Month: October 2021

2021-10-18T07:15:00

(BPT) – Bathrooms are consistently at the top of home improvement wish lists, where they often remain due to the misconception that updating the space requires a full remodel. The truth is that anyone can elevate their current bathroom with some strategic updates that provide impressive results with no demolition necessary.

These three updates are cost-effective and simple for any DIYer to complete:

Mirror upgrade

When it comes to visual real estate in a bathroom, the mirror is front and center. This functional focal point is also a simple upgrade opportunity with surprising impact. Taking out a dated mirror or bland frameless builder-grade model can instantly uplift the room, not to mention make it easier for you to complete important grooming tasks. Plus, a new mirror often makes a room feel larger, a welcome visual effect.

For example, the Kohler Essential Mirrors collection adds sophistication to any bathroom. Crafted specifically for high-moisture environments with thick, anodized frames, each mirror is engineered to withstand corrosion over time. Built-in hardware allows for easy horizontal or vertical installation. Choose from three timeless shapes: round, capsule and rectangle, all available in black, brushed gold, brushed nickel and polished chrome finishes. The result: a sleek aesthetic that transforms the space.

Showerhead replacement

Taking a shower is something millions of Americans do every day. Beyond getting clean, a shower is also a reprieve, offering a space of calm and solitude. Whether it’s to wake up for a productive day or relax before sleep, a shower helps you to be at your best. That’s why updating your showerhead for optimum function and style is a worthwhile DIY project.

A new showerhead enhances the space visually and functionally. Many modern options are available to suite your taste, from gentle rainfall varieties and shower panels to multi-setting handhelds and even dual showerheads. Whether you want an invigorating shower or a relaxing soak, you can select the option that’s right for you. Plus, when you coordinate the metal finish with other fixtures in the bathroom, you’ll achieve a cohesive look you’ll love.

Style transformation

To breathe new life into a dated bathroom, new paint is a must. Painting the walls is an affordable DIY project to transform the bathroom quickly in a fresh hue. When in doubt, natural colors are ideal for the bathroom because they add timeless appeal and a clean look. Whites, beiges and light grays are all on trend and reflect light well, conveying a spa-like atmosphere.

Next, elevate the space with accessories. New hardware in a modern finish is a simple way to update the vanity. Kohler Bente accessories for countertop organization eliminate clutter and add a refreshed appearance. Don’t forget towel hangers and robe hooks, too. Whether you opt to match finishes in accessories or blend complementing materials, these extras are the final touch in polishing your bathroom update.

Updating a bathroom doesn’t require demolition. These simple DIY projects will help elevate the space so you can enjoy the transformation quickly. For more inspiration, visit Kohler.com.

2021-10-18T09:43:45

(BPT) – Twenty years after 9/11, some World Trade Center first responders still struggle with long-term health complications brought on by the catastrophic event. For Tom Frey, a former New York City detective, the consequences started with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a blood cancer that can be linked back to inhaled dust from his rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

After his ninth session of chemotherapy, he developed shortness of breath and learned the treatment had led to bleomycin lung toxicity and pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a progressive, debilitating lung disease.

“I was a policeman, and the first three days down there, they didn’t give us proper equipment. They gave us paper masks along the way. We worked for months and months digging through debris,” said Frey. “After a while, they gave us hazmat suits, but then 2,000 feet away we would eat our lunch and take the top of our hazmat suits off. The wind blew white dust onto our food, and nobody thought anything of it at the time.”

Now Frey struggles daily to breathe and relies on a portable oxygen device. Despite his health struggles, he works to drive awareness about PF.

“You’d be very surprised how little is known about this disease. I want to help people living with PF, especially the ones who are just starting out,” said Frey. “Having gone through it for so long, I feel confident I can be a resource. I don’t want to see a single person struggle like I did, so I’m going to keep advocating for high-quality care so everyone impacted by this disease can live longer, healthier lives.”

What is pulmonary fibrosis?

In simple terms, pulmonary fibrosis means scarring in the lungs, and it can be seen in many types of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Over time, PF can destroy the normal lung and make it hard for oxygen to get into the blood. More than 250,000 Americans are living with PF and ILD, and more than 50,000 new cases of PF and ILD are diagnosed annually.

Because the disease remains largely unknown, it can be difficult to diagnose. The main symptoms of PF may be hard to pinpoint because they are so common: shortness of breath, a dry, persistent cough and fatigue. It is more likely to occur in those that are 60 years and older with a history of smoking, or those, like Frey, who have used certain types of medications.

Learn more about pulmonary fibrosis

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is dedicated to educating patients and the healthcare community about the disease.

“Understanding the symptoms and risk factors associated with PF is critical to engaging people nationwide in the fight against this lung disease,” said William Schmidt, president and CEO of the PFF. “Raising awareness of the disease is imperative to driving earlier diagnoses, advocating for needed research and ultimately finding a cure.”

The PFF empowers the community to become advocates by promoting disease awareness, sharing the latest information and research, and spreading hope and inspiration to the PF community. The PFF offers numerous helpful resources to support patients, caregivers and family members, including the PFF Help Center, more than 150 nationwide support groups, as well as PFF Care Center Network, which consists of 68 medical centers in 33 states. Medical professionals at these sites understand the disease and provide comprehensive, high-quality care to people living with PF.

“The PFF is a great organization; it’s helped me so much,” said Frey. “I’m going to keep on fighting. I hope that together, we can find better treatments and a cure for this disease.”

For more information about pulmonary fibrosis, visit www.aboutpf.org.

2021-10-18T07:03:00

(BPT) – Despite schools returning to full-time in-person learning, for many students living in rural and underserved communities, access to high-quality science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education resources remains a challenge. Following a year in which the surge in remote learning resulted in K-12 students experiencing an academic slide across subject areas, STEM — which traditionally requires more hands-on, interactive instruction — was among the hardest hit. In fact, The Center for School and Student Progress estimates math scores dropped 8% to 12% by the end of last school year.

With the 2021-2022 school year underway, teachers and parents alike are focused on finding new ways and tools to help young people with an academic rebound. To help reverse the effects of the pandemic slide no matter where students live, HughesNet, the world’s largest high-speed satellite Internet provider, joined forces with 4-H, America’s largest youth organization. Together, they are providing youth with fun, high-quality STEM education via 4-H at Home — a free online platform comprised of interactive K-12 activities. 4-H at Home is designed to supplement students’ existing STEM education, reinforce rudimentary lessons and inspire a lifelong love of learning for the next generation of STEM leaders.

Parents and teachers can complement students’ in-class curriculum this year with these STEM Lab at-home activities. Plus, adding to the simplicity of the experience, each STEM exercise can be completed using readily available household items. This is a great way for students to stay engaged and on track in their daily development while recovering from or preventing further academic slide.

• Get in Gear! teaches students about the power and mathematics of gears, allowing them to assemble and test different gear sets to see how small actions can create big movements.
• Solar Oven S’mores is a tasty activity that teaches students how to harness the sun’s energy to cook delicious s’mores in a tin foil-lined cardboard box.
• Popsicle Paddle Boat challenges students to build a self-propelled boat using popsicle sticks and rubber bands to learn basic physics, 3-D printing and modeling skills.
• DIY Flashlight introduces students to the basics of electrical engineering by having them create a working battery-powered flashlight.

“Education doesn’t stop when children leave the classroom. When you engage children in STEM activities they can relate to, you give them knowledge that can spill into every aspect of their lives,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes. “HughesNet is dedicated to making sure every child has access to quality STEM education no matter where they live.”

For people who live in an area where reliable fiber or cable internet service is not available, HughesNet may be right for you. Named the Best Satellite Internet Provider of 2021-22 by U.S. News & World Report 360 Reviews, HughesNet high-speed satellite Internet service connects more than 1.5 million families and businesses to STEM education and much more. Check out 4-H.org and hughesnet.com to learn more.

2021-10-15T06:01:00

(BPT) – As consumer preferences in the United States begin to change, funeral professionals are seeing an increase in families considering cremation for their loved ones’ final disposition as well as people choosing to prearrange their own final dispositions. While many consider cremation a less traditional choice with minimal personalization, there are actually limitless options for those who choose it. A family can scatter a loved one’s ashes in a significant place; give them a prominent location at home; or memorialize them in a cemetery, where choices may include a cremation niche, columbarium or scattering garden.

When considering cremation, it’s wise to take time to educate yourself about the process before choosing a provider. Following are three questions all cremation shoppers should ask:

1. Do you operate your own crematory?

An internet search will reveal plenty of low-cost cremation providers, but buyer beware. Many companies that offer cremation are little more than salespeople who have minimal experience with the service. They may contract out every aspect, from pickup of your loved one to the cremation itself to the return of ashes. The more often a loved one changes hands, the more likely something can go wrong. Of course, not all reputable funeral homes have their own crematories, so certain aspects of their services may require contractors, but it’s important to make sure the provider you choose either operates its crematory or has an established relationship with a vetted, trusted partner.

2. What’s included in your cremation price?

Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which a cremation provider may advertise an appealing price, but when it comes right down to it, that price might not include everything that’s needed. The fine print is important, and there have been instances of cremation companies falsely telling families that they must pay for embalming or charging significantly more than their advertised price for so-called state fees and taxes. Ultimately, you want to be sure of the actual price you will pay for a cremation, as well as any products you choose, such as an urn or keepsake jewelry.

3. How can you assure me that the ashes returned to me are my loved one’s?

A reputable cremation provider should walk you through every step of the process and explain, in detail, their procedures for ensuring the identity of loved ones in their care. While practices may differ, your cremation provider should explain their procedures to you in clear, understandable terms that give you complete confidence that your loved one will be cared for with compassion and that the ashes returned to you are indeed your loved one’s.

For more questions to ask a cremation provider, as well as for more information about cremation, visit www.DignityMemorial.com.

2021-10-15T15:02:38

(BPT) – Many people are happy to welcome back friends and family in their homes again. In anticipation of the holiday season, you might consider updating your house now, so entertaining is a joy in the many months of celebration to come.

Home improvements that add function and support when entertaining are key. Whether you’ll be hosting a grand holiday party with out-of-town guests or an intimate affair with local loved ones, these top improvements will prepare your home for holiday merriment.

1) Refresh the fireplace

The quintessential holiday gathering always seems to be set around a warm and welcoming fireplace. If you have one in your home, consider getting maintenance done now before the holiday rush. A tune-up, chimney cleaning and glass-door cleaning will ensure your fireplace is ready to inspire guests to cozy up and create memories.

Beyond proper functioning, you can also update your fireplace to create a new aesthetic. If the surrounding brick, rock or tile is dated, consider special masonry or tile paint that can help you refresh the materials with a contemporary neutral color such as gray, beige or white. You can also paint the mantle to accent your new fireplace surround for a cohesive look that will serve as a backdrop for holiday photographs for years to come.

2) Research functional additions

Adding a guest bathroom or wet bar is sure to impress visitors and add to your home’s value. But this may seem impossible in spaces without below-floor drainage for plumbing — like a basement or garage.

A simple, affordable solution is above-floor plumbing systems from Saniflo that avoid the hassle and expense of busting through concrete to create conventional drainage or installing a sewage ejector system.

For example, the Saniaccess 2 from Saniflo is ideal for creating an additional half bathroom virtually anywhere, thanks to a 1/2-horsepower macerator pump system. Above-floor systems like this can process waste from sinks and toilets before pumping it to the nearest drain line that connects to the home’s septic tank or a sewer system.

3) Create a contemporary kitchen

The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it’s also the hub of the holiday season. From roasting that golden turkey to baking and decorating favorite holiday treats, the kitchen is a functional gathering place for your family and guests. Simple updates can make a big difference in style and functionality, such as enhancing organization and adding seating options.

If you want bigger changes without the expense of a complete remodel, consider thoughtful updates that revive your kitchen with notable style. Painting the existing cabinets and adding new hardware provide a visual facelift that revives the room. New countertops are nice, but sometimes just adding a new backsplash transforms the space, plus makes for easy cleanup during sometimes messy holiday cooking.

You might also consider adding an island with running water and a sink. An above-floor plumbing solution, like the Sanivite from Saniflo, can create that functionality where no below-floor drain currently exists.

4) Define dining areas

Whether you have an open concept home or the layout features a formal dining room, it’s important to update eating spaces. After all, enjoying food together is one of the crowning events of holiday get-togethers. Painting the space in a modern hue provides a big visual impact without much cost or effort. An area rug can also redefine the dining room and pull elements together. New linens add a holiday vibe.

More casual eating spaces can benefit from a refresh as well. Tidy up breakfast nooks and buffet tables so they are ready to use. Stools for countertop spaces create an ideal place for cooking, casual noshing and conversation. If you’re hosting children, you may want to set up tables and other areas for them to eat and play games.

The holiday season brings family and friends together. Now that in-person celebrations are being planned again, there’s no better time to focus on home improvements that guests will appreciate and you will love.

2021-10-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – People who qualify for Medicare often juggle a lot. From navigating retirement or complex health conditions to managing expenses, the last thing they need is additional stress, especially when it comes to picking a Medicare plan.

With new tools and support, enrolling in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan is easier than ever. Check out the below tips to ensure you have a positive and painless experience.

#1: Personalize your enrollment process.

Enrolling in Medicare doesn’t have to be difficult. There are services available that can help you choose the right plan for you. For example, Walgreens Find Rx Coverage helps you explore Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans online by letting you easily access resources to find the right coverage for your needs. You can view eligibility criteria, learn about various plans and enrollment options, and even compare plans that include your specific prescriptions. Don’t want to do it all online? You can speak to a licensed insurance agent on the phone or visit select Walgreens to talk to an in-store agent about your Medicare options.

#2: Find and select a plan that saves you money.

Choosing the right Medicare and prescription drug plan is not only important for your healthcare needs, but it can also save you money. If you or a loved one pays high costs for your prescriptions, enrolling in a plan through Walgreens Find Rx Coverage can help you find prescription copays as low as $0 on tier 1 generic drugs when selecting Walgreens as your Preferred Pharmacy. You can also manage your Medicare prescriptions easily, setting up automatic refills and personalizing your prescription delivery options.

#3: Choose a pharmacy you can trust.

There’s no doubt that having a pharmacy you can trust provides peace of mind when navigating your healthcare. Whether you’re selecting a Medicare and prescription drug plan for yourself or on behalf of someone else, having confidence that you’ve been shown the best options for both your care and budget goes hand in hand with having a positive overall healthcare experience. Walgreens Find Rx Coverage was created with this in mind and in supporting Walgreens’ overall efforts to improve the health of communities across America.

“Enrolling in the right Medicare plan is a critical step in ensuring patients have the affordable, high-quality care they need to optimize their health,” said Rick Gates, senior vice president of pharmacy, Walgreens. “Walgreens Find Rx Coverage makes this sometimes confusing process easier than ever.”

Open enrollment for Medicare is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. As a pharmacy that people know and trust, Walgreens is here for you throughout every stage of your healthcare journey. Visit Walgreens.com/MedD to shop, compare, select and enroll in a Medicare plan that is right for you and your family.

2021-10-15T09:11:40

(BPT) – As work and school routines begin to shift again, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. After a long time avoiding social activity, everyone’s lives are being upended once more. Without knowing what the “new normal” really means, it’s harder than ever to keep your family’s wellness on the front burner. Beginning to re-enter society, going back into the workplace and into the classroom, and interacting with groups of people as you shift into higher gear can be stressful, which can impact your overall well-being.

Registered dietitian nutritionist and certified yoga teacher Keri Gans, author of “The Small Change Diet” and an EpiCor ambassador, offers practical tips to help you navigate your wellness in the midst of all this change.

“The main thing while you get back to a ‘normal’ routine is to find a balance that keeps your immune system working at its best,” said Gans. “The key is to support your gut health, which influences your immune system, because the majority of immune cells originate from the gut.”

1. Focus on work-life balance

As you begin changing your routines, build in opportunities to relax and center yourself. Whether that means listening to an inspiring podcast during your commute, making time for yoga or meditation or taking a moment to connect with your loved ones, don’t let your to-do list run your life.

“Scheduling time for self-care is really important,” recommended Gans. “Whether it’s first thing in the morning, during your lunch hour or after work, finding a half hour to do whatever you need to feel balanced is crucial, especially during challenging times.”

2. Rethink your diet

While creating a healthy diet may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Gans advises building meals around whole, unprocessed foods like fresh produce, as well as adding fermented foods.

“Fermented foods offer cultures — beneficial live bacteria or microorganisms — as well as metabolites and compounds produced by those cultures during the fermentation process,” said Gans. “These metabolites are part of the foundation for a healthy gut microbiome.”

Examples of fermented foods that may help support your gut health include:

• Yogurt
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Miso
• Sauerkraut
• Kimchi
• Sourdough bread

3. Reach for supplements to support gut health

Fermented foods are a good way to get metabolites as we mentioned above. However, if you want to be sure you’re getting those metabolites that are clinically shown to support specific health benefits, look for postbiotics. Postbiotics contain those beneficial metabolites and compounds that have been shown through research to support your health. For immune and gut support, look for supplements containing the leading postbiotic brand EpiCor^®. It is a first-of-its-kind, whole food ingredient that taps the natural power of fermented foods to positively modulate the gut microbiome.

“Think of EpiCor Postbiotic as a multivitamin for your immune system, which helps you take care of your health every day,” said Gans. “Clinical studies have shown that it can help support your immune system for coping with everyday challenges.”

This postbiotic can be found in a number of vitamin and supplement products, like Healthy Origins EpiCor. For a full list of products, visit EpiCorImmune.com.

4. Stay hydrated

Make sure you and your family always have water with you, especially when you’re active outdoors.

“Drinking water throughout the day is crucial for keeping your body in balance,” said Gans. “Fill reusable water bottles for every family member before heading out and encourage water as the first choice of beverages with meals.”

Water helps your body function at its best by:

• Keeping your digestive system working smoothly
• Lubricating and protecting your joints, spinal cord and tissues
• Regulating your internal temperature

5. Prioritize sleep

Sticking to the same routine for waking and sleeping times, even on weekends and school vacations, can help everyone in your family get the restorative sleep they need for optimal health.

“Make sure everybody has time to wind down and slow down before bedtime,” said Gans. “And that goes for parents as well as kids.”

Finding balance and prioritizing wellness isn’t always easy, especially during stressful times. Focus on the basics, like these tips, to ensure that your body’s natural defenses — your immune system — are supporting your overall well-being.

2021-10-15T00:05:00

(BPT) – Our health needs can change each year, and so can health plan coverage choices. So it’s important to understand your health care options to find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Annual or open enrollment season is here, a time when millions of Americans across the country will have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for the coming year.

For people with employer-provided coverage, open enrollment typically occurs within a two-week period between October and December. Those eligible for Medicare can enroll or make changes to their coverage from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. For most people, changes made during this time will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

To make the most out of open enrollment this fall, Dr. Rhonda Randall, a chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare, provides the following tips that may lead to better health and cost savings in 2022.

1. Understand your options. Whether you are selecting a plan for the first time or evaluating how well your current one meets your needs, take the time to understand and compare the benefits, services and costs of each plan, so you can find what will work best for you. A good first step is to make sure you understand health insurance lingo, such as premium, deductible, copays, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.

If you’re eligible for Medicare, as you weigh your options, ensure you’re familiar with the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. If you need a review, visit MedicareMadeClear.com — an online resource with answers to questions about eligibility, plan choices, cost basics, prescription coverage and more.

2. Check your prescription benefits. Knowing how to get the most out of your prescription benefits may help you manage costs. For example, check into lower-cost alternatives that may be available, like discounts, generics and more. You may also be able to fill your prescriptions at a participating network pharmacy or with home delivery by mail — two more money-saving options.

For those on Medicare: You may be surprised to learn Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover prescription drugs. Consider adding Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage to help keep your medication costs in check.

3. Anticipate next year’s health expenses. If you are expecting a significant health event in the next year, such as surgery or the birth of a child, compare the differences between plan designs, including out-of-pocket maximums.

4. Consider a plan with the convenience of virtual care. If you’re busy juggling kids’ schedules and work responsibilities, traveling or you simply prefer to connect with a doctor from the convenience of your home, consider choosing a plan that includes 24/7 virtual care. These visits are designed to be an easier, more affordable way to talk to doctors about common health issues, using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Virtual care is often available to members of employer-sponsored, individual and Medicare Advantage plans and may provide access to various types of care, including wellness, routine, urgent and chronic condition management.

5. Check for mental health coverage. Managing your mental health is an important step in caring for your overall well-being. In addition to in-person care, you may now be able to access a large virtual health network of therapists and psychiatrists with many plans — including UnitedHealthcare^® Medicare Advantage for a $0 copay. Some health insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, also offer advocacy services to help you find the right therapist and type of care.

6. Look into wellness programs. Many health plans now offer incentives that reward you for taking healthier actions, such as completing a health survey, exercising or avoiding nicotine.

Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer gym memberships and wellness programs for members at no additional cost.

7. Don’t forget about specialty benefits. Additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing or critical illness insurance, are often available to help protect you and your family, while contributing to overall well-being.

For Medicare beneficiaries: You may be surprised that Original Medicare doesn’t cover prescription drugs and most dental, vision and hearing services, but many Medicare Advantage plans do.

For more helpful articles and videos about open enrollment and health care plans, visit UHCOpenEnrollment.com.