Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re setting out on your next big travel adventure, security and safety might be the last thing on your mind. But every now and then, something is bound to go wrong when you’re far away from home. Scammers, fraudsters and thieves are known to take advantage of travelers distracted by taking in the sights, eating delicious foods and exploring new cities.

To help you reduce your risk of issues and make the most of your vacation, Visa offers the following tips for keeping yourself and your information safe and secure.

1. Secure your home before you leave

A home that looks vacant is the most promising for burglars. Be sure to lock all your windows and doors, but make it look like someone is still around by:

• Keeping a light on that can be seen through your windows at night.
• Holding your newspaper and mail. Piled-up papers is a sign that nobody’s home.
• Telling a neighbor about your plans and asking them to keep an eye on your home.

2. Protect your personal information and data

Flights, hotels, food and more — there are so many transactions involved in traveling. And more transactions mean more opportunities for fraudsters to gain access to your sensitive data. A recent Visa poll found that over half (58%) of travelers reported they were concerned about the possibility of fraud on their credit or debit cards while traveling.

New breakthroughs in user protection and payment security help make your transactions more secure. Digital payment methods and solutions like virtual cards continue to make it easier and safer to do everything from purchasing plane tickets to splitting the check at dinner.

There are few things you can do to help keep your information safe:

• Keep personal information to yourself.
• Do not click on links in emails before verifying that they’ll take you where they say they will.
• Turn on purchase alerts for your credit and debit cards to provide real-time notifications when purchases are made using your account.
• Look up the actual phone number of your credit card company if you need to call — don’t call any phone numbers you see in a potential scam email or text.

3. Make copies of your passport

If you’re traveling abroad, make a few extra copies of your passport for safety. Leave one at home with a trusted family member or friend and take another copy with you — along with your actual passport. While you’re out and about on your trip, keep a paper copy with you while the real thing is securely stored in a hotel safe.

4. Blend in with the locals

The more you look like a tourist, the bigger target you are for criminals. Walk with confidence, even if you don’t know exactly where you’re going. If you need to look up directions, step into a shop or café instead of staring at your phone out on the street. Even better, plan your day ahead of time and look up your directions before leaving your hotel for the day. Make an effort to visit local small businesses while on your trip to truly take in the culture like a local.

5. Beware of public Wi-Fi

Although convenient, public Wi-Fi networks can be a big safety hazard when it comes to your secure information. Joining a public network with your phone or computer opens your device to hackers. Instead, use a VPN service to create a secure connection when using the internet on an open connection.

Before you embark on your next trip, follow these tips to invest in your safety. Traveling with less risk and more confidence will be well worth your time and energy.

2023-03-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve ever purchased a home, you’ve probably at least considered a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. It’s the most popular type of mortgage loan in the U.S. But this wasn’t always the case. The 30-year mortgage was a product of the Great Depression — and the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which was formed more than 90 years ago to help increase homeownership in America, was a key player in bringing it to fruition.

The FHLBank System was created by the federal government in 1932 to promote mortgage lending by thrifts and insurance companies in response to the economic devastation of the Great Depression. Previously, mortgages typically could be “called due” after three to five years if the bank didn’t choose to extend, resulting in the demand for a balloon payment. Obviously, this would wreak havoc during a financial crisis, and the new FHLBank System began working to support the creation of a true 30-year fixed-rate, fully amortizing mortgage loan (meaning a loan with the principal and interest paid down via equal payments over the life of the loan), that would provide more stability for everyone.

Today, the 11 regional FHLBanks continue to support homeownership and mortgage market stability by providing member financial institutions with reliable liquidity — the ability to quickly access cash when it’s needed — in the form of low-cost loans, which in turn facilitate lending at the community level. FHLBank System lending benefits lenders, homeowners and local communities in three key ways.

• Providing consistent, low-cost liquidity that reduces the cost of borrowing for both businesses and consumers. Lenders need money to lend, and the less they are required to pay for the money they lend (referred to as liquidity), the greater the savings they can pass on to borrowers. Although the FHLBank System is overseen by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the FHLBanks themselves are private cooperatives owned and supplied with capital by their members, receiving no government funding. As cooperatives, they pay no income tax, have moderate overhead, and the loans to members are low risk because they are fully collateralized. As a result, the FHLBanks are able to offer low-interest loans that help reduce the overall cost of borrowing — saving homeowners as much as $17 billion in interest payments each year, according to a recent University of Wisconsin study.

• Enabling community lenders to keep loans on their books. The ability of member institutions to obtain liquidity through loans from their FHLBank using mortgages and mortgage-backed securities as collateral gives community lenders the confidence to provide mortgage loans and hold mortgages long term rather than selling them on the secondary market. When local lenders keep home loans on their books and service them from start to finish, borrowers benefit as well, since their banker is better able to get to know their particular situation and work with them if their circumstances change suddenly. “We saw the clear benefit of this approach during the Great Recession,” said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “Borrowers still need to be qualified and uphold their obligations, but if we can help people through tough times and they fully repay their loan, that’s far better — for them, for their bank or credit union, and for the community as a whole — than letting them default and lose their home.”

• Boosting community lending. Low-cost liquidity enables community lenders to invest in mortgage-backed securities, making more money available for home loans generally, and also levels the playing field, allowing community lenders to better compete with larger institutions and giving them more opportunity to draw on their deep knowledge of local credit needs. When local institutions have access to the liquidity they need, they can more effectively respond as the credit needs of their community evolve. Ultimately this results in more home, business, and economic development lending that grows local economies.

You may never have heard of the FHLBanks, but they play an important behind-the-scenes role in keeping money flowing within the mortgage lending and banking system, making sure that community lenders have the liquidity they need to support housing finance and community investment. While the housing and financial markets are in constant evolution, and housing affordability continues to be a critical concern across the country, the FHLBanks’ efforts — from the initial work facilitating a true 30-year mortgage to helping keep local lenders in our communities today — have played a pivotal role in fueling community lending and helped millions of families achieve their dream of homeownership.

2023-03-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – According to leading real estate website Zillow, a functional outdoor space is the most sought-after amenity among today’s homebuyers. For homeowners looking to make the most of their outdoor spaces this year, following are six trends expected to shape backyards in 2023:

1. Light Neutrals

Light, neutral hues are permeating home design inside and out due to their ability to create a sense of calm and serenity. Providing the perfect foundation for an on-trend outdoor space is Trex Transcend^® Lineage^™. This low-maintenance composite decking delivers an elevated aesthetic with heat-mitigating technology to reflect the sun and keep boards cooler underfoot.

2. Mixed Materials

Gone are the days of matchy-matchy monotony. Today’s homeowners are embracing eclectic design schemes with lots of visual interest created by juxtaposing materials like concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone — as well as mixing colors and patterns for added personality and visual intrigue.

3. Sustainable Selections

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” but a meaningful requirement among increasingly eco-conscious consumers. Made from 95% recycled materials, Trex^® composite decking is an eco-friendly choice that outperforms and outlasts natural wood.

4. Stylish Seclusion

More than a quarter of all Zillow listings highlight privacy as a selling point. This penchant for stylish seclusion is driving demand for fencing, pergolas, privacy panels and lattice, which create a sense of sanctuary with products that are visually appealing, durable and easy to maintain.

5. Mood Lighting

Rising inflation will have homeowners looking for small investments that make a big impact. From candles and string lights to fire features and deck lighting, a little illumination can completely change the look and feel of an outdoor space without breaking the bank.

6. Added Function and Value

Make the most of your outdoor space by optimizing the area beneath the deck. With an under-deck drainage system, this space can be used for storage or as a bonus living area. RainEscape^® is an innovative system that accommodates electrical and gas lines to power ceiling fans, lighting, appliances and entertainment components, allowing homeowners to achieve the finished look and function of an interior room.

More outdoor living ideas, tips and inspiration can be found at Trex.com.

2023-03-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – When winter storms, hurricanes and other severe weather events hit and knock out power, having a portable generator can make a power outage more tolerable. However, many people are unaware that portable generators can pose fatal risks.

When operated incorrectly a portable generator can create a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that can kill in mere minutes. Known as the invisible killer, CO is a colorless and odorless gas. When exposed, a person can become unconscious before noticing CO-poisoning symptoms, including nausea, dizziness or weakness, which can lead to death.

In the U.S., an average of 85 people die each year from CO poisoning from portable generators. According to a recent study from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), African Americans are especially vulnerable, accounting for 23% of generator-related CO deaths, nearly double their estimated share of the U.S. population.

To help prevent CO poisoning during a power outage, CPSC urges consumers to follow these nine simple tips to operate a portable generator safely.

Never operate indoors

Portable generators should never be operated inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or shed. Opening doors or windows will not provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal CO levels. Always operate a generator outdoors.

Don’t operate close to home

A portable generator should be at least 20 feet away from the house. Do not operate a generator on an outside porch or in a carport. They are too close to the home.

Direct exhaust away from buildings

Remember to direct the generator’s exhaust away from the home and any other buildings that someone could enter. Also, close windows and other openings in the path of the generator’s exhaust.

Keep vents clear

During winter, clear snow away from the outside vents for fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces and boilers so that dangerous carbon monoxide does not build up in the house.

Invest in CO and smoke alarms

Working CO and smoke alarms save lives! Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on each level of your home and outside separate sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best because when one sounds, they all sound.

Regularly test alarms

Every month, test your CO and smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly. Replace batteries as needed.

Be safe rather than sorry

Never ignore a CO or smoke alarm when it sounds. Assuming it’s a false alarm can lead to deadly consequences. Get outside immediately, then call 911.

Look for safety features

Not all portable generators are created equal. When choosing a portable generator, look for a CO shut-off safety feature designed to shut the generator off automatically when high levels of CO are present around the generator. Models with this feature may be marketed as PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201 certified, which can reduce CO poisoning deaths by 87% and 100%, respectively. UL 2201 certified models have reduced CO emissions in addition to the CO shut-off feature.

Check for maintenance

Before use, check that the portable generator has been maintained properly. Read and follow the labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner’s manual.

Don’t leave yourself or your family vulnerable to CO poisoning. Using these nine tips, you can keep safe while using a portable generator. To learn more about CO poisoning, visit CPSC.gov, where you can find handy safety information on CO poisoning and how to avoid other deadly storm hazards.

2023-03-15T12:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that your garage door is typically the biggest moving object in your home? Inspecting your garage door to identify any potential issues can go a long way toward ensuring a safe environment for your family. Garage doors are subject to normal wear and tear, and regular maintenance is important to ensure it is operating properly and safely. You could have a hazard on your hands, but the good news is you can make a difference by learning more about how your door works, and what to look for.

That’s why the International Door Association (IDA) promotes awareness in May as Garage Door Safety Month. Homeowners should learn how to perform basic inspections to identify possible safety issues, and when it’s time to call in a professional garage door service technician. The Garage Door Safety Month “Look, Listen, Learn and Remember” program is designed to do just that.

Homeowners looking to ensure a safe garage door should take the following steps:

• Look:
  • Give your garage door a visual inspection by looking at the garage door, the springs, rollers and the door cables to see if you can find any obvious signs of damage or even normal wear and tear.
• Listen:
  • A noisy garage door can mean there is a problem, especially if you haven’t heard anything before. Listen to your door while it’s in operation, without your vehicle running, to hear any scraping or grinding sounds.
• Learn:
  • Garage door and opener manufacturers provide specific safety instructions and maintenance requirements. Learning about your particular door and opener is an important part of safety planning. Learning about simple steps you can take to avoid injury is also important. For example, keep your fingers away from moving parts, especially from in between door sections that can pinch fingers. Keeping garage door remote controls out of the reach of children is another way to keep them safe and keeping the remotes out of sight can also help deter theft. Most important, do not try to repair or service your own door. This is not a DIY project and can be dangerous, so make sure to call a professional.
• Remember:
  • If anything seems out of place, remember to call in a trained service professional. Garage door technicians are trained to safely work on garage doors and openers.

Garage Door Safety Month is a reminder to homeowners to take a few minutes to look, listen, learn and remember. If anything needs attention, always contact a trained professional garage door service company. For information on how to find a qualified garage door professional near you visit www.doors.org/garage-door-care/find-a-qualified-professional.

2023-03-14T08:59:00

(BPT) – There’s cleaning, and then there’s spring cleaning. One is basic maintenance — vacuuming, dusting, general tidying — while the other is an intensive overhaul. As seasons shift and temperatures thaw, spring cleaning is a chance to start fresh.

A spring-cleaned house has the power to reenergize and instill a sense of calm and clarity. But what about your life? As we get busy, our lives can end up with a backlog of appointments, projects and to-dos. This might be especially common during the winter months as the busy holiday season or other priorities take over.

Take advantage of brighter days and sweep out the clutter by getting yourself back on task. Here are a few ways in which you can “spring clean your life” and take advantage of your AARP member benefits available to support them.

Prioritize Your Health

Whether you canceled appointments during the hectic holidays, have been putting off check-ups or are avoiding a nagging ailment, it’s time to spring clean for better health. Many of us are more sedentary during the winter months, making the new season a great time to check in with your primary care provider to establish a baseline or get any lingering issues checked.

If you’re on Medicare and are searching for a primary care provider, Oak Street Health is a primary care provider specializing in older adults with a team of doctors, nurses and other professionals dedicated to keeping you well at more than 160 centers across 21 states. Oak Street Health offers same-day appointments when available, in-center events and more.

Heighten Your Senses

The sights and sounds of chirping birds and children playing are some of spring’s simple pleasures. It’s a good idea to get your eyes and ears checked — two frequently avoided appointments — to ensure you can enjoy them clearly.

With AARP® Hearing Solutions provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing, you can take a free hearing test online to determine if you might benefit from a hearing aid. If you do need a hearing aid, AARP members can save 20% on hearing aids and 15% on accessories, plus enjoy personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.

With AARP® Vision Care provided by EyeMed, providers can check for any underlying eye issues while also making sure your prescription is up to date. If it is time for new glasses, with AARP® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, members and their families receive exclusive discounts at participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide, as well as online. You save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and you save an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Get Planning

Planning for the future can be hard when there’s so much to think about today, but preparation is peace of mind. When it comes to estate planning — setting up a plan that establishes who will eventually receive your assets and how you want your affairs to be handled — less than half of Americans has one. Take the stress out of planning with Trust & Will, a secure and easy-to-use online estate planning platform. You get access to top-rated member support, free shipping, and one year of unlimited updates. As an AARP member, you receive a 10% discount on trusts, wills and estate planning documents.

As we think about future affairs, it’s a good idea to consider the lifestyle you seek as you age. Approximately 70 percent of Americans who reach age 65 will need some long-term care at some point in their life, and nearly half will need some sort of paid assistance. You can help prepare for it with long-term care insurance. AARP members have access to custom options to help protect your assets, maintain your lifestyle and prepare for the future within your budget.

Tackle Your To-Dos

By the end of the year, the to-do list can be a lengthy article. Tap into spring fever and get doing! There’s no time like the present to fix the broken cabinet or creaky step, replace that lightbulb, assemble the furniture that’s been sitting in boxes or finally hang all those pictures. Porch Home Services is a resource that can help with tackling a variety of home projects like these. AARP members can always save 5% on small jobs completed by a Porch handyman, get enhanced property protection for small jobs and major home improvements, and get complimentary access to a dedicated Porch Home Assistant team. And for a limited time, when you buy one Porch handyman service you get a second select service for free.

Spring cleaning is a worthwhile endeavor, but its impact is the greatest when it extends beyond household maintenance and into “life cleaning.” By getting your health on track, your affairs in order and your to-do list whittled down, you’ll have the energy and focus to forge ahead. And the best thing is, if life gets cluttered again, springtime presents yet another opportunity to refresh, and AARP has member benefits to help make it easy.

Neither AARP nor its affiliates is the insurer. AARP and its affiliates are not insurance producers, agents or brokers, and do not sell or service insurance products. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2023-03-15T09:45:00

(BPT) – Balancing beauty with practicality is a common challenge when renovating and upgrading a home. This desire to marry personal style with purpose was evident at the 2023 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). Designers are creating concepts and products to make life easier while adding visually appealing elements. Popular trends especially cater to tech-savvy homeowners looking for innovative products that can make their home lives more convenient.

If you want to create a home that combines personal style with practicality, check out five top home trends for 2023 and beyond.

1. Wide open spaces

Homeowners are looking for ways to create more space in their homes to increase their square footage and functionality. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 74 percent of homeowners want to tear down walls to open up the kitchen to other areas of the home. These open spaces allow for rooms to have multiple functions. Whether you want to work, learn, entertain or relax, opening up the design and architecture of your home will make it easier to flow throughout your day.

2. Design and function

There’s no need to choose between beauty and practicality. Today’s modern appliance brands are finding the intersection of design and function for homeowners who want the best of both worlds. The latest counter depth refrigerators are great examples of how you don’t have to sacrifice space for design or vice versa.

One such sleek, stainless-steel fridge from LG offers maximum food storage in a small footprint, creating a more stylish kitchen that sits flush with cabinetry and offers a built-in look. Thanks to “InstaView” technology, you can check the inside without opening the refrigerator door by knocking twice on the elegant mirror-coated glass panel that illuminates, reducing cold air loss.

This refrigerator can also keep food fresh longer with advanced cooling technologies. With its convertible drawer featuring adjustable dividers and five temperature settings, there’s plenty of space and flexibility to store and preserve your favorite foods.

3. Sustainability matters

Like many other industries, sustainability is a popular trend for kitchens. According to a 2023 Kitchen Trends survey by Houzz, 92 percent of homeowners are incorporating sustainable features when renovating kitchens. From LED lights to water-efficient fixtures and Energy Star certified appliances, homeowners are looking for ways to make more environmentally friendly choices in their homes.

Sustainability goes beyond efficiency of natural resources and both homeowners and designers are taking that into account. Most of the designers surveyed at KBIS said that, when recommending products, they oftentimes consider the manufacturer’s sustainability practices.

4. Steam power

Many appliances showcased at KBIS 2023 harness the power of steam. From steam ovens to steam closets, companies are innovating appliances to make a homeowner’s day-to-day life cleaner and tidier with minimal fuss.

For example, sneakerheads and shoe lovers will appreciate the LG Styler ShoeCare and ShoeCase, which offers a novel way to clean, organize and display footwear. ShoeCare uses steam technology to sterilize and deodorize shoes inside and out. Whether leather, suede or sports footwear, you’ll find the right controls to refresh your shoes between uses.

Meanwhile, the Styler ShoeCase offers a modern, streamlined shoe storage solution to organize and display your shoe collection. Transparent panels allow users to display and store their footwear in an ideal environment that protects against humidity and fabric-decolorating UV light. When combined, you’ll have a total shoe care solution that extends the life of your shoes while providing convenient storage.

5. Space and versatility

Space and versatility are top of mind to homeowners. According to a recent survey, homeowners said their dream kitchen remodel focuses on increasing space, with 50 percent of respondents saying they were specifically looking for an extra-large refrigerator.

A larger fridge doesn’t just mean more room. It also means more flexibility for food storage. For example, one luxury brand, Signature Kitchen Suite, has leaned into this trend by launching the industry’s first 48-inch French-door refrigerator. It offers a combination of spacious capacity, preservation technology to ensure food freshness, smart organization and a sleek design. It’s also equipped ThinQ Care technology that proactively monitors the appliance and alerts homeowners if needed.

Are you ready to start on your kitchen upgrades? You’ll be ahead of the curve in style and functionality by incorporating a couple (or all!) of these trends into your home renovations.

2023-03-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by GSK — Thomas, an African American man, shares his multiple myeloma story: from diagnosis at a young age to continued treatment to his role in clinical trials and as an advocate. This is his personal story, and others may be different. Thomas is a paid spokesperson for GSK.

Thomas’ story

At 34 years old, Thomas’ world changed forever. As the youngest of 11 siblings and father to 3 young children at the time, he was busy staying active in the gym, working and spending time with loved ones. While on a family vacation, a radiating pain from his shoulder led him down a path he never could have imagined for himself — he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Upon arriving home from his family vacation, Thomas immediately saw his family physician for his shoulder pain and was diagnosed with bursitis in his shoulder. Bursitis is the painful swelling of the fluid-filled pads that cushion the joints. The diagnosis didn’t sit right with him — he knew there was more going on with his body. He persisted and contacted a sports medicine specialist, underwent tests and learned that his pain was caused by cancerous plasma cells in his shoulder blades, known as plasmacytoma.

After being referred to an oncologist and undergoing initial radiation treatment, Thomas noticed the pain returning, this time in his lower back. It was then that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and his journey with continued treatment and advocacy began.

Navigating the trials and tribulations of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a disease that starts in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that normally fights infections. It is the second most common blood cancer in the US[i] with more than 34,000 people estimated to be diagnosed this year.[ii] This type of cancer is generally considered treatable, but not curable.[i] African Americans are disproportionately affected by multiple myeloma and are two to three times as likely to be diagnosed when compared with non-Hispanic Whites.[iii]

When Thomas was first diagnosed, he was scared about what this diagnosis meant for his future, but he refused to become a statistic. Following his initial radiation treatment for multiple myeloma, he underwent an autologous stem cell transplant — a standard treatment option for newly diagnosed patients. An autologous stem cell transplant removes the patient’s own stem cells from the bone marrow or blood where they are returned following chemotherapy and sometimes radiation.[iv] After just two months, he relapsed, meaning his disease returned.

Unfortunately, for multiple myeloma patients this is not uncommon, even after responding positively to treatment. For many, there’s also the possibility that their disease stops responding to a treatment, which is known as refractory multiple myeloma.

Still hopeful, Thomas made the decision to enroll in two clinical trials. He realized that participation in clinical trials wasn’t just important for him — it was for all of the people who would be diagnosed after him, particularly for those within the African American community, as this group is historically underrepresented in clinical trials.[v]

During the clinical trials, Thomas received allogenic stem cell transplants, meaning the patient receives stem cells from another person, who is closely matched to the patient’s cell type, which may be better at fighting the cancer.[iv] In Thomas’ case, he received donor stem cells from his brother.

Thomas understood the importance of equitable representation and a care team who could help him seek out available clinical trials. He noted that while many don’t realize it, participation in clinical trials isn’t just for those who have had a failed treatment — some trials exist to see how long treatment can work or to help determine the right dose of a drug.

Strength in numbers

Thomas is incredibly open about the impact of his care team on his experience with multiple myeloma. He has a very close relationship with his oncologist who specializes in hematologic conditions, such as multiple myeloma. When he was first diagnosed, her involvement in the International Myeloma Working Group, an organization that conducts research to improve outcomes for myeloma patients and provides consensus guidelines for the global community, allowed Thomas to access resources and information that he may not have had otherwise. He also gives credit to his oncology nurses, who were an integral part of his day-to-day treatment and were there when he needed more support and answers to questions regarding his diagnosis and treatment.

Beyond his core medical team, Thomas has access to a social worker who helps him make sure that he is not only taking care of his physical health, but his mental health too. His social worker has been an important resource for Thomas, especially when he started his work as an advocate, speaking at events and meeting other patients like him through multiple myeloma support groups.

Thomas also leans on his strong circle of friends and family who he can rely on, vent to and count on to get him out of “the myeloma universe.” For him, this is just as important as the medical interventions.

A message for his community

As a Black man who was diagnosed at a young age, it has been especially important for Thomas to connect with his community and share information about multiple myeloma and the early signs and symptoms to look out for. African Americans have an earlier onset of diagnosis, which was the case for Thomas, and tend to experience conditions that could be an indicator of the disease, such as hypertension or high blood pressure.[vi] Some other common symptoms of the disease include bone pain (most often in the back, hips and skull), high blood levels of calcium and low blood counts, which can lead to other symptoms such as anemia.[vii]

Although it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, Thomas encourages those in his community to have open conversations with their loved ones to understand their health history and genetic risk. Learning the signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma, as well as potential risk factors, can help with early detection and determining how best to treat it.

In his own words, Thomas’ experience with multiple myeloma was “another test to his testimony.” Despite his diagnosis testing his strength and resiliency, both physically and mentally, Thomas’ advocacy work has allowed him to bring his joy to others in ways he never imagined. He founded the Triangle Area Support Group, a group focused on supporting and educating patients and their loved ones faced with multiple myeloma. He is grateful for the opportunity to be an advocate for those in the multiple myeloma community and hopes that his story inspires and empowers people to learn more about multiple myeloma, including their risk factors, treatment options and resources.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, reach out to organizations such as International Myeloma Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, HealthTree Foundation, or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to find a support group in your area. You can learn more about multiple myeloma and how GSK is working to get ahead of the disease for patients here.

Trademarks are property of their respective owners.

©2023 GSK or licensor. MMUCOCO230001 March 2023 Produced in USA.

ⁱ Kazandjian D. Seminars in Oncology. 2016;43(6):676-681.

ⁱⁱ American Cancer Society. Cancer facts & figures 2023. Accessed February 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all-cancer-facts-figures/2023-cancer-facts-figures.html

ⁱⁱⁱ Dong J, et al. Blood Cancer Journal. 2022;12(2).

^iv Cancer.org. Stem Cell Transplant for Multiple Myeloma. Published 2017. Accessed February 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/treating/stem-cell-transplant.html

^v Awidi M, et al. JCO Oncology Practice. 2021;17(5):265-271.

^vi Cancer.org. Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans. Accessed February 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/cancer-facts-figures-for-african-americans.html

^vii Cancer.org. Signs and Symptoms of Multiple Myeloma. Published 2018. Accessed February 22, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html

2023-03-10T09:11:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Hormel Foods Sales, LLC.

Whether you’re a parent, college student or working adult, there’s never enough time in the day to do everything you need and want to do. When you’re short on time, it can be difficult to make meals at home, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for takeout or grab-and-go options.

With a little bit of planning, you can have convenient meals and snacks that you can make quickly or in advance of your busy week. Check out these four food hacks that will help you save time and enjoy delicious foods for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack.

1. Food prep

Instead of cooking meals every day, set aside time Sunday to make food for the week. Pick a few meals, gather the ingredients and start prepping.

Some meals may be easier to cook and store in the refrigerator or freezer. For others, it may make more sense to prepare and cook later. For example, you can prepare a pasta bake or casserole and store it so you can pop it in the oven right before dinner.

If you enjoy salads for lunch or veggies for snacks, make sure to wash and cut your veggies in advance for convenient meals and munchies during the week.

2. Top your meal off with bacon

Bacon isn’t just for breakfast. You can top salads with bacon or add it to your sandwiches for extra protein for lunch and dinner, or grab it anytime hunger hits. If you want to have crispy bacon at any time with easy prep and cleanup, keep microwave-ready bacon on hand to upgrade any meal or enjoy simply as a snack.

HORMEL^® BLACK LABEL^® Microwave Ready Bacon is the ultimate hack for people looking to add time back in their day with minimal prep and little to no mess. This conveniently packaged raw bacon is easy to make thanks to its specially designed pouch that perfectly crisps bacon in the microwave. In about 2 1/2 minutes, you’ll have deliciously, crispy bacon with basically no cleanup. You can learn more about HORMEL^® BLACK LABEL^® Microwave Ready Bacon at Hormel.com.

3. One-pot meals

Meals that you can make in just one pot or pan not only save time but also reduce cleaning time. Whether you make a stir-fry, chicken chili, risotto, paella or curry, you’ll have a well-balanced meal that includes carbs, proteins and veggies without having to prepare them separately in different cooking vessels.

You can easily feed your whole family with a one-pot dish and still have leftovers for future meals. Or, if you’re cooking for yourself, you can make a batch, portion it out and store your one-pot meal as part of your weekly meal prep and planning.

4. Smoothies

Like one-pot meals, smoothies provide a convenient way to get all your nutrients quickly and with minimal fuss and mess. You can make a green smoothie with veggies and protein powder or a fruit smoothie with frozen berries and yogurt and top it with granola for some extra crunch and fiber.

Depending on what kind of blender you have, you may be able to make and drink the smoothie without needing to pour it into a separate container. Some models come with portable blender cups so you can make your meal in the same container you’ll drink it from at home or on the go. You can prepare a smoothie for a quick breakfast, as a post-workout meal or whenever you’re in the mood for a cold and refreshing snack.

Make your workweek easier and more delicious. Using these four tips, you can make sure you always have home-cooked meals even when you’re pressed for time.

2023-03-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Many people resolve to be better about their finances at the beginning of the year, but following through can be challenging, especially when you want to celebrate the people you love and have fun throughout the year.

You don’t have to tackle your finances on your own. Check out these three tips and tools to help you plan for activities on a budget in 2023.

1. Plan ahead and set a budget

This year, take some time to look at the coming months and mark major holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, concerts and vacations in a calendar. Estimate how much you can spend on each event, so when the time comes, you won’t have any surprise expenses and you can avoid going over your budget.

Consider using tools like Chase’s Spending & Budgeting, that provides information on your spending based on the purchases you make and helps you keep track of what you’ve spent to prevent overspending. If your banking app doesn’t have a similar feature, you can download a budget worksheet and keep track of your spending and budget throughout the year.

Get started planning now to save yourself financial stress throughout the year.

2. Set savings goals

A simple way to afford all your fun and celebratory expenses throughout the year is to set savings goals. By putting away money in advance, you can reduce the stress and anxiety of affording your vacations, concerts and even holiday expenses later in the year.

Setting up automated savings is convenient and lets you save without thinking about it. Consider using automated savings tools, like Chase Autosave, that lets you set a goal to automatically transfer money from your Chase checking to your Chase savings account to set and help reach a savings goal for your 2023 activities.

3. Split the cost

If you’re planning a big trip with friends this year, or even just some casual dinners out, use tools to make it easy to quickly split the bill. You can use Zelle^® to send and receive money fast with anyone you know and trust with a U.S. bank account, making it simple to split the costs of a group activity. And, you can even use Zelle^® to ask your friends and family to pay you back for their portion.

Using these three tips, you can better budget for your activities, while improving your finances this year. Additionally, as you make plans, make sure to keep a close eye on your credit. A free and easy way to do so is through Chase Credit Journey in the Chase Mobile app. To learn about these financial tools and more, visit Chase.com/Mobile.

Disclosure:

Enrollment in Zelle^® is required. Both parties need a U.S. bank account; only one needs an eligible Chase account. Funds are typically made available in minutes when the recipient’s email address or U.S. mobile number is already enrolled with Zelle^® (go to https://register.zellepay.com to view participating banks). Select transactions could take up to 3 business days. Enroll on the Chase Mobile app or Chase Online^SM. Limitations may apply. Message and data rates may apply.

Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.