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4 steps for a healthier you

2019-02-15T11:54:33

(BPT) – When focusing on personal transformation, many hit the gym or focus on eating right and losing weight. Instead of taking on large, difficult-to-maintain goals, there are smaller, simpler steps and habits that can be embraced, resulting in lasting change and a healthier you.

1. Self-care isn’t selfish

When too many obligations and plans with family and friends become a burden, it’s OK to take a pass. If needed, spending a night at home or retreating to the comfort of your bed can help keep unintended stress at bay. Everyone needs a break from their social life on occasion.

2. Bring on the breakfast

Busy mornings might leave you feeling short on time and skipping out on breakfast altogether. Though it might feel like a huge time saver, skipping breakfast is detrimental to your day. Quick breakfast options that you can prepare ahead of time, like veggie egg muffins or overnight oats, provide energy and nutrients, like fiber, that you need to keep you and your body moving all day long.

3. Treat the small stuff

If you feel that something is off with your body, no matter how small it may seem, acting from the start can go a long way in preventing bigger issues. Treating minor health conditions can be just as important for overall health as visiting the doctor for more serious concerns, like the flu or chronic pain. Quick relief for bum discomfort, such as itching and burning, is achievable with Preparation H Totables Irritation Relief Wipes. They deliver relief and on-the-go cleansing in a discreet, convenient travel pack — so you can easily treat symptoms and get back to your day in comfort no matter where you are.

4. Work, walk, work. Repeat.

Remaining sedentary all day can lead to several physical effects and pains. To help steer clear of these, set a timer and get up for a five-minute lap around the office or house every hour or so. Not only will you minimize potential aches but moving throughout the day can also make you more productive.

With these tips in mind you can be more on top of your health without making any drastic changes. For more information, visit www.preparationh.com.


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Parenting advice for strong relationships and a healthy house

2019-02-15T11:01:00

(BPT) – Managing work-life balance as a parent comes with challenges, and with busy schedules for both parents and children, disruptions at the last minute can really take a toll on a family’s everyday routine. This is especially true when a child has to take a sick day from school due to illness during cold and flu season. It’s important to know you’re not alone, and with a little focus and positive reinforcement, you can help your kids be happy and healthy.

La La Anthony, producer, actress and author, understands the balancing act of parenting and being a working mother. Her busy schedule means proactively making time for her son, Kiyan, and helping him set his priorities in school, sports and life. She shares her top rules for parenting successfully to help guide other parents who are navigating the ups and downs of family life.

Rule 1: Set priorities

“The most important thing to remember as a parent is that your children should always come first,” says Anthony. “My schedule is hectic, and I’m often balancing several different projects at once, but my primary job title is ‘Mom.’ It’s so important to show your children that no matter how busy you are, they are the top priority.”

You can achieve this by having family dinner or setting a certain night of the week to bond over a fun activity together. If you’re traveling for work, set up video chat sessions to connect even when you’re apart.

Rule 2: Build trust

“All good parent-child relationships are grounded in trust, and open communication is extremely important in building trust,” says Anthony. “Make sure your child knows that they can depend on and come to you with any issues, questions or concerns, no matter how big or small.”

You can help build trust by showing empathy and understanding to your child and being vocal about your own mistakes. If you messed up at work, share that experience with them and talk through how you will fix the situation. When they see you’re not perfect, they feel more comfortable coming to you in times of need.

Rule 3: Focus on healthy habits

“Always prioritize your child’s health, especially during cold and flu season!” stresses Anthony. “It’s so important to me that Kiyan stays healthy and avoids getting sick so that he can be in school, play basketball and spend time with friends. To protect Kiyan and help reduce the spread of germs around the home, I make sure he washes his hands often, and we use the Lysol Healthy Habits toolkit as a resource to reinforce healthy behaviors at home and in the classroom.”

Visit www.lysol.com/healthy-classroom to learn more about the One Less Sick Day initiative, an innovative cold and flu education and prevention program with the goal of helping to protect kids against germs and reducing the number of sick days this school year. Some smart tips from the toolkit include:

* Get your flu shot.
* Help prevent the spread of germs.
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
* Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
* Remind children to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
* Send supplies of Box Top eligible Lysol Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol Disinfectant Spray to your child’s classroom for disinfecting germ hot spots like desks, chairs, door knobs and bathrooms.
* Reinforce healthy habits at home.

Rule 4: Be present

“Be as present as possible, and show your children that you’re there for them,” says Anthony. “For me, that means something as simple as helping Kiyan with his homework and catching up with him after school to hear about what he learned and what’s going on in his social life.”

Make time for these real connections by turning off your phone and other distracting devices so you can focus on each other and make the time to bond.

Rule 5: Boost confidence

“Help build your child’s confidence,” Anthony says. “Every kid should have the confidence to be whoever they want to be and do what they want to do, and it starts with parents. We need to be their biggest supporters and cheerleaders so that they feel empowered to achieve their goals in all aspects of life.”

Boosting confidence might mean trying new activities that are of interest to your child, even if they weren’t something you did as a kid. Watch them as they practice and play, and support them through the ups and downs of any performances, games or competitions.

Being a parent today is one of the most rewarding experiences and these tips can help you be the best parent you can be.


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6 fun facts about bananas that will inspire you to eat more

2019-02-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Bananas are a tasty snack that many people eat regularly without much thought, but there’s more to the iconic yellow fruit than just its convenience and color. Bananas are a superfood loaded with nutrients and have been enjoyed worldwide for hundreds of years. In fact, there are many reasons to consider eating more bananas.

Versatility: Bananas are one of the most versatile foods available. They come in their own container and you can eat them right out of the peel. You can slice up fresh bananas to enhance favorite snack foods, like cereal, yogurt or smoothies. They are a natural alternative to sugar to sweeten desserts and can be used in a variety of recipes, including savory ones. They are even tasty dried and eaten as banana chips.

Nutrient powerhouse: Bananas are not only a powerhouse for potassium with nearly 10 percent of the recommended daily value, but also boast many other nutritional benefits. Just one banana has 35 percent of the daily recommended B-6, which helps with cell growth. In addition, you’ll be giving your body important vitamins and minerals like magnesium, manganese, vitamin C and copper. Bananas are also a good source of antioxidants to support a healthy immune system.

Don’t believe the sugar rumors: Bananas are actually a wonderful source of natural sugars (the good kind) and carbohydrates, which help provide sustained energy. It’s a common misconception that bananas aren’t as healthy due to the higher sugar content, however, the natural sugars in bananas come with fiber, which slows digestion and gives the body time to use it as fuel instead of storing it as fat.

Low-fat, low-cal: Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium, making them ideal for nutritious eating as well as a good option if you’re on many specialty diets. Plus, they’re just 100 calories per banana, providing you all-natural, long-lasting energy. Whether it’s a snack or addition to a recipe, you can feel good about eating bananas.

Digestive health: Bananas are often one of baby’s first foods. They are also one of the first things we eat when we are sick. Why? Because they are soft to chew and easy to digest. In fact, bananas can support digestive health thanks to their pectin level that acts as a fiber. If you prefer your bananas a bit on the unripe side, you’re also in luck because unripe bananas contain higher levels of resistant starches, which are a soluble fiber.

Banana bread: One of the most popular ways to bake with bananas is banana bread. What many people might not know is the history of the moist, sweet loaf featuring the classic yellow fruit. Banana bread is the creation of thrifty housewives during the Great Depression who had to stretch their family’s food supplies, including utilizing overly-ripe bananas.

Recipes have evolved over the years to include different ingredients and fun variations, such as adding in nuts, chocolate chips and flavoring like almond and vanilla. In fact, banana bread is so popular, it has its own day: Feb. 23 is National Banana Bread Day. What better reason to bake this classic recipe for your friends and family?

Chiquita Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients:

4 ripe Chiquita bananas
3 eggs
1 cup almond flour/spelt flour
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 cup walnuts
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 tablespoons ginger powder
1 teaspoon vanilla powder
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1 can coconut milk (13.5 fl. oz.)
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon vanilla powder

Directions:

Purée 3 bananas with a hand mixer. Scoop the bananas into a big bowl.

Chop nuts coarsely. Now add all other ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Pour batter into greased pan. Cut the fourth banana lengthwise in half and place the slices on top of the batter.

Bake loaf for about 45 minutes in oven.

The night before, put the coconut milk in the fridge (to separate fluid from cream). Scoop only the top layer of cream from the can into a big bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla and mix it until you get a smooth mixture. Serve with the loaf.


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8 ways to banish spring allergies

2019-02-14T07:01:01

(BPT) – Spring. The time of year when, as poet Alfred Lord Tennyson famously said, a young man’s (and woman’s) fancy “lightly turns to thoughts of love.” That is, of course, if you’re not sneezing, coughing or dealing with itchy eyes. Spring allergies seem to get worse every year. Is there anything you can do to avoid them?

Yes, says allergist Todd Mahr, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “You might feel like suffering from allergies is going to happen every spring no matter what, but there are ways to help alleviate your symptoms.”

These 8 ACAAI tips will help you enjoy the season instead of sitting it out indoors.

1. See an allergist. Before the season kicks in, make an appointment with an allergist to find out exactly what is causing those itchy, watery eyes. Discovering the allergen that you’re reacting to is the first step in treating it. The ACAAI’s Allergist Locator can help you find a board-certified allergist in your area.

2. Find out if it’s allergies or asthma. Or both. The symptoms from asthma can be similar to those of allergies. To make matters worse, allergies plus asthma can be a one-two punch for some allergy sufferers. Almost 75 percent of asthma sufferers also have allergies. Your allergist can diagnose what’s causing your symptoms and offer suggestions for treatment so you can start living the life you want to live.

3. Consider allergy shots… They may be the best way to treat tree, grass, mold, dust mite, cat and dog allergies. Allergy shots are immunotherapy. That means your allergist will gradually give you increasingly larger doses of whatever you’re allergic to. There are also tablets that melt under your tongue to treat allergies to ragweed, grass pollen and dust mites. Both forms create a tolerance within your immune system.

4. …or get a prescription. Research has shown that most allergy sufferers find prescription medications more effective than those they can get over the counter. But most people don’t go in search of a prescription. An allergist can discover exactly what you’re allergic to and prescribe the right medication to ease your symptoms.

5. Start medication before the season hits. Don’t wait. Much like successful pain management involves getting in front of pain before it kicks into high gear, by taking your allergy medications before the worst symptoms develop, you’ll be doing a lot to alleviate those symptoms. If you usually start feeling it in March or April, start taking your medications in February.

6. Commit to a thorough spring cleaning. It’s not just to give the house a fresh look after the long winter. A deep clean will reduce allergens like mold, which build up in basements and other areas where you might not go every day. It’s also a great way to get rid of the pet hair and dander that have built up in places like your sofa. Wash throw rugs regularly, too, in hot water.

7. Wash the day away before going to bed. Take a shower and wash your hair before hitting the hay to rinse away pollen and other allergens you’ve picked up during the day. Similarly, wash your sheets and bedding once a week in hot water.

8. Use the AC. It’s tempting to throw open the windows and let that fresh spring air waft into the house. The only problem is, pollen and other allergens will waft in with it. Instead, use your air conditioner and make sure the filter is clean. Change your filter every three months and use one with a MERV rating of 11 or 12.

With a few commonsense tactics, you can get ahead of your allergies and keep them in the rear-view mirror all season long.

About ACAAI

The ACAAI is a professional medical organization of more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals, headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill. The College fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research. ACAAI allergists are board-certified physicians trained to diagnose allergies and asthma, administer immunotherapy and provide patients with the best treatment outcomes. For more information and to find relief, visit AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org. Join us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.


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4 things you might not know about boat shows

2019-02-13T17:29:27

(BPT) – Boat shows are taking place across the country, offering opportunities to plan now for warmer days ahead. Special pricing and incentives on new boat models and marine accessories are a major draw for the 142 million Americans who take to the water each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. For those ready to plan their summer adventures on the water, boat shows are a good place to start.

Explore all boating curiosities and interests, from fishing and sailing to riding personal watercraft and wakesurfing. Boat shows not only offer the opportunity to browse and board the latest boats and marine accessories, but also offer those looking to get started in boating a taste of the boating lifestyle during the off-season. Most boat shows have educational opportunities and ways to get on the water — from rentals to boat clubs and more.

Discover Boating, the national awareness program to help get people on the water, offers four reasons to visit a boat show near you this year:

* Warm up with hot deals. Unlike auto shows, boat shows are the place to buy. Hundreds of new models are available to buy right on the show floor at some of the best prices of the year. Boat shows make it easy to shop all the region’s dealers in one location, and it’s the right time to order a new boat to ensure it arrives by spring.

* Navigate the boating lifestyle. You can learn the ropes of boating and take advantage of onsite training, offered at little to no cost. Beginners can learn about boating, and more experienced captains are able to hone their skills. Plus, boat shows offer interactive activities for the whole family from knot-tying and boating 101 seminars to remote-control docking ponds and virtual reality boating simulators and more. Most shows also have charters, boat clubs, rentals and boat schools for show-goers to research ways to get on the water before buying.

* Invest in your health. In addition to the thousands of steps you will achieve from browsing the latest products, boat shows could also be an investment in your health. According to a recent survey, 72 percent of Americans reported feeling healthier after spending time on the water. Plus, recent research has confirmed what many boaters already know — you experience health benefits, like reducing stress, by being near, in, on or under water, and while participating in activities like boating. Learn more about the health benefits of boating by visiting DiscoverBoating.com/your-brain-on-a-boat.

* Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat at a show, online or at a dealership, always check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the sticker near the helm of a boat.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com to find a boat show near you, a list of certified boat manufacturers, a Boat Finder tool that matches your on-water interests with different boat types, plus more interactive tools and resources for getting started in boating.


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These are the 7 things you should absolutely do to save money on travel

2019-02-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – Average airline ticket prices rose about 5 percent in 2018, and when you factor in the cost of a hotel, car rental and other expenses, trips in 2019 could become even more expensive. Now more than ever it’s important to be smart and utilize a range of ways to save when making travel decisions. Savvy travelers — whether for business or for pleasure — learn what travel experts have discovered: How and when you book can make a big difference.

The Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC) and Expedia Group collaborated for the fifth consecutive year to analyze a vast amount of data to evaluate trends in travel pricing worldwide, providing helpful tips for air travel and lodging savings in their 2019 Travel Pricing Outlook.

Here are valuable insights from the ARC report and Expedia.com that will get you the best deal for your next trip.

1. Plan ahead. Booking your flight at least three weeks ahead can help you save a lot of money. Contrary to popular belief, economy fares tend to increase rather than decrease as the departure date gets closer.

2. Get the timing right. Surprisingly, which day you actually book a flight or hotel matters. According to the ARC report, you should wait until the weekend to book flights to save around 20 percent (or more), with the cheapest fares for domestic economy flights being booked on a Sunday to save as much as 36 percent. Interestingly, the best hotel prices were snapped up on Fridays. Once you’re ready to book, make sure your trip starts on a Thursday or Friday.

3. Bundle up. One underrated way to save is to combine your bookings. For savings on all your travel costs, book your flight and hotel together, or your car rental and hotel at the same time. On many online travel sites, you can save an average of up to $600 by bundling. Or, lock in your flight a few months ahead and come back later to book the room along with it. With Expedia’s flexible booking options, you can save on average around 43 percent off the hotel cost just by adding on to an existing reservation.

4. Go basic. Using the “basic economy fare” (which means you’re just purchasing the seat, with no checked bags and potentially other limitations) can save you money, but be sure that’s what you really want. If you later add a checked bag to your basic economy fare, the total cost of travel will likely exceed traditional economy fares (which may include checked bags in the price).

5. Go direct — when that serves your needs. The myth that non-stop flights cost more simply isn’t true. Direct flights can actually save money. However, other factors may matter more to you, such as the timing of the flights and where the layover will be. Some travelers make the most of long layovers in a desired destination to add an interesting stop to their trip.

6. Use the app. You may find the most deeply discounted deals on big online travel sites by using their mobile app. Booking through the app can also win you extra perks like double the rewards points.

7. Let sites find the deals for you. Bookmarking the Deals page on travel sites like Expedia is key to planning ahead. Use these sites to stay on top of the best deals on flights, hotels, cruises and travel packages to save even more.

Traveling can be affordable and accessible, if you use the right tools. Knowing how to find and book the best flights and hotels can save not only money, but all that time researching the best deals. Have confidence that you’re getting the best prices with these tips from the experts.


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Talking money: 10 financial tips for relationships

2019-02-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – In a recent survey, one in five Americans reported they have never had a serious conversation about money with their significant other, and less than half said they’re comfortable discussing finances with their partner.

It isn’t always easy to talk about money, but it’s essential since a clear majority of individuals surveyed say they are likely to split from someone who isn’t financially responsible. Whether you’re just beginning a relationship, considering moving in together, getting married, or are working toward financial goals with your spouse, each step of a relationship calls for a different approach to money and handling potentially thorny issues.

What’s your relationship status … and how do finances fit in?

Dating

You’re in a new relationship, everything is exciting, and you look forward just to being together. Asking financial questions may be unnecessary, yet it still pays to make some observations.

  • What types of activities does your partner suggest — going out for fancy dinners or making a home-cooked meal?
  • Are splurges a regular occurrence, or are they saved for a special occasion?
  • A question such as, “How should we divvy up date night costs?” can suggest how your partner views spending habits.

Casual dating isn’t the time to deal with complex financial questions, but it can be a time to explore how your partner feels about basic financial issues.

Moving in

When moving in together, the money questions become more practical because cohabitation usually involves sharing expenses. This is the time to learn more about each other’s finances and views on money as your finances become more entwined.

  • Ask about a partner’s debt situation, student loans, savings habits, credit score and, perhaps, skeletons in each other’s financial past.
  • Share income materials including credit reports, particularly if you’re renting a new apartment or buying a home together.

Cohabitation can have financial implications depending on where you live, and a financial professional can help you understand any potential benefits or costs. If neither partner has a trusted financial professional, it may be time to consider finding one.

Tying the knot

When the conversation turns to marriage, talks about money must get serious. A strong link exists between disagreements about finances in a marriage and divorce. And should tough times hit, such as a job loss, how will you handle it as a couple?

  • It’s important to find common ground about major lifestyle decisions and purchases, including a house, cars, credit and savings objectives.
  • Married couples also need to determine whether a prenuptial agreement is a good idea, and if accounts are going to be separate or managed jointly.
  • This can also be a good time to talk to a financial professional about financial planning and taking steps toward realizing future goals.

There are no “right” or “wrong” answers to these questions, and each couple can determine what is the best situation for them based on honest communication.

Planning your future together

It pays to establish structure or guidelines for your financial lives that each of you agree on. These can include when to check with each other on big-ticket purchases or when to spend from one or the other’s personal funds.

  • Don’t forget about important issues that can get overlooked, such as establishing an emergency fund or assessing retirement fund/401(k) allocations.
  • It’s possible you’ll face “sandwich generation” pressures related to caring for and supporting both young children and aging parents. Millennials and Gen-Xers increasingly find themselves squeezed by such generational issues, surveys find, including one by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, a Sammons Financial Group company. This survey also looked at planning for retirement and revealed that most couples don’t discuss this important aspect of their future, and then find they’re unprepared.

Even if you haven’t done so earlier, any time is a good time to seek out a legal and financial advisory team. A lawyer can help with wills, and a financial and insurance agent and counselor can help decide on health, life, disability and property insurance coverage; discuss annuities; and explore college funds/529 plans.

Love may be blind, but it knows how to count

“Talking money” and addressing issues related to finances are essential in every stage of your relationship. And arguments about money are all too common — in fact, 70 percent of married couples fight about money. That’s why it’s vital to talk about investment strategy and risk-taking, and to reach decisions together about investment goals and time frames.

Couples often credit a third party for helping them with financial matters including insurance-, investment-, tax- and legal-related financial issues. One survey found that 40 percent of couples who disagree about money said an adviser helped them make decisions about financial concerns that otherwise might have triggered tension in their relationship.

If you and your partner are interested in speaking with a financial professional, Midland National Life Insurance Company and its independent agents are ready to help, specifically with life insurance and other related financial matters, including annuities and retirement planning. To find an agent, click here.


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The juggle is real: Online students’ tips to balance family, school

2019-02-13T06:01:00

(BPT) – Balancing work, school and family can be a challenge. Some days might feel like more of a struggle than a juggle, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have it all. In fact, one in four of the 17 million Americans enrolled as an undergraduate in a higher education institution is caring for a child, according to the National Center for Education. Many people in this position turn to online education to help make it possible to manage work, life, family and earning their degree.

Learning how to successfully integrate coursework into an already-packed schedule comes with practice (and patience!). It never hurts to receive advice from those who’ve been in similar shoes. Here are three tips from juggling connoisseurs who have experience completing their degrees online while raising a family:

1) Have patience and think about the big picture

Brian Hood juggled earning a bachelor’s degree in software engineering online with Arizona State University (ASU) while parenting young triplets. His road to graduation wasn’t without its fair share of challenges.

“My desk is in the middle of my house and opens to a room that doubles as my kids’ playroom. To say that I had challenges while trying to listen to lectures is an understatement,” Hood said.

Several times throughout his academic journey, he hit roadblocks trying to balance it all. “It was so frustrating, and at times, deflating. But then you take a step back, look at the situation, and ask yourself, ‘How do I do this?’ When you tell yourself that failure isn’t an option, it becomes much easier to focus on finding a solution, rather than being consumed by the problem,” Hood said.

Hood’s expert tip: With young kids around, invest in a good pair of headphones, and be flexible, patient and willing to pause and re-watch your lectures.

2) Communication is key

For Cherise Shockley, the key to finding balance was opening a dialogue with her family and ensuring everyone was on the same page about her online degree program. “If you are married or have kids, you have to tell your family what’s going on. Explain to them that this will require a time commitment but, in the end, it will be worth it,” Shockley said.

Openness and honesty go a long way, according to Shockley, who earned her mass communication and media studies degree online with ASU. “You have to be organized and know that there are no shortcuts. If a problem comes up, make sure to speak up and ask when you need help.”

Shockley’s expert tip: When challenges arise — as they inevitably do — remind yourself and your family that anything is possible with sacrifice, hard work, faith and determination.

3) Make your family a priority

Robert Rutledge, an online student with ASU, earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in global leadership while juggling a full-time job and parenthood.

Often, while he worked on his studies, his two younger children would come into his office and ask, “Daddy, are you done yet?” In these instances, Rutledge would take time to explain to his children what he was doing and why he was doing it.

His biggest piece of advice? Make your kids a priority. “It’s difficult for [children] to grasp the importance of the time you’re spending on your education instead of with them — especially with younger children.”

Rutledge’s expert tip: Use study breaks as bonding time with your loved ones. Go for a walk or play a game with your children and come back to your studies refreshed and ready!

Managing everything can be overwhelming at times, but remember: completing your education can open doors to so many new possibilities for you and your family, such as the opportunity to advance your career, increase your overall earning potential and even pursue a personal passion.

With nearly 4.8 million parents pursuing degrees, remember that you’re in good company and are now armed with some expert advice on how to successfully juggle life, learning and family. With the right support and resources, earning your degree is possible and there is no better time than now to get started on pursuing your educational dreams.


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7 ways your community can help your heart health

2019-02-12T14:01:00

(BPT) – February is Heart Month — and we don’t mean the romantic kind that we celebrate on Valentine’s Day! Heart Month is time to take stock of your cardiovascular health to combat chronic diseases, like heart disease, which is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. The good news is many of the steps you need to take to prevent heart disease are things you can do on your own, just by adopting a few healthy habits. Local communities across the country have been working to make it easier to live healthier through the Healthiest Cities & Counties Challenge (the Challenge).

This month, the Aetna Foundation announced the two grand prize winners of the Challenge, a two-year national initiative in partnership with the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) empowering local organizations to create solutions to their pressing health challenges through more than $1.5 million in grants and prizes.

Let’s look to the Challenge winners and runners-up for ways your community can make the difference when it comes to heart health.

Go local:

Did you know the distance between your home and the nearest grocery store can have a significant impact on your health? More than 20 million people in the U.S. live in a food desert — an area where access to affordable, healthy food options is limited or nonexistent. Bridgeport, Conn.’s Coalition United to Reach Equity (CURE) changed their food desert by breaking ground on a pop-up market bringing healthy food and jobs. Help your neighborhood by supporting local farmers, healthy food entrepreneurs or visiting a farmer’s or pop-up market.

Find your fitness buddy:

Getting healthy is no easy feat. Having a fitness buddy provides competition, accountability and support. Mecklenburg, NC Village HeartBEAT brought together more than 30,000 people through faith-based organizations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is always fun for friends to have a little competition, so get your squad together and make this year your healthiest.

Grab a plate:

Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains is consistently linked to improved heart health and a lower risk of heart disease (Mayo Clinic). The Waco-McLennan County, TX community is making it more affordable and easier than ever to access fresh produce by connecting residents to resources such as produce delivery services and healthy cooking demonstrations. Consider what your community offers to help keep your heart health in check.

Step it out:

Walking can play a key role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (NIH). The Wyandotte, KS Healthy Community Corridor created a Safe Routes to Parks program allowing more people to get outside and exercise by creating access to the county’s outdoor spaces through bike paths and walking clubs. Instead of driving down the street to your local grocery store, grab your sneakers, your reusable bag and start walking!

Get mobile:

Can’t get outside to walk? From apps to YouTube videos, there’s an option for every type of workout. Even local communities are getting in on this latest tech trend. Danville Health Collaborative (VA) engaged more than 570 people with their newly developed Fit Mobile app that gives up-to-date class schedules, club specials as well as diet information and healthy meal ideas. Try setting a reminder on your calendar, finding a fitness buddy or downloading a health app to help you follow through on your commitment.

Head outside:

Heart disease is linked to lack of exercise, and getting outside is a step in the right direction. West Louisville Outdoor Recreation Initiative is building a culture where residents connect with nature to improve physical and mental health. Their ECHO Mobile program brings the outdoors to the most urban neighborhoods, introducing children to out-of-the-box activities like canoeing and archery. No matter what you decide to do — walking the dog, hiking or heading to the park — just enjoy the great outdoors.

Find your sanctuary:

Stress can take a major toll on your heart health, so it’s crucial to find times during the day to rest. Hillsborough County, FL created community gardens to increase access to healthy foods and create a place for residents to get in touch with nature. Gardening can improve physical, psychological and social health, which can, from a long-term perspective, alleviate and prevent various health issues (NIH).

To learn about models that your community can follow this Heart Month, visit: http://www.healthiestcities.org and join the conversation #HealthiestCitiesChallenge.


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Fraudsters camouflage themselves as military members online: Be prepared to spot this romance scam

2019-02-12T17:17:00

(BPT) – The online dating trend continues to heat up as research shows that almost 20 percent of brides say they met their spouse on the internet. Unfortunately, not everyone joining these online dating sites has the intention of finding true love. The increase in online romance — particularly around the holidays — has caught the attention of scammers who aim to play on people’s hopes and desires for love.

Be cautious when striking up an online romance. One well-intentioned mistake could leave you with a broken heart and an empty bank account.

Today’s romance scams have a military flair

One of the common romance scams operating today involves fraudsters posing as members of the armed forces to lure their victims into a romance with what they believe to be a soldier. Pretending to be a member of the military allows fraudsters to quickly win an individual’s trust and admiration, while also providing a cover story as to why they cannot communicate via phone or video.

This scam often begins on social media, but it can also start through matching on an online dating website. Once the impostor has built up a relationship with their target, they will ask for money. The scammer will often claim the money will be used to cover transportation costs to go on leave, medical fees, food or supplies needed, even pending marriage plans. In the end, this is all a scam, designed to rob the victim of as much money as possible.

Ways to identify if you are being targeted for a military scam

Falling for a military romance scam can leave you feeling victimized in more ways than one. These tips from Western Union and the Army’s Criminal Investigation Command will help you protect yourself from being deceived by a scammer.

* Look for requests for money. A request for money is the most alarming warning sign of a potential scam. One of the most common cases involves the individual asking the victim to send them money for transportation fees to return home or temporary leave. Keep in mind, all transportation of deployed military members will be funded by the government. Scammers will often start small with a request for a more manageable amount of money to see if you are receptive to their plea, then work their way up to asking for much larger sums. You should also avoid situations where you are asked to send money to a third party or business for any reason.

* Do your homework. You shouldn’t take anyone at face value. Laborious as it may be, conduct extensive research on the person you are communicating with. Find out where they’re from, where they claim to be stationed, and any other “personal” details mentioned. If you find something seems odd, it could indicate a scam. Don’t be afraid to search online for photos they send you — especially if a picture of them looks too good to be true. It may be an image they pirated from another website, or stole from someone’s social media profile.

* Watch how they communicate. Have you spoken to this person via phone or has all communication taken place via messaging? This one-sided affair could be a red flag. If you met the person on a dating website, be cautious if they are quick to request moving away from the site to communicate via email, as they may be trying to erase their trail.

* Take your time. Any relationship you are in should progress at a pace that is comfortable to you. Be extremely cautious if the person you are communicating with professes their love much too quickly. Their goal could be to move you along as soon as possible so they can take your money and begin targeting their next victim.

Protecting yourself from the online romance scam

If you have been or feel you are being targeted by a military romance scam, you should contact the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center and the Federal Trade Commission.

If you’ve sent money to someone via Western Union and suspect you’ve been scammed, call the company’s fraud hotline at 1-800-448-1492. If the funds haven’t been paid out to the receiver, you may be able to stop the transaction. If the money has already been paid out, file a formal fraud complaint and report the instance with your local law enforcement agency. Scammers take advantage of good, intelligent people all the time. Visit www.wu.com/fraudawareness to learn more about what types of scams to watch for so you can protect yourself and your hard-earned money.