Month: May 2019

2019-05-17T15:01:01

(BPT) – Did you know 80% of Americans don’t know what they’re having for dinner until 4:00 p.m.? And once they get in the kitchen, they’re only spending an average of 37 minutes on their meal, including prep and cleanup. Just because you’re short on time, you don’t need to sacrifice quality or flavor. Alyssa Rivers, the food blogger behind The Recipe Critic, has time-saving hacks and fool-proof dinner ideas that you can get on the table in 30 minutes or less, any night of the week.

2019-05-17T12:01:01

(BPT) – Congratulations, college graduates! You’re all set to enter the job market, but do you have what it takes to get to and from interviews or work? It might be time to move on from worn-out, hand-me-down vehicles for your fresh start in life.

“Safety ratings and affordability are important considerations when it comes to purchasing a vehicle, but you should also know that you’ll need to budget for additional costs in your monthly expenses once you become an owner,” said “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying or Leasing a Car” author Jack R. Nerad.

Buying a car doesn’t have to break the bank, and grads should factor insurance, fuel and maintenance costs into their purchase decision.

Here are four things to consider when shopping for a car.

1. Vehicle safety

Vehicle safety ratings are evaluated based on crashworthiness and crash preventability.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a 5-Star Ratings program, with more stars meaning the vehicle is safer, while the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) tests vehicles for crashworthiness, and crash avoidance and mitigation.

“I recommend looking at both the IIHS and NHTSA ratings to identify vehicles that are crashworthy and, importantly, have equipment that will help drivers avoid a crash, which is preferable to surviving one,” said Nerad.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with Adaptive Driver Assistance Systems like lane departure warning, blind spot information systems, and braking assistance technology to help prevent a collision or lessen its severity.

2. Insurance costs

Insurance should be top-of-mind when picking a car because it’ll protect you and your vehicle. Its role in the shopping process is two-fold: it can give you a sense of your monthly premium based on the car you select and it also lets you find the right company for your insurance needs ahead of making either purchase.

“Younger drivers generally have higher premiums because of their inexperience, and statistics show that driving experience has a significant impact on accidents,” said Mercury Insurance Chief Claims Officer Randy Petro. “We recommend that you speak with an insurance agent to help ensure you get the right amount of coverage at the best possible rate.”

Mercury recently examined model-year 2015-2018 vehicles with high ratings from NHTSA and IIHS to compile a top-10 list of the most affordable vehicles to insure for college grads. The list is based on a national average of the price for full coverage, but other factors can push that rate up or down. The 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked first, while other Hyundai models, Kias and Hondas also made the list.

3. Fuel economy

Fuel is a recurring expense for vehicle owners. A tip to determine how much it’ll cost each month is to factor in the size of the vehicle’s fuel tank, average miles driven and gas prices. Speeding, rapidly accelerating or braking aggressively burn through fuel at a faster rate, so it’s best to follow the speed limit and stay away from aggressive driving behaviors to save money on gas.

4. Maintenance and repairs

Vehicle ownership includes being financially responsible for wear-and-tear and general maintenance, like oil changes, and tire and brake replacement. Owners manuals provide information about recommended services and frequency, and many are available online to help with your car-buying research.

It’s a good idea to start a repair fund early on to protect against potential rainy day blues once the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

“An extended warranty, like Mercury’s Mechanical Protection plans, helps extend the life of a vehicle for up to seven years or 100,000 miles,” said Nerad. “This is something to consider to help cover the cost to repair your vehicle if it breaks down.”

Finding a safe, reliable vehicle will keep you moving forward in life’s journey, and these tips will help make it more affordable. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

2019-05-17T12:27:00

(BPT) – Home is supposed to be a safe space, so it can be scary to think about things like fires. Unfortunately, fires are a real threat. Seven people die each day due to home fires, so it’s important to be ready.

Every home needs working smoke alarms and an escape plan for exiting the house. These are essential first steps, but there is an additional tool that dramatically reduces the spread of home fires, and the risk of dying from one: installing home fire sprinklers.

Home fire sprinklers save lives

You probably see fire sprinklers in commercial places all the time; maybe where you work or at your favorite stores. These systems are an effective method for controlling fires quickly. They’re less common in homes, but they work there just as well.

The risk of dying in a home fire decreases by about 85 percent if sprinklers are present. Research shows when sprinklers were present, fires were kept to the room of origin 97 percent of the time. That means the sprinkler activates and puts out the fire before it has a chance to spread to other places in the home. The National Fire Protection Association and the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition want you to know these facts:

Only one sprinkler activates: If a fire starts, the closest sprinkler will activate, spraying water to control the flames, heat and deadly smoke. That fast control gives you time to escape to safety. In most cases, just one sprinkler is needed.

Fire sprinklers use less water than fire hoses: When a sprinkler activates, it flows at a rate of 10-26 gallons of water per minute — a fraction of the water that fire hoses use. Because of the sprinkler’s fast action and less water flow, the property loss in a sprinklered home fire is far less than in an unsprinklered home fire.

Home fires are deadly in 2 minutes or less: It takes 9-12 minutes or more for a fire department to get notification, respond and begin suppression. In that time, an uncontrolled fire will grow and spread through the home, becoming potentially deadly in 2 minutes or less. A sprinkler controls the fire before it can spread, protecting residents and the responding firefighters.

Smoke alarms are not enough: Working smoke alarms are essential in every home. But they can only detect a fire, not fight it. Fire sprinklers detect the fire and automatically control it, saving lives and property.

Sprinklers are reliable and easy to maintain: Fire sprinkler mishaps are generally less likely and less severe than home plumbing system problems. For regions subject to freezing temperatures, proper installation eliminates worries. Maintenance is simple.

Take action now: Test your smoke alarms and practice your escape plan with your family. If you are thinking of building or buying a home, ask for fire sprinklers. They provide peace of mind, protecting you and your family should you ever face the threat of a home fire. Learn more at homefiresprinkler.org.

2019-05-17T14:52:38

(BPT) – Playing video games is not simply entertainment or an escape for middle school girls; it can be a confidence booster. The best games offer intellectual challenges, social interaction and a creative outlet. These games provide opportunities for young women to problem solve, be part of a group, express themselves and find their voice.

“For many tween/teen girls, gaming can be a star with many points,” says Taina Malén of Star Stable, an online multi-player PC game designed for Gen Z girls. “For some, a game can be about storytelling and adventure; for some, it’s about caretaking; for some, it’s about hobbies; for some, it’s about sport and competition; for some, it’s about socializing. For all, it’s about self-expression — about simultaneously fitting in and standing out.”

Here are five features and characteristics to consider when choosing video games for a tween or teen girl:

1) Find games that challenge her to think.

Games involving problem-solving help girls feel a sense of accomplishment. When girls analyze a problem and resolve it successfully, it boosts their confidence. Many games today incorporate problem-solving as part of the adventure, such as multi-player games where girls work together to solve quests or challenges.

2) Look for games that require collaboration and teamwork.

Games that encourage or even require girls to work together help players hone their collaboration and communication skills, while creating a sense of community. In-game friendships (sometimes with players many states away) can expand the world around them. Games rooted in a positive, shared social experience and teamwork encourage collaboration and friendship.

3) Choose games that mirror her interests.

Today’s tween girls have varied interests, and there are games that support virtually every pursuit — art, music, sports or animals. In addition to immersing themselves in a game subject they love, they are likely to find other girls with the same passion to “nerd out” about horses or soccer or fantastical worlds.

4) Research games that encourage self-expression.

Today’s girl gamers tend to prefer open world or sandbox games that let them be creators, where they are customizing characters, building worlds or directing the plot. Girls at this age are in a constant battle to fit in and stand out. Games that allow a customized experience will not only give them a sense of control and decisiveness, but will also let them put their own unique stamp on their game experience — which can be very empowering.

5) Select games rich in storytelling and music.

Just like a favorite movie, today’s games must also include a clever and interesting story, rich characters and original music. Tween/teen girls are sophisticated consumers, and an evolving story line and fresh music are markers for a game that is worthy of its cost. In many cases, game play can spill over to socializing, where girls talk plot and how it will unfold, the location of hidden gems or why they love a new song. A game like Star Stable can be the springboard for turning a gamer into a creator, where girls are inspired to make music videos, write poetry or produce artwork.

These days, gaming is so much more than a simple pastime. It can be a place where girls connect with people with similar interests, grow friendships and express themselves. Helping them find the right game can reinforce their favorite interests and increase their self-confidence, and maybe even make those tween and teen years a tiny bit easier, and more fun.

2019-05-17T09:21:01

(BPT) – If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you’re far from alone.

The inflammatory disease affects some 1.3 million adults in America, according to the National Institutes of Health.^1,2

What’s more, despite recent advances in treatments for the disease, many patients still experience ongoing, disruptive and often very painful symptoms.

RA patient Catherine M. has learned to cope with RA by “gaining a realistic understanding about what it means to have an autoimmune disease — what it can do to my body and how it impacts my life. It’s all about balance, acceptance, and perseverance.”

Catherine has also learned to listen to her body and work with her RA healthcare team when her symptoms persist. If you are currently on treatment for your RA and your symptoms are still interfering with your daily life, your RA may not be well controlled. Consider scheduling an appointment with your RA healthcare team to discuss your symptoms and signs and learn what other options may exist to help you break out of the cycle of pain, fatigue and stiffness.

Unrelieved joint pain and swelling. You may feel pain or stiffness, or notice puffiness, redness or warmth around your extremities (like your fingers, toes, wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and/or shoulders). It’s especially important to talk to your healthcare team if any of these symptoms are keeping you from carrying on with your daily activities.

Morning stiffness. The early morning hours can be worse for people with RA who may experience more pain or stiffness after sleeping.³ If you notice that your RA-related pain is particularly debilitating or lasts longer than usual, it’s worth noting to your healthcare team.

Whole-body symptoms. RA can affect your body, beyond just your joints. Some patients experience whole-body symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches or a feeling of “bad all over,” which some doctors call malaise. Left uncontrolled, these symptoms can take both a mental and physical toll on your body as a whole.

One of them is elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a substance associated with inflammation produced in the liver in response to RA and other illnesses. High levels may indicate your RA inflammation is not being controlled by your current treatment.

As Catherine says, “It’s important to have a really open communication about what your needs are and what goals you want to set for yourself.” If your RA symptoms persist and impact your ability to do daily activities, it’s time to get ready to act, and talk with your healthcare team about other available treatment options.

References:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Fact Sheet. National Institutes of Health Web site. https://report.nih.gov/NIHfactsheets/ViewFactSheet.aspx?csid=63. Accessed on April 29, 2019.
2. Helmick, CG et al. Estimates of the prevalence of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions in the United States. Arthritis & Rheumatism. January 2008;58(1):15-25.
3. Cutolo, M. et al. Circadian rhythms of nocturnal hormones in rheumatoid arthritis: translation from bench to bedside. Ann Rheum Dis. July 2008;67(7):905-908.

SAUS.SARI.19.04.2689 05/2019

2019-05-16T09:29:00

(BPT) – We all know brushing our teeth twice a day is crucial to keeping our smile bright, but most of us probably don’t understand how dental hygiene can impact our overall health, especially as we age. Going to the dentist is one of the most important things we can do for our health.

Each year more than 2 million people visit the emergency room because of oral health complications, due to things like cavities or gum disease. Many of those cases could have been prevented through routine dental care and exams.

Alison Komarek, DDS, with UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, answers some of the most pressing questions older adults have regarding their oral health.

Q: How often do I need to go to the dentist?

A: Adults, especially those 65 and older, should get to the dentist every six months to one year. Routine dental exams are critical, as they allow your dental team to develop a baseline for your overall oral health, so they can spot changes as you age.

Dental X-rays may be taken, which give your dentist a more comprehensive view of your teeth, gums and bones. These are useful in helping to detect cavities or other areas of concern that are not noticeable by looking in the mouth. Even if you have no remaining teeth, routine X-rays are helpful to evaluate the remaining bone and soft tissues.

A head and neck screening for oral cancers is also recommended. Oral cancer primarily affects older adults and routine screenings are the best way to help ensure early detection.

Q: What is gum disease and is it treatable?

A: Gum disease, an infection of tissues that surround and support teeth, is one of the most common oral health issues facing older adults. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 68 percent of adults age 65 and older have some form of gum disease, one of the major contributors to tooth loss. Not removing plaque buildup from teeth, including between teeth, can play a role in the disease.

Gum disease can be hard to detect, as it is often painless. Signs of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed easily, or are red and swollen
• Receding gum line
• Loose or sensitive teeth

The earlier your dentist can catch this manageable disease, the better. Early-stage gum disease is generally straightforward to manage through professional cleanings, while late-stage gum disease can be more complex.

Stay on top of your gum health by maintaining a good dental hygiene routine and getting X-rays taken as your dentist recommends.

Q: My mouth has gotten drier as I age, what is that all about?

A: You’re not alone here — dry mouth, or xerostomia, affects 30 percent of adults age 65 and older, according to the American Dental Association. Dry mouth is often caused by medication you may be taking; ask your doctor or pharmacist if xerostomia is a side effect of one or more of your medications.

If you are taking a medication at the direction of your medical doctor for which dry mouth is a side effect, there are some things you can do, like drinking water more frequently throughout the day or using a mouth moisturizing agent. Talk to your dentist if you are experiencing dry mouth, as it can be caused by an underlying health issue.

Q: What are some considerations for my dental hygiene routine as I age?

A: Keeping up a good dental hygiene routine is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your teeth and mouth stay healthy. Here are some practices you can implement daily:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Soft bristles are the safest and most comfortable choice.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or another flossing tool. If you have not flossed in a while, you might notice some bleeding the first few times you start — this is normal and should go away as you floss more regularly.
• If you wear full or partial dentures, clean them daily.

Bottom line: Adhering to a consistent dental hygiene routine and seeing the dentist regularly are some of the best things you can do for your oral health. In addition, if you see or feel something out of the ordinary in your mouth, call your dentist and make a dental appointment as soon as possible.