Month: September 2024

2024-09-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

As a parent, it’s not uncommon to arrive at your child’s annual wellness doctor’s appointment with a laundry list of questions for their doctor. From overcoming picky eating habits, to ensuring your child is hitting important developmental milestones, these visits present the perfect opportunity for parents to get direct feedback on a wide range of topics pertaining to health and wellness. While every child is unique — with their own specific needs and challenges — there is one crucial discussion that is often overlooked from these conversations: asking about getting your child screened for type 1 diabetes-related autoantibodies.

Every year, there are an estimated 27,000 newly diagnosed youth cases of type 1 diabetes in the United States alone. Despite this, there isn’t yet an established protocol for proactive early screening for type 1 diabetes. Instead, parents often find out their child has type 1 diabetes after they may already be experiencing symptoms, which can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases, rather than finding out in advance as part of an annual wellness visit at the doctor.

There’s no time to waste when it comes to type 1 diabetes, which is why prioritizing early screening for your child is so important. If you don’t know where to start, below are some key facts to keep in mind about the impact type 1 diabetes may have on your child’s health — and you can learn even more by talking to your doctor about screening for type 1 diabetes or by visiting The1Pledge.com, which has resources about how to schedule a telehealth visit and other screening options which you can discuss with your doctor, including at-home testing.

Understand your child’s unique risk factors

Family history, certain other autoimmune conditions, and viruses can all impact a child’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Thinking about the following questions might be a helpful first step for parents:

• Does anyone in your family have type 1 diabetes?
• Does your child or anyone in your family have another autoimmune condition, such as celiac disease or Hashimoto’s disease?
• Has your child ever had certain types of viruses, such as coxsackievirus B, rotavirus, mumps, or cytomegalovirus?

While knowing the answers to these questions related to common risk factors is important, it’s key to also keep in mind that many of the risk factors for type 1 diabetes are unknown. For instance, while family history is a risk factor, approximately 90% of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have no family history of type 1 diabetes at all. With facts like these in mind, it’s best to err on the side of caution and make early screening a priority, no matter your child’s unique background. If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor if you think your child might be at risk and ask about screening for type 1 diabetes.

Learn the early warning signs – but don’t wait for them

Understanding the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and exhaustion, is important. However, what’s even more important is understanding that finding out earlier, before symptoms appear, about a potential type 1 diabetes diagnosis is possible through screening. Screening and monitoring may even help reduce the risk of a child getting seriously ill at the time of diagnosis.

Early screening can also give an entire family more time to get familiar with type 1 diabetes and prepare for a new normal, which might include learning about blood sugar monitoring or securing a care team, including an endocrinologist — a specialist who cares for people with diabetes — close to home, who you can build trust with and rely on for continuity of care.

Until there are established national protocols for type 1 diabetes screening, the onus falls on parents to get their children screened for type 1 diabetes. Consider the impact an unexpected type 1 diabetes diagnosis could have on your child’s health and talk to their pediatrician about screening.

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

2024-09-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – The beginning of fall is an excellent time to update your home’s aesthetic! Whether you plan to purchase new furnishings or complete small home improvement projects, these changes — big and small — can go a long way in revamping your home decor for a cozier and updated look and feel.

No matter what furniture you choose, it’s always a good idea to shop with safety in mind. Check out these three safety tips that can help you create a beautiful and safer home.

Secure your furniture

Some pieces of furniture, especially clothing storage items, can easily tip over if not secured. To help eliminate this risk, make sure to anchor your furniture and purchase furnishings with tip-over safety features that meet the current standard for safety.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), tip-overs have long been the furnishing industry’s most serious safety issue. In light of the problem, policymakers, safety advocates and furniture industry innovators took action to drive change and establish safety regulations. As a result, the Federal Stability Standard was born.

The federal mandate requires all newly manufactured clothing storage units to meet the new safety standards outlined in the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act.

Over the past year, furniture retailers across the country have worked hard to design clothing storage furniture that meets more rigorous testing standards, helping consumers create safer homes.

One example of a manufacturer that is driving innovation in furniture safety is IKEA. The company was the first retailer to announce full compliance with the Federal Stability Standard.

IKEA has designed furniture with stability features like Anchor and Unlock. The company also offers free wall anchoring hardware kits as well as information on how to wall anchor furniture to help prevent tip-over accidents and promote a safer life at home.

“The work that goes into creating safer homes will never be over,” said Brett Horn, the founder of Charlie’s House based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Charlie’s House is a 501(c)3 dedicated to preventing accidents and injuries to children in and around the home through increased safety awareness, public education, and the distribution of safety devices.

“We see progress through strong collaboration within the industry, including furniture retailers, and the passing of much needed legislation like the STURDY Act. Step by step, together, we are creating a safer life at home for all,” said Brett.

Choose your window coverings wisely

If you’re looking to update your window coverings, consider switching to cordless blinds. Traditional blinds are operated with cords. Not only are corded window coverings unsightly, but they also pose a significant risk to families with young children.

The CPSC identified corded window coverings as one of the top hidden hazards in the home. Young children, especially those under 5 years of age, can become entangled in the cords, leading to strangulation.

Luckily, you can buy yourself peace of mind by installing cordless blinds. They’re easy to operate, come in a variety of colors and materials and — most importantly — help create a safer home for your family.

Beware of recalls

Buying furniture secondhand is a great way to save money! But recalled products can end up on the secondhand market and can pose a risk to the buyer. Each year, the CPSC recalls many household items that pose a hidden danger to consumers, including home furniture.

To help mitigate these risks, check and see if the used furniture items have been recalled before you purchase. Just a little bit of research can help keep your home safer. You can search for the latest recalls on the CPSC’s website.

Another steadfast solution to keep your home safer when buying secondhand, backed by parents, is wall anchoring.

“While it may seem simple, taking the critical step to anchor your furniture will go a long way in keeping your home safe,” said Brett. “No matter where you buy your furniture, wall anchoring is always the best way to help reduce the risk of tip-over accidents.”

Shop with joy and confidence

As you redecorate your home this autumn, be mindful of where you shop for new furniture. To find more safety information and other resources, visit CPSC.gov.

2024-09-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Cold and flu season typically runs from October to May, but with summer colds, COVID outbreaks, RSV and allergies, it’s a pretty safe bet that you and your family may be dealing with a variety of symptoms of one kind or another, no matter the season.

Given this year-round battle against illness, the ever-rising costs of medications can put a strain on your wallet and cause confusion as to how best to guard against all of those various bugs out there.

“It’s vital for families to get reliable information on how to prevent illnesses, especially during cold and flu season when many bugs are at their worst, and what to do if they do come down with something,” said Preeti Parikh, Executive Medical Director at GoodRx, the leading prescription savings platform in the U.S. “This includes information about how to get the best price on any medications they need.”

That’s where GoodRx comes in. It is an online platform that does double duty. GoodRx can save you up to 80% off retail prices of medications, plus it offers trusted information on the myriad health conditions that families deal with. GoodRx’s articles, written by a team of doctors, pharmacists, health economists and public health experts, provide you with authoritative and trustworthy answers to your most pressing health questions so you can make better decisions for your family’s health.

When it comes to navigating cold and flu season, Dr. Parikh offers the following tips to prevent illness and manage treatment if you do become sick.

• Get vaccinated. Everyone should get their flu shot and COVID booster by the end of October, and these shots can be done at the same time. It’s the most important thing you can do to prevent illness, not only for yourself, but for vulnerable people in your community, such as children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions.
• Older Americans should investigate the RSV vaccine. All Americans aged 75 and older should receive one dose of the RSV vaccine. Adults aged 60 to 74 with serious chronic conditions, pregnant women, and young babies may also need to get vaccinated. Work with your healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is best for you.
• Wash your hands. Everyone should practice good disease prevention! Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Protect others. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to the office or out shopping or dining. If you must go out, wear a mask to help avoid passing those bugs around.
• If you do become sick, GoodRx can help you save on treatments, including antibiotics that can treat your infection, cold medications to help with symptoms, and antivirals, which can shorten the duration or alleviate the symptoms of your illness. On average, GoodRx users save $34 on cold and flu treatment medications.

So, how do the savings work? It’s actually very easy. Just go to GoodRx.com or the mobile app and type in the name of the medications you have been prescribed. You’ll get a listing of local pharmacies and their prices. Choose the lowest one, and a coupon will pop up. Bring your phone with you to the pharmacy and show the coupon to your pharmacist to get the lowest possible price on your medications.

To arm yourself with information about how to battle the bugs, and ways to save at the pharmacy, visit GoodRx.com/go/fluseason.

2024-09-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or longer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 100 million Americans live with chronic pain, highlighting the widespread nature of this condition.

“We see many kinds of chronic pain in our offices,” said Dr. Steven Knauf, Vice President of Chiropractic and Compliance at The Joint Chiropractic. “Chronic pain is often an indication of an underlying condition that doctors of chiropractic may help identify and treat. In addition, a doctor of chiropractic may help patients understand how to prevent pain in the future and keep their bodies strong.”

In honor of Pain Awareness Month this September, learn more about how to best cope with and reduce the chronic pain you may be living with.

Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:

• Injuries: Various injuries often lead to chronic pain, which can include everything from sports injuries and accidents to overuse injuries that can occur due to repetitive motions.
• Osteoarthritis: This condition causes inflammation and pain in the joints that worsens over time, and may occur in older adults and those with a family history of osteoarthritis.
• Headaches: While they may have many causes depending on the type of headache (such as migraines versus tension headaches), headaches are a type of chronic pain that can impede your everyday functioning.
• Spinal stenosis: Mechanical issues in the spine can cause narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord passes through, leading to ongoing pain.

Tips to help manage and prevent pain

Whatever type of chronic pain you’re experiencing, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider to help determine the underlying causes and practices that can help eliminate your pain. For example, chiropractors often recommend that exercise can help stave off back pain. As your body sits sedentary, tension can build, causing great pain over time. Chiropractors insist that exercise is the most beneficial way to improve your ability to manage pain throughout your body.

“In many cases, being active is one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent chronic pain, but pain itself can keep people from moving,” said Knauf. “Unfortunately, this can lead to a downward spiral of inactivity and more pain.”

The good news is, as little as 30 minutes of exercise each day can help release tension in your body to help manage chronic pain, as well as other regular practices.

Here are tips to help you prevent and better cope with many types of chronic pain:

• Deep breathing: Taking deliberate, deep breaths can relax tension and release muscles, which also promotes better rest and sleep so your body can recover from and relieve pain. You may want to try a breathing or relaxation app for exercises to get you started.
• Stretching: Prevent muscles from becoming too tense and sore by trying some gentle stretching in your daily routine. It’s recommended to warm up muscles a little first to avoid injury. Consult a healthcare professional or experienced trainer for the best ways to stretch safely, given your current condition.

Handling pain relief on the job:

• For physically demanding jobs it’s important to stretch periodically, and equally important to find time to get off your feet when possible. Allowing yourself little breaks from standing is a good way to help eliminate stress and tension from the joints at the spine. Even if your job is demanding, there’s always time for a 10- to 15-minute break. Chiropractors suggest taking a break every couple of hours to best benefit your back. Take advantage of your breaks to put your feet up and rest.
• Desk jobs can create the opposite problem from too much sitting. Try to take frequent breaks to get up and stretch or walk around your desk. Move your legs and arms to reduce stiffness, or leave your desk for a little while so your muscles and joints have a chance to exercise and move. Pay attention to your posture while you’re sitting throughout the day, as well. Ensure your back is straight so you’re not leaning forward or straining your neck. Arrange your keyboard and computer at a comfortable distance that does not create back problems.

Commit to routine chiropractic care

Getting regular chiropractic care is another great tip to try that may help you find relief from your chronic pain. Chiropractors work with the vertebrae of the spine and surrounding joints to improve quality of life by restoring the ability to move and improve the body’s ability to handle physical stress.

To find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com.

Using these tips, you can help to better manage and prevent your chronic pain so you can feel your best whether you’re at work, at rest or at play.

2024-09-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – The beginning of the school year can be a challenging time for families. The transition from the carefree summer days to a structured school routine is rough on students and parents alike. For busy parents juggling work, school schedules and extracurricular activities, it can be challenging to keep your home tidy and organized.

A clean and tidy home is important to maintain all year-round, but especially during the academic year. By maintaining a peaceful and clutter-free environment, your kids can feel more relaxed when they get home from school and after-school activities and focus on homework and projects.

To make the transition from summer to school easier for your family, follow these few simple hacks to maintain a tidy home even during the busiest times.

1. Designate homework and play zones

Your home has different spaces for different uses, and maintaining these divisions is one of the best ways to keep your home organized during the school week. If you haven’t already, designate homework and play zones for your children.

By creating specific areas for specific tasks and activities, your kids will have an easier time concentrating on their work. More importantly, it can help contain clutter and keep toys and school supplies from taking over the entire house.

Within these designated zones, you can set up organizational storage so everything has its place. Having a place for specific items makes it easier for your family to quickly tidy up an area.

2. Involve your kids in housekeeping

You can teach your kids the importance of cleanliness and organization by involving them in household chores. Not only does this take some chores off your plate, but it helps children develop skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

Start by assigning age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. For example, younger children may only be responsible for tidying their bedroom and playroom, while older children may take on additional tasks like taking out the trash and cleaning the bathroom. Consider using a chore wheel and rewards system to make cleaning fun and fulfilling.

3. Establish a morning and evening cleanup routine

A morning and evening cleanup routine can help your family stay ahead of household mess during the school year. Encourage your kids to spend a few minutes each morning and evening tidying up common areas and putting away their belongings.

In the morning, this may involve making beds and taking breakfast dishes to the sink. An evening routine can include preparing their backpacks for the next day, cleaning designated areas and tidying their rooms.

Consistency is key. While these cleanup sessions are only a few minutes, getting your family into the habit can go a long way in maintaining a clean and tidy home.

4. Choose the right tools for the job

Having the right tools for cleaning can make a world of difference. Make sure to have cleaning supplies and household appliances that are efficient and easy to use. One indispensable tool that can help you quickly clean any area in your home is a cordless vacuum. They’re easy to use and carry, so even your kids can use them.

When choosing a cordless vacuum, opt for a convenient and powerful model like the LG CordZero™ All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum (A949KTMS). LG — America’s most reliable line of home appliances and now the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. — designed the CordZero to help parents combat the everyday mess that comes with the back-to-school season.

Key features like the Dual Floor Max Nozzle incorporate both a soft roller and a carpet agitator to powerfully clean carpets and hard floors with ease. The vacuum also has a Power Mop Pro attachment so you can spray mop hard floors without having to use (or store) two different appliances.

The CordZero vacuum is LG’s most powerful stick vacuum and provides excellent performance. Enjoy up to 200 minutes of uninterrupted use thanks to two rechargeable, quick-release batteries.

Start this school year with less stress and mess.

Embrace the back-to-school season with open arms and a clean house. Using these four simple hacks, an organized and stress-free home during the academic year won’t be a dream but a reality.

2024-09-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Multigenerational households are on the rise. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans living in a multigenerational family household is four times larger than in the 1970s. For some, multigenerational living has become necessary to care for aging parents. However, the center found that almost a quarter of younger adults ages 25-34 now live in multigenerational homes due to financial issues.

Whether born of an economic necessity or a desire to keep parents close in their golden years, multigenerational housing is here to stay, and creative solutions are needed for these households.

Inflation, mortgage rates and a lack of housing are causing headaches for many would-be homeowners. For those with multiple generations living in one home, finding an affordable option to comfortably and affordably house several loved ones can be difficult. Luckily, the housing industry is adapting to multigenerational housing with a trend of its own: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

What is an ADU?

You may not have heard of ADUs, but you’re likely familiar with the concept. Think of granny flats, in-law apartments and mother-in-law suites and you’ve pictured an ADU. This innovative housing solution is growing in popularity because it can more easily house multiple generations and provides a lower-cost housing alternative.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of ADUs: Attached and detached. Attached ADUs are connected to the primary house in some way, whether as an addition to the existing building or as a converted garage or basement. Detached ADUs are stand-alone, independent structures like a converted detached garage or a tiny home on the property.

Whether attached or detached, ADUs are usually smaller than your typical home, ranging from 600-1,200 square feet, so floor space is at a premium. Also, depending on the type of ADU and what fixtures will be installed, plumbing can become challenging for homeowners.

Most ADUs will feature a full bathroom (shower, toilet, sink) and kitchen. With so many fixtures and tight quarters, it’s essential to choose products that maximize space and offer reliability and cost-effectiveness. You could use traditional (below-ground) plumbing systems, but they’re often complex and costly. However, there is another solution that is less costly, messy and time-consuming than below-ground plumbing.

Above-floor plumbing: A cost-effective and simple solution for ADUs

While not as popular in the U.S., above-floor plumbing has been a common drainage solution in Europe. For homeowners considering adding an ADU to their property, this plumbing solution can overcome potential plumbing issues.

There are many different types of above-floor plumbing solutions, and which ADU you choose to build will determine which solution you’ll need.

For example, if you need to build a complete bathroom in an attached ADU, you’ll need a macerating pump system like Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3 for light-traffic areas or Sanibest Pro for high-traffic areas. While these products are incredibly effective at safely discharging toilet waste, they can also handle gray water from a sink, bathtub or shower.

The Saniaccess 3 was perfect for Joe O’Neill’s project: Converting a detached two-car garage into a one-bedroom apartment. The garage sits next to O’Neill’s Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home which he rents out. Converting the garage will allow him to continue to visit the beach at his leisure.

Because of the home’s proximity to the ocean, conventional plumbing would have been unadvisable. However, the Saniaccess 3 macerating system allowed O’Neill to hook up three bathroom fixtures and a washing machine!

If you need a complete apartment solution for an attached or detached ADU, you’ll need a more powerful above-floor plumbing and drainage system like the Sanicubic 1. The pre-assembled simplex grinder system can discharge wastewater from three or more fixtures. This means you can connect a complete bathroom, kitchen and laundry to one product that handles high volumes of waste and water.

If you need a heavy-duty solution for your ADU, you should opt for the Sanicubic 1 VX, which handles 2-inch solids, including rigid solids like sanitary products. It’s also the most useful solution for ADUs that have multiple bathrooms.

Above-floor plumbing may seem foreign, and you may feel that installation will be complex. However, above-floor plumbing allows homeowners to avoid the cost of floor excavation and below-ground drainage installation. Also, above-floor models are generally quicker to set up than their traditional counterparts.

Build the ADU for your family with minimal cost, mess and headaches

By embracing above-floor plumbing technology, you can create functional and cost-effective living spaces for your family. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone can have enough space and plumbing to live comfortably. To learn more about above-floor plumbing solutions, visit Saniflo.com/US.