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How to navigate high prices on the road

2023-06-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – High prices continue to be a concern for many Americans, especially when it comes to driving and automotive decisions. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans say that current gas prices — which tend to rise even higher during the summer months — have a major-to-moderate impact on their daily driving habits, according to Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey.

But what can be done about it? While Hankook found that half (49%) of Americans have driven less in the last 30 days due to inflation, that’s not always realistic. Here are a few ways to help ease the effect of high prices, not just on our wallets, but also on our odometers:

1. Find alternate routes.

Some Americans are turning to alternate modes of getting around, such as public transportation. However, the Gauge found that while younger drivers are more inclined to do so (19% of Gen Z and 17% of Millennials have taken public transportation to offset higher prices), older generations are less likely (7% of Gen X and 2% of Boomers). This could be due to any number of factors — location, mobility or simply preference. For those who regularly get behind the wheel, seek out alternate routes that are more direct or have fewer stoplights. This could increase fuel efficiency, and in turn save money at the pump.

2. Be mindful about maintenance.

While financial concerns are high, conducting routine vehicle maintenance can help avoid more costly repairs down the road. Fortunately, most of us aren’t avoiding maintenance appointments. Hankook found 80% of drivers are keeping their routine maintenance appointments despite the increased price of such services.

3. Take note of your tires.

Be sure to consider your tires, too. Maintaining tires with proper inflation and regular rotation can help them last longer, safely. When the time does come to replace them, look at your mileage warranty and see if you qualify for any savings. And when purchasing, consider a tire with low rolling resistance to help with overall fuel efficiency.

4. Hit the road, not the skies.

With the summer travel season upon us, it’s no secret that taking a vacation isn’t always friendly on the wallet. In fact, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) have delayed or canceled travel plans due to inflation and the increased price of travel. However, you don’t have to scrap your summer getaway altogether! In the spirit of seeking alternative routes, consider taking a road trip instead of a flight, which offers more control over cost, not to mention destination.

5. Steer towards savings.

When prices are high, the first thing many do is avoid large purchases. Car buying is a prime example: currently, only 25% of Americans consider themselves very-to-extremely likely to purchase or lease a new vehicle in the next six months. But many large purchases also come with opportunities to save. Whether you’re in the market for a whole new vehicle, or simply need to buy new tires, keep an eye out for rebates, sales, and other opportunities to lower the cost, especially for purchases that are needed now.

There are many ways to minimize the impact of high prices when it comes to your vehicle. Think smarter, not harder, about when and where you’re going, as well as the purchases you need to make to get there.

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Add to your summer checklist: Getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia

2023-06-01T06:01:01

(BPT) – Summer is here and, for many people, it’s a time to kick back, relax and enjoy some much-needed vacation time — and pneumococcal pneumonia shouldn’t stand in your way of enjoying all that summer has to offer.

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and can even put you in the hospital or be life-threatening. And you’re at increased risk if you’re 65 or older, or 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease.

People often think that pneumococcal pneumonia can only be caught in the winter or during flu season, but it can strike any time of year.

Vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, and is available all year round, so now is the time to get vaccinated and have one less thing to think about when you’re enjoying warmer weather and longer days — whether it’s gardening, beach-time or trying out that new grill.

Even if you’ve already been vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia previously, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccination against it for additional protection.

So, in addition to sunscreen and staying hydrated, another preventative health step you can take this summer is to ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination and visit knowpneumonia.com to learn more.

Brought to you by Pfizer.

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The invisible moments that people living with rare kidney disease (RKD) see clearly

2023-06-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Meet Amanda, a New Jersey resident and lifelong hockey fan who has a passion for volunteering and advocacy that — almost — parallels her love for the New York Rangers. Much of Amanda’s day-to-day looks like that of other people, but what many don’t know about Amanda is that she has been living with IgA nephropathy, a form of rare kidney disease (RKD), for more than 15 years.

RKD can present with no symptoms or a range of unique symptoms that are not always visible to others. So, while people living with RKD may appear outwardly healthy, young and active, they may be coping daily with the challenges of managing their disease.

Amanda said, “You don’t see my RKD and how it affects me just by looking at me,” and as a result, people often do not realize the different ways her RKD impacts her daily life. Amanda supports others with IgA nephropathy by sharing her own story to educate the public and help create more understanding of what it is like to live with RKD.

Here are two things that people living with RKD face that may be invisible to others:

1. Rare kidney disease intersects with everyday life, but expectation-setting helps with balance

Maintaining a balance between medical needs and life’s other commitments is a juggling act for people living with RKD — and missed workdays, lab visits, special meal planning, dietary restrictions and an ever-changing appointment schedule can present unique challenges.

Even the seemingly simple task of choosing to attend social gatherings and group dinners may require careful consideration. “There have been times I have decided to skip social events because I didn’t want to inconvenience the hosts with my special RKD dietary needs,” said Amanda.

However, Amanda has discovered that finding balance is possible by setting realistic expectations and practicing open communication. “I’ve learned to set clear boundaries in my personal and professional lives to accommodate my RKD. By finding a supportive work environment and being open with my loved ones, I’ve been able to prioritize my health without sacrificing other important areas of my life,” she said.

2. Living with a rare form of a widespread condition can be isolating, but community can be a shining North Star

Due to the low public awareness of rare kidney disease, people living with RKD can face challenges in getting diagnosed and finding support. Furthermore, the significant impact that RKD has on people’s lives is frequently not recognized by others.

Throughout her journey, Amanda has found immense purpose in advocating for herself and others living with RKD. She actively volunteers as a leader for the IgA Nephropathy Foundation supporting people diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. She is also helping bring visibility to rare kidney disease through RKD & Me, a campaign co-created by the IgA Nephropathy Foundation, NephCure, and Travere Therapeutics that aims to drive awareness of rare kidney disease through the real stories of people living with RKD, told through letters written to their younger selves.

Sharing her story with the public and connecting with others in the RKD community has been inspiring for Amanda. “I want people living with RKD and their loved ones to know they are not alone. You are stronger than you’ll ever know,” she said.

If you have rare kidney disease or want to learn more about the experiences of people living with RKD, visit RKDandMe.com or follow #RKDandMe on social media.

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5 tips for supporting brain health during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

2023-05-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – By Dr. Philip Painter, CMO, United Healthcare Medicare & Retirement

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, an annual observance to raise awareness of the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s and to educate people about brain health, including risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.

More than 6.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s — a number now projected to increase to 13 million by 2050.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and one of the deadliest diseases in the country. In fact, someone in the United States develops the disease every 65 seconds, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

It is more important than ever to learn about this disease along with these five simple steps that can help improve (or support) brain health, reduce risk of disease, and help delay the potential onset of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

1. Use it or lose it. Whether it’s crossword puzzles, reading or painting, keeping your brain mentally stimulated may help keep it young.

2. Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to problems with memory and cognitive abilities. Sleep is essential for brain maintenance, like removing built-up toxins in your brain.

3. Stay social. A study found memory declined at half the rate for social adults. Isolation or loneliness in older adults is associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia and a 26% increased risk of all-cause mortality, according to the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

4. Make healthier lifestyle choices. Studies show moderate exercise can help improve brain function, especially in the areas responsible for learning and memory. Improving these parts of the brain may fight pre-Alzheimer’s changes often seen in midlife. Talk to your health plan about fitness programs that may be available at no additional cost like UnitedHealthcare’s RenewActive.*

Lifestyle choices that help reduce cardiovascular risk, like exercise, a healthy diet, low-to-moderate alcohol consumption, and not smoking, appear to also slow brain aging.

5. Managing chronic illnesses. Common diseases in older adults, such as diabetes and heart disease, may affect brain function. Talk with your health care provider about treatment plans and managing chronic conditions like diabetes.

In addition to these five steps, it is important to have a memory screening done each year. Having a record can help your health care practitioner’s ability to diagnose memory disorders earlier.

Memory screenings can be performed during your Annual Wellness Visit, which is available at no cost to anyone on Medicare. Make sure to ask your physician to perform a memory evaluation the next time you visit the doctor’s office.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members can take advantage of the HouseCalls program, which brings a yearly health and wellness visit to the convenience and privacy of home, at no additional cost. A HouseCalls licensed practitioner can conduct a memory screening and refer you to additional care, if needed.**

If you feel like you or a loved one is suffering from serious memory loss, contact your health care provider.

* The information provided through Renew Active is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine. [The Renew Active program varies by plan/area.]

** HouseCalls may not be available in all areas.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated

companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the

plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

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Top 5 ways to elevate your patio

2023-05-31T01:01:00

(BPT) – Just in time for warmer weather, step outside and imagine your ideal outdoor space. Create an area that complements your lifestyle and encourages you to spend more time outdoors. Now is the perfect opportunity to make your dreams a reality — all you need is the right design plan for you.

“Interest in outdoor living is at an all-time high,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Belgard Outdoor Living. “The ideal outdoor space means different things to different people, so it’s important for homeowners and contractors to work hand in hand to create and build their vision.”

Here are tips to help you imagine your space.

1. Focus on functionality

Imagine how you want to use your outdoor area. Do you need shade during the day when you’re entertaining or reading outside? Install a shade sail or pergola with curtains to block out the sun. Dream of hosting large gatherings? Add built-in seating that also functions as storage, or planters to double as seats. Want to use your space at night? Think about lighting and insect deterrent. Imagine creating culinary delights? Consider equipment you want — a grill, pizza oven or full kitchen setup. To separate areas for multiple uses, consider modular systems arranged for ideal functionality.

Need help envisioning your new, improved patio? Visit Rooms.Belgard.com to start designing your dream yard based on your needs, style and vision, or browse their gallery of completed rooms.

“Belgard Rooms offers a new approach to outdoor living, focusing on templated designs and how shape, color and texture work together to make the design process easier,” says Raboine. “Once you narrow your selection, not only will the contractor understand your style and budget, but they can choose to flip the room to our Belgard Design Studio to have a semi-custom plan made tailored to their needs.”

2. Use your outdoor space year-round

Maximize your patio by extending the time you can enjoy being outdoors. Consider adding a fire pit, since everyone loves sitting around a fire to roast marshmallows, share stories and spend time with family and friends. Pergolas can add warmth when coupled with sturdy outdoor drapes.

“Don’t let the end of summer keep you indoors,” Raboine adds. “A thoughtful design can increase the use of your patio even during cooler months.”

3. Spruce up your design

Making outdoor areas as attractive as they are functional is easier than you think, especially if you play with colors and patterns. Replace older pieces of furniture and invest in an outdoor sectional, love seat or chairs designed to handle the elements. Dress your outdoor room as you would an indoor room, giving it a cozy vibe with pillows, greenery and string lights. Get creative with outdoor flooring by creating visually pleasing patterns, color and textured surfaces with patio pavers.

4. Try mixed materials

Hardscapes are a popular choice, as they include an array of options including interlocking pavers, permeable pavers and porcelain pavers. Concrete pavers come in a wide variety of styles, helping you find one to fit your home’s aesthetic. Permeable pavers are installed with layers of varying-sized stone or aggregate that filter and direct storm water to underground aquifers, mimicking the way natural land absorbs water. Porcelain pavers create a contemporary outdoor look with significant functionality and durability. Each type offers different benefits, allowing you to select the right materials for your home, at different price points.

Add elements like wood, stone, metals, plants and fabrics in your design to create visual and textural interest.

5. Create an oasis

Stepping outside, you should feel you’ve entered a mini paradise. Privacy screens can divide spaces and create seclusion, whether made from wood, vinyl lattice, pre-made panels or fabric screen. Beyond visual privacy, try creating audio privacy, too. Any size water feature can soften background noise, from a fountain to a waterfall.

“Water features are a creative way to dampen sound from neighbors and create a cozy environment for conversations,” adds Raboine. “Water sounds are also pleasing and create a relaxing experience.”

Visualize the possibilities using technology

To pinpoint your vision, try Belgard Rooms augmented reality (AR) feature. Currently, 35 AR Rooms can be viewed on any device and “glued” into your outdoor space, allowing you to spin, move, scale and walk through templated outdoor rooms. This helps streamline the discovery and selection process for outdoor projects with contractors.

“Homeowners enjoy the interactive experience of pairing hardscaping products with their home’s style,” said Raboine. “This technology gets homeowners closer to seeing and trying out different outdoor living plans, simplifying the design process.”

Visit Belgard.com to get started.

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One man’s inspiring journey navigating bipolar 1: A story of hope, strength and support

2023-05-31T13:01:00

(BPT) – The story you are about to read is that of Ben, a person living with bipolar 1. The experiences and opinions expressed here may not be representative of all people living with bipolar 1 and are not a substitute for medical advice or judgment. Always talk to your healthcare provider about available and appropriate treatment options. Individual results may vary.

Staying in all day and going out all night. Spending money and drinking to excess. Episodes of frustration and anger that didn’t make sense. I didn’t know it at the time, but my behaviors were associated with some of the changes in mood and energy that are symptoms of bipolar I disorder.1 It took finding the right healthcare provider, who diagnosed me, to begin my journey towards finding a treatment option that works for me.

My mental health journey started in my late teen years when I would cycle through feelings of being “low,” also known as depressive symptoms, and then I would experience “highs,” or manic symptoms. My manic episodes could be really frightening — I’d become irrationally and extremely angry, sometimes falling into a blind rage and lashing out.

I knew that what I was experiencing and how I was feeling weren’t normal. I was hospitalized multiple times and I wanted answers and help.

When I was 19, I started seeing a new healthcare provider and I found in him someone I thought would be a good partner. He was young and approachable, and I knew he really wanted to help me reach my treatment goals. Ultimately, my healthcare provider diagnosed me with bipolar 1 and while it was difficult to hear, having the diagnosis was a big relief because then we could work together on a treatment plan.

From the outset, I trusted and felt supported by my healthcare provider. He always listened to my concerns, which were typical of anyone starting a treatment journey. We worked together to consider different medications and he took the time to explain how each one worked, as well as the potential benefits and side effects and how I might feel when taking the medication.

Following my diagnosis, I began treatment with medication, but it was hard to find one that worked for me. One medicine helped reduce my bipolar 1 symptoms; but, unfortunately, it came with side effects I couldn’t tolerate. I tried several other medications, but for me, they didn’t help to manage my condition and my symptoms as much as I wanted them to, so I stopped taking them and my symptoms returned. My wife, who has been by my side every step of the way before and after my diagnosis, could tell when I stopped taking medication. When my symptoms weren’t managed, I’d become more easily frustrated and agitated, which would make her worry.

Then my healthcare provider told me about LYBALVI® (olanzapine and samidorphan) and together we decided I should try it. In 2021, LYBALVI was approved as an oral medication used in adults to treat manic or mixed episodes that happen with bipolar 1 disorder, either alone for short-term (acute) or maintenance treatment or in conjunction with valproate or lithium.2

My healthcare provider shared with me some important safety information about LYBALVI, including that LYBALVI has a boxed warning. More specifically, LYBALVI may cause serious side effects, including increased risk of death in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis. LYBALVI increases the risk of death in elderly people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). LYBALVI is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis.2

Since starting LYBALVI, I have noticed improvement in my bipolar 1 symptoms, which my wife and family have also noticed. I take LYBALVI every day as prescribed because I see that it works for me and the side effects have been manageable. However, this is just my experience, so it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about what may work for you.

My bipolar 1 journey hasn’t been easy and I still have good and bad days, but I try to focus on the people who support me and things in my life that are fulfilling to me. I enjoy spending time with my family and helping them with their restaurant. I’m also focused on developing my skills in my career as a software engineer. When I’m not working, I like going to the gym for exercise and when I want to relax and unplug, I enjoy playing video games.

With the support of my loved ones and a strong relationship with my healthcare provider, I feel hopeful about my path forward.

I believe mental health is just as important as physical health and should be taken as seriously. Unfortunately, the stigma around mental illness persists and can prevent people from getting the help they need. By sharing my story, I hope to do my part to help raise awareness and encourage others to get the help they may need.

For anyone experiencing symptoms of mental illness, including bipolar 1, I encourage you to reach out for help. Be your own best advocate, or advocate for a loved one. Talk with a medical professional about concerns and symptoms, ask questions and be honest – so they can help determine the treatment option that may work for you.

To learn more about LYBALVI, visit www.LYBALVI.com and talk with your doctor.

INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Important Safety Information

LYBALVI may cause serious side effects, including increased risk of death in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis. LYBALVI increases the risk of death in elderly people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). LYBALVI is not approved for the treatment of people with dementia-related psychosis.

Do not take LYBALVI if you are taking opioids or are experiencing acute opioid withdrawal.

LYBALVI may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Stroke (cerebrovascular problems) in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis that can lead to death.
  • Opioid withdrawal. Do not take LYBALVI for at least 7 days after you stopped taking short-acting opioids and for at least 14 days after you stopped taking long-acting opioids. One of the medicines in LYBALVI (samidorphan) can cause opioid withdrawal that may be severe and cause hospitalization in people who are physically dependent on opioids. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the type of opioid you take.
  • Risk of life-threatening opioid overdose. You should not start taking opioids for at least 5 days after you stop treatment with LYBALVI. One of the medicines in LYBALVI (samidorphan) can increase your chance of having an opioid overdose that can cause death if you take opioids during treatment or within 5 days after stopping treatment with LYBALVI.

    You can accidentally overdose in 2 ways:

    • LYBALVI blocks the effects of opioids, such as heroin, methadone, or opioid pain medicines. Do not take large amounts of opioids to try to overcome the opioid-blocking effects of LYBALVI. This can lead to serious injury, coma, or death.
    • After you take LYBALVI, its blocking effect slowly decreases and completely goes away over time. You may be more sensitive to the effects of opioids. If you have used opioid street drugs or opioid-containing medicines in the past, using opioids in amounts that you used before treatment with LYBALVI can lead to overdose or death.

    It is important that you tell your family and the people closest to you of this increased sensitivity to opioids and the risk of overdose.

    You or someone close to you should get emergency medical help right away if you:

    • have trouble breathing
    • become very drowsy with slowed breathing
    • have slow, shallow breathing (little chest movement with breathing)
    • feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms


    Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking LYBALVI before a medical procedure or surgery.

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have some or all of the following signs and symptoms of NMS:
    • high fever
    • stiff muscles
    • confusion
    • sweating
    • changes in your breathing, pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): One of the medicines in LYBALVI (olanzapine) can cause DRESS which can cause death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms of DRESS, including:
    • rash
    • swollen glands
    • liver problems
    • heart problems
    • fever
    • kidney problems
    • lung problems
  • Problems with your metabolism such as:
    • high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes. Increases in blood sugar can happen in some people who take LYBALVI. Extremely high blood sugar can lead to coma or death. Your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you start and regularly during treatment with LYBALVI.

      Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms of high blood sugar during treatment with LYBALVI:

      • feel very thirsty
      • feel very hungry
      • feel sick to your stomach
      • need to urinate more than usual
      • feel weak or tired
      • feel confused, or your breath smells fruity
    • increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood. Your healthcare provider should check the fat levels in your blood before you start and regularly during treatment with LYBALVI.
    • weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight before you start and often during treatment with LYBALVI.
  • Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). LYBALVI may cause movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop taking LYBALVI. Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop taking LYBALVI.
  • Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension) and fainting. You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
  • Falls. LYBALVI may make you sleepy or dizzy, may cause a decrease in your blood pressure when changing position (orthostatic hypotension), and can slow your thinking and motor skills which may lead to falls that can cause fractures or other injuries.
  • Low white blood cell count. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests during the first few months of treatment with LYBALVI.
  • Difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to get into your lungs.
  • Seizures (convulsions).
  • Problems controlling your body temperature so that you feel too warm.
  • Increased prolactin levels in your blood. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your prolactin levels during treatment with LYBALVI.

The most common side effects of LYBALVI when used to treat people with schizophrenia include:

  • weight gain
  • dry mouth
  • sleepiness
  • headache

The most common side effects of LYBALVI when used alone to treat people with mixed or manic episodes that happen with bipolar I disorder include:

  • weakness
  • constipation
  • sleepiness
  • shaking
  • dry mouth
  • increased appetite
  • dizziness

The most common side effects of LYBALVI when used in combination with lithium or valproate to treat people with mixed or manic episodes that happen with bipolar I disorder include:

  • dry mouth
  • increased appetite
  • back pain
  • problems speaking
  • memory problems
  • weight gain
  • dizziness
  • constipation
  • mouth watering
  • numbness and tingling in your arm and legs

Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how LYBALVI affects you. LYBALVI may make you feel drowsy.

Avoid drinking alcohol during treatment with LYBALVI.

Avoid getting over-heated or dehydrated.

    • Do not exercise too much.
    • In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible.
    • Stay out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing.
    • Drink plenty of water.

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

  • have or had heart problems or a stroke
  • use or abuse street (illegal) drugs
  • have or had low or high blood pressure
  • have kidney problems
  • have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar
  • have or have had high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides or low levels of HDL cholesterol
  • have or had a low white blood cell count
  • have problems swallowing
  • have or had seizures (convulsions)
  • have or had problems with urination or prostate problems
  • have or had breast cancer
  • have or had constipation or a bowel obstruction
  • have or had high prolactin levels
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks to you and your unborn or newborn baby if you take LYBALVI during pregnancy.
    • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with LYBALVI.
    • If you become pregnant during treatment with LYBALVI, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388 or visit
      https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregancyregistry/
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. LYBALVI passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with LYBALVI.

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

LYBALVI and other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects.

LYBALVI may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how LYBALVI works.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • take opioids or have stopped taking opioids in the past 14 days
  • take or plan to take other olanzapine containing medicines

Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take LYBALVI with your other medicines. Do not start or stop any medicines while taking LYBALVI without first talking to your healthcare provider.

These are not all the possible side effects of LYBALVI.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to
FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Indications

LYBALVI is a prescription medicine which contains 2 medicines (olanzapine and samidorphan) used in adults:

  • to treat schizophrenia
  • alone for short­ term (acute) or maintenance treatment of manic or mixed episodes that happen with bipolar I disorder
  • in combination with valproate or lithium to treat manic or mixed episodes that happen with bipolar I disorder

It is not known if LYBALVI is safe or effective in children.

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Medication Guide.

References

1 American Psychiatric Association. What is Bipolar disorder? Accessed March 29, 2023. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders

2 LYBALVI® [Prescribing Information]. Alkermes, Inc. Waltham, MA:2021

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. LYBALVI® and logo are registered trademarks of Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited, used by Alkermes, Inc., under license. ©2023 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved. LYB-002472

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Revenue Lifecycle Cloud

2023-05-31T12:05:00

(BPT) – Introducing Conga Revenue Lifecycle Cloud: The ultimate solution for revenue management. Seamlessly integrate and gain full visibility and control over the entire revenue lifecycle—from contract to renewal. This powerful platform offers contract management, revenue recognition, billing, and analytics. With automated workflows and centralized data, it streamlines operations, improves accuracy, accelerates revenue recognition, and enhances collaboration, empowering organizations to make more informed decisions, drive revenue growth, and improve customer satisfaction. Say goodbye to manual processes and fragmented systems. Experience the power of Conga’s Revenue Lifecycle Cloud and begin to streamline, optimize, and elevate your revenue operations with ease.

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Protein power: 4 ways to unleash the superhero of nutrition

2023-05-31T14:33:00

(BPT) – Move over, Hollywood’s biggest and brightest … there’s a new star in town. Sure, protein is far from new, and the research continues to support an abundance of health benefits supplied by a high-protein diet. But if you thought protein was strictly for fueling up athletes and gym bros, it’s time to put the rumors to rest.

Here’s the science of it all: Protein consists of amino acids and serves as a building block that is an essential part of virtually every part of your body from muscle growth and bone health to glowing skin and hair. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, at least 10,000 different proteins are responsible for the body’s everyday functions and ensuring you have enough of it is key.

Say goodbye to the crash

3 p.m. slump? Not around here. While carbs in foods like bread and pasta can cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent falls, protein has staying power that keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer. Protein helps balance blood glucose levels to combat mid-day crashes that lead to irritability, brain fog and hunger pangs. Translation: help your body work smarter, not harder.

Support a superhero immune system

Protein is a vital nutrient that supports a strong immune system, fighting off germs and killing harmful cells before they get the chance to cause infection in your body. According to WebMD, amino acids in protein compounds help important cells in your immune system like T cells, B cells and antibodies to keep you feeling healthy and balanced.

Not all heroes wear capes

At mealtime, protein swoops in like a capeless crusader to balance your blood glucose levels and save you from those pesky hunger pangs. One of the most convenient ways to boost protein at mealtime is to stock up on low-prep, high-protein meals. Kevin’s Natural Foods fully cooked protein-rich meals come in a variety of delicious flavors, great for a quick lunch or dinner that can be ready in minutes. Each meal is gluten-free, soy-free, paleo and keto certified, and features only clean ingredients.

Eat your way to a better sleep

There’s no need to count sheep when you’re on your way to protein-packed dreamland.

A balanced diet that includes protein may help you sleep better. “Protein may consist of the amino acid tryptophan, which is a precursor of cerebral serotonin, which acts as a sleeping pill,” according to the study “Sleep Quality: A Narrative Review on Nutrition, Stimulants, and Physical Activity as Important Factors.”

Hitting your protein goals doesn’t always have to be a struggle. Here are four ways to make it easy:

  1. Supercharge breakfast: Swap out your usual carb-heavy breakfast of toast or cereal for high-protein options such as Greek yogurt, eggs or a protein smoothie.
  2. Get creative with flavors: Chicken, rice and bland veggies, again? Yawn. Keep taste buds curious by trying flavorful protein options. Kevin’s Thai Style Coconut Chicken is a favorite: tender chicken breast strips in a rich and creamy blend of coconut milk, basil and Thai spices. Bye bye, boring meal prep. With many flavor options from Roasted Garlic Chicken and Korean BBQ Beef, these five-minute meals offer bold flavors and won’t put your taste buds to sleep.
  3. Sensational snack options: Instead of reaching for a quick fix of chips or cookies, opt for a protein-rich snack such as CHOMPS beef jerky sticks, hard-boiled eggs, nuts or seeds.
  4. Satisfying sides: Instead of starchy sides like pasta or potatoes, choose protein-rich options such as beans, peas, lentils or Banza rice made from chickpeas.

Protein earns a standing ovation for its versatility, deliciousness and a whole bunch of health benefits. By incorporating these simple ideas, you can easily increase your protein intake to seize the day and conquer your to-do list like a certified superhero.

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The best and most unexpected things to do in Rapid City

2023-05-31T10:01:00

(BPT) – There are some places that exemplify the classic summer vacation. One such place: Rapid City, South Dakota.

The gateway to the Black Hills, Rapid City is minutes from some of the nation’s most famous places, including Crazy Horse Memorial®, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park and Custer State Park. But there’s way more to Rapid City than just national icons. This summer, plan to dig into the unexpected on your visit to the City of Presidents.

From catching sunsets to chasing history, here are nine of the best things to do in Rapid City.

1. Stroll downtown. The heartbeat of Rapid City, downtown has 30+ shops, 43 statues of past presidents and more than 150 events, making it the place to be. Cool off in the splash pad at Main Street Square, peruse locally owned shops like Dakota Drum Company, Prairie Edge Trading Company, The Celtic Connection of the Black Hills and Mystic Market, all while soaking in the culture and history of the area.

2. Catch the sunset at Vertex Sky Bar. While there is no shortage of places to see the sunset in and around Rapid City, Vertex Sky Bar is one of the best. Elevate your viewing location by grabbing a drink and cozying up around the outdoor firepit to watch the colors cascade over the Black Hills.

3. Visit Norway, but in South Dakota. Built in 1969 and tucked away in a quiet corner of Rapid City is Chapel in the Hills, an exact replica of the Borgund Stavkirke in Norway. Open daily from May 1-September 30, visitors can see the chapel, stroll the grounds and take a walk on the Meditation Trail.

4. Stop by the Museum of Geology. Perhaps the best-kept secret in Rapid City, the Museum of Geology is located on the campus of South Dakota Mines. A natural history museum, it has a wide assortment of rare fossils from the White River Badlands, minerals and gems. Plus, entry is always free.

5. Cruise the Needles. A national scenic byway, Needles Highway is located within Custer State Park. This 14-mile-long scenic road is a must drive and includes sharp turns, narrow tunnels, high-rising spires and incredible views.

6. Satisfy your inner foodie. A cultural mecca in the wilds of western South Dakota, Rapid City has amazing dining experiences. Dine on the creations of Food Network personality Justin Warner at Bokujo Ramen and BB’s Natural, dig into the best biscuits and gravy around at The Mud Hole of the Black Hills, enjoy music and a show at the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper and Show and sip on elevated cocktails at Windsor Block Bar. Keep your eyes out for food trucks, too.

7. Hike it out at Dinosaur Park. A Rapid City staple since 1936, the dinosaurs of Dinosaur Park have been welcoming visitors to the city for nearly 90 years. The park is currently having some work done but is accessible by trail, making it a great hike with a sweeping view of Rapid below. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Dinosaur Park: you can climb on the dinosaurs, it’s free, you can see 100 miles from the top and it’s an amazing place to take in the sunrise, sunset or just to see the city lights at night.

8. Spend time at Canyon Lake Park. With 29 acres, picnic areas, a fishing bridge and paddleboat rentals, Canyon Lake Park is a great destination to spend time walking, picnicking, boating and more. And since it’s located within city limits, it’s easy to get on the water.

9. See reptiles and bears in the Black Hills. Two must-visit destinations on a family vacation in Rapid City are Reptile Gardens and Bear Country USA. And with their adjacent location (they’re four minutes apart), it’s easy to experience both in one morning. Animals include snakes, giant tortoises, lizards, crocodilians, arctic fox, badgers, black bears, buffalo, elk and wolves.

Start planning your summer vacation at VisitRapidCity.com.

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5 ways homeowners can prepare for summer pests

2023-05-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – As we quickly approach warmer months, homeowners are getting ready for their summertime favorites, including spending more time outdoors and entertaining for backyard barbecues. However, they should be on guard from uninvited house guests: pests.

Pests, like spiders and ants, are often considered to be just a nuisance, but some can pose a threat to your property. According to Groundworks, spiders, carpenter ants and cockroaches are among the biggest pest threats homeowners face.

While pests can find their way into homes year-round, some seasons are worse than others. According to research from the University of Washington, outside of the tropics, insects reproduce at higher rates in warmer weather, so you’ll see more bugs during spring and summer.

Don’t wait for pest problems to crop up at your home and ruin the summertime fun. Follow these five steps to protect your home and family from pests.

1. Seal up entry points

Pests like ants, spiders and cockroaches are small and crafty, and are able to enter your home through tiny cracks, gaps and holes. Make it harder for bugs to get in by sealing up entry points with caulk or weather stripping in your home’s walls, doors and windows. Don’t forget to inspect areas where pipes and wires enter your home and seal any entry points you find.

2. Take a proactive approach to pest control

Before you have a major summertime pest problem on your hands, take a proactive approach by having a line-up of products at the ready like insecticides, traps and repellents.

There are a variety of pest control products available depending on your specific pest needs. For example, Raid Essentials offers a complete line of products to target specific insects with plant-based ingredients. Whether you’re dealing with ants, roaches, house flies, mosquitoes or spiders, you can rest assured that you’re using products from a brand backed by over 65 years of insect research. Remember to read the label and follow instructions for best results.

3. Emphasize tidying up

Keeping your home clean is a simple but effective pest preventative. Pests are attracted to food, water and shelter, so it’s critical to keep your home extra clean and tidy in the warmer weather to prevent becoming an attractive sanctuary for bugs.

The kitchen attracts a wide variety of insects, and open or improperly stored food can quickly turn the kitchen into a breeding ground for bugs. Make sure your food is stored tightly in sealed containers or purchase small packages that can be used in a shorter period of time. Keep your kitchen and dining room free of crumbs and spills by regularly vacuuming floors and wiping down counters and tables.

4. Maintain your yard

Outdoors in their own territory, pests can breed undeterred, creating more unwanted visitors that can invade your home. Maintain your yard so it doesn’t become a bug haven. Make sure to remove any piles of debris or yard waste where pests can hide and thrive away from prying eyes.

Trees and bushes that touch your home create bridges for ants, spiders, flies and other pests to enter. Make sure to trim overgrown bushes and trees regularly.

5. Eliminate standing water

Mosquitoes lay eggs in pooled water, so make sure to eliminate any sources of standing water. Inspect your home and fix leaky faucets, drains and pipes. In areas of the home that are always damp, like your basement, run a dehumidifier.

Don’t forget to check your yard to make sure gutters flow smoothly and aren’t blocked by leaves and waste. If needed, extend downspouts farther from your home to improve drainage. Make sure empty pots, grill covers, tires and other items that can collect water are emptied regularly.

Don’t let pests keep you from enjoying your home during the warmer months. Using these five tips, you can take active steps to help prevent and eliminate pests so you can enjoy the weather without worry.