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How one state is fighting food waste

2018-09-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Up to 40 percent of food grown, processed and transported in the United States is never eaten, yet one in eight Americans suffers food insecurity. The average four-person family wastes $1,500 a year on food.

Food waste in manufacturing and packaging costs corporations $2 billion each year — plus $15 billion for farmers — while dumping 52 million tons of waste in landfills.

The impact of food waste is social, environmental and economic — children and elderly are going hungry, natural resources are being squandered and ever-rising costs of food affect both businesses and consumers.

Reducing food waste at home

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has some best practices for families to save money, help those who don’t have enough to eat, and conserve resources for future generations.

By making a list of weekly meals and necessary ingredients, shoppers will buy less than they would otherwise and keep things fresh, with less waste. Also, checking the pantry and refrigerator before a grocery shopping trip can prevent buying duplicates of things you already have.

Meal prep — washing fruits, chopping veggies, creating portioned servings — can save time and money. Freezing items such as bread, sliced fruit and meat that you won’t eat immediately can save them from spoilage.

Finally, learn the difference between “sell-by,” “use-by,” “best-by” and expiration dates. This can mean the difference between discarding perfectly fine food and filling up landfills, or saving money and feeding your family food that is still nutritious and delicious. If you’ve purchased foods your family won’t eat or just have too much, find a local community program or food pantry accepting donations.

Corporate responsibility

Several Arkansas food and beverage industry leaders are taking steps to eradicate food waste, from changing policies and logistics, to rethinking how to use previously discarded foodstuff.

Tyson Foods launched “¡Yappah!” this summer, bite-sized chicken crisps made from upcycled chicken breast, rescued carrots and celery puree from juicing or malted barley from beer brewing. Founded in Springdale, the world leader in poultry and beef is dedicated to seeking new ways to make more and better food while helping to build a more sustainable food system.

Rizal Hamdallah, head of Tyson Innovation Lab said, “The ¡Yappah! brand mission is unique, important and far-reaching. It was created to inspire people and partners to rethink their relationship to food and how it impacts society. Through this launch, we intend to address global food challenges such as food waste.”

The chips come in four flavors — chicken celery mojo, chicken carrot curry, chicken IPA, and white cheddar and chicken sunshine shandy beer — and are packaged in recyclable aluminum cans. The crisps would be available to consumers in October.

Bentonville-based Walmart has introduced Eden technology that focuses on tracking the freshness of produce as it travels from farm to wholesaler to retailer to table. Sensors measure and report temperature, moisture and metabolite data, which is then converted to carton-level freshness and shelf life assessment using FDA standards among other data.

Walmart seeks to eliminate $2 billion in waste over the next five years and has already prevented $86 million in waste by using Eden in 43 of its distribution centers.

ConAgra Brands — which makes Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s frozen meals in Russellville, Arkansas — has been leading food waste reduction efforts for nearly a decade and achieved an 81.7 percent landfill diversion rate in 2017 corporate-wide.

“Waste reduction is critically important to our company and we are dedicated to making improvements throughout our operations as part of our zero waste strategy,” said Gail Tavill, vice president, sustainable development, ConAgra Brands. “Many by-products of food preparation are highly valued as animal feed, source material for recycling, energy recovery or composting, or sometimes even suitable for donation to feed people when safe and properly handled.”

Saving money, time and reducing waste

The bottom line when it comes to food waste reduction: Efficient, cost-effective companies are best positioned to deliver affordable products to consumers, grow, create jobs and support their communities. Food waste management as practiced by several Arkansas food and manufacturing industry leaders is not only saving money and resources, it’s making a difference in the lives of U.S. citizens and people around the globe. And using best practices at home is healthier for families’ bodies and their budget.


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Beyond the Liberty Bell: Exploring Western Philly

2018-09-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – A visit to Philadelphia is sure to be steeped in American history and culture. It doesn’t get more American than the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. And it doesn’t get more authentically Philly than cheesesteaks at competing Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King Of Steaks, and the oldest farmers market in the country, Reading Terminal Market. But, when you’ve been there, done that, what else can you explore?

Philadelphia neighborhoods beckon the savvy traveler who can, by slowing down, get a glimpse of what it’s like to live here, to exhale and experience the heart and soul of a great American city. One neighborhood that’s not on the radar of many travelers, but should be, is West Philadelphia, or West Philly as it is commonly known, with University City as its bustling heartbeat. Aptly named — the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are located here — the area buzzes with youthful exuberance. The diverse, worldwide student population brings the magic of different languages, dialects and customs to the area.

Strolling along the bustling sidewalks, visitors will find a foodie’s dream with a vibrant street-food scene, high-end, locally owned restaurants and everything in between. Historic sites and museums are everywhere, with some pop culture icons as well, and the parks add a touch of green to the cobblestone and brick.

Here are some gems of West Philly not to be missed:

* The Penn Museum will take you back to ancient times in faraway places and other lands. You’ll find jewelry from Ethiopia, Mayan sculptures, an Egyptian tomb, the Granite Sphinx of Ramses and new Middle East galleries. After you’ve seen the amazing American History of Philadelphia, the Penn Museum gives you the world.

* World Cafe Live is a multi-level venue devoted to music and good food. Take a seat upstairs at the chic Upstairs Live Cafe, where you can get late-night food and drinks along with an eclectic array of live music (they don’t call it World Cafe Live for nothing!). Downstairs Live is a larger concert venue, hosting nationally known artists. It’s also the home of WXPN radio, which broadcasts a show of the same name.

* The Study at University City is a local gem for guests who believe the right hotel can enhance and elevate an already wonderful trip into the stratosphere. This is not a cookie-cutter chain, but a boutique that features local artwork in an onsite gallery; hand-blown glass light fixtures (locally made); display cases with artifacts of the city’s past; and its lobby, dubbed the Living Room, a vibrant and dynamic core of the hotel, a gathering place for guests to feel at home.

* Schuylkill River Trail meanders along some 30 miles of the Schuylkill river, and is a favorite of bicyclists, walkers, runners and families. Enjoy the green space along the riverfront, or use it as your way to and from the Philadelphia Museum of Art and other area attractions. If you really want to get your exercise and American history on, you can pick up the trail in West Philly and take it all the way to Valley Forge National Historical Park.

* The multitude of cuisines in the West Philly neighborhood is reflective of the diversity of the student population. A true foodie destination that’s a bit off the beaten path, you’ll find African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Indian spots with daring fusions of flavors; upscale, chef-driven restaurants; and down-home Philly goodness. Highly recommended from the city’s foodie community: Marigold Kitchen (its gin-marinated venison gets rave reviews), Aksum, which blends Mediterranean and North African cuisine; and Dock Street Brewing (Philly’s first microbrewery) for all-American bar food, burgers and of course, beer.

For other insider tips on exploring West Philly, contact the knowledgeable staff at The Study at University City. They’ll make sure you get the most out of your visit to the neighborhood.


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It’s anniversary time for this fun-loving digital dragon

2018-09-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – What entertained you in the 90’s? Was it the last episode of Seinfeld? The first episode of Friends or big, exciting adventure films like Titanic, Saving Private Ryan or Armageddon? Maybe you remember something else, and no, we don’t mean heading out to the mall in your flannel, your overalls, and your jelly shoes.

Twenty years ago, the world was introduced to a fun, fiery young dragon named Spyro. Spyro(TM) the Dragon was a first-of-its-kind gaming experience in the 90s, and now the video game icon is making a comeback in a big way on Nov. 13 with the Spyro(TM) Reignited Trilogy. Now fans who fell in love with him two decades ago, as well as a whole new legion of fans, can get ready to soar in a wild, fully remastered gaming adventure.

A new spin on a classic character

In Spyro’s first appearance, fans were introduced to a happy, young purple dragon determined to free his fellow dragons imprisoned by his foe, Gnasty Gnorc.

Re-imagined from the ground up by developer Toys for Bob, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy collection includes the three games that started the phenomenon: Spyro(TM) the Dragon, Spyro(TM) 2 Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro(TM) Year of the Dragon.

The fun and nostalgic gameplay that fans remember is packed with more than 100+ levels, remastered with breathtaking graphical updates and improved gameplay controls. This winter, players can relive their favorite memories and create new ones as they get acquainted with Spyro’s gang of zany dragons and other goofballs including Sparx the Dragonfly, Hunter, Sheila, Agent 9 and Sgt. Byrd.

“We’re deeply passionate about staying true to the legacy of the original three Spyro games with the Spyro Reignited Trilogy,” said Paul Yan, co-studio head at Toys For Bob. “We’ve poured a lot of love into making the personalities and worlds feel just like fans remember them, while also keeping the game collection surprisingly fresh with lush, high-definition detail. We’re bringing back the Spyro we all fell in love with 20 years ago.”

Can’t wait until Nov. 13? Check out some fun Spyro facts now!

Fast Spyro facts

Twenty years is a long time, so to help you get re-acclimated with the world’s favorite mighty purple dragon, here are a few fun things you probably never knew about Spyro.

1. His original name was Pete. Yep, Pete. A fine name to be sure, but the switch to Spyro certainly sets him apart.

2. He was originally going to be green. Yes, just like the name Pete, a green dragon is certainly more common. Developers changed his color to purple so he wouldn’t blend into the grassy background, and the color change helped give him his defining look.

3. His glide is literally rocket science. To ensure Spyro had an authentic glide, the team hired a NASA rocket scientist who used his training in flight control to inspire the glide.

4. Iconic film inspiration. Each level in Spyro was given a theme as the production team wanted them to feel different from each other. But did you know they took their inspiration from the movies? The Beast Makers Hub production team members were fans of Apocalypse Now, the team for Cliff Town was inspired by Star Wars, and numerous others were devotees of the Indiana Jones series.

5. He’s bringing his friends. Sparx isn’t the only character coming back to the Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Ripto’s Rage introduced new characters including Hunter, a cheetah; Elora, a faun; The Professor, a mole; Zoe, a fairy; Sheila the Kangaroo; Sgt. Byrd; Bentley the Yeti; and Agent 9. Thankfully, all of Spyro’s friends will be back and, in some cases, playable.


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Over 40? 3 things to know about your vision

2018-09-13T11:01:01

(BPT) – Dinner menus, smartphones and computer screens are all things you encounter daily. But have you noticed that since turning 40, you’re having issues seeing them clearly? If you’ve found yourself holding the menu at arm’s distance, increasing your phone’s font size to read text messages, or taking more frequent breaks from the computer screen during the work day, you might be among millions of Americans with presbyopia.1

Now, you may say presby-what? It’s a complicated name for a common eye condition that means you have trouble focusing on things up-close. This condition is a natural part of aging and is much more common than you think – if you look around, you’ll likely notice it’s also happening to lots of your friends and family members.2

Like many people, you may not completely understand what’s happening with your vision at this age, but rest assured there’s help. Dr. Susan Resnick*, a New York-based optometrist, shares some information that can help you bring your eyesight back into focus after 40.

“For many, your vision might be the first thing to change once you reach 40,” said Resnick. “I often see patients who come into my practice in a panic because they notice they suddenly can’t read their phone or a book. Even if a patient has never had a vision issue before or if your vision has worsened in a short amount of time, presbyopia is a normal part of aging. There are options that can correct your vision and help you see clearly near and far.”

If you have presbyopia, you are not alone

More than 111 million Americans struggle to read or see up close after the age of 40, which is when presbyopia typically strikes.1 The bad news is that you can’t prevent presbyopia.1 The good news – you don’t have to accept blurry up-close vision or reading glasses as a fact of life. Advancements in eye care can provide solutions that fit your lifestyle, including Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal contact lenses, which can help you see seamlessly and clearly, up close and far away.3,4

You should read up on readers

Like most people, you might think the only option to address presbyopia is purchasing cheap reading glasses from the drugstore. However, while readers can be great in a pinch, they can also be cumbersome as a long-term solution to presbyopia. They often get lost, can break and are inconvenient to constantly put on and take off as you switch from seeing up close and looking further away. What’s more annoying than having to wear your readers on a chain around your neck, or getting them stuck in your hair as you flip them on top of your head?

Also, many people believe wearing readers can even make you feel older. In fact, an Alcon survey of people in their 40s and early 50s found that one-in-four adults think reading glasses can make someone look 10 years older. And, nearly 50 percent of those surveyed would avoid wearing readers if they knew it made them look older.5

Find freedom with contact lenses

Whether taking selfies, going to a restaurant or whipping up a recipe in the kitchen, multifocal contact lenses can free you from putting on and taking off your reading glasses, and give you the flexibility to see clearly at any distance.

“I usually recommend multifocal contact lenses, including Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1® Multifocal contact lenses, to my patients with presbyopia because they are designed to help you comfortably and seamlessly see near, far and everywhere in between. Most importantly, these contact lenses give you the freedom to lose your reading glasses,” explains Resnick.

The takeaway here? When it comes to seeing clearly up close, don’t be tethered to readers or let presbyopia make you give up on your fun and the activities you love.

To learn more about multifocal contact lenses, visit SeeNearAndFar.com.

Talk to an Eye Care Professional about your options, care and safety information. Rx only.

*Dr. Resnick is a paid consultant for Alcon.


[1] Market Scope, Global Presbyopia-Correcting Surgery Market Report, April 2012.

[3] All About Vision. Presbyopia. https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/presbyopia.htm. Accessed August 2018.

[4] Alcon Data on File, 2016.

[5] Alcon Age Perception Impact Survey. 2015.


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Important facts about rabies worldwide

2018-09-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – In the US, laws pertaining to rabies vaccinations in dogs and cats vary considerably between states (and even between counties in certain states). These laws may drive pet owners to visit their veterinarian to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.

According to the World Health Organization, dogs are the main source of human rabies deaths around the world, contributing up to 99 percent[1] of all rabies transmissions to humans. Additionally, more than 95 percent[1] of these global human deaths from rabies take place in Asia and Africa.

Merial, now part of Boehringer Ingelheim (BI), a leading manufacturer of vaccines for dogs and cats, is donating 75,000 doses of rabies vaccine to the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) to help reduce the incidence of rabies in dogs on the African island nation of Madagascar.

RABIES: A THREAT TO PEOPLE AND DOGS

The need for rabies control is illustrated in the case of Maro, a 45-year-old farmer who was bitten, along with four other people, by an unknown dog in his village. Tragically for Maro, he didn’t have the means to get to a clinic for critical medical care following the bite. Two months later, Maro developed symptoms consistent with the onset of rabies and died.[2]

“Like most African countries, Madagascar is rabies endemic. GARC estimates that there are nearly 200 human deaths[3] and countless more animal rabies cases each year,” explained Professor Louis Nel, chief executive officer of GARC. “We are grateful for this generous donation, which will save canine lives.”

“We are pleased to join with the Global Alliance for Rabies Control to help make a positive difference in Madagascar by vaccinating dogs against this deadly disease,” stated Zach Mills, DVM, executive director of Boehringer Ingelheim’s U.S. Pet Veterinary Professional Services. “This is also a good opportunity to remind pet owners here at home to consult their veterinarians to make sure their dogs’ and cats’ vaccines are current.”

WORLD RABIES DAY BRINGS ATTENTION TO DISEASE PREVENTION

Each year on September 28, the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and partner organizations worldwide mark World Rabies Day, a time to raise awareness of this preventable disease and underscore GARC’s commitment to eliminate deaths from canine rabies worldwide by 2030.

More information on GARC and World Rabies Day is available at https://rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day.

©2018 Merial Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. PET-0713-BIO0818

[1] World Health Organization. (2018). Rabies. [Fact sheet]. http://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies. Accessed May 1, 2018.

[2] Information provided by Global Alliance for Rabies Control, 2018.

[3] Hampson K, Coudeville L, Lembo T, Sambo M, Kieffer A, Attlan M, et al. (2015) Estimating the Global Burden of Endemic Canine Rabies. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 9(4): e0003709. Doi:10.1371/journal. pntd.


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What does the shortfall of truck drivers mean for the economy?

2018-09-13T11:43:00

(BPT) – To truly understand the impact the trucking industry has on our economy, walk into any business, retail shop or grocery store and take a look around. Nearly everything you see was delivered there by a truck. In fact, according to the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Freight Transportation Forecast, 70 percent of all freight in the U.S. is handled by trucks. It is awe-inspiring to realize one industry has such an enormous impact on everything we do, purchase and consume in our everyday lives. Quite simply, trucks keep America moving, and without them, America stops.

Imagine going to your favorite grocery store to pick up your family’s dinner and seeing the shelves empty, or stopping by the corner hardware store for light bulbs only to find they’re not available. If it’s not during the aftermath of a weather disaster, we can’t readily imagine such a scenario happening in this country. That’s because 3.5 million professional drivers are always on the job, working day and night to make the deliveries that keep our economy humming.

But, it’s getting more and more difficult for the industry to keep up with demand. There’s a severe shortage of professional truck drivers on the road today, and it’s expected to get even worse. The ATA estimates that the industry will face a 175,000-driver shortfall by 2026. Ask any professional driver and they’ll tell you the same story: They get headhunting emails and calls from recruiters every day, and their own companies are so short-staffed they need to put in extra shifts just to cover all of the routes.

That’s why the ATA is partnering with Pilot Flying J, the largest network of travel centers in North America, to raise awareness of the profession, recruit new drivers, and celebrate the tremendous contributions of professional drivers to our nation’s economy.

It’s ironic that there’s a shortage in this profession, because those same drivers who remain committed to the industry and to keeping our economy moving will tell you how much they love the job.

“My father was a driver and as far back as I can remember, truck driving is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” says Steve Brand, a professional driver who has spent 27 years with FedEx Freight. Brand is a member of the ATA America’s Road Team, a national public outreach program of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills and safety records. “Trucks move America forward and it’s a great feeling knowing I have a small part in that.”

Other benefits of being a driver?

* Independence. When you’re in a big rig, nobody is looking over your shoulder telling you how to do your job. It’s like being your own boss.

* Freedom. If an office job isn’t for you, trucking is a perfect choice. You’re out on the open road, and not tied to a desk.

* Flexibility. There isn’t just one kind of driving. Want to see the country driving from coast to coast? You can do that. Want to come home to your family every night? You can do that, too, and myriad options in between.

* Pay. ATA’s recent Driver Compensation Study found that the average salary for a truck driver ranges from $53,000 to $86,000 depending on the type of employer and type of equipment operated. Coupled with not having the crushing student debt that college graduates are carrying around, it makes for a very good living.

Opportunities. Since the industry is hurting for drivers, it’s a job seeker’s market out there. Recent grads from driving schools are in high demand, and can pick and choose the job that’s right for them.

Brand counsels potential recruits to choose a reputable school for proper training and then seek out a top-rated company, or find a company that has its own school.

“I go to bed happy and wake up happy knowing I’m making a difference,” he says.

Pilot Flying J is making a difference, too. As part of its partnership with the ATA, Pilot Flying J recently announced a $60,000 philanthropic gift to the ATA’s Trucking Cares Foundation to help support professional drivers and the future of the industry.

“Hardworking professional drivers make many sacrifices to keep our economy moving and our ways of life possible,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “As we face a growing driver shortage, our hope is that this contribution will help support the Trucking Cares Foundation’s mission to improve the safety, security and sustainability of the trucking industry and contribute to the future growth of the industry through education and training.”

To learn more about becoming a professional driver, visit the ATA at www.trucking.org.


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Things to know if you have COPD

2018-09-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a serious lung disease that affects more than 15 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

COPD usually causes long-term damage to the airways inside the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe. Common COPD symptoms include wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath — and they may vary from day to day. COPD is a chronic and progressive condition, so it will never go away completely, and symptoms may worsen over time. However, you can slow down the progression of COPD by quitting smoking and living a healthier lifestyle.

In addition, COPD can lead to emergency room visits and overnight hospital stays. These hospital visits for people with COPD are often the result of what is called a flare-up. Also known as an “exacerbation,” flare-ups are a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms, such as uncontrollable coughing, increased mucus production, extreme fatigue and an urgent shortness of breath.

But, according to Dr. Sanjay Sethi, professor and chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Buffalo, there is hope for people with COPD.

“COPD can be treated with the help of your doctor,” said Dr. Sethi. “There are several different steps that can be taken to treat COPD, and since each person is different, it’s important to be open and honest with your doctor because they need all the facts to make the right treatment decisions for you. There are a variety of treatment options available to help you breathe better.”

When treating COPD, it’s important to treat all elements of the disease. Know the major components of COPD for you and your doctor to consider:

* Better breathing: You can help yourself by doing physical and breathing exercises, making sure your home is clean and free from dust, and quitting habits that are destructive to the lungs, such as smoking. Medication can also help you breathe more easily by opening up your airways.

* Reducing flare-ups: Take the time to identify your triggers and eliminate them — this can help reduce the frequency of your flare-ups. Having one flare-up can lead to another, but forming an action plan and taking these steps can help reduce their frequency, which lowers the chance of hospitalization.

To learn more about COPD, including a common treatment option, visit this website. People with COPD should talk to their healthcare provider to explore which treatment options work best for them and their lifestyle, and create a COPD action plan.

MPR-US-100524


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Wisconsin landmark celebrates 100th birthday

2018-09-13T15:52:00

(BPT) – Many travelers seek out cultural enclaves to explore the fascinating stories of how Americans lived, thought and dreamed in the past. That helps explain the $762 million in revenues logged by U.S. historic sites in 2013, according to Statista. Other research predicts the revenues realized by U.S. museums and historic sites will more than double between 2018 and 2022.

One fascinating and culturally rich historic site you may not have visited is The American Club, a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort hotel in Kohler, Wisconsin. The hotel, owned by Kohler Co., was built in 1918 as a dormitory for its immigrant workers. This year the multifaceted national attraction celebrates its centennial anniversary with even more activities and offerings for its guests.

Year-long features of the celebration include a new history exhibit, guided tours and a new cast iron sculpture installation, “The Immigrant,” created by artist Stephen Paul Day. The four-star restaurant, The Immigrant, will offer a tasting menu featuring dishes from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Normandy, Denmark and Great Britain — the primary homelands of original employees. Group Director Lodging for Kohler Co., Christine Loose explains, “The concept of gracious living and creating a sense of belonging has always been important to the company and our heritage.”

With its red brick, Tudor architecture, roof peaks and slate tile, the landmark is recognized by Historic Hotels of America and the National Register of Historic Places.

Aside from the historic elements of The American Club, visitors and guests can partake in several other features offered in or near the surrounding resort known as Destination Kohler. Attractions include the Forbes Five-Star Kohler Waters Spa; a lakeside boutique hotel known as the Inn at Woodlake; cycling and yoga studios; four championship golf courses (Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits, the latter hosting the 2020 Ryder Cup); 12 dining establishments, renovation inspiration at the Kohler Design Center, and daily factory tours led by retired Kohler employees spotlighting the evolution of day-to-day manufacturing operations.

Destination Kohler is an hour north of Milwaukee and 2.5 hours north of Chicago. Learn more at DestinationKohler.com.


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Are Americans saving enough for retirement?

2018-09-13T07:01:01

(BPT) – The answer you get to this question will depend on who you ask. The amount households have accumulated for retirement is not hotly debated, but the amount needed in retirement is. The Investment Company Institute (ICI) is working to make sure that everyone has the facts through its new website — FactsOnRetirement.org. Much of the academic research and the ICI’s analysis of the retirement data indicate that most Americans are properly preparing for retirement, and with some very small changes, the retirement system can be even stronger.

It might surprise you to know that Americans have accumulated seven times more retirement resources per household today than we had just over four decades ago — after accounting for inflation. As a nation, we’ve gone from $500 billion in defined benefit (DB) plans, defined contribution (DC) plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and annuities in 1975, to nearly $30 trillion today. Those assets are widely spread too — eight in 10 near-retiree households have retirement resources, and retired Americans are more likely to get income from a retirement plan today than they were in the 1970s.

IRAs, 401(k) plans, and other DC plans account for a large portion of the increase in retirement assets. Americans have now amassed $17 trillion in hard assets in these accounts.

Combined with Social Security, resources from employer-sponsored plans and IRAs are helping retirees keep up their standards of living. At FactsOnRetirement.org, ICI points to a groundbreaking analysis of tax data that shows most workers transitioning into retirement maintained or even increased their spendable income after claiming Social Security.

We often hear that the decline of the traditional DB plan has driven seniors into dire straits — but that’s not true. Remember, those traditional pensions are designed to reward workers who stay for decades with the same company and end their careers at that company. Other workers may receive little or no retirement income from these plans.

With 401(k) style plans, benefits accrue more evenly over a worker’s career and continue to grow as a worker moves from job to job — which makes them particularly well suited to America’s mobile workforce. The research shows that IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar plans can provide the resources workers need to live comfortably throughout their golden years. That’s one reason nearly eight out of 10 U.S. households have confidence these plans will help people reach financial security in retirement.

In general, our retirement system works, but it can be even better if policymakers work to build on its strengths. ICI recommends putting Social Security on a secure financial footing for future generations, making it easier for employers to offer retirement plans, and encouraging innovative features like auto-enrollment to help more workers save.

But as a first step, every American needs the facts. You can get them — along with tips to make sure your own savings are on the right track — at www.FactsOnRetirement.org.