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Solar energy innovations consumers will love from CES 2025

2025-01-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Eager to discover the latest and greatest technology? If so, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the highlight of the year, and the 2025 offerings were bolder than ever. Consumers seeking innovative solar solutions will want to explore highlights from Jackery, a leader in reliable, innovative renewable energy solutions, which presented cutting-edge products for the home and outdoors.

Here are this year’s buzz-worthy solar energy products:

New era for rooftop solar

Debuting at CES, Jackery’s Solar Roof combines elegance with functionality for a green energy solution that’s visually stunning without sacrificing features. These first-ever curved solar roof tiles in the U.S. allow for seamless integration between the photovoltaic (PV) panels and architectural design. The solar tiles are designed to last, with a 30-year warranty and advanced durability to withstand extreme weather conditions including temperatures from -40 to 185 F, plus hail and high winds.

These high-efficiency tiles also provide industry-leading cell conversion of over 25% for maximum energy output. They’re designed for seamless grid integration and compatible with smart energy management systems like Jackery’s 5000 Plus and Smart Transfer Switch Kit and Jackery’s HomePower Energy System.

Complete home energy system

Homeowners looking to live greener, reduce grid reliance and lower energy costs will want to check out the Jackery HomePower Energy System. Designed to provide homeowners with more energy independence, the system combines cutting-edge technology with intuitive, user-friendly design.

This permanent, grid-tied energy storage solution revolutionizes home energy management, and can operate with or without rooftop solar. The system offers a comprehensive suite of features including a high voltage battery system for safe, scalable energy storage to fit your home’s needs.

Versatile home essential backup

The powerful, portable and compact Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus Kit is an integrated smart-home backup essential, ensuring people will stay connected, powered and secure even in difficult circumstances. Its modular capacity ranges from 5-60 kilowatt hours with an output of 7.2-14.4 kilowatts, which is ample power for most household needs. The 120V/240V dual voltage enhances compatibility for appliances like dryers, water pumps, ovens, etc., and its expandable design lets users customize the system to fit specific requirements for effortlessly powering home essentials. The next-generation LiFePO4 battery cycle offers a lasting backup source of over ten years, and includes a 5-year warranty plus 2 optional years.

Consumers will have smart app control, allowing them to remotely monitor and manage power usage, with scheduled charge/discharge settings for increased efficiency.

Upgraded essential backup and off-grid power

The Jackery Explorer 3000v2 is by far the most compact and lightest 3 kilowatt hour LFP solar generator on the market, making it a game-changer in essential backup and off-grid energy solutions. Its robust 3,000 watt hour capacity is ideal for powering critical appliances like refrigerators, portable air conditioners, water pumps, and more. It also operates in temps as low as -40F and is designed to withstand dusty, rugged environments.

Learn more about being prepared for emergencies, reducing energy costs and living more sustainably with innovative solar generator options at Jackery.com.

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5 Ways to Stick to Your 2025 Healthy Commitments

2025-01-24T05:01:00

(BPT) – Research shows that by the start of February, up to 94% of people abandon the New Year’s resolutions they made. In fact, two separate dates have been coined “Quitter’s Day” and “Ditch Your Resolution Day.” Research shows that resolutions don’t typically work, but commitments do.

Reframing your mindset and aspirations can be the key to finding success. According to a recent national wellness survey of more than 1,000 people by Life Time, a national health and wellness company with more than 175 athletic clubs and a complimentary digital app, 74.7% plan to prioritize their health in 2025, a nearly 20% increase from last year. With that in mind, Danny King, Director of Recovery and Performance at Life Time, offers five unique and creative tips to help you move through the year with success, whether you work out at a health club or utilize a fitness app.

  1. Fulfill your interests: Look for a place or an app that offers programming to match your interests or goals now but also has variety to fulfill new aspirations or challenges as your comfort level grows. You may not think you can do a dance-based workout now, but you might want to in the future. The fun and novelty of new experiences can keep you excited about your workouts and goals. And trying a complimentary workout app can reduce intimidation too.
  2. Buddy up: Find a buddy who shares similar goals or try a small group training experience — this could be a current friend or someone new you meet. Multiple studies prove you’re much more likely to stick with a goal if you have a friend or a group to help keep you accountable.
  3. One step at a time: Challenge yourself with mini goals, like trying a new machine each week or steadily increasing the amount of weight you’re lifting. Check if your club or app offers progressive challenges to sign up for. For a leg up, Life Time has Dynamic Personal Trainers to support quicker gains (or losses) and keep you motivated.
  4. Fuel up: Find a health club with a café or smoothie bar and commit to trying something new and healthy. Life Time clubs have full fast-casual LifeCafe restaurants and an entire collection of pure, potent and powerful nutritional products and supplements that can also support your goals. And don’t forget the protein.
  5. Reward yourself: Many health clubs offer amenities like saunas, pools, cold plunges and massage services. Life Time is the largest operator of salons and spas in the country and can be used for daily care and as a reward for sticking to your workout routine. Treating yourself to a relaxing session can be a great motivator.

Regardless of your health and wellness goals, a commitment mindset and the right health club or fitness app will help you. Life Time’s free app with workouts, meditation, strength programs and more is available to anyone. King notes, “Whether in real life or digital, you want to look for a wide range of programs and services that are available for a variety of ages and abilities. We love this time of year when we can really help people find success.”

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Safeguarding Your Surgery: The Vital Role of Anesthesiologists and What You Need to Know and Share for a Successful Procedure

2025-01-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re having a routine procedure such as a colonoscopy or something more complex like heart surgery, your medical team is committed to ensuring a safe and successful outcome. But you also can play an important role in making your procedure as smooth and effective as possible. Do you have a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease? Are you a smoker or over age 65 dealing with memory issues? Maybe you use cannabis? These and other issues can affect your anesthesia care plan, and are important to share with your anesthesiologist before your procedure.

“Your safety is your anesthesiologist’s priority — in fact, anesthesiology was the first medical specialty to recognize patient safety as a discipline,” said Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Patients can aid their anesthesiologists in creating a plan that is tailored to them by being open about their pre-existing health conditions, habits and any medications or vitamins they take.”

During Physician Anesthesiologists Week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, ASA is reminding patients of the importance of being fully engaged during their medical journey — from disclosing pertinent information regarding your health to inquiring about who is involved in providing your anesthesia care.

There are clear distinctions between anesthesiologists and other valued members of the Anesthesia Care Team. Anesthesiologists have unique medical education and training to lead and navigate vital moments of care during surgery or other procedures, including any complications that might arise. That’s why it’s important to know who is providing your anesthesia care. Anesthesiologists are medical doctors who specialize in anesthesia, pain and critical care medicine, and work with your surgeon and the medical team to develop and administer your anesthesia care and pain management plan. This leadership and oversight of your anesthesia care best ensures safe, high-quality, high-value care before, during and after surgery.

Like all other aspects of health care delivery, understanding the education, skills, and qualifications of the members of your Anesthesia Care Team helps you to make informed health care decisions. Meeting with your anesthesiologist, or an anesthesiologist-led team, before your procedure provides an opportunity to discuss your health and address any concerns. The following are suggested tips for making the most out of this important conversation:

  • Talk about your health. Share if you have any health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure or lung disease. Even issues that seem minor, such as snoring or allergies, can influence your care.
  • List your medications and supplements. Certain medications can interact with anesthesia, so let your anesthesiologist know what you are taking, whether an injection for weight loss or a cholesterol drug. Don’t forget to include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements.
  • Be honest about smoking and cannabis use. Let your anesthesiologist know if you are a cigarette smoker because smoking can raise the risk of anesthesia-related complications. Try to quit before your procedure; the earlier, the better. Cannabis use, including edibles, can affect the level of anesthesia you need during surgery, as well as the type of pain medications you need after surgery. It also raises your risk for nausea and vomiting and may increase postoperative pain. Sharing this information is crucial to your safety.
  • Ask about your risk of postoperative delirium. If you are 65 or older or have a history of memory issues, you may be at increased risk for postoperative delirium, which can cause confusion, memory problems or agitation. Let your anesthesiologist know if you have experienced these problems, including after having anesthesia in the past. Learn more about how age can increase your risk and what you can do about it.
  • Come prepared with questions. Bring a list of any questions you have, such as those pertaining to the details of the procedure, what kind of anesthesia you’ll receive, possible side effects and pain management strategies. If you’re nervous, share your concerns — your anesthesiologist is there to provide information and reassurance.

Taking these steps not only helps your anesthesiologist deliver the safest and most effective care for you, but also can help you feel more confident and informed going into surgery. Learn more about how you can prepare for surgery and reduce your risks.

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Parents of college-bound students: How to manage the costs

2025-01-23T10:01:00

(BPT) – Looking forward to your children’s college journey? It’s an exciting time, full of possibilities and dreams for the future, but it also has some challenges. Recently, inflation across the board — including tuition, room and board, and more — is impacting how families plan to fund this key investment in their child’s future. In a recent College Ave survey, over half of parents of undergraduates (57%) said inflation was affecting their financial planning for college, and 62% said college costs were more than their family anticipated.

If this sounds daunting, the good news is there’s a path forward. To help you plan, learn how other parents are coping with increased expenses, balancing their financial goals and uncovering multiple resources to help pay for college.

Mom giving her daugher a hug as they pack the back of her car up for college.

Parents remain committed to their children’s education

One key finding from the College Ave survey was that 88% of parents believe college is a crucial investment for their child’s future, and nearly all (94%) reported helping or planning to help pay for college. The most common plan for parents helping to fund their child’s education was combining several sources, including their regular income and savings (64%) plus grants and scholarships (61%), 529 accounts (43%), federal student loans (41%), their child’s job (36%) and other sources, including private student loans. Among those who said they helped pay for college, 2 in 3 were confident they had a good plan in place.

To cope with increasing expenses while working toward this important goal, many parents are reassessing their own financial goals. Most parents said they’d saved money for their child’s college education (73%), and among those who saved, over half felt comfortable with their current savings (57%), but 29% did not. Because of the addition of college expenses on their finances, parents planned to cut back on day-to-day expenses, delay big purchases and prioritize their child’s education over their own savings goals.

Parents working on laptop in living room while filling out paper work.

Start with the FAFSA

Your family’s first step toward accessing financial resources is going to studentaid.gov to fill out the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opened Dec. 1. Many vital financial resources, including federal grants and loans, state grants, plus some school-based aid, are based on this form.

According to the College Ave survey, 87% of parents filled out the FAFSA last year, with those 13% who didn’t fill it out opting to do so overwhelmingly because they felt their income was too high to receive financial aid.

The “new” FAFSA which rolled out last year is reported to be even faster to complete than the previous form. In 2024, 8% said they received more aid compared to previous years, while 19% reported receiving less. However, it’s difficult for any family to know how much aid — federal student loans, grants or scholarships — they’ll be eligible for without completing the form.

Teenage girl filling out college application.

Apply to several schools

How many schools are students applying to, and why? The survey discovered that students applied to an average of six colleges/universities, based on several different criteria. The top factors affecting their final school decision included available majors (57%), campus environment (54%) and the school location (51%).

Applying to multiple schools widens the opportunity for different financial aid packages. Over half of the parents of freshmen students surveyed (51%) said the financial aid they received varied greatly by school, so it can benefit your family to keep more options open.

Parents of college student working on budget while on laptop in the kitchen.

Explore financial resources

To expand funding sources, you and your college-bound student need to do some legwork (mostly online, that is). The survey revealed that 65% of parents said finding scholarships for college was difficult, and 60% wished for more resources to help their family plan and pay for college. The truth is, many scholarships offered by companies, community groups, non-profit organizations, state education departments and employers go unclaimed each year, so it’s up to your family to find them.

Start with your child’s high school guidance counselor, your employer and your child’s employer (if they have one) to ask about scholarships, but don’t stop there. Check community organizations, your state’s Department of Education, local foundations, civic groups and associations connected with your family’s background and interests. Many online scholarship sources can match your child to appropriate scholarships. One easy, no-essay scholarship you can also apply for is from CollegeAve.com/scholarship — a new winner is selected each month.

Your family may also benefit from a private student loan to help bridge the gap between financial aid your child receives and their expenses. Visit CollegeAve.com to discover flexible loan options that can help your family breathe a little easier. Their website also provides helpful tips and information to help you plan and pay for college.

With all these resources, you can put together the funding your child needs to achieve their education, helping them on the road toward their future goals.

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Finding Strength in Words: María’s Rare Kidney Disease Story

2025-01-23T06:01:00

(BPT) – As a professional communicator, words have always come easily to María. That is until the diagnoses of two different rare kidney diseases that left María speechless.

Many people know what chronic kidney disease (CKD) is, but few people have heard of rare kidney disease (RKD). María lives with two different forms of RKD: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). IgAN, one of the most common forms of RKD, causes inflammation in the kidneys, damaging their function over time. FSGS is characterized by the development of scarring in the kidneys. Both can lead to kidney failure in the prime of life.

An estimated 60-80 per 100,000 people in the United States currently live with RKD. RKDs are often diagnosed when people are younger and can progress faster than other forms of kidney disease. In fact, while people with RKD represent less than 5-10% of people with kidney disease, those with RKD represent upwards of 30% of those with kidney failure. As a result, people living with RKD face unique challenges navigating life with a rare disease. Due to low public awareness, people living with RKD often struggle to explain their condition to others.

A Change to Daily Life

This was the case for María, whose RKD caused many changes to her life in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Prior to her diagnoses in her early 30s, María was quite active, balancing a stressful job while raising a family, jumping to social activities, and enjoying travel. But after her diagnoses, she didn’t feel well enough or have the energy to keep up. This took a mental and emotional toll.

She felt alone, misunderstood and worried. Would her RKD cause kidney failure? How could she be there for her children and family? Would she be a burden to others?

Because her physical appearance remained unchanged, many people around her did not understand the impact that RKD had on María’s everyday life. “Unfortunately, if people don’t see something physically different about you, they don’t understand that you have a chronic condition,” she said.

Today, María surrounds herself with people who are helping her enjoy the most out of life, finding that “it is important to surround yourself with positive people” to create the best environment for life with RKD.

Strong Support System

María’s family is an important source of strength. Her mother and partner are two of her biggest pillars of support, and she also has a network of friends who keep her marching toward her goals and hopes for the future. Her father, who passed away years ago, still gives her strength as she remembers how he chose to live life with intensity and joy.

María’s children also motivate her to stay active and prioritize her health. “I want to be an example of perseverance for them, that we can never give up. We have to draw strength and continue with life.”

She also finds camaraderie and community from others living with RKD. “Being able to connect with people who are going through the same thing as me is important,” María said. “Although there are few of us, knowing that I am not the only one gives me the confidence to vent and to ask questions.” And that’s how she grew more comfortable talking about her rare kidneys and felt inspired to share her experience of living with RKD.

Finding Her Voice Again

When María learned about a campaign that aims to increase awareness of RKD through the power of storytelling, she felt like she found the perfect opportunity to tell her story about living with both FSGS and IgAN. Through RKD & Me, a campaign co-created by the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, NephCure and Travere Therapeutics, María penned a powerful letter to her younger self that captured the struggles she faced living with RKD, as well as the strength she found through her journey.

María hopes that by sharing the profound impact RKD has had on her life, she can help someone else living with RKD. “Being able to tell my story may help someone in need or who needs words of encouragement.”

If you have rare kidney disease and want to share your story or want to learn more about the experiences of people living with RKD, including María, visit RKDandMe.com or follow #RKDandMe on social media.

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You Were Diagnosed with Advanced Kidney Cancer. Now What?

2025-01-22T09:31:00

(BPT) – Knowledge is one of the most valuable tools when faced with a cancer diagnosis. Given that one in two men and one in three women are expected to be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetimes, it’s hard to ignore how important knowledge is when understanding a diagnosis and deciding the appropriate path forward. This remains true for renal cell carcinoma, or RCC. While some people with kidney cancer may experience symptoms, like blood in urine, lower back pain on one side, and a mass on the side or lower back, others may only have limited symptoms such as mild hip pain.

When people experience pain or symptoms that are out of the ordinary, it is recommended that they visit their healthcare provider, who may recommend further testing.

In certain cases, if testing or imaging reveal metastatic cancer, meaning cancer that has spread to other parts of the body from where it originated, a strong, trusting relationship between a patient and their healthcare provider is key to understanding treatment options and deciding the appropriate plan of care. For certain patients with advanced RCC, a dual immunotherapy treatment may be an option.

What might a person expect when diagnosed with advanced RCC?

Hearing “you have cancer” can feel overwhelming. Treatment decisions may need to happen quickly and it’s natural to have questions. When facing an advanced RCC diagnosis, information is power, and getting the details can be very helpful to feel more prepared to move forward.

For those recently diagnosed, it is recommended to ask the following questions:

  • What type of kidney cancer do I have?
  • Has the cancer spread?
  • What stage is the cancer, and what does that mean?
  • Where can patients find resources and support?
  • What are the treatment options?
  • What should someone expect when undergoing treatment?

It is important to feel empowered when facing advanced RCC, and this empowerment can be grounded in a patient’s relationship with and communication with their doctor. Discussions about treatment should be a shared decision-making process.

What types of treatments are available for people facing an advanced RCC diagnosis?

There are several treatment options for advanced RCC. Immunotherapy is a treatment option that is designed to work with the body’s immune system to help fight cancer. For eligible people, dual immunotherapy — which is a combination of two immunotherapy treatments — may be recommended.

An example of dual immunotherapy is Opdivo® (or nivolumab) plus Yervoy® (or ipilimumab), which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for certain newly diagnosed adults whose kidney cancer has spread and have not already had treatment for advanced RCC. It is the first and only combination of two immunotherapies of its kind approved to treat advanced RCC.

Opdivo plus Yervoy is designed to work by helping your immune system to fight cancer. These two immunotherapies work in different but complementary ways.

It’s also important to understand that while doing so, this immunotherapy combination can also affect healthy cells in any area of your body. These problems can sometimes become serious or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when Opdivo is used in combination with Yervoy.

Serious side effects may include lung problems; intestinal problems; liver problems; hormone gland problems; kidney problems; skin problems; eye problems; problems in other organs and tissues; severe infusion reactions; and complications of stem cell transplant, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), that uses donor stem cells (or allogeneic). Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms. Additional Important Safety Information is below.

What other information may be helpful for those facing an advanced RCC diagnosis?

Having a network to rely on and having support through the process is very important. A family member or a friend sitting in a waiting room can help provide support and encouragement.

To learn more about Opdivo + Yervoy, please visit Opdivo.com.

Indication

OPDIVO® (nivolumab) is a prescription medicine used in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) as a first treatment for certain adults with kidney cancer that has spread (advanced renal cell carcinoma).

It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age with melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer.

It is not known if OPDIVO is safe and effective in children for the treatment of any other cancers.

Important Safety Information for OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + YERVOY® (ipilimumab)

What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?

OPDIVO and YERVOY are medicines that may treat certain cancers by working with your immune system. OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening and can lead to death. These problems may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended. You may have more than one of these problems at the same time. Some of these problems may happen more often when OPDIVO is used in combination with another therapy.

Call or see your healthcare provider right away if you develop any new or worse signs or symptoms, including:

  • Lung problems: cough; shortness of breath; chest pain
  • Intestinal problems: diarrhea (loose stools) or more frequent bowel movements than usual; stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus; severe stomach-area (abdominal) pain or tenderness
  • Liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes; severe nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach area (abdomen); dark urine (tea colored); bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
  • Hormone gland problems: headaches that will not go away or unusual headaches; eye sensitivity to light; eye problems; rapid heart beat; increased sweating; extreme tiredness; weight gain or weight loss; feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual; urinating more often than usual; hair loss; feeling cold; constipation; your voice gets deeper; dizziness or fainting; changes in mood or behavior, such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
  • Kidney problems: decrease in your amount of urine; blood in your urine; swelling in your ankles; loss of appetite
  • Skin problems: rash; itching; skin blistering or peeling; swollen lymph nodes; painful sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose, throat, or genital area; fever or flu-like symptoms
  • Eye problems: blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems; eye pain or redness.

Rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue. Your healthcare provider should tell you what signs and symptoms you should report and monitor you depending on the type of organ transplant that you have had.

Problems can also happen in other organs and tissues. These are not all of the signs and symptoms of immune system problems that can happen with OPDIVO and YERVOY. Call or see your healthcare provider right away for any new or worsening signs or symptoms, which may include:

  • Chest pain; irregular heartbeat; shortness of breath; swelling of ankles
  • Confusion; sleepiness; memory problems; changes in mood or behavior; stiff neck; balance problems; tingling or numbness of the arms or legs
  • Double vision; blurry vision; sensitivity to light; eye pain; changes in eye sight
  • Persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness; muscle cramps
  • Low red blood cells; bruising

Rejection of a transplanted organ or tissue. Your healthcare provider should tell you what signs and symptoms you should report and monitor you depending on the type of organ transplant that you have had.

Getting medical help right away may help keep these problems from becoming more serious. Your healthcare team will check you for these problems during treatment and may treat you with corticosteroid or hormone replacement medicines. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects.

Possible side effects of OPDIVO + YERVOY

OPDIVO and OPDIVO + YERVOY can cause serious side effects, including:

  • See “What is the most important information I should know about OPDIVO + YERVOY?”
  • Severe infusion reactions. Tell your healthcare team right away if you get these symptoms during an infusion of OPDIVO or YERVOY: chills or shaking; itching or rash; flushing; shortness of breath or wheezing; dizziness; feel like passing out; fever; back or neck pain
  • Complications, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), of bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic). These complications can be severe and can lead to death. These complications may happen if you underwent transplantation either before or after being treated with OPDIVO or YERVOY. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these complications.

The most common side effects of OPDIVO, when used in combination with YERVOY, include: feeling tired; diarrhea; rash; itching; nausea; pain in muscles, bones, and joints; fever; cough; decreased appetite; vomiting; stomach-area (abdominal) pain; shortness of breath; upper respiratory tract infection; headache; low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism); constipation; decreased weight; and dizziness.

These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
  • have received an organ transplant, including corneal transplant
  • have received or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic)
  • have received radiation treatment to your chest area in the past and have received other medicines that are like OPDIVO
  • have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OPDIVO and YERVOY can harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPDIVO or YERVOY passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY.

Females who are able to become pregnant:

Your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start receiving OPDIVO or YERVOY.

  • You should use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO or YERVOY. Talk to your healthcare provider about birth control methods that you can use during this time.
  • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with OPDIVO or YERVOY. You or your healthcare provider should contact

Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1- 844-593-7869 as soon as you become aware of a pregnancy.

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

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for OPDIVO and YERVOY.

© 2025 Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

OPDIVO®, YERVOY® and the related logos are registered trademarks of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

7356-US02400311 1/25

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One Woman’s Journey Navigating Weight Loss and the Procedure that Helped Her Find Success

2025-01-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Kyra Williams is a wife, mother of two and English professor who leads an active life in Baytown, Texas. However, this active life took a backseat when she moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Texas in 11th grade. At the time, the move to a new town and high school left her feeling down and stopping some activities, like dance and cheerleading, that she once enjoyed.

“The first time I tried to diet was that same year, when I was hoping to fit into a dress for my school’s homecoming dance,” recalled Kyra. “It didn’t work because I was so inactive. That’s when I thought, I need to lose weight.” This began years of diet and exercise that left her with few lasting results other than feelings of disappointment and gnawing hunger.

In college, Kyra gained about 50 pounds. Throughout her adult life, she tried numerous fad diets and workouts, starting a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. After the birth of her son and daughter, Kyra struggled even more to lose the weight she gained during her pregnancies.

It was around this time that Kyra started looking at options beyond diet and exercise for weight loss. Knowing that she wasn’t interested in bariatric surgery, Kyra spent the next seven years researching alternatives that might help address her weight loss challenges.

Kyra is not alone in her struggle to lose weight. Forty-two percent of American adults live with obesity, a complex condition that can lead to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.1 The FDA approval of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss has prompted much-needed conversation around the nature of obesity, reframing it not as a stigmatizing issue of “willpower” but as a medical problem that can require medical approaches.

“It’s not that I ate horribly, I would just eat too much, and I felt like I was always hungry,” explained Kyra. “So, the idea of limiting my stomach capacity was very appealing.”

While searching online, Kyra came across an innovative new approach called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Like the more traditional bariatric surgery, ESG significantly reduces the size of the stomach. However, unlike bariatric surgery, ESG is an incisionless endoscopic procedure. It does not involve any external incisions or leave scars. In a clinical study, patients returned to normal activities within a few days.2

After talking with her doctor about ESG, Kyra decided to move ahead. “This was exactly what I’d been looking for,” she says. She had her procedure in August 2020, using the OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System, a small suturing device attached to a camera that is passed through the patient’s mouth and into their stomach while they are asleep. A specially trained doctor sews the stomach into a smaller shape, reducing its capacity by 70% to 80%. The procedure helps people eat less and feel full faster to help them achieve significant, lasting weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle modifications.2

Kyra was able to return home the same day. Along with a healthy diet and exercise program, Kyra lost 110 pounds in her first year.* “I made up my mind that ESG was going to work for me, and I was going to do everything possible to get the results I wanted,” explained Kyra. “I can still eat what I want, but I exercise and am conscious of what I eat. When I eat too much now, I feel a tightness in my stomach that serves as a helpful reminder not to go back to my old habits.”

Now, four years later, Kyra continues to keep the weight off. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through this journey is that you have to be willing to assess and adjust based on your evolving lifestyle,” she said. “Balancing the needs of my two teenage children along with my own can be a challenge. Since my procedure, I have been able to maintain a routine when it comes to my diet and model healthy habits to my children.”

While exercise continues to be the biggest challenge for Kyra, she motivates herself to prioritize movement almost every day with activities that include step aerobics, walking, lifting weights and riding her indoor cycling bike.

“I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I started to feel better,” said Kyra. “By losing weight and changing my diet and exercise routines, my energy levels are way up, and I have much more stamina than I did before. ESG has been, hands-down, the best decision I’ve ever made for my health.”

Kyra now shares her advice and insights with others who may be considering the ESG procedure. “Losing weight — even with ESG — is both a physical and mental battle. Even though it’s hard, try not to compare yourself to others and their successes — focus on you and your own personal journey.”

To learn more about ESG or to speak with a doctor in your area, visit ApolloEndoSurgery.com.

*This patient testimonial is sponsored by Boston Scientific. Individual results may vary. In a randomized study, patients with class 1 or class 2 obesity (BMI 30 to 40 kg/m2) who underwent ESG in conjunction with prescribed diet and exercise counseling achieved an average of 13.6% total body weight loss at year one, compared to 0.8% with lifestyle modification alone. In that study, 64.7% of patients who underwent ESG in conjunction with lifestyle changes lost at least 10% TBWL compared to 4.5% of patients with lifestyle modification alone. Approximately 21.2% of patients lost more than 20% of their body weight. Optimal results were achieved when patients committed to long term lifestyle changes around diet and exercise. All procedures have risk, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Patients should consult with their doctor to discuss risks and benefits of any medical procedure.

  1. “Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions,” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024.
  2. Abu Dayyeh, BK, et al., “Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Treatment of Class 1 and 2 Obesity (MERIT): A Prospective, Multicentre, Randomised Trial,” The Lancet, July 2022.

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Why Western Massachusetts is your next great family getaway

2025-01-22T06:21:00

(BPT) – If you’re planning a family trip for the next school break or long weekend, how about a destination offering unique attractions for the whole family? Whether you’re traveling when there’s still snow on the ground or after spring has sprung, there’s a wealth of fun attractions and activities to explore in Western Massachusetts.

Here’s just a sampling of what you can discover.

Oh, the places you’ll go!

Did your kids grow up reading Dr. Seuss books? If so, you’ll want to check out the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, the town where Dr. Seuss — also known as Theodor Geisel — was born in 1904. Kids will enjoy the lively exhibits and interactive play stations. Even better, time your visit to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2).

Then stop at the nearby Springfield Science Museum, where budding scientists can indulge their curiosity about the natural sciences, anthropology and physical sciences. Through May 4, The Robot Zoo exhibit will explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots to discover how real animals work. Make sure to save time for a Seymour Planetarium show to further ignite their imaginations — the sky’s the limit.

Hungry for more? Take a trip through The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other beloved stories at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, where your children can learn how their favorite books were created.

This venue is a slam dunk

Did you know Springfield, Massachusetts, is also the birthplace of basketball? For fans of the world’s most popular sport, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a must-see. Learn about the game from its very beginnings to today, experience the fun interactive exhibits, then test your skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.”

The Hall of Fame also hosts events year-round, so it’s best to check their calendar before planning your trip. One highlight is Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3×3 Basketball Tourney and Festival held in June.

Shine a little light on the subject

Creative kids will have a “scentsational” experience at the Yankee Candle® Village in South Deerfield, offering special events all year including live music, games, seasonal attractions — and even the chance to create your own custom scent in a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Kids and kids-at-heart will be dazzled by the 7-foot-tall gumball machine and over 125 different types of candy. You can also enjoy craft beer, pizza, wraps and salads to fuel your visit. Make sure not to miss the awe-inspiring Candle Emporium featuring 200,000 candles.

Get outdoorsy together

While your kids may not be as awed by the area’s stunning natural beauty as you are, the range of outdoor activities will thrill them. During winter you can choose from numerous area resorts for activities including skiing and snow tubing, such as at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock or Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont for tons of family-friendly outdoor fun.

Tubers playing on the snow in berkshire east in Western Massachusetts.

Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, offers year-round activities including cycling, boating, fishing, paddle sports and more. Adventure seekers will definitely want to check out the Catamount Zip Tour at Catamount Mountain when the weather warms up. Their two-hour outdoor experience includes three dual-zipline spans and a chairlift ride up the mountain. The final span of the tour — the “Cata-monster” — is the longest zipline span in the U.S., just over one mile long.

The ultimate family fun spot

From April through October, you’ll thrill the family with a day or two at Six Flags New England in Agawam, which offers exciting rides suitable for a variety of ages, plus water rides, live shows, family entertainment, dining, shopping and more. Check their website for hours, reservations and other information to help you make plans before booking your travel.

Entertainment galore

You’ll find all kinds of entertainment options for your family at the MGM Springfield Casino. While those under 21 aren’t allowed on the casino floor, there’s so much more to this resort that will make your family vacation memorable, including the city’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel (which also offers dog-friendly accommodations), ice rink, bowling alley, movie theater, rooftop pool, concerts and numerous dining options — not to mention close proximity to dozens of area attractions.

Whatever will make your vacay special, you’ll find it in Western Massachusetts. Plan your next amazing family adventure at ExploreWesternMass.com.

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Driving HVAC Innovation for a Smarter, More Efficient Future

2025-01-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting towards AI-driven solutions, clean technology and highly-efficient systems tailored to diverse regional needs. Embracing this shift, LG Electronics (LG) is leveraging its outstanding core technologies, AI and intimate knowledge of different industries to deliver HVAC solutions for a smarter, more efficient future.

LG’s dynamic HVAC business continues to expand its market presence and capabilities, investing heavily in R&D to develop innovative technologies for a new generation of eco-responsible temperature control and air quality systems. Over the past three years, it has achieved double-digit annual sales growth, making it one of LG’s fastest-growing concerns and an important driver of the company’s substantial and ongoing success in the B2B sector.

LG offers a comprehensive lineup of HVAC solutions optimized for a wide range of spaces, including residential, public, commercial and industrial. Its portfolio features large-capacity chillers — which are rapidly becoming the preferred choice for AI data centers where advanced and reliable heat management is essential — as well as an array of commercial and residential air conditioning systems. Utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as high-efficiency heat pumps, LG’s HVAC products provide outstanding cooling and heating performance and are widely acknowledged as effective electrification solutions suitable for replacing traditional fossil-fuel-driven systems.

In recognition of its efforts to lessen the environmental impacts of its HVAC solutions, LG has been named the “Most Sustainable Brand” in the HVAC category by Green Builder Media, a respected North American media outlet focusing on eco-friendly construction. In the U.S. and other countries, the company has created “locally self-sufficient operation systems” that encompass all key HVAC business functions — from R&D to maintenance and repair — and are tailored to local needs.

LG is also strongly committed to delivering dependable, energy-efficient heat pump solutions for regions affected by unrelentingly low temperatures. To this end, the company has established a global consortium focused on R&D for cold-climate heat pumps with bases currently operating in Alaska (U.S.), Oslo (Norway) and Harbin (China) — all places that endure frigid winter conditions.

Last September, LG hosted the first-ever meeting of the Global Heat Pump Consortium in Seoul, South Korea, where LG’s HVAC experts and academic partners gathered to discuss the collaborative projects being undertaken by each of the consortium’s regional clusters. In addition to the consortium’s R&D labs, LG operates five Air Solution Research Centers (with locations in South Korea, North America, Europe and India) and runs a total of 62 HVAC academics across 43 countries. These academies, which train over 30,000 engineers annually, are helping to support the global adoption of the company’s advanced HVAC technologies.

LG’s competitive edge in HVAC is driven by its unmatched “Core-Tech” capabilities. By developing essential components like compressors and motors in-house, LG strives to ensure that all of its products deliver the first-class reliability and efficiency that its customers have come to expect. Its oil-free centrifugal chillers incorporate LG-designed magnetic bearings, impellers, compressors and heat exchangers. These chillers also leverage LG’s highly evolved AI Engine to enable predictive control and to ensure outstanding stability and performance. LG’s AI Engine even provides intelligent surge prevention, a feature that is critical for data centers, where any interruption in operation can potentially mean inconvenience for millions.

With a solid foundation of R&D, a proven track record of innovation and a commitment to sustainability-focused design and management, LG continues to reinforce its reputation as the global leader in HVAC. From pioneering a new generation of data center cooling solutions to advancing high-efficiency heat pump technologies for harsh climates, the company is doing all that it can to help usher in a smarter, more efficient future.

By James Lee, President of LG Electronics ES Company

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From Caregiver to Patient: Michel’s Journey with Thyroid Eye Disease Treatment

2025-01-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Michel, a psychiatric nurse from Southern California, has always been someone who is deeply committed to helping others take control of their health. He didn’t realize that one day he would be the one needing care.

A few years after being diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism, Michel noticed his eyes starting to bulge a bit, accompanied by symptoms of dryness, eye pain and difficulty sleeping because his eyes wouldn’t fully close.

“I assumed it was part of my Graves’ disease and then I went to get a routine eye exam for new glasses and my doctor diagnosed me with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED),” said Michel. “Even though I’m a nurse, I did not know about TED until my diagnosis.”

TED is a chronic autoimmune condition that may affect many people with Graves’ disease. TED occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the muscle and fat tissue behind the eyes, causing eye bulging, eye pain, double vision and pressure behind the eyes. These symptoms can be mild or severe and may flare or get worse over time.

Despite receiving this diagnosis, Michel still had no clear treatment path and his symptoms began to severely impact his life. “I began to withdraw from social situations and struggled with changes in my appearance. I was afraid of unwanted attention and comments from others due to my eye bulging,” said Michel.

Simple tasks, like using a computer or phone, became difficult because of Michel’s double vision and eye pain.

Treatment with TEPEZZA® (teprotumumab-trbw)

While watching TV, Michel saw a commercial for TEPEZZA, the first and only FDA-approved medication to treat TED, no matter if you’d lived with TED for months or years.

“After four years of struggling with my TED symptoms, I was relieved to learn there was an approved and specific treatment option available for people like me,” said Michel.

After discussing the risks and benefits with his doctor, Michel was connected with a home health service and began receiving his infusions at home. TEPEZZA is administered intravenously every three weeks over a course of eight infusions, with the full treatment lasting about five months. By the second infusion, Michel started noticing positive changes, and after completing his eighth infusion, Michel saw a significant improvement in his symptoms of eye pain and eye bulging.

Michel did experience some side effects during his treatment with TEPEZZA. Common side effects include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems and changes in menstruation.

After treatment with TEPEZZA, “I no longer fear unwanted attention. My eye bulging has decreased and my eye pain has subsided,” said Michel. “I look and feel more like myself again.” Infusion reactions, like high blood pressure or difficulty breathing, can happen during or within 24 hours after an infusion of TEPEZZA. Please see Important Safety Information below.

TED Education and Advocacy

With his background in nursing, Michel knows the value of education and self-advocacy. To support others newly diagnosed or living with TED, Michel offers the following advice:

  • Advocate for yourself and your symptoms. Even if they aren’t visible, be vocal about how they affect your daily life. Have you stopped doing a hobby you love or find it difficult to use a computer due to your TED symptoms? Tell your doctor.
  • Some doctors still think if you have been living with TED for a long time, you are not a candidate for TEPEZZA — but this is not entirely true. Even if you’ve had bulging eyes for years due to TED, you can still experience improvement through treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Not all eye doctors are used to treating TED, which is why you should see a doctor who specializes in it. Make sure you’re seeing a TED Specialist, such as an oculoplastic surgeon, neuro-ophthalmologist or endocrinologist, who has experience with the condition.
  • Visit TEPEZZA.com to learn more and find a TED Specialist.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TEPEZZA?

Infusion reactions can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with TEPEZZA:

  • High blood pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Redness of the face/Feeling hot
  • Muscle pain

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, TEPEZZA may make your IBD symptoms worse. Symptoms of worsening IBD may include: an increased number of loose stools with stomach pain or cramps, and blood in your stools. After each TEPEZZA infusion, tell your doctor right away if you have worsening IBD symptoms.

TEPEZZA may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Before starting treatment with TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for diabetes, know your blood sugar is high, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is important for you to take your treatments and follow an appropriate diet for glucose control as prescribed by your doctor.

TEPEZZA may cause severe hearing problems including hearing loss, which in some cases may be permanent. Tell your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms of hearing problems or changes in hearing.

Before receiving TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you:

  • Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
  • Are currently being treated for diabetes, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or know your blood sugar is high.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TEPEZZA may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant during treatment with TEPEZZA.
    • Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) prior to starting treatment, during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of TEPEZZA.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TEPEZZA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to feed your baby during treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TEPEZZA?

The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin, weight loss, nail problems, and changes in menstruation.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or treatment team about any side effect you may have.

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

Please visit TEPEZZA.com for more information.

USE

TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), no matter if you’ve had TED for months or years.

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