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4 ways to protect yourself from phone scams

2022-05-31T08:01:01

(BPT) – Have you received a call from a number you think you should know or recognize? Phone scams are only successful if a potential target answers the call so the scammer can initiate a conversation. Using advanced technology, scammers modify how phone numbers appear on your caller ID to trick you into answering.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), “neighbor spoofing” is a popular scam strategy that makes it seem like you’re receiving a call from a local number. Seeing the area code, you may think it could be from a friend, neighbor or local business, prompting you to answer in case it’s important or an emergency from a known source.

Scammers have gotten more aggressive during the pandemic. According to a T-Mobile 2021 year-end Scam and Robocall Report, scam attempts have increased 116% since 2020. Every week, on average, there are 425 million scam calls attempted.

While everyone can be susceptible to phone scams, Latinos and other people of color have become one of the largest targets for internet, phone and text scams. According to a recent survey by AARP, 40% of Latino and Black adults have been targeted by online scams and fraud, and 1 in 5 have lost money to fraudsters.

If you, or someone you know, are receiving calls from unknown numbers, or even ones that may seem familiar, here are four ways you can protect yourself from potential scam calls.

1. Don’t answer unless you recognize the caller

The easiest way to protect yourself from scammers is to simply not answer or respond. Whether it’s a call or text, let it go to voicemail or just ignore, even if it’s a call from a local number you think you should recognize. However, the ultimate solution is out there and it’s simply by adding Caller ID which is a free service with T-Mobile.

If it’s really important, maybe a call from your bank, a family friend or work, they’ll be more likely to leave a message with a call-back number. Confirm the call-back number on a company’s website before calling back.

2. Never confirm or share information

Scammers are after your personal information, so if you do pick up a call or read a text from an unfamiliar number, do not confirm or share any sensitive, personal information over the phone. Even something as simple as confirming your name can leave you vulnerable to scammers.

3. Add your phone to the Do Not Call list

The National Do Not Call Registry is a database maintained by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that stops unwanted calls. You can register your cellphone number on the registry’s website. While the Do Not Call Registry doesn’t stop all calls from real companies, it does let telemarketers know that your number is off-limits.

While adding your phone number to the registry won’t block scams, it does make them easier to spot. If you receive phone calls and texts from unknown numbers after adding your number to the Do Not Call list, you’ll know that they’re likely scams.

4. Use scam call-protection services

There are several apps and services that can help cut down the number of unwanted calls and texts you receive. Several phone carriers now offer call-blocking services to their customers to help protect them from scams. For example, in 2020, T-Mobile launched Scam Shield, the first service by a major wireless provider that protects every customer against scammers without needing a special device, app or plan, and it’s free for T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers.

The company’s 2021 year-end report found that the service blocked over 21 billion scam calls last year. That’s about 700 calls identified or blocked as Scam Likely every second, reducing the number of scam attempts by 116% in 2021. The carrier has continued to improve the service, adding new features like improved scam reporting, eSim app support and network tools to identify and block scams.

“Scammers are relentless, but so are we,” said Jorge Martel, vice president and general manager, T-Mobile Puerto Rico Region. “With Latinos and other communities of color more susceptible to scam calls and online fraud, we are working to make a scammer’s job as hard as possible.”

To learn more about Scam Shield and how you can protect yourself from scammers, check out Es.T-Mobile.com/Scam-Shield.

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Want to host a barbecue on a budget? 5 tips to save money when grilling

2022-05-31T09:05:00

(BPT) – If you’re one of the 70% of all households in the U.S. to own a grill or smoker, you’re probably looking forward to summer cookouts and barbecues! However, with the rising cost of food, your backyard get-togethers might cost more than in previous years.

You don’t have to skimp on your meats and vegetables to have an affordable grilled meal. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) reminds backyard chefs that they can still have a fun cookout without overheating their wallets.

According to grilling authority Steven Raichlen, here are 5 timely tips for grilling on a budget this summer.

1. Use cheaper cuts of beef

Buying meats and other proteins for your cookout doesn’t have to be expensive. While rib-eye and strip steaks are popular, “You might start with well-marbled cuts from the beefy-tasting chuck, such as flat-iron steaks and petite filets, or steaks cut from the sirloin, like filet of sirloin,” Raichlen shared with HPBA. “Even though their per pound price is substantially lower, these lesser-known steaks deliver a richly satisfying experience when grilled over live-fire.”

2. Look for chicken and seafood alternatives

If you’re grilling poultry, “substitute chicken thighs, legs or leg quarters for breasts,” Raichlen suggested. Turkey is often a bargain, especially during prime grilling season.” For pork, try grilling spareribs or country-style ribs instead of baby backs or smoke-roast budget-friendly pork chops or pork tenderloins. Cook less expensive fish, too. “Grill mackerel, sardines, and kingfish instead of tuna or halibut — they’re less expensive and better for you!” he said.

3. Host a grilling potluck

Just because you’re hosting a party doesn’t mean you have to be solely responsible for feeding everyone. Turn your backyard barbecue into a potluck and ask everyone to bring something to share. Your guests don’t even have to cook anything. Invite them to bring their own meat so they can mingle while you grill it up for lunch or dinner.

Hosting a grilling potluck saves you money and with everyone bringing something, you’ll likely have more variety than if you had planned the menu on your own.

4. Go heavy on the sides

While meats may be the star of the show at any cookout, there are only so many burgers and hot dogs one can eat. Plan to make some affordable sides like baked potatoes, coleslaw and salads to accompany your steaks and brats.

This is another area you can ask guests to chip in. If your friends or family members have signature side dishes they’re known for, ask them to bring these dishes to your next cookout.

5. Get creative with veggies

No barbecue is complete without some grilled vegetables, especially onions. “From a grill master’s point of view, onions are one of the cheapest and most versatile veggies that pair well with most meats,” Raichlen said. “Use half an onion and impale it on the grill to oil the grill grate. You can also puree onions and use the juice as a marinade, a flavor-boosting technique used by grill masters throughout Central Asia.” Get creative and see what this humble root vegetable can do for your grilled dishes.

Another idea is to blend ground meats with legumes, mushrooms and other vegetables. Blending vegetables with ground meats extends the meat you have on hand and enhances the flavor of whatever you’re making.

Using these five tips, you’ll be ready to host a great backyard cookout without spending a fortune. For more grilling tips and inspiration, visit WhyIGrill.org.

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Cocktails to Enjoy During the Basketball Season and Beyond

2022-05-27T13:01:00

(BPT) – Moët & Chandon, the Official Champagne of the NBA, has partnered with six NBA Teams to launch a cocktail collection timed to the 2022 NBA season. Each signature cocktail recipe features local ingredients and inspiration from the team’s home cities. Partner teams include the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat.

Never settling for the ordinary, Moët & Chandon combines the magic of champagne with the world of basketball. Try your hand at mixology by creating these recipes at home while you cheer on your favorite team during the NBA Playoffs and beyond.

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3 ways to ensure your deck stays high and dry

2022-05-27T09:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you live in a climate prone to heavy rainfall or just want to preserve the structural integrity of your home’s outdoor space, it’s important to consider how moisture can affect a deck. Because they are exposed to the elements, decks and their supporting substructures are highly susceptible to water penetration. Without proper protection, rain, dew and snow melt can seep into screw holes and sit on boards, joists and beams, causing them to rot, decay and deteriorate over time, posing serious safety issues.

Here are three easy ways to protect your deck from moisture damage:

Seal the substructure

One of the easiest things you can do to prevent premature deterioration of a deck’s substructure is applying protective tape, such as Trex Protect, to the joists and beams of the foundation. Designed specifically for use on decks, this butyl-based, peel-and-stick tape is applied as a “cap” to the tops of wood joinery to create a moisture barrier. It also helps to hold deck screws in place longer and stronger, while creating a waterproof seal around fasteners.

And don’t forget the ledger board. This key connection point where the deck attaches to a house is especially vulnerable to moisture but can be fully sealed with a wider flashing tape like Trex Seal. Engineered with an aluminum liner for enhanced structural support, this 11”-wide tape covers the entire surface of the ledger board and creates a seamless seal over any gaps between the ledger and the substructure for optimal protection from water penetration.

Consider composite decking over wood

Made from a blend of plastic and wood fibers, composite decking won’t absorb water like treated lumber. It also won’t crack, warp or splinter in colder climates and will hold up to humidity and precipitation. High-performance composite decking is extremely durable and ultra-low-maintenance. No need to spend time and money every year sanding, painting and staining your deck when using composite. Instead, simply give it an occasional cleaning with warm soapy water and get back to enjoying your space.

Divert water with a deck drainage system

For an elevated deck, consider adding a deck drainage system. Designed to capture and divert water, these systems protect a deck’s substructure from moisture while creating dry space beneath the deck usable for storage or additional living area. Offering maximum protection, the Trex RainEscape system installs over the joists to completely shield foundational components from moisture. The added bonus of this type of system is that homeowners can safely add furnishing as well as gas lines and wiring to accommodate appliances, lighting, ceiling fans and entertainment components to create an outdoor oasis under the deck.

To learn more about how to protect and extend the life of your deck, visit www.trexrainescape.com and www.trexprotect.com.

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988 is a great start, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg

2022-05-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Colin LeClair

You’re walking to your neighborhood corner store when you see it: a man across the street is grabbing his left arm and keeled over on the sidewalk. You immediately call 911, speak to someone on the line and within minutes the paramedics are on the scene performing emergency services and taking the man to the hospital. Later that week, the man’s family calls you and thanks you for your quick reaction and for saving his life.

Now imagine you see the same man across the street but he’s experiencing psychosis, disorientation, or hallucination. You want to help, but what do you do? Instead of calling 911 you call 988, quickly dispatching a mobile crisis team of behavioral health professionals who provide emergency services on the scene and take the man to a crisis center where he receives personalized emergency psychiatric care. Later that week, the man’s family calls you and thanks you for your quick reaction and for saving his life. You may feel undeserving of their gratitude, but his family shares some statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to show why your support was essential:

  • One in four fatal police shootings between 2015 and 2020 involved someone with mental illness
  • 44% of people incarcerated in county jails have a mental health condition
  • 37% of people incarcerated in federal prison have a mental health condition
  • Every year, tens of millions of people with mental illnesses end up in emergency departments that are not well equipped to treat mental health emergencies

Will this all change with 988? Yes, but the full benefit of 988 is months or years out. The nationwide rollout of 988 is effective on July 16, 2022, providing a memorable three-digit phone number to match 911 for suicide prevention and other mental health crises. The potential impact is massive. Millions of calls could be diverted from 911, providing people experiencing a mental health crisis with the compassionate care they need while simultaneously streamlining efforts for emergency response, hospitals and law enforcement to focus their time and effort where they are most valuable. The vision and intention are a terrific first step, but the follow-through described in the scenario above is still a long way off.

While the ideal function of 988 is to provide patients with immediate access to psychiatric support, as well as a release valve for overburdened hospital emergency departments and law enforcement, there is currently a lack of nationwide infrastructure to support 988 calls. What’s missing are the trained behavioral health professionals to respond immediately to those 988 calls, an integrated continuum of mobile crisis responders to respond to patients in the community (instead of, or alongside police), a network of qualified behavioral crisis facilities that are equipped to treat any patient at any time of day and a network of outpatient psychiatric professionals large enough to treat those patients for the long term. Where those services do exist, they are often sub-scale, underfunded and disconnected from one another.

Until that crisis response system is developed, the goals and ideal state of 988 will fall short of expectations. Instead, an abundance of 988 calls will continue to be diverted back to hospitals and law enforcement, creating the same responses 988 was intended to minimize. Rather than receiving targeted and compassionate behavioral health care, individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis will be greeted by police and taken to emergency departments where they may wait hours to receive care from a team that is generally not well-equipped to treat mental health emergencies, or they will continue to be taken to jail and left in a harmful cycle of recidivism.

The good news is there is a proven solution that has successfully treated crisis in Arizona for the last decade. As outlined in “The Roadmap to the Ideal Behavioral Crisis System” published by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and co-written by Dr. Margie Balfour, Connections Health Solutions’ Chief Clinical Quality Officer, it is possible to develop a holistic crisis ecosystem that proactively treats crisis with targeted, compassionate care across a continuum of services. The success of this ecosystem relies on developing an array of coordinated services designed to meet the patient where they are, much like is done for physical health conditions.

As outlined in “The Roadmap to the Ideal Crisis System,” the crisis ecosystem supporting 988 should go well beyond the direct point-of-care response from 988’s mobile teams. While 988 may be the entry point for many individuals in crisis, it is just one part of the continuum, and its success relies on the existence and intentional development of a holistic crisis ecosystem. To best serve those in crisis, the infrastructure supporting 988 should include:

  1. Pre-crisis services that provide preemptive care to help prevent crisis before it occurs through community outreach, education and easy access to community mental health clinics and other community services;
  2. Acute crisis services that provide a welcoming and therapeutic environment for all while giving patients dedicated, person-centered treatment from a provider and intentionally trained staff;
  3. Post-crisis services throughout the community that coordinate with pre-crisis and acute crisis services to provide needed long-term care outside of a hospital setting and assist the patient in staying connected with family and community-based supports.

Without this infrastructure, the rollout of 988 may fall short of expectations and delegitimize its own existence. If a 988 call is immediately triaged to 911 and causes law enforcement to arrive at the point of crisis or overloads emergency departments, the crisis hotline will lose trust and may ultimately fail. A dedicated, person-centered crisis ecosystem is vital to 988’s success and to providing impactful treatment for those in crisis.

Ultimately, the goal of 988 and the broader crisis ecosystem should be to not only treat crisis where it is, but to also support crisis avoidance, crisis de-escalation and promotion of community-based outpatient care. As the nation rolls out 988, this is an opportunity to invest in crisis infrastructure across the continuum so that we may provide compassionate, person-centered care to our most vulnerable populations.

LeClair is the CEO of Connections Health Solutions.

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Next Time You Travel, Leave Migraine at Home

2022-05-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – Migraine attacks get in the way of what’s important. They can disrupt everyday life and pop up during vacation, a time that should be enjoyable. Tomeka Cherry, a social media influencer and travel enthusiast, is always on the go. But over the years travel and the associated planning has become a trigger for her migraine disease.

Travel disrupts routine and exposes people to multiple potential migraine triggers like stress; changes in sleep, eating and drinking habits; and environmental stimulation. This disruption makes it more likely a person with migraine will experience an attack. Condé Nast Traveler recently conducted a survey to better understand what traveling is like for people with migraine.

Stress and Traveling

In the survey of 500 people who have been diagnosed with migraine by a healthcare provider and who are interested in travel, 94% of respondents said the thought of having a migraine attack while traveling is stressful.

“The thought of taking a trip and the actual travel itself can be stressful, which frequently triggers my migraine. I’m usually spontaneous, but when I travel, I have to start planning months in advance to try and avoid this stress,” said Tomeka.

Managing Migraine While Traveling

“Travel was always tough because I never knew when I’d get an attack,” said Tomeka. “I would just say I couldn’t go. I felt powerless and didn’t know how to manage having migraine.”

Tomeka isn’t the only one who adjusts travel due to difficulty managing migraine. According to the survey, 40% of those with migraine are not confident in their ability to manage their disease when traveling. Nearly all (89%) said they have had to delay or cancel travel because of migraine.

Managing Migraine is a Personalized Process

Unfortunately, more than half said they don’t have a sufficient acute treatment for their migraine. Tomeka tries to decrease stress, makes sure she gets enough sleep and drinks plenty of water while traveling. She also takes Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant), an orally dissolving tablet and the only all-in-one FDA-approved medication to both treat and prevent migraine attacks in adults.

“Nurtec ODT gives me relief from my migraine pain in about an hour. I take it both to treat and prevent migraine attacks when traveling, like if I know I will be facing triggers such as lack of sleep or dietary changes. I did experience some nausea when I first started taking it — which is one of the side effects, along with stomach pain and indigestion — but the benefits outweighed my nausea. It’s very comforting for me to know I have it.”

Indication
NURTEC ODT orally disintegrating tablets is a prescription medicine that is used to treat migraine in adults. It is for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura and the preventive treatment of episodic migraine. It is not known if NURTEC ODT is safe and effective in children.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take Nurtec ODT if you are allergic to Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) or any of its ingredients.

Before you take Nurtec ODT, tell your healthcare provider (HCP) about all your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver problems,
  • have kidney problems,
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant,
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Tell your HCP about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Nurtec ODT may cause serious side effects including allergic reactions, including trouble breathing and rash. This can happen days after you take Nurtec ODT. Call your HCP or get emergency help right away if you have swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat or trouble breathing. This occurred in less than 1% of patients treated with Nurtec ODT.

The most common side effects of Nurtec ODT were nausea (2.7%) and stomach pain/indigestion (2.4%). These are not the only possible side effects of Nurtec ODT. Tell your HCP if you have any side effects.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 or report side effects to Biohaven at 1-833-4Nurtec.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

For more information and to learn about Nurtec ODT, visit Nurtec.com.

US-RIMODT-2200462 05/03/2022

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Tips for managing and minimizing stress

2022-05-26T08:09:00

(BPT) – Americans experience varying levels of stress for a wide variety of reasons and many struggle to find healthy ways to manage. Minimizing occasional stress is important as it can affect overall health and well-being. Stress can feel overwhelming at times but setting aside time to unwind each day to focus on your physical and mental health can help you manage those feelings. To better manage occasional feelings of stress, consider incorporating the following into your daily routine:

1. Prioritize exercise

Research has found that exercise in any form can help reduce occasional stress and provide a natural distraction from other thoughts and worries.[1] Taking 30 minutes a day to focus on movement, whether going for a walk, taking a yoga class or practicing high-intensity training, can support moods and help manage stress. Just don’t forget to hydrate!

2. Safeguard sleep

Sleep is important for your overall well-being.[2] A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association found that many adults report that their stress increases when the length and quality of sleep decreases.[3] To help you fall asleep and stay asleep, try limiting or turning off distracting devices like the television, computer or cellphone before bed and getting into bed earlier to encourage achieving a full eight hours of rest. With these changes, the quality of sleep should improve, leaving you feeling happier, more refreshed and better able to accomplish tasks on your to-do list.

3. Appease stress with passion

A study published in The Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that finding a passion to pursue not only reduces stress levels, but also contributes to greater happiness overall.[4] Finding passion in a hobby or activity you love is a form of self-care and can make life feel a little less heavy. Setting aside time each day to focus on projects like decorating, painting, joining a book club or whatever inspires you can offer a sense of excitement and something to look forward to. It can even be an opportunity to reset your overall outlook and mood. Acting on something you are truly passionate about is sure to keep stress levels at bay, so don’t hesitate to start a new project today.

4. Wellness support with botanicals

According to a poll from the American Psychological Association, more than half of Americans experience feelings of stress during their days.[5] Managing stress is important to our overall health and immune system, so choosing products that support both of those aspects of wellness is equally important. With a dietary supplement like Emergen-C Ashwagandha you can reduce occasional feelings of stress*^ and support your immune system*.[6] For more information visit www.emergenc.com.

Focusing on how we can reduce occasional stress and finding ways to manage it on an ongoing basis offers a variety of wellness benefits. Simple everyday changes such as being active, getting a good night’s sleep, actively participating in passion projects and incorporating a daily supplement that supports the immune system are habits that can all add up to support well-being.


[2] https://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-for-you/health – US, The Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, 2008

[3] https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/sleep – US, American Psychological Association, 2013

[5] https://www.stress.org/daily-life – US, The American Institute of Stress, 2022

[6] *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

^Antioxidants† for immune support and Ashwagandha to help reduce occasional feelings of stress*.
† Vitamin C, Zinc & Manganese

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Salmon: Your secret to simple summer cooking

2022-05-26T12:01:00

(BPT) – The summer heat calls for lighter dishes and less time in the kitchen. The key to tasty and simple warm weather dining is a meal that cooks quickly and doesn’t heat up your home! One of the easiest, most nutritious (and delicious!) choices for summer is salmon. Registered dietitian, Bianca Tamburello, explains that Chilean salmon is her top choice because it’s packed with health benefits for the whole family and is so versatile.

Choose the best in taste and nutrition

Taste and nutrition vary among salmon options. Tamburello recommends looking for Chilean salmon because it’s low in mercury and high in healthy omega-3 fats, which are fantastic from a nutrition perspective and hard to find in other foods. Tamburello explains, “Omega-3 fats in fish support healthy brain and eye development for growing babies and children. Research shows that omega-3s are beneficial for heart and joint health and associated with a longer life-expectancy.” She also notes that the high healthy fat content gives the fish a luxurious taste and buttery texture.

Opt for summer-friendly cooking methods

Try these warm-weather cooking methods to eat more fish and stay cool this summer.

  • Poke: The easiest way to beat the heat is not using heat at all. Poke is cubed raw salmon marinated in a citrus or vinegar dressing. This adds a tangy flavor and helps preserve the fish. The result is a refreshing protein with a punch.

    How to: Look for a sushi-grade skinless and boneless salmon filet at the fish counter or freezer aisle. The belly is the tastiest as it’s higher in fat, but any cut will be delicious! Next, cut the filet in one-by-one inch cubes and add to a bowl or bag big enough for the salmon and a marinade. Add your favorite citrus or vinegar marinade and refrigerate for two to three hours. Once time is up, your salmon poke is ready to serve!

  • Cedar Plank Grilling: Level up your grilling skills with a cedar plank. The cedar plank infuses a delicious and smoky summertime flavor into the fish. This plank method allows cooking a whole salmon at once, making it great for a barbecue with your favorite family and friends.

    How to: Find a cedar plank at your local hardware or cooking store and let the plank soak in cold water for one hour. While you wait, add your favorite flavors to a salmon filet using a dry rub or a marinade of your choice. Next, coat the top of the plank in cooking spray and place the salmon skin down. Grill on medium heat until cooked through.

For more recipes for poke, cedar plank grilling, and other delicious ways to cook salmon, visit chileansalmon.org.

Pair with sides that showcase the best of summer

Salmon pairs perfectly with simple summertime favorites like salads, slaws and grilled vegetables. Embrace the taste of summer with in-season vegetables like cucumbers, zucchini and peppers! Chilean salmon poke pairs deliciously with rice made with a rice cooker (no stove needed), fresh garden cucumbers and avocado. Your favorite salad could also serve as a light bed for fish poke. For cedar plank salmon, grilled vegetables are a no-brainer. Brush your veggies on the grill with your favorite dressing for more flavor!

Cooking in the summer shouldn’t be complicated — but it should be delicious! Salmon is the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or family cookout.

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Protect your vision with 7 habits for healthy retinas

2022-05-26T13:27:00

(BPT) – Habits that support a healthy lifestyle come in many forms, like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But did you know these and other healthy habits can also protect you from vision loss?

Some of the leading causes of blindness and vision loss in the U.S. are retinal diseases, including conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD. There are steps everyone can take to prevent vision loss and support retina health, especially those at a higher risk for retinal diseases.

“With state-of-the-art technologies that allow for early detection and advanced treatments, vision loss and blindness from retinal conditions can be treated effectively, but acting as early as possible is critical to maintaining healthy vision,” said American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) President Dr. Philip J. Ferrone, MD, FASRS. “To safeguard sight, it’s important that everyone know the signs and symptoms of retinal conditions, adopt some simple lifestyle habits that bolster retina health, and seek care immediately if sudden vision changes occur.”

America’s retina specialists urge the public to adopt the following healthy habits to preserve healthy retinas and encourage family and friends to also take these steps to protect their sight.

1. Get regular dilated retina exams

Many retinal diseases have few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. With regular dilated retina exams, your eye physician can help preserve your sight by detecting symptoms of a retinal condition early, before extensive damage occurs. After your exam, encourage friends and family to schedule their dilated retina exam.

2. Eat nutritious foods including dark, leafy greens and fish

Research shows that consuming a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and zeaxanthin has been associated with a lower incidence of AMD.

3. Quit smoking

Smoking can also lead to vision loss and blindness. In fact, research shows that people who smoke are significantly more likely than non-smokers to develop AMD. To access information and help for quitting smoking, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit SmokeFree.gov.

4. Control your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol

If you have diabetes, one of the best ways of lowering your risk of vision loss and preventing diabetic eye disease is to closely monitor and manage your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

5. Stay active and maintain a healthy weight

Studies have shown that people who walk for exercise are less likely to develop AMD. Exercise also helps control obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol which benefits eye health. Make staying active a family affair by adding a walk or bike ride to your next family get-together.

6. Know your family history

Ask family members if they have had vision issues. Retinal conditions including AMD, diabetic retinopathy and even retinal detachments may have a genetic component that runs in families.

7. Protect your eyes from the sun

Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage not only our skin but also our eyes. Wear a pair of sunglasses that provide 100% UV absorption or block both UVA and UVB rays and a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

In addition to family history, common risk factors for retinal disease include older age, smoking and high blood pressure and cholesterol. Pay close attention to your vision and find a retina specialist if you experience common adult symptoms of retinal disease, including blurred central vision, loss of color vision, distortion or straight lines appearing wavy, and new or worsening floaters or flashes of light.

For more information about retina health visit SeeforaLifetime.org.

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Take your camping trip to the next level: 3 tips for an elevated outdoor getaway

2022-05-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to start planning your outdoor adventures for the season. When you think about the outdoors, you probably picture rugged terrains in a forest or woods. The term “roughing it” may come to mind. But your trip into nature doesn’t have to be devoid of comfort.

Whether you’re experienced in outdoor recreation or learning how to camp for the first time, you can start this summer off right by thinking of ways to elevate your next trip into the wilderness. Check out these three tips to create a glamorous outdoor getaway you and others can enjoy together.

1. Dress up your site

Decor isn’t just for your home! Whether you have a tent, trailer, cabin, yurt or van, a few fun touches can add comfort and style to your site. Purchase some battery-powered string lights and hang them inside your tent or camper to create soft, warm lighting as you turn in for the night.

You can dress up your outdoor spaces by layering colored or patterned tablecloths on the picnic bench, laying down an outdoor rug for extra seating and using a pretty tray to keep items together and out of the way on your table. You can also use string lights around your picnic area to create a whimsical atmosphere.

2. Add some campfire pairings

A great glass of wine can pair perfectly with camping fare. Whether you’re enjoying some salty snacks, grilling hotdogs over the campfire or making s’mores, pairing wine with your food can make a good meal a great one.

“Nature and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive,” said Flat Top Hills consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi, member of the fourth generation of the winemaking family. “In fact, wine pairs well with relaxing outside, and can really complement favorite camping fare. Pack a few bottles of your favorite wines with you and you can have a sip of home in the great outdoors. I love to bring a bottle of our Buttery Chardonnay or Rosé to put in a cold flowing creek to cool down, so when I return from a day of fly fishing the bottle is perfectly chilled and ready to be enjoyed by the campfire.”

Flat Top Hills wines are designed to elevate everyday occasions. They are approachable, high-quality, fruit-forward, and made to easily match any meal.

Open a bottle of new Buttery Chardonnay to sip with chips and dip, popcorn or toasted marshmallows. A rich Red Blend or Cabernet Sauvignon goes perfectly with burgers and even as a dessert pairing for s’mores. Whip up a pasta salad and enjoy a glass of crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you plan to take a hike and picnic nearby, pack a bottle of Rosé to go with your packed lunch. Plus, Flat Top Hills white and rosé wines come with an easy to open screw-cap top, making them especially convenient when camping.

3. Stock your camp kitchen

At home, you have easy access to everything you need to make a meal. When planning your outdoor getaway, make a list of utensils, tools and gadgets you might need on your trip.

Consider purchasing a camping stove and coffee percolator so you can enjoy a cup before building your campfire and cooking breakfast. If you enjoy a morning smoothie, find a battery-powered blender to stash in your camp kitchen items.

Don’t forget camp-friendly wine glasses made of high-quality BPA-free plastic or stainless steel, and of course, a corkscrew is a key part of any well-stocked camping box so you can enjoy a glass of wine while you relax in a hammock after a long hike. To learn more about wines you can take with you on your next outdoor adventure, visit FlatTopWines.com or check @FlatTopWines on Instagram.