Author: admin

2025-05-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – For decades, the American health care system has compensated doctors for each visit, test and procedure they provide — regardless of outcome. While fee-for-service remains important for many health care organizations, those adopting value-based care are finding it can be effective for improving patient outcomes and creating financial sustainability.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this 19-year-old model has been steadily growing — more than 600,000 physicians and non-physicians were participating in an ACO in 2024, an increase of more than 35,000 from 2023.^1-2 The goal of value-based care is simple: better care, lower costs and healthier communities.

Why?

According to CMS, patients whose primary care organization has incorporated value-based care may have an easier time navigating their care while gaining access to educational resources to help them better understand their health issues.³ Their doctors can make more data-driven, personalized care decisions and treat the whole person, not just a specific health issue. This can lead to a more impactful and efficient doctor and patient interaction.

“I think value-based care is important for patients because it really does set the tone for wanting to focus on quality of care provided,” said Joel Ramirez, M.D., chief medical officer at Camarena Health in California. “It means looking at the patient in a comprehensive way. That’s looking not only at the medical diagnosis they may carry, but also what challenges they may have to lead a healthy life.”

Doctors who want to remain independent and still provide their patients with excellent care face many challenges, including financial pressures, navigating administrative workloads and fluctuating reimbursements, which can lead to hardship, according to the American Medical Association.⁴

Sohail Khwaja, executive director of Columbia Medical Practice in Maryland, said, “I believe the reason people have shied away from primary care is because of the burden of documentation. Everything that is required of primary care is very, very time-consuming, and value-based care is changing that … The focus is, again, on seeing a limited number of patients, but taking better care of them, as opposed to continuing to see more and more patients.”

For those looking to practice value-based care, the adoption can be made simpler thanks to physician-enablement companies like Aledade, founded in 2014.

Aledade partners with primary care organizations to help them succeed in value-based care models. Aledade has more than 2,400 practices and health centers across 46 states and Washington, D.C., serving nearly 3 million patients.

The benefits of value-based care

Aledade’s accountable care organizations (ACOs) provide preventive guidance and resources so clinicians are rewarded for keeping people healthy, not just for the quantity of procedures they perform. Aledade ACOs have generated more than $2 billion in savings, enabling partners to deliver better care, reward and hire staff, enhance their facilities and stay independent.⁵

Maureen Padden, M.D., of Emerald Coast Medical Group in Pensacola, Florida, said, “When you work with an ACO like Aledade that brings resources and experience to the table, you can thrive and not just survive. You can work smarter, or you can work harder. When you work smarter, you’re happier, your patients are happier, your family is happier, your earnings are better and patients get great care.”

Because value-based care helps doctors focus on early interventions and managing chronic conditions, patients can experience fewer complications and improved quality of life. As a result, doctors can cut costs by reducing hospital readmissions and avoidable procedures, easing administrative workloads and boosting staff satisfaction. Aledade offers experts who provide administrative support and clinical guidance to ease the transition to successful value-based care.

In 2023, Aledade partners avoided nearly 64,000 hospitalizations and emergency visits.⁶ Patients can enjoy a more personalized, coordinated care experience as their team collaborates across specialties to tailor treatment plans for long-term wellbeing.

Addressing common concerns from clinicians

A. Will this take away my clinical autonomy?

No. Data-driven insights sourced from across the care continuum empower doctors’ decision-making, supplying them with more information to make the best choices for their patients.

B. Will I lose money moving away from fee-for-service?

One of the key advantages of value-based care is the potential to reduce dependence on undervalued fee-for-service payments by promoting financial stability through quality measures.⁷

The lack of funding for primary care under the fee-for-service payment system underscores the significance and necessity of transitioning to value-based care — particularly for primary care organizations that wish to stay independent.

Other payment structures include capitation — where doctors receive a fixed payment per patient — bundled payments — which cover all services related to a condition over a set period — and performance-based payments, which reward doctors for meeting specific quality measures.

C. Is the transition too complex?

The transition to value-based care can be complicated. But the right ACO partner will give you a dedicated support team, set clear expectations and establish a reasonable, comfortable transition timeline.

The transition is further simplified through financial, administrative and technological solutions that help primary care organizations maintain their independence while improving their value-based care performance over time.

“Joining Aledade has been a game-changer for our practice. Their data-driven approach and hands-on support have allowed us to focus on what matters most — delivering high-quality care to our patients,” Cara Dennison, practice administrator for Andover Family Medicine in Kansas, said.

What are the best value-based care options for your practice?

When assessing value-based care options, it’s important to consider partnerships that can enhance success.

The best results, backed by research, have been among primary care organizations that partner with physician-enablement companies, such as Aledade.⁸

“It’s a deeper layer of care you don’t have when you’re out here alone,” Jeni Barham, chief quality control officer at Mainline Health Systems in Arkansas, said. “There’s always more to the patient and more to the picture that you don’t get to see unless you have a partner like Aledade that can get that information for you.”

Visit aledade.com/more-information to get started.

—————

1 2024 Shared Savings Program Fast Facts, CMS

2 2023 Shared Savings Program Fast Facts, CMS

3 Value-Based Care, CMS

4 “8 threats facing physician private practices,” American Medical Association

5 Aledade Expands Value-Based Care Network, Adding More than 500 Practices for 2025

6 Aledade Saved Medicare more than $800 Million in 2023

7 “Value-based Payment Models for Primary Care,” American Academy of Family Physicians

8 Value-Based Care Enablement Services 2024

2025-05-15T11:11:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are the heart of Main Street — and the backbone of the American economy. From neighborhood restaurants to veteran-owned logistics companies, these millions of entrepreneurs are responsible for driving innovation, creating jobs and keeping communities thriving.

Already a decades-long supporter of small businesses, Verizon is now stepping up with a bold new commitment to spend $5 billion with American small business suppliers over the next five years through a new program called the Small Business Supplier Accelerator. Services and resources under this program will help remove common obstacles that can make it difficult for small businesses to work as suppliers with Verizon or other large enterprises. This includes: regional workshops, faster payment terms, modified insurance requirements and adjusted indemnification requirements.

“Verizon recognizes that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy and a staple in our local communities,” said Hans Vestberg, CEO, Verizon. “Our long-standing commitment and investment in small businesses aims to empower local businesses and communities with financial, technology and business expertise and resources to advance economic growth and foster job creation.”

Verizon has been supporting small businesses for years through its free Small Business Digital Ready program, which offers small businesses nationwide the opportunity to access over 50 expert on-demand courses curated by and for small businesses, in addition to free 1:1 expert coaching and networking opportunities. Since 2021, Verizon has awarded $13.5 million in grants and impacted over 460,000 small businesses — with a goal to reach 1 million by 2030.

In partnership with the nonprofit LISC, Verizon also announced another Small Business Digital Ready grant opportunity where eligible small businesses who are Digital Ready members (and complete two resources) can apply for $10,000 grants (open until June 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT).

With a $5 billion commitment and a growing network of resources, Verizon is doubling down on its mission to help small businesses not just survive — but thrive. Whether it’s getting a foot in the door with major corporations or gaining access to capital, training and mentorship, Verizon is building a more resilient supply chain — one small business at a time.

Learn more here: https://www.verizon.com/about/our-company/small-business-supplier.

2025-05-15T15:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know small businesses comprise 99.9% of all businesses nationwide? Today’s small businesses are entering a new era, with smart, accessible technology helping to level the playing field, making it easier than ever to compete, grow and thrive. From AI-powered PCs and generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, to intuitive platforms like Canva, Square, Shopify, Mailchimp and QuickBooks Online, there’s technology available to support almost any business need today — no IT team required.

The result? Modern technology is opening doors to give small business owners powerful, affordable resources right at their fingertips. Technology helps entrepreneurs and small businesses automate everyday tasks, tackle challenges, streamline operations and scale smarter — proving that small really can be mighty.

This Small Business Month, business owners can celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit fueling economic growth and vibrant communities. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, here are practical insights to help your business thrive in today’s digital-first world.

Accessible resources drive impact

It’s vital to recognize that any size business needs to optimize today’s technological advances. In its third annual global CIO report, Lenovo found a whopping 96% of chief information officers expect to increase AI investments over the coming year. Additionally, 81% of CIOs say they’re leveraging third-party AI tools or deploying a mix of third-party and proprietary AI. Notably, 39% of CIOs are already seeing a positive return on their organization’s investment in AI.

Are most small businesses embracing new technologies? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo found that almost all small businesses (98%) are using AI-enabled tools and more than half (51%) use financial management tools like Intuit QuickBooks. In addition, nearly half of small businesses (47%) use four or more technology platforms and 40% use GenAI tools like chatbots and AI-powered image creation. In other words, adoption of new technologies is widespread, highlighting their importance in today’s business environment.

To get started, begin by identifying one key area of your business that could benefit from automation — whether it’s managing finances, improving customer service or streamlining marketing. From there, explore budget-friendly tools tailored to your business goals and tap into resources like mentorship programs and funding opportunities that can help you make informed decisions and implement tech with confidence. With the right support, small, strategic changes can unlock major efficiencies, setting the stage for long-term growth.

From underdog to top dog: Harness AI for big wins

AI isn’t just for large enterprises; in fact, Vena FP&A reports that 80% of staff who use AI and automation tools say they have become more productive. Interestingly, less experienced workers experienced a 35% productivity jump, proving AI can make a positive impact for organizations and individuals, regardless of skill level.

A McKinsey report from March 2025 found 21% of organizations using generative AI say their businesses have fundamentally redesigned at least some of their workflows, resulting in cost savings. Lenovo’s global 2025 CIO Playbook reports that AI spending expectations by IT decision-makers will nearly triple in 2025 compared with last year. The bottom line: Nearly half of organizations (42%) believe AI-powered devices boost employee productivity and experience. That’s why an overwhelming 90% are piloting, planning or exploring AI-powered PC rollouts in the mid-to-long term.

The takeaway for small business owners? You don’t need to overhaul everything, but focusing on one area of your business to leverage AI can drive meaningful results.

Resources to help businesses grow

When seeking resources to optimize technology for your business, start by identifying top technology priorities. Key places to start include improving cybersecurity, using project management tools to streamline workflows and automating tasks like email marketing and inventory management. You can find information and resources on the U.S. Small Business Administration website.

In addition, programs like Lenovo’s Evolve Small are dedicated to championing North American small businesses. This year, Evolve Small is introducing the AI Grant, designed to demystify AI for small businesses and help integrate AI into their everyday operations. The grant, which will be awarded to eligible businesses, includes $25K in grant funding, a comprehensive, customized Lenovo technology package valued at $10K, AI training, plus access to mentorship, mental health and leadership coaching and community support.

There are also free resources available for any small business to leverage through the Lenovo Pro Community site, such as on-demand workshops and courses on AI PCs, informational guides on building your tech stack, data security, emotional intelligence and more.

By investing in key resources and embracing AI, Lenovo aims to empower small businesses to compete effectively with larger companies, ensuring they remain the beating heart of local communities.

Small biz, big impact

Small businesses are crucial to local economies, serving as cultural cornerstones by creating jobs and fostering innovation. In today’s AI-driven landscape, technology isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. When harnessed thoughtfully, even the leanest operations can unlock smarter workflows, sharper marketing and stronger customer relationships.

Fortunately, adopting newer and better technology does not have to break the bank or be overly complicated. The key is finding what suits your unique business needs and budget. With the right tools, support and mindset, small business owners can compete at a higher level than ever before — and win. Whether you’re looking to simplify operations, better connect with customers or scale sustainably, now’s the time to act.

Ready to embrace technology and bring your business to the next level? Explore resources, get inspired by real small business success stories and discover how the Evolve Small program is helping small businesses across the country thrive at Lenovo.com/EvolveSmall.

2025-05-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – “She just loves to go.” That’s how Patty and Jim M. talk about Taffy, their 9-year-old Golden Retriever. Taffy has been all over the United States with her pet parents, jumping at the chance to swim in lakes and rivers or take long walks with them wherever they go. But when they started to notice that Taffy wasn’t her usual self, they knew that something was going on.

“We could see that her hips were giving her problems, she was having difficulty getting up and she wouldn’t walk fast,” Patty and Jim shared. “She wasn’t doing the things she normally did. It was really hard to see her like that.”

Patty and Jim took Taffy to their veterinarian as soon as they got home. Following an examination and X-rays, the veterinarian diagnosed Taffy with osteoarthritis (OA), a painful progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. In partnership with Patty and Jim, Taffy’s veterinarian started her on Librela™ (bedinvetmab injection), the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved monthly injectable monoclonal antibody therapy to control OA pain in dogs.

Understanding the Challenges of OA Pain

OA is a degenerative disease affecting the joints that causes cartilage to wear down over time, resulting in painful bone-on-bone contact. The pain caused by OA can affect a dog’s health and well-being,^[i] decrease their willingness to be active and disrupt their interaction with family members, ultimately impacting the bond they share with their people.

Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds can experience OA pain.^[ii] In fact, approximately 40% of dogs show signs of the condition.^[iii],[iv] While the signs of OA pain may be easier to detect in older dogs because they often have more advanced disease, the pain can start at a much younger age. Dogs even as young as 1 year old can develop the condition. Yet, despite its prevalence, only 33% of dogs with OA pain are diagnosed and treated for it.^[v]

Look Out for the Signs of OA Pain

While pet owners may expect dogs suffering from OA to limp or cry out, these are not the most common signs of this painful condition. Pet owners should also be on the lookout for decreased activity, lagging behind on walks, slowness to rise, hesitation or difficulty in jumping up or down, stiffness and difficulty going up or down stairs. Additionally, OA pain can cause behavioral changes in dogs, including withdrawal, lack of enthusiasm for activities and even aggression.^[i]

“Because animals cannot speak up when something isn’t right, it’s important that pet parents pay attention to their dog’s physical and emotional behaviors and share any changes with their veterinarian,” said Courtney Pierce, DVM, MBA, CCFP, Medical Lead for Canine Pain at Zoetis. “My own dog was diagnosed with OA at just 4 years old and, because I didn’t ignore the signs, we were able to get him started on pain relief and a weight management program right away. While OA can’t be reversed, the pain can be controlled, which is why it’s so important to identify the signs and symptoms of OA pain early so we can provide our furry family members with an improved quality of life by controlling the pain.”

If not treated, the inflammation and pain from OA can lead to chronic pain and ongoing joint damage. It also becomes more difficult to treat as the condition worsens.^[vi]

An Innovative Approach to Treating OA Pain

Librela was approved by the FDA in 2023 following rigorous testing of the therapy, including two field studies showing that dogs administered Librela as a monthly injection demonstrated a reduction in OA pain, as well as improvements in their mobility and overall quality of life.^[vii] Since its approval, Librela has been used to treat more than 1 million dogs in the U.S.^[viii] and success stories show the positive impact Librela has made on dogs’ lives.

With once-monthly injections administered by a veterinary professional, Librela may also reduce pet owner stress about missing a daily treatment dose and help maintain the human-animal bond.

The Value of Partnering With Your Vet

Identifying OA symptoms and partnering with their veterinarian is an important step for pet parents to help manage their dog’s OA pain. By maintaining regular visits and not overlooking signs that something may not be right, pet parents are not only doing what’s best for their dog’s health but also are forming a strong relationship with their veterinary healthcare team throughout their dog’s health journey.

“Going to the vet regularly can help catch any potential health issues early on and also gives pet owners the opportunity to discuss anything out of the ordinary their dog may be experiencing,” explained Dr. Pierce. “Veterinarians are partners in care, and we look to work with pet owners to find solutions to their dog’s problems to ensure they live long, healthy, active lives.”

Since starting Librela, Patty and Jim have noticed that Taffy is back to doing the things she loves and believe it’s important for pet parents to give their dogs the best quality of life.

“Anybody who knows Taffy has noticed a change and says ‘Wow, she’s so energetic now!'” said Patty and Jim. “She’s just running around like the other dogs, which she didn’t do before. Her ability to do these things is just amazing, for us and for her.”

Don’t let OA pain steal another day of your dog’s life. Pet owners can complete this Dog OA Quiz to determine if their dog may be suffering from OA and help foster conversations with their veterinarian so their dog can get back to doing the things they love most. You can also visit Librela.com to learn more about Taffy and other dog stories showing the positive impact of Librela.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: See full Librela Prescribing Information at LibrelaPI.com. For use in dogs only. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding should take extreme care to avoid self-injection. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, could potentially occur with self-injection. Librela should not be used in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Librela should not be administered to dogs with known hypersensitivity to bedinvetmab. The most common adverse events reported in a clinical study were urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections and dermatitis.

INDICATIONS: For the control of pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.

See the Client Information Sheet at LibrelaPI.com for more information about Librela.

The animal health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with an animal healthcare professional. Testimonials represent individual experience only and the experiences and opinions herein may be unique to the patient and the speaker. Individual results may vary considering the unique characteristics of the patient.

2025-05-15T11:01:01

(BPT) – Wedding season is here, with couples everywhere looking forward to what they’re told will be one of the “greatest days of their life,” celebrating their love with family and friends. But the day goes by in a joyful blur — how can you be sure to capture meaningful moments with the loved ones who made it so special? Will all of your guests have the opportunity to fully express their greetings and well-wishes to you and your partner? While not everyone needs a microphone moment, capturing messages from all your loved ones is something you won’t want to miss.

Collecting personal messages from friends and family

Face it, during a busy event like a wedding, it can be challenging to have — and remember — extended, meaningful interactions with every guest. One great way to preserve the feelings of the day is to collect their personal messages.

Setting out a guestbook is a start, but you want to be sure guests have the opportunity to speak directly to you — in a way that lets you relive the memories, from one anniversary to the next.

It can be risky to leave the recording of messages up to a videographer, who might not get a chance to film every guest speaking into the camera during your action-packed event. On top of that, hiring a videographer adds considerable expense to your wedding budget.

The solution: A video booth

A much more interactive and fun option for wedding guests is a video booth, which allows guests to record their own personalized messages and toasts to the happy couple. Video booths allow guests to take their time, choose when and how they want to participate (such as alone or in a group), and their messages will be completely personalized — a live expression of their personalities and well-wishes, from the tearful and heartfelt to the lighthearted and even hilarious.

Setting up a video booth will let their personalities shine, for a wedding moment they will absolutely love participating in, and that you will enjoy watching for years to come.

Pro tip: Assign a couple of members of the wedding party to invite and encourage guests to come over to the video booth to record their messages, making sure to capture specific guests who may need assistance, such as elderly relatives.

The ideal solution for capturing and sharing wedding memories

You can easily record video messages from loved ones in real time at your wedding to create a digital keepsake you’ll return to again and again using Voast, an easy-to-use video booth that’s easy to set up, and lets you capture and share meaningful moments at weddings and other events.

With Voast, capturing heartfelt “video toasts” from your guests is easy and fun. The sleek booth setup includes flattering lighting and intuitive controls, so guests can effortlessly record video messages and snap photobooth style pics throughout your event. Placed in a high-traffic area — like near the bar, guest book table or dance floor — Voast invites guests to jump in at any time, whether solo or in lively groups, adding energy and spontaneity to each recording.

What sets Voast apart is the ability to make it deeply personal to your wedding. You can tailor the experience by creating custom prompts or questions for your guests to answer in their messages — thoughtful, fun or heartfelt reflections like “Share a favorite memory with us,” “What’s your best marriage advice?” or “When did you first think we were meant to be?” You can also make it your own visually by uploading a custom cover photo.

A Voast video booth is easy and fun for guests to interact with, and it’s small and flexible enough to set up at any kind of wedding: traditional, destination or DIY. Couples and planners can customize their Voast experience to fit any wedding style, and the platform also offers special perks through its partnership program for wedding planners.

After the event, Voast provides you with a professionally edited video, along with all the raw clips (plus an optional, pre-loaded video book). Instant media sharing also lets guests access and share their moments right away — without waiting for prints.

By combining innovative technology with user-friendly tools, Voast transforms your celebration into lasting memories. Going well beyond traditional guestbooks or photo booths, the video booth captures the heartfelt voices, faces and stories from your special day in real time — creating a lasting keepsake you’ll watch over and over again. Voast can also be used to preserve special moments from birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions and more — the possibilities are endless.

Learn more and watch a sample wedding Voast recording at RaiseAVoast.com.

2025-05-15T10:23:00

(BPT) – “I was in the middle of a busy day and clicked without thinking,” Cory recalled. “My phone stopped working almost immediately.”

Cory had received a text that looked like it came from his phone carrier, warning that someone was trying to access his account. It asked him to click a link to verify.

When he did, a scammer hijacked his phone number and ported it to a new device. It left him locked out, vulnerable and shaken.

“I’m a fitness coach — I talk to clients all day,” Cory said. “The thought that someone could impersonate me or access those conversations was awful.”

Stories like Cory’s are exactly why online protection company McAfee launched Scam Stories — a movement to help people speak out, reduce stigma, and help others stay safe by sharing what they’ve been through.

Henry, a college student in Dallas, showed up at a concert venue hoping for last-minute tickets to see Tyler, the Creator. He found a seller on social media who claimed to have two extras.

The warning signs were there — escalating demands, changing terms, emotional pressure — but he didn’t want to miss the show.

“I sent $280 and got blocked,” Henry recounted. “We never made it inside.”

Scammers Are Getting Smarter — And Faster

Cybersecurity experts are seeing a sharp rise in scams powered by AI and social engineering, just like what happened to Cory and Henry.

Deepfake scams alone jumped tenfold in 2024, with North America experiencing a 1,740% spike. But manipulated videos aren’t the only factor driving the surge.

Scammers are also posing as banks, toll agencies or the IRS in text messages; sending emails that look like they’re from your employer or customer support; disguising phishing links as delivery updates; and impersonating friends or family on social media to gain trust.

The scale of the problem is growing. Research shows 59% of people worldwide know someone who’s fallen for an online scam. Among young adults aged 18 to 24, that number rises to 77%.

More than a third of scam targets report feeling significant emotional distress afterward, and one in five say the experience made them lose trust in online services altogether.

How to Spot a Scam and Stay Safer Online

Online safety experts say the best defense is a mix of awareness, caution and digital tools. Experts recommend that you:

• Don’t click on links in unsolicited texts or emails. If it looks suspicious, go straight to the source.
• Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) across your accounts.
• Use different passwords for different accounts, or use a password manager.
• Don’t rush. Pressure tactics are a scammer’s go-to move.
• Watch for deepfake red flags like strange blinking, odd lighting, or mismatched voice timing.
• Invest in a scam detection tool that automatically flags risky texts, emails, and videos before harm is done.
  

Breaking the Silence Around Scams

Scammers count on people staying silent. But by sharing what happened, victims not only reclaim their stories — they help others stay safer too.

“If it can happen to me,” Henry said, “it can happen to anyone.”

To explore scam red flags, get protection tips, and try McAfee’s Scam Detector, visit mcafee.com/scam-detector.

2025-05-13T11:15:00

(BPT) – As the seasons change, you might notice your dog experiencing some discomfort. Allergies aren’t just a human problem. If your dog is scratching or licking their paws more than usual, they might be experiencing seasonal allergies. In fact, allergies are one of the more common reasons that pet owners visit their veterinarian. So, how can you support your furry friend during allergy season? Purina veterinarian Dr. Martha Cline shares five expert tips to help your dog.

1. Bathe them regularly

One of the simplest ways to help your dog with their allergies is to bathe them regularly. Routine bathing can remove dirt and pollen from your dog’s fur and skin, and also cleans the skin, which eases allergies.

“Most healthy dogs don’t need to be bathed more than once a month,” said Dr. Cline. “That said, dogs with sensitive skin or allergies may need to be bathed more often. Talk to your vet about frequency and if there are specific shampoos that can help.”

2. Wipe your pet down after a walk

Make sure to wipe down your dog after a walk or outside playtime to help manage their allergies. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or fragrance-free, hypoallergenic pet wipes can remove pollen and other allergens that may have stuck to your pup’s fur and skin.

And pay close attention to your dog’s paws. The sensitive skin in this area can be prone to allergic reactions.

3. Consider nutrition and supplements

“What your dog eats can have an impact on the health of their skin,” said Dr. Cline. “Make sure your dog is eating a complete and balanced diet that provides all the essential nutrients that support healthy skin and coat. And if your dog needs even more support, consider adding a supplement, like Skin Care from Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements, as a part of your overall approach.”

Skin Care features omega 6 and omega 3 to help maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier to support dogs with sensitive skin, including those with seasonal allergies; a blend of collagen, EPA and DHA to proactively support your dog’s skin health; and Vitamin E and zinc to promote a strong immune system. This non-prescription supplement comes in a great-tasting soft chew and is available at Amazon, Chewy and vet clinics.

4. Don’t skimp on flea control

Year-round flea control is important to your dog’s overall health and can also alleviate skin allergies. “While flea bites aren’t fun for any pup, some dogs may experience a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva called flea allergy dermatitis,” said Dr. Cline.

Talk to your vet about which flea control treatments are suitable for your four-legged friend. They may recommend a flea collar, oral medication and/or topical medications to quickly kill any living fleas and prevent new ones from emerging.

5. Talk with your vet about allergy medication

“Depending on the severity of your canine’s allergies, they may need an antihistamine or other allergy medication to help them feel less itchy,” said Dr. Cline. Talk with your veterinarian to discuss allergy medication options so your dog can spend less time scratching and biting and more time playing.

Don’t let allergies get your dog down. Using these five vet-approved tips, you can help your pup feel their best this spring and beyond.

2025-05-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – On America’s financial scorecard, people rate their happiness with their overall personal finances a 4.97 out of 10 — and scores need improvement across the board, as the majority (91%) are prioritizing their financial health and happiness in a year of decisions ahead. New Empower research introduces comprehensive findings on how Americans plan to navigate the next wave of decisions on saving, investing, and the value of good advice.

Self-assessment across all dimensions of people’s financial happiness is flagging: Americans rate their satisfaction with their retirement savings an average of 4.54, and the likelihood of retiring at their goal age at 4.93 out of 10. When rating their financial success, scores come in at 4.46, as over half feel success is further away now than it was a year ago (55%). Contentment with salary notches in at 4.65, and people grade their ability to afford a home at a 4.83.

Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and market volatility may be influencing scores, and delaying some choices: 69% think the economy is too uncertain to make big money moves. Still, Americans say they plan to make important decisions in 2025, including figuring out how to make more money (43%); how to be financially happy (37%); and start an emergency savings fund (31%) — as 76% believe they need more savings to prepare for the unexpected. Nearly a third intend to make a financial plan (42% Gen Z, 39% Millennials).

“We are living in a ‘Great Decide’ as people forecast their fortunes in an unpredictable world. People feel they have to be financial futurists to make heads or tails. This era could majorly shift patterns of saving, investing and, critically, where people turn for advice,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications and consumer insights at Empower.

Navigating decisions

When it comes to making investment decisions, half of Americans say they’re ignoring the noise and taking the long-view approach to the stock market (49%). For 2 in 5 (39%), this time of uncertainty is ripe to make money moves, believing the adage “the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward” — a figure that rises substantially higher for younger generations (Gen Z 51% and Millennials 49%; compared to Gen X 40%, Boomers 22%) and for those with higher incomes (50% for those earning over $100k+). Almost half say they are going back to the basics by investing more in cash and gold (46%).

Rather than a generational divide, the study also uncovers “a generational decide” taking place. To navigate uncertainty, Americans see an opportunity to strengthen their network effect, which people currently pinpoint at a 5.55 out of 10. These valuable connections are perceived as linked to career and wealth building, particularly as the largest financial exchange in history is underway, with younger generations projected to inherit an estimated $84 trillion.¹ For almost all, financial independence and interdependence go hand-in-hand: people say not having to rely on anyone else for money is as much a part of their happiness (84%) as being able to financially take care of their loved ones (81%).

Advice advantage

Six in 10 (58%) say they need trusted financial counsel now, more than ever, as confidence in getting good financial advice trails at a 5.14 out of 10 and satisfaction with their financial plan is a 5.08.

The upshot is 78% say having a financial plan to guide their decisions ahead makes them happier and less stressed. For the majority, health equals wealth (70%) and most agree that talking with a financial professional about their money goals is important (65%).

“Measuring what matters is one goal of our research. Everyone has their own idea of a perfect score as they define financial happiness,” notes Rickert.

More key findings from the report:

• Stress relievers: To reduce their financial stress, Americans are decreasing their discretionary spending and non-essential expenses (32%), switching to cheaper brands than they normally buy (32%) and building an emergency savings fund (30%).
• In advice we trust: Americans say financial professionals are the most trusted source of good money advice (50%) compared to just 10% for social media, 9% for AI, and 7% for influencers or podcasters.
• Barriers to making it: Americans say the biggest roadblocks to achieving financial happiness include income (35%) and feeling like expenses are adding up (35%). Close to a third feel that they are not in a place where they can save money (31%).
• Windfall wins: 74% say having more money would solve most of their problems, but a little can go a long way — 71% agree a windfall of just $5,000 would increase their financial happiness by at least six months. One quarter (22%) say they are banking on an inheritance to make ends meet.
• Signs of the times: Just over half of Americans say money can buy happiness (51%), which is a slight drop from the 59% who answered yes to the same question in 2023.
• Eye on AI: Americans rate the likelihood of AI replacing them at their jobs one day at a 3.72. They rank their level of comfort using AI for their personal finances nearly the same (3.73).

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Great Decide.”

*ABOUT THE STUDY

Empower commissioned the “The Great Decide” study; based on online survey responses from 2,208 Americans ages 18+ fielded by a third-party vendor from March 20-21, 2025.

1. Cerulli Associates. “Cerulli Anticipates $84 Trillion in Wealth Transfers Through 2045.” January 2022.

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