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Less stress. More magic. Holiday hosting made simple.

2024-12-05T17:45:00

(BPT) – It’s December. And you know what that means. It’s time to finish that list and check it twice. Nobody is feeling the holiday bustle quite like the host. From buying the gifts to wrapping the gifts, and preparing the food to setting the table, the host is busy making the magic happen.

If you’ve ever fed a crowd, you know this comes with its fair share of stress. Whether it’s the cost or the time it takes to shop, prep and cook, hosts everywhere deserve a round of applause. And maybe a few festive tips for making the moment less stressful and more joy filled.

The traditional holiday meal, available in one click

Skip the stress of meal planning and let someone else do the heavy lifting by purchasing a curated meal basket. At Walmart you can get a meal that serves 12 people for less than $5 per person.

From ham and fan favorite sides like sweet potato and green bean casseroles, to brown-and-serve rolls and pumpkin pie, the basket includes 28 ingredients to pull together a traditional meal and is available in stores or with one simple click on Walmart.com/HolidayMeal through December 31.

Need to check gifts off the list too? You can also gift this meal to friends and family afar, or donate one to your local Salvation Army unit, all in one click on the Walmart website.

Mix and match trendy appetizers

Impress your guests with easy-to-make light bites that are as delicious as they are stylish. The seasonal bettergoods items at Walmart are perfect for your holiday hosting needs. Elevate your holiday table with chef-inspired bites like these:

A tin of Bettergoods Sleigh Ride MixShoppable recipes and simple meal solutions

For all those weeknight dinners in between the holiday meals, keep it easy and let someone else do the work for you. Walmart curated 25 shoppable recipes on its website to help you make it a Delicious December. From Skillet-Ready Pasta to Leftover Turkey & Ham Monte Cristo, there’s no guesswork and everything you need for each meal is shoppable with one click on Walmart’s website.

With a little preparation and a few simple strategies, it’s easy to host with less stress and more savings, so even the busiest magic makers can find a little more time to enjoy what truly matters — good food, great company and making lasting memories.

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Driving professional impact: 5 ways rising leaders use AI

2024-12-05T16:27:00

(BPT) – Generative AI is everywhere, especially in the workplace. In fact, many aspiring leaders in the workplace are excited about the widespread adoption of AI and recognize it as a valuable tool for their careers.

Google Workspace — the productivity platform that includes AI-powered tools like Gmail, Docs, Drive, Meet and more, relied on by over 3 billion users and more than 10 million paying customers — commissioned a survey with The Harris Poll to get a sense of how rising leaders view and use AI.

The study surveyed workers ages 22-39 years old who currently have or aspire to hold a leadership position at work. The result? The research found that 82% of young leaders surveyed are already embracing AI tools in their work. And, looking further out, almost all (98%) of those surveyed anticipate that AI will have an impact on their industry or workplace within the next five years.

“Our research shows that emerging leaders are adopting AI to increase their impact at work,” said Yulie Kwon Kim, VP of Product, Google Workspace. “Rising leaders are not simply using AI as a tool for efficiency, but as a catalyst to help grow their careers.”

The findings show it’s clear — aspiring leaders are adopting AI to increase their impact at work. Here are five key ways AI is transforming the way young leaders work.

1. Overcome task paralysis

Getting started on a task, big or small, can feel incredibly challenging and can lead to task paralysis. Luckily, AI can help employees navigate the difficulties of task initiation, with 88% of survey respondents saying they would use AI to start a task that feels overwhelming. Consider using AI to brainstorm ideas, help write an email, outline a blog draft, and more.

2. Improve writing

In the era of hybrid work, strong communication is more important than ever. When sending emails, conveying the proper tone and content can be anxiety-inducing, especially for those earlier in their careers.

To that end, many (88%) young leaders say that AI can help them strike the right tone in their writing. Even more telling, 70% have used AI for tasks like drafting email responses, writing challenging emails from scratch, or helping overcome language barriers.

3. Increase work flexibility

Hybrid work is becoming the new normal for many organizations, so it’s important that people have tools to support more flexible collaboration from anywhere, across any device. A whopping 87% of respondents believe AI can make them more comfortable composing lengthy emails on their phones and 90% also believe they would feel more confident joining meetings on-the-go if they knew AI was taking meeting notes for them.

4. Improve management capabilities

It’s important that managers have strong communication and interpersonal skills, can think strategically, and more. The survey found that these are areas where AI can help in meaningful ways. When considering how to improve their management capabilities, 79% of respondents said they are interested in using AI to become better managers. This includes 47% who said AI can help enhance communication to improve problem-solving and facilitate better relationships.

5. Create a bigger impact

Rising leaders want to drive real impact in their workplace. Oftentimes, however, routine tasks can bog down young leaders and keep them from focusing on strategic, career-defining work. To better prioritize their time, many young leaders are using AI. Fifty percent recognize the current and potential impact of AI to automate routine tasks, so that they can spend more time focused on strategic work.

These are just five ways rising leaders are using AI to aid their professional development and get ahead in the workplace. With AI as an impetus to help young leaders grow their careers and drive more impact, AI will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on organizations around the world.

“The future of work is here — and it’s AI-powered,” said Yulie Kwon Kim.

To learn more about AI and its uses, visit Workspace.Google.com/Solutions/AI/.

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Ready-To-Use Glucagon Emphasized in Latest Diabetes Guidelines

2024-12-05T13:01:00

(BPT) – If you or someone you care for is living with diabetes, you know it’s important to stay up to date on the latest diabetes management guidelines. These updates for healthcare professionals from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Endocrine Society highlight some key changes about who is at risk for low blood sugar, and what you should do if you are at increased risk.

What are the updates?

The ADA and Endocrine Society now say that you should have a prescription for ready-to-use glucagon if you are at risk of developing low blood sugar.1,2 You’re considered at risk if you take medications like insulin, sulfonylureas or meglitinides.

If that’s you — or someone you care for — talk to your doctor today about your risk factors. Very low blood sugar is common, costly and life-threatening.2 That’s why the new guidelines recommend that those at high risk of low blood sugar have access to ready-to-use glucagon.

Glucagon is a hormone that helps raise blood sugar levels, and ready-to-use options provide ease of administration during a low blood sugar emergency. Even though the guidelines have been updated, many people living with diabetes, who should have ready-to-use glucagon, don’t have it. The guidelines acknowledge that glucagon prescriptions are low, and that more needs to be done to protect those at risk.2

How to ensure your rescue plan aligns with the guidelines

Use the checklist below to make sure your diabetes toolkit is up to date.

  1. Take a fresh look at your low blood sugar emergency plan. Does it include a ready-to-use glucagon option?
  2. Learn about ready-to-use options like Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection), the ready-to-use rescue pen anyone can use3 with confidence.
  3. Speak with your healthcare provider about your risk and if Gvoke HypoPen is right for you.
  4. Get a prescription for ready-to-use glucagon and fill it right away.
  5. Always keep it with you.
  6. Educate friends, family, and coworkers about the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar and what they can do to support you should you experience a low blood sugar emergency in their presence. That includes where to find your rescue tool, when to use it, and how to use it.

Staying on top of evolving diabetes care guidelines is important. With the right plan in place, you can face very low blood sugar with confidence.

Learn more about Gvoke HypoPen.

INDICATION AND SAFETY SUMMARY

GVOKE is a prescription medicine used to treat very low blood sugar (severe hypoglycemia) in adults and kids with diabetes ages 2 years and above. It is not known if GVOKE is safe and effective in children under 2 years of age.

WARNINGS

Do not use GVOKE if:

  • you have a tumor in the gland on top of your kidneys (adrenal gland), called a pheochromocytoma.
  • you have a tumor in your pancreas called an insulinoma.
  • you are allergic to glucagon or any inactive ingredient in GVOKE.

GVOKE MAY CAUSE SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS, INCLUDING:

High blood pressure. GVOKE can cause high blood pressure in certain people with tumors in their adrenal glands.

Low blood sugar. GVOKE can cause low blood sugar in certain people with tumors in their pancreas called insulinomas by making too much insulin in their bodies.

Serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have a serious allergic reaction including:

  • rash
  • difficulty breathing
  • low blood pressure

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

The most common side effects of GVOKE in adults include:

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • swelling at the injection site
  • headache

The most common side effects of GVOKE in children include:

  • nausea
  • low blood sugar
  • high blood sugar
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • pain or redness at the injection site
  • itching

These are not all the possible side effects of GVOKE. For more information, ask your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

BEFORE USING

Before using GVOKE, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have adrenal gland problems
  • have a tumor in your pancreas
  • have not had food or water for a long time (prolonged fasting or starvation)
  • have low blood sugar that does not go away (chronic hypoglycemia)
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if GVOKE passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you can use GVOKE while breastfeeding.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

HOW TO USE

  • Read the detailed Instructions for Use that come with GVOKE.
  • Use GVOKE exactly how your healthcare provider tells you to use it
  • Make sure your relatives, close friends, and caregivers know where you store GVOKE and how to use it the right way before you need their help.
  • Act quickly. Having very low blood sugar for a period of time may be harmful.
  • Your healthcare provider will tell you how and when to use GVOKE.
  • After giving GVOKE, your caregiver should call for emergency medical help right away.
  • If you do not respond after 15 minutes, your caregiver may give you another dose, if available. Tell your healthcare provider each time you use GVOKE. Low blood sugar may happen again after receiving an injection of GVOKE. Your diabetes medicine may need to be changed.

HOW TO STORE

  • Keep GVOKE pre-filled syringe and HypoPen in sealed foil pouch until time of use.
  • Keep GVOKE kit vial and pouched syringe together in original carton until time of use.
  • Store GVOKE at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F.
  • Do not keep it in the refrigerator or let it freeze.

Keep GVOKE and all medicines out of the reach of children.

For more information, call 1-877-937-4737 or go to www.GvokeGlucagon.com.

Please see the Full Prescribing Information for Gvoke

References:

  1. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. 6. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1):S111-S125. doi:10.2337/dc24-S006.
  2. McCall AL, Lieb DC, Gianchandani R, et al. Management of individuals with diabetes at high risk for hypoglycemia: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023;108(3):529-562.doi:10.1210/clinem/dgac596.
  3. Valentine V, Newswanger B, Prestrelski S, Andre AD, Garibaldi M. Human factors usability and validation studies of a glucagon autoinjector in a simulated severe hypoglycemia rescue situation. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(9):522-530.

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Are you living with eczema? It’s time to get the care you deserve

2024-12-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company

Understanding eczema

For her entire life, April has lived with dry, itchy skin, experiencing frequent thinning and scarring of her skin due to insistent itching. Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is much more than just a rash. April is one of nearly 16.5 million people in the U.S. who lives with eczema.1

The often-uncomfortable symptoms of eczema can cause severe itchiness, which can lead to more scratching causing skin to crack and bleed, contributing to self-isolation, anxiety and depression.2-4 While the disease can affect anyone, it often appears differently on varying skin tones,5 and on darker skin tones, the signs can be masked due to skin pigmentation and result in delayed diagnosis and care.6

“I wasn’t aware of research on skin conditions like eczema in my community, and I spent most of my childhood treating my condition with home remedies, uneducated on the various treatments available to help manage my skin,” shared April.

According to research, Black Americans are more likely to develop more severe cases of eczema,7 and more generally, people with skin of color may have a disproportionately higher prevalence of skin conditions.8 Yet people with skin of color, like April, are often underrepresented in care and research. This can unfortunately lead to the people who need care most being less likely to pursue or receive appropriate treatment for their disease.

“There is a lack of knowledge,” said April. “I tried working with dermatologists, but it wasn’t helpful; I felt judged and observed, instead of helped. We need doctors to have more education on how this disease can affect a patient’s mental health…someone that is understanding of the condition and willing to help.”

Dr. Maria Jose Rueda, M.D., head of dermatology medical affairs at Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) and trained dermatologist, has seen firsthand how the lack of education for health care providers can unintentionally lead to a feeling of judgement and mistrust among patients. “The issue is that some people don’t trust health care providers and the system and aren’t able to find a provider who knows about their type of skin and understands the differences that they may have. Gaps in care have four major root causes including cultural diversity, socioeconomic disadvantages, racial/ethnic biases and inadequate training for health care providers or lack of research including underrepresentation in medical research. At Lilly, we are working with some of the most prominent experts in the field to educate and address some of these gaps.”

Making a change

Lilly is focused on creating solutions that strengthen the relationship between health care providers and patients with eczema by advancing treatment conversations and opening the lines of communication between both groups. For example, Lilly is:

  • Engaging in impactful research that improves patient care to increase understanding of clinical management from diagnosis to treatment such as conducting a clinical trial specifically for people of color with eczema.
  • Supporting health care providers with education on the journey people with skin of color face and the understanding of eczema by collaborating to develop educational webinars and training modules.
  • Empowering the patient voice to increase understanding of common care challenges so people can make their needs known and actively partner to find impactful solutions. For example, Lilly surveyed over 1,200 adults with dermatologic conditions to highlight challenges and foster discussion among health care providers, patients, and community members.

There is a lot of work left to be done, but first we need to address the critical health disparities in the field of dermatology for people with eczema and skin of color.

“At Lilly, we strive to be a leader in addressing the health needs of underserved populations. We are dedicated to creating meaningful change and amplifying the voices of these underserved patients and raising awareness of the challenges they face,” shared Dr. Rueda.

Resources to help you decide what treatment is right for you

Lilly’s website features more information about the company’s commitment to health equity and how Lilly is advancing care in dermatology. For more information on eczema, including a list of local health care providers with experience diagnosing and treating this condition, visit the National Eczema Association.

References

1. Chiesa Fuxench ZC, Block JK, Boguniewicz M, et al. Atopic dermatitis in America study: a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence and disease burden of atopic dermatitis in the US adult population. J Invest Dermatol. 2019;139(3):583-590. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2018.08.028

2. Nelson, S. (2023, January 3). Mental health and eczema – seeing the unseen. National Eczema Association. https://nationaleczema.org/blog/mental-health-science/#:~:text=The%20effects%20of%20AD%20on,on%20work%20absenteeism%20or%20productivit

3. Chandan N and Lio P. The shape of atopic dermatitis. Practical Dermatology June 2019:64-78. Available at: https://practicaldermatology.com/articles/2019-june/the-shape-of-atopic-dermatitis

4. Lohman ME and Lio P. Comparison of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis guidelines – an argument for aggressive atopic dermatitis management. Pediatr Dermatol 2017;34(6):739-42.

5. Sangha AM. Dermatological conditions in skin of color—managing atopic dermatitis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2021;14(3 suppl 1): S20-S22.

6. Adelekun A, Onyekaba G, Lipof JB. Skin color in dermatology textbooks: An updated evaluation and analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Jan;84(1):194-196.

7. National Eczema Association. Eczema in skin of color: What you need to know. Available at: https://nationaleczema.org/skin-of-color/

8. McKenzie S, Brown-Korsah JB, Syder NC, Omar D, Taylor SC, Elbuluk N. Variations in genetics, biology, and phenotype of cutaneous disorders in skin of color. Part II: Differences in clinical presentation and disparities in cutaneous disorders in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2022 Dec; 87(6):1261-1270.

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4 reasons you should check your hearing this year

2024-12-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – When was the last time you had your hearing checked? If you’re like most Americans, it may have been a while or you may not have gotten it checked before — rest assured, you’re not alone. According to Synchrony’s 2024 “Hearing Health & Loss Prevention” study, 70% of people consider their hearing to be a priority (who doesn’t?) but less than 10% have visited an audiologist in the past year.

Even more surprising, the study found 85% of respondents said there was no need to discuss their hearing with their health care provider, even though more than one in five people admitted to exhibiting potential symptoms of hearing loss, like:

  • Needing people to repeat themselves
  • Listening to music or watching TV louder than others may find necessary
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Sound familiar? Hearing loss can come on gradually over time, so you might not even realize it’s happening. Delaying hearing care can result in outcomes that are more serious than just having to turn up the volume again or asking someone to repeat themselves. It can have a significant effect on your physical, mental and emotional well-being that can lead to repercussions, including, but not limited to:

Social isolation: People with moderate or even mild hearing loss that’s untreated can start to withdraw from social situations like parties or get-togethers because they have trouble hearing and participating in conversations in noisy environments. As we age, social connection and interaction is crucial to our well-being. Isolation from friends, family and community because of hearing loss can contribute to depression and loneliness.

Negative impact on job or school performance: If you can’t hear instructions or conversations in meetings, you can miss crucial information that you need to know to perform your job adequately and safely. The same goes for school assignments.

Increased risk of falls: Hearing plays an important role in balance and spatial awareness, and in cases where there is even mild hearing loss, adults are at an increased risk of accidental falls.

Cognitive decline: Untreated hearing loss has been strongly linked to dementia in older adults. According to a Johns Hopkins study (among others), older adults with hearing loss were more likely to have dementia. It’s an alarming statistic for those who ignore their hearing loss symptoms. But, here’s the good news — the risk of dementia lowers among hearing aid users. It shows a clear link between hearing loss and dementia, and that treating hearing loss diminishes that risk. Exactly how hearing loss contributes to dementia is not completely understood, but one theory suggests that, in people with hearing loss, the brain must work harder to process and decipher sounds, which can be exhausting over time.

That’s why the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends all adults 18-40 years old have their hearing tested every three to five years, regardless of whether they’re experiencing hearing loss or not. If you’re over 60 years old, frequently exposed to loud noises, experiencing hearing loss symptoms or have been diagnosed with hearing loss, you should be getting your ears checked every year.

With all of the dangers of neglecting hearing care, why don’t more people make it a part of their yearly trips to their physicians? One factor could be cost. In fact, Synchrony’s “Hearing Health & Loss Prevention” study found that 43% of respondents said one of the primary factors for getting their hearing checked would be cost, and they would be more likely to get their hearing checked if it was free.

There are payment options to help you manage the costs of health care associated with hearing, including financial assistance (when applicable), health insurance, third-party financing and in-house payment plans. CareCredit is a credit card used for health and wellness products and treatments that offers financing options for qualified consumers and is accepted in more than 11,000 audiology and hearing practices across the country for treatments and products that are not covered by insurance. By fulfilling the evolving needs and expectations of patients, CareCredit is a tool that empowers people to pay for the health and wellness care they want in a way that fits their lifestyle.

To learn more about what Synchrony’s “Hearing Health & Loss Prevention” study uncovered about hearing health, preventative hearing care and financial planning options, please visit www.carecredit.com/well-u/. To learn more about CareCredit, please visit www.carecredit.com.

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Why Gift Cards Are the Ultimate Holiday Gift: Tips for Thoughtful and Safe Gifting

2024-12-05T10:39:00

(BPT) – Gift cards remain the most requested gift for 18 years in a row, according to the National Retail Federation. Their appeal is simple: they offer flexibility, convenience, and the joy of letting recipients choose exactly what they want. This holiday season, many will rely on gift cards to brighten their loved ones’ celebrations.

The reasons for their popularity are clear: they take the guesswork out of gift-giving and eliminate awkward returns or exchanges. Whether it’s for a coffee lover, a bookworm, or a frequent traveler, there’s a gift card to match any interest. They’re also a great option for last-minute shoppers, with digital gift cards available instantly.

But as gift cards continue to top shopping lists, it’s important to shop thoughtfully and safely to ensure a smooth gifting experience. Here’s how:

Thoughtful Selection: Choosing a gift card with care can make it feel more personal. Think about the recipient’s hobbies or interests when making your selection. For someone hard to shop for, a multi-store gift card or the new gift card from Giftcards.com provides options by letting the recipient choose exactly what they want from several popular brands. To add a personal touch, pair the card with a small, related item — like gourmet popcorn with a movie gift card or a scented candle with a spa card.

Easy Digital Delivery: Digital gift cards make gifting simple and quick. Many popular brands, such as Nordstrom, PlayStation, The Cheesecake Factory, Five Guys, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, and Cracker Barrel, allow you to send eGift cards via a link.

You can share eGift cards through text, email, or social messaging apps, making it easy to customize the delivery. Since the link comes from you, it’s clear who sent the gift. The recipient can redeem the eGift instantly and start enjoying it right away.

Smart Purchasing: Buying from trusted brands and retailers is key to ensuring your gift card is secure. Shop directly from brand websites, reliable online marketplaces like Giftcards.com, or well-known in-store displays. Check the packaging for signs of tampering, like missing scratch-off PIN covers, and keep the activation receipt in case of any problems.

The new Visa® eGift and Mastercard® eGift cards are also great options. These come in tamper-evident carriers and let recipients load funds to their digital wallets by scanning a QR code. You can find these cards at over 15,000 locations across the nation, including Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Mariano’s, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Weis Markets and many more.

Staying Safe from Possible Fraud: Gift card fraud is rare but worth being cautious about. Criminals may tamper with packaging or use scams to get card details. To stay safe, never share card numbers or PINs with anyone other than the recipient. Be wary of anyone asking for payment through gift cards — legitimate businesses and government agencies don’t do this.

If you notice a card seems tampered with, pick a different one and let a store employee know. Encourage recipients to keep their gift cards safe and contact the number on the back of the card if there’s any issue. Taking these steps ensures the card is used as intended.

Gift with Confidence: By shopping carefully and taking a few precautions, you can be confident that your gift card will be a hit. Gift cards not only simplify holiday shopping but also bring joy to those who receive them. This holiday season, let gift cards be your go-to for thoughtful, flexible, and safe gifting. With the right approach, you’ll take the stress out of gift-giving and make the holidays brighter for everyone on your list.

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5 ways to engage your kids in the magic of the season

2024-12-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – For busy families, the holidays can be a blur. With office parties, gifts to buy, kids’ holiday programs to attend at school, moving the holiday elf around the house, and invitations for countless get-togethers, it can become a stressful time that goes by too fast. All too often, the rush of the season takes hold and before you know it, you turn the calendar to January, wondering where the holidays went.

But, as parents know, there are only a handful of holiday seasons while children are young enough to delight in the magic of it all. This year, how about slowing down, involving the kids in some old (or new!) traditions, and making some wonderful memories that you’ll always cherish?

Here are five ways to enjoy the holidays with your kids.

Holiday movie night. Designate one night each week as family holiday movie night. Pour mugs of hot chocolate, munch on holiday cookies and watch favorites like “Elf,” “Home Alone” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” Make sure to catch the old Rankin-Bass cartoons “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and no holiday season is complete without “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.”

Festivity Activities. Spark your child’s holiday imagination with Festivity Activities, a fun new offering from HP to bring the family together and help busy parents who may be out of ideas for their mischievous elves. All you need to do is print the templates from the HP site to make a little magic this holiday season. Templates for Festivity Activities include:

Holiday Picture Frame: Both colorful and blank options for kids to color in before framing their favorite holiday memory.

Table covered with crayons, string, a hole puncher, and printable holiday picture frames

Holiday Light Bulb Decor: Print your winter wonderland decor right at home.

Printable holiday lightbulbs and string from which to hang them as garland

Christmas List: Parents can pretend their mischievous elves left this for their kids to fill out before they bring it back to Santa.

Table with crayons and HP printed wishlists

Holiday Lyric Bingo: Put on your favorite holiday playlist and have the whole family play along.

Printed holiday-themed bingo cards covered with presents and peppermints

Holiday Popper: The perfect way to wrap small gifts or notes from holiday elves before popping them open.

Printable holiday wrappers and ribbon spread out on a table

All of these activities are designed to engage kids in the holidays by unleashing their creativity. Print the templates on the new Envy 6155e All-In-One printer by HP, the perfect way to print magic this holiday season.

Holiday story night. Snuggle with the kids for story time, even if they’re a little too old to be read to. Pick holiday favorites like “The Polar Express,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “The 8 Nights of Chanukah.”

Holiday countdown calendar. Make your own Advent-style calendar by creating a countdown calendar that covers Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Find a calendar template online, making sure the box for each calendar day is big enough to write in activities, like your movie night, or just fun holiday messages. Print it out on your Envy 6155e and put it on the fridge!

Traditional holiday baking. Have you skipped holiday baking for a few years, opting for the convenience of store-bought treats? Bring back the traditions this year and share them with your kids. Whether it’s your mother’s rugelach for Hanukkah or your grandmother’s lefse for Christmas, involve your kids in your family’s traditions.

Whichever activities you choose, it’s about engaging yourself and your kids in the holiday season, enjoying the people you love, and making a little magic of your own.

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The high cost of fraud for people and brands … and what to do about it

2024-12-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every day on the news, we hear about another data breach. Ticketmaster recently reported that 560 million customers had their data stolen — names, addresses, email, payment information, etc. AT&T noted that 73 million records were hacked, but their breach also included Social Security numbers. Early in the fall of this year, a hacking group claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion personal records, including Social Security numbers, and sold the information on the dark web. That number is mind-boggling.

The high cost of fraud

Data stolen and used by bad actors is a financial nightmare. But it’s not only that. According to the 2024 Trust Index Report by customer identity and engagement solutions provider Telesign, 47% of global fraud victims experienced financial repercussions, including lost savings and stolen bank information, but they also suffered emotionally. The study found that 34% of victims experienced anxiety, depression and stress. Additionally, 21% faced social repercussions, and 20% experienced physical safety concerns.

Nearly half of all fraud victims (49%) considered the experience life-altering or very impactful. It changed their use of social media, payment services and e-commerce, and it also changed their view of the hacked brands.

Some 64% of global consumers report that fraud incidents negatively impact their perception of the brand responsible for the breach. Many sever ties completely with the brand, but even more damaging, they often take their grievances to social media and discourage friends and family from engaging with it.

What people and brands can do

A straightforward first step everyone can take immediately is to freeze their credit. This doesn’t mean you can’t use your credit cards or lines of credit, but it does mean no new credit can be taken out in your name. It’s simply a matter of contacting the three credit bureaus and filling out an online form. In a few minutes, it’s locked down. When you want or need to get a car loan, mortgage or new credit card, unfreezing is just as easy.

Another step you can take is to avoid engaging with brands that don’t take digital identity protection seriously.

According to the Telesign study, nearly everyone (92%) believes that the companies they engage with are the first line of defense and that brands are responsible for protecting digital privacy.

Christophe Van De Weyer, CEO of Telesign, summed it up. “Companies that neglect to safeguard their customers’ digital identities are putting more than just data at risk — they’re jeopardizing their reputation, customer trust and future growth,” he said. “In today’s landscape, there’s no justification for not implementing stronger security measures like multi-factor authentication, especially since most consumers are willing to embrace additional steps to prevent fraud and feel more secure.”

Multi-factor authentication is one example of an additional step. Receiving a security code or going through a few clicks to ensure you are who you say you are is worth it compared to the repercussions of fraud.

The Telesign study also found that an overwhelming 80% of global consumers believe that security measures such as multi-factor authentication are necessary to protect against fraud.

The 2024 Trust Index underscores the urgent need for businesses, governments and individuals to prioritize trust and security in the digital world. Telesign connects, protects and defends companies and customers and the digital interactions between them. Harnessing intelligence from more than 2,200 digital identity signals, Telesign’s AI models empower companies to transact with their customers free of fear, enabling the promise of the digital economy. Telesign helps its customers prevent the transmission of 30+ million fraudulent messages each month and protects 1+ billion accounts from takeovers yearly.

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Breaking Free from Recurrent C. diff, a Serious Gut Infection

2024-12-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, nearly half a million people in the U.S. suffer from a serious and potentially deadly infection called Clostridioides difficile or C. diff.1,2 C. diff is a bacteria that can overwhelm good bacteria in the gut and cause an infection. Symptoms may include constant diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever.1 Even when treated with antibiotics, a C. diff infection can come back again and again.1

Imagine having C. diff and needing to be close to a bathroom almost constantly – it can make even the simplest task like going to the grocery store difficult.1 That’s what happened to Heather, a 37-year-old newlywed from Arizona.

Heather recalls her fear when she began going through a vicious cycle of symptoms right before her wedding. “I had dreamed of being this beautiful princess bride, and suddenly I was sick all the time. It was devastating.”

Heather was initially treated with antibiotics, but her infection returned. This is common for some C. diff sufferers. Up to three in 10 people who have C. diff get it again, which is known as a recurrence.2,3 After a first recurrence, up to six in 10 people may develop a subsequent recurrence. 4,5

When Heather visited her doctor for a follow-up, she learned about an option called REBYOTA, the first and only single-dose microbiome-based therapy approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent recurrent C. diff infection in individuals 18 years of age and older following antibiotic treatment for recurrent C. diff infection. REBYOTA is delivered directly where it’s needed, the gut microbiome.

“I went in, and my nurse administered REBYOTA. It only took about 15 minutes, and then I was able to get up and drive myself home,” she said.

A few days after the administration, Heather started to notice a difference.

“I was so surprised. The number of times I was rushing to the bathroom decreased, and each day I felt incrementally better,” she said. “After being sick for so long, I was finally starting to feel like myself again.”

More than six months later, Heather remains free of C. diff symptoms. She even felt well enough to go to the Phoenix State Fair with her husband. “We were there from morning until night, and I didn’t have to worry about being close to a bathroom. It was something I never thought would be possible when I was sick,” she said. Individual results may vary.

To learn more about C. diff infection and REBYOTA, talk to your doctor and visit REBYOTA.com.

INDICATION

REBYOTA (fecal microbiota, live – jslm) is indicated for the prevention of recurrence of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection in individuals 18 years of age and older, following antibiotic treatment for recurrent C. diff infection.

Limitation of Use
REBYOTA is not indicated for the treatment of C. diff infection.

Important Safety Information

  • You should not receive REBYOTA if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to REBYOTA or any of its components.
  • You should report to your doctor any infection you think you may have acquired after administration.
  • REBYOTA may contain food allergens.
  • Most common side effects may include stomach pain (8.9%), diarrhea (7.2%), bloating (3.9%), gas (3.3%), and nausea (3.3%).
  • REBYOTA has not been studied in patients below 18 years of age.
  • Clinical studies did not determine if adults 65 years of age and older responded differently than younger adults.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-332-1088.

Please click to see the full Prescribing Information.

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About C. Diff? 6 Mar. 2024. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/c-diff/about/index.html.
  2. Lessa FC, Mu Y, Bamberg WM, et al. Burden of Clostridium difficile infection in the United States. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(9):825-834.
  3. Cornely OA, Miller MA, Louie TJ, Crook DW, Gorbach SL. Treatment of first recurrence of Clostridium difficile infection: fidaxomicin versus vancomycin. Clin Infect Dis. 2012;55(suppl 2):S154-S161.
  4. Kelly CP. Can we identify patients at high risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection? Clin Microbiol Infect. 2012;18(suppl 6):21-27.
  5. Smits WK, Lyras D, Lacy DB, Wilcox MH, Kuijper EJ. Clostridium difficile infection. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16020.

Photo by Julian Dufort

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Celebrating innovation happens from the inside out

2024-12-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – For more than a century, Johnson & Johnson has been synonymous with innovation in science and medicine by moving the needle in building a world where complex diseases are prevented and cured, treatments are smarter, and solutions are personalized and accessible. Inventions like robotic surgery, tissue engineering, and treatments for cancers and HIV have changed the world forever and improved the patient experience and health and care for all.

As an authority on transformative scientific research and discoveries, Johnson & Johnson recognizes the impact scientific research and discoveries can have on the world and is proud to celebrate those innovations — both inside the company and from other scientists around the world — through two awards: the Johnson Medal and the Dr. Paul Janssen Award.

Established in 1960, The Johnson Medal is Johnson & Johnson’s most prestigious company-wide honor and celebrates trailblazing innovation in research and development. The Medal is awarded to teams who exemplify excellence through their curiosity, impactful contributions to patients, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and making breakthroughs that accelerate science through novel healthcare solutions.

Johnson & Johnson employees who have previously received this honor include:

  • Jill Giles-Komar, David Shealy, Jacqueline Benson, Yevgeniya Orlovsky, Jeffrey Luo and Carrie Brodmerkel, the team that developed a treatment for plaque psoriasis which has since been approved for irritable bowel diseases and psoriatic arthritis
  • Dr. Assaf Govari, a four-time winner who created several medical technological devices, including an ultrasound that provides real-time, 3D imaging of the inside of the heart
  • Jordan Schecter, Arnob Banerjee, Jean Xu, Jennifer Yohrling, Loreta Marquez and Ravi Bhatia for developing J&J’s first CAR-T cell therapy for treating multiple myeloma
  • Thorsten Siess, Claudia Mourran, Frank Kirchhoff, Jimpo Wang, Scott Corbett, Vincent Roy and Werner Carell who developed the only heart pump to help restore native heart function during surgery or following a heart attack

Passionate and creative scientists are all around us and in an effort to celebrate the impact these gifted researchers can have on transforming human health and inspiring others, Johnson & Johnson also honors a scientist or research team whose achievements have made a measurable impact on health for all with the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research.

Established in 2004, this award honors the memory of Dr. Paul Janssen, a passionate, prolific scientist and researcher who discovered over 80 treatments — four of which remain on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines — for many illnesses, including infectious diseases, pain, and psychiatric disorder. The Award extends the legacy of its namesake and lauds groundbreaking biomedical researchers outside of Johnson & Johnson who have made “a transformational contribution toward the improvement of human health.” More than a third of this award’s winners have received a Nobel Prize for their foundational work.

Counted among the award’s recipients are:

  • Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier and Dr. Jennifer Doudna for their co-discovery of a new method for precise genetic information manipulation
  • Dr. Erik De Clercq and Dr. Anthony Fauci for their work in understanding and combatting viral diseases, particularly HIV/AIDS
  • Dr. Robert Langer for his development of novel drug delivery systems that have revolutionized treatment for a number of diseases and chronic conditions
  • Dr. Lynne Maquat and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky for their fundamental discoveries about regulated degradation of RNA and proteins

Johnson & Johnson is committed to honoring scientific creativity and excellence that can improve the lives of patients around the world. These awards aim to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers to continue to push boundaries through cutting-edge science and transformative healthcare solutions while honoring the legacies of the pioneers who came before. Johnson & Johnson knows that recognizing and supporting innovation — wherever it originates — is key to advancing medical discoveries. As Dr. Paul would say, “There is so much more to be done; the patients are waiting.”