Posted on

Take on the new year with these 4 simple tips

2023-12-27T15:01:00

(BPT) – After a holiday season of parties and entertaining, it’s time to get back into our wellness routines and take on the new year ahead! It can be easier than you think to make 2024 a year of positive changes. To help you create some healthy balance, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few helpful tips.

1. Prioritize self-care through sleep

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword or trend. If you want to improve your well-being after the holidays and beyond, it’s time to double down on self-care, especially sleep. Just one night without enough sleep can leave you feeling drowsy, low energy, slow and irritable, according to Sleep Foundation.

This year, make your life easier and invest in your whole health by setting and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. It’s helpful to create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, to let your body know it’s time to wind down.

2. Set clear, achievable goals

As we shift out of the holiday season, you may be thinking of how you can achieve your ambitions and change your habits in the new year. When setting goals, make sure they’re clear and achievable. When you set unrealistic expectations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and abandon your resolutions.

So, this year, be realistic so you’re more likely to achieve your goals and reap the benefits. Start by breaking your goals down into small, manageable steps. For example, if you want to work out more, don’t start by hitting the gym every day. Instead, start small by aiming to get active two to three times a week. Once you meet this goal, you can build on it!

3. Add nutrient-rich foods

After the holidays, you don’t need to overhaul your entire eating routine. Simply give your health a boost by adding foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients to each of your meals and snacks. For example, add berries into your morning oatmeal, put extra veggies on a sandwich, or grab mixed nuts and hard-boiled eggs instead of processed chips for a quick snack on the go.

Eggs are great for not only snacks, but also for meals like scrambled eggs for breakfast or shakshuka for dinner. Opting for Eggland’s Best eggs will ensure you’re getting superior nutrition in your diet, as they contain six times more Vitamin D and more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, to help boost immunity and wellness during cold season and keep you energized throughout the day.

4. Try new flavors

With a new year comes new responsibilities, new activities and overall busy times. It can be easy to fall into the habit of the same boring meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner that neglect wholesome ingredients.

To expand your palate and try new flavors, consider unique, better-for-you recipes when meal planning. Set a goal to cook a new recipe every week, inspired by a culture or nationality that you’ve been wanting to test out, like this delicious Bacon, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Spinach Scramble with Queso Fresco from Eggland’s Best. This recipe is sure to energize your mornings and set a positive tone for the day — and year — ahead!

Bacon, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Spinach Scramble with Queso Fresco

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 10 minutes; Serves 4

Ingredients

· 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· 6 thick slices of bacon

· 4 cups baby spinach leaves

· 1/2 cup red onion, slivered

· 1 jalapeno chile, stemmed and thinly sliced, seeding optional

· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

· 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, to taste

· 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

· 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, farmer’s cheese or mild feta

Directions

1. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and reserve it in a bowl. Remove all bacon fat from the pan and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted but not browned. Incorporate the spinach, mix, and continue cooking for a couple of minutes until completely cooked and wilted.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour eggs over the spinach mixture and as they cook, scramble with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook to desired doneness. For tender eggs, cook them for 2-3 minutes. Top with the browned bacon bites and queso fresco.

To find other delicious recipes to incorporate into your meal routine in 2024, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Posted on

4 revved-up resolutions to make in 2024

2023-12-27T10:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, there are some “classics,” such as exercising more, budgeting better, or learning a new skill. But what about when it comes to our vehicles? According to new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey, many Americans are considering automotive goals for the new year: 79% said they would be likely to set a resolution about vehicle ownership, and another 51% indicated they would set one about their driving habits.

Here are some revved up resolutions to consider for the new year and beyond:

Stay on top of maintenance.

For those planning to set a goal related to vehicle ownership, the top resolution is to stay on top of maintenance (26%). There are a few easy ways to help avoid speeding past routine maintenance. For example, make a note to check your tires at least once a week, ensuring that they are both properly inflated and that the tread is in good shape. Keep a penny in your glove box, and insert it into your tire once a week with Lincoln facing down; if his whole head is visible, it is time to replace the tire.

Keep it clean.

Nearly another quarter of respondents (22%) said they are likely to set a resolution to keep their vehicles cleaner. This can be as easy as making a trip to the car wash on a regular basis or keeping a trash bag in your car. And did you know that keeping your car cleaner can actually help paint and wax jobs last longer? Not to mention, your passengers will appreciate a tidy interior.

Buy a new vehicle.

This one may actually be considered a classic, but 22% of drivers are likely to set a goal to buy or lease a new vehicle next year. If that may be you, now is the time to start considering your budget and what type of vehicle will best fit your lifestyle — whether that’s off-road, electric (EV) or something else entirely.

Try a new driving experience.

Even if you may not be in the market to buy a new car anytime soon, trying out a new type of vehicle may be a fun way to spend a day — and give you ideas for when it is time to refresh your own ride. Hankook found nearly a quarter (24%) of Americans who will set a driving-related resolution said they’ll try to drive a new type of vehicle for a full day in the new year, and 20% will aim to take a new type of vehicle out on a road trip, such as a vintage car or an EV. Another 20% are interested in learning more about different types of vehicles, even if that doesn’t mean getting behind the wheel of one.

Regardless of what resolution you plan to set in 2024, it is always a good idea to use the changing of the calendar as a chance to make sure you are up-to-date on all vehicle maintenance, registrations, and insurance to ensure a smooth drive into the new year.

Posted on

The value of a smile: Showing gratitude for a record-setting year

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – What can a smile do? The simple act of smiling can open the door to friendship, start conversations, express love and joy — and so much more. But for many children with a cleft lip and palate, easily sharing a smile with others may seem far out of reach.

During this season of joy and giving, Smile Train, a nonprofit organization that partners with local health care professionals around the world to provide free surgery and other comprehensive cleft care to those in need, looks back with gratitude on a memorable year — and forward to their upcoming 25th anniversary.

The burden of clefts

Did you know that 540 babies are born each day with a cleft? A cleft is when a baby’s top lip and/or the roof of their mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. Cleft-affected children often have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing and speaking. Clefts can even lead to malnutrition and death. Children with clefts are regularly harassed and bullied for the way they look, often forcing them to drop out of school for their own safety.

But there is hope for these children. The largest cleft-focused organization in the world, Smile Train supports free surgery and comprehensive cleft care, including nutritional support, speech therapy, psychosocial counseling, dental services and more through their many global health care partners. Since 1999, Smile Train has supported more than 1.5 million free cleft surgeries in more than 90 countries.

Smile Train also partners with two of the biggest, most respected names in healthcare, Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, and Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of dental supplies and technologies, as well as with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Kids Operating Room and Lifebox, to exponentially increase their impact and capacity for innovation.

A record-setting year

In 2023, Smile Train challenged themselves to raise awareness about the power of a smile in a bold new way: by setting the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the world’s largest online album of smiling mouths. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ gave them a number to beat — 20,000. Then Dentsply Sirona upped the stakes with a pledge to donate an additional $120,000 to Smile Train if they set the record.

With 21,271 unique smiles collected via their online campaign, Smile Train and Dentsply Sirona officially set the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title on Oct. 6, 2023 — World Smile Day!

Celebrating a 25th anniversary by looking back

Smile Train is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2024, by celebrating the many ways they’ve lit up the world with smiles. Over the past quarter century they have done this by:

  • Sponsoring more than 1.5 million free cleft surgeries for people of all ages since their founding in 1999
  • Partnering with local medical teams in more than 90 countries
  • Enabling essential, non-surgical cleft care treatments in more than 35 countries
  • Training more than 2,100 trained medical professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, orthodontists and nutritionists around the world
  • Partnering with more than 1,100 medical centers worldwide
  • Providing 40,000+ training opportunities to health care workers in traditionally marginalized regions
  • Acquiring Simulare Medical, a leader in life-like 3D printed surgical simulators, in 2020

Smile Train has also empowered people with clefts in the U.S., the U.K. and around the world to join together, take pride in who they are, and raise voices for facial equality through organizing Cleft Community Advisory Councils, Cleft Con, a college scholarship program and other cleft-community-led initiatives.

In addition, the organization has put cleft care on the global health agenda at the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other multilateral institutions and lobbied for the cleft community’s needs at premiere global health and development conferences around the world.

Gratitude for every supporter

Smile Train could not perform their crucial work without the countless people and organizations who have contributed their time, resources and invaluable support over the past 24 years.

“We’re so grateful to our large community of donors, partners and ambassadors for another stellar year of providing children with clefts access to lifesaving health care,” said Susannah Schaefer, president and CEO of Smile Train. “We’re going into 2024 at full steam ahead because of the generosity of so many. We can only continue our transformative work thanks to the continued support of those around the world who care about putting smiles on the faces of children everywhere.”

Take advantage of year-end charitable giving opportunities by showing your support for Smile Train’s life-saving work. Visit SmileTrain.org to learn more and to donate today.

Posted on

3 sneaky reasons you have trouble saving and how to start saving more

2023-12-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you struggling to save more and spend within your means? You’re not alone. According to Fidelity’s Money Mindset study, 59% of young Americans cringe at the thought of checking their bank account balance and 57% dread budgeting. While it’s understandable to avoid tasks that cause stress, neglecting your finances now will only add up to more money worries in the long run.

If you’re ready to start spending smarter, save more and improve your financial health, you may be interested to know what could be keeping you from having a better relationship with money. Check out these three sneaky reasons why you might be having trouble saving money and how you can take steps to overcome them.

1. You avoid thinking about your money

Sometimes, when something causes us stress, we avoid thinking about it altogether. Finances are no different. In fact, Fidelity’s Money Mindset study found 1-in-3 young Americans say they would rather deep clean their bathroom than check their savings account. While not monitoring your money might provide momentary relief, in the long term, it can make your financial situation worse. You might forget about automated and recurring payments or overspend, and not realize until it’s too late to save.

Instead, be proactive about your financial health. Getting your finances in check can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Sit down and think about how you’re spending your money and what changes you’d like to make.

One great tool to use is automation. Automatically transferring a certain amount into your savings every month can be a great option to make sure you’re making progress toward your goals without daily monitoring and stress. There are plenty of apps that can help you get started with this process. For example, Fidelity Bloom® is a free financial app that offers automated routines to help you grow your savings – like recurring transfers to your Bloom Save account.

In addition to automating savings routines, built-in incentives and recurring transfers, the app can also help expand your financial knowledge. In-app prompts and friendly nudges provide actionable steps you can take every day to help you navigate day-to-day finances and address the underlying causes that might be making it difficult for you to save.

2. FOMO and societal pressures keep you spending

The fear of missing out (FOMO) might also lead to missing out on savings. Many young Americans report feeling pressure to keep up with their peers which can lead to spending more money than they originally intended and impact their ability to save. Fidelity found that 61% of young Americans admit they spend more money than they intend because of FOMO.

This doesn’t mean you have to skip every concert and vacation but try to limit your spending to the activities you really want to attend and know you can afford. Soon enough, you may find that you’re able to both spend on the activities you really want and save for your future.

With Fidelity Bloom®, you get access to two accounts: one “save” account that helps you build your savings and a “spend” account that helps you track everyday spending. Having these two separate accounts, can help you be sure you’re only spending the amount you’ve set aside for spending, instead of tapping into your savings.

3. You think you can wait to save

Saving for the future can seem like a lofty, far-off goal, especially when there is so much to spend on now. In fact, 76% of young Americans believe that to save money, they’d have to cut back on spending on things that bring them joy. But the earlier you prioritize saving, the less stressed and better prepared you’ll be for the future.

A good first step is to create an emergency savings account, so you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses that come up or potential job loss. Nearly half of young Americans (49%) say they wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected expense of $1,000. Fidelity suggests saving at least six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund.

Fidelity Bloom® can also help you with your savings goals. It’s the only app that matches up to 10% on your Save account each year up to $300. You can also save while spending on everyday purchases with debit card rewards and customizable round-ups into your Save account.

Changing your saving and spending habits can be difficult, but becoming aware of them is the first step to changing them. To help you with your saving and spending journey, download the Fidelity Bloom® app so you can take an honest look at your finances and start saving today. To learn more, visit Fidelity.com/Mobile/Bloom.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $11.5 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.4 trillion as of September 30, 2023, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers. Privately held for 77 years, Fidelity employs more than 73,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/ourcompany.

About Fidelity’s 2022 Money Mindset Study

The 2022 Money Mindset Study presents the findings of an online sample of 2,010 adults 18 years of age and older with a checking or savings account, which represents 98% of American adults, with a focus on the 1,008 respondents 18-44 years old. Interviewing for this CARAVAN omnibus survey was conducted April 15-20, 2022, by ENGINE INSIGHTS, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results of this survey may not be representative of all respondents meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.

Important Information

The Fidelity Bloom App is designed to help with your saving and spending behaviors through your Save and Spend accounts, which are brokerage accounts covered by SIPC. They are not bank accounts and therefore are not covered by FDIC insurance.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

###

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

1124467.1.0

©2023 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Posted on

Trends in homebuying: Understanding today’s real estate landscape

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – Trends in real estate and home buying go far beyond mortgage rates and home prices. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has identified several more trends that provide insight into today’s homebuyer and what they are looking for in a home.

Who are the buyers?

There is a big difference between a first-time buyer and someone who already owns a home. In fact, the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports a 23-year age gap between a typical first-time buyer (35 years old) and a repeat buyer (58 years old).

There are also more unmarried people buying homes today. While 59% of all buyers were married couples, single females purchased 19% of homes, followed by single men (10%) and unmarried couples (9%). It’s also noteworthy that 70% of recent home buyers did not have a child under 18 living in the home, a drastic increase from 42% back in 1985.

“First-time buyers remain active and continue to account for about 30% of all home purchases,” said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “While saving for a down payment remains a challenge, the overwhelming majority of first-time homebuyers are not putting down 20% and many are getting financial help from parents, families and friends. The repeat buyer has a significant advantage as they can utilize equity from their previous home to either pay cash or reduce their mortgage as they move up or down in home size.”

Staying close … again

“The pandemic-fueled, work-from-anywhere trend that allowed so many to purchase a home in more affordable areas seems to be subsiding,” Wilcox said. “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agents are reporting more and more buyers who left a market are starting to return due to work or because they miss family and friends.”

This trend is shown in NAR data, according to Wilcox.

“For years before the pandemic, it was normal for repeat buyers to move within 15 miles of their previous home,” she said. “It jumped to 50 miles a year ago as so many opted to move to more affordable locations and take advantage of the remote work boom. We are back to a 20-mile radius today.”

What do buyers want?

NAR reported that 39% of repeat buyers traded up, while 33% purchased a smaller home. But home size is not the only consideration, according to Wilcox.

“It was interesting to see that 60% of all buyers said the quality of the neighborhood was the most important factor in determining where to live,” she said. “We are returning to a real estate market where life events trigger buying decisions. Being close to family and friends is the biggest driver of where people want to be, even more than affordability.

“We are also seeing a trend in longevity in a home. While most live in their home for 10 years, today’s buyer believes they will stay in their recently purchased home for at least 15 years. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to look as far into the future as possible when choosing their next home and thinking about job locations, marriage, children, and other factors.”

What about older Americans?

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is tracking the home buying and selling patterns of baby boomers. This generation, those now 59-77, have redefined societal norms since they were born and are now doing the same in housing as they age. The U.S. Census reports the homeownership rate is more than 75% for baby boomers and AARP reports an overwhelming majority of this group wants to age in place.

“One of the big questions hanging over the housing market is how long baby boomers will stay in their existing homes,” Wilcox said. “As those in this demographic move on to the next phase in their lives, they will be looking for more manageable homes, nearby medical facilities, accessible community amenities and proximity to friends and loved ones. A good real estate professional will be able to assist and understand how to maximize the equity they have built.”

NAR shared that those over 60 almost tripled the number of home purchases in senior-related housing compared to the previous year (19% vs. 7%, respectively). Retirement, health of a loved one and the desire to downsize are the driving factors for a move for those 65 and older. Only 3% in this age group say they want a larger home.

The process

The fast-paced housing market continues. It’s important that buyers select an agent with whom they are comfortable, with a like-minded communication style and experience working in the price points and communities the buyer is interested in. It is also important to choose an agent who can help identify reputable loan officers with various financing options.

“More than half of all buyers use an agent who was referred to them or someone they worked with previously,” Wilcox said. “I always encourage buyers to ask around and interview more than one agent. Don’t be afraid to spend time with your potential agent to ensure they are right for you.”

If you’re thinking about making a move, connect with a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agent today. Visit https://www.bhgre.com/find-agents.

Posted on

Simplifying the Process of Renewing Medicaid and Enrolling in Health Coverage

2023-12-20T08:55:00

(BPT) – Access to healthcare services, doctors, medications, therapies, and vaccines can have life-changing impacts. That is why healthcare coverage is essential. However, staying covered takes action, especially since the restart of annual eligibility reviews for millions of individuals and families who get their coverage through Medicaid.

What has changed?

During the pandemic, the federal government enacted a Public Health Emergency (PHE), which meant that individuals covered by Medicaid were allowed to stay covered regardless of whether their eligibility had changed. This helped prevent coverage gaps during the health crisis; however, the annual renewal process restarted in early 2023, to ensure Medicaid program enrollees were still eligible to receive benefits.

“This process, called ‘the unwinding,’ impacts approximately 92 million people, who must act to keep coverage, or explore coverage options if they no longer qualify to continue receiving Medicaid, so it can be an anxious time for a lot of individuals and families,” said Kurt Small, Elevance Health Medicaid President.

Reports show that more than 11 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid since renewals resumed, and approximately 2 million of them are children. Many more could also be at risk if they do not confirm their eligibility.

“I have seen firsthand how health insurance coverage can be complex to navigate,” said Small. “Sometimes people may go without insurance, simply because they weren’t aware of resources that could help them stay covered. But going without health insurance is a risk that no one should have to take, and that is why so many resources have been made available to help.”

Medicaid renewal next steps:

Every state Medicaid program has been actively reaching out to enrollees and directing them to resources for renewing their coverage. If you or a loved one are impacted, and need to review and renew your Medicaid coverage, consider these resources:

  • MyHealthBenefitFinder.com — This self-service tool helps people explore available health coverage options. It asks a few, simple questions and provides guidance on how to access coverage. It can also provide information about various low-cost or free resources and programs that can help with other needs, including transportation, housing and childcare.
  • Medicaid.gov — This website has several guides to help people understand what they need to do to renew their Medicaid or CHIP coverage, and it helps them find their state’s Medicaid contact information.
  • Healthcare.gov — This resource is useful for people who have lost Medicaid eligibility, but may now qualify for a subsidized Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plan on the Marketplace Exchange. For those who qualify, some plans cost as little as $0 a month. Open enrollment periods vary by circumstances and states, but are available to most through January 15, 2024.

In addition to these online resources, Elevance Health’s affiliated health plans provide personalized assistance through dedicated representatives, who are available 12 hours a day, Monday to Friday. These representatives can provide personalized assistance through dedicated representatives who can answer unique questions and offer support in multiple languages. To reach these representatives, health plan members should call the customer service number on their health plan ID card.

“This is an unprecedented time for Medicaid, a program that provides access to critical health care services. I lead Medicaid programs at Elevance Health, which serve more than 11 million people across the nation, and we stand committed to serving as a trusted healthcare partner to provide expert assistance, online tools and other resources that can simplify the renewal and enrollment process, so people can stay covered,” said Small.

Posted on

A Hematologist’s Passion for Helping People with Aggressive Lymphoma

2023-12-21T14:37:00

(BPT) – For hematologist-oncologist Dr. Amitkumar Mehta, his passion is to help develop approaches to treat lymphoma, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies that are effective and tolerable. As a clinical trial investigator and director of the Lymphoma and Immune Effector Cell Therapy Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the state, Dr. Mehta has been treating people with lymphoma for more than a decade.

He decided to pursue a career in medicine because it represents a combination of science, compassion, service and human connection. He was attracted to hematology/oncology in particular because of the expanding understanding of cancer biology and immunotherapy and targeted treatment approaches.

“In hematology/oncology, we have seen impressive advances with the development of treatments, including antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapies, bispecific antibodies and cell therapies,” said Dr. Mehta. “The treatment of lymphoma has seen a paradigm shift, which has benefited patients with this type of blood cancer.”

Among Dr. Mehta’s patients with lymphoma are those with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive, or fast-growing, blood cancer.

Typically, the therapy for people with DLBCL who have not previously been treated has involved a regimen that combines traditional chemotherapy with immunotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy). Although this standard treatment is effective for many people with DLBCL, about four in 10 will see their cancer either relapse (return after treatment), usually within two years, or not respond to treatment at all.1,2 At that point, people with DLBCL may require subsequent treatments, which exposes them to additional side effects.

That is why Dr. Mehta was excited when, in April 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk DLBCL, not otherwise specified or high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

“Receiving a diagnosis of DLBCL is devastating news for my patients who often feel hopeless. Being able to offer them another treatment option is important to me and encouraging for them to hear,” said Dr. Mehta.

DLBCL Quick Facts

  • About 32,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with DLBCL in 20253 – just under the capacity of Fenway Park in Boston.
  • DLBCL can affect people of any age but is most frequently diagnosed in those age 65 and older.4
  • DLBCL is slightly more common in men than women.4
  • This type of cancer is more likely to affect people of Hispanic ethnicity than white, Black, American Indian/Native Alaskan or Asian/Pacific Islander people.4
  • Symptoms range from swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin to coughing, difficulty breathing, soaking night sweats, persistent weakness and tiredness, unexplained weight loss and fever.5

A Major Step Forward in Treating Patients

Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq; learn more about approved use and safety information) in combination with four other medicines called R-CHP for short – a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone – is the first FDA-approved treatment since 2006 to delay the worsening or return of cancer in adults with certain types of newly diagnosed DLBCL.6

Polivy is what is known as an antibody-drug conjugate – it is made up of a monoclonal antibody linked to a chemotherapy. When Polivy is administered to patients, the monoclonal antibody attaches to a specific protein on dividing B cells, including those that are cancerous in DLBCL, and delivers the chemotherapy into the B cells to kill them. It also can affect some healthy cells.

“I am encouraged to be able to offer my patients newly diagnosed with this fast-growing and difficult-to-treat lymphoma a treatment option that may result in a positive outcome and that represents an important milestone in the DLBCL treatment landscape,” added Dr. Mehta.

The FDA approval of Polivy plus R-CHP was based on findings from an international late-stage trial in 879 patients with DLBCL who were randomly assigned to Polivy plus R-CHP or traditional chemoimmunotherapy. Neither the study participants or the study investigators knew who was receiving which treatment regimen (double-blind). Study results showed that Polivy plus R-CHP reduced patients’ risk of dying or their cancer progressing or relapsing by 27% compared with the traditional chemoimmunotherapy in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, which includes all patients who were randomized in the trial.7 The most common side effects among patients treated with Polivy were nerve problems in arms and legs, nausea, tiredness or lack of energy, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss and redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat and digestive tract.6 Please see below for additional safety information.

Patients and Loved Ones Should Talk to Their Doctor

If you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with DLBCL, talk to your doctor about available treatment options. For more information about Polivy plus R-CHP for the initial treatment of certain types of DLBCL, visit http://www.Polivy.com.

This sponsored article is presented by Genentech.

# # #

Polivy U.S. Indication

Polivy is a prescription medicine used with other medicines (a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) as a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL).

Important Safety Information

Possible serious side effects

Everyone reacts differently to POLIVY therapy, so it’s important to know what the side effects are. Some people who have been treated with POLIVY have experienced serious to fatal side effects. Your doctor may stop or adjust your treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your healthcare team if there are any signs of these side effects.

  • Nerve problems in your arms and legs: This may happen as early as after your first dose and may worsen with every dose. Your doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as changes in your sense of touch, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nerve pain, burning sensation, any muscle weakness, or changes to your walking pattern
  • Infusion-related reactions: You may experience fever, chills, rash, breathing problems, low blood pressure, or hives within 24 hours of your infusion
  • Low Blood Cell Counts: Treatment with POLIVY can cause severe low blood cell counts. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts throughout treatment with POLIVY
  • Infections: If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination, contact your healthcare team. Your doctor may also give you medication before giving you POLIVY, which may prevent some infections
  • Rare and serious brain infections: Your doctor will monitor closely for signs and symptoms of these types of infections. Contact your doctor if you experience confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, or vision changes
  • Tumor lysis syndrome: Caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. Signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy
  • Potential harm to liver: Some signs include tiredness, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes. You may be at higher risk if you already had liver problems or you are taking other medication

Side effects seen most often

The most common side effects during treatment were

  • Nerve problems in arms and legs
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness or lack of energy
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat, and digestive tract

POLIVY may lower your red or white blood cell counts and increase uric acid levels.

POLIVY may not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you are

  • Pregnant or think you are pregnant: Data have shown that POLIVY may harm your unborn baby
  • Planning to become pregnant: Women should avoid getting pregnant while taking POLIVY. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after their last POLIVY treatment. Men taking POLIVY should use effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months after their last POLIVY treatment
  • Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while taking POLIVY and for 2 months after the last dose

These may not be all the side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of POLIVY treatment.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

References

1. Sawalha Y. Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a look at the approved and emerging therapies. J Pers Med. 2021;11(12):1345. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11121345. Accessed June 21, 2023.

2. Wang Y, Farooq U, Link BK, et al. Late relapses in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2019;37(21):1819-1827. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.19.00014. Accessed June 21, 2023.

3. Kanas G, Ge W, Quek RGW, Keeven K, Nersesyan K, Arnason JE. Epidemiology of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) in the United States and Western Europe: population-level projections for 2020-2025. Leuk Lymphoma. 2022;63(1):54-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2021.1975188. Epub 2021 Sep 11. PMID: 34510995. Accessed June 21, 2023.

4. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). Cancer Stat Facts – NHL. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/dlbcl.html. Accessed June 21, 2023.

5. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.Net. Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin: Symptoms and Signs. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/symptoms-and-signs. Accessed July 28, 2023.

6. Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. 2023.

7. Tilly H, Morschhauser F, Sehn L, et al. Polatuzumab vedotin in previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2022;386:351-363. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2115304. Accessed July 12, 2023.

Posted on

Kick off the new year with a healthy smile! Your 2024 guide to proactive oral health

2023-12-21T09:31:00

(BPT) – Are you ready to take on the new year with healthier habits and a boost of confidence? Then, it’s time to make your oral health a top priority! Not only does investing in your oral care create a healthy smile, but it can also improve your overall well-being. According to the University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry, good oral health is a leading health indicator and is important for communication, human relationships and even financial prosperity.

If you want to be dentist-ready and feel your best in 2024, check out these five simple oral hygiene tips.

1. Consistency is key

The first step to a yearlong healthy smile is consistency. As your 2024 New Year’s resolution, promise yourself to make and maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes, and pay attention to how you’re brushing. Gently brush over your teeth and gums in a soft, circular motion.

2. Upgrade your oral health routine and toothpaste

Invest in your smile by upgrading your toothpaste and going to the dentist at least two times a year. Staying on top of your oral health routine and finding the right toothpaste can make a huge difference. Choose a toothpaste like Colgate Total Plaque Pro-Release, which offers long-lasting 24-hour antibacterial protection after two weeks of daily brushing.

The unique breakthrough formula penetrates hard-to-reach places to fight plaque bacteria along the gum line. It’s clinically proven to significantly reduce harmful plaque bacteria associated with gingivitis and help you get ahead of oral health problems before they start.

3. Watch what you eat and drink

You’re probably aware that sugary drinks and snacks can damage your smile, but acidic foods and drinks also pose a threat. According to the American Dental Association, products high in acids can wear away the enamel protecting teeth, making them vulnerable to cavity- and infection-causing bacteria. However, you don’t have to say goodbye to acidic foods and drinks entirely. Instead, limit them in your diet and opt for alternatives to save your teeth from excessive wear and tear.

4. Hydrate to be great

Staying hydrated has so many positive health effects, including supporting a healthy smile. For example, drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production. Why is saliva important? Because it rinses away bacteria and neutralizes acids in your mouth. Saliva is your body’s natural defense, so make sure you maintain a steady supply by hydrating.

5. Keep learning, keep smiling

When it comes to oral health, knowledge is power. Make sure to read the latest oral health tips so you can take an active role in your smile’s health. For example, follow dental associations on social media so you can stay up to date on dental care recommendations. As recommendations change, you can adjust your oral care routine to better care for your smile.

Let 2024 be the year you double down on your oral health using these five tips. With a little time and care, you can be dentist-ready this year and beyond.

Posted on

Make Wish Kids’ hope bloom with a festive bouquet

2023-12-21T15:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but this year may be less cheery for some families. This holiday season, more than 4,000 children will receive a devastating diagnosis. To help raise their spirits, Make-A-Wish and Teleflora — the world’s leading floral delivery service — have banded together to make these children’s dreams come true.

Teleflora hosted a Wish Tree activation at Westfield Century City to raise funds for Make-A-Wish, supporting the nonprofit’s mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. During the event, participants wrote their holiday wish on a Make-A-Wish star ornament and placed it on the Teleflora Wish Tree. Each wish shared contributed $5 toward Teleflora’s total campaign donation and was doubled to $10 when shared on social media using #WishOutLoud.

A holiday of wishes

The Wish Tree event isn’t the only way Teleflora is helping Wish Kids this holiday season. The floral delivery service has also launched “A Holiday Wish,” an ad that follows a little girl gloomily spending the holidays in the hospital.

The ad explores her interaction with a kind nurse who brings joy to her and all her fellow children in the hospital. The nurse is later surprised by the girl’s parents, who leave a Teleflora holiday bouquet on his desk with a note that reads, “Thank you for being there for our daughter.”

“At Teleflora, we believe in the power of humanity and its potential to deliver hope and drive change,” said Danielle Mason, vice president of marketing, Teleflora. “With this campaign, wishes are the currency to help deliver life-changing holiday moments. Through a simple gesture, everyone can join us in delivering hope and healing to wish children and their families in an engaging and accessible way.”

Help spread holiday cheer

In the spirit of granting wishes, Teleflora is encouraging America to #WishOutLoud now through Dec. 31. You can get involved by shopping for Teleflora Bouquets. The company will donate 15% of the purchase price from all sales of its Send a Hug® North Pole Penguin Bouquet and Teleflora’s Send a Hug® Warm Wisher Tree to Make-A-Wish.

Teleflora bouquets are beautifully curated arrangements always made by hand and delivered to your doorstep by a local florist. Each bouquet comes complete with a festive keepsake container that can be incorporated into home décor for years to come.

In addition to buying a beautiful bouquet for your home or as a last-minute gift for a loved one, you can support Wish Kids by joining Teleflora’s social media movement. Share your holiday wish on Instagram or Facebook on a @Teleflora #WishOutLoud post. For each comment, Teleflora will donate $5. For each new post created sharing a wish with #WishOutLoud, Teleflora will donate $10, up to $250,000.

“A child’s joy is a light of hope for all of us, especially during the holiday season,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “For children with critical illnesses, a wish can create a turning point in their treatment and recovery, making a meaningful impact in their lives and the lives of their families. We’re grateful to Teleflora for helping us deliver more hope to communities nationwide.”

To learn about Teleflora and how you can participate in making children’s wishes come true this holiday season, visit Teleflora.com/Wish.

Posted on

74% of Americans say inflation is influencing their holiday spending: 3 money tips that can help

2023-12-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season, but U.S. consumers say high prices are impacting their spending habits and making them feel stressed (61%).

Citing inflation concerns (74%), recent research from financial services company Empower shows over a third (34%) of Americans are trimming their holiday budgets in favor of saving during the most wonderful time of year.

How much spend is just right? Let your budget be your guide. Here are three tips for embracing the spirit of giving.

1. Start budgeting for the holidays early

It’s always best to plan ahead. With rising prices, it may be harder to buy last-minute impulse gifts or squeeze in a few extra presents. That’s why it’s helpful to create a list of all your holiday expenses first.

Most people think of gifts when it comes to outlining holiday expenses. And while presents may comprise the bulk of your expenses, there are additional costs to consider like holiday decorations, travel, parties, entertainment, cards, wrapping paper, food and shipping charges for sending gifts to friends and family members who live far away.

Empower data shows that more than half of shoppers (55%) plan to focus on a significant or “big gift” item for those on their list, while 45% prefer to give an array of smaller presents. Budget-wise, more than a third of Americans (37%) have allocated less than $250 in total for gifts this year.

Keith Jones, senior financial professional at Empower, says, “Determine the total amount of money you want to spend on your holiday purchases. Write this figure down and put it in a prominent place where you will see it often. This way you’ll be reminded of your spending limit every day during the holidays, when it can be tempting to want to overspend.”

2. Prioritize what brings you the most holiday joy

According to the findings, half of Americans are cutting back on buying gifts for friends (50%). Deciding who you will — and won’t — buy gifts for this year can be the hardest part of creating a holiday spending budget.

“How you allocate your holiday budget will depend on what’s most important to you — this year, you may prioritize travel to visit family that you typically only see during the holidays over decorations or cut back on social commitments in order to give yourself a larger budget for holiday gifts,” says Jones.

Americans are embracing the gift of time, choosing low-cost activities like seeing holiday lights (56%) and watching movies at home (47%). These precious moments can build new holiday traditions and create priceless memories for your friends and family members to enjoy.

3. Start thinking about next year

Planning for the new year can help keep your eye on the prize. Americans’ top goals for next year include: Saving more money each month (54%), handling their debt (37%) and lowering any non-essential spending (34%). Budgeting is on the wish list, with 20% planning to set or stay on a budget next year.

It’s important to be realistic when setting a spending limit. This starts with understanding your overall financial situation. Working with a financial professional can help you identify your money goals and create a road map to help get you there.

Methodology:

This survey of 1,003 Americans ages 18+ was commissioned by Empower: 20% were baby boomers, 26% were Gen X, 26% were millennials, and 28% were Gen Z.

RO3292205-1223