Month: February 2022

2022-02-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Maybe you’re thinking of getting your sweetie jewelry, flowers, or a romantic candlelit dinner, and all these gifts can be made better with chocolate.

If your partner loves chocolate, consider buying them Chocolove. These European-style premium chocolate products offer a wide variety of unique flavor experiences. More than 90% of the cocoa Chocolove uses is traceable to farmer co-ops.

“It all starts with the cocoa beans,” said Chocolove CEO and Founder Timothy Moley. “From day one, the focus has been on great taste delivered through the simple and natural ingredients that go into all Chocolove premium chocolate.”

Chocolove chocolate is Rainforest Alliance Certified. It’s also made with clean ingredients and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Here are six chocolate gifts in distinct, fun flavors that you can gift that special someone this Valentine’s Day.

1. Limited-edition Valentine’s Day Collection

Chocolove’s limited-edition Valentine’s Collection 3-bar pack features three holiday-inspired flavors.

• Cherry Cordial in 55% dark chocolate
• Raspberry Rose in 34% ruby chocolate
• Cinnamon Ganache in 33% milk chocolate

These Valentine’s Day flavors are only around for a limited time. Make your loved ones feel special by getting them this variety pack featuring three different types of chocolate.

2. Very Cherry Heart-shaped Bites

Does your sweetie enjoy something a bit tart and a bit sweet? Individually wrapped Very Cherry Hearts are 55% dark chocolate and filled with cherry puree for a classic and timeless flavor combination. These heart-shaped chocolates are a true bite-sized treat.

3. Salted Caramel Heart-shaped Bites

If your Valentine’s date is more partial to a sweet and salty option, the Salted Caramel Hearts are ideal. These tiny treats are also made with 55% dark chocolate and have a delicious cinnamon salted caramel filling.

4. Passion Fruit in Ruby Chocolate Large Bar

This passion fruit-infused chocolate bar is made with 34% ruby chocolate, giving it a dreamy pink hue with no added berries or food coloring. This sweet treat combines the tartness of fresh berries mixed with the sweetness and smoothness of white and milk chocolate.

Chocolove large chocolate bars are delicious and romantic. Every large bar features a poem inside the wrapper that your partner is sure to appreciate this Valentine’s Day.

5. Raspberries in Dark Chocolate Large Bar

For raspberry lovers, it’s sure to impress. This chocolate bar has crispy bits of tart raspberries that burst with flavor in each bite. The smooth, semi-sweet notes of African cocoa beans effortlessly swirl with the light raspberry flavor, elevating the taste of this treat.

6. XO No Sugar Added Mint in Dark Chocolate Large Bar

Chocolove XO No Sugar Added Mint in 60% dark chocolate bar offers a creamy dark chocolate taste with a refreshing peppermint flavor that will entertain your palate with a cool finish. Chocolove XO products are sweetened with isomalt from beets and inulin from chicory root, both of which don’t cause blood sugar spikes. This line of eight no-sugar-added bars delivers an exceptional taste experience, with no artificial sweeteners and no chemical aftertaste.

Gift your sweetheart chocolates that taste good and that they can feel good about eating. To see all the large bars, mini bars, cups, bites, boxes, specialty holiday chocolates and small-batch handmade truffles in a range of more than 60 artfully balanced flavors, visit Chocolove.com. The Valentine’s Day Collection bars and heart-shaped bites in pouches are available now at HyVee, Natural Grocers, Lucky’s Markets and other independent natural retailers nationwide. All other Chocolove bars are available at Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart, Sprouts and wherever good food is sold.

2022-02-08T14:35:00

(BPT) – Whether making drinks at home for your next homegate, or stopping by your favorite watering hole, The Botanist has you covered with this game-day lineup.

2022-02-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – Like many healthy, active men in their 50s, Michael Brennan felt that age was just a number and didn’t spend much time thinking about the health issues that older men often experience. But in 2006, he started noticing problems with urination, including the near-constant feeling of needing to go to the bathroom. And when he did urinate, it was often painful and it felt like he couldn’t completely empty his bladder. After unsuccessfully trying to manage the problem for years, he spoke to a urologist who diagnosed him with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly known as an enlarged prostate.¹

The prostate is a male reproductive organ and is a small gland located deep inside the groin. As men age, the prostate can grow from the size of a walnut to about the size of a lemon. BPH most commonly starts after age 40, but by age 60, half of all men will have an enlarged prostate and, by age 85, that number reaches 90%.²

Because the prostate is located just below the bladder, when it becomes larger it can place pressure on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder, and obstruct the flow of urine.² As a result, BPH can cause frustrating symptoms for men that include frequent urination, a weak or interrupted stream, the sudden urge to go, and lack of control over urination – all of which can significantly disrupt daily activities, as well as regular sleep cycles.³

“As much as I wanted to believe that I wasn’t old enough to have an enlarged prostate, I did, and it really impacted my life,” said Michael. “Over a 10-year span, I felt like I tried every medication to treat the condition, but nothing seemed to work and the symptoms only got worse. I felt alone in my suffering and it was like BPH had taken over my life.”

Michael was eventually referred to a new urologist who, after reviewing his medical records, recommended that he consider a minimally invasive procedure called Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy. Rezūm Therapy is an in-office treatment option for men 50 years or older looking to treat the root cause of BPH, not just the symptoms. It uses the energy stored in natural water vapor to reduce the size of the prostate and provide lasting symptom relief without invasive surgery or the potential side effects of prescription medications.

“Medication doesn’t always provide adequate relief from BPH symptoms, and many men want to avoid surgery,” said Ron Morton, Chief Medical Officer, Urology and Pelvic Health Division, Boston Scientific. “Rezūm Therapy is a short, in-office procedure that uses water vapor to shrink the prostate, facilitating the free flow of urine. There are no incisions nor is a general anesthetic required. The procedure has been proven safe and most men return to normal activities of daily life in a few days.”

Ultimately, Michael opted to undergo the procedure. Shortly after, he reported noticing a remarkable difference and, as time went by, his condition continued to improve. After a few short weeks, he was able to urinate without any pain or discomfort, and even his wife was happier knowing that he didn’t have to constantly go to the bathroom.

“Having BPH was like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go, needing to know where the nearest bathroom was at all times,” said Michael. “With Rezūm Therapy, I finally found the relief I was looking for, and this has allowed me to do the things I love, including taking my grandchildren to Disney World, without the fear of not being able to make it to a bathroom in time.”

To learn more about the symptoms of BPH and to speak with a doctor in your area about treatment options, including Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy, visit www.Rezum.com.

Most patients report relatively minor discomfort during the procedure. As a minimally invasive procedure, Rezūm has demonstrated fewer side effects compared to those typically seen with surgical therapies. While all cases are different, potential side effects associated with Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy may include but are not limited to painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, decrease in ejaculatory volume, urinary tract infection (UTI), inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder, and urgent need to urinate. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and usually resolve within a few weeks, but there is a possibility some of these effects may continue for longer periods of time. Please talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits associated with Rezūm. A complete list of side effects associated with Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is available here: https://www.Rezum.com/what-is-Rezum/risks.html.

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.

References

1. Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. NIH. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia#benign. Accessed December 17, 2021.
2. The Growing Problem of an Enlarged Prostate Gland. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/the-growing-problem-of-an-enlarged-prostate-gland. Accessed December 17, 2021.
3. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087. Accessed December 17, 2021.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

© 2022 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. URO-1203707-AA JAN 2022

2022-02-08T10:31:00

(BPT) – When improving your health and wellness, it’s essential to take care of your eyes too. For African Americans, this is especially important because of increased risk factors for eye disease and vision loss.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma — a disease that damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss — is three times more likely to occur in African Americans. The risks of glaucoma are magnified further when you consider that the disease strikes, on average, 10 years earlier and progresses faster among African Americans.

The good news is that with early detection and treatments, including a wide range of eye drop medications, laser treatments and several types of incisional surgery, the majority of patients with glaucoma maintain their vision. By becoming aware of your risk factors and taking preventive steps, you can help protect your eyes.

Finding answers in your genes

While the risk factors for eye disease continue to be studied, the ophthalmology community believes genetics can play a role.

“Aside from the access to care challenges that confront members of minority populations, African Americans have a range of genetic predispositions that make them more susceptible to eye diseases such as glaucoma,” says Dr. Eydie Miller-Ellis, professor of clinical ophthalmology and director of the Glaucoma Service at the Scheie Eye Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “This includes an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other serious medical conditions that can also contribute to poor eye health.”

Don’t dismiss a lack of symptoms

Since glaucoma often develops without symptoms and you can lose vision without noticing it, Dr. Miller-Ellis stresses that early action is vital for African Americans to help prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases.

“The increased risk of early onset glaucoma makes it critical for African Americans to take steps to protect their eye health at a young age,” says Dr. Miller-Ellis. “Many people are lulled into a sense of complacency when it comes to their vision because they believe they see fine. But a lot of asymptomatic disorders like glaucoma can be damaging your eyesight without you realizing it.”

Schedule an eye exam

Understanding that you are at greater risk for eye disease and vision loss is the starting point toward protecting your eyesight. Begin a routine of yearly dilated eye exams with an ophthalmologist so that vision problems can be detected early. The Glaucoma Research Foundation recommends African Americans get a comprehensive exam to check for glaucoma starting at age 35.

No vision plan? No worries

Don’t let the lack of a vision plan hold you back from scheduling a screening for glaucoma. Medical eye exams and treatments for eye diseases, including glaucoma, are typically covered by regular health insurance. Check with your healthcare provider for specifics on your level of coverage. In addition, EyeCare America offers medical eye exams with volunteer ophthalmologists across the U.S., often for free.

Know your family history

Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, can be hereditary. And for African Americans, the risk of glaucoma is 20% higher if it’s already in your family.

“To prioritize healthy vision, it’s important to have a complete understanding of your family’s history of eye disease,” says Dr. Mildred M.G. Olivier, founding regional dean at the School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, St. Louis campus. “That’s why I encourage African American families to not only discuss their individual history of eye disease, but also ensure that everyone in the family goes for an annual eye exam.”

Empower yourself

Dr. Olivier also encourages people to be their own advocates in breaking down the health inequity barriers for minorities that may stand in the way of better eye health.

“It’s important to ask your primary care physician to refer you to an ophthalmologist for an annual medical eye exam,” says Dr. Olivier. “When you are at the eye doctor’s office, make sure you are getting all the information you need and understand all of your options concerning your eyesight and any problems that arise.”

Both Dr. Olivier and Dr. Miller-Ellis are working to improve access to eye care among minority populations as leaders of the Rabb-Venable Excellence in Ophthalmology Program, which supports minority medical students, residents and fellows in ophthalmology. The Rabb-Venable program is part of the National Medical Association – Ophthalmology Section and supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Eye Institute.

The Glaucoma Research Foundation offers a wealth of resources for African Americans to help build a plan for better eye health, including the guide “Understanding and Living with Glaucoma.” This free booklet, supported by Aerie Pharmaceuticals, is available at www.glaucoma.org/booklet.

2022-02-07T15:01:00

(BPT) – If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) or are considering switching to one, you may have wondered how cold weather can affect the charging and mileage range of the vehicle. Living in an area where you can expect colder-than-usual temperatures for at least a few months doesn’t mean you can’t feel confident about driving an electric vehicle during the winter.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s cold weather testing shows a reduction in fuel economy for gas, hybrid and electric vehicles with gas vehicles reduced by 15-24% and EVs by roughly 39%. And according to University of Michigan Energy Institute, driving and charging an electric vehicle in colder weather has its nuances because temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can reduce charging power. With a bit of preparation and planning, your electric vehicle will get you where you need to go throughout the year.

Here are a few tips to help keep an EV running smoothly during the winter.

1. Charging may take longer

The vehicle controls the charging rate, not the charger. When temperatures are low, the electric vehicle’s software reduces its charging power, and for a good reason: to help avoid stressing the battery. The Idaho National Laboratory study found that at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, an EV battery took in 36% less energy than when the battery was charged for the same amount of time at 77 degrees Fahrenheit — this means the colder the weather, the more time the battery needed to charge.

So when temperatures are colder, it’s important to plan ahead for longer charge times, whether the trip is part of your daily commute or a longer road trip. It’s also important to note that the charging rate will always decrease as the battery reaches full capacity (state of charge, or SOC), to maintain battery life and durability.

2. Pay attention to overnight changes in your EV’s range

Check the forecast to be aware of overnight low temperatures during winter months — as cold temps overnight can lower an EV’s driving range by an average of 20%, according to the Norwegian Automobile Federation. Be mindful of that potential range reduction and pay attention to the vehicle’s console display, as some EVs can predict these range reductions during extreme temperatures.

3. Plan your charges

Plan for stops at public charging stations to avoid finding yourself with a limited range and a lot more driving to do. Thanks to the Electrify America mobile app supported by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, drivers can easily navigate to nearby ultra-fast charging stations and see which chargers are currently available, making it even more seamless to plan charges before and during a trip.

Visit Electrify America.com to learn more and find a charging station near you.

4. Park indoors when you can

Parking an EV in a garage with higher indoor temperatures, when possible, can help the battery charge more quickly and hold that charge longer.

5. Understand your EV’s cold weather features

Some EVs have a pre-conditioning feature that allows drivers to program or manually warm up the battery to more optimal temperatures. While this pre-conditioning process does use some battery power to provide a warming effect, it can make the battery more efficient while maximizing driving range.

By understanding your EV and its charging needs, especially during colder weather, you’ll be better prepared to rely on an electric car no matter when and where you’re driving.

2022-02-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know “Galentine’s Day” is fast becoming as popular as Valentine’s Day? According to Synthesio.com, Galentine’s Day mentions on social media have equaled the number of Valentine’s Day mentions in recent years, and the popularity of the holiday that’s all about celebrating female friendships shows no sign of slowing down. First popularized by the TV comedy “Parks and Rec,” Galentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to reconnect with your best girlfriends and celebrate the special bond you share.

To make the most of the holiday, plan a virtual get-together to unite your far-flung besties — whether they’re friends from high school, college, or any other pals you’d love to hang out with.

Here’s a guide to help you make your virtual Galentine’s Day party more festive and memorable than ever.

1. Treat yourself — and them

Good food and drinks are essential to any get-together with friends. Send your pals a virtual gift card ahead of time, so everyone has something yummy to nosh on together. The Treat Yourself Choice Gift Card available on Giftcards.com^® and at retailers nationwide is the ideal solution, which can be used for takeout from several popular national restaurants, as well as an online delivery option so guests can choose to have their favorite bites delivered right to their door in time for the celebration. They could even use the card for festive dinnerware, comfy loungewear or fun props from favorite retailers to make the event even better.

2. Prep your tech

Make sure everyone’s on board with whatever video conferencing platform you choose, whether that’s Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, FaceTime or something else. Choose a platform you’re comfortable with and that you’ve used before so it will go off without a hitch. Planning ahead lets everyone know what platform you’ll be using, so they can be set up and ready to join you. Consider including a brief tutorial or instructions for using the platform along with your invitation.

3. Get ready for fun and games

While it can be pretty entertaining just to get together and gab, it’s even better if you have a few games planned for your party. You can choose from retro faves like Truth or Dare, or try “Two Truths and a Lie” — which is a great choice for friends who’d like to get to know each other better. Other popular options include “Never have I ever,” plus trivia or bingo games (which you could buy or create yourself). Consider asking each guest to prep one game for the group to play together.

4. Don’t forget the Galentine’s Day gifts

Show your BFFs just how much you appreciate them with a gift they are all sure to love, like a Retail Therapy Choice Gift Card from Giftcards.com. With these multi-store gift cards, recipients can choose exactly what they want from any of the stores that are featured on the card, whether that’s a new outfit, cosmetics or home accessories from one of their favorite brands. These are the kinds of gifts that are never returned, won’t be affected by supply chain hiccups — and have no fees or expiration dates.

5. Amp it up with a theme

Virtual parties are even better if you invite everyone to go all in on a theme. Whether you choose a favorite TV show or movie, popular musical group, decade or locale, a theme lets everyone be a little more creative with dressing up, as well as choosing wacky backdrops or funny props to help set the stage. Make sure to select some music to feature in the background as your shindig begins. Here are a few ideas for themes to get you started:

• Glee or Clueless
• Spice Girls, TLC or Destiny’s Child
• ‘70s, ‘80s or ‘90s
• Tropical paradise, Western ranch, night at the club or pajama party

Let your imagination go wild, and most of all — have fun! Galentine’s Day is all about getting together, letting loose and enjoying your special time together.

2022-02-04T16:19:00

(BPT) – As the seasons change, so much of everyday life does, too. During the in-between months — when winter’s chill is still in the air, but thoughts of spring are, too — it can be hard to figure out daily rituals like how to dress for the weather, manage busy calendars, and decide what’s on the menu. Thankfully, this seasonal transition offers the perfect moment to delight in cozy food and wine pairings that celebrate this unique time.

Playful snacking

Snacks can be a great way to a take a breather during the day and refuel your body. Especially when wintery days seem to drag on, snacking can bring some much-needed fun to your day, if you make it an intentional activity. Bring some cuteness to the kitchen by baking Valentine’s Day cookies to share or enjoy on a coffee break, try your hand at sweet and savory combos with homemade trail mix, and, of course, there’s always wine and chocolate.

Pairing: Bonterra 2021 Rosé, California – Rosé is bottled in the winter and released early in the new year, making this the freshest time of year to enjoy it. From Climate Neutral Certified Bonterra Organic Vineyards, this vibrant rosé showcases a delicious bouquet of organic grapes including Grenache, Mourvèdre and Malbec. Sip it with chocolate-dipped strawberries to complement the wine’s refreshing notes of blood orange, watermelon and maraschino cherry.

Cheese, yes please

As seasons change, so should your cheese board. Cheese boards are an easy go-to for entertaining, and are much more versatile than you might think (truffle fries board, anyone?). They’re ideal for early spring nibbling, when it may still be too early for outdoor picnic fare, and are also perfect for a smorgasbord-style brunch, lunch or afternoon ballgame viewing session. Whether grazing on artisanal cheese or charcuterie, let your creativity be the main ingredient — there are no other rules.

Pairing: Fetzer NV Riesling, California – Spoiler alert: While wine and cheese may seem like a no-brainer together, this classic pairing is actually tricky, since cheese coats your palate and makes wine difficult to taste. Fortunately, it’s Riesling to the rescue, thanks to the varietal’s crisp acidity and balanced sweetness that cut through cheese’s richness. Fruity and floral, this aromatic Riesling from B Corp Fetzer pairs perfectly with a variety of cheeses. A lively palate of peaches and bright citrus with a semi-sweet and savory finish makes this wine cheese’s newly anointed best friend.

Retro inspired

With a chill remaining in the air, cozy nights at home are still on the agenda this time of year. Warm up while indulging your nostalgic side with a fondue pot, newly hot again and a perfect source of chalet chic comfort food. Dip your toes into this tradition with Gruyère cheese from Switzerland. From there, the possibilities of melty cheese options are endless: try raclette next, then beer cheese dip — a sports fan favorite. Add a bottle of wine, fuzzy socks and some candles for the ultimate at-home après ski — whatever your coordinates.

Pairing: 1000 Stories 2020 Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chardonnay, California – Thanks to aging in bourbon barrels, this rich Chardonnay brings distinct flavors of baked apple, lemon, wood spice and vanilla that deepen alongside notes of butterscotch and crème brûlée. The warming characteristics from the bourbon barrels make this rich, cooler-weather white wine a great match for cheese fondue.