Month: October 2021

2021-10-22T16:01:01

(BPT) – With the harvest of the 2021 crop, American Pistachio Growers has set the details of a virtual harvest tour and a live chef cook-along to showcase pistachios as a versatile, nutritious and healthy ingredient. This unique “farm-to-fork” event, which debuted in 2020, returns on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 with this year’s featured farmer, Dominic Pitigliano, and world-renowned chef, Daniel Boulud, in a live event via Zoom.

The event is open to anyone with an interest in seeing the pistachio harvest and how American-grown pistachios are not just a snack. The event begins at 4 p.m. PST, 7 p.m. EST, with host Billy Harris welcoming participants. Pitigliano will share his insights and excitement about the 2021 pistachio harvest and then Chef Boulud will lead participants in a live cooking segment from New York City, featuring American-grown pistachios in sweet and savory dishes. The event is an opportunity for people to cook along with Chef Boulud live from their home kitchens.

“Our harvest is the pinnacle of all the hard work and immense challenges we have faced this year,” said Pitigliano, who represents the fourth generation of farmers in his family. “Like other California pistachio growers, we have contended with the state’s prolonged drought, but we are proud of the quality of the 2021 crop and excited about the prospects of delivering to our consumers a food that is incredibly healthy and nutritious.”

Pitigliano Farms is headquartered in Tipton, in the heart of California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley, where the lion’s share of the nation’s pistachios are grown. Dominic farms with his two brothers, Michael and Josh, and his parents, Charlie Pitigliano, Jr. and Nancy. The Pitigliano family’s approach to farming pistachios speaks to their enduring passion for the land and the bounty it provides: “plant for the grandchildren to enjoy.”

Wearing the toque as this year’s featured chef is Daniel Boulud. Chef Boulud, a native of Lyon, France, is considered one of America’s leading culinary authorities and one of the most revered chefs in New York City, his home since 1982. Best known for his flagship restaurant, DANIEL, on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, he has continually evolved his cuisine and expanded across the United States, as well as Toronto, Montreal, The Bahamas, Singapore and Dubai. Chef Boulud and his restaurants have received numerous prestigious awards for culinary excellence.

Participants who register at AmericanPistachios.org will receive recipes in advance of the live event so they can shop for all of the ingredients that Boulud will use in the cooking segment. They will join Chef Boulud in a live cook-along as he guides participants in creating a savory and sweet dish, showcasing the unique texture, taste and versatility of pistachios. The event is tailor-made for home chefs of all skill levels who want to try their hand at French cooking or just want to have fun creating great-tasting food. Join this no-charge event as an individual or invite family or friends for a fun, exciting culinary party with a world-renowned chef as your host.

“From the pistachio-crusted lamb chops to the delicious French toast with berry Chantilly, pistachios are versatile in both savory and sweet dishes, said Chef Boulud. “I am excited to feature tasty and fragrant California pistachios in this year’s cook-along segment, and to inspire attendees with the many flavors and textures they bring to a dish.”

Pistachios rank as the fifth leading commodity in California with a value of $2.62 billion. They also rank as the state’s number-two leading export crop. Pistachios are also grown in Arizona and New Mexico. A 2020 economic study of the U.S. pistachio industry underscored the growing importance of the crop to economies of the three states. California growers and processors created $5.2 billion in economic output and more than 47,200 jobs in 2020, according to the study.

“Just as impressive as the economic data are the growing reams of science-based research that show the power of pistachios to fuel healthy, active lifestyles,” said Judy Hirigoyen, American Pistachio Growers vice president of global marketing. “Pistachios are a complete protein and packed with vitamins and minerals. Pistachios are also vital to boost our immune systems.”

Hirigoyen urges foodies who want to join the virtual harvest and live cook-along segment to register at AmericanPistachios.org. Space is strictly limited.

American Pistachio Growers is a non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona and New Mexico.

2021-10-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world as we know it, access to the internet became a necessity for work, school, health care and everyday life. According to a recent Pew Research Center report, 90% of Americans say the internet has been essential or important to them personally during the coronavirus outbreak.

As a result, governments and companies stepped up their efforts to bring reliable, affordable internet access to homes. The Emergency Broadband Benefit was introduced in December 2020 offering low-income households discounted broadband service and devices. Broadband companies like Comcast have prioritized digital equity in the past 10 years by bringing 10 million people online. Last month the company launched a comprehensive digital equity initiative, Project UP backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people in the next 10 years. And as internet adoption and access among consumers increases, so must cyber safety.

Each new user connected to the internet is a potential target for cybercriminals. This makes vigilance online an even greater priority as progress is made toward closing the digital divide. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a good time to focus on how to be cyber savvy and secure the technology people use every day. With the Biden administration designating this year’s theme — “Do Your Part. Be Cyber Smart.” — Comcast offers tips that digital consumers at every age and stage can use to keep their private information secure.

Secure Your Home Network

Talk to neighbors to learn what internet service provider (ISP) works best for them and do research on reliability, speed and security. A quality ISP will offer customer support for setting up a home network along with the following recommendations.

• Set a strong username for your WiFi home network and any device that connects to it. Do not keep your network or devices on the default settings and avoid using identifiable passwords like your name or address.
• Take advantage of an ISP’s security features if renting gateway equipment. Comcast’s Xfinity xFi gateway offers Advance Security for an additional layer of protection to your home network. These internet security features go a long way in locking the windows and doors in the virtual neighborhood.
• Use the highest level of WiFi encryption, WPA3, if using a personal router. Search for “Security Settings” or “WPA3 Encryption” along with the router model number to get started. It takes a few extra steps but is one of the most important ways to keep a home network secure.

Protect Every Mobile Device

Smartphones are like handheld computers that go everywhere. Like computers, today’s cellphones hold a lot of personal and financial information that can be valuable to cybercriminals.

• Enable auto-lock on every mobile device for added protection if lost or stolen.
• Research apps before downloading to avoid risk. Avoid risky apps by only downloading from official app stores. Deny unnecessary requests to access the phone’s data, camera, microphone, contacts or locations.
• Update apps and operating systems (OS) to ensure devices have the latest security patches that protect against new and emerging cyber threats. Enable each device with “Auto Update” to establish constant protection.
• Be WiFi wise. When using public WiFi, limit activities as much as possible and avoid shopping online or accessing bank accounts. Disable WiFi “Auto-Connect” on smartphones to remain in control of networks accessed by the device. When not using Bluetooth for access to earphones or other sources, toggle it off.

Share Best Practices

When hackers succeed, it’s often because they targeted unsuspecting users. Threats evolve over time, so make it a regular practice to remind family members of good online hygiene and how to avoid risky behaviors.

• Think, then click links. Phishing emails and texts are a favorite of cybercriminals. Designed to lure people in, they look authentic and are usually disguised as coming from a trusted person or company. It is reported that 50 percent of people who open phishing emails also click on the links, allowing illegal access to private data.
• Be social media security savvy. Use security and privacy settings and check them regularly. Share information only with people you know. Don’t overshare by posting personal, sensitive or confidential information. Be sure to keep birthdate, current address or location private — including not posting vacation pictures while away from home.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) especially for sensitive things like online banking, email or social media. MFA helps the website being visited know that the individual accessing the site is authentic. This can be done by asking users for additional identity verification, such as scanning a fingerprint or entering a code received by phone.
• Shop securely. When shopping online, submit payment information only on websites starting with https:// (the “s” stands for “secure”). When shopping on a mobile device, use only trusted apps.

From working at home and studying remotely, to streaming the latest Hollywood blockbuster, connected homes and devices are changing the way we live, work and play. The 2020 Xfinity Cyber Health Report offers additional security tips for keeping cyber criminals at bay while living in today’s ever-connected digital world.

2021-10-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – In this new era of hospitality, technology is driving customer retention, automation and efficient food costing, which have all become key to profitability. The pandemic forced restaurants to adapt to not only a new, leaner business model but new consumer behavior as well. With customers opting for alternatives to dine-in, restaurants adapted to build solutions to offer takeout, delivery and curbside pickup options. Meanwhile, restaurants are struggling with staffing challenges, government mandates and dynamic reopening in different regions.

In a recent Lightspeed and OnePoll survey of Global hospitality merchants, 90% feel that technology has helped their business survive the last two years, and 92% feel their business is more efficient today than it was one year ago. Peter Dougherty, GM, Lightspeed Hospitality, offers three ways tech is reshaping the hospitality industry:

1) Once seen as a job killer, automation will save an understaffed industry.

In a recent JobList survey of 13,000 hospitality employees, nearly half said they had left their job for good, and a third said they were done with the industry. This aligns with Lightspeed’s U.S. research which shows 55% of operators struggling to retain staff.

Amid this shortage, restaurant operators and customers are seeing the value in automation technology. This means saving time by automating functions like taking orders or processing inventory with a solution like Lightspeed Restaurant. Lightspeed found that 67% of hospitality merchants in the U.S. see more automation as the best way to combat employee turnover, 50% plan to utilize some form of automation technology within the next two to three years, and another 50% also see a future with more flexibility for hospitality employees.

2) Guests’ behavior drives technology, but also staff shortages.

The guests are back: 77% of U.S. consumers in Lightspeed’s poll are dining out at least once a month or more, with 40% dining out more than two to four times a week, and 30% saying they are dining out more than they were before COVID, taking advantage of what they’ve missed.

QR codes, once seen as outdated tech, were one of the big winners of distanced dining. And with restaurants and bars more short-staffed than ever, guests are suddenly more comfortable ordering through a QR code while a smaller floor staff maintain a level of guest service. When it comes to U.S. consumers dining out, ordering through a QR code (21%) or contactless payments (31%) made them feel “safer.”

But this rabid return has had its consequences: 62% of hospitality professionals in the U.S. report that guests have been more demanding, and 40% said they were tipping worse. 48% of U.S. merchants say “more patience and empathy” from guests would help them retain staff.

3) Technology helps merchants diversify their business.

The pandemic forced a tremendous amount of change in the hospitality industry, with 90% of U.S. merchants surveyed noting they feel that technology has helped their business survive the last two years.

When asked what technology had the biggest positive impact on their business, nearly half of merchants (47%) noted online ordering; a habit once relegated to urban millennials that became a necessity during COVID-19. Lightspeed’s survey found that 37% of U.S. merchants have brought their online ordering technology in-house to avoid third-party fees, and 60% say guests are still ordering more takeout than before COVID.

Looking ahead to the future, 78% of the merchants surveyed see online ordering technology vastly improving in the next two to three years, which will likely be a time of consolidation and automation for the industry, as stand-alone players will struggle to compete with larger integrated solutions.

2021-10-22T12:09:00

(BPT) – Americans are eating and drinking too much added sugar, which can contribute to a variety of chronic diseases like obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. According to the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines for Americans, people 2 years and over should have no more than 10% of total daily calories from added sugar. That means that on an average American 2,000 calorie diet, no more than 200 calories (or 12 teaspoons) should come from added sugar. In order to live healthier lives, Americans need to find ways to reduce the consumption of added sugar.

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, is a Wall Street Journal best-selling cookbook author, spokesperson, speaker and recipe developer who believes that healthy and wholesome can also be appetizing and delicious. Amidor weighed in on the topic of sugar and provided her thoughts on how people can reduce sugar intake and still enjoy their favorite foods.

Q: What is the difference between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar?

A: The two types of sugar consumed in the diet are natural and added. Natural sugars are naturally found in food like fruit or milk. Added sugars, however, are found in sugars and syrups that have been introduced into the food during preparation or processing. The biggest difference between the two is that added sugar in processed foods tends to add calories while providing little to no beneficial nutrients. Natural sugars, however, are naturally occurring in foods that are packed with nutrients. Erythritol, a natural sweetener used to create Swerve, is made from ingredients found in select fruits and starchy root vegetables, and contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives or flavors. Swerve has zero calories and is low-glycemic, so it is safe for people living with diabetes. Further, gastrointestinal troubles are rare with erythritol because it has the highest digestive tolerance out of all the sugar alcohols. Studies have shown that you can consume up to 80 grams per day without digestive issues.

Q: What are some tips for reducing added sugar?

A: According to the 2020-2025 dietary guidelines for Americans, the top five sources of added sugar in the diet of Americans ages 1 and older are sugar-sweetened beverages (24%), desserts and sweet snacks (19%), coffee and tea (11%), candy and sugar (9%), and breakfast cereal and bars (7%). However, it is still important for Americans to enjoy their everyday favorite foods. So how can Americans enjoy their everyday favorite foods while decreasing added sugar? There are simple hacks that can be followed to help decrease the amount of added sugar in the diet. One of these hacks is to use sugar substitutes such as erythritol. Below are five easy ways to reduce sugar in foods people consume regularly:

1) Instead of adding sugar to your morning pancake or waffle batter, swap it for a zero added sugar pancake and waffle mix.

2) Instead of adding granular sugar to coffee and tea, swap it for the same amount of zero-calorie natural sweetener. I love adding Brown Swerve to my morning cup.

3) Instead of adding honey or maple syrup to your smoothie, swap it for one to two pitted dates.

4) Instead of 1 cup of brown sugar, use 1 cup of Brown Swerve in cookies, brownies and cupcakes.

5) Instead of choosing a sugary breakfast cereal, swap it for a lower sugar cereal and top with fresh fruit like strawberries or dried fruit like raisins.

These simple shifts in the diet to reduce added sugar are sustainable long-term and can help create lifelong healthy habits.

For more information on where to find Swerve near you, please visit their store locator or purchase on Amazon.

2021-10-22T15:31:01

(BPT) – With cooler weather here for many, it’s important to keep in mind that dropping temperatures and drier air can have an impact on your health, especially the health of your skin. People with eczema may experience additional irritation and flareups during the colder seasons. This can be particularly difficult for children, as the itchy red patches of skin can be bothersome, distracting and even embarrassing.

Eczema — also known as atopic dermatitis — impacts 31.6 million people in the U.S., or roughly one out of 10 people, according to the National Eczema Association. That number includes approximately 9.6 million U.S. children under the age of 18, with one-third having moderate to severe forms of the condition. And the prevalence of childhood atopic dermatitis has steadily increased over the past two decades.

“It can be so difficult to watch a child struggle with eczema if you’re a parent or caregiver,” said board certified pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin. “This complex condition is influenced by many factors, and therefore treating it can be quite challenging. Fortunately, there are several steps families can take during cold weather months to help kids with eczema look and feel their best.”

In honor of Eczema Awareness Month, Dr. Amin shares her top eczema care tips:

Avoid common triggers

Everyone is different, so pay attention to what may trigger your child’s eczema. Fragrances are a common irritant, so be mindful to use fragrance-free soap, shampoo, conditioner and laundry detergent. When washing clothes, you may need to add another rinse cycle to ensure detergents are completely washed away. Additionally, many people use seasonal scented hand soap which smells great but can irritate the hands, especially with the current higher levels of washing.

Wear soft, breathable clothing

As kids begin to layer on clothing to stave off the chill, they may be unknowingly worsening eczema symptoms. Synthetic fabrics or fabrics with textures are often the culprit of irritation. When possible, choose natural, breathable clothing, especially the layer that is closest to the skin. Cotton, silk and bamboo fabrics are good options. What’s more, remember to have kids wear gloves to protect their hands against cold air that can dry the skin and exacerbate eczema.

Relieve the itch

When your child experiences a flareup, it’s important to combat the dreaded itch-scratch cycle as quickly as possible. Reach for Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment, formulated with 1% hydrocortisone (anti-itch ointment) along with other soothing ingredients. “I always recommend Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment to my patients ages 2 and older,” said Dr. Amin. “It is the No. 1 pediatrician recommended brand for eczema, and the Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment is clinically proven to provide significant itch relief for up to 12 hours. It immediately soothes itchy spots to help skin heal. You can find it in either 1-ounce or 2-ounce sizing at your local Walmart or Walmart.com.”

Soothe and nourish skin

Cool, dry air can cause dry skin that triggers eczema. A short 5- to 10-minute warm bath (not hot!) can be soothing and even restorative to the skin. Your child may not even need to wash with soap every time if they aren’t dirty or smelly; just let skin soak up the H2O. Finish by gently patting water off the skin with a towel so it’s still a bit damp and apply a nourishing lotion or cream to lock in moisture.

Stay hydrated

In addition to keeping your child’s skin hydrated externally, remember to have them drink plenty of water so they are hydrated internally as well. This helps the body heal and supports organ health. Make sure kids of all ages have a water bottle filled and accessible throughout the day. To make it more fun, let them choose a style and design that reflects their own personality.

Cold weather and eczema flareups often go hand in hand, but a few proactive steps and mindful measures can help you treat the itch and prevent future irritation.

2021-10-22T14:17:01

(BPT) – For many, Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year. But the holiday shopping season seems to start earlier and earlier each year. Retailers are no longer waiting for traditional dates to offer their best deals and sales on must-have gifts. In fact, sales are already happening early in the fall for many major retailers.

Whether there’s a big-ticket item you have your eye on or you have a list of gifts to check off, here are some ways you can shop and spend smarter this year.

1. Plan ahead and start early

Make a list of the items you’re searching for or the gifts you need ahead of time and search for the best deals. Remember to start shopping early, as some deals might already be gone by the time Black Friday or Cyber Monday rolls around.

2. Use a buy-now-pay-later service

Many retailers offer services where you can pay a small amount down and pay off your items over time. For example, Zip, a buy-now-pay-later service, is hosting a four-day sale event starting October 21 to kick off the holiday season called Zip Fest. Zip Fest shoppers can benefit from flexible payments in the Zip App, online and in-store, getting all their holiday shopping done early, while splitting up purchases into four smaller payments over time. You can shop these deals in the Zip app or directly on retailer websites. Here are some Zip Fest sales to watch:

* Newegg: Spend $500, get 10% off exclusively with code ZPFEST from October 21–28, 2021

* Mercari: Spend $50, get $10 off when you check out with Zip from October 21–24, 2021

* TickPick: Get $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more with code ZIPFEST from October 21–24, 2021

* Alternative Airlines: Spend $200, get $50 off exclusively with code ZIPFEST from October 21–28, 2021

* Fanatics: Spend $150+, get $10 OFF exclusively with the code ZIPFEST10 from October 21–24, 2021

* Lids: Spend $100 or more and get $10 off exclusively with the code ZIPFEST2021 from October 21–24, 2021

3. Create a strategy

Instead of going store to store, use websites and apps to compare deals and get the best prices leading up to Black Friday. And even if you are shopping in a store, you can find apps that allow you to scan a barcode and compare prices, get discounts and find coupons.

4. Shop deals on essential items

Holiday sales aren’t only for gifts. Take advantage of price drops and stock up on items you use every day, such as your favorite shampoo and other household staples. This can help save you money on everyday expenses leading up to the holidays and throughout the year.

5. Take advantage of loyalty programs

Retailer loyalty programs often offer their members early access to discounts and promotions. Sign up for Black Friday shopping alerts from your favorite retailers to stay in the know.

6. Shop online and pick up in store

Holiday shipping times can be long and unreliable. Save money and time on shipping by ordering online ahead of time and picking up your purchases in store.

Creating a happy holiday for you and your gift recipients is all about being strategic and smart, making the most of technology, ferreting out the best deals before you buy, and tempering your upfront expense by using a buy-now-pay-later service, which offers sales and discounts as well as the ability to pay over time. Win-win! Follow these tips to get the most out of pre-Black Friday sales and score the best gifts for everyone on your list this year.

2021-10-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – While the majority of American students have returned to in-person learning, the shift to a more virtual way of life in schooling has changed for the foreseeable future with the increasing use and acceptance of virtual programming. More than ever, American adults, teens and kids alike are increasingly reliant on the internet and digital resources. Furthermore, the demand for quality online programming for youth has skyrocketed while internet and Wi-Fi access continues to be a challenge in underserved communities.

The shift from predominately in-person to a mix of virtual experiences has left some kids and teens struggling to access connections online, engage with their passions and discover new skills. Plus, many students are experiencing the “homework gap,” which is when kids lack a consistent home internet connection that is needed to finish schoolwork after school hours.

In fact, one-quarter of Black teens said they were at least sometimes unable to complete their homework due to a lack of digital access, according to a study by the Pew Research Center.

As Club youth continue to report challenges with virtual programming and connectivity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Comcast NBCUniversal have combined forces to deliver solutions and increase connectivity for kids and teens through MyFuture, a self-directed, digital platform that meets kids where they are in their digital lives and teaches a range of skills, from the most basic to the most advanced. Accessible inside and outside of Boys & Girls Clubs, the platform offers a robust curriculum that includes hundreds of activities in areas such as STEM, leadership, and the arts.

“MyFuture helped spark my interest in STEM,” shared Boys & Girls Clubs of Westminster Teen Club Member Tyler O. “Participating in the coding, robotics and game design programs gave me the tech know-how to succeed in extracurricular STEM activities. Now, I hope to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.”

As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology and incorporate it further into our lifestyles, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an expert in youth development, offers these insights for ensuring kids and teens have access to engaging virtual programs and experiences that help them stay academically on-track and enhance their overall growth.

Gain access to online learning

Boys & Girls Clubs and Comcast NBCUniversal are on a mission to address digital inequity. Comcast NBCUniversal is making sure youth across the country have free access to internet for academics and programming through Lift Zones – WiFi-connected areas in community centers and in more than 4,700 Boys & Girls Clubs, that help students get online and access the resources they need while participating in virtual learning.

Prioritize online safety and mental health

With a prevalence of social media use among kids and teens, the risk of cyberbullying can be worrisome to parents and dangerous for mental health. In the last year, more than one in six high school students reported being cyberbullied, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Finding virtual programs where kids and teens are in a safe zone, free of cyberbullying, have proven successful to increasing confidence and developing healthy habits.

Discover passions

Parents can help their kids discover what’s out in the world virtually that they perhaps haven’t already found when they have easy access to quality programming. With free online resources, kids can uncover hundreds of program activities designed to build foundational technology skills to media making, coding and music.