Month: September 2018

2018-09-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – Here are four simple tricks for keeping your kitchen organized all year long.

2018-09-19T13:01:01

(BPT) – As pesticides continue to be used on crops, in landscaping and in consumer products, many Americans are becoming more concerned about the effect of such chemicals on our children.

Because children’s brains and nervous systems are at early and critical stages of development, they are more susceptible to these harmful chemicals. And while much depends on the amount and frequency of exposure, contact with pesticides and their residue has been linked with cancer, organ damage, asthma, learning disabilities and behavioral changes in children, according to the EPA.

If you’re a concerned parent seeking to minimize your child’s contact with such pesticides, consider the following suggestions:

* Eat organically. When possible, serve your kids certified organic foods, which are produced without the use of toxic persistent pesticides, antibiotics or chemical fertilizers and preservatives. Studies have linked organic foods with heart health, immune system support and highly impactful antioxidants. That helps explain why 68 percent of U.S. parents in a recent study by Stonyfield Organic said they’re more likely to buy a product if it’s labeled organic.

* Scrub and/or peel your produce. If switching entirely to organic foods is out of reach, focus on removing any pesticide residue from your store-bought fruits and veggies. Forgo commercial produce cleansers and simply rub the foods under your tap using your fingers or a stiff brush. According to federal data compiled by the Environmental Working Group, the produce most likely to retain pesticides (a group known as the “Dirty Dozen”) includes strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, potatoes, sweet bell peppers and hot peppers; you can further reduce pesticide risk by peeling these before consumption. The “Clean 15” group apt to retain the least residue includes avocados, sweet corn, pineapple, cabbages, onions, frozen sweet peas, papayas, asparagus, mangoes, eggplants, honeydew melons, kiwis, cantaloupes, cauliflower and broccoli.

* Monitor pesticide use where your children play. While the Stonyfield survey found only 23 percent of American parents are concerned about chemical use in sports fields, playgrounds and parks, most of those areas are treated with chemical cocktails of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides. That’s why Stonyfield, the country’s leading organic yogurt maker, has launched a three-year, half-million-dollar initiative to work with 35 communities across the country in converting outdoor playing fields and parks to organic. The company will provide tools and resources to make change locally when launching the program later this year. “This effort goes far beyond the products we make and sell,” notes Stonyfield co-founder Gary Hirshberg. “We need to be just as concerned with what goes on kids’ bodies as what goes in them.”

* Seek out organic health and beauty products. Conventional beauty products often include petroleum-based ingredients and rely on various chemicals for their production process. Upon application, those chemicals can be absorbed into your child’s bloodstream through his skin, hair or fingernails, causing adverse reactions, according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Fortunately, several companies now offer organic versions of everyday items such as soap, shampoo, lotion and lip balm.

* Check up on your drinking water. The EPA regularly tests and regulates public drinking water sources, but not private wells. The government agency recommends you test your private well annually, using a state-certified lab that can monitor total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels and any suspected contaminants that may have resulted from area construction, industrial activity or flooding. If you suspect or confirm contamination, consider buying your family bottled water until the problem is resolved.

When it comes to shielding children from potentially harmful pesticides, awareness can be half the battle. Educate yourself on what you can do to protect our kids.

2018-09-18T16:59:00

(BPT) – Did you know that many police departments have a community affairs officer whose primary goal is to build a strong working relationship with the community? That means you have access to a trained safety expert who wants to give you ideas to keep your home and neighborhood safe.

Read on for eight simple home security hacks from a recent home safety evaluation conducted by a police officer.

1. Change the locks

When was the last time you changed the locks? How many previous owners have there been and how many keys have been given out to neighbors, friends, family or delivery people? You never know who has a second copy, and for less than $100 at Home Depot, you can change your locks immediately.

2. Replace outdoor lightbulbs

If you don’t have outdoor flood lights, get them. If you have them, make sure the bulbs are in working order.

3. Place an alarm sign in your yard

Many would-be thieves won’t approach a house if they think it has an alarm. You can get an alarm sign online.

4. Buy an indoor camera

Cameras can capture a suspect in the act and let homeowners check the footage from anywhere. FunLux indoor cameras offer high-quality images and night vision, and they’re motion activated and affordable. You can get them on Amazon for about $25 each.

5. Get out the garden shears

Every bush outside of your windows should be below the window line, usually 2-3 feet in height, to maximize your visibility from the inside of your house to the outside, so that means you must trim your bushes. You can get garden shears at your local hardware store for $15.

6. Bake some cookies

One of the best ways to stay safe is to work together as a neighborhood. We all need to keep an eye on each other and what better way to start that relationship than with a plate of cookies?

7. Protect your neighborhood

There are many measures you can take to improve your community safety, with varying levels of affordability. Some cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and some, like Flock Safety, you can buy for less than $3 per month, per home. Outdoor security cameras, like Flock Safety, can reduce crime and prevent would-be criminals from entering the neighborhood.

8. Ask for a security survey

Officers will walk around your house, inside and out, to assess its safety and could reveal some surprising tips. They want to help, and they are motivated to solve and prevent crime.

For more information on keeping your home and neighborhood secure, as well as a free cost estimate for outdoor security cameras, visit www.flocksafety.com/securityhacks.

2018-09-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you love a good podcast, you’re not alone. According to Podcast Insights, 73 million Americans listen to podcasts regularly, seven per week on average. You can find a podcast about virtually any subject that strikes your fancy, so if you’re looking for a new show to engage and delight you, there is no shortage of fun, information, news, controversy and commentary out there for you to choose from. But where do you start?

Here are five wildly entertaining, addictive podcasts that are definitely worth a listen. They all highlight and celebrate relatable, real-life moments that will capture your heart and tickle your funny bone. All you need is a pair of earbuds, and you’re good to go.

How Did This Get Made?

As the story goes, comedians Paul Scheer, Jason Mantzoukas and June Diane Raphael were in a bar talking about how bad the movie Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps was, and the idea for “How Did This Get Made?” was born. Highbrow Siskel-and-Ebert-style commentary about cinema, it’s not. This laugh-out-loud podcast features the hosts and other guests talking about current movies. If you’ve seen the movie, you will love hearing their thoughts about it, but even if you haven’t caught the film yet, this hilarious show will have you laughing anyway. If you’ve ever thought about sneaking off to a matinee in the middle of a workday (and we know you have) these are the people you want to take along.

Pet Parents, Oversharing

Do you have a pet you call your fur baby? Do you secretly watch cat or dog videos on company time? There’s a new podcast aimed squarely at you. Hosted by two comedians and now available for streaming, “Pet Parents, Oversharing” explores all of life’s moments we share with our best furry friends, from the endearing to the embarrassing and hilariously awkward, reminding us of the bond that pet parents share. No topic is off limits and you’ll be sure to roll over with your pup in laughter or feel inspired to strike up a friendly chat next time you head to the dog park. Developed by the folks at Freshpet, “Pet Parents, Oversharing” helps pet parents get through the day knowing they’re not going it alone. Tune in to Pet Parents, Oversharing for stories about all things paw, fur and tail.

Keep It

Daily Beast culture critic Ira Madison III and co-hosts Kara Brown and Louis Virtel are joined each Wednesday by comedians, journalists and others for a discussion of pop culture, politics, terrible celebrity tweets, events like the Oscars and more. Nothing is out of bounds, from Melania’s grammatically challenged Be Best campaign to Louis C.K.’s unwanted comeback to Meghan Markle’s annoying father, to how much John McCain loved ABBA. These three hosts are talking about what everyone is thinking. It’s the ultimate virtual water cooler discussion.

This Is Love

This intriguing podcast investigates life’s most persistent mystery: love. You’ll hear individual, real-life stories of true love, sacrifice and even obsession. You’ll meet Nino and Drew, who kept their relationship a secret for more than 40 years, and then they decided to do something that forced them into the national spotlight. There’s also the story of David, who went for a run in Central Park and started talking to a stranger, who turned out to be the love of his life. And Brenda Jackson, who became a bestselling novelist by writing 120 books about her first romance. Listening to the love stories of real people will make you feel that anything is possible when we bet everything on the one we love.

My Brother, My Brother and Me

Justin, Travis and Griffin McElroy are brothers who are not experts in anything, but they have a popular podcast in which they dispense advice about various subjects, answer questions submitted by listeners or on Yahoo Answers, and provide addicting and hilarious commentary about nothing in particular. Known as MBMBaM by faithful listeners, the podcast features regular segments including The Munch Squad, in which they recite and ridicule news about new food products, and Haunted Doll Watch, which highlights online classifieds of haunted or possessed dolls. This is like the table conversation at the best Thanksgiving dinner of your life.

2018-09-18T10:01:00

(BPT) – As one of Mexico’s top artisanal hubs, Guadalajara offers the best in culture, cuisine and shopping. Travelers can find everything from expertly crafted pottery to luxe leather goods in unique markets throughout the city. For those who travel the world in search of the best locally-produced, stylish souvenirs, Guadalajara provides the ultimate in retail therapy in a vibrant, festive atmosphere — after all, this is the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and charrería, the Mexican rodeo!

Follow these tips for shopping, eating, and playing like a local in Guadalajara, and you are sure to leave with as many memories as one-of-a-kind purchases.

Largest indoor market in Latin America

Visitors to the historic center of Guadalajara will enjoy sightseeing with a backdrop of the beautiful architecture of the double-spired Guadalajara Cathedral. This area is home to Mercado Libertad, the largest indoor market in Latin America with three floors and nearly 3,000 stands featuring everything from apparel and handbags to fresh produce and local delicacies. Stop for a meal or browse endless options. Mexican cowboys, known locally as charros, frequent leather vendors in search of saddles, boots, and belts. Across the street in the jewelry market, gold and silver pieces will add just the right Mexican accent to your wardrobe.

The perfect pair

Fashionistas rejoice. Whether it is pumps or loafers, sandals or sneakers you seek, Guadalajara is the place to find the perfect pair of shoes. Make a beeline to Galería del Calzado, a shopping center focused exclusively on your feet. Choose from 64 stores offering everything from jaw-dropping high fashion designs to the hottest streetwear trends.

Galleries galore

In the colonial town of Tlaquepaque, local arts and crafts fill market showrooms and upscale stores where you will find carved wooden furniture, colorful blown glass ceramics and hand-stitched clothing. The downtown area retains the traditional structure of a small Mexican community with a parish street, central market, main square, and many pedestrian-only streets, making this a good place to take a stroll. Catch the daily mariachi performances at the local restaurants and cantinas, some with outdoor seating perfect for people watching.

Bargain hunting

Some of the best bargains can be found among Tonalá’s narrow streets, where most of Guadalajara’s local goods can be purchased. In this neighborhood, you can find some of the best crafts in the country. This includes wide-mouth clay bowls designed to serve a cazuela cocktail, Guadalajara’s signature citrus punch. The area is particularly known for silver and gold crafts, hand-painted pottery, paper-mâché, and clay figurines. On Thursdays and Sundays, bargain-priced merchandise is sold at a vast street market where wholesalers arrive from all over the country to buy in bulk.

Lap of luxury

In the district of Zapopan, the Andares Mall offers shoppers top-of-the-line luxury brands. After a day of shopping, join the locals as they enjoy a pedestrian corridor filled with high-end restaurants and bars near the basilica.

Nature’s products

Just outside of Guadalajara are sprawling agave fields, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the world’s tequila is produced. Drive past fields of the blue agave plant that stretch out over the rugged, hilly terrain, en route to the town of Tequila. After visiting the distilleries and purchasing bottles to serve back home, peruse smaller shops and stalls for necklaces and earrings crafted using blue agave leaves, agave syrup, and figurines made from the obsidian of the nearby volcano.

For more information on Guadalajara, visit www.visitguadalajara.com.

2018-09-17T16:15:00

(BPT) – This fall millions will head to the polls to cast their vote in the mid-term elections, but they have another important choice to make as well: their health care coverage for 2019.

People will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plans for 2019 during open or annual enrollment.

But unlike Election Day, the dates to keep in mind aren’t the same for everyone and vary depending on your situation:

* For the more than 175 million Americans with employer-provided coverage, many companies set aside a two-week period between September and December when employees can select health benefits for the following year.

* For the more than 60 million people enrolled in Medicare, Medicare Annual Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.

* Health insurance marketplace or individual state exchange open enrollment runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15.

For most people, changes made during this time will take effect Jan. 1, 2019.

Choosing health benefits can feel stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Rebecca Madsen, chief consumer officer of UnitedHealthcare, shares five tips to help make the process easier and ensure you are choosing the right option for you:

Review your options

Take the time to explore your options and understand the benefits and costs of each plan so you can find the coverage that works best for you. Beyond the monthly premium, you also should understand what out-of-pocket costs, including the deductible, copays and coinsurance, you may be responsible for. Also, consider any changes to your health over the last year or if you have any major health events planned for 2019 — such as having a baby or surgery — to determine if your current coverage still fits your needs.

Prevent financial surprises

Before you select a plan, check if your doctor is in your health plan’s care provider network. Visiting doctors that are in-network is one way to help keep your costs lower. If you select a plan that would make your visit to a doctor or hospital outside the network, make sure you understand the costs.

Also, see if your medications are covered by the plan. Even if you don’t expect to change plans, it’s important to make sure your drugs will still be covered in 2019. People with Medicare should remember that Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs, so if you are looking for help covering the costs of your medications, choose either a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription coverage.

Look for ways to save

Ask about incentive-based wellness programs that reward you for living a healthier lifestyle. Some health plans offer incentives for their members to participate in activities that may help improve their health, such as completing a health assessment, visiting a gym, lowering their cholesterol, participating in a wellness-coaching or tobacco-cessation program, or even just walking.

Also, check to see if your plan includes 24/7 telehealth services. Telehealth services can be especially convenient for consultations on minor health issues. Often, telehealth is available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans.

Don’t forget about additional benefits and features

Open or annual enrollment is the ideal time to select benefit plans that can help protect you and your family from head to toe, so consider adding vision, dental and financial protection plans such as life, accident or critical illness coverage. For people on Medicare, many are surprised to find that Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision and hearing services. But many Medicare Advantage plans do and often include perks like gym memberships or discounts on hearing aids.

Learn the lingo

Do you have a full understanding of health care terms, such as premium, deductible, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximum? If not, there are resources online, including UnitedHealth Group’s Just Plain Clear Glossary (in English, Spanish and Portuguese) to help you learn and understand health care terms.

For help navigating open enrollment, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com for more tips, articles and videos about health insurance and health care topics.

2018-09-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping and tailgaters are coming out in droves to support their favorite team — but more importantly, show off their grilling skills with beef as the star of the show. Tailgaters young and old converge in the wee hours of the morning outside stadiums across the country to share in the revelry of game day. Pre-game hours are spent in parking lots playing bean bag toss, connecting with friends, and setting up and eating a spread of food.

For many, tailgating is more than a once-in-a-while leisure activity, it’s a lifestyle. Seasoned tailgaters go all out with decorations like team flags and banners, comfy seating and even themed meals (surf and turf anyone?). Special care is put into every detail to provide an exceptional tailgate experience.

Here are 10 beef-friendly tailgating tips for those ready to take their tailgating from the amateur to the professional level.

1. Prep as much as possible at home. Do the majority of the meal prep in the comfort of your kitchen: skewer beef kebabs, form burger patties, chop onions, cut buns. This will help you save time and reduce the amount of items you need to pack for the day.

2. Check your cooking equipment. Make sure your grill or camp stove is clean and ready to use. Keep a backup propane tank and stick lighters on hand to ensure cooking goes off without a hitch.

3. Bring a meat thermometer. This is the best way to check for doneness on steaks and burgers as well as checking the proper temperature when reheating food later in the day for those post-game snacks (heat to 165°F).

4. Don’t cross-contaminate raw and cooked foods. Have two sets of tools like cutting boards, tongs and knives if you are working with raw meat since you won’t be able to wash them while tailgating.

5. Embrace the cast iron skillet. Great for cooking burgers, steaks and one-pan meals. Try a beef stir fry. Cut and marinate the meat and veggies at home, toss them in the skillet and enjoy!

6. Cook in advance when you can. Appetizers, main dishes and sides can be cooked ahead of time and re-heated on the grill. Spice things up with an easy three-ingredient nacho beef dip that can be prepared ahead of time, warmed in a skillet on the grill and served with chips.

7. Your grill is just a fancy stovetop. You can cook chili and stew in a stock pot on the grates for a hearty meal to warm up fans on the coldest of game days.

8. Your grill is also an outdoor oven. Surprise your guests with a small roast, beef casserole or even a platter of nachos.

9. Make sure to pack and store everything safely. Raw beef should be at the bottom of the cooler (or in another cooler all together), packed separately from other items. Use ice packs instead of ice to make sure food doesn’t get waterlogged.

10. Serve food in creative and easy-to-hold ways since tailgating usually involves eating while standing and sitting in a camping chair. Skip the bowls and use chip bags as a vessel for chili or beef tacos. Skewer steak chunks, veggies and even meatballs on short bamboo sticks for fun food-on-stick meals.

Incorporate these tips and tricks to beef up your tailgating experience. Find even more tailgating tips and recipes at BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com, funded by farmers and ranchers.