Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-05-14T09:53:00

(BPT) – Did you know women can donate their breast milk to infants in need? It’s a powerful opportunity to have a profound impact on families, yet many women simply don’t know it exists. But there’s a way for lactating women to donate this liquid gold to babies who need it.

It’s called the Milk Bank Challenge. It was created by ConceiveAbilities Surrogacy Agency in 2022, when the worldwide supply of infant formula dropped to dangerously low levels. The goal was to empower lactating women to donate their breast milk to help bridge the gap between formula supply and the number of babies, especially at-risk premature babies, who desperately needed that nutrition.

Since its launch, the Challenge has inspired more than 2,000 women to donate an astonishing 2 million ounces of breast milk to the program. Last year alone, lactating women were inspired to donate 1.3 million ounces of breast milk, 15% of all milk donated nationwide. To give you an idea of the scale of this effort, one single ounce of breast milk can feel a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for a day.

Spurred on by the Challenge’s success, ConceiveAbilities increased their goal for this year, and the first step toward achieving that is to increase awareness.

That’s where you come in. Whether you know a lactating mother or are one yourself, share this link to the Milk Bank Challenge with other lactating women through email, social media or whatever way works best for you. Once they click through and enter their email address to learn more, you’ll both receive a $5 reward for your time. When women donate, they’ll receive $250 in thanks.

Carrie Anselmo knows how profound an impact donating milk can be to a family with an infant in the NICU. She joined the Milk Bank Challenge and donated 756 ounces. For her, it was personal.

“I have wanted to donate to other NICU families since my son Logan was born as a micro-preemie at 24 weeks,” she said. “We spent 229 days in two different NICUs and we recently graduated! He is a survivor and miracle! I have wanted to give back and help provide NICU babies nutrients they need if the mother cannot.”

“When we set the goal of one million ounces, it seemed lofty, but I never doubted the generosity of these amazing women and their willingness to make such an impactful gift,” said Nazca Fontes, who founded ConceiveAbilities as an egg donation service nearly 30 years ago and has grown it into the most experienced full service egg donor and surrogacy agency. It was founded on the belief that everyone who wants to become a parent, can.

ConceiveAbilities sees lactation as an important component of its All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package, recognizing the significance of the fourth trimester in postpartum recovery. The Milk Bank Challenge aligns with the organization’s commitment to sharing valuable information for women during their fourth trimester, including resources on lactation.

Breast milk is a powerful form of nutrition for a growing baby, especially one who has come into this world prematurely and needs a boost. For women who can’t provide it themselves to their own children, donation of this invaluable liquid can be lifesaving in more ways than one. To find out more about the Milk Bank Challenge, or to learn about egg donation, surrogacy or becoming a parent via these methods, contact ConceiveAbilities.

2024-05-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

At just 25 years old, Amy Hsieh began experiencing a series of health-related symptoms that ultimately changed her life. Hsieh explained: “I was extremely thirsty, lost a lot of weight, and felt like I had to go to the bathroom constantly. This actually went on for over a year. At the time, I had no idea that these were very typical symptoms of type 1 diabetes — and so I overlooked them. I wish I hadn’t.”

In the coming weeks, Hsieh’s symptoms grew increasingly severe. While visiting family in Taiwan, she went into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes that can sometimes be life-threatening. “I was rushed to the hospital, where I was put into the intensive care unit (ICU) for three days. And then after I got out of the ICU, I had to stay in the hospital for over a week while I recovered. It was an incredibly scary experience, and I was shocked to learn I had type 1 diabetes, as was my family, because no one else has it.”

Hsieh is not alone in her experience of going through DKA. Far too often, DKA is how people realize they have type 1 diabetes, with as many as 40% of DKA cases stemming from those who are newly diagnosed. That said, there is no need to wait until you are seriously ill to find out if you might be at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Screening can help identify the early stages of type 1 diabetes before symptoms arise. The1Pledge.com includes information about early screening for type 1 diabetes, so people of all ages can get information in advance about their risk of developing type 1 diabetes and can better prepare for the future — and even potentially reduce the risk of DKA.

Understanding DKA

DKA typically develops when you don’t have enough insulin in your system to allow blood sugar into your cells. As a result, your liver breaks down fat for fuel, a process that produces acids called ketones. When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body, which can in turn have other negative effects on your health.

Much like Hsieh’s experience, where she was experiencing symptoms for over a year, type 1 diabetes develops slowly over time in the body. There are three stages of the disease. In the earlier stages, a person does not show any noticeable symptoms. By the time someone might be at risk of going through DKA, they are in the later stage of type 1 diabetes as symptoms begin to become more pronounced. Common symptoms of DKA include excessive thirst and urination — but, if left untreated, critical symptoms can appear quickly.

“Had I known earlier that I would develop type 1 diabetes, I would have taken steps — such as having a care team in place, monitoring my blood sugar levels, and more — to reduce my risk of DKA,” Hsieh explains. “My story underscores why it’s so important to spread awareness of type 1 diabetes — what it is, how it develops, and, most importantly, how it is possible to detect it in advance through screening. Given my history, it’s no surprise that I’m a big advocate for all people to get screened, no matter your age or if you have a family history of the disease.”

Why screening matters

When it comes to type 1 diabetes and your health in general, knowledge is power. Just consider that early screening may help people potentially reduce their risk of going through DKA at initial diagnosis of T1D by up to 50%. “Prior to diagnosis, I lived a very healthy lifestyle, so I didn’t even question my symptoms when they arose,” Hsieh notes. “If I had been screened, I might not have been blindsided by my diagnosis and I could have spent that valuable time in Taiwan with my family, rather than being in the hospital. I want others to know screening is an option, so they can possibly reduce their own risk of experiencing the same thing I went through.”

You can check out type 1 diabetes screening options for yourself and your loved ones at The1Pledge.com and by talking to your doctor.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Amy Hsieh is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

2024-05-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – What does your child need to be ready to head off to college this fall? From decision day to how to pay, check out this checklist from College Ave to help you plan for everything leading up to move-in day.

2024-05-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – As temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, it’s more important than ever to make your home a sanctuary — safe from pollen and other allergens. This spring, upgrading your home air filter can drastically improve the quality of air your family breathes everyday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-quarter of adults (25.7%) and about 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have seasonal allergies. Spring and summer can be peak times for bothersome symptoms ranging from congestion, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue to more serious consequences for children, the elderly, and those living with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.

If this describes someone in your household, you’re probably already aware of how seasonal allergies as well as allergies to dust, pet dander and other triggers can impact your life. Fortunately, you can follow these steps to help reduce pollen and other allergens in your home, improving comfort for every member of your family.

1. Keep pollen out

You can take proactive measures to lower the amount of pollen that enters and circulates in your home, from the moment you first open your windows in the spring throughout the entire summer and early fall.

• Clean your window screens: High-quality screens help keep some pollen out, so it’s vital to clean them periodically to keep pollen at bay and allow air to flow through. Use the brush tool on your vacuum to clean screens or a soft cloth. If you can easily remove screens, wash them outdoors with diluted dish detergent or vinegar.
• Use good-quality door mats: Place mats inside and outside every entrance to capture particles. Washable area rugs are also a good idea.
• Don’t hang linens outside: Bedding or rugs hung outside to dry will collect pollens to bring indoors.
• Track the pollen count: If certain days are especially bad for local pollen counts, that may be a good time to keep windows closed and use your HVAC to circulate and filter indoor air.

2. Filter air better

Making sure the air you breathe inside is as clean as possible makes a big difference in your home.

• Use a high-quality air filter: For example, K&N air filters are built for strength and efficiency, providing superior airflow — up to 70% better — while trapping airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, smoke particles, bacteria and pet dander. K&N filters are made with the highest quality materials, including a strong HDPE frame, 2-ply filter media and metal mesh to maintain their shape and provide durability for the life of the filter, which is over 10 years. All K&N products are backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
• Keep your air filter clean: Disposable air filters need replacing every 3 months and cost a lot of money. What’s more — approximately 3 billion air filters end up in U.S. landfills every year. With reusable air filters like K&N, you can simply rinse clean with your hose in about 5 minutes, shake off excess water and pop back in your HVAC system, with no need for cleaning equipment or solvents.
• Choose the right MERV rating for your household: Whether you want a more free-flowing filter (MERV 8) or want to remove even more pollens, allergens and dust from your home (MERV 13), K&N has a full range of options available. Visit KNFilters.com/home to learn more.

3. Clean surfaces smarter

From ceiling fans, cabinet tops, and shelves to carpets and other flooring, dust and allergens will accumulate over time, so regular deep cleaning is a must! Cleaning these surfaces will also help reduce the allergens that end up floating around in your home.

• Start at the top: Anything you dust can end up on the floor, so working from the top to the bottom is most effective.
• Clean ceiling fans carefully: Try using an old pillowcase around each fan blade as you work to help capture dust. Spray diluted vinegar inside the pillowcase first to pick up dust, then follow that initial dusting with a damp cloth.
• Declutter first: To make surfaces easier to dust, remove items that can get in your way or that also need dusting.
• Tackle floors with allergens in mind: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove fine particles from surfaces. If you have family members with severe allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, you may want to replace carpets with hard flooring instead. Otherwise, consider regular shampooing to further remove dust, dirt and other allergens after vacuuming.

Taking these steps will help give you peace of mind that you’re doing all you can to provider cleaner air for everyone in your home, so you can all breathe a little easier.

2024-05-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Across the nation, whiskered men are making the world a bearder place to live; or in other words, they are contributing positively to their communities. Whether they’re aiding the homeless or championing animal rights, their charitable endeavors — and their beards — have the chance to be recognized in the third annual Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest. One Grand Prize winner will be presented with $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for the charity of his choice. He’ll also be crowned the new ‘Wahl Man of the Year,’ a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 17 years.

“There is no shortage of people who donate their time and energy to helping others, and the Benevolent Beards contest provides an excellent platform to discover and honor those individuals,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl. “As a family-oriented company dedicated to community service, Wahl is excited to reward men who mirror our commitment in their own communities.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner, Dr. Christopher McNeil from Kansas City, Missouri, whose selected charity, the Kansas City Public School Foundation, supports educational initiatives and impact programs like his ‘Books and Barbers’ program which provides haircuts, books, and mentorship to elementary school students.

According to McNeil, who is currently the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools, ‘Books and Barbers’ is about more than just free haircuts. “We try to recreate what’s special about barbershops by offering students a safe space where they can learn about life and glean wisdom from amazing mentors. It’s also a way for us to increase the kids’ love of learning and literacy,” he explained.

How to Enter

From now until June 30, 2024, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards. They can also get to the page by visiting the @WahlGrooming Facebook or Instagram pages. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a NEW Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get really exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl’s Mobile Barbershop to do a charity fundraising grooming event. At the event, barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the charity — up to $5,000.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help.

2024-05-08T23:01:01

(BPT) – Exercise is much more than just cardio and weights. You may not realize that as you’re working up a sweat, you’re taking a load off your mind, too. Many people face the nagging effects of everyday stress and pressure that impact mental health and overall well-being but fortunately, some of that can be alleviated by working out. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to refocus on your mind, body and movement.

Self-care and focusing on your mental health is particularly important in a post-pandemic world. According to a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association, more than 75% of adults in the U.S. said they’ve experienced stress in the prior month. The majority of those said health and finances were among their top sources of stress, contributing to symptoms like headache, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, sleep disorders and more.

As a leader in health and wellness, Planet Fitness is sharing some important mental health benefits that anyone can get from moving their body and exercising:

Mood boost. Aerobic exercise leads to an increase in levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that regulate your mood and focus, according to Neuroscience News.

Increase in brain function. Neuroscience News also reports exercise promotes brain plasticity, the ability to form new neural connections. This is especially helpful in counteracting the cognitive decline that comes with age. Forgot where you put your keys? Some cardio throughout the week may help with that.

Relax of stress hormones. Exercise helps regulate cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones. By pumping up your feel-good endorphins, the Mayo Clinic says exercise improves your sense of well-being.

Better sleep. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health to your step-counting coworker will tell you that exercise helps you sleep better. Whether the evidence is anecdotal or gleaned from a health-industry study, it’s clear that getting a good workout will lead to better sleep in both duration and quality. When you sleep better, you have more energy throughout the day to accomplish tasks, complete your checklist or even prep for your next workout.

Confidence booster. When you move your body, you feel good about yourself! You’ll find yourself getting stronger, walking farther, running faster, or even lifting heavier weights than you could before. This feeling sends your confidence through the roof and that sense of accomplishment and self-esteem will have you walking on air for the rest of the day.

Post-workout relaxation. After your workout, give those muscles some self-care. With Planet Fitness’s PF Black Card^® Membership, you’ll get access to everything Planet Fitness has to offer, including HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, Total Body Enhancement machines, discounts on cooler drinks, and the ability to bring a friend with you every time you work out. Rest and recovery are an integral part of your workout routine and your overall mental wellness.

Social connections. Going to the gym regularly, connecting with other members or certified fitness trainers (a perk offered to all Planet Fitness members) or just seeing the same folks every workout will increase your social connections and help relieve stress and feelings of sadness and loneliness.

If you haven’t been to the gym in a while and feel a bit intimidated, Planet Fitness is the perfect place to enjoy a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone^®. With the main causes of stress being health and finances, Planet Fitness can help you get a great workout that will impact your mental health without breaking the bank. Check out all the Judgement Free Zone^® has to offer this Mental Health Awareness Month and focus on YOU.

2024-05-09T06:19:01

(BPT) – The love of a mother knows no bounds. This Mother’s Day, consider a unique gift that reflects her unconditional love for you: a subscription that empowers families in the world’s toughest places to create change that lasts.

More than 700 million people worldwide are living in extreme poverty — most of them women and children. Like all mothers, these moms want to give the best for their children, but they face many challenges. With an income of less than $2.15 per day, they are deprived of basic human needs like clean water and sanitation, nutritious food, health care, education and spiritual nurture.

This Mother’s Day, you can show your gratitude for your own mom’s loving care through a gift subscription to join Believers for World Change™ — a community of change makers dedicated to helping end extreme poverty around the world in partnership with World Vision, the global Christian humanitarian organization.

A gift with lasting impact

Just as your mother’s love is ongoing and reliable, so is the idea behind subscribing to world change. The monthly gifts given in her name will equip families with access to resources that answer both immediate and long-term needs, like sustainable clean water sources, essential health care and nutrition training, education and safeguarding programs for children, job training, emergency aid when disaster hits, and much more. You’ll be helping equip families to not just survive, but thrive, by providing them with the tools they need to change their lives for good.

Why a subscription?

Most Americans use multiple subscription services, like streaming platforms, apps, meal kit deliveries and more. You’re likely used to paying a monthly fee and getting something in return.

You may even be paying for services you no longer use, since autopay can fly under the radar. A poll conducted by C + R Research showed that 42% of consumers admit they’ve stopped using a subscription service but forgot they were still paying for it.

Now is the ideal time to evaluate your subscription services and consider redirecting funds from ones no longer useful to you into one that offers lasting value: a subscription to world change.

Make a tangible difference

This subscription flips the focus of the standard model by making it about not what you get, but what you give: tools and support that equip families to experience transformation that can last for generations.

“Worldwide, humanitarian needs continue to increase,” said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision. “But World Vision knows that when we partner with donors and the communities we serve, we’re able to not only bring life-saving aid to some of the world’s most challenging places but also equip children with the tools they need to fulfill their God-given potential. Our hope is that donors will join with us to bring hope and create lasting change while gaining a new and a more rewarding perspective on how they spend their hard-earned money.”

Whether for Mother’s Day, a birthday or just to show you care, a subscription to world change is a gift with meaning that’s sure to be remembered and appreciated well into the future — both by your gift recipient and families around the world.

2024-05-09T08:15:00

(BPT) – Workers’ compensation insurance acts as a crucial safety net, offering protection to both employees and employers when illnesses or injuries happen. Workers’ compensation coverage pays for things like medical expenses and lost wages when employees become ill or injured at work. It also covers death benefits and disability in the worst-case scenarios and employer liability for work-related injury or disease.

There is no one-size-fits-all workers’ compensation policy, as each state sets its requirements for this complex coverage — and just having the required coverage may not be enough to support your business goals. Choosing the right partner will satisfy state requirements, protect your financial position and help support employee well-being.

Acuity Insurance differentiates itself as a trusted partner for small business owners. In addition to detailing which questions to ask yourself when seeking a workers’ compensation insurance provider, the following explains a few Acuity differentiators that can elevate your claims experience beyond basic state-required coverages.

Does your insurance company provide top-notch customer service?

Workers’ compensation insurance is complex, dealing with health care, state regulations, and the emotional side of injury or illness. Your insurance company should provide you and your employees expert guidance to navigate through all the steps. How long does it take your insurance company to return your phone calls? Does it have dedicated claims adjusters who handle workers’ compensation claims? Acuity provides same-day contact from a caring adjuster, who will work with you until the claim is closed. This has led to Acuity policyholders reporting a 97% positive claims experience.

Does your insurance company provide services to help employees receive the proper care and return to work?

For small businesses struggling with labor shortages, lost time due to illness or injury can be challenging. Acuity offers a transitional return-to-work program to bridge the gap between injured workers’ existing work capabilities and what the employer can provide by working with local nonprofits to place workers into temporary positions. Additionally, the 24/7 Acuity Nurse Helpline assists workers with nonemergency injuries, saving money and facilitating a quicker return to work.

Does your insurance company help you reduce risk?

Some insurance companies provide loss control services as part of their workers’ compensation policies. Loss control uses a proactive approach to risk management, which helps create safer and more-efficient workplaces, ultimately reducing claims and enhancing overall profitability. Acuity’s loss control department also provides post-loss services, including individual claim investigations and trend analysis, to empower businesses to adopt a proactive approach to prevent future accidents.

Does your insurance company help you manage costs?

Using loss prevention services, return-to-work programs and nurse helplines can translate to significant savings for customers by reducing incidents, lessening the severity of incidents and reducing lost time. Medical costs are often difficult to understand and navigate. Acuity’s managed care program features a preferred provider network with negotiated discounts, a meticulous bill review program and a pharmacy benefit program. These initiatives also translate into significant savings for customers, further reducing their insurance costs, and Acuity does not include the cost of these services as incurred claims costs.

Acuity’s unique offerings underscore its commitment to innovation and customer-centric service. Acuity helps small business owners navigate the complexities of risk management before, during and after incidents to help them become more efficient, safe and profitable.

2024-05-08T10:21:00

(BPT) – By Jung Jae-chul, home entertainment research and development lab leader of HE R&D Lab at LG Electronics

Imagine a TV that not only delivers your favorite shows in incredible picture quality but also connects with you on a deeper level. That concept is no longer bound to imagination, as LG’s latest TVs are capable of understanding what you want and need, tailoring every moment you spend with it through ‘Affectionate Intelligence.’ This is the essence of LG’s unwavering commitment to crafting empathetic algorithms through three decades of technological innovation. This ethos seamlessly extends to the development of its AI chipsets, which are designed to foster more meaningful TV interactions.

As a testament to this dedication, LG’s Alpha AI processor, engineered exclusively for its OLED TVs, made its global debut a decade ago as one of the biggest breakthroughs in TV processing technology history. This AI-powered processor is constantly evolving based on customer feedback, which guarantees a TV experience that only gets better with time.

Amidst the widespread adoption of OLED panels, LG OLED TVs set themselves apart courtesy of the first OLED-dedicated AI processor. This processor leverages advanced algorithms and cutting-edge upscaling technology to unlock uncharted levels of picture quality within LG OLED TVs.

Various processing technologies continue to evolve with AI, notably showcasing significant performance enhancements in the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) — essential for affectionate intelligence — with a remarkable surge of 400 percent. LG’s latest OLED evo TVs¹ are equipped with the new α (Alpha) 11 AI processor which boosts processing speeds by 30 percent compared to its predecessor.

What’s more, LG’s premium AI processing technology has expanded to LG QNED TVs, taking the performance of its high-end LCD TV lineup to new levels. LG QNED TVs feature the Alpha 8 AI processor to achieve a 1.3-fold increase in AI performance and 1.6-fold increase in processing speed compared to its predecessor. These remarkable advancements come together to form a powerful yet refined audiovisual experience that heightens the audience’s sense of immersion.

At the core of LG’s AI TVs lies a deep understanding of the user’s preferences, habits and desires. Seeking to enrich the home entertainment experience with versatile personalization and added convenience, the latest LG AI TVs can recognize voices based on unique webOS profiles, making it easier to deliver personalized recommendations based on their personal viewing history.

This user-centric approach lets users access their favorite or most-used content and services in an instant, while Picture Wizard works to tailor picture quality to their preferences to foster a deeper understanding and connection. Picture Wizard lets users pick from a range of image options, so that they can fine-tune images to their liking and receive greater viewing satisfaction without having to learn everything there is to know about technical aspects such as brightness, contrast or sharpness.

With sound quality now deemed just as important as image quality in completing the viewing experience, AI processing technologies have been evolving to help the TV’s audio performance catch up. AI Sound Pro offers richer and fuller audio while the LG TV’s built-in speakers produce virtual 11.1.2 surround sound to heighten immersion. The AI can even enhance dialogue clarity by separating vocals from the soundtrack, making it seem like sounds are emanating naturally from the screen’s center. Moreover, WOW Orchestra creates three-dimensional audio which works in unison with the TV’s built-in speakers and compatible LG soundbars, creating a unified sound together.

LG’s focus on the webOS smart TV platform, which powers over 200 million smart TVs, is clear for everyone to see. webOS enriches everyday life experiences with versatile personalization and enhanced convenience in the form of individual profiles, voice recognition and recommendations based on viewing history. With its extensive user base, LG is set to maintain a strong presence in targeted advertising, FAST and content streaming services.

Lastly, the webOS Re:New program² offers the latest webOS upgrade to existing LG Smart TV owners to guarantee the most up-to-date TV experience for the next five years. That means consumers purchasing an LG OLED TV or LG QNED TV launched in 2024 can benefit from the latest webOS platform until 2028.

To explore the various efforts the LG Home Entertainment Company is making to curate life-enriching experiences for every kind of user, stay tuned to the LG Newsroom.

¹ LG OLED evo M4 and G4 models

² Pop-up notifications offering a full upgrade without the need to select specific UX, UI or features are only sent to customers who have agreed to receive them. Please note that this upgrade does not cover the TV’s hardware performance, features or durability.

2024-05-08T11:01:00

(BPT) – This month highlights the important role mental health plays in our general health and well-being. It influences how we feel, think and act. Many Americans of all ages experience mental distress. According to National Institute of Mental Health data, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition.[1] A mental health condition is an illness or disorder that affects your thinking, feeling, behavior or mood, and can range from mild to severe.[2] Moreover, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults live with a severe or serious mental health condition.[3] People with serious mental health conditions can live fulfilling lives with effective treatment.[4] However, some people are not in treatment because they lack access to care or may want to avoid perceived stigma related to mental health conditions.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to focus on mental well-being, but also on the connection between mental health conditions and substance use. Some people with mental health conditions struggle with substance use.[5] They may turn to illicit drugs and other substances to help them cope with stress, trauma or mental distress.[6] Brain changes in people with mental health conditions may also make it more likely they will continue to use substances and could develop substance use disorders and addiction.[7] People with substance use disorders, in turn, may have increased risk for developing other mental health conditions.[8]

And what’s more, using these drugs can have dangerous consequences, including overdose or even death. Substance use disorder affects an estimated 1 in 7 Americans, and nearly 300 Americans die every day from a drug overdose.[9],[10]

Mixing drugs is never safe

People sometimes think that because they’ve mixed drugs before and nothing seemed to happen, they can do it again. However, a person’s body can react to drugs differently every time. The fact is, even if you’ve been OK in the past, there’s no way to know what the outcome will be from mixing drugs.

Why it’s so dangerous to mix drugs

No matter how it happens, mixing opioids with other drugs is incredibly risky. Using more than one drug is never safe because the effects of mixing them can be stronger or more unpredictable than one drug alone. For example, mixing opioids with stimulants (“uppers”) can increase your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. Mixing opioids with depressants (“downers”) can slow breathing or lead to brain damage. Mixing can even be deadly: More than 50 percent of overdose deaths involve multiple drugs.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to remind everyone that mental health is health,” said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Every one of us can take a small action today to help build connection in our communities to promote mental well-being and prevent mental distress. Sustained connections, in turn, make it less likely that people will turn to substances to help cope with life’s stressors, and this can decrease the risk of overdose.”

Learn the signs of overdose and how to help by using Naloxone

If you think someone could be experiencing a drug overdose — even if you’re not sure — it’s safest to treat it as an overdose. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive, over-the-counter medication that can be administered to help reverse an opioid overdose, and anyone can keep and use it to help save a life. You can get naloxone as a nasal spray or an injection, and you can use it without medical training or authorization. Also, it won’t harm a person if they’re overdosing on a drug that’s not an opioid.

Seven signs of overdose to watch for include:

• Small constricted, pinpoint pupils
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin, especially lips and/or nails
• Limp body

Important steps to take when you think someone around you is overdosing:

1. Administer naloxone, if available
2. Call 911
3. Keep the person awake and breathing
4. Lay person on their side to prevent choking
5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives

What CDC is doing to Stop Overdose in America

At CDC we’re educating people about the dangers of illicitly made fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the lifesaving power of naloxone, and the importance of reducing stigma around recovery and treatment options. We are using the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) to better understand the circumstances that surround overdose deaths, improve fatal overdose data timeliness and accuracy, and identify specific substances causing or contributing to overdose deaths as well as emerging and polysubstance overdose trends to help inform overdose prevention and response efforts. CDC is investing in neighborhoods, communities, cities, counties, states and the nation to prevent overdoses and ensure the health and well-being of all Americans.

Learning how to prevent an overdose can help save a life if you know someone struggling with addiction. For more information and resources, visit CDC.gov/StopOverdose.

If you’re in the U.S. and thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text 988 now, or chat 988lifeline.org.

If you’re wanting help for substance use, know that recovery is possible. You can find evidence-based treatment and service options near you by visiting findtreatment.gov or by calling the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).