Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Protecting your digital identity is more important than ever before. According to the Telesign Trust Index, 30% of consumers surveyed reported they were victims of fraud in the past three years. Given the recent spike in online activity, with e-commerce spending surging by $200 billion in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to McKinsey & Company that number will climb as new forms of digital fraud emerge. And that fraud can have long-lasting effects on your pocketbook. Of consumers who were fraud victims, 61% reported financial losses.

You’re not alone if you haven’t considered protecting your digital identity. According to the report, consumers perceive fraud as an immediate threat, but 45% don’t actively protect themselves against cybercrime.

You can generally remedy your situation if your identity has been compromised. Still, it’s better to protect your identity now and prevent future damage. In honor of International Fraud Awareness Week, Telesign offers five expert tips that can help you protect your digital identity.

1. Set up two-factor authentication on all accounts

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a more effective security measure than simply updating passwords. It adds an extra layer of security that can be the difference between being exploited or staying secure.

Whether it’s a one-time code sent to your mobile device, a fingerprint scan or a biometric verification, these secondary authentication methods are powerful tools in your digital identity protection arsenal. If your online service providers offer two-factor authentication, turn it on. If they don’t provide it, demand the service.

2. Protect your personal details

Don’t share your personal or financial information with unfamiliar sources. Even information you think is innocuous can be used to steal your identity or access critical accounts. This is especially important to remember during the holidays. According to AARP, three-quarters of Americans have experienced or been targeted for scams tied to the holidays.

Stay vigilant and take extra care in how you share your personal details when answering calls from unknown phone numbers, responding to strange emails, entering data on website forms, and even what you share on social media.

3. Monitor your bank accounts and credit scores

Be proactive in defending your digital identity by regularly monitoring your financial accounts and credit scores. Turn on notifications and keep an eye on your statements to spot any suspicious activity. You can easily set up account alerts with your bank and credit bureaus to receive notifications about unusual transactions or changes to your credit report. The quicker you act, the less damage scammers can cause to your accounts.

4. Report fraud

If you suspect or have confirmed that your digital identity has been compromised, don’t wait. Report fraud attempts and suspicious activity as soon as possible. For example, contact your bank and credit card company to report any unauthorized transactions and potential identity theft. Also, don’t forget to report fraud to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report could help prevent others from being similarly scammed.

5. Look for trustworthy signals

Don’t assume every email you open, document you download or website you visit is trustworthy. For example, if you receive an offer that’s too good to be true, check that the company or person it claims to be uses the actual sender address. There are even clone websites that look legitimate but have the potential to damage your digital identity. Check the website URL before entering important information, such as credit card numbers.

Another way to keep yourself safe is to look for trust signals like a TLS/SSL certificate or the Telesign Trust Certified Badge. These trustworthy signs can show that a company has been verified as a safe and secure digital environment defender. Telesign’s suite of Continuous Trust™ solutions prevents the transmission of more than 30 million fraudulent messages each month and over 1 million account takeovers every year.

Prevention is more effective — and less stressful — than dealing with the aftermath of a digital identity breach. Prioritize your digital identity security to keep your personal information and financial well-being safe in our digital age. To read the Telesign Trust Index report and learn more about online fraud, visit Telesign.com.

2023-11-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing says winter like cooking festive foods, getting cozy around the fireplace and spending time with loved ones during the holidays. During the cooler months of the year, when more gatherings are held indoors, it is important to take the time to help protect your family and home from the threats of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. First Alert, the most trusted brand in home safety*, offers the following reminders to help keep your home safe this winter and all year round:

Schedule annual inspections. Before the temperatures drop and you turn on the heat, call a professional to clean and inspect your home’s furnace, wood-burning stove and other heat-emitting fixtures, including gas and wood-burning fireplaces, as dangerous levels of CO can result if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly. Also ensure all heat sources are free of debris, dust and particle buildup to ensure proper airflow. During annual inspections, have a professional check for rust and corrosion, malfunctions, cracks or brick separations. These conditions can prevent proper air movement and cause back-drafting or other fire hazards.

Disperse plug-in items. During colder weather, you might find yourself using more plug-in items, such as space heaters or electric blankets, to help stay warm. Be mindful of how many objects you are using for each outlet or extension cord, as well as the surfaces they are sitting on. Also, since heat-emanating objects, specifically space heaters, can be fire hazards, make sure you only have one such item plugged into each outlet at a time and that it is a safe distance away from blankets, plants, wall art or other flammable items.

Check home safety devices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when winter temperatures plummet and home heating systems run for hours, the risk of CO poisoning increases. Be prepared and make sure to evaluate the fire and CO protection in your home. In addition to testing alarms regularly and replacing alarms that are 10 years old, make sure you have installed the proper protection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that homes have smoke alarms installed high on walls and ceilings, inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Additionally, CO alarms should be installed on each level and in or near each sleeping area. To put this into perspective, a two-story, three-bedroom house needs a minimum of five smoke alarms and four CO alarms. For convenient protection and peace of mind, install First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms for 2-in-1 protection with a 10-year sealed battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements and late-night battery chirps for a decade.

Cook with care. According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, so it’s important to know what you can do to help keep your family and friends safe while entertaining during the holidays and winter season. Keep a fire extinguishing device, like the First Alert EZ Fire Spray, at arm’s reach while in the kitchen, to ensure you can react quickly and safely in case of an emergency. The EZ Fire Spray is compact, lightweight and easy to use, making it a convenient option to store close by.

To learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com.

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey asking them to choose from six brands in the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide protection space.

2023-11-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Tis the season for celebrating with family and friends! In addition to holiday parties, shopping, errands, wrapping presents, making last-minute online orders, and all that cooking madness, consider taking a “holiday time out” and host a “Holly Jolly Movie Night” sleepover! Whether it’s for your kids and their pals, or maybe a Moms Movie Night, a holiday movie night gathering is a great way to celebrate the happiest time of year.

Here are 10 tips for hosting a holiday movie marathon you won’t forget!

1. A special invite

This time of year, everyone’s schedules are filling up fast. Pick a date early that works for you and your guests so everyone can attend. Once that’s done, send out evites or text invites and mark the calendar. This also makes it easy to track what needs to be done before the big day. Make your invitation memorable (use a free design app to create it) and festive so everyone will vibe with the holiday spirit!

2. Lean into a fun theme

Gatherings are always better when there’s a theme! This can help steer all the other details of your special evening. You could host a Kitschy Christmas Night and also ask guests to bring a little gift to donate to a local family charity. Or throw a movie night potluck, have everyone wear outlandish holiday PJs … there are so many creative ways to make your night extra fun and photogenic. And once you’ve landed on a theme, you can use that to guide your movie selection and/or menu.

3. Make a movie schedule

Have everyone text you their favorite holiday classic — both old and new. Hold a drawing to pick 2-5 shows to watch on that special night. Or prepare a list guests can choose from, with categories for different types of movies, such as old school classics, ’90s favorites, animated, comedy and drama. Then create funny cards with the schedule and a catchy description of each film.

4. Create a cozy ambiance

Take a look at your space and find ways to maximize the coziness. In addition to finding new ideas for holiday decorations that fit your theme, think about how to make your viewing room as comfortable as possible. Move furniture around so everyone has a good view of the screen. Grab extra cushions, bean bags, blankets and pillows. You can even bring out an inflatable mattress for extra seating and lounging. Hang ornaments and string lights so you can turn off the lights and bask in their little glow while watching your movie lineup.

5. Don’t forget the snacks and drinks

No sleepover or movie marathon would be complete without the snacks! Offer a variety of holiday eats and drinks like hot cheesy snacks, popcorn, hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies and candy canes. Then lay out a fun cocktail/mocktail bar with your favorite beverages to enjoy all night long. (Be sure to include lots of water, too!)

Also, consider preparing a dinnertime/snack board with a mix of warm nibbles, veggies and proteins to fuel your movie party well into the night. A great option is a holiday snack board with fun finger foods like Farm Rich loaded potato skins, stuffed jalapeno peppers, mozzarella sticks and zucchini sticks.

These items are easy to prepare ahead of time or in between movies in your microwave, oven or air fryer. Lay them out on the board with carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery and dip, and some winter-time colored fruits so you can graze all night long.

6. Intermission

Even the most die-hard movie fans need an intermission. Plan time in between movies to take a quick break, snack some more, stretch your legs and even do some holiday activities. For example, you can play short card games, a quick round of charades or plan in advance for a movie trivia pop quiz!

7. Plan a simple supper

Although you’ll have a yummy appetizer spread, don’t forget to plan for a quick dinner. Make-ahead ideas like these Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs or Buffalo Ranch Meatball Subs are fast and easy. Before guests arrive, you can put meatballs in the slow cooker so they’ll be ready for the movie break. For the subs, lay out the rolls, dressing and other toppings so folks can make their own.

8. Get some Zzzzzs

While kids (and adults) may want to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, everyone needs some shut-eye, especially this time of year. Prepare sleeping arrangements in advance. Have some bedside finishing touches like eye pillows, sound machines and water. If you don’t have enough beds in the house, make sure there are plenty of wide, comfy couches, air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets.

9. Morning matinee breakfast

Keep the fun going the next morning and enjoy a morning movie matinee with a simple breakfast. Create a coffee and juice bar with gourmet beans, creamers, tea, hot chocolate, orange-pineapple or cranberry juice and water. Make this French Toast Breakfast Casserole the day before and warm it up for your guests, along with sides of fruit and maybe some turkey sausage links.

10. Capture the magic

And finally, be sure to capture the moments of this wonderful gathering with photos that can be shared during and after. Maybe start a shared phone photo album too so everyone can add funny pics all night long

Holiday Movie Night is a great excuse to get friends and family together to celebrate the season in a sweet and special way. Follow these tips to make it easy — and be sure to add some touches of your own for a night to remember!

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – If the dropping temperatures instantly make your skin feel dry and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Between the frigid air outside and overheated air inside, the winter months are loaded with skin stressors that can put your skin on a seemingly endless dry skin roller coaster. According to Dr. Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, this roller coaster can lead to a weakened skin barrier.

“Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, and you’re constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers — but things like changes in temperature and humidity levels can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks,” explained Kate. “The best solution is to fix the holes in the bucket to strengthen the skin barrier.”

If you find yourself reaching for product after product to get your skin off the dry skin roller coaster, here are Kate the Chemist’s tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.

Protect your skin from winter stressors

Our skin barrier responds to the humidity of the air around us, absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain a balance. To help protect your skin from everything that comes with cold winter months, it’s important to consider what the skin needs when you’re inside or out.

When spending time indoors with the heat on, try to avoid bumping up the thermostat higher than is necessary for comfort. This makes the air hotter, drying out your skin. Consider adding an in-room or whole-home humidifier to moderate the moisture in the air or upgrade your thermostat to one that indicates the humidity levels in your home. Your skin and your energy bills will thank you.

When you head outside, whether enjoying winter sports or playing with the kids out in the snow, defend your skin from inclement weather by bundling up. Go for breathable layers that will keep you cozy and can be shed in case you get too warm. Grab a fashionable hat, scarf and glove set to top it off! Finally, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen on any exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing sunscreen every day if you will be outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Don’t just use any old body wash or lotion

Key to breaking the dry skin cycle are the products you use to cleanse and moisturize your skin. “Certain body care products hydrate the skin temporarily but don’t help repair the skin barrier. That’s why your skin feels dry again within a few hours,” said Kate.

Body care products that actually help repair the skin barrier make all the difference. Kate recommends using the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash and Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion to help break the dry skin cycle.

Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash is formulated with moisturizing ingredients that penetrate the skin’s surface to nourish and restore dry, thirsty skin from within. The body wash is also dermatologically approved by the Skin Health Alliance (SHA), a global organization of independent dermatologists and skin scientists that assess the research and development behind various products to help consumers know what’s good for their skin.

“Olay’s Hyaluronic Body Wash and Body Lotion are packed with skin-loving ingredients, including petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and a special Vitamin B3 Complex,” said Kate. “These products go the extra mile by diving 10 layers deep into your skin, leaving you with visibly healthier skin. Olay’s special blend of moisturizers isn’t just your average skin saver — it’s a unique formula that deeply nourishes your skin barrier, helping it become stronger and healthier looking over time.”

Shower with care

How you shower can also impact your skin. “By taking short showers with warm water rather than hot water, you can help to keep your skin’s natural oils in your skin where they belong,” Kate noted. After showering with Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash, gently towel off and apply the matching Hyaluronic lotion to your skin while it’s still a bit damp and feel the result.

“Winter can be really rough on the skin,” added Kate. “So make a great body care routine part of your daily ritual. You’ll look and feel so much better when you get off that dry skin roller coaster and break the dry skin cycle for good!”

Learn more about how to care for your skin at Olay.com.

2023-11-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – If long workdays leave you wondering if you’re burnt out, take a closer look. While typical signs of work-related burnout can mean you’re overdue for serious PTO, other symptoms may indicate psychological, emotional and/or physical issues that need to be addressed for your well-being.

Listing your symptoms may provide a clearer picture of what you need for self-care. While some symptoms may lead you to seek a visit with your physician or consult a mental health professional, others may indicate a common source of discomfort in today’s digital environment: your eyes.

Frequently experienced eye-related issues

These symptoms and others can be due to — or worsened by — excessive screen time, including work, gaming, watching TV or interacting on social media for more than two hours consecutively each day.

Eyestrain is very common in today’s visually demanding world, especially if your workday involves extensive reading and staring at a computer. Sore, dry or watery eyes, itching or burning sensations, sensitivity to light, headaches and difficulty focusing can develop.

Headaches accompanied by visual symptoms like flashing or sparkling lights and darkening of vision could indicate you’re experiencing migraine with aura. However, it’s critical to rule out other potential causes like damage inside your eye, a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which can only be determined through an in-person comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. Headaches can be exacerbated by both stress and excessive screen time.

Blurred vision when looking quickly from near to far could be a sign of accommodative dysfunction, a condition frequently found in anyone who works up close for long periods of time, such as those who work on screens. Blurring and inability to focus can occur without proper lighting and posture, or if you’re not taking enough breaks.

Dry eye is a medical condition in which someone doesn’t create enough of a quality tear film to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and providing clear vision. Dry eye may be caused or worsened when reading or staring at a screen for long periods of time.

Neck and shoulder pain can result from tilting your head at odd angles because your glasses aren’t designed for looking at a computer, or if you bend toward the screen to see more clearly. Poor lighting, a glare on your screen, improper viewing distances, poor seating posture or uncorrected vision problems could all contribute to neck and shoulder pain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit an optometrist for a comprehensive in-person eye exam. Optometrists can test for a wide variety of conditions to understand the causes of your discomfort. Only by examining your eyes in-office can an optometrist determine how to help relieve your symptoms.

“Unfortunately, eye health is not the first thing people think of when they’re experiencing workplace discomfort, but a well-functioning visual system is crucial for everyday wellness,” said American Optometric Association (AOA) President Dr. Ronald Benner. “Eye health impacts your overall health — and also provides important early indicators of numerous diseases. An annual comprehensive eye exam with a doctor of optometry is vital to ensure everyone’s eye health, whether they wear glasses or not.”

Better work habits

In addition to seeing your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam, here are tips to help safeguard your eyes:

The 20/20/20 rule. It’s important to rest your eyes while on your computer, gaming or using any device for long periods. For every 20 minutes on a digital device, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refocus.

Blink! Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist, but it’s common for people to blink less often when doing tasks on electronic devices. Blink rate can actually slow by up to 40% when you’re looking at a screen. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye, try to blink more frequently. Setting reminders on your devices can help you remember to do so.

Digital device distance. Your computer screen should be 15-20 degrees below eye level (about 4-5″) as measured from the center of the screen, and 20 inches from your eyes. Smaller devices should be a minimum of 13 inches away to give the visual system a break, and make sure to use the zoom feature to increase small print and details instead of bringing the device closer to your eyes.

The right glasses for the job. Whether your corrective lenses are worn for distance, reading or both, they may not provide the best vision for viewing computer screens. Tell your optometrist about your daily job tasks and hobbies. You may benefit from wearing glasses specifically made for computer work.

Want more eye health tips and tricks? Check out AOA’s new mobile game Blink Land to learn more about eye health through minigames and trivia. Most importantly, find an AOA optometrist near you at AOA.org.

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to depression in women more often than men. Minority patients are more likely to die after surgery. Parents may benefit from using virtual reality to ease their anxiety when their children have surgery. These were among the many cutting-edge studies impacting patient care presented at the recent ANESTHESIOLOGY^® 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“Over their lifetimes, many Americans may experience TBI, endure health care disparities or experience anxiety when their child is having surgery,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, M.D., FASA. “This groundbreaking research has real-world implications for patients and their families and aims to improve health care for everyone. Anesthesiologists are on the forefront of advancing scientific inquiry to improve patients’ surgical experience before, during and after a procedure.”

Here are a few examples of the new findings anesthesiologists recently presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2023.

Women at much higher risk of depression after TBI

Most studies showing the link between TBI and depression have focused on men. But according to an analysis of nine studies and nearly 700,000 people, women are nearly 50% more likely than men to develop depression after suffering a concussion or other TBI. This research represents the highest-quality evidence to date that a patient’s gender influences the risk of depression after TBI, according to Isaac G. Freedman, M.D., MPH, lead author of the study and an anesthesiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Every year, about 1.5 million Americans suffer a TBI, which can lead to long-term health effects such as memory loss and behavioral changes. Common causes of TBI in women include falls, intimate partner violence, trauma related to military service and sports-related concussion. Women’s soccer has the highest rate of concussions of all contact sports, a separate study recently found.

Women should be aware of the risk of developing depression after a brain injury, even if they have no prior history of mental health challenges, and should know what signs and symptoms to look for and when to seek help. Doctors may consider screening women for depression if they have had a TBI.

Black and Hispanic patients much more likely to die after surgery than white patients

Twelve thousand Black and Hispanic patients who died after surgery the past two decades may have lived if there were no racial and ethnic disparities among Americans having surgery, according to a study of more than 1.5 million inpatient procedures. This estimate draws attention to the human toll of disparities in surgical outcomes, with Black patients being 42% more likely and Hispanic patients 21% more likely to die after surgery compared to white patients.

This research represents the first effort to move beyond merely documenting the ongoing disparities in surgical outcomes in the U.S. by quantifying their total human toll, said Christian Mpody, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, lead author of the study and assistant professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.

Unless efforts to narrow the racial and ethnic gap in surgical outcomes intensify, preventable deaths will continue among minority patients, the researchers said. The development of equity policies to address disparity gaps can make a difference; a 2% reduction in projected excess mortality rates among Black patients would avert roughly 3,000 post-surgery deaths in the next decade, researchers determined.

While the study didn’t assess the effectiveness of specific interventions or policies, researchers noted that addressing the problem requires an extensive approach including investment in disparity research, cultural competency training for health professionals and prioritizing patient education and health literacy.

Virtual reality reduces anxiety among caregivers of children having surgery

Virtual reality (VR) may be an effective and reliable tool to alleviate the anxiety experienced by most parents or caregivers when their child undergoes surgery, a study found. By providing family-centered care, researchers aimed to treat not just the patient, but also caregivers, 74% of whom experience quite a bit of anxiety before, during and after their child’s surgery, said Thomas J. Caruso, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, senior author of the study and clinical professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine at Stanford University, California. The findings demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety when using VR, compared to the standard of care.

Immersive technologies, such as VR, offer new, non-pharmacologic treatment options for anxiety relief. Given the diminishing costs of VR and its commercial availability, the results of this study suggest that hospitals seeking to provide family-centered care may consider VR as an effective, anxiety-relieving option for parents or caregivers.

Learn more about the importance of physician-led anesthesia care, preparing for surgery and the latest advances in the specialty. Visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

2023-11-13T14:13:01

(BPT) – The seasons are changing and with winter comes, unfortunately, the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a flu vaccination is your best protection against influenza.

While flu is most serious for older Americans and individuals with certain chronic conditions, it can affect people of all ages. The CDC says the best way to protect yourself and your family is by getting a vaccine early. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone, ages 6 months and up — with few exceptions.

“Annual flu shots can prevent you from missing work or an important event that you have been looking forward to attending,” said Dr. Donna O’Shea, chief medical officer of population health for UnitedHealthcare.

If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for you and your family, some important information may help cut through the confusion. Here are a few common myths and the facts that help disprove them:

Myth #1: Flu shots don’t really work

Facts: According to the CDC, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of the illness by between 40% and 60%. The vaccine’s effectiveness depends on multiple factors, including the amount of time between vaccination and exposure to the disease, your age and health status. Additionally, flu vaccinations can help protect people around you, especially when the vaccine is well matched to viruses circulating in a given year.

Myth #2: I got vaccinated last year, so I should be good for this year, too

Facts: The flu virus changes each year, so flu vaccines change as well. Plus, the body’s immune response to a flu vaccine declines over time, which is why the CDC advises yearly vaccination as the best option for protection.

Myth #3: I exercise and eat healthy food, so I don’t need to get vaccinated

Facts: It is true that being healthy may help you recover from illness more quickly, but it may not prevent you from getting or spreading the flu. Healthy people can be infected and spread the flu virus without showing symptoms.

Myth #4: I got the COVID-19 vaccine, so I can’t get the flu vaccine

Facts: The viruses are different, and so are the vaccines used to prevent them. There are no interactions between the vaccines, and both are recommended by the CDC to help maintain optimal health. Additionally, if you want to save a trip, you can get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time. Additional vaccines can be given at the same time you receive your influenza or COVID vaccinations.

Myth #5: The flu vaccine causes strong side effects

Facts: The side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild. Some people may have soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, a low-grade fever or minor aches, but these issues are typically short-lived. The CDC stresses, because of how the vaccines are produced, you cannot get influenza from the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine.

Myth #6: Getting the flu is not that serious

Facts: The flu illness can vary from mild to severe. When severe, it may result in hospitalization and even death. Reducing the risk of flu is especially important for these groups:

• People who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease
• People 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Young children, especially those under 5 years old

Even for people outside of these groups, flu symptoms can disrupt work, school or social life for several weeks or more.

Now is the time to get a flu vaccine, which is considered preventive, and, in most cases, covered through employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare and Medicaid health plans. Vaccines are available through primary care physicians, convenience care clinics and most local pharmacies.

Prevent missing out on winter activities by getting caught up on vaccination.

To find a flu shot location near you, visit UHCFluLocator.com.

2023-11-13T13:01:00

(BPT) – With diabetes on the rise, getting tested and establishing a healthy routine are more important than ever.

We’re facing a diabetes crisis in the United States. About 1 in 10 of us — nearly 37 million people — are living with diabetes, and another 96 million have prediabetes.[1] What’s more, 1 in 5 Americans with diabetes don’t know they have it.[2]

The high rate of diabetes in this country comes at a significant cost. If not well managed, diabetes can lead to many complications, including blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and more.[3] Diabetes also increases the risk of developing serious complications or being hospitalized with respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu.[4],[5] People living with diabetes incur an average of $16,750 in medical expenses every year — more than double the typical cost of care for people without diabetes.[6]

Although these statistics can be daunting, the good news is there are many steps you can take to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and avert the worst complications. And the first step is as simple as visiting your local Walgreens.

Diabetes Care at Walgreens

During Diabetes Awareness Month, Walgreens and its partners are offering free diabetes testing and complimentary education to help people know where they stand and take action to manage their condition. Head to participating locations throughout November to get a free A1C or blood glucose test. You can also tune into a virtual diabetes education session hosted by Village Medical Primary Care at Walgreens and receive complimentary education materials. Visit Walgreens.com/FreeDiabetesScreening to find participating locations.

Beyond Diabetes Awareness Month, pharmacists are a year-round resource for people living with or at risk of diabetes. Thousands of Walgreens pharmacists have undergone specialized diabetes training and can answer your questions and help you overcome hurdles in getting the care you need.

“While navigating diabetes can be complicated, the most important things you need to do are get tested regularly and develop a routine to manage your condition over time,” says Danielle James, PharmD, a Walgreens pharmacy manager in the Chicago area. “Your pharmacist can help you with both of those things, whether you have diabetes, prediabetes or an elevated risk for diabetes. This is the perfect time to start that conversation with your pharmacist.”

Testing and ongoing management look different for everyone, but they are both crucial to stay ahead of diabetes before it progresses or leads to complications. Here are the basics:

Testing

The American Diabetes Association recommends all adults ages 35 and older get screened for diabetes at least once every three years.[7] People living with diabetes also need to undergo regular testing to monitor their condition and adjust their care regimen as needed.

Blood sugar tests are the most common form of testing for diabetes, and there are several different types:

• A1C testing measures your average blood sugar level over three months. This is the most common test to diagnose diabetes and monitor it over time to determine how well treatment is working.
• Blood glucose testing measures your blood sugar at a single moment in time and can also be used to diagnose diabetes or determine your risk of developing it. For some blood glucose tests, you will need to fast overnight before your blood is drawn.
• Blood sugar monitoring is typically performed at home by people living with diabetes to monitor and manage their condition daily. It can be done via finger pricks throughout the day or by wearing a device called a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which measures blood glucose levels every few minutes.

Other important tests for people at risk for or living with diabetes include cholesterol and blood pressure tests, routine kidney screenings, and eye and foot exams.

Based on your condition, your Walgreens pharmacist can help you identify which types of testing you need and how often you need them.

Ongoing Management

Testing is just one piece of managing diabetes. Most people also need a routine that includes medications, lifestyle changes, and staying up to date on immunizations and other preventative health measures. Walgreens pharmacists are trained to help you with all of this. They can:

• Teach you how to keep A1C and glucose levels on target and use testing tools such as CGMs and blood glucose meters
• Share important information about your medications and help you stay on track with medications
• Counsel you on managing your diet, physical activity and weight to improve health
• Provide vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, RSV and other vaccine-preventable illnesses
• Help you navigate insurance and find cost savings through tools such as Rx Savings Finder and Find Rx Coverage

“I encourage patients to take a holistic approach to managing diabetes because there are many factors that contribute to success,” says James. “Working with you and your doctor, we can help you make sense of all the information, adjustments and new habits you’ll need to embrace to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range and protect against complications. Together, we can help you develop and stick to a routine that will empower you to live your best life.”

Take the first step toward managing your diabetes or diabetes risk by visiting Walgreens. In addition to free testing and education, Walgreens is offering discounts throughout November on products to manage your diabetes. To stay protected against respiratory illnesses this winter, you can also schedule all your fall vaccinations during your visit at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.

Visit Walgreens.com/Diabetes (English) or Walgreens.com/DiabetesESP (Spanish) for more information on diabetes services at Walgreens during Diabetes Awareness Month and year-round.

2023-11-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re hosting guests this holiday season, there’s much to do to prepare. Decorating, baking, cooking and organizing entertainment are likely your priorities leading up to their arrival. However, don’t overlook a space that everyone will use multiple times a day: your bathroom!

Preparing your bathroom for guests is essential to making them feel welcome and comfortable, but you don’t have to completely renovate your bathroom. Instead, try these seven simple bathroom upgrades in prep for the holidays.

1. Mix textures to add visual appeal

Mixing textures, styles and colors for your bathroom’s décor is a simple but effective way to infuse your bathroom with warmth and character. Consider combining different materials like wood, glass and metals for visual appeal.

An easy way to do so is to switch out your bathroom’s hardware, such as cabinet handles and knobs, towel racks and shower curtain hooks. Don’t forget to incorporate opposing textures with soft towels, rugs and shower curtains for a cozy and luxurious atmosphere.

2. Wallpaper

You don’t have to paint your bathroom to change the color and look. Wallpaper is an affordable and easy way to freshen up your bathroom’s aesthetic while adding a touch of personality.

You can wallpaper the whole bathroom or focus on one accent wall. Look for patterned and/or textured wallpapers that draw the eye. Whether you use nature-inspired or bold modern patterns, wallpapering your bathroom is a simple upgrade and allows for future flexibility as trends change.

3. Upgrade sink faucet

A practical and visually appealing way to elevate your bathroom is to upgrade your bathroom sink faucet. Look for designs that complement your décor to enhance the space’s aesthetic appeal, but also improve your bathroom’s functionality.

The Stryke^® Single Handle Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet is perfect for DIYers. This easy-to-install faucet makes quick work of cleaning toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with a nimble pull-down spray wand, and is available in several finishes and features a subtly upturned spout and handles that radiate elegance.

Guests will appreciate the Delta MagnaTite^® Docking, which uses a powerful integrated magnet to snap the faucet spray wand precisely into place, keeping it docked when not in use. The Lumicoat^® Finish is also guaranteed to resist water spots and mineral buildup and easily wipes clean without the need for cleaners or chemicals, keeping your bathroom spotless, no matter how many people you’re entertaining!

4. Add a bidet

Adding a bidet is a convenient, thoughtful and hygienic improvement to your bathroom. It adds a sense of luxury, making guests feel pampered and elevating their bathroom experience.

You don’t have to install a whole separate system and fuss with plumbing. Modern bidet attachments and toilet seats are a simple and cost-effective way to bring this modern amenity to your bathroom. Take it to the next level by searching for bidets with adjustable water and temperature controls, heated seats and night lights.

5. Switch out your showerhead

Switching out your current showerhead with a newer model can transform showering from a daily necessity to a lavish, spa-like experience. Depending on the model, a new showerhead can easily remedy low water pressure. Paired with a handheld showerhead, it can even make cleaning the shower and tub easier than ever.

Perfect for a DIY upgrade, the Delta^® ProClean^™ 6-Setting Hand Shower is a powerful and practical addition to your shower. Guests will be impressed by the pause setting that gives them plenty of time for shaving, lathering and other shower tasks. They can easily restart the water with the same temperature as when they left off, providing a seamless showering experience while helping conserve water and most importantly, your hot water supply!

Best of all, this showerhead makes it easier to keep your shower and tile clean and reduce soap scum buildup with regular use, cleaning shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays. The focused, ProClean^™ spray lets you easily clean hard-to-reach places without stepping in the shower.

6. Play around with lighting

You can adjust the mood and ambiance of your bathroom space by playing around with lighting. Create a relaxed atmosphere by installing adjustable lighting fixtures, like dimmer switches. Also, avoid bright white lighting. Focus on soft, warm colored LED lights for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Besides overhead lighting, think about adding night lights near the sink and toilet, if possible, so guests can find their way in the dark. This is especially helpful for holiday guests who may not be as familiar with your bathroom’s layout.

7. Improve storage

Improve or expand your bathroom storage to make it easy for you to stock and guests to access towels and toiletries. Look for space-efficient but well-organized cabinets to install. If you don’t have the space for a cabinet, you can easily install shelves and use stylish storage baskets to keep items organized and within reach.

These simple upgrades aren’t just for your guests. Think of these upgrades as holiday presents to yourself that you can enjoy year-round. Create a welcoming and comfortable bathroom space that your guests (and you) can appreciate this holiday season and beyond. Happy hosting!

2023-11-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is notorious for indulgent, heavy dishes that trade nutrition for taste. This year, however, we’re flipping the script by showcasing how to revamp classic recipes into healthier, yet equally scrumptious, options. By incorporating nutrient-dense ingredients, such as cauliflower, whole-grain bread, sweet potatoes and chopped vegetables, you can easily increase fiber and vitamins in your diet. Try these five swaps and enjoy your favorite holiday dishes with a healthier twist.

1. Swap out the spuds! One simple swap is trading starchy mashed potatoes for low-carb, vitamin-packed mashed cauliflower. Not only is cauliflower significantly lower in carbohydrates than potatoes, but it is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K and folate. The result is a creamy, delicious alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. It’s the perfect clean, healthy, grain-free and low-carb replacement for mashed potatoes. Our favorite mashed cauliflower to swap out for mashed potatoes is Kevin’s Natural Foods Mashed Cauliflower. It’s delicious, easy to prepare and only contains 8g of carbs per serving. Plus, it’s the perfect option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

2. Upgrade your green bean casserole: Green bean casserole is a classic dish loved by many. However, the traditional recipe may not be the healthiest option since it usually involves canned soup and fried onions. Luckily, there are ways to make a healthier version of this beloved dish. One option is to use fresh green beans instead of canned ones. Fresh green beans are packed with nutrients and have a better texture than canned ones. Another way to make this dish healthier is to use homemade cream of mushroom soup. Homemade soup will have fewer preservatives and can be made with healthier ingredients. Additionally, you can swap the fried onions for crunchy almond slivers. By making these simple changes, you can transform the classic green bean casserole into a healthier and more nutritious dish that you can enjoy guilt-free.

3. Save time with ready-to-heat turkey gravy: Preparing a Thanksgiving feast can be a challenging task, especially when you have a long list of dishes to prepare. But with Kevin’s Natural Foods Turkey Gravy, you can save valuable time in the kitchen without compromising on taste or nutrition. Kevin’s ready-to-heat gravy is Certified Gluten-Free and made from only the finest, all-natural ingredients, eliminating the hassle of preparing a gravy from scratch. It’s the perfect complement to your turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, making it a must-have for any holiday dinner. This delicious gravy is only available during the holiday season, so if you’re a true gravy enthusiast, we recommend buying a few extra and popping them in the freezer. That way, you can savor this delight all year round!

4. A healthier twist on sweet potatoes: Ditch the traditional marshmallow-filled sweet potatoes this year and try something new. If you don’t have much time to spare, pick up Kevin’s Natural Foods ready-to-heat Mashed Sweet Potatoes at your local grocery store. They are paleo-friendly, gluten-free and contain just five natural ingredients. This dish is a guaranteed hit with its creamy texture and natural sweetness, sure to keep the crowd coming back for seconds.

5. Stuffed with nutrients: One of the most popular holiday dishes is stuffing and it’s a great opportunity to include more fiber and nutrients into our meal. Instead of using white bread, try using whole-grain bread or even quinoa for a gluten-free option. Add in some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion for an extra boost of vitamins. To add some protein, mix in some cooked sausage or chopped nuts. And for a burst of flavor, add some dried cranberries or apricots. With these healthy swaps, we can enjoy a guilt-free and flavorful stuffing that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The holidays are a time to indulge, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our health and wellness. With these five healthy swaps, we can enjoy our favorite holiday dishes without feeling guilty. From cauliflower mashed potatoes to homemade green bean casserole and ready-to-heat turkey gravy, we can save time and still have a delicious feast. By incorporating more nutrient-dense ingredients into our dishes, like whole-grain bread, sweet potatoes, and chopped vegetables, we can add more fiber and vitamins to our plates. So this holiday season, let’s reinvent our classic recipes and create healthier, yet equally delicious versions.