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Nearly 2 in 5 Americans say their pets inspire good money habits: new study

2024-07-10T13:21:00

(BPT) – Can your dog help you save? New Empower research shows that Americans associate pet ownership with positive money habits, with 39% of people saying it inspires them to be more financially responsible, and 36% saying it motivates them to reach their financial goals.

Key takeaways

  • More than a third of Americans (35%) say their pets motivate them to work harder and seek higher pay.
  • Over half of Americans (57%) include their pets’ needs in long-term financial planning.
  • 31% of Gen Zers (28% overall) would take a pay cut for a job with flexible hours so they could spend more time with their pet; 34% of Millennials (30% overall) would turn down a higher paying job to spend more time with their animal companions.
  • 41% say they’d be more likely to return to the office if they could bring their pet to work; 26% say their dream job would offer pawternity leave (time off for getting a new pet).
  • 1 in 5 Gen Zers have a dedicated savings account for their pet’s needs.

The pet effect

The majority of pet owners (94%) consider their four-legged friends part of the family, and more than half (57%) include their pets’ needs in long-term financial planning. Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) report becoming more financially responsible due to owning a pet. Close to a third (31%) saved up for pet expenses before getting one.

About 7 in 10 pet owners want to spoil their animal companions (71%), while almost a third buy things for their pets when they feel guilty about not spending enough time with them (32%). Income may also play a role in pet spending: 42% say the more money they make, the more they splurge on their pets.

What would you do if your pet suddenly needed a trip to the vet? Over three-quarters of Americans (77%) would tap into their savings or emergency fund to pay for an unexpected medical expense. Enrolling in pet insurance is one way to be prepared.

Sit. Stay. Spend.

Americans spent an average of $1,355 on their pets in the past year, and nearly 1 in 5 (19%) plan to spend more in 2024. On average, they spend $1,200 on food and $828 on vet bills each year. As for birthday and holiday pet gifts, Americans say they spend an average of $24 on those occasions.

Dog owners spend an average of 14% more on their pets than cat owners. But what about spending on pets versus people?

One in 3 (33%) pet owners say they buy more things for their pets than themselves, and over 2 in 5 (42%) spent more on their pets than on their closest friends. Some (16%) spent more on their pets than their significant other.

Paws and paychecks

More than a third of Americans (35%) say their pets motivate them to work harder and seek higher pay. For some, time is money: 34% of Millennials would decline a higher-paying job if it meant more time away from their pets (30% overall). Another 31% of Gen Zers (28% overall) would consider a pay cut in exchange for a job that offers flexible hours so they can spend more time with their pets.

People’s love for their pets often extends into their workplace preferences, with 41% of pet owners being more likely to return to the office if allowed to bring their pets.

Access the full report on The Currency™.

Methodology: This study is based on online responses from 1,000 pet owners in American commissioned by Empower from April 11-12, 2024.

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Focus on autoimmune disease: One woman’s journey with Graves’ and thyroid eye disease

2024-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Immunovant

Christine Gustafson had always been the picture of health. She swam a mile each day and biked regularly. Then, seemingly overnight, she began experiencing a series of health-related symptoms that would ultimately change her life.

“It started with a racing heartbeat. I was anxious all the time. I started losing weight without explanation. My eyes were also getting very red, painful and irritated,” said Gustafson. “It was hard to comprehend what was going on with my body.”

So began the long, arduous journey of trying to determine the cause of Gustafson’s mysterious symptoms. After months of doctor’s appointments, she was finally diagnosed with two separate, but related, autoimmune diseases — Graves’ disease and thyroid eye disease (TED).

A life turned upside down by Graves’ disease

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, organs or cells. Certain autoimmune disorders can be caused by harmful immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies, and are typically chronic, unpredictable and debilitating conditions.

In Graves’ disease, the harmful IgG autoantibodies attack the thyroid and cause it to make more hormones than the body needs. The resulting condition is known as hyperthyroidism.

Gustafson’s doctors said that her thyroid hormone levels were the highest they’d ever seen. Because of that, she experienced many of the common symptoms of hyperthyroidism including rapid heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, anxiety, fatigue and muscle weakness.

“I remember the anxiety the most — it was paralyzing. I couldn’t sleep and struggled to go out,” said Gustafson. “I remember thinking — how could this be my life?”

An emotional struggle with TED

About half of people diagnosed with Graves’ disease will also go on to develop TED. In addition to attacking the thyroid, the same harmful autoantibodies bind to thyroid hormone receptors in tissues around the eyes, causing inflammation, pain, double vision, and swollen, bulging eyes.

Over time, Gustafson found that her eyes kept changing and getting worse. Her vision was blurred, and the sunlight was blinding. At one point, she felt that she looked like her eyes were dangling by a thread. But the most challenging aspect was the emotional toll that an ever-changing appearance had on her life.

“I avoided mirrors and cameras and struggled mightily to maintain my self-esteem,” said Gustafson. “I felt isolated, and incredibly alone. I put tremendous effort into not losing myself to Graves’ and TED.”

Forging a path forward

While Graves’ disease and TED are related disorders, they require distinct management approaches. For many people, including Gustafson, it can be a challenging path to navigate.

“I thought the Graves’ medication would help with my eyes, but it didn’t,” said Gustafson. “It took almost four years for me to finally be referred to an eye specialist. Since then, I’ve had seven eye surgeries and, while I’ve seen benefits, there have also been complications.”

Today, Gustafson recommends that people do their research and have informed conversations with their doctors. Clinical research is also actively advancing to identify more and better treatment options for people living with autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease and TED. (To learn more about clinical studies designed to address the complex and variable needs of people living with autoimmune diseases like TED, visit Immunovant.com.)

Gustafson also recommends connecting with others who have been on a similar journey, something that she helps foster through the work of her nonprofit, the TED Community Organization.

“My hope is for more education around Graves’ and TED, increased awareness in the healthcare community and innovation to address the needs of people living with these autoimmune conditions,” said Gustafson.

Editor’s note: The rising prevalence of autoimmune disease is a concerning trend that underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, education and research. Data indicates that autoimmune diseases affect approximately 50 million Americans. Even more alarming, autoimmunity is reaching epidemic levels, with some studies estimating an increase of 3-12% annually (Source: Autoimmune Association).

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Why it’s important to start talking about inflammation and heart disease

2024-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that cholesterol and inflammation are partners in causing heart attack and stroke? Inflammation is your body’s internal fight against harmful conditions, but if it’s on overtime, it can cause its own harm. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart disease, you may want to talk to your doctor about the role of cardiovascular inflammation — and what you can do about it.

Because heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S.,[1] it’s vital for those with risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease to learn how they may be able to help prevent a significant cardiac event like a heart attack or stroke from happening to them. A recent study demonstrated that among people already taking cholesterol-lowering statins, residual vascular inflammation strongly predicts future CV events — perhaps even more than high cholesterol.[2]

Data from many peer-reviewed publications confirm that patients at high risk who are already using statins may benefit from additional anti-inflammatory therapy to further reduce their risk of cardiac and stroke events. Until now, there have only been approved therapies to treat high cholesterol risk — which do not address remaining vascular inflammation. Reducing inflammation may be key to further lowering the risk of heart attack, which over 800,000 Americans with CV disease may face this year.[1]

Why inflammation is so crucial

Heart attacks are caused by blocked blood flow to the heart, while strokes are caused by blocked blood flow to the brain. Inflammation plays a critical role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to buildup of a substance called plaque which can lead to reduced blood flow and blood clots, resulting in heart attacks and strokes.[3] Because of this, people with ASCVD are at high risk for acute cardiovascular events.[4] Inflammation is a partner with high cholesterol in forming plaque, which contributes to the development and progression of ASCVD.[5]

How to reduce CV inflammation

To find out whether inflammation is a risk for you, the first step is getting tested. A simple blood test to determine the level of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), which is a biomarker for inflammation, can be measured in your blood and gives you an idea of your risk of heart disease.

If this test finds that your hs-CRP level is higher than normal, the next step is to reduce it. One treatment option includes low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, a once-daily, single oral anti-inflammatory tablet shown to reduce the risk of a major event, including heart attack or stroke.

“Inflammation has been known to cause heart attacks and strokes for years, and low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg is a major advance in treating people with cardiovascular inflammation,” said Philip Nimoityn, M.D., FACC, clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia at Jefferson and attending physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. “With the potential to save millions of lives, low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, is proven to reduce the risk of cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke, in patients with established cardiovascular disease by 31%.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with ASCVD, or you have multiple risk factors for ASCVD, you may be suffering from untreated CV inflammation. To help reduce this damaging inflammation and lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke, ask your doctor about getting tested for hs-CRP, and about new anti-inflammatory treatment options such as low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg.

Learn more about your risk and steps you can take to support your cardiac health at CVDInflammation.com.

[1] Heart disease facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published May 15, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html.

[2] Ridker PM, Bhatt DL, Pradhan AD, et al. Inflammation and cholesterol as predictors of cardiovascular events among patients receiving statin therapy: a collaborative analysis of three randomised trials. Lancet (London, England). 2023;401(10384):1293-1301. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00215-5

[3] What is atherosclerosis? American Heart Association. Published April 3, 2023. Accessed June 20, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/atherosclerosis.

[4] Trier van, Marjolein Snaterse, Hageman SHJ, et al. Unexploited potential of risk factor treatment in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Published online February 9, 2023. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwad038

[5] Libby P, Ridker PM, Hansson GK. Progress and challenges in translating the biology of atherosclerosis. Nature. 2011;473(7347):317-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/nature10146

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Worn out or worn down? How to tell the difference between tiredness and fatigue

2024-07-10T08:31:00

(BPT) – Have you ever felt like no amount of coffee or rest can shake off your lingering exhaustion? Do you wake up from a full night’s sleep and still find yourself dragging? If so, you might be dealing with more than just tiredness; you could be experiencing fatigue. Fatigue is not just a fleeting feeling of sleepiness — it’s a deep-seated exhaustion that can impact your daily life and point to more serious health conditions. However, these feelings are often dismissed as simply needing more sleep or seen as a normal part of a busy lifestyle. According to recent research by MD Live, an Evernorth company and leading virtual care provider, many aren’t aware of what fatigue is despite experiencing symptoms and 35% rarely think about the reasons behind their tiredness.

“While we often use words like ‘tired’ and ‘exhausted’ interchangeably, there are distinct and clinical differences between tiredness and fatigue,” explains Dr. Maggie Williams, medical director for MD Live Primary Care. “Occasional tiredness can often be managed with better sleep habits or lifestyle changes, but fatigue is a persistent exhaustion that could signal underlying health issues that should be discussed with a doctor.”

Dr. Williams shares telltale ways to determine whether you may be experiencing simple tiredness or if your symptoms might point to something more serious.

1. Scrutinize your sleep

First, look at your sleep patterns. Tiredness generally improves with a good night’s sleep or a short nap, whereas fatigue persists even after adequate rest. Try keeping a sleep diary for a week, noting when you go to bed, when you wake up, and how you feel upon waking and throughout the day. If you consistently wake up feeling unrefreshed or have difficulty staying asleep, it might indicate something more serious. Pay attention to other signs like frequent waking during the night or difficulty falling asleep despite feeling tired.

2. Track your tiredness

Consider how long and how often you feel exhausted. Tiredness is typically temporary and linked to specific activities or lack of sleep, such as staying up late to finish a project or getting a poor night’s sleep. Fatigue is long-lasting and occurs frequently, often without a clear cause. Ask yourself whether exhaustion is a constant presence in your life, lingering for weeks or months. If symptoms persist and you cannot pinpoint a specific reason, it’s more likely to be fatigue.

3. Be on the lookout for other symptoms

Fatigue often accompanies broader and more severe symptoms, such as muscle weakness, joint pain, headaches, and a lack of motivation. Mentally, fatigue can lead to prolonged mood swings, depression, anxiety, and severe cognitive impairment, making it difficult to concentrate or remember things. Keep track of any additional symptoms you experience, noting their severity and duration.

4. Gauge the impact on daily life

Reflect on how your tiredness affects your daily activities. Tiredness might cause a temporary decrease in productivity and social interactions. Fatigue has a significant and prolonged impact on your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and maintain social relationships. For example, you may find it increasingly difficult to keep up with work responsibilities, household chores, or social commitments. Evaluate how often you find yourself canceling plans, avoiding activities, or struggling to keep up with everyday demands.

5. Revamp your rest routine

To assess whether you may be dealing with fatigue, address sleep-related issues, including irregular sleep schedules, screen time before bed, and an uncomfortable sleep environment. Establish a regular and consistent sleep routine, even on the weekends. Avoid alcohol consumption, limit exposure to screens at least an hour before bedtime and create a comfortable sleep environment by ensuring your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool. If these changes don’t help, it could point to fatigue — persistent problems despite good sleep hygiene warrant further investigation.

The chronic condition connection

Fatigue is often linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and thyroid disorders. These illnesses significantly impact the body’s ability to maintain energy levels, resulting in persistent exhaustion that can negatively affect quality of life. According to the survey, one-third of respondents with chronic diseases experienced extreme tiredness but didn’t recognize it was a symptom before their diagnosis. Identifying and managing these conditions properly can help alleviate some of the overwhelming feelings of exhaustion.

When to consult a doctor

While you might be inclined to dismiss or brush off tiredness as not a priority, persistent problems are not something you have to live with. If sleep-related issues or extreme tiredness begin to affect your everyday life, you can schedule a virtual visit with an MD Live board-certified doctor to discuss your concerns. They can help identify the root cause of your symptoms, develop an effective treatment plan and recommend in-person follow-ups if necessary.

Remember, understanding and addressing the root causes of your tiredness can pave the way for improved well-being and a more energetic life.

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Tips to help keep your teen safe behind the wheel this summer

2024-07-10T16:01:01

(BPT) – Summer season is in full swing, and that means more beach days, barbecues and road trips. But for teens, it also means a greater likelihood of being involved in a serious car accident.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is dubbed the “100 deadliest days of summer” due to a more than 20% surge in teen automobile fatalities, according to the National Road Safety Foundation. Every year, 2,100 teens on average are involved in fatal crashes, with 30% — or seven deaths per day — occurring in that 100-day period. Making matters worse, more than half of teen drivers involved in crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

“It’s imperative that teens understand and practice safe driving behaviors to protect themselves and others while on the road, first and foremost, but it also helps to keep the cost of insurance down for an age group that is notoriously expensive to insure,” said Kevin Quinn, Mercury Insurance’s vice president of claims. “Parents play a key role in shaping the driving habits of their teens. It’s best for parents to lead by example while behind the wheel, spend time driving with their teen, and initiate discussions about the ramifications of dangerous driving, including varying degrees of legal charges — or worse, even death.”

As more teens take to the road for the summer, Mercury Insurance has compiled some tips for parents to help keep their teens safe while behind the wheel:

  • Always insist on wearing a seatbelt: In 2019, 43% of high school students nationwide reported not always wearing a seat belt during the past month, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. Buckling up is the law in nearly all 50 states, but teens are needlessly dying or getting injured. Insist that your teen always wear a seatbelt, every time they drive, and that they ensure all passengers are buckled up too.
  • Set house rules: Parents can help manage their teen’s crash risk by enforcing rules, such as banning nighttime driving and high-speed roads or controlling the keys, meaning they need to ask to use the car first. Having a “pre-drive” check-in with your teen before every trip is ideal — all predicated on the understanding that the parent has the right to revoke their teenager’s permit or license at any time if rules are not followed. You should also ensure your teen is complying with state Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws.
  • Discuss safe driving behaviors with your teen: Examples of safe driving behaviors include wearing seat belts, putting the phone away and always driving sober. This video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_HfbiM5jjE) details how you can effectively communicate with your teen about safe driving. You should also convey that you care about their safety and that house rules are not intended to be punishments, but rather safeguards.
  • Get as much practice as possible: “Most teen driver crashes are due to the lack of active visual scanning that should be used to detect and respond to hazards, going too fast for road conditions, and being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle,” said Quinn. “As a parent, it can be difficult to hand over the keys, but a teen’s safest time behind the wheel is with you or another trusted adult closely supervising.” The more time and thought you devote to practicing safe driving, the more skills and experience your teen will take with them into independent driving.

To learn more about safe driving for teens, visit the following links:

12 Safe Driving Tips for Teens – https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/drive-safe/12-safe-driving-tips-for-teenage-drivers.html

Teen and Young Driver Safety – https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-topics/Pages/teen-driver-safety.aspx

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Secure your student’s future with 5 college insurance must-haves

2024-07-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you preparing to send your student off to college next semester? As you collaborate on a Back-To-College checklist, make sure to add insurance shopping.

If you haven’t considered any type of insurance for your college-bound student, the time to do so is now! To protect your peace of mind and their academic journey, consider the following types of insurance policies.

1. Health insurance

Whether your student gets a run-of-the-mill cold or experiences a medical emergency, you’ll want to make sure they’re covered. Per federal law, they can stay on your health insurance plan until age 26. However, your plan may not provide coverage if your student attends school out of state.

Check to make sure your health insurance provides adequate coverage. If not, you should consider a student health insurance policy. No matter which plan you choose, make sure you aren’t billed twice, as some schools automatically bill for health insurance.

2. Tuition insurance

No one wants to think about their child withdrawing from school, but it may happen, and not just because of a physical illness. According to a 2024 study, 64% of students currently enrolled in higher education considered withdrawing because of emotional stress or mental health concerns.

If your student withdraws from school, getting a tuition refund can be incredibly difficult. Most colleges only offer tuition refunds within the first few weeks of the term, and virtually none provide any refunds for housing or fees. Luckily, you can safeguard your investment in your student’s education with tuition insurance.

Tuition insurance plans can provide reimbursement for a variety of expenses, including tuition, housing and academic fees. GradGuard’s plans can provide reimbursement when a student needs to withdraw from the covered academic term due to an unforeseen, covered accident, injury or other covered reason.*

3. Travel insurance

Is your child planning to travel during the holidays or study abroad next semester? Then you’ll need to protect them with travel insurance.

Travel insurance is often overlooked but is an important form of coverage for college students. Whether your student has to cancel a trip, loses their luggage, has a medical emergency or experiences other travel-related risks, travel insurance has you covered.

4. Auto insurance

If your student plans to have a car on campus, they’re legally required to have car insurance. You could keep your child on your auto insurance family policy, but it’s wise to compare rates. In fact, there are auto insurance policies tailored to the needs of college students that could save them (and you) money.

When shopping for student auto insurance, look for plans that offer student discounts. GradGuard can help you find car insurance policies that offer good student discounts and automatically compare rates before your renewal.

5. Renters insurance

Beyond tuition, room and board and other school fees, you and your student may also invest in belongings like cell phones, laptops, clothing, bikes and other expensive items. Can you afford to replace them if they become damaged, destroyed or stolen?

Whether your student plans to live in an on-campus residence hall or in off-campus housing, make sure they’re protected with renters insurance. Not only can renters insurance cover property damage from burst pipes and other household problems, but it can also help replace expensive items.

Choose a policy like GradGuard’s College Renters Insurance. With the option for monthly or annual policies and flexible deductibles starting at $100, you can provide your student with personal liability and worldwide property coverage. Best of all, no credit score is needed and filing a claim won’t raise your premium.

Secure your student’s future and protect your peace of mind. By considering these five types of insurance plans, you can help your student focus on their education and personal growth without worrying about the potential financial loss that can come with unexpected risks.

*Terms, conditions, and exclusions (including for pre-existing conditions) apply. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company. Grad Guard, a service of Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC (NGI), is the licensed agent for all insurance programs. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Non-insurance benefits/services, and claims administration, are provided by AGA Service Company.

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Help your home and your energy bill handle summer heat

2024-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – As summer temperatures rise, what can you do to beat the heat at home? Before lowering the thermostat setting, consider an often-overlooked approach to help your home and your energy budget stay comfortable. Keeping a home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter) is all about managing heat flow. A sufficient thickness of insulation blown into the home’s attic can help manage thermal flow from a notorious “heat trap” in many homes.

Without delving too deeply into the science, it is useful to consider how insulation helps reduce heat gain and contributes to a comfortable indoor environment. The thermodynamics of air and temperature mean that warm air continually tries to move toward a cooler location. Any disruptions in the home’s envelope — such as a window, access entry, or the intersection of roof deck and attic — present an opening for warm air to enter a cooler area.

As an example, let’s consider that a home’s attic is accessed through a door in the bedroom. On a hot, sunny day, radiant heat from outside will pass through the roof deck and enter the cooler attic space. Once inside the attic, the hot air will move toward the access door, “spilling” into cooler parts of the home. As more energy is required to maintain the temperature, other parts of the cooling system — like the air conditioner condenser — may have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to more energy usage, potentially higher bills and wear and tear on equipment.

The attic is only one location in a home where hot air can escape. However, given the high temperatures in attics, these areas may present a higher “heat load” than many other parts of the home. Owens Corning AirCare® Professionals are trained to measure how much heat may be escaping from the attic. They can utilize tools and technologies such as thermal imaging to visually capture sources of escaping heat and can calculate the potential payback on attic interventions such as insulation or retrofitting ductwork to address holes, gaps or loose connections.

How much difference can interventions in the attic make when it comes to utility bills? Every home is unique and savings will vary, but the EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.

Material matters

Several insulating materials are available to mitigate heat transfer in a home, and some are particularly well suited for attic applications. Owens Corning AirCare® Professionals can recommend the proper form of insulation for various spaces within the home. Fiberglass insulation relies on tiny air pockets located throughout the insulation that resist the passage of heat flow — mitigating heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Generally, the thicker the insulation, the more air pockets and the greater the insulating power. Fiberglass insulation is not combustible.

Is your home prepared to take the heat this summer? To find an AirCare® professional, visit the online locator at HVAC Contractor Locator | Insulation | Owens Corning.

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From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Hannah Corbin’s Health Journey

2024-07-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Five years ago, in the prime of her fitness career, longtime Peloton instructor Hannah Corbin was teaching several classes a week and never running short on energy. Always having maintained a healthy lifestyle — formerly as a professional dancer, an aerial artist and now as a fitness instructor — Hannah was surprised when she began experiencing extreme exhaustion. Soon she was only able to stay awake for four hours before needing a nap, even after sleeping 10 to 12 hours the night before. Hannah’s exhaustion became so severe that she would fall asleep in odd places like the New York City subway, and for the first time, she had to start pulling back from work.

Over the next two years, Hannah visited countless doctors, only to be told her exhaustion was likely due to her physically demanding job and that her weight gain wasn’t “enough” to cause concern. Eventually, Hannah took matters into her own hands, trying different fitness regimens and eating plans, with little success. Then, following an alarming blood test result and discovery of her family’s thyroid disease history, Hannah was immediately referred to an endocrinologist. During that consultation, Hannah’s endocrinologist found her thyroid was severely under functioning and she was merely a month away from slipping into a thyroid coma.

Jarring, but finally an answer. Hannah was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease — an autoimmune condition and the most common form of hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid disorder. Hannah’s thyroid was producing very low levels of thyroid hormone, causing her energy and metabolism to slow down.

An Eye-Catching Surprise

Many people don’t know living with a thyroid condition may also put you at a higher risk of developing other conditions, like Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a separate but related autoimmune condition that requires separate care.

Symptoms of TED can vary and include:

  • Eye bulging, double vision, eye pain, redness, and even vision loss in some cases.

TED can also have a profound effect on people’s emotional well-being and ability to partake in daily activities like reading, driving and working.

While everyone with a thyroid condition is at risk, that risk increases if you live with Graves’ disease — which is the most common form of hyperthyroidism. In fact, up to 50% of people with Graves’ disease may develop TED and women are also 5x more likely to develop TED than men.

“Now that I know my risks for TED, I’m watching my eyes closely, so I don’t take any chances,” Hannah said. “Like I always say, treat your body like it belongs to someone you love.”

Taking “Autoimmune” to “Auto-Amazing”

With Hashimoto’s under control, Hannah was able to resume her busy, energetic routine. But today, five years since her diagnosis, she’s keeping her eyes on something new.

“At first, I felt my body had let me down, but I decided to flip the script and to reframe ‘autoimmune’ as ‘auto-amazing,’ in my own mind,” Hannah said. “Now, I choose to focus on all the things my body CAN do.”

Today, five years after her diagnosis, Hannah feels more like herself. When she’s not coaching, leading Peloton enthusiasts through high energy workouts or working out for fun, she’s encouraging others with autoimmune conditions to keep finding their strength to press forward, despite their diagnosis. Amid several new projects, Hannah’s also sharing what she’s learned through her own health journey to help others.

Finding the Right Care Team

If you have a thyroid condition like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease and notice any changes in your eyes — like eye bulging, eye pain or double vision — schedule an eye exam with a TED Eye Specialist. Not all eye doctors have experience diagnosing and managing TED. That’s why it’s important to see an oculoplastic surgeon or neuro-ophthalmologist. To learn more about TED and to find a TED Eye Specialist near you, visit TEDAwareness.com.

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Ready to elevate your summer snacks and recipes? This tasty kiwi variety will surprise you

2024-07-09T08:05:00

(BPT) – Just when you thought you knew all the fruits in the produce section, you’re in for a delightful treat. One kiwi variety may have slipped under your radar, but it’s about to become your next obsession: Zespri™ SunGold™ Kiwi.

It took 10 years of passion and care to perfect this much sweeter, less fuzzy gold variety of kiwi, but it will take you 10 seconds to fall in love with it. Ideal for summer snacking, and in both sweet and savory recipes, this naturally sweet and juicy fruit will be your new favorite snack — just cut and scoop with a spoon to taste the obsession!

Zespri growers take a bold approach to growing kiwis, obsessing over them with passion and care to produce the highest quality fruit. Zespri is 100% owned by past and current growers and only does kiwifruit, focusing on producing the best-tasting fruit, rather than just the biggest fruit or yield. Best yet, they’re bursting with nutrients your body needs.

A nutrient-packed summer snack

How can something that tastes this good pack so much nutrition in one complete package? SunGold Kiwis are bursting with nutrients, providing over 20 vitamins and minerals1 including vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin E and antioxidants.

They’re also known as one of the most nutritionally dense fruits.2 In fact, you’ll get 100% of your daily vitamin C needs in just one fruit, boasting the highest vitamin C content among commonly eaten fruit3 with a nutritious, refreshing burst of unexpected sweetness.

Fun fact: You can even eat the skin, which is smooth and less fuzzy compared to green kiwi varieties. Eating the skin adds 50% more fiber, which is already 2 grams per serving (2 kiwifruit).4

Make summer sweeter

SunGold Kiwis make the perfect easy-to-eat snack for summer travel (think beach days, road trips and more). Simply cut in half and scoop with a spoon when you’re ready to eat, or just bite right in! You can slice them to enjoy on top of a breakfast bowl, add a pop of sweetness to a salad or level up your toast toppings. They’re also fantastic blended in smoothies or juices, or even diced up in fresh salsa for a sweet and salty snack.

Join the summer sorbet craze to refresh your palate

Get on board the social media sorbet trend with this easy-to-make, tangy-sweet and refreshing recipe to help keep you cool on those hot summer days.

Zespri Sungold Kiwifruit simple sorbet in a bowl next to ingredients

Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit Simple Sorbet

Ingredients
10 Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit (about 1 1/2 cups when chopped)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon coconut oil

Directions
1. Cut Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit in half, scoop out the inside, and add to blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Pour mixture into a loaf pan. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours to freeze.
4. When ready to eat, scoop sorbet using an ice cream scoop.

Visit Zespri.com/en-US/recipes for more kiwi recipe inspo!

Display of SunGold Kiwifruit

How to ripen and store SunGold Kiwifruit

To check if your kiwis are ready, hold one in the palm of your hand and squeeze gently — it should yield to slight pressure. Not ripe yet? No problem. Simply leave the fruit out at room temperature to ripen. You can speed up the process by putting kiwifruit in a paper bag with a banana or apple, as the ethylene gas emitted by these fruits accelerates ripening. Once the kiwifruit is ripe, you can store it in the fridge.

These golden kiwis make the perfect healthy and sweet summer snack that adults and kids alike will love. You and your family are bound to enjoy this refreshing summer fruit, no matter how you choose to eat it!

Taste the obsession

This summer, you can learn about Zespri growers’ obsession with growing the best-tasting kiwis and taste the obsession yourself, as the iconic SunGold Kiwi is back in season and available at retailers nationwide.

Visit Zespri.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok to learn more.

[1] FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service website. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168211/nutrients. Updated March 2019. Accessed June 17, 2024.

[2] Richardson DP, Ansell J, Drummond LN. The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review. Eur J Nutr. 2018;57(8):2659-2676. doi:10.1007/s00394-018-1627-z

[3] Raw Fruits Poster. FDA website. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/raw-fruits-poster-text-version-accessible-version. Updated December 13, 2017. Accessed June 17, 2024.

[4] Can I Eat the Skin of Kiwifruit? https://www.zespri.com/en-US/blogdetail/can-i-eat-the-skin-of-kiwifruit. Accessed June 26, 2024.

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8 ways to travel mindfully in Atlantic Canada

2024-07-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – If your image of the perfect vacation involves slowing down and appreciating the moment, Atlantic Canada is your ideal destination. This latest travel trend — seeking respite from today’s busy lifestyles — expresses a yearning for peace and calm that’s hard to find.

Fortunately, inspiring locales throughout New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island provide experiences that are just right for your mindful getaway. Each of these four provinces offers a unique and stunning array of natural landscapes — ranging from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to lush forests, awe-inspiring fjords, beautiful waterfalls and amazing rock formations. The salty sea air and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look compels you to stop, take a deep breath and truly take in your surroundings.

The rich history of the people and wildlife that have called this region home also reveals an astounding ability to become one with the natural environment. Each province offers opportunities for mindfulness that draw on these unique landscapes and sensory experiences you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Here are just a handful of the many ways you can learn to slow down and embrace the moment in Atlantic Canada.

1. Have a whale of a time in New Brunswick

Whale watching on the Bay of Fundy is an incredibly memorable, humbling experience that makes your heart speed up and your mind and body slow down — and takes your breath away. Getting up close and personal to these gentle giants puts everything else into perspective.

The bay is home to several species of whales, including the rare North Atlantic Right Whale. Make sure to schedule your trip around whale-watching season, from late May until early October.

People walking on a muddy beach surrounded by craggy rock formations topped with trees

2. Feel the gravitational pull of the earth and moon at Hopewell Rocks

Looking for an awe-inspiring experience? The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world and the best place to experience this natural phenomenon is Hopewell Rocks, where the water level can have a differential of 50 feet from low to high tide — equal to a five-story building. The amount of water entering the bay during one tide change is enough to fill the Grand Canyon, twice.

You can walk the ocean floor at low tide and view the famous Flowerpot Rocks, sea cliffs and amazing rock formations. Then venture out for a guided sea kayaking tour at high tide in the same area you walked a few hours earlier. This unique place helps you slow down and appreciate the power and magic of natural forces.

Find these and other amazing adventures at TourismNewBrunswick.ca.

Detail of hands holding an Indigenous medicine wheel

3. Explore ancient wisdom in Newfoundland and Labrador

Imagine gathering around the fire to discover Indigenous Mi’kmaq wisdom like the medicine wheel, an ancient holistic healing practice that can guide you to a better understanding of yourself and the world around you.

Through storytelling, you’ll learn about indigenous experiences and enjoy a tasting of fire-roasted bannock. In this Indigenous Medicine Wheel and Fire Circle Experience, you’ll explore ancient wisdom of the Mi’kmaq culture, learning how these teachings offer a holistic approach to well-being and discovering what life is like for indigenous peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A group of people doing yoga in a boggy valley

4. Let the power of nature transform you

Seeking a genuinely transformational experience? A seven-day nature retreat through Transform Gros Morne may be perfect for you. Nestled in the heart of Newfoundland, Gros Morne National Park is a magical place unlike any other you have experienced. The geological mountainous wonder of the Tablelands reveals the Earth’s mantle, thrust to the surface through tectonic upheaval. Once you take a deep breath of the pristine salty air and hear the crash of the waves, you’ll begin to feel a sense of peace.

To discover a deeper connection with yourself, nature and others, you’ll immerse yourself in the power of nature to find new ways of seeing the world and yourself, creating powerful, lasting and impactful change in your life. You will see nature as vital to your health and well-being.

Discover many more magical experiences at NewfoundlandLabrador.com.

Two people land surfing on a quiet beach

5. Revive your inner child in Nova Scotia

Yearning for the carefree days of childhood? Experience eco-friendly fun through Tidekite ReWIND Adventures in Nova Scotia, where you can be a free spirit, play, learn and create. Activities include:

  • ReWIND Adventures: The only land sailing experience in Canada with Blokarts, where the power of the wind guides you across the beach.
  • ZenAct: Experience an act of Zen via sand art, racing against the tide. This great outdoor activity for all ages inspires you to appreciate the moment.
  • Tide walk: Stroll along the beautiful coast for a guided walk during low tide to explore and listen to the sounds of nature.
  • Kite flying: Learn about kite history and global designs, then fly a kite from the largest collection of kites in Nova Scotia, including 140-foot kites, plus kites with diverse images, shapes and sizes.
Family digging for clams on Clam Harbour beach.

6. Dig up some fun

You can dig up your next adventure as you learn about the rich heritage of clam digging in Nova Scotia with a Clam Harbour Clam Digging Adventure. You’ll accompany a fourth-generation professional clam digger to dig your own clams, then return to Memory Lane Heritage Village to cook up a “feed” of clams, along with a tasty traditional lumber camp meal.

Explore all the fun possibilities at NovaScotia.com.

Backpackers walk a paved path along the ocean, holding hands, pointing at rock formations in the water

7. Walk your way to mindfulness on Prince Edward Island

Make the most of each present moment on this magical island by hiking or cycling your way around The Island Walk route along the ocean, much of the Confederation Trail, red dirt roads and quiet secondary roads throughout Prince Edward Island. The serene landscape will inspire meditative or invigorating long-distance walking adventures that you can experience at your own pace.

Because The Island Walk is not technically difficult, it offers options for everyone. You can complete the entire route, or tackle it in sections just right for you.

A Mongolian yurt with an ornate door and a chimney next to a jacuzzi

8. Immerse yourself in nature

Need a true change of pace? Experience the ultimate glamping adventure at Nature Space Resort, where luxury meets nature in authentic, cozy Mongolian yurts. Unwind as you enjoy the unique ambiance, plush beds, inviting seating areas and all the essentials for a relaxing stay. Nestled amidst the picturesque coastal landscape of Prince Edward Island’s North Shore, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind experience combining the comfort of modern amenities with the breathtaking beauty of natural surroundings.

You can further immerse yourself in nature through guided kayak tours showcasing the rich ecosystems and breathtaking scenery of the island, as well as hands-on learning experiences and unique culinary delights featuring the island’s fresh seafood.

Find your perfect getaway at TourismPEI.com.

Inspired to enjoy your next trip mindfully? Explore all the possibilities for your Atlantic Canada vacation at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.