Month: December 2021

2021-12-28T12:21:00

(BPT) – Aging brings about many changes. Beyond graying hair and wrinkles, your brain is also changing as you grow older and wiser. According to McKnight Brain Research Foundation, 87% of people 65 and older experience cognitive changes associated with normal aging. The good news is that these changes don’t have to be a normal passage of aging. You may find that you can combat some cognitive decline through exercise.

Beyond staying physically fit and healthy, exercise can benefit your mental health. Physical activity improves cognitive function as people age through neuroplasticity, which allows the brain to compensate for injury and disease and adjust in response to new situations. Exercise also helps alleviate stress and depression.

Here are three ways you can stay physically active and reap the mental benefits.

Take a walk

Daily walks are incredibly beneficial and easy to incorporate into your routine. You can start small by taking a walk around your block or going to a local park for a short circuit. As you continue to build your walking stamina, you may find that you can go farther and farther.

While walking, you can also enjoy listening to an audiobook or podcast. Learning about new subjects is another excellent way to keep your mind healthy as you age. You can also listen to music or simply enjoy the ambient sounds of nature.

Walking doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Ask a friend or family member to come along on your daily walk. Your neighborhood may have local walking groups. Joining a group allows you to stay active, provides community and allows you to make new friends.

Join a fitness class

Group exercise is a great way to stay active. Your local gym or community center is likely to have group fitness classes like SilverSneakers several days a week at various times, so you can easily find one that fits your schedule.

Whether you’re going back to a familiar activity like swimming and water aerobics or learning a new form of exercise like yoga and dance, a fitness class allows you to have a repeating, consistent physical activity in your weekly schedule.

“I encourage seniors who are new to exercise to try a class like SilverSneakers that is designed specifically for older adults,” said Richard Ashworth, president and CEO of Tivity Health, the company that delivers SilverSneakers. “We also have a wide variety of live virtual classes through SilverSneakers.com with trainers who guide participants every step of the way. These classes are a great way to get moving from the comfort of your home.”

Keeping your mind as active as your body is vital to healthy aging. SilverSneakers has added mental enrichment to the experiences available to members by joining forces with GetSetUp, a virtual learning platform designed specifically for seniors. The program offers a wide range of classes through a senior-specific video platform optimized for ease of activation, user engagement and social connection.

“Once you turn 65 or 85, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep learning, trying new things and sharing your passions with others,” said Lawrence Kosick, Co-Founder and President of GetSetUp. “The older adults who participate in GetSetUp classes are eager to explore new topics and develop or deepen hobbies. Not only is it a lot of fun, but with brain health being as important as physical health as we age, learning new skills or enjoying mentally stimulating activities with peers all can lead to healthier aging.”

These online classes allow older adults to learn new skills, combat social isolation and unlock new life experiences. The program also encourages seniors to become instructors and share their skills and knowledge with their peers.

Keep stretching

As you age, you tend to lose some muscle strength and elasticity and your joints weaken. A gentle way to incorporate movement into your life is to do daily stretches. Stretching provides several benefits, including increased circulation and blood flow, enhanced muscle strength and improved range of motion and flexibility. You may also find that stretching relieves lower back pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Low-intensity stretching — such as lunges, squats and shoulder circles — can also improve your mood and energy. You can incorporate these and other stretches into your routine by starting your day with some light stretches after your morning cup of coffee or doing a few dynamic yoga stretches before turning in for the night.

No matter what type of physical activity you decide to do, invest in your mind and body and get moving today.

2021-12-27T10:01:00

(BPT) – Our driving habits and relationships with our cars have made many unexpected turns throughout the pandemic — from driving every day, to the closure of many public places, leading Americans to leave their car in park for quite a while. Since then, we’ve seen driving increase, but we are still not driving as much as we used to.

Despite these changes, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index found that Americans appear content with their current driving habits, with only about 1 in 4 (23%) saying they want to change how much they currently drive. However, here are four ways we can expect driving to change (or not!) in the new year.

Continuously shifting driving patterns

With the continuation of remote or hybrid work, and various other factors, most people (78%) are driving less than 200 miles per week.

But things could shift as we head into 2022. Just over half of Americans (51%) expect to drive the same amount. Of those who do expect a change in their driving habits, it’s fairly split on whether they expect to drive more often (23%) or less (26%). (For what it’s worth, younger generations seem to think they’ll hit the road more frequently.)

The daily drive remains

Nearly two years of remote work hasn’t made anyone nostalgic for the morning commute. Even with fewer drivers on the road, Americans still largely agree (69%) that they prefer to not drive during rush hour. And while it may still be less often than they were two years ago, 44% expect they’ll continue commuting the same amount come 2022.

Driving provides for a bit of a break

Whether working or learning from home, or spending the day in the office, Americans like to break up the day with a drive. Hankook found taking a drive continues to be a popular way to relax and visit with friends, and most people expect that the amount they drive for fun or leisure (53%) will stay the same in the new year. So, choose your favorite album and buckle up for a drive to nowhere in particular!

Car travel could continue to increase

One thing is certain: people prefer to travel by car. Americans are 36% more comfortable traveling long distances by car, versus planes, compared to this time last year. This is fueled by an increasing number of travelers switching from public transportation and ride share services to driving their own vehicle to avoid close contact with others during the pandemic.

And while it’s impossible to know what 2022 will bring for the road ahead, it’s safe to say we can expect our driving patterns to continue shifting gears.

Did you know … people are happy to jump in the car to socialize, attend an event, or see someone special: 54% expect to attend more social events come 2022.

2021-12-27T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re choosing to follow a possibly over-indulgent holiday season with a dry January, you’re not alone. Last year, YouGovAmerica reported that 15% of Americans planned to participate in the Dry January challenge, whether for health reasons or just a lifestyle reset — and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. This burgeoning lifestyle is showing permanence in consumer drinking choices. Nielson saw a 315% increase in online non-alcoholic beverage sales over the past year, according to Business Insider, which analysts predict will continue through 2022. But can you enjoy socializing without sipping on seltzer water or sugary soda all evening?

That was the quandary faced by master distiller Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip — the pioneering spirit in the non-alcoholic category and global lifestyle brand. Disappointed by the taste of non-alcoholic cocktail options while out for dinner one night, Branson brainstormed ways to combine his passion for nature and family farming background with his desire for truly unique, great-tasting non-alcoholic spirits.

His experimentation led to creating Seedlip, a one-of-a-kind non-alcoholic spirit that is calorie-, sugar- and carb-free.

A new non-alcoholic option

Seedlip is redefining the Dry January challenge by showing consumers the lifestyle choice doesn’t need to be “dry” or a “challenge” — nor does it mean abstaining from socializing!

Seedlip distills ingredients sustainably derived from nature to create unique spirits to be enjoyed simply with club soda, ginger ale and a twist of lime, or as the basis of innovative, tasty non-alcoholic cocktails.

Whether temporarily shifting from alcohol or practicing teetotalism, Seedlip makes implementing sustainable balance in one’s personal lifestyle possible by empowering all to explore sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives to their favorite cocktails.

Flavors from nature

Seedlip harvests specific combinations of flavors to create expressions that connect imbibers to nature and their roots. Each Seedlip blend is handcrafted with six carefully selected botanicals:

• Seedlip Grove 42 is a bright citrus blend with a dry finish, made with bitter orange, blood orange, mandarin, lemongrass, lemon and ginger.
• Seedlip Spice 94 features a warm, aromatic blend of allspice and cardamom with fresh citrus top notes to balance a long bitter finish. Other ingredients include cascarilla, oak, grapefruit and lemon.
• Seedlip Garden 108 is a fresh, herbal blend of peas and traditional garden herbs including rosemary, thyme, spearmint, hay and hops.

Where can you find these spirits?

While good tasting non-alcoholic cocktail offerings were tough to find when Branson first started searching, today many restaurants have embraced the concept, with Seedlip leading the way. You can now find Seedlip spirits worldwide.

For nights out with friends, Seedlip recently released a Seedlip Map featuring neighborhood bars, restaurants and hotels that offer its delicious non-alcoholic cocktails in cities across the U.S. The map’s launch will showcase locations in Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Chicago.

Before going out, check the map at www.SeedlipDrinks.com/en-us/Locate-Seedlip/.

How you can enjoy Seedlip at home

If you’re hosting at home or just enjoying a quiet night in, you can make your own tasty non-alcoholic cocktails, using your choice of Seedlip spirits in a variety of creative combinations.

Try this Orange Blossom Highball recipe:

Ingredients

2 ounces Seedlip Grove 42
1/2 ounce honey syrup
2 dashes orange blossom water
1/4 ounce lemon juice
3 ounces Fever-Tree Club Soda

Glass and garnish

Highball
Blood orange slice

Method

Build all ingredients in glass.
Add ice and gently stir.
Garnish with blood orange slice.
Honey syrup: Combine equal parts warm water and honey. Stir to combine. Let cool.

Find more delicious recipes at SeedlipDrinks.com.

Seedlip’s commitment to sustainability

Because Seedlip derives its ingredients from nature, it also honors its commitment to the Earth as a member of 1% for the Planet, and donates 1% of its global revenue to WeGotNext (We-Got-Next.org), which amplifies individual stories of adventure and activism from communities underrepresented in outdoor and environmental spaces.

In celebration of its commitment, Seedlip released a limited-edition Seedlip Spice 94 & Highball Set, packaged in Mycelium, and will donate $10 for every kit sold to WeGotNext up to $10,000 until March 31st, leading us into Earth Month. The Seedlip Spice 94 & Highball Set is a mushroom-based pack that is 100% biodegradable, recyclable and compostable.

Learn more at www.SeedlipDrinks.com.

2021-12-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – New mothers may experience a range of emotions shortly after giving birth — from overwhelming joy to extreme sadness. Emotions can affect anyone during pregnancy and after giving birth, and just like the onset of emotions do not discriminate, neither does postpartum depression (PPD), which can affect any woman, regardless of her age, ethnicity, marital status or income. PPD is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy or childbirth. Approximately 1 in 8 mothers in the U.S. report experiencing symptoms of PPD each year, equating to over 500,000 women. While it is common for new mothers to experience a wide range of emotions shortly after giving birth, persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood, irritability, and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness or helplessness could be symptoms of PPD. The exact cause of PPD is unknown. Hormonal changes that occur during and after pregnancy and life stress can contribute to PPD. Women with a history of depression have an increased risk of developing PPD.

Recognizing PPD can be challenging as some new moms may think they have the “baby blues,” which are often characterized by mild symptoms including mood changes, feelings of worry, tearfulness, irritability and sleep difficulties that typically last for a few days or one to two weeks, and do not impact a mother’s ability to care for herself or her family. While PPD persists often with more severe symptoms, it can impact not only the mother but can often extend to children and a partner. Signs and symptoms of PPD include:

• persistent sad mood
• loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
• difficulty sleeping
• abnormal appetite
• weight changes
• irritability
• feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• aches or pains without clear physical cause
• trouble bonding with the new baby
• persistent doubts about the ability to care for the baby
• thoughts about death, suicide or harming oneself or the baby

If you know a mom who seems to be struggling during pregnancy or after childbirth, do not ignore it and hope their symptoms subside; help them get in touch with a doctor right away — she could have PPD, a medical condition that if left untreated, can have serious health effects on both the mom and baby.

Despite its prevalence, it is estimated that approximately 50% of PPD cases may go undiagnosed. This may be due to a lack of awareness of the warning signs, ability to differentiate between PPD and the “baby blues” or because some mothers are embarrassed and do not seek treatment for fear of being judged by their family or friends.

With limited pharmaceutical options available for postpartum depression, new treatments are currently being studied. The SKYLARK study, initiated by Sage Therapeutics Inc., is evaluating the efficacy and safety of an investigational oral medication in women with severe PPD. An investigational medication is a medication that is being tested to determine if it is safe and effective for a specific condition or group of people.

The SKYLARK study is seeking moms experiencing symptoms of PPD for participation in the clinical trial. New mothers who are interested and eligible to participate will receive close monitoring of their postpartum depression symptoms by qualified study nurses and clinicians, under the guidance of the study doctor. Participants will also receive study-related medical care and the assigned investigational oral medication at no cost.

To learn more about postpartum depression, read about the SKYLARK study, or take a screening questionnaire, please visit www.skylarkppdstudy.com.

2021-12-23T12:01:00

(BPT) – Environmental protection is always capturing headlines, but you might wonder what you can do as an individual to make a difference at home. Do your small efforts even matter in the big picture of a greener world?

The truth is every eco-minded effort counts, no matter how small it may seem. One of the best places to start is at home in your very own kitchen. Some of the simplest, most cost-effective changes can have the biggest cumulative impact in the new year.

Looking for ideas? These simple, everyday habits will help you create a greener kitchen and eco-friendly household:

Prevent food waste

Food waste is estimated at between 30-40% of the food supply in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Billions of pounds of food is wasted every year, often due to spoilage, which is why preserving food properly is essential. Dry goods should be sealed air tight and out of sunlight, ideally in a cool and dry location. Fresh foods can spoil, so it’s important to store produce properly. Look for storage options created specifically for fresh foods to keep the proper air and moisture ratio for optimum freshness. Most produce should be stored in the fridge, but some items like bananas, pears, avocado, melons and tomatoes last longer when not refrigerated. When it comes to food waste, consider composting at home or through a curbside program, which creates a trickle-down effect that can benefit you as well as the environment. When in doubt, do your research to understand the different options.

Get trash bags made with less plastic

While reducing waste is important, you probably will still need to use trash bags in the kitchen. Research options and find a greener bag. Glad’s drawstring kitchen trash bags use less plastic than leading competitors* without sacrificing performance. Glad’s ForceFlexPlus Recovered Materials Bag is the brand’s most sustainable bag. They have the same trusted Glad strength you can depend on but are made with 50% recovered plastic — 20% recycled plastic, 30% reclaimed plastic — and are made with 100% renewable energy (in Glad’s North American plants) and come in 100% recyclable packaging (in Glad’s North American plants). Learn more at Glad.com/Sustainability.

*Ranges from 7% to 22% less plastic vs. top 10 competitors

Opt for the dishwasher

If you wash dishes by hand instead of in the dishwasher thinking you’re saving water, you may be mistaken. This is particularly true if you’re like most people and run the hot water for rinsing continuously as you do dishes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, newer EnergyStar dishwasher models use 6 gallons or less per wash cycle, plus save on electricity. You can maximize savings further by only running the dishwasher when it’s full.

Recycle

Last but not least, prioritize recycling throughout your day. Know what can be recycled in your area and be sure to place those items as indicated in the recycling bin rather than the trash. Unsoiled paper products can typically be recycled, as well as many glass containers, metal lids and plastic containers that have been rinsed well.

Whether you live in an urban setting or far out in the country — or one of the many places in between — Mother Nature serves an important role in your life. These simple steps that you can do in your very own kitchen make a big difference.

2021-12-23T10:01:00

(BPT) – As you’ve likely stayed indoors more over the past couple of years, you may have realized there are things about your home that need to be changed or upgraded. Rising heating costs may also have you concerned about the upcoming chilly winter months. With cold temps already here, it’s important to be sure your home is ready — and that your family will stay sufficiently warm and comfortable throughout the coldest time of the year.

Follow these tips to help you stay warm, save money — and make your home eco-friendlier.

1. Check for leaks

If your home leaks heated air, it might be straining your HVAC system — and costing you more money to keep your home warm. You may also notice that certain areas of your house are much colder than others. Common culprits for leaks are windows, doors and under-insulated attics. Check windows and doors to see if they need updated weather stripping or repairs to help seal air leaks. You can also improve your attic insulation.

Not sure where the problem lies? Most utility companies offer energy audits that can help you find the trouble spots in your home.

2. Arrange for an HVAC tune-up

If it’s been a year or longer since your last HVAC cleaning and tune-up, it’s important to have a professional come out and look at your system. A tune-up can help to prevent future problems, check for safety issues and help keep your heating costs lower. Being proactive about maintaining your HVAC system will help ensure that your family stays warm and comfortable, no matter how low the temperatures go this season.

3. Upgrade your HVAC system

HVAC technology has improved substantially in recent years, so you would likely benefit from upgrading now — before you experience an unexpected failure.

When you’re looking to upgrade your HVAC system, ask your contractor for a system using inverter technology like those from LG Electronics. Unlike conventional systems where the motor technology switches between operating at 100% or being completely turned off — which is very inefficient —systems with inverter technology work to match the heating needs of your home’s environment to consistently maintain comfort levels and maximize efficiency.

Another huge advantage? Inverter technology offers the ability to apply zoned and personalized heating and cooling only where you need it — whether the living room, home office or bedrooms. Imagine having the ability to warm your bedroom at night without having to heat the whole house or cool your home gym to 68 degrees while leaving the nursery at 75 degrees. An HVAC system with inverter technology is also quieter, more cost-saving and more energy efficient than a typical HVAC system.

When upgrading, choose ENERGY STAR^® certified appliances or systems. ENERGY STAR certified systems, such as LG’s systems with inverter technology, can trim up to 30% off your energy bill, and with many states also offering rebates for ENERGY STAR systems and appliances, you can add even more cost savings.

4. Protect outdoor HVAC units

Make sure the components of your HVAC system that are outdoors are well protected from the elements. For example, having a roof over the unit, protective fencing and/or raising the unit to keep it above the snow line are some easy ways you can help your system continue to work well.

5. Invest in a smart thermostat

If you don’t already have one, consider installing a smart thermostat to help you better regulate temps in your home to keep everyone comfortable, while also lowering energy costs. A good smart thermostat can learn your home’s patterns and adjust to your family’s needs, which means, for example, that you won’t be overheating your home when nobody is there.

With these tips in mind, you can help ensure that your home will be cozy, comfy and warm, all winter long.