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Staying Home More This Winter? 12 Tips for Preparing Your Fireplace

2020-09-28T09:05:02

(BPT) – Temperatures are dropping and leaves are changing. It must be fireplace season. Now through the fall and into the winter, it’s likely we’ll be spending more time around our fireplaces than any year prior.

“The hearth is the heart of our homes, and the fireplace is a symbol of safety in an ever-changing world. It can provide warmth, ambiance and a feeling of security,” said Jack Goldman, President and CEO of Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). “Especially this year, our fireplace will be a near constant companion as we stay at home more through working remotely, distant learning, binging TV, reading books, celebrating holidays and making new memories.”

October is #NationalFireplaceMonth, the ideal time to ensure your fireplace is in tip-top shape as you prepare for the great indoors over the next several months. HPBA encourages homeowners to have their fireplaces, vents and chimneys inspected each year by a specialist. Contact your local specialty retailer for recommendations. In the meantime, consider these tips to make the most of your time by the fire:

Wood fireplace? Be sure to:

1) Hire a professional chimney sweep to clean out soot and debris from last season.

2) Check the chimney to ensure the structure is sound. Any cracks? Bricks coming loose? Loose mortar? Grab a ladder if you are able and do a proper inspection.

3) Does your fireplace have a door? Be sure the gasket sealing the door is properly attached to regulate oxygen.

4) Before you light that first fire, check that your chimney damper is open.

Gas fireplace? Be sure to:

5) Check your outside vents to ensure they are free of debris. Otherwise, a buildup of carbon monoxide could occur inside. Also, ensure your vent screens are properly attached to keep the critters out.

6) Check the glass. Be sure there are no chips or cracks or other signs of distress to prevent CO2 seepage.

7) Clean the rocks and logs. Dust can build up over spring and summer. It keeps your fireplace beautiful and prevents odd smells when you start the fire.

8) Clean the blower. Once a month, unplug your blower, brush its dust, then vacuum the residue.

Gas or wood, be sure to:

9) Check the chimney cap to be sure it’s clear of debris and damage free to keep the outside from coming in.

Electric fireplace? Be sure to:

10) Keep all combustible materials — pillows, curtains, furniture, etc. — at least three feet away from the unit.

11) Remove any obstructions to the fresh air intake and hot air discharge vent for easy air flow.

For all fireplaces, be sure to:

12) Create a playlist of your favorite fireside songs — tunes that help you chill out while you warm up. Consider HPBA’s 2020 “Official Playlist for Fireplace Season.”


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5 ways seniors can stay safe and active during COVID-19

2020-09-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – By now, most seniors are aware that they’re among the most vulnerable demographic groups when it comes to contracting COVID-19.

That said, a recent nationwide poll by Tivity Health®, a national provider of senior fitness, nutrition and healthy lifestyle solutions, including SilverSneakers®, the nation’s leading community fitness program designed for older adults, indicates many are probably not getting the exercise they need to maintain optimal health.

In the poll, 46% of adult and senior respondents said the pandemic is preventing them from attending in-person exercise classes at local gyms, although 84% noted they’ll return within a month once attendance is deemed safe by authorities.

A core challenge is reduced gym access, as quarantines prove problematic for many older Americans trying to continue exercise regimens. Exercise remains critical for seniors to maintain a healthy immune system that’s able to fight off disease. Regular workouts can also increase balance and strength and help prevent falls.

For seniors, falls are an all too common threat and crisis; Johns Hopkins University reports that 25% of adults 65 or older fall, and three million are treated in emergency rooms each year for injuries caused by falls.

“This pandemic has brought great challenges and stress for seniors. But the good news is, there are ways to exercise safely and maintain an active lifestyle,” says Tivity Health president and CEO Richard Ashworth. “Exercise is vital for maintaining optimal health, and through easy-to-access digital and in-person options, it is our hope seniors can continue or renew exercise regimens quickly and safely.”

Maintaining regular exercise during COVID-19 need not be difficult. If you’re a senior wanting to maintain effective workouts each day, here are some tips you can follow even if you’re practicing social isolation.

Start slowly. If you haven’t been exercising, you’ll want to ease into your new routine gradually. Studies indicate just two weeks of inactivity (or a 75% reduction in daily steps) can decrease your muscle strength by 8%, while dropping 1,000 to 1,500 steps each day can both raise both inflammation and blood pressure. You should jump-start your new regimen with safe exercises like squats, wall push-ups, light weightlifting regimens and taking walks (keeping distance from others for safety).

Subscribe to a digital exercise program. You do not need to leave your home to exercise each day. That’s especially true if you sign up for a high-quality digital regimen that fits well with your exercise goals and preferences.

In fact, 56% of seniors responding to the Tivity Health poll said their future workout plans call for participating in online classes two to three times per week. You may find SilverSneakers’ LIVE classes are your perfect option; the instructor-led online exercise sessions are being offered to all SilverSneakers members. In addition, free Facebook Live classes led by SilverSneakers national trainers are broadcast multiple times a week. The national fitness membership organization designed the virtual series to help seniors stay in shape while still following precautions during the pandemic.

Avoid prolonged sitting. Even if you must set a timer to remind yourself, take frequent breaks from sitting and engage in rejuvenating strolls — or simply take part in activities that involve standing. The point is to avoid being sedentary for long intervals of time.

Use others as motivation. In the Tivity Health poll, 44% of responding seniors said they’re motivated to return to their fitness centers to see and socialize with friends. If you feel more motivated when not exercising all by yourself, you might optimize FaceTime, Zoom or even a quick phone call to interact with fitness-minded others as you work out at home.

Check out local fitness centers. Before attending local gyms, learn what they’re doing to keep their customers safe and to align with recommended CDC guidelines. If you feel safe enough to participate, exercise in open spaces where you can maintain six feet of distance from others. You might also check out low-intensity options such as water exercise classes, yoga or Tai Chi.

Whether you’re staying at home or practicing safe social distancing while out and about, there’s no need to give up the exercise that can help you maintain optimal health during the pandemic. Take steps now to ensure you’re taking good care of yourself through age-appropriate workouts and movement.

To check your eligibility and find a health plan that includes SilverSneakers, visit silversneakers.com.


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3 ways being a label reader helps protect people and the planet

2020-09-28T10:37:00

(BPT) – We’ve all seen people reading the labels of food, beverage and supplement packaging to look at the ingredients and nutrition facts — chances are you have, too. More than ever, shoppers are looking at labels to make sure products match up with their values, whether it’s protecting people or the planet. Over the past decade, purchase of and trust in food labels has increased, showing an upward trend in shoppers voting with their dollars for what they care about most. In fact, more than half of U.S. consumers agree eco-labels raise their trust in a brand, and nearly 65% believe retailers’ and brands’ claims about sustainability and the environment need to be clearly labeled by an independent organization (GlobeScan 2020).

October is the perfect time to remember to take a second look for the labels that help you shop your values — it’s National Seafood Month, Fair Trade Month and Non-GMO Month! These national months are a time when we can remind ourselves to focus on food sustainability and traceable supply chains. Three trustworthy labels to look for during your next grocery trip:

  1. The blue fish: From the seafood counter, to canned or pouched fish, to frozen seafood, and even pet food and supplements, look for the blue fish label from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Products with the MSC blue fish label are independently certified sustainable, wild-caught seafood. MSC certified products are traceable back to a sustainable source in order to fight fraud and mislabeling.
  2. The butterfly: Processed foods — especially those containing corn, soy and sugar derivatives — dairy, meat and eggs, fruit and vegetables, snack foods, vitamins and supplements, vegetable oils, body care products and more can carry the Non-GMO Project’s butterfly label. In buying products with the butterfly label, sustainability-minded shoppers will know they’re truly avoiding consuming genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  3. The blue and green farmer: Farming is the single largest employer in the world — two out of every five people farm for a living! Purchasing goods with the Fairtrade America logo is an easy way to make a difference in the lives of people who grow our food, enabling them to earn a decent wage to support their families. Look for the logo on coffee, tea, chocolate, produce, cotton and more! By buying Fairtrade products, you are also helping to combat climate change, support gender equality, end child labor and protect workers’ rights.

No matter the grocery aisle, there’s a label to look for, and making sure to purchase products that are MSC, Fairtrade and Non-GMO Project certified ensures you’re doing what’s good for your family, good for producers and good for the planet.


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Bring personalized expression into kitchen design

2020-09-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – Personalizing a kitchen’s design is an opportunity to showcase true individuality. The space will feel like a true reflection of self when finished with handpicked details. Adding special touches throughout a space, from unique materials to striking statement pieces, can work together to form that cohesive, yet individualized feel.

Merged aesthetic

Merge classic and modern design elements, such as wood cabinetry or richly veined marble, with smaller personalized touches that help to bring the room together. To unite varying design elements, consider adding a mixed stone backsplash to complement a central color scheme. By rooting the color palette in opulent shades of white, the space will evoke a sense of comfort. Warmer shades add polished neutrality, allowing striking details to shine against casement windows for a flood of natural light.

Streamlined synergy

Select integrated appliances that seamlessly blend into the kitchen, rather than distract. Adding a stove-side niche places all essential seasonings within reach, while a mounted pot rack above the range keeps cookware in close proximity. Refresh existing storage options with brass and marble shelves to elevate traditional kitchen shelving.

Customized expression

Embrace elements that bring individuality into the space by opting for customizable, functional statement pieces. The Odin Kitchen Collection by Brizo provides expansive options for versatility, with seven warm-to-cool finishes, each creating a distinctively different expression. Additionally, maintain the clean, simple and functional Scandinavian design of the Odin Kitchen Collection by integrating personalized touches. A variety of handle options, from all-metal — matching finish or split finish — to wood, offer the ability to tailor the look.

Contemporary nuances

Choosing impactful lighting, such as oversized, contemporary golden pendants, helps to guide the eye and create a primary focal point. Complete the kitchen with chic counter stools that create a sleek, sophisticated edge. The kitchen should reflect just the right amount of expression with accent pieces, letting the space tell a personalized story through sophisticated touches that speak for themselves.


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Is it safe to travel during a pandemic?

2020-09-28T06:01:00

(BPT) – According to the CDC, traveling safely during a global pandemic comes down to two basic things: avoiding close contact with strangers and following a few common-sense precautions.

With much of the United States slowly easing travel restrictions, research from the U.S. Travel Association reveals that 71% of Americans miss travel and are eager to travel again. Still, most surveyed said they would approach future travel with vigilance, and they rate cleanliness and hygiene as more important than ever.

So, what should travel-anxious Americans consider as they begin to enjoy the great wide open once more?

The first thing is how you’ll get to your destination. The experts at New York Presbyterian Hospital say traveling by car is safest, but if air, train or bus travel are necessary, health experts recommend taking a direct route to your destination.

And then there’s the question of where you’ll stay.

“It’s imperative, especially now, to understand and trust the cleaning protocols a facility follows before, during and after your arrival,” says Sherri Silver, chief marketing officer at Hilton Grand Vacations. “For example, we participate in Hilton CleanStay, which follows enhanced cleaning schedules for our rooms and suites and all public, high-touch spaces like front desks and lobbies. Because we only use hospital-grade cleaners and seal our rooms after we clean them to ensure no one enters before guests arrive, our visitors tell us they have real peace of mind during their stays.”

Other lodging considerations Silver recommends include:

  • Will you have a private kitchen and dining area, or will you need to eat out at restaurants each day?
  • Can you do laundry easily and safely, if needed?
  • Do your accommodations provide complimentary face coverings, sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer?

Lastly, carefully consider your activities. The safest options are ones you can do outdoors like bike rides, hikes and visits to open-air attractions like botanical gardens. If you opt for indoor activities, check to make sure the establishment limits crowds, enforces mask-wearing and cleans often.

Also consider:

  • Travel during weekdays and avoid holiday travel. Off-peak times mean less crowded rest stops and airports.
  • Pack snacks and drinks. Having snacks on hand will help you avoid standing in line with strangers or any possible cross-contamination.
  • Go contactless whenever possible. Whether it’s checking in digitally, paying by credit card over the phone or opting for an e-signature, take advantage of any opportunity to avoid direct contact with others.
  • Wear a mask when in public. Face coverings are now mandatory in most states and in all indoor public Hilton spaces.
  • Stock up on hand sanitizer and use it whenever you can’t wash your hands with soap and water.
  • You’ve no doubt heard it a million times but stay at least six feet away from others. It’s one of the most surefire ways to slow the spread of coronavirus.

“As you would expect, we’re big proponents of travel,” says Silver. “And, research shows that when people take time to rest and recharge, their physical and mental health can improve. People need to unwind in order to be their best selves.”

Visit hiltongrandvacations.com/plan-your-vacation for additional travel resources to help you plan your next great (safe) adventure.


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Shedding light on a rare bile duct cancer for the second annual Rare Cancer Day

2020-09-25T13:01:00

(BPT) – While there is growing public awareness about cancer in general, there are many types of cancer that are not well known or are misunderstood.

On September 30, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and its Rare Cancer Coalition are spearheading the second annual Rare Cancer Day.

This awareness day aims to activate, inspire and educate the public about the rare cancers that can affect people’s health.

One of those rare cancers is cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). CCA is a rare cancer that forms in the bile ducts, which are tubes connecting the gallbladder and liver to a person’s small intestine. These tubes carry bile (a fluid made in the liver that helps the body digest the fat in food) to the small intestine after a person eats, aiding in digestion.[1]

How rare is CCA?

According to the American Cancer Society, fewer than 10,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with CCA each year.[2]

What are the risk factors for CCA?

The following may increase one’s risk of CCA[3]:

  • Smoking
  • Being over 50 years old
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis, a condition which causes hardening and scarring of the bile ducts
  • Congenital bile duct problems such as a choledochal cyst
  • Chronic liver disease

Symptoms of CCA

Unfortunately, CCA is hard to diagnose, because many of the symptoms resemble other, more common health issues. Therefore, CCA is often overlooked by doctors.[4]

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, which could be signs of CCA — or other potentially serious health concerns[5]:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
  • Dark urine
  • Clay-colored stool
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Itchy skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • General discomfort and weakness

Because of the difficulties in diagnosing CCA correctly, the disease is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage or metastasized, after doctors have taken a lot of time and effort to conduct additional testing to eliminate other possible causes of a patient’s symptoms. The late diagnosis of CCA can then limit the patient’s potential treatment options, resulting in a poor prognosis.[6]

Managing CCA

Surgery, or resection, is one of the only potentially curative treatments for CCA, but many patients are ineligible — and even after surgery, relapse rates are high.[7]

However, it is possible to evaluate patients’ disease once they’ve been diagnosed with CCA and has been deemed ineligible for surgery, which in turn could open the door to more options. Called molecular profiling, this technique can help doctors identify unique gene changes or defects in a person’s tumor.[8]

If you have recently received a diagnosis for CCA, ask your doctor about the possibility of conducting molecular profiling. Identifying the exact type of mutations or abnormalities in rare cancer types such as CCA can help healthcare providers better understand the disease, and therefore offer treatment, resulting in better health outcomes for the patient.

Awareness of rare cancers is the first step. In recognition of the day, NORD encourages everyone to broaden their knowledge of rare cancers and to support and advocate for the rare cancer community — not only on Rare Cancer Day, but every day. To learn more about molecular testing for CCA in particular, visit TestMyCholangio.com.

Developed by Incyte Corporation.

[1] “Cholangiocarcinoma: Definition.” National Institutes of Health. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cholangiocarcinoma#definition. Accessed 8/21/2020.

[2] “Key Statistics for Bile Duct Cancer.” American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bile-duct-cancer/about/key-statistics.html. Accessed 8/21/2020.

[3] “Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cholangiocarcinoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20352408. Accessed 8/21/2020.

[4] Banales JM, et al. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;13:261?280.

[5] “Signs of bile duct cancer include jaundice and pain in the abdomen.” NIH: National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/liver/patient/bile-duct-treatment-pdq. Accessed 8/21/2020.

[6] Uhlig J, et al. Ann Surg Oncol. 2019;26:1993–2000.

[7] Valle JW, et al. Cancer Discov. 2017; 7(9); 943–62.

[8] Lowery M, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2018;24(17):4154-4161.


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Knowledge is power: Why genetic testing is essential for patients with acute myeloid leukemia

2020-09-25T16:23:00

(BPT) – Roughly 1.8 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States in 2020, according to the National Cancer Institute.[1] Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—the most common type of acute leukemia—is an aggressive blood cancer characterized by the rapid growth of cells that accumulate in the bone marrow.[2],[3],[4]

AML can occur at any age but is more common among older patients.[5] Some patients may experience a relapse during their journey or their disease may not improve after previous treatment, which is known as refractory disease.[6]

Genetic testing can inform treatment decisions

Genes provide the instructions for everything that happens in the human body, acting like codes that result in unique characteristics like eye color and hair color.[5],[7] Sometimes, changes known as mutations can happen, instructing the body to do harmful things—like develop cancers such as AML.[8],[9]

AML is caused by mutations in leukemia cells.[9] The most common type of mutation in AML occurs in the FLT3 gene, and affects approximately 30% of newly diagnosed patients. FLT3 mutations are associated with a higher relapse rate, faster progression and shorter overall survival.[10],[11]

Progress has been made in understanding the underlying molecular genetics of AML, but many patients continue to be managed with treatment approaches that are not targeted to their specific AML subtype.

Dr. Eunice Wang, Chief of Leukemia at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, recognizes a shift in how physicians are approaching the treatment of AML, but more awareness around genetic mutation testing is needed in order to better inform treatment options.

“When I first started practicing as an oncologist, chemotherapy was the only option for patients with AML,” Dr. Wang said. “Today, the field is transforming, with an explosion of new therapies and potential treatment choices for patients with AML. It is critical patients undergo genetic testing for mutations in order to determine the most effective personalized treatment plan.”

What happens when patients relapse or are refractory to treatment (R/R)?

It is recommended patients with AML receive testing for genetic mutations when first diagnosed. However, it’s important to understand that genetic mutations can change over the course of a patient’s AML journey. For example, patients could test negative for a FLT3 mutation at diagnosis, and then test positive at relapse.[6],[11],[12],[13]

In AML, identifying updated mutation status through retesting at relapse can help inform care decisions and is valuable to healthcare teams when determining the appropriate treatment options for patients.[6]

Learn more and ask questions

The new Be R/Ready website, sponsored by Astellas, strives to be a resource for people to learn about relapsed or refractory AML, the importance of genetic testing, and in particular, the role of FLT3 mutations.

The goal of Be R/Ready is to empower, provide increased awareness, and stress the essential need for communication between patients, caregivers and their health care team. On the website, a discussion guide is available for patients with foundational questions to help start the conversation, such as:

  • What tests were done to diagnose my AML?
  • Have I been tested for mutations like FLT3? How will my results impact treatment?
  • If I have already been tested, do I need to be retested?
  • How does my medical history affect my treatment options?
  • What are my treatment options if my AML comes back or my treatment is not working?

Visit BeAMLready.com for more information and to access the full discussion guide that can be used for notes and information gathering at your next doctor’s appointment.

Sponsored by Astellas

[1] National Cancer Institute. Table 1.1: estimated new cancer cases and deaths for 2020: all races, by sex. https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2017/results_single/sect_01_table.01.pdf. Accessed 08-26-2020.

[2] National Cancer Institute. Adult acute myeloid leukemia treatment (PDQ®) – patient version (03-06-2020). https://www.cancer.gov/types/leukemia/patient/adult-aml-treatment-pdq. Accessed 06-22-2020.

[3] National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms: AML. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/aml. Accessed 08-06-2020.

[4] American Cancer Society. What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? (08-21-2018). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/about/what-is-aml.html. Accessed 07-21-2020.

[5] American Cancer Society. Acute myeloid leukemia causes, risk factors, and prevention (08-21-2018). https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/CRC/PDF/Public/8675.00.pdf. Accessed 09-02-2020.

[6] National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): acute myeloid leukemia version 3.2020 (12-23-2019). https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/aml.pdf. Accessed 01-29-2020.

[7] American Cancer Society. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes and prognostic factors (08-21-2018) https://www.cancer.org/cancer/acute-myeloid-leukemia/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-classified.html. Accessed 06-05-2020.

[8] National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms: mutation. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/mutation. Accessed 06-10-2020.

[9] Patel JP, Gönen M, Figueroa ME, et al. Prognostic relevance of integrated genetic profiling in acute myeloid leukemia. N Engl J Med 2012;366(12):1079-89.

[10] Perl AE, Altman JK, Cortes J, et al. Selective inhibition of FLT3 by gilteritinib in relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukaemia: a multicentre, first-in-human, open-label, phase 1-2 study. Lancet Oncol 2017;18(8):1061-75. Errata in: Lancet Oncol 2017;18(12):e711.; Lancet Oncol 2018;19(7):e335; Lancet Oncol 2019;20(6):e293.

[11] Nazha A, Cortes J, Faderl S, et al. Activating internal tandem duplication mutations of the fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3-ITD) at complete response and relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2012;97(8):1242-5.

[12] McCormick SR, McCormick MJ, Grutkoski PS, et al. FLT3 mutations at diagnosis and relapse in acute myeloid leukemia: cytogenetic and pathologic correlations, including cuplike blast morphology. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2010;134(8):1143-51.

[13] Alvarado Y, Kantarjian HM, Luthra R, et al. Treatment with FLT3 inhibitor in patients with FLT3-mutated acute myeloid leukemia is associated with development of secondary FLT3–tyrosine kinase domain mutations. Cancer 2014;120(14):2142-9.


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Halloween 2020 is on: Guidelines to celebrate in a safe and fun way

2020-09-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, you count down the days until Halloween. You love selecting costumes for your whole family, indulging in all your favorite treats and celebrating with friends. But this year is different — while you long to celebrate the holiday to the fullest, you also want to make choices to keep your family and your community safe. Like many Halloween enthusiasts, rather than forgoing beloved traditions altogether, you are coming up with creative, out-of-the-box ways to celebrate safely and keep everyone healthy this season, but you still need some guidance.

The Halloween and Costume Association, The Hershey Company and other partner organizations have joined forces to provide guidance on how best to celebrate Halloween safely this year. The Halloween Safety guidelines — available on Halloween2020.org — are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Holiday Celebrations Guidelines and include a color-coded COVID risk level map, provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute.

“Families and policy-makers need clear and consistent information when it comes to COVID-19 risks to inform decision-making, including how to participate safely in the upcoming Halloween holiday and trick-or-treating activities associated with it,” said Dr. Ingrid Katz, Infectious Diseases Expert, and Associate Faculty Director at the Harvard Global Health Institute. “Through our interactive COVID risk level map, we hope to provide parents a reliable source to help them celebrate the Halloween holiday in the most safe, fun way possible according to the risk level in their community.”

With most of the country in the moderate risk category, it’s likely that many communities and families will find new ways to celebrate this year, including neighborhood trick-or-treat drive-ups, reverse trick-or-treating and neighborhood or backyard candy hunts. These creative celebration ideas allow for fun and safety to remain a top priority.

“Halloween is more important than ever this year as we navigate the new normal together and are seeking opportunities to celebrate safely. We’re inspired by the public-private partnerships and groups coming together that all have a shared value of celebrating Halloween safely,” says Chuck Raup, president, U.S., The Hershey Company.

The takeaway: There are many fun and safe ways to celebrate this Halloween season, from carving pumpkins to having Halloween-themed movie nights with your favorite Halloween treats like Hershey’s, Reese’s and Kit Kat.

Some additional tips and ideas for celebrating safely based on your risk zone color, found on The Hershey Company’s Halloween website HersheyHappiness.com and also Halloween2020.org, include:

Yellow zones

Focus on trick-or-treat safety. A Halloween neighborhood parade is a good option for yellow zones. Organize a neighborhood costume parade where the route is predetermined and marked to maintain safe distances between participants. Stay safe by incorporating sanitization stations, yellow caution tape, 6-foot sidewalk stickers/tape and age group signs. Or, do the reverse and have kids decked out in their costumes in the front yard as neighbors walk or drive by and deliver candy from a safe distance.

Orange zones

For orange-zone communities, let the treats come to you. Trick-or-treat in reverse by having kids wear their costumes in the front yard as neighbors walk or drive by and deliver candy. Another option is a trick-or-treat drive-by where you wear costumes and then drive to visit friends and family in costume and deliver some treats! Honk, text or shout upon arrival and deliver some treats or tricks in costume to your favorite folks!

Red zones

At-home celebrations are safest for red zones. Consider planning a Halloween movie night or a virtual costume party. You can also make this a special time with a scavenger hunt throughout your home. Create different themed rooms throughout the house and send the kids on a scavenger hunt for fun swag. Hide candy, toys and prizes or even make some gift certificates to stay up late, choose the movie or eat an extra piece of candy. Keep the big kids engaged with trickier clues and fun age-appropriate rewards.

Even with the extra precautions and adjustments needed to ensure a safe celebration, Halloween 2020 still promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In fact, a Halloween such as this won’t happen again for at least another 152 years. Not only does Halloween 2020 fall on a Saturday, it also happens to be a full moon and daylight saving time. Additionally, the day occurs during a blue moon this year, the second full moon of October.


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Healthy sleep is vital for school success

2020-09-24T13:21:38

(BPT) – Healthy sleep is vital for student success. Yet, a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) shows that many students are not getting enough sleep, according to more than half of American parents surveyed. No matter where classes are held — in-person, online or in a hybrid format — the group is highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for students.

“As many parents and caregivers try to create a routine for their kids, incorporating the right amount of healthy sleep is an important component,” said AASM President Dr. Kannan Ramar.

What’s keeping kids up on school nights?

From classwork to social media use, there are many things competing for the attention of school-aged children and teens, interfering with their nightly sleep. According to 90% of parents, homework and early school start times are the top barriers impacting the healthy sleep students need each night, followed by time with friends (87%), social media/electronics use (86%), hobbies (86%), sports (85%), chores or jobs (83%), and band/music/clubs (78%).

COVID-19 impact on sleep consistency

Another disrupter to sleep? The COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges students have been facing during the pandemic has been maintaining a consistent and healthy sleep/wake schedule. According to the survey, four out of 10 parents acknowledge that remote learning affects their children’s bedtime and/or waketime consistency.

“Even though students may not need to catch the bus or carpool this school year, they should continue with morning and bedtime rituals, including getting up and going to bed at regular times so they get enough sleep,” added Ramar.

Parents are aware of impact of sleep

About 94% of parents acknowledge that sleep impacts their children’s mood, and 93% understand its correlation to performance in school. Impacts on physical health (92%), mental health (90%), and performance in sports or other activities (90%) are also widely reported by parents.

Getting the recommended hours of healthy sleep on a regular basis is associated with better outcomes, including improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health. Sufficient sleep also helps students:

  • Excel in the classroom by maximizing attention, memory and learning abilities
  • Perform better in sports by being faster, stronger and more accurate
  • Feel their best and have a more optimistic attitude toward life
  • Look their best and maintain a healthy weight
  • Have fun and enjoy life by making better decisions and staying safe

The benefits of healthy sleep require not only adequate sleep duration, but also appropriate timing, daily regularity, good sleep quality and the absence of sleep disorders. The AASM recommends children 6-12 years of age sleep nine to 12 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health, while teenagers 13-18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours per night.

For more information, visit sleepeducation.org/student-sleep-health-week. For more on the July 2020 Consumer Survey, visit https://aasm.org/about/newsroom/.


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Global flavors for your weeknight meals

2020-09-24T16:03:00

(BPT) – What turns a recipe into a weeknight favorite? How about something easy and packed with flavor that can be made partly in advance? Add excitement by exploring cuisines like those of North Africa, with flavor contrasts of spicy, sweet and tart. The following recipes use grapes as a fresh accent to the flavorful North African spices in each dish. Grapes are also a handy snack while putting the finishing touches on dinner.

Harissa-spiced Steak with Grapes and Preserved Lemon delivers big flavor in an easy and quick way. Two North African ingredients, spicy harissa paste, a staple in Moroccan cuisine, and preserved lemon, a flavorful condiment with a mildly tart, but intensely lemony flavor, offer a zesty contrast to the refreshing and lightly dressed grape salad. Marinate the steak ahead of time — in the refrigerator during the day, overnight for more intense flavor, or even shortly before grilling.

Quinoa with Grapes and Roasted Carrots reprises the North African theme with a flavorful seasoning of cumin, coriander, paprika and cinnamon, accented by the subtle sweetness of crisp, juicy grapes. To save time, make the carrots and quinoa in advance and assemble this side dish right before serving. Double the recipe to make enough for leftovers for lunch the next day.

Keep grapes on your weekly shopping list so that they’re handy for weeknight meals, a quick and refreshing dessert, or snack any time of day.

Harissa-spiced Steak with Grape and Preserved Lemon Salad

Prep time: 20 minutes plus marinating time

Cook time: 18 minutes

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 garlic cloves, grated or minced

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey, divided

1 tablespoon harissa paste

1 1/2 pounds top sirloin, cut 1 1/2–2 inches thick

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon

1 tablespoon chopped thyme

1/8 teaspoon coarse salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups halved green or red California grapes

Directions

Combine 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, soy, 1 tablespoon of honey, and harissa in a glass pie plate. Add the meat and toss to cover. Marinate 30 minutes at room temperature or cover and refrigerate, then marinate 2 hours to overnight.

Heat grill to high. Pat steak dry and grill 7 to 9 minutes on each side for medium rare. Transfer to cutting board and let stand while making the salad.

Combine the remaining olive oil and honey with lemon juice, preserved lemon, thyme, salt, pepper and grapes. Slice steak into 1/2-inch pieces and divide between serving plates. Top with the grape salad and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 330 Calories; Protein 32 g; Carbohydrate 19 g; Fat 14 g (38% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 3.5 g (10% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 85 mg; Sodium 440 mg; Fiber 1 g.

Quinoa with Grapes and Roasted Carrots

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 teaspoon spicy smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

Pinch cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt, divided

3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

4 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch diagonal disks

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup multi-colored quinoa

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 1/2 cups halved red California grapes

1 package (5 oz.) baby arugula

Directions

Heat oven to 400 F.

Combine the spices in a large bowl with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons oil. Add the carrots and toss, then spread into a single layer on a small baking sheet. Bake until roasted and tender, about 20-25 minutes. At the same time, bake the walnuts on another small sheet pan 8 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool and then coarsely chop.

Meanwhile, combine the quinoa in a medium saucepan with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Let stand covered 5 minutes, then stir in the carrots, scraping up any of the spices from the baking sheet and adding to the quinoa. Add 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice and the grapes and toss.

In a large bowl combine the arugula with the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice and olive oil. Sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper and mix well. Transfer to a serving platter. Top with the quinoa mixture and walnuts and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: 340 Calories; Protein 7 g; Carbohydrate 36 g; Fat 20 g (53% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 2.5 g (7% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 360 mg; Fiber 6 g.