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Video calls to games: Strong home Wi-Fi all summer long

2024-06-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Summer’s in and school’s out! Now that your kids are out of school or back from college for the summer, your Wi-Fi network could be getting a workout. When everyone in the house is trying to stream movies and shows, game online or take video calls from home across a ton of connected devices, the demand on your network has never been greater.

Plus, with your kids home from school, you can’t keep on top of everything they’re browsing online. Not only is it tough to curb the temptation of all-day screen time and have quality family time together, but it can be difficult to prevent your younger children from accessing inappropriate content online.

This summer, don’t settle for a slow connection. Use these top five tips to keep up with your family’s internet needs.

1. Invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system

Say goodbye to dead zones! If you want fast, reliable and consistent connectivity throughout your entire home, then it’s time to invest in a quality mesh Wi-Fi system.

By using multiple access points around the house as opposed to a single router, mesh Wi-Fi networks can provide coverage throughout your home regardless of its shape or size. You can place an eero in your bedroom, living room, garage and more to get reliable connectivity anywhere in your home.

When purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi system, look for products known for performance, advanced features and security, like the eero Pro 6E, eero 6+, and eero Max 7. They’re simple to set up and use, so you can seamlessly connect 75-200 devices at once!

2. Use content filters and parental controls

You can’t monitor your kids’ internet use 24/7, but you can use parental controls like content filters to help keep them safe from content you deem inappropriate. Your router and mesh system may already offer features like these, so keep an eye out.

Once you find these monitoring tools, you can set up filters to block specific websites. Think beyond blocking inappropriate content. You can also block shopping, social media and messaging platforms. Configuring filters and controls allows you to easily create a safer online experience for kids of all ages. Content filters are offered to eero Plus subscribers and are a great way for parents to help keep browsing safer for their family.

3. Set aside internet breaks

During summer breaks, it’s important to carve out quality time with your kids and rein in their screen time. Sometimes, the best way to do that is to schedule breaks from the internet, such as in the evening when it’s time to wind down or when family is in town. Keep an eye out for routers that offer advanced features like creating Wi-Fi schedules.

eero allows you to set up individual profiles for each family member and create schedules for pausing the internet. That means you can set quiet hours during family dinners to encourage healthy screen habits for the whole family!

4. Have an internet backup just in case

An internet outage when your kids are home can be disastrous! But don’t worry, a good internet backup can help keep your kids online and happy while you’re working from home during an outage.

There are a few options for setting up an internet backup. For example, you can purchase a portable hotspot device and a power supply to keep your internet up and running during an outage. However, you may already have an internet backup built into your mesh Wi-Fi system.

If you own an eero device and are an eero Plus subscriber, you already have a great option! eero Internet Backup allows you to back up your network to a local hotspot, allowing your kids (and you) to enjoy video streaming, video conferencing, music streaming or online gaming with a capable hotspot, even during an internet blackout.

5. Explore connectivity possibilities

If you have a mesh Wi-Fi system, take the time to explore other advanced features you may have missed during the initial setup. For example, if you have an Echo Dot (5th Gen) in the bedroom for music, you can also use it as an eero mesh Wi-Fi extender with eero Built-in so you can reliably watch shows, stream music and more.

You can also sign up for a subscription service like eero Plus for an even better internet experience. The service offers ad blocking, advanced online security features, VPN, anti-malware software and more for your eero mesh Wi-Fi system!

With the right tools, you can ensure you can optimize and help safeguard your home internet no matter how many devices your kids bring home. Follow these five tips to enjoy safe and reliable Wi-Fi this summer and beyond!

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5 Expert-Approved Wellness Tips to Help Make the Most of Longer Summer Days

2024-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you love “hot girl walks,” hiking mountain tops, or playing doubles in pickleball, summer is the perfect time to prioritize your fitness and wellness routines — especially with the extra daylight we get. Sports RD Angie Asche is sharing five expert-approved tips to help you stay active and incorporate proper recovery habits — like eating almonds because of their exercise recovery benefits — during longer summer days.

1. A morning digital detox goes a long way

When your alarm rings in the morning, try not to start scrolling on your phone. While decreasing screen time may be a difficult habit to break, starting with a focused and positive mentality can set you up for a successful day. Instead of catching up on social media or checking your texts, I suggest stretching, making a nutrient-filled smoothie with some of my favorite ingredients like berries and almond butter, and getting outside in the warm weather to get beneficial exposure to light so your mind and body can get ready for the long summer day ahead.

2. Soak up the sun and don’t forget to hydrate!

Summer is the perfect time to take your workouts or other fitness activities outdoors. While you’re soaking up that sunshine, don’t forget your warm-ups, cool-downs and short breaks in between intervals. As a sports dietitian, I often tell my clients to listen to their bodies and use these brief rest periods as an opportunity to hydrate. This helps to prevent dehydration and exhaustion during exercise.

3. More time = more routine

Motivation and time are the biggest barriers to exercising. According to a recent survey conducted by the Almond Board of California1, yielding a sample size of 3,024 U.S. adults aged 18 and older representative of the U.S. adult population, a third of respondents are not motivated to exercise and more than a third of millennials (35%) report they don’t have time to exercise. The extra daylight is a chance to find time for you, including prioritizing your wellness routine. Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather to get outside with your dog, try yoga in the park, or pick up a new sport.

4. It’s time for proper recovery

Summer activities can take a toll on your body, so give yourself enough time to allow your muscles to recover. According to the recent survey conducted by the Almond Board of California1, while 76% of Americans report exercising weekly, 30% don’t believe that their fitness routines are intense enough to need recovery and 22% don’t believe they exercise often enough to need recovery. But, even if you participate in a light walk on the beach or bike your favorite trails this summer, your muscles are moving, and you need proper recovery! Choose nutrient-rich foods that aid in your entire routine, like eating almonds for their exercise recovery benefits. Let your body recharge, and your muscles will thank you later!

5. A long day calls for quality sleep

Do you feel burned out by the end of summer days? One potential cause could be an inadequate amount of sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your physical and mental capabilities. The amount of sleep you need varies by your age, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, but overall, sleeping the recommended hours is associated with better health outcomes. While prioritizing your sleep might not seem easy with a busy schedule, consistency throughout the week is key to reenergizing your mind and body.

Overhead shot of a woman selecting a nut from a can of almonds with work-out weights jump rope and water bottle near by.

“Make the most of your longer days by getting active, but don’t forget to incorporate time to recover along the way. This can be as simple as stretching, hydrating or even choosing the right snacks. Almonds have been a must-have for me because they give me the nutrients I need to keep my body moving, especially during the warmer months,” said Asche. “And, promising new research found almonds may have a positive impact on exercise recovery.”

Like Asche recommends to her clients, two handfuls of almonds a day can aid in exercise recovery. New research2, conducted over four weeks among 64 U.S. adults ages 30-65 who are occasional exercisers, found that most participants who ate almonds experienced reduced fatigue and tension, increased leg and lower back strength during recovery, and decreased muscle damage during the first day of recovery. Rest and recovery are equally as important to your fitness routines as you get active this summer, so choosing foods that can help, like almonds, is key.

It’s time to enjoy your summer — you deserve it! Staying active and making time for recovery activities will help you have your best season yet. Check out almonds.com for more information on how you can make the most of your wellness routine.

Survey Methodology: A custom survey was conducted among a sample of 3,024 U.S. adults 18 years of age and older. The survey was live on January 29 – February 4, 2024. Quota sampling was used to collect a nationwide sample of respondents who were then weighted by gender, age, region, race/ethnicity, and education to mirror the demographical composition of the U.S. population.

Subgroup analysis was conducted to understand nuances across audience segments, with a priority on the following:

  • Almond eaters: n=2,495
  • Exercise at least once/week: n=2,309
  • Include exercise recovery at least somewhat: n=1,248

1 The survey yielded a sample size of 3,024 U.S. adults aged 18 and older representative of the U.S. adult population.

2 Nieman, D. C., Omar, A. M., Kay, C. D., Kasote, D. M., Sakaguchi, C. A., Lkhagva, A., Weldemariam, M.M.,& Zhang Q. (2023). Almond intake alters the acute plasma dihydroxy-octadecenoic acid (DiHOME) response to eccentric exercise. Front. Nutr. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1042719

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Is social media bringing you down? There’s something you can do about it

2024-06-26T15:25:00

(BPT) – When it comes to your social media feed, do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a bad place? Do you even dread opening up your feed sometimes because of all the negativity you might find there? Whatever happened to those funny memes, animal videos, positive interactions with friends and family, even informational DIYs and hacks?

Sometimes, it can feel like social media algorithms are not generating the mix of content needed to live a well-balanced life.

Algorithms can be a mystery to people who aren’t data analysts, but they play a significant role in what we see on social media. While designed to make our feeds more interesting and relevant, recent research has shown that these algorithms can send us down niche rabbit holes and promote negative conversations that can directly impact mental health.

Sure, some negative content on your feeds is expected, especially because world events are an important element of a diverse social media diet. But algorithms could be pushing down the feel-good content to encourage more doomscrolling. It happens more than you think.

But can you do anything about it? It turns out, you can.

LG Electronics recently commissioned a new global survey, in keeping with their mission to spread the ethos of Life’s Good, to understand how social media platforms affect users’ well-being. It found what many of us experience every day — social media is a source of anxiety and stress, but also a place where we turn to be entertained. More than half of survey respondents reported their social media feeds consist of an equal or greater amount of negative content vs. positive content, with nearly a quarter saying that negative content on their social media feeds has increased their anxiety and made them unhappy.

Sound familiar? Here’s what can you do to bring that happy feeling back to your social media feed.

  1. Proactively search for the content you like. From funny cat videos to food hacks to motivational speeches, the content is out there if you look for it.
  2. Encourage your favorite creators to keep making content that you enjoy.
  3. Engage with posts you like and disengage with content you don’t. This sounds obvious, but people don’t often think about it.
  4. When engaging with content you enjoy, keep in mind, there are real humans with emotions behind the screens. Like or comment something positive on uplifting content and the algorithm will continue to feed you more of the same.

A great example of this is LG’s new “Optimism Your Feed” campaign, which gives social media users a head start on shaping the content they want to consume by creating a positive playlist of TikTok and YouTube content. The playlist features feel-good content from popular creators and aims to help those who want to retrain their algorithm to bring more optimism to their feed by inviting them to proactively engage with positive content.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Search for @lg_lifesgood on TikTok, or go to LG’s channel on YouTube.
  2. Find Optimism Your Feed and start scrolling!
  3. Engage with content you like by tapping, liking, commenting or sharing.

This isn’t just about getting people to interact with fun videos. It’s about using that positive content to give people the power to change the algorithms on their feeds. By interacting with this content, it will, in turn, draw in even more positive content from other sources.

Social media can be both good for us and bad for us at the same time, so it’s important to remember there are ways we can try to proactively take more control of our social media experience. By being more conscious about what we choose to engage with, we can bring stronger balance, inspiration and happiness to our lives.

If we focus on optimism, we will be better equipped to deal with life’s challenges and build a happier life.

And who doesn’t need that, right?

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Unlock your future: Time still left to file FAFSA for financial aid

2024-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – With thousands of high school graduates currently navigating their future education and career path, there is no better time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — the application for federal financial aid including grants, loans, work-study opportunities and scholarships for college or career school. In many cases, the FAFSA is also used to determine eligibility for state and college financial aid along with private scholarships.

While the clock is ticking on securing financial aid, many colleges have extended deadlines to ensure students have the time and resources necessary to successfully submit their information. This, along with key changes designed to simplify the FAFSA, means students can spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on their future.

Key changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA:

  • Simplified form: The number of questions has been significantly reduced, making it easier and faster to complete.
  • Expanded Pell Grant access: More students will be eligible for Pell Grants due to changes in the eligibility criteria.
  • Updated definition: The term “contributor” now encompasses anyone providing information on the FAFSA, including parents, stepparents and spouses.
  • Streamlined data sharing: The FAFSA will automatically use tax information from the IRS, reducing the need for manual input.
  • Extended deadlines: Deadlines for filing the FAFSA have been extended, giving students more time to complete the application.

“First and foremost, we want to reassure students and parents that there is still time to file the FAFSA to potentially unlock education funding that can lessen the financial burden of college or career school,” said Angela Greenlay, director of student success at ECMC. “The new, simplified form often takes less than an hour to complete — a small investment that has the potential to pay off big throughout a student’s education journey.”

Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state and school financial aid programs including grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans, should complete the FAFSA.

Things to know:

  • Don’t assume you won’t qualify for financial aid — Virtually every student is eligible for at least one type of federal student aid, but you won’t know unless you submit the FAFSA form. According to a recent report from NCAN, the class of 2023 left more than $4 billion in Pell Grants on the table due to not filing the FAFSA.
  • FAFSA deadlines have been extended, many through August — Contact the financial aid office at your selected schools regarding timelines for submission and visit studentaid.gov for more information regarding deadlines.
  • List all the colleges or career schools where you are applying for admission — Your FAFSA information will be shared only with those colleges you specify on your application.
  • Check your email often — Colleges will be sending financial aid offer letters that will include the amount of aid you are eligible to receive.
  • Reach out if you need help — Contact your school’s financial aid office for assistance or call the FAFSA Helpline at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Don’t delay, go to studentaid.gov now to file your FAFSA. Education beyond high school is a great investment. All options are worth considering, whether it’s obtaining a credential to get into the workforce quickly or choosing a degree path that takes a bit more time, FAFSA is one of the key steps to start pursuing your dreams.

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A patient’s story: Managing ulcerative colitis symptoms from diagnosis to treatment

2024-06-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Content sponsored and provided by Pfizer. Tiffany partnered with Pfizer to share her experience living with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Tiffany, a mother of two from Westfield, Indiana, enjoyed coaching cheerleading and traveling with her daughters and team to cheer competitions when she began experiencing more frequent bowel movements and bleeding when she went to the bathroom. Eventually, these symptoms progressed, which made doing the activities she enjoyed more difficult. She wanted to be more present and visible to her cheer team during their routines, but this became challenging as she frequently needed to find the nearest bathroom.

Tiffany went to a gastroenterologist (GI) to discuss her symptoms and after a colonoscopy, she was diagnosed with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine (also called the colon) that affects the lining and causes sores or ulcers to form. Current medicines can help manage UC symptoms but do not cure UC.[i]

Tiffany was not too familiar with UC before her diagnosis, although she knew there was some family history as her grandfather and uncle lived with the disease. She was surprised by her diagnosis and that she would need to manage her UC symptoms for the rest of her life. To learn more about the disease, she spoke to her doctor who provided her with informational packets, and she did some additional research online.

Tiffany and her GI immediately began working on a treatment plan to help manage her UC symptoms. This cycle of new medications went on for a few years. Since she had tried a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker without success, Tiffany’s GI discussed trying XELJANZ (tofacitinib), an oral medication for adults with moderate to severe UC.

Tiffany’s doctor reviewed the potential benefits and serious side effects of XELJANZ with her and explained that it has a BOXED WARNING. They also discussed the type of monitoring and lab work that would be needed before and during treatment.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR can cause serious side effects and can lower your ability to fight infections like tuberculosis (TB); don’t start XELJANZ if you have an infection. Before and while being treated, your doctor should check for infections like TB and do blood tests. Increased risk of death and major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in patients 50 or older who have at least one heart disease risk factor. Serious, sometimes fatal infections, cancers, including lymphoma and lung cancer, cardiovascular events, immune system problems and blood clots have happened. Tell your doctor if you are a current or past smoker, have had any type of cancer, have had a heart attack, stroke or a history of blood clots.

Read more about Important Safety Information and Indication below.

After starting XELJANZ, Tiffany noticed an improvement in her UC symptoms, including less frequent bowel movements and reduced blood in her stool. Tiffany looked forward to coaching cheer and spending time with her daughters.

“I remember how happy I was at my follow-up appointment when my doctor said that with the colonoscopy results, and my symptom improvements, he thought I was in remission,” Tiffany said.

Through open communication and partnering with her doctor to find a treatment plan that works for her, Tiffany has been able to better manage her UC symptoms and focus on the activities that are important to her.

Her message to others who are living with UC is to “keep hanging in there and working with your doctor. Try different medications until you find something that works for you. Be patient.”

To learn more about XELJANZ, visit XELJANZ.com/UC.

To share your story with UC, visit XELJANZ.com/share-your-story.

This represents Tiffany’s experience and another person’s experience may vary.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION

The safety information below applies to all marketed formulations of XELJANZ. Specific risks associated with certain dosing are noted.

Serious infections. XELJANZ can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Do not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. Serious infections have happened in people taking XELJANZ. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with XELJANZ. You should not start taking XELJANZ if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare professional tells you it is okay.

Before and after starting XELJANZ, tell your doctor if you are being treated for an infection, have infections that keep coming back, or have symptoms of an infection, including:

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

Increased risk of death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily.

Cancer. XELJANZ may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Lymphoma and other cancers, including skin cancers, can happen. People taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily have a higher risk of certain cancers including lymphoma and lung cancer, especially if you are a current or past smoker. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had any type of cancer.

Higher dose. People with ulcerative colitis taking the higher dose of XELJANZ (10 mg twice daily) or XELJANZ XR (22 mg one time each day) have a higher risk of serious infections, shingles, or skin cancers.

Immune system problem. Some people who have taken XELJANZ with certain other medicines to prevent kidney transplant rejection have had a problem with certain white blood cells growing out of control (Epstein Barr Virus–associated post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder).

Increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in people 50 years of age and older who have at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor and are taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily, especially if you are a current or past smoker.

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

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

Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE), veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT), and arteries (arterial thrombosis) have happened more often in people who are 50 years of age and older and with at least 1 heart disease (cardiovascular) risk factor taking XELJANZ 5 mg twice daily or XELJANZ 10 mg twice daily. Blood clots in the lungs have also happened in people with ulcerative colitis. Some people have died from these blood clots.

  • Stop taking XELJANZ and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots such as sudden shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, swelling of a leg or arm, leg pain or tenderness, or red or discolored skin in the leg or arm.

Tears (perforation) in the stomach or intestines. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had diverticulitis (inflammation in parts of the large intestine) or ulcers in your stomach or intestines. Some people taking XELJANZ can get tears in their stomach or intestine. This happens most often in people who also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or methotrexate. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have fever, stomach-area pain that does not go away, and a change in your bowel habits.

Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using XELJANZ and call your healthcare provider right away if you have swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or get hives.

Changes in certain lab test results. Your doctor should do blood tests to check your white and red blood cells before and while you are taking XELJANZ. Your doctor should also check certain liver tests. You should not receive XELJANZ if your lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, or red blood cell count is too low, or your liver function test levels are too high. Changes in lab test results may cause your healthcare provider to stop your XELJANZ treatment for a time. Your cholesterol levels should be checked 4 to 8 weeks after you start receiving XELJANZ.

Before you use XELJANZ, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Are being treated for an infection, have an infection that won’t go away or keeps coming back, or think you have symptoms of an infection
  • Have TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
  • Have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system. People with these conditions have a higher chance for infections
  • Live or have lived in certain areas (such as Ohio and Mississippi River Valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections
  • Have or have had Hepatitis B or C
  • Are a current or past smoker
  • Have had any type of cancer
  • Have had a heart attack, other heart problems, or stroke
  • Have had blood clots
  • Have liver or kidney problems
  • Have any stomach area (abdominal) pain or been diagnosed with diverticulitis or ulcers in your stomach or intestines
  • Have recently received or plan to receive a vaccine. People taking XELJANZ should not receive live vaccines but can receive non-live vaccines
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. You should not take XELJANZ and breastfeed
  • Have had a reaction to tofacitinib or any of the ingredients
  • Are taking other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following medicines while taking XELJANZ since this may increase your risk of infection:
    • tocilizumab (Actemra®)
    • etanercept (Enbrel®)
    • adalimumab (Humira®)
    • infliximab (Remicade®)
    • rituximab (Rituxan®)
    • abatacept (Orencia®)
    • anakinra (Kineret®)
    • certolizumab (Cimzia®)
    • golimumab (Simponi®)
    • ustekinumab (Stelara®)
    • secukinumab (Cosentyx®)
    • vedolizumab (Entyvio®)
    • sarilumab (Kevzara®)
    • azathioprine, cyclosporine, or other immunosuppressive drugs
  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines that affect the way certain liver enzymes work. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one of these.

What are other possible side effects of XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

If you are a carrier of the Hepatitis B or C virus (viruses that affect the liver), the virus may become active while you use XELJANZ. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests before starting and while using treatment with XELJANZ. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any signs of these symptoms: feeling very tired, little or no appetite, clay-colored bowel movements, chills, muscle aches, skin rash, skin or eyes look yellow, vomiting, fevers, stomach discomfort, or dark urine.

Common side effects in adults with ulcerative colitis include nasal congestion, sore throat, runny nose (nasopharyngitis), increased cholesterol levels, headache, upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sinus infections), increased muscle enzyme levels, rash, diarrhea, and shingles (herpes zoster).

XELJANZ & Pregnancy

XELJANZ may affect the ability of females to get pregnant. It is not known if this will change after stopping XELJANZ. It is not known if XELJANZ will harm an unborn baby.

  • Pregnancy Registry: Pfizer has a registry for pregnant women who take XELJANZ. The purpose of this registry is to check the health of the pregnant mother and her baby. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking XELJANZ, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can join this pregnancy registry or you may contact the registry at 1-877-311-8972 to enroll.

You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take XELJANZ or breastfeed. You should not do both. After you stop your treatment with XELJANZ do not start breastfeeding again until 18 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ or 36 hours after your last dose of XELJANZ XR.

What is XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR?

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR (tofacitinib) is used to treat adults with:

  • Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis when 1 or more medicines called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers have been used, and did not work well or cannot be tolerated

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in people with Hepatitis B or C.

XELJANZ/XELJANZ XR/XELJANZ Oral Solution is not recommended for people with severe liver problems.

It is not known if XELJANZ/XELJANZ Oral Solution is safe and effective in children for treatment other than active polyarticular course juvenile arthritis.

It is not known if XELJANZ XR is safe and effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING and Medication Guide.

© 2024 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. PP-XEL-USA-9489 June 2024.


[i] Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. What is Ulcerative Colitis? https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/overview

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Resilience in the face of a rare, neuromuscular disorder, gMG

2024-06-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine going to work and, in the middle of leading a staff meeting, you start slurring your words. You don’t feel ill and nothing like this has ever happened before. You have no explanation as to what could be going on, but you shake it off and go about your day like normal.

Later that evening, the same slurred speech comes back over dinner. Then again during a walk around the neighborhood. Now you’re starting to get concerned.

This was Mike’s experience one day in 2011, a day that should have been like many others — working as a manager at an aerospace company followed by dinner with his wife. While Mike was inclined to dismiss the sudden slurring, his wife was worried and insisted that he schedule a doctor appointment for the very next day.

“The next morning, I sat in the exam room with my general practitioner, and he listened carefully as I explained the strange symptoms. He looked at my eyes and had me gaze at his finger as he moved it around. He checked my throat muscles and decided that I needed to have blood drawn,” said Mike.

“He said that I might have generalized myasthenia gravis or gMG. He didn’t explain what it was or why he thought it was gMG at that time. A few days later, I received a call from him that the blood test confirmed his suspicions that I had gMG.”

What is gMG?

gMG is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease that can lead to a loss of muscle function and can cause severe muscle weakness. The diagnosed prevalence of gMG in the U.S. is estimated at approximately 90,000.

An estimated 80% of people with gMG are anti­-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive, meaning they produce anti­-AChR antibodies that bind to signal receptors at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the connection point between nerve cells and the muscles they control. This binding activates the C5 complement protein, part of the body’s immune system, in an uncontrolled manner. As a result, the immune system attacks the NMJ, which leads to inflammation and a breakdown in communication between the brain and the muscles.

This inflammation and breakdown in communication is why Mike had difficulty speaking on the first day his symptoms arose and why he’d soon have trouble chewing and swallowing as well.

Other symptoms of gMG may include double vision, droopy eyelids and lack of balance, which can potentially be followed by more severe symptoms including extreme muscle fatigue, choking and respiratory failure as the disease progresses.

Mike considers himself lucky that his physician had previous experience with autoimmune diseases and recognized his symptoms as gMG. Patients can sometimes go years without a correct diagnosis, leaving them without a management plan for the disease.

Mike’s treatment journey

After his anti-AChR antibody positive gMG diagnosis, Mike’s doctor referred him to a neurologist for further evaluation. He met with several specialists and started his treatment plan.

“I was still experiencing some symptoms. I now know that many of us experience gMG differently, and after speaking with and seeing other patients, I wanted to do what I could to manage my symptoms,” he said.

Mike adapted his lifestyle and learned to make adjustments to make things easier for himself. For work, they moved him into a position that was less demanding. Mike limited his evening activities because his muscle fatigue made it hard to participate. He took breaks when watching and playing with his grandkids. In 2018, Mike learned about potential treatment options and a doctor a few hours away who specialized in treating gMG patients. After running some initial tests, his doctor started him on SOLIRIS® (eculizumab), a C5 complement inhibitor treatment for adult patients with anti-AChR antibody positive gMG.

Mike’s doctor explained that SOLIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections, and because of this, SOLIRIS increases your chance of getting serious meningococcal infections that may quickly become life-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.

Mike received his meningococcal vaccines two weeks before his first dose of SOLIRIS.

At first, Mike had the intravenous (IV) infusions every week, and then after five weeks, he received the treatment every other week. Mike received the IV infusion usually over 35 minutes and was monitored after each infusion for at least one hour for allergic and infusion-related reactions. Mike continued to work with his doctor to manage his symptoms and discuss any concerns surrounding his treatment plan. Then in 2021, he learned that ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab­-cwvz), a long-acting C5 inhibitor, was being investigated for adults with anti­-AChR antibody positive gMG, which would allow patients to receive treatments every eight weeks, starting two weeks after an initial dose.

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved this use for ULTOMIRIS in 2022, Mike and his doctor discussed the benefits and important safety information for ULTOMIRIS, including the same risk as SOLIRIS regarding serious meningococcal infections, and the most common side effects for ULTOMIRIS which include diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections. They then started the process of changing his treatment, ensuring Mike was up to date on his meningococcal vaccinations and that the ULTOMIRIS initiation was timed to two weeks after his last dose of SOLIRIS. Mike is monitored after each ULTOMIRIS infusion for at least 1 hour for allergic and infusion-related reactions.

“There were several reasons I was excited about transitioning to ULTOMIRIS. The first reason was that with ULTOMIRIS, the every eight-week infusion schedule after the loading dose worked for my vacation schedules. The other big reason I wanted to take ULTOMIRIS is that my doctor and infusion center are a two-hour drive from my house. Making that trip every eight weeks instead of every other week was very appealing,” he said.

Living life with gMG

Mike’s advice to others with a gMG diagnosis: First, find a healthcare provider who is familiar with gMG. Second, let people know about your condition so they can help. Finally, know your limits and don’t push yourself too hard.

This is Mike’s personal gMG journey. Not all patients respond to therapy the same way. Individual results and experiences may vary. It is always important to consult with your doctor to determine what treatment is right for you.

This article is sponsored by Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.

###

INDICATION & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR ULTOMIRIS® (ravulizumab­-cwvz) [injection for intravenous use, 300mg/3mL vial]

INDICATION

What is ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a disease called generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) who are anti­-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS is safe and effective for the treatment of gMG in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

  • ULTOMIRIS increases your chance of getting serious meningococcal infections that may quickly become life-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.
  1. You must complete or update meningococcal vaccine(s) at least 2 weeks before your first dose of ULTOMIRIS.
  2. If you have not completed your meningococcal vaccines and ULTOMIRIS must be started right away, you should receive the required vaccine(s) as soon as possible.
  3. If you have not been vaccinated and ULTOMIRIS must be started right away, you should also receive antibiotics for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
  4. If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need additional vaccines before starting ULTOMIRIS. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional meningococcal vaccines.
  5. Meningococcal vaccines do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a meningococcal infection: fever, fever with high heart rate, headache and fever, confusion, muscle aches with flu-­like symptoms, fever and a rash, headache with nausea or vomiting, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, or eyes sensitive to light.

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of serious meningococcal infection. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 8 months after your last ULTOMIRIS dose. Your risk of meningococcal infection may continue for several months after your last dose of ULTOMIRIS. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you. This will help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

ULTOMIRIS is only available through a program called the ULTOMIRIS and SOLIRIS Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Before you can receive ULTOMIRIS, your healthcare provider must: enroll in the REMS program; counsel you about the risk of serious meningococcal infections; give you information about the signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infection; make sure that you are vaccinated against serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria, and that you receive antibiotics if you need to start ULTOMIRIS right away and are not up to date on your vaccines; give you a Patient Safety Card about your risk of meningococcal infection.

ULTOMIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Certain people may be at risk of serious infections with gonorrhea.

Who should not receive ULTOMIRIS?

Do not receive ULTOMIRIS if you have a serious meningococcal infection when you are starting ULTOMIRIS.

Before you receive ULTOMIRIS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ULTOMIRIS will harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 8 months after your final dose of ULTOMIRIS.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over­-the­-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

What are the possible side effects of ULTOMIRIS?

ULTOMIRIS can cause serious side effects including infusion­-related reactions. Symptoms of an infusion­-related reaction with ULTOMIRIS may include lower back pain, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, changes in blood pressure, tiredness, feeling faint, shaking chills (rigors), discomfort in your arms or legs, bad taste, or drowsiness. Stop treatment of ULTOMIRIS and tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop these symptoms, or any other symptoms during your ULTOMIRIS infusion that may mean you are having a serious infusion­-related reaction, including: chest pain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and feel faint or pass out.

The most common side effects of ULTOMIRIS in people with gMG are diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of ULTOMIRIS. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider right away if you miss an ULTOMIRIS infusion or for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-­800­-FDA­-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ULTOMIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious meningococcal infections.

INDICATION & IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SOLIRIS® (eculizumab) [injection for intravenous use, 300mg/3mL vial]

INDICATION

What is SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who are anti­-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive. It is not known if SOLIRIS is safe and effective in children with gMG.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS is a medicine that affects your immune system and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.

  • SOLIRIS increases your chance of getting serious meningococcal infections that may quickly become life­-threatening or cause death if not recognized and treated early.
  1. You must complete or update your meningococcal vaccine(s) at least 2 weeks before your first dose of SOLIRIS.
  2. If you have not been vaccinated and SOLIRIS must be started right away, you should receive the required vaccine(s) as soon as possible.
  3. If you have not been vaccinated and SOLIRIS must be started right away, you should also receive antibiotics for as long as your healthcare provider tells you.
  4. If you had a meningococcal vaccine in the past, you might need additional vaccines before starting SOLIRIS. Your healthcare provider will decide if you need additional meningococcal vaccines.
  5. Meningococcal vaccines do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical care right away if you get any of these signs and symptoms of a serious meningococcal infection: fever, fever with high heart rate, headache and fever, confusion, muscle aches with flu­-like symptoms, fever and rash, headache with nausea or vomiting, headache with a stiff neck or stiff back, or eyes sensitive to light.

Your healthcare provider will give you a Patient Safety Card about the risk of serious meningococcal infection. Carry it with you at all times during treatment and for 3 months after your last dose of SOLIRIS. Your risk of meningococcal infection may continue for several weeks after your last dose of SOLIRIS. It is important to show this card to any healthcare provider who treats you. This will help them diagnose and treat you quickly.

SOLIRIS is only available through a program called the ULTOMIRIS and SOLIRIS Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Before you can receive SOLIRIS, your healthcare provider must: enroll in the REMS program; counsel you about the risk of serious meningococcal infections; give you information about the signs and symptoms of serious meningococcal infection; make sure that you are vaccinated against serious infections caused by meningococcal bacteria, and that you receive antibiotics if you need to start SOLIRIS right away and you are not up to date on your vaccines; give you a Patient Safety Card about your risk of meningococcal infection.

SOLIRIS may also increase the risk of other types of serious infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Certain people may be at risk of serious infections with gonorrhea. Certain fungal infections (Aspergillus) may occur if you take SOLIRIS and have a weak immune system or a low white blood cell count.

Who should not receive SOLIRIS?

Do not receive SOLIRIS if you have a serious meningococcal infection when you are starting SOLIRIS.

Before you receive SOLIRIS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have an infection or fever, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if SOLIRIS will harm your unborn baby or if it passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the vaccines you receive and medicines you take, including prescription and over-­the­-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements which could affect your treatment.

What are the possible side effects of SOLIRIS?

SOLIRIS can cause serious side effects including serious infusion­-related reactions. Tell your healthcare provider or nurse right away if you get any of these symptoms during your SOLIRIS infusion: chest pain, trouble breathing or shortness of breath, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and feel faint or pass out. If you have an infusion­-related reaction to SOLIRIS, your healthcare provider may need to infuse SOLIRIS more slowly, or stop SOLIRIS.

The most common side effects in people with gMG treated with SOLIRIS include: muscle and joint (musculoskeletal) pain.

Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of SOLIRIS. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1­-800­-FDA­-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for SOLIRIS, including Boxed WARNING regarding serious meningococcal infections.

AstraZeneca and its Rare Disease Unit, Alexion, are committed to raising awareness of the disease and the need for treatment options. Learn more at Alexion.com and Astrazeneca­us.com. You can also visit ultomirisgmg.com.

ALEXION, the Alexion logo, SOLIRIS and ULTOMIRIS are registered trademarks of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. © 2024, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

US/SOL-g/0615 V1 06/2024

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Are you more likely to develop common forms of cancer?

2024-06-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know your cancer risk factors? Even if you’re young, knowing you’re at an increased risk of developing certain diseases is crucial to your health. Multiple studies show a rising trend in cancer diagnosis among younger people. According to a study published in BMJ Oncology, global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by nearly 80% between 1990 and 2019.

While this news may seem concerning, knowing that you’re at an increased risk of developing certain cancers allows you and your healthcare providers to decide if you should take additional preventive actions, such as earlier and more frequent screenings. Early screening can lead to early detection, improving your odds of surviving a cancer diagnosis.

What is a risk factor?

According to the American Cancer Society, a risk factor raises the chance of getting a disease. If you have risk factors for certain cancers, it doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer. However, knowing these factors can help you make better-informed health decisions.

Your risk assessment toolbox

So, how can you assess your risk of developing certain cancers? There are a few tools that can help. For example, your age, sex, race, and ethnicity can impact your cancer risk. While you can’t change these factors, they can help you and your primary care provider judge how early and often you should be screened.

One way to learn more about your likelihood of developing cancer is through genetic testing. For example, people with particular genetic variants (or differences) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have an increased likelihood of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Thankfully, these variants are relatively rare, but they have a big impact on cancer risk.

But only about 5-10% of cancers are caused by individual inherited variants with a big impact on developing the disease, like those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The rest are influenced by a combination of common genetic variants, lifestyle, and environment.

A trio of new, innovative genetic reports focus on those common genetic variants, and can help you discover if you have an increased likelihood of developing three of the most common forms of cancer — breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. By analyzing millions of genetic and health survey data points, 23andMe has created polygenic risk score (PRS) reports to help people learn more about their chances of developing these three cancers. These PRS reports aggregate the effects of thousands of common genetic variants; each individual variant may have a small impact, but combined they can influence a person’s likelihood of developing cancer.

While PRS reports aren’t new, they are becoming more common in the medical industry.

“There is increasing evidence and support for using PRS in personalized disease prevention,” said Noura Abul-Husn, Ph.D., vice president of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “Certain medical specialties — including oncology — have already begun to adopt this to inform clinical decision-making.”

It’s important to note that 23andMe’s PRS reports are not diagnostic tests. Instead, you can use the information from these reports, along with your family health history and lifestyle habits, to start a conversation with your care team about your overall cancer risks, options for cancer screening and prevention, and whether you should pursue early screening.

Lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on your chances of developing cancer. For example, smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and other habits can increase your risk of developing certain cancers. Knowing your cancer risk can help you make adjustments to your lifestyle and possibly lower your risk of cancer.

For those who are able, your family health history is another crucial tool. If family members have developed cancer, you may be at a higher risk of developing the same kind (and sometimes different kinds). To assess how your family tree may impact you, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends gathering information from blood relatives where possible, including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces, nephews, and children.

To learn more about 23andMe’s cancer PRS reports, visit 23andMe.com/ca.

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Thinking about furthering your education this summer? 3 factors to consider

2024-06-23T23:01:00

(BPT) – Finding yourself having a little extra time this summer? Summer months can be an ideal time for busy, working adults to launch or resume an educational program. Online courses offer learners flexibility and independence that may align well with a summer schedule.

If you are thinking about furthering your education while working this summer, below are three key factors to keep in mind:

1. Time commitment

Going back to school while working takes preparation, flexibility and commitment. Identifying times of the year that are less busy could be just the opportunity you need to start your new education journey. Ask yourself:

  • Can I take multiple courses at once?
  • Do I need a flexible program that I can take on my own time?
  • Do I want an all-online program, an in-person program or a hybrid program?
  • Do I want to take classes or do my coursework on weekday evenings, or do weekends work better for me?

2. Career path

Pursuing further education may open doors to your career by building skills and growing your network. While going back to school may seem like an obvious next step, make sure you are clear on your goals. Ask yourself:

  • How can higher education support my career goals?
  • Does the program I have selected align with my professional goals?
  • Will I have new opportunities with my current employer after I finish my higher education?

3. Cost and value

Going back to school can be a financial and time investment. Take stock of all the financial support available to you, such as employer-sponsored education benefits, scholarships and credit for prior learning. It may be worthwhile to ask your employer:

  • Does my employer have an education assistance program?
  • If so, will I have to pay for my education up-front or does my employer reimburse me afterwards?
  • Are there scholarships or other incentives available to support furthering my education and upskilling?

Going back to school is an investment in your future. Just like any investment, your education warrants careful planning of both your time and finances. For many, summer can be the right time to begin this investment. Thinking through these questions first will help you get the most out of your educational journey.

Learn more about resources available to you as you return to school at Workforce Edge.

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Love cookouts? 3 recipes perfect for family get-togethers this summer

2024-06-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is a wonderful time for hosting barbecues and picnics, and just enjoying time with friends and family as you share a meal together. Whether you’re putting together a festive weekend cookout in the backyard or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s easier than ever to create family memories and a tasty meal with the best-selling frozen burger in the U.S., BUBBA burger®.

To make lunch or dinner prep easy, BUBBA burger® provides great-tasting frozen high-quality real beef burgers with no artificial ingredients, additives or preservatives which can be cooked right from the box (with no thaw time) in under 15 minutes using your grill, skillet, oven or air fryer. They also offer tasty options like turkey burgers, veggie burgers and chicken burgers to satisfy anyone’s tastes and preferences.

Here are three crowd-pleasing recipes to help you conjure up a meal your entire family will love.

1. Keep it classic

Close up of an all american bubba burger with cheese and pickles

For burger lovers everywhere, this recipe keeps it simple but far from basic with a classic, convenient family favorite for busy weekdays. High in protein and full of flavor, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Serve with chips, tots or fries, and offer a fix-your-own toppings station for extras like onions, relish and additional condiments.

The All American BUBBA burger®
Feeds 4-6; Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 10 minutes, Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Original BUBBA burgers
4 slices American cheese
4 sesame burger buns
Lettuce
4 slices of tomato
Sliced dill pickles
Mayonnaise

Preparation:
Step 1: Heat grill on medium to high heat and cook Original BUBBA burgers 4–6 minutes. Check out How to Cook a BUBBA burger® for more ways to cook.
Step 2: Flip burgers and cook another 4 minutes. Add American cheese to each burger about 1 minute before cooking time ends.
Step 3: Add lettuce and tomato to bottom buns. Top with burgers and a few dill pickle slices. Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the top bun and finish assembling burgers.
Step 4: Serve All American BUBBA burger® with a pickle wedge, your favorite sides and enjoy!

2. Freshen it up

Close up of a california bubba burger with cheese, tomato, lettuce, avocado and a side of fries.

Enjoy a touch of Cali-style freshness from the veggies and creamy avocado, along with a hint of sweet onion, by cooking up this Sweet Onion California BUBBA burger® recipe — the perfect burger for summer backyard parties or family get-togethers. You can provide even more freshness to amp up the summer vibes by serving colorful veggie and fruit salads for sides.

3. Elevate your burgers

Looking for a meal that’s a little fancier — but still easy to make — with a fantastic blend of flavors and textures? Check out this recipe for Angus Beef burgers with Mushrooms and Onions. The freshness of the homemade lemon vinaigrette, along with tasty sauteed onions and mushrooms, takes this burger and salad combo to a whole new level.

If desired, you can let your inner foodie go wild with extra sides, or spruce up the salad with shaved brussels sprouts, roasted red peppers, toasted nuts or sliced strawberries.

Looking for more recipe inspiration for easy family meals or your next backyard barbecue? Check out BUBBAfoods.com/recipes.

Find BUBBA burgers near you at BUBBAfoods.com/where-to-buy.

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New Data from Carter’s Shows that Moms are Having a ‘Hot Mom Summer’

2024-06-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, expecting mothers are desperate for a way to beat the heat while awaiting their little one’s arrival. In fact, according to a recent survey from Carter’s, the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents for 150+ years, more than 80% of U.S. women agreed that no one really knows what it means to be hot until you’ve experienced a summer pregnancy.

Carter’s survey, conducted among 1,004 women who are currently pregnant or have been within the past two years in the U.S., also found that many soon-to-be moms would rather opt into some of their most-dreaded activities instead of enduring the hot outdoors — more than a third (40.04%) surveyed would rather fold laundry for two hours, 39.24% would rather change 10 dirty diapers and 30.78% would rather let their children wreck the house than spend time outdoors in the heat while pregnant.

To help these mamas beat the heat, Carter’s has partnered with MINNIDIP, the designer inflatable pool brand, for a “Hot Mom Summer” Giveaway. With almost 90% of women agreeing that nothing feels better than water and that floating in pools is an essential form of self-care while pregnant during the summer, data shows that this collaboration is a “can’t miss” for current moms-to-be.

Together, the brands are offering 25 lucky winners the ultimate solution to stay cool — a stylish, thoughtful and exclusive “Hot Mom” kit that includes a MINNIDIP inflatable and POOL FL(AIR), as well as a $100 Carter’s gift card to stock up on all baby essentials. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a day at the beach, this kit ensures pregnant moms can stay cool and chic all summer long. For the chance to win, simply visit carters.com/HotMomSummer today through June 24 and register to win!