Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-07-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – For nearly 25% of Americans living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a more serious condition is silently progressing. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a dangerous form of fatty liver disease that occurs when the fat in the liver becomes toxic. If left unmanaged, NASH can cause severe liver damage. In fact, it’s reported that NASH could soon become the top driver of liver transplants in the United States; it is already the leading cause of liver transplants among women.

Despite the serious consequences of the disease, 90% of people living with NASH don’t know they have it — and most of those who do are not aware of their risk for progression because accurate information about the disease can be hard to find. If you’ve been told you have a fatty liver, you could have NASH and not know it, so it is important to learn about your risk before dangerous liver damage occurs. Make sure to consult your doctor to determine the best course of action for your health and keep reading below for five key facts about NASH.

#1 – NASH can cause scarring of the liver

Fatty liver disease happens in stages. If undetected and unmanaged for too long, the fat can become toxic, killing liver cells, and causing inflammation and scarring (fibrosis). The more scarring you have, the greater your risk of serious health issues like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and the need for a liver transplant. Uncontrolled NASH can also shorten your life expectancy. However, most people living with NASH don’t experience symptoms, even as liver damage is occurring. That’s why, to manage NASH, testing is key.

#2 – NASH is also known as MASH

As the names state, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are caused by the abnormal buildup of fat in your liver — not by alcohol use. In 2023, medical societies and global liver disease patient groups came together to rename the disease, with the goal of establishing an affirmative, non-stigmatizing name and diagnosis. Today, NASH is now also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH.

Because the symptoms of NASH can often go unnoticed, getting tested is a critical step to understanding the stage of the condition. The diagnosis process may not require a biopsy — instead, there are multiple noninvasive options to measure and monitor NASH, including blood-based tests, imaging, and scanning. If you do have NASH, your doctor should conduct regular monitoring to check if your liver has developed scarring. To understand more about this process, and the questions you can ask at your next appointment, download this doctor discussion guide.

#4 – NASH can impact more than just your liver

Learning that you have a chronic condition can be challenging in several ways, as navigating life with NASH goes beyond managing physical health. Studies show that it also impacts emotional wellbeing, daily activities, and personal relationships. Since individuals with NASH and their loved ones may not immediately recognize how the condition permeates various aspects of their lives, education plays a crucial role, empowering both those affected and their caregivers to feel confident knowing that they or their loved one is getting the testing and treatment they need. This caregiver guide from the advocacy group NASH kNOWledge provides steps people can take to care for themselves as they care for someone living with NASH.

#5 – You have the power to help your liver

Living with NASH can be difficult, confusing, even overwhelming. The good news is, there are steps you can take today to slow or even reverse liver damage caused by NASH. This starts with a balanced diet, limited alcohol use, and regular, moderate-intensity exercise, which together may help manage your condition. Please consult your doctor to make sure you choose activities that are safe for you. While making these changes can feel challenging at times, support is available. If you feel like NASH is overwhelming or want to learn from others who may be going through similar experiences, check out the advocacy groups dedicated to helping people living with fatty liver and NASH like the ones below.

If you’ve been told you have fatty liver, talk to your doctor to get tested for scarring. You can learn more about NASH by visiting TakingOnFattyLiverandNASH.com.

Sponsored by Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

2024-07-18T08:45:00

(BPT) – With the school year just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for an exciting season of educational growth, evening sports games and school lunches. All busy parents know the importance of not only preparing accordingly but also brainstorming ways to make their child’s new school year extra special.

You may not be able to do all your school supply shopping now, but there are other ways you can prepare yourself for a new school year. Check out these five expert tips that can help you effortlessly manage the hustle and bustle of the back-to-school season.

1. Plan ahead

The first thing you can do to set yourself up for success is to plan ahead. Start by setting up a family calendar in the house or utilize a shared online calendar. Your calendar is bound to fill up with school events, project deadlines and sports schedules, so there is no better time than now to put pen to paper.

By having an organized calendar with your family’s schedule ready before the academic year starts, you’ll be able to sail smoothly through the back-to-school months. Your future self will thank you for taking this step, as it may lower your stress levels during the busiest days of the school year.

2. Create a routine

Daily routines provide a sense of stability and help streamline your family’s schedule. What should you include in your daily routine? From sleeping and study schedules to mealtimes and family-focused activities, a structured routine will help create healthy daily rhythms. This will also ensure a balance between home and school life.

3. Bring joy to lunchboxes

Lunchtime can be a highlight of the day, not just for kids but for parents, too! What you pack in your child’s lunchbox can really brighten their day. Of course, it’s important to include a balanced and nutritious meal with items like sandwiches, carrots and fruit. But why not add a touch of fun with a tasty snack?

Consider packing Hostess^® CupCakes or Hostess^® Kazbars™ to bring a smile to your child’s face during lunchtime. Both snacks offer a delightful treat that will make lunchtime something to look forward to. For an extra special touch, include a note of encouragement in your child’s lunchbox.

And remember, you deserve a treat, too. Whether you’re packing your own lunch or keeping snacks on hand while running errands, don’t forget to enjoy a fun snack for yourself.

Find Hostess^® snacks and other treats at grocery stores nationwide and visit HostessCakes.com to discover a variety of delicious, joyful snacks.

4. Set up a homework station

In an age of technology and distraction, homework can feel like a chore, but setting up a homework station can help your child focus on their tasks. To create a successful homework station, designate a quiet place in your home and organize the space with a sturdy desk, pencils, pens, paper and any other supplies your student may need to complete their assignments with ease.

5. Be prepared for sports events

If you’re the parent of an athlete, you know that showing up for the games isn’t the only way to show your support. Bringing fun snacks, treats and drinks to sports events can show your child how much you’re invested in their sport.

You won’t always have time to prepare homemade snacks before the big game, so save time and stress by picking up a delicious premade snack such as Hostess^® Kazbars™ that the whole team, including parents, will enjoy. This simple act can bolster team spirit and help celebrate the big win.

Beat the back-to-school bustle with these five simple tips. Not only will it make your life easier, but you’ll set your family up for success all year long.

2024-07-18T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve been thinking about homeschooling your children — or you’re already doing so — you’re not alone. According to the Washington Post, homeschooling has continued to surge since the pandemic, becoming the “fastest growing form of education in the country,” with an estimated 1.9-2.7 million students being educated at home in the U.S.

Who are today’s homeschooling families?

The reasons many parents are choosing homeschooling today, as well as the demographics of these families, are complex and diverse. Research from the Washington Post found that some of the top reasons today’s families opt for homeschooling include concerns about the school environment, worries about their children’s safety and bullying, as well as dissatisfaction with the quality of the academic instruction being provided at their child’s school.

The National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) reports that homeschooling families today also include people from a much wider variety of backgrounds, income and education levels than previously thought. For example, about 41% of homeschooling families are non-white, including Black, Asian and Hispanic students.

Because of the varied backgrounds and outlooks of parents who homeschool today, there’s a real need for more options for secular resources to help design the best possible curriculum to meet the needs of all homeschooling families.

In addition, many families who send their children to school also want to find high-quality materials to help supplement their child’s education at home.

How to find resources to meet customized needs

Homeschooling families are as unique as every child, and as the reasons for choosing to homeschool grow, parents want resources that are not limited to a specific worldview. Parents are seeking support and resources to supplement their child’s education and support their learning experience at home.

Families looking to bolster their child’s education at home — whether they homeschool or not — can easily feel overwhelmed by available educational resources and not know where to begin.

Here’s where BoundlessHomeschool.com can help. This new online retailer for modern homeschooling launched its webstore this year to offer a thoughtful collection of high-quality curriculum, books, educational toys and advisors to help families and homeschool educators design effective and inspiring at-home learning programs.

Celebrating every child’s unique learning style, BoundlessHomeschool.com offers materials from trusted brands for students of all ages, from infants and preschoolers to high schoolers. Created with the belief that all children have limitless potential, this retailer provides families a variety of educational resources, whether you’re pursuing homeschooling full-time, part-time — or just looking to supplement your child’s learning at home.

BoundlessHomeschool.com features over 12,000 products, with additional products added weekly, to cater to various teaching styles and help children reach their full potential, including:

• Trusted curriculum: Packages designed to meet various learning styles and educational standards from brands such as Institute for Excellence in Writing, Educators Publishing Service, Savvas, Saxon Math, All About Learning and more.
• Educational resources: Textbooks, workbooks and supplementary materials for all grade levels in over 13 different subject categories from trusted brands like Carson Dellosa Publishing Group, Kumon and Scholastic.
• Books: From the “Who Was” biography series to the Harry Potter collection, books that will ignite conversation, expand on traditional subject matters and inspire a love of reading.
• Educational toys: From arts and crafts to STEM products, additional aids from top brands including Learning Resources, Melissa & Doug and Numberblocks to make learning fun and interactive.

Boundless Homeschool is your one-stop shop, offering a collection of curriculum, educational toys and advisors to help families design an effective, inspiring at-home program — conveniently organized by subject, grade level and curriculum publisher to help you find what you need.

Don’t know where to start?

Inspired by the belief that no one knows a child better than their parents, Boundless Homeschool offers an easy interactive quiz to help parents discover the best products for their child through a series of quick questions. This will help you figure out what you might need next, whether that’s parent guides, curriculum recommendations or other materials.

Still have questions? The Boundless Homeschool Advisor team collectively has over 130 years of homeschooling experience and over 50 years in the industry helping other homeschoolers on their path. This live team of expert advisors is available via phone and email, Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. EST and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. EST to answer curriculum questions, help you choose appropriate products and more. Visit the Contact Us page to get started.

Boundless Homeschool recognizes that homeschool education starts with each child’s curiosity — and they thrive when parents are empowered to curate an ideal learning experience designed just for them.

Visit BoundlessHomeschool.com to learn more, and receive the latest updates on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest.

2024-07-17T14:05:00

(BPT) – It’s not surprising that many young people today are concerned and even uneasy about their financial futures. The era of a global pandemic, a shaky economy, inflation, high interest rates and the weight of student loan debt has been an uncertain and challenging financial period in which to come of age.

Making matters worse, numerous studies have concluded that too many Americans lack basic financial literacy, particularly young people. That’s why it’s important to provide a solid financial education early, while teens are still in school. Armed with information, they’ll be better positioned to avoid the unwise financial choices and bad money habits that often plague young people as they enter adulthood. And it takes a village to make that happen.

One example of this was on display in Washington, D.C., in June, where the finalists of the Capitol Hill Challenge gathered in celebration. Run by the SIFMA Foundation and underwritten by the Charles Schwab Foundation, the challenge pairs members of Congress with high-needs public schools in every congressional district in the country to teach students basic money management skills. Since its inception in 2004, the Capitol Hill Challenge has made 8,000 matches of U.S. senators and members of Congress with schools, reaching nearly 175,000 youth. Public middle and high school students from all 50 states participated in this year’s challenge.

Here’s how it works: Groups of students at each school manage a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds and cash. The 10 groups that have the highest-performing portfolios at the end of the challenge win a trip to Washington, D.C., where their financial savvy is put on display in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

To help close financial literacy gaps, the Capitol Hill Challenge program teaches students to learn the skills to build wealth through smart investing strategies, and they also learn about spending wisely, saving, avoiding debt and so much more. These skills can help empower students to save more, put money away for retirement earlier, manage debt and avoid the financial pitfalls that can trip up many young people as they enter the “real world.” The program is only an example of efforts being made nationally to teach basic money management skills, and experts argue more needs to be done.

“Financial literacy is critical for our youth. Currently, 35 states require high school students to take a course in personal finance to graduate. That’s not enough,” said Lisa Hunt, managing director and head of International Services for Charles Schwab and vice chair of the SIFMA Foundation board of directors. “Financial literacy needs to be a graduation requirement in all 50 states. It means committing the resources to have enough trained educators and provide them the necessary tools to deliver these curricula to students. The industry can’t do this alone — we need government leaders, nonprofits, educators and families to work together on this critical issue as well.”

That’s where Congress comes in. With bipartisan leadership from members including Reps. Young Kim (R-Calif.) and Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), who co-chair the House Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus, financial literacy is getting more attention, including passing legislation to declare a “financial literacy month” each year for highlighting the issue, introducing bills that provide grants for funding programs, and more.

And families can make a difference, too. Cindy Scott, a Charles Schwab Certified Financial Planner based in Westlake, Texas, credits her dad with helping her learn critical financial lessons that influenced her for life.

“One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their children is a foundation of financial wellness,” she explained in her recent column. “When I was a kid asking for this and that, my dad didn’t say no. He said, ‘Let’s sit down, and I’ll show you how money works.’ Kids need that.”

Want to learn more about efforts to improve teen financial literacy — and ways you can jumpstart your own family conversations about money? Visit schwabmoneywise.com.

2024-07-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Plus: The when to buy, how to buy, and what to buy.

It’s that time of year again: Time to start back-to-school shopping. (Anyone else feel like summer just started?!) Alas, we’ve reached the final weeks of summer and we’re nearing meet-the-teacher days, school tours, and we’re not far out from the big first day.

This back-to-school season, Carter’s, the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents^*, is focusing on styles that get your kids from bed to carpool line in record time. The looks they can’t wait to wear and the active styles they need and want (hello, balletcore!). Here, we take you on a field trip filled with style notes and endless inspiration on how to wear our new faves. Plus, we’re packed with layering options for cool classrooms and iconic denim in new comfort fits. The ultimate goal? To get your kids off to class in style, comfort and in looks that will last all year. To sum it up: We understood the assignment.

Now, let’s break down the must-haves to get your kids looking first-day fresh.

Denim is Back!

You heard it here first: Denim is so back. Back and better than ever, that is. This season, OshKosh denim is all about flares, wide-legs, hidden (fun!) details, and comfort. “We’re definitely seeing wide-leg styles as our biggest back-to-school trend,” said Rebecca Baumbach, Vice President of Design at Carter’s. “Customers are loving the flare fit, so we kept those feeling fresh and new with fun design details.”

Active, Balletcore & More

In the past few years, activewear has taken over the playground. Whether your child is headed to school, tryouts or a weekend playdate, odds are, they want to dress in some sort of active look. And can you blame them? With lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics, and easy pull-on-and-off ‘fits, it’s no wonder they’re reaching for their activewear every day.

But this year, it’s not your same old activewear. Enter: Balletcore. For little girls, this means sweet, twirly skirts with hints of shimmer and glitter in spandex material, paired with wrap style tops. For big kids, it’s parachute pants paired with tank tops layered with a crew cropped sweatshirt. Designed in both active drop-needle rib and French terry fabrics, it’s the perfect get-up-and-go school style.

For the boys, Baumbach named the active stretch joggers as one of this season’s “will sell out” items. This pant, complete with functional pockets and drawstring, is guaranteed to become a go-to style on school mornings. Pair with an active tee or stretch quarter-zip pullover and you’ve got a sporty, school-ready outfit in a flash.

The New Uniform

Uniforms and comfort are not mutually exclusive… until now, that is. When shopping back to school this year, parents can expect the typical polos and khaki styles, but in reimagined ways that put comfort — and your child — first. “The Uniform Shop will translate more into activewear,” said Baumbach. That means softer and Be Cool™ moisture-wicking fabrics, more stretch, easy pull-on styles and new silhouettes. “It’s the ‘comfort’ uniform,” added Baumbach. These styles might look like your typical polos and khaki uniform, but they’re anything but.

Cargo & Utility

Cargo is here to stay! From denim to active, there’s plenty of cargo to go around this season. Also on trend are utility styles, especially utility jackets for both boys and girls. “For boys, I think any and all utility styling will be the boys’ top trend for fall,” Baumbach said. “They’re ‘must-have’ items.” Psst … pants and jackets will sell out before you realize. When back-to-school shopping, over 70% of parents plan to purchase a mixture of both warm-weather and cold-weather clothing^†. Don’t wait!

Skirts & Skorts

There’ll be a lot of skirts and skorts in the halls this fall. “We’re seeing skirts continue to grow right now,” shared Baumbach. “Lots of skorts, too, because they make for easy dressing,” she added. These easy match-back skirt and top sets are perfect to throw on for school for an easy, instant outfit that’ll make a splash — especially on their big first day.

Colors, Textures & More to Love

Bring on the color! And the textures! Olives and sage; berries and plums; blues; warm neutrals like cream, oat and terracotta — you’re going to see it all. And add to it lots of textures — think ribbed cotton, waffle-knits and more. “We’re leaning into fashion solids, which is also where the texture comes in. It comes together to feel very new and modern,” shared Baumbach.

“Carter’s and OshKosh have something for everyone. It just depends on what your style is and how you want to show up to the first day,” said Baumbach. Shop back-to-school styles in your local Carter’s store or online today and start the school year off with a fashionable splash. Pro Tip: Don’t wait to shop! Over two-thirds of parents prefer to finish their back-to-school shopping before school starts with half of parents starting as early as July^†. Shoes, socks, pants and short-sleeve tops are the most sought-after categories^†, so be sure to snag those items!

Carter’s. Best dressed looks like this.

*Based on preferences selected in Carter’s Q2’23-Q1’24 survey of 1,582 children’s clothing buyers in the U.S.

†Based on preferences selected in a Carter’s Q2’24 (June 10-12, 2024) survey of 200 (sample size) children’s clothing buyers in the U.S.

2024-07-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Interest in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 is influencing how guests are traveling this summer. As of March 31, nights booked during the dates of the Olympics are over five times (400%) higher than they were in the Paris region the same time a year ago¹. Paris, the most searched city on the platform during the event², has seen an all-time high for active listings. There’s an increase of nearly 40% in the Paris region compared to a year ago³, as hosts prepare to welcome domestic and international travelers.

Top countries for nights booked during the Olympics

While guests from over 160 countries and regions⁴ have already booked their stays during the event, travelers coming from the U.S. are leading Olympics-related travel, booking more than 20% of stays in or near host cities during the Games. The big medal-winning countries of 2020 are also strongly represented in terms of the nationality of guests traveling to France during the Olympic Games: most of the 10 countries that have booked the most travel to France are among the top medal winners from Tokyo 2020. French guests are currently in third place in terms of nights booked, but domestic bookings are expected to increase closer to the event as the majority of ticket-holders are French⁵.

In terms of growth, Asian countries are in the leaderboard: Airbnb has witnessed the highest increase in travelers coming from Mainland China, India, Hong Kong (SAR) and Japan. This is followed by Czechia, Mexico, Ireland, Brazil, Luxembourg and Colombia.

Tourism dispersal across France

It’s not just central Paris drawing visitors this summer. Places like Saint-Denis, Châteauroux and Lille have also seen a significant rise in interest thanks to the strategic decision to host Paris 2024 throughout France.

Airbnb data reveals some of the top destinations outside of central Paris favored by different nationalities looking to support their national teams during the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024:

• Dutch and Australian guests, who are among the top of the medal table for field hockey, booked the most nights to the Colombes area, where the sport will be played.
• One of the top destinations for Spaniards and Brazillians is Bordeaux, where their national football teams play two matches.
• One of the top destinations for Chinese guests is Vanves, near the venue for table tennis, a sport which the Chinese have long dominated.

Benefits for local communities

According to a study⁷, stays on Airbnb during the dates of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 are estimated to generate €2,000 (over $2,170 USD) for a typical host in the Paris region, having a total economic impact of almost 1 billion euros (over 1 billion USD) and supporting almost 7,300 full-time equivalent jobs in the country.

Many local families have joined the platform to benefit from this opportunity. In the Paris region alone, there is a 40% rise in active listings in the first quarter, compared to the same period in 2023.

“Airbnb will play an important role in accommodating the increased influx of visitors coming for the Games, providing varied and affordable lodging options and supporting the overall economic growth in areas that haven’t always benefited from tourism. The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 highlights how Airbnb helps disperse travel and spreads economic benefits by allowing people to stay in local neighborhoods, close to Olympics venues, like Saint-Denis or smaller cities like Chateauroux,” said Clément Eulry, Country Manager for France and Belgium at Airbnb.

Families and groups flock to the Olympics

More than 50% of travelers to the Games are looking for accommodation that can welcome families or groups of three or more⁸ — which can be a better value than traditional accommodations. Some of the nationalities with a higher preference for group travel during the Games include travelers from the Netherlands, Switzerland, the U.S., Spain and the U.K⁹. Airbnb recently introduced new features that make planning group trips easier than ever including shared wishlists, a redesigned messages tab that allows everyone on a trip to message with the host in a group thread and more.

As a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Airbnb can help you find homes close to the action with the amenities you want most. Find out more at Airbnb.com.

1. Data in this newsroom post is as of end of Q1 2024

2. Searches made January 1 through March 31, 2024

3. Jan to March 2023 vs January to March 2024

4. Nights booked until April 1, 2024

5. According to the Paris 2024 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

6. Nights booked to host areas between January 1, 2023 through March 31, 2024 versus the same time in 2023.

7. Report carried out by Deloitte on behalf of Airbnb titled “Airbnb’s economic and social contributions in France during Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games”. Published April, 2023.

8. Based on bookings made by guests between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2024, for stays in and around the host cities during the period of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

9. Average guest count by country for bookings made by guests between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2024, for stays in and around the host cities during the period of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

2024-07-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re thinking about selling your home or just making some updates, it’s always smart to consider renovations that will enhance the enjoyment of your home and increase your property’s long-term value. One key improvement many homeowners consider is updating their home’s flooring to solid or engineered hardwood, an investment that can maximize a home’s style and value.

Hardwood flooring instantly transforms a space, and you can choose from many types and hues of wood to suit the design style that’s just right for you. You can also stay on-trend by using hardwood flooring throughout your home to achieve a seamless, cohesive look.

“Hardwood flooring is always a standout feature that brings timeless, stylish appeal to any home,” says Jennifer Meska, Head of Merchandising at LL Flooring. “Solid or engineered hardwood flooring provides a natural look that can vary across colors, finishes and styles, instantly adding updated style and sophistication to any home.”

The National Realtor Association’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report found that homeowners who install new hardwood flooring get an average return on investment (ROI) of up to 118%. On top of that, the National Wood Flooring Association has found that 99% of real estate agents believe homes with quality hardwood floors are easier to sell, and 90% believe they sell for a higher price. All of this means that hardwood floors can essentially pay for themselves in resale value.

The timeless appeal of hardwood flooring

Hardwood floors have been around for a long time, and for good reason. They can create the perfect complement to a wide range of home design styles, offering natural tone, beauty and sophistication that’s hard to duplicate with any other material.

On top of that, hardwood floors are known for their timeless quality — hardwood has been a trusted flooring material for hundreds of years, and it’s near-assured that they will stay in style for generations to come.

Another advantage of hardwood flooring is that you can choose from a wide variety of styles and species of wood to achieve different looks, and you can consider either solid or engineered hardwood for even more options depending on the needs of your home.

Here are just a couple of examples of selections available to today’s homeowners from LL Flooring’s Bellawood premium line of solid and engineered hardwood, which offers a 100-year residential warranty.

Classic, enduring style

Hickory is the hardest of all North American woods, making it perfect for those who want beauty and long-lasting quality, especially for high-traffic areas. The 5-inch-wide planks in LL Flooring’s Natural Hickory Solid Hardwood Flooring are factory finished with premium aluminum oxide for a fortified finish, offering excellent resistance to stains, scuffs and scratches.

This natural option in hickory flooring stands out for its high-contrast color variations and unique grain patterns, with colors running from light tans to deep browns and reddish tones laced throughout. Hickory floors are equally attractive in a more classic or traditional style home, for a sophisticated and modern city loft or a rustic country cabin.

Modern engineered elegance

LL Flooring’s Claire Gardens Oak Engineered Hardwood Flooring gives you the option for on-trend, wider planks (8.5 inches wide). The buttery cream coloring of this classic white oak flooring gives these blonde planks an inviting lightness and beauty that complements a variety of today’s preferred styles, ranging from modern farmhouse, minimalist and Scandinavian to biophilic, eclectic and bohemian designs.

Engineered hardwood is an enhanced wood product that offers improved performance, and lighter tones can help to reflect the light in any room of your home for a more open, bright and airy ambience.

Whichever hardwood flooring option you choose, you can relax and enjoy its beauty now and for years to come — or prepare your home to sell — knowing that you’ve made a sound investment in the future of your home.

Explore all of the possibilities for hardwood flooring in your home at LLFlooring.com.

2024-07-16T10:01:01

(BPT) – Do you snore? You may be tempted to dismiss it as an annoying but nonserious condition. You may even have a family history of snoring or think of it as an unavoidable side effect of aging. However, snoring is often the first sign of sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person to repeatedly stop and start breathing. If you snore or feel tired even after adequate sleep, you may have sleep apnea. If left untreated, the condition can have a major impact on your health and quality of life.

How sleep apnea affects you

Sleep apnea can affect your life on a daily basis. For example, because of the lack of quality sleep, you can experience daytime drowsiness, which can increase your risk of a car or workplace accident. You may also feel irritable and have difficulty concentrating.

Also, sleep apnea can increase your risk of other health conditions. According to the National Council on Aging, these conditions include:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Kidney disease
• Stroke
• Liver problems
• Sexual dysfunction

How can you treat sleep apnea?

There are several sleep apnea treatments. A safe, effective and simple treatment option to consider is a custom oral appliance therapy (OAT) device. OATs are comfortable, easy to use and work well to treat sleep apnea in a nonintrusive manner. When the mouthpiece is inserted, it holds your jaw or tongue in a stable position, opening your airway to help you breathe during sleep.

Another sleep apnea treatment you may be familiar with is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. A CPAP opens your airway and provides constant, steady air pressure through a mask to help you breathe while you sleep.

Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor may recommend hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS). This treatment requires surgery to implant a device that stimulates a nerve under the tongue to keep the airway open.

CPAP and HNS can be effective sleep apnea treatments. That said, they are invasive and are associated with some health risks. Recently, certain CPAP machines have been recalled because of reports of serious injuries. An HNS implant was also recently recalled because of electrical malfunctions that rendered the device ineffective and dangerous to users.

Why you should choose Oral Appliance Therapy

Before you try CPAP or HNS, consider asking your doctor to prescribe you a custom OAT. A custom OAT like the ProSomnus intraoral medical device is fitted to your mouth and engineered to precisely track your treatment plan and unique anatomy. With the help of a sleep physician and qualified sleep dentist, you can get fitted for a custom ProSomnus device to address your sleep apnea symptoms.

There are over-the-counter OATs that you can purchase online or at your local pharmacy. However, these devices are not as effective at managing sleep apnea as custom devices. When prescribing an OAT, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends using a custom product over a non-custom appliance. The academy’s research suggests that custom OATs increase oxygen saturation to a greater extent than non-custom OAs. Furthermore, treatment with custom oral devices is a covered benefit for most medical insurance plans and Medicare. The over-the-counter OATs are not covered.

Patients prefer ProSomnus over other sleep apnea treatments because it’s easy to use and non-invasive. Also, ProSomnus devices have demonstrated excellent efficacy, safety, adherence and overall health outcomes for patients in a number of clinical studies.

Linda, a patient from Detroit, Michigan, has used a ProSomnus device for over a year. She used to wear a CPAP machine, but she found herself tossing and turning all night, causing the machine’s wires to move and also push air out when she’d turn on her side.

“The ProSomnus is comfortable, and I’m so used to wearing it now that it’s weird to go to bed without it,” she said. “I’m not tired, so I know it’s working all right. It doesn’t wake me up, and I don’t want to throw it across the room, unlike the CPAP.”

Are you ready for a restful night’s sleep?

It’s time to take control of your sleep. ProSomnus is the leading non-CPAP OSA therapy, FDA-cleared, patented and covered by commercial medical insurance, Medicare, TRICARE and many government-sponsored health care plans around the world. You can get started by visiting ProSomnus.com/Find-A-Provider to find a qualified Provider who can walk you through your treatment options.

2024-07-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – What’s the number one reason pet parents bring their dogs to the veterinarian? If you thought the answer was annual vaccinations or stomach issues, you might be surprised to find out the answer is skin allergies.(1) This condition is also called allergic dermatitis, and it can lead to allergic itch. How common is it? Around 30 million households in the U.S. have a dog with pruritus,(2) affecting up to 15% of the dog population. Itching caused by allergic skin disease can be acute (or short-term), recurrent, seasonal, or chronic, and it can impact the quality of life for both the dog and its owner.

While it can be challenging to recognize the signs of allergic itch, here are five tips to ensure your canine family member is getting the best care.

1. DO keep track of your dog’s behavior if you suspect allergic itch

Some of the signs of allergic itch may be obvious, while other signs are less recognizable and can be confused for typical dog behavior. For example, scratching and licking can be normal dog behaviors when done occasionally. These actions become problematic when they occur more than usual or frequently in dogs. Other signs of allergic itch include chewing or biting at the skin, excessive rolling, rubbing or scooting, recurrent ear problems, hair loss, body odor and/or rash, redness, and greasy skin. The best advice is to pay attention to your dog’s daily behaviors and call your veterinarian for a skin health visit if you think there’s been a change.

2. DON’T try to treat your dog’s itching on your own

While it may be frustrating to see your dog scratching at an itch that never seems to go away, resist the temptation to treat your dog’s allergic itch with over-the-counter antihistamines, like those found in common allergy medicines for humans, or anti-itch shampoos or sprays. These may only provide temporary relief because they do not get to the source of the itch in most dogs. Almost 8 million dogs go untreated by a veterinarian for itch.(2) That’s a huge number of dogs that go untreated — make sure your dog isn’t one of them.

3. DO make regular wellness visits part of your dog’s care routine

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month. Even if you don’t think your dog is showing signs of allergic itch, you can take part in celebrating this month by scheduling a wellness visit with your veterinarian, which includes a skin health check. In fact, more than 1.9 million dogs with allergic itch were given a prescription during Itchy Pet Awareness Month in 2023,(3) which shows just how common this condition truly is across the country.

4. DON’T wait to see your veterinarian if you see signs of allergic itch

Allergic itch is an urgent medical condition that can lead to skin and ear infections, especially if not treated promptly. Pet owners shouldn’t wait since their dog’s signs can worsen from a delay in receiving effective treatment. The best way to be certain about the cause of your dog’s allergic itch is to schedule a visit with your veterinarian.

5. DO make sure your dog takes their medication

Safe and effective prescription medications are available to help control allergic itch, but they only work if your dog is taking them. Here are two important points owners whose dogs have allergic itch should consider:

1. 65% of dog owners reported challenges when giving their itchy dog tablet-based treatments.(4)
2. 30% of owners with itchy dogs build extra time into their day, or interrupt their daily routine, to administer a tablet medication.(4)

Fortunately, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Apoquel^® Chewable (oclacitinib chewable tablet) in 2023 for the control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. With Apoquel Chewable — the first and only chewable treatment for allergic itch in dogs — owners can now offer their pet the easy-to-give medication that is accepted by over 91% of dogs.(5) This may improve owner compliance and make daily dosing easier, which can help maintain the unique bond they share with their pet.

Don’t let allergic itch interrupt the quality time you spend with your canine family members. Visit ApoquelDogs.com to learn more about Apoquel Chewable and take a quiz that can help you find out if your dog may have signs of allergic itch.

APOQUEL CHEWABLE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use Apoquel Chewable in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with serious infections. Apoquel Chewable may increase the chances of developing serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment in dogs with a history of recurrence of these conditions. New neoplastic conditions (benign and malignant) were observed in clinical studies and post-approval. Apoquel Chewable has not been tested in dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel Chewable has been used safely with many common medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. See full Prescribing Information for Apoquel Chewable at ApoquelChewablePI.com.

Apoquel Chewable Indications
Control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age.

2024-07-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is here! The warm weather is the perfect excuse to spend time outdoors doing what you enjoy with the people you love. To maximize your time for relaxation and enjoyment, it’s a smart idea to simplify daily tasks.

For example, simple kitchen upgrades that streamline cooking and cleaning can save you time to better enjoy your well-earned summer vacation. Summer is ideal for home renovations, big or small. The risk of weather delays is low, and multiple holiday sales make it the perfect time to purchase something you’ve been saving for! Plus, you’ll be thanking yourself when fall and winter hosting picks back up.

Don’t know where to start? Check out these five simple kitchen upgrades.

1. Organizational items and systems

Taking time to revamp your kitchen with organizational items and systems can streamline your kitchen routine. Look at your space and see where you can add shelves, drawer dividers and pantry organizers to create designated spaces for every kitchen item. Kitchen organization will allow you to quickly find what you need when you need it and help you maintain a clutter-free environment.

2. Touchless technology

Touchless kitchen faucet technology is a time-saving innovation that cuts down on cleaning and makes everyday tasks easier so you can spend more days in the sun. When looking for a faucet with touchless technology, consider models like those from the Delta Faucet Touch2O^® with Touchless™ Technology line.

To operate, simply place your hand near the faucet, tap the faucet surface with your wrist or forearm or use standard handle activation to stop and start the flow of water. Touch-free activation helps keep your faucet clean, even when your hands aren’t. Best of all, the Touch2O^® with Touchless™ Technology is available in three different designs with a variety of finishes that complement your personal style.

3. Undercabinet lighting

Installing undercabinet lighting is an easy way to enhance the functionality and ambiance of your kitchen. Choose LED light strips that are energy-efficient and easy to install. Not only will this simple upgrade add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen, but it will also create a well-lit environment for all your culinary adventures.

4. Workstation kitchen sink

Upgrade your kitchen sink to a workstation model designed for versatility and daily kitchen tasks. A model like the Delta^® workstation sink with a built-in WorkFlow™ ledge creates a multi-functional space and reduces counter clutter by allowing you to work right over the sink.

The ledge provides plenty of space for food prep, washing and drying, all in one convenient location. Whether you are washing pots and pans after hosting, filling vases for cut flowers from the garden or rinsing sandy items from a day at the beach, a workstation sink has all the space you need.

5. Change hardware

Want a quick and simple way to elevate your kitchen and refresh your style this summer? Swap out your hardware! Look at the handles and knobs on your cabinets and drawers and think about what colors and finishes speak to your vision of the ideal kitchen. Opt for modern, stylish handles and knobs that will stand the test of time and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen.

Savor the joys of summer by incorporating these five simple but smart kitchen upgrades. The time you spend now creating a more efficient home environment will give you more time to create summer memories that will last a lifetime.