Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-09-28T11:01:01

(BPT) – The rental housing market in the United States has reached a 50-year peak, with more than 114 million Americans living in landlord-owned properties. Renting a house, apartment or condo means that the ownership of that property belongs to someone else — the landlord.

“A common misconception is that a landlord’s insurance policy for the property eliminates the need for renters to purchase their own insurance,” said Bonnie Lee, vice president of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “In reality, your landlord’s insurance does not cover your personal belongings or any liability claims against you. While you may not be liable for repairing the rental property after a covered loss, your personal possessions may still need replacement if they are damaged or stolen.”

Renters insurance is relatively affordable. The actual cost will depend on several factors, such as the type of coverage you choose, how much coverage you buy, and the amount of your deductible, otherwise known as the amount you agree to pay before a claim is paid. Mercury Insurance, for example, offers coverage for as little as $10/month, but the amounts may vary by state.

Renters insurance offers three key areas of protection:

• Theft and vandalism: Renters insurance protects your personal belongings, electronics, jewelry and unique collectibles against damage or theft. In these instances, your rental policy can step in, compensating for losses so that items can be repaired or replaced.

  “Renters should keep an up-to-date inventory of their possessions, including new purchases and gifts,” said Lee. “Smartphones can be a tremendous aid in this process, by simply walking around your place with the video camera on. Take photos, provide descriptions of these items including serial numbers and copies of receipts when possible. Building an inventory of what you own will prove invaluable in the unfortunate event of an unexpected loss.”

• Natural perils: Renters insurance covers damage to property and personal belongings due to natural events like fire, lightning, hail and sudden water overflow. If your rental becomes uninhabitable due to these occurrences, you may be eligible to receive compensation for living expenses. Note, however, that renters insurance does not cover personal property damage from floods or earthquakes. You must purchase a separate policy if you live in an area prone to any of these types of perils.
• Liability protection: You may be protected financially if you cause bodily injury or property damage to others due to a covered incident — either on the rental property or elsewhere — by your renters insurance. You may be covered for legal defense costs if you are sued for injuring someone on your property, such as if a guest trips and falls while in your rental.

Renters insurance can provide peace of mind and protection against other financial losses in times of crisis.

• Coverage while traveling: Renters insurance not only safeguards your possessions at home but may also offer protection while you are away. If a valuable item such as your laptop was stolen from your hotel room while on vacation, your policy may cover the loss.
• Financial protection: An unexpected event, like your dog biting a neighbor, may lead to a lawsuit. Renters insurance may cover damages up to your coverage limit in addition to legal bills.
• Neighbor-related incidents: Despite your best efforts to keep your rental property safe, the actions of your neighbors are beyond your control. For example, if your upstairs neighbor leaves the stove on, resulting in a fire that destroys your belongings, you would bear the loss without renters insurance. A rental policy can provide protection against such an unexpected incident.

“When considering rental insurance, it’s important to understand what it covers and to ask your agent about available discounts, deductibles and coverage limits,” said Lee. “It’s a small investment that gives renters an invaluable peace of mind, knowing that their treasured belongings are protected.”

2023-09-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities. Seasonal upkeep, roof and gutter maintenance, plumbing repairs and more can add up — both on your to-do list and in your budget. But many home maintenance projects are simple and inexpensive, and they can help provide peace of mind.

Take smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, for example. Maintaining these devices is easy — keep them free of dust buildup and test them regularly by simply pressing the test button and waiting for the alarms to sound. On duty 24/7, alarms don’t last forever and need to be replaced at least every 10 years depending on your model.

First Alert, the most trusted name in fire safety*, recommends the following “alarm checklist” to help you and your family protect what matters most.

Test and maintain your alarms. In addition to regular alarm testing, the batteries should be replaced every six months. A good rule of thumb is to change batteries when the majority of Americans adjust their clocks.

Install the proper protection — every level, every bedroom. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and inside every bedroom. Because smoke rises, be sure to install alarms high on the wall or ceiling. Don’t install alarms near doors, windows or ducts, where drafts may interfere with their operation.

Alarms don’t last forever — remember to replace. It’s important to select the right alarms for your home. Newer homes are generally wired for hardwired smoke and CO alarms. When they reach the end of their useful life, replace them with new hardwired alarms. In older homes and apartments without hardwired alarms, when your alarms expire, a convenient upgrade option is a 10-year sealed battery alarm, which eliminates battery replacement and late-night battery chirps for a decade. And, if your alarms are more than 10 years old — or you simply don’t know how old they are — the safest bet is to replace them.

To learn more fire and CO safety tips, or to find a retailer near you, 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.

2023-09-28T07:05:00

(BPT) – As your family gets into the full swing of school schedules and other fall activities, it helps to have some easy and delicious meals up your sleeve that everyone will enjoy. To keep mealtimes more interesting — and simple — this fall, consider high-quality, accessible seafood options that you can find in the freezer aisle and can cook up in your oven, toaster oven or air fryer in just 15-30 minutes.

Another great reason to consider adding more seafood to your family’s weekly menu plan is that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend having seafood twice a week because of its many health benefits. Seafood is not only an excellent source of protein, it also offers a variety of nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that contribute to your overall health and well-being. With a wide range of irresistible seafood selections from SeaPak, you’re sure to find something that your family will love for after-school snacks, weekday meals and weekend get-togethers.

Here are four favorite recipes to help get you started.

1. After-School Shrimp Fried Rice
5 minutes prep time; 15 minutes cook time; 4 servings. Satisfying your crew’s appetite after school has never been easier than with this super-quick, super-simple and extra-tasty shrimp fried rice recipe.

Ingredients
1 package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1 cup frozen cooked vegetables
4 cups cooked rice
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions
Prepare shrimp according to package directions and keep warm.
Bring large skillet or wok to high heat and add oil. Stir in vegetables and cook, stirring continually, 2 minutes. Stir in rice and cook, stirring continually, another 2 minutes.
Add soy sauce and stir to coat. Remove from heat and toss in popcorn shrimp. Serve hot.

2. Shrimp Parmesan Sliders
5 minutes prep time; 14 minutes cook time; 5-6 servings. Sliders are the perfect size for little hands, and these come together in just minutes.

Ingredients
1 9-ounce package SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
1 cup marinara sauce
3 slices mozzarella cheese, each cut into 4 squares
10-12 slider buns
10-12 leaves fresh basil

Directions
Heat oven to 425F. Bake shrimp according to package directions, 13-14 minutes.
Heat marinara sauce in small saucepan. Spoon a little marinara (about 1 tablespoon) on shrimp and top with cheese slices. Bake 1 more minute until cheese is melted.
Spoon marinara sauce on bottom buns. Top with shrimp, a basil leaf, more marinara and bun tops.

3. Shrimp and Veggie Griller Fajitas
10 minutes prep time; 20 minutes cook time; 4 servings. These fajitas are as full of flavor as they are easy to make, right on your grill. Tip: Prep veggies over the weekend so they’re ready to go on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients
1 12-ounce package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 red onion, cut into strips
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
4 corn tortillas
1 avocado, sliced
1 lime, quartered
1/2 cup prepared pico de gallo or salsa

Directions
Prepare SeaPak Shrimp Scampi according to package directions and keep warm.
Heat oil in skillet and saute peppers, onion and garlic 5-7 minutes.
Mix spices together in bowl. Toss cooked shrimp, sauteed vegetables and spices together in bowl. Scoop mixture into 4 individual foil packets.
Cook foil packets on grill 10-15 minutes.
Heat tortillas on grill until just charred around the edges. Remove to plate.
Serve shrimp and vegetables with corn tortillas, avocado, lime and pico de gallo or salsa on the side.

4. Casino Clam Strip Pizza
5 minutes prep time; 25 minutes cook time; 8 servings. Why settle for the same-old, same-old pizza when these seafood pizzas are so much fun to make and eat?

Ingredients

1 9-ounce package SeaPak Clam Strips
1 12-inch prepared pizza dough
1 jar white pizza sauce
6 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled
1 8-ounce package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions
Cook SeaPak Clam Strips according to package directions and keep warm.
Heat oven to 450F. Place pizza dough onto baking sheet or cookie sheet. Spread white pizza sauce over surface of pizza dough. Top with clam strips, bacon and cheeses.
Bake pizza in oven 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Sound delicious? You can find all of these products, recipes and more at SeaPak.com.

2023-09-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – You may have heard about older adults being tricked into sending money to someone they think is a grandchild or other relative in trouble and thought to yourself, “How could anyone fall for that?” But the truth is, today’s advanced technology makes it easier than ever for scammers to trick their unsuspecting and well-meaning victims.

To protect yourself, it pays to understand how fraudsters work, what red flags to look for, and how to trust your instincts so you don’t end up on the losing end of one of these vicious scams.

How grandparent scams work

Scammers prey on kind-hearted victims by convincing people their grandchild or other relative has had an accident or is in some kind of legal or financial trouble. The scammers then plead for money to get them out of the “jam.”

For years, criminals have been able to gather facts and personal information from people’s social media accounts to contact their older relatives. Once the criminals contact older relatives via text, email or phone, the criminals can sound very convincingly like a relative in dire trouble.

The A.I. twist

Because of advances in artificial intelligence (A.I.), criminals can now make their pleas for cash sound even more convincing when calling on the phone. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scammers use A.I. voice cloning software to mimic your relative’s voice by pulling the audio from their social media videos.

Unfortunately, scammers often couple this tactic with a “spoofed” phone number that shows up on your caller ID with your relative’s name, so it looks like it’s really them calling you.

How to spot red flags

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent criminals from stealing from you. The United States Postal Inspection Service^® recommends a few simple steps to avoid being taken by this extremely vicious scam.

Watch out for these red flags:

• Late-night calls. Scammers often call victims in the middle of the night, hoping to catch you when you’re not fully awake and less likely to think clearly. If that happens to you, tell them you’ll call them right back. You can then take the time to fully wake up, gather your wits and contact your grandchild or relative via the method you usually use to talk to them. Do not return the call you just received.
• Urgent pleas for money. Be suspicious of any phone calls including requests for money, even if it sounds like someone you know. Scammers use fear to get you worried about your loved one, so you won’t take the time to think things through. If someone asks for money right away, hang up. Contact your loved one the way you usually contact them, and/or check with other trusted family members first.
• Requests for odd methods of payment. If you’re asked to send money using methods like a mobile payment app, mailing cash, wiring money, sending gift cards or money orders, or other unusual payment methods, hang up. Once money is sent using these methods, there’s no way to get it back. If you are asked to meet somewhere so you can give them cash in person, hang up and report the incident to law enforcement.

If you’ve been affected by crime that involves the U.S. Mail^®, contact the United States Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or report it online at USPIS.gov/report. If you think you’ve been targeted by a grandparent scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at 888-225-5322, or visit ConsumerComplaints.FCC.gov.

Learn more about elder fraud at USPIS.gov.

2023-09-27T08:07:00

(BPT) – While you may spend plenty of your time and energy working on health goals like physical fitness, how much effort do you put toward your urinary and vaginal health? If you’ve ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you know how uncomfortable they can be. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to help relieve feminine discomfort.

“Similar to how one may care for their heart, lungs, and other vital organs, caring for and prioritizing one’s sexual health is equally as important,” says Dr. Jackie Walters, women’s advocate, TV personality, award-winning OB-GYN and RepHresh™ women’s health and wellness expert. “Not only can neglecting sexual health lead to discomfort and potential long-term complications, but it can also impact our relationships, confidence and overall well-being. However, in addition to keeping up with your annual well-woman exams, taking time to understand your body, evaluating existing healthy habits, and increasing the VQ – or vaginal IQ – can help women approach sexual health decisions with ease.”

The following are easy tips to consider in order to maintain women’s sexual health during Sexual Health Awareness Month.

1. Stay hydrated

Yes, you’ve probably heard a lot about the benefits of drinking water to recover from strenuous exercise, aid in weight management, avoid heat exhaustion and more. But drinking water can also help keep your urinary tract free from infection. Experts at the National Institute of Health recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day to help prevent UTIs. It is also important to empty your bladder regularly to help keep your system flushed out.

2. Stay clean

The Mayo Clinic advises keeping the vulva clean and dry every day to help safeguard against vaginal health issues, especially after intercourse. Also, after using the bathroom, always wipe yourself from front to back.

3. Take a cranberry supplement

You can help to reduce the risk of recurring UTIs by taking a daily cranberry supplement, like RepHresh Urinary Tract Health + Immune Support*. Limited scientific evidence shows that by consuming 500 milligrams each day of a cranberry dietary supplement, healthy women who have had UTI may reduce risk of recurrent UTI. RepHresh Urinary Tract Health + Immune Support* is made with 500 milligrams of whole cranberry fruit powder per serving and blended with vitamin D and zinc for immune support, this supplement helps support your overall urinary tract health.*

4. Avoid scented products

The Center for Women’s Health at Oregon Health and Science University recommends following basic hygiene by washing the vulva with water and unscented soap when showering. They also advise against douching, which can disrupt your body’s natural balance, causing irritation.

5. Help eliminate odor

The thing about your period is that it’s not always over when it’s over. Sometimes odor can linger, but gynecologist-recommended RepHresh Vaginal Gel goes to work in seconds to help eliminate odor. It’s clinically tested to maintain healthy vaginal pH, and can relieve feminine discomfort due to dryness as well as eliminating feminine odor for up to three days.

6. Keep yeast and bacteria balanced

Another supplement that’s designed for supporting feminine health is RepHresh Pro-B, a daily oral probiotic supplement that helps balance yeast and bacteria to maintain feminine health. Just one capsule per day is clinically shown to maintain vaginal flora in a normal range.

7. See your healthcare provider

Don’t put off going to regular wellness exams with your OB/GYN. Regular check-ups and preventive health screenings can spot problems while they are much more treatable. If you notice any changes or have any concerns with your body, remember to contact your healthcare provider right away.

Staying healthy means prioritizing all aspects of your health, including your sexual health. Following these tips can help you feel more in control of your sexual health, so you can keep on living your best life.

2023-09-26T20:15:00

(BPT) – If you’re trying to make better-for-you decisions when it comes to what you eat, you’ve probably read that foods like whole grains provide important nutrients. But have you heard about sprouted grains? Sprouting makes what’s already healthy about whole grains even better — naturally. Breads with sprouted grains offer even more benefits to support your well-being, providing nutrients that are easy for your body to use, easier to digest and fuel to help you get through your busy day.

“Adding sprouted grain bread to your meals is an easy swap if you’re looking to increase nutrition in your daily diet,” said registered dietitian Desiree Nielsen. “Sprouted grain breads are significantly more nutrient dense than regular 100% whole wheat breads. They typically contain more plant-based protein, more fiber and even more vitamins and minerals than a standard sandwich loaf.”

What exactly are sprouted grains?

Grains contain all the nutrients they need to grow into a new plant. When grains have enough water and warmth to grow, the germination process begins. As the grains start sprouting, enzymes wake up to break down their starch stores and the natural compounds that protected the grain’s nutrients (also called “antinutrients”). As the enzymes break down the grain’s starches into simpler carbohydrates, whole grains release access to all those stored nutrients.

Here are three ways sprouted grain bread offers more nutrition benefits to help support your wellness.

1. Their nutrients are easy for your body to process. Sprouting harnesses one of nature’s oldest processes to make the nutrients found in whole grains easier for your body to use. The early growth of the plant, known as sprouting, breaks down the antinutrients that protect the vitamins and minerals stored in every grain. This unlocks iron, magnesium, zinc, B vitamins and other important nutrients so you can get even more nutritional value from sprouted whole grains than you get from unsprouted ones.

2. They’re easier on the digestive system. As a new plant starts to draw on the protein and starches stored in a grain, it uses enzymes to break these down into amino acids and simpler carbohydrates to fuel its growth. This makes sprouted whole grains and seeds easier to digest for people, too.

3. They offer steady energy for active lives. Whole grains in general are high-energy foods, rich in fiber plus important vitamins and minerals. Sprouted whole grains take it a step further, offering a better-for-you, slow-release carbohydrate that provides a strong contrast to refined carbs. Sprouted whole grains give you steady energy throughout the day to help your body keep up with your full and busy life.

Where to find sprouted grain breads

One example of a source for sprouted grain bread is Silver Hills Sprouted Bakery. Silver Hills products are all Non-GMO Project Verified, made with USDA Organic Ingredients, Certified Glyphosate Free, Certified Vegan, Kosher and Peanut and Nut Free.

Silver Hills’ new Omegamazing Bread goes even further, providing a sprouted whole wheat loaf made with whole and ground flax and chia seeds, offering 400 milligrams of Omega-3 ALAs per slice, plus 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to impact brain, eye and heart health as well as reduce inflammation.

“Omega-3s are an essential part of our diet, and flaxseeds and chia seeds are two of the best dietary sources of these excellent nutrients,” added Nielsen.

To learn more about the benefits of sprouted grain bread, visit SilverHillsBakery.ca/why-sprouted. To find locations with their products near you or to purchase products, visit www.theovendoor.ca.

2023-09-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s digital world, bad actors take advantage of technology to trick victims into scams. According to the Financial Trade Commission (FTC), consumers reported losing $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022.

Knowing how to spot tell-tale signs and being alert and informed are some of the best defenses to stop scammers in their tracks. Also, taking advantage of privacy and security protections available through your devices, financial accounts and using safe WiFi connections can all bolster protections for consumers.

“Scammers are always looking for ways to trick customers, and they may call or message you and make you panic, at moments when we are busy and vulnerable. The best defense is to stay calm and confident and use technology to your advantage: ignore, delete and block calls, messages or emails from sources you don’t recognize and remember that banks will never ask for personal information when we call you or urge you to send money,” said Darius Kingsley, Head of Consumer Business Practices at Chase Bank.

1. How you pay matters

Check fraud is on the rise. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network found instances of check fraud increased by 84% in 2022. The best way to prevent check fraud is to avoid paying by check altogether. If a business, institution or individual requires you to use a check, ask if they accept other payment methods. Electronic payment methods like Zelle, online bill pay or even something as simple as paying via debit card are secure ways to pay without sharing your bank account number — something that is printed at the bottom of your check, which also usually includes personal information like your address.

When sending money digitally, always make sure you know the sender. Remember: if you send money, you may not get it back if it’s a scam.

If you need to write a check, remember to always:

• Use permanent ink.
• Use the whole line or draw a line to the end when writing the payee’s name.
• Write out the amount in words and then numbers using the entire line at the end.
• Make sure that the words and numbers match the written amount.
• Avoid writing a check out to “cash.”

2. Beware of artificial intelligence (AI) or “deep fake” scams

Artificial intelligence scams are another emerging threat because smart technology allows scammers to duplicate familiar voices and trick consumers out of their money and personal information. Scammers gain the trust of victims by pretending to be a close family member or friend in need of money. In some cases, scammers claim to be a loved one in danger.

Never provide sensitive personal information over the phone and consider the following:

• When in doubt, hang up the phone: Directly call the person claiming to need something using a trusted phone number you know to be theirs.
• Verify identities: Establish a known code word among your close family and friends that can be used to verify their identity. Be sure to choose a word that cannot be commonly guessed.

Another modality to watch for is when scammers use a duplicate of your voice to gain access to your account, which usually happens when they impersonate your bank to “alert” you of trouble with your account. Read on for more.

3. That email, text or call from “your bank” could be an imposter.

There’s an increasing trend of scammers impersonating banks, utility companies and government agencies to trick unsuspecting consumers out of money. According to the FTC, consumers lost $2.6 billion to imposter scams in 2022, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.

Scammers may pose as a company or organization, such as the IRS, law enforcement, financial institutions or retailers. Scammers will contact victims via a call or text, demanding money to ensure something doesn’t happen to your bank account (e.g., account getting locked or deleted). They usually “spoof” or trick you by using caller ID info from your bank, or website links that look legitimate.

Be vigilant and look out for red flags:

• The most important reminder is to know that banks will never ask for personal or private information when THEY call you, but may need you to verify yourself if YOU call them.
• Never share personal information over the phone, even to someone claiming to be a representative from your bank. Be suspicious of any calls or texts you receive claiming to be your bank. Immediately hang up and call the number on the back of your bank card. Banks also will never ask you to send money to “prevent fraud” or fix an issue on your account.
• A government agency would never threaten you to make a payment or ask you not to tell anybody else. Government agencies will not contact you via phone for issues; you’ll likely receive a notice of any issues via mail.

4. Don’t let your favorite retailers fool you

There has been an alarming rise in cybersecurity fraud, with criminals devising new and sophisticated ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Scammers will claim to be a company you may be familiar with (e.g., your favorite online retailer), and declare there is an issue with your account or a recent order or sending you a fake receipt for goods to incite you to dispute them. Understand your risk so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Be careful when online shopping and protect yourself by doing the following:

• Be sure to make purchases from trusted websites and vendors only. Scammers can extract personal information if you’re not protecting yourself.
• Steer clear of private sellers with goods for sale at a price that seems too good to be true.
• If buying goods on a platform or marketplace online, never go off platform to close a deal or communicate with a buyer. Protections will only stay in place if you transact through the platform.
• Buy directly from a retailer’s official website and avoid websites offering unrealistic discounts on popular merchandise, concert or event tickets.

Always remember the adage, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

5. Wire transfers are never a typical request

Scammers may pose as real estate agents or landlords, looking to sell or rent a property and convince the victim to send them a deposit to hold the property for them.

Be cautious when buying your next home or long-term rental.

• Make sure that the listing appears on multiple online platforms, has a detailed description, contact information, and good customer reviews.
• If possible, try meeting the landlord, real estate agent, or host in person before fulfilling any request for a money transfer.

Remember: If you get a request for a wire transfer, for real estate or any other business, consider it carefully. Wire transfers are a way to directly deposit money from one account to another — they are rarely used by consumers for everyday needs.

6. Beware of tech support offerings

Some scammers will even assert there are issues with your computer, by posing as tech support. These scammers will encourage you to click suspicious links via text, or pop-up windows on your computer and say they can help solve your issue.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests for information.

• Remain alert: Beware of emails, text messages or phone calls that ask for personal information such as your account number and password. Cybercriminals may attempt to manipulate you into divulging sensitive information.
• Stay confidential: Never provide someone access to your computer if they are proactively reaching out.
• Always verify requests: Instead of immediately sharing information or providing access, call the company directly on the number stated on their official website to confirm if the request is legitimate.
• Use strong log-in credentials: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account, incorporating a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols for ultimate protection. Make a routine to change them often.

Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and fraud techniques. Knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to scams. If you become a victim, don’t be embarrassed, and report it to your bank. Also, tell family and friends about your experience so they too can be on high alert.

For more fraud and scam prevention tips, visit Chase.com/SecurityTips, ww.ftc.gov, and follow #banksneveraskthat for more information.

2023-09-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Drugs for treating diabetes that also help people lose weight have been in the news a lot lately. The buzz around these medications leads many to hope they’re a silver bullet for curing excess weight or obesity — but it’s complicated. These medications are expensive, with some insurance companies not covering them, and growing demand makes access difficult. They also have serious potential side effects. The truth is, the most enduring ways to achieve a healthy weight — and keep it off — still include tried-and-true methods like being active, eating healthy and getting enough sleep.

Medications in the GLP-1 agonists family, like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, are designed to treat Type 2 diabetes, but because they work by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing satiety (a feeling of fullness), they can also prevent overeating — resulting in weight loss for many patients. Some think these drugs are a quick fix for anyone who is overweight, without realizing the drugs can have serious side effects — and patients may gain the weight back when they stop taking it.

But the biggest problem is, these medications don’t help people reach their overarching goal of improving their health.

“Using medications simply for weight loss without making changes to your lifestyle can result in some unintended, unwanted and dangerous consequences, like decreased muscle density, and malnutrition,” said Kent L. Bradley, M.D., MBA, MPH and chief health and nutrition officer at Herbalife. “Lasting behavioral change is needed for overall health and quality of life — and is achievable. Taking a balanced, realistic approach and embracing health and fitness as a lifestyle can help you ensure long-term success.”

There are people with genetic dispositions to obesity and Type 2 diabetes who may benefit from these drugs, so it’s best to consult your doctor to find the best recommendations for your situation. However, even those who require these drugs to medically treat obesity should consider changes in their lifestyle, including a healthy diet and a fitness regimen, for long-lasting results.

In the meantime, Dr. Bradley advises following these time-honored, common-sense tips for managing your weight.

1. Get active: Adults should aim for at least 25-45 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. Examples include brisk walking, cycling or fast dancing.

2. Add strength training: Beyond getting your body moving and your heart pumping, adults also need to do some muscle strengthening, at least two days per week. This could include lifting weights and pushups. Strength training is especially important as you age. If you’re unsure how to begin, consider joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer or joining a professional-led workout group.

3. Balance your plate: To help you eat a more balanced diet every day, fill half your plate with healthy proteins and vegetables, with only one-fourth of your plate being whole grains and another one-fourth fruit. A balanced plate is an effective way to start shifting to a livable long-term approach.

4. Focus on plant proteins: There’s a reason there has been so much focus recently on plant-forward eating. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adding more plant-based foods and reducing red meat can lower your risk for serious health conditions, including obesity. And giving up meat does not mean giving up protein. The AHA points out that every plant contains some protein, with the highest amounts found in grains like quinoa, soybean-based foods like tofu — plus beans and legumes. Swapping out meat with lentils and beans is an easy way to increase plant intake while still giving your body the protein it needs.

5. Don’t forget sleep: Sleep is often underrated as a vital component of overall health. When you’re tired, it’s tempting to try boosting your energy with a sugary snack. But it’s more than that — sleep also helps regulate your heart rate, hormones and metabolism. A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that getting more rest at night reduced the amount of food people ate during the day — about 270 calories fewer than people who were sleep deprived. To get your recommended seven or more hours of sleep per night, keep your sleeping and waking schedule consistent, ensure that your room is cool and dark, and shut off electronics an hour before bedtime.

Of course, if you need diabetes support or want to explore clinical options for losing weight, you should talk to your doctor. Before asking for a pill or a shot, make sure you’re well informed about the potential risks and benefits of any medication.

If you are already on a journey with weight loss drugs, eating nutrient-dense foods and staying fit are extremely important. When you have very little appetite, every bite counts in getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. Choose your food wisely and consider easy-to-digest options like healthy protein shakes and supplements to meet specific micronutrient and phytonutrient needs.

For more healthy lifestyle tips and information, visit Herbalife.com.

2023-09-25T11:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easy to feel stressed. Whether you’re worried about money, time, work or relationships, stress can creep up out of nowhere. You may think that stress only affects your mental health, but it can also impact your physical health, especially if you don’t take steps to mitigate it. Men, in particular, should take note.

According to a national survey by Cleveland Clinic, a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center integrating clinical and hospital care with research and education, 83% of men said they experienced stress in the last six months. While there are many sources of stress, work can play a significant role, especially for Hispanic men. The nonprofit’s 2023 MENtion It^® survey found that a quarter of Hispanic men indicate work as the main source of stress, compared to a fifth of non-Hispanics.

Although stress is common, 74% of Hispanic men hesitate to seek professional help for mental health issues. It’s important that Hispanic men understand how stress affects them and seek help when they experience it. Below are three ways stress can affect overall health.

1. Aging

Aging is a natural part of life. However, stress can accelerate aging and increase your risk of poor health. A 2022 study published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that people who experienced chronic stress showed signs of accelerating immune aging. Premature aging of the immune system can lead to an increased risk of chronic disease.

To prevent premature aging and avoid long-term health problems, Hispanic men should take time each day to manage stress. Activities like walking, running and other forms of exercise are a fantastic way to manage stress and invest in your health in the long run.

2. Weight

Stress has been associated with weight gain. There are many reasons why stress can cause weight gain. For example, you may turn to comfort food or overeat to cope when stressed. Stress also activates the body’s fight-or-flight hormone, cortisol, which slows down processes to survive immediate threats, including your metabolism. In short, stress may contribute to weight gain, which can have long-term health consequences, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, increased risk of cancer and can also interfere with mental health.

Weight is of special concern to Hispanic men’s health. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, over 80% of Hispanic men are overweight or obese compared to 75.3% of Non-Hispanic White men. Because of the predisposition to weight gain, it’s critical that Hispanic men manage their stress to manage their weight and reduce their risk of serious health conditions down the line.

3. Sexual health

Stress can kill your libido. According to the Cleveland Clinic, exhaustion and common stressors from work, family or life in general can reduce your sex drive because the stress takes your mind off sexual desire. Chronic stress can also interfere with hormone levels, leading to a lower libido. It’s not an unheard-of phenomenon. The MENtion It data shows that three in five Hispanic men are aware that stress can impact their sexual health.

You may not think of it as a facet of overall health, but having a healthy sex life has several benefits. According to the National Council on Aging, sexual activity can help burn calories, strengthen muscles, lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, improve sleep, strengthen your immune system and even relieve headaches.

While sexual dysfunction is incredibly common, many men feel uncomfortable and embarrassed to talk about their issues. This is especially true for Hispanic men because sexual health is closely tied to social and cultural expectations of “machismo” or masculinity.

Perhaps that’s why, when experiencing issues having sex, only a third of Hispanic men saw a medical professional, according to the MENtion It survey. The survey also found that half of Hispanic men said that experiencing issues having sex left them feeling depressed, compared to a third of non-Hispanic men.

Seek help to destress

These are just three of many ways in which stress can impact Hispanic men’s health. See your primary care provider or a mental health professional if you experience physical, mental or sexual health issues.

Seeking help is easier said than done, especially for men. A 2019 study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health found that men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues. Also, the MENtion It survey found that 44% of U.S. men don’t get annual exams and don’t take care of their mental health. Passing the buck on your mental and physical health won’t just impact your health today but can have consequences down the road as well.

If you’re experiencing high levels of stress in your life, it’s time to book an appointment and talk with your doctor about ways to manage your stress. To learn more about the MENtion It survey and other aspects of Hispanic men’s health, visit clevelandclinic.org/MENtionIt.

2023-09-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Employers and workers see a world filled with uncertainty and change — from conversations about AI and automation replacing or helping certain job fields to questions around which skills are needed to thrive in an economy shaped by continuous technological change.

One vital way for employees to improve how well they do their jobs and prepare to advance their careers is by upskilling — known as the process of expanding or developing new skills to better perform in a current job or improve career prospects.

A new survey, “Closing the Activation Gap: Converting Potential to Performance by Upskilling the Workforce,” reveals how significant barriers to upskilling persist, resulting in fewer women and people of color having access to the skills they need, despite many organizations working to upskill the workforce. The research, conducted by Reputation Leaders and sponsored by DeVry University, provides an in-depth look at American workers and their growing interest in skills development, which is critical for employee career advancement, as well as for business growth and economic competitiveness.

Unequal access and opportunity

The study on upskilling found that women face persistent barriers, showing men are much more likely to report having access to upskilling (73%) than women (56%). This lack of access leaves women at risk of leaving their current employer at twice the rate of men, with 28% reporting they feel stuck in their positions and less able to advance in their careers. On top of that, women cite a lack of time and family priorities as barriers to learning.

Also, according to the survey, people of color have the most interest in upskilling, but the least access. The survey found that 80% of Black and 71% of Hispanic workers who do not have access to company-paid upskilling would be very or extremely likely to use it, as opposed to 62% of white workers.

Although 66% of Black, Hispanic, and AAPI workers acknowledge upskilling as necessary for future career development, only 42% currently access company-paid upskilling. This is due in part to systemic barriers — with an average of 37% of Black, Hispanic and AAPI workers agreeing that workplace bias creates impediments to their upskilling goals.

The “say/do” gap

This research further indicates that too many American employees are falling through a “say/do gap” — they say ongoing focused skills development is essential to their careers, but do not actually participate. Even with employers (97%) and employees (96%) unanimously agreeing that upskilling is essential to professional success, employers and employees alike acknowledge they could be doing more to take advantage of skills development opportunities or to support access to those opportunities.

Only 1 in 3 workers think employers live up to their responsibility to prepare American workers for the future workplace, while employers estimate that only half (51%) of workers use company-paid upskilling offered to them. As the “say/do” gap expands and the labor market undergoes transformations that demand new skill sets, employers and workers must address the systemic obstacles keeping workers from accessing critical opportunities for career growth.

“Especially for workers of color and women, the barriers to upskilling make the gap between how they might want to upskill and being able to make that happen even wider,” said DeVry University’s Chief Inclusion, Belonging and Equity Officer Veronica Calderon. “This puts employers and employees alike at a disadvantage as the world of work and technology continues to evolve.”

Finding solutions

A failure to develop a future-ready workforce will have far-reaching, negative effects on productivity, efficiency and economic growth in the U.S. To address the now obvious say/do gap, workers and employers must take action.

Educational institutions, such as DeVry, with flexible and customized programs for learners, can help provide more opportunities for upskilling in a wide variety of fields. In addition, the university’s workforce solutions division, DeVryWorks, marries worker and employer needs to identify and deliver learning solutions.

“Today’s jobs economy is evolving at a rapid rate, so the ability for workers to adapt means the difference between career and business success and stagnation,” said Scarlett Howery, vice president, Public Workforce Solutions at DeVry. “Continued skills development and growth is essential not just for employees to excel, but for the continued success of any business or organization.”

Learn about educational opportunities in your chosen career field at DeVry.edu.