ParentsKids
Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck's Kids' Sweet Holiday Traditions
2024-12-02
Jennifer Garner is filled with joy as Christmas approaches, and her three children with Ben Affleck are equally excited. Through the years, she has instilled a love for the holiday season in them.

Discover the Holiday Magic with Jennifer Garner and Her Family

Children's Specialties for Christmas Dinner

Jennifer Garner shares that one child has a specialty in making mashed potatoes, another in crafting an apple pie, and the third one's creation remains a delightful mystery. "It's wonderful to see them each bring their unique touch to our Christmas dinner," she told People.Just the other night, when she got home from work, her son was in full Christmas mode. "The other night I got home from work, and my son had Christmas music playing at full volume throughout the house. He was wearing an apron and making ginger snaps. That's the energy I want to see in our house right now," she explained.

Holiday Plans with the Affleck Brood

This holiday season, Garner has planned a special outing. "We'll definitely go see The Nutcracker. It's a huge part of Christmas for me and my kids. I'm glad I've instilled that love in them. Just being together as a family is what matters most," she said.

Thanksgiving Volunteer Work

The holiday spirit extends to Thanksgiving as well. Garner, Affleck, and their kids volunteered at The Midnight Mission's annual Thanksgiving Street Fair in Los Angeles. The family of five served free meals to the homeless community and were pictured wearing aprons from the non-profit organization. A source shared, "They truly enjoy giving back to their community and cherish quality time together as a family."Garner's efforts in instilling the values of the holiday season and giving back have created a warm and loving environment for her family. It's clear that Christmas and Thanksgiving are not just about the food and gifts but about the memories and connections made with loved ones.
Our Top Nordstrom Cyber Monday Picks: Luxury Fashion Deals
2024-12-02
Page Six may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. While Cyber Monday brings deals across the internet, Nordstrom’s a one-stop shop for some of our favorites. The store’s slashing prices up to 60% across departments for the shopping holiday — and high-end labels are hardly an exception. Click to jump to a section: Clothing, shoe and accessory deals | Beauty deals

Uncover the Best Cyber Monday Deals at Nordstrom

Best clothing, shoe and accessory deals

Ugg Discoquette Slide Slipper at Nordstrom - The internet’s bursting with Ugg deals this Cyber Monday, including this rarely-on-sale platform pair. It's a must-have for those seeking comfort and style.

Spanx The Perfect Pull-On Pants at Nordstrom - The original version of Spanx’s perfect pants landed a spot on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list in 2019. In sizes XS to 3X, they have built-in tummy control, so you don’t need to wear compression gear underneath — you’re already Spanxed!

Staud Leather Moon Bag at Nordstrom - From Kendall Jenner to Hannah Waddingham in “Ted Lasso,” plenty of fashion-forward stars have carried Staud’s moon-shaped handbag. Snag it at Nordstrom right now in black, tan or white for under $250.

Barbour Mariah Quilted Trench Coat at Nordstrom - The royal family’s long relied on Barbour’s quilted coats for outdoor appearances — and right now, several styles from the trusted brand are on sale at Nordstrom.

Free People Ella Button-Up Sweater at Nordstrom - In addition to Free People’s own Cyber Week sale, you can snag more of the brand’s marked-down must-haves at Nordstrom.

Apparis Anei Reversible Faux Shearling Coat at Nordstrom - Stars like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez have a real obsession with Apparis’ faux fur coats, many of which are marked down just in time for winter.

Adidas Stan Smith Sneakers at Nordstrom - You can’t go wrong with a versatile pair of white sneakers. Just ask Katy Perry, Reese Witherspoon and the many other stars who’ve laced up these Adidas classics over the years.

Stuart Weitzman Yulianna Suede Boot at Nordstrom - Even Stuart Weitzman’s heels aren’t exempt from sky-high savings at Nordstrom.

Madewell The ’90s Straight Leg Jean at Nordstrom - Madewell’s top-knotch denim’s got plenty of famous fans, including Emma Roberts, Lucy Hale and Camila Mendes.

Rothy’s The Point Ballet Flats at Nordstrom - Meghan Markle rocked these pointed flats long before the recent ballet flat resurgence. And with the style now trending in a major way, there’s never been a better time to shop.

Ugg’s new platform styles at Nordstrom - Ugg’s new platform styles are already skyrocketing to fame, including this version we’ve spotted on Chloë Sevigny and Doechii.

Spanx High Waist Flare Ponte Pants at Nordstrom - As the story goes, Oprah called Spanx founder Sara Blakely to congratulate her the moment she tried on Spanx’s first Perfect Pants. (And after trying them out ourselves, we can totally see why.)

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Robe at Nordstrom - Another Winfrey-loved brand, Barefoot Dreams is famous for its seriously soft lounge styles — most of which are on sale right now.

Best beauty deals

Dyson Airwrap at Nordstrom - Shop fast before deals wrap up on Dyson’s viral hairstyling tool, a hit with stars like Beyoncé, Khloé Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan.

Jo Malone Little Luxuries Travel Set at Nordstrom - Little luxuries, big savings. Jo Malone’s Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne is a signature for stars like Meghan Markle and Sofia Richie, the latter of whom teamed up with the brand in 2023.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream at Nordstrom - Hailey Bieber once shared an Instagram Story snap of this luxe moisturizer, saying she’d already gone through three bottles. She’s not the only one hooked, as eagle-eyed fans also spotted the brand’s distinctive blue-and-gold packaging on Jennifer Anistone’s “Morning Show” makeup table.

Lancer The Method: Polish at Nordstrom - Dr. Harold Lancer is the go-to dermatologist for A-listers like Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Lopez — so it’s no surprise his products are equally celeb-adored. Shop his full line for less right now, including this exfoliator Kardashian’s name-checked.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Body Moisturizer at Nordstrom - Score a full 50% off the classic Kiehl’s moisturizer stars are obsessed with. Melissa Gorga shouted out the no-frills favorite in a Page Six interview, saying it “gives a little bit of that glow without being greasy.”

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment at Nordstrom - Oprah Winfrey included this skincare staple on her 2018 “Favorite Things” list, calling it part of her “go-to beauty regimen.” Drew Barrymore’s also a fan, raving on Instagram, “I see a huge difference in the brightening, the tightening and the ‘youthening’ of my skin.”

The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller at Nordstrom - The skinny on this cooling face roller? Everyone from Paige DeSorbo and Remi Bader to Meredith Marks swears by it.

Kai Eau de Parfum at Nordstrom - Winfrey’s also in good company when it comes to this floral fragrance. In addition to a spot on her “Favorite Things” list, the product’s reportedly gotten shout-outs from Khloé Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Garner.

Black Friday FAQs for savvy shoppers

When is Cyber Monday 2024? - Get ready to online shop ’till you drop on Monday, December 2, 2024. Keep an eye out for many Cyber Monday deals dropping as early as Saturday or Sunday before.

Which is better: Black Friday or Cyber Monday? - It depends! Some, though not all, retailers approach Black Friday and Cyber Monday differently, offering discounts on varying brands and products over the post-Thanksgiving weekend. Some stores use Cyber Monday as an opportunity to drop further discounts on on-sale items. But beware: if you wait for Cyber Monday to make your purchases, you do risk the chance of products selling out.

Where can I find the best deals? - Right here, at Page Six! If you’re in the market for celebrity-worthy styles on a budget, luxury beauty and skincare for less, or gifts so good you’ll want to keep them for yourself, check out our expert-curated Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for the best of the best.

Why Trust Page Six Style Shopping - This article was written by Hannah Southwick, Commerce Writer/Reporter for Page Six Style. Hannah spies deals on actually affordable celebrity-worn styles, puts Hollywood’s favorite labels to the test and finds the beauty products that keep stars red carpet-ready. She consults stylists and industry pros — including celebs themselves — for firsthand product recommendations, trend predictions and more. In addition to writing for Page Six since 2020, her work has been featured in USA Today and Parade.

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The True Culprits in American Healthcare: Pharma & PBMs
2024-12-02
The American healthcare system stands as a complex web of intricacies, frequently leading to the blame being cast upon insurance companies, hospitals, or doctors. Nevertheless, when delving deeper, it becomes evident that the true culprits behind the exorbitant costs are often overlooked - pharmaceutical companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Their pricing strategies and opaque business models have resulted in a situation where Americans end up paying significantly more for the same medications compared to their counterparts in Canada, Europe, or other developed nations.

Uncovering the Hidden Costs in American Healthcare

The Cost Disparity in Drugs

Imagine being prescribed a life-saving medication only to find that its price in the United States is a staggering 10 times higher than across the border in Canada. This is not an abstract scenario; it is the harsh reality faced by millions of Americans. Medications such as insulin, which is crucial for those with diabetes, often cost hundreds of dollars per month in the U.S., while being available at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. The primary cause lies in the fact that drug companies set prices based on market demand, and in the U.S., there is limited regulation to curtail their actions. In contrast, countries like Canada and those in Europe engage in direct negotiations with pharmaceutical companies to cap drug prices. In the U.S., the reliance on a "free market" system for pharmaceuticals has ironically led to a lack of fair competition. One might wonder why, with the same drug and the same manufacturer, Americans have to pay so much more. It is a question that demands answers.

Another aspect to consider is the impact of drug pricing on different patient demographics. For example, low-income families struggle to afford essential medications, often having to make difficult choices between buying food and taking their prescribed drugs. Seniors on fixed incomes face an even greater challenge, as the cost of medications can eat into their limited savings. This not only affects their immediate health but also has long-term implications for their overall well-being.

The Role of PBMs

Pharmacy benefit managers act as intermediaries between drug manufacturers, pharmacies, and insurance companies. Their initial intention was to simplify the drug distribution process and reduce costs through bulk purchasing. However, the modern PBM system has transformed into a profit-driven entity.PBMs negotiate rebates and discounts with drug manufacturers, claiming that these will lead to lower costs for insurers and patients. But in reality, these rebates often do not reach the consumers. Instead, they are pocketed by PBMs, adding an additional layer of profit to the already high drug prices. Worse still, PBMs may prefer higher-cost drugs in their formularies (lists of covered medications) because they receive larger rebates. This practice drives up the overall costs for both patients and insurers.

For instance, a patient may be prescribed a drug that is more expensive due to PBM preferences, even if there is a cheaper alternative available. This not only puts a financial burden on the patient but also affects the overall efficiency and fairness of the healthcare system. The lack of transparency in PBM operations makes it difficult to hold them accountable for their actions.

Lack of Transparency

One of the most concerning aspects of the drug pricing system is the lack of transparency. Pharmaceutical companies argue that high prices are necessary to fund research and development (R&D). While innovation does require investment, many companies allocate a significant portion of their budgets to marketing and lobbying rather than R&D. Moreover, a large portion of the initial research for groundbreaking drugs is often funded by government grants and taxpayer dollars. This means that the public effectively pays twice - first through funding the research and then through the exorbitant prices of the drugs.PBMs add another layer of opacity to the system. Their rebate agreements with drug manufacturers are kept hidden, making it nearly impossible to determine who benefits the most and why costs remain high. This lack of transparency undermines the trust of patients and the public in the healthcare system.

Without clear information about how prices are set and how profits are made, it becomes difficult to address the root causes of the problem. Patients and policymakers are left in the dark, unable to make informed decisions about healthcare spending.

The Impact on Patients

The consequences of this pricing structure are dire. According to a 2023 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly one in four Americans struggle to afford prescription medications. Some patients are forced to skip doses, split pills, or even forgo treatments altogether, which can lead to worsening health outcomes and higher long-term healthcare costs.For seniors on fixed incomes, the cost of medications can be a matter of life and death. They may have to choose between taking their medications and meeting other basic needs. Families managing chronic illnesses also face significant financial burdens, as the cost of medications can quickly add up. Individuals without robust insurance coverage are particularly vulnerable, as they have to bear the full brunt of the high drug prices.

The impact of these costs extends beyond the individual patient. It also affects the overall healthcare system, as untreated or poorly managed conditions lead to increased hospitalizations and emergency room visits. This places a strain on the healthcare system and drives up costs for everyone.

What Needs to Change

To tackle the root of the problem, meaningful reform is essential and should target the pharmaceutical and PBM sectors. Here are some steps that could bring about significant changes:- Allow Medicare to negotiate prices: Medicare, which covers millions of Americans, should be given the authority to directly negotiate drug prices with manufacturers, similar to what other countries do. This would help bring down the costs of essential medications.- Increase pricing transparency: Both drug companies and PBMs should be mandated to disclose how prices are determined, how rebates are distributed, and how much profit they make at each stage. This would enhance transparency and allow for better oversight.- Cap out-of-pocket costs: Implementing caps on out-of-pocket costs for essential medications like insulin can provide immediate relief to patients. This would ensure that patients are not burdened with excessive financial costs.- Encourage competition: Policies that promote the production and availability of generic drugs can help drive down prices. By increasing competition, patients will have more affordable options.- Ban "pay-for-delay" agreements: Some brand-name drug manufacturers pay generic competitors to delay the release of cheaper alternatives. This practice should be banned to promote competition and lower costs.

These reforms are crucial in addressing the issue of high drug prices and ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all Americans. Without these changes, the current system will continue to work against the interests of patients and the public.

Ethical Responsibility

Ultimately, the problem with the American healthcare system boils down to an ethical question. Should life-saving medications be treated as a commodity to maximize profit, or should they be regarded as a basic human right? While pharmaceutical companies and PBMs have the right to make a profit, their unbridled pursuit of revenue at the expense of patients' well-being is both morally and economically unsustainable.The real issue lies in the fact that the pharmaceutical and PBM industry prioritizes profit over people. Until this changes, Americans will continue to bear the burden of a system that benefits shareholders rather than patients. Reform is not just a desirable goal; it is long overdue.

It is time for the healthcare industry to recognize its responsibility and take steps to address the issue of high drug prices. Only by doing so can we ensure that Americans have access to the healthcare they need without being financially devastated.

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