Month: November 2019

2019-11-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) found that 88% of U.S. adults admitted to losing sleep due to staying up late to watch multiple episodes of a TV show or streaming series — and this number jumps to 95% when looking at 18- to 44-year-olds.

The same survey shows that Americans rank sleep as their second most important priority, following family. But actions speak louder than words, and it’s not just TV shows that are taking precedence over sleep. Two-thirds of adults have lost sleep due to reading, 75% of men have lost sleep watching sporting events, and 72% of those aged 18-34 have put video games ahead of bedtime.

“Choosing to binge on entertainment at night instead of sleeping has serious ramifications,” said AASM President Dr. Kelly A. Carden. “Sleep is essential to health, well-being and safety, and chronic insufficient sleep can lead to an increased risk of health problems, mood disorders and motor vehicle accidents.”

Here are a few tips to help binge-watch responsibly:

Set an episode limit. Commit to a specific number of episodes at the beginning of your watching session. To decide how many episodes you can fit in, determine your bedtime. The AASM recommends adults get seven or more hours of sleep for optimal health. Use this bedtime calculator to find out when you need to go to bed based on your wake time.

Get out of the “auto-play” loop. Many streaming services will automatically launch episodes one after another to ensure you keep watching. This makes it easy to think “OK, one more episode,” leading to late nights and sleepy mornings. Check settings to turn off the “auto-play” and ensure you are consciously choosing when to continue watching, and when to power off for bed.

Make time on the weekend. If you enjoy streaming for longer periods, set aside part of your weekend to catch up on your favorite shows. Reserving Saturday or Sunday afternoon will provide more time for getting immersed in your shows, while still providing adequate time for sleep.

Filter out blue light at night. If you stream content on a cell phone or tablet, make sure you have altered the device’s blue light setting to minimize the alerting effects of screens at night. Bright light, such as that from a mobile device, sends signals to your brain that indicate you should be awake. This can make it difficult to fall asleep. Adjust your screen’s brightness in the evening and avoid any electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime.

Avoid using devices in bed. Streaming from the comfort of bed can also impede your ability to fall asleep. It’s best to keep electronics out of the bed so that you associate your bed with sleep when you lay down at night.

If you are experiencing ongoing sleep problems, talk to your medical provider, who may direct you to the sleep team at an accredited sleep center for help. For more information and to find a local accredited sleep center, visit www.sleepeducation.org.

2019-11-08T14:28:33

(BPT) – Millennials lead the escalating interest in marijuana and cannabinoid compounds for managing pain — with older generations not far behind — yet most are unaware of potential risks. Three-quarters (75%) of Americans who expressed interest in using marijuana or cannabinoids to address pain think they are safer or have fewer side effects than opioids or other medications, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

More than two-thirds of those surveyed said they have used or would consider using marijuana or cannabinoid compounds — including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — to manage pain. Nearly three-quarters of millennials fall in that category, with 37% noting they have used them for pain. Two-thirds of Gen Xers and baby boomers expressed interest, with 25% of Gen Xers and 18% of baby boomers saying they have used them for pain.

“As experts in managing pain, physician anesthesiologists are concerned about the lack of research regarding the safety and effectiveness of marijuana and cannabinoids,” said ASA Immediate Past President Linda J. Mason, M.D., FASA. “The good news is that until the research is completed and we fully understand the risks and potential benefits, physician anesthesiologists today can develop a personalized plan for patients’ pain drawing from effective alternatives such as non-opioid medications and other therapies, including injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, radio waves and spinal cord stimulation.”

ASA members point out that marijuana and cannabinoids may not be safer than other medications and can have side effects. Equally disturbing, these products are not regulated or monitored for quality.

Marijuana and cannabinoid safety and oversight

Results of the nationwide survey of adults 18 or older confirm physician anesthesiologists’ concerns. When respondents who said they have used or would consider using marijuana or cannabinoids were asked why, the majority (62%) said they believe them to be safer than opioids and 57% believe they have fewer side effects than other medications.

Even though it is widely available, CBD is not regulated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one prescription version of CBD for patients with one of two rare forms of epilepsy. (No form of marijuana is approved by the FDA and the federal government considers it a controlled substance and illegal.) Thirty-three states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana in some form (for recreational or medical use) but all set their own regulations, which vary. Studies have shown that no matter what the label says, the actual ingredients may differ, and may contain dangerous synthetic compounds, pesticides and other impurities.

Yet the survey results reflect a misunderstanding of that reality. Among all surveyed (including those who said they would never use marijuana or cannabinoids):

• 57% believe more research is needed;
• More than one-third (34%) don’t feel the need to discuss using these products with their doctor;
• Nearly three out of five (58%) think they have fewer side effects than other medications;
• Nearly half (48%) think they know what they are getting with marijuana or cannabinoids; and
• 40% believe CBD sold at grocery stores, truck stops, health food stores or medical marijuana dispensaries is approved by the FDA. The younger the generation, the more likely they were to believe that is the case.

The ASA recently endorsed two bills that seek to expand research on CBD and marijuana: H.R. 601, the “Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2019” and S. 2032, the “Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act.”

The five-question Caravan Survey was conducted online by Engine, Aug. 5-7, 2019, among 1,005 adults, comprising 503 men and 502 women, 18 years or older. For more information about pain management alternatives visit https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/non-opioid-treatment/. To learn more about the role physician anesthesiologists play in medical care, including surgery, visit www.asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.

2019-11-08T14:39:00

(BPT) – The holidays are just around the corner, which means it’s time to take to the skies and road to visit loved ones. No matter where you’re headed, the following 12 tips from Expedia will help you keep calm this holiday season — and keep a little extra money in your pocket.

1. Set up price alerts and favorite the hotels you like. If you log in or create an Expedia.com account, your recent searches and any hotels you favorite will automatically be saved in “My Trips.” This makes it easy to track price changes and immediately check-out during big sales like Black Friday.

2. Double-check blackout dates. If you’re preparing to use a companion ticket or award miles to book flights this year, look up the fare blackout dates so you know exactly what days you can depart and return home.

3. Make sure you have all the right documents. Now is a good time to locate those passports, secure your IDs and verify if you’ll need a visa. Remember: Processing times for new U.S. passports range anywhere from two to eight weeks, and if you already have a passport make sure it won’t expire within six months of your travel dates.

4. Aim for the sweet spots.

a. The cheapest time to buy flights for Thanksgiving is before Nov. 13. For the lowest rates, think about starting your trip on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, Nov. 28) — last year travelers who departed on Thanksgiving paid about $100 less than those who departed the Saturday prior to the holiday. If traveling on the holiday is a no-go, your second cheapest departure options are Monday or Tuesday of Thanksgiving week.

b. The cheapest time to buy flights for Christmas is between Nov. 23–Dec. 9, so there’s still plenty of time to finalize your plans and score savings. Booking during this window saved travelers around 15% compared to early birds who booked 91+ days out and paid around 15% more than the average holiday traveler. Last year the cheapest day to fly was Christmas Eve, with travelers paying around $100 less than those who started their trip on the Saturday prior to the holiday. If traveling on Christmas Eve or day isn’t an option, aim to start your trip on the 23rd.

c. Lastly, book hotel rooms on a Friday night if you’re looking for the lowest rates.

5. Save during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. There are so many ways to save on goods and travel during the holidays. Expedia’s massive Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale goes down Nov. 25-Dec. 2 and will feature thousands of travel deals on flights, hotels, activities and more. Tip: many of Expedia’s best deals and coupons are only available on the mobile app so be sure to download before the sale starts.

6. Consider a vacation rental. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group it’s important to pick the right accommodations. One hotel room might make sense for a solo traveler or a couple. However, a vacation rental for larger groups and families could make more financial sense versus booking multiple hotel rooms. Vacation rentals can offer lower nightly rates, bringing the per person cost of your trip down considerably.

7. Don’t underestimate the value of a package or adding more items to your itinerary. On a site like Expedia, travelers can save hundreds or even thousands just by bundling their flight and hotel, or hotel and rental car together. Not up for booking everything at once? No problem. Coming back to add a hotel or a fun activity to your existing Expedia itinerary will still net you extra cash for those stocking stuffers.

8. Use the Book now, Pay later feature. On select hotels travelers can reserve their room nights upfront and then pay at check-in. This comes in handy if you’ve got other financial obligations at the time of your booking, yet you really need to reserve a room ASAP.

9. Work the Rewards. Make sure you’re signed up for all travel loyalty programs. With Expedia’s free Rewards program, travelers can collect points to redeem on air, hotel and package bookings, while still collecting frequent flier miles. Plus, when you book on the Expedia Mobile App, points are worth double.

10. Once you’ve booked, double check your confirmation email to ensure your travel dates and details are all correct. With so much going on during the holiday season it’s easy to make mistakes like spelling your name wrong. Luckily, with Expedia most tickets can be cancelled and rebooked online free of charge within 24 hours of booking, so be sure to double check your confirmation email right away to avoid any issues before your trip.

11. Enroll in TSA Precheck or Clear. Save yourself a lot of time and headaches during the holiday hustle by applying for a fast-track security program. TSA PreCheck is absolutely worth the $85 fee, and your application lasts for five years — you just need to complete the process prior to your trip. If you’re cutting it close on time, apply for Clear at the airport and immediately use the benefit if you’re approved.

12. Prepare for inclement weather. Traveling during the holidays can come with a higher possibility of inclement weather. Even if your final destination is hot and sunny, your route could be affected by winter storms. It’s important to check travel warnings and advisories before, during, and after your scheduled flights. Sites like Expedia make this information available via the Customer Service Portal, and you can also access the latest notifications via the National Weather Service.

2019-11-07T10:51:00

(BPT) – Along with the cold temperatures, snow and ice, winter also brings unpredictable dangers, including the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, CO poisoning is the number one cause of accidental poisonings in the U.S. Referred to as the “silent killer,” CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that can only be detected with a CO alarm.

“As temperatures dip and we crank up the heat, it is important to make sure your home is equipped with the adequate number of working CO alarms,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “Proper placement and maintenance of CO alarms can potentially save the lives of you and your loved ones.”

Every year, CO poisoning takes the lives of over 400 people, while an additional 50,000 people are treated for it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and half of these deaths occur between November and February.

Here are 5 ways to ensure you are practicing CO safety this winter:

Check your alarms. Be sure to check all carbon monoxide alarms in your home by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries at least twice each year. Generally, CO alarms should be replaced every five to seven years. However, newer CO alarm models, such as the First Alert 10-Year CO Alarm, now offer a lifespan of 10 years, allowing you to rest easy without having to worry about changing the batteries every six months. CO alarms should be installed on every floor, including the basement, and in or near every sleeping area of the home.

Warm up your car outside. Do not attempt to warm up your car or leave your car running inside of the garage, even if the garage door is open. Garages are a common source of carbon monoxide, and in the case of attached garages, these fumes can leak into the home. Other common sources of CO include, but are not limited to, heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances or cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products or other fuels that emit CO as a by-product of combustion.

Ensure proper ventilation. The kitchen stove is among the most frequent sources of CO poisoning in the home. To help eliminate the danger of overexposure, always run exhaust fans when cooking and periodically open a nearby window when using the oven or stove to allow fresh air to circulate. Never use the stove to heat your home.

Maintain fuel-burning appliances. Have a professional inspect any fuel-burning appliances throughout the home each season. This includes furnaces, water heaters, ovens and dryers, as carbon monoxide can leak from any fuel-burning device. If using a fireplace to heat your home, make sure your flue is open and have your chimney checked and cleaned each year by a professional.

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. Because you can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, you might not recognize the symptoms of CO poisoning, as they can be confused with common cold and flu symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, chest pain and vomiting. If a CO alarm sounds or symptoms appear, exit the home immediately and call 911.

To learn more about how to keep your home safe, visit FirstAlert.com.

2019-11-07T13:57:00

(BPT) – The holidays are a time to celebrate and make priceless memories with friends and family. However, when you are the person tasked with preparing and cooking for everyone else, you may often have to miss out on all the family fun and those moments that matter most.

Here are several tips to get you motivated to get out of the kitchen and give you more time to enjoy the company of loved ones — without sacrificing any of your delicious holiday traditions.

Plan ahead

Preparation is key! To begin, make a to-do list of the necessary tasks (i.e., purchasing ingredients) that can be completed ahead of time. For example, set the table the day before to save time on the day of your gathering. Also, be sure you are well stocked on things you may run out of or could dirty easily — from cloth napkins to beverage options — so you don’t stress day-of and can truly relish every minute with family.

Ask for help

When time is not on your side, there’s nothing better than a little helping hand — especially when that help could be delivered right to your doorstep. Boston Market, known this time of year as the Holiday Experts, has fully prepared, precooked holiday meal spreads, as well as a la carte sides and desserts that can be preordered and picked up at any Boston Market location nationwide. You can even get a complete holiday dinner and have it shipped directly to your door!

In addition, Boston Market restaurants are open on Thanksgiving and Christmas for any last-minute needs. Skip the prep work and time in the kitchen by ordering online at bostonmarket.com.

Divide the responsibilities

Who says you have to do all the work? Ask friends and family to pitch in — a little help goes a long way. A few weeks before your gathering, send a message to your guests inviting them to help with beverages, picking up ice, or bringing a side dish or dessert. And when the meal is over, have a designated clean-up crew with multiple people to get the job done faster.

Leftovers for house guests

Even if you have several guests staying in your home, don’t feel obligated to cook brand new meals each day. Turn holiday leftovers into tomorrow’s breakfast or lunch by adding leftover meat to omelets or putting together a sandwich bar. There are so many delicious ways to plus up Thanksgiving leftovers, like a turkey and Swiss bread pudding or even a turkey shepherd’s pie!

Use the right tools

Save time by getting creative in the kitchen. If you run out of oven space, the slow cooker is a convenient alternative for baking desserts like hot fudge brownies, apple crisp and even pecan pie. You can also find easy no-bake recipes or dishes that can be made quickly in the microwave.

Skip extra grocery trips

When cooking for a crowd, you’re bound to forget an item or two from your grocery list. Avoid unnecessary extra trips to the store by knowing your substitutes. If you run out of butter, you can substitute for olive oil or vegetable oil. Happen to forget the buttermilk? No worries — use watered-down yogurt or sour cream.

Create a schedule

If you’re still worried about spending too much time standing over the stove, create a schedule to guide your celebration. Block time for socializing, cooking and preparing for guests, but don’t forget to be flexible. Set out board games, crafts or photo albums — anything to encourage bonding and conversation so you’re not tempted to keep working in the kitchen.

This year, don’t let your holiday cooking duties overtake the joy of the season. Follow these useful tips to make the most of your festive time!

2019-11-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us, bringing opportunities to whip up delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes for all occasions, from party appetizers to a family dinner spread. This year, make your celebrations the best yet with fresh takes on your favorite festive recipes.

While pecan pie may be a staple of your holiday feast, American Pecans can go far beyond the pie. Naturally sweet, buttery and crunchy, The Original Supernut™ has a place in every course and is the multi-tasking must-have ingredient this holiday season. Adding a bag of pecans to your shopping list amps up the flavor of your most beloved dishes — whether as a textured crumble atop macaroni and cheese or making mashed potatoes more robust.

Of course, no holiday table is complete without a signature slice of pecan pie — and as the only major tree nut native to North America, pecans are the most American way to end your celebration. To further spread the holiday cheer, purchasing and cooking with American Pecans supports American grower and sheller families.

These recipes are courtesy of sisters Emily and Melissa Elsen, owners and founders of Four & Twenty Blackbirds pie bakery in Brooklyn. Discover more holiday recipes at AmericanPecan.com/ThanksEverything.

Mac and Cheese with Pecan Breadcrumbs

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

COOK TIME: 30 minutes

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

1/2 cup raw pecan pieces

8 ounces cavatappi pasta

1 tablespoon butter

8-ounce block of cheddar cheese

15 ounces part skim ricotta cheese

4 tablespoons sour cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 to 4 tablespoons pasta cooking water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 Fahrenheit.
2. Cook cavatappi in salted boiling water. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to cooking pot and stir in butter.
3. While pasta is cooking, shred cheddar cheese on a box grater.
4. Using a food processor, combine 1/4 cup of shredded cheese with pecans. Process until a coarse breadcrumb consistency.
5. Add remaining cheddar cheese, ricotta, sour cream, salt and pepper to the warm pasta. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add egg, stir. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons pasta water to loosen mixture, stir until smooth.
6. Pour into a buttered 9-inch square or round casserole dish and top evenly with pecan/cheddar topping.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.

Roasted Veggies and Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans

PREP TIME: 45 minutes

COOK TIME: 20 minutes

8 servings

Ingredients:

Roasted Veggies

3 medium red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 small red onion, cut into 1/4 wedges

2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

2 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1/4 cup olive oil

Potato Mash

2 medium white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon cream

Ground black pepper to taste

2 eggs

Toasted Pecan Topping

1 cup pecan pieces, toasted and finely minced

1/2 cup chopped parsley or herb of your choice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium sized pot, combine potatoes with salt and cover with water. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Cook potatoes until they are tender and easily break apart.
3. Meanwhile, combine the chopped vegetables, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Toss to evenly coat the vegetables.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment and pour the vegetables onto the sheet. Roast in oven for 15 minutes. Gently stir and roast another 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. While vegetables are roasting, drain cooked potatoes from the water, place in a large mixing bowl and add butter, 1 teaspoon salt, cream and black pepper to taste. Using a potato masher or heavy duty whisk (for an extra smooth mash, use a stand mixer or a food processor), mash or whip the potatoes until smooth. Add 2 eggs and continue whipping until fully combined.
6. Butter a 9-inch casserole or baking dish. Pour the mashed potato mixture into the dish. Evenly distribute the roasted vegetables on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the mashed potatoes are set.
7. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Before serving, top with chopped herbs and pecans.

2019-11-07T02:01:01

(BPT) – Reality is eye opening: The total amount of consumer debt is more than $13 trillion in the United States. That means if you have revolving bills to pay off loans and other debt, you’re certainly not alone.

Having high-interest debt can feel like a big weight on your shoulders that stresses your financial wellness today and impacts your goals in the future. Fortunately there are ways to reduce or eliminate the debt that’s weighing you down.

Step 1: Focus on the highest-interest debt

The first step is to analyze all debt and figure out which items are costing you the most. Debts with the highest interest rates are often credit cards and student loans. This means you’re not only paying off the amount of money you borrowed, but also a high percentage in interest. This can cost a lot of money and in turn take you much longer to pay off the entire balance.

Therefore, when determining which debt to pay off first, high-interest debt should be the focus. You will still want to pay off other debt on time each month, but you should prioritize eliminating high-interest debt. When figuring out a budget, try to put extra funds toward these debts versus other debts because the high interest is ultimately costing you more.

Step 2: Explore debt payoff options

There are options to pay off high-interest debt with lower-interest alternatives that can help you save money. One way is to tap into the equity of your home. In many areas of the country home appreciation has increased in recent years. While home lines of credit can come with costly interest rates, a cash-out refinance may provide optimal rates while providing you a lump sum of money to pay off high-interest debt and other things like home improvements or medical expenses.

Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC, offers a variety of cash-out refinance options, including loans for homeowners with less-than-perfect credit. For example, the Carrington Flexible Advantage (Non-QM) Program provides loans for people with credit scores down to 500 and does not require mortgage insurance. This includes people who have recently had a credit event like a foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Carrington also offers conventional loan options that provide cash-out refinance on up to 80% of your home’s equity for people with credit scores as low as 620. Learn more about these and other loan options at carringtonhomeloans.com. If you decide to apply, you can typically learn about approval within 24 hours.

Step 3: Stick to a financial plan

Once you decide which debts to prioritize and explore options for paying them off and lowering your overall interest rates, make a financial plan. This includes a monthly budget that you can follow to live within your means while paying all your bills on time. If you need assistance, consider working with a certified financial planner who can help design a plan that works for you.

By sticking with your plan, you’ll be able to pay off debts efficiently while boosting your credit history. When you consolidate debt through options like a cash-out refinance, you’ll simplify your bill pay potentially from multiple high-interest loan payments to one loan payment at a more reasonable interest rate. Keep track of your spending and pay bills on time and you’ll supercharge your financial health and position yourself to reach goals.

2019-11-06T15:01:00

(BPT) – Invasive Pneumococcal Disease is an uncommon but serious infectious disease that may impact your baby. For more resources and to see patient stories, visit www.babypneumococcalfacts.com/.