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Holiday hints: Gift wrapping and shipping tips from the experts

2020-12-03T12:31:01

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again — when gift-givers everywhere struggle to get presents wrapped and shipped ahead of the holidays. If you are one of the many who need tips, inspiration or a little nudge, why not turn to the experts for great ideas this year?

Wrap artistically

Up your gift-wrapping game to help make your presents stand out among the heap of boxes under the tree. Alton DuLaney, Scotch Brand’s Most Gifted Wrapper Contest winner and the World’s Most Famous Gift Wrap Artist, offers his top tips for wrapping like a pro and making the outside of the present as special as the inside.

  • Gather all your supplies. Start by gathering all your supplies and laying them out on a flat spacious area to do all your wrapping. The quality of the finished product depends on the quality of the products used. I always opt for the Scotch Gift-Wrap Tape as my go-to holiday tape. It has a satin finish that disappears flawlessly on most wrapping papers for a smooth, finished look.
  • Be resourceful. Explore unconventional paper like leftover wallpaper from your latest home improvement or DIY project. Shop your garden for embellishments like sprigs of rosemary or even pinecones from your backyard. It is the simplest touches that go a long way!
  • Put the ‘present’ in ‘presentation.’ Tease a little excitement for what is inside and really play up the presentation. Gifting a men’s shirt? Add a tie in lieu of a ribbon. Giving jewelry? Bedazzle the wrapping paper with rhinestones.
  • Get crafty. Decorate craft paper or paper grocery bags turned inside out with stamps, paint, drawings or stickers to make your own one-of-a-kind gift wrap. This is a great creative project for kids!

Ship efficiently

This holiday season, you may be relying on shipping to get your gifts to loved ones far and wide. Now more than ever, it’s important to streamline your packaging and shipping efforts.

Rachel Rosenthal, founder of the professional organizing firm Rachel and Company, draws from her 13 years of experience helping more than 3,000 clients to offer tips for staying on top of your gifting process this year:

  • Streamline with a shipping station. Finding a home for all your supplies is key to feeling organized ahead of the holiday madness. I recently transformed a former crafting cart into an at-home shipping station. The first supply I stocked my cart with is the Scotch Flex & Seal Shipping Roll. It’s an all-in-one shipping solution that saves up to 50% on time, supplies and space compared to boxes. All you need is the roll and a pair of scissors so your cart won’t get cluttered. For a great shipping station cart, look for one that has a flat surface on top where you can package up your items.
  • Skip the line. Let’s be real, no one likes spending more time at the post office than they have to. Package and label your items ahead of time so you can simply drop and go. After purchasing all my holiday gifts, I designate time to printing all of my shipping labels and sticking them to my packages. That way, I can simply drop them off and be on my way!
  • Don’t delay. Don’t let packages pile up around the house. We all know that one relative who sends gifts after the holidays. Designate an area near your front door so you’ll remember to ship them out when you leave the house to run other errands — and make sure to add final shipping dates to your digital calendar so you’ll remember your deadlines!

With a little creativity, planning and organization this year — along with the right tools for the job — you can make gift-giving easier and more beautiful than ever.


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Find your power with an e-bike [Infographic]

2020-12-03T15:01:00

(BPT) – Ever dreamed of buzzing around town on your bicycle, taking seamless detours through the park, ditching your car or public transportation as a way to get to work, or running errands while getting a little exercise? What about that huge hill that seems to go on forever? What if you don’t have time to shower when you get to the office? An e-bike could be the answer. Buzz E-Bikes help you bike further and faster than ever before with a boost of power when you need it. To learn more, find your power and start buzzing through life, visit www.buzzbicycles.com.


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Pain doesn’t discriminate: Study finds young people experience pain as frequently as older people

2020-12-03T09:15:01

(BPT) – A sore back. That stiff joint. Another headache. With so much time being spent at home, you’re probably noticing more of your daily aches and pains. Many people tend to envision pain only impacting older people, and while everyone’s pain is unique, you might be surprised to learn that pain impacts younger generations just as much as older people.

Snapshot of pain across America

The vast majority (95%) of U.S. adults ages 25 to 65 report feeling “everyday” aches and pains, according to a survey conducted by Advil Dual Action, in partnership with Wakefield Research. Nearly three-quarters (72%) experience these pains once a week or more.

What’s interesting is that younger people report experiencing just as much pain as older generations. In fact, Advil found that one-third (34%) of young adults report experiencing pain every day, nearly equal to that of Gen Xers (36%) and Boomers (35%).

Acute pain and younger generations

With younger people trying to find new ways to keep active while staying at home more often, awareness of acute pain may be heightened. This unprecedented year has left many exercising in less-than-ideal conditions, and makeshift home gym setups could lead to bothersome aches and pains, leaving many desperate for relief.

What is acute pain exactly? Acute pain can happen anywhere in the body and feel like a number of sensations, including aching, nagging, burning, stabbing and nauseating. The impact of acute pain goes beyond the physical. Advil’s research shows that younger people are giving up the things they love due to pain, such as sports, hobbies and even work.

If you are experiencing acute pain, consider a proactive approach you can manage at home to help find relief. Here are three simple things to try:

1. Explore new innovations in OTC medicine

When experiencing aches and pains, many Americans turn to two of the most common pain-fighting ingredients: ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ibuprofen works throughout the body, targeting pain at the source, while acetaminophen blocks pain signals to the brain. While previously, people would have to choose between the two ingredients, Advil now offers a combination that combats pain in a truly unique way. Advil Dual Action is the first and only FDA-approved combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen and the biggest innovation in the U.S. over-the-counter oral pain relief category in 25 years. It offers the benefits of both ingredients at once to provide up to eight hours of multi-symptom pain relief. Plus, it contains lower total daily doses of medication than ibuprofen or acetaminophen taken individually. Advil Dual Action is available over-the-counter (OTC) nationwide.

2. Try hot and cold therapy

Another method for relieving aches and pains is hot and cold therapy. Applying heat to painful joints or muscles can help soothe aches and soreness by increasing blood flow. For example, for stiffness or tension, use a heating pad for 15 minutes on the affected area. Alternatively, a cold compress can slow blood flow, helping to reduce swelling and pain. This is often used as a temporary treatment for pain associated with an injury, such as an ankle sprain. For example, cold therapy can be used on a sore joint by applying a cool gel pack for 10-minute increments at a time, helping you feel better while the body heals.

3. Prioritize stretching and exercise

Many people who experience pain find that they are less likely to engage in physical exercise, for fear that it will exacerbate their pain. To compound the negative, the global pandemic has made it more difficult to get out and exercise. Routines have changed and reduction in movement can lead to additional acute pain. That’s why it’s important to find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. This can be as simple as doing gentle stretches each day for 10 minutes when you wake up or taking a walk around the neighborhood at lunch. Movement can help increase blood flow, reduce stiffness and strengthen the body, which can support short and long-term relief.

While acute pain may be common among younger people, it doesn’t have to be a fact of life. These simple steps can help anyone feel better and live life fully.


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5 Beautiful and Meaningful Gifts You Can Design Personally for Your Loved Ones

2020-12-03T10:01:00

(BPT) – The 2020 holiday season will look like nothing we have ever seen before. Family gatherings will be small, parties will move online, and we’ll social distance on New Year’s Eve. People haven’t given up on celebrating, though, and are looking for meaningful and creative gift ideas that allow them to give that personal touch. According to a recent survey by NerdWallet and The Harris Poll, 79 percent of Americans are still planning on exchanging gifts for the holidays.

Since March, FedEx Office has been helping customers navigate the challenges brought on by COVID-19, and the holiday season is no different. A wide array of print products is available this holiday season that will make celebrating from afar a little more personal. With the design tool on fedex.com, customers can customize gifts and bring the holiday spirit to life even if they can’t be physically with their loved ones this year.

That design tool, developed in collaboration with online design platform Canva, empowers customers to create beautiful designs with its easy drag and drop interface. With access to thousands of images, illustrations and templates, your design choices are endless.

To help you get started, FedEx Office has shared five creative and beautiful ways to design the perfect gift this season.

1. Holiday cards

Since in-person gatherings are going to be limited, why not make your holiday cards better than ever? They’re the classic way to send a personal message of love and good cheer. Folded cards can be printed with personal photos, or you can choose from a dazzling array of graphic designs.

2. Calendars

Keep the smiles coming with a gifted custom calendar! Every month can feature a different photo, and a different reminder that you’re thinking of your loved ones. It’s a present that keeps on giving, long after the holidays have wrapped.

3. Photo books

For the ultimate keepsake, nothing beats a one-of-a-kind photo book. You can choose everything yourself and surprise someone or make the photo selection process part of the gift. Enjoy the magic of reliving dearly held memories.

4. Mounted posters

Mounted posters are as durable as they are good-looking, making them a great choice for fun presents and festive decoration. Upload your photos and watch your loved ones unwrap a smile when they see this gift for the first time.

5. Canvas prints

Canvas prints are the perfect choice for heartfelt décor and gifts. The wrapped edges give your photos an elegant finish, while the canvas provides charming texture. In light of social distancing, there’s something extra special about adding new photos of friends and family to the wall this year.

Use our promo code by December 10 to save.

These holidays are sure to be truly unique, just as the past 10 months have already been. Fortunately, there’s nothing like a thoughtful gift and a caring message for bringing people joy. Right now, FedEx Office is offering a 25% discount on select holiday cards, wall calendars and photo book print orders, before taxes. Get started designing the perfect present today!


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How to find a retirement community that’s right for you

2020-12-03T13:01:01

(BPT) – Former California residents Jim and Donna Dickie decided to move across the country to retire in Rome, Georgia, for a whole host of reasons. What they learned when they researched their new home could help you or your loved ones make the crucial decision about where to live next.

If you imagine retirement locations, Georgia may not be the first state that springs to mind. But lately, seniors are finding increasing benefits to moving to a retirement community outside the typical list of retiree states. So no matter where you currently live, the amenities for seniors found in a town like Rome, Georgia, may tempt you to consider moving.

Here’s what you should look for when choosing your retirement community.

Location, location, location

Why would someone move all the way from sunny California to retire in Georgia? The Dickies found that they liked the town of Rome right away, with its small neighborhood feel, but still offering plenty of arts and culture. It was also close to major cities and airports, so transportation was not an issue. Rome has a temperate climate, but still has changing seasons, which they liked.

“I’m from the East Coast, and Jim is a native Californian,” said Donna Dickie. “He can’t get over how friendly the people are here, the southern way of politeness. We also appreciate that there is no smoking in Rome, and no pollution.”

The Dickies found that many other communities they considered were in the middle of cities, but their top choice — The Spires at Berry College in Rome — was not. “We didn’t see any sign of urban sprawl at all,” observed Jim. “But everything in downtown Rome is 15 minutes away. And there are bigger cities nearby.”

Once they took a tour of the 27,000-acre campus of Berry College, the Dickies found the decision very easy. “Rome is so charming,” said Donna. “And once we saw the floor plans, it kept getting better and better.”

The benefits of a CCRC

Like the Dickies, you might be considering a move for retirement simply because you no longer want the responsibility of maintaining a home. You and your spouse may or may not have health issues that cause you concern right now.

But realistically, your healthcare needs could change in the future. That’s one very good reason to look for a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), or what is also called a Life Plan Community, that provides suitable accommodations no matter where in the healthcare continuum you are or what your future needs become. At The Spires, options include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing and Rehab plus Memory Care.

Outstanding, accessible healthcare

While it’s important to find a CCRC that provides high-quality healthcare in-house, it is also vital for the community to be near top-notch medical facilities, just in case. The Dickies were reassured to learn that their new retirement community was located not far from Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Medical Center.

Financial benefits

When the Dickies first began their search for a retirement community, they realized there was a huge difference both in terms of living expenses and taxes when they compared their home state of California with other states. It turned out that Georgia was very tax-friendly for seniors.

“The taxes in California were ridiculous,” said Jim Dickie. “After doing the research, we realized there’s nothing out there that compares to The Spires unless you want to spend double the amount. In California, near where we lived, there is a beautiful CCRC, but it costs a million dollars to move in — and the view is an eight-lane freeway.”

Do your research

The Dickies kept track of all the information they collected on CCRCs from around the country.

“Once you start researching, you start getting lots of emails and invitations from all different communities,” the Dickies said. “We kept folders on all the places that we looked at and made financial comparisons. That helped us get the best bang for our buck with our choice. The Spires is a hidden secret — it cannot be beat.”

To learn more about the possibilities for your retirement, visit RetireAtBerry.com or call 706-784-7442.


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6 refrigeration trends that will make your life easier

2020-12-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house — especially now, when we’re all at home more than ever. And while we’re cooking more meals in and stocking up on necessities, having the right features and appliances can help make our lives in the kitchen easier when we all need it most.

Whether you’re looking to improve capacity for storing essentials, or you simply want the most useful kitchen innovations, these are the top refrigeration trends to keep an eye on as we head into the holiday season and beyond:

1. Fast, freshly filtered ice

Have you been reaching for more ice water while at home? You’re not alone. A recent survey revealed that 50% of Americans consider themselves “ice obsessed,” with 53% realizing the need for better ice production at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and the same percentage saying no ice available means they simply drink less water. The survey also found that the average American consumes up to 116 glasses of ice per month or nearly 36 pounds!

Always looking for ways to simplify life for consumers, the new QuickIcePro System refrigerator from Bosch is one of the fastest refrigerator ice makers in the industry, producing several pounds of freshly filtered ice a day at a rapid rate — which means you won’t be running out anytime soon.

2. Fresh-food storage

If you’re staying home, cooking more and making fewer trips to the store, you need extra storage and features that will keep your food fresher longer. Refrigerators have come a long way in helping you maintain optimal freshness, especially when it comes to fresh produce. Look for options that offer precise temperature and humidity control, like the Bosch FarmFresh System, to take your food preservation to the next level and minimize waste. This advanced system uses four technologies to circulate cool air, filter out unwanted odors and ethylene gas, as well as remove the guesswork in storing items at the ideal environment.

3. Energy-efficient technology

Technology can also help you save energy and money at the same time. For example, refrigerators with automatic freezing functions return to normal operation after reaching the required freezing temperature to save energy. As a result, frozen food keeps its flavor, even when new food is being added.

And if you’ve ever accidently left your fridge or freezer open, you know it can be a costly mistake. Some refrigerators can help you avoid those high energy bills and spoiled food by sending a notification directly to your smartphone if a door has been left open.

4. Smart refrigerators

If you’ve ever been at the grocery store without a list, it’s likely you wished for a crystal ball to see inside your fridge. Connected appliances help make that wish come true with remote monitoring and diagnostics, fridge and pantry management, and quick-cooling capabilities that get your fridge ready for new items when you’re on your way back from the grocery store.

5. Two-in-one appliances

Refrigeration isn’t only about keeping your food fresh. Storing beverages at the right temperature is just as important. In fact, 56% of Americans agree that having a drink at the wrong temperature has the potential to make their day less enjoyable.

The new Bosch Refreshment Center refrigerator offers pre-programmed settings to take the guesswork out of achieving the optimal temperature for the beverages of your choice at the touch of a button — from red or white wine to beer, soda or other drinks. Plus, its industry-first, glass-front beverage drawer puts beverages in view and within reach in your kitchen, eliminating the need for a second appliance dedicated to drink storage elsewhere in your home.

6. Easy organization

Having a large fridge and freezer makes it easier to store more, but without organization, food can become lost or buried and go to waste. To make it easier, the new Bosch French door bottom mount refrigeration collection features organizational solutions like a FlexBar, split glass shelving and three-tiered freezer system to make it easier to keep all your ingredients organized, in view and within reach.

Now more than ever, the kitchen has become a place that brings everyone together. Turn yours into the focal point of your home with these refrigeration trends for a happier and more efficient space.


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5 tips on dating successfully during a pandemic

2020-12-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whatever your dating life was like before the pandemic, it’s most likely changed due to the circumstances at hand. Thankfully, many online dating platforms are rising to the occasion, providing secure and safe ways for people to connect. In turn, singles everywhere are getting creative, figuring out how to learn more about each other before meeting in person.

For example, Bumble, the women-first social networking app, offers the millions of people on its platform the opportunity to video chat or voice call potential dates. Even as pandemic lockdowns first began nationwide, Bumble saw video calls on their platform increase nearly 70% just from mid-March to early May.

Here are some tips for mastering the art of virtual dating and navigating in-person dating first steps.

1. Switch up your means of communication

Doing one video call after another is exhausting. Break up how you regularly interact with potential dates. Suggest a voice call one day, video chat another day, or stick to texting during the week. You can also spare your thumbs the trouble and leave an audio message, which is available on various messaging services and platforms, including Bumble.

2. Don’t treat virtual dates like job interviews

While it’s common to ask questions about your date’s life, there are ways you can interact without making it seem like a job interview. If there’s ever been a time to get creative with date ideas, it’s now.

Hop on a video chat, throw on your chef’s hat, cook the same meal from home, and compare the results for some friendly competition. Feeling lazy? Order takeout from the same restaurant.

You can also offer a virtual tour of your place and ask to see theirs — or for less pressure, have them show you their view out the window, or ask them to introduce you to their dog or cat.

3. Set time limits

If you have several hours on your hands, trying to fill the void with conversation can be daunting — and awkward. Instead, set expectations and boundaries by saying, “I only have a half-hour to chat today” (with no excuse required). Once the time is up, you can politely excuse yourself.

Not only does this give you an escape hatch if things aren’t going well, but it also gives you a break — and a chance to mull things over before you divulge every secret you’ve had since 6th grade if things are going great.

4. Have “the COVID talk”

At some point, especially if you want to meet in person, it’s necessary to discuss your level of comfort with social distancing. To avoid making the other person feel defensive, put it in terms of your lifestyle. Explain what health precautions you take, such as mask-wearing and avoiding crowds.

Everyone is going to have a different comfort zone. You don’t need to apologize – you just need to be a good communicator! Make sure you’re on the same page as your date before deciding to meet in-real-life.

5. Plan a socially distant first date (or two, or more)

If you’ve ever seen a Jane Austen adaptation, you know that dating in the 19th century was all about taking walks. It seems like a good time to revive that fad!

Too cold for a walk? Maybe you can go ice skating or skiing. If you’d prefer to connect over a conversation during a more low-key date, bundle up or meet at a semi-sheltered location like an outdoor market. Just keep your distance from crowds — and keep that mask on!

At the end of the day, don’t take dating too seriously! Dating is a form of exploration — it’s supposed to be something that adds to your life. Take a break if you need it. And when you get back to swiping, you’ll be able to bring a more confident self to the table.

For more data-driven tips, expert advice and resources to help guide your dating journey in 2021, check out Bumble’s Dating 101 in 2021, at Bumble.com/DatingGuide.


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5 ways to keep healthy habits on track around the holidays

2020-12-03T11:59:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably gone through this before — in the midst of holiday festivities, you abandon the healthy habits you’ve been working on all year long. You tell yourself, “I’ll start eating healthy again on Jan. 1.” Meanwhile, you give in to temptation, shifting the burden to your next New Year’s resolutions.

The truth is, nutrition is important all year — even during the holidays. So even if you let yourself splurge a little, that doesn’t mean you have to throw all your best habits away until the new year begins.

“The hectic nature of the holiday season may be a tough time for many to maintain their healthy lifestyle, but it’s important not to write off your healthy lifestyle goals,” said Dr. Kent Bradley, chief health and nutrition officer at Herbalife Nutrition.

In an annual survey by Herbalife Nutrition, over half (56%) of the respondents revealed that they plan on using the holidays as an excuse to postpone healthy choices — assuming they would start fresh in January. That number was up 15% from last year, showing that the added stress of 2020 may be having an impact. In fact, 49% of the global respondents said they believed they deserved more holiday treats this year because of the pandemic.

How bad can holiday overeating get? Here’s what American respondents admitted they’ve done during the holidays:

  • 45% ate so much they’ve had to undo a pants button or loosen a belt
  • 43% ate more than one dessert at a meal
  • 35% ate more than three meals in one day
  • 30% have eaten until they felt sick or full to bursting

If you don’t want to join those statistics, follow Dr. Bradley’s tips for sticking to your healthier habits throughout the holidays — and beyond.

1. Remember why you established health goals

Are you trying to achieve your ideal weight, be more active or just want to take better care of yourself? Perhaps you have a specific health risk that you are working to reduce. Write the top reasons you want to stay healthy and post them where you can see them every day.

2. Snack on high-quality, nutritious foods

“One way to beat temptation is to eat healthy snacks that are high in protein, curbing the desire to eat,” said Dr. Bradley. Keep foods like raw nuts and seeds, hard-boiled eggs, lean meat and low-fat cheeses available for snacking. Snacking on your high-protein foods a little before a big meal can prevent you from over-indulging.

3. Choose colorful, balanced meals

When choosing foods at the family meal, select colorful veggies and fruits to supplement your protein, and strive for a balance of protein, veggies and grains or pasta on your plate.

4. Watch portion sizes

It’s so easy to overeat when all the food looks delicious! If you want to taste several dishes, limit yourself to a spoonful of each item so you don’t end up overstuffing. If you can, use a smaller plate so you’re not tempted to pile on. Sip water between bites to slow down and give yourself time to feel full.

5. Limit “splurge” days

If you want to treat yourself, remember to limit the treat to one occasion. For one special event, allow yourself a treat — but get back to your healthy habits the next morning.

According to the survey, of those Americans postponing healthy habits, 4 in 10 already started letting themselves fall off the healthy wagon in mid-November, and 62% of them said they’re adopting a “New Year, new me” attitude — counting on New Year’s resolutions to get them back on track.

Resolutions are a great way to kick off the year on a positive note, but make sure you set achievable goals. “Small and steady changes to your diet and fitness routine are more sustainable,” said Dr. Bradley, “and having a community to encourage and celebrate your success with you, even if virtually, can make a huge difference.”

Top resolutions were found to be exercising more (26%), making healthier food decisions (25%) and focusing on self-care (21%).

Want more nutrition advice? Visit IamHerbalifeNutrition.com.


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5 festive ways to enjoy the holidays with your pet

2020-12-03T10:01:00

(BPT) – Pets have always been a part of the family, but now more than ever they have a special role in your life, filling in for far-away friends and family, becoming coworkers, rounding out at-home weekend plans and even serving as workout buddies. Because of all they do to make you feel loved and supported, the holidays are a time to make them feel extra special.

Dr. Annie Valuska, senior pet behavior expert at Purina, and Jonathan Van Ness, pet parent and self-care guru, have partnered to develop some incredible ideas to help you create an amazing holiday for your cat or dog:

Make moments to relax and de-stress

Some parts of the holidays can be stressful for pets (think decorating and baking extravaganzas). Remember, chewing can relieve mild anxiety or frustration for dogs. So first, give your best friend a Purina Busy Bone. Next, try reading to him because there are benefits to dogs when you read together! One book to consider is “Peanut Goes for the Gold,” which is Jonathan’s upbeat and hilarious children’s book inspired by his own childhood guinea pig.

Encourage one-on-one time

You may be spending more time with your pets, but days can flow together into a bland routine. So break up the monotony and encourage special moments with your pets. For example, get some Fancy Feast Savory Cravings to treat your kitty with tasty breakable pieces while you get her holiday-ready with festive pet accessories, such as a sparkly red collar. Take a few selfies and give extra scratches and back rubs as you make merry memories together.

Play a stimulating doggie brain game

Keep dogs mentally engaged with a brain game such as Hide the Treat that allows them to use their problem-solving skills with their nose taking the lead! Dogs love the bacony smell of Beggin dog treats, so hide a strip in a place that’s difficult but not impossible to access and leave a trail of scent by rubbing it on a few spots on the ground along the way. Your super-sleuth pooch is sure to enjoy the prize when he figures out this mystery.

Engage feline curiosity with cat puzzles

Create a DIY puzzle feeder using empty wrapping paper tubes that easily transform into a stimulating game for your cat with a tasty prize at the end. Make a few and hide some Friskies Party Mix in the center to engage the natural curiosity of cats by letting them hunt for their treats. If you don’t have wrapping paper tubes you can use clean, empty rolls from paper towels or toilet paper, too.

Break up lounge days with physical activity

Lazy winter days are great for curling up, but your pup needs some physical activity to stay healthy, even if it’s indoors and out of the cold. For the ultimate mental and physical stimulation, try agility training. Set up an obstacle course with objects from around the house, like boxes for him to jump over, cones to weave between and a hula hoop for leaping. Break up a Beggin Strip into small pieces to reward your dog while you teach him the activity and then again when he masters the concept.

To learn more about these holiday tips from Purina and Van Ness, visit Target.com/PurinaSeasonsTreatings.


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A Closer Look at the Impact of COVID-19 on Hispanic and Latino Communities

2020-12-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Pfizer.

Developing a vaccine that could decrease rates of infection, disease and death worldwide is a critical part of addressing the COVID-19 global health crisis. Equally important is helping ensure vaccines reach the people and communities that are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Evidence continues to show that some racial and ethnic minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of COVID-19-associated deaths, found that while Hispanics or Latinos make up 18.5% of the U.S. population, they accounted for 24.2% of COVID-19-associated deaths from May to August 2020.1 Hispanics were the only racial and ethnic group among whom the overall percentage of COVID-19-associated deaths increased between May and August, growing from 16.3% in May to 26.4% in August.1

According to the CDC, one reason for the increased risk for Hispanics or Latinos is social determinants of health.1 Social determinants of health are conditions in the places where people live, learn, work and play that affect a wide range of health risks and outcomes.

For example, many Hispanics or Latinos work in frontline jobs in grocery stores, waste management, cleaning and sanitation services, and food delivery, putting them at constant exposure to people or materials that may be infected with COVID-19.2 Hispanics or Latinos are also the largest population segment without health insurance coverage in the United States, leaving those with symptoms or with a positive COVID-19 test with limited access to needed health care.2 Housing is also a contributing factor, as 25% of Hispanics or Latinos live in multigenerational households (compared with only 15% of non-Hispanic white people), which may make it challenging to take precautions to protect older family members or to isolate those who are sick if space in the household is limited.2

“We know that Hispanics or Latinos are among those who have seen higher rates of COVID-19, more severe COVID-19 illnesses, hospitalizations and increased mortality,” notes Dr. Alejandra Gurtman, Vice President of Vaccine Clinical Research and Development at Pfizer. “As a native of Argentina, I am proud to be a part of such important work including research to help combat COVID-19, because when I think about the importance of delivering a vaccine to fight COVID-19, I think about my family and my community — this is personal for me.”

PP-CVV-USA-0043 © 2020 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. November 2020

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1 Gold JA, Rossen LM, Ahmad FB, et al. Race, Ethnicity, and Age Trends in Persons Who Died from COVID-19 — United States, May–August 2020. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2020;69:1517–1521. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6942e1

2 Calo WA, Murray A, Francis E, Bermudez M, Kraschnewski J. Reaching the Hispanic Community About COVID-19 Through Existing Chronic Disease Prevention Programs. Prev Chronic Dis. 2020;17:200165. doi:10.5888/pcd17.200165