Month: January 2024

2024-01-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Can you imagine being diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of seven? For one little girl in southern Florida named Nicole, this was her reality. Nicole’s devastating diagnosis meant being confined to a hospital bed, where her greatest comfort was watching her favorite sport on TV — figure skating. The joy she felt watching her favorite skaters performing on the ice led to Nicole’s dream, which became a wish granted by Make-A-Wish: She wanted to become a famous figure skater.

Thanks to Make-A-Wish and its many generous donors and sponsors, Nicole was able to experience weeks of private skating lessons after her chemotherapy treatments until the big day when her wish would come true. Her wish was granted with the help of a team of professional figure skaters, a local entertainment venue, her coach, her family and many supporters in the community. Nicole was able to perform on the ice along with professional skaters, and even received a medal! You can watch her triumphant experience at Wish.org/nicole.

Nicole’s wish is just one of more than 550,000 wishes that have been granted globally for children with critical illnesses since Make-A-Wish was founded in 1980.

A new partnership to make even more wishes come true

To support these kinds of magical, life-affirming moments with children who need them, Red Robin, a national restaurant chain known for its delicious gourmet burgers and family-friendly atmosphere, has partnered with Make-A-Wish.

Donating 10 cents for each kids’ meal sold at all corporate-owned and participating franchise restaurants nationwide to Make-A-Wish, Red Robin has pledged $3 million in donations over a three-year period. Since the partnership launched in February, Red Robin has donated more than $700,000 so far toward granting wishes to nearly 70 children throughout the United States. In addition to the donation program, Red Robin has hosted 40 families for Wish reveal parties and celebrations in their restaurants.

“Make-A-Wish is an organization very close to my heart after several years of prior service on their Board of Directors,” said G.J. Hart, president and CEO, Red Robin. “At Red Robin, we always strive to create memorable moments for families in our restaurants. With this partnership, we are honored to have the opportunity to extend that joy to the children who need it most.”

Every year, 27,000 kids diagnosed with critical illnesses may qualify for a wish, and currently Make-A-Wish grants about half that many wishes each year. This national partnership will help raise crucial funds to make even more life-changing wishes possible for children — many of whom credit their wish with helping them overcome their illness.

“We know wishes bring hope and renewed joy to children battling critical illnesses,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Our partnerships are the driving force behind every wish granted, and Red Robin’s generous commitment will have a powerful impact on our mission and the lives of children and families nationwide.”

How you can help

You can learn more about the partnership at RedRobin.com/make-a-wish — and plan your family’s next visit to Red Robin to help make a difference for Make-A-Wish kids everywhere.

2024-01-04T15:43:00

(BPT) – Are you making any New Year’s resolutions this year? If so, consider prioritizing your sexual and reproductive health. While often overlooked, they are undeniably integral to your overall wellness.

Here are five tips to guide your goals for better sexual and reproductive health this year.

1. Schedule regular checkups

Make sure that you’re on track with regularly scheduled checkups at your OB/GYN that may include things like a pelvic exam, screening for cervical cancer, testing for STDs, birth control or any other concerns you or your health care provider may want to address. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask your health care provider questions and tell them about any issues you are having — so make a list before you go so you don’t forget.

2. Understand your birth control options and how to secure them

During your routine health checkups, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest contraceptive methods and determine which option aligns best with your current stage in life and personal lifestyle choices. Ensuring you are well-informed about birth control methods that suit you and are keeping a steady supply is especially important in busier periods filled with social engagements and travel.

3. Have a back-up plan

For those unexpected moments that catch couples off guard, Cadence OTC’s Morning After Pill provides a reliable backup for ‘oops’ moments like when a condom breaks or when protection slipped your mind.

“Prioritizing your health this year means not only having a plan, but also having a back-up plan,” said OB/GYN Nap Hosang, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Cadence OTC. “Cadence OTC is increasing over-the-counter access to safe, effective, affordable contraceptives for everyone everywhere, starting with Morning After Pill. Keeping emergency contraception on hand during this busy season can ensure you’re protected no matter what. Stocking up on emergency contraception to be able to take as soon as possible is crucial for its effectiveness.”

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Cadence OTC’s Morning After Pill is not only a safe and high-quality option but is now available for online purchase at half the price of the leading brand— making reliable and affordable emergency contraception more accessible at an affordable price. In addition, Cadence OTC is actively seeking FDA approval for Zena, a groundbreaking over-the-counter combination birth control pill, eliminating the need for a prescription or doctor’s visit. For more information, visit cadenceotc.com.

4. Educate yourself

Keep abreast of the latest advancements in technology, science, and medicine that impact your health. The field of medicine is always offering new insights into preventive health measures through improved hygiene, nutrition, and exercise, as well as evolving treatments for various conditions. Seek trustworthy information from authoritative sources like government health websites and platforms established by medical and healthcare organizations or academic institutions.

5. Open communication with a partner

Maintaining a healthy relationship often hinges on regular, open, and honest communication with your partner. Sharing concerns and feelings about your physical relationship can lead to improved intimacy and enhance your overall well-being.

Remember, taking good care of your overall health is an ongoing practice that can help you lead a fuller, happier, more joyful life. If something is unsettling or if there is tension between partners, communicating about those differences should be a positive experience because it offers the possibility of greater understanding and mutually acceptable improvement in the new year and beyond.

2024-01-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

Sometimes it takes another person to notice signs of illness before you even realize yourself that it’s time to seek help. That was the case for Eric Tozer. He was experiencing classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes, without realizing it. When his mother said something about his significant weight loss and that she thought he might have type 1 diabetes, all Tozer could think was, “How could I have type 1 diabetes? I didn’t have any family history of it, at all.” Fortunately, he still decided to schedule a visit to the doctor. After checking his blood sugar levels and clinical symptoms, his doctor quickly diagnosed him with type 1 diabetes.

Tozer is certainly not alone. Every year, an estimated 64,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. As that number continues to increase, many people may feel compelled to seek resources and information about their risk factors for type 1 diabetes, which can be an intimidating process.

Strides can be made to improve outcomes by debunking common myths about this disease. Tozer’s story highlights that the more you know early, the more you may be able to do to prepare. Here are a few misconceptions and truths to keep in mind:

Myth #1: Type 1 diabetes is a juvenile disease

A common misunderstanding of type 1 diabetes is that it’s predominantly diagnosed in children. In fact, for a long time, it was incorrectly referred to as “juvenile diabetes.” While that name does have merit in some respects, as type 1 diabetes does usually develop and is diagnosed during childhood and young adulthood, individuals at any age can develop it. Tozer is a noteworthy example, as he was diagnosed at age 22. Interestingly, recent studies show that more than half the people who are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed as adults.

Myth #2: Type 1 diabetes is caused by lifestyle factors

You might be more familiar with type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes such as eating healthy or staying active. When it comes to type 1 diabetes, no one currently knows how to prevent the disease. Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (the body attacks itself by mistake), meaning that anyone — even the most active or health-conscious individuals — can still be at risk of developing it.

Myth #3: People without a family history of type 1 diabetes are not at risk

While having a first- or second-degree family member does significantly increase your risk of developing type 1 diabetes (by up to 15 times), nearly 90% of those who develop the condition do not have a family history at all. Currently, the risk factors of type 1 diabetes are still being researched. At the moment, there are environmental factors and exposure to some viral infections that can be linked to heightened risk of developing the disease — but more research is needed. Right now, the best way to understand your risk is to speak to your doctor and undergo blood testing to screen for autoantibodies associated with type 1 diabetes.

Myth #4: If you don’t have symptoms of type 1 diabetes, you don’t need to be concerned

It can take months or years before symptoms of type 1 diabetes are noticeable, especially because early symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains) are often similar to other health conditions. However, once noticeable common symptoms arise, such as increased thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss and blurred vision, a person is already in the final stage of type 1 diabetes where the body is no longer able to make enough insulin, blood sugar is high and medical crisis situations become more likely. As Tozer described it, the difference between managing noticeable symptoms or an early diagnosis can be compared to “jumping into the deep end versus walking into the pool.” The previously mentioned blood tests can detect type 1 diabetes before any noticeable symptoms arise — getting screened is a small step that can make a big impact in disease management.

A type 1 diabetes diagnosis doesn’t have to be scary. By dispelling common misconceptions about this disease and its associated risk factors, we can begin changing the story about type 1 diabetes. Not knowing is simply no longer an option. Talk to your doctor about early screening.

As Tozer said, “Blood tests can give people an opportunity to prepare for the future, which is a true game changer.” Take control of the future by joining The 1 Pledge movement, led by Sanofi, at The1Pledge.com. Follow and use #ScreenForType1 to join the conversation on social media.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Eric Tozer is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

2024-01-03T11:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again: you feel the tickle in the back of your throat, think you’re coming down with something, and visit the local urgent care. They ask for a copay, and you pay it. But have you given any thought to how you pay for medical expenses?

Enter the health savings account. HSAs can be a powerful tool to help save and pay for qualified medical expenses. If you’re one of many Americans enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you have access to one of the most tax-efficient savings options available.

If this is news to you, you’re not alone: research from Fidelity Investments finds more than half of Americans are unfamiliar with the features of HSAs. Here’s what you need to know to start unlocking the potential of your HSA:

1. Leverage the triple-tax advantage[i]

Navigating the health journey can be incredibly complicated, and rising health care costs don’t make it any easier. The triple tax–advantaged nature of HSAs can offer some help by reducing your taxable income: the money you contribute to the account goes in tax-free, you can withdraw your HSA funds to spend on qualified medical expenses with no tax penalty, and all the money in the account can grow tax-free as well.

“With such a strong link between health and financial well-being, HSAs can play an important role in your overall financial plan,” said Karen Volo, head of health and benefit accounts at Fidelity. “Having a dedicated, tax-advantaged way to pay for both anticipated and unexpected health costs can bring greater peace of mind.”

2. You can pay for a lot more than just doctor visits

Qualified medical expenses that apply to an HSA run the gamut from copays and deductibles to more niche services you might not expect. Things like medical equipment, family planning services, acupuncture, or even lead-based paint removal may fall under this umbrella if certain requirements are met.

3. Your employer may make contributions

Many employers actually help their workforce pay for health care costs through contributions to their HSA. If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan through your employer, make sure you check to see if this benefit is available to you.

“Think of this like an employer contribution for your health,” said Volo. “You won’t get a tax deduction on what your employer contributes, but you will be able to spend it on qualified expenses tax-free or give it the potential to grow over time by investing it.”

4. You can invest funds held in your HSA

The money you contribute to your HSA is tax-free, and it can be invested to potentially grow over time, which is an especially valuable contribution to your retirement nest egg. That’s great news for your wallet when you consider that the average 65-year-old retiring in 2023 can expect to spend $157,500 in health care costs throughout retirement.[ii]

5. Your HSA is yours to keep

According to Fidelity, 46% of Americans believe they’ll have to forfeit the money in their HSA at the end of the year if they don’t use it. Thankfully, that isn’t the case.

“Remember, unlike a flexible spending account, there are no use-it-or-lose-it rules in your HSA,” explained Volo. “The account is always yours, even if you change employers, and the money you contribute can be used now and in the future.”

Is an HSA right for you?

If you’re eligible and interested in opening an account, consider a Fidelity HSA™, named the #1 HSA by Morningstar for 2023.[iii]

###

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

The information provided here is general in nature. It is not intended, nor should it be construed, as legal or tax advice. Because the administration of an HSA is a taxpayer responsibility, customers should be strongly encouraged to consult their tax advisor before opening an HSA. Customers are also encouraged to review information available from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for taxpayers, which can be found on the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov. They can find IRS Publication 969, Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans, and IRS Publication 502,Medical and Dental Expenses (including the Health Coverage Tax Credit), online, or you can call the IRS to request a copy of each at 800.829.3676.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC

900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

1118687.1.0

© 2023 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

2024-01-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Ready to start 2024 and improve your home life? You don’t have to do it alone. This year, achieve your New Year’s resolutions with a little help from smart appliances and apps.

Smart appliances on their own make everyday tasks incredibly convenient and simple, removing barriers that would otherwise make staying committed to your home-life resolutions a challenge. However, you can take it to the next level by using their integrated smart apps.

LG Electronics USA wants to help you live a smarter and easier life with its smart appliances and, more importantly, its integrated app. The ThinQ app is a smart hub managing all smart devices and appliances, ensuring they run smoothly and keeping you connected and in control. Not convinced? Check out three resolutions you can achieve with ease this year with a little help from smart appliances and a hassle-free app.

1. Become a home chef with ease

If you want to become a better cook so you can eat healthier, impress friends and family and explore your culinary creativity, you can achieve this goal with ease with the help of some smart technology. Even if you have limited culinary experience, smart appliances and connected apps can help you learn new recipes and control your oven, range or refrigerator with convenience.

For example, using LG’s ThinQ app, you can access recipes, order ingredients and send instructions to your smart oven or microwave. Once you know what you want to make and how to make it, use ThinQ to remotely start the proof function and bake breads, pastries and other delicacies like a pro.

The app also lets you customize time and temperature controls so you can achieve a chef-level dish every time. When you inevitably have to clean your oven after all your cooking adventures, simply remote start the EasyClean cycle.

2. Take on chores like a champ

Do you have trouble staying on top of household tasks? Smart dishwashers, washers, and dryers can make it easy to become a chore champion.

If you’ve handwashed a few dishes and just need to dry them, don’t pick up the dish towel. Use the ThinQ app and set your dishwasher for a dry-only cycle. Did you load the dishwasher but forget to start it? No worries. Just use your phone to remotely start and stop the dishwasher and check its progress. Best of all, you can use the app to download customized wash cycles for pots and pans, glassware and even pet bowls.

Don’t dread doing laundry. With a smart washer and dryer, you can care for your clothes with peace of mind. Using the ThinQ app, you can download specialized cycles and laundry settings, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your delicates. The smart technology also incrementally dispenses detergent for better cleaning. Don’t forget to use ThinQ to pair your LG washer and dryer so they can communicate over Wi-Fi and select appropriate settings based on the most recent load.

3. Handle home maintenance like a pro

Home maintenance is probably the last thing on your mind. When you’re busy getting the kids off to school, running out the door to work and staying on top of dinner, shopping and hosting loved ones, it’s easy for home maintenance tasks to slip your mind. However, a smart app and paired devices can help you stay organized and on top of tasks like a pro.

For example, the ThinQ app sends alerts to your smartphone to stay ahead of potential appliance issues and offers real-time diagnosis. Armed with this knowledge, you create proactive solutions and avoid preventable repairs and service calls.

When you link the ThinQ app with an Alexa-enabled device, you’ll know when you’re running low on laundry or dish detergent, fabric softener and rinse aid. Alexa will also automatically place an Amazon order for these products, so you don’t have to make an extra trip to the store.

Don’t worry about keeping track of your water filter. ThinQ monitors the water filter, so you’ll know when it needs replacing. Just like with your detergent items, Alexa can automatically reorder water filters through Amazon based on your usage.

A new year means a new you. This year, let LG help you become a better homemaker so you can spend more time and energy with those you love. To learn more, visit LG ThinQ | LG USA.

2024-01-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you are one of the more than 35 million Americans who are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you already know how disruptive it can be to your life. While OSA is one of the most common and serious sleep disorders, the condition is widely under-diagnosed, so the number of affected Americans may be far greater.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, blocking normal breathing. This can lead to low levels of oxygen in your blood while you sleep and result in poor sleep, fatigue and sleepiness that can negatively impact quality of life for many. In the long term, OSA has also been shown to contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Most people diagnosed with OSA are prescribed positive air pressure therapy devices such as continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which can work very well in helping people receive the oxygen they need while they are sleeping. However, because many have difficulty using or tolerating these devices, a significant percentage of the population with OSA remains untreated, undertreated and at risk.

A new option for treating obstructive sleep apnea

Apnimed is a pharmaceutical company working to change the way OSA is treated. The company recently completed a large Phase 2b clinical trial, called MARIPOSA, to study AD109 (an investigational medication which is a single pill taken at bedtime) as a possible treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

AD109 has the potential to be the first oral medication that treats both the underlying cause of OSA — airway obstruction at night — and improve the daytime symptoms of OSA, such as fatigue. It is designed to treat people with OSA from mild to severe.

Many patients with OSA are unable to adequately treat their condition with existing options, and the team at Apnimed is driven to find new solutions for patients and their doctors to overcome these barriers to treatment. The success of this effort is largely dependent on the dedicated work done by patients and doctors in the community who take part in clinical research.

“MARIPOSA results showed that AD109 improved daytime fatigue, which is an often debilitating effect of poor sleep due to OSA,” said Paula Schweitzer, Ph.D., an investigator in the MARIPOSA trial and director of research at St. Luke’s Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Chesterfield, Missouri. “For those who cannot tolerate current treatments, AD109 has the potential to be a convenient oral pill that could improve people’s quality of life at night and during the daytime as well.”

Learn about enrolling in the clinical trial

With the promising results from the MARIPOSA study, a new study is now available for people with OSA.

If you or a loved one has obstructive sleep apnea and you are unable to successfully use or tolerate treatment with a CPAP machine, you could be eligible to enroll in a six-month clinical trial called SynAIRgy.

To learn more about the clinical trial and to enroll, visit: www.SynAIRgyStudy.com.

2024-01-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – A new year means a new garden! It’s time to start thinking of what you’ll cultivate indoors and outdoors in 2024. Whether large or small, in sun or shade, there are many choices of plants to fill your indoor and outdoor spaces, as well as the tools that make things easier.

Looking for inspiration? Check out The National Garden Bureau’s 2024 Green Thumb Award winners. These plants and products are perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners and will make your garden a success this year and beyond!

1. Hydrangea First Editions Eclipse

The Eclipse^® Hydrangea is a new variety of dark-leaf mophead hydrangea that offers season-long beauty! The shrub’s intense, dark purple leaves hold their color, even in sunny, warm climates. The striking foliage and gorgeous dark purple or cranberry-colored blooms will pair perfectly with anything in your garden, adding dramatic impact. Maturing at 3-5 feet tall and wide, Eclipse^® will stand out as a focal point in the garden or decorative containers. Hardy in zones 5-9.

2. Catmint Chartreuse on the Loose

Chartreuse on the Loose is a perennial perfect for lining the front border. The foliage allows for a full three seasons of interest with bright chartreuse yellow leaves. Clusters of lavender blue flowers bloom just above the foliage and appear all summer long. Unlike most catmint, ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ doesn’t need to be cut back to produce flowers. Hardy in zones 3-8.

3. Begonia Stonehedge Rose Bronze Leaf

Stonehedge begonias are as iconic as their namesake! These annual begonias have extreme vigor, excellent heat tolerance and a well-branched mounded shape that grows up to 48 inches (120 centimeters) tall! You can even plant them in large containers. Eye-catching bronze foliage shows off rich rose blooms. Best of all, there’s no need to deadhead these low-maintenance begonias.

4. Centaurea The Bride

Centaurea The Bride is a large annual featuring pure white flowers with a gorgeous feathery texture scented with sweet vanilla. The bushy plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and works well in containers or beds, a must-have for any pollinator garden.

5. Cucumber Quick Snack

Winner of both the Professional’s Choice and People’s Choice awards in the edible category, the Quick Snack Cucumber produces deliciously crisp and sweet cucumbers in a matter of weeks. In just a month or so, you can eat handfuls of cocktail-sized cucumbers fresh off the plant or add to a vegetable platter or salad. You can enjoy cucumbers indoors and out with Quick Snack because the blooms do not require pollinators to produce fruit. An excellent way to enjoy homegrown vegetables all year long without an outdoor garden space.

6. Echeveria Coral Reef Red

Winner of both the Professional’s Choice and People’s Choice awards in the houseplant category, Echeveria Coral Reef Red lives up to its name with strongly pronounced ruffled foliage, perfect for adding intense indoor and outdoor colors! Elegant stems produce bell flowers throughout most of the year. This drought-tolerant beauty grows to just under 12 inches tall in full sun or shade.

7. Laura’s Edition 3″ x 36″ Auger

Laura’s Edition Auger is an incredibly useful garden product. Using the extended-length bulb auger, you can effortlessly plant bulbs and 3- to 5-inch potted plants without kneeling or bending over. You’ll be planting trees and shrubs and digging post holes faster than you ever could before with a 3-inch auger drill bit. Power Planter bulb augers are also a great choice for installing beach volleyball poles and umbrellas or boring holes under sidewalks for electrical or irrigation lines.

8. Better Boxwood Skylight™

Be a more successful gardener with this new boxwood! Better Boxwood^® is the first collection of blight-resistant boxwood resulting from two decades of revolutionary breeding and plant trialing. Skylight™ is one of four varieties, including Babylon Beauty™, Heritage™ and Renaissance™. Skylight™ is the faster growing of the collection with medium green leaves, suitable for pruning into shapes, in mass plantings and medium hedges. Hardy to zone 5.

9. Agapanthus Blackjack™

Blackjack agapanthus offers superior performance and exceptional blooms, near-black, purple flower clusters soaring atop tall stems. This resilient agapanthus combines a compact semi-dwarf growth habit with abundant blooms, offering an extended flowering season surpassing conventional varieties. Hardy in zone 8-11 and can be grown as an annual in all other zones. Named the Royal Horticultural Society 2023 Plant of the Year.

10. Petunia AMAZONAS Plum Cockatoo

AMAZONAS™ Plum Cockatoo petunia will certainly attract attention in your garden! These petunias bring a bit of the rainforest to gardens everywhere. Lush green hues pair with vivid, tropical purples to create a truly unique petunia. The variety creates a calming backdrop of natural color that pairs well with foliage plants. Large blooms grow on plants 12 to 18 inches tall.

11. Sunshine^® Black Bear™ Potting Mix

Garden more sustainably with this new product! Black Bear™ is pure carbon captured and stored as a beneficial growing media formulated for growing in containers, hanging baskets, window boxes and fabric pots. The potting mix is produced by wood waste that would otherwise be burned or sent to landfills, releasing carbon into our atmosphere. The innovative potting mix provides exceptional aeration and drainage for both indoor and outdoor plants.

Try these exciting new plants and products to make your gardening life easier this year, making you more successful than ever! To learn more, visit NBG.org.