Fact or Fiction? Discover the Truth about Canine Osteoarthritis and Available Treatment Options

2024-06-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – Has your dog been acting differently? Do they seem to be slowing down? What many pet owners don’t realize is that changes in behavior can also mean your four-legged friend is in pain. In fact, osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs.

OA is a painful condition that progresses over time. It is a degenerative disease affecting all components of the joints and eventually can lead to the joints breaking down, causing the bones to rub together. This painful condition can affect your dog’s health and well-being [1], decrease their willingness to be active, and disrupt their interaction with family members, ultimately impacting the bond they share with their people. The good news is that although we cannot reverse OA, we can control the pain, which can provide your dog with an improved quality of life and get her back to being an active member of the family again.

While there is plenty of misinformation about OA and available treatment options, knowing the facts about OA pain and distinguishing between truth and myths can help provide your beloved canine companion with the care and support they need and deserve, giving them more days of play.

1. MYTH: OA pain only impacts older dogs.

Young dog running around the backyard with a ball in his mouth.

FACT: Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds can experience OA pain.[2] Signs of OA pain may be easier to detect in older dogs because they often have more advanced disease, but the pain can start at a much younger age. Dogs even as young as 1 year old can develop the condition.

In fact, approximately 40% of dogs show signs of OA pain.[3] Yet, despite its prevalence, only 33% of dogs with OA pain are diagnosed and treated for the condition.[4] It’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of OA pain early to give our dogs a better quality of life.

2. MYTH: The only signs of OA pain are limping and whimpering.

FACT: While limping and whimpering are common signs of OA pain, they’re not the only symptoms. Pet owners should also be on the lookout for the following signs of OA pain, including:

  • Decreased activity;
  • Lagging behind on walks;
  • Slowness to rise;
  • Hesitation or difficulty in jumping up or down;
  • Stiffness;
  • Difficulty going up or down stairs;
  • Emotional changes, such as becoming more withdrawn or less happy and excited, or even showing signs of aggression or irritated behavior.

Pay attention to your dog’s physical and emotional behaviors and share any changes with your veterinarian to help determine if these are signs of OA pain and how they can be managed. Consider recording videos of your dog too, to help your veterinarian understand the changes you are observing. Waiting until the condition becomes severe can increase the amount of pain and decrease mobility, negatively impacting a dog’s physical and emotional well-being.[1] While OA cannot be cured, long-lasting relief can be provided for the chronic pain associated with OA.

By controlling OA pain, you can help your dog feel better, be more active and improve their overall quality of life.[5],[6]

3. MYTH: Available treatment options are unsafe and have not been tested.

Vet smiling and petting a German Shepard during an exam.

FACT: Like other medical fields, veterinary medicine is always progressing as scientists develop innovative treatments for conditions like OA. While there are many available treatments, including monoclonal antibodies as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), it’s important to make sure that the treatment option selected for your dog is safe and effective. The best way to do that is to consult with a veterinarian.

Your dog’s veterinary healthcare team can work with you on an OA pain management plan that best suits your dog and their lifestyle needs, which may include recommending a treatment like Librela® (bedinvetmab injection) to control OA pain.

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Librela is the first and only FDA-approved monthly injectable monoclonal antibody therapy to control OA pain in dogs. Librela has been tested in hundreds of dogs before being approved as safe and effective for use in the United States in 2023. Additionally, Librela has been available in Europe for more than three years and has been administered to millions of dogs around the world.* [7] Librela works by controlling dogs’ pain, which can lead to increased activity, which can improve quality of life, helping to restore the unique bond that dogs share with their owners.

The most common side effects of Librela in a clinical study were urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections and dermatitis.[8]

Another option, NSAIDS have been used to treat canine OA pain for over 25 years. They also control the pain associated with osteoarthritis and are given as a once- or twice-daily oral medication. These drugs also have been approved as safe and effective. The most common side effects include appetite loss, vomiting and diarrhea, which could indicate gastrointestinal kidney or liver disease. Dogs should be evaluated for pre-existing conditions and regularly monitored.[9]

4. MYTH: Social media and online forums are the best source for pet health information.

FACT: It is natural to search for answers when your pet is sick and lean into other pet owners’ experiences to help make decisions for your dog. While online platforms can be a valuable source for pet owners to gather information and advice, community experiences such as those provided by social media groups and forums are not a substitute for accurate answers from veterinary experts. It’s also important to remember that each dog’s experience with pain and medications are different. As professional experts with many years of education and experience, you can trust your veterinarian to offer the best advice, treatment options, and care for your dog.

All medications come with risks and it’s important to talk about the risk and benefits of any treatment option with your veterinarian. They know your pet’s health history and can accurately diagnose OA and determine if Librela is right for your dog.

Visit Librela.com to learn more about the signs of OA pain and how to manage your dog’s care.

*Number of dogs treated estimated assuming that each dog receives 2 vials.

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.

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[1] Lascelles BDX, Brown DC, Conzemius MG, Gill M, Oshinsky ML, Sharkey M. Measurement of chronic pain in companion animals: discussions from the Pain in Animals Workshop (PAW) 2017. Vet J. 2019;250:71-78. doi:10.1016/j. tvjl.2019.07.001.

[2] Anderson KL, Zulch H, O’Neill DG, Meeson RL, Collins LM. Risk factors for canine osteoarthritis and its predisposing arthropathies: a systematic review. Front Vet Sci. 2020;7:200. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00220

[3] IHS Markit. (2021) Canine and Feline Pain Market 2021: Animal Health Market Analysis; Wright A, et al. Identification of canine osteoarthritis using an owner-reported questionnaire and treatment monitoring using functional mobility tests. J Small Anim Pract, 2022. http://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13500

[4] ZMR: PetTrak US Pain Factored National January 2023.

[5] Brown DC, Boston RC, Coyne JC, Farrar JT. Development and psychometric testing of an instrument designed to measure chronic pain in dogs with osteoarthritis. Am J Vet Res. 2007;68(6):631-637. doi:10.2460/ajvr.68.6.631.

[6] Brown DC, Boston RC, Coyne JC, Farrar JT. Ability of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory to detect response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2008;233(8):1278-1283. doi:10.2460/ javma.233.8.1278.

[7] Global pharmacovigilance data on file.

[8] Librela (bedinvetmab injection). Prescribing information. NADA 141-562. Zoetis Inc; March 2023.

[9] Monteiro, B.P., et al. 2022 WSAVA guidelines for the recognition, assessment and treatment of pain. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13566

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All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted.

© 2024 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. LIB-00374

Can you recognize the 4 Ps of a scam?

2024-06-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever received a call or message from someone claiming to be from a governmental agency like the Internal Revenue Service or Social Security, or even claiming to be your grandchild? Did they ask for money, demand immediate payment, or say you’ve won the lottery? Did it make you feel threatened, scared, or suspicious? Trust your gut. It’s likely a scam.

Scammers can target anyone, but some of their favorite targets are older Americans. In 2023, reports show people over 60 years of age lost $3.4 billion to scammers.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, 2024, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service offers these tips to help you outsmart the scammers. It’s about recognizing the “Four Ps” that are the hallmarks of a scam.

Recognize the 4Ps of a scam

1. Scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.

Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or Medicare, or make up a name that sounds official. Some pretend to be from a business you know, like a utility company, a tech company, or even a charity asking for donations.

They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID, so the name and number you see is the same or close to the information from a legitimate company.

2. Scammers say there’s a PROBLEM or a PRIZE.

They might say you’re in trouble with the government. Or you owe money. Or someone in your family had an emergency. Or that there’s a virus on your computer. Some scammers say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you need to verify your information. Others will lie and say you won money in a lottery or sweepstakes, but you first need to pay a fee to get it.

3. Scammers PRESSURE you to act immediately.

Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. They might say your computer is about to be corrupted.

4. Scammers tell you to PAY in a specific way.

They often insist that you can only pay by using cryptocurrency, wiring money, using a payment app, or putting money on a gift card and then giving them the numbers on the back of the card. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), then tell you to deposit it and send them money.

What to do about it

If you hear any of these Four Ps, or if your gut just tells you something’s wrong, trust your gut instinct. It is not a legitimate call; it’s probably a scam. The IRS, Social Security or any governmental agency will never call you to pressure you for payment. The same goes for your utility company. Remember, these are scams.

You may think, then what should I do? The U.S. Postal Inspection Service recommends that you:

Hang up immediately. If you’re on the phone with a scammer, hang up. If they’ve left a message, ignore it, delete it, and block the number. If you’re in doubt, never call back the number that left the message. Instead, look up the real number of the legitimate agency, company or whoever the scammer is pretending to be. Call that number to verify.

Report this to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC wants to stay on top of what’s happening out there to keep ahead of it.

Never pay a scammer! Remember, if they’re asking you for some odd way to pay, just hang up and forget about it. Examples of unusual payment methods include, and are not limited to, using cryptocurrency, money orders, a payment app, and gift cards.

Create an “emergency word” with your grandchildren. The “grandparent scam” is extremely prevalent. Someone claims to be your grandchild in trouble, needing cash immediately to get them out of jail or some other contrived situation. Thwart this by making a plan with your grandchildren. Choose an unusual word your grandchildren can use if they are legitimately in trouble and really calling for your help.

By recognizing the 4Ps and knowing what to do, you can stop scammers in their tracks. For more information, visit the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Does your head ache? Discover how chiropractic care can help

2024-06-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you regularly experience headaches or migraines? You’re not alone. Headache disorders, including migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches, are some of the most common nervous system disorders.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 40% of the global population suffers from headache disorders. Not only are headaches and migraines painful, but they can also be debilitating depending on the frequency and severity, impairing a person’s quality of life. In fact, migraines are the second leading cause of disability worldwide.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications offer temporary relief and may not be enough to manage reoccurring headaches and migraines. Luckily, there is another option that may help manage your headache disorders: chiropractic care. You may associate chiropractic care as a treatment for back pain, but it’s also a gentle, natural and non-invasive treatment that may help relieve the burden of headache disorders.

This June, in honor of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, The Joint Chiropractic — the nation’s largest provider of chiropractic care — would like to raise public knowledge of these debilitating neurological conditions and share how to treat them. Read on to learn four ways routine chiropractic care can successfully reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches.

1. Improve nervous system communication

Chiropractic adjustments can improve spinal motion and facilitate optimal nervous system functioning and communication. As adjustments positively promote nervous system communication and function, the body has a better chance of fighting neurological disorders like headaches and migraines.

2. Reduce tension in the neck

When your spine can’t move as intended, the muscles surrounding it are also affected, increasing tension, which can cause or exacerbate headaches and migraines, especially tension headaches. By having a chiropractor treat your spine, the tension relief may help decrease the pain and discomfort of headache disorders.

3. Improved physical function and performance

A chiropractic adjustment can help improve your body’s physical function and performance. When your spine is aligned, you can exercise more effectively. So, what does that have to do with migraines? The American Migraine Association notes that regular exercise can help reduce the frequency of headache attacks.

How? Exercise can reduce stress and improve sleep. Stress and poor sleep are common migraine triggers, so anything you can do to improve stress management and sleep can help your migraine frequency in the long run. Prep your body with chiropractic care so you can exercise regularly and hopefully improve your headache-related health issues.

4. Decrease inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s natural way of protecting itself. However, chronic inflammation can easily induce a migraine or headache.

Inflammation is caused by chemicals in your body known as cytokines. When they build up, these chemicals can cause major issues. Thankfully, studies show that regular chiropractic adjustments might help reduce the production of cytokines. Not only does this reduce inflammation in the affected area but in other body parts as well, including your head.

Are you ready for relief?

This June, don’t let headaches and migraines keep you from leading your ideal life. Visit a Joint Chiropractic clinic to see how you may benefit from chiropractic care.

The Joint Chiropractic is known for its quality and affordable chiropractic care with its convenient retail setting and concierge-style services, including no appointments and no insurance hassles. For more information or find a clinic near you, visit thejoint.com. To learn more about your first visit, go to thejoint.com/what-to-expect.

Want savings on energy-efficient home upgrades? A new tool can help you save big

2024-06-14T08:19:00

(BPT) – As a homeowner, you may have heard about incentives to tackle climate change that are available as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a large piece of legislation that was passed last year. Many of its opportunities focus directly on your personal slice of the American dream — your home. The EPA’s ENERGY STAR program just launched a new tool that can help you find all of the savings available to you.

The idea behind these incentives is to lower this country’s carbon emissions by helping homeowners make essential, energy saving upgrades to their homes, particularly for the biggest energy users, like your heating and cooling system and water heater. Many households struggle to afford these energy-efficient home upgrades, so the IRA allocated funding for this effort, a portion of which goes toward rebates and tax credits for homeowners. For many middle- and lower-income families, this means the chance to save big on essential upgrades for your home.

To help homeowners take advantage of these opportunities, ENERGY STAR is rolling out a new home improvement savings web tool that addresses the largest barriers Americans face when it comes to making these upgrades — cost and navigating the complexity of these projects. This handy online tool is a one-stop shop that allows you to pop in your ZIP code and find information on incentives that are available to you. Right now, it features generous tax credits and utility rebates that can help you substantially lower costs on qualifying products. Later, it will include information on state energy efficiency rebates for low-income communities as these state programs begin to come online — starting in 2024.

What projects qualify? These incentives cover projects that tackle your home’s biggest energy users, such as your heating and cooling system, water heater, insulation, and more. These areas of your home are not only the biggest energy users, they’re essential systems that are also expensive to upgrade. Almost half of your energy bill goes toward heating and cooling your home — which, for the average American household, is almost $900 a year. Similarly, your water heater is the second biggest energy user in your home. Finding ways to make these systems more efficient, particularly by upgrading to heat pump technology, can help you live comfortably while also drastically reducing your energy bills.

Why the focus on heat pump technology? Heat pump technology has been around for decades, but there have been some exciting technology improvements, particularly for HVAC and water heating products, that provide unmatched energy savings.

  • Heat Pump HVAC is essentially an air conditioner and a heater all in one. Yes, despite their name, heat pumps also cool the air in your home. And new heat pumps are extremely efficient. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump HVAC is so efficient it can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. This is possible because a heat pump moves heat rather than converting it from a fuel, as combustion heating systems do. In the summer, it cools your home in the same way. Replacing your older central AC with an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump could save you nearly $600 over the life of the product, on cooling costs alone.
  • Heat Pump Water Heaters that have been ENERGY STAR certified use about one quarter of the energy of a standard water heater and can save a household of four approximately $550 per year and more than $5,600 over its lifetime on electric bills. Similar to heat pump HVAC, it moves heat from the surrounding air rather than creating it — which heats your water for a fraction of the energy.

What savings are available? There are numerous savings opportunities that homeowners can take advantage of to make essential energy-saving upgrades more affordable — and you can learn about all that apply to you using the home savings tool.

  • Federal tax credits: Tax credits provide annual discounts of 30% of project costs, up to $3,200, for products such as heat pump HVAC, heat pump water heaters, windows, and insulation.
  • State rebates: Starting in May 2024, state rebate programs will offer incentives targeted to low- to moderate-income households. These rebates will vary by state and are rolling out throughout 2024. New York is the first state to launch with several other states following closely behind. You can find rebates offered in New York on the home savings tool and learn the status of other state programs here.
  • Utility rebates: In addition to the Inflation Reduction Act incentives, many utilities offer rebates on ENERGY STAR certified appliances and equipment.

ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped American families and businesses avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs and achieve more than 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.

Everything You Need To Know To Host An Epic Summer Pool Party

2024-06-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer has arrived! If you’re lucky enough to find a pool to spend the summer by, a pool party is a must. Whether you’re taking advantage of the sunshine and hot weather during the day or enjoying a warm evening, all it takes is a little bit of planning to upgrade your poolside bash.

Set the mood

Nothing makes a party more fun than the right playlist. Whether you’re going for a retro beach vibe, throwback party tunes, or current hits to get everyone up and dancing, taking time to create the mood you want will level up the energy and fun factor.

Something to sip on

Eight pack of High noon seltzer near a pair of sunglasses on a pool deck.

Hot summer days mean you’ll need to provide plenty of refreshing beverage options. Live like the sun’s always out by filling up your cooler with 8-packs of High Noon Hard Seltzer, made with real spirits, real juice and no added sugar. The Limited Edition High Noon Pool Pack, made with real vodka, includes fan-favorite flavors Lime and Peach, as well as limited-time flavors Kiwi and Guava, so everyone at the party can find a summery flavor they’ll love.

One fun alternative to coolers? Get a small inflatable pool, fill it with ice and beverages, then set it out for guests to enjoy. Be sure to include some water and non-alcoholic options as well to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Visit HighNoonSpirits.com and find High Noon Pool Pack near you here.

Let the games begin

Four cans of High Noon selzter on top of an inflatable raft floating in a pool.

Make your party even more fun with games — in and out of the pool — everyone will love. Yard games like corn hole, badminton, bocce ball and ladder toss are favorites, as is yard (or pool) pong. In the water, you can set up a game of pool volleyball or start a cannonball contest. Be sure to provide lounge chairs, extra towels and pool floats for guests to rest up on and catch some rays between games. Make sure to provide extra sunscreen!

Pick a theme

Everyone loves a theme! Parties can be even more fun if you center the festivities around a theme such as a favorite decade, popular movie/TV show, or go with a particular sport. Your theme will help inspire your music and food choices — and you could even set up an outdoor projector to watch a game or movie during the party once the sun goes down.

Above all, relax and let yourself enjoy a day under the sun. Summer always goes by too fast!

Grill it up

If you can eat it, you can probably grill it. Use your grill to cook up a variety of tasty items for your friends to enjoy. You can’t go wrong with old-school burgers and brats, but you can also use foil packets and skewers to grill up fish, veggies and fruits of all kinds.

Corn on the cob is easy (and popular, for good reason), but you can also try grilling items like pineapple or Portobello mushroom steaks to provide your guests with some unexpected and elevated options as well. Guests with specific dietary preferences and needs will especially love making build-your-own kebabs.

Have a fire pit? Offer all the fixings for making s’mores which is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a great way to wind down the festivities.

For more summer sips inspiration, visit HighNoonSpirits.com and check out @HighNoonSunSips on Instagram.

Drinking alcohol may be harmful to your health and addictive. Please drink responsibly. If you have a problem with alcohol, please visit Responsibility.org.

Battle of the regions: Americans share their favorite cheeseburgers

2024-06-13T13:47:00

(BPT) – In the summertime across America, there’s one thing that brings us together — cheeseburgers. Sure, we all make them differently, but when it comes to their favorite topping, the choice is easy — Sargento 100% real, natural cheese. And who better than Sargento to set you up with 100% real, natural cheese slices!

Whether you’re a Smashburger supporter or a Cowboy Chili Burger enthusiast, there’s nothing more American than a beautifully crafted cheeseburger. And Sargento has all the varieties of 100% real, natural cheese slices that you need to craft your favorite cheeseburger this summer!

Check out Sargento’s America the Burgerful campaign to find your region’s favorite burger and discover how others throughout the country are grilling up their burgers this summer!

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Driving Toward Sustainability: 3 Considerations for Sustainable Tires

2024-06-13T12:05:00

(BPT) – In today’s world, environmental consciousness is a driving force behind consumer purchase decisions for everyday items like clothing, housewares and even tires. With sustainability on the minds of drivers — many considering EVs or hybrid vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint — Hankook Tire recently explored drivers’ preferences when shopping for tires that are also good for the planet. Here’s where the rubber meets the road when it comes to eco-friendly tires:

The Road to Sustainable Practices

According to the latest Gauge Index survey, nearly two-thirds of drivers (64%) are likely to purchase tires from a brand known for its sustainability practices. What’s more, nearly half (47%) are willing to pay a premium for tires that are sustainably made.

Generational differences also play a significant role in these preferences, and younger people are driving the demand: 71% of Gen Z respondents are more likely to purchase tires from a brand known for its sustainability practices, compared to 53% of Boomers. Additionally, 58% of Gen Z respondents, compared to 33% of Boomers, stated that it is important for the tires they purchase to be made from recycled or sustainable materials.

Materials Matter

When it comes to the materials used in their tires, 44% of drivers said it was important that their tires were made from recycled or sustainable materials. Of those, over half (58%) were Gen Z compared to 33% of Boomers. Additionally, when considering purchasing sustainable tires, durability matters. The lifespan of the tire led as the most important at 24%, followed by safety ratings (19%), and performance ratings (16%).

Embracing Repurposing

As consumers become more conscious of sustainability, there is also a growing interest in what becomes of tires at the “end of the road” — in other words, what happens when the tire needs to be replaced and how it can be repurposed. Nearly one-quarter (23%) are interested in repurposing used tires for footwear, closely followed by 17% of consumers who would like to see more tires used for garden planters.

This trend extends to educational programs as well. Schools are incorporating used tires into their gardening programs, turning them into planters for various crops. Gardens built at local schools and community centers not only repurpose tires (and keep them out of landfills) but also provide hands-on learning experiences for students. These initiatives help children learn about agriculture, sustainability, and the importance of recycling.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, drivers are seeking out automotive suppliers that prioritize eco-friendly products and practices that align with their own values. By prioritizing sustainability initiatives, these suppliers not only contribute to a cleaner environment, but also cater to the changing needs and preferences of their customers.

Scouting America instills values, traditions and skills

2024-06-13T08:55:00

(BPT) – After 114 years, the Boy Scouts of America has changed its name. More than five years after welcoming girls, it has become Scouting America, a name that is more welcoming to anyone who wants to join. Nobody is happier about it than Bob Brady, Scoutmaster of Troop 1150 in Sparta and the Executive Vice President of Patriots’ Path Council. He said the name change is reflective of what Scouting is all about.

“The name change reflects what our Oath has always been,” said Brady. “We want everyone involved. Everyone is welcome. We’re better with you than without you.”

Brady’s own family knows a bit about that. When Brady was a kid, being a Boy Scout was at the center of his world. He had moved with his family to a new part of the country and was short on friends and activities. Joining Scouts was a pivotal turning point in his young life.

“Scouting was everything to me,” said Brady. “I earned Eagle at 15 and stayed involved. I did everything you can do in Scouting and loved every minute of it.”

Scouting didn’t just teach Brady how to pitch a tent and survive in the forest. It taught him leadership, public speaking, and the values that are central to who he is as a person. It even pointed the way to his career.

“I’m a lawyer,” he explained. “But there were no lawyers in my family. I had never even thought about becoming a lawyer until I took a law merit badge in Scouting when I was 17 years old. That merit badge changed the course of my life. I don’t know where I would be without it. Those merit badges help Scouts figure out who they are.”

Brady’s involvement in Scouting diminished over the years, primarily because of the birth of his daughters. He was a bit wistful about the fact he couldn’t share what was such an important part of his own growing-up years with his girls. At the time of their birth, Boy Scouts of America had yet to accept women into its ranks.

All of that changed in 2018, when the organization began admitting girls. Coincidentally enough, the announcement came on his daughter’s 10th birthday.

“I teared up, because I realized that I could now share the program that had meant everything to me growing up with my girls.”

Bridget and Bob wearing scouting badges and holding an award.

Brady sprang into action right away to see how he could help. He formed a girls-only troop, 13 Scouts of which went on to achieve the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout. Two of that group of 13? His own daughters.

This Father’s Day, Brady is reflective of what it all means, not just to his own family, but to Americans as a whole. It’s about raising good kids — the most important work any parent can do.

“The values we instill in kids in this program — this is exactly what we want good citizens to be,” Brady said. “If everyone went through Scouting, imagine the society we could have. It is the single most important youth program you can offer to your kids. It’s going to change their lives.”

To learn more or to find a scouting troop for your child, visit BeAScout.org. According to Bob Brady, you’ll be very glad you did.

5 great tips for hosting your summer golden hour gathering

2024-06-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is the season for spending your nights outdoors, whether by a cozy bonfire, in the backyard with a movie projector, or gathered around the porch table with family and friends. With a little forethought and some planning, your golden hour party can extend into the night and be the hit of the season. Here are five ideas for making your sunset soiree sensational.

1. Plan ahead. Summer calendars fill up fast. Get those invites out early so you can make sure your family and friends can attend. Bonus tip: Make it a weeknight! Summer is a great time to linger in the backyard during golden hour and beyond, so giving people something fabulous to do on a day they might not usually take advantage of is always a treat. By opting against a weekend night, your guests are more likely to be available.

2. Amp up the dinner party. To give your guests a more thoughtful experience, transform your outdoor dining area with a seasonal tablescape, unique lighting and even a themed menu. You can add a magical feel to the evening by draping strands of lights in the trees and along your fence. Many backyard lights are even solar-powered, so they’ll flicker on in time for golden hour and add a fairy-like glow to your gathering. And about that menu … setting up your meal as a “station” where people can serve themselves, like a salad bar, is an easy way to accommodate food allergies and preferences while still offering a variety of choices.

3. Reclaim the golden hour from mosquitos. Nothing puts a damper on an outdoor party like a swarm of mosquitos descending at golden hour, that period between day and night in which everything just seems to glow with soft light. It’s the most beautiful time of day, but it’s also a peak time for mosquito activity, which causes many people to retreat indoors. In fact, up to 40% of people have even skipped outdoor events to avoid dealing with insects1. Adding OFF!® Clean Feel products to your outdoor routine can help you enjoy sunset and the rest of the night longer. OFF!® Clean Feel aerosols and pump sprays are easy to use and provide long-lasting protection for up to eight hours from mosquitoes. OFF!® Clean Feel Gel is another fragrance-free option perfect for everyday use because it feels good on skin and will help protect you from mosquitoes.

4. Set up entertainment. If you have the space for an after-dinner activity, you can drape a sheet along your fence or house for an easy projector screen. At sundown, transform your space with comfy pillows, a projector, speakers and cables for a perfect at-home movie night.

5. Draw the evening to a close around your firepit. Everyone loves sitting around a cozy firepit on a summer night. Pre-stack your firepit with wood so all you’ll need to do is light it. Add to the fun by stocking up a tray with ingredients for s’mores (including skewers for roasting the marshmallows!), or try using a grated top for your firepit to grill peaches, watermelon or pineapple to serve with ice cream. Bonus tip: Have cozy throws or long-sleeved wraps on hand for your guests who might get chilly.

Take back the golden hour from mosquitos and enjoy these balmy evenings with family and friends. By banishing the bugs, you’ll make the most of summer!

1 Random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 Americans conducted by OnePoll on behalf of OFF!® Brand between July 27-28, 2023.

5 tips to help grads start on the right financial footing

2024-06-12T12:19:00

(BPT) – For recent high school and college graduates, these life transitions often bring dramatic change — as well as opportunities to learn and grow. As young adults embark on these milestones, learning how to handle their own finances is key. While a great way to learn these skills is by doing, it pays to have a little help along the way.

To support recent grads navigating their increasing independence, here are tips to help them develop good financial habits as they pursue their educational goals, begin their career, and beyond.

1. Talk it out

One of the best things you can do is be open to having candid conversations about money. As parents, discussing the challenges, accomplished goals and pitfalls of finances with kids who are becoming adults can be hugely impactful. Don’t shy away from sharing your own mistakes, explaining what you learned from them, and letting them see that the financial journey doesn’t come easily to everyone — with or without mistakes. Help them talk through their money decisions and discuss financial goals they want to set.

If you’re a recent grad embarking on your own for the first time, decisions about where to live and how to manage your money can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to reach out to parents or other trusted family members who may have advice and guidance to help you navigate these new experiences.

2. Use tools designed for young people

Financial tools and resources, including checking accounts, can help high school students, college students and recent grads manage their money with confidence.

  • Chase High School Checking is an account with tools and resources for students aged 13-17 that is co-owned by the parent to provide oversight and monitoring, with no monthly service fee.
  • Chase College Checking is created for students aged 17-24, giving them the confidence they’ll need to help manage their money independently, again with no monthly service fee up to the graduation date.

Both checking account options can help high school and college students gain financial independence while teaching them how to budget, save and spend wisely. Plus they come with the benefit of having direct deposit, to receive and monitor funds more easily while tracking expenses each month.

Young person using mobile app to deposit a check.

3. Consolidate money tools

If you’re just getting started with using online budgeting tools and trackers, it’s tempting to download all of the latest apps to help, but learning how to budget and manage money is easier and more convenient if you do all those things through one app rather than using multiple to keep track of your money.

Chase student checking accounts offer account alerts, the ability to track spending, plus use Zelle® to quickly send and receive funds with friends, among other helpful services — all in one place, the Chase Mobile® app.

4. Track income and spending

Teaching your recent grad how to monitor how much money they’re earning, plus tracking where and how they’re spending, is vital as they begin living more independently. It’s crucial to understand the difference between needs versus wants, some of the basics of budgeting, to help establish these habits early in life and better prepare them for future financial stability.

5. Enjoy today while planning the future

Today’s generation is on-the-go and action-oriented, hoping to leave the world better than they found it. They are often focused on a future they may sometimes doubt. Similarly, much of what you do today is in the hope of a better future. Even steps that may seem small or unimportant truly add up — like saving for an emergency fund or other future financial goals. Staying focused on long-term goals or establishing the routine of healthy habits will make the seeds being planted today lead to growth in the future.

Explore more tips, financial resources and tools at chase.com/studentbanking.

Young man taking a selfie on campus.

Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, are subject to approval.

Chase Mobile® app is available for select mobile devices. Message and data rates may apply.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Deposit products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.