Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-06-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Summer’s in and school’s out! Now that your kids are out of school or back from college for the summer, your Wi-Fi network could be getting a workout. When everyone in the house is trying to stream movies and shows, game online or take video calls from home across a ton of connected devices, the demand on your network has never been greater.

Plus, with your kids home from school, you can’t keep on top of everything they’re browsing online. Not only is it tough to curb the temptation of all-day screen time and have quality family time together, but it can be difficult to prevent your younger children from accessing inappropriate content online.

This summer, don’t settle for a slow connection. Use these top five tips to keep up with your family’s internet needs.

1. Invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system

Say goodbye to dead zones! If you want fast, reliable and consistent connectivity throughout your entire home, then it’s time to invest in a quality mesh Wi-Fi system.

By using multiple access points around the house as opposed to a single router, mesh Wi-Fi networks can provide coverage throughout your home regardless of its shape or size. You can place an eero in your bedroom, living room, garage and more to get reliable connectivity anywhere in your home.

When purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi system, look for products known for performance, advanced features and security, like the eero Pro 6E, eero 6+, and eero Max 7. They’re simple to set up and use, so you can seamlessly connect 75-200 devices at once!

2. Use content filters and parental controls

You can’t monitor your kids’ internet use 24/7, but you can use parental controls like content filters to help keep them safe from content you deem inappropriate. Your router and mesh system may already offer features like these, so keep an eye out.

Once you find these monitoring tools, you can set up filters to block specific websites. Think beyond blocking inappropriate content. You can also block shopping, social media and messaging platforms. Configuring filters and controls allows you to easily create a safer online experience for kids of all ages. Content filters are offered to eero Plus subscribers and are a great way for parents to help keep browsing safer for their family.

3. Set aside internet breaks

During summer breaks, it’s important to carve out quality time with your kids and rein in their screen time. Sometimes, the best way to do that is to schedule breaks from the internet, such as in the evening when it’s time to wind down or when family is in town. Keep an eye out for routers that offer advanced features like creating Wi-Fi schedules.

eero allows you to set up individual profiles for each family member and create schedules for pausing the internet. That means you can set quiet hours during family dinners to encourage healthy screen habits for the whole family!

4. Have an internet backup just in case

An internet outage when your kids are home can be disastrous! But don’t worry, a good internet backup can help keep your kids online and happy while you’re working from home during an outage.

There are a few options for setting up an internet backup. For example, you can purchase a portable hotspot device and a power supply to keep your internet up and running during an outage. However, you may already have an internet backup built into your mesh Wi-Fi system.

If you own an eero device and are an eero Plus subscriber, you already have a great option! eero Internet Backup allows you to back up your network to a local hotspot, allowing your kids (and you) to enjoy video streaming, video conferencing, music streaming or online gaming with a capable hotspot, even during an internet blackout.

5. Explore connectivity possibilities

If you have a mesh Wi-Fi system, take the time to explore other advanced features you may have missed during the initial setup. For example, if you have an Echo Dot (5th Gen) in the bedroom for music, you can also use it as an eero mesh Wi-Fi extender with eero Built-in so you can reliably watch shows, stream music and more.

You can also sign up for a subscription service like eero Plus for an even better internet experience. The service offers ad blocking, advanced online security features, VPN, anti-malware software and more for your eero mesh Wi-Fi system!

With the right tools, you can ensure you can optimize and help safeguard your home internet no matter how many devices your kids bring home. Follow these five tips to enjoy safe and reliable Wi-Fi this summer and beyond!

2024-06-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it be a day spent by the pool, a barbecue or a highly anticipated firework show, the Fourth of July is all about celebrating the peak of summer. For those hosting their family and friends this year, Gallo has created a guide to help make your gathering one to remember! No matter the occasion, this roundup will not only match the playful vibes of summer, but it’ll complement any favorite bite being served up.

Pop open La Marca and liven up your sips with a little sparkle

With its balanced and lively taste, this effortless Italian sparkling wine is perfect for toasting to the nation’s birthday. Born in Treviso, Italy’s Prosecco capital, La Marca will bring a touch of sparkle to every moment as you raise a glass to the red, white and blue this year.

With its crisp and refreshing style, America’s favorite sparkling wine has a delicate floral palate with fruity aromas of green apple, juicy peach and ripe lemon. So, if you’re grilling up salmon for the main course or breaking out a masterful charcuterie board for guests to snack on, La Marca provides the perfect balance. You can even pair a bottle with a fruit salad or dessert before the fireworks kick off. Visit LamarcaProsecco.com/FindNearMe to find a bottle near you.

Mimic the exuberance of summer with Barefoot

If you’re looking for a wine that’ll suit any occasion, look no further than Barefoot — America’s favorite wine brand[1]. With its playful energy and ability to welcome more new wine drinkers to the category than any other brand[2], Barefoot will bring just the vibes you’re looking for this Fourth of July. Plus, it’ll go with just about anything you’re serving up, from chef-inspired meals to poolside bites.

Barefoot’s Pinot Grigio is specifically a light-bodied classic with flavors of tart green apples and fresh white peaches. Its citrus aroma makes it the perfect pour for a dinner of grilled chicken or light seafood dishes. It also pairs well with a side of pasta salad or even fun snacks — including those iconic holiday-themed ice pops! Find your nearest Barefoot options at BarefootWine.com/FindNearMe.

Set sail and embrace authenticity with Whitehaven

Born in the sunny vineyards of New Zealand, there’s no better choice than Whitehaven’s Sauvignon Blanc to match the sweltering heat only the Fourth of July can bring. The bright and infectious vibrancy of just one bottle, will remind you of what summer is all about and bring the energy to any Fourth of July celebration.

With vibrant tropical notes and a crisp herbaceous edge, this wine’s bright character will also complement the flavors of grilled fish, light meats, a festive summer salad or vegetable-forward dishes. Locate your nearest Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc at WhitehavenWine.com/FindNearMe.

Put a modern twist on tradition with Franciscan

With deep roots in California, Franciscan is known for its rich history. However, while it offers a sense of tradition, the brand also displays forward-thinking and has been able to bring its own modern spin to the region. “Letting the fruit speak for itself,” Franciscan is guaranteed to deliver on a bold burst of flavor this Fourth of July.

Franciscan’s Chardonnay is specifically a bright, approachable white wine with hints of pineapple and lemon flower along with notes of juicy pear and apple, making it the perfect wine to complement whatever’s on your grill this Fourth of July, especially poultry dishes like pineapple chicken. You can also pair it with light seafood, pasta and a variety of tasty cheeses. Visit Franciscan.com/FindNearMe to explore Franciscan wines in your area.

Make the most of your Fourth of July celebrations this year with Gallo’s standout pairing guide. From the sparkle of La Marca and the playful energy of Barefoot to the vibrancy of Whitehaven and modernity of Franciscan, Gallo has the perfect brands for just about any bite you might be serving up or any party you might be throwing.

Disclaimer: Ages 21+. Drink responsibly.

[1] Circana BWS. Latest 52 Weeks Ending 10-01-23. Dollar Sales.

[2] Circana National Consumer Panel. Total All U.S. Outlets. Latest 52 Weeks Ending 10-08-23. Popular Wines. Total Buyers. Total Repeat Buyers. New Buyers.

2024-06-27T06:53:00

(BPT) – Military veterans embody the strength of our nation. And while the overwhelming majority of those who have served our country are thriving, we must confront the fact that more than 125,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001, driven by a veteran suicide rate that is nearly twice that of the general population.

Veteran suicide is a major, yet misunderstood issue that needs greater attention and resources. This complex challenge is influenced by multiple factors such as financial insecurity, trouble finding or keeping a job, alcohol or drug abuse, mental health conditions, social isolation and struggles associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.

The good news is that there are interventions proven effective at reducing veteran suicide risk and driving positive outcomes — and progress has been made through research and advocacy done by public health agencies and organizations like the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

However, in recent years, it has become clear that there is a need for a movement to activate and energize private organizations to do more in raising awareness and resources to address this critical issue. Enter: Face the Fight™.

“Suicide prevention is complex — it’s a national crisis — and no single organization can take it on alone,” said Lindsey O’Neill, chief communications and corporate responsibility officer at USAA, which founded Face the Fight. “At USAA, our members and our employees see veteran suicide as the No. 1 cause to raise our hand in support and advocacy — to do as much as we can to join forces with diverse and knowledgeable organizations who are equally committed to making a positive impact on our military community and their families.”

Since its launch in June 2023, Face the Fight has attracted more than 175 organizations across the country to join its coalition with the goal of making a collective impact and supporting every veteran, regardless of their unique needs or challenges.

“USAA came to us with a vision and a strong desire to help address veteran suicide and really drive awareness that it’s not an inevitable outcome,” said Katy Dondanville, a clinical psychologist at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. “Together we came up with a plan and with the leadership at USAA, Reach Resilience and the Humana Foundation, we launched this multi-year initiative focused on actionable solutions like expanding suicide prevention in communities to better identify and support those at risk and strengthening access to equitable and effective clinical care for suicide in community-based organizations.”

Face the Fight has seen solid growth in its first year because of a strong foundation, actionable objectives and a clear future-focused strategy. To date, more than $85 million has been pledged from USAA, Reach Resilience, the Humana Foundation, as well as private donations and other organizations. Through initial grants provided to nonprofits, more than 15,000 veterans have been screened for suicide risk and over 5,000 veterans have received suicide-specific interventions. Additionally, nearly 300 mental health clinicians and peers have been trained to deliver suicide-specific treatments and trained to talk to veterans about voluntary, safe and secure storage of firearms at times of distress.

“Our veterans selflessly answered the call to serve — and now it’s our turn,” said Sonya Medina Williams, president and CEO of Reach Resilience. “As a founding partner, we believe fully in the purpose and power of Face the Fight and recognize the tremendous ability — and responsibility — of corporations, foundations and other sectors to step up and help save our veterans from suicide.”

The small seed of an idea is forming into a powerful force with major organizations and corporations across the country joining in to lend their voice and their resources. The power of Face the Fight can be seen in the collaboration and the outlook that the shared team envisions.

“It’s with our partners — who all share the same passion to help our veterans — that we can work to destigmatize asking for help, raise awareness around veteran suicide prevention and deploy philanthropic grants that support programs that can change and save lives,” said O’Neill.

To learn more about how you can join the fight or get help, visit www.wefacethefight.org.

2024-06-26T15:25:00

(BPT) – When it comes to your social media feed, do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a bad place? Do you even dread opening up your feed sometimes because of all the negativity you might find there? Whatever happened to those funny memes, animal videos, positive interactions with friends and family, even informational DIYs and hacks?

Sometimes, it can feel like social media algorithms are not generating the mix of content needed to live a well-balanced life.

Algorithms can be a mystery to people who aren’t data analysts, but they play a significant role in what we see on social media. While designed to make our feeds more interesting and relevant, recent research has shown that these algorithms can send us down niche rabbit holes and promote negative conversations that can directly impact mental health.

Sure, some negative content on your feeds is expected, especially because world events are an important element of a diverse social media diet. But algorithms could be pushing down the feel-good content to encourage more doomscrolling. It happens more than you think.

But can you do anything about it? It turns out, you can.

LG Electronics recently commissioned a new global survey, in keeping with their mission to spread the ethos of Life’s Good, to understand how social media platforms affect users’ well-being. It found what many of us experience every day — social media is a source of anxiety and stress, but also a place where we turn to be entertained. More than half of survey respondents reported their social media feeds consist of an equal or greater amount of negative content vs. positive content, with nearly a quarter saying that negative content on their social media feeds has increased their anxiety and made them unhappy.

Sound familiar? Here’s what can you do to bring that happy feeling back to your social media feed.

1. Proactively search for the content you like. From funny cat videos to food hacks to motivational speeches, the content is out there if you look for it.
2. Encourage your favorite creators to keep making content that you enjoy.
3. Engage with posts you like and disengage with content you don’t. This sounds obvious, but people don’t often think about it.
4. When engaging with content you enjoy, keep in mind, there are real humans with emotions behind the screens. Like or comment something positive on uplifting content and the algorithm will continue to feed you more of the same.

A great example of this is LG’s new “Optimism Your Feed” campaign, which gives social media users a head start on shaping the content they want to consume by creating a positive playlist of TikTok and YouTube content. The playlist features feel-good content from popular creators and aims to help those who want to retrain their algorithm to bring more optimism to their feed by inviting them to proactively engage with positive content.

Here’s how it works:

1. Search for @lg_lifesgood on TikTok, or go to LG’s channel on YouTube.
2. Find Optimism Your Feed and start scrolling!
3. Engage with content you like by tapping, liking, commenting or sharing.

This isn’t just about getting people to interact with fun videos. It’s about using that positive content to give people the power to change the algorithms on their feeds. By interacting with this content, it will, in turn, draw in even more positive content from other sources.

Social media can be both good for us and bad for us at the same time, so it’s important to remember there are ways we can try to proactively take more control of our social media experience. By being more conscious about what we choose to engage with, we can bring stronger balance, inspiration and happiness to our lives.

If we focus on optimism, we will be better equipped to deal with life’s challenges and build a happier life.

And who doesn’t need that, right?

2024-06-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know your cancer risk factors? Even if you’re young, knowing you’re at an increased risk of developing certain diseases is crucial to your health. Multiple studies show a rising trend in cancer diagnosis among younger people. According to a study published in BMJ Oncology, global incidence of early-onset cancer increased by nearly 80% between 1990 and 2019.

While this news may seem concerning, knowing that you’re at an increased risk of developing certain cancers allows you and your healthcare providers to decide if you should take additional preventive actions, such as earlier and more frequent screenings. Early screening can lead to early detection, improving your odds of surviving a cancer diagnosis.

What is a risk factor?

According to the American Cancer Society, a risk factor raises the chance of getting a disease. If you have risk factors for certain cancers, it doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer. However, knowing these factors can help you make better-informed health decisions.

Your risk assessment toolbox

So, how can you assess your risk of developing certain cancers? There are a few tools that can help. For example, your age, sex, race, and ethnicity can impact your cancer risk. While you can’t change these factors, they can help you and your primary care provider judge how early and often you should be screened.

One way to learn more about your likelihood of developing cancer is through genetic testing. For example, people with particular genetic variants (or differences) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have an increased likelihood of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. Thankfully, these variants are relatively rare, but they have a big impact on cancer risk.

But only about 5-10% of cancers are caused by individual inherited variants with a big impact on developing the disease, like those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The rest are influenced by a combination of common genetic variants, lifestyle, and environment.

A trio of new, innovative genetic reports focus on those common genetic variants, and can help you discover if you have an increased likelihood of developing three of the most common forms of cancer — breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. By analyzing millions of genetic and health survey data points, 23andMe has created polygenic risk score (PRS) reports to help people learn more about their chances of developing these three cancers. These PRS reports aggregate the effects of thousands of common genetic variants; each individual variant may have a small impact, but combined they can influence a person’s likelihood of developing cancer.

While PRS reports aren’t new, they are becoming more common in the medical industry.

“There is increasing evidence and support for using PRS in personalized disease prevention,” said Noura Abul-Husn, Ph.D., vice president of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “Certain medical specialties — including oncology — have already begun to adopt this to inform clinical decision-making.”

It’s important to note that 23andMe’s PRS reports are not diagnostic tests. Instead, you can use the information from these reports, along with your family health history and lifestyle habits, to start a conversation with your care team about your overall cancer risks, options for cancer screening and prevention, and whether you should pursue early screening.

Lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on your chances of developing cancer. For example, smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and other habits can increase your risk of developing certain cancers. Knowing your cancer risk can help you make adjustments to your lifestyle and possibly lower your risk of cancer.

For those who are able, your family health history is another crucial tool. If family members have developed cancer, you may be at a higher risk of developing the same kind (and sometimes different kinds). To assess how your family tree may impact you, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends gathering information from blood relatives where possible, including grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces, nephews, and children.

To learn more about 23andMe’s cancer PRS reports, visit 23andMe.com/ca.

2024-06-23T23:01:00

(BPT) – Finding yourself having a little extra time this summer? Summer months can be an ideal time for busy, working adults to launch or resume an educational program. Online courses offer learners flexibility and independence that may align well with a summer schedule.

If you are thinking about furthering your education while working this summer, below are three key factors to keep in mind:

1. Time commitment

Going back to school while working takes preparation, flexibility and commitment. Identifying times of the year that are less busy could be just the opportunity you need to start your new education journey. Ask yourself:

• Can I take multiple courses at once?
• Do I need a flexible program that I can take on my own time?
• Do I want an all-online program, an in-person program or a hybrid program?
• Do I want to take classes or do my coursework on weekday evenings, or do weekends work better for me?

2. Career path

Pursuing further education may open doors to your career by building skills and growing your network. While going back to school may seem like an obvious next step, make sure you are clear on your goals. Ask yourself:

• How can higher education support my career goals?
• Does the program I have selected align with my professional goals?
• Will I have new opportunities with my current employer after I finish my higher education?

3. Cost and value

Going back to school can be a financial and time investment. Take stock of all the financial support available to you, such as employer-sponsored education benefits, scholarships and credit for prior learning. It may be worthwhile to ask your employer:

• Does my employer have an education assistance program?
• If so, will I have to pay for my education up-front or does my employer reimburse me afterwards?
• Are there scholarships or other incentives available to support furthering my education and upskilling?

Going back to school is an investment in your future. Just like any investment, your education warrants careful planning of both your time and finances. For many, summer can be the right time to begin this investment. Thinking through these questions first will help you get the most out of your educational journey.

Learn more about resources available to you as you return to school at Workforce Edge.

2024-06-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is a wonderful time for hosting barbecues and picnics, and just enjoying time with friends and family as you share a meal together. Whether you’re putting together a festive weekend cookout in the backyard or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s easier than ever to create family memories and a tasty meal with the best-selling frozen burger in the U.S., BUBBA burger^®.

To make lunch or dinner prep easy, BUBBA burger^® provides great-tasting frozen high-quality real beef burgers with no artificial ingredients, additives or preservatives which can be cooked right from the box (with no thaw time) in under 15 minutes using your grill, skillet, oven or air fryer. They also offer tasty options like turkey burgers, veggie burgers and chicken burgers to satisfy anyone’s tastes and preferences.

Here are three crowd-pleasing recipes to help you conjure up a meal your entire family will love.

1. Keep it classic

For burger lovers everywhere, this recipe keeps it simple but far from basic with a classic, convenient family favorite for busy weekdays. High in protein and full of flavor, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes! Serve with chips, tots or fries, and offer a fix-your-own toppings station for extras like onions, relish and additional condiments.

The All American BUBBA burger^®
Feeds 4-6; Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 10 minutes, Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Original BUBBA burgers
4 slices American cheese
4 sesame burger buns
Lettuce
4 slices of tomato
Sliced dill pickles
Mayonnaise

Preparation:
Step 1: Heat grill on medium to high heat and cook Original BUBBA burgers 4–6 minutes. Check out How to Cook a BUBBA burger^® for more ways to cook.
Step 2: Flip burgers and cook another 4 minutes. Add American cheese to each burger about 1 minute before cooking time ends.
Step 3: Add lettuce and tomato to bottom buns. Top with burgers and a few dill pickle slices. Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the top bun and finish assembling burgers.
Step 4: Serve All American BUBBA burger^® with a pickle wedge, your favorite sides and enjoy!

2. Freshen it up

Enjoy a touch of Cali-style freshness from the veggies and creamy avocado, along with a hint of sweet onion, by cooking up this Sweet Onion California BUBBA burger^® recipe — the perfect burger for summer backyard parties or family get-togethers. You can provide even more freshness to amp up the summer vibes by serving colorful veggie and fruit salads for sides.

3. Elevate your burgers

Looking for a meal that’s a little fancier — but still easy to make — with a fantastic blend of flavors and textures? Check out this recipe for Angus Beef burgers with Mushrooms and Onions. The freshness of the homemade lemon vinaigrette, along with tasty sauteed onions and mushrooms, takes this burger and salad combo to a whole new level.

If desired, you can let your inner foodie go wild with extra sides, or spruce up the salad with shaved brussels sprouts, roasted red peppers, toasted nuts or sliced strawberries.

Looking for more recipe inspiration for easy family meals or your next backyard barbecue? Check out BUBBAfoods.com/recipes.

Find BUBBA burgers near you at BUBBAfoods.com/where-to-buy.

2024-06-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – As the temperatures rise and summer approaches, expecting mothers are desperate for a way to beat the heat while awaiting their little one’s arrival. In fact, according to a recent survey from Carter’s, the leading children’s apparel brand trusted by parents for 150+ years, more than 80% of U.S. women agreed that no one really knows what it means to be hot until you’ve experienced a summer pregnancy.

Carter’s survey, conducted among 1,004 women who are currently pregnant or have been within the past two years in the U.S., also found that many soon-to-be moms would rather opt into some of their most-dreaded activities instead of enduring the hot outdoors — more than a third (40.04%) surveyed would rather fold laundry for two hours, 39.24% would rather change 10 dirty diapers and 30.78% would rather let their children wreck the house than spend time outdoors in the heat while pregnant.

To help these mamas beat the heat, Carter’s has partnered with MINNIDIP, the designer inflatable pool brand, for a “Hot Mom Summer” Giveaway. With almost 90% of women agreeing that nothing feels better than water and that floating in pools is an essential form of self-care while pregnant during the summer, data shows that this collaboration is a “can’t miss” for current moms-to-be.

Together, the brands are offering 25 lucky winners the ultimate solution to stay cool — a stylish, thoughtful and exclusive “Hot Mom” kit that includes a MINNIDIP inflatable and POOL FL(AIR), as well as a $100 Carter’s gift card to stock up on all baby essentials. Whether lounging by the pool or enjoying a day at the beach, this kit ensures pregnant moms can stay cool and chic all summer long. For the chance to win, simply visit carters.com/HotMomSummer today through June 24 and register to win!

2024-06-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Thirty-eight-year-old Antwan has been living with neurofibromatosis type 1 with plexiform neurofibromas (NF1-PN) his whole life. This diagnosis led to more than 25 hospitalizations and 18 surgeries, as well as the need to have a permanent ventilator to help him breathe.

Despite having gone through all of this, Antwan refuses to let NF1-PN impact his positive outlook and wants people to understand this rare disease, noting: “Adversity does not determine your destiny.”

What is NF1-PN?

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare, incurable genetic condition that manifests in a variety of ways including abnormal pigmentation, skeletal deformities, non-malignant and malignant tumors, and neurological complications.^[1] There are approximately 100,000 adults and children in the U.S. with NF1.^[2],[3] Those living with NF1 have a 30-50% lifetime risk of developing NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas, or NF1-PN, whereby tumors can grow aggressively along peripheral nerves, leading to complications such as pain, reduced mobility, and severe disfigurement.^[4],[5] NF1-PN can also have a psychological impact, including isolation, low self-esteem, stigma and emotional distress, among others, substantially impacting patients’ quality of life.^{[6],[7],[8],[9]}

Overcoming challenges

Antwan didn’t experience life-threatening complications of NF1-PN until he was in college. By that time, Antwan had been raised with a strong, independent mindset. He had withstood bullying due to changes in his appearance caused by NF1-PN, as well as his physical limitations, such as not being able to play the sports he loved.

“My mom never allowed me to use my disability as an excuse,” Antwan explained. “She was harder on me than my brothers. She was mentally preparing me to be a fighter, not a victim.”

Antwan credits this upbringing with giving him the strength to persevere, even during college, where he experienced a serious bout of pneumonia caused by internal tumors compressing his lung, as well as H1N1 and a collapsed lung all at the same time, leading to dependence on a ventilator. But even this has not stopped him as he continues to work and spend time with his friends and family.

What Antwan wants people to know

Despite a doctor predicting his life expectancy would be short, Antwan pursued his educational dreams and has worked fulfilling jobs, including running a high school truancy program and managing a family-friendly entertainment center.

He’d like everyone to know that even with lumps, bumps and scars, plus his “wheelbarrow chest” that is sometimes seen with NF1-PN when there’s limited room for organs to grow, people with visible disabilities have the same hopes, dreams and capabilities as everyone else. There are five key things Antwan wants people to know.

1. Fostering independence and self-care are key

Antwan attributes his inner strength to his independence, particularly as he transitioned to college, when he was truly in charge of his own care for the first time. Despite his complex medical condition, he learned to care for himself and aimed to live like a typical student. His desire for independence drove him to begin actively managing his NF.

“We aren’t victims,” said Antwan. “We appreciate compassion, because we have challenges, but we don’t want to be looked down upon. We want independence, just like you do.”

2. Transitional support makes a difference

Antwan realizes that many challenges he faced when beginning to manage his own care were due to a lack of guidance and preparation for managing his health care needs when he moved to college.

Because Antwan was not advised on the importance of connecting with a new doctor when relocating, he felt unprepared to manage his own care; this led to delayed treatment because he didn’t have an NF expert on his care team. He recommends that parents of kids with disabilities support this transition by identifying and connecting with a health care team in advance.

3. The changing role of caregivers

Antwan’s relationship with his caregivers, his mom and grandmother, changed as he grew older. Instead of his mother monitoring his tumor growth or tracking new symptoms, Antwan began keeping those records himself. Even though he still needs their help occasionally, they taught him to be independent. Their encouragement shaped his resilient, self-sufficient approach to life and prepared him to eventually advocate for himself and his needs.

Despite the physical and emotional difficulties posed by NF1-PN, Antwan maintains that his positive outlook has helped him meet many of his goals, such as graduating from college and earning his master’s degree. Antwan couldn’t attend his master’s graduation in person, but he was able to watch and celebrate while in the hospital.

“I’ve had 18 surgeries. I’ve been in the hospital over 25 times. But I’ve graduated with a master’s degree, and I’ve traveled,” said Antwan. “No matter what you go through in life, if you have the right attitude, you can really do anything you want.”

5. Openness and advocacy

Above all, Antwan is open about his condition. He encourages anyone to ask him questions, and he sees great value in sharing his story to help educate and inspire others. Antwan views adversities not as limitations, but challenges to overcome.

“People with NF just want to live life and be as happy as we can,” said Antwan. “We’re competent and smart, and we’re regular people, with just a few more challenges. We don’t let NF hold us back.”

To learn more about NF1-PN, visit NF1PN.com.

[1] Gutmann, D., Ferner, R., Listernick, R. et al. Neurofibromatosis type 1. Nat Rev Dis Primers 3, 17004 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrdp.2017.4

[2] Children’s Tumor Foundation. New and Improved: The way to talk about NF. Press release. May 9, 2023. Accessed February 2, 2024.

[3] Lee TJ, et al. Incidence and prevalence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and 2: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2023;18(1):292. Published 2023 Sep 14. doi:10.1186/s13023-023-02911-2).

[4] Prada CE, Rangwala FA, Martin LJ, et al. Pediatric plexiform neurofibromas: impact on morbidity and mortality in neurofibromatosis type 1. J Pediatr. 2012;160(3):461-467.

[5] Miller DT, et al. Health Supervision for Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Pediatrics. 2019;143(5):e20190660.

[6] Foji S, Mohammadi E, Sanagoo A, Jouybari L. How do people with neurofibromatosis type 1 (the forgotten victims) live? a grounded theory study. Health Expect. 2022;25(2):659-666.

[7] Rosnau K, Hashmi SS, Northrup H, Slopis J, Noblin S, Ashfaq M. Knowledge and self-esteem of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). J Genet Couns. 2017;26(3):620-627.

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2024-06-20T09:43:00

(BPT) – By Thomas Yoon, executive vice president of the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company at LG Electronics

To position LG as a leading “Smart Life Solution Company” and ensure sustained growth, we must revolutionize our operational approach. Embracing change is pivotal for enhancing our organizational capabilities and business competitiveness, enabling us to uncover new opportunities for customer value creation in a rapidly evolving global market.

Last November, our CEO William Cho established the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company to drive change and growth while enhancing our global brand power through customer-value creation. This initiative introduced the concept of an ‘Outside-In’ approach, shifting our focus from internal processes to actively gathering direct feedback from customers. Traditionally, we focused on product quality and timely delivery. However, we have recognized that in today’s competitive environment, these factors alone are insufficient for increasing market share and differentiating ourselves. Consequently, we began shifting our product development approach to evaluate ideas and proposals from the customer’s perspective and develop sustainable growth strategies based on this feedback. The Overseas Sales and Marketing Company plays a crucial role in executing these strategies.

From a broader perspective, the essence of the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company is the brand, underscoring the paramount importance we place on it. The brand is the cornerstone of a company’s existence, representing the value delivered to and perceived by customers, which in turn justifies the company’s existence. Additionally, the brand signifies profit, playing a crucial role in sales. Therefore, the primary objective of the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company is to enhance LG’s global marketing and brand management capabilities.

Our ‘Optimism your feed’ campaign, initiated this May, is an exemplary effort towards this end. We launched the campaign with the aim of balancing the ‘algorithm’ that keeps much of social media mired in negative content. We sought to induce changes in social media recommendation-algorithms by posting a playlist with optimistic content, thereby helping to create a more positive online environment. We see the campaign as a powerful vehicle for reinforcing our dynamic and youthful brand image, and as an innovative means of communicating our ‘Life’s Good’ brand promise.

Another key focus area of the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company is bolstering the sales capabilities of our members, a major driver of profit generation and market share improvement. This involves targeted adjustments to routine tasks and the implementation of innovative solutions to reduce inefficiencies. For example, by leveraging automated dashboards, employees can save time on repetitive administrative tasks, allowing them to enhance their skills and productivity. Such efforts enabled us to grow even during the pandemic and fulfill customer commitments despite logistical challenges.

At the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company, we concentrate on four key strategies for transforming our business operations. The first strategy focuses on creating seamless value through software skills. Last November, the company launched the ‘LG SW Reskilling Program,’ an in-house initiative designed to elevate our software development personnel. Initially available to employees at our Korean headquarters, this program provides intensive training in embedded software and data science. This initiative benefits both employees and the company by strengthening individual capabilities and career prospects while allowing us to deploy talent to areas of high strategic importance, thereby enhancing business competitiveness.

The second strategy involves streamlining the distribution process and connecting directly with customers through Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business models. Our goal is to increase sales by leveraging our deep understanding of customer preferences and purchasing patterns.

Our third strategy is to expand our subscription services. By offering subscription options, we aim to lower the barriers to entry for high-priced products while delivering new customer experiences at the same time.

Lastly, we focus on providing solutions tailored for diverse B2B sectors. Our objective is to integrate our solutions with the hardware possessed by our business customers, thereby enhancing their revenue generation from end-customers. For example, when ads are shown on an LCD display, the value of the hardware increases. This kind of ad business can become a part of our B2B solutions portfolio.

While these four strategies may not immediately boost revenue, they lay the groundwork for sustainable growth and represent crucial changes in how our employees operate.

Every employee plays a significant role in shaping our brand and leading sustainable growth in the global market. We believe that all personnel are, in essence, brand ambassadors. We will continue to innovate how we work to achieve sustainable growth for the LG brand.