Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2022-12-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Every healthcare worker plays a critical role in infection control and protecting their patients, their coworkers and themselves from infectious disease threats in healthcare settings.

Over the past few years, the U.S. healthcare system and healthcare workers faced unprecedented challenges — highlighting the need to better support healthcare workers in preventing infections.

In order to address the longstanding gaps in infection control knowledge and practice, there are challenges left to overcome. These challenges include disparities in infection control expertise among the current healthcare workforce, structural gaps in infection control training and education, a lack of understanding in educational approaches for healthcare workers, and the framing of infection control as a combination of rules, policies and procedures.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the vital role each worker plays in making health care safer for everyone, and that they deserve education tailored to their learning needs and preferences. Through Project Firstline, a national education and training collaborative, the CDC offers resources that take into consideration the following 4 strategies to improve infection control knowledge and practice:

1. Listen to healthcare workers

Healthcare workers need infection control education and training that resonates with their lived experience and addresses their needs. Project Firstline resources are developed with healthcare workers, specifically for healthcare workers.

2. Appreciate the value of every healthcare worker and the role they play in infection control

Healthcare workers have shown that they are crucial in protecting patients and preventing the spread of infections. Applying infection control actions consistently and confidently — every person, every action, every day — saves lives. That’s why Project Firstline develops resources that are accessible to all healthcare workers, regardless of their previous training or background knowledge.

3. Recognize and acknowledge healthcare burnout and trauma

Healthcare workers have experienced an exceptional increase in burnout and trauma over the last few years. To meet the needs of healthcare workers, infection control training materials must consider workers’ limited bandwidth and meet them where they are. CDC’s Project Firstline offers training materials in the form of bite-sized content that is tailored for practice and on-the-go use for integration into the workday.

4. Commit to healthcare equity

Educational resources and dissemination methods should be adapted to meet the needs of a diverse healthcare workforce. Project Firstline collaborators create translated resources for those who speak Spanish and multiple Asian languages.

Healthcare leaders seeking tools and resources to engage healthcare workers in infection control trainings can download and use Project Firstline’s free materials. Resources and tools are now also available in Spanish.

To find out more, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/projectfirstline/healthcare.html.

2022-12-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – In the market to sell your car? These days, there are multiple ways you can sell or trade your vehicle, so it’s hard to know the best approach. Before you’re ready to sell, however, put your car in the best possible light so you can make a sale you’ll be happy with.

Here are tips to help increase your car’s value in the eyes of potential buyers before putting your car on the market.

1. Gather your car’s records

Put together every document related to your car, including the title, insurance information and records of maintenance and repairs, to make sure you’re prepared for any questions the dealer may have. If you haven’t kept all the maintenance records but regularly use the same dealership or repair shop, they may be able to help provide you with a summary of your vehicle’s maintenance history. Showing you’ve kept up on vehicle maintenance may improve how your car is perceived by a buyer.

2. Clean it up

Nobody wants to buy a dirty car, so make sure you take your car in for a thorough car wash and clean it well, both inside and out. If you’re not the best at cleaning and vacuuming out the car yourself, consider taking it to a professional detailer to get your vehicle in tip-top shape before selling.

3. Tend to maintenance, recalls and minor repairs

If it’s been a while since you’ve had an oil change, tire rotation or inspection, bring your vehicle in now and keep a record of everything you have done. Make sure you’re up to date an any outstanding recalls for the vehicle. Spending a little bit of money now can make you more money in the future — even little things like replacing the cabin air filter or installing new wiper blades send the message that you take good care of your vehicle. If there are issues like dents, scratches or brake pads that should be replaced soon that you don’t have time or money to fix right now, be honest with potential buyers. They will appreciate knowing what needs attention and will trust you more for being up front with them.

4. Take great pictures

To make sure your car looks its best in photos, follow this advice:

• Use a newer smartphone to take pics, or a high-quality camera
• Wash the car right before your photo shoot
• Photograph in a park or an empty parking lot away from other cars, with no visual distractions. Don’t include people in photos.
• Take pictures during the daytime, either early morning or late afternoon. Make sure the sun is behind you, not behind the car.
• Photograph numerous angles: front, side, back, 3/4 angle (from driver’s front corner and passenger’s rear corner), inside the engine (be sure it’s cleaned) and the interior.
• Highlight special features and include the shifter, dashboard and odometer (with lighting on, so buyers can verify mileage).
• Try shots both from eye level and headlight level, and use as many photos as you can on the platform where you’re selling.

5. Find an easy, stress-free way to sell your car

Not sure where to start? One great option that’s easy to use from the comfort of your home is Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer from the experts on car pricing. The online tool calculates a redeemable offer for a specific amount to purchase your car, or to apply the amount toward another car if you want to trade it in. Anyone can access Instant Cash Offer for free — simply enter your car’s information, and the tool connects you with a local dealer. The offer you receive will be based on specific elements of your car, including installed options, specific condition (such as dents and mechanical issues) and local market demand. The offer is valid for seven days and can be immediately redeemed during business hours at any participating dealer, pending inspection.

Ready to sell? Enter your car’s information at KBB.com/instant-cash-offer to see your offer.

2022-12-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – As you start working your way through your holiday gift list this year, don’t forget about your feline family members. Just like people, cats appreciate the novelty of a fun new toy or other delightful surprises, and they’ll appreciate the efforts you make to bring a little holiday joy into their lives.

“Similar to people, cats can get a bit bored,” says Dr. Annie Valuska. “But the good news is, there are plenty of easy ways to keep your cat curious, playful and content.”

Valuska offers these great gift ideas for cats:

1. Playful presents for the ultimate predator

Cats love to stalk, chase and pounce, so consider different toys that they can bat around, clutch, kick or carry, such as balls or small stuffed toys (avoid toys with yarn and string that can be easily swallowed). Some cats love to catch their toys and stay put, while others are intrigued by toys that move or make noise. Have fun trying different toys to learn which your cat likes best and enjoy some bonding time together.

2. Special extras to enhance meals

Even cats with the most discerning of palettes won’t be able to resist an occasional snack or flavorful wet food meal topper. One great option is Friskies’ Lil’ Shakes blended with a lil’ coconut milk, meant to serve as a meal topper or yummy snack by itself between meals. With no artificial colors or preservatives, adding this pureed complement to your cat’s complete and balanced diet also helps support healthy hydration.

3. A comfy bed for napping

Cats love a cozy spot, so a new cat bed is another good gift choice that your four-legged friend may appreciate. Some cats might also prefer an open versus enclosed bed, so think about what your cat likes best. If your cat doesn’t warm up to it at first, pay attention to location. Some cats prefer a spot that’s quiet — but not too far from where the humans are hanging out — and that’s nice and warm, or even sunny.

4. Fun app for cats

Cats are naturally curious, so bring out their playful side with an enriching high-tech activity. Download the Friskies’ Cat Fishing 2 app on your phone or tablet, place on a flat surface and hit play to see your cat prowl and play, all while earning points along the way. The digital game is crafted with cats in mind, stocked with sounds to keep their interest and schools of fish to keep them clawing back for more.

5. Furniture for climbing and scratching

Cats have a need to scratch, jump and climb. To help them meet their needs while protecting human furniture, provide your kitty with a scratching pad and/or tower that can satisfy their urges, while also giving them fun places to explore and hang out. Just as with cat beds, think about the best placement for these items — either near the furniture you’d rather they don’t scratch, or close to one of their favorite hangout spots — and experiment with different locations if they’re not using the item at first.

Your cats are an important part of your life, so it’s wonderful to gift them special toys, treats and foods that enhance their daily life. This list is sure to make your cat feel extra special this holiday season and beyond.

2022-12-05T11:01:00

(BPT) – Pet parents understand the weight of responsibility to protect their furry friends, but unfortunately, accidents do sometimes happen. In the U.S., a pet receives medical care every 2.5 seconds, and 1 in 3 pets need emergency veterinary treatments every year, according to MetLife Pet Insurance.

Even the most vigilant pet parents have to contend with pet emergencies. Check out some of the most astonishing pet accidents of 2022 — and some tips about how you can help avoid these as we enter 2023.

• Digesting something dangerous: A 2-year-old Bichon mix ate a sugar-free apple cobbler made with xylitol, which is dangerous for dogs. At first, she seemed all right but began vomiting the next day and declined rapidly. When she arrived at the emergency hospital, her prognosis was very poor. However, after eight days of supportive care, she fully recovered and survived!
• Common household concerns: A 9-month-old kitten hid in a large comforter unbeknownst to his pet parent, who had set it to dry on high heat. The kitten was stuck in the dryer for 10 minutes before they heard him yelping for help. They immediately rushed him to the emergency vet, and he was kept at the hospital overnight for observation. Luckily for the kitten, there did not appear to be any lasting damage from his eventful trip in the dryer, and he was discharged the next day.
• Lingering liquids: A 2-month-old Shih Tzu puppy was caught by his owners licking some Children’s Motrin that spilled on the couch over nine hours earlier in the day. The puppy seemed fine at first, but then he started to vomit. The Pet Poison Hotline advised taking the pet to the emergency hospital. He was hospitalized and monitored for four days, but the puppy recovered and appeared to have no long-term damage from the incident.
• Unfortunate falls: An 8-year-old Pit Bull jumped off a couch and suddenly became paralyzed in her hind end. Her pet parents rushed her to the vet, who diagnosed her with Intervertebral Disc Disease. After receiving surgery to fix her disc herniation, she recovered well and regained motor function.
• Toys that become treacherous: A 7-month-old Standard Poodle was vomiting, lethargic and appeared uncomfortable for two days. A physical exam revealed he was dehydrated, and radiographs showed a foreign object trapped in his stomach. He was transferred to the surgical unit to remove the foreign object, which turned out to be a squeaker toy. He was kept overnight for observation before being sent home to recover with his family.

All of these accidents — while they may seem somewhat crazy — could have happened to any pet owner, and the experience can result in an unexpected, costly bill from the vet. To help avoid having an incident like this in 2023, here are a few tips for pet parents from MetLife Pet Insurance:

1. Prioritize your pet’s health just as you would for a human family member. Pet parents think of their furry companion as part of their family, but it’s important to take action the same way, too. Avoid leaving harmful foods and liquids within your pets’ reach, and watch out for potential choking hazards in your home. This seems simple but can go a long way in protecting your pet for the long-term.

2. Stay active, even in the cold months. Going on frequent walks and encouraging your pet to move around is key to avoiding joint stiffening and can help prevent future mobility issues. This can feel like a challenge during the cold points of the year — for you and your pet — but there are always indoor activities you can play to engage your furry friend.

3. Invest in your pet’s well-being. When accidents happen to your four-legged family member, you’ll want to be covered. A pet insurance policy can help offset some of the costs associated with expensive veterinarian visits — in fact, based on MetLife internal claims data the pet parents who encountered the dangers above saved an average of $5,570 on the treatment and care of their pets!

To learn more and protect your pets in the coming year, visit MetLifePetInsurance.com.

2022-12-05T13:01:00

(BPT) – Are you currently dating or thinking about dating in the new year? You’re not alone, as global research from women-first dating and social networking app Bumble has found that 70% of those surveyed worldwide say they feel positive about the romance ahead.¹

The survey also revealed how dating expectations have changed over the past year. “During the pandemic, people had to throw out their blueprint of who and how they date,” said Shan Boodram, Bumble’s Sex and Relationships Expert. “In 2023, I’m excited to see how the trends evolve as daters continue to lead their search for romantic connections with curiosity and acceptance.”

When it comes to dating in 2023, Bumble suggests we should expect …

1. Open casting: It’s time to do away with the tall, dark and handsome requirements. Unlike ‘typecasting,’ which narrows the search for our physical “type,” more than 1 in 3 (38%) respondents worldwide are now ‘open casting’ — i.e., dating beyond their type.

2. Love-life balance: There’s been a significant shift in how we think about and value work. Gone are the days when job titles and demanding workdays are seen as status symbols. More than half of respondents worldwide (52%) are actively creating more space for breaks and rest, and more than 1 in 10 (13%) will no longer date someone with a very demanding job.

3. Wanderlove: With many people now working remotely, this flexibility in location has also broadened who and where people date, with 1 in 3 (33%) global respondents saying that they are now more open to travel and relationships with people who are not in their current city.

4. Cash-candid dating: The rising cost of living has led to more honest and open conversations about money and dating, with 1 in 4 (28%) global respondents setting financial boundaries for their dating lives. This doesn’t mean that people are dating any less, but rather that they’re changing how they date, with a majority (57%) sharing that they are more interested in casual dates than something fancy or expensive.

Below are some tried-and-true tips as you’re preparing to date ahead of the new year and into Dating Sunday, also known as the first Sunday in the year and typically the busiest day for the online dating industry. “Whether you’re new to online dating or a seasoned veteran and your profile just needs a refresh, these tips can help enhance your profile, all while representing your authentic self,” says Boodram.

• Make your first photo stand out. The best images are recent and also show a slice of your life; if your dog is the center of your world, include a cute snap of you and the pup. Eye contact can also foster the feeling of connection and establish a sense of trust, so show off your smile, your eyes (without sunglasses), and your whole face (without a filter).
• Get specific about yourself. In your bio, try highlighting aspects of your life that make you stand out. If you like to cook, what’s your favorite dish to make? Give specific examples or anecdotes to set yourself apart from other daters, and use these details to create a more colorful narrative of what you’re like.
• When connecting with others, “positivity” and “empathy” go a long way when dating. In fact, data shows that these two are the most important traits for Bumble members worldwide according to those who adopted the “Values and Traits” Interest Badge on the app in 2022.²

If you’re looking for love in the new year, download the Bumble app and take advantage of its many features, including Profile Prompts, Interest Badges and Profile Badges. The app recently launched a suite of features to help its community connect in meaningful ways. With these new features, you can now recommend a profile to a friend directly within the app, or send a compliment on part of someone’s profile before kicking off a potential conversation.

For more data-driven tips, expert advice, and resources to help guide your dating journey in 2023, visit https://bumble.com/the-buzz.

1 Unless otherwise noted, research was conducted by Bumble using internal polling between Oct. 12-Nov. 1, 2022, with a sample of 14,300 Bumble users around the world, including the United States.

2 Based on proprietary insights from the Bumble app.

2022-12-05T08:00:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again. With the holiday season quickly approaching, it can be tough to know what to get for each special person, especially the guy in your life.

Oftentimes, we are left struggling to find something that they would appreciate, let alone actually use. If you’re currently racking your brain to find the perfect gift for that special someone, have no fear because we have outlined gifts for every type of guy (plus a universal one that everyone would like — think of it as a cheat code). Here are some ideas that won’t break the bank.

For the self-care junkie

For the man that prioritizes grooming, things like cologne, body wash, shaving kits and lotion are the way to go. For body wash lovers, give the gift of nice smells with Irish Spring, which offers a diverse line of body washes to fit any guy’s fragrance preferences.

For the gym rat

Gym lovers unite! For the guy that loves to pump some iron, give him gifts like dumbbells, workout clothes, water bottles, yoga mats and pedometers.

For the jetsetter

As the pandemic winds down and travel ramps back up, giving the gift of travel necessities is always a good idea. Things like a new suitcase, travel tags, dopp kits or headphones are always a safe bet.

For the hiking aficionado

While hiking is fun, it requires a great deal of equipment. Give the gift of preparedness by tapping into his love for the outdoors with things like tents, backpacks, mosquito nets, water bottles and bear spray. As a bonus, throw in a bar of Irish Spring soap to help him stay fresh amidst the smelly wilderness. Onwards and upwards!

For the animal lover

Is the man in your life a dog or cat person? Either way, you can never go wrong with giving a gift to his furry friend. Dog (or cat) leashes, food bowls, tug toys and collars are all classic, yet much appreciated, gifts!

For the self-proclaimed entrepreneur

Nothing better than a man with ambition! Set him up for success with a briefcase and some nice stationery and pens. Or go the fancy route and dress him up with a new suit and button-ups. The grind never stops!

When all else fails, you can give the man in your life the gift of 24-hour freshness with Irish Spring’s curated perfect gift set. Between hitting the gym, working all day and running errands, this gift set will give the men in your life a long-lasting, fresh clean. After all, no one wants a stinky man ruining their holiday celebrations.

2022-12-04T12:35:00

(BPT) – Shopping online during the holidays can simplify gift-giving but also leaves you vulnerable to potential fraud. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, thousands of people become victims of holiday scams, robbing them of their personal information, money and holiday spirit.

While you know that online scams happen, you may think it’s unlikely to happen to you. You’re not alone. According to a recent fraud research report, nearly half of those surveyed were confident they could recognize a scam. However, nearly 3 in 4 people typically responded to common terms and phrases fraudsters use in scam emails and texts.

Make sure you’re shopping safely this holiday season by using the following online shopping security tips.

1. Pay securely online

As you shop online, take a moment to look at the website’s URL to ensure that it begins with “https.” The “s” at the end confirms a secure connection. You can also look at the corner of the address bar for a padlock symbol, which shows there is a secure connection between your browser and the website’s server.

For Visa card members, you can use click to pay with Visa for an extra layer of protection. This feature allows online shoppers to quickly, easily and safely finish their holiday purchases. You can rest easy knowing there are multiple layers of security that help protect you from payment fraud.

2. Pay securely in-app

While using the same passwords for your shopping apps may be easier, it is not the safest way to shop this holiday season. If a data break occurs on just one of the apps you use, all your other accounts may also be compromised because they use the same password.

Create a strong, unique password for each account that is hard to guess. Better yet, switch to fingerprint or facial recognition for account login and payments when possible.

3. Look out for phishing scams

Be careful of unsolicited and suspicious emails, texts or phone calls. They may try to steal personal information like your account number, username and password.

Phishing messages tend to use phrases like “act now,” “exclusive deal” and “free gift” to create a sense of urgency and reward, according to the fraud report.

If you receive something that looks and sounds like a phishing scam, don’t click on any links unless you can verify they’ll take you where they say they will.

4. Update system and application software

Has it been a while since you’ve updated your technologies’ software? If so, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to fraudsters while shopping for your friends and family.

Before you begin your online holiday shopping, update the software on your computers, tablets and phones. Installing the latest software helps patch any known vulnerabilities that allow cybercriminals to access your important financial and identity information.

5. Turn on purchase alerts

Purchase alerts are a simple but important security tool. By turning on this feature during your holiday shopping, you’ll receive near real-time notifications of transactions on your account. This can help you confirm legitimate purchases and alert you to potential fraud while you check the last few items off your shopping list.

Using these five simple tips, you can shop safely while making the season jolly and bright for the ones you love. Make this holiday shopping season even safer with Visa. To learn more about how you can shop and pay for gifts safely, visit Visa.com/Security.

2022-12-02T15:04:36

(BPT) – By: Danielle Hambrick, PharmD

As colder weather drives us to spend more time indoors, it’s critical to plan for the spread of respiratory infections and get vaccinated, especially for those who are the most vulnerable — adults over the age of 65 and those with chronic conditions. The Department of Health and Human Services estimated that among seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, receiving COVID-19 primary vaccinations and booster doses resulted in 650,000 fewer hospitalizations for COVID-19 last month and had saved 300,000 lives in 2021.^[1]

Despite the benefits of vaccination, most older adults have not received the updated bivalent booster,^[2] which provides added protection against more recent circulating viral variants.

Keeping older adults safe this winter season should still be a top priority. Here are 5 things seniors should know:

• COVID-19 is still a public health concern
  • Public health officials are expecting another COVID-19 surge this winter as people gather indoors where the virus spreads easier. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases for people over 60, as older people may have weaker immune systems. They also may be more likely to have conditions or diseases which weaken their body’s ability to fight infections, making them more vulnerable to infectious disease^[3] and hospitalizations.
• Vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19
  • The updated bivalent COVID-19 booster provides protection against both the original virus that causes COVID-19, as well as the more recent omicron variants that are circulating. Fortunately, the immunity people have built up from vaccinations continues to help protect most from serious illness and death.^[4] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the bivalent booster vaccine for anyone age five years and older as vaccination provides protection even if an individual has already had an infection.^[4]
• The CDC reports that the flu is spreading quickly across the U.S.
  • Public health officials say that flu activity in the U.S. is being recorded higher than it has in the last decade.^[5] It’s more important than ever to protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot. Yet so far, people are slow to get their flu vaccines compared to the last few years. Flu shots are widely available, and the flu vaccine has been shown to help prevent illness, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Flu shots are available at Walgreens for anyone age 3 and up.
• Eligible individuals can get two vaccines for two different viruses in one single visit
  • Individuals can get the flu shot and an updated COVID-19 booster dose or other CDC-recommended routine immunizations during a single visit to save a trip and help reduce community spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses. Annual flu vaccines are advised as flu causes illness in tens of millions of people every year in the U.S. alone. The flu vaccine also protects people from other serious illnesses and complications, like flu-related pneumonia and flu-related heart attacks or stroke, which are especially dangerous for people with diabetes or chronic heart or lung conditions.^[6]
• Vaccines are easy to get at the local pharmacy and can even be scheduled online
  • Pharmacists can serve as a trusted resource to discuss vaccine options for both COVID-19 and flu, as well as other routine immunizations, and answer any questions. Walgreens offers convenient, neighborhood locations and appointments that fit family schedules, including evenings and weekends. Appointments are highly encouraged for the best experience and are easy to schedule online by visiting Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, by downloading the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS, available in both Spanish and English.

2022-12-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a fan of all things canine, you probably look forward to watching The National Dog Show Presented by Purina each year even more than the Thanksgiving meal. First airing in 2001 on NBC to celebrate all dogs, the show has turned rooting for your favorite pups into a Thanksgiving tradition for millions of families nationwide over the past 20 years.

More than 1,700 dogs representing nearly 200 breeds competed for Best in Show honors, including three breeds that are newly recognized by the American Kennel Club for this year’s competition: the Mudi, Russian Toy and Bracco Italiano. How do all these dogs stay in great shape for this level of competition? Not only do they participate in years of training with their handlers, but many of the dogs who compete and win at The National Dog Show are fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

Here are some of the highlights of this year’s National Dog Show:

1. Cheer on the best in show. This year’s greatest honor, “Best in Show,” went to Winston, the three-year-old French Bulldog from Bixby, Oklahoma. Winston was the Reserve Best in Show winner at the 2022 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. While his handler is Perry Payson, his owners include Sandy Fox, Sandy’s grandson, Morgan Fox, a professional football player, along with Alexandra Vorbeck, Alex Geremia, and Felicia Cashin. Winston is the 12^th of the last 12 Best in Show champions to be fueled by Purina Pro Plan.

2. Meet the finalists. After the breed and group competitions, seven group winners moved forward to compete in Best in Show. This year’s group included Sloane, American Water Spaniel (Sporting Group), Nate, the Treeing Walker Coonhound (Hound Group), Reus, Alaskan Malamute (Working Group), Trouble the American Staffordshire Terrier (Terrier Group), Cooper, the English Toy Spaniel (Toy Group), Winston the French Bulldog (Non-Sporting Group) and River, the German Shepherd (Herding Group). All seven of these winners are Purina Pro Plan-fed dogs.

3. Make room for the new breeds. This year’s competition included three exciting new dog breeds. The Mudi (pronounced like “moody”) is known as the “driver dog,” which is an extremely versatile, intelligent, alert and agile all-purpose Hungarian farm dog. The Russian Toy is a small, elegant, lively dog with long legs, fine bones and lean muscles. They are active and cheerful, possessing keen intelligence and a desire to please. The very first dog to be entered into the stud books of the Kennel Club Italiano was the Bracco Italiano, or “Italian Pointing Dog.” It has a powerful appearance, with lean limbs, well-developed muscles, short coat level and a sculpted head.

4. Celebrate the bond between dogs and handlers. The bond between Best in Show winner Winston and his handler Perry Payson is easy to see as they prepare to enter the ring together. It’s important that every handler has a strong bond with the dog they work with to ensure that the dog feels confident and comfortable in the ring. Learning to observe and appreciate the finely tuned interactions between these elite canines and their experienced handlers is part of the fascination of viewing The National Dog Show every year.

5. Admire the preparation. Genetics, years of careful training and high-quality nutrition are the three most important factors that go into dog show preparation, especially when competing at this elite level. Many of The National Dog Show champions are fueled by Purina Pro Plan, including all of the Best in Show finalists. Purina Pro Plan provides the essential nutrients these dogs need to perform their best, and helps give each dog a healthy, shiny coat and bright eyes.

Learn more about your favorite canines in The National Dog Show at Purina.com.

2022-12-02T09:00:00

(BPT) – Imagine you’re a college student performing with your musical theater troupe. It’s summertime and swampy-hot at the outdoor venue, and it doesn’t help that you’re wearing a pioneer dress that weighs about 10 pounds. But you’re singing and dancing under the spotlights, and your partner is picking you up to do a dance move.

Exactly then, you begin to go limp. It starts with your hands, which form into a claw-like position. Then your head dangles to the side. All of this happened to Kirsten — a young, healthy and active student who chalked it up to dehydration until she had more episodes in the week and years that followed.

It took three years for Kirsten to discover she had a form of “primary periodic paralysis,” or PPP, a genetic disorder so rare it affects only 5,000 to 6,000 individuals in the United States.

These temporary episodes of severe weakness or paralysis, most often in the arms or legs, can last minutes, hours or even days. Episodes of weakness or paralysis usually start happening in childhood, before age 20. Some people begin having attacks as early as age 2 or even younger. In its most common forms, the episodes are triggered by changes of potassium level in the blood.

Because its symptoms can mimic those of more common conditions, incorrect diagnoses and delays in diagnosis are common. After thinking her first severe episode was an isolated occurrence due to heat and dehydration, Kirsten had two more episodes that same week, and many more after that. She vividly remembers when she was finally diagnosed correctly.

“I vividly remember getting in my car following the appointment and breaking down in tears,” Kirsten recalled. “Everything finally made sense. I felt vindicated, and I finally had proof that I wasn’t making my symptoms up. I had gone through what a lot of other PPP patients go through: a time-consuming, demoralizing and oftentimes frustrating diagnosis process.”

Now, Kirsten wants to raise awareness both about PPP and about helpful resources for people diagnosed with it. At PavingMyPath.com, people with PPP and their loved ones can learn more about the disease, including how it’s managed and how it’s diagnosed. They can find a doctor who diagnoses and treats PPP, learn more about a treatment option, and hear real-life PPP experiences.

They can also learn about PPP Mentor Connect, a phone-based program that lets patients and their caregivers talk on the phone with knowledgeable patients such as Kirsten. The people she speaks with can relate to the impact PPP has had on her life, but they can also find hope in the full life she’s living now as a married attorney who enjoys hiking and skiing. With treatment, Kirsten is having fewer episodes, and when she does, they are shorter and usually limited to one part of her body.

“I didn’t reach out to the PPP community until a few years after my diagnosis, and now I see that that was a mistake on my part,” she said. “I learned so much and felt so validated after eventually reaching out and connecting with others who live with PPP.”