Month: May 2022

2022-05-18T08:33:00

(BPT) – May is Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate older Americans and their contributions while also raising awareness about aging and age-related issues. Beyond the time, experience and talents older Americans give to enrich their communities, many have also saved lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. More than one-third of all deceased donors are over age 50.

People in their 60s, 70s and beyond have given the gift of life as a donor. In Colorado and Wyoming, the average age of a tissue donor is 64 years old. The oldest tissue donor helped save and heal the lives of others in 2017 at 104 years old. Many people will often automatically rule themselves out as a potential donor because of their age or health, but each person is evaluated by medical professionals at the time of their death to determine if they can be a donor. There is no age limit to donation or to registering to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

When Jennifer Rindahl of Highlands Ranch, CO, lost her father-in-law Larry in 2011, she was surprised to learn that he was eligible to be a donor.

“Not only was Larry 73 years old, but he also had a medical condition at the time of his passing,” said Rindahl. “We were amazed that he was able to donate skin and bone that helped save and heal the lives of seven people.”

After Larry’s passing, Jennifer learned that you should never count yourself out as a donor no matter your age or what your health status is. Rindahl became an advocate for donation to tell Larry’s story to anyone and everyone who will listen.

Rindahl added, “I share my family’s story to honor Larry’s legacy and to inspire others to say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation.”

Register to be a donor at any age

Older Americans Month is a good reminder to talk about organ, eye and tissue donation with your loved ones. Having these conversations early and letting family members know about your decision to be a donor is critical to alleviating the burden on your family to make that decision on your behalf during a time of grief and loss.

Right now, more than 1,500 people across Colorado and Wyoming are waiting on a lifesaving transplant. Just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 more lives through eye and tissue donation.

Don’t rule yourself out. Anyone can sign up to become an organ, eye and tissue donor by saying Yes when they get or renew a drivers license or state ID, or anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

2022-05-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Much of the country is still in the middle of a red-hot real estate market. Home values are rising due to high demand and first-time homebuyers should be aware of how the value of their home impacts the way their premiums are calculated. Location and structure type are two examples of considerations that can affect home insurance premiums, but so do the features of the home, policy limits, and, in some states, even a homeowner’s personal finances. Policyholders should be aware of the variables that are factored into their insurance coverage.

Location

Location is perhaps the largest component when it comes to the costs of your insurance premium since it deals with exposure and hazard to the home’s physical structure. The type of home you have, where you live and the state or city in which you reside can drastically affect how much you will pay. In fact, location is such a primary factor that coverage in certain areas may require special policies.

For example, many homeowners moved from the city to the country during the pandemic and found that they now live in wildfire- or flood-prone areas and that additional coverage is needed due to environmental risk factors not covered under available homeowners insurance policies in the area. Homeowners living in or near large urban areas may find that their premiums cost more due to the higher cost for construction or repairs.

Take a close look at what factors are impacting the cost of your home insurance rate. The size of your home, regional vulnerability to natural disasters, and different building material options like brick or wood and their relationship to the environment may determine your premium’s cost.

Replacement cost

The more your home costs to replace, the more you will need in coverage to insure it.

“Replacement cost is a measure of the amount it would cost to replace or rebuild your home after a loss with a similar home of like kind and quality,” said Bonnie Lee, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “This amount takes into account factors such as the square footage of your home, the local construction costs per square foot, and construction details unique to your home.”

While replacement costs refer to the cost of rebuilding a house to the same standard as before, it does not include features such as the neighborhood, amenities, and even proximity to schools which can affect a property’s attractiveness.

“Replacement costs and market value are often used interchangeably, but they are two completely different concepts. Market value accounts for how the neighborhood and its conveniences impact a property’s attractiveness to buyers, while replacement costs only refers to the expense of rebuilding a home after a loss,” Lee said.

Deductible

The insurance deductible is one of the most important parts of a homeowners policy and plays a significant role when determining insurance premiums. The deductible is the amount of money a policyholder must pay before the policy pays out for repairs or a loss.

For example, if covered damage to your home costs $20,000 and your deductible is $5,000, you would be responsible for the first $5,000 in damages and your insurance company would pay the remaining $15,000. Homeowners that pay a higher deductible may decrease the cost of their premiums, but may have to pay more out of pocket when filing a claim. Home insurance premiums are calculated based on a number of factors that homeowners should take into consideration when researching the best coverage for their needs at a reasonable cost.

2022-05-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – More than 30 million Americans have quit their jobs since the spring of 2021 in what has been called “The Great Resignation.” People are looking for opportunities to explore passion projects, higher wages, expanded benefits or a better work-life balance as they reimagine their professional futures. Some may also be looking to “turn over a new leaf,” and Iceland is ideal for that next adventure.

Iceland sponsors a growing hub of innovation and technology companies. These companies and creators are developing forward-looking solutions to global challenges like sustainable energy and climate change. Increasingly, international companies are looking to Iceland as a business destination.

Here are seven reasons why you should consider Iceland for your next professional move:

1. Good work-life balance

Icelanders value a healthy work-life balance. In 2015, Iceland began trials that shortened a typical workweek to about 35 hours spread across four days. Analysis shows that employees who transitioned to a shorter workweek maintained or increased their productivity and improved their well-being and work-life balance, with workers saying they felt more positive and happier. Today, about 85 percent of workers in Iceland are adapting to slightly shorter work schedules, prompting companies around the world to rethink the standard 40-hour schedule. Many workers in Iceland benefit from short commutes as well. A typical commute seldom exceeds 30 minutes so travel times are reasonable relative to much of the world.

2. Stunning natural landscapes

You are never far from the sea or the mountains in Iceland. It’s easy to leave the office at the end of the workday and get outside and go for a hike, especially during the summer when there is sunlight nearly 24 hours a day. From the Midnight Sun to the Northern Lights, there are countless sightseeing opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, golf courses and even surfing! One of the best aspects of living in Iceland is the swimming pools, usually heated with geothermal water. Most neighborhoods have a local swimming pool with outside jacuzzies called “hot pots” (heitir pottar), and water slides for children.

3. Vibrant culture and community

Iceland has a strong sense of history, culture and community, which anyone living there will experience firsthand. Iceland maintains a cutting-edge culture of contemporary art, music, design and literature. Iceland is home to 266 museums and numerous annual events, including DesignMarch, a progressive design and innovation festival, and Iceland Airwaves, an immersive, multi-genre music festival as well as Iceland Innovation Week.

4. Gender equality & LGBTQ pride

According to the latest report from World Economic Forum, Iceland is the most gender-equal country in the world. In 2018, Iceland instituted Equal Pay Certification, which requires workplaces to prove that they pay employees the same wage for the same job without discriminating based on sex. Iceland follows the Nordic model of generous parental leave, one year in total that is split evenly between parents. Iceland also ranks first in the world on the latest LGBTI Global Acceptance Index, which measures the national level of acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people. Iceland supports and encourages diversity.

5. A hub for innovation & hiring

Iceland is a top producer of innovative solutions across sectors, ranking among the top nations in the latest World Economic Forum World Talent Ranking. Iceland has unveiled plans for a one-of-a-kind knowledge-sharing community dedicated to innovation right downtown in its capital city. Reykjavík Science City will build upon the thriving microcosm of universities, companies, start-ups and healthcare research to create an innovation hub for green-tech, blue-tech, life sciences, as well as thriving gaming, and fin-tech companies. According to a recent Business Iceland survey, Icelandic companies plan to hire 800 specialists in 2022, including programmers, marketing and design professionals.

6. Safe and clean

Iceland has a low crime rate, with violent crimes practically non-existent. In fact, Icelandic police do not carry guns, and the country tops the latest Global Peace Index from Institute for Economics & Peace. Iceland’s commitment to green energy and the lack of polluting industries have left the water, soil and environment remarkably pristine. The clean air, pure water and a diet rich in fish have helped Icelanders reach an average life expectancy at birth of 83 years.

7. Sustainable, low carbon footprint

Iceland aims for carbon neutrality by 2040 and renewable energy accounts for 100 percent of Iceland’s electricity and house-heating needs. Icelandic companies are pioneering sustainable, circular methods for everything from food production to technology. As more companies worldwide prioritize sustainable operations, some working in computing and film production are also moving operations to Iceland to lower their carbon footprints.

Whether you’re a business owner looking to lower your company’s carbon footprint or an expert eager for a new adventure, you may consider factoring Iceland into your professional future. Learn more from Reykjavik Science City.

2022-05-17T14:17:00

(BPT) – Picture this: You’re floating in the pool, enjoying some relief from the heat while lunch is sizzling on the grill. You hear soft music, the gentle sound of sprinklers splashing and your kids getting along (finally). You could swear you’re on a vacation miles away from home but believe it or not, you can have it all in your own backyard. With gas prices expected to remain high throughout the summer, many people are looking to spend their time off closer to home. Therefore, it’s important to take all the necessary steps to turn your home into a “Staycation Station” this season. Big Lots has prepared an outdoor fun guide to make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood at a fraction of the price of a beach trip. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A place to stay cool

No in-ground pool? No problem. You’ll need something refreshing to soak in this summer, and all the better if it’s only temporary. Try a quick-set portable pool for adults to float and swim in and a smaller one with interactive elements like a bounce house or fountains to make a big splash with the youngest members of your family. And lest we forget our furry friends, a shallow, inflatable $15 dog pool will help your pets handle the heat.

2. Fashionable, fun floats and accessories

Don’t forget to purchase enough floats to go around. Nowadays you can find one of the pineapple, flamingo, alligator and unicorn variety for around $21. Other pool toys to consider are inflatable ones like floating basketball hoops, volleyball nets and beach balls, and sinking rings, sharks or mermaids.

3. Gear for competitive water battles

Dry land also holds potential for loads of water fun. Stock up on some rapid-filling water balloons and host an impromptu battle where the winning team gets full bragging rights. Another great way to cool off without a pool is on a water slide. Gone are the days of sliding down a wet tarp; now there are affordable (around $24!) water slides that have sprinkler fountains, multiple sliding lanes for races, and even one with a water balloon pit at the end.

4. A place to gather and lounge

Aim for a full staycation experience by setting up a comfy space to hang out while you grill out all day long. A cooler packed with drinks next to some inviting chaise loungers or a full patio set surrounding a fire pit will take your backyard summer vacation to the next level.

These “Staycation Station” essentials and a variety of other surprising summertime finds can be found at low prices at your neighborhood Big Lots or on biglots.com.

2022-05-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are your kids getting enough time outside? A survey commissioned by the makers of Claritin^® of 5,000 American parents of children aged 5-13 found that 81% agreed their children are excited to be outside – yet 55% are worried their kids aren’t spending enough time outside.

Getting outside isn’t just good for your kids’ mental and physical health – it’s an excellent way for families to bond and create memories together. When surveyed, 78% of parents said that some of their favorite childhood memories are of playing outside, with 66% revealing they want to recreate those memories with their children.

While more than half (55%) of parents admit their kids spend more time outside now than pre-pandemic times, 72% acknowledge they’d spend more time outside if their personal outdoor space was more exciting.

Not sure where to start? The Outsideologist Project, from the makers of Claritin^®, offers many ideas to encourage children to spend more time playing outside – whether it’s in your own backyard, local park, or anywhere in between. Below are five tips on how you can make your outdoor space more exciting and engaging with fun activities the whole family will enjoy.

1. Sports

What are your fondest memories of playing sports – catch, kicking around a soccer ball or shooting hoops with your parents? Many kids develop a passion for sports from their parents. You can nurture their interests by regularly playing different sports with them.

While you may not have enough people to play teams, you can teach your kids the fundamentals and help improve their skills. Turn your lawn, backyard, or even the park into a mini training camp. For example, if your children are interested in soccer, you can designate sections of the yard or field for different skills, like dribbling around cones, scoring a goal and passing the ball.

2. Games

There are plenty of backyard games your kids can enjoy this summer and beyond. The tried-and-true classics like tag, water balloon fights and hide and seek are always a hit, but you can also try fun creative games as well.

If your children like to play pretend, you can make their day by creating a treasure hunt so your little pirates can go exploring. Hide a few small prizes in your backyard, draw up a map with clues or challenges and set your kids off on a great adventure.

You can also create a backyard obstacle course with cones, pool noodles, hula hoops or any other materials you may have. Bend the pool noodles or cardboard boxes to make tunnels or hurdles, and place hula hoops, or use chalk to create hopscotch-like obstacles. If you have slides, incorporate those into the course for more challenging obstacles.

3. Gardening

It’s never too early to get children involved in gardening. If you’re an experienced gardener or a hobbyist, you already have a wealth of knowledge to pass on to your kids. Teach them which plants grow best in which seasons, show them the different parts of a plant or flower and explain how they grow and thrive.

If you grow your own fruits and vegetables, you can teach your children how to plant and tend these crops. Into flowers or herbs? Teach your kids how to identify them and explain their different uses.

Don’t have a green thumb? Depending on your kids’ ages, do some research and have an interactive science lesson on photosynthesis, the plant lifecycle or how the outdoors engages all five senses.

4. Art

Arts and crafts aren’t just indoor activities. You can have your child look for natural materials in your backyard to incorporate into their art projects. For example, they can paint a rock, make an owl sculpture out of a pinecone or press flowers to use as decorations for bookmarks or journals. Best of all, creating art outside means there is no mess inside your home and makes for an easy cleanup.

5. Camping

No list of outdoor recreation would be complete without camping. You don’t need to plan for a long weekend at a state park to enjoy camping. Simply set up a tent in your backyard, break out the sleeping bags and make sure you have bug spray and sunscreen.

If you don’t have a tent, grab some blankets and get creative! You can make an outdoor fort or just relax and do some stargazing.

“Getting outside is essential to children’s overall well-being,” said Claritin spokesperson Catherine Vennat. “That’s why The Outsideologist Project is dedicated to providing parents/guardians with fun and engaging activities for their own little adventurers.”

For more ideas and inspiration on making the most of your outdoor space, including a fun expert-guided curriculum of activities to do with your kids this summer, follow @outsideologistproject on Instagram and Facebook. To learn more about the project, visit Claritin.com/The-Outsideologist-Project.

2022-05-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – Cheese boards are a popular addition to any party or meal, and there’s a good reason why. They’re infinitely customizable to any theme, season or taste, and you can include items sure to please everyone’s palate. Cheese boards also pair well with another popular trend: Sustainability.

If you’re one of the many shoppers looking for sustainably sourced products, you’re in luck. Food producers are increasingly responsive to their customers’ desire for more environmentally responsible practices — in growing, producing and distributing the food you love to eat — including cheese.

To create a cheese board that tastes good and that you can feel good about serving, consider buying cheese made with Real California Milk.

The Real California Milk difference

California dairy farm families are world leaders in sustainable farming practices and producing nutritious, planet-smart dairy products that consumers enjoy. In fact, on average, 40% of a California dairy cow’s diet is made up of byproducts from food and fiber production, reducing the need to source other feed (less water, less land, fewer inputs) and keeping those byproducts out of the landfill.

Byproducts that humans can’t eat — like almond hulls, citrus pulp, trimmings, peels and more from fruits and vegetables, grape pomace and spent brewer’s grain from wine and beer — make for high-quality cow feed. By upcycling these byproducts into feed, California dairy farmers can raise healthy cows that produce nutritious milk used to create quality cheese.

How to find cheeses made with sustainably produced California milk? Just look for the Real California Milk seal. Dairy products that carry the Real California Milk seal are certified to have been made with milk from California dairy farm families.

How to make a sustainable grazing board

A typical cheese board contains just a few ounces of cheese per person, accompanied by a selection of other foods. You can pair cheeses with fruit, nuts, cured meats, thin slices of handmade bread, artisan crackers, olives and more to create a delicious and aesthetically pleasing board.

To create a sustainable grazing board, select three to five Real California cheeses of varying flavors and textures from soft to hard and mild to sharp, even pungent varieties. If you don’t know where to start, here are some suggestions.

• Bloomy rind cheese such as Brie, Camembert or Formagella
• Soft or washed-rind cheese such as Teleme or Crescenza
• Semi-firm hard cheese such as Aged Cheddar, Gouda, St. George or Toma
• Hard aged cheese such as Dry Jack or Aged Gouda
• Flavorful or pungent cheese such as Blue, Schloss or flavored and spiced cheeses

Add your favorite California ag accompaniments, including seasonal fruit or vegetables, dried fruits, vegetable chips, naturally roasted or candied nuts, honey and olives. Serve with fresh bread, artisan crackers, California wines, craft beers, ciders and fruit spritzers.

To see other meal ideas and learn more about sustainably sourced dairy products and where to find them, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com.