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Stress and its ripple effects: 3 ways it impacts Hispanic men’s health

2023-09-25T11:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to feel stressed. Whether you’re worried about money, time, work or relationships, stress can creep up out of nowhere. You may think that stress only affects your mental health, but it can also impact your physical health, especially if you don’t take steps to mitigate it. Men, in particular, should take note.

According to a national survey by Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center integrating clinical and hospital care with research and education, 83% of men said they experienced stress in the last six months. While there are many sources of stress, work can play a significant role, especially for Hispanic men. The nonprofit’s 2023 MENtion It® survey found that a quarter of Hispanic men indicate work as the main source of stress, compared to a fifth of non-Hispanics.

Although stress is common, 74% of Hispanic men hesitate to seek professional help for mental health issues. It’s important that Hispanic men understand how stress affects them and seek help when they experience it. Below are three ways stress can affect overall health.

1. Aging

Aging is a natural part of life. However, stress can accelerate aging and increase your risk of poor health. A 2022 study published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that people who experienced chronic stress showed signs of accelerating immune aging. Premature aging of the immune system can lead to an increased risk of chronic disease.

To prevent premature aging and avoid long-term health problems, Hispanic men should take time each day to manage stress. Activities like walking, running and other forms of exercise are a fantastic way to manage stress and invest in your health in the long run.

2. Weight

Stress has been associated with weight gain. There are many reasons why stress can cause weight gain. For example, you may turn to comfort food or overeat to cope when stressed. Stress also activates the body’s fight-or-flight hormone, cortisol, which slows down processes to survive immediate threats, including your metabolism. In short, stress may contribute to weight gain, which can have long-term health consequences, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, increased risk of cancer and can also interfere with mental health.

Weight is of special concern to Hispanic men’s health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, over 80% of Hispanic men are overweight or obese compared to 75.3% of Non-Hispanic White men. Because of the predisposition to weight gain, it’s critical that Hispanic men manage their stress to manage their weight and reduce their risk of serious health conditions down the line.

3. Sexual health

Stress can kill your libido. According to the Cleveland Clinic, exhaustion and common stressors from work, family or life in general can reduce your sex drive because the stress takes your mind off sexual desire. Chronic stress can also interfere with hormone levels, leading to a lower libido. It’s not an unheard-of phenomenon. The MENtion It data shows that three in five Hispanic men are aware that stress can impact their sexual health.

You may not think of it as a facet of overall health, but having a healthy sex life has several benefits. According to the National Council on Aging, sexual activity can help burn calories, strengthen muscles, lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, improve sleep, strengthen your immune system and even relieve headaches.

While sexual dysfunction is incredibly common, many men feel uncomfortable and embarrassed to talk about their issues. This is especially true for Hispanic men because sexual health is closely tied to social and cultural expectations of “machismo” or masculinity.

Perhaps that’s why, when experiencing issues having sex, only a third of Hispanic men saw a medical professional, according to the MENtion It survey. The survey also found that half of Hispanic men said that experiencing issues having sex left them feeling depressed, compared to a third of non-Hispanic men.

Seek help to destress

These are just three of many ways in which stress can impact Hispanic men’s health. See your primary care provider or a mental health professional if you experience physical, mental or sexual health issues.

Seeking help is easier said than done, especially for men. A 2019 study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health found that men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues. Also, the MENtion It survey found that 44% of U.S. men don’t get annual exams and don’t take care of their mental health. Passing the buck on your mental and physical health won’t just impact your health today but can have consequences down the road as well.

If you’re experiencing high levels of stress in your life, it’s time to book an appointment and talk with your doctor about ways to manage your stress. To learn more about the MENtion It survey and other aspects of Hispanic men’s health, visit clevelandclinic.org/MENtionIt.

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How the top barriers to upskilling American workers impact the workforce

2023-09-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Employers and workers see a world filled with uncertainty and change — from conversations about AI and automation replacing or helping certain job fields to questions around which skills are needed to thrive in an economy shaped by continuous technological change.

One vital way for employees to improve how well they do their jobs and prepare to advance their careers is by upskilling — known as the process of expanding or developing new skills to better perform in a current job or improve career prospects.

A new survey, “Closing the Activation Gap: Converting Potential to Performance by Upskilling the Workforce,” reveals how significant barriers to upskilling persist, resulting in fewer women and people of color having access to the skills they need, despite many organizations working to upskill the workforce. The research, conducted by Reputation Leaders and sponsored by DeVry University, provides an in-depth look at American workers and their growing interest in skills development, which is critical for employee career advancement, as well as for business growth and economic competitiveness.

Unequal access and opportunity

The study on upskilling found that women face persistent barriers, showing men are much more likely to report having access to upskilling (73%) than women (56%). This lack of access leaves women at risk of leaving their current employer at twice the rate of men, with 28% reporting they feel stuck in their positions and less able to advance in their careers. On top of that, women cite a lack of time and family priorities as barriers to learning.

Also, according to the survey, people of color have the most interest in upskilling, but the least access. The survey found that 80% of Black and 71% of Hispanic workers who do not have access to company-paid upskilling would be very or extremely likely to use it, as opposed to 62% of white workers.

Although 66% of Black, Hispanic, and AAPI workers acknowledge upskilling as necessary for future career development, only 42% currently access company-paid upskilling. This is due in part to systemic barriers — with an average of 37% of Black, Hispanic and AAPI workers agreeing that workplace bias creates impediments to their upskilling goals.

The “say/do” gap

This research further indicates that too many American employees are falling through a “say/do gap” — they say ongoing focused skills development is essential to their careers, but do not actually participate. Even with employers (97%) and employees (96%) unanimously agreeing that upskilling is essential to professional success, employers and employees alike acknowledge they could be doing more to take advantage of skills development opportunities or to support access to those opportunities.

Only 1 in 3 workers think employers live up to their responsibility to prepare American workers for the future workplace, while employers estimate that only half (51%) of workers use company-paid upskilling offered to them. As the “say/do” gap expands and the labor market undergoes transformations that demand new skill sets, employers and workers must address the systemic obstacles keeping workers from accessing critical opportunities for career growth.

“Especially for workers of color and women, the barriers to upskilling make the gap between how they might want to upskill and being able to make that happen even wider,” said DeVry University’s Chief Inclusion, Belonging and Equity Officer Veronica Calderon. “This puts employers and employees alike at a disadvantage as the world of work and technology continues to evolve.”

Finding solutions

A failure to develop a future-ready workforce will have far-reaching, negative effects on productivity, efficiency and economic growth in the U.S. To address the now obvious say/do gap, workers and employers must take action.

Educational institutions, such as DeVry, with flexible and customized programs for learners, can help provide more opportunities for upskilling in a wide variety of fields. In addition, the university’s workforce solutions division, DeVryWorks, marries worker and employer needs to identify and deliver learning solutions.

“Today’s jobs economy is evolving at a rapid rate, so the ability for workers to adapt means the difference between career and business success and stagnation,” said Scarlett Howery, vice president, Public Workforce Solutions at DeVry. “Continued skills development and growth is essential not just for employees to excel, but for the continued success of any business or organization.”

Learn about educational opportunities in your chosen career field at DeVry.edu.

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5 natural stones that can elevate your home’s design

2023-09-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Industry trends come and go, but one material has withstood the test of time: natural stone. It’s a popular choice for eager designers and consumers. From the rich, Renaissance look of marble to the darker rustic tones of slate flooring, the beauty of stone is varied and versatile enough to fit in with any style of design, including contemporary decor.

Natural stone is inherently beautiful. Because of each stone’s varying composition and minerals, it can create depth, unique movement, natural variation, reflective qualities and colors you can’t get with any other material. Natural stone’s beauty is enhanced through careful cutting that offers a radiant effect. Each and every cut of stone is slightly different, guaranteeing that surfaces crafted from natural stone are one of a kind.

Daltile, one of America’s leading natural stone providers, offers many natural stone options to suit your specific taste and vision. Check out the company’s top five natural stone choices that are solid options for new home constructions and renovations.

1. Marble

Nothing speaks sophistication and luxury like marble. All the way back to the Greeks and Romans through the Renaissance, the most important monuments and sculptures have always been created with marble. Choosing marble tiles for backsplashes, countertops, flooring and more, you’re investing in a timeless material that will add a lavish feel to your abode.

Marble tile is known for its attractive veining. Also, it comes in an array of shades and designs to suit any decor. New color options make marble an appealing option for homeowners looking for modern designs with timeless style.

2. Granite

It’s no surprise that granite remains a sought-after classic. It offers an upscale feel to any space. Granite’s distinctive granular appearance is a more traditional choice for those looking for a natural stone. It’s available in a vast array of colors, including deeper hues with specks of intriguing color for a more striking look.

3. Quartzite

A hot new trend in stone is natural quartzite. Natural quartzite has marble’s luxurious look and feel with greater durability and hardness. When it comes to countertops, natural quartzite continues to be the fastest-growing category in natural stone trends. Opt for natural quartzite if you’re seeking softer looks with more natural movements.

4. Limestone

Another contemporary natural stone is limestone. It lends itself well to many designs and comes in a wide spectrum of gray, white, beige and other natural tones. Limestone’s distinctive flecks and granular patterns can add an instant touch of elegance to any room. For example, adding a limestone floor lets you easily transform a simple bathroom into a luxurious, contemporary at-home spa.

5. Slate

As one of the strongest natural stones, slate is a stellar choice for almost any application. Whether you use it for flooring, countertops or backsplashes, this versatile stone can elevate interior and exterior designs and styles. Because of its color and variation, slate tile is the perfect neutral backdrop that offers rich contrast and brightness.

Bring your vision to life with natural stone

Whether you’re considering marble, granite, quartzite, limestone or slate, the various color options allow you to find the perfect stone to bring your design vision to life. To find options that fit your personal aesthetic and design needs, visit Daltile.

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Three reasons millennials should consider electing legal plans through their employer

2023-09-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Life is filled with moments, both big and small, when legal support can make a difference. Despite the widely held notion that legal representation is only useful for a “run-in” or unexpected conflict with the law, legal services can be used for a broad range of situations, from buying a new home to getting married — all while saving you time, money and stress.

Despite the benefits and use cases, however, legal plans are massively underutilized by U.S. employees — MetLife’s Legal Access Study found that while a majority (67%) of U.S. employees say they have experienced a legal situation in the last five years, only 7% have sought legal representation. For millennial employees, many of whom are approaching major life milestones, only 2% have enrolled in legal plans offered through work, despite 18% having access to this benefit.

As the millennial generation approaches mid to late adulthood, having access to a network of experienced attorneys and digital tools can help them navigate pivotal junctures with greater ease and confidence. This offers added peace of mind and can effectively improve holistic well-being — in fact, MetLife research found that millennials who own an employer-provided legal plan are 66% more likely to be holistically healthy.

Here are three major life events millennials often face and how legal plans can provide guidance and support:

1. Growing (and protecting) your wealth

As millennials advance further into their careers, many will begin earning larger paychecks. Though this is a welcome change, building wealth requires additional financial security. One of the best ways to safeguard is through a legal plan, which can provide support for a range of financial matters, including homebuying, estate planning, tax prep, identity theft and more. Unlike other benefits that are reactive — or mostly useful after a need arises — legal plans are a proactive tool millennials can use to protect what’s next in their lives.

2. Getting married

From getting engaged to saying, “I do,” it’s easy for couples to forget about the less exciting, however vital, legal considerations associated with marriage. Legal plans can help with these formalities by assisting with everything from developing a prenuptial agreement to facilitating the tedious process of getting a name changed after tying the knot. For same-sex couples, for whom this process is even more nuanced and complex, legal plans can be particularly helpful as experienced attorneys navigate local laws while advocating on the couples’ behalf.

3. Starting and caring for your family

Legal plans can support family planning at all stages of life, from welcoming a new baby to sending kids off to college to caring for aging parents. For new parents, this could include navigating complicated processes like adoption or surrogacy. As life goes on, legal plans offer guidance for financing a child’s education and navigating student loans, issues around guardianship or helping a college-age child with an out-of-state traffic ticket. Further down the road, an attorney may come in handy when caring for aging parents by reviewing complicated nursing home agreements or estate planning documents. Many millennials also fall in the “sandwich” category, made up of those who care for children and parents simultaneously — for individuals juggling multiple priorities, knowing legal experts are ready and available to assist when they need it can also help provide necessary relief and emotional support day to day.

Having tailored support through legal plans can help millennials face life’s major moments with greater ease, reduced costs and added peace of mind.

To learn about MetLife Legal Plans and how this benefit can support your unique legal needs, visit https://www.legalplans.com/.

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Small businesses take note: Offering a retirement plan can help attract and retain top talent. (And yes, you can afford it.)

2023-09-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are a rapidly growing sector of the U.S. economy, responsible for all of the net job growth in the U.S. since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly half (46.4%)[i] of all U.S. employees are employed by a small business. Additionally, there are 65 million independent workers nationwide.

Faced with high inflation and market volatility, small business owners today are tasked with recruiting top talent in a tight labor market where employees are expecting more from their employers than ever before. However, despite such a large portion of the workforce employed by a small business, only one-third (34%) of small employers currently offer a retirement savings plan to employees, according to Fidelity Investments’ 2023 Small Business Retirement Index, creating a major opportunity for small employers to offer more competitive benefits.

Understanding the concerns of small business owners

As small businesses continue to employ a growing percentage of the U.S. workforce, it is essential to offer the key benefits that will help them be competitive with larger companies and will set their employees up for financial success and well-being. What’s holding them back?

A recent Fidelity survey of small business owners found that:

  • Almost half (48%) do not believe they can afford to offer a retirement savings plan. Others feel they are too busy running their company to focus on retirement, or don’t know how to start the process (22% and 21%, respectively).
  • 73% believe they can’t compete with larger companies on compensation and benefits.
  • 83% know they should be saving more for their own futures, but 59% aren’t sure how to maximize their retirement savings.

For those running a microbusiness (with fewer than 10 employees), these worries are magnified, with 71% worried they cannot afford to offer a retirement savings benefit, and 82% believing they can’t compete with larger corporations when it comes to benefits.

“Small business owners are faced with so many challenges as they grow their business,” says Andrew Schreiner, senior vice president of small business retirement at Fidelity. “While offering a retirement benefit can feel like a potentially expensive and overwhelming task, it can have an enormous impact in attracting and retaining top talent. And fortunately, there are many affordable and attainable retirement saving solutions available for companies of all sizes.”

Retirement solutions for small businesses

For small business owners of companies of all shapes and sizes, there are retirement options available to meet your specific needs, including:

  • Self-Employed 401(k)s: Intended for self-employed individuals or small-business owners with no employees other than a spouse, these accounts are funded through a combination of employee deferrals and employer contributions, allowing individuals to maximize the amount they can save.
  • SEP IRAs: Also intended for self-employed individuals or small-business owners with only a few employees, SEP IRAs are funded solely by employer contributions.
  • SIMPLE IRAs: Funded by a combination of employee deferrals and employer contributions, SIMPLE IRAs help self-employed individuals and small-business owners gain access to a tax-deferred benefit when saving for retirement.
  • Small Business 401(k): A new type of plan called Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) can help maximize retirement savings for growing small businesses while offering a simple plan design and fewer administrative responsibilities.

Additionally, recent legislation like the SECURE 2.0 Act allows small businesses to receive enhanced and expanded tax credits for starting retirement plans, further incentivizing small employers to do so. Interested in learning more? Go to https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/small-business/compare-retirement-plans.


[i] U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy

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Want to improve your home’s curb appeal? Start with your driveway

2023-09-23T05:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re planning to sell your house in the near future or you just want to improve the look of your home’s exterior, the first thing you may think of to improve its curb appeal is landscaping. However, a driveway that’s in poor condition can seriously detract from your home’s appearance, no matter how tidy your grass and shrubs may be.

To make a good impression on neighbors, guests and potential homebuyers alike, make sure that one of the first things they notice — your driveway — is in great shape. A driveway that’s clean and well-kept goes a long way toward that positive first impression you want to convey, so now is a good time to protect your investment and improve your home’s value by addressing how your driveway looks.

Before the harsh winter weather makes some outdoor projects impossible, take time this fall to protect and seal your concrete driveway so that it not only looks great, but is also safer for cars and pedestrians alike.

To seal your driveway effectively, you’ll need to do some prep work first. Here are the steps you should take to get your driveway in shape, so it will withstand the winter better and still look good when springtime rolls around again.

1. Clean before you seal. For sealer to bond well, your driveway’s concrete slab should be as clean as possible. Dirt, grime and oil are “bond breakers” that will prevent sealer from adhering properly. To clean your driveway thoroughly, use a 1500 PSI pressure washer first. You can rent pressure washers for a reasonable cost at most home improvement retailers and some rental companies.

2. Check for cracks. Examine your driveways for cracks, flaking or any other surface damage that needs to be repaired. Once the surface is fully dried, you can use Quikrete® Concrete Repair or Quikrete Gray Concrete Crack Seal to quickly and easily patch up your driveway. Watch this video to see how to correctly use these products to repair cracks in your driveway.

3. Use a stain remover. If you spot any stains that are caused by motor oil, rust or efflorescence (crystalline salt deposits) on the concrete, it’s recommended to remove as many as possible before you apply the sealer, using Quikrete Oil Stain Remover and/or Quikrete Efflorescence and Rust Remover. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the driveway after using one or both of these products.

4. Apply driveway sealer. Do not apply sealer until your driveway is completely dry. Then get ready to apply ready-to-use Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure and Seal to seal and help protect your concrete driveway from acids, grease, oils, food stains, salt and more.

Make sure to:

  • Check the forecast. Make sure the temperature will be above freezing for 24 hours before applying, and it should be 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above when applying the sealer. If it’s too cold, the product will be slow to set or could even freeze, rendering it ineffective. Do not apply if rain, heavy dew or temperatures below 50 degrees F are expected within 24 hours of applying sealer.
  • Read and follow all instructions, precautions and safety guidelines on product packaging. Note: You should wear impervious gloves and prevent skin contact with the product. Remove any of the product that may get on your skin or clothes promptly, while wet, with soap and water. Also clean your application tools with water immediately after use.
  • Gather the tools you need such as gloves, a garden sprayer and brush.
  • Apply evenly for best results. For sealing finished concrete surfaces, apply using a broom, brush, roller or garden sprayer to dry concrete or masonry.

To learn more about home improvement projects and to find the products you need, visit Quikrete.com.

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Quiz: Could hereditary cancer run in your family?

2023-09-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – People go to great lengths to decrease their cancer risk. Many of us wear sunscreen, avoid processed foods, go for regular checkups and eat organic produce — but what if your risk is hereditary, rather than environmental?

News stories about celebrities like Angelina Jolie have made people aware that mutations in the BRCA gene can cause breast and ovarian cancer, but that’s not the whole story. Researchers have discovered many genetic mutations that can cause a variety of cancers, including breast, colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate.

Fortunately, there are warning signs that a person is at increased risk of hereditary cancer. The following questions can help you determine whether genetic counseling makes sense for you and your family.

1. Do you have a first-, second- or third-degree relative who has tested positive for an inherited mutation in a gene that is linked to cancer risk?

2. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, do any of the following apply to you?

  • Pancreatic, ovarian, fallopian tube, primary peritoneal, triple-negative breast cancer or male breast cancer at any age
  • Breast, colorectal, endometrial or prostate cancer at age 50 or younger
  • Metastatic or high-grade prostate cancer
  • Two separate cancers
  • A first- or second-degree relative with any of the above cancers

3. If you’ve never been diagnosed with cancer, do you have one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer and any of the following?

  • Diagnosed at age 45 or younger
  • Triple-negative breast cancer
  • Two separate breast cancers, with the first diagnosis at age 50 or younger
  • Male breast cancer

4. If you’ve never been diagnosed with cancer, do you have one or more first- or second-degree relatives with any of the following?

  • Colorectal cancer before age 50
  • Endometrial cancer before age 50
  • Ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer
  • Rare or childhood cancers

5. If you’ve never been diagnosed with cancer, do you have one or more first-degree relatives with any of the following?

  • Metastatic or high-grade prostate cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer

6. If you’ve never been diagnosed with cancer, do you have two or more relatives on the same side of the family diagnosed with any combination of the following at any age?

  • Breast cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Melanoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Adrenal cancer
  • Brain tumors
  • Leukemia
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Diffuse gastric cancer
  • Colon cancer

If you answered YES to any of the above questions, experts recommend asking your doctor about genetic counseling and testing. A genetic test can help you and your relatives learn if there is an inherited mutation linked to cancer in your family. (Learn more about testing guidelines and where to find a genetic counselor at FacingOurRisk.org.)

While some people shrug off the idea of genetic testing because they believe there’s nothing that they can do to prevent cancer, that thinking is flawed. A number of surgeries, such as mastectomies and hysterectomies, can dramatically reduce a person’s odds of getting cancer. Those who know they’re at high risk can also schedule more frequent cancer screenings, which increases the odds of catching cancer early, before it spreads. If you suspect you’re at increased risk, National Hereditary Cancer Week (Sept. 24-30) is the perfect time to book an appointment with your health care provider.

For more information, support and resources on hereditary cancer, visit FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Hereditary Cancer Empowered).

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How new legislation can help address the health care workforce shortage

2023-09-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve recently scheduled medical appointments or procedures, you may have noticed longer wait times than you expected. There’s a reason for that: The U.S. currently needs more than 17,000 additional healthcare practitioners to keep up with demand, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Although healthcare provider shortages are occurring across the country, the problem is particularly acute in underserved rural and urban areas.

One specific area of need is anesthesia care. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are often the only anesthesiology providers in rural hospitals and are the predominant providers in underserved communities, yet current regulations regarding how these highly qualified healthcare professionals can practice limit the ability of CRNAs to care for patients to the full extent of their training and experience.

To address this issue, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act introduced in Congress with bipartisan support will help eliminate unnecessary barriers to practice, so patients and healthcare facilities can fully benefit from the expertise of CRNAs for anesthesia care.

Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) introduced the ICAN Act (Senate Bill 2418) in the Senate, joining more than a dozen representatives from both parties sponsoring the House version of the bill. The ICAN Act would remove barriers for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) such as CRNAs, allowing them to provide more comprehensive healthcare services to patients nationwide. The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), plus over 200 other nursing and healthcare organizations, support the legislation, which will remove unnecessary supervision of CRNAs and provide access to CRNA services in Medicaid.

“CRNAs play a vital role in maintaining critical access in communities across the country,” said AANA President Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN. “However, superfluous regulations serve as barriers to expanding care, especially when those same communities face a shortage of providers. This critical legislation helps ensure everyone who needs access to high-quality care provided by advanced practice registered nurses such as CRNAs can have it.”

CRNA training and experience

CRNAs and other APRNs are trained at the master’s or doctoral level to provide anesthesia and pain management services, treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease, provide care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medication and non-pharmacologic treatments.

Despite the critical role APRNs such as CRNAs serve in the U.S. healthcare system, some federal statutes and regulations as well as institutional rules currently limit their practice, preventing them from practicing to the full extent of their education and clinical training.

CRNAs currently represent over 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties. Rural hospitals and critical access hospitals often rely on independently practicing CRNAs for anesthesia care so the facilities can provide a wide range of surgical care, including obstetrics and pain management, close to home, when and where patients need it most. Even with CRNAs’ vital role in maintaining critical access in communities nationwide, current Medicare restrictions require physician supervision of CRNAs. However, in many cases, there are no physician anesthesia providers available in a rural hospital to offer this unnecessary supervision, so the federal requirement creates a barrier to expanding care and worsens the current provider shortage, especially in underserved communities — without improving patient outcomes.

Additional support for the ICAN Act

Removing barriers to practice for CRNAs and other APRNs has widespread support. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine recommended in “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity” that “all relevant state, federal and private organizations enable nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training by removing practice barriers that prevent them from more fully addressing social needs and social determinants of health and improve health care access, quality and value.”

These recommendations are echoed by multiple bipartisan stakeholders including the American Enterprise Institute, Brookings Institution, the Bipartisan Policy Center and AARP.

Improving access to care

Passing the ICAN Act will mean removing many barriers between patients and nurses in Medicare and increasing access to care for all Americans. Removing redundant supervision requirements for CRNAs will help lower costs in Medicare and Medicaid programs — and ensure proper reimbursement for services to maintain the highest standard and quality of care.

“We’ve seen how much nurses can do when they’re allowed to reach the full potential of their education and scope of practice,” added Riddle. “Removing barriers between nurses and patients is critical for achieving a more compassionate, efficient, affordable and equitable healthcare system for all Americans.”

Learn more about the ICAN Act and how you can support this life-saving legislation at AnesthesiaFacts.com.

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A Subscription Service Designed for Customers and Their Peace of Mind

2023-09-21T09:27:01

(BPT) – Walmart is laser-focused on offering customers the easiest and most convenient shopping experience, no matter how they shop.

When customers shop at Walmart.com or our app, their baskets often comprise repeat items, which means precious time is spent during every weekly shopping trip finding and adding the items they’ve purchased countless times before.

As a way to give customers back time and provide a more convenient shopping experience, Walmart is introducing subscriptions, a new service that’s highly convenient, flexible, and customized to meet their needs. It not only saves customers time during their weekly shop but also gives them the peace of mind that the things they need are always at their doorsteps when they need them.

Our starting assortment focuses on the categories and items our customers shop the most frequently, including tens of thousands of everyday essentials spanning pet food, supplements, diapers, and paper towels. These items will be automatically delivered on their preferred cadence, whether it be every two weeks or every two months. With no fees or commitments, they can also cancel at any time. To help customers build their go-to basket, we recommend more items they might like, and suggest the most useful replenishment cadence based on past orders.

We also know our customers lead busy lives, and plans can change at the drop of a hat. Our subscriptions service also offers the largest window to adjust the subscriptions before their items are delivered. We’ll send a reminder to them six days before their estimated delivery date, prompting them to adjust their subscriptions if needed. They have up to 48 hours to make changes before their order is processed for delivery, offering them even more flexibility.

This is just the beginning for Walmart subscriptions, and we’ll continue to add items and build out the service over the coming months. This exciting opportunity for us as a company will accelerate our goal of making online shopping simple and easy for our customers. You can find out more about how to subscribe to products and manage your subscriptions here.

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Brunch at The Beach shines in South Carolina

2023-09-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather begins to cool across the nation, gloriously sunny days and balmy nights await in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With 60 miles of sunny coastline full of flavorful fare, there’s no better way to start your day at The Beach than with a hearty meal.

Whether you’re planning a day’s hike or bike ride to enjoy the natural beauty, looking forward to stretching out in the sun, checking out the vibrant art scene or doing some epic shopping at unique boutiques, kickstart your adventure along the Grand Strand with the most important meal of the day.

With dozens of delicious options, here are eight great restaurants serving up memorable meals for your must-try brunch list:

1. Move over, chicken — try lobster and waffles instead! Visit the newly opened Mimosas at 7430 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, which features a large outdoor dining area and chef-inspired specialty brunch menu — including this decadent twist on the chicken and waffles craze.

2. Get your avo toast fix at Zardin, 3077 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach. This upscale, healthy eatery in Market Common has a brunch menu that offers a perfect balance of delicious and nutritious, including their delectable Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast.

3. Savor classic dishes with modern flair at one of Blueberry’s Grill‘s two locations along the Grand Strand. You can try a variety of unique dishes using locally sourced ingredients, like their Crab Cake Benedict — which also features another Southern favorite, fried green tomatoes.

4. Enjoy elevated Southern comfort food at Winna’s Kitchen on 819 Main Street, just blocks away from Myrtle Beach’s famous boardwalk in the growing Arts and Innovation District. Check out their ever-evolving Southern-eclectic menu with offerings like the tasty Bacon & Egg Fried Rice.

5. Add a sweet start to your day at Milk & Honey Coffee Cafe, 351 U.S. 17 Business North in Surfside Beach. Two-time winner of “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “The Big Brunch” contestant Chef Mason Zeglen opened this Grand Strand oasis offering up chill morning vibes. Try a combo of one of their signature coffees along with a unique fresh baked pastry — like their famous Espresso Tonic with a tasty Pistachio Cardamom Knot.

6. “Cronuts” are so yesterday — have you tried a “Dossant”? You can sample this unique donut-croissant concoction at the popular family-owned Benjamin’s Bakery, 810 Third Avenue South in Surfside Beach, along with their house-roasted coffee and a delicious array of pastries, bagels and mouth-watering sandwiches.

7. Try a local favorite at The Trestle Bakery & Cafe, 308 North Main Street in Conway, just steps from the riverwalk and draped by live oaks in their historic downtown district. This bakery and cafe is a local favorite, serving up freshly baked bread and an array of breakfast treats like their fresh Trestle Donuts.

8. French toast aficionados will adore Croissants Bistro & Bakery at 8014 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, renowned for their Bananas Foster French Toast. Their mouthwatering menu offers an eclectic variety of delicacies that will satisfy any palate.

Your autumn vacation at The Beach is sure to delight your taste buds with delicious flavors and keep you fueled up and ready for adventure as you enjoy exploring everything the Grand Strand has to offer.

If your mouth is watering, check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com to learn more about The Beach’s burgeoning brunch scene, as well as upcoming food events and festivals.