Category: Brandpoint

2018-02-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – At the turn of the calendar, many people begin taking action on what they plan to accomplish in the new year. Some have resolved to take up a new hobby, to save more money, to travel and, of course, to improve their health.

New eating plans and gym memberships are common steps people take toward their health goals, but there are other effective ways to improve your health — like adding probiotics to your daily regimen. You’ve likely heard of probiotics before, but do you know how they benefit your health and how to select the right one for you? This article can help.*

What is a probiotic?

Before delving into how probiotics can help your body, let’s first explain what they actually are. In the simplest terms, probiotics are the good bacteria (live microorganisms) that live inside your digestive tract and help your body to function properly. There are many different types of probiotics, and each one performs a different function in your digestive system.*

The billions of bacteria that live inside your digestive tract are often called “microflora,” or more correctly, “microbiota,” and the environment that they work together to create inside the body is called the microbiome. Maintaining proper balance within your microbiome is crucial for overall health.*

How do probiotics help?

The beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract are influenced by a variety of factors such as stress, medication use, traveling and poor diet. Therefore, it is important to prioritize diet and lifestyle to maintain proper gut ecology. Probiotics are also effective for maintaining healthy populations of beneficial bacteria. Numerous clinical studies have shown probiotics have positive effects on health, including assisting in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients and contributing to immune system health. Some studies have suggested that certain beneficial strains may also support brain function.*

Probiotics in your diet

Probiotics are found in many foods you may enjoy every day including yogurt, kefir and sauerkraut. However, due to food processing and packaging, maintaining the stability and potency of the live beneficial bacteria in these foods can be a challenge. Including probiotic supplements in your routine ensures a consistent dose to help you and your family maintain optimal health.*

Finding the right probiotic supplement for you

Probiotic supplements can help support health at any age — from infancy to adulthood. When it comes to selecting the probiotics for you and your family, the best options are those that are formulated based on clinical research. Genestra Brands offers a comprehensive line of clinically studied, effective probiotic strains that have been recommended by doctors for more than 20 years. With more than 25 gluten-free, non-GMO formulas, Genestra Brands’ probiotics offer personalized support to help make your New Year’s resolution of becoming a healthier you that much easier.*

Before you begin taking any type of probiotic, speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist about whether they are safe and right for you.

To learn more about probiotics designed with you in mind, visit genestrahmf.com.

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

2018-01-17T14:33:00

(BPT) – Healthy snacking and making good food choices can be difficult any time of the year, but it can be especially tough during the big game. Business Insider reports that only 80 percent of people who start a New Year’s resolution keep that resolution through February. This happens to correspond with the biggest football game of the year and the common food temptations that go along with it — chicken wings, chips and salsa, pizza, not to mention beer.

Bryan Snyder, registered dietitian and nutrition director for the Denver Broncos, who is responsible for keeping the year-round nutrition strategies for the team’s players on track, also knows the pitfalls for the fans. “I advise people trying to eat healthier to follow a sustainable meal plan.”

Snyder describes a sustainable meal plan as one that allows some flexibility to have a meal here and there that might have a higher calorie intake.

“I often see people go from eating a poor diet and choosing unhealthy snacks, in combination with not exercising, to all of a sudden deciding to work out every day and eat perfectly every meal. The issue that can arise from that behavior is that it isn’t a sustainable plan, and it doesn’t allow any room for those big game snacks.”

Snyder’s recommendation is to find a nice middle ground. Allow yourself to sneak in some of those not-so-healthy calories on game day, but also give yourself some healthier options that you can have while keeping a guilt-free conscience.

Snyder’s snack of choice? Pistachios. “Pistachios are loaded with antioxidants and fiber, which will help you feel full and prevent you from overeating during the big game, and give you an immune system boost as well.”

Other healthy options are pita chips with hummus, vegetables with vegetable dip, bison or turkey burger sliders, popcorn, baked sweet potato fries, or a cup of turkey chili. For those who can’t imagine game day without wings, Snyder suggests baking the wings instead of deep-frying to replace some of the unwanted and unnecessary fats.

“Oftentimes we want to eat healthier, but we simply don’t know what to eat,” says Snyder. “All of these options are healthy swaps for satisfying game day enjoyment.”

Snyder recommends, too, having a backup plan if you’re going over to someone else’s house to watch the game, as this can be one of the biggest pitfalls to straying from a diet. “Don’t give yourself an excuse to eat poorly. Take along some portable healthy snacks — such as healthy bars, trail mix or pistachios — to be sure you have options and don’t indulge in hours of unhealthy snacking.”

While it is certainly understandable and sometimes difficult to eat healthy during the big game, it is something that can be done with the right planning and preparation, according to Snyder.

“One other common misconception about healthy snacking is that you have to sacrifice great taste,” warns Snyder. “Follow this game plan, and I guarantee you won’t.”

2018-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to take a serious look at your heart health. One important aspect of managing your heart health is keeping your cholesterol levels within a healthy range. With a few smart steps, you can help support your heart health today and well into the future.

Dr. Shawn Dhillon, medical director at Calvert Medical Group in Baltimore, believes that managing heart health begins with strengthening the doctor-patient relationship. It’s through open, honest conversation that people can best manage their cholesterol levels to support a healthy heart.

“It’s critical for patients to have an open dialogue about a management plan,” says Dr. Dhillon. “It’s also important for physicians to properly explain conditions and treatment options to patients, and equally important for patients to listen. Talking and forming a partnership helps ensure success.”

In the US, more than 100 million American adults have high cholesterol, which can lead to hard, thick buildup (plaque) forming in your arteries, causing them to narrow and slowing down and even blocking the flow of blood to your heart. This is dangerous because blood carries oxygen to the heart and brain. If enough oxygen doesn’t reach your heart, you may feel pains in your chest, and if blood supply is completely blocked to any part of your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

To help encourage a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Dhillon often suggests therapeutic lifestyle changes before recommending any medication. This may start by looking at dietary changes that increase intake of soluble fiber and decrease intake of trans and saturated fats.

Dr. Dhillon also recommends increased exercise, which works the heart and encourages weight loss. For those who need to reduce cholesterol levels, The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise or activity 3 to 4 times a week.

“If cholesterol levels still do not improve to where we want them to be after trying lifestyle changes for an adequate amount of time, we supplement with a statin medication,” says Dr. Dhillon.

Statins are prescription drugs that can help people manage cholesterol levels. LIVALO^® (pitavastatin) is a statin medication that, along with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, can improve overall cholesterol levels while having a lower risk of certain unpredictable drug interactions compared to other statins.

Some people may experience side effects when starting a statin. “It’s important to record any symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider,” according to Dr. Dhillon. “Everyone has a different tolerance level for statins,” he says. “Sometimes the body needs time to adjust to the new medication. You may experience muscle aches or fatigue but by working with your doctor you can make adjustments — perhaps trying a lower dose or trying a different type of statin — so that you can find a treatment that works for your unique needs.”

While speaking with your doctor, ask if LIVALO is right for you. LIVALO lowers cholesterol levels by targeting the enzyme that plays a central role in the production of cholesterol. LIVALO is metabolized, or processed, in the liver differently than most other statins and may be less likely to interact with other medications. Because of the way LIVALO is metabolized differently than most statins, patients are able to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, both of which can potentially interfere with the action of some other prescription drugs.

Important Safety Information for LIVALO® (pitavastatin) tablets

Who should NOT take LIVALO?

LIVALO is not right for everyone. Do not take LIVALO if:

• You have a known allergy to LIVALO or any of its ingredients.
• You have active liver problems, including some abnormal liver test results.
• You are nursing, pregnant or may become pregnant, as it may harm the baby.
• You are currently taking cyclosporine or gemfibrozil.

What is the most important information I should know and talk to my doctor about?

• Call your healthcare provider or get help right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or hives.
• Muscle problems may be an early sign of rare, serious conditions. Tell your doctor right away if you have any unexplained muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness, particularly if accompanied by malaise or fever, or if these muscle signs or symptoms persist after discontinuing LIVALO.
• Serious liver problems have been reported rarely in patients taking statins, including LIVALO. Your doctor should do liver tests before you start, and if you have symptoms of liver problems while you are taking LIVALO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you feel more tired than usual, have a loss of appetite, upper belly pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medications you take including nonprescription medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
• Increases in blood sugar levels have been reported with statins, including LIVALO.
• Tell your doctor about your alcohol use.

What are the most common side effects of LIVALO?

The most common side effects of LIVALO in clinical studies were:

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Pain in the legs or arms

This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of all drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1.800.FDA.1088.

How should I store and take LIVALO?

• Store LIVALO tablets at room temperature, in a dry place, and out of the reach of children.
• LIVALO can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, dissolve, or chew.

Other important information I should know about LIVALO.

• LIVALO has not been studied to evaluate its effect on reducing heart-related disease or death.
• LIVALO is available by prescription only.

For additional information please see the full Prescribing Information or visit http://www.livalorx.com.

© Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2017) – LIV-RA-0109

2018-01-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Throughout history, misconceptions, misinformation and popular culture have influenced Americans’ eating habits. Many foods that were previously eaten daily are now considered unhealthy. Conversely, some foods that were thought to be “bad for you,” are now considered nutritious.

“Nutrition is exciting. Just about every day there is new research about how certain foods work in our body,” says Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Over time as research is done, foods that were once considered unhealthy can be found to actually play a key role in healthy diets.”

What historically “unhealthy” foods are now considered wholesome? Blatner provides some examples:

Eggs

Shunned for many years, eggs were believed to be bad for heart health due to high cholesterol levels. However, numerous studies have shown that intake of dietary cholesterol has little influence on blood cholesterol levels. In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health states that the biggest influence on blood cholesterol level is the mix of fats and carbohydrates in your diet — not the amount of cholesterol you take in from food.

Today, eggs are part of a healthy diet — so much so that recently the country’s leading weight loss service announced that eggs are now included on its zero points list. Keep in mind, though, that not all eggs are created equal. When shopping for eggs, look for Eggland’s Best eggs, which have significantly more nutrition than ordinary eggs.

“Many health and nutrition organizations are finally recognizing eggs for the nutrient powerhouse they are,” says Blatner. “Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s and more than double the vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs, making them the best egg option to maximize your nutritional intake.”

Nuts

Snacking on nuts today is typically considered a healthy way to keep hunger pangs at bay, but it wasn’t always that way. Nuts used to have a bad reputation for being high in fat and calories, and were often avoided, especially for people who wanted to lose weight.

Today, many nuts are considered the ideal nutritious snack as they contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. For example, the versatile almond is relatively low in calories when compared to other nuts and has more calcium than other varieties, according to Health.com. Plus, almonds are rich in fiber and vitamin E, an important antioxidant.

“Nuts can make a great snack or wonderful addition to recipes,” says Blatner. “The one thing to be mindful of is sodium intake. Opt for raw nuts or dry-roasted varieties. These are minimally processed and typically won’t contain the salt and oils you’ll find in other varieties.”

Carbohydrates

Due to empty calories and low nutritional value, cutting carbs has been at the heart of diet fads for decades. The problem with this is that it assumes all carbs are equal, which is false.

“The important thing to realize is there are high-quality and low-quality carbs,” says Blatner. “Instead of shaming all carbs, focus on high-quality sources of carbohydrates that fuel the body and give you energy — skip the refined grains like white bread and focus on whole grains.”

Want to try a recipe that uses some of these formerly misunderstood foods? Blatner shares one of her favorites.

Eggland’s Best Spinach & Avocado Egg Sushi

Makes two servings.

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (Large), 1 tablespoon milk, 1 dash of salt, 1 dash of ground black pepper, 1 large whole wheat tortilla (12 inch), 1/2 avocado (mashed), 1 cup fresh baby spinach

For the spicy sauce:

Mix 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or other hot sauce) and 1 teaspoon milk in a small bowl.

Directions:

Coat a 10-inch nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat on medium-low heat.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper.

Pour egg mixture into pan and cover with a lid. Do not scramble! Cook until set (about 3-4 minutes), flip and finish cooking (about 1-2 minutes).

Lay tortilla flat and spread with avocado, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges.

When eggs are finished cooking, place in the center of the tortilla and top with spinach.

Start at one end and roll tightly, but gently.

Coat the same skillet with nonstick spray and warm on medium-high heat.

Place roll seam-side down on skillet and brown slightly on both sides. Remove and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes.

Using a serrated knife, slice 1-inch pieces, drizzle with spicy sauce and serve with chopsticks.

2018-01-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – When someone you know loses a friend or family member, it’s not easy deciding when and how best to respond. You may find yourself unsure of what to say or do. Sometimes a simple phrase such as, “I’m sorry for your loss,” can be extraordinarily meaningful.

Here are six helpful tips from 1-800-Flowers.com’s Celebrating A Life online resource on how to console a loved one during their time of grief:

Listen

Allowing a grieving person to express how they feel can be a huge help. Try to listen without offering advice or interrupting. Letting people share memories and talk about their loved one can be a part of the healing process.

Be specific when offering help

Make a specific commitment to being with the person who needs you. Offering assistance with day-to-day matters can be very comforting, but be sure to offer something specific, such as, “I’m coming over with groceries on Saturday.” That way, you’re offering help without placing the burden on the grieving person to figure out what to bring and when.

Navigate social media appropriately

When acknowledging the news of a loss, stick with the communication medium through which you initially received the information. If the news came by phone call, return the call. If you learned about the death through social media, it is appropriate to reply on social media, just be sure to keep your message brief on public pages. More detailed expressions of sympathy should be conveyed in private posts.

Be patient

It is normal for people who are grieving to experience a range of emotions. It takes time to heal, so be patient and allow them to grieve at their own pace.

Send a card

Show your concern and support by sending a card. Take the time to put your own personal message inside.

Don’t minimize their pain

It is important to keep the focus on the grieving person. Resist the urge to share stories of times that you’ve lost a loved one. Let your friend or family member share their own stories and memories.

1-800-Flowers.com has been helping customers express sympathies for more than 40 years. Now, the company has created an online sympathy hub for tips and advice, directly from experts, on how best to express sympathy and condolences. Topics include Appropriate Sympathy Etiquette Across Different Religions, How to Write a Eulogy, How to Create a Memory Garden, and Sympathy Etiquette and Social Media.

The site serves as a resource for people in their time of need and is intended to make their experience a little easier to manage. People need to have a greater understanding of how to help their friends, family and co-workers in coping with a loss.

For more information, visit www.1800flowers.com/sympathyadvice, or call 1-800-Flowers.com’s Sympathy Customer Service line at 866-538-2259.

2018-01-31T08:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know that your zip code has a bigger impact on your health than your genetic code? It’s because of factors known as social determinants of health. Things like air quality, employment, education, the people you socialize with and the safety of your neighborhood all have an impact. In fact, 60 percent of a person’s life expectancy is driven by factors outside of the doctor’s office. Check out a few surprising things in your neighborhood impacting your health — and what to do about them:

Your Sidewalks

You might not think about it, but your sidewalks are impacting your health. The average person burns 100 calories walking a mile. If we all had more easily accessible sidewalks and spent more time walking, we could become more fit. The WalkWorks ChesCo! program in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge Spotlight winner, set a goal for community members to hit one billion steps in 2017, and reached it three months ahead of schedule. Reach your step goal by taking a sidewalk stroll every once in a while.

Your Grocery Stores

How easy is it to get to your nearest grocery store? The distance between your home and the nearest grocery store impacts your health immensely. The CDC defines a food desert as an area that lacks access to affordable fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat milk and other foods that make up a full and healthy diet. In Bridgeport, Connecticut, residents in the East End neighborhood have spent the last 35 years with little or no grocery stores close by. Last year, a pop-up market ended the trend of food deserts and gave the neighborhood accessible, healthful options.The grocery stores in your neck of the woods might just influence your fruit and vegetable consumption.

Your Neighborhood Police

Community police work to keep your neighborhoods safe and lower violence rates. The Mind/Spirit/Body project in Jersey City, New Jersey, has made it a priority to recognize violence as a health issue, and has actively decreased violence within local neighborhoods by promoting healthy behaviors among its citizens. In the last 25 years, violent crime rates have decreased by 50 percent because of police. Next time you see an officer, thank them for keeping you safe!

Your Water System

Your water system impacts so many aspects of your daily life. From safe drinking water, to a healthy sewer system to curbing erosion from rainfall, communities must manage water in many ways. For example, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), sewer overflows happen about 75,000 times a year. Did you know sewage overflows can contaminate our waters, cause property damage and other public health threats? The city of Camden, New Jersey, another Challenge Spotlight Award winner, set up a program to reduce the number of sewage overflows in their region and improve water quality for all. The Camden SMART Initiative gathers community engagement through a variety of new mobile apps, community meetings and social media. Make sure to check to see if your community sewer system is in top shape to avoid contaminants.

Your Schools

The schools in your community matter. Many studies show that a higher level of education is a strong predictor of a longer life due to many factors, including higher income, social status, healthy behaviors and social well-being. The Steinhardt School at NYU completed a study, finding that 145,243 deaths could have been prevented in 2010 if adults who had not completed high school went on to earn a GED or high school degree. Education levels affect mortality rates over time. Your local teachers, schools and peers impact your life expectancy more than you know.

To learn more, visit: http://www.healthiestcities.org/ and join the conversation at #Healthiestcitieschallenge.

About the Healthiest Cities and Counties Challenge:

The Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge is a collaboration between the Aetna Foundation, the American Public Health Association and the National Association of Counties to encourage small to midsize U.S. cities, counties and federally recognized tribes to create a positive health impact. The challenge will identify the best practices for achieving community and individual health, wellness and health equity.

2018-01-12T15:51:00

(BPT) – Like many people, you are likely aware of the term “liver cancer” and may have some perceptions of this disease, but you may have less information than you think. Chances are, though, you have never heard of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though it’s the most common type of liver cancer and the fastest-growing cause of cancer death in the United States.^1,2,3

Andrea Wilson was in a similar situation when her younger sister Adrienne was diagnosed with HCC. Once Andrea understood more about this devastating disease, she made it her mission to tell Adrienne’s story and to help others who suffer from this cancer.

More than sisters

Andrea and Adrienne shared an inseparable bond. As Adrienne’s legal guardian, Andrea was both Adrienne’s parent and sister.

“Adrienne was simply the best—my everything,” said Andrea, president and founder of Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association, a leading liver cancer advocacy group. “She taught me the true meaning of unconditional love.”

One day, Adrienne felt severe pain in her right side. Six hours later, an ER doctor told Andrea and Adrienne she had tumors in her liver and lungs. Within two days, Adrienne was diagnosed with stage IV HCC.

“Our lives changed forever when we heard those eight words, ‘She has tumors in her liver and lungs,’” Andrea said. From the time she felt the pain in her side to the moment she died, Adrienne lived 147 days.

Raising awareness

According to a survey fielded by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, in collaboration with Blue Faery, nearly half (47%) of people who care for someone with advanced stage liver cancer said they were aware of liver cancer but not very knowledgeable.⁴ In fact, Andrea never would have expected that Adrienne could have been at risk of developing the disease. Before that day, she believed heavy alcohol use was the only cause of this cancer.

She isn’t alone.

Many caregivers (43%) of patients with advanced stage disease did not think their loved one was at risk. One of the reasons may be that many of these people (72%), like Andrea, believed that heavy alcohol use was the most common risk factor for liver cancer.⁴ In reality, chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common risk factor for liver cancer.^3,5

Caregivers may also face the challenge of making critical treatment decisions with their loved one. However, more than half of caregivers of people with advanced stage liver cancer surveyed (58%) admit it’s hard to understand what treatment options are available for their loved one. Nearly all of these caregivers (95%) believe more information needs to be available about different types of liver cancer treatment options and/or areas of research, and eight in 10(82%) wish they knew where to go to find this information.⁴

Making this type of information available became Andrea’s mission when she founded Blue Faery to support people affected by primary liver cancer, specifically HCC.

Additionally, according to the caregivers surveyed, 90% wish there were more public awareness of the seriousness of a liver cancer diagnosis, and 77% think liver cancer doesn’t get as much attention as other cancers.⁴

To address the needs these caregivers identified in the survey, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Blue Faery have launched LiverCancerOutlook.com, a website offering information about liver cancer and providing links to additional resources for patients and caregivers.

“Before Adrienne passed away, she said that cancer added to the story of her life. She believed it contributed to her character and sense of humor,” Andrea said. “I could not save Adrienne from liver cancer, but I have made it my mission to tell her story and to help others suffering from this devastating disease.”

For more information, or to share with a loved one, visit LiverCancerOutlook.com.

Blue Faery was compensated by Bristol-Myers Squibb for its time spent as an advisor on the Liver Cancer Outlook Survey and related content. Bristol-Myers Squibb does not endorse and is not responsible for information provided by third-party organizations.

References

1. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures. 2017. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2017.

2. Islami F, Miller K, Siegel R, et al. Disparities in Liver Cancer Occurrence in the United States by Race/Ethnicity and State. Ca Cancer J Clin 2017 Jul 8;67(4):273–289.

3. Mittal S and El-Serag HB. Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma: consider the population. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2013 Jul; 47 Suppl:S2-6.

4. Bristol-Myers Squibb. Bryter. U.S. Survey of Liver Cancer Caregivers. July 24, 2017 – August 31, 2017.

5. American Cancer Society. Liver Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html. Accessed December 18, 2017.

2018-02-14T14:41:00

(BPT) – Across the nation, thousands of seniors have used a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly called a reverse mortgage loan, as a savvy way to access the equity in their homes as part of their retirement strategy.

Those who are interested in a reverse mortgage loan should know that there are six main phases to the process: 1) educating and qualifying, 2) counseling, 3) approval, 4) funding, 5) using and 6) settling.

1. Educating and qualifying

The HECM process begins by contacting an FHA-approved lender who will review the borrower’s situation, educate them on the HECM program, and determine if they would likely qualify for a reverse mortgage loan.

“Once the lender has determined that the borrower is eligible, they work closely with them to shape the loan so it fits their needs,” says Paul Fiore, Chief Sales Officer for American Advisors Group, the leading reverse mortgage lender in the nation. “At AAG, this is a highly personalized process designed to give the borrower the best outcome for their financial situation.”

2. Counseling

Once qualified, borrowers are referred to reverse mortgage counseling, an important consumer safeguard mandated by the government. During counseling, a HUD-approved HECM counselor reviews the borrower’s needs and circumstances. They consider how the funds might best be distributed, the financial and tax implications, and whether a HECM is right for them. If so, an application is submitted to the lender.

3. Approval

Next, the property will be appraised, and after that the approval process will begin. Before closing on the loan, borrowers will choose between several loan disbursement options, from taking it all out in a lump sum, receiving fixed monthly payments, opening a line of credit or any combination.

4. Funding

After the closing papers are signed, the homeowner has three business days to change their mind and cancel the loan (except if the loan is being used to purchase a new home). After the rescission period has passed, the funds are ready to be paid out through the payment option selected, subject to an initial disbursement limit that is determined by HUD.

5. Using your loan

The loan servicer will generally disburse funds via direct deposit or mail on the first business day of the month, following the funding of the loan. The borrower can live in the home as long as they like without making monthly mortgage payments, as long as they continue to pay property taxes and insurance on the home, maintain it in good condition and comply with any other loan terms.

6. Settling your loan

If the last surviving borrower sells or transfers the property, passes away, or does not use the property as a principal residence for more than 12 months, the loan has reached a “maturity event,” meaning that the loan comes due and no further funds can be disbursed. Borrowers also have the option of paying off their loan in full at any time without penalty.

Following a maturity event, an appraisal will be ordered by the loan servicer to determine the property’s current market value. The heirs can sell the property to repay the loan, or purchase the property for 95 percent of its appraised value. Since HECMs are non-recourse loans, the proceeds from the sale of the home are the only asset that can be taken to pay the loan’s balance, even if the loan amount exceeds the value of the home.

A home equity conversion mortgage can be shaped to fit an individual’s needs. With new consumer safeguards in place, many seniors are discovering that it is an important part of their retirement strategy.

2018-02-14T14:01:00

(BPT) – Children and teens experience some of the most important moments of their lives at school. It’s where they spend two-thirds of their waking hours. Of course, school can be stressful, too — and not just because of pop quizzes and science projects.

“Stress isn’t the same for all children, and it impacts every one differently,” said Dr. Cheryl S. Al-Mateen, medical director of the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. “In fact, in some cases this stress can even be traumatic. If left unnoticed, it can lead to real mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-harm and even substance abuse.”

Everyone deserves to feel comfortable talking about mental health — it plays an important role in a child’s overall health. Sometimes, however, topics around mental health can feel overwhelming or confusing for parents. Many may find it difficult to spot the difference between traditional school stress and the possibility of potential trauma. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help. As a start, Dr. Al-Mateen has five recommendations to support parents in understanding school issues, helping children cope and tackling potential problems.

* Check in about school. It can be difficult in our go-go-go world, but give your child your undivided attention for 5 to 10 minutes every day. Talk about their friends, teachers and classes. Open yourself to hearing the good and the bad, and ask what they find difficult — like feeling too nervous to talk or being teased for talking too much. These conversations help you identify problems as they arise, teach your child problem-solving skills and reinforce how deeply you care about their wellbeing.

* Strengthen your lines of communication. Your child may be more open about school if you have frequent conversations about other things as well. Talk to them about the little stuff, and they’ll be more apt to tell you about the big stuff. Listen without judging, and be ready to engage them in an activity if that makes them more comfortable. Braiding your child’s hair, shooting a few baskets in the driveway or working a puzzle can lead to a great conversation.

* Work with your school. If your child is showing signs of stress that concern you, don’t be afraid to reach out to their teacher(s) or school principal. Your child’s teacher may be able to shed light on what’s causing the stress and, if nothing else, can help watch out for your child during the school day.

* Establish a routine at home. Children thrive in stable, consistent environments. Creating a predictable schedule is helpful, if you can, but sometimes that’s just not possible. Make a big family calendar and keep it where everyone can access it. This empowers children to know what’s coming up and helps provide the solid foundation they crave at home. They’ll be better prepared to deal with changes and unexpected situations they may face at school.

* Seek help when you need it. How do you know if your child needs help beyond what you or the school can provide? Look for warning signs. For example, young children may complain about stomachaches and headaches that have no physical explanation. When depressed, a child may say that they’re angry, rather than sad, so listen for both — especially when their eating or sleeping patterns also change dramatically, they seem to have low energy or they aren’t taking pleasure in things they enjoyed before. These may be signs of a larger problem that needs to be addressed immediately with help from mental health professionals.

The school years are exciting, important times for your children, but they can be tough. Check in with your child daily and don’t downplay the stress they may feel. Recognizing potential issues quickly can help prevent larger problems down the road. To learn more about the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and to find more resources to support you and your child, visit chrichmond.org/vtcc.