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Hustle without sore muscles: 5 ways to ease into summer sports and activities

2023-06-27T05:01:00

(BPT) – With gorgeous weather and longer days, we are all motivated to head outdoors and increase physical activity during the summer! Bright sunny days can stimulate our energy and help shed the urge to hibernate. However, before you take up a recreational sport, get back into jogging or swim a few laps, take stock of your fitness.

If you haven’t been active during winter, it’s important to gradually ease into summer sports. Going too hard too fast can leave you feeling sore, keeping you from doing the activities you love.

While it isn’t possible to eliminate soreness entirely, you can plan ahead to minimize and combat discomfort after a workout. Try out these five methods that can help relieve muscle pain so you won’t have to sit on the bench this summer.

1. Start low and slow

While you may have grand aspirations, be realistic about your fitness goals, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been active. Ease into your summer sports and activities by starting out with low-intensity activities like walking, hiking, swimming or cycling. These activities allow your body to adapt and condition your muscles so you can gradually increase the intensity and length of your workouts while reducing soreness.

2. Don’t skip warmups and cooldowns

As part of your pre-activity routine, get into the habit of warming up your body. While you want to get on the field or hit the trail as soon as possible, a quick warmup and stretch can help you have a better workout, prevent injury and avoid soreness.

A warmup doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. You can do dynamic stretches like leg swings or arm circles to increase blood flow and loosen up your joints.

Don’t forget to stretch after your workout too. A cooldown can help relieve muscle tension and increase flexibility. Make sure to focus on the muscles you worked on during your exercise to alleviate post-workout pain.

3. Keep pain relief on hand

You can’t avoid all sports pain, so it’s smart to have pain relief products that contain acetaminophen and/or aspirin on hand. These over-the-counter medications can help relieve muscle soreness and reduce inflammation after a workout.

An easy way to stop pain fast is to keep a few packs of Goody’s pain relief powder in your sports bag. Each single-dose powder packet is formulated to target pain signals at the source, hitting pain right where it hurts and relieving a variety of body pains and headaches, muscle and back aches, and hangovers when used as directed. No matter where you’re hurting, Goody’s has a product with the right formulation to stop pain fast.

4. Stay hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated before, during and after any sports activity, especially during the summer months. Beyond feeling thirsty, dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps and dizziness. Keep a water bottle or two handy, and make sure you take regular water breaks, especially on hot days.

5. Listen to your body

Don’t push yourself to exercise when your body hurts or you feel exhausted. Ignoring your body’s signals that it needs rest and repair won’t make you stronger or faster. In fact, it can set you back and cut your summer fun short.

Remember, soreness is a natural response to exercise and typically fades in a few days. Using these five tips, you can reduce the intensity of muscle soreness after any activity so you can keep playing ball, swimming laps or racing to the finish line.

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Beat the heat safely: Your guide to exercising outdoors during summer

2023-06-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summertime is the ideal time to be active. As the weather heats up, many people are also turning up the heat on their personal fitness. While exercise can be particularly enjoyable during the warm weather months, it’s important to take proper precautions to stay healthy and safe.

Samantha Clayton, master personal trainer and vice president of Sports Performance and Fitness Education at Herbalife, explains why the body responds differently to activity done in the heat:

“Heat adds stress to the body because it must work harder to balance a core temperature,” she said. “The body sweats more to cool down when training in hot weather. Losing that additional fluid can impact performance and lead to heat-related illnesses.”

Clayton shares three questions to ask yourself before exercising outdoors to help you be safe and feel well:

1. What is the weather forecast?

The first step is to check the expected weather conditions for the day. According to the National Weather Service, a heat index at or above 90 poses a significant health risk when engaging in physical activity outdoors. Keep in mind, each person has a different heat tolerance and fitness level, so this is just a guideline.

“Humidity is another key factor to watch,” said Clayton. “It impacts training because the moisture in the air prevents the body from cooling as efficiently through sweating and evaporation. Plus, the body responds to humidity by sending blood closer to the surface of the skin to cool down, depriving muscles of circulation, which can cause cramping.”

If weather predicts heat and humidity, choose a cool time of day to avoid midday sun. Early morning exercise is optimal. If needed, work out indoors at home or head to your local gym.

2. What clothes are best for the conditions?

During summer heat, it’s important to wear lightweight clothing that will wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry, plus protect you from UV rays. Rather than hats, opt for sunglasses and visors that shade the eyes from the sun while allowing heat loss through the head to keep you feeling cooler.

“Beyond clothing, look for shaded outdoor spaces to work out, like a pavilion to stretch or a shaded park path for running,” Clayton suggested.

3. How much should you drink?

Your body sweats even if you don’t feel like it is. When it’s hot outside, it sweats even more. Add movement while training, and you can bet you’re losing fluid quickly. That’s why hydration should be a priority.

“Replacing lost fluid is important and the amount varies depending on your size, the weather and activity level. A good baseline is for every 20 minutes of exercise to sip at least 4 ounces of fluid,” said Clayton.

Remember, when the body sweats it loses more than just water. That’s why when training it’s smart to drink a sports drink, just like professional athletes, like Herbalife24® CR7 Drive Drink with electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and sodium to help enhance hydration and replace electrolytes lost in sweat.

Beware heat exhaustion

Even professional athletes with years of experience may push themselves too far in the heat. That proves it’s worthwhile for everyone to review the signs of heat exhaustion when exercising:

  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Excessive sweating
  • Irritability
  • Low blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle cramps

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop and find a cool place to rest, like in the shade or an air-conditioned building. Take small sips of water — cool is ideal but not ice cold. If symptoms don’t subside after rest and fluids, you may need medical attention. Call your doctor’s triage line with any questions or concerns.

“With the correct steps, you can continue to exercise safely outdoors many days this summer,” Clayton said. “Be proactive and listen to your body and you’ll feel great while striving toward your fitness goals.”

For more information and tips on a healthy lifestyle, visit iamherbalifenutrition.com.

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How a Veteran with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis is Living with the Rare Autoimmune Disease

2023-06-26T09:25:00

(BPT) –

This content was sponsored by argenx. Tom is a real patient who was on treatment when he shared his personal experiences. Individual results may vary.

Tom Hopkins served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam as a young man. However, he faced the toughest battle of his life in the summer of 2020 shortly after he turned 80. Fatigue and weakness caused by a rare autoimmune disorder called anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR) antibody positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) left him with debilitating symptoms.

But in June of 2022, Tom experienced a positive transformation. He took back some control of his life, and he’s now able to keep up with his grandkids. “I am able to enjoy my life once again, enjoy the little things,” said Tom, and his family is pleased to see his symptom improvement which allows him to be more present in their daily lives.

Living with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

After Tom served in Vietnam and retired from the Marine Corps, he lived his version of the American dream, building a successful career in the insurance industry. In his early sixties, Tom was getting ready for a well-deserved retirement. But his outlook changed in 2003, when he was diagnosed with anti-AChR gMG.

gMG is unpredictable, and everyone’s experience is unique. Tom and his family were able to manage his symptoms for almost 20 years. Then, suddenly, in the summer of 2020, Tom’s life took a sudden turn for the worse. In a matter of months, Tom went from spending time with his grandkids to feeling depressed and very sick.

“I had a hard time eating,” said Tom. “It was difficult to swallow and breathe. I had double vision and felt extremely fatigued. I couldn’t make it through a shower without needing rest, and I had to take breaks on the way back from going to the bathroom. On top of that, I lost over 30 pounds over an 18-month period.”

“My life became extremely small,” Tom recalls of that period when his gMG symptoms put him on the sidelines. Tom had to give up his usual routine and activities, like volunteering, going to veteran meet ups, even joining in family meals or calling his daughter. “We couldn’t have a conversation,” said his daughter due to impairment of his speech as a result of worsening symptoms.

What is Generalized Myasthenia Gravis?

According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, generalized myasthenia gravis is a rare and often debilitating autoimmune disorder that leads to severe muscle weakness, including difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually even breathing.1 Roughly 50,000 Americans live with gMG, and the most common gMG serotype is anti-AChR antibody positive gMG which accounts for about ~85% of all diagnoses.1

Adding VYVGART®

After declining over 18 months, Tom and his family saw a brochure about a medicine called VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab). VYVGART is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-AChR antibody positive. Before receiving treatment, Tom’s condition was severely limiting his daily life, and he was unable to do the things he loves. In June of 2022, Tom started feeling some improvements after his first cycle with VYVGART paired with his other gMG treatment.

Tom’s decision to take VYVGART came after consulting with his doctor. They advised that the most common side effects of VYVGART are respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. While Tom did not experience any side effects, individual results vary.

“Now that my gMG symptoms are being treated, I am able to get back to doing more of my daily activities — seeing my grandchildren’s volleyball matches and playing with them again means the world to me,” said Tom.

With VYVGART treatment, Tom has happily returned to some of his independent activities, like taking daily walks and drives. He also started to enjoy food again, and rejoined his wife at the dinner table for family meals. Over the holidays, Tom was able to celebrate with extended family members.

Now that Tom is able to better manage his symptoms, he’s gained enough strength to be more like himself again. Tom loves spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. Around Veteran’s Day, he speaks to local schools about his experiences in the Vietnam War.

Tom and his wife recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, still very much in love. Thanks to his improved symptoms, Tom is making the most of his golden years despite the effects of gMG.

Talk to your doctor about treatment options and any questions you have about anti-AChR antibody positive gMG. You can learn more about VYVGART here.

Important Safety Information2

What is the most important information I should know about VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)? VYVGART may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Infection. VYVGART may increase the risk of infection. In a clinical study, the most common infections were urinary tract and respiratory tract infections. More patients on VYVGART vs placebo had below normal levels for white blood cell counts, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil counts. The majority of infections and blood side effects were mild to moderate in severity. Your health care provider should check you for infections before starting treatment, during treatment, and after treatment with VYVGART. Tell your health care provider if you have any history of infections. Tell your health care provider right away if you have signs or symptoms of an infection during treatment with VYVGART such as fever, chills, frequent and/or painful urination, cough, pain and blockage of nasal passages/sinus, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, excess phlegm, nasal discharge, back pain, and/or chest pain.
  • Undesirable immune reactions (hypersensitivity reactions). VYVGART can cause the immune system to have undesirable reactions such as rashes, swelling under the skin, and shortness of breath. In clinical studies, the reactions were mild or moderate and occurred within 1 hour to 3 weeks of administration, and the reactions did not lead to VYVGART discontinuation. Your health care provider should monitor you during and after treatment and discontinue VYVGART if needed. Tell your health care provider immediately about any undesirable reactions.

Before taking VYVGART, tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have a history of infection or you think you have an infection
  • Have received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine (immunization). Discuss with your health care provider whether you need to receive age-appropriate immunizations before initiation of a new treatment cycle with VYVGART. The use of vaccines during VYVGART treatment has not been studied, and the safety with live or live-attenuated vaccines is unknown. Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines is not recommended during treatment with VYVGART.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

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

What are the common side effects of VYVGART?

The most common side effects of VYVGART are respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection.

These are not all the possible side effects of VYVGART. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is VYVGART?

VYVGART is a prescription medicine used to treat a condition called generalized myasthenia gravis, which causes muscles to tire and weaken easily throughout the body, in adults who are positive for antibodies directed toward a protein called acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR antibody positive).

Please see the full Prescribing Information for VYVGART and talk to your doctor.

References

  1. MG Quick Facts. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://myasthenia.org/MG-Education/MG-Quick-Facts.
  2. About Vyvgart: VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) VYVGART.com (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.argenx.com/product/vyvgart-prescribing-information.pdf.

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What the office should look like today

2023-06-26T09:37:00

(BPT) – Remote work is on the decline. Today, more large companies are pushing for their employees to come back to the office. Job postings for remote positions have decreased, and now new research shows the pandemic-driven work-from-home era may be over.

The most recent Labor Department study shows nearly 75% of businesses reported their employees rarely or did not engage in teleworking last year, equating to 21 million more people working from work fulltime in 2022 compared with 2021. Interestingly, the number of employers reporting teleworking is now similar to pre-Covid levels.

After working remote or hybrid for the last few years, office workers’ expectations for their workplace are changing. What the office looks like and how it functions will be different in this new post-pandemic era of office work.

Here are five trends that will reshape the way we think about the workplace.

Ergonomics edge

There’s nothing quite like hours of back-to-back virtual meetings to call attention to the importance of making workplaces fit the people who use them. While comfort is one benefit, the impact of ergonomics extends to health, productivity and performance. In fact, a large university study showed that ergonomic workstations reduced lost workdays by 75%. For office workers, chairs, desks, monitors and lighting are key targets for ergonomic upgrades.

Hoteling

With this desking approach, team members forgo a permanent workspace and claim a workstation as they need it. Perfect for teams with employees who frequently work from home or in the field, hoteling also helps employers reduce their office footprint. Another benefit: When department doesn’t dictate desk location, collaboration across the company can grow. Plus, employees may enjoy a feeling of greater autonomy with this setup.

Casual meeting spaces

Including a variety of informal, non-bookable collab spaces can help foster relationship-building and idea sharing (without the formality of scheduling a meeting and reserving a conference room). Repurposing an employee lounge or outdoor break area into a huddle zone to use during off hours can be a solid start. Finding open space to add a small grouping of chairs and a coffee table in each department is another common approach.

Thoughtful concentration areas

While fostering collaboration in the office is extremely important, it should not overshadow the need for thoughtful concentration areas where team members can perform independent tasks with more privacy and enhanced ability to focus. Balancing collaboration space with concentration space gives employees the opportunity to choose how they work so they can be most effective.

In fact, some of the latest research shows that people are looking to the office as a place to focus. A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. workers found 48% listed focusing on their work as the top reason for coming into the office. This beats out accessing technology, holding in-person meetings (either with team members or clients) and socializing with other employees.

Focus on the future

Successfully designing and equipping office spaces increasingly includes using options reflective of a desire to preserve our world for future generations. Sustainably sourced office furniture products, like the Parker Chair Collection from NBF, are becoming more prevalent. When purchasing for an office, be sure to look for furniture that has passed ANSI-BIFMA testing to meet commercial use and safety standards.

When offices are designed with employees’ needs in mind — as these five trends suggest — businesses are better set up for success. The office should be a place that supports workers’ ability to be productive and collaborate effectively.

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The simplest and least expensive way consumers can help the environment

2023-06-26T10:37:00

(BPT) – Recycling is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to help the environment. Although many people understand the significance of recycling, there is still room to improve participation and recycling rates. The Carton Council, which works to increase the recycling of food and beverage cartons, has several tips to help consumers become more diligent recyclers.

1. Make a game plan: Develop a strategy for hassle-free recycling by keeping containers within easy reach in areas where recyclable packages are consumed. Know your community’s collection schedule and have enough space to store your recyclables until the designated collection day.

2. Know what to recycle and what to throw: Keep in mind that acceptable materials vary based on the recycling program and community. Turn to your community’s website to determine what can and can’t be recycled where you live.

3. Stick it to your memory: To help stick to your recycling plan, create reminders throughout your home. Try placing notes in visible locations, such as on your refrigerator or where you place your keys, to keep recycling top of mind. Make sure to note your collection day.

4. Make a difference by being a recycling influencer: Be the change you wish to see by inspiring others to recycle. Share your recycling efforts on social media and tag your local recycling program, homeowner’s association, and even the Carton Council to inspire others to join the recycling movement.

5. Don’t judge a book by its cover: Dirty, misshapen or dented packages can still be recycled. Unless the item is covered in food, such as peanut butter or melted cheese, place it in your recycling container.

6. Own your role in the power of recycling: Take pride in your efforts and recognize the positive impact your recycling makes. Without recycling, there would be no recycled materials available to create new products. For example, 30 food and beverage cartons can be recycled to produce a sustainable ceiling tile. A ton of paper made from recycled fiber conserves 7,000 gallons of water and 17-31 trees.

Recycling is an easy way everyone can play a role in helping the environment.

Not sure if food and beverage cartons can be recycled where you live? Check our address locator at RecycleCartons.com.

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Tire Safety: Protecting What Matters Most

2023-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tires are one of the most important, complex safety components of the car and the only part that touches the road. That’s why the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) kicked off its National Tire Safety Week (June 26 – July 3, 2023) to educate consumers, motorists and fleet operators about why tire safety and maintenance should be a top priority for all motorists.

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4 ways video game companies are giving back to communities, and how you can too

2023-06-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – The video game industry is often known for its high-quality games and the hours of entertainment it provides its community and players — but engaged, modern, video game studios accomplish more than that. Many studios in the video game space are improving their local communities, providing incredible opportunities through educational and philanthropic initiatives and making space for their players to give back.

One Texas-based example is Gearbox Entertainment, which recently announced Gearbox Gives — an effort to harness the power of entertainment to educate communities and future creatives, inspire change, and create programs and initiatives that help solve problems around the world.

These initiatives are more than just a promise, they are programs moving beyond entertainment to give back to the greater good. Gearbox’s Borderlands Science is one example of how companies, and their communities, are giving back. This mini-game within the critically acclaimed Borderlands 3 video game helps map the human gut microbiome, which is benefiting the real-world scientific community. Players have already solved tens of millions of DNA sequencing puzzles, aiding in the advancement of clinical research.

Here are several ways video game companies are working to empower communities and solve problems.

Donating proceeds from sales. Many video game companies partner with global and local organizations to support good causes. To support the fight against cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gearbox’s San Francisco team, Cryptic Studios, and ViacomCBS Consumer Products teamed up with Groupees.com to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During the launch of Star Trek Online: Awakening on consoles, players had the option to purchase limited-time in-game bundles and donate to the cause, which raised almost $60,000 in donations to the foundation.

Raising funds for good causes. Developers regularly partner with organizations to host annual fundraising events, like Gearbox’s annual 12-hour Twitch stream where gamers stream video game content in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in partnership with Extra Life. Video game developers also often have publisher sales on platforms like Steam, in which a portion, if not all, of proceeds from video game sales, are donated to a good cause.

Creating in-game items to support urgent community needs. Video game studios often tap their communities to support those in need. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gearbox Entertainment had thousands of its Borderlands 3 players purchase digital masks for their characters in response to the unprecedented need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals. All proceeds were donated to Direct Relief to support the acquisition of PPE for frontline healthcare workers.

Investing in STEM education. Supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is a major focus of the video game industry. As rising students may be the next generation of creatives and leaders in the industry, organizations like Gearbox are partnering with school districts to create programs that help students build transferable skills and encourage STEM exploration. Longview Independent School District in Texas has partnered with Gearbox Gives to allow 2,000 students to learn coding languages, gain hands-on experience with both hardware and software, be introduced to assembly and machine code, and explore other STEM areas, such as robotics.

The video game industry expands far beyond the games its community plays. If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, take a look at the programs your favorite developers have in play — getting involved is simpler than you think. Adding an extra stop on your mission or buying an in-game purchase during an event can enhance your gameplay and support amazing causes.

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8 Ways to Boost Male Fertility and Improve Sperm Health

2023-06-23T15:53:00

(BPT) – Written by: Dr. Sina Abhari, Medical Director and board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility of Newport Beach

With studies reporting a significant decline in sperm counts across the globe, fertility health has been a top-of-mind concern for many men in recent years. In fact, a recent survey of 1,000 men, ages 25-54, found that nearly 40% of men are currently concerned with their fertility health.

While some causes of male fertility are genetic or structural and require help from a fertility doctor, there are lifestyle considerations and changes you can factor into your everyday routine to improve your wellness and optimize reproductive health.

Here are some tips to help improve male fertility:

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Having a higher body mass index (BMI) may have a negative impact on sperm production. Research suggests that if your BMI is on the higher side, you might be at a greater risk of experiencing fertility issues and sometimes pregnancy outcomes are negatively impacted. So, it’s worth keeping an eye on your BMI and taking steps to maintain a healthy weight if you’re planning to start a family. Focus on eating well-balanced meals, exercise three to four days a week, and aim for a BMI between 21 to 26.

2. Eat a nutritious diet

Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fat and include foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, which can help protect sperm from damage. Certain vitamins and supplements can also affect sperm health. Taking a multivitamin can provide additional antioxidants such as zinc, selenium and vitamin C — all of which are used by the testes to support sperm production.

3. Avoid tobacco

Smoking tobacco can take a serious toll on your overall health and wellness, and this includes negatively impacting your fertility. A meta-analysis of 20 studies with 5,865 participants found that smoking tobacco reduces sperm count and motility (how the sperm move/swim). If you smoke and are trying to conceive, it is time to kick the habit. Here are some tips from the CDC on how to quit smoking.

4. Consume alcohol in moderation

Excessive alcohol consumption can lower sperm counts, lower testosterone, and can disrupt reproductive hormone balance. So, what amount of alcohol is considered okay? The results from studies are inconsistent and there is no one study that gives direction on how much alcohol you should drink before your fertility is negatively impacted. But generally, fertility specialists recommend consuming less than four to six glasses of wine (or the equivalent) a week.

5. Exercise regularly

Some studies show that getting regular physical activity can increase testosterone levels and better sperm quality. However, excessive exercise may have a negative impact, so strike a balance.

6. Limit heat exposure

Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as hot tubs, saunas, or tight-fitting underwear, as they can raise scrotal temperature and affect sperm production.

7. Minimize exposure to toxins

Reduce exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals that can harm sperm, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and certain workplace chemicals. Use protective clothing and follow safety guidelines if you work in a potentially hazardous environment.

8. Get enough sleep

Sleep deprivation has been correlated with a number of health concerns, including male fertility problems. Sufficient rest (aim for seven to eight hours each night) promotes hormonal balance and overall well-being.

If you’re concerned about your fertility, it is best to consult a fertility specialist. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions based on your specific situation.

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How people with diabetes can access affordable insulin

2023-06-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you or someone you love has diabetes, you already know how essential insulin is for managing the disease every day. Today, 8.4 million Americans rely on insulin to manage their diabetes, making access to this crucial medication more important than ever.

In March of 2023, Lilly announced plans to reduce the cost of its most commonly prescribed insulins and automatically cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month at participating retail pharmacies for people with commercial insurance, to help make it easier for people who use Lilly insulin — regardless of insurance status — to access this crucial medication.*

“Earlier this year, we further delivered on our commitment to provide affordable insulin for people with diabetes by making it easier for people to access Lilly insulin for $35 through an automated cap at the pharmacy for people with commercial insurance, so that people who use Lilly insulin can access it for no more than $35 per monthly prescription,” said Mike Mason, executive vice president and president, Lilly Diabetes and Obesity.

How the insulin cap works

Making insulin affordable for people living with diabetes has always been a top priority for Lilly. With this latest initiative, Lilly is automatically capping out-of-pocket costs for its insulin at $35 per monthly prescription for people with commercial insurance. This means that the $35 per month cap is implemented automatically at participating retail pharmacies for people with commercial insurance.

But even if you don’t have insurance, or do not use a participating pharmacy, you can still get Lilly insulin for $35 per month. Simply go to InsulinAffordability.com and download the Lilly Insulin Value Program savings card.

Through these actions, Lilly continues to make it easier for people with diabetes to access affordable insulin.

Spread the word with #TaptheCap and help kids with diabetes

To help ensure that people with diabetes know how to access affordable insulin, Lilly is teaming up with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and professional baseball player Adam Duvall to launch a nationwide effort called “Tap the Cap” to increase awareness of insulin affordability solutions for people living with diabetes.

“I know firsthand the physical and emotional burden that living with diabetes can have,” said Duvall, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2012. “The last thing a person should have to worry about is how to get affordable insulin, and that’s why I’m glad to be helping to make sure people know how easy it is to ‘Tap the Cap.'”

To encourage people to spread the word about how to access their insulin for $35 or less per month, Lilly invites everyone to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook with the #TaptheCap filter and the hashtag #TaptheCap.

For every post with this hashtag, Lilly will make a contribution to ADA’s summer camps across the U.S. These camps support the unique care needs of children living with diabetes, offering the opportunity to make lifelong memories while learning from others who can relate to their experiences. ADA camps provide a medically safe environment where children with diabetes can enjoy a fun-filled summer camp experience while learning how to better manage their diabetes.

For more information about #TaptheCap, visit Lilly.com/insulin. To learn more about the ADA’s insulin affordability work, visit Diabetes.org/insulincost.

*Terms and conditions apply. Automatically applied at the majority of retail pharmacies for those with commercial insurance. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from Lilly’s $35 solutions. But federal law provides that Medicare Part D beneficiaries also pay no more than $35 per month for insulin.

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Beauty e-commerce in 2023: These top trends are driving the future

2023-06-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Keeping your finger on the pulse of what consumers want can be a challenge, especially in the ever-evolving beauty industry. Social media and lifestyle trends often influence where beauty dollars are spent, and suppliers must take note of buyer purchasing patterns to meet demand.

Data from Alibaba.com, a leading B2B e-commerce marketplace for global trade, provides deep insights into current and emerging trends that are important for businesses in the beauty industry. Sourcing activities on the platform, comparing data from March 2023 to March 2022, point to the following five trends that are poised to define the beauty industry in the second half of 2023:

Vitamin C is in demand

Interest in and use of vitamin C in beauty products like serums, face masks and moisturizers has increased significantly. Alibaba.com saw a 107% year-over-year increase in global buyer inquiries for beauty products with vitamin C. What’s more, there has been a 35% increase in the number of beauty products including vitamin C sold on the marketplace over the same period.

Vitamin C offers a plethora of benefits for skin health and also appeals to eco-focused consumers because it is often sourced from renewable resources. These reasons and more are why many beauty insiders say vitamin C products are here to stay.

Sustainability is key

Using upcycled or recycled materials to create sustainable products is becoming commonplace in the beauty industry. Products like shampoo bars, lip balms and makeup palettes are increasingly featuring recycled plastic and paper packaging. Brands are also repurposing materials like coffee grounds and fruit waste to make exfoliants and face masks.

Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, and brands and suppliers alike need to keep up. Alibaba.com saw 109% more inquiries for resource-saving products (eco-friendly and water-efficient products) year-over-year, and there was a 42% increase in the number of sustainable beauty products listed on the site.

Localization matters

As consumers are looking for increasingly personalized experiences from brands, the demand for localized products is growing. Many beauty brands are prioritizing localization efforts by using locally sourced ingredients in their products and tailoring them to the region, climate and culture of their customers.

This might mean a brand will create a skincare line for consumers living in a hot, humid climate using some ingredients that grow naturally in that area. For instance, a growing number of suppliers on Alibaba.com have started using local tropical plant and fruit ingredients in their cosmetics in response to demand from buyers in Southeast Asia.

Beauty routines go streamlined

All-in-one products are perfect for consumers with busy lifestyles. This includes products like BB creams that combine moisturizer, sunscreen and foundation; combination hair and body washes; and palettes that include lip colors, blush and eyeshadows.

Consumers are experiencing increasingly hectic lives and are looking to streamline their to-dos. They are seeking out these types of products to help simplify their beauty routine, saving time and space without sacrificing quality. Alibaba.com saw approximately 10,000 more all-in-one products listed on its platform in March 2023 compared to the same time last year, reflecting a growing demand for this category of products.

Anti-aging products turn back time

One of the fastest-growing segments in the beauty industry is anti-aging products. These often target skin rejuvenation and fine-line reduction, such as anti-wrinkle creams, serums, face masks and facial oils. Alibaba.com saw an increase of 180,000 anti-aging products on its platform year-over-year.

Social media has influenced the desire to slow the speed of aging, and this has heavily impacted consumer desire to purchase anti-aging products. Businesses are responding by stocking a variety of anti-aging products. For example, there was a 291% year-over-year growth in the number of businesses purchasing anti-aging serums on the platform.

Businesses in the beauty industry must be agile and keep pace with emerging trends like these. To learn more about industry trends or to stock up on the latest items to position your business for success, visit Alibaba.com.