Month: July 2024

2024-07-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Plus: The when to buy, how to buy, and what to buy.

It’s that time of year again: Time to start back-to-school shopping. (Anyone else feel like summer just started?!) Alas, we’ve reached the final weeks of summer and we’re nearing meet-the-teacher days, school tours, and we’re not far out from the big first day.

This back-to-school season, Carter’s, the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents^*, is focusing on styles that get your kids from bed to carpool line in record time. The looks they can’t wait to wear and the active styles they need and want (hello, balletcore!). Here, we take you on a field trip filled with style notes and endless inspiration on how to wear our new faves. Plus, we’re packed with layering options for cool classrooms and iconic denim in new comfort fits. The ultimate goal? To get your kids off to class in style, comfort and in looks that will last all year. To sum it up: We understood the assignment.

Now, let’s break down the must-haves to get your kids looking first-day fresh.

Denim is Back!

You heard it here first: Denim is so back. Back and better than ever, that is. This season, OshKosh denim is all about flares, wide-legs, hidden (fun!) details, and comfort. “We’re definitely seeing wide-leg styles as our biggest back-to-school trend,” said Rebecca Baumbach, Vice President of Design at Carter’s. “Customers are loving the flare fit, so we kept those feeling fresh and new with fun design details.”

Active, Balletcore & More

In the past few years, activewear has taken over the playground. Whether your child is headed to school, tryouts or a weekend playdate, odds are, they want to dress in some sort of active look. And can you blame them? With lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, and easy pull-on-and-off ‘fits, it’s no wonder they’re reaching for their activewear every day.

But this year, it’s not your same old activewear. Enter: Balletcore. For little girls, this means sweet, twirly skirts with hints of shimmer and glitter in spandex material, paired with wrap style tops. For big kids, it’s parachute pants paired with tank tops layered with a crew cropped sweatshirt. Designed in both active drop-needle rib and French terry fabrics, it’s the perfect get-up-and-go school style.

For the boys, Baumbach named the active stretch joggers as one of this season’s “will sell out” items. This pant, complete with functional pockets and drawstring, is guaranteed to become a go-to style on school mornings. Pair with an active tee or stretch quarter-zip pullover and you’ve got a sporty, school-ready outfit in a flash.

The New Uniform

Uniforms and comfort are not mutually exclusive… until now, that is. When shopping back to school this year, parents can expect the typical polos and khaki styles, but in reimagined ways that put comfort — and your child — first. “The Uniform Shop will translate more into activewear,” said Baumbach. That means softer and Be Cool™ moisture-wicking fabrics, more stretch, easy pull-on styles and new silhouettes. “It’s the ‘comfort’ uniform,” added Baumbach. These styles might look like your typical polos and khaki uniform, but they’re anything but.

Cargo & Utility

Cargo is here to stay! From denim to active, there’s plenty of cargo to go around this season. Also on trend are utility styles, especially utility jackets for both boys and girls. “For boys, I think any and all utility styling will be the boys’ top trend for fall,” Baumbach said. “They’re ‘must-have’ items.” Psst … pants and jackets will sell out before you realize. When back-to-school shopping, over 70% of parents plan to purchase a mixture of both warm-weather and cold-weather clothing^†. Don’t wait!

Skirts & Skorts

There’ll be a lot of skirts and skorts in the halls this fall. “We’re seeing skirts continue to grow right now,” shared Baumbach. “Lots of skorts, too, because they make for easy dressing,” she added. These easy match-back skirt and top sets are perfect to throw on for school for an easy, instant outfit that’ll make a splash — especially on their big first day.

Colors, Textures & More to Love

Bring on the color! And the textures! Olives and sage; berries and plums; blues; warm neutrals like cream, oat and terracotta — you’re going to see it all. And add to it lots of textures — think ribbed cotton, waffle-knits and more. “We’re leaning into fashion solids, which is also where the texture comes in. It comes together to feel very new and modern,” shared Baumbach.

“Carter’s and OshKosh have something for everyone. It just depends on what your style is and how you want to show up to the first day,” said Baumbach. Shop back-to-school styles in your local Carter’s store or online today and start the school year off with a fashionable splash. Pro Tip: Don’t wait to shop! Over two-thirds of parents prefer to finish their back-to-school shopping before school starts with half of parents starting as early as July^†. Shoes, socks, pants and short-sleeve tops are the most sought-after categories^†, so be sure to snag those items!

Carter’s. Best dressed looks like this.

*Based on preferences selected in Carter’s Q2’23-Q1’24 survey of 1,582 children’s clothing buyers in the U.S.

†Based on preferences selected in a Carter’s Q2’24 (June 10-12, 2024) survey of 200 (sample size) children’s clothing buyers in the U.S.

2024-07-17T14:05:00

(BPT) – It’s not surprising that many young people today are concerned and even uneasy about their financial futures. The era of a global pandemic, a shaky economy, inflation, high interest rates and the weight of student loan debt has been an uncertain and challenging financial period in which to come of age.

Making matters worse, numerous studies have concluded that too many Americans lack basic financial literacy, particularly young people. That’s why it’s important to provide a solid financial education early, while teens are still in school. Armed with information, they’ll be better positioned to avoid the unwise financial choices and bad money habits that often plague young people as they enter adulthood. And it takes a village to make that happen.

One example of this was on display in Washington, D.C., in June, where the finalists of the Capitol Hill Challenge gathered in celebration. Run by the SIFMA Foundation and underwritten by the Charles Schwab Foundation, the challenge pairs members of Congress with high-needs public schools in every congressional district in the country to teach students basic money management skills. Since its inception in 2004, the Capitol Hill Challenge has made 8,000 matches of U.S. senators and members of Congress with schools, reaching nearly 175,000 youth. Public middle and high school students from all 50 states participated in this year’s challenge.

Here’s how it works: Groups of students at each school manage a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and cash. The 10 groups that have the highest-performing portfolios at the end of the challenge win a trip to Washington, D.C., where their financial savvy is put on display in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

To help close financial literacy gaps, the Capitol Hill Challenge program teaches students to learn the skills to build wealth through smart investing strategies, and they also learn about spending wisely, saving, avoiding debt and so much more. These skills can help empower students to save more, put money away for retirement earlier, manage debt and avoid the financial pitfalls that can trip up many young people as they enter the “real world.” The program is only an example of efforts being made nationally to teach basic money management skills, and experts argue more needs to be done.

“Financial literacy is critical for our youth. Currently, 35 states require high school students to take a course in personal finance to graduate. That’s not enough,” said Lisa Hunt, managing director and head of International Services for Charles Schwab and vice chair of the SIFMA Foundation board of directors. “Financial literacy needs to be a graduation requirement in all 50 states. It means committing the resources to have enough trained educators and provide them the necessary tools to deliver these curricula to students. The industry can’t do this alone — we need government leaders, nonprofits, educators and families to work together on this critical issue as well.”

That’s where Congress comes in. With bipartisan leadership from members including Reps. Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who co-chair the House Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, financial literacy is getting more attention, including passing legislation to declare a “financial literacy month” each year for highlighting the issue, introducing bills that provide grants for funding programs, and more.

And families can make a difference, too. Cindy Scott, a Charles Schwab Certified Financial Planner based in Westlake, Texas, credits her dad with helping her learn critical financial lessons that influenced her for life.

“One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their children is a foundation of financial wellness,” she explained in her recent column. “When I was a kid asking for this and that, my dad didn’t say no. He said, ‘Let’s sit down, and I’ll show you how money works.’ Kids need that.”

Want to learn more about efforts to improve teen financial literacy — and ways you can jumpstart your own family conversations about money? Visit schwabmoneywise.com.

2024-07-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re thinking about selling your home or just making some updates, it’s always smart to consider renovations that will enhance the enjoyment of your home and increase your property’s long-term value. One key improvement many homeowners consider is updating their home’s flooring to solid or engineered hardwood, an investment that can maximize a home’s style and value.

Hardwood flooring instantly transforms a space, and you can choose from many types and hues of wood to suit the design style that’s just right for you. You can also stay on-trend by using hardwood flooring throughout your home to achieve a seamless, cohesive look.

“Hardwood flooring is always a standout feature that brings timeless, stylish appeal to any home,” says Jennifer Meska, Head of Merchandising at LL Flooring. “Solid or engineered hardwood flooring provides a natural look that can vary across colors, finishes and styles, instantly adding updated style and sophistication to any home.”

The National Realtor Association’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report found that homeowners who install new hardwood flooring get an average return on investment (ROI) of up to 118%. On top of that, the National Wood Flooring Association has found that 99% of real estate agents believe homes with quality hardwood floors are easier to sell, and 90% believe they sell for a higher price. All of this means that hardwood floors can essentially pay for themselves in resale value.

The timeless appeal of hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors have been around for a long time, and for good reason. They can create the perfect complement to a wide range of home design styles, offering natural tone, beauty and sophistication that’s hard to duplicate with any other material.

On top of that, hardwood floors are known for their timeless quality — hardwood has been a trusted flooring material for hundreds of years, and it’s near-assured that they will stay in style for generations to come.

Another advantage of hardwood flooring is that you can choose from a wide variety of styles and species of wood to achieve different looks, and you can consider either solid or engineered hardwood for even more options depending on the needs of your home.

Here are just a couple of examples of selections available to today’s homeowners from LL Flooring’s Bellawood premium line of solid and engineered hardwood, which offers a 100-year residential warranty.

Classic, enduring style

Hickory is the hardest of all North American woods, making it perfect for those who want beauty and long-lasting quality, especially for high-traffic areas. The 5-inch-wide planks in LL Flooring’s Natural Hickory Solid Hardwood Flooring are factory finished with premium aluminum oxide for a fortified finish, offering excellent resistance to stains, scuffs and scratches.

This natural option in hickory flooring stands out for its high-contrast color variations and unique grain patterns, with colors running from light tans to deep browns and reddish tones laced throughout. Hickory floors are equally attractive in a more classic or traditional style home, for a sophisticated and modern city loft or a rustic country cabin.

Modern engineered elegance

LL Flooring’s Claire Gardens Oak Engineered Hardwood Flooring gives you the option for on-trend, wider planks (8.5 inches wide). The buttery cream coloring of this classic white oak flooring gives these blonde planks an inviting lightness and beauty that complements a variety of today’s preferred styles, ranging from modern farmhouse, minimalist and Scandinavian to biophilic, eclectic and bohemian designs.

Engineered hardwood is an enhanced wood product that offers improved performance, and lighter tones can help to reflect the light in any room of your home for a more open, bright and airy ambience.

Whichever hardwood flooring option you choose, you can relax and enjoy its beauty now and for years to come — or prepare your home to sell — knowing that you’ve made a sound investment in the future of your home.

Explore all of the possibilities for hardwood flooring in your home at LLFlooring.com.

2024-07-16T10:01:01

(BPT) – Do you snore? You may be tempted to dismiss it as an annoying but nonserious condition. You may even have a family history of snoring or think of it as an unavoidable side effect of aging. However, snoring is often the first sign of sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to repeatedly stop and start breathing. If you snore or feel tired even after adequate sleep, you may have sleep apnea. If left untreated, the condition can have a major impact on your health and quality of life.

How sleep apnea affects you

Sleep apnea can affect your life on a daily basis. For example, because of the lack of quality sleep, you can experience daytime drowsiness, which can increase your risk of a car or workplace accident. You may also feel irritable and have difficulty concentrating.

Also, sleep apnea can increase your risk of other health conditions. According to the National Council on Aging, these conditions include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Liver problems
• Sexual dysfunction

How can you treat sleep apnea?

There are several sleep apnea treatments. A safe, effective and simple treatment option to consider is a custom oral appliance therapy (OAT) device. OATs are comfortable, easy to use and work well to treat sleep apnea in a nonintrusive manner. When the mouthpiece is inserted, it holds your jaw or tongue in a stable position, opening your airway to help you breathe during sleep.

Another sleep apnea treatment you may be familiar with is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP opens your airway and provides constant, steady air pressure through a mask to help you breathe while you sleep.

Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may recommend hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS). This treatment requires surgery to implant a device that stimulates a nerve under the tongue to keep the airway open.

CPAP and HNS can be effective sleep apnea treatments. That said, they are invasive and are associated with some health risks. Recently, certain CPAP machines have been recalled because of reports of serious injuries. An HNS implant was also recently recalled because of electrical malfunctions that rendered the device ineffective and dangerous to users.

Why you should choose Oral Appliance Therapy

Before you try CPAP or HNS, consider asking your doctor to prescribe you a custom OAT. A custom OAT like the ProSomnus intraoral medical device is fitted to your mouth and engineered to precisely track your treatment plan and unique anatomy. With the help of a sleep physician and qualified sleep dentist, you can get fitted for a custom ProSomnus device to address your sleep apnea symptoms.

There are over-the-counter OATs that you can purchase online or at your local pharmacy. However, these devices are not as effective at managing sleep apnea as custom devices. When prescribing an OAT, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends using a custom product over a non-custom appliance. The academy’s research suggests that custom OATs increase oxygen saturation to a greater extent than non-custom OAs. Furthermore, treatment with custom oral devices is a covered benefit for most medical insurance plans and Medicare. The over-the-counter OATs are not covered.

Patients prefer ProSomnus over other sleep apnea treatments because it’s easy to use and non-invasive. Also, ProSomnus devices have demonstrated excellent efficacy, safety, adherence and overall health outcomes for patients in a number of clinical studies.

Linda, a patient from Detroit, Michigan, has used a ProSomnus device for over a year. She used to wear a CPAP machine, but she found herself tossing and turning all night, causing the machine’s wires to move and also push air out when she’d turn on her side.

“The ProSomnus is comfortable, and I’m so used to wearing it now that it’s weird to go to bed without it,” she said. “I’m not tired, so I know it’s working all right. It doesn’t wake me up, and I don’t want to throw it across the room, unlike the CPAP.”

Are you ready for a restful night’s sleep?

It’s time to take control of your sleep. ProSomnus is the leading non-CPAP OSA therapy, FDA-cleared, patented and covered by commercial medical insurance, Medicare, TRICARE and many government-sponsored health care plans around the world. You can get started by visiting ProSomnus.com/Find-A-Provider to find a qualified Provider who can walk you through your treatment options.

2024-07-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – What’s the number one reason pet parents bring their dogs to the veterinarian? If you thought the answer was annual vaccinations or stomach issues, you might be surprised to find out the answer is skin allergies.(1) This condition is also called allergic dermatitis, and it can lead to allergic itch. How common is it? Around 30 million households in the U.S. have a dog with pruritus,(2) affecting up to 15% of the dog population. Itching caused by allergic skin disease can be acute (or short-term), recurrent, seasonal, or chronic, and it can impact the quality of life for both the dog and its owner.

While it can be challenging to recognize the signs of allergic itch, here are five tips to ensure your canine family member is getting the best care.

1. DO keep track of your dog’s behavior if you suspect allergic itch

Some of the signs of allergic itch may be obvious, while other signs are less recognizable and can be confused for typical dog behavior. For example, scratching and licking can be normal dog behaviors when done occasionally. These actions become problematic when they occur more than usual or frequently in dogs. Other signs of allergic itch include chewing or biting at the skin, excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting, recurrent ear problems, hair loss, body odor and/or rash, redness, and greasy skin. The best advice is to pay attention to your dog’s daily behaviors and call your veterinarian for a skin health visit if you think there’s been a change.

2. DON’T try to treat your dog’s itching on your own

While it may be frustrating to see your dog scratching at an itch that never seems to go away, resist the temptation to treat your dog’s allergic itch with over-the-counter antihistamines, like those found in common allergy medicines for humans, or anti-itch shampoos or sprays. These may only provide temporary relief because they do not get to the source of the itch in most dogs. Almost 8 million dogs go untreated by a veterinarian for itch.(2) That’s a huge number of dogs that go untreated — make sure your dog isn’t one of them.

3. DO make regular wellness visits part of your dog’s care routine

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Even if you don’t think your dog is showing signs of allergic itch, you can take part in celebrating this month by scheduling a wellness visit with your veterinarian, which includes a skin health check. In fact, more than 1.9 million dogs with allergic itch were given a prescription during Itchy Pet Awareness Month in 2023,(3) which shows just how common this condition truly is across the country.

4. DON’T wait to see your veterinarian if you see signs of allergic itch

Allergic itch is an urgent medical condition that can lead to skin and ear infections, especially if not treated promptly. Pet owners shouldn’t wait since their dog’s signs can worsen from a delay in receiving effective treatment. The best way to be certain about the cause of your dog’s allergic itch is to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

5. DO make sure your dog takes their medication

Safe and effective prescription medications are available to help control allergic itch, but they only work if your dog is taking them. Here are two important points owners whose dogs have allergic itch should consider:

1. 65% of dog owners reported challenges when giving their itchy dog tablet-based treatments.(4)
2. 30% of owners with itchy dogs build extra time into their day, or interrupt their daily routine, to administer a tablet medication.(4)

Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Apoquel^® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet) in 2023 for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. With Apoquel Chewable — the first and only chewable treatment for allergic itch in dogs — owners can now offer their pet the easy-to-give medication that is accepted by over 91% of dogs.(5) This may improve owner compliance and make daily dosing easier, which can help maintain the unique bond they share with their pet.

Don’t let allergic itch interrupt the quality time you spend with your canine family members. Visit ApoquelDogs.com to learn more about Apoquel Chewable and take a quiz that can help you find out if your dog may have signs of allergic itch.

APOQUEL CHEWABLE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel Chewable has not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel Chewable has been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. See full Prescribing Information for Apoquel Chewable at ApoquelChewablePI.com.

Apoquel Chewable Indications
Control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.

2024-07-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is here! The warm weather is the perfect excuse to spend time outdoors doing what you enjoy with the people you love. To maximize your time for relaxation and enjoyment, it’s a smart idea to simplify daily tasks.

For example, simple kitchen upgrades that streamline cooking and cleaning can save you time to better enjoy your well-earned summer vacation. Summer is ideal for home renovations, big or small. The risk of weather delays is low, and multiple holiday sales make it the perfect time to purchase something you’ve been saving for! Plus, you’ll be thanking yourself when fall and winter hosting picks back up.

Don’t know where to start? Check out these five simple kitchen upgrades.

1. Organizational items and systems

Taking time to revamp your kitchen with organizational items and systems can streamline your kitchen routine. Look at your space and see where you can add shelves, drawer dividers and pantry organizers to create designated spaces for every kitchen item. Kitchen organization will allow you to quickly find what you need when you need it and help you maintain a clutter-free environment.

2. Touchless technology

Touchless kitchen faucet technology is a time-saving innovation that cuts down on cleaning and makes everyday tasks easier so you can spend more days in the sun. When looking for a faucet with touchless technology, consider models like those from the Delta Faucet Touch2O^® with Touchless™ Technology line.

To operate, simply place your hand near the faucet, tap the faucet surface with your wrist or forearm or use standard handle activation to stop and start the flow of water. Touch-free activation helps keep your faucet clean, even when your hands aren’t. Best of all, the Touch2O^® with Touchless™ Technology is available in three different designs with a variety of finishes that complement your personal style.

3. Undercabinet lighting

Installing undercabinet lighting is an easy way to enhance the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. Choose LED light strips that are energy-efficient and easy to install. Not only will this simple upgrade add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, but it will also create a well-lit environment for all your culinary adventures.

4. Workstation kitchen sink

Upgrade your kitchen sink to a workstation model designed for versatility and daily kitchen tasks. A model like the Delta^® workstation sink with a built-in WorkFlow™ ledge creates a multi-functional space and reduces counter clutter by allowing you to work right over the sink.

The ledge provides plenty of space for food prep, washing and drying, all in one convenient location. Whether you are washing pots and pans after hosting, filling vases for cut flowers from the garden or rinsing sandy items from a day at the beach, a workstation sink has all the space you need.

5. Change hardware

Want a quick and simple way to elevate your kitchen and refresh your style this summer? Swap out your hardware! Look at the handles and knobs on your cabinets and drawers and think about what colors and finishes speak to your vision of the ideal kitchen. Opt for modern, stylish handles and knobs that will stand the test of time and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.

Savor the joys of summer by incorporating these five simple but smart kitchen upgrades. The time you spend now creating a more efficient home environment will give you more time to create summer memories that will last a lifetime.

2024-07-15T18:39:00

(BPT) – If you’re an older adult, staying fit may be one of your top wellness goals. But how can you exercise during a heat wave? Concerns about the heat are justified, as seniors are more likely to suffer from the effects of high temperatures.

“As an Arizona native, I fully understand how intense the summer heat can be. It is so important for older adults to know the dangers heat can pose, and how to recognize signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Jenny O’Callaghan, national trainer at SilverSneakers by Tivity Health. “But there are many ways to still stay active all summer.”

Here are tips to help you keep exercising — even during a heat wave.

Seniors are more at risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illnesses are preventable. Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.

As you get older, your body’s ability to regulate temperature decreases, making you vulnerable to the effects of overheating. You also sweat less — which is a main way your body cools you down. At the same time, your thirst impulse may be dulled, so you may not feel thirsty until you’re dehydrated.

Various health conditions can also be exacerbated by high temperatures, and many medications may also increase your risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

For all these reasons, seniors are more vulnerable to heat, so it’s crucial to take the risk seriously and not overdo it when the thermometer starts to climb. At the same time, the benefits of exercise are well-documented, helping seniors with cardiovascular health, mobility and balance, and mental health and acuity. The good news is, there are ways to both stay safe and active during a heat wave.

Signs to recognize

It’s vital to know when you may need immediate help to cool down. Heat can cause mild symptoms like heat rash (resembling small blisters) or heat edema (when ankles and feet swell during high temps), but it can also cause much more serious conditions.

Heat exhaustion can occur when your body overheats. It’s important to take action quickly, to prevent progression to heat stroke. Symptoms include:

• Wave of weakness or fatigue
• Headache
• Decreased urine
• Profuse sweating
• Thirst
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid pulse
• Irritability

Experiencing just one or two of those symptoms? Don’t wait to see if more symptoms develop. Act quickly:

• Rest in a cool place, preferably air-conditioned
• If you can’t get inside, rest in shade
• Drink small sips of cool fluids like water or sports drinks
• Remove excess clothing like outerwear, shoes and socks
• Use cool compresses (like a cold, damp towel) to lower your temp
• Take a cool shower or bath

Heat stroke is the most dangerous condition, which occurs when your body can no longer control its temperature. Without emergency medical treatment, heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or death.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Confusion
• Elevated body temperature
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Slurred speech

If you think you or someone you’re with is experiencing heat stroke, act immediately: Call 911 and use water or ice to cool the body down while waiting for an ambulance.

Safeguard from heat risks

Heading outside? Check the weather forecast first, not just for the actual temperature, but the “feels like” heat index, which takes humidity into account. When temps approach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it may be best to avoid the heat. If you’re planning to head outside to exercise when it’s hot, make sure you:

• Bring cool water and sip often, even if you’re not thirsty
• Seek shade
• Choose cooler hours, like morning or evening
• Pace yourself — reduce exercise intensity and duration, like taking shorter, slower walks

Find cooler alternatives

You can stay fit no matter the temperature by exercising safely indoors. Consider working out in the comfort of your home with programs through SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults. You’ll enjoy a variety of online classes, from cardio and strength training to yoga and mindfulness, through SilverSneakers LIVE, which streams hundreds of classes designed for all fitness levels and abilities, seven days a week.

Gyms, community centers and other indoor fitness locations can also help you beat the heat and remain active. SilverSneakers enables you to visit thousands of fitness locations nationwide, including community FLEX locations such as senior centers and community centers.

“Don’t let heat waves stop you from staying active this summer,” said O’Callaghan. “There are plenty of fun and safe options to keep you moving, without risking your health due to the heat.”

If you have Medicare, your plan may include SilverSneakers at no additional cost. You can check your eligibility at Tools.Silversneakers.com/Eligibility.

2024-07-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – In June 2023, an electrical house fire in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, set Emily Dorsheimer, 53, on a difficult health journey. She suffered severe burns to her leg, face and hands in the fire. Little did she know virtual reality (VR) would play an important part in her healing.

Recovery in the hospital was arduous, as Emily endured multiple surgeries. After a month-long stay in the burn unit, half of it spent in a medically induced coma, Emily and her family were relieved and thankful she made it through. But they had to prepare for a long road of rehabilitation.

Emily had to relearn how to walk, talk and carry out activities of daily living like getting herself dressed and eating. Her legs were too weak to stand, and she could barely speak. She was admitted for in-patient therapy at AristaCare Meadow Springs, an acute rehabilitation facility in Pennsylvania, for the specialized care she needed so that she could return home and live independently.

It would be a challenging path to recovery, but Emily had a top-notch team of clinicians, her strong sense of perseverance and an unexpected yet powerful tool to help along the way: an immersive rehabilitation platform called the REAL y-Series.

Recovery with engaging immersive technology

The REAL y-Series by Penumbra is a rehabilitation tool for physical, occupational, speech and recreation therapists to utilize with patients with a variety of rehabilitation goals. Patients who have utilized REAL System include those recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, phantom limb pain, orthopaedic injuries and others. REAL y-Series combines virtual reality and full body motion tracking technology with clinically designed activities and progress tracking to keep patients engaged and motivated throughout therapy.[i]

Tim Bullis, director of rehab at AristaCare Meadow Springs, said REAL “gives (therapists) a lot more variety and variability with treatments” and provides a controlled environment for therapists to track progress.

Patients wear a VR headset and six sensors, to be fully immersed in an engaging, virtual world. Activities like Sandwich Shop™ transport them to a deli where they prepare sandwich orders, honing their memory and cognitive skills to put together different combinations of bread, meat, cheese, and veggies. In Creative Canvas™, patients embrace their inner artist. They paint masterpieces with arm movements that exercise their reach and build strength to control their torso and core.

Emily was skeptical when first introduced to the REAL y-Series in her therapy plan. But she was excited and impressed to find, that as she progressed through her therapy sessions with REAL y-Series, her balance improved, and she was able to walk longer distances. “As I was getting into it,” Emily said, “and learning balance, kicking and playing pinball, all the activities that are in (REAL) really helped.” She worked up a sweat as she improved her motor skills and regained her independence, advancing further and faster than she would have through traditional rehab alone.

REAL Pinball™ was one of Emily’s favorite activities as it helped her develop functional movement and balance. By staying engaged and excited with VR, Emily said she “came a long way in a short amount of time.” Emily and her therapists tracked and quantified her progress through automated progress measures collected from the sensors worn during the session. The insights on the TherapyView tablet gave Emily and her therapist objective session measures to help inform her therapy plan.

Triumphing over challenge

Emily was discharged from AristaCare Meadow Springs in January 2024 and was eager to get back to what she loves most: spending time with her husband, trying out new restaurants and shopping.

“At first, I didn’t think I could get back to being out in the world doing everyday activities,” Emily said. “But now I am.”

Across the U.S., hospitals and rehabilitation facilities are embracing the power of immersive healthcare experiences like the REAL y-Series to help patients recover faster from life-changing injuries and conditions. Balance assessment and objective patient progress measures on the REAL y-Series allow therapists to quantify and monitor patient progress over their sessions.

To schedule a demonstration of REAL or learn more about the life-changing impact of VR, visit the REAL System website.

Consents on file at Penumbra, Inc. Procedural and operative techniques and considerations are illustrative examples from healthcare provider experience. Healthcare providers’ treatment and technique decisions will vary based on their medical judgment and other factors. The opinions and clinical experiences presented herein are for informational purposes only. The results may not be predictive for all patients. Individual results may vary depending on patient-specific attributes.

Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a healthcare provider. Prior to use, please refer to the Instructions for Use (IFU) for complete product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, potential adverse events, and detailed instructions for use. Please click here for the complete IFU https://www.realsystem.com/usermanual/. Please contact your local REAL Territory Manager for more information.

[i] Data on file