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A tea party with a unicorn and a wish granted to child fighting a critical illness

2024-12-16T09:01:01

(BPT) – It was a day that 6-year-old Abbey and her parents will never forget. Abbey, from San Lorenzo, California, has leukemia. But she got to take some time off from hospitals, treatments and procedures to be a princess, complete with a unicorn companion, just for a day.

When Abbey and her family learned that she would receive a wish from Make-A-Wish®, she knew her wish right away: Abbey dreamed of traveling to Hawaii to swim in the ocean with dolphins, and to have a tea party with a unicorn. Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and local Subaru retailer, Capitol Subaru, were on it. They teamed up to make Abbey’s wish come true. The first step, a princess-themed surprise party to reveal that her wish would soon come true.

They surprised Abbey with presents, a visit from a princess, her favorite snacks and even a “unicorn,” a miniature pony all dressed up for a tea party with Abbey. It made one little girl and her parents very happy, taking their minds off of her illness for a delightful moment in time.

It was an emotional day for Abbey and her family, and for the folks at Capitol Subaru as well. Next would come Hawaii and those dolphins. Abbey and her family left for Abbey’s wish trip of a lifetime on Dec. 1.

“Having a child go through difficult medical treatments is stressful on the entire family,” said Fernando Roque, general sales manager at DGDG’s Capitol Subaru. “We hope that by granting these wishes, we can provide a moment of joy for everyone involved and look forward to continuing to support this great cause.”

According to Make-A-Wish, approximately 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness each year, and research shows that a wish can lead to better health outcomes and a higher chance of survival.

Subaru shares the love

It’s all part of a long-running partnership between Subaru and Make-A-Wish through the Subaru Share the Love® Event. During the event, which runs from Nov. 21 to Jan. 2 this year, Subaru of America donates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle sold or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities, including Make-A-Wish.

Since Make-A-Wish has become a participating national charity in the Subaru Share the Love Event, the organization has received more than $35 million in donations, helping to grant more than 3,600 wishes to children fighting critical illnesses in the U.S.

Doing well by doing good

The Subaru Share the Love Event is the textbook definition of doing well by doing good. Subaru is donating a portion from each new Subaru purchased or leased, from now until Jan. 2, 2025, to charities its customers get to designate, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®, Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels America and the National Park Foundation. The charities get supported, Subaru customers feel good about the donation and Subaru aligns with what’s most important to its customers. Subaru is the largest automotive or corporate donor to each of those organizations.

There’s a hometown component, too, with local Subaru retailers like Capitol Subaru able to be involved in these lifechanging moments by donating an additional $50 or more to the local charities they’ve partnered with for each new Subaru purchased or leased through Jan. 2.

All of it together is a huge win, a holiday message of kindness and support that everyone involved can feel good about. Especially the unicorn and those dolphins, who had the good fortune of spending a day with a delightful wish kid.

Over the last 16 years of the Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru and its participating retailers have donated over $288 million to causes around the country and supported nearly 2,300 hometown charities. To learn more, visit: https://wish.org/subaru.

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One daughter’s wish: An unforgettable mother-daughter trip

2024-12-16T16:01:01

(BPT) – Like many sisters, 15-year-old Lila and her two sisters share a lot of things, including their love for their family. But unfortunately, all three of them also share the experience of being diagnosed with the same respiratory disorder, which has disrupted their young lives.

To help Lila, her sisters, and many other children with critical illnesses find more joy and hope in their lives, Make-A-Wish helps to grant their wishes — large and small. For Lila and her sisters, they used this opportunity to create lasting memories as they embarked on separate bonding experiences with their parents.

Lila had always wanted to see the West Coast, so when she was told that her wish would be granted, she knew right away that she wanted to go on a special trip to spend time with her mom in Pfeiffer Beach, California.

“Make-A-Wish has been an incredible blessing to our family,” said Lila’s mother Martha. “My daughter dreamed of seeing the West Coast, and it was made into a reality. We experienced so many amazing things — seeing whales and sea lions in the wild, exploring the beautiful California coast, having a day of pampering in a spa — and the list goes on. We were able to forget about the everyday challenges and just enjoy our time together. We will be forever grateful for the gift that Make-A-Wish gave us.”

To make wishes like Lila’s come true, it is imperative to have generous donors and corporate partners like Chase, which joined Make-A-Wish as a national corporate partner in 2024. Because over 80% of wishes involve some form of travel, airfare costs are the greatest expense on travel wishes. In fact, Make-A-Wish would need over 2.8 billion miles to cover every travel wish that they grant each year. To help grant these travel wishes, Chase provided Make-A-Wish with $1.5 million worth of Ultimate Rewards® points and a $500,000 donation to fuel the travel of wish kids and their families.

How you can make a difference to a child

In addition to Chase’s contribution, Chase Freedom, Sapphire and Ink cardmembers can support Make-A-Wish by donating at Wish.org/Chase, then use Pay Yourself Back to redeem Ultimate Rewards points for the value of the donation after it has posted on their statement. To help cardmembers make an even greater impact, Ultimate Rewards points are worth 25-50% more, depending on which card is used.

You can make a difference for a child like Lila. Unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Visit Wish.org/Chase to learn more.

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Fashionistas in your life? Ultimate gifts for effortless style

2024-12-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – For your friends and loved ones who are all about their personal style, you’ll want to give them holiday gifts that not only celebrate their passion for fashion, but truly enhance their everyday life, making it easy for them to look their best every day.

So if you’ve got a fashionista or two (or more) on your holiday gift list, here are some ideas to get you started on your shopping this year.

Hassle-free clothing care

Anyone who values their wardrobe and wants their clothes to impress will jump for joy at a gift that not only simplifies their life, but also cares for their garments like never before. For the ultimate gift, LG Styler Steam Closets are all about saving time, money and energy — taking those all-important tasks like pressing, ironing and sanitizing clothing out of your hands by caring for your garments in a sleek, closet-style unit.

The LG Styler offers impressive features including a deodorizer to keep favorite garments smelling their best, moving hangers that help smooth wrinkles, a versatile rack for multiple storage options and a portable water container that provides water for the LG Styler’s TrueSteam™ technology. Instead of a single heater, Dual TrueSteam employs two heaters to boil water and generate steam, allowing for more precise control of the steam spray’s volume and strength. For delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere, the steam setting uses only one of the system’s two heaters, delivering gentle fabric care through optimized steam-flow control. Dual TrueSteam also enables the Styler’s Sanitary cycle, a specialized cycle that keeps clothes hygienically clean by eliminating over 99.99% of germs and 11 different kinds of harmful bacteria.

Fashionistas can refresh their clothing without the hassle by adding the LG Styler to a bedroom, walk-in closet or laundry space — all they’ll need is to plug it into an outlet, fill the water container and start refreshing — with no plumbing or chemicals required. Even better, they can use the ThinQ® app to check on the remaining cycle time, download cycles and more. The LG STUDIO Styler’s mirror door finish will elevate any space, adding fashion function with a convenient full-length reflection.

Visit LG.com/styler to learn more.

Large changing room with huge windows and an LG styler.

Keep the care going

To help your favorite fashionista further care for their most valued outfits, gift them a new set of high-quality, thick padded clothes hangers for their closets, plus a few garment bags that can keep protecting their clothes all year-round, especially when they’re out of season. Include some cedar balls in your gift to help ward off moths from clothing in their drawers and closets.

The gift that keeps on giving

For that special someone who deserves to receive a wonderful gift month after month, consider signing them up for a top-notch fashion subscription box. Recipients will love having special fashion items and accessories mailed to them periodically — giving them something fun to look forward to, well after the holiday season is in the rearview mirror.

A fashionable experience

Fashionistas who love taking their look to the next level will really appreciate being gifted a personal session with a professional stylist. Even with just one session, an experienced stylist can help guide the recipient to choose the optimal colors, fabrics, accessories and styles of clothing that will suit their taste and best complement the overall look they want to achieve.

Let them shop till they drop

Does your friend or family member have a favorite vintage clothing store, specialty boutique or deluxe department store where they most love to find their treasures? They’ll go nuts when they get a gift certificate for their next trip to restock their wardrobe.

Ready to start shopping for your fashion-forward friends or family members (and maybe yourself, too)? With these gift ideas, your friend or family member will be all set to celebrate in style this year.

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How to celebrate between the holidays: 7 days of indulgence

2024-12-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Looking forward to having some extra days off between the Christmas and New Year holidays? That week may be full of festivities and celebrations — but it can also be the perfect time to indulge in a little relaxation and rejuvenation, with a wintry twist.

“The days between Christmas and New Year’s are perfect for unwinding and recharging after the holiday rush,” says lifestyle expert Hailey Bright. “Why not treat yourself or a loved one to some indulgent self-care? Even simple luxuries or routines can refresh the mind, body and soul — whether it’s a cozy night in with a good book, an ‘everything’ shower with your favorite products like Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash, or taking stock of the past year while setting personal goals for the year ahead.”

So if you’re looking for ways to savor that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle, here are seven ways you can make the most of your between-holiday week.

1. Leftovers and lounge: There’s nothing better than indulging in tasty holiday leftovers and enjoying not-cooking from the comfort of your own dining or living room. If you feel inspired, turn it into a special occasion — even in your loungewear. Consider setting a pretty table with your favorite plates and stemware, so you can transform your yummy leftovers into a private dinner party, complete with mood lighting and relaxing music.

2. Pretend you’re in a snow globe: Hot girl walks can be done out in the cold. You heard it here first. Take a leisurely walk in a nearby park and enjoy that fresh air feeling while you stay warm and comfy with fluffy earmuffs, a soft thick scarf and something new from your favorite athleisure brand!

3. Lather in luxury: Turn your shower into a personal spa retreat with Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash. It’s like a luxurious bubble bath without the tub. Skip the lotion and emerge feeling like the queen you are — moisturized, relaxed and living your best life.

“The Olay Indulgent Moisture body wash is a total game-changer for elevating your self-care routine — I’m obsessed with the Rose & Cherry Crème scent!” says Bright. “Its extremely moisturizing formula eliminates the need for post-shower lotion, making it perfect for combatting extra-dry winter skin and leaving your skin soft and smooth. It penetrates 10 layers deep, leaving your skin irresistibly soft, smooth and hydrated from head to toe. With five luxurious scents to choose from, it’s like treating yourself to a mini spa moment every day. Pro tip: Don’t forget your loofah for the ultimate experience!”

4. Create a cozy movie marathon: Binge-watch a few of your favorite nostalgic holiday classics wearing your coziest pajamas — invite a few of your besties, turn it into a date night or just keep this guilty pleasure all to yourself. Bonus points for snuggling with warm blankets and snacking on hot buttered popcorn.

5. Sip velvety hot cocoa: Whip up your favorite rich hot cocoa, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday vibe. Then make sure to sip it slowly in a large, heated mug — this is your time to indulge, treat your senses and feel warm and fuzzy from head to toe. This may also be the perfect dunking vessel for those leftover holiday cookies!

6. Belt it out: Karaoke nights are fun, but you can take it up a notch in the ultimate no-judgment zone: your shower! Let your shower be your stage and sing along to your favorite holiday playlist. With the help of the two layers of vitamin B3 Complex and shea butter in the Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash, your skin will be singing too!

7. Set your intentions for 2025: As you hit snooze and sink back into your bed, start to dream about what you want the next year to look like. You can begin to envision your goals, so you’ll be ready to set them out in your 2025 planner, along with the action steps to make them happen — but leave the hard work for another day.

After indulging in these holiday comforts, you’ll feel extra cozy, relaxed and ready to embrace the new year with renewed energy, focus and enthusiasm!

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Build credit wisely with these 5 tips

2024-12-16T07:01:00

(BPT) – When you look at your 5-to-10-year life plan, is a new car, wedding, or buying your first home on your vision board? There is one key behind the scenes that you need to unlock access to funds to reach these goals: a good credit score.

A good credit score can make accessing credit easier and less expensive. But how do you build one? Applying for and obtaining a credit card can be a good first step.

“Credit is a powerful tool to help young people manage daily expenses and reach important life milestones,” says Max Axler, Chief Credit Officer of Synchrony. “That is why it is important to learn responsible credit habits well before you apply for your first credit card.”

Here are five tips for responsibly building credit for first-time credit card holders from the experts at Synchrony:

#1. Think of your credit score like a GPA

Credit scores are like grades in school. Just as good study habits can lead to a good GPA, responsible credit habits lead to a good credit score. A higher credit score is like a ticket to financial freedom that can make it easier to qualify for loans and to purchase things you want and need down the line. And just like you improve your grades in school, you can improve your credit score by staying on top of your spending, your payment due dates and staying within your means. You can even set up autopay to make sure you don’t miss a payment just as you would set up specific times each week to study.

#2. Choose your first credit card wisely

When used responsibly, credit cards are often the easiest and most effective way to build a credit profile. There are many different types of credit cards and picking the right one for your needs is important. A store credit card, that can be used at a specific store, is a great option for those with little or no credit history.

“There is typically more flexibility in approving applications for store cards,” says Axler. “They have lower credit limits and can only be used in-store, which is often more manageable for beginners, and also offer special promotions and perks while shopping at your favorite stores.”

Another option is a secured credit card, which employs a simple, responsible spending concept. To open a secured card requires a cash deposit and the amount deposited becomes your spending limit. Because you are using your own money for purchases, it’s like a debit card, but helps build your credit history.

#3. Make good credit habits a lifestyle

Once you’ve got a card, stick to habits that will help boost your credit over time. The most important habits are:

  • Pay on time: Missing payments can seriously hurt your score, so setting up autopay for the bills to automatically withdraw payment from a bank account monthly is a good option. But don’t just set it and forget it. “It’s important to still monitor account activity to keep track of spending,” said Axler.
  • Keep your balance low: Stay below 30% of your credit limit, as this shows you are managing credit wisely and not spending beyond your means.
  • Only spend what you can pay off each month: It might be tempting to splurge, but a credit card is not free money. Carrying a high balance means more incurring interest charges which will cost you more for your purchase.

#4. Use free credit checks to stay on track

Check your balance frequently to track spending and monitor for any errors or potential fraud on your accounts. Balances can creep up quickly if you are not paying attention.

And, checking your credit status is free and simple! The three large credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — offer access to your credit reports on their websites for no charge. You can also get a free copy of each of your credit reports from the three credit bureaus on AnnualCreditReport.com.

Even if you’ve never used a credit card, it’s a good idea to check what’s currently in your credit file to ensure you have not been a victim of identity theft.

#5. Learn responsibility as an authorized user

Not ready for your own card yet? You could ask a parent or family member to become an authorized user on their account. This means you get a card in your name, but it is linked to that family member’s account. It’s a lower-risk way to start using and building credit.

This approach is advisable on a card with a low credit limit, because it is a safeguard from racking up too much debt — which would hurt both of your credit histories.

If you go this route, make sure you understand the boundaries with your family member and spend responsibly. Check in with them and review your spending together to avoid any surprises.

Remember, your credit score is based on a lifetime of transactions. By starting your credit journey on the right foot today, you will pave the way for a healthy financial future and achieving your dream purchase goals of tomorrow.

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Flying high to make a child’s wish come true

2024-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Twelve-year-old Lucas has always loved everything connected with aviation — and learning more about planes is one of the things that keeps him feeling strong and joyful, even when he is dealing with the daily challenges of having congenital heart disease. This chronic health condition affects the way his blood flows through his heart and blood vessels, which can lead to fatigue, difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms that negatively impact his everyday life.

“When I was twelve or so weeks pregnant, we got the news that Lucas’ heart was different, which was tough news to learn,” said his mom, Stephanie. “But we’ve had a couple surgeries, and now we’re at a stage where he looks and acts pretty much like any other kid.”

And when Lucas learned that he would be able to have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish® — which has a mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses — Lucas knew just what he wanted right away. His wish was to have an A380 plane experience. The A380 is Lucas’ favorite kind of airplane, and he already knows a lot about this type of plane, among many others. Lucas shared that he would love to see the landing gear, the cockpit, where the flight attendants sleep, and to learn anything and everything there is to know about the A380.

Thankfully, Make-A-Wish has had a longstanding national partnership with United Airlines over the years, which would make fulfilling his wish possible. Because over 80% of the wishes from children in Make-A-Wish involve some form of travel, airfare costs are the greatest expense on fulfilling their wishes. In fact, Make-A-Wish would need over 2.8 billion miles to cover every travel wish each year. It is imperative for Make-A-Wish to have generous corporate partners like United Airlines to help make wishes like Lucas’ come true.

“Lucas’ wish was absolutely amazing. It was a great day, exhausting. But it was awesome to do all the things,” said Stephanie. “It was fun to have Make-A-Wish involved for familiar faces, and we didn’t realize there were so many jobs outside of the pilot that you can work in the airport. This was more than we could have dreamed of.”

How you can help

If you’d like to join the efforts to help fulfill wishes from more children all year long, United Airlines is inviting their MileagePlus members with the opportunity to donate their reward miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through their “Miles on a Mission” platform.

Even better, during the holiday season, from Dec. 3 through 31, 2024, United Airlines is stepping up their support of Make-A-Wish even more. Customers are invited to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish, and United will match miles donations up to 5 million miles, and cash donations will be matched with United travel certificates up to $500,000. In addition, $1 from every illy® cold brew purchased in flight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping to bring hope to more children facing critical illnesses.

You can unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses like Lucas this holiday season by visiting Wish.org/united-donate.

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5 expert tips to create an effortless holiday spread

2024-12-13T11:37:00

(BPT) – Nothing brings folks together during the holiday season like food. Whether you’re hosting a low-key gathering or throwing a festive party, choosing and preparing the right food can make the difference between a good and a great event.

Président® — a leading global deli and dairy brand offered by Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company — believes there is pleasure in every bite and wants to help hosts like you pull off an unforgettable party with little effort. Check out its five top tips that can help you create a delicious holiday menu in as little time as possible.

1. Watch the clock

Once you have your menu planned, take note of dishes and items that can be made ahead of time and those that need to be prepared closer to the event. For example, if you’re serving cheese spread like Rondelé®, take it out of the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor, creamy texture and spreadability.

2. Plan perfect pairings

Classic food pairings are simple to prepare and make your gatherings feel thoughtfully planned. Cheese is a particularly versatile ingredient because you can pair it with a crunchy baguette, flat pretzels or crackers.

For a fresh taste, offer your guests fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, peppers, cucumber, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and dips. You can also serve figs, pears, grapes, berries and other fruits that are tasty on their own or combine well with cheese.

3. Impress with eye-catching appetizers

Do you want food that looks as good as it tastes? Opt for visually appealing appetizers that are simple to put together.

Consider artfully arranging cured meats, cheeses, olives and some of the classic pairings above on a beautiful wooden board. On a separate platter, you can serve bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms, mini bell peppers or other bite-sized veggies.

4. Focus on quick meals

For the main event, you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Instead, prepare quick meals that are fresh and filling.

For example, serve open-faced bagel sandwiches with smoked salmon or avocado. Swap plain cream cheese for a spreadable cheese like Rondelé for a gourmet touch. You could also prepare sandwiches, wraps and rollups, which take little time and only a few ingredients to create.

5. Have a simple yet delicious secret weapon

Finally, have a tasty recipe that you can bake in minutes but that your guests will assume took much longer to create.

For your next occasion, try this recipe for soft, flaky, cheesy and buttery biscuits with a hint of fresh jalapeño. Rondelé Garlic & Herbs cheese spread is added to the batter for extra flavor and makes the biscuits much softer. Using cold ingredients in this recipe is key to achieving a beautiful, flaky texture.

Herby Jalapeño Rondelé Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 10

Ingredients

3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 package cold Rondelé Garlic & Herbs cheese spread

2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1-2 whole jalapeños, seeded and chopped

16 tablespoons cold salted butter cubed, plus melted butter for brushing the biscuits

1 cup cold buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut cold shredded butter into flour mixture and work with hands until mixture clumps together to form larger pea-size balls. You can also do this step in a food processor if you have one.

3. Add Rondelé, cheddar and jalapeños, mixing gently to combine. Drizzle in buttermilk and mix again until combined.

4. Turn dough out onto clean surface and pat it into 1-inch-thick square. Cut dough into 4 pieces. Stack pieces on top of each other. Press down to flatten. Dust surface with flour and roll dough into 1-inch-thick rectangle or square. Cut into 12 square biscuits or use round biscuit cutter. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to chill.

5. Remove biscuits from freezer and brush with melted butter. You can cover the tops with fresh jalapeño rings (optional). Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden on top.

And there you have it! Using these five tips, you can turn any occasion into an unforgettable get-together during the holidays and year-round. To find more recipes and tips, visit PresidentCheese.com/Cheese_Category/Rondele/.

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Cancer’s Hidden Healing: How Supportive Care Transforms Lives

2024-12-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – Diego Serna’s life changed forever in January 2020 when what seemed like a normal Saturday morning playing video games turned into a medical emergency for the then 13-year-old. After a frightening discovery of swollen, painful hands led to a devastating leukemia diagnosis, Diego and his family faced not just one challenge, but a series of them—including a heartbreaking relapse nine months into treatment. For Diego and his family, cancer has been more than a medical journey—it has been a battle that has impacted every aspect of their lives.

While leading-edge medical treatments addressed the disease, it was supportive care at City of Hope that helped Diego and his family navigate their new reality. Through counseling sessions with a psychologist, support from a child life specialist and social worker, and dedicated activities even when isolation was necessary, Diego found ways to cope with his treatment journey. “The supportive care team makes it a little easier,” his father shares. “They help you understand what you’re going through.”

What is Supportive Care?

Supportive care encompasses services that ease the physical, emotional and psychological burdens of cancer. These programs are designed to treat the whole person, not just the disease, which helps patients to focus on their recovery and well-being.

For many, a cancer diagnosis triggers a cascade of worries:

  • How do I manage pain?
  • Will I ever look like myself again?
  • What will happen to me financially?
  • How will I explain this to my children?

Supportive care helps address these pressing concerns by offering resources such as pain management, psychological counseling, financial assistance and family support. Research shows supportive care can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and quality of life. Additional health benefits are reduced hospital stays and readmissions and the prevention of complications. The end result: improved overall outcomes.

The Mental Health Perspective

“Cancer doesn’t just impact the body; it profoundly affects the mind and spirit,” says Jeanelle Folbrecht, Ph.D., a psychologist specializing in oncology care at City of Hope’s Los Angeles cancer center. “Supportive care empowers patients to face their fears and uncertainties—whether it’s managing pain, coping with changes in appearance or addressing financial and familial stressors. By tackling these challenges head-on, we help patients build resilience and focus on what matters most in their journey.”

Expanding Access Through National Collaboration

Despite these benefits, fewer than 20% of U.S. cancer patients receive care at National Cancer Institute-designated centers like City of Hope where supportive care is widely available, leaving 80% with inconsistent or limited access to these critical services.

To address these gaps, a coalition of organizations, including City of Hope, is working to make supportive care a standard practice in cancer treatment. Together for Supportive Cancer Care is a national coalition of organizations from across sectors working to support all people with cancer. This effort focuses on improving outcomes and quality of life and lowering the cost of care by expanding early, equitable access to supportive cancer care. Coalition members will be working collaboratively across three focus areas of policy, research and employer support.

The initiative seeks to address inequities and ensure that all patients, regardless of background or location, have access to these vital services. A growing body of evidence shows that supportive cancer care improves patient treatment outcomes and quality of life, while providing higher-value care and lowering long-term health care costs. However, the benefits of supportive care are not currently accessible to everyone with cancer.

A Compassionate Future

Diego’s story underscores the significant difference supportive care can make. Today, he’s back to playing music in a mariachi band—an activity that during treatment seemed impossibly out of reach. As national efforts continue to grow, supportive care is poised to become a cornerstone of cancer treatment—a compassionate approach that puts patients and their families at the center of care, every step of the way.

Photo courtesy “RewritingCancer” / BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions

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Getting smart about car insurance can provide cost savings and peace of mind

2024-12-13T12:31:00

(BPT) – Consumers are facing increasing costs on virtually every purchase these days and auto insurance is no exception. While skyrocketing costs of this auto-related expense can be attributed to everything from parts replacement to service — even health costs as a result of accidents — consumers can better manage these increases with thoughtful study and attention to detail.

Some of the common causes for higher insurance rates are Inflation, car accidents, extreme weather conditions such as hail, hurricanes and wind, along with increased vehicle theft claims.

Mercury Insurance has partnered with financial literacy influencer Sam Jarman to highlight specific ways consumers can address these rising costs.

“Your car is the second biggest expense for most people, right behind your home, and car insurance is a big part of that,” said Jarman. “Checking rates and coverage with your Mercury Insurance agent makes sense along with choosing a car with low maintenance costs.”

According to Consumer Price Index data released earlier this year, car insurance rates are up almost 21% year-over-year for the 12 months which ended in February. The last time car insurance rates rose that much on an annual basis was 1976.

Here are some auto insurance statistics recently released from Forbes:

  • The national average cost for car insurance is $2,150 annually for full coverage.
  • The cost of auto insurance increased by 63.8% between 2014 and 2023.
  • The average car insurance cost for 16-year-old drivers with their own policy is $8,765. The average rate for 17-year-olds is $6,829.
  • Car insurance is cheapest for 60-year-old drivers, averaging $1,915 annually.
  • The vast majority of drivers have comprehensive and collision coverage. In addition to buying liability car insurance, 79% of insured drivers buy comprehensive coverage and 75% purchase collision coverage.
  • A staggering one in seven drivers have no car insurance.

“Our goal is to help our customers get the best rates possible because we know that every dollar counts.” said Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management, State. “We encourage consumers to build a close relationship with their agent and discuss what discounts they may be eligible to receive. The answer might be surprising.”

Mercury offers the following tips for lowering your insurance costs:

Review your deductibles with your insurance agent – It is recommended that you review your coverage and deductible with your Mercury agent at least once a year. Their wisdom and experience can help you make wise decisions regarding your insurance.

Explore car insurance discounts – In addition to bundling your home and auto insurance, Mercury offers discounts for multi-car, good drivers, good students and auto pay. Your agent may have additional discounts to offer.

Let Your Insurer Track Your Driving – Most insurers offer discounts for customers who install telematics. This technology allows your insurance company to collect information regarding your mileage and driving habits. This can also provide valuable information regarding your driving as well as saving you money.

Drive a safe car with low repair costs – According to Bankrate, some of the cheapest cars to insure are the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot. Also, look for cars with lower repair costs such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3. Doing some research before you purchase a vehicle can save you money over the length of ownership.

Install an anti-theft device on your car – Drivers may receive an additional discount on your auto insurance if you install an anti-theft device on your car.

Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs – You can get a fast and easy quote from your Mercury Insurance agent. To receive a quote, you can reach us at 844-514-2893.

To learn more about common types of auto insurance discounts, visit https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/auto/understanding-types-of-auto-insurance-discounts.html.

For more information on your auto insurance, you can reference the Insurance Information Institute.

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Gut health matters! 6 easy ways to prioritize it this winter

2024-12-13T08:25:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a festive, joyous time of year but it can pack a one-two punch. With all of the holiday baking, get-togethers and big meals, people tend to overindulge in rich foods, sweet treats and more. All of that has the potential to disrupt your gut, which can make you feel sluggish and also weaken your immune system. Here’s where that one-two punch comes in. This time of year is also the height of the cold and flu season, when you need your immune system to be super charged.

The good news? Focusing on your gut health can help with both of these things, and will have you and your family feeling your best from the inside out. Finding ways to support this part of your body with solutions such as consistent sleep or taking a reliable probiotic can be not only easy but crucial to your family’s overall health.

Why is the gut so important? Living within the gut are “good bacteria.” Studies show that the gut microbiome — housing trillions of bacteria — influences various aspects of our health, including nutrient absorption, fiber digestion and gut barrier function, but it doesn’t stop there. It also plays a role in your immune system, pathogen resistance, metabolism, weight management, and even mood and behavior. Prioritizing the gut isn’t just helpful for adults. It’s important for children, too.

To help you prioritize your family’s gut health, Registered Dietitian and Florastor Brand Ambassador Steph Grasso, MS, RD, shared some useful tips.

1. Increase fiber in your diet

Fiber is the main fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Without enough fiber, the diversity of your gut bacteria can decrease, which negatively impacts digestion and your immune system. Women should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get about 38 grams. Incorporate whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Try starting your family’s day with oats, snacking on apples (skin on), or adding beans to soups and salads to boost fiber intake.

2. Include probiotic-rich foods

Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit your digestive system. Eating probiotic-rich foods helps restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, promoting better digestion and a stronger immune system. Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha are all great options for adults. But beyond yogurt, kids aren’t generally big on probiotic-rich foods. That’s why supplements can be a powerful ally.

3. Use a probiotic supplement

If you’re not getting enough probiotics from your food, taking a daily supplement could help. But not all probiotics are the same. Check the specific probiotic strain to see if research backs it up. For example, Florastor Dual Action Probiotic Supplement contains the strain backed by research to not only support digestive health, but also immune health. Why Florastor? It is the #1 selling probiotic worldwide and contains the probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM 1-745, which has been rigorously studied and extensively documented for over 70 years. It has been safely taken by more than 460 families in nearly 100 countries around the world.

4. Talk to your doctor about probiotics for your children

Especially during the holiday season, kids’ diets can lean toward sweets and rich foods, so a probiotic can be helpful to keep tummies happy. But that’s not the only reason to give kids probiotics. As every parent knows, kids bring home colds and flu and other illnesses from the classroom. Boosting their immune system is vital to warn off those bugs. And even more vital, if they’re taking an antibiotic for an illness, a probiotic is helpful in restoring that good bacteria. FlorastorKids Dual Action Probiotic Supplement has the same history of rigorous testing as the adult version, so you can count on it to help support your child’s gut and immune system by helping good bacteria thrive while flushing out the bad.

5. Prioritize sleep

Poor sleep is linked to negative changes in the gut microbiome. Getting enough quality sleep supports both your gut and your mental health. Create a calming bedtime routine, like reading or doing some light stretches before bed. Try to limit screen time and avoid heavy meals before going to sleep.

6. Manage stress

Chronic stress can disrupt your gut bacteria, leading to digestive problems and increased inflammation. Managing stress with different techniques can help keep your gut in balance. Try yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises. One powerful way to manage stress is to start your day with a morning walk outside, weather permitting. Getting out in nature is so beneficial for mind and body!

With 70 years of research and safe use, Florastor is the #1 probiotic worldwide. Like all probiotics, Florastor has not been evaluated by the FDA. For more information about probiotics, visit Florastor.com.