fewer than people who were sleep deprived. To get your recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night, keep your sleeping and waking schedule consistent, ensure that your room is cool and dark, and shut off electronics an hour before bedtime.

Of course, if you need diabetes support or want to explore clinical options for losing weight, you should talk to your doctor. Before asking for a pill or a shot, make sure you’re well informed about the potential risks and benefits of any medication.

If you are already on a journey with weight loss drugs, eating nutrient-dense foods and staying fit are extremely important. When you have very little appetite, every bite counts in getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Choose your food wisely and consider easy-to-digest options like healthy protein shakes and supplements to meet specific micronutrient and phytonutrient needs.

For more healthy lifestyle tips and information, visit Herbalife.com.