Month: May 2022

2022-05-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Moms and their babies need support throughout their health journey. Access to quality maternal and infant care is crucial to helping ensure positive health outcomes for both mom and baby.

According to the WHO, “Skilled care before, during and after childbirth can save the lives of women and newborns.” Despite widespread staff shortages and the impact of COVID-19, millions of healthcare professionals (HCPs) have continued to show up day after day, going above and beyond for new mothers and infants, and their dedication and sacrifices should not go unrecognized.

In an effort to honor the great protectors of health, who shape the first moments for so many mothers and their children, WaterWipes is proud to announce the second annual Pure Foundation Fund, an award fund intended to highlight these unsung heroes involved during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal journey while supporting their efforts to improve patient care.

Why WaterWipes is shining a spotlight on healthcare professionals

Many HCPs are involved in a successful, healthy pregnancy, delivery and postnatal care, such as doctors, nurses, obstetricians-gynecologists, midwives, and neonatal professionals. They bring so many lives into the world, yet often remain anonymous.

The journey for many expectant or new parents can include emotional high notes and unexpected experiences or challenges. For many, they turn to and confide in their HCPs for support. For pregnant women that have questions or concerns, it’s the HCPs that take the time to really listen and understand their concerns, answer all questions no matter how small, and provide comfort and reassurance every step of the way that make all the difference in the world. For nervous mothers giving birth, HCPs can provide a calm presence and kindness to successfully usher them through their delivery. For new moms wondering if their baby is sleeping too much or eating enough, HCPs can provide them with guidance and reassurance. When illness strikes or medical conditions arise, it’s HCPs that provide care and support during these critical and vulnerable moments.

HCPs are there when people need them. They are the great protectors of our health and the health of our future generations. That is why WaterWipes wants to recognize and celebrate the incredible work maternity and neonatal healthcare professionals do every day and to tell the remarkable stories of the lives they have touched.

Meet Last Year’s Winner:

The Pure Foundation Fund can help HCPs provide additional care and support to families. Last year’s winner Vicky Smith, board-certified music therapist, said of her award, “I’d like to use the money to further fund our NeoPals endeavor of legacy-building opportunities for our families who never get to take their little ones home. One of the services I offer in the NICU, often for our most critically ill babies, is recording their heartbeat then placing it in a stuffed animal of the family’s choosing. Sometimes I’ll link the heartbeat with a meaningful song the family chooses, writes, or sings themselves. While these memory-making opportunities certainly cannot replace the loss of a child, they allow the parents to keep a piece of their baby with them forever. I am so grateful for this opportunity to improve the quality of care and support we offer at our hospital with the funds.”

What does the award include?

The winning healthcare professional will receive:

• $9,000 (USD) for their department to improve the care of parents and babies. For example, purchase equipment, provide resources for parents, fund training, improve practice/care or support further research relating to pregnancy, baby care, and neonatal care
• A bulk donation of WaterWipes to the winner’s organization
• A WaterWipes Pure Foundation Fund plaque
• A $100 Visa gift card and flowers

Nominations for the Pure Foundation Fund are now open and the deadline for submitting entries is June 30, 2022.

If you know of an amazing healthcare professional providing outstanding maternity, neonatal or postnatal care, submit them for a Pure Foundation Fund nomination at https://bit.ly/WaterWipesPFF-parents.

If you are a healthcare provider and would like to nominate yourself or a colleague, visit: https://bit.ly/WaterWipesPFF.

2022-05-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re coping with pain, such as joint pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA), you may feel like you’ve been sitting out on life. Pain can make you reluctant to participate in activities that you enjoy and miss out on connecting with those you love. But experts will tell you that if you can move, even just a little more than you do now, you will reap benefits well beyond the physical.

“Movement is not just a powerful and effective tool for pain management,” says personal trainer Pete McCall, NASM-CPT, PES, and Voltaren spokesperson. “Movement also brings people together. Getting out and moving with others can help reduce pain, but more importantly it will also help you stay motivated and feel connected.”

But how can you start, especially if you’ve been sedentary for a while?

“Start slow,” says McCall, “and listen to your body. Mild aches after engaging your joints for the first time in a while may be expected, but if you experience persistent or sharp pain, connect with your healthcare provider. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.”

Here are tips for increasing your activity level to help with pain management and feel more connected with others.

Consider working with a personal trainer.

Starting an exercise program with an experienced personal trainer can help you customize your workouts for your individual needs and comfortability level. Sometimes just talking through your pain and concerns with a trained professional can be very helpful.

Start with low-impact exercise.

Walking, swimming and biking are all low-impact exercises that are easier on your joints — and that you can do with other people. Start with short sessions at a comfortable pace, gradually increasing the number of times you exercise per week, along with the length of time and intensity of your workouts. Don’t feel the need to push too fast too soon. The key is to build consistency over time.

Join a community centered around movement — or create one.

Whether it’s an exercise class, yoga center or walking club, getting together with others who are also focusing on their well-being can be encouraging and even fun. If you don’t find the kind of group or class you want in your area, consider starting your own! Ask like-minded friends or family members to join you for regular walks, outdoor games or visits to your community pool to help keep you on track and turn exercising into a social event.

Warm up first, and cool down after exercise.

You should always begin your exercise session with gentle movement and stretching to help you ease into your physical activity and prevent injury. After working out, take time to cool down by reducing the intensity of your exercise, then ending with stretches.

Seek pain relief options.

If you have osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that affects the joints, you may experience pain, stiffness or swelling in areas such as your hands, wrists, knees or ankles. One pain relief option is Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) gel that is clinically proven to relieve joint pain, reduce stiffness and increase mobility. You apply the prescription-strength gel directly to the site of pain associated with arthritis to deliver pain relief in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee. Apply Voltaren four times per day to help relieve arthritis pain all day long.

Don’t sit out on life.

If you see an opportunity to try a new sport, join a dance class, go on a nature hike or participate in a charity walking event — say “yes” to movement. Not only could it help relieve some of your pain, but it will make you feel that sense of connection to others that will boost your mood and encourage you to keep going on your wellness journey.

“You may be surprised by where movement can take you,” says McCall. “I’ve never had a client say they regret getting started — only that they wish they’d started sooner.”

2022-05-16T11:01:00

(BPT) – The pandemic has disrupted a lot of lives, and among those disruptions has been the removal of access to many forms of comfort and entertainment loved by the kids who need them the most. Six-year-old Joshua looked forward to playing arcade games with his brothers after each time he had to undergo another medical treatment for his blood and bone marrow cancer — until the pandemic hit. Then he no longer had that fun time to look forward to. As a wish kid for Make-A-Wish, Joshua knew exactly what he wanted.

“I wish to have an arcade game,” Joshua said.

And thanks to the popular “Eat, Drink, Play and Watch” venue Dave & Buster’s, Joshua’s wish was quickly granted. Dave & Buster’s arranged to actually bring Joshua’s favorite arcade game right to him, so he could enjoy spending time playing the game with his brothers safely at home. On his wish granting day, Joshua and his brothers were beyond excited about their favorite game being right there at their fingertips. Joshua and his parents even made an appearance on Good Day LA for World Wish Day to celebrate the granting of his wish.

This is just one example of the thousands of life-changing wishes that have been granted to children with critical illnesses thanks to the partnership of Dave & Busters with Make-A-Wish. In fact, this year celebrates the milestone 10th anniversary of Dave & Buster’s continuing partnership with Make-A-Wish — marking a whopping $15 million in total giving since 2012, thanks to the generosity of the company, its employees and its customers. The company raises money every year to help grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, as well as hosting wish send-off parties, donating Power Cards for wish kids to play games at their venues and much more. Since 2012, Make-A-Wish has granted more than 150,000 wishes to children with critical illnesses, thanks in part to Dave & Buster’s and the more than $15 million they’ve raised to help support the mission.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our partnership with Dave & Buster’s this year. Since 2012, Dave & Buster’s has given more than $15 million to help grant wishes to kids all across America,” said Richard Davis, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. “Their hard work to elevate the fundraising campaigns is directly reflected in the success we see each year. We are so grateful for their help in making an impact for so many wish kids and their families in communities throughout the United States.”

And this partnership is not slowing down any time soon. This year, Dave & Buster’s will be launching new fundraising opportunities to help raise even more funds for Make-A-Wish in about 143 locations across the United States plus two locations in Canada. Dave & Buster’s also has new chef-crafted menu items that rotate seasonally, including a featured item in which $1 is donated to Make-A-Wish with every order. You can try the next featured Make-A-Wish menu item starting May 1 — Cinnamon Toast Crunch Fried Ice Cream!

“Our team members and guests love knowing that Dave & Buster’s has made a difference in the lives of many wish kids over the past 10 years,” said Dave & Buster’s SVP/CMO Brandon Coleman III. “It’s a powerful purpose and we’re looking forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Make-A-Wish for years to come.”

To learn more about giving opportunities near you, or to donate online to help kids with critical illnesses see their wishes granted, visit Wish.org.

2022-05-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – When you think of summer cleanup, you likely picture decluttering and deep cleaning your indoor spaces. However, your outdoor spaces need just as much attention as your home’s interiors to get them ready for the warmer months. You can save yourself some headaches later by investing time in a few housekeeping tasks in your outdoor spaces, so as the weather heats up, it’s time to take stock of your yard space and lawn equipment.

Check out these four (relatively) simple projects that will set you up for success this summer.

1. Check your lawnmower

Inspect your lawnmower before you need to use it so it’s prepared when you’re ready to tackle your lawn. According to Consumer Reports, you’ll want to check or change your engine oil, sharpen the blades, fill it with fresh fuel, and change or clean filters.

For some, it may be time to replace your trusty lawnmower. The Troy-Bilt Self-Propelled Walk-Behind FWD Mower is an excellent choice for homeowners. It’s powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton^® engine and offers variable-speed front-wheel drive for improved control and fast turns. This durable model is equipped with the TriAction cutting system for creating and maintaining a well-groomed lawn plus a deck wash for easy upkeep.

2. Prep your patio

If you spend a lot of time on your patio, especially if you host events, you’ll want to inspect your outdoor space for any winter damage. Harsh winter elements like snow and ice can easily cause cracks in stone and tile pavers or chip and crack wooden decks. Make a list of needed repairs and determine which should be prioritized.

Now is also a good time to renew your patio area. It can be as simple as adding mulch, using landscape rocks as ground cover or installing or replacing patio stones and pavers.

3. Garden beds

If you’re looking to grow your own flowers, vegetables and herbs this summer, consider assembling and installing raised garden beds. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, raised soil warms up more quickly, meaning that a raised garden bed can warm up during spring and provide a longer growing season. These simple freestanding boxes or frames drain well, help prevent erosion, and are ideal for small spaces that can’t support a traditional row garden.

A galvanized steel raised garden planter bed like one from Northern Tool + Equipment is simple to assemble, meaning you can get to planting more quickly. Its modular design allows you to add multiple boxes for an even larger garden bed and the corrugated, galvanized steel construction can hold up to all kinds of weather throughout the year.

4. Organize your garage

As the in-between space between your home and the outdoors, your garage likely needs plenty of TLC come summer. Take the opportunity to clear out any trash or clutter and give the space a good sweeping to clear out any dust or dirt that collected on the garage floor over the colder months. Check your garage for any damage or leaks to prevent water damage from storms.

After you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize your spring and summer lawn care and landscaping tools. If you’re in need of some new and improved shelves and cabinets, consider buying and installing these storage solutions. A clean and organized garage will free up space, meaning that you can even use your garage to work on and store other outdoor projects.

By tackling these four outdoor cleanup tasks, you’ll set yourself up for success for any landscaping and projects you’ve planned for spring and summer. Visit NorthernTool.com to view and purchase any tools and equipment you may need for completing these and other outdoor projects.

2022-05-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – Water is one of the most essential resources on the planet. Whether you know it or not, almost everything you do, use or consume relies on water. Simply having access to water isn’t enough. The quality of your water matters — it impacts the quality of everything it goes into.

Take a minute to look at the world around you — do you know how much of your life runs on quality water? American Water knows that water quality is vital to keep life flowing and wants to help you understand the important, and sometimes unexpected, effect that water quality can have. Check out these 10 reasons why access to quality water matters.

1. Food and beverages

The most apparent impact of water quality is how it affects the food you eat and beverages you drink. This goes beyond the water that you use to make coffee or boil pasta. For example, before you even add that pasta to the pot, it takes half a gallon of water to produce a single noodle.

2. Farming

The quality of water that farmers have access to impacts their ability to grow produce and raise animals that provide us with everything from meat to milk and cheese, as well as the quality of the resulting product. If you live in a city and participate in or support urban farming and co-ops, the foods grown depend on that city’s water system to provide quality water through the tap.

3. Personal hygiene

Did you know just how much of your hygiene is rooted in quality water? It might be obvious when you’re washing your hands, bathing, brushing your teeth or washing your face. Even the products you use on your skin contain water, like lotion, which is made of 80% water. In all situations, the water you use on your body should be clean and dependable.

4. Health care

Health care runs on water and the quality can affect health outcomes. Doctors’ offices, hospitals and EMT vehicles need quality water for hygiene, washing wounds, hydrating and more. Water also plays an important role in developing and manufacturing life-saving vaccines and essential medications.

5. Environment

You can avoid single-use plastic bottles by having access to quality tap water and filling up your reusable drinking bottle or glass at the sink. If you enjoy getting outdoors, access to quality water is crucial to preserving the parks and wildlife you experience. During dry months when wildfires strike, firefighters depend on water to extinguish the flames to protect the land, animals and people around the area.

6. Manufacturing

So many things that you use every day were made using water. Making a single car requires about 40,000 gallons of water, and technologies like your desktop computer rely on water as a coolant to run. Even the jeans you’re wearing were produced using 1,800 gallons of water.

7. Gardening

Gardeners rely on water to grow flowers, herbs and other plants for enjoyment and culinary purposes. Whether they realize it or, they rely on the quality of the water coming out of their tap to support the lives of the plants in the yard or on the windowsill. Water quality can be the difference between a garden surviving and thriving.

8. Pets

Do you have a four-legged friend? Your furry family members need quality water to support their everyday life too. From the water in their bowls that hydrates them to the water you use to clean them off after a long day of playing outside, you depend on that water to be as good to them as you are.

9. Athletics

Athletic and recreational centers need water to keep operating. For every Friday night lights, Saturday softball game and Sunday tee time, a lot of water goes into maintaining the fields and courses. For athletes, drinking and soaking in water can prevent heatstroke during the warmer months and helps them cool down after a light jog, challenging workout or victorious match.

10. Fun outings and attractions

When you take your family to a water park, play in the backyard or a community pool or run under the spray of the garden hose, you’re able to rest easy when these spots have a quality water source. If you’re a fan of live entertainment, water also impacts your experience, such as the grass at a stadium or sanitation at a concert venue. Zoos and aquariums also need quality water for the animals to drink and swim in so you can enjoy visiting them.

Bonus: You are made of water!

Up to 60% of the adult human body is made of water, so it’s essential to hydrate with high-quality water. Staying hydrated can help lower blood pressure, improve mental focus and keep your organs functioning.

These are just a few of the countless (and sometimes surprising) ways our lives depend on access to quality water. If you want to read more, check out American Water’s 50 Reasons Why Water Quality Matters in Our Lives. To learn more about the water quality in your area, visit AmWater.com and see your water quality report.

2022-05-16T09:43:02

(BPT) – As summer approaches, so does celebration season, which can mean gathering with friends and family for graduation parties, a fun-filled day celebrating the father figure in your life or BBQs and pool parties to kick off the warmer weather. Shopping for the tastiest food, thoughtful gifts and festive party decor are essential to entertaining, but all those purchases can make a dent in your wallet. Here are some tips on how to be a savvy spender while not compromising on fun as you celebrate summer.

Take advantage of your credit card rewards

It’s never too early to start planning ways to celebrate the father figure in your life. Finding a perfect gift or experience that will make them smile is a great way to say thank you and show your appreciation.

Be extra savvy with your gift-giving by researching gift guides early on to find special sales or deals for the occasion, make your own gift or help dad with an at-home task he has been meaning to tackle.

Another great way to save is researching seasonal rewards your credit card offers. Whether you are looking to spruce up your wardrobe or go for a nice dinner with the whole family, Chase Freedom cardmembers have the opportunity to take advantage of limited-time deals during the entire month of May with Chase Freedom’s Month Of More. Freedom cardmembers can earn at least 5% bonus cash back when shopping through Shop with Chase, 10% total cash back on Chase Dining pre-paid reservations or takeout through Ultimate Rewards, 10% extra value when redeeming for Apple products, and will save 10% when redeeming for select popular gift cards.

Include friends & family to help in the planning and prep

Planning summer celebrations and hosting graduation and family parties can be stressful and costly with so many details to account for. Whether crafting the invite list, buying decorations, picking out a gift to planning out the menu, you don’t have to feel as if it is all sitting on your shoulders.

One way to cut costs can be by getting creative with DIY decor — make an afternoon out of it and invite friends to come over, bring their craft supplies and create fun decorations as a team. Not only will it add excitement for the upcoming celebration but save your wallet as well. Also consider asking guests to bring a dish: making your event a potluck will ease the financial burden of feeding a large group and allows your guests to feel like they contributed to the fun.

Seek out free summer fun options

Kick off the “start of the summer” by spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re by the beach or hosting an annual BBQ, summer is all about getting outside and celebrating downtime from the daily school or work grind, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank with expensive activities and parties. Enjoy the warmer weather by exploring local and state parks, looking for “free days” at a nearby museum, spend a day doing DIY arts and crafts, grabbing ice cream at home, or try out a weekend of camping with friends and family. No matter how you plan to gear up for some much-needed time outside, consider stocking up on all your summer essentials while earning cash back and getting more value for your cash back rewards with Chase Freedom’s Month of More offers.

Celebration season can be hectic and expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips and be a savvy spender, so you can entertain and have fun with less stress and a little extra money in your pocket this season.

2022-05-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Interest in green home improvements continues to soar as people look to make their properties more eco-friendly and comfortable. One top trend of the year is adding a modern electric fireplace that is stylish, sustainable and green in numerous ways.

“Today’s electric fireplaces have come a long way, with realistic, captivating flames that supply light and heat without an actual flame,” says Joe Kuefler, director of electric fireplaces at Heat & Glo. “The ambiance is beautiful and you can feel good about the many green benefits that help you create an environmentally sound home year-round.”

Here’s why modern electric fireplaces are a top green home improvement:

Environmental

Electricity is a green alternative to fossil fuels or wood. And your home’s electricity may already be sourced some or all from green energy derived from wind, sunlight or geothermal. Electric fireplaces have no emissions, fumes or pollutants of any kind and cost just pennies an hour to operate. As some states are moving away with natural gas for home use, installing an electric fireplace still provides the warmth and ambiance of a hearth while adhering to new building codes.

Optional heat

Electric fireplaces like SimpliFire Electric Fireplaces by Heat & Glo can be operated with or without heat, so you can enjoy the ambiance year-round, even during the hottest months. On chilly days or cold evenings, if you want some heat, turn on the electric fireplace so you can get quick warmth in the spaces where your fireplace is located, often a living area of the home.

Zone heat

Because you can choose to turn on or off the heating option, electric fireplaces allow you to zone heat your home. This means you can add heat just where it’s needed rather than the entire home like with a furnace. This supplemental heat can help cut waste and monthly energy bills. You can control where you want the heat — and how much — to enjoy a beautiful fire throughout the year.

Air quality

Electric fireplaces don’t require ventilation because they aren’t putting carbon into the air. Because they have no emissions, fumes or pollutants of any kind, electric fireplaces won’t compromise the indoor or outdoor air quality. This means your family can breathe easier and is especially important for people with asthma or allergies.

Minimal construction

An electric fireplace is much easier to install compared to a traditional wood or gas fireplace, making it an accessible DIY project. You can mount it on the wall, build it into the wall or insert it into an existing wood fireplace. These three options require minimal construction and minimal waste, so you’re not adding unnecessarily to landfills.

Placement versatility

Because it doesn’t need to be vented and requires little construction, you can put an electric fireplace virtually anywhere you’d like in your home, adding green heat to favorite spaces. What’s more, TVs and artwork are safe to install directly above the fireplace, which you can’t always do with wood or gas fireplaces. Learn more at HeatNGlo.com.

“Electric fireplaces can help you save money and boost your home’s value,” said Kuefler. “These fireplaces easily become a focal point to anchor a room around, with sleek, modern designs that complement a wide range of decor styles.”

2022-05-13T12:21:00

(BPT) – Despite being a staple in most American households, there is a lot of confusion about eggs. For example, why are eggshells different colors? What does an egg’s yolk color mean? Why do eggs need refrigeration in the United States but not in some other countries?

Get ready to boost your EIQ (egg intelligence quotient) thanks to the egg experts at Organic Valley. Here are their insights to some of the most frequently asked questions about eggs, and we’ll start with one that’s been top-of-mind for a lot of people recently.

Are organic eggs safe to eat during an Avian Flu outbreak?

According to the USDA, yes, organic eggs are safe to eat. And, the following statement from the USDA provides context as to the safety of food potentially impacted by any Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI): “According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recent HPAI detections do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.”

Why are eggs refrigerated in the United States but not in some other countries?

In the U.S., eggs are washed before being sold to prevent the spread of salmonella. The washing process removes a protective outer cuticle on the shell so they must then be refrigerated. Overseas in countries like Great Britain and France, eggs can often be found unrefrigerated in the grocery aisles. These countries do not wash their eggs because they believe the protective cuticle reduces exposure to salmonella, and therefore, they do not need to be refrigerated. It’s essentially two different processes to achieve the same thing: lowered risk of salmonella exposure.

Why are chicken eggs different colors?

The most common colors of eggs found in American grocery stores are white and brown, but these beautiful birds can lay eggs in a rainbow of hues. More importantly, the color of the egg is not an indicator of quality or nutrition. Chicken eggs can come in a variety of colors, including peach, blue, green, yellow, speckled and more. The color of the egg depends on the breed of chicken because different chickens release different color pigments when the egg moves through a chicken’s body before being laid.

What does an egg’s yolk color mean?

The bright sunshine center provides a pop of color every time you crack open an egg. Some people believe the deeper the color, the higher the nutrient value, but that’s not the case; no matter the color, the nutrition is the same. The yolk color primarily comes from the pigments in the hen’s food. The more yellow-orange pigments consumed — called xanthophylls, found widely in nature — the darker the yolk. Yolk color can vary seasonally if hens spend more time outdoors in warmer months eating seeds, grasses, and bugs in addition to their regular diet.

Do natural and organic mean the same thing?

“Natural” is a term you often read on food packages, but this word can be broadly interpreted and is not well-regulated by the government or any other entities. In contrast, the term “organic” is strictly regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture. When you buy certified organic eggs – like all of the eggs from Organic Valley – you are getting eggs from hens that eat organic feed and are not kept in cages. The hens’ feed does not contain animal byproducts, or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

What’s the difference between cage-free and free range?

Many people buy organic in part to support humane animal care, but it’s important to know organic eggs don’t necessarily come from hens openly grazing in fields. Cage-free means that no cages are used, but those hens could live in crowded indoor spaces. Free-range means the hens are not caged and roam some of the time outdoors; however, keep in mind the term is not USDA regulated so exact meaning can differ by brand.

What does Free to Forage^® mean?

Free to Forage^® is how Organic Valley describes important aspects of the egg production standards used by its farmer-members when caring for their flocks. In an effort to enable laying hens to exhibit natural behaviors, Organic Valley requires that all birds have access to fresh air, sunshine, and organic pasture (weather permitting), and an outdoor space that is free of toxic pesticides, herbicides, or GMO plants. The cooperative, and their member farmers, believe it’s important to find ways to go beyond the animal care requirements of the National Organic Standard.

How long are eggs good for?

Because eggs in the United States are washed and refrigerated, they have a shelf life of around 45 days, which is longer than unwashed eggs found in other countries, which have a shelf life of around 21 days. Too many eggs in your refrigerator? Freeze them! That’s right — just crack them out of the shell and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to consume them, up to one year.

Want to know more about eggs? Click here!

2022-05-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – Everyone has physical scars. Maybe it’s a scrape from a childhood stumble or a burn from cooking a special meal. Some scars come from body changes or physical conditions, such as acne scars, while others might be from serious events, like a surgery or an accident.

It’s not uncommon for people to be insecure about their scars and try to hide them. However, this insecurity can compromise someone’s mental health and the scars can be a physical reminder of personal insecurities. When you think of all the scars you have on your body — big and small — try to realize they represent your unique journey in life.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to remember that you are more than your scars. In fact, scars make you one of a kind. By building confidence surrounding your perceived physical imperfections, you will feel better about yourself and may even be able to help others who struggle with their scars.

If you want to remove the stigma surrounding scars as perceived physical imperfections, consider these following steps to transform your mindset and your life.

Accept your scar as part of who you are

Mental health healing and physical healing often go hand in hand. Specially formulated scar treatments may help diminish the appearance of your scars, such as Mederma’s unique triple action formula that penetrates beneath the surface to seal in moisture, renew cells and aid formation of collagen. This helps visibly reduce the overall appearance of new and old scars caused by things like acne, burns, injury and surgery. However, your physical scars will never be completely erased, so it’s important to accept them as part of what makes you unique. Understanding that the journey from scar, through treatment, to healing will leave you feeling more confident in the end.

Stop hiding your scars

Having self-confidence to bear your physical scars can be difficult. Many people use makeup, clothing and accessories to hide their scars. Part of healing and embracing who you are is showing your scars outside of your home. It may take time and you may need to take it step by step as your confidence builds, but you’ll feel better when you can leave your home and shine brightly without having to hide part of who you are.

Begin to open up about your scars

It’s natural for people to inquire about the presence of a visible scar. The next time someone asks, “How did you get that?” decide how you want to answer. Remember, your scar is a map to where your body has been and often, the stories behind them are interesting — some funny, uplifting or even tragic, but they all make you who you are today. They offer depth and substance behind what could otherwise be viewed as an imperfection.

Share your story with others

Storytelling can aid in emotional healing and is a powerful tool for mental health and personal growth. Some people decide to journal through their feelings to help get their thoughts down on paper. You don’t have to be a writer to write down your story and put your experience and feelings into words. That alone can help you to heal. Then, if you are comfortable with your story, share it with others who may be struggling with their own experience.

To support the importance of storytelling to heal and encourage their community to share and celebrate their scar stories, Mederma is partnering with an organization called This Is My Brave during Mental Health Awareness Month. This nonprofit spotlights storytelling as a way to help in the healing process when it comes to mental health conditions like anxiety or low self-esteem.

From acne scar sufferers to those with scars from surgeries, scar bearers can tell their stories and shed light on the baggage that these perceived physical imperfections can bring both mentally and physically, while encouraging others to proactively seek treatment, embrace the beauty of their scars and get to know who they are beyond their scar. Learn more at ThisIsMyBrave.org.