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The real deal: 5 things to know about organic dairy

2023-08-03T16:51:00

(BPT) – Picture this: You’re walking down the dairy aisle at your local grocery store and see an assortment of milk, cheese and other delicious dairy products. You ask yourself: How do I choose? Well, here’s the thing — not all dairy products are created equal!

If you have yet to buy organic, now may be the time to switch. “Organic” isn’t just a slogan or a fancy marketing term — it’s backed by National Organic Program (NOP) standards. These standards are a set of rules established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that organic agricultural products are produced, handled and labeled correctly.

Let Organic Valley guide you through the dairy world and share its top five reasons organic is a game changer.

1. High-Quality Nutrition

Studies show that organic milk packs a nutritional punch with higher antioxidant levels and essential nutrients like omega-3 and CLA fatty acids. And, according to the National Library of Medicine, it has been shown that organic crops contain significantly fewer concentrations of cadmium — a toxic metal similar to lead and mercury. Toxic pesticides, antibiotics and GMOs are never used in the production of organic milk. By leaving out the bad stuff, organic dairy products have more room for the good stuff, with a taste that can’t be beat.

“I recommend drinking milk for anyone looking to add more protein and vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12 and D into their diet,” said Carly Knowles, MS, RD, LD — a registered dietitian and Organic Valley partner. “My personal favorite and go-to milk is Organic Valley’s Whole Milk Grassmilk® for added health benefits of extra omega-3 fatty acids and CLA content, and that’s because their cows spend 50% more time outside than the organic standard.”

2. Positive Impact on Sustainability

Because NOP was built on the concept of sustainable farming practices, organic dairy farms are often at the cutting edge of sustainable practices, setting an example for conventional counterparts. According to a 2022 research study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Organic Valley’s small organic dairy farms focus on grazing and organic production techniques that produce 24% lower greenhouse gas emissions than conventional dairy farms.

Organic dairy farmers allow their cattle to graze in pastures. While cattle graze, they trample plants and other matters into the ground so it can decompose naturally, enriching the soil and trapping carbon. Organic dairy farming is a win-win for the environment and your taste buds.

3. Commitment to Animal Care

Organic dairy farming prioritizes the health and well-being of their cows and promotes the animal’s natural behaviors. Firstly, organic cows must have access to the outdoors. This means they can go outside and enjoy fresh air and sunlight. This freedom is crucial for them to engage in natural cow activities like chewing cud, grazing on grass and simply living as cows.

And small organic family farms are constantly innovating animal care and are often ahead of the industry with creative ways to care for their animals that fit their unique farm circumstances. A good example of this is how some farmers rely upon native bird species to control the fly population.

4. Supports Local Organic Dairy Farmers

Every time you purchase an organic dairy product, you nourish yourself and your loved ones and show your support to local organic dairy farmers. Look for brands like Organic Valley, a cooperative of more than 1,600 small family farms committed to sustainably growing food and raising animals through organic agriculture. For these family farmers who own and run their own farms, dairy isn’t just a business — it’s a way of life. To find a farm near you, visit OrganicValley.coop.

5. Versatile and Trend-forward

Chances are you’ve stumbled upon food tends that have gone viral: from baked feta to butter boards, pesto eggs to cottage cheese ice cream. And the list goes on! What do these have in common? You guessed it — dairy. These culinary trends are dairy-forward and with a few staples on hand, you can impress your friends and family with easy-to-make, delicious dishes. Next time you’re at the grocery store, remember to pick up organic dairy products to make a fun, easy and delicious summer dessert like PB&J cottage cheese ice cream!

These are just a few of the many reasons why you should be using organic dairy products in your meals and snacks. To learn more about how Organic Valley supports small family farms and brings consumers high-quality, delicious dairy products while reducing its impact on the environment, visit OrganicValley.coop and dive into their 2023 Impact Report.

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Top 5 Ways You Can Take Advantage of Your Credit Card Rewards Programs Today

2023-08-02T12:21:00

(BPT) – Amid a period of high inflation nationwide, everyone stands to gain from extra savings. Whether your aim is to reduce travel and entertainment expenses, cut down on grocery bills, or perhaps accumulate funds for a vacation, credit cards offer advantageous perks that boost the contents of your wallet. Below are five ways to take advantage of your credit card rewards:

1. Cashback

Many co-branded credit cards today offer great cashback which can be a helpful tool to offset expensive costs. It’s also useful to save the accumulated cashback over time, allowing it to grow and serve as a financial cushion or contribute toward larger financial goals like a vacation or gift.

Choosing the right cashback rewards program can help you save money and ensure your credit score stays high.

2. Save on Everyday Purchases

Cashback isn’t the right fit for you? No worries, you can also save money when making everyday purchases. By choosing a credit card that offers generous rewards for grocery store or gas station purchases, you can gain points and miles, which can then be redeemed for discounts or freebies.

Strategically utilizing these reward programs allows you to turn your routine spending into an opportunity to save money.

3. Save on Travel

Often, credit cards allow you to earn 2-3x the rewards points for flight purchases, car rentals and hotel stays. Reduce your hotel expenses by utilizing a top-tier credit card and secure premium hotel rooms for any destination.

Premium cards offer helpful ways to make your airport experience seamless from check-in to baggage claim. For example, if you’re often running late, some cards offer reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees. With a credit card, you can also access a number of airport lounges, making wait times a lot easier.

4. Save on Entertainment

You can leverage your credit card rewards to enhance your entertainment experiences and indulge in your favorite activities. For instance, redeeming cashback or points toward concert tickets, movie theater outings, or even streaming subscriptions provides a premium experience.

Remember waiting in line for your Taylor Swift tickets? With a credit card, you could have exclusive access to VIP events, allowing you to secure tickets to attend live shows that may otherwise be difficult to attend.

5. Store Brand Credit Cards

Finally, store brand credit cards allow shoppers to enjoy exclusive discounts, special promotions, and loyalty rewards tailored specifically to the store’s products. For example, these credit cards often offer additional benefits such as extended warranties, free shipping, or flexible financing options, all of which can contribute to significant savings over time.

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How Credit Card Rewards are Easing the Life of the Everyday Consumer

2023-08-02T13:57:00

(BPT) – If money is tight and you often find yourself juggling multiple finances, you are not alone. Consumers across the country still feel the effects of record-high inflation and are always looking for new ways to save.

The reality is there isn’t a way to snap your fingers and make the increasing prices go away, but what if there was a way to at least ease the weight of everyday finances, like groceries and gas? The good news is that through credit card rewards, this is possible!

Rewards Toward Gas and Groceries

Credit card rewards can be a great way to save on groceries, gas and more. Once you are signed up for a rewards program of your choice, you can shop and get gas at applicable locations. Over time, your reward points will add up. Before you know it, you could have enough points toward a free grocery run or a full tank, cost-free.

Cashback Programs

Thanks to credit cards, you can get rewarded every time you swipe your card and put those rewards back toward your everyday expenses. Cashback programs are a great way to earn cash based on your credit card spending. There are also a variety of other types of rewards programs out there depending on which card you choose, so it’s important to do your research to figure out which benefits are a priority to you before you decide which card to go with.

Benefits Consumers of All Income Levels

The best part about credit card rewards is that they do not cater to one specific group. In fact, consumers of all levels can benefit from rewards, and data shows that they do. A 2021 survey from Phoenix Marketing International reveals that 98% of credit cardholders owned a rewards card, including 82% of cardholders earning less than $20,000 annually.

It’s safe to say that consumers rely on their credit card rewards for a variety of reasons. There are several different cards available with different programs depending on your needs. If you haven’t taken advantage of your credit card rewards yet, then what are you waiting for? Simplify your life with credit card rewards today!

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How new technology helps make life easier for people with type 1 diabetes

2023-08-02T10:43:51

(BPT) – Meal Detection™ Technology* provides real-time insulin adjustments and corrections to help cover undercounted carbs and occasionally missed meal doses.

Isabel (Izzi), a ninth-grade student and active teenager, is passionate about playing the violin in her school orchestra, as well as guitar and participating in several musical groups. In addition, she and her family enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. But unlike other teens, Izzi faces the challenge of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) since her diagnosis in 2020.

“I remember it being Friday the 13th,” says her mom, Liz. “I knew the signs to look for because my mom, sister, and several aunts and uncles also had type 1. It’s a relentless disease. I lost my mom, an aunt, and two uncles to complications from type 1 diabetes, and I was determined not to let this happen to Izzi. I wanted her to be healthy, and more than that, I wanted her to continue to be a teenager — one that was not constantly worrying about her health.”

Approximately 1.6 million Americans, including Izzi, live with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that impairs the body’s ability to produce insulin, the hormone needed for glucose to enter cells and produce energy. Without daily management of blood sugars, hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) can be life-threatening and hyperglycemia (high blood sugars) can be dangerous over an extended period of time and lead to complications like kidney damage, heart problems and cognitive decline.[i]

On average, someone living with diabetes makes up to 180 diabetes-related decisions a day, including counting their carbohydrate intake before snacks and meals and then determining how much insulin to give themselves to cover for those carbs. It can feel like a constant math problem, and it’s cited as the biggest pain point for most. Nearly 50% of people consider carb counting the most burdensome aspect of diabetes care.[ii] When tested on carb-counting accuracy, people with T1D underestimate carbs 63% of the time[iii] and many forget or even skip them intentionally. This has an adverse impact on clinical outcomes and can lead to frequent highs.

Izzi needed a solution that would allow her to think less about her diabetes and just be a kid. Fortunately, she had the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial studying the MiniMed™ 780G system with Meal Detection™ Technology. The pump automates the delivery of insulin every five minutes and even covers for the times Izzi occasionally skips a meal bolus or underestimates her carbs.**

“As a mom, there’s nothing more I can ask for than a system that watches over her without us constantly needing to worry about whether she is going high or low — especially at night when the fear of her not waking up can feel incredibly stressful. It gave Izzi more independence and it really pushed her diabetes into the background,” says Liz. “It was a godsend.”

The clinical outcomes were the best they’d experienced, with Izzi spending over 90% of her time in her target glucose range. “With other technology, my highs and lows were much more severe, and we all lost a lot of sleep,” shared Izzi. “It was stressful for our whole family and my parents were even nervous about letting me drive eventually, because they didn’t think it would be safe. Now they’re not worried about that.”

Dr. Greg Forlenza, Associate Professor, Pediatrics-Barbara Davis Center, University of Colorado, and also Izzi’s doctor, says that mealtimes can be difficult. “Clinical outcomes are historically worst in adolescents — particularly when it comes to meal management and forgetting to bolus, but the MiniMed™ 780G system can bring them back into range quickly and safely.” Forlenza continues, “If you make a mistake, it’s OK because the system auto corrects in real-time. It also cuts down on potential conflicts between kids and their parents when they forget to bolus, and also ultimately allows parents to ease up a bit and give them more independence.”

With the MiniMed™ 780G system now approved in the U.S., Izzi is eager to get back on the system and is excited about her next big adventure: obtaining her learner’s permit.

“The MiniMed™ 780G system just makes life easier. I set my glucose target, and the pump does most of the work,” Izzi said. “Instead of spending time managing my glucose numbers, I can now focus on the things that I love! The best part is that my parents don’t have to worry about me as much.”

For more information about the MiniMed™ 780G, visit www.medtronicdiabetes.com/780G.

Important safety information: MiniMed™ 780G system with SmartGuard™ technology with Guardian™ 4 sensor

The MiniMed™ 780G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin at selectable rates, and the administration of insulin boluses at selectable amounts for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons seven years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 780G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose (SG) value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values.

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G system consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 780G insulin pump, the Guardian™ 4 transmitter, the Guardian™ 4 sensor, One-press serter, the Accu-Chek™ Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu-Chek™ Guide test strips. The system requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.

The Guardian™ 4 sensor is intended for use with the MiniMed™ 780G system and the Guardian 4 transmitter to monitor glucose levels for the management of diabetes. The sensor is intended for single use and requires a prescription. The Guardian™ 4 sensor is indicated for up to seven days of continuous use.

The Guardian™ 4 sensor is not intended to be used directly to make therapy adjustments while the MiniMed™ 780G is operating in manual mode. All therapy adjustments in manual mode should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ 4 sensor. The Guardian™ 4 sensor has been studied and is approved for use in patients ages 7 years and older and in the arm insertion site only. Do not use the Guardian™ 4 sensor in the abdomen or other body sites including the buttocks, due to unknown or different performance that could result in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

WARNING: Do not use the SmartGuard™ feature for people who require less than 8 units or more than 250 units of total daily insulin per day. A total daily dose of at least 8 units, but no more than 250 units, is required to operate in the SmartGuard™ feature.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 780G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 780G system.

WARNING: Do not use SG values to make treatment decisions, including delivering a bolus, while the pump is in Manual Mode. When the SmartGuard™ feature is active and you are no longer in Manual Mode, the pump uses an SG value, when available, to calculate a bolus amount. However, if your symptoms do not match the SG value, use a BG meter to confirm the SG value. Failure to confirm glucose levels when your symptoms do not match the SG value can result in the infusion of too much or too little insulin, which may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow for the recognition of pump signals, alerts, or alarms. The safety of the MiniMed™ 780G system has not been studied in pregnant women, persons with type 2 diabetes, or in persons using other anti-hyperglycemic therapies that do not include insulin. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-780g and the appropriate user guide at https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library

* Taking a bolus 15 – 20 minutes before a meal helps to keep blood sugar levels under control after eating.

**Refers to SmartGuard™ feature. Individual results may vary.

[i] Mauras N, Buckingham B, White NH, Tsalikian E, Weinzimer SA, Jo B, Cato A, Fox LA, Aye T, Arbelaez AM, Hershey T, Tansey M, Tamborlane W, Foland-Ross LC, Shen H, Englert K, Mazaika P, Marzelli M, Reiss AL; Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet). Impact of type 1 Diabetes in the Developing Brain in Children: A Longitudinal Study. Diabetes Care. 2021 Apr;44(4):983-992. doi: 10.2337/dc20-2125. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33568403; PMCID: PMC7985430.

[ii] Medtronic data on file. 25-minute survey, N= 498 T1D individuals in Germany, Japan, US, Brazil, August 2019.

[iii] Sarah C. Westen, Jennifer L. Warnick, Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, et al. Objectively Measured Adherence in Adolescents With type 1 Diabetes on Multiple Daily Injections and Insulin Pump.

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Are you pregnant? Here’s how to protect yourself and your baby against flu

2023-08-02T16:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know you can start protecting your baby against flu while you are still pregnant? For pregnant people, getting a flu shot is the first and most important action you can take to protect both yourself and your baby from flu and its potentially serious complications.

You may have heard that pregnant people are at higher risk of getting very sick and being hospitalized with flu. This may be because of changes in the immune system, heart and lungs during pregnancy. Flu also may be harmful to a pregnant person’s developing baby. A common flu symptom, fever, has been associated in some studies with adverse outcomes for a developing baby. Additionally, babies younger than 6 months are at higher risk of getting very sick from flu, but they are too young to be vaccinated themselves.

Flu shot benefits for you and your baby

But there is some great news about flu shots for pregnant people and their babies. Studies show a flu shot during pregnancy protects pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy also protects the infant during the first few months after birth when they are too young to get vaccinated themselves. One study showed fewer cases of infants with influenza in mothers who received the vaccine compared to those mothers who were not vaccinated, displaying a high degree of vaccine effectiveness. This is because, as a pregnant parent, you pass your antibodies on to your developing baby during your pregnancy.

When to protect you and your baby

A flu shot can be given during any trimester of pregnancy. For most pregnant people, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated. For pregnant people in their third trimester, however, vaccination during July or August can be considered to provide optimal protection against flu for the baby after birth, when they are too young to get vaccinated. This information is outlined in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) guidance for the prevention of flu through vaccination for the 2023-2024 season, which was adopted by CDC’s director as CDC policy on June 28, 2023.

Get your flu shot today!

There are many different options for you to get a flu shot, including at a health care provider’s office, at work, a pharmacy, some stores or even supermarkets. Speak to your health care provider today to learn more about how a flu shot can protect you and your baby, and to access information about the importance of all maternal vaccinations including Tdap, COVID-19 and HepB vaccines. You can learn more about flu and pregnancy at cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/pregnant.htm.

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How smart home technology can improve your well-being

2023-08-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Water is crucial to your life in so many ways. You drink water, bathe in it, use it for preparing and cooking food, plus washing the clothes you wear each day. In fact, about 60% of your body is water, so it’s not surprising that water often becomes a top focus when you’re looking for ways to improve your health.

If you’re concerned about the water you drink and use in your home, you’re not alone. Frequent news stories report problems around the country involving lead, chemicals or other impurities found in tap water. You may have heard about hard and soft water and wondered what kind your house has, and what problems could arise due to hard water. And even if you think your drinking water tastes fine, how can you really know that it’s safe and healthy for your family?

Here are ways you can use smart technology to improve your home’s water for a healthier lifestyle — while also conserving water to help the planet and keep expenses down.

Know your water

It’s important to know whether your water has unsafe levels of contaminants[1], including viruses or bacteria, that could potentially harm your family. In addition, if you have hard water (containing high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium), this can affect the health and condition of your hair and skin, plus how well your clothes are washed and how they feel against your skin.

Hard water reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents and also leaves residue, making your skin and hair dull and dry. Hard water minerals can also build up in your pipes and water-using appliances, causing problems down the road. These issues may cause water-using appliances to be less efficient and need repair/replacement more often. Switching to soft water can resolve these problems, and result in a 50% decrease in purchases of soap, lotion and detergent.

It is impossible to know what’s in your water without getting it tested. Water industry trailblazer Culligan Water makes it easy to test your water for everything from heavy metals, chemical compounds and minerals to its pH level, harmful bacteria and viruses, or other microorganisms. Testing will help determine if your home would benefit from a whole-house water filtration system, a reverse osmosis system (a more comprehensive filtration system focused on drinking water) and/or a water softener to improve its quality and cleanliness.

Use smart water service features

Culligan has evolved to provide the latest technology to meet consumer needs since it was founded 85 years ago. Innovative products such as smart water softeners and filtration systems can connect to your home’s Wi-Fi network to help you optimize these services remotely using a smartphone app. These smart systems monitor water quality and usage while making it easy to stay on top of needed maintenance and timely filter replacements to help keep your water in great condition, every day. You can also prevent water damage from other nearby appliances and save on water bills by using their smart leak detection accessories.

Find answers to your water questions

If you have any questions about water, you can now chat with the first-ever AI WaterBot, Cullie — the latest technological innovation from Culligan that uses ChatGPT conversational capabilities to answer your questions, providing 24/7 educational support about everything water-related and helping you connect with a Culligan service representative when you need more information.

Cullie takes service to the next level by answering any questions you may have about water to make sure you have the best quality water possible for your family.

Opt for smart appliances

Another way to help conserve water — while also ensuring that the appliances you rely on will last longer — is to choose smart dishwashers, clothes washers and water heaters when you’re in the market for new units. Smart appliances allow you to better control how they work, ensuring that the dishes you eat from and the clothes you wear every day are properly cleaned and sanitized for optimal health. Smart water heaters make it easier to control the maximum water temperature, which saves on energy bills and helps prevent burns from overly hot water — an important safety feature if you have children in your home.

Using the latest smart technology can help your family by efficiently and effectively improving your water while also providing peace of mind. Visit Culligan.com/Cullie to get started today.

[1] Contaminants may not be present in your water.

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Feel the nostalgia this summer with these irresistibly delicious treats

2023-08-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something unique about the relaxing, warm days of summer — they make you want to relive your most joyful moments from childhood, and to share those moments with the ones you love. What could be better than enjoying nostalgic, tasty confections with your family on a warm, breezy summer night? Picture it: making s’mores over a fire with your kids or cooling off after a long day at the pool with a frozen dessert.

Fortunately, Chocolove has your sweet tooth covered, along with ideas for taking a trip or two down memory lane as you savor precious moments with family and friends. Even better, Chocolove chocolate is made with traceable cocoa beans and Rainforest Alliance Certified, meaning the chocolate is sourced using methods that support social, economic and environmental sustainability, as well as Non GMO Project Verified.

Here are a few ideas for cherishing special time with loved ones this summer.

Take your s’mores to a whole new level

As you gather around the fire pit on a balmy summer evening, choose Chocolove for the most mouthwatering s’mores you’ve ever tasted. To upgrade that classic chocolate flavor, reach for Chocolove’s Milk Chocolate Bar that offers creamy Belgian milk chocolate. With 33% cocoa, this bar delivers sweetness complemented by creaminess and caramel-like flavors. For dark chocolate lovers, choose Chocolove’s Strong Dark Chocolate Bar, an intense, well-rounded chocolate with 77% cocoa. With a smooth and pleasant finish, it’s perfect for sandwiching in between a toasted marshmallow and your favorite cracker.

Find a sweet way to stay cool

Nothing says the “good old days” like ice cream, but no serving is complete without toppings! With more than 60 flavors to choose from, Chocolove bars are the perfect way to jazz up your ice cream. Just break off a few squares, chop into chunks or shave a sprinkle on top to give your frozen treat an added something special. Whether you reach for Almonds & Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate, a Toffee & Almonds in Milk Chocolate, or opt for a more unexpected, fruity flavor with Ruby Chocolate, you won’t be disappointed. (TIP: Try popping a Ruby Chocolate bar in the freezer — it makes for a refreshing experience, even without the ice cream!)

Make your own ice cream

If you like s’mores and ice cream, try this easy-to-make S’mores Ice Cream recipe:

  • 2 Cups of Heavy Cream
  • 3 Tablespoons of Sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons of Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Chocolove Extreme 88% Dark Chocolate Bar – Chopped
  • Mini Marshmallows – Flash Broiled

Add all ingredients to a large mason jar or a stand mixer. Shake or mix until mixture of ingredients doubles in size (approximately 5 minutes). Freeze for 3 hours. Then share it with someone you love!

For any type of summer treat choose love; Chocolove. Find Chocolove at major retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart and Sprouts, and at Chocolove.com.

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Considering a Career Change? Make a Difference as a Financial Advisor

2023-08-01T23:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly 100 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021 and 2022 as part of the “Great Resignation,” with many making major career changes. Despite a less certain economy today, career shuffling continues. One-quarter of workers expect to change jobs in the next 12 months. If you are one of them, you can find a golden opportunity in financial advice — a field with growing demand, high earning potential and a focus on helping others achieve their goals, hopes, and dreams and build a lifetime of financial security.

You may be surprised by the independence and entrepreneurialism this career path offers — and the potential for career-changers to thrive. Tim Gerend, Chief Distribution Officer at Northwestern Mutual — a FORTUNE 100 company providing comprehensive financial planning to over five million U.S. clients through expert advisors — discusses the growing demand for financial advice, the skills and characteristics needed to succeed, and training opportunities for those looking to get started.

Why is financial advice worth a look for those exploring a career change?

First and foremost, this is a noble profession. Advisors help free people from financial anxiety and reach their life goals. Few careers are as impactful on a human level.

This industry is experiencing incredible demand. Two in three Americans believe their financial planning needs improvement. Many Gen X’ers are feeling anxious as they begin to see retirement on the horizon, and younger generations face a future with fewer pensions and uncertainty around Social Security. At the same time, much of the current advisor workforce is moving toward retirement. Moreover, there’s an exciting opportunity to reach more diverse communities that have been historically underserved. Given these trends, the need for advisors is real and growing.

On a more micro level, this career offers a chance to build your own business with high earning potential. You can decide how high you want to aim based on your goals and ambition — the opportunity is limitless.

What qualities are a good fit for the job? Do you have to be a finance expert?

You have to enjoy and care about other people. Human interaction and connection are paramount in financial advice. The best advisors are also natural problem solvers. They are creative, curious, resilient and good at simplifying complex topics. Yes, you must be able to master a variety of financial concepts, but we don’t expect prospective advisors to have that expertise at the outset. We look for high aptitude individuals who are eager to learn, and we provide comprehensive training to help build the financial acumen they need to flourish.

Are there certain sectors or roles that are conducive to a transition into financial advice?

Many people transition into advice from other positions in insurance and banking. We also see more professionals coming from healthcare and education. Roles that often lend themselves to this field include sales, marketing, corporate strategy and management — but at the end of the day, it’s more about the individual and their desire to pursue an impactful and entrepreneurial venture.

How can people get started? Are there training programs prospective advisors must pursue first?

As a first step, sit down with an advisor and go through the planning process to understand the experience. From there, reach out to firms that interest you and look to meet with a local leader to discuss career opportunities in your area. As part of those conversations, ask about training, opportunities for hands-on practice, mentorship and joint work. Beyond on-the-job training and company-driven development opportunities, there are great certification programs offered by the CFP Board and The American College of Financial Services that I highly recommend.

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Generative AI: Boundless potential at our fingertips

2023-08-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Generative AI technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we work, learn, and solve problems. By democratizing access to powerful software, generative AI has humanized technology and made it accessible to everyone. It allows us to expand our knowledge and skillsets far beyond what we previously thought possible.

“We are now on a journey through uncharted territory, an evolutionary leap,” said Ravi Kumar S, CEO at Cognizant, a global professional services firm working with companies across industry sectors to help them modernize their businesses through technology. “Generative AI places boundless potential at our fingertips — shrinking the digital divide, empowering users, and transforming business and work through new levels of human-machine collaboration.”

Amplifying human potential

The public unveiling of OpenAI’s ChatGPT has brought about a tectonic shift in the role technology plays in our lives. Tasks and talents that were once exclusive to humans, and even defined our humanity, are now shared with algorithms. This technology is accessible and easy to use, making it an ideal solution to solve some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Generative AI can boost sustainability, find cures for deadly diseases, and alleviate poverty through personalized, automated education and agricultural innovation.

Generative AI’s business and work impacts

Generative AI technology can also benefit businesses, governments, nonprofits, and the scientific community by helping them operate more efficiently, and enhance the value they deliver. In addition, new services are emerging along the AI value chain as underlying data has to be curated and algorithms have to be trained by humans for context and decision-making cues.

Generative AI also has the ability to shrink the digital divide by removing barriers to insights and innovation, empowering less digitally mature organizations to transform their services faster. To navigate this landscape successfully, Ravi Kumar S said that businesses will require a “more diversely skilled workforce” — one that understands human behavior (sociology, psychology, anthropology), can create and optimize different processes (design thinking, six sigma, industry-specific knowledge), and engage audiences intellectually and emotionally through storytelling and design.

Governance and education: Our dual responsibility

With the rapid advancement of generative AI toward human-like capabilities, technology providers and integrators have a responsibility to ensure the responsible and ethical use of this powerful technology. Laws and regulations cannot be adopted and modified quickly enough to be effective, considering the rapid pace of change. Technology companies and integrators are at the core of developing and incorporating generative AI into new products and services, and are therefore in the best position to ensure responsible, ethical use. Closely related to governance is education, which can help illuminate the ethical and legal aspects of AI usage such as privacy concerns, bias issues, and intellectual property rights.

“As we navigate this uncharted terrain together, with boundless potential at our fingertips, it is important that we proceed with excitement, continued curiosity, and a sense of collective responsibility,” said Ravi Kumar S. “It’s in our hands to shape this powerful technology into a tool for progress.”

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Decaf curious? Here’s why you should try it

2023-07-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Let’s talk about decaf coffee. It’s been getting some well-deserved attention lately. For the longest time, decaf has been unfairly judged as inferior to its caffeinated counterpart. But guess what? Things have changed in the past couple of years, and more and more people are turning to decaf, either as a complement to their regular coffee or even as a complete replacement.

A recent Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. survey of 18- to 40-year-olds who drink decaf revealed that among those who drink both decaf and regular coffee (dual drinkers), 75% said their decaf consumption has actually gone up since the start of the pandemic. Even among those who exclusively drink decaf, two-thirds of them have also been sipping more decaf ever since.

It’s pretty clear — decaf is having a moment, and it’s not just a passing trend. If you’re decaf curious but still on the fence, here are some reasons why it’s worth giving decaf a chance.

1. Same coffee taste

A common myth about decaf is that it tastes bland or inferior compared to caffeinated coffee. However, according to Swiss Water’s survey, 66% of dual drinkers and 75% of decaf-only drinkers choose decaf because they enjoy the taste. You can enjoy the nuanced and complex characteristics and flavors of specialty coffee without caffeine effects, which means you can enjoy the taste and aroma all day long. The quality of the coffee beans and the method of decaffeination also have a big impact on the taste.

Even to experts, quality decaf coffee is largely indistinguishable from its caffeinated counterpart. Swiss Water’s proprietary chemical-free decaffeination method takes it a step further. Last year, a Swiss Water decaffeinated coffee from the Panama Chiriquí province was entered into the Golden Bean World Series competition without the judges knowing it was decaf. Out of 50 specialty coffees, the international judges placed it in the top 10.

2. Less anxiety and improved sleep

While a perfectly pulled shot of espresso or your favorite single-origin pour-over can help you wake up and start your day, drinking caffeinated coffee throughout the day can worsen your anxiety and prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. Research shows that people afflicted with panic disorder are more susceptible to experiencing panic attacks and heightened anxiety levels due to caffeine intake. That’s why many individuals are cutting back on their caffeine intake and opting to drink decaf instead.

According to the survey, all respondents reported increasing decaf coffee consumption since COVID-19 for health reasons. Dual and decaf-only drinkers drank more decaf to reduce their anxiety (59% and 46%, respectively) and improve sleep quality (55% and 49%, respectively). The science backs this up too. Several studies show that decaf coffee offers most of the same health benefits as regular coffee. It’s all because decaf retains most of the beneficial compounds and polyphenols, like chlorogenic acids, which help reduce the risk of various diseases and promote overall well-being.

By minimizing caffeine consumption, decaf allows individuals to enjoy the ritual of drinking coffee without as much of a spike in anxiety or poor sleep quality.

3. Quality makes a difference

Quality matters when choosing decaf, and not all decaf coffee is created equal. The survey found that almost all decaf-only (97%) and dual drinkers (92%) consider overall quality highly important when purchasing decaf. Quality can vary depending on the decaf process.

Traditional decaffeination methods use chemicals such as methylene chloride and ethyl acetate, which have a greater impact on altering the taste of the coffee and can leave residuals in the cup. The Swiss Water Process proprietary decaffeination method is a chemical-free process that renders what many believe to be the purest decaf coffee on the market.

The Swiss Water Process involves combining green coffee beans with green coffee extract. The extract is made up of water and the natural soluble solids found in coffee, minus the caffeine.

Through osmosis, the caffeine molecules are naturally extracted from the beans into the solution, until all that’s left is 99.9% caffeine-free coffee that retains its natural flavor and aroma.

You can have it all

If you want to cut out the caffeine but don’t want to compromise on the integrity, variety, flavor or health benefits of drinking coffee, decaf just might be your beverage answer. To ensure you get quality decaf coffee that is chemical free, look for the words Swiss Water Process on the coffee brand’s label or website description.

Ready to feed your decaf curiosity? The next time you’re at the store or café, make it a habit to look for and ask whether the coffee has been decaffeinated by the Swiss Water Process. You can also visit SwissWater.com to find roasters who offer this high-quality decaf coffee you can enjoy at home, in the office or on the go.