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The evolution of an American icon through the decades

2019-10-18T09:07:01

(BPT) – The Zippo Windproof Lighter is a true icon of American design — a product that provides utility and function, as well as an expression of identity. While the Zippo lighter itself has remained largely unchanged over the last eight decades, the sheer number of designs that adorn it number more than 300,000 since the brand’s inception in 1932.

However, this year, the humble Zippo lighter will see the most notable expansion of its functionality since it was created — the introduction of interchangeable lighter insert accessories. With two new butane jet options as well as a rechargeable double beam arc insert available as accessories to interchange with the classic windproof insert, this marks the first time the interior of the Zippo lighter can be modified and tailored to any situation.

From the workshop to the wilderness, intrepid adventurer to urban explorer, the Zippo lighter has been a mainstay of many a pocket, backpack or travel kit for decades. The launch of these new modification options provides a perfect opportunity to look back at some of the biggest milestones of this iconic product.

1930s – A star is born

As founder George G. Blaisdell watched a friend struggle to use a lighter of Austrian design, he did note one thing — the lighter worked very well, even in the wind. Inspired by the functionality, but unimpressed with the difficulty of use, the beginnings of the Zippo lighter sparked in his mind. Within a couple of years, he had fabricated the first-ever prototype Zippo lighter.

An interesting aside, the name Zippo came from Blaisdell’s enjoyment of the sound of the word ‘zipper’, so he played with different takes on the word until he landed on Zippo.

1940s – The war effort

When the U.S. joined World War II in 1941, Zippo stopped production for consumers and switched to production for the military. This shift led to the creation of a new product treatment — the black crackle finish — as the materials usually allocated for a Zippo lighter’s construction were required for the war efforts.

1950s – Collectors rejoice

For the first time, date codes were stamped on the bottom of every Zippo lighter. While the original intent for this was quality control, the codes have become essential for collectors.

1960s – Put your lighters up

A sea of lights across the audience of a music concert or festival performance is a scene recognized around the world — and the moment is intrinsically linked to the Zippo lighter. This “lighter in the air” moment was thought to have originated at Woodstock in 1969, when a young singer was struggling to perform in a rainstorm. To show their gratitude for her perseverance, the crowd of 400,000 began to hold up Zippo lighters in salute.

80s/90s – An action hero

With more film credits than any actor ever, the Zippo lighter boasts over 2,000 film appearances to its name (and not a single award nomination — an injustice!). With the action heroes of the 80s and 90s, the Zippo became synonymous with Hollywood because of its reliability to work during every take.

2000s – Trademarks all around

Two elements of the Zippo lighter are recognized as being so iconic, they’ve received trademarks. In 2002, the brand obtained trademark registration for the shape of the Zippo lighter — a huge win in protecting the brand from counterfeiters. In 2018, the sound of the Zippo ‘click’ was also honored with a trademark — an accolade reserved only for the most immediately recognizable sounds around the world.

2019 – Inserts are in

The new range of interchangeable lighter inserts, including a rechargeable arc and two butane torch options (single and double), fit inside all regular-sized Zippo Windproof Lighter cases so you can customize your own portable flame. Each lighter insert can be refilled or recharged for years of enjoyment, and care has been taken to retain iconic cues from the original lighter, such as the 3-2-3 chimney look and the inimitable Zippo click.

Do you have a Zippo that used to be a grandparent’s and has been passed down to you? Do you have a favorite lighter from high school? Maybe you have one that was gifted for a special occasion? With the new lighter inserts collection, you not only have choice of design, but also choice of function. Learn more about how you can modify your favorite Zippo lighter with these new inserts at www.zippo.com.


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Open enrollment: 4 steps to getting the right life insurance benefits at work

2019-10-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Is it open enrollment time for your employee benefits? Most companies begin offering the opportunity to update or add new benefits for the next year in the last quarter of the year. Take advantage of this time to align your life with your benefits, because when life changes, insurance needs to shift with those changes.

You may be facing a multitude of questions as you try to decipher different options and which is right for you. This is particularly true as you look at life insurance.

Life insurance is a smart investment that helps provide peace of mind that your family is financially protected should something happen. When you purchase life insurance through an employer, you typically get access to affordable options so you can choose one that’s right for you.

Consider four key steps to prepare for signing up for life insurance benefits at work.

Step 1: Mark your calendar

Make sure you know the dates and deadlines for open enrollment and put reminders on all of your calendars. If you need to gather additional information this is the ideal time to ask questions.

What’s more, if your partner, spouse or family members are covered by your plans, ask them if they have questions that need clarification. Doing this early allows enough time to research and get the answer you need.

Step 2: Assess your current benefits

Start by asking yourself important questions: Do you know what your current benefits are? Do you know what type of coverage you have? When does it expire? What options would be most beneficial for your needs?

Some life insurance companies, like Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, offer flexible, affordable whole life workplace insurance products that feature guaranteed coverage with no medical questions, up to certain amounts, as well as payroll deduction to make payment easy.

Another important to-do: Review who you have as beneficiaries. Has anything changed or will it be changing this year? Update as necessary.

Step 3: Decide what makes sense moving forward

Will you be covering yourself or family members as well? For example, with a whole life option, many times, grandparents can purchase insurance for their grandchildren. Determine who will be on your plan and if there are additional details or medical history you’ll need to gather in order to enroll.

Think about upcoming potential life changes or milestones that could take place over the next year, like a new home purchase, baby or marriage. These changes impact your finances and can influence how much life insurance you should get. Thinking of getting a new job or retiring? Some life insurance is portable, including one offered by Boston Mutual Life, so your payment amount stays the same, even if you change employment or retire.

Step 4: Do your research and ask questions

Some companies set up meetings with HR or benefit carriers to go through your options. Review any materials you’re given in advance before the meeting and prepare questions to bring with you, both from yourself and your family.

Also, consider doing your own independent research on life insurance options online. Information can be found in a variety of sources. In fact, according to life insurance industry group LIMRA, in its 2019 Facts About Life study results, six in 10 life insurance shoppers use social media to learn about products and services.

Life insurance is an important part of your family’s financial planning. By taking a proactive approach you’ll get the best plan for your unique needs.


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Kick Off Winter Energy Savings and a Better Environment this ENERGY STAR Day

2019-10-17T14:45:00

(BPT) – Everyone has heard of Earth Day, an annual event celebrated around the world every April 22 to support and focus on environmental protection. But have you heard of ENERGY STAR Day? It’s a nationwide celebration, held on Oct. 22, 2019, honoring the collective efforts of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its partners, as well as people across the country.

So, what is this all about? It’s about looking for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label to save energy and protect the climate. And in this age of heightened awareness of climate change, it’s another important way you can do your part.

ENERGY STAR is a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR label allows consumers to rest easy that the products they’re purchasing are independently certified to be as energy efficient as possible.

Most people are familiar with ENERGY STAR certified appliances, but the program goes well beyond your washer and dryer. From electronics to lighting to office products to heating and cooling systems, the EPA is constantly innovating and pushing the envelope into other product areas with new partners to make homes and businesses the most energy efficient they can be.

And, it’s not about paying more for these products. ENERGY STAR certified products deliver the same features and functionality but are not typically more expensive than others, and oftentimes will include offers for rebates. In addition, ENERGY STAR partners with discount retailers to provide low-cost ENERGY STAR bulbs, and is also working with utilities nationwide to help low-income customers save energy through income-eligible programs.

Think one household’s energy savings doesn’t matter? Think again.

Here are some fast facts about how, joining together, people have helped to protect our environment.

* Since its inception in 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses save nearly 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and achieve more than 3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.

* In 2017 alone, ENERGY STAR certified products helped consumers save 170 kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid $18 billion in energy costs and achieve 130 million metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.

* A typical household can save 30% on its energy bills by using ENERGY STAR certified products.

* A typical household equipped with ENERGY STAR products can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 77,000 pounds of CO2 and save about $8,750 on utility bills over the life of these products.

How to celebrate ENERGY STAR Day

What can you do to celebrate? Individuals and businesses are encouraged to take part, raise awareness of the importance of saving energy, and give people ideas of how they can do the same.

Take the pledge on the ENERGY STAR website. Join 3,287,330 individuals who have pledged to take action to protect our climate. It can be as simple as replacing the light bulbs in your home with ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs, or as big as outfitting your home with new ENERGY STAR certified appliances, including the latest energy-saving heat-pump technology for water heaters. Some of the biggest savings you can realize are in your home’s heating and cooling systems. A smart thermostat goes a long way to regulating your home’s environment to make it as energy efficient as possible.

Visit the ENERGY STAR Product Finder for a comprehensive list of ENERGY STAR certified models across more than 75 categories. Many of the lists also provide pricing and store locator information, as well as access to available rebates in your area.

Shout it from the rooftops. Encourage your followers to save energy, save money and help protect the environment on ENERGY STAR Day, Oct. 22.

* When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 (all day)

* Where: Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)

* How: Use the hashtag #ENERGYSTARday

Get your business involved. Ask your organization to help spread the word about energy efficiency by taking advantage of the ENERGY STAR Day toolkit to join in the celebration.

The whole point is to generate excitement about saving energy and educating people on how they can do their part.

Questions? Visit the energystar.gov/SaveForGood to learn more.


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Friendsgiving: A New Holiday Tradition of Friendship, Fun and Food [Infographic]

2019-10-17T14:01:00

(BPT) – Friendsgiving is a fun and casual event, celebrating both friendship and Thanksgiving-themed food and activities. This holiday has quickly grown in awareness and participation, especially among young adults. Friendsgiving menus are closely aligned with traditional Thanksgiving fare — often featuring a multi-dish meal that includes turkey.


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Celebrating 50 years of influential projects

2019-10-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – What were the greatest projects from the last 50 years? The World Wide Web? The moon landing? As 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Project Management Institute, PMI is celebrating by showcasing the 50 most influential projects of the past 50 years in science, technology, social, cultural movements and more.

What do these projects have in common? By definition, they were groundbreaking. From a project management standpoint, they all required spectacular feats of organization, collaboration, adaptation — and shared vision.

President and CEO of PMI Sunil Prashara explains, “Bringing ideas into the world takes effort, planning, discipline. It takes creativity and resilience, adaptability and perseverance. It takes vision, hard choices, commitment and sacrifice.”

Here are some ways a few influential projects from the last half-century demonstrate how project management helped turn ideas into reality.

Organization

It took over a decade of planning for 12 countries to switch to a single new currency — the Euro. Prior to launch, banks had 80% of notes and 90% of coins in hand. Over half of cash payments and 99% of ATMs converted to euros within five days.

Antti Heinonen, director of bank notes for the European Central Bank, was lead project manager. “The launch has been described as the greatest exercise in logistics that Europe has known in peacetime,” said Heinonen. “A smooth cash changeover could only be achieved in a short period of time by systematic and coordinated interaction on the part of all leading actors.”

Collaboration

How do complex scientific breakthroughs happen, even when the technology to complete a project hasn’t been invented yet? Ask the team on The Human Genome Project, which spanned 20 research centers in six countries over 13 years. The project’s leaders identified each gene and measured its distance from other genes on the chromosome first, leaving sequencing for later — betting that technology would advance to enable the final step (it did). Project leaders managed input from hundreds of stakeholders, including scientists and advisory councils, with support from 17 universities and lab sequencing centers.

Two years ahead of schedule and $300 million under budget, the researchers succeeded in sequencing and mapping all the genes (together known as the genome) that make up homo sapiens. The impact of this undertaking is vast and ongoing, ranging from revolutionizing disease treatment to using DNA in forensics.

Adaptation

As project managers discover, things can go wrong at any time. The key is adapting to and learning from setbacks. In the lead-up to Apollo 11’s 1969 launch, there were three astronaut fatalities during the 1967 Apollo I accident. Adaptation to fast-moving circumstances was a matter of life and death when sending a crew to the moon. A problem-solving matrix was developed to troubleshoot any possible scenario. Technical innovations deriving from Apollo 11 are wide-ranging, from cellphone cameras and laptops to CT scans and satellite TV.

“It may be that the most lasting legacy of Apollo was human …” said NASA chief historian Roger D. Launius, “… an improved understanding of how to plan, coordinate and monitor the myriad technical activities that were the building blocks of Apollo.”

Vision

In 2007, Panama shared a vision for updating their century-old canal to meet modern shipping demands. The mammoth project required five years of study and a national referendum before the Panama Canal Authority could begin making progress. To execute successfully, the Panama Canal Authority created a project management office (PMO), putting over 50 employees through training to earn Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. That training paid off. By 2016, the expansion debuted, boosting international trade and uniting Panama in its singular goal.

The capacity to turn vision into reality reveals the power of project management to shape the future. As Prashara describes, “Taken together, this universe of accomplishments exemplifies how the fabric of our world has been shaped, and continues to be shaped, by the hard work of bringing ideas to life. It underscores the rising importance of projects in our future, and how excellence in project execution will be critical in meeting the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”

To explore the most influential projects of the past 50 years, visit PMI.org/most-influential-projects.


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Top 5 smart decisions to make when remodeling your home

2019-10-17T04:01:00

(BPT) – Whether renovating a new home or remodeling your longtime family dwelling, there is no shortage of options when it comes to design that will make a lasting impact. If you’re wondering where to splurge and what you should hold back on — look no further. From Wi-Fi-enabled appliances, to elevated entertaining areas, here are five smart design decisions to make in your home that will stand the test of time.

Select smart features

Once considered a concept of the future, the smart home is here today — and here to stay. With groundbreaking home technology on the rise, homeowners have begun to transform their living spaces into state-of-the-art sanctuaries that can be monitored and accessed from virtually anywhere. And with the kitchen holding strong as the heart of the home, it’s no surprise that these features are taking over the area in a big way.

As the luxury homeowner often leads an all-encompassing lifestyle, innovative, Wi-Fi-enabled appliances seamlessly streamline the day-to-day. The Thermador Connected Experience by Home Connect™ remote starts your oven for preheating and sends recipes directly to your appliance — all via a single app — especially ideal for today’s modern professional. As you’re wrapping up your morning workout, simply “Ask Alexa” to prepare you a latte on your Wi-Fi-enabled coffee machine. With the ability to integrate with other smart home devices such as Amazon Alexa and Josh.ai, the voice-controlled home automated system, you can enjoy a fully integrated smart home experience.

Throughout the house, smart technology can assist with everything from thermostat controls, to wireless music systems. When it comes to making a thoughtful design decision, it doesn’t get any smarter than this.

Maximize scaled-down spaces with multi-functional design elements

From versatile storage solutions, to dynamic room dividers, maximizing your living space, no matter how petite, will serve you well — whether you’re designing your forever home or making a short-term purchase. With smaller bedrooms or multipurpose rooms, you can ensure every inch is put to good use by installing innovative nooks in areas with extra space. A tidy workstation or built-in desk with wall shelves is a great way to add function without compromising your square footage. The built-in elements will take up little room, leaving a clear and open pathway.

Must-have materials

One of the smartest design decisions you can make as a homeowner concerns your home’s materials — from crisp countertops, to natural flooring.

While marble has long been a standout surface in the kitchen, it’s also one of the priciest. And for adventurous cooks who count exotic recipes as part of their portfolio, it turns out it might not be your best bet. Though striking patterns and veining make it one of the most beautiful options, the sensitive style is also prone to staining — making daring dishes with inky sauces and seasonings something to watch out for. Instead, go for a more industrial look with concrete countertops or mid-century Terrazzo, which are not only ever on-trend but also financially friendlier. Quartz has also proven to be a top pick among design professionals, offering a delightfully modern motif that holds its own next to flashy marble, while still being equipped to handle heavy-duty cooking.

More and more interior decorators are also integrating natural materials such as wood, stone and copper into their home designs. Classic features never go out of style and can deliver a large return on investment. With recent studies showing many homebuyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors when purchasing a house, it’s a surefire way to increase your home’s value if you ever decide to sell. Timeless and versatile, authentic wood also provides a durable surface that will last for years to come.

Enhanced curb appeal

It’s important to provide a good first impression — and what better way to do so for your home than by enhancing your front yard? After all, it is the first thing your visitors see.

For a showstopping look that will leave neighbors staring, consider a bold paint color for your front door. The added brightness makes a grand statement, and it can work wonders to revive a home that is due for a remodel. Make sure to include an eye-catching doorknob for the perfect finishing touch.

Greenery also brings color and adds appeal to any home. From charming door wreaths that can be switched out from season to season, to meandering stone walkways lined with fresh florals, to potted plants perfectly positioned on the porch, this earthy element can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home. Topping off your design with landscape lighting will add an extra oomph and will prove to be both stylish and functional — and particularly useful when hosting evening guests.

Elevated entertaining areas

With entertaining often taking place beyond the traditional confines of the kitchen, it’s no wonder that luxury homeowners are seeking unique features that help them enhance their celebratory lifestyles. No matter the size or style of your space, a bold bar area is a smart addition to your home. Striking appliances will complete the look, and store the bevy of beverages and hors d’oeuvres, so this area would be one where you want to go all out. Under Counter Refrigeration options from Thermador boast revolutionary features to keep contents cool at all times and can be custom paneled to integrate fully with virtually any design. For the coffee and tea aficionado, a Built-In Coffee unit also makes for a nice addition, storing up to eight personalized beverages for complete customization. As well, for homeowners who count themselves as ultimate wine connoisseurs, a Built-In Wine Preservation Column may be the way to go to truly enhance the space, with three-zone temperature control and the ability to monitor your collection whether you’re at home or away.


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Not all women with early-stage breast cancer benefit from chemo

2019-10-16T15:52:51

(BPT) – As a commercial airline pilot with nearly 30 years of experience, Diane Sandoval, 50, is no stranger to making difficult decisions. However, she faced one of her toughest challenges not in the skies, but when she discovered a small lump in her left breast during a self-examination. Her worst fear was confirmed after a visit to her doctor when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

Following an inconclusive mammogram and ultrasound, Sandoval learned she had several small tumors. She underwent a mastectomy to remove the tumors followed by breast reconstruction, putting her piloting career on pause.

The next big question was whether she should receive chemotherapy or not. Her physician recommended a genomic test — the Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence Score test. This tool has been proven to determine whether chemotherapy will be beneficial for individuals recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The test provides a personalized score based on the biology of the patient’s tumor that can help tailor treatment decisions for their individual cancer. Recent results from the largest breast cancer study ever conducted, called TAILORx, confirmed that the test clearly identified the 70 percent of women with early-stage breast cancer who receive no benefit from chemotherapy, as well as the remaining 30 percent of women for whom chemotherapy can be life-saving.

Sandoval is one of the nearly 1 million women who has put chemotherapy to the test with this genomic test. Her score confirmed that her risk of experiencing a breast cancer recurrence was low and she would not benefit from chemotherapy. As a result, she felt confident that she could forgo chemotherapy and its associated side effects. Subsequently, she was able to resume her career as a pilot and her active lifestyle.

She recently joined a campaign called “Put Chemo to the Test” to raise awareness of the Oncotype DX test and encourage women recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to ask their doctor to order it before finalizing their treatment plan.

“I hope to help women with early-stage breast cancer better understand their treatment options by raising awareness of this test and how it can determine whether they are part of the majority of patients who may be spared chemotherapy and its well-known side effects or are among the important minority of patients who could receive life-saving benefit from chemotherapy,” said Sandoval.

One in eight U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. The treatment of invasive breast cancer should be personalized because what is best for one woman may not be right for another. If you have breast cancer, it’s important to take an active role in your health by learning about your available treatment options. An ongoing, collaborative discussion with your doctor is key in determining what treatment option best fits your individual needs. Below are a few questions to ask your doctor:

  • What stage is my breast cancer and what are the chances of my cancer recurring (coming back) after surgery?
  • Can you order the Oncotype DX test to determine if I will benefit from chemotherapy?
  • What are my treatment options? What do you suggest for me and why?
  • What are the benefits of each treatment option? What are the drawbacks/side effects of each one?

Breast cancer patients and caregivers can visit ChemoYesorNo.org to download the full physician discussion guide and learn more about the test.

“I want women who were recently diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer to know that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach,” said Sandoval. “The test gave me the confidence I needed to forgo chemotherapy, which has allowed me to continue to enjoy my life with my husband. Ask your doctor to order this genomic test before finalizing your treatment plan.”


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Four ways to boost your vitamin D intake

2019-10-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – As the days shorten and the weather turns chillier, absorbing vitamin D from the sun becomes more challenging. Why does that matter? Less vitamin D can lead to a weakened immune system, fatigue, joint pain and even impaired wound healing. Essentially, vitamin D helps your whole system run better, from your digestive system to your nervous and circulatory systems. Vitamin D can help your body ward off diseases, while also boosting your mood and helping to fight depression. It also enhances the body’s absorption of calcium, which helps form and maintain strong bones, and aids in maintaining muscle strength, healthy body fat levels and body tissue health.

How can you make sure to get enough vitamin D as the season changes? Registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers a few expert tips on healthy hacks for your diet:

1. Opt for fatty fish when eating seafood

When you’re looking for a seafood option for meals or when dining out, choose the fattier types of fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and anchovies, as they are rich dietary sources of vitamin D. In addition, oysters and shrimp are also good sources of vitamin D.

2. Choose high quality eggs with increased vitamin D content

Eggs are a great option for vitamin D, but keep in mind that not all eggs are created equal. Eggland’s Best eggs contain six times more vitamin D and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. In addition, independent testing has revealed that Eggland’s Best eggs have stronger shells than ordinary eggs, which leads to less breakage and helps them stay fresher longer. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities.

3. Add mushrooms to your diet

Mushrooms are another great way to add some vitamin D into your diet! You can add some fresh mushrooms to your salads or add cooked mushrooms into your favorite meals. When mushrooms are exposed to sunlight, they produce vitamin D. Not all mushrooms have been exposed to sunlight, however, so look for packages that say vitamin D enhanced or put your mushrooms in sunlight for 1-2 hours. Shiitake mushrooms are the best choice since they produce the most vitamin D.

4. Take a supplement

If you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, consult your health care professional to be tested and to ask for recommendations for an appropriate vitamin D supplement dose for your situation.

You don’t have to suffer through the colder months of the year feeling deprived of vitamin D. With some adjustments to your daily diet, you’ll boost your body’s health all winter long.

For a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with vitamin D, try this flavorful and nutritious Mushroom & Onion Dutch Baby.

Mushroom & Onion Dutch Baby

Prep Time: 40 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons butter
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 8 oz button mushrooms, sliced
  • 5 large Eggland’s Best eggs
  • 1 ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 cup grated aged Gouda cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

In a large sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes until melted and foamy.

Add onions and cook, stirring for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the herbs, then stir in the mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they are browned and softened as well. Remove from heat.

Put the Eggland’s Best eggs, milk, flour, salt and pepper into a blender and blend at high speed for about a minute.

Stop, scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula, and blend for another 30 seconds.

Place the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and put the pan into the oven.

Wait until the butter is completely melted and bubbling, then carefully take the pan out and swirl the butter around to make sure the pan is coated.

Spread the onions and mushrooms on the bottom of the cast iron skillet. Pour the egg and flour mixture on top.

Finally, sprinkle cheese all over and put back into the oven for 20 minutes, until browned on top. The pancake will puff up as it bakes.

When finished, take the Dutch baby out of the oven.

You can scatter more sage and thyme across the top, if you desire.

For a more decadent touch, melt a tablespoon of herb butter on top of the pancake as soon as it leaves the oven.


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Smart ideas to green your lifestyle

2019-10-16T09:05:00

(BPT) – The green movement continues to thrive with people finding new and inventive ways to incorporate environmentally conscious elements throughout their daily lives. Now more than ever, sustainable choices are important to how we live today and for generations to come. From fashionable choices cleverly crafted from recycled materials and ecologically thoughtful designs for the home to the car you select and the vacation you choose, there are many creative options to green your lifestyle.

Fashion trends

Even today’s most recognized designers are choosing a sustainable approach to their designs and the social and ethical impact. A safe workplace environment, fair wage, reducing water and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are all playing a role in the commitment to reducing our global footprint.

For example, research the fabric content of clothing. Simple changes to your wardrobe can make a big difference. Designs that use organic cotton, which means it was grown without toxic pesticides or synthetic fertilizers and used less water than traditional cotton when harvested. Shoes, shirts, coats, swimwear, glasses and backpacks made entirely from recycled plastic bottles are fashionably exploding upon the marketplace. Shopping local vintage shops for that rare one-of-a-kind upcycled find is another way to inject green sensibility into your lifestyle.

And an ensemble is never complete without jewelry. The Noonday Collection, which partners with gifted artisans from vulnerable communities around the world, is one way to accessorize yourself and express your inner green, with an individual work of art, offering a host of beautiful handcrafted jewelry that often features recycled materials through fair trade.

Home design

Adding green elements to your home design doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury. Just look at the ANN SACKS Crackle Collection by Kohler WasteLAB that uses unfired pottery cull and dust as its medium. Through firing and a proprietary interactive glaze, this waste is transformed into a beautiful tile of depth and dimension in rich colors in shades like mahogany, amber and emerald.

Perfect for the kitchen, bathroom and beyond, this collection takes its cues from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and came about while seeking out inventive solutions to recycle factory waste in the form of beautiful and functional products.

Food and wellness

You can align your health with the health of the earth by making green choices in your diet. Support independent restaurants that feature menus from locally sourced foods. Farm-to-table eateries are trending and are a great way to eat well and savor local fare.

You can also stock your fridge with fresh produce and support local farmers by signing up for a CSA which allows you to get a box of locally plucked produce from a nearby farmer at regular intervals. Beyond food, remember to pack items in reusable containers, utilizing stylish water bottles and washable alternatives to plastic wrap.

Transportation that is anything but traditional

Vehicles across the price spectrum that are reducing their global imprint without sacrificing sophistication or comfort are fast becoming all the rage making smart look very sexy. These fuel-efficient models come from some of the most coveted manufacturers on the planet. On the high end of the spectrum are a range of cars that yield ultra-low sulfur emissions while achieving 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds to high-performance racing quality vehicles that can reach speeds of 167 mph while incorporating hybrid technology to still realize 30 mpg on the highway.

If you’re on a budget, more pocket-book friendly vehicles still boast an ecological playbook of innovative options to promote little-to-no gas consumption, increased cargo space, enhanced battery life and increased road mileage.


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Psoriasis: The importance of connection

2019-10-16T05:31:00

(BPT) – At first glance, psoriasis may appear to be only a surface-level condition that affects one’s skin and outward appearance. What many people do not realize is this common, chronic inflammatory disease may lead to the development of psoriatic arthritis in a third of patients. Psoriasis sufferers also may experience an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease or depression.1,2 While there have been many advances in the treatment of psoriasis in the past decade, it is important to call attention to the significant unmet needs of the 125 million people worldwide living with psoriasis.2

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes rapid build-up of extra skin cells that form thick, silvery scales and itchy, dry red patches.3 But psoriasis is more than a skin disease and can have a negative impact on the psychological and social well-being of those living with psoriatic diseases. This is particularly true for women, as a recent study found that psoriasis can negatively affect women more than men.4 While treatments are continuing to advance, moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients still have unmet needs.

“Research continues to identify the special unmet needs of this patient population and treatments like Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) provide the dermatology community with another effective and durable option for aiding in skin clearance. Because of its efficacy and durability, Cimzia may offer clearer skin that can last,” said Dr. Scott Drew, practicing dermatologist, Dermatology Associates of Mid-Ohio.

Cimzia is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and adults with active psoriatic arthritis. The adverse event profile for all three psoriasis pivotal trials appears consistent with the safety profile for Cimzia in other approved indications. Adverse reactions seen in these trials included upper respiratory tract infections, headache, injection site reactions, cough, and herpes infections.

Patients unable to achieve skin clearance may experience a negative impact on their quality of life.1,2 Psoriasis patients may be 30% or more likely to suffer from depression and often feel self-conscious, helpless, embarrassed, angry, and frustrated about their disease.6,1 Cimzia has been shown to improve quality of life in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.7

Drew expresses the importance of patients connecting with dermatology teams and supportive communities to help manage their disease. “The needs of patients often go beyond skin clearance. Advocating for oneself and for others can help ease the social burden they often experience and gives one a much-needed sense of community. I encourage my patients to join support groups as well as have open conversations with their dermatologists about their concerns and experiences to help develop a treatment plan that is best for them,” continues Drew.

More information on psoriasis and treatment with Cimzia is available at cimzia.com.

Important Safety Information about CIMZIA® in the US

CONTRAINDICATIONS

CIMZIA is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reaction to certolizumab pegol or to any of the excipients. Reactions have included angioedema, anaphylaxis, serum sickness, and urticaria.

SERIOUS INFECTIONS

Patients treated with CIMZIA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.

Discontinue CIMZIA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.

Reported infections include:

  • Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before CIMZIA use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to CIMZIA use.
  • Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric anti-fungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness.
  • Bacterial, viral, and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria.

Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with CIMZIA prior to initiating therapy in the following patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to TB; with a history of opportunistic infection; who resided in or traveled in regions where mycoses are endemic; with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with CIMZIA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy.

  • Do not start CIMZIA during an active infection, including localized infections.
  • Patients older than 65 years, patients with co-morbid conditions, and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants may be at greater risk of infection.
  • If an infection develops, monitor carefully and initiate appropriate therapy.

MALIGNANCY

Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, of which CIMZIA is a member. CIMZIA is not indicated for use in pediatric patients.

  • Consider the risks and benefits of CIMZIA treatment prior to initiating or continuing therapy in a patient with known malignancy.
  • In clinical trials, more cases of malignancies were observed among CIMZIA-treated patients compared to control patients.
  • In CIMZIA clinical trials, there was an approximately 2-fold higher rate of lymphoma than expected in the general U.S. population. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with highly active disease, are at a higher risk of lymphoma than the general population.
  • Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults being treated with TNF blockers. Approximately half of the cases were lymphoma, while the rest were other types of malignancies, including rare types associated with immunosuppression and malignancies not usually seen in this patient population.
  • Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers, including CIMZIA. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. Carefully assess the risks and benefits of treating with CIMZIA in these patient types.
  • Cases of acute and chronic leukemia were reported with TNF blocker use.

HEART FAILURE

  • Worsening and new onset congestive heart failure (CHF) has been reported with TNF blockers. Exercise caution and monitor carefully.

HYPERSENSITIVITY

  • Angioedema, anaphylaxis, dyspnea, hypotension, rash, serum sickness, and urticaria have been reported following CIMZIA administration. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, stop CIMZIA and institute appropriate therapy. The needle shield inside the removable cap of the CIMZIA prefilled syringe contains a derivative of natural rubber latex which may cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to latex.

HEPATITIS B VIRUS REACTIVATION

  • Use of TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers. Some cases have been fatal.
  • Test patients for HBV infection before initiating treatment with CIMZIA.
  • Exercise caution in patients who are carriers of HBV and monitor them before and during CIMZIA treatment.
  • Discontinue CIMZIA and begin antiviral therapy in patients who develop HBV reactivation. Exercise caution when resuming CIMZIA after HBV treatment.

NEUROLOGIC REACTIONS

  • TNF blockers, including CIMZIA, have been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of central nervous system and peripheral demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, seizure disorder, optic neuritis, peripheral neuropathy, and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

HEMATOLOGIC REACTIONS

  • Rare reports of pancytopenia, including aplastic anemia, have been reported with TNF blockers. Medically significant cytopenia has been infrequently reported with CIMZIA.
  • Consider stopping CIMZIA if significant hematologic abnormalities occur.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

  • Do not use CIMZIA in combination with other biological DMARDS.

AUTOIMMUNITY

  • Treatment with CIMZIA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in development of a lupus-like syndrome. Discontinue treatment if symptoms of a lupus-like syndrome develop.

IMMUNIZATIONS

  • Patients on CIMZIA should not receive live or live-attenuated vaccines.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

  • The most common adverse reactions in CIMZIA clinical trials (≥8%) were upper respiratory infections (18%), rash (9%), and urinary tract infections (8%).

For full prescribing information, please visit https://ucb-usa.com/_up/ucb_usa_com_kopie/documents/Cimzia_PI.pdf

References:

1 Choi J, Koo J. Quality of Life Issues in Psoriasis. J AM Acad Dermatol. 2003;49(2):57-61.

2 International Federation of Psoriasis Associations. Available at: https://ifpa-pso.com/our-cause// Accessed August 2019.

3 Mayo Clinic. Psoriasis Overview. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840 Accessed August 2019.

4 Wu J, et al. The risk of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in patients with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017;31(7):1168-1175.

5 Feldman SR, et al. Dermatology Online Journal. 2014;20(8).

6 Weiss SC, et al. Quantifying the harmful effect of psoriasis on health-related quality of life. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2002;47:512-51810.

7 Gottlieb AB, Blauvelt A, Thaçi D, et al. Certolizumab pegol for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: results through 48 weeks from two phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies (CIMPASI-1 and CIMPASI-2). J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;79(2):302-314.e6.

CIMZIA® is a registered trademark of the UCB Group of Companies. ©2019 UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA 30080. All rights reserved.

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