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The road to the Triple Crown races through Oaklawn

2022-03-21T06:01:00

(BPT) – On April 2, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, one of the leading Thoroughbred racetracks in the country, presents the 86th running of the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby. This is one of the nation’s premiere prep races for the Triple Crown. It features Thoroughbred Racing’s top 3-year-olds, with the winner advancing to the Kentucky Derby.

The Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn can be seen by a nationwide audience on TVG Network and Fox Sports.

Oaklawn is where champions are made. In 2015, American Pharoah began his quest to becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years at Oaklawn. In 2004, Smarty Jones captured the world’s attention starting at the Arkansas Derby. He fell one race short of completing the Triple Crown that year.

After 118 years of racing, the 2022 season represents a new era. Live meet racing at Oaklawn continues through May 8 featuring the world’s fastest horses, winningest jockeys and legendary trainers — competing for the most money ever at Oaklawn, $45 million in purses.

Patrons can watch the races from the grandstand, or from the comforts of one of the many trackside rooms available at Oaklawn Hotel. With 198 luxury rooms and two presidential suites, those who stay at Oaklawn will receive all the features of a world-class hotel.

Oaklawn is also the perfect place for foodies to enjoy a variety of food options from Oaklawn’s newest dining experience — The OAK Room and Bar — to Silks Bar and Grill and the elegant The Bugler.

When the horses aren’t running, visitors can enjoy first-class entertainment.

The casino at Oaklawn features more than 48,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,500 slot machines and 33 gaming tables. Additionally, a High Limits area includes three high limits blackjack tables and more than 80 slot machines. There’s a winner every day at Oaklawn and the proceeds are re-invested into horse racing to grow the purse pot.

But there’s more.

If relaxation is what you desire, then schedule a visit to the luxurious Astral Spa, which features the finest amenities. A needle shower, which represents the history of the iconic Bathhouse Row at Hot Springs National Park, provides therapeutic relief to aching muscles. Patrons will also enjoy a Himalayan Salt Wall, infrared sauna and treatments that utilize locally sourced gemstones.

But there’s even more fun and adventure that awaits you outside the resort in beautiful Hot Springs.

From Oaklawn, you are minutes away from historic Hot Springs National Park where you can soak in the soothing bathhouses along Bathhouse Row and explore the trails through the park, including the world-class Northwoods Trail, which features varying degrees of difficulty for mountain bikers of all experience levels.

You will also be near 11 lakes, nine golf courses, and numerous museums and attractions.

There’s so much to do and it’s easy to get started. Just go to www.oaklawn.com and book your trip.

Must be 18 for wagering on the races and 21 for casino gaming in Arkansas. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700.

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7 tips for choosing a primary care doctor

2022-03-21T11:53:00

(BPT) – How well does your primary care provider know you? Do they see you at least once a year? Maybe during these last few years, when health has been at the forefront, you renewed your efforts to see this critical caretaker more regularly.

A primary care provider is more than just a provider. Over time, he or she learns the nuances of your medical history, your reaction to medications, your health goals, your lifestyle, your treatment preferences and whether a caregiver is supporting you in managing your health.

That intimate knowledge can help make a big difference to your health. Studies show that people with primary care providers are more likely to get preventive services, including cancer screenings, and report significantly better overall health outcomes.

Dr. Philip Painter, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement says, “As we get older, our needs change and our functional ability changes. It’s nice to have someone who knows you guide you through the health care system as that happens.”

Painter provides the following seven tips to help you choose the right primary care provider.

1. Ask around

The first step to finding a great provider: Talk to your family and friends about their provider. A recommendation from someone you trust is a good way to identify a highly skilled, helpful physician. But remember: Every person is different. Just because a provider was perfect for your neighbor or best friend doesn’t mean they are right for you.

2. Make sure you’ve got coverage

Once you’ve identified possible candidates, check whether they work with your health plan. If you have traditional Medicare, call the provider’s office and ask if they accept Medicare patients. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your insurance provider or check your plan’s website to see if the provider is in network. Most plans charge more if you see a provider outside the network, so it’s important to take this step before scheduling an appointment.

3. Do a quality check

Chances are you wouldn’t hire someone to make repairs in your home without doing a little research into the quality of their work. So why would you choose a provider without doing the same?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your insurance company to see if they have any information about the quality ratings of specific primary care providers in your network. You can also use the Physician Compare tool on Medicare.gov to see if your provider has participated in any activities that indicate they provide high-quality care.

Finally, check to see whether your provider is board-certified through the Certification Matters site, which the American Board of Medical Specialties maintains, to make sure they’re keeping up with the latest developments in their fields.

4. Place a cold call

Painter advises that patients call a potential provider’s office for a first impression of the practice.

“You can tell a lot by the phone etiquette of the office staff,” Painter said.

5. Ask about logistics and virtual appointments

Ask questions. How does the office handle prescription refills? How do they let you know about test results? Can you email your provider or schedule appointments online? Will the office call to remind you if you’re overdue for an annual screening?

You might also ask whether they offer same-day appointments and how long patients typically sit in the waiting room.

Ask whether the provider conducts virtual appointments, and how easy they are to schedule.

6. Keep your needs in mind

Every person has unique health needs, and those needs change as people age. Ask your provider about their specialties or areas of interest.

For example, a physician who specializes in sports medicine may not be the best choice if you are not a serious athlete. But if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you may want to look for a provider with a special interest in diabetes care. Those are things to ask when you make that first call or do your research.

And if you have multiple complex medical issues, you may benefit from seeing a geriatrician. Geriatricians specialize in care of older patients.

7. Trust your gut

Your primary care provider is going to be a problem-solver and important advocate for your health. It’s critical that you trust them and feel comfortable asking questions.

After your first appointment, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends you ask yourself the following:

  • Do you feel at ease with this provider?
  • Did the provider show an interest in getting to know you?
  • Did they answer all your questions?
  • Did they explain things in a way you understood?

If something seems off, trust your instincts and look for a new provider who is a better fit. You should be comfortable with whomever you choose.

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How IT teams can make the most of networking — and why it’s important

2022-03-21T06:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re an IT professional, you’ve probably experienced times when you feel isolated in your own information bubble. Your daily tasks, on top of your short- and long-term professional goals, are usually more than enough to demand your full attention. But if you haven’t had the opportunity to get outside of that bubble and network with other IT pros, you could be missing out — not only on ways to advance your career, but also to learn about the latest innovations and thought leadership in your field.

As an industry, IT is continually evolving, sometimes at a breakneck pace, so connecting with your colleagues both within and outside your organization is crucial to staying ahead of the game and doing your best, for yourself and your team.

What are the benefits of networking with others in your field? Here are some ways you can benefit from making those connections:

  • Staying current on IT news and trends
  • Learning about career opportunities
  • Building your own personal brand
  • Exchanging ideas and insights with peers
  • Expanding your IT knowledge base
  • Finding resources to boost your skill set
  • Meeting leaders in your field who could become mentors

To get started, begin with your own company — then start expanding your networking opportunities outward. Encourage your organization’s peers to do the same, so you can all benefit from the increased knowledge and professional connections you develop.

Connecting within your own team

How long has it been since you brainstormed and shared ideas with your own colleagues about the challenges you’re all facing? When you’re at your busiest, connecting with your peers in your company may consist of brief check-ins, plus requests for assistance or information when needed.

Create opportunities to meet regularly with IT colleagues in your own business to discuss issues and goals, as well as new insights, information and resources some of you may have discovered that could be helpful to the whole team.

Follow and engage with thought leaders

To stay on top of innovations — and challenges — in your industry, subscribe to top IT newsletters, podcasts and webinars that provide useful information and conversations in the IT space. You can even find groups that cater to your exact area of expertise. For example, if you’re a Mac admin, you can follow the MacAdmins podcast or join their Slack group.

Identify high-profile thought leaders in your field so you can follow and engage with them. Don’t be shy! Follow them on LinkedIn and connect with them occasionally by asking questions or commenting on their posts. Email or message them to thank them for their contributions or just to connect on a professional level.

Network on a local and national scale

Attend regional and national industry conferences, seminars and lectures when possible. First search for local meetup or networking IT groups on Meetup.com, or via social networking sites like LinkedIn. Then widen your scope to include national and even international groups. Many IT practitioners expand their networking opportunities by attending conferences like Dreamforce, CiscoLive and London Tech Week.

Join an online community forum

To connect with other IT professionals virtually and stay up to date on industry news and best practices, the JumpCloud Community features conversations about all things IT — alongside sharing best practices, career guidance and news about timely industry topics and products. The community also features a variety of helpful guides and templates for IT admins in their everyday work, career spotlights for those in the field and an IT meetup network which takes place both virtually and in person.

“Continual growth and learning are essential to staying ahead in the IT industry, and there’s nothing better for that growth than making professional connections,” said Becky Scott, head of community at JumpCloud. “IT admins at small- to medium-size businesses in particular will find that they really benefit from networking with their peers throughout the industry.”

Ready to get started with your professional networking goals? Learn more at Community.JumpCloud.com.

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5 things military members and their families should know about their taxes

2022-03-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or the spouse of a military member, special tax considerations are given for a variety of circumstances, so it’s best to be aware of issues you may need to research — or consult a tax professional about. For federal tax purposes, the U.S. Armed Forces includes commissioned officers, warrant officers and enlisted personnel in all regular and reserve units under the control of Secretaries of the Defense, Army, Navy, Air Force and Homeland Security, including the Coast Guard and Space Force.

Here are five top issues military families should know about filing taxes.

1. Determining taxable income

Military personnel receive many different types of pay, some included in gross income, others excluded. Unless the pay is for service in a combat zone, the following are subject to tax and must be reported on your return:

  • Active duty pay
  • Special pay including aviation, diving, foreign duty, hardship duty, hostile fire or imminent danger, overseas extension, special duty assignment
  • Reserve training pay
  • Bonuses
  • Armed Services academy pay
  • Accrued leave or mustering-out payments
  • Lump-sum payments made upon separation or release
  • Student loan repayments
  • Incentive pay

Pay/allowances that may be excluded from your income include:

  • Pay for active service in a combat zone or qualified support area
  • Living allowances such as Basic Allowance for Housing, Basic Allowance for Subsistence and Overseas Housing Allowance
  • Disability/medical benefits
  • Educational/legal assistance
  • Family separation allowances
  • Temporary lodging for certain orders
  • Uniform allowances
  • Moving allowances

Some excluded income items may be used to calculate certain tax benefits on your return, but are still not subject to income tax. For example, combat pay is included in income to calculate the Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit.

2. Deducting moving expenses

If you move due to permanent change of station orders, you do not have to meet the usual time and distance tests to deduct moving expenses. Permanent change of station includes moving:

  • from your home to your first post of active duty
  • from one permanent post of duty to another
  • from your last post of duty to your home or a nearer point in the U.S.

For questions about complicated situations, visit the U.S. Military website at MilitaryOneSource.mil/financial-legal/.

3. Understanding combat pay

If you’re serving in a combat zone, some of your pay may be excluded from your income. Examples of excludable income include active duty pay earned in a month you served in a combat zone and imminent danger/hostile fire pay. Members serving in a qualified support area have the same benefits as members serving in combat zones. See a complete listing of designated combat zones at IRS.gov/Newsroom/Combat-Zones.

You may choose to include combat pay in your earned income calculations when calculating certain tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Combat pay must be included when calculating the Child Tax Credit or the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

4. Death of a service member

Special tax provisions apply to military personnel who die serving in a combat zone: Income tax does not have to be paid for the tax year in which they died, nor for any earlier year ending on or after the first day the member served in the combat zone in active service.

The death gratuity is a one-time payment of $100,000 to the surviving family of a deceased military member. For the death of an Armed Forces member occurring within 120 days after retirement, survivors also receive $100,000. These payments are tax-exempt.

5. Filing extensions

Anyone can receive a six-month extension by filing Form 4868 by the due date. However, you can qualify for an automatic extension until June 15 without filing Form 4868 if you’re in the military on an assigned tour of duty outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico during a time that includes the due date. Attach a statement to your return showing you met the requirements for this extension. You can also request an additional four-month extension to October 15. Write “Taxpayer Abroad” across the top of Form 4868 and file it by June 15. These extensions are for filing only, not for paying any balance due.

“Taxes are complicated for military members,” said Mark Steber, senior vice president and chief tax information officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. “To benefit from up-to-date information to get your taxes done right, it’s always best to consult a tax professional.”

To contact your neighborhood Jackson Hewitt office, call 1-800-234-1040 or use the Office Locator feature at JacksonHewitt.com.

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Outdoor living trends for 2022

2022-03-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Outdoor living has never had a brighter moment in the spotlight. Absolutely essential during the pandemic, flexible outdoor areas continue to be in high demand among homeowners. Here are some of the top trends for outdoor living in the year ahead from the experts at Trex, the world’s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing, and leader in high-performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products.

1. The Outdoor Den

Gone are the days of decks and patios that might be used to host a BBQ once or twice a year. Today’s homeowners are seeking outdoor living areas where they can relax, watch their favorite shows, host a movie night with friends, play games and truly live every day. Outdoor dens inspired by the popular indoor trend from the 1960s are expected to see a resurgence, and they’ll be outfitted with all the comforts and conveniences of the indoors, from upholstered furnishings and fully appointed kitchens to bars, big screen TVs, surround sound and more!

2. Activity Zones

As our homes have become offices, classrooms, fitness facilities — you name it — space has become a precious commodity. To optimize the usability of an outdoor space, divide it into multiple activity zones for relaxing, dining and gathering. A pergola is ideal for instantly framing and defining a space. A relatively easy addition to any deck or yard, pergolas create the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Another way to integrate dimension into an outdoor space is with lattice. These stylish and versatile panels not only act as dividers for activity zones, but also minimize unsightly views. And, don’t overlook the space beneath an elevated deck. Adding an under-deck drainage system, like Trex® RainEscape®, will not only protect a deck’s substructure from moisture damage, it will create dry space that can be used for storage or as bonus living space.

3. Privacy, Please

The past two years have left us craving not only connection, but also increased safety and serenity. Thus, privacy is expected to be a big outdoor living trend. With backyards being used for everything from meditation and exercise to rest and relaxation, homeowners are seeking ways to enhance seclusion. Privacy walls are a great solution. Offered in both permanent and moveable options, these decorative panels are available in multiple patterns and colors to complement the aesthetic of any outdoor setting and are ideal for enhancing privacy around decks, patios and pools. You can also build your own privacy walls using cladding or leftover deck boards to create visual separation while adding a modern touch to any outdoor environment.

4. Curve Appeal

In a marked departure from the clean, streamlined looks of recent years, curves are making a comeback. Contractors are reporting increased demand for arched windows, doors and openings, along with curved footprints for porches, decks and walkways for landscaping.

5. Outstanding Outdoor Kitchens

As demand continues to soar for all things al fresco, from luxury grilling stations and elaborate bars to specialty features like pizza ovens, smokers, and refrigerated storage, demand for weather-resistant cabinetry is on the rise. The Trex® Outdoor Kitchens™ collection features a luxurious lineup of stainless steel cabinetry solutions in colors and styles options for creating functional spaces that rival interior kitchens — all crafted to withstand and endure exposure to the elements.

6. Eco-Friendly and Easy to Maintain

Today’s time-stretched consumers are increasingly opting for lower-maintenance materials that deliver on performance and sustainability. Composite decking falls right in this sweet spot. Manufactured from 95% recycled materials, Trex® composite decking has a lower carbon footprint than pressure-treated lumber. And, unlike wood, it resists fading, staining, scratching and mold — and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with just soap and water.

For more outdoor living ideas and inspiration, visit Trex.com.

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Protect Your Money and Personal Information: Red Flags of Fraud

2022-03-18T15:31:00

(BPT) – In today’s connected world, we need connected solutions; and new services are available that help keep your money and personal information out of the hands of potential scammers and fraud schemes. Choosing the right products and services is important year-round, but Fraud Prevention Month this March brings it to the forefront for many consumers.

Fraud is of particular concern for those over 50; between March 2020 and February 2022, NortonLifeLock has sent 47,895 alerts and 45,814 notifications to AARP members. A 2020 report from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) revealed they had received almost 800,000 fraud complaints that year, with reported losses exceeding $4.1 billion. Approximately 28% of the losses were experienced by victims over the age of 60, and resulted in approximately $1 billion in losses to this group. Thankfully, many products and services are designed to identify the red flags of fraud and keep you safe — some of which are offered to AARP members and come with exclusive discounts.

This Fraud Prevention Month, make sure you’ve given yourself the best possible protection by incorporating some of the below products and services into your life.

Protect your home by choosing the right security system and home warranty plan

Feeling safe in your own home is paramount to health and happiness, and a home security system is crucial to achieving this. Many systems today are designed for the modern age and come with comprehensive protection to tackle modern fraud schemes. One of these services is SimpliSafe®, and AARP members save 15% on new home security systems. SimpliSafe® systems are easy-to-install, require no contract, and feature fast, 24/7 police dispatch — which provides peace of mind that your home has the best possible protection.

It’s also important to ensure your budget is protected against the cost of unexpected home system and appliance breakdowns. AARP members receive $36 or more off any American Home Shield® home warranty plan, which offers access to preferred vendors that have been vetted, and can help cover the cost to repair or replace parts of home appliances and systems that break down over time. Plus, this discount can be combined with any current, eligible offer from American Home Shield to save you even more. Valid for new American Home Shield members only.

Help protect your electronic devices from both hackers and disrepair

Connecting to our loved ones and to the rest of the world is a big part of our online lives, and now there are products and services that help keep us safe online. Through AARP® Identity Theft Protection by NortonLifeLockTM, AARP members save 30% on plans designed to help block hackers from your devices, keep your online activity private and protect your identity, all in one. Identity thieves can change your address without authorization or use your info to open fraudulent credit card accounts, get payday loans, and even file tax returns in your name — so it’s important to get protection from identity theft. Members also have access to an up to 25% discount on Norton™ 360 plans that help block hackers from infecting your computer and devices with malware, stealing the information you send and receive when you’re connected online, and spying on you through your computer’s webcam.

Members can ensure their tech is up to date and ready to defend by saving up to 15% off on remote and on-demand IT troubleshooting for computers, laptops, and mobile devices through Norton Ultimate Help Desk. Norton specialists can also help you connect your devices to a wireless network, hook up your computer to your printer, transfer digital photos, and more. Members can pay $59.99 for one-time help or can enroll in an ongoing subscription for $16.99/month.

This Fraud Prevention Month, you deserve to feel safe and secure both on- and offline. Thankfully, the products and services available today are designed to identify the red flags of fraud and are equipped for the challenges of the modern age. Ensure that you’re using all available resources to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home by utilizing the benefits available to AARP members that defend your home and electronic devices against fraud.

For more information, please visit https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/.

No one can prevent all cybercrime or identity theft.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

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Top 9 reasons to carry a non-disposable lighter

2022-03-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Certain household items have become absolute necessities for good reason — they have a wide range of potential uses, and you’re always glad you have them around when you need them. One of these everyday essentials is a non-disposable lighter, which has myriad uses, from the practical to the fun.

Nothing could be more useful than having an iconic Zippo lighter with you, wherever you go. And Zippo’s lighter inserts are perfect accessories to expand the functionality of the classic lighter, seamlessly fitting into your life — and your favorite lighter case. The all-new Yellow Flame Butane Lighter Insert is the latest addition to the collection, bringing a new long-lasting, odorless flame that burns clean and cool. You can customize your lighter, or mix and match, using the lighter insert collection to fuel up any upcoming adventure.

Here are the top 9 reasons you will want to have a non-disposable lighter with you at all times.

Everyday practicality

Whether indoors or out, these are just a few of the types of occasions when you may need to have a lighter handy.

1. Light your candles: Whenever you need to light candles — whether due to a power outage or to light up a festive celebration — having a sturdy, reliable lighter on hand is extremely convenient.

2. From camping to glamping: You’ll also be happy you have a good quality lighter with you when you’re out camping and need to get a campfire started, or need to light a portable kerosene or gas lantern.

3. The deep freeze: In the winter, there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to get a key into a frozen lock. With a lighter, you can apply heat to the key before inserting into the lock.

Beautify your life

A brief, precise application of heat from a non-disposable lighter is sometimes all you need to smooth out your beauty routine.

4. Glam up your eyeliner: Using your lighter, you can heat the tip of your pencil eyeliner — just for a second — to create a sharper line and a more liquid-liner look, with an intense finish.

5. Broken lipstick hack: Your favorite lipstick broke? No worries. Heat up the base and the broken end of your lipstick a bit, smooth out using a cotton swab, then heat again to stick the broken piece back on. Hold carefully or reassemble on a plate to safeguard your fingertips as you melt around the break and smooth to make sure it’s fully reassembled, then let cool.

6. Smooth out beauty products: If you’re having trouble using products such as lip liner or stick foundation because they’re pulling at your skin when you apply them, use a flick from your lighter to warm up the makeup a little, so it will glide on more smoothly.

Fun and games

Whether you’re entertaining or crafting, a non-disposable lighter can have plenty of uses.

7. Bring a sparkle to your celebrations: From the Fourth of July to New Year’s Eve and beyond, you’ll need that lighter to get your festive sparklers going, or to set off fireworks.

8. Make it go viral: Click your lighter to take part in the TikTok lighter transition challenge.

9. Get crafty: Lighters can be useful for all kinds of creative arts and crafts applications, including melting decorative sealing wax. No hot glue gun? No problem. Use a lighter to heat the end of a glue stick instead.

Make sure you’ve got a handy, reliable, non-disposable lighter around when you need one. Visit Zippo.com to check out your options.

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Veteran entrepreneurs share tips on launching and managing a business

2022-03-17T12:01:00

(BPT) – As military members return home from active duty, they face many obstacles reintegrating into civilian life, including finding stable and fulfilling employment. According to the Pew Research Center, only 1 in 4 veterans had a civilian job lined up before leaving active service. While this may seem like a bleak statistic, many veterans return home and choose to start their own business ventures instead of opting for a traditional 9-5.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), 1 in 10 small businesses in the U.S. are veteran-owned, and these businesses generally hire other veterans. The SBA also found that veterans are 45 percent more likely to be self-employed than non-veterans.

To support the entrepreneurial spirit of U.S. veterans and active service members, Bob Evans Farms established Our Farm Salutes, a national philanthropic mission dedicated to supporting U.S. military heroes and their families. Our Farm Salutes consists of three major initiatives, including one program designed to support veteran entrepreneurs in their business endeavors: Heroes to CEOs.

Heroes to CEOs is an annual grant program that provides hardworking veteran business owners the opportunity for a monetary award, as well as heightened brand awareness and professional business mentoring.

In 2022, Bob Evans Farms awarded three veteran entrepreneurs $25,000 each for their business, totaling $75,000 in funding.

“Supporting the military has always been part of our heritage,” said Thyme Hill, CMO of Bob Evans Farms. “We established the Heroes to CEOs program to support our servicemen and -women who have come back from active service to launch businesses and need assistance to reach the next level. We are honored to benefit the brave men and women of this country with our ongoing commitment to veteran entrepreneurs.”

Since the inception of the Heroes to CEOs program in 2017, Bob Evans Farms has funded over $450,000 in business grants to veteran-owned businesses and organizations. Below, the three winners of 2022’s Heroes to CEOs share tips for veterans aspiring to launch and manage their own businesses.

Backpacks for Life

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Brett D’Alessandro and his spouse Alexa Modero founded Backpacks for Life, which provides personalized support to homeless and at-risk veterans struggling to reintegrate into civilian life. The organization assembles and distributes backpacks filled with daily essentials, shelter, and mental health counseling care and mentorship for those seeking support on their journey back home.

As you look to start your business, remember the power of networking. “As veterans, we know that ‘team effort’ and networking can build that alliance of mentors, partners, friends and potential customers,” said D’Alessandro. “So many of our successes came from warm introductions following a networking event.” D’Alessandro and Modero urge veteran entrepreneurs to attend industry events, veteran entrepreneurship events, local events for small businesses or startups in your area, as well as webinars and virtual roundtables.

While it might be tempting to dive in headfirst toward entrepreneurship, make sure you work on your business idea while maintaining another source of income until your business idea can become your main hustle.

“Entrepreneurship is a lot about failing but failing forward,” said D’Alessandro. “It’s also a marathon, not a sprint. If you start small, you make small mistakes. Learn from those mistakes and use that to fuel the fire.”

Hampden Farms

Zephrine Hanson, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, founded Hampden Farms to accelerate food security and community wealth building for underserved neighborhoods in the Denver metro area.

Starting your own business, especially as a veteran returning from active duty, can be exhilarating. Still, it can be easy to ignore your well-being for the sake of your passion project. “Invest in your physical and mental health,” said Hanson. “You can’t build a business if you aren’t building yourself up, too.”

Hanson suggests veteran entrepreneurs support their overall well-being through therapy, coaching, and uplifting experiences. Many programs that support veterans, like Veterans Path and Wounded Warrior Project, are free or low-cost.

In a similar vein, Hanson reminds veteran entrepreneurs to seek out training, incubators, and networking organizations that support the diverse needs of veterans in transitioning to civilian life and business ownership. Organizations and programs that address these issues include The Institute for Veterans and Military Families, Bunker Labs, and Veterans to Farmers.

Finally, Hanson believes that beyond seeking out support, a successful business owner should give back to the community. “Be a servant leader in your virtual, local, and military communities. It’s a priceless experience and well worth the time and effort.”

Sterilogy

Founded by Hal Zaima, a veteran of the U.S. Army, Sterilogy has created the only patented, compact, body-worn personal hand hygiene system designed to reduce infections in healthcare, restaurant, and food production industries.

Zaima stresses that veteran entrepreneurs shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

“You’ve heard that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it takes an army to start a business,” said Zaima. “Along your arduous road to success, you’ll need many people to assist you and to keep the naysayers at bay.”

For veterans looking to start their own business, Zaima recommends thinking about what they’re passionate about and what is profitable. “Once you’ve identified what that intersection of passion and profit looks like, you’ll be tempted to dive in, but just like in the military, you need a plan.” Zaima suggests veteran entrepreneurs write down all the steps in chronological order of what they’ll need to reach their goals. This exercise provides a roadmap that can help determine whether you’re ready to start or need more time to build additional resources and capital.

“If I had to do it over again, I would have sold the sizzle and excitement of the new product early in my entrepreneurial journey to obtain investor funding sooner,” said Zaima. “Funding validates your business, and it will help you accomplish items from your aforementioned list without having to constantly reach into your own pocket.”

Bob Evans Farms believes that leadership, commitment, and courage are just a few reasons veterans succeed as entrepreneurs. This is why the company supports these military heroes as they pursue their dreams after service.

To learn about the Heroes to CEOs program and current and past grant winners, visit BobEvansGrocery.com/ourfarmsalutes.

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Worried about your lung health? Take a deep breath, and give Kundalini Yoga a try

2022-03-17T14:27:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all reconsider things we used to take for granted — like in-school learning, eating out, blowing out birthday candles and … less exciting … lung health.

The American Lung Association estimates that there may be as many as 24 million American adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 become more understood, experts fear these numbers will increase.

Yoga has been scientifically proven to strengthen our immune systems and improve respiratory functioning. A regular practice can reduce respiratory rates and increase the strength of respiratory muscles.

In fact, slow, abdominal, yogic breathing helps the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently and effectively.

Some people with lung health challenges might think that yoga is “not for them.” In fact, Kundalini Yoga is a terrific, low-impact tool to increase lung health.

3HO, an organization that promotes Kundalini Yoga worldwide, has instructions for simple pranayamas — or breathing exercises — that are practiced to achieve a specific outcome such as improved lung function.

The best part? You don’t have to turn your body into a pretzel. And almost anyone can practice them at any time.

All you need is a chair, a nose and two fingers.

Here’s how it works.

Alternate nostril breathing:

Sit up straight in a comfortable position.

Use your thumb to close one nostril. Inhale deeply through the other nostril. At the end of the inhale, close the open nostril with your index finger and exhale through the open nostril under your thumb. Inhale through your open nostril. Then close the nostril with your thumb and exhale through your open nostril under your index finger.

Repeat. As slowly as possible but still with comfort.

Back and forth.

Continue for 3-5 minutes.

Interested in more information on Kundalini Yoga and other breathing exercises? Visit 3HO.org.

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Breathe in a happy home: 4 benefits of good indoor air quality

2022-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Indoor air quality is an aspect of a healthy lifestyle that is often overlooked. Even if you lead an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors, you likely spend more time indoors than you think. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. With so much time spent inside, having good air quality is vital.

When you look around your home, you probably don’t see anything unusual. But according to the EPA, your indoor air may have 2-5 times higher levels of airborne pollutants than outdoors.

Healthier air starts with knowing what’s in it. If you want to improve your indoor air quality, consider investing in an indoor quality monitor. For example, you can place a Carrier Air Monitor in different rooms throughout your house and track your home’s air quality from your phone. The monitor detects fine particles (PM2.5), relative humidity, room temperature and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Once you know what is in your air, you and your family can reap the benefits of good indoor air quality. Below are four ways improving indoor air quality can positively impact your life.

1. Decrease chance of mold

If you live in a humid or wet climate, you know the struggle of keeping your home mold-free. If you accidentally disturb a patch of mold, it can release spores into the air that you’ll breathe in. To decrease the chance of mold growing in your home, it’s critical you monitor the humidity level indoors. If the humidity in your home is too high, you can manage the moisture by using a dehumidifier or contacting a local heating, ventilation and air conditioning expert.

Make sure to check your bathrooms, kitchen and other areas in your home that have running water where mold is likely to grow. If you have a basement, take a look around for any damp spots where spores can take hold.

2. Manage allergens and asthma triggers

Air quality can significantly impact allergies and asthma. If your indoor air has high concentrations of fine particles, it can exacerbate these respiratory conditions. There are also plenty of allergens that make it into your house, such as pet dander, pollen and smoke.

By identifying and measuring the levels of allergens and pollutants in your air, you can take steps to decrease their presence in your air, reducing the likelihood of triggering allergy and asthma symptoms. For example, you may consider investing in an air purifier. The Carrier Smart Air Purifier captures 99.97% of airborne particles sized 0.3 microns, decreasing the levels of pollutants in standard (up to 430 square feet) and large rooms (up to 560 square feet).

3. Improve your sleep

Do you feel sluggish and tired even after getting a full night’s sleep? The indoor air quality may be the culprit. If particulates in the air trigger your allergies or asthma, you’ll likely have a hard time falling and staying asleep. According to the American Sleep Association, poor air quality can also increase the severity of existing respiratory illnesses, making it difficult to get quality sleep.

“A good night’s sleep can affect your mood and productivity,” says healthy home expert Holly Rhodes. “If you can identify what is in your air and decrease pollutants and allergens, you’ll be able to breathe easily and deeply throughout the night.”

4. Children do better with cleaner air

Studies show that better air quality improves children’s health and academic success. If students have allergies or asthma, poor indoor air quality can set them off, making it difficult for children to concentrate while dealing with respiratory symptoms. Also, just like poor indoor air quality can lead to sluggishness after sleep, children breathing polluted air tend to feel more fatigued.

Knowing how your indoor air quality measures up can help you determine what steps you need to take. You may be surprised about what you’re breathing in. Visit CarrierAtHome.com and take a short quiz to see which products are suitable for your indoor air quality needs.