Month: November 2018

2018-11-21T13:35:00

(BPT) – If you haven’t made solid financial plans, now would be a good time to consider a life insurance policy to protect you and your family in your time of need — or protect your loved ones in your absence.

Given the importance of life insurance, it’s surprising that 37.5 million American households lack such a policy, according to the 2016 Facts About Life study by the industry group LIMRA. That may be because many people misunderstand how such policies work and how much they cost. For example, recent Insurance Barometer studies by LIMRA and Life Happens found 63 percent of Americans cite expense as the reason they don’t carry term insurance, yet 80 percent overestimate the cost — millennials by 213 percent and Gen Xers by 119 percent.

While some Americans hope to rely on other sources to protect their families, they may not realize all the benefits life insurance offers. Every family has different needs, and some life insurance products are flexible enough to offer customizable options to provide a measure of financial security to your spouse and children — the people that matter most.

Consider these other common myths about life insurance:

Myth: Life insurance is only available through financial advisors. In fact, quality policies for your entire family are often available through your employer or your spouse’s employer. For example, Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company offers a range of workplace solutions paid for by employers, employees or both, including permanent life, term life, critical illness, accident and disability insurance. Talk to your company’s HR department about the process involved in securing comprehensive coverage for your family.

Myth: Workplace policies can’t offer enough options for your needs. You’ll find that well-established life insurance companies understand the market well enough to offer a range of flexible products, including policies that are payroll deductible, stable in cost regardless of your age, portable when you’re changing jobs and available with add-on riders or other insurance types through the same carrier.

Myth: Young, healthy people don’t need life insurance. The truth is, your health can change at any time and it’s best to expect the unexpected. Uninsured people can easily leave behind personal, medical or mortgage debts and/or funeral expenses that end up burdening family members or executors when they die.

Myth: Your life insurance policy only covers you, not your family. Not true. Some products protect you, your spouse, your dependent children and even your grandchildren, often at one affordable cost. That’s why marriage and becoming a parent can be excellent reasons for buying new policies.

Investing in life insurance is a crucial step to take to protect yourself and your family from unexpected losses. But it doesn’t have to be confusing or complicated. Find more detailed information about life insurance options for you and your family at www.BostonMutual.com.

2018-11-21T13:39:01

(BPT) – Nationwide, temperatures have begun to dip as we prepare for winter storms. Whether your town is prone to nor’easters or milder winter temperatures, it is important to be prepared for what winter brings.

This year’s colder weather has already brought an increase in the number of carbon monoxide (CO) incidents across the country. While this poisonous gas can impact individuals at any time of the year, 50 percent of CO poisonings occur between November and February, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The Silent Killer

A colorless and odorless gas, carbon monoxide is known as “the silent killer,” and impossible to detect without a CO alarm. Estimates from the NFPA suggest that there are more than 80,000 CO incidents per year. What’s more, CO poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in the United States according to the Journal of the American Medical Association.

CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose — often until it’s too late. Symptoms mimic those of many other illnesses, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and vomiting. In more severe poisoning cases, people may experience disorientation or unconsciousness, or suffer long-term neurological disabilities, cardiorespiratory failure or death.

Carbon monoxide comes from any fuel-burning device, such as a furnace, boiler, stove, car, generator, fireplace, or cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products or other fuels emitting CO as a byproduct of combustion. If attached garages with doors, ductwork or ventilation shafts are connected to a living space, they can also be potential sources for CO.

Your Plan of Action

Home maintenance is also important to help keep your loved ones safe. This includes scheduling annual professional inspections for any fuel-burning appliances, such as the furnace, oven, fireplace and dryer.

The most critical step to ensure your home is protected is to have a CO alarm. By providing protection against the deadly gas, CO alarms can make the difference between life and death. A survey from First Alert found that 40 percent of Americans do not own a single working CO alarm.

“Carbon monoxide alarms belong in every household,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “If your home does not have an alarm, purchasing at least one today is the best step you can take toward keeping loved ones safe from the deadly gas.”

The NFPA recommends installing CO alarms on every level of the home, including the basement, and within 15 feet of all sleeping areas. They can be placed high or low in the room as the deadly gas is dispersed evenly within the air. Checking alarms regularly and following manufacturer instructions for alarms and all home equipment play an equally vital role.

All CO alarms in your home should be battery-powered or hardwired with battery backup. To help ensure your family is protected, First Alert offers a variety of alarms. Families can choose an alarm that best suits their needs, from a tabletop alarm with a 10-year sealed battery and digital display to see detected CO levels in parts per million to a combination smoke and CO alarm for 2-in-1 protection.

Most states have laws requiring CO alarms in the home. To learn more about your local requirements, visit https://www.firstalert.com/community/legislation/.

If your CO alarm sounds, immediately go outside for fresh air and call 911. To learn more about CO safety or other home safety tips, visit https://www.firstalert.com/carbonmonoxide/.

2018-11-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s teens can easily connect with like-minded people by making videos and sharing them. For some 85 percent of U.S. teens, a smartphone is their tool of choice to watch, share and publish videos, according to Pew Research Center.

Video and social media platforms are great tools for teens to explore their interests, express themselves creatively and connect with communities around the world. Many creative teens have built personal brands and vibrant communities for people who like fashion, beauty products and video games.

Some teens even partner with companies like Star Stable — makers of the world’s most popular online, horse adventure game — to create video channels for a global audience. The company credits the popularity of their video channel, Star Stable News, to the energy and ideas of the young hosts and the vibrant community they have built around the world.

The Star Stable News hosts Ylva Potatoheart and Matilda Opalpie are happy to share tips to create your own video channel. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide can help you plan, film and promote your video content. But first, online safety is of utmost importance, so before filming and posting, make sure you talk to your parents about your plans and get their permission.

1. Determine the theme of your video channel.

Ask yourself what makes you happy. You may know immediately or it may take some soul searching. If you’re unsure, grab a notepad and keep a list of things that catch your interest throughout the day. Ask yourself what kind of videos you like to watch? What would you love to discuss for hours on end? Talk about what matters to you, and your passion will show.

2. Pick your channel name with care.

Your video channel will be your trademark, so select a name that reflects the content you want to create. Some influencers use a nickname, some use their real name, some just pick a word, and some simply make up a name they like! Just make sure your channel name is easy to recognize and relates to you and your content.

3. Determine what action you want people to take.

Ask yourself what you want your viewers to think, do or say after watching your videos. Can you help others? Or do you want to spark a discussion? Do you want to inspire them to make the world better? Do you want them to laugh and be happy?

4. Plan and record your topics and content.

Plan ahead and map out content for the first five or six videos. Create and follow a basic structure so your viewers can follow your story. Each video needs a welcome message, an overview of the video’s content, a deep-dive into the topic you’re discussing and a conclusion. If it’s easy for you to speak off the cuff with a simple list of subtopics, go for it! Otherwise, an organized outline can keep the video on track.

5. Publish and enjoy.

Once your video is complete and edited, it’s time to put it out into the world … and see how people respond! Share the video on your social channels, tag influencers and use hashtags to reach a wider audience. Don’t forget the importance of a well-written title. To help people find your video, take time to come up with the right key words and be sure they appear in the title.

6. Engage your community.

When people leave comments, respond as soon as you can — it’s a great way to build that community. Use your video and social channels to ask viewers for ideas for upcoming videos. Show your community that you care what they think and that you are listening to them.

It’s never too late to tackle a new adventure, especially if you are up for the creative and artistic challenge. If you have an idea of what you want to do, grab your equipment, go out and start creating!

2018-11-21T12:31:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season for baking and crafting — the perfect ways to feel festive and bond with loved ones of all ages. From trying new recipes to creating crafts that will be cherished for years to come, plan a date for some holiday fun and let the memory-making with friends and family begin!

These five festive projects will inspire laughter and good cheer while helping you mark the season with togetherness:

PEEPS Snowy S’mores

Classic s’mores get a holiday makeover with a tasty and adorable twist thanks to PEEPS(R) marshmallow and its fun seasonal shapes. Just follow the simple instructions and everyone will enjoy a delicious treat. Don’t forget to make a few extras to give away! See instructions below:

Curated by Good Housekeeping magazine on behalf of PEEPS(R)

Servings: 3 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: less than 1 minute

Ingredients

9 ct. pack of PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowmen
9 graham cracker squares
1 pack of mini candy canes
6 chocolate squares

Directions

1. Turn on the oven broiler and place the oven rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2. Break the graham cracker and the chocolate bars into squares.

3. Arrange six graham cracker squares on the baking sheet and top each with a square of chocolate. Place a PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowman on top of each chocolate.

4. Place the tray in the oven for 35 seconds. Check to see how toasted the Snowmen are — they should be slightly puffed, looked melted around the sides, and begin to form a golden-brown crust on top. If they don’t look melted enough, leave them in for another 5 to 10 seconds. Keep a very close eye on them and use extreme caution when broiling PEEPS(R) and pulling them out of the hot oven.

5. Remove the tray from the oven and immediately begin to build the PEEPS(R) Snowy S’mores by stacking two melted PEEPS(R) topped graham crackers.

6. Finish off with a clean graham cracker and top off with a PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowman. Adhere the Snowman to the top of the graham cracker with a dab of melted chocolate, and then adhere the candy cane to his hand with chocolate — to appear as if the Snowman is holding the candy cane.

7. Break up a candy cane and sprinkle bits to the melted chocolate and PEEPS(R) Marshmallow Snowman.

8. Make sure to enjoy while the treat is still warm!

Gratitude tree

The family tree gets a thoughtful update in this project that serves as a reminder of what matters most during the holiday season. Use cardboard or poster board to cut out a tree trunk and branches to hang on the wall. Then cut out leaf shapes with construction paper and ask each person to write down what they are grateful for. Then share with each other before adhering the leaves on the branches to create a one-of-a-kind family tree. For a holiday theme, place an evergreen tree on the wall and decorate with paper ornaments with notations of gratitude instead.

Hand-print wreath

Every person is unique and so is the size and shape of their hand. Outline each person’s hand on green felt and cut out individually. Then use glue to adhere the hands together in a circle shape to create a wreath, adding in a few red circles for berries or a bow if you desire. Alternatively get a white canvas and green acrylic paint from the local craft store. Gather everyone and paint the palms and underside of fingers and press each family member’s hand firmly on the canvas to create various prints in a beautiful wreath shape.

Cup of joy

Want a simple project that is as much fun to create as it is to give? From neighbors and the mail-carrier to teachers and school friends, it’s easy to show you care when you create a treat that lets everyone enjoy a cup of joy. Simply get packets of classic hot chocolate and PEEPS(R) marshmallow in seasonal shapes like gingerbread men, snowmen and holiday trees. Tie together with a bow and add a tag with a holiday greeting or fun saying like, “You’re our favorite ‘PEEP’le, thanks for being great neighbors!”

Salt-dough ornaments

Kids love to play with clay, so they certainly will enjoy creating salt-dough ornaments. All you need is flour, salt and water to get started. Look up “salt dough ornament recipe” on the internet and you’ll find quick and easy recipes. Traditionally, you’ll roll out dough and cut with cookie cutters before baking and painting. You can also make three-dimensional ornaments like snowmen or people, too. Get creative by using household utensils like a garlic press to create hair or beards. 

Spending time with loved ones is the best part of the holidays. Let these five DIY activities inspire your friends and family to get together and feel the joy of the season. 

2018-11-21T15:11:00

(BPT) – Cheerful carolers, hopeful children, and grandmothers baking their fan favorites. The holidays are a time for gathering with family and friends, gift-giving and festive fun.

Not so much for pets. To a dog or cat, the twinkling lights, changed routines and increased interactions with strangers are enough to want to skip straight to Jan. 2. Certified Professional Dog Trainer and pet product expert, Geralynn Cada, encourages pet owners to recognize the potential hazards for pets and shares tips to help your best fur friends have a happy holiday.

So many deliveries

Face it. Your .com shopping means frequent deliveries while your pet is home alone. The more items you add to your Amazon shopping cart, the greater the potential for your pet’s stress level to increase. “Consider having packages sent to your workplace or dropped off with a neighbor for later pick-up,” recommends Cada.

Hectic holiday schedule

Your pet knows your routine and holidays throw those routines out of whack. Getting home later, stopping in and going back out, spending time away — all of this can make a pet confused and anxious. “As much as possible, stick to feeding, play and potty break schedules so your pet maintains consistency,” says Cada. “Consider a product like Pet Naturals of Vermont Calming^® chews for dogs and cats. These veterinarian-formulated chews are made of naturally sourced ingredients and can be given daily or in times of predicted changes in routine to help your pet cope, without affecting their personality or energy level.”

Gift wrapping assistants

Tubes of gift wrap, colorful bags and shiny ribbons are like a playground to your pet. And while the beautifully wrapped presents under the tree may look festive, an emergency vet visit puts a damper on festivities. Waxy papers, gift bag strings and ribbons can wreak havoc, so it’s best to keep wrapping supplies in a room off limits and keep wrapped gifts tucked away until gift-giving time.

Dangerous decor

Holiday plants on the table and trees full of ornaments and tinsel are just new toys in the eyes of Fido or Fluffy. Many typical holiday plants (poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies) can cause illnesses in pets. Keep them and tinsel out of the home if you have pets. Be sure to secure your tree in place and put Styrofoam, glass and homemade decorations (especially those made of salt-based dough) at the top of the tree out of reach from pets.

Party animals

If you are playing the role of hostess with the mostest, think about how pets will handle a home invasion. If it were up to your cat, you know he wouldn’t be RSVPing. Rearranged furniture, strange-smelling coats and getting the wildcard treatment from children can turn even the coolest cat into a scaredy cat. “Give pets a safe space to retreat from the commotion,” says Cada. “Make sure they have adequate food, water and toys and are offered plenty of opportunities for potty breaks.”

Life IS a box of chocolates

If you always second guess whether you moved human food to a spot your pet can’t reach, the holidays make the game even harder. Sometimes sharing is intentional (why should pets miss out on the feast?!), but just as frequently, gifts full of chocolates, dishes filled with nuts, or a glass of wine left in a corner by a guest can create scary — potentially fatal — situations for our furry friends.

Keep chocolate, nuts, alcohol and foods with artificial sweeteners safely out of reach and share the holiday feast sparingly. “Research what foods are safe for pets and if you’re not sure, don’t chance it,” advises Cada. “Giving your pet a Daily Probiotic is also a good way to support gut health balance and healthy digestion so they are better prepared when human foods are introduced (intentionally or otherwise).”

Off to Grandma’s house (again)

Some pets just don’t travel well, even if you tell them Grampa has a yummy treat waiting for them. The car can be a stressful, tummy ache-inducing place for a dog or cat, and if you’re planning a lot of holiday travel they may give you two paws down.

Know that in some cases home may be the best place for them, but if traveling is required, offer Calming^® chews about a half hour before the drive.

The holidays don’t have to be your pet’s least wonderful time of the year. Make them more enjoyable by having Santa come early. “Providing new toys, particularly those that will keep your pet mentally stimulated, will be exciting for your pet and help to distract from the dangers of decorations, gift wrap and other risks. And gift yourself peace of mind by having Calming^® chews on hand to help your pet get through all of the stressors of the holiday season,” advises Cada. It will help everyone to have the happiest season of all!

2018-11-20T11:23:00

(BPT) – If you have ADHD, you know life can be an adventure. The journey from getting the diagnosis to trying to manage it every day is unique to each person. Prescription medication is a common part of a treatment plan, but it’s not the only answer to your condition.

“There are several alternative methods that dramatically help people thrive with ADHD, whether they were diagnosed as a child or are managing their condition as an adult,” says Robin Livingston-Richter, a licensed psychotherapist for more than 25 years and an ADHD Life Coach.

Livingston-Richter knows the struggle people with ADHD face, as she was diagnosed as an adult at age 34. She also has two children and a husband with ADHD, so she understands the concerns of parents and partners, too.

“Some people prefer to avoid medication altogether, while others want alternatives that can be useful in addition to prescriptions,” Livingston-Richter says. “No matter your personal beliefs, I recommend considering these all-natural ways to help manage ADHD.”

Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins, the “feeling good” chemicals needed to regulate mood and pleasure. Endorphins also increase attention and focus, which benefits the ADHD brain. What’s more, exercise impacts the executive functioning system, causing a decline in impulsivity.

How can someone with ADHD develop an exercise plan and stay committed to it? Try taking a 20-minute walk after work or school. Sign up for an exercise class, or a team activity that you are passionate about. Any muscle movement counts, but consistency is key.

Outdoors

Nature has a restorative effect on busy brains, so spend time outdoors. Set up a quiet space where you and/or your family members can be alone. The fresh air, green surroundings and sunshine can make a big impact. If you live in a climate where sunshine and/or the ability to go outside is limited during parts of the year, consider purchasing a therapy light that mimics natural daylight to impact mood and energy levels.

When outside or with your therapy light, try this: Sit, pause, take a deep breath, and slowly release it. Continue this while going through each of the five senses — taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch — noting how you experience each sense. This instantly calms the body and mind while helping you focus.

Music

Music can provide a dopamine boost that the busy ADHD brain craves. Dopamine is a brain neurotransmitter that helps with focus, so turn up those tunes and take in the rhythm.

While cooking dinner, turn on some music. Put together an upbeat playlist of your favorite songs to play while you get ready for work or school. In the evening, play some instrumental music to calm your brain and create inner peace.

Gratitude

People with ADHD often experience high levels of self-doubt and a negative inner-dialogue. To help you better believe in yourself, shift your perspective by implementing an “attitude of gratitude.”

For example, start your day by talking about what you “get to do” instead of what you “have to do.” This changes the conversation positively. Before heading out the door, pause, then think about or even write down three things you are grateful for. When problems arise, instead of thinking, “Why is this happening to me?” think, “What can I learn from this?”

Nutrition

A healthy diet of whole foods packed with nutrients is beneficial for people with ADHD because what you eat can impact how your mind functions. Sugars, additives and colorings, for example, can trigger hyperactivity, mind-racing thoughts, and agitation.

To encourage wholesome eating, stock your kitchen with foods that are low in artificial sugars and colors. If you have a sweet tooth, fresh fruit is a wonderful way to satisfy cravings while getting a natural sugar boost. Plus, those red berries, purple grapes, and green apples have zero artificial colors.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps improve self-control, impulsivity and attention. Plus, it’s something that can be done anywhere at any time, making it accessible to anyone. Mindfulness is all about “paying attention with intention.”

Practice mindfulness by pausing and increasing awareness in the present moment. Pay attention by calming the mind’s thoughts and focusing on breathing slowly in and out. Notice how your body and mind feels, without judgment.

Coaching

An ADHD Life Coach provides the necessary support to make a positive difference in ADHD management. By improving understanding of how your ADHD mind works and providing effective strategies and tactics, an ADHD Life Coach will set you up for success, and help you shift your mindset from “What is wrong with me?” to “What is right about me?”

For more information on ADHD Life Coaching for adults or children, visit www.stigma2strength.com or call 952-913-7805 for a free 20-minute consultation. While health insurance doesn’t cover the cost of ADHD Life Coaching, you can use a health-savings account (HSA) to cover fees.