Month: February 2022

2022-02-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Preparing for your little one to arrive is an exciting and amazing experience. But it can also be overwhelming. While you and your family are getting to know your baby, you probably have many questions. And one of the most confusing areas can be what type of breast pump is best for you, and how to get one without breaking the bank.

The good news is, the technology behind breast pumps has advanced a great deal, allowing for more comfortable, safe, efficient, and portable options than ever before. These advancements provide new moms and families the freedom to stay active and involved when their babies are still young.

“Using a breast pump allows dads, partners, family members, and caregivers to be more involved in the feeding process,” explains Jeff Castillo, executive vice president of Medela for the Americas. “From prepping breast milk to feeding baby, or cleaning pump parts and breast milk bottles, supporting mom as she navigates breast milk feeding goes a long way. As a dad and grandfather, I’ve seen firsthand how these little acts of support provide meaningful opportunities for others to bond with a new baby.”

As breast pump technology has advanced, so have the options available for parents to choose from. Below are some quick tips to help you choose the right breast pump.

1) Check if your insurance covers breast pumps

Your insurance may cover all or part of the cost of your breast pump, so it’s important to check with your provider. And if your insurance does not cover the cost or only some of the cost, you can use flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) dollars to help with expenses. To get started, check out Medela’s Insurance Concierge, a free online tool that makes the process of getting an insurance-covered breast pump delivered to your door easy, simple and stress free.

2) Decide what kind of breast pump is best for you

Start by using the Breast Pump Selector tool from Medela to determine what type of breast pump would best fit your lifestyle and budget. Simply answer a few questions about your needs, such as how often you intend to use a breast pump, and the tool will recommend specific pumps and accessories based on your answers.

When choosing a breast pump to support the duration of your breastfeeding journey, the most important factors to consider are quality, efficiency, and performance. Because breastfeeding works through supply and demand, if you are not emptying the breast fully, your body will think you do not need as much and will begin to reduce the amount of milk you produce over time. Here are a couple of choices that can help you get more milk in less time* using research-based technologies.

Pump In Style with MaxFlow — Using advanced motor technology pioneered by Medela, the Pump in Style with MaxFlow offers trusted performance in a modern design. With MaxFlow Technology that generates a vacuum and micro-vibrations for effective breast milk expression combined with Medela’s proven 2-Phase Expression Technology that mimics baby’s natural sucking rhythm, the pump offers optimal performance. The pump also comes with PersonalFit Flex breast shields, clinically proven to increase milk volume by 11.8%*. The closed system breast pump features 10 pre-programmed vacuum settings based on Medela’s extensive research in breastfeeding and pumping, which take the guesswork out for more effective pumping. It weighs 1.18 pounds, and includes a battery pack, cooler bag, extra bottles with lids and stylish carrying bag that is easy to carry wherever you’re headed.

Swing Maxi — Weighing less than one pound, the Swing Maxi features a compact design that offers the freedom to pump whenever and wherever. The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts for up to six pumping sessions on one full charge and comes with a USB charging cable. In addition to the trusted Medela technology that parents count on, Swing Maxi also connects to the free Medela Family app to track progress while pumping and access personalized tips and support tailored to your goals.

3) Get help when you need it most

No matter which breast pump you choose, know that you are doing your best to care for your baby. But the truth is, babies don’t come with an instruction manual. The Medela Family App can help you navigate the brave new world of parenting by tracking important stats for pregnancy, baby and breastfeeding from the first trimester of pregnancy through your baby’s first year, while also providing personalized, evidence-based tips and support to help families meet their breastfeeding goals.

“The early days of parenting are overwhelming, and there is so much information out there,” says Castillo. “Medela products and the Medela Family App are designed to support you and your family throughout pregnancy, when you first bring your newborn home, and beyond.”

For more information or to contact Medela, visit Medela.us.

* Compared to traditional breast shields with a 90º angle.

IQVIA ProVoice Survey; September 2020 – August 2021.

2022-02-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Five of the most popular dog breeds in America include Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Bulldogs and Rottweilers. If you own one of these breeds, you most likely enjoy knowing all there is to know about them. But one thing you may not be aware of is the risk of canine osteoarthritis (OA) these breeds experience due to genetics and developmental orthopedic issues. Adequan^® Canine put together some valuable information to help you understand what canine OA is, its early signs, and treatments to help your dog stay active. They also emphasize the importance of talking to your veterinarian about OA even if your dog is still a puppy.

2022-02-22T07:35:00

(BPT) – With health top of mind during cold and flu season, it’s important to support your body’s immune system. Fortunately, a number of lifestyle habits can boost your overall health, at the same time helping your immune system function as effectively as possible.

Even if you do come down with a cold this year, you can shorten the cold and reduce the severity of symptoms by following these tips.

1. Lower your stress levels

According to the American Psychological Association, stress may weaken the immune response. To reduce your stress, try approaches like:

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Walking
• Listening to soothing music

2. Prioritize quality sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep helps your body recover from the day and rest up for whatever’s next. The Mayo Clinic also reports that lack of sleep can contribute to overall poor health, which makes you more susceptible to illness. Their experts recommend adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.

3. Feed your immune system

Your body’s immune system is complex, and needs a variety of nutrients to fuel it properly. Here are some nutrients recommended by the Cleveland Clinic that can help support your immune system, and how you can increase them in your diet:

• Zinc is found in lean meats and poultry, yogurt, baked beans and oysters.
• Folate/folic acid comes from beans and lentils, leafy green vegetables and avocado. You can get folic acid from enriched pasta, enriched bread and enriched rice.
• Iron can be consumed through red meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, beans, broccoli and kale.
• Selenium is available via meat and poultry, seafood and cottage cheese. Brazil nuts are also a top source.
• Vitamin C comes from eating citrus fruits, strawberries and papaya, plus spinach, kale, brussels sprouts and bell peppers.
• Vitamin E is in nuts and seeds like almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts/peanut butter and sunflower seeds, plus sunflower, safflower and soybean oils.
• Vitamin A can be found in tuna as well as dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin and cantaloupe.
• Vitamin D is an important nutrient you can get just by spending time outside in the sunshine. Food sources include seafood and some fortified milk, orange juice and cereals.

4. Nip that cold in the bud

When you’re just starting to feel like a cold or flu may be coming on, you can help shorten your cold and lessen its effects by taking Zicam Rapid Melts right away. These homeopathic quick-dissolve tablets are made with zinc, and are designed to shorten colds when they’re taken at the first feeling of a cold starting up. The unique plant-based formula also provides multi-system cold relief. They are quick-dissolve tablets that you can take anywhere, on the go, without water.

“Be sure to remember to pick up fever and pain relief products as well as a cold shortener so you can get back on your feet quicker,” said Dr. Shirin Peters, M.D. “Zicam RapidMelts and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Spray are great products, as they shorten colds versus just temporarily relieving symptoms.”

You can also try Zicam Nasal Swabs at the onset of a cold. This zinc-free homeopathic formula is delivered in a unique swab form to allow for gentle application of their patented gel formula in the nasal passages.

To learn more about this #1 pharmacist-recommended cold-shortening brand, visit Zicam.com.

5. Exercise your way to better health

Most doctors would agree that the benefits of regular physical activity are many, and can include reducing stress and helping you sleep better at night, which are important ways to help support your immune system. According to Harvard Health, regular exercise does so much to help boost your overall health that it has the added benefit of improving how well your immune system functions. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

Following these tips for strengthening your immune health can help you get through this cold and flu season feeling your best.

2022-02-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Your pets are part of your family, and you would do just about anything for them. From the tail wags and face licks to the head bumps and purr fests, your pets show their unconditional love in many different ways, every single day. This year, take some extra time to show them just how much they mean to you on National Love Your Pet Day, February 20.

1. Have a “Yes Day” with your pet

When was the last time you devoted time to solely focusing on your pet and doing the activities you know they love to do? The truth is, your beloved pets love nothing more than hanging out with you — so why not make a whole day of it?

Start by either making a list of all the activities your pet enjoys or saying ‘yes’ to your pet’s cues to see where the day takes you. One more treat after a walk through the park? Yes! One more minute of scratches behind the ear? Yes! Whatever you end up doing, know that any time spent with your pet is time they’ll love.

2. Feed them nutritious, delicious food

One simple, yet important, way to keep your dog or cat happy and healthy is by feeding them nutritious and tasty food and treats. Choosing food that uses all-natural ingredients will not only help maintain their well-being, but your four-legged family member will love it.

While finding pet-food products with organic fruits and vegetables and sustainably sourced ingredients may seem like a daunting task, raw pet food leader Stella & Chewy’s has a variety of products sure to keep your pet happy and healthy. Cats absolutely adore their Raw Coated Chicken and for dogs, check out the Red Meat With Grain Raw Blend — or find your own favorite by visiting StellaAndChewys.com to learn more.

3. Find a great new toy

Animals need the occasional stimulation of a new toy or game, and they love playing with you. Try a new interactive toy or activity that can keep you both entertained for hours. When playtime is done, put the toy away so it’s still fresh the next time you bring it out for a play session.

4. Take some PTO for your P-E-T

Between family and busy work schedules, you may be wondering how to carve out dedicated time for your pets. National Love Your Pet Day is the perfect opportunity to take some time off work to spend with your pets!

“At our company, we make sure everyone has an extra day off to spend dedicated time with their pets in honor of National Love Your Pet Day,” said Marc Hill, CEO of Stella & Chewy’s. “Just as you might take a day off to celebrate a loved one’s birthday or anniversary, our pets are also our family, and we believe our employees — and their pets — deserve an additional day off to bask in the raw, unadulterated love we share with each other.”

With more than two-thirds of pet parents agreeing that it’s important for family vacations to be pet-friendly, consider taking that extra day off to embark on a road trip with your pet. Visit friends, head to a dog-friendly beach or go sightseeing at a national or state park! Whatever you do with your time off, your pet will appreciate the extra day hanging out with their favorite person — you!

5. Teach your pet a new trick

Most dogs — and even some cats — enjoy the challenge of learning something new.

Use their favorite treats to teach simple tricks at home like:

• “Paw” — Get your dog in a sitting position and show them you have a treat. Hold the treat in your hand close to your dog’s face and under their chin. Most dogs will try to paw at your hand to get to the treat. If your dog does this and touches your hand, give them the treat and praise.
• “Roll Over” — Sit in front of your cat with a treat 2-3 inches away from their nose. If you want your cat to roll to your right/their left, slowly arc the treat on a slight incline toward their right ear. For the left side, do the opposite, and reward with a tasty treat when the trick is completed.

Regardless of how you spend National Love Your Pet Day with your dog or cat, taking some extra time to share your unconditional love is something that will make both you and your pet enjoy life to the fullest.

2022-02-18T09:07:00

(BPT) – Working out year-round can be extremely beneficial to your long-term health and wellness. But did you know that keeping active during the colder seasons can put you at increased risk for muscle injuries? Cold weather can make it harder for your muscles to recuperate after exercise, so rest and recovery are just as essential to your body as your physical activity.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dalina Soto offers her best tips to help support your muscles after working out, including giving your body the fuel it needs for a solid recovery.

1. Stay hydrated

Keeping your body well hydrated before, during and after your workout not only helps to keep up your energy levels but is also crucial to avoiding muscle injury — including painful cramping — and helps your muscles repair themselves.

“Make sure you have water nearby and sip frequently to ensure that you’re sufficiently hydrated,” advises Soto.

2. Feed your muscles

Follow a workout by feeding your hard-working muscles with the fuel your body needs, including vital nutrients like protein that help to build and repair your muscles. One great option is Eggland’s Best eggs, which contain not only 6 grams of protein per egg, but also more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs.

“Omega-3s can help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise,” says Soto. “Any recipe made with Eggland’s Best eggs is a choice you can feel good about eating pre- or post-workout.”

Eggland’s Best eggs also contain more than double the amount of Vitamin B12, which provides a natural energy boost so you feel energized post-workout. They also contain 25% less saturated fat, ten times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs. The superior nutrition of Eggland’s Best is due to its proprietary all-vegetarian hen feed that contains healthy grains, canola oil and a wholesome supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp and Vitamin E. Their patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has superior qualities.

Check out these Feta and Tomato Egg Muffins by Dalina Soto, RDN for an easy, on-the-go snack that’s packed with protein and perfect fuel for any sweat session.

Feta and Tomato Egg Muffins

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total servings: 7

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup of onion, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 6 Large Eggland’s Best eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Coat 8 muffin-tin cups with cooking spray.
2. Whisk Eggland’s Best eggs and garlic salt in a medium bowl.
3. Add tomatoes and feta to the muffin tin equally.
4. Pour the egg mixture over the tomatoes and feta in the muffin cups. Top with extra cheese if desired.
5. Bake until the egg mixture is set, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. If not serving immediately, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before refrigerating for up to 4 days or freezing for up to 3 months.

3. Rest to aid recovery

Resting your muscles after an intense workout is essential to repairing and building muscles, especially for those focusing on weight training.

“Strength programs usually focus on just one to two muscle groups per day, such as legs, arms or abs,” says Soto. “That way you can rest the muscles you just challenged to work harder for a day or two while you target another area of your body the next day.”

Getting a good night’s sleep after a day of exercise also helps your hard-working muscles recover, so you can wake up rejuvenated and ready for the next day’s workout.

2022-02-18T08:15:00

(BPT) – Gardening has become a very popular pastime over the past two years, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. According to last year’s Axiom Gardening Insights Survey, 62% of their respondents said they will plant even more in 2022. Whether you’re one of the many who plan to expand your garden or it’s your first attempt, there are plenty of tools and resources available to help you succeed.

Winter is the perfect time to dream of warmer days — and gardening. Developing a concrete plan can help you focus on how to make your dream become a reality.

Here are steps to help determine what you want from your garden before the planting season is underway.

Figure out your gardening goals

You could have more than one motivation for gardening, ranging from just enjoying being outdoors to specific results. Your reasons might include:

• Growing veggies, fruits and/or herbs you can eat or use in cooking
• Boosting your home’s curb appeal with beautiful flowers
• Attracting butterflies and/or bees with a pollinator garden
• Creating a pretty backyard sanctuary

Determining which goal is most important to you can help you make choices about what and where to plant.

Utilize help getting started

Enlist family members or friends to share tasks like planting, watering, weeding and fertilizing. Gardening is a great hobby for all ages, and children can have fun learning about nature from planting things and watching them grow.

One easy way to get started is with Ferry-Morse Plantlings: live healthy baby plants delivered from the Ferry-Morse nursery directly to your door. With over 100 varieties of herb, vegetable, shrub, tree and flower Plantlings available, ready-to-plant seedlings are an easy way to get the summer growing season started. Plantlings are a popular option to begin your gardening early, with established root systems that will yield a healthier garden — and leave you with a shorter to-do list come time for spring planting.

Know your space and time limitations

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the amazing available choices, especially when you’re new to gardening. But even homes with limited space can benefit from the beauty of plants or flowers in a planter, window box or raised garden bed. Choose low-maintenance plants and flowers to save on time.

Consider using what you already have to maximize your efforts — are there flowers and plants you already love in your yard? You could space them out if they are spreading varieties, moving some to other areas of your yard. Look up which plants need more sun or shade, so you know they’ll thrive where you transplant them.

Yearning to start growing indoors before the season begins? Jiffy Peat Pellets can help you get your seeds off to a healthy start and establish root systems so your seedlings are ready to be planted directly into the ground at the start of the season.

Know your zone

Learn what plants are native to your geographical zone and hardiest where you live before purchasing seeds or Plantlings. Learning the best times to plant specific species will also help your gardening efforts succeed. Your local agricultural extension office is a wonderful source of information on what plants grow best in your area.

Know your level of expertise

Gardening rookie? You’ll enjoy your efforts even more if you limit the number of varieties you plant. Focus on just a few at a time, then expand what you plant later in the year, or next year.

Even if you’re an experienced gardener, it still helps to have a list of goals. Don’t feel you have to do it all at once. To enjoy watching your garden transform its beauty throughout the growing season, plan for some early blooming plants, then arrange for different areas of your garden to feature mid-summer or late blooming flowers.

“Gardening is something anyone can enjoy, at any level of expertise, no matter how much space you have,” said Rebecca Sears, chief gardening guru for Ferry-Morse. “Start with a few plants or flowers you love, and learn what you can about them. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your garden grow and thrive.”

Visit FerryMorse.com for everything you need to get started, plus tips and resources to help you enjoy your garden more than ever this year.