Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-04-26T16:27:00

(BPT) – Finding great employees hasn’t been easy for small businesses lately. And this summer, the competition could heat up even more.

Thanks to a healthy economy, unemployment levels are low across the country. Many companies will be adding even more jobs as the weather warms up — especially those in seasonal industries such as tourism and hospitality, and other professions that are weather-dependent. While some of these positions may be filled by new graduates, this year employers can expect a fight for top candidates in any role.

Small businesses in particular will feel the brunt of the hiring squeeze, as they often can’t match the compensation and benefits offered by their larger competitors. This forces them to get creative to attract and retain the best.

One way many businesses get a leg up on their competition is with a small-business loan. Companies like Funding Circle offer working capital loans that allow businesses to get fast, affordable financing to expand their teams and achieve their goals.

Here are three more tips that can help small businesses gain an edge this summer:

Hire strategically

What are the different seasonal roles you need? While many businesses will be hiring for customer-facing positions, don’t stop your planning there. It may be worth taking the time to ensure your systems, website and marketing campaigns are up to snuff too as you head into a summer rush. With today’s gig economy, it’s easier than ever to hire high-quality, professional seasonal employees like web designers, marketing managers and accountants on an independent contractor basis.

You should also be creative about how you find the right candidates. Online, think carefully about the job description you post. It shouldn’t just be a list of responsibilities, but a chance to market your company to your future hire. Offline, get your current employees to help with the search by offering a recruiting bonus. And rethink your preconceptions about what work actually needs to be performed onsite — roles like administrative support, marketing and bookkeeping can now be done remotely with ease, which can widen your talent pool and be more appealing to prospective applicants.

Do everything by the book

Before making any job offers, acquaint yourself with state and federal fair hiring practices and job discrimination laws — and know how to implement them. If you have questions about any employment laws related to seasonal employees, talk to a lawyer.

Second, make sure you’re correctly classifying your seasonal employees according to state and federal laws (think: part-time vs. full-time, or contractor vs. employee). You could end up facing problems down the road, like being held liable for payroll taxes, if you’ve misclassified any workers.

It’s also important to make sure you get all employment agreements in writing. A lack of written contracts, including work for hire or consulting agreements, is a common small-business mistake, and a little effort upfront can save you a lot of headaches later.

Build your employer brand

Right now, the best candidates can afford to be picky about where they work. Every employer, big and small, has a reputation, and yours can either be a secret weapon or an Achilles’ heel in your hunt for new staff.

Your employer brand encompasses all the ways your business is perceived by staff and applicants alike. This can be shaped by everything from the interview process to the perks you offer, your policies, working conditions, company values, culture and more. Ensure that you’re consistently communicating that your business is a great place to work, even if only for the summer. When done right, you’ll get good employees to come to you rather than the other way around.

For more tips and information about small business loans, visit FundingCircle.com.

2018-04-26T08:49:00

(BPT) – Do you love dairy, but usually regret eating it shortly after it’s gone? That sour stomach after drinking milk, munching on cheese or eating ice cream is sometimes called a dairy hangover. The culprit: lactose.

Lactose is a milk sugar. Infants have special enzymes that break down lactose. As people grow, the ability to digest milk typically decreases because they lose these enzymes. In fact, approximately 65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest milk and foods made with milk after infancy, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance

If you’ve had the following symptoms after eating dairy products, you may be lactose intolerant:

* Gas

* Bloating

* Abdominal cramping

* Diarrhea

* Nausea

If you or your children have these symptoms, there are many things you can do. First, talk with your doctor or nutritionist about your health concerns. Second, consider keeping a food journal of what you eat and how it makes you feel. This can help uncover trends and important connections. Finally, research high-quality dairy-free alternatives for you and your family’s diet.

Tips for going dairy-free

Adjusting to a low-dairy or dairy-free diet might seem overwhelming. There are many dairy-free milk options on the market, but it’s important to be a conscientious shopper. Whereas most dairy-free beverages use non-food flavorings and additives like carrageenan, all plant-based Mooala products are made with real ingredients, and are USDA-certified organic, Kosher and GMO-free.

Another concern for people cutting dairy is vitamin D and calcium deficiencies. Fortunately, there are foods you can add to your diet so you get these important nutrients. Egg yolks, canned tuna and almonds are good sources of vitamin D. Spinach, kale, collards and white beans are good sources of calcium. What’s more, many common grocery store items are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, such as breakfast cereals and orange juice. Just look at the label for more information.

There are plentiful options to eat well and go dairy-free if you have lactose sensitivities. Have fun exploring new recipes that support your nutritional needs. One that features many of these powerful dairy-free foods is a tasty smoothie you can whip up in just minutes:

Grapefruit Bananamilk Smoothie

Ingredients:
1 deseeded grapefruit
1 sweet apple
2 handfuls of spinach
1 frozen banana
1 handful of ice
1/2 cup Mooala’s Original Bananamilk
Dash of fresh ginger

Directions:
Place ingredients in blender, then puree until you’ve reached your desired consistency.

2018-04-25T13:23:00

(BPT) – Crafting is a great way to relieve stress and express your creative side — and fortunately, you don’t have to be a master craftsman — or spend a fortune on materials — to have fun and enjoy the benefits.

“A great way to get into crafting is by ‘upcycling’ — bringing new life into items you already have,” said Dinah Wulf, author and blogger of the website DIY Inspired. “Some of my favorite projects can be done with ordinary household items and just a dab of glue.”

Here are four easy “upcycled” projects to get your creative juices flowing.

A cork cell phone stand? Wine-not?!

Wine corks make excellent crafting material, so instead of throwing the cork away once the bottle is empty, put them to use by creating a stand for your smartphone. All that’s needed for this cute project is 24 corks and a sturdy, quick-drying glue like DAP RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive.

Start by stacking the corks in a pyramid shape, applying just a thin layer of the glue to where the corks meet. Press each bond together for 30 seconds to ensure a strong hold. Next, just add one extra row of corks at the bottom for the phone to rest on, and repeat with the adhesive. Allow to cure for 30 minutes. In less than five minutes, you’ve created a unique resting place for your phone that keeps it handy while you work at your desk or look up recipes in the kitchen.

A dazzling jewelry box for hidden treasures

For an easy, budget-friendly crafting project, Dinah recommends scouring flea markets and garage sales for old ceramic boxes. With a little dressing up, they make the perfect jewelry box for you or a young one. Start by spray-painting the box in your desired color. Once dry, embellish with rhinestones or old figurines — even old decorative salt or pepper shakers. Simply dab a bit of adhesive on the item, then press into the box for 30 seconds to seal. It’s the perfect gift for the little princess in your life.

A bird feeder to tweet about

One of Dinah’s favorite projects is creating an eye-catching bird feeder made from an old saucer and teacup. It’s a great way to repurpose old dishes that you no longer use, while also bringing some whimsy to the backyard. Simply lay the cup on its side on top of the saucer, and check to see where the cup and saucer touch. Next, apply the adhesive to these two areas to set and press together for 30 seconds. To keep the cup from rolling as it sets, place two small items on either side. After it cures for 30 minutes, it will be ready to fill with bird seed and hang.

A marvelous mug makeover

We all have that favorite mug for our morning coffee, but with heavy use, it’s easy for the handle to chip or break in two. Instead of throwing it away, apply a bit of adhesive to the exposed ends and press together for 30 seconds. Your favorite mug is as good as new! Don’t have a favorite mug? Apply word tiles or other fun accessories to a basic ceramic mug to create a one-of-a-kind treasure that you’ll look forward to using each morning. Just be sure to apply adhesive only to the exterior of the mug, as many glues are not food safe, and hand wash your newly created masterpiece.

Beyond crafting for fun, use your new-found crafting skills to repair other household items such as flower pots and picture frames. Your first instinct may be to trash the pieces and shop for replacements, but by vowing to repair your items instead of replacing, you can save significant amounts of money, as well as hang on to irreplaceable heirlooms and items with sentimental value. RapidFuse All Purpose Adhesive is a cost-efficient solution, as it bonds to virtually everything, sets in 30 seconds and fully cures in 30 minutes. In less time than it takes to find a replacement, you can be enjoying your old items once again.

2018-04-25T09:09:00

(BPT) – One in four deaths in the U.S. is caused by heart disease. More than 610,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s no surprise heart health is a priority for many people.

You know you need to eat a nutritious diet, exercise and avoid smoking. However, there’s a lot more you need to know to protect yourself and your family. Consider these five surprising facts about heart disease.

1. Heart disease can be caused by a genetic disorder

You may not have heard of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a common, but inherited genetic disorder that causes heart disease. FH affects approximately one in 250 people worldwide, but 90 percent of people born with this genetic condition are not diagnosed. Individuals with FH have a high amount of low density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in their blood from birth. This lifelong burden of cholesterol is a reason FH leads to early and severe heart disease. The good news is that FH is manageable if detected and treated early in life. If high cholesterol and early heart disease run in your family, learn more at thefhfoundation.org.

2. Many heart attacks occur outside the hospital

About 47 percent of sudden cardiac deaths occur outside a hospital, according to the CDC. This suggests that many people with heart disease don’t recognize or act on early warning signs.

Heart attacks have several major warning signs and symptoms:

* Chest pain or discomfort.

* Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or upper stomach.

* Shortness of breath.

* Nausea, lightheadedness or cold sweats.

Know the signs. Trust yourself. If you have any of these symptoms or sense something is just not right, call 911.

3. Heart disease affects young people

Many people think heart disease occurs in old age, but it can affect people of all ages. Even if you or your family members are 30 years old or younger, you could be affected, especially if you have risk factors like high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. Keep in mind, each child with a family member with FH has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disorder, which is present at birth. Untreated individuals with FH have up to a 20 times increased lifetime risk of early heart disease, yet 90 percent of people with FH are undiagnosed, according to the FH Foundation.

4. Children (even infants) can have high cholesterol

Many adults are regularly screened for high cholesterol, but it’s not as common for children to be screened, although the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children between the ages of 9 and 11 be screened for high cholesterol. These guidelines also recommend screening for FH as early as age 2 if there is a family history of high cholesterol, early heart disease or known FH. Talk to your children’s doctor about screening. FH is characterized by an LDL-C level of over 190 mg/dL in adults, or over 160 mg/dL in children. FH may also be confirmed with a genetic test, although this is not necessary for diagnosis.

5. You can maintain a healthy heart at any age

Being diagnosed with high cholesterol, heart disease or even FH is not a death sentence. Every person’s health considerations are unique, but by working with your doctor, you can come up with a plan to help manage your health and maintain the strongest heart possible. This could include lifestyle changes and medications to manage the LDL cholesterol level in the blood. The key is to keep asking questions, learn about your specific health needs and stay dedicated to your heart health plan.

2018-04-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – When it’s time to embark on your well-deserved getaway, the last thing you want is to worry about the things that could go wrong at your unattended house.

It’s pretty common to wonder if everything is OK while you’re on vacation, says Chip Wade, an HGTV expert. Especially since there are plenty of hair-raising tales out there of people discovering a bad situation awaits them at home, from burst water pipes to a break-in.

“If you have this nagging thought following you around that maybe you forgot to lock the back door before you left, that can really mess up your head space,” Wade says. “And that’s not good, especially since the point of vacation is to forget your cares and enjoy yourself.”

Before you go, eliminate worry from your itinerary and ensure a happy homecoming by following this pre-vacation checklist from Wade.

Stop the mail: “When fliers, deliveries and bills with sensitive personal information pile up in your mailbox, you may as well post a sign in your front yard that your house is unoccupied,” Wade says. “Trust, me, burglars live for these clear-cut signs.” This is a simple fix. Just fill out a quick online form with the U.S. Postal Service, and they’ll hold your mail until after you return. It’s also a good idea to check your inbox just to make sure there aren’t any lingering online orders set to arrive while you’re gone.

Tidy up: Even in your pre-vacation rush to get ready, leave some time for a quick cleanup, because it always feels good to come home to a clean and orderly house. That means getting everyone in the family to pick up and put away. Also, be sure to go through your fridge and cupboards so you can toss any items that are likely to spoil so you can avoid being greeted by unpleasant odors.

Turn off the water: It happens so often, Wade says, that it feels like vacation is something that activates Murphy’s law of homeownership: Somewhere in the house, a pipe springs a leak. After many days of undetected dripping, streaming or gushing, it can add up to major damage to anything in the water’s path: cabinets, floors, ceilings, furniture, drywall. Play it safe and before you go, turn off the water main.

Adjust the thermostat: When no one’s home, there’s no need to keep the thermostat set to your favorite at-home setting. At the same time, you don’t want high temperatures from a heat wave to damage plants or overwork your refrigerator. In the summer, set the thermostat to 85 degrees. It’s also helpful to own a programmable thermostat like the York Affinity Hx Touch-Screen Thermostat, Wade says, because you can adjust the setting from your mobile device from anywhere in the world. Plus, you can remotely monitor your system for alerts, so if something goes wrong, you’re still in control even when you’re not around.

Turn to a friend: Not every situation calls for a house-sitter, but just knowing that someone has an eye on the place lends tremendous peace of mind. Enlist a friend or trusted neighbor to swing by your house each day, checking the doors and collecting any fliers or packages left behind for safekeeping.

“To make sure you have a worry-free vacation, make a list, and check it twice,” Wade says. “And once your friend does that first check-in, just let your worries go. After all, if something really goes wrong, they will let you know.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the York Affinity Hx Touch-Screen Thermostat, visit York.com.

2018-04-24T14:13:00

(BPT) – The nation’s high school graduation rate continues to rise. With more than 84 percent of students graduating on time in 2016, it is at a record high, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, the National Center for Education Statistics is expecting that 3.6 million students will graduate from high school in 2017–18. With the growth in graduates, graduation parties are increasing and the bar is being raised on how to best honor and commemorate this special milestone.

For graduating high schoolers, this is the year they will be moving on to life’s next big adventure. It’s a time to be excited, a time to be nervous, but above all, a time to celebrate.

The season for grad parties is here, but for many parents, planning can be a bit tricky. Everyone wants a truly unique experience to recognize the accomplishments of their graduate, but at the same time, life can be hectic, and party planning can become stressful.

The good news is that with a little know-how, it’s possible to throw a meaningful graduation party without going over the edge. These five tips will help any time-starved host create a truly memorable event and stay sane at the same time!

Create personalized, printed invitations and announcements. Digital invitations might seem like the most convenient way to go, but there is an easy, more personalized and meaningful way to get the word out. Create photo cards by simply visiting one of the thousands of Kodak Picture Kiosks, which can be found at most CVS and Target locations. Here, in a matter of minutes, party planners can upload a favorite photo, select from dozens of designs and make an announcement that reflects the graduate’s personality. Envelopes are included with the cost of the card, making this a truly one-stop shop for everyone’s invitation and announcement needs.

Music, tunes and jams. Music is an essential component of any party. To create an ambiance that conveys a graduate’s style, have the graduate make a playlist of their favorite hits and most memorable school songs. Then all that’s needed is a Bluetooth speaker and a smartphone (or any other audio device with pairing capabilities).

An answer to your dining needs. More restaurants are offering catering services, so whether the graduate wants a taco bar or pizza buffet, it’s likely that one of their favorite restaurants can accommodate a crowd and many offer delivery services as well.

Create a message board. A novel way to share memories and create new ones is to set up a message board where guests can jot down stories and memories. Display a number of pictures, in any number of sizes — from mini prints to banners — that can be printed out at a Kodak Picture Kiosk or easily upload images to KodakMoments.com or the Kodak Moments App and order prints at home or on the go.

Make it social media friendly. It’s the 21st century, and that means there’s going to be sharing of the graduation party on social media. Embrace it! Ask those attending to tag their posts and photos with a distinctive and easy-to-remember hashtag. This will allow everyone to have a selection of easy-to-look-at pictures, and later, can be used to create an archive of memories.

It’s not often that there’s a chance to gather so many people together in one place to celebrate your child’s achievements. With these tips, it’s easy to create a graduation party everyone will remember for years to come.

2018-04-24T11:35:00

(BPT) – Cassandra Ivie is the founder and creator of the Incredible Machine, a curriculum and activities kit that teaches chemical, mechanical, software and electrical engineering to students in her community — and she is only 17 years old! Ivie is a 4-H leader from West Jordan, Utah, who brings hands-on STEM learning to youth in communities who may not otherwise have access to these types of projects. And her passion for STEM is contagious. She inspires those around her to become the next generation of STEM leaders our country needs. “It has been a privilege to lead these activities with local students to show them that STEM is accessible to everyone and that it is also a lot of fun. Seeing students’ faces light up when they have their ‘aha’ moment, is what it’s all about,” she said.

Ivie was recently selected as the recipient of the 2018 National 4-H Youth in Action Award by the National 4-H Council. The award recognizes 4-Hers who have used the knowledge and leadership skills they learned in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their communities. Every year 4-H recognizes youth in its four pillar areas of STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Citizenship. Ivie was selected as the winner for the STEM pillar award, and ultimately as the National Winner for her embodiment of the 4-H principles of learning by doing, leadership and her lasting impact on her community. With the help of sponsors like HughesNet, which delivers satellite Internet access to rural communities, 4-H is able to recognize outstanding youth like Cassandra.

Cassandra’s journey began at a young age when she joined 4-H to pursue an interest in photography but through exposure to diverse topics in her club she discovered her passion for computer science. In 4-H, the largest youth organization in the U.S., students learn by doing and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

Research shows that exposure to education and information, especially for a student in grades K-12, often leads to increased participation in STEM programs. Cassandra recognizes how access to 4-H and other local resources impacted her and is working to address this in her local area through leading after-school programs in schools across the Salt Lake City area.

This accessibility is a vital piece to empowering young people in rural and urban communities to pursue STEM. It comes in many shapes from access to after-school programming, to relatable mentors and availability of high-speed Internet connections. Increasing access to even one of these can have a lasting impact on a child.

Since 2014, HughesNet and 4-H have partnered to help bring access to STEM education to more youth across the country. Their shared belief that all kids, no matter where they live, should have equal access to STEM continues to drive their work. Together they are working to prepare young people to be our future STEM leaders throughout the communities they serve while also uplifting exceptional young people, like Cassandra, who can serve as role models for kids across the country.

Part of Ivie’s success teaching diverse kids about STEM through her Incredible Machine kits is making it fun and accessible for everyone. 4-H showed her that STEM learning isn’t just coding or memorizing concepts, but it involves tapping into a kid’s imagination and showing them how to use STEM concepts to create new and exciting things in almost every topic imaginable. Ivie likes to joke that she “sneaks the STEM in with the fun” but in truth she is tapping into kids’ natural curiosity to equip them with the skills needed to do anything they can imagine. The fun comes from the sense of empowerment kids get from “doing” and is what STEM and 4-H are all about.

Interested in learning more or finding a 4-H club in your area? Visit www.4-H.org.

2018-04-23T16:12:00

(BPT) – Politicians spend a lot of time talking about America-first trade deals. Even though the average person may not think about U.S. trade often, it’s a key part of the economy — a topic that’s on everyone’s mind.

In 2017 alone, the U.S. exported around $132 billion worth of agricultural products. As experts hope to grow this number in 2018, possible trade deals could become big news.

The future of U.S. trading

Economists and agricultural experts want U.S. trade to remain strong, so that exports are equal to or more than what they were last year. However, the complexities of selling U.S. commodities internationally constantly increases.

Companies are working to grow agricultural trade to help Americans feed the world and build a stronger economy at home. Many agricultural associations and Syngenta employees work every day with foreign countries to develop positive relationships and a preference for U.S. commodities.

American farmers are the most efficient in the world, says Laura Peterson, federal government and industry relations head for Syngenta. “We rely on export markets for our products, and with prices as low as they are, now is an important time to protect and grow our markets,” she says. “We are able to produce far more than we consume and compete in a world of high supply, so remaining competitive is crucial for U.S. agriculture.”

Top U.S. agricultural exports

Corn, soybeans and nuts make up three of the top five agricultural exports from the U.S. There is a lot to know about these foods, including the following fascinating facts:

* Corn: One planted seed delivers more than 500 kernels of corn. Corn is widely grown around the globe, with more tons produced each year than any other grain.

* Soybeans: Soybeans are the largest source of protein in agriculture. They are also used to make a variety of nonfood products, including crayons, candles and haircare products. The U.S. exports about half of its soybeans to other countries.

* Nuts: Nuts are wholesome and versatile. From using nuts in spreads and oils to snacking on roasted varieties, people, domestically and internationally, enjoy them every day. In December 2017, the U.S. exported $936 million worth of nuts.

Negotiating trade agreements

Free trade agreements beneficial to agriculture can boost the marketability of U.S. crops like corn, soybeans and nuts even more overseas. One prime example of this is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

“Syngenta remains engaged with U.S. government officials to monitor impacts in renegotiations and trade-dispute actions,” Peterson says. “The current threat of trade wars or withdrawing from trade agreements may harm agriculture.”

Learn more about agriculture’s future

With so much going on in 2018, it’s likely more news headlines will be dedicated to the important topic of U.S. trade. To learn more about U.S. agriculture, including crop research and trade negotiations, visit http://www.syngenta-us.com/thrive.

2018-04-23T15:58:00

(BPT) – Are you in a cooking rut? If you find yourself making the same things repeatedly, it’s time for some inspiration. As seasons turn, you might crave different foods. This is the perfect reason to think beyond the ordinary and experiment with new flavors.

Registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers her favorite tips to help breathe new life into your weekly meal lineup without compromising taste and nutrition.

Eat fresh: Farm-to-table is big at restaurants, and your local farmers market offers a bounty of fresh fare that’s likely plucked within miles of your home. Visit and enjoy exploring the colorful items for sale while gaining inspiration for your next dish. The sweet peas and strawberries you buy may have just come off the plant that very morning. Stock up on fresh, nutritious foods for snacking and cooking. You may even discover new produce you’ve never had before!

Get crackin’: We’re all strapped for time these days, which is why it’s important to keep your kitchen stocked with food items that are versatile and quick. Look no further than eggs! Whether they’re the center of your meal, or used in a recipe to thicken, glaze or garnish, this modest kitchen staple is a high-quality protein source that will brighten up any dish. But, not all eggs are created equal. I always recommend Eggland’s Best eggs since they are the only eggs with 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E, and more than double the amount of vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs.

Meal mix-ups: Chicken and waffles might be the classic example of blending two meal-specific foods into one super delightful dish, but meal mix-ups don’t stop there. Have fun experimenting to find combos that tantalize the taste buds. Steak and egg hash for dinner? Yum. Whole wheat pancakes instead of tortillas when making wraps? Sure! The sky is the limit.

Grill or steam: When the weather warms up, you probably want to turn the oven off and skip the stovetop frying. To lighten food and maintain freshness, try grilling or steaming. For example, when you grill meat, it allows the fat to drip off while touches of char bring out earthy notes. Steaming is a simple approach that is ideal for produce because it cooks while allowing foods to maintain their distinct flavor profiles.

Local inspiration: Iconic local ingredients can be the perfect way to add pizzazz to your meals. From Swedish meatballs in Minnesota and Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, to Jersey tomatoes and Michigan blueberries, there’s endless inspiration for redefining dishes.

Eggland’s Best is searching for the most passionate egg fan with the best and most creative original egg recipe. Think your hometown has what it takes to inspire America’s Best Recipe? Visit www.americasbestrecipe.com to find out!

Check out the previous America’s Best Recipe Contest winning recipe for Watercress Confetti Quinoa at www.egglandsbest.com.

2018-04-23T15:01:00

(BPT) – For people with multiple sclerosis (MS), many of the treatment options surrounding their condition are well known. However, in the past, many people with MS decided to delay using MS drugs for as long as possible and allow the disease to run its course. New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) — the world’s largest association of neurologists — show that early treatment, even before a second relapse, may be the best plan in dealing with one’s MS care.

According to a new guideline, published April 24, 2018 in Neurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, new findings by the AAN show it may be better for people to start taking drugs for their MS early on in order to modify the disease.

These findings were presented in April at the 2018 AAN Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

“The treatment landscape for people with MS has changed drastically over the last two decades,” said lead author Dr. Alexander D. Rae-Grant of Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “We now have many disease-modifying therapies to choose from that may help treat MS by changing how the disease affects people over time by slowing the disease process.”

For people with MS, the new guidelines represent a shift in care from older guidelines, and while the new guidelines offer a comprehensive review of this new strategy, here are some things people with MS need to know immediately.

Discussing your options with your clinician is more important than ever

While the new guidelines advise introducing medicines at an earlier period in the treatment regimen for many people with MS, the importance of discussing one’s individual options with a clinician has not changed. Medicines still carry risks, and the best treatment solution can vary by person. For these reasons, people with MS owe it to themselves to discuss their disease-modifying therapy (DMT) options with their neurologist to determine which solution is right for them and chart a course for future care.

In many cases this care could involve a two-pronged approach, with some medicines being used to treat MS symptoms, including muscle tightness, spasticity, fatigue, pain, memory problems, and depression or anxiety. Meanwhile other medicines — used as part of the DMT — will target the disease itself, to modify it and slow the process.

Playing the long game

Success in this medicinal regimen depends on the person’s ongoing commitment to managing the condition.

Once the initial treatment plan is set in motion, people with MS should monitor their condition carefully and report to their neurologist any side effects they are experiencing that could be associated with their treatment. It is also vital for these people to have their disease activity checked regularly through MRI scans. The results of these scans will allow people with MS and their neurologist to make decisions about their treatment and make strategy and/or medicinal adjustments, as needed, in response to the data.

Finally, people with MS should be aware that insurance plans may differ in coverage options for DMTs and other treatment-related medicines. In discussing DMT and medicinal options with their neurologist, people should be sure to check that the proposed regimen will be covered under their insurance plan. It is their obligation to ensure their insurance company is supporting them in their MS treatment with as much commitment as their medical team.

To learn more about the new MS guideline and what it means for the future of MS treatment and care, visit AAN.com/policy-and-guidelines/guidelines.