Month: July 2019

2019-07-16T10:37:00

(BPT) – Within just eight days, Michael Adams, a 59-year-old husband and father of two from Moore, OK, suffered a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) — he survived them both. Many think a heart attack and SCA are the same, but they are very different. Recent heart attack victims have a higher risk of SCA, but there are life-saving treatment options available.

To make sense of Michael’s story, you must first understand the difference between heart attack and SCA.

The difference between a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest

A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops blood flow to part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. A heart attack sufferer will commonly experience severe chest pain, but will usually remain awake and able to call for help. Unlike a heart attack, SCA happens without warning. SCA occurs when a failure of the heart’s electrical system triggers a dangerously fast heartbeat — so fast that it causes the heart to quiver or shake instead of pumping blood to the body and brain. This causes the individual to suddenly lose consciousness. The most effective treatment for SCA is an electrical shock (known as “defibrillation”). Without treatment, death from SCA can occur within minutes.

Sudden cardiac arrest risk after a heart attack

Michael’s story began with feelings of tightness in his chest and shortness of breath. While in church with his wife, Donna, he noticed his vision began to blur. He asked Donna to drive him to the hospital, where he learned he had suffered a heart attack.

After placing stents in Michael’s arteries to restore blood flow to the heart, Michael’s cardiologist, Dr. Ryan Norris, of the INTEGRIS Cardiovascular Physicians in Oklahoma City, explained that Michael’s heart function, or ejection fraction, was weakened to only 30 percent. A normal ejection fraction is 55-70 percent. Michael was not out of the woods yet.

According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks increase the risk for SCA. This is especially true when the damage sustained by the heart muscle during a heart attack reduces the ejection fraction, as it did for Michael.

“For patients who have just experienced a heart attack and have a reduced heart function, the risk for sudden cardiac arrest is highest in the first 90 days of their recovery,” explained Dr. Norris.

Treating sudden cardiac arrest during heart attack recovery

Luckily for Michael, there are medical devices available that can help protect patients at risk of SCA. As part of his recovery from the heart attack, Dr. Norris prescribed a LifeVest® wearable defibrillator.

Because SCA can happen at any time, Michael was instructed to wear LifeVest under his clothes day and night, only taking it off for a short shower. Michael accepted his wearable defibrillator and wore it faithfully.

Just eight days later, Michael was talking with a co-worker when his heart suddenly spiked into a dangerously fast rhythm. Without warning, he passed out. He was experiencing SCA.

Within one minute, LifeVest detected the dangerous heart rhythm and delivered a treatment shock that restored his heart’s normal rhythm.

“Survival of cardiac arrest is extremely low outside of the hospital,” said Dr. Norris. “The wearable defibrillator offers protection to patients we know are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and for Michael, it saved his life.”

Long-term protection for those at risk

Some patients’ hearts will heal and get stronger after a heart attack. Others may need to have long-term protection. In Michael’s case, he went on to have a permanent implantable defibrillator (commonly known as an “ICD”) surgically implanted in his chest. It will deliver a defibrillation treatment should he ever experience SCA again.

After surviving a heart attack and SCA, Michael is focused on living a healthier lifestyle. “I want to be here for my family,” said Michael. “I have more life to live and more memories to make.”

While a heart attack and SCA are different, a recent heart attack increases an individual’s risk for SCA. If you or a loved one has experienced a recent heart attack, talk to your cardiologist about SCA and the treatment options available for those at risk.

2019-07-16T11:01:03

(BPT) – Planning a party doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead of agonizing over appetizers, opt for serving delicious wine with a charcuterie board — a variety of cured meats, cheeses and condiments that can range from simple to sophisticated. Even a fairly basic spread can look elegant, while providing your guests with inviting, impressive flavor combinations.

Todd Knoll, executive chef at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, offers expert tips on combining select cured meats and cheeses with balanced wines to bring out the best in a charcuterie board.

Choose great wines

To keep it simple, offer one red and one white. Choose wines to complement a range of flavors and seasonings in meats and cheeses, so you can offer an interesting variety to tempt your guests.

Chardonnay is popular with wine lovers, and for good reason, with its crisp, fruity notes and vibrant acidity. Many traditional unoaked Chardonnays are lighter and so may not pair well with charcuterie, since salted and cured meats and aromatic cheeses have strong tastes that may overwhelm and diminish their delicate flavors. But some French oak-aged Chardonnays, such as Jordan, are created in a fruit-forward, elegant, lower-alcohol style, making them more robust and versatile than other varietals. A young Jordan Chardonnay can even complement most mild blue cheeses, Knoll says.

Another great selection for charcuterie is Champagne, which has just the right acidity — and bubbles — to refresh the palate while sampling meats and cheeses with a higher fat and salt content.

For a delicious red wine selection, Knoll recommends Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon. It pairs well with a wide range of meats and cheeses, due to its balance and elegance. Red wines containing a lot of alcohol and tannin pose a challenge to salty and/or spicy meats like salami and prosciutto. Salt accentuates alcohol, so combining salty food with high alcohol and tannin levels in a wine makes the wine taste hot and the meat even saltier. Because Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon has a fruit-forward flavor, good acidity, subtle tannins and lower alcohol, it works well with charcuterie, providing an unexpectedly delicious flavor to complement many meats and cheeses.

Select flavorful meats

For a charcuterie board that is as Instagrammable as it is edible, provide a variety of contrasting flavors and textures, Knoll advises. This means choosing harder, salty and spicy cured meats, such as salami. Then add softer salted meats, such as thinly sliced prosciutto, for textural and flavor contrast. Finally, provide a creamy pate, terrine or rillette that guests can spread on bread or crackers.

Choose delicious cheeses

Offer guests a choice of flavors and textures that also complement the wine. Sheep’s milk cheeses, such as Roquefort, Manchego and Pecorino Romano, pair well with Cabernet Sauvignon, particularly cheeses that have been aged at least six months for complexity and nutty flavor. Firmer, more aged cow’s milk cheeses, such as Gouda and cloth-bound Cheddar, will complement a variety of Cabernet Sauvignon styles. Knoll says that firmer cheeses that have been aged longer have a milder, nuttier texture and smooth taste that highlight the oak and berry notes in Cabernet Sauvignon.

A creamy Camembert is a good match with Chardonnay, as is Brie and other soft cheeses, according to Knoll. Chardonnay can also be paired successfully with creamy goat cheeses. Champagne complements washed rind cheeses such as Taleggio, Limburger and Epoisses, as its acidity cuts through the richness of these more pungent cheeses.

Add delectable condiments

A fabulous charcuterie board is not complete without an array of flavorful condiments. Source good mustard like whole grain Dijon, Knoll advises, plus quince paste or pear mostarda. Add olives, fresh or dried fruit, nuts or pickles to taste, plus fresh, warmed crusty bread or crackers.

Watch your temperature

The three essentials of a great charcuterie board — meat, cheese and wine — all shine when served at the proper temperature. Before guests arrive, chill white wines, which taste best when served at a temperature between 53 and 58 degrees. Serving Chardonnay too cold — a refrigerator is typically below 40 degrees — mutes the wine’s fruit flavors and aromas. Cabernet Sauvignon should be served between 60 and 65 degrees — below room temperature — and is best decanted to allow the wine to breathe, enhancing the wine’s aromas and flavors. Cheeses should warm to room temperature for best flavor, while meats should be cold.

Designing your platter

Slice different shapes and sizes of the cheeses and meats to provide visual interest, such as triangles, squares and rectangles for cheeses, and circles, rosettes and folded triangles for meats. Spend time arranging the elements in different areas, coupling colors and textures to create a fancy platter far superior to store-bought versions. Place condiments and nuts in small, colorful dishes atop the board for convenience and color contrast. Add fresh herbs or edible flowers for garnish. Get inspiration from Knoll’s How to Build a Charcuterie Board video on the Wine Country Table website.

Parties can be more relaxing — and delicious — with an easy-to-prepare, delightful charcuterie board and good wine. For more tips on wine, food and entertaining, visit winecountrytable.com.

2019-07-15T08:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you enjoy cruising around on a jet ski or soaking up the sun on the shore, you won’t need to travel all the way to the coast to experience the endless benefits of spending time on the water this summer.

With an abundance of rivers, lakes and natural springs positioned throughout the state, Arkansas is a water-lover’s paradise providing the perfect backdrop for exhilarating water sports, relaxing floats and breathtaking scenic views. Traveling to centrally located Arkansas is a breeze, only a few hours from a number of states in the central and southern portions of the United States.

No matter if you’re planning a family vacation, couple’s getaway or solo adventure, there is something for everyone in Arkansas. To kick start your next trip to The Natural State, check out some of these world-class water destinations:

Lake Ouachita — Located near Hot Springs, Lake Ouachita is the largest lake in the state at over 40,000 acres, providing visitors with excellent fishing, sailing, canoeing and breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains. Considered a paradise for scuba divers, one area of the lake features one of the largest crystal veins in the world. This pristinely clear water provides the perfect environment to see rare, non-stinging jellyfish, sponges, striped bass and countless species of freshwater fish.

Bull Shoals Lake — Resting along the Arkansas-Missouri border, Bull Shoals Lake is a world-renowned destination for bass fishing. In fact, Bassmaster magazine selected it as one of the country’s Top 100 Bass Lakes. With nearly 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline, low boating traffic and wide channels, it’s also perfect for water-sport enthusiasts who enjoy wakeboarding, skiing and tubing. Lodging options for visitors include numerous resorts, cabins and campgrounds.

Buffalo National River — Designated as America’s first national river in 1972, the Buffalo National River has some of the most stunning natural scenery you’ll find in the state including towering bluffs, numerous waterfalls and abundant wildlife. Located in northern Arkansas, the river is over 150 miles long, making it an especially popular attraction for canoeing and kayaking.

Greers Ferry Lake — Nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks in north-central Arkansas and known for its pristine shoreline and deep, translucent waters, Greers Ferry Lake is a natural paradise for visitors and locals alike. The lake is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife, trees and lofty cliffs affording visitors stunning views. Adjacent to the lake are the communities of Clinton, Fairfield Bay, Greers Ferry and Heber Springs that offer opportunities for other recreational activities, fine dining and shopping.

DeGray Lake — This highly popular tourist destination, located in west-central Arkansas, is famous among visitors for fishing, camping, swimming and waterskiing. Situated among the Ouachita Mountains and formed by a dam across the Caddo River, the lake offers a number of lodging options including more than 700 campsites and the state’s only resort state park, featuring a large guest lodge, an 18-hole championship golf course, a heated pool and a marina.

To learn more about the adventures that await you in The Natural State, check out Arkansas.com.

2019-07-15T11:01:00

(BPT) – There is nothing better than a summer road trip to the beach or to visit loved ones as we approach the dog days of summer! But with millions of Americans taking to the roads, getting from point A to point B can be quite stressful if you are stopping constantly for delays or to refill your gas tank. If you are looking for a quicker arrival and fewer trips to the gas station, consider these five tips to maximize your fuel economy:

1. Pre-trip vehicle maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is performing at its best before you hit the road. Checking tire pressure is key, as the right pressure can increase fuel economy by up to 3.3%, according to Howstuffworks.com. When getting your oil changed, get the air filter checked as well — a clean air filter can save around 10% on fuel costs. And, while you’re at it, remove anything unnecessary or heavy from your trunk! You won’t need your bowling ball when you’re beachside.
2. Keep your windows up: This is a no-brainer when it’s scorching hot outside, but if it’s a balmy summer day on a long road, having the windows up reduces aerodynamic drag on a car. When the windows are down, the engine works harder, according to The Spruce. And, on highways, this drag can decrease fuel economy by 10% or more. If your AC is cranked, that can have a significant impact as well. If you have a sunroof, though, it’s fine to keep it open. Just don’t let anyone stick their head outside, as fun as that sounds.
3. Consider using premium fuel: During the long stretches of cornfields and interstates, gas stations can be few and far between. To be safe, never let your gas level drop below a quarter of a tank. Today, cars are more advanced than ever before and with engine evolution comes demand for a gasoline that can keep up with these technological advances. ExxonMobil just launched a new and improved fuel, Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline, the company’s best fuel ever as it keeps your engine two times cleaner for improved gas mileage, based on comparison of Synergy Supreme+ premium gas to Synergy regular gas in port fuel injected engines. Actual benefits are based on continuous use and may vary depending on vehicle type, driving style and gasoline previously used. This new premium gasoline is now readily available at more than 11,500 Exxon and Mobil stations across the country.
4. Curb your lead foot: This is a relaxing vacation — slow down on the highway, and use your cruise control. Reduce stop-and-go driving where possible, and don’t slam on the gas at green lights. Apply the brakes smoothly, and not jarringly. If you are traveling with unruly kids and are threatening to “turn this car right around,” you should know it has been proven that anger leads to faster driving, which decreases fuel economy, according to an Oak Ridge National Laboratory study.
5. Avoid traffic jams: While this isn’t completely predictable or avoidable, modern GPS systems and a little bit of planning can help you avoid those bumper-to-bumper summer traffic jams. A vehicle in stationary mode still requires the engine to work hard and burn fuel where a “steady state” of cruising is actually better for fuel economy. But, if you find yourself in a traffic jam, take your mind off the fuel economy you’re losing by putting on some traffic jams: studies cited at Medium.com have found that music at 120 to 130 beats per minute can relax anxious nerves.

2019-07-15T11:01:00

(BPT) – There is nothing better than a summer road trip to the beach or to visit loved ones as we approach the dog days of summer! But with millions of Americans taking to the roads, getting from point A to point B can be quite stressful if you are stopping constantly for delays or to refill your gas tank. If you are looking for a quicker arrival and fewer trips to the gas station, consider these five tips to maximize your fuel economy:

1. Pre-trip vehicle maintenance: Make sure your vehicle is performing at its best before you hit the road. Checking tire pressure is key, as the right pressure can increase fuel economy by up to 3.3%, according to Howstuffworks.com. When getting your oil changed, get the air filter checked as well — a clean air filter can save around 10% on fuel costs. And, while you’re at it, remove anything unnecessary or heavy from your trunk! You won’t need your bowling ball when you’re beachside.
2. Keep your windows up: This is a no-brainer when it’s scorching hot outside, but if it’s a balmy summer day on a long road, having the windows up reduces aerodynamic drag on a car. When the windows are down, the engine works harder, according to The Spruce. And, on highways, this drag can decrease fuel economy by 10% or more. If your AC is cranked, that can have a significant impact as well. If you have a sunroof, though, it’s fine to keep it open. Just don’t let anyone stick their head outside, as fun as that sounds.
3. Consider using premium fuel: During the long stretches of cornfields and interstates, gas stations can be few and far between. To be safe, never let your gas level drop below a quarter of a tank. Today, cars are more advanced than ever before and with engine evolution comes demand for a gasoline that can keep up with these technological advances. ExxonMobil just launched a new and improved fuel, Synergy Supreme+ premium gasoline, the company’s best fuel ever as it keeps your engine two times cleaner for improved gas mileage, based on comparison of Synergy Supreme+ premium gas to Synergy regular gas in port fuel injected engines. Actual benefits are based on continuous use and may vary depending on vehicle type, driving style and gasoline previously used. This new premium gasoline is now readily available at more than 11,500 Exxon and Mobil stations across the country.
4. Curb your lead foot: This is a relaxing vacation — slow down on the highway, and use your cruise control. Reduce stop-and-go driving where possible, and don’t slam on the gas at green lights. Apply the brakes smoothly, and not jarringly. If you are traveling with unruly kids and are threatening to “turn this car right around,” you should know it has been proven that anger leads to faster driving, which decreases fuel economy, according to an Oak Ridge National Laboratory study.
5. Avoid traffic jams: While this isn’t completely predictable or avoidable, modern GPS systems and a little bit of planning can help you avoid those bumper-to-bumper summer traffic jams. A vehicle in stationary mode still requires the engine to work hard and burn fuel where a “steady state” of cruising is actually better for fuel economy. But, if you find yourself in a traffic jam, take your mind off the fuel economy you’re losing by putting on some traffic jams: studies cited at Medium.com have found that music at 120 to 130 beats per minute can relax anxious nerves.

2019-07-14T10:09:00

(BPT) – It’s the night before that long-awaited vacation you’ve been planning. You’ve tripled-checked your suitcase, checked into your flight and have notified the bank of your travel plans. Everything is ready to go, but even the most experienced travelers can’t predict the unexpected health hiccups that might arise along the way.

Before heading off, keep in mind these minor, but common, health concerns and be sure to pack the right items to help protect yourself and stay comfortable once you arrive.

Motion sickness

Whether traveling by plane, train, car or boat, sometimes just the slightest bit of constant movement can trigger motion sickness, suddenly making you feel queasy, dizzy and nauseous. Typically, motion sickness occurs when your senses receive confusing signals from your environment. The first thing to do is stay calm, relax and try to focus on something else, such as counting backward from 100. Natural remedies to provide relief include raw ginger and mint, so bring along a pack of flavored teas or mint-flavored chewing gum to help soothe your symptoms.

Hemorrhoids

Extended time sitting during long travel days, sudden diet changes and destinations that may have you further away from the usual bathroom amenities can all lead to backside discomfort and the potential onset of hemorrhoids. Pack Preparation H Rapid Relief Totables Wipes with Lidocaine for portable pain relief from hemorrhoids when you’re on-the-go. The convenient and individually wrapped wipes provide rapid numbing relief, reduce swelling and are flushable, making them a perfect, discrete item to bring along to nip the issue in the bud.

Sunburn

It goes without saying that using sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging rays is crucial. But let’s face it — sometimes sunscreen application can be spotty and reapplying every two hours can fall by the wayside when having fun, which can ultimately bring on a painful sunburn. In addition to the sunscreen you already had in your bag, be sure to pack a moisturizer with aloe vera to help soothe skin and ibuprofen to help reduce any swelling, redness and discomfort caused by sunburn.

Blisters

If your travel plans involve walking or hiking long distances, you may experience some blisters while on the move, as it only takes a little friction and moisture for them to pop up. Whether you’re climbing a mountain solo or trekking through an amusement park with the family, make sure to pack adhesive bandages and extra socks to help prevent and treat blisters. The bandages can act as another layer of skin, preventing the formation of blisters, while extra socks can help reduce friction.

Planning ahead for these minor health issues is as easy as tossing items in your purse or bag. Vacation is supposed to be fun, spontaneous and relaxing, but by keeping these extra precautions in mind before you leave, you ensure minor health inconveniences don’t get in the way of enjoyment during and after your trip.

For more information on hemorrhoid relief, visit www.preparationh.com.