Category: Brandpoint Health

2022-04-20T14:53:00

(BPT) – As we take a moment to celebrate Earth Day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the immense environmental challenges facing the world today. Climate change, air pollution and drought conditions seem beyond any one person’s impact. On top of these, the plastic waste crisis affecting our oceans, waterways and environment demands action.

Each year, 300 million tons of plastic are produced globally. Yet only 12% is actually recycled. The rest goes into landfills, incinerators or worse, the environment. It’s going to take a different way of thinking about our individual decisions, lifestyle choices and our economy to solve this problem. We need to move from a “take-make-waste” mindset to a circular economy mindset, where plastics don’t become waste but are the building blocks for new products.

Companies like Eastman are innovating new ways to tackle the plastic waste crisis by using that waste to create new materials. They are able to tap into that other 87% that is currently not recycled, making it easier for each of us to make smart, sustainable decisions.

So how can we incorporate this new way of thinking about materials and products into our daily lives? Revamping your beauty and skincare routine can have a big impact on the growing plastic waste crisis. We know to be mindful of the ingredients and chemicals used in cosmetics, but we might not consider the sustainability of the packaging — the fossil fuels used to make virgin plastic or what happens to that packaging when we are done with the product.

The hard truth is that cosmetics packaging rarely gets recycled by consumers in the United States. Yet, many consumers are holding brands accountable for the waste crisis and demanding their partnership in living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Fortunately, being an environmentally conscious consumer and being passionate about your beauty routine are not mutually exclusive. More specifically, considering the materials used in what you buy, how often you buy it, and whether it ends up in a landfill at the end of your use are important factors to consider. This Earth Day is a great time to take stock of your beauty footprint. In an effort to help you spring clean your beauty routine, here is a trio of ideas to impact your personal sustainability efforts:

1. Think eco-friendly and let your face glow

It’s not always about buying into the latest sustainability trends and getting rid of your favorite products. Sometimes it is more about the small steps. Using up the products already in your make-up bag and not tossing them just to replace them at the first opportunity with the newest edition is an easy, sustainable choice. Once you’ve used up what you have, then consider choosing products with packaging made from sustainable materials that help reduce greenhouse gases. The environment will thank you. So will your face, when it starts glowing by making the first step by opting for the Prism Highlighter Duo from Clio Cosmetics, for example. It features packaging made with Eastman Cristal™ Renew that uses a process which reduces greenhouse gases by 20-30% compared to traditional manufacturing.

2. Reduce waste and refresh your skin

Despite the importance of sustainable packaging, the vast majority of products on the market today don’t even have recycled content. Think about picking products with packaging that reduces landfill waste. Start by considering cosmetics packaging that is made of recycled materials like the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask from Amorepacific. The jar material is made via molecular recycling, which sources plastic waste that would otherwise go to landfills and uses it to make new materials.

3. Lessen your impact, maximize support for circularity

Brand loyalty can go a long way toward creating a more sustainable beauty industry. Look for brands and packaging that embrace circularity. Products with recycled content have already lived another life. Increase your support for brands that do their part to use recycled content and design smarter goods and packages without compromising on quality and performance. Take Dior Addict Lip Maximizer as an example. You can let your lips shine while knowing that the brand you use has committed to eliminating fossil-fuel-based plastics from its packaging.

It’s way easier than you might think to begin reducing the environmental impact of your daily beauty routine. Change can happen with every decision and beauty purchase. By prioritizing sustainability in packaging and rewarding brands with repeat purchases, more companies will offer more products that help combat the plastic waste crisis. It’s a self-perpetuating loop, much like the circular economy. It’s a virtuous cycle that we can all work to perfect.

2022-04-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Meet Franka – a 74-year-old retired high school teacher who enjoys volunteering, teaching in her retirement community, and exploring Arizona’s local art scene. But a few years ago, Franka struggled to see the art she loved, as her vision was affected by Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a rare autoimmune disease.

It all started in 2016 when Franka started losing vision in her left eye, and eventually in her right eye, too. In the days that followed, Franka also began experiencing eye-bulging, an elevated heart rate, and face swelling.

During a visit with her doctor, she described the eye symptoms, but her doctor insisted it was “all in her head.” Sadly, her vision continued to deteriorate and eventually, Franka saw everything in orange and could no longer cook or drive.

After finding a new ophthalmologist, Franka was diagnosed with Graves’ disease and TED. TED is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the muscle and fat tissue behind the eye, causing eye inflammation and swelling. Up to 50% of people diagnosed with Graves’ disease – the most common form of hyperthyroidism that can cause symptoms like Franka’s elevated heart rate – may develop TED.

According to the American Thyroid Association, TED symptoms can include:

• Irritation or grittiness in the eyes
• Redness or inflammation of the white part of the eyeball
• Excessive tearing or dry eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Bulging eyes
• Double vision
• Decreased eye and eyelid movement
• Inability to fully shut eyes
• Optic nerve compression
• Rare or sometimes occurring vision loss

Despite Franka’s struggles, she never gave up on her sight or the hope for treatment.

Franka first discovered TEPEZZA^® (teprotumumab-trbw) when she was researching treatment information, but the medication was still in clinical trials. Nevertheless, she read everything she could get her hands on.

Finally in early 2020, Franka became eligible for TEPEZZA, the first and only FDA-approved treatment for TED. TEPEZZA is an intravenous (or IV) medication that is administered to patients once every three weeks for a total of eight infusions over five months.

“I had been looking at it for three years and read all the reports, research papers, and completed my homework,” she said. “I was confident in my decision to pursue treatment with TEPEZZA.”

With an infusion center just 15 minutes from her home, Franka began her infusion journey in April 2020. After completing all eight infusions, Franka’s eye-bulging reduced and she began recognizing other improvements in her TED symptoms.

“I was so happy to have an option that wasn’t surgery to treat my TED at the source.” Today, Franka is on a mission to educate others about TED to help them get a diagnosis and the treatment they need sooner.

“Especially if you have Graves’ disease, you really have to look out for the signs of TED, monitor your symptoms and find a Thyroid Eye Disease Specialist to understand your treatment options,” said Franka.

With the improvement in her TED symptoms, Franka is now able to do more of the activities she once loved, and looks and feels more like herself.

For adult patients experiencing TED symptoms, speak with a TED Eye Specialist, such as an oculoplastic surgeon or neuro-ophthalmologist, and visit TEPEZZA.com for more safety information.

USE

TEPEZZA is a prescription medicine used to treat Thyroid Eye Disease.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about TEPEZZA?
Infusion reactions can happen during or within 24 hours after your infusion of TEPEZZA. If you have a reaction while receiving TEPEZZA, your doctor or nurse will slow or stop your infusion and treat your reaction. If you have a severe infusion reaction, your doctor may stop your treatment completely.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after your treatment with TEPEZZA:

High blood pressure Fast heartbeat Redness of the face/Feeling hot

Difficulty breathing Headache Muscle pain

If you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, TEPEZZA may make your IBD symptoms worse. Symptoms of worsening IBD may include: an increased number of loose stools with stomach pain or cramps, and blood in your stools. After each TEPEZZA infusion, tell your doctor right away if you have worsening IBD symptoms.

TEPEZZA may cause an increase in your blood sugar. Before starting treatment with TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you are currently being treated for diabetes, know your blood sugar is high, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. It is important for you to take your treatments and follow an appropriate diet for glucose control as prescribed by your doctor.

Before receiving TEPEZZA, tell your doctor if you:

• Have inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
• Are currently being treated for diabetes, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or know your blood sugar is high.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. TEPEZZA may harm your unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or suspect you are pregnant during treatment with TEPEZZA.
  • Women who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) prior to starting treatment, during treatment and for at least 6 months after the final dose of TEPEZZA.
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TEPEZZA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to feed your baby during treatment with TEPEZZA.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over the counter medicines, vitamins, dietary and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What are the possible side effects of TEPEZZA?

The most common side effects of TEPEZZA include muscle cramps or spasms, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, feeling tired, high blood sugar, hearing problems, taste changes, headache, dry skin and changes in menstruation.

This is not a complete list of all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or treatment team about any side effect you may have.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA.

Visit www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please visit TEPEZZA.com for more information.

2022-04-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Severe back pain dominated Letha Baines’ life for seven years, making everyday tasks like standing, climbing stairs and gardening difficult. Despite medications and even surgery, the pain persisted. And Letha is not alone. A new survey commissioned by Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, and conducted by public opinion research firm The Harris Poll, finds people living with chronic back or leg pain often suffer for years without effective treatment or awareness of the options available to them — a problem that has only been exacerbated by care delays caused by the pandemic.

“Standing for more than 10 minutes would be painful,” said Letha, a nurse and long-term services coordinator for an insurance company in Texas. “The pain would start in my back and go down my legs to my feet. Even just standing at the sink and washing dishes was painful. I would have to pull up a chair and sit down to wash them.”

According to the survey*, “Painful Pandemic: How a Healthcare System Under Strain Impacts Chronic Pain Patients,” pain significantly affects nearly every aspect of life for those living with it. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they feel like they can never get a good night’s sleep. More than 60% believe their pain has negatively impacted their mental health, while 62% find it harder to enjoy time with family. Respondents also report feeling frustrated, annoyed, exhausted and depressed. Most believe their pain is not being managed effectively, while three-quarters want alternatives to medications.

Even so, only half of people living with chronic back pain have seen a physician who specialized in Pain Management to evaluate their pain and understand available treatment options. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, according to the survey. Nearly 9 in 10 say their pain has worsened or is unimproved since the pandemic began, and half say they have experienced care delays, including canceled and postponed appointments and procedures.

For Letha, even simple tasks like bending or walking upstairs became incredibly difficult. Perhaps most upsetting was the fact that the pain made her give up favorite activities like gardening. After medications and surgery failed to relieve her pain, Letha was referred to Dr. Candice Burnette, a pain management specialist at Modern Pain Management in Houston, TX.

“While the pandemic has delayed care for many people living with chronic pain, patients shouldn’t lose hope,” Dr. Burnette said. “When conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy fail, there are other options patients can consider for lasting relief.”

Typical treatments for chronic pain vary depending on the patient, type and location of pain. Oral medications such as opioids remain the most common treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that utilizes electric currents to destroy nerve fibers carrying pain signals, are also sometimes used. However, 89% of survey respondents say they wish they could find a better solution to address their chronic back or leg pain.

Despite a multi-decade history of treating patients with chronic pain, device-based therapies such as targeted drug delivery (TDD) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are relatively unfamiliar to many people living with chronic pain, according to the survey. TDD, involves an implanted pump that delivers pain medication directly to the spine. SCS uses a small, implanted stimulator, much like a pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord and mask pain signals before they reach the brain.

Dr. Burnette determined that Letha was a strong candidate for spinal cord stimulation therapy.

“Many patients didn’t know just how much pain they were in until they tried SCS and felt relief,” Dr. Burnette said. After receiving her SCS implant, Letha experienced significantly less pain and started to enjoy her life again, including getting back out into the garden.

“I want everyone living with back pain to know that they don’t have to continue suffering,” Letha said. “Talk with your doctor and find out whether there are options to relieve your pain.”

Not every patient is a candidate for these treatments, and these decisions should be made in consultation with a doctor such as a Pain Management physician. Spinal cord stimulation involves risks including infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site, and loss of therapy effectiveness. To learn more about the survey and chronic pain treatment options, visit www.medtronic.com/us-en/c/pain-therapies/pain-study-results.html.

*Medtronic data on file.

About this survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Medtronic among 810 U.S. adults ages 18+ who currently experience chronic back or leg pain. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

2022-04-11T19:30:32

(BPT) – With summer break and (hopefully) a post-pandemic life on the horizon, it’s important that parents make pediatric health a priority this summer.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is seeing an uptick in “COVID cavities,” and according to the ADA, nearly 40% of dentists reported an increase in cavities and periodontal disease in patients. This is consistent with what many pediatric dentists across the U.S. are seeing: more plaque, more cavities, longer cleaning times as well as missed routine dental appointments.

There are a few simple steps to take during vacations and summer break, to minimize damage to your children’s teeth and gums and ensure the mouth monsters (a.k.a. tooth decay) don’t take away from your favorite activities. Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, shares her top teeth tips to help your family enjoy vacations and still have a cavity-free smile for family photos.

1) Schedule (or reschedule) those dental appointments over breaks: Like many other medical appointments, pediatric dental check-ups have been pushed off during the pandemic, causing cavity-prone kids. Beauchamp has noticed an increase in cavities, tooth decay and longer cleaning times in patients. Preventive dental appointments not only catch compromised teeth but offer children educational reinforcement on proper dental cleaning and habits. Leaving cavities untreated can result in larger, lasting health issues. Consider scheduling your children’s dental check-ups when kids are off school and have more downtime.

2) Avoid constant snacking: It’s important to limit in-between meal snacking to prevent unwanted wear and tear on teeth that can cause the tooth enamel to weaken and lead to tooth decay or cavities. Beauchamp also warned, many children might have fallen into a pattern of grazing throughout the day and encourages families to set boundaries when snacking.

3) Keep a routine: During hectic times it’s easy for routines to become difficult to follow — make brushing and flossing a priority and ensure kids brush thoroughly for two minutes at least twice a day. Keeping a routine means preventive dental appoints as well, said Beauchamp. With regular pediatric dental appointments, there are fewer dental emergencies and the need to seek care in hospital settings, which can pose other limitations, is less likely.

4) Water, water, water: Drinking water in between meals encourages saliva, washes away bacteria and food debris, and neutralizes plaque acids. This includes drinking fluoridated water, proven to keep teeth strong and reduce cavities.

With a bit of extra attention, your children’s smiles will make it through the season unscathed. For more information about children’s oral health or to find a pediatric dentist in your area, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

2022-04-11T14:55:30

(BPT) – It’s never been more important for parents to ensure their children are safe and staying productive online. With so many popular apps, websites and streaming services, keeping track of what your children are exposed to can be difficult. Even the most cautious kids can become victims of cybercrimes, especially child identity theft.

Children 18 years old and younger are often targets of identity theft because their unmarked credit scores and Social Security numbers are rarely monitored. According to a report by Javelin Research, child identity fraud costs families in the U.S. almost $1 billion a year and requires much time for parents to resolve. The report also found that:

• 1.25 million children were victims of identity theft in 2021
• 1 in 50 children became an ID fraud victim in 2021

These statistics are frightening, but that doesn’t mean that parents need to live in fear. By taking proactive steps to protect your children online, you can empower them to use technology responsibly while keeping them safe from potential online threats.

Child internet safety: A national concern

Child internet safety is not a new topic, but it’s become even more relevant to the public thanks to the rapidly growing number of social media platforms and other digital sites and apps. The issue is so prevalent that it’s caught the attention of lawmakers. Introduced to the U.S. Senate in February, the Kids Online Safety Act is a bipartisan bill that would create new rules and safeguards to protect children from stalking, exploitation, addiction and dangerous materials online.

“The internet can open up a world of experiences for children, but it can also expose them and the whole family to digital crime,” said Kelly Merryman, President and COO of Aura, an all-in-one digital safety platform. “Parental controls are a powerful tool that allows your children to safely explore the internet while giving you much-needed peace of mind.”

Keep your kids safe with parental controls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that kids as young as eight years old spend an average of six hours per day looking at screens, and that number only goes up as kids get older. While you can’t monitor every minute your kids spend online, you can use parental controls to protect them as they enjoy the latest trends, games and shows.

Aura, an all-in-one digital safety app, recently acquired Circle Parental Controls, the creator of the leading parental control and screen time management solution for families. Aura is now offering a bundled family plan that will include all of its digital safety features — identity, device, account and financial protection — with Circle Parental Controls. With this solution, parents can:

• Manage all mobile devices wherever kids go
• Filter content by age and interests
• Create individual profiles with limited or restricted access to apps, websites and streaming services
• Set screen time limits for kids’ profiles
• Keep tabs on your kids’ internet usage

With these tools, families can foster healthy internet habits in kids as well as protect them (and you) from potential cybercrimes. To learn more about parental controls and access a free trial of Aura’s family plan, visit Aura’s website.

2022-04-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Since 1965, Medicare has provided health care coverage to millions of Americans. Almost 64 million people in the United States were enrolled in Medicare as of October 2021, with more people becoming eligible and enrolling each year. Anyone on Medicare is at risk of Medicare-related fraud, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to warn people to watch out for scammers who steal Medicare Numbers and other personal information to exploit beneficiaries’ benefits.

Broadly speaking, Medicare fraud occurs when someone makes false claims for health care services, procedures and equipment to obtain Medicare payments. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars and puts the health and welfare of beneficiaries at risk. The impact of these losses and risks is expanding as Medicare continues to serve a growing number of beneficiaries.

“Medicare fraud is a serious issue that has affected millions of people in our country,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Anyone on Medicare is at risk of being a target of Medicare fraud, so you should use the CMS fraud tips to stay alert to protect yourself. By being aware of potential scams and reporting any you come across, you can do your part to protect yourself and others from Medicare fraud.”

How to spot Medicare scams

There are many types of Medicare scams, taking the form of unsolicited emails, phone calls, text messages, social media posts and phony websites. Scammers often claim to be from the Medicare office, an insurance company or a government office. They’ll ask for your personal and financial information, such as your Medicare or Social Security Number, so that they can submit false claims for payment.

Remember that Medicare will never call, text, email or contact you through social media asking for your Medicare Number.

Some common Medicare scams to watch out for include:

• Offers of “free” genetic testing
• Calls or emails about free medical equipment, such as a knee brace, walker or cane
• Solicitations for other services, such as offers of “paid” clinical research trials

While this is not a comprehensive list, these examples give you an idea of how to spot potential Medicare fraud. Scammers will do their best to present these services and products as genuine in exchange for your Medicare Number.

How to protect yourself

Now that you know how to spot Medicare fraud, you’ll need to know how to protect yourself from potential fraudsters. Remember to:

• Guard your Medicare Number just like your Social Security card and credit card
• Share your Medicare Number only with trusted health care providers
• Review your Medicare statements, watch for services billed that look suspicious, and ask questions if something looks wrong

How to report scammers

Reporting Medicare fraud protects you and millions of other people with Medicare and those with disabilities. If you or someone you know have experienced Medicare fraud or suspect an offer you’ve received is a scam, report it as soon as possible. You will never be in trouble for reporting fraud.

To learn more about Medicare fraud, visit Medicare.gov/fraud. To report potential Medicare fraud, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

2022-04-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you want a bathroom update that will be stylish and functional for many years to come? More homeowners than ever are renovating using universal design principles that allow these spaces to serve people of varying ages and abilities. This provides numerous important benefits, including higher levels of safety and increased property value.

Universal design basics

Universal design creates an environment that is accessible to all people to the greatest extent possible. That means a bathroom will function as well for a child as it does for a senior. Basic principles of universal design focus on functionality, and in the bathroom that might mean adding strategic lighting, slip-resistant flooring and features like grab bars.

Keep in mind, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to achieve the functional goals of universal design. More options than ever are available for enhancing the bathroom’s safety and functionality while adding luxurious upgrades that are as useful as they are eye-catching.

When function and fashion blend like this in home improvements, it can add significant value to your property. Consider one of the year’s top bathroom design trends: curbless showers with linear drains. This creates a barrier-free experience that is visually appealing, making it ideal for the universal design home.

Curbless shower features

A curbless walk-in shower eliminates hazards like curbs or thresholds that can cause people to slip or trip. It’s easier to use whether you walk or utilize a device for assistance, such as a shower wheelchair. Curbless showers also provide an open feel, which makes the space feel larger because visual lines are not disrupted.

Curbless showers are enhanced by linear drains that are installed flush to the flooring, further reducing trip hazards while adding a sleek appearance to the space. With no barrier to cross, the floor more easily accommodates a freestanding bench, a walker or other mobility aids.

An added benefit is that linear drains generally avoid looking institutional, like some wheelchair-friendly bathrooms can. An excellent example of this counter-institutional trend is QuickDrain’s WallDrain, which practically disappears into the wall, offering an ultra-clean and contemporary look.

A curbless shower is achievable with various drainage points, therefore offering versatility in terms of design. A curbless shower also provides flexibility regarding its location in the room, since the designer and contractor are not tied to placing the drain in a specific spot. Learn more at LRBrands.com/QuickDrain.

Deciding on shower doors is another important aspect of universal design. Glass doors work well for curbless walk-in showers because they open the space and let in light. Another option is to design the space to be completely open as a wet room. Glass dividers are a hybrid option that provide a partition without a door, but can be easily removed if you want to potentially open the space in the future.

Universal design is important in bathrooms because these spaces are used every day. Whether your goal is to age in place or you want to make home improvements to improve your property value for a future home, bathrooms with stylish universal design will help you meet your goals.

2022-04-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Robert Tompkins, Group VP and General Merchandise Manager for Health & Wellness, Walgreens

Call me an optimist, but I’d like to believe — even in the midst of the division and tension in this country — that there are more of us committed to empathy, compassion and care than you think. We must stay dedicated to causes that uplift, strengthen and encourage those who need it most.

Our mission at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is to help people live more joyful lives through better health. Notice that I said “joyful lives” instead of “happy lives.” Happiness is fleeting and is dependent on circumstances. Joy is deeper and reflects an overall sense of wellness and peace. But not everyone has that, especially when faced with health challenges.

The Centers for Disease Control defines health equity as the opportunity to be as healthy as possible through equal access to care and distribution of healthcare resources. When policies, programs and systems that support health are equitable, poor health outcomes can be reduced, health disparities can be prevented, and the whole of society benefits. That’s why WBA is committed to engaging with local communities to improve societal health and well-being. We have set up programs and campaigns to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare and awareness about critical health issues. We are listening, learning and taking decisive action with, and for, our communities to realize our vision of health equity and inclusion for all. We need to combat health care disparities and improve outcomes in these communities.

That’s why in 2013, Walgreens began its partnership with Vitamin Angels, an organization that has always had a profound effect on me because of the vital work they do. Vitamin Angels is a global public health nonprofit organization distributing vitamins and minerals to underserved pregnant women and children in the U.S. and around the world.

Through our eight-year partnership with Vitamin Angels, we have helped to improve the lives of more than 300 million women and children. We are reaching women and children in 65 countries, every U.S. state and Puerto Rico. Walgreens Boots Alliance and our suppliers have donated one percent of select vitamin and supplement retail sales to support Vitamin Angels’ outreach efforts to communities in need across the U.S. and globally. In 2021, that amounted to $12.4 million donated.

We are also helping locally. In our home city of Chicago, we are partnering with more than 35 community-based organizations to distribute vouchers for free prenatal vitamins for pregnant women in need. Vouchers may be redeemed at 16 stores located on the West and South Sides of Chicago. To date, over 2,200 vouchers have been distributed.

Together with Vitamin Angels we are proud to keep pushing toward our new goal to reach 500 million women and children by the end of fiscal 2025. None of this work could get done without the dedication and compassion of our customers. They have helped us provide life-changing vitamins to children and expectant mothers at-risk for malnutrition around the world. I am excited about the next major milestone that we will hit with Vitamin Angels.

We will continue to fight and do all we can so that anyone we touch, in our stores and through our partnerships, has the potential of a healthy future. I encourage others to become involved to make a difference. By simply shopping for multivitamins, sleep aids, and joint health products, you’re helping to provide for those in need. Together, we can better the lives of women and children at home and around the world.

For more information about our work with Vitamin Angels, download WBA’s fiscal 2021 ESG Report.

2022-04-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Technology can do so much, but perhaps one of its most exciting qualities for everyday living is its capacity for convenience — especially when it comes to healthcare. Patients can see a specialist who lives hundreds of miles away or attend an appointment without leaving home, and providers can monitor patients’ health remotely.

Prior to the pandemic, though, many older individuals who might benefit from these technological advancements hadn’t given them a try. During the pandemic, as providers adopted remote technologies to safely provide appointments, patients enjoyed new opportunities to try telehealth and other digital offerings.

Ultimately, many found that they liked the access and opportunities technology could provide. Telehealth visits increased 63-fold and older adults are now eager to incorporate technology into their lives, buying more smartphones, wearable technologies, home assistant technology and tablets. More importantly, they are in fact using them — 69% of those 70-plus said they use their tablets daily.

As older adults are diving into all that technology can offer, here are some digital benefits available to AARP members that make it easier to focus on health and well-being.

Check your hearing.

Has it been awhile since your last hearing test? You’re not alone. Only 23% of older adults reported having a hearing test by a healthcare professional in the past two years. Taking this simple test now helps avoid issues down the road, including worsening cognition, reduced quality of life and loss of independence. Fortunately, the AARP^® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA makes it easier than ever to get tested. The program offers a free online hearing test, and if results show that your hearing could use a boost, AARP members can access 20% off the retail price of hearing aids, a free fitting, a free demonstration of the latest hearing aid technology and more.

Schedule eye exams and access online discounts.

Vison problems and eye disease become more prevalent with age, but most eye conditions can be treated if found early, making it important to see an eye care professional regularly. AARP members have vision care options that make it easy to schedule a comprehensive eye exam online.

Additionally, with AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, members and their families receive exclusive discounts at participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide, as well as online. They can save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Stay active.

Screens are sometimes associated with more sedentary habits, but they can be great motivators. Online fitness offerings have surged during the pandemic, which is great news, since physical fitness can improve memory and brain function, prevent chronic disease, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and more. Classes can be taken live or accessed on-demand, and include everything from yoga, spinning and strength, to workouts on the go. Some classes are completely free, while others can be enjoyed for zero dollars out of pocket as a benefit in your health plan.

See your provider.

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s important to maintain regular visits with your primary care provider to ensure everything is in working order. Now, though, you can keep those appointments even while traveling, as many primary care providers continue to offer telehealth services.

Manage your prescriptions.

With technology, what once took days can be accessed in mere seconds, such as a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx^®. Anyone with an internet connection can download the card to save on FDA-approved medications in over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide, and AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents and more. Setting up prescription delivery online is quick, easy and shortens your to-do list. The site also allows users to compare prescription prices across various pharmacy locations.

Be Social.

Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but it also helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills and may even help you live longer. With video chats, we can connect with friends and family whenever we’d like from anywhere in the world, and GrandPad Powered by Consumer Cellular makes it easier than ever. GrandPad’s essential apps enable video chats, photo sharing, emails and access to the news, and AARP members save 5% on a monthly subscription, which includes unlimited service on a secure, private network.

While there are many factors to consider when it comes to staying healthy and maintaining good habits, especially as we age, technology can help make it a little easier and a lot more fun. To help guide you through any issues as you get comfortable tapping into technology, Norton Ultimate Help Desk offers everything from first-time setup to ongoing maintenance and as-needed troubleshooting for computers, laptops and mobile devices. AARP members save up to 15% on either one-time help or an ongoing subscription.

To learn more about accessing online benefits, visit https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. AARP nor its affiliates is the insurer.

2022-04-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Your well-being is a priority no matter your age, but the busier life gets, the more self-care is often overlooked for other to-do’s. In 2022, there’s a growing movement to refocus on the importance of self-care and incorporate things that bring comfort into your daily routine.

Start shifting your self-care mindset by creating daily rituals that matter to you. Once you carve out time for small moments that matter, you may find yourself happier, calmer and less stressed. It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s how you can help yourself feel balanced so you can ultimately be your best.

What’s more, self-care doesn’t have to be complicated. Maybe it’s starting your day with prayer or meditation. Perhaps it’s making time after work for a favorite hobby. At night, it could be a relaxing shower or reading before bed. On the weekends, you might make time to move your body by walking through a local park or taking a yoga class.

Food and drinks are also a big part of self-care, especially when they’re wholesome and nutritious. Moon milks are the perfect example, mentioned as a top three beverage trend of 2022 by Mintel Group. Indulgent and delicious, moon milks are steeped in ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems.

Organic Moon Milks by Clover Sonoma makes it easy to enjoy this nutritious and healthful drink every day, because you can simply stock your favorite flavors in your fridge. Each unique blend includes 2% organic milk, herbs and spices to help the body respond to physical and emotional stressors. The infused soothing botanicals help promote relaxation and wellness no matter the time of day.

These colorful drinks delight the eyes as much as they do the palate, making them ideal for self-care rituals. Organic Moon Milks by Clover Sonoma comes in three flavors: Blue Moon (Blueberry Lavender), Pink Moon (Cherry Berry Hibiscus) and Golden Moon (Turmeric Ginger). Make time for yourself by enjoying a chilled cup of moon milk in the morning or a warm mug at the end of a long day. You can also explore creative recipes, such as this colorful, tasty smoothie bowl:

Pink and Blue Moon Smoothie Bowl
Serving size: 2

Ingredients:

Pink layer:
1 cup Clover Sonoma Pink Moon Milk
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup Clover Sonoma Yogurt

Blue layer:
1 cup Clover Sonoma Blue Moon Milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 frozen banana
1/2 tablespoon honey

Toppings:
Coconut flakes
Fresh blueberries
Pomegranate seeds

Directions:

1. Combine all pink layer ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a medium bowl and refrigerate.

2. Clean out the blender, then add all the blue layer ingredients to the blender. Blend until smooth.

3. In the bowl with the pink smoothie layer swirl the blue smoothie in with a spoon. Top with coconut flakes, fresh blueberries and pomegranate seeds. Enjoy!

Self-care is important and by making it a priority in your life, you’ll be able to feel your best no matter what life challenges come your way. Think about the activities, foods and drinks that make you feel well and make time for what matters.

Learn more at CloverTheMoon.com.