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How new technology can improve your company’s payroll processes

2023-12-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Generative AI is in the news nearly every day, and currently the most talked about topic in the world of technology. According to Forbes, well over half (64%) of business owners think AI will help benefit relationships with their customers. If you run a small to mid-sized business, you may be wondering how the latest groundbreaking developments in AI technology could help you better manage your company. One area you may not have considered is your payroll system.

While you may know how time-consuming certain payroll tasks can be, it may not be clear to you how AI — specifically generative AI — could streamline these processes. Using AI could actually save time and money while improving the experience both for you or your staff who manage payroll, and the employees who rely on it.

What is generative AI?

This widely used subset of AI uses algorithms to produce new content, data or outputs autonomously, and can be “taught” how to automate a variety of complex systems. Generative AI is “trained” by being exposed to large datasets of existing examples. The AI model then analyzes data to identify patterns, correlations and structures.

Once trained, Generative AI uses these patterns to create original content while maintaining consistency with what it learned. Common generative AI examples include writing assistance, chatbots/online agents — and payroll processing.

AI-powered chat-based assistants are one versatile tool that can engage with customers and streamline interactions. GenAI-powered chatbots can comprehend and respond to customer questions in natural language, offering real-time support and assistance while freeing up human resources for more complex tasks.

But chatbots can do much more than just answer simple customer questions. Generative AI chatbots can also streamline vital HR and administrative duties such as a company’s payroll and taxes. With Roll by ADP, you can also feel confident that there are guardrails in place to ensure safe interactions between users and their Gen AI features. Insights are drawn from ADP’s deep knowledge database, so small business owners can seek personalized guidance on managing and growing their business through an intuitive, chat-based conversation right from Roll.

Here are a few ways automating payroll processes using AI can improve your business.

Ease of use for payroll admins

Which would you or your payroll administrator prefer: spending hours on spreadsheet formulas and manual calculations, or running payroll in under a minute?

If you think the latter, Roll by ADP offers AI-powered payroll solutions that let you run payroll from your pocket on any device, whenever it fits into your busy day. All you have to do is type the word “payroll” into Roll’s payroll app for small business, and it will take you through the rest.

Simple user interface to answer employee questions

No matter the size of your business, employees always have questions about their pay, such as, “When is the next payday?” “Can I make changes to my withholding?” “How do I see when I’m getting a deposit?” “When was I last paid?” or “When will the money transfer into my account?” Using the AI-powered app makes it simple for employees to get these kinds of questions answered quickly, 24/7/365.

You or your payroll admin may also have questions, including: “How much did I pay employees in 2022?” “What information do you need for a new employee?” “Can I edit a payment I submitted?” or “How can I check the account that was set up for deposit?”

These and many more questions from employees and those running payroll can easily and quickly be answered using the Roll app.

Accurate processes — from payroll processing to compliance

Roll’s powerful solutions are built on the foundation that innovation should simplify business operations. Their AI-powered payroll solutions integrate cutting-edge technology that doesn’t just transform the way you pay your team — it changes the way your business thrives. Features include:

  • Automated payroll processing that swiftly calculates salaries, taxes and deductions.
  • Predictive insights allowing you to address potential issues before they snowball into bigger problems.
  • Personalized employee experiences that enhance transparency and trust.
  • Improved operational efficiency thanks to reduced administrative overheads.
  • Accurate compliance in line with ever-evolving regulations, drawn from ADP’s deep knowledge database.

This payroll app is designed to be easy and seamless, so business owners can run payroll by just saying something like “Run my payroll.”

“Roll is designed with a simple conversational user interface that’s very intuitive, so you can run your payroll by just chatting with the app,” said Roberto Masiero, senior vice president of Innovation at ADP. “GenAI came as a transformative technology that can make our products better, so every single area of ADP is being rethought. Everybody now has access to this ground-breaking technology.”

Ready to make your payroll system easier to run? Sign up for a free trial today at RollByADP.com.

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Managing Mental Health and Tardive Dyskinesia During the Holiday Season

2023-12-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Moira manages her depression and tardive dyskinesia and is supported by her husband and care partner Forrest.

This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Moira and Forrest were compensated by Neurocrine Biosciences to share their story.

While the holiday season can often be “the most wonderful time of the year” for many, it can also bring on overwhelming feelings of stress and isolation. According to a 2014 survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64 percent of people with mental illness say the holidays make their psychiatric condition worse. As such, it’s important to recognize and show support to those who may experience a difficult time during the holiday season. Read on for a unique story from a couple who provide their perspective on how to handle this time of the year.

Moira and Forrest met while they were both working in New York City. Several years after they married, an opportunity arose that prompted them to move to Long Island, New York. While Moira found herself prone to depression her entire life, the move caused her condition to worsen. “There was just a lot going on and a lot to think about in life,” said Moira. “Despite the excitement of our prospects, I found myself falling into a deep depression.”

Around 2009, her psychiatrist prescribed her an antipsychotic, which she says helped manage her depression, but within a year Moira began experiencing uncontrollable movements and eventually saw a neurologist who diagnosed her with tardive dyskinesia (TD). Moira was worried about the implications TD would have on her career as a pastor and began to withdraw from her social and family life, but she found support with Forrest.

TD is an involuntary movement disorder associated with prolonged use of certain mental health medicines (antipsychotics), characterized by uncontrollable, abnormal and repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, and fingers or toes. It is a chronic condition that affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S. The uncontrollable movements of TD can impact people physically, socially and emotionally. People with TD have often reported feeling judged and ashamed. “Early on, I would get very discouraged, and I would just obsess over my movements and feel like I was trapped,” said Moira.

To help manage her TD symptoms, in 2017 Moira’s psychiatrist prescribed her INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules. Only INGREZZA offers simple dosing that’s always one-capsule, once-daily to treat adults with the uncontrollable movements of TD.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

INGREZZA can cause serious side effects in people with Huntington’s disease, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal actions. Tell your healthcare provider before you start taking INGREZZA if you have Huntington’s disease and are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is especially important when INGREZZA is started and when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become depressed, have unusual changes in mood or behavior, or have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Do not take INGREZZA if you are allergic to valbenazine, or any of the ingredients in INGREZZA.

Please see full Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, below and Prescribing Information.

About three weeks after Moira started taking INGREZZA, Forrest noticed a reduction in her uncontrollable movements, and Moira started noticing less movement around four to six weeks after beginning treatment, while maintaining her mental health medication regimen. “With INGREZZA, I have less uncontrollable movements, which makes me feel more confident being around people,” she said. Individual results may vary. Some taking INGREZZA begin to notice reduction in movements at two weeks with clinical results at six weeks.

Moira and Forrest recognize that having an established treatment plan in place to manage mental health is important throughout the year, but especially during times that can be overwhelming and challenging, such as the holiday season. “As Moira’s husband and care partner, especially during times that are particularly busy or stressful, we work together to stick with our healthy practices, including exercising together, while prioritizing Moira’s mental health,” said Forrest. This holiday season, Moira and Forrest are sharing their best practices on how to manage mental health based on what has worked for them over the years:

1. Find a support system

While friends and family can provide support, there are other avenues for developing supportive relationships as well, including finding a community for those living with shared experiences.

“While my circle of friends is small, they provide me solid support, alongside my church, therapist and a spiritual director. I’ve also started sharing my experiences with TD, and I’m looking forward to having more opportunities to do so,” Moira said.

2. Focus on life outside of tardive dyskinesia

Especially during challenging times, it may be helpful to reframe your mindset to stick with healthy practices and find moments of joy in life. Moira keeps up with the physical fitness program she does with Forrest and enjoys spending time with members of her church and preparing for holiday festivities by decorating her Christmas tree, caroling and watching holiday movies by the fire.

“I believe people with TD need to be encouraged that they’re not their illness,” Moira said. “I needed to find a way to live with my illness without shoving it in a corner and pretending it doesn’t exist.”

3. Advocate for yourself to your doctor

If you or someone you know has been treated for a mental health condition and experience uncontrollable movements, it may be TD. Start a conversation with your doctor or mental health professional about your symptoms and how they may be impacting your everyday life, especially your emotional well-being, such as Moira experienced. There are ways to help manage your uncontrollable movements.

By sharing their experience, Moira and Forrest hope to shed light on the importance of supporting those with mental illness and TD this holiday season and empower people to advocate for the treatment they need.

Visit INGREZZA.com to learn more about TD and resources to start a conversation with your doctor about possible treatment options, including INGREZZA.

Important Information

Approved Uses

INGREZZA® (valbenazine) capsules is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with:

  • movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled (tardive dyskinesia).
  • involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. INGREZZA does not cure the cause of involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington’s disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions.

It is not known if INGREZZA is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

VMAT2 inhibitors, including INGREZZA, can cause serious side effects in people with Huntington’s disease, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal actions. Tell your healthcare provider before you start taking INGREZZA if you have Huntington’s disease and are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is especially important when INGREZZA is started and when the dose is changed. Call your healthcare provider right away if you become depressed, have unusual changes in mood or behavior, or have thoughts of hurting yourself.

Do not take INGREZZA if you:

  • are allergic to valbenazine, or any of the ingredients in INGREZZA.

INGREZZA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Sudden swelling from an allergic reaction (angioedema). Sudden swelling has happened after the first dose or after many doses of INGREZZA. Signs and symptoms of angioedema include: swelling of your face, lips, throat, and other areas of your skin, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and raised, red areas on your skin (hives). Swelling in the throat can be life-threatening and can lead to death. Go to the nearest emergency room right away if you develop these signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider should stop your treatment with INGREZZA.
  • Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation). INGREZZA may cause a heart problem known as QT prolongation. Symptoms of QT prolongation may include: fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, dizziness or fainting, or shortness of breath.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have a change in your heartbeat (a fast or irregular heartbeat), or if you faint.

  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): NMS is a serious condition that can lead to death. Call a healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop these symptoms and they do not have another obvious cause: high fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking, very fast or uneven heartbeat, or increased sweating.
  • Abnormal movements (Parkinson-like). Symptoms include: shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving or walking, or keeping your balance.

Before taking INGREZZA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you: have liver or heart problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

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

Sleepiness (sedation) is a common side effect with INGREZZA. While taking INGREZZA, do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how INGREZZA affects you. Drinking alcohol and taking other drugs that may also cause sleepiness while you are taking INGREZZA may increase any sleepiness caused by INGREZZA.

The most common side effect of INGREZZA in people with tardive dyskinesia is sleepiness (somnolence).

The most common side effects of INGREZZA in people with Huntington’s disease are sleepiness (somnolence), allergic itching, rash, and trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep.

These are not all of the possible side effects of INGREZZA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch at www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see INGREZZA full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.

This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Moira and Forrest were compensated by Neurocrine Biosciences to share their story.

©2023 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CP-VBZ-US-3091 12/2023

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4 Safety Tips for Driving Near Large Trucks

2023-12-18T08:07:00

(BPT) – According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 740,000 people were injured in large-truck crashes from 2016 to 2020, exceeding the previous five-year total by nearly 44%.

To make matters worse, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 5,788 fatalities resulting from large-truck accidents in 2021.

Drivers of large trucks are often blamed for these alarming metrics due to the sheer size of commercial trucks. However, crash data and analysis indicate that other parties are more commonly at fault.

“Research from the American Trucking Association has revealed that passenger vehicle drivers are at fault in nearly 75% of all fatal car-truck crashes,” says Cliff Johnson, trucking business segment consultant, Acuity Insurance. “This showcases just how important it is for motorists to know how to safely share the road with truck drivers.”

As Johnson indicates, drivers of passenger vehicles can play a pivotal role in mitigating truck collisions. The following tips represent best practices that can help motorists improve roadway safety and reduce future crash totals:

1. How to Pass a Truck

It can take nearly the distance of two football fields for a truck that’s traveling at 65 miles per hour to come to a complete stop. If you need to pass a truck, try to do so on the left-hand side. After confirming that you have enough space to completely pass the truck, use your directional signals and ensure you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your rearview mirror before moving back into the trucker’s lane.

2. Avoid Driving in No-Zones

If you can’t see a truck driver in either of the truck’s side mirrors, you are in the driver’s blind spot. Steering clear of the following areas can ensure your vehicle is always visible:

  • Up to 20 feet in front of the hood
  • Up to 200 feet behind the trailer
  • The area from the driver’s door to the trailer bulkhead
  • The passenger side from the front bumper to the back of the trailer up to three lanes wide

3. Keep Your Distance

Driving too close to a large truck can prevent you from having enough time to react to roadway hazards, which can result in serious rear-end crashes. When traveling at highway speeds, keep enough distance to see mirrors on both sides of the truck. In slower traffic areas, you should always be far enough away to at least see the truck’s driver-side mirror.

4. Provide Space on Turns

Due to their width and size, large trucks require significantly more space than a passenger vehicle when making turns. As truck drivers often swing wide to complete right- or left-hand turns to avoid contact with a curb, median or sidewalk, never drive along the side of a truck when it’s turning — even if there appears to be space. Also, be sure your vehicle is positioned behind the intersection’s stop line to ensure trucks have enough room to maneuver through crossroads or intersections.

“Keeping our roads safe is a responsibility we all share,” Johnson says. “That’s why mutual respect and awareness are essential to reducing accidents.”

While these safety tips can help you avoid roadway collisions, accidents still happen. Contact an independent insurance agent to ensure your vehicle and financial future are adequately protected from the effects of roadway mishaps.

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Elevating the home with inspired design in 2024

2023-12-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Interior design trends are always in motion, as the industry pulls inspiration from various styles and environments. There are a multitude of ways to elevate and personalize your design, and the new year is the perfect time to refresh your perspective and approach to the home. Try returning to the basic principles of form and functionality to curate a room that showcases modern sensibilities, or incorporating unique details to add character and depth to a space.

Modern Functionality

The simplicity of modern style is a draw to many who love clean lines and functionality. Recently, there has been an uptick in “soft modern” design, which brings a sense of warmth to a contemporary space through details, colors and accents. The Jason Wu for Brizo™ Kitchen Collection embodies this sophisticated style with its fresh, streamlined aesthetic and unparalleled customization options and finishes. The collection’s Matte White signature finish is timeless, and the ability to select Polished Nickel or Wood faucet levers adds a touch of personality. Choose these warm, neutral tones to bring in elements from nature, transforming a modern room from cold and sterile to functional, yet fashionable.

At-Home Spa Oasis

Spas are sanctuaries that ease both the body and mind. When designing your own space, opt for features and fixtures that bring heightened luxury to your bathroom. One way to create a sense of serenity is to incorporate the calming benefits of steam found in the Mystix™ Steam System by Brizo®. The system offers enhancements, such as chromatherapy, audiotherapy and aromatherapy, to stimulate and soothe the senses in a well-rounded wellness experience. With these features, there is no need to wander further than your own home to indulge in the advantages of a spa.

Texture & Saturation

To amplify visual interest in the home, bring in dimension through layered fabrics and textured wallpapers. Consider adding a limewash to add a notable, but soft approach to texture and to create a sense of depth in a space. A similar outcome can be achieved through a subtle tile accent on the walls or ceiling as an innovative way to bring more character to the design without overwhelming a room. Handpicking unique accents and color choices can redefine the living space. Replace small pops of color with bold, vivid hues or look for distinctive split finishes that enhance your fixtures and catch the eye. The Brilliance® Black Onyx/Matte Black, Brilliance® Luxe Gold®/Clear, Polished Chrome/Clear split finishes from Brizo are striking options and add a touch of the unexpected to the kitchen and bath.

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The produce aisle: A tour of innovation

2023-12-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – There was a time when a grocery store in Canada didn’t have blueberries in December. There was also a time before bagged salads and a dozen varieties of apples were available in a single store. The entire Fresh produce supply chain has been dedicated to innovation at every point, especially at the consumer level — the grocery store. Consumers have seen it.

While we’re used to hearing about innovation in traditional tech spaces like our own vehicles or phones, fresh produce has made countless transformative innovations that have changed the way we all shop, cook and eat. Here are a few of those advances:

1. PLU stickers

The little stickers on your lemons, apples, bananas and avocados, with four or five numbers, are actually a powerful tool. Initially, they were invented to help checkout clerks distinguish between conventional and organic produce items, since they look so similar, and charge the correct prices. The reality is organic produce items are more expensive to grow and require more labor. So, there was a need to accurately price organic offerings and give growers an opportunity to reinvest in next year’s harvest.

The stickers unlock choices for consumers and save time in the checkout line while providing the ability to choose how many items you’d like to buy, and with more varieties to choose from. As retailers can easily tell the difference between multiple varieties of apples, for example, they can sell these varieties loose and give the consumer more options.

This sticker is not done evolving. A compostable sticker has been created and with increased demand from consumers, can be used for bulk produce.

2. Bagged salads

Not long ago, you could not get a bagged salad. These salads changed the game in a few ways. The first: Convenience. While home cooks would spend time washing, prepping, cutting and mixing multiple ingredients, the bagged salad reduced that time significantly.

The second: Freshness. The bag component meant that the freshest product reached your shelves. Simply by sealing the salad with a mix of nitrogen and oxygen (derived from air but mixed in a different ratio to suppress pathogens and molds), the bag keeps the products inside fresh and keeps any microbes out without the use of toxic chemicals.

The third: Safety. Food safety is a constant effort for everyone in the supply chain. The bag of salad means that as products move from the packaging to the store, the produce is sealed to ensure no contaminants, pathogens or spoilage microbes can get in.

3. Sustainable packaging

Without plastic packaging, most pre-made salads, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, baby greens and berries would simply not be able to be sold in grocery stores. These products are too fragile to be transported and require packaging. The produce industry, in commitments to delivering a quality, safe product, that is also sustainable, has developed new types of packaging including compostable plastics derived from cellulose or organic acids.

Currently, there are impending restrictions on the industry to limit packaging or ban it altogether in Europe and Canada.

“Eliminating packaging may seem like a step in the right direction but taking that step before we have a viable and safe alternative will result in increased foodborne illness, wasted food, or even a lack of fresh produce in places where these bans are put in place,” said Max Teplitski, PhD, the chief science officer at the International Fresh Produce Association. “We’re focused on food safety, extending shelf life, and ensuring affordable access to the freshest and most nutritious products on earth.”

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5 ways to help build a better sleep routine with insomnia

2023-12-18T06:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals

Insomnia, or struggling to fall or stay asleep, affects over 25 million US adults.[i] [ii] The impact of insomnia can be debilitating—it is linked to daytime impairments as well as being associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.[iii] For those suffering from insomnia, there are certain things to keep in mind on the journey to more sleep. Read on for five tips to build a better sleep routine living with insomnia.

Create and Stick to a Sleep Routine

Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Yes, that means weekends and vacations, too.[iv] In addition, try to keep your bedroom cool, quiet and relaxing.[iv]

Bottom Line: Maintaining a comfortable and consistent sleeping environment is a key part of addressing insomnia.

Understand the Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia can stem from a variety of factors, including family history, stressful life circumstances, mental health conditions and poor sleep habits.[iii] Overactive wake signaling, one of the biological causes of insomnia, may also be to blame.[v]

Bottom Line: Knowing what may be causing your insomnia can help as you work with your doctor to understand your options for treatment.

Start a Dialogue with Your Doctor

Maintain an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your insomnia. Consider keeping a sleep journal with your daily experiences and symptoms, so you can give an accurate history of your sleep struggles to your healthcare provider.

Bottom Line: Being honest and detailed about what you are experiencing can help your healthcare provider create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

Learn About Prescription Options

Consider speaking with your doctor about prescription options that may work to help treat your insomnia, such as QUVIVIQ® (daridorexant) CIV [vi], a prescription medication for adults who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia). Designed for once-nightly use, QUVIVIQ has been clinically proven to help adults with insomnia get more sleep.* Unlike some other insomnia medications, QUVIVIQ is thought to work by turning down overactive wake signals, one of the biological causes of insomnia.[vii] See important safety information for QUVIVIQ below.

* In clinical studies, results measured at months 1 and 3

Bottom Line: Speak with your doctor about creating a treatment plan that is right for you.

You Are Not Alone

Insomnia can feel isolating, but there are others out there who are going through similar experiences. Kevin, a school IT director, husband and father of five, is one of those people. He struggled to get the sleep he needed for the past decade — having to sneak away for midday naps and cut family time short to try to get more sleep. He tried a variety of prescription and over-the-counter insomnia medications but wasn’t able to find one that worked for him, until his doctor prescribed him QUVIVIQ. His doctor discussed QUVIVIQ’s safety profile with him and told him it may cause headaches or sleepiness during the day and to avoid driving or doing other activities until he feels fully awake. After a few weeks of taking QUVIVIQ once nightly, Kevin started sleeping better more consistently for the first time in years. “Now that I’m getting more sleep at night, I’m feeling less tired throughout the day, and I can get back to the things that I love to do,” Kevin said. Individual results may vary.

Bottom Line: Hearing from others experiencing insomnia can help you feel less alone. Check out more sleep stories from real people here: https://www.quviviq.com/sleep-stories/

What is QUVIVIQ (daridorexant)?

QUVIVIQ is a prescription medicine for adults who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia).

Important Safety Information
Do not take QUVIVIQ if you fall asleep often at unexpected times (narcolepsy) or if you are allergic to QUVIVIQ or any of its ingredients.

QUVIVIQ may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Decreased awareness and alertness. The morning after you take QUVIVIQ, your ability to drive safely and think clearly may be decreased. You may also have sleepiness during the day.
    • Do not take more QUVIVIQ than prescribed.
    • Do not take QUVIVIQ unless you are able to stay in bed for at least 7 hours before you must be active again.
    • Take QUVIVIQ at night within 30 minutes before going to bed.

QUVIVIQ is a federally controlled substance because it can be abused or lead to dependence.

Before taking QUVIVIQ, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts or actions; drug or alcohol abuse or
  • addiction; a sudden onset of muscle weakness (cataplexy); daytime sleepiness
  • have lung or breathing problems, including sleep apnea
  • have liver problems
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed

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

  • Taking QUVIVIQ with certain medicines can cause serious side effects. QUVIVIQ may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect the way QUVIVIQ works.
  • Do not take QUVIVIQ with other medicines that can make you sleepy unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

What should I avoid while taking QUVIVIQ?

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking QUVIVIQ. It can increase the effects of alcohol, which can be dangerous.
  • Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, do anything dangerous, or do other activities that require clear thinking if you do not feel fully awake, or you have taken QUVIVIQ and have less than a full night of sleep (at least 7 hours), or if you have taken more QUVIVIQ than prescribed.

QUVIVIQ may cause other serious side effects, including:

  • Worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any worsening depression or thoughts of suicide or dying.
  • Temporary inability to move or talk (sleep paralysis) for up to several minutes, or hallucinations while you are going to sleep or waking up.
  • Complex sleep behaviors such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing and eating food, making phone calls, having sex or doing other activities while not fully awake that you may not remember the next morning. Stop taking QUVIVIQ and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience a complex sleep behavior.

The most common side effects of QUVIVIQ are headache and sleepiness.

These are not all of the possible side effects of QUVIVIQ. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

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

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Sponsored by Idorsia Pharmaceuticals

[i] Bhaskar, S., Hemavathy, D., & Prasad, S. (2016). Prevalence of chronic insomnia in adult patients and its correlation with medical comorbidities. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 5(4), 780–784. https://doi.org/10.4103/2249-4863.201153

[ii] Ogunwole, S., Rabe, M., Roberts, A., & Caplan, Z. (2021, August 12). Population under age 18 declined last decade. The United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/united-states-adult-population-grew-faster-than-nations-total-population-from-2010-to-2020.html

[iii] Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 13). Insomnia. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia

[iv] Healthy sleep habits. (2020, August). Sleep Education. https://sleepeducation.org/healthy-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits/

[v] Schwartz, J. R., & Roth, T. (2008). Neurophysiology of sleep and wakefulness: basic science and clinical implications. Current neuropharmacology, 6(4), 367–378.

[vi] QUVIVIQ® (daridorexant) [prescribing information]. Radnor, PA: Idorsia Pharmaceuticals U.S. Inc; 2023.

[vii] Mignot, E., Mayleben, D., Fietze, I., Leger, D., Zammit, G., Bassetti, C. L. A., Pain, S., Kinter, D. S., Roth, T., & investigators (2022). Safety and efficacy of daridorexant in patients with insomnia disorder: results from two multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials. The Lancet. Neurology, 21(2), 125–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(21)00436-1

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5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthier Mind, Body, and Spirit

2023-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – A new year often brings new plans for healthier living, but research has shown that only 9% of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions actually complete them. Overly ambitious health and wellness goals can often lead to abandoned resolutions. But what if it were easier?

Remember: Health is more than a toned physique. Take it from the U.S. Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, which focuses on five pillars of readiness — physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual and sleep — for Soldiers to incorporate into their daily routines. By following these 5 simple tips from health experts in the H2F system, you can start making small changes to your everyday routine — so when December comes around, every new habit will add to a difference you can see.

1. Make Moves That Make Sense.

Sticking to an exercise routine is all about finding what works for you. Choose workouts you enjoy or have always wanted to try. Staff Sgt. Andrea Marie Ramos, a Soldier who regularly uses Army H2F programming, recommends incorporating functional movements that mimic daily activities. For example, weighted squats can help with everyday lifting and yoga can encourage better breathing. Functional movements can make your workouts feel less like work, and you’ll reap the benefits in your everyday life.

2. Write it Out.

When our minds get cluttered, putting our thoughts down on paper has been shown to better our mental health. Writing even a few lines regularly about ourselves and our days helps clear space to focus on what matters. According to Maj. Donald Chase, the H2F mental readiness domain expert, practicing gratitude and reflection in this way can help us be more resilient in tough times.

3. Enjoy What You Eat.

Eating healthier can feel like an overwhelming goal, but a better mindset toward food can make it feel more attainable. H2F nutrition expert Capt. Savannah Gideon believes food shouldn’t be judged as good or bad but should be a fun experience. Fill your plate with balanced meals you actually like that also work toward your overall goal, whether it’s performance, energy building or more. A positive relationship with food is the foundation of better nutrition.

4. See Outside Yourself.

There’s nothing like the great outdoors to feed your soul. Maj. Joel Payne, a chaplain in the Army, encourages getting outside daily, even just a quick walk, to tap into your spiritual core. Maj. Payne helps to lead the “Tough in Spirit” program, connected to the spiritual readiness domain, helping Soldiers face adversity through belonging and purpose. You don’t need to be religious to be spiritual — it’s all about finding connection, an important part of everyone’s wellbeing.

5. Save Your Bed for Sleep.

Sleep is an often overlooked but critical piece of your health. One simple habit for a better night’s rest: Avoid working, scrolling your phone, or doing anything besides sleeping in bed. According to sleep expert Maj. Allison Brager, this helps your mind and body associate bed with relaxation, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Find out more about fitness in the U.S. Army and what a Soldier’s healthy habits can do for you and ring in the new year with achievable resolutions that can last a lifetime. It all starts with you.

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5 Cyber Safety travel tips to keep scammer scrooges at bay

2023-12-15T14:11:00

(BPT) – Are you planning holiday travel or looking forward to vacations in 2024? As you make your packing list and check it twice, don’t forget about cybersecurity.

While fraudsters work year-round, holiday travels provide many opportunities for them to steal personal information and dampen your holiday festivities. However, with a little preparation, you can protect yourself and your devices so you can focus on celebrating the season with your loved ones. So, as you gear up to travel over the river, through the woods, and into the skies this holiday season, use the following tips to safeguard your information.

1. Get smart before you leave home

Keep the season jolly and bright by locking cellphones, tablets, laptops and all other devices. Create strong, unique passwords that combine at least eight numbers, letters and special characters.

Don’t forget to get your devices travel-ready by updating all operating systems and apps. This helps ensure your devices are protected from any known vulnerabilities. For an added layer of security, protect your smartphones and laptops with security software like Norton 360.

2. BYOC: Bring Your Own Charger

Even something as innocuous as charging your device in a public area poses a security risk. For example, hackers may have tampered with a USB port at a public charging station, a tactic known as “juice jacking,” which allows them to access your personal information once you plug in.

This holiday, gift yourself a portable charger and a new power cord to keep your data safe. Don’t access or enter any private information and power off your devices when charging.

3. Stay clear of public Wi-Fi and opt for a VPN

Free public networks at airports, hotels, coffee shops, and even airplanes are incredibly convenient. However, they can also make you an easy target for hackers looking to dampen your holiday cheer. Your personal data and passwords — including sent emails, banking information and credit card details — will be exposed, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft.

Protect your identity and other sensitive information by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN allows you to hide your online activity so cybercriminals can’t see your location or activity. Also, be sure to disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to prevent your device from unknowingly connecting to unsecured networks.

4. Beat the Bluetooth bandits

Bluetooth-connected headphones, game consoles, or other devices are a great way to pass the time during long layovers, flights or road trips to grandma’s house for the holidays. However, those connections are also vulnerable to hacker attacks like BlueSnarfing, BlueJacking or eavesdropping.

When not in use, turn off Bluetooth and avoid keeping your device in discoverable mode, which makes it visible to others. Secure your connection by using PINS, passkeys or other secure pairing methods. Disable automatic pairing to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to you.

5. Hold off on sharing

The holidays may be a season for sharing, but don’t share information that can compromise your safety. Broadcasting your travel plans or location on social media can be a risk to your physical safety. Also, sharing your vacation information exposes you to threats like identity theft, phishing and other online scams.

Wait until you return from your trip to post photos to prevent bad actors from accessing your geotag data. If you post to social media while traveling, turn off location services and avoid ‘check-ins’ that reveal your location.

Never post photos of tickets, boarding passes or passports even after you’ve returned home from your holiday adventures. If you do post travel documents, make sure you cover up the barcodes and primary info.

During the holidays and beyond, vacation with peace of mind so you can focus on the spirit of the season. Using these top five tips, you can stay cyber savvy and focus on spending time with those you love most this season.

You can make your travels even more secure by getting comprehensive Cyber Safety protection like Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, which offers antivirus, malware, ransomware, hacking protection, a password manager, privacy monitoring, parental controls, and a VPN to help keep your internet browsing private. LifeLock monitors possible threats and helps you recover should your identity be stolen. To learn more about how you can be Cyber Safe this travel season, visit US.Norton.com.

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Raisin’ the Festive Fun: 5 Recipes from Sun-Maid to Help ‘Pull Off the Holidays’ With Stress-Free Entertaining

2023-12-15T11:45:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the flurry of festivities — parties and family gatherings bring joy and merriment but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the task of entertaining, especially if you’re in charge of cooking.

Luckily this year, Sun-Maid is here to help you pull off the holidays and make decking the halls easier than ever. The secret ingredient? Raisins.

From bite-sized appetizers to delicious entrees and decadent desserts, these dried fruits are a versatile addition that will add the perfect hint of sweetness to any holiday dish. Rediscover the magic of holiday entertaining with these five recipes from Sun-Maid that are as simple as they are scrumptious and, most importantly, let the season be sweet and stress-free!

1. Raisin Puff Pastry Tarte Soleil

If there’s one appetizer that will seriously impress your guests, it’s the French-inspired tarte soleil: A pull-apart puff pastry with a twisted design. This version takes a savory route with artichoke hearts, feta cheese and spinach, while adding natural sweetness with Sun-Maid Raisins. The flaky puff pastry is topped with a homemade gremolata for a vibrant and fresh taste.

2. Pesto Raisin Orzo

This four-ingredient, easy-to-make side dish requires minimum prep time and is a sweet-and-savory addition to any holiday meal. Plus, it makes enough to please a crowd. Simply cook the orzo, mix in pesto, raisins and feta cheese, and you’re done in less than 15 minutes.

3. Pinwheel Cookies

If you’re looking for a new cookie to add to your holiday repertoire, this is an easy one that looks as delicious as it tastes. The pinwheel filling includes the natural, nutty sweetness of raisins and toasted walnuts — and they only take 15 minutes in the oven!

4. Holiday Cinnamon Spiced Popcorn

This is a fun and festive snack that’s perfect for party favors or a unique addition to your next cookie exchange gathering. Don’t forget to sprinkle in raisins at the end for added sweetness.

5. “Forget Fruitcake” Cookies

Created by celebrity pastry chef, TV host and recipe matchmaker Duff Goldman, this slightly more elaborate dessert is sure to wow your loved ones. Since there are a few extra steps in this one, Chef Duff advises prepping the ingredients and dough ahead of time for stress-free baking.

Bid farewell to holiday headaches and let these tasty treats and dishes inspire your time in the kitchen during the holidays and beyond. For full recipes and more innovative ideas, visit www.sunmaid.com/pullofftheholidays.

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5 ways to supercharge your gut health with kombucha

2023-12-14T10:17:00

(BPT) – Are you ready to boost your gut health while enjoying a tasty, tangy drink? Try kombucha!

Kombucha has become an incredibly popular beverage, and it’s not hard to see why. The fermented tea has naturally occurring probiotics and beneficial bacteria that can improve digestion, enhance immune function and even increase energy levels.

If you want to reap the health benefits of this versatile, but often overlooked drink, check out these five fun and easy ways to add kombucha into your daily routine.

1. Straight up

The simplest way to enjoy kombucha is straight on its own. Many grocery stores now carry single-serve bottles or refillable growlers in a variety of flavors. Enjoy a bottle or glass with your meals, post-workout or any time you want!

For those on the go, it can be inconvenient to carry a bottle everywhere. You can drink kombucha any time of day, wherever you roam, by keeping a few stick packs of AdvoCare Harmony™ on hand. Harmony is a portable, powdered kombucha that allows you to enjoy a glass of delicious pomegranate lemonade kombucha wherever, whenever without some of the tanginess found in other products.

2. Mix up a mocktail

Spice up your social gatherings with kombucha mocktails. Simply mix kombucha with freshly squeezed juice, sparkling water or ginger beer as your base, add flavored simple syrup for a bit of sweetness and garnish with herbs and fruit slices. Serve on its own or over ice.

If you need ideas, just pick your favorite cocktail recipe and substitute alcohol for kombucha. For example, you can make a Kombucha Sunrise with orange juice and grenadine. Your guests will love this fun twist on classic drinks.

3. Serve up a smoothie

Want to upgrade your morning routine? Blend kombucha with your favorite fruits, vegetables and yogurt to start your day with a probiotic punch. From a tropical paradise to berry blast concoctions, you’ll enjoy this unique, gut-friendly twist on your regular smoothie.

For added convenience and nutrients, make the smoothie using a Harmony stick pack. The 1 billion CFU of probiotics with added prebiotic and postbiotic, vitamins A, C, E, Zinc and Selenium will help you start your day on the right foot.

4. Stir up a salad dressing

Tired of traditional salad dressings? Give your salads a boost of flavor with a tangy kombucha vinaigrette. Mix kombucha with olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey and your favorite herbs and spices to create a zesty dressing. Drizzle kombucha vinaigrette over your favorite greens to elevate your lunch or dinner and easily incorporate more probiotics into your diet.

5. Sip a refreshing kombucha iced tea

Because kombucha is a fermented tea, it effortlessly combines with other iced teas to create a refreshing, health-conscious drink you can enjoy on a warm, sunny day.

Blend your preferred kombucha flavor with your favorite iced tea in a tall glass with ice. Feel free to add garnishes like citrus slices or herbs. It’s a cooling, hydrating alternative to traditional, sugary iced teas. Also, the added probiotics support your digestive health!

Try any (or all) of these five fantastic ways to incorporate kombucha into your regular diet. You’ll enjoy the taste, and your stomach will thank you! To learn more about the benefits of kombucha and more fun ways to add it to your regular routine, visit Advocare.com/Harmony.