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Top Five Misconceptions About Egg Donation

2018-04-20T16:45:00

(BPT) – As the third largest global epidemic, fertility issues are much more common than people realize — yet very few people are talking about it. With 1 in 8 couples affected by infertility, there’s a growing interest in fertility treatments, including egg freezing and in vitro fertilization (IVF). However, for some individuals and couples struggling with infertility, relying on an egg donor is the only viable path to a healthy baby. Having worked with thousands of patients as a reproductive endocrinologist at CCRM (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine), Dr. Aaron K. Styer knows that infertility can be scary and complex — and that there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding egg donation. In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, Dr. Styer breaks down the top five misconceptions about egg donation:

Myth #1: If I donate my eggs, I won’t have any left when I’m ready to have my own children.

A woman is typically born with a million eggs, and she gives an average of only 10 to 20 eggs when she donates. A donor has many more eggs than she will ever use.

During each menstrual cycle, a woman’s ovaries produce follicles, fluid-filled sacs that contain immature eggs. Typically, only one follicle develops into a mature egg and is released for ovulation during a menstrual cycle. The remaining follicles collapse and are reabsorbed by the body. The donor receives medication to help her follicles grow and produce mature eggs.

Myth #2: Egg donors are only doing it for the money.

Although the financial compensation is substantial (donors typically receive between $4,000 and $10,000 each cycle depending on the cost of living where they reside), most donors say their motivation quickly becomes much more altruistic and personal. Often, women who choose to donate their eggs have a friend or family member who has experienced infertility and have witnessed firsthand the pain that comes with struggling to conceive. Most donors describe their experience as “the most important thing I have ever done.” Additionally, many donors say they would donate a second time. For example, at CCRM Colorado, 80 percent of egg donors undergo several cycles.

Myth #3: Egg donation is painful.

Women who donate their eggs experience varying degrees of discomfort, but most egg donors do not report that any part of the egg donation process is painful. While an egg donor is taking the medications to prepare for a cycle, some women suggest they feel discomfort. Many describe the symptoms as being similar to the cramping they experience when having their period. The egg retrieval process itself is done while the donor is sedated and the procedure rarely takes more than 20 minutes. Most women report mild discomfort or cramping on the day of the procedure and sometimes into the following day. Over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient to treat the discomfort after the procedure.

Myth #4: Only older women need egg donors.

While the quantity and quality of a woman’s eggs decrease as she ages, this isn’t the only reason why an egg donor is needed. There are certain medical conditions that can impact a woman’s ability to conceive a child with her own eggs. For instance, premature ovarian failure (POF) is when a woman’s ovaries cease functioning properly before 40 years of age. Also, some women have damaged ovaries or fallopian tubes following pelvic or abdominal surgery or from conditions such as endometriosis. In the most common cases of patients/couples seeking donor egg IVF, women produce very few eggs during an IVF cycle or have many unsuccessful IVF cycles due to severely reduced egg quality.

Myth #5: I could become responsible for the children that result from my donated eggs.

As an egg donor, you don’t have any rights or responsibilities to any of the offspring created with your eggs. When you are an anonymous egg donor, fertility centers should not share your identity with the egg recipient or their offspring, and the recipient’s information is not shared with the donor.

Dr. Styer is a reproductive endocrinologist, founding partner, and co-medical director of CCRM Boston. He is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and the subspecialty, reproductive endocrinology and infertility. CCRM is one of the leading fertility centers in the U.S. and Canada.


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Millions of smokers go online for help to quit each year

2018-04-19T15:43:00

(BPT) – The internet is the first place many people go to get information on how to quit smoking. In fact, more than 12 million U.S. adults — a third of all smokers — turn to the internet for help quitting each year, according to a new Truth Initiative study.

Published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the study examined data from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey to determine how many U.S. adult smokers searched online for help to quit smoking from 2005 to 2017.

Researchers found that the number of smokers who searched online for information on quitting tobacco more than doubled over the past 12 years, from 16.5 percent in 2005 to 35.9 percent in 2017. In 2017, an estimated 12,434,691 U.S. smokers searched online for quit smoking information. The findings underscore the role of internet resources in tobacco control efforts and how they can impact public health.

“Given the ability to reach roughly one-third of all smokers, and demonstrated effectiveness that is comparable to other recommended forms of cessation treatment, internet interventions have the potential for substantial impact on population quit rates,” said Dr. Amanda Graham, research investigator at the Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute and lead author of the study.

Previous research has shown that internet-based programs can help smokers quit. One study found that web-based programs can be just as effective at helping smokers quit as face-to-face or telephone counseling, and are more effective than print materials. Other research shows that online quit-smoking resources may be a viable option for connecting with young adult smokers who want to quit.

BecomeAnEX.org, a digital quit-smoking program developed by Truth Initiative in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, demonstrates the effectiveness of online programs. Research shows that following the EX program quadruples a smoker’s chance of quitting. Additional research found that smokers who became more socially connected were significantly less likely to be smoking three months after they enrolled.


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The most common causes of homeowners insurance claims

2018-04-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – The value of homeowners insurance is often thrust into the national spotlight when natural disasters happen. The devastation and financial loss they can cause reinforces the importance of making sure you have adequate insurance coverage to rebuild if disaster strikes your home. In 2017 alone, the U.S. was struck by 16 separate billion-dollar disaster events, resulting in a record-breaking $300 billion in damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Thankfully, most Americans don’t experience large-scale natural catastrophes, but millions of homeowners do experience some kind of property loss each year and need to make an insurance claim. The most commonly reported homeowners insurance claims are actually the result of events that can occur at any time, so it’s important for homeowners to be prepared for these potential risks.

Water damage claims are most common

“Water claims are the ones we see most often,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “While certain perils are seasonal, water damage can occur any time of year. It’s important for homeowners to conduct routine maintenance of appliance hoses and water pipes to make sure there aren’t cracks or leaks and, if any are detected, have them repaired or replaced immediately.

“Another thing everyone can do to protect their homes from leaks is turn off their main water supply when they’re away for an extended period of time. No one wants to return from a relaxing vacation to find water running through their home.”

Smart home technology also delivers an extra layer of protection for homeowners by providing 24/7 monitoring to help detect water pipe leaks. Professionally installed water pressure sensors, for example, work with most smartphones and can, among other things, automatically shut off the home’s main water supply if a leak or burst pipe is detected. And the best part is that insurance companies like Mercury Insurance will often provide a discount for homes that implement this technology.

O’Rourke also notes that most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage caused by rising water from storms or overflowing bodies of water, so he recommends homeowners consult with their local insurance agent to learn how to protect against these types of events.

Fire damage is a concern for homeowners

While water claims are the most common, fire damage is another possible concern for homeowners and can be caused in several ways. The National Fire Protection Association reports nearly half a million structure fires occurred in 2016, resulting in $7.5 billion in property damage, and wildfires ravaged California in 2017, leading to one of the year’s billion-dollar disaster events. O’Rourke suggests controlling the things you can and mitigating against the perils you can’t.

“Most home fires happen when people are inattentive or negligent. These fires are preventable if people don’t leave things like lit stoves, fireplaces, candles or portable heat sources unattended. You should also refrain from overloading electrical outlets and using appliances with frayed electrical cords,” he says. “These things seem like common sense, but it’s amazing how many claims we see that result from simply not paying attention.

“Wildfires can be extremely scary and dangerous and there is often little warning when they sweep through areas, leaving homeowners little time to protect their homes. Most of this work needs to be done before a fire erupts. Homeowners can mitigate against this risk by keeping their yards free of dry brush, grass clippings and twigs, keep tree branches trimmed and bushes pruned. They should also make sure their roofs and gutters are cleared of leaves and debris.”

Theft can be costly

Theft doesn’t necessarily pose a threat to the physical structure of a home, but it too can be costly and it often leaves homeowners feeling scared and violated. The FBI’s Universal Crime Report estimates 1.5 million burglaries occurred in 2016 — with residential properties accounting for 69.5 percent of these offenses.

Homeowners can help safeguard against theft by taking simple, but often overlooked precautions like ensuring doors and windows are locked, and not leaving spare keys in easy-to-find locations. Several smart home devices can also aid in deterring potential thieves by allowing homeowners to adjust lights, monitor security cameras and activate security systems from their smartphones even when they’re away from home.

“Our claims team strives to get our customers back on their feet after a loss. Our hope is that people never experience such an event in the first place, but if they do we want them to know that it is our goal to help them get their lives back to normal as quickly as possible,” adds O’Rourke.

Mercury Insurance provides homeowners with additional tips to protect against common insurance claims. Visit https://blog.mercuryinsurance.com to learn more.


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In your face: Top 10 cities with beard bragging rights

2018-04-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – Each year, men’s grooming leader Wahl pinpoints cities from across the country most likely to embrace their bearded brethren. So where are these havens for the hairy? Check out this year’s Top 10 Most Facial Hair Friendly Cities in America.

1. Philadelphia

First, Philadelphia took home the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Now, it takes home another top title as the No. 1 Most Facial Hair Friendly City of 2018. Philly rose 27 spots since last year, helping the City of Brotherly Love achieve the City of Beardly Love status. A notable influx of women expressing their appreciation for whiskered men helped tip the results, making us think follicular pheromones are flying in Philly.

2. Chicago

Second place is no “El” for The Windy City. Chicago moved up a respectable eight spots since 2017. Home of great pizza, better Italian beef and the best hot dogs (don’t touch that ketchup), more men are embracing the power of the flavor saver on their face.

3. Atlanta

The Peach State takes home the bronze for the most welcoming of face fuzz. With the busiest airport and some of the worst traffic, more Atlanta men are fighting the grind by embracing the five o’clock shadow.

4. Washington, D.C.

Our nation’s capital may have its share of bare faces, but some of the most revered whiskers have roots in D.C. Listen, we’re not upset politicians gave up on the whole wig thing, but we would love to see more facial hair on Pennsylvania Avenue in the future.

5. San Francisco

Hipster haven San Francisco has no problem showing its love and appreciation for beards. One photographer is even on a quest to capture every beard in the city, but she has her job cut out for her. The city’s approach to facial hair has no limits — even its famous sea lions work the whiskers.

6. Seattle

Seattle has been embracing facial hair since its inception. From the early lumberjacks, to modern-day computer programmers, a healthy beard is common workplace attire. That’s why there’s no place like home for the whiskered citizen of the Emerald City.

7. Los Angeles

Up a steady nine spots since 2016, L.A. is where beautiful bearded people abound. With an active entertainment scene, facial hair is often an a-list accessory on the red carpet. What’s more, its pro baseball team can beard with the best of them.

8. Austin

Everything’s bigger in Texas and facial hair is no exception. Texas’ fourth largest city embraces the unofficial slogan “Keep Austin Weird” aiming to protect its unique culture. We think they’re succeeding, as the city boasts some of the most dynamic facial hair specimens and clubs around.

9. Portland

Portland’s relentless rain may be a bit of a buzzkill, but its influx of craft breweries provide a great place to eat, drink and be merry with other bearded Oregonians. On clear days, however, the great outdoors make this city perfect for an anti-clean-shaven lifestyle.

10. Denver

Plenty of men and women have migrated west to Denver as the economy booms and the population continues to grow. With natural beauty and 300 days of sunshine each year, perhaps the men of Denver (Menver) are using facial hair to look sexy while hiding from UV rays?

Did your city make this year’s cut? Check out Wahl’s complete list of ‘Most Facial Hair Friendly Cities’ for 2018.

Whether or not your city made the list, there’s still a chance to add a facial hair feather to your cap with the annual Wahl Man of the Year contest. The winner will receive $1,500 and bearded bragging rights. The contest runs through Sept. 27, 2018. More information, including how to enter and official rules, can be found at WahlGrooming.com.


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4 ways to simplify your DIY projects and home improvements

2018-04-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re working on a spring home improvement project or a summer task, this is the time of year when you focus on improving your home both inside and out. As you look for ways to make your home even better, nothing beats a good DIY project.

DIY home improvement projects are popular each year, and they can be as big or small, short or long and expensive or inexpensive as you desire. Whether you are an advanced builder or a novice home improver, the options are wide open, but remember the one thing every DIYer can agree on: Eliminating unnecessary difficulties and the chance of having to redo a task is always a plus.

A recent Post-it Brand study conducted by Wakefield Research found nearly 40 percent of workers have to redo a project or task at least once a week specifically because of poor communication. Even professionals run into hurdles along the way, but avoid situations such as this with a few easy tips.

To make your next DIY project go as smoothly as possible, here are four ways you can iron out potential difficulties before they become a problem. After all, a smooth project isn’t just more fun and rewarding, it saves you time.

* Capitalize on subject matter expertise. A little experience goes a long way, and you’ll understandably have an easier time tackling a DIY project you’ve done before. In many cases, however, this isn’t possible, so look to your friends and family to see if any of them have ever completed a similar project. Ask them your questions and learn from their experiences and you’ll gain valuable insight about what to do — and what not to do — before your project even gets started.

* Keep accurate, durable notes. Throughout the course of your project, you’ll take notes regarding processes, punch lists, measurements and the materials you need. However, even a slight miscommunication or lost note can compromise the project, even for a professional. Post-it Extreme Notes are an innovative new product designed to facilitate communication and ensure important notes stick securely, whether on a job site in construction, manufacturing or foodservice or at home in a freezer, garage, boiler room or bathroom. They stick to textured, rough and curved surfaces, including those involved in home improvement projects such as raw wood, brick exteriors, tile bathrooms, cement garages and more. Made with ultra-strong Dura-Hold Paper and Adhesive, Post-it Extreme Notes withstand harsh conditions indoors and outdoors, like moisture, wind and extreme temperatures. These durable, water-resistant notes help keep track of important information to get the job done no matter what the task is.

* Explore your options to find the right tool for the job. How many times have you tried to tackle a DIY project with the wrong tools simply because you didn’t want to spend the money on the right tool for a one-time use? If this has ever happened to you, consider renting the items you need instead of buying them. Tools like paint sprayers, jackhammers and brush cutters can all be rented for a fraction of the price you would pay to buy them, and doing so ensures you have the right tool for the job from the very beginning, allowing your project to go more smoothly.

* Plan out as much as you can. The adage of measure twice, cut once still holds true for today’s DIY projects, and your possibilities to “measure twice” are magnified thanks to modern technology. If you’re planning to paint a room, for example, many paint companies offer a simulator where you can see how the paint will look in a digital environment. There are also other virtual tools to help you get accurate measurements, test layouts and reduce mistakes in your DIY projects. Once you’ve found the answers you need, record them on a durable note like Post-it Extreme Notes and write down measurements, jot down step-by-step directions and map out furniture and paint placement throughout the process.

Start planning your project today

Big or small, your project is as unique as you — but it won’t be completed until you start. Apply the tips above and your project will be done before you know it.

Data statistics about communication are results from a Post-it Brand survey conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 1,000 U.S. workers, ages 18+, who work in non-office settings, with statistically significant data among the following industries: trades/construction, manufacturing and culinary, using an email invitation and an online survey.


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Taking control: The fight for my health

2018-04-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – My path to diagnosis

In my late twenties, I was leading a relatively “normal” life. I had graduated from college, landed a full-time job and was living on my own. I had my own insurance, which was a huge thing to me, because behind the scenes, I was dealing with symptoms of a chronic illness.

I had been living with Crohn’s disease and experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain and frequent bathroom visits for the majority of my life, but my Crohn’s disease became intolerable when I was 31 years old. I put everything on hold in order to focus on my health. Through the frustration of moving back in with my parents, I was able to channel my anger into getting smart about my health, and getting more involved in my healthcare plan.

Taking action and finding the right doctor

My Crohn’s disease symptoms were always there, and always very present, but I just managed. I dealt with or ignored my symptoms and put off doctor’s appointments, so I knew that I lost things I had worked for because I wasn’t an educated patient. It also took me a long time to officially be diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

After being persuaded to find a gastroenterologist, I turned to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation (CCF) website, and was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of choices. So, I did what most people my age do — I went to Facebook. I found a local CCF chapter page and used it to ask for gastroenterologist recommendations in my area. Between researching on my own, and one of the recommendations I received, I was able to find a gastroenterologist and get an appointment immediately.

After my first appointment, I could tell this gastroenterologist was the right fit. My frustration was replaced with vindication, as my doctor listened to how I was feeling, and was committed to helping me learn more about my condition while finding a treatment that would help get my symptoms under control. We’ve worked together to find a treatment that works for me, and it hasn’t been easy.

After failing on a few other treatments, my gastroenterologist and I decided to try a biologic medication approved for Crohn’s disease. It’s been more than a year, and I’m still taking the same biologic medication. While I still have some bad days, my treatment has helped relieve my symptoms, and I am able to get back to doing some of the things I need or want to do, like going out to eat with family and friends and even traveling. Enjoying these activities may seem routine for most people, but for me they mark progress, a victory along my journey.

Becoming my own advocate

When I look back on my journey with Crohn’s disease, particularly the early years when I was uninformed about the disease and didn’t take an active role in my care, I realize I have come a long way. I have learned that I must be the first line of defense when it comes to my health, which means diligently tracking my symptoms, appointments and lab results, as well as speaking up during appointments.

This transformation as a patient has inspired me to share my story in hopes that it will help others living with Crohn’s disease not give up on their journey to symptom relief. When I first started truly learning about my disease, I quickly learned there was a lot of bad information online and how to sift through it and find sources that were legit; much like researching for a college paper. I hope that people can take my experiences, even the bad ones, and use them to help navigate their own journey.

Visit www.youtube.com/crohnicles to hear more about Jaime’s experiences with Crohn’s disease and her current treatment journey.

This content is published by Janssen Biotech, Inc., which is solely responsible for its content. Jaime has been paid for her time in connection with this project. The material presented is intended only as information or as an education aid and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. The ultimate responsibility for patient care resides with a healthcare professional.


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Supplements 101: 4 essentials you should consider taking daily

2018-04-18T18:03:00

(BPT) – When it comes to healthy living, many can agree that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Eating clean, exercising often and practicing self-care are just a few essential tactics necessary to achieve optimal wellness. But when it comes to food, the nourishment we get from our daily diet is simply not enough to cover all of our nutritional needs. Luckily, vitamins and supplements offer a simple and effective way to fill the inevitable gaps in our journey toward optimal health and wellness.

Rather than feeling overwhelmed by which supplements you should or should not take each day, Erin Stokes, ND, Medical Director at MegaFood, identifies four essential supplements that may be of benefit to one’s pursuit of health:

Must-Have Multi

Recent studies show that after decades of intensive farming, our soil is depleted; in fact, fertile soil is being lost at an alarming pace. Furthermore, there is evidence that demonstrates a decline in the amounts of certain nutrients found in fruits and vegetables over the last 50 to 100 years. This is why a comprehensive daily multivitamin packed with a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals is vital for filling nutritional gaps. Look for gender- and age-specific formulations to help meet your individual needs. And consider a multivitamin crafted with whole foods, which are gentler on the body even when taken on an empty stomach.

Photo Credit: Nicole Perry

Be Pro, Probiotics

Believe it or not, gut health is tied to a stronger immune system, balanced mood and preventing long-term disease.* Probiotics are a key foundational supplement to support a healthy functioning digestive system, leaving you feeling happy and healthy.* Go with your gut and implement a restorative supplement into your diet to help maintain a healthy microbiome.

Photo Credit: MegaFood

Turmeric Takeover

An ancient spice celebrated in both food and medicine, turmeric has experienced a recent resurgence by way of trendy lattes, seasonings and even face masks. Curcumin, the main researched active ingredient in turmeric, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and has been a key player in health and wellness for thousands of years. Turmeric is available in tablet form, but if you find yourself suffering from “pill fatigue,” you can still maximize the replenishing and rejuvenating properties of this super food with a Turmeric Nutrient Booster Powder to help maintain a healthy whole body inflammation response.* It’ll leave you glowing gold from the inside out.

Photo Credit: Sarah Rotavera

Supplement Sunshine

Between work, school and binge-watching the latest TV series, people spend 90 percent of their time indoors. By spending less time outdoors, chances are you may be one of the millions of Americans that aren’t getting enough vitamin D, which is essential for a strong immune system, healthy bones and an uplifted mood.* Adding a vitamin D supplement to your routine can help you reap the benefits of the essential nutrient without damaging your skin. Talk about a win-win.

Photo Credit: MegaFood

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


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Tips and tricks to keep your car looking new this spring

2018-04-18T14:59:00

(BPT) – The colder weather is fleeting, flowers are blossoming and the grass is just a little greener, which means spring is finally here. While most of your time will be spent preparing your home, clothes and family calendars for the warmer weather, it’s important not to forget about your car.

In fact, you can celebrate springtime by spending some time enjoying the fresh outdoor air and showing your car some love ahead of upcoming family vacations and summer road trips with friends. Start with these smart and simple tips to improve your ride:

Freshen up the interior

Interior and exterior cleaning makes a big difference in keeping a car looking and driving its best, but that doesn’t solve odor issues. To finalize spring car prep and maintenance, make sure to use a product that will leave the car smelling as good as it looks. Innovative and discrete vent sticks and mini diffusers from Refresh Your Car! come in a wide variety of scents, like Lemon Lime Sunshine, and are an affordable, long-lasting way to keep a car smelling great!

Clean and protect your interior

The interior, especially leather, is the most used and abused part of a car. Over time, constant use and sun damage can result in you leather interior drying out, causing it to fade, crack and rip. A quick and trusted way to address this issue is to use Lexol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. The easy two-step process will help clean, restore and protect a car’s interior, keeping it looking and feeling like new.

Check your battery

The colder the weather, the harder a battery and charging system need to work in a car. Start by making sure the battery is mounted correctly and the connections are free from corrosion. Also, consider replacing the battery if it’s older than five years, which will ensure you don’t get stranded out on the road.

Check and replace basic car items

Before heading out on any lengthy adventures, make sure the car is up-to-date on oil changes. During the oil change a technician should also check and replenish other fluids like the brake, transmission, windshield wiper and power steering fluids, as well as your coolant. This often forgotten about maintenance will help a car run smoothly for months to come.

Wash and wax

No matter the season, a car that is driven daily is constantly battling the elements, which can cause damage to its exterior. Washing regularly and waxing at least twice a year is an easy way to keep a car looking its best, protecting it from damaging UV rays, road debris, tree sap and rusting. When washing and protecting, don’t forget about tires and wheels. The Eagle One A2Z All Wheel & Tire Cleaner is an affordable, easy-to-use spray that clings to the dirt on the surface of most wheels and tires, easily removing brake dust, grime and grease; giving your wheels and tires a spotless, professional look.

These simple tips can keep a car clean, fresh and running smoothly throughout the hectic summer driving season.


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Advice for adult children of aging parents who need help at home

2018-04-18T13:59:00

(BPT) – Helping a parent stay active and healthy at home can be achieved with careful planning. The rewards of personally caring for, or managing the care of, a loved one who needs help are innumerable. It’s an opportunity to give back and to offer a return on the loving investment they once made in us. The trade-off is that in-home care costs money; money that may not be available.

In-home care may be provided by loved ones, family, friends, neighbors or professional caregivers. It typically includes assistance with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and walking — as well as companionship, medication reminders, laundry, light housekeeping, errands, shopping and transportation.

If your parent is under a doctor’s care because of a recent illness or injury, home healthcare companies can provide skilled nursing services in their house, such as physical therapy, wound care or speech therapy.

Whether caregiving services are provided by a professional or family member, either option can impact your family’s finances. An eight-hour-a-day, five-day-a-week professional caregiver costs about $40,000 a year, while 24/7 care can be as much as $150,000 a year. If a parent depends on family for care, it can take that caregiver away from his or her job and earnings, affect business opportunities and reduce future Social Security income.

Medicare, the federal government’s health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, covers some home health care if prescribed by a doctor, but not home-delivered meals, non-medical home care, or 24/7 care. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs, has very low asset and income restrictions.

Depending on where your parent lives, they might qualify for a Medicaid waiver that can help with in-home care costs. Doug Lueder, owner of Prosper Home Care, an independent home care agency based in Atlanta, says, “The purpose of the (Medicaid) waiver program is it can help individuals stay at home in a healthy, safe environment for the same amount of money or less than it would cost for that person to be in a facility. States would rather be able to keep people at home, and in general statistics show people are happier and they have better outcomes at home.”

Another possible source of funds may be your parents’ home. For many Americans, the equity they have built up in their homes is their single largest financial asset, typically comprising more than half of their net worth.

Older homeowners can access their equity by selling their house and moving into a less expensive, more manageable, place to live and then use the leftover proceeds to pay for professional care.

For those who would rather stay in their current home, as most people would prefer to do, options include a home equity loan, home equity line of credit, or a reverse mortgage.

With a reverse mortgage, borrowers have the flexibility to use their loan proceeds however they wish, including to pay for in-home care or other medical expenses. As long as the terms of the loan are met, the balance doesn’t need to be repaid until the last surviving borrower has passed away or permanently left the home. To learn more about this option, visit the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association’s consumer education website reversemortgage.org/adultchildren.

If you care for a loved one, consider following these tips from the Family Caregiver Alliance, the nation’s oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families prepare and cope with caring for loved ones at home.

First steps for new caregivers

* Identify yourself as a caregiver to your loved one.

* Get a good diagnosis — from a specialist or geriatrician if necessary — of your loved one’s health condition

* Learn what specific skills you might need to care for someone with this diagnosis. Caring for someone with dementia is different from caring for someone with chronic heart disease.

* Talk about finances and healthcare wishes.

* Complete legal paperwork, e.g., Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives.

* Bring family and friends together to discuss care.

* Keep them up to date on the current situation.

* Identify resources, both personal and in the community.

* Find support for yourself and your loved one.

* Remember, you are not alone.

Most importantly, remember that taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of someone else.

First steps are from the fact sheet Caregiving 101: On Being a Caregiver ©2016, published with permission from Family Caregiver Alliance, www.caregiver.org.


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5 self-care tips that take 10 minutes or less

2018-04-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Vicks®

Whether you’re a young professional building a career, a busy parent maintaining a family schedule or a C-suite executive travelling the world, modern life can be extremely busy. With so many to-do’s, priorities can shift, and oftentimes self-care suffers.

To feel your best and reach your goals, you need to make sure you’re healthy and happy. Fortunately, self-care doesn’t require a big investment of time or money. Consider these five easy self-care ideas that take just minutes to do.

Catching Zzzs is key

A good day starts the night before by getting adequate rest, but nearly nine in 10 Americans (87%) say they experience trouble falling asleep; with two-thirds (67%) stating they have trouble falling asleep at least once a month and nearly half (47%) stating at least once a week. With nearly 2 in 5 Americans (37%) reporting they typically get less than the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended hours of sleep each night (7-8 hours), it’s not surprising that only 9% of Americans report that they always feel well-rested when they wake up.1

New Vicks ZzzQuil™ PURE Zzzs™ Melatonin Gummies are a drug-free sleep option that can help you fall asleep naturally* and they contain a unique botanical blend of lavender, chamomile, valerian root and lemon balm. ZzzQuil PURE Zzzs Melatonin Gummies contain the optimal level of melatonin shown to help regulate your sleep cycle without next-day grogginess* so you can fall asleep naturally and wake refreshed*.

As an alternative option for those experiencing occasional sleeplessness and looking to fall asleep in as little as 20 minutes, Vicks ZzzQuil is a non-habit-forming sleep-aid you may want to try once in a while.

* These statements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Make time to wind down

After a busy day of work and play, it’s important to give your body and mind time to transition into relaxation mode. Before you go to bed, dedicate 10 minutes to quiet reflection and meditation. Calming scents can be a powerful tool in helping you wind down, so try using Vicks PURE Zzzs™ Soothing Aromatherapy Balm. The balm moisturizes your skin and helps provide relaxing scents thanks to a formula with soothing scents of lavender and chamomile.

Schedule technology mini-breaks

Americans turn to their devices when they can’t fall asleep, with more than a third (36%) logging on when they can’t nod off, whether it be surfing the internet (26%), checking or posting on social media (19%), or checking/sending emails (15%).1

Try to break free from the screen by scheduling 10-minute mini-breaks throughout your day. Put an alarm on your phone or create an email reminder so you know it’s time to take a break. Look away from your computer, give your eyes a rest and go stretch your legs. Even just walking to the break room to get a healthy snack can do wonders.

Fill up on H2O

Half of your body is made of water, so it makes sense to drink it regularly. The problem is, many people are dehydrated and don’t even realize it. Up to three-fourths of Americans drink well below the recommended levels, according to the University of Florida, which states that over time, chronic dehydration can lead to fatigue, joint pain, headaches, ulcers, high blood pressure and more. So do your body a favor and grab a glass of water. If you want to jazz it up a bit, a twist of citrus fruit, a few berries or some slices of cucumber can add a healthy boost of flavor.

Laugh a little (or a lot!)

Have you heard the phrase “laughter is the best medicine?” When it comes to the health benefits of laughter, it’s no joke. Short-term benefits of laughter may include internal stimulation, tension release and relaxation, according to the Mayo Clinic. Long-term benefits may include improved mood, pain relief and a stronger immune system. That’s a whole lot of reasons to laugh, so take a quick break and watch a funny TV clip, read the funnies in the newspaper or listen to audio from your favorite comic.

1 The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Vicks ZzzQuil from Dec. 21-13, 2016 among 2,054 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.