Month: August 2022

2022-08-09T10:53:00

(BPT) – These days, we know more about healthy eating than ever before. But in reality, it’s a constant struggle for many of us to consistently consume an optimal diet.

Pamela M. Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, FACSM, one of the Consumers’ Research Council of America’s top physicians and chair of the Solaray Science Advisory Board, offers five science-backed tips that can help you navigate the role of supplements in your daily life.

The bottom line: Food, on its own, is often not enough to meet our daily vitamin and nutrient requirements. Smart supplementation can work in tandem with healthy eating to help address nutritional gaps.

1. Lifestyles have changed, and so has food quality.

Many people have moved away from nutrient-dense, home-cooked meals to packaged and fast foods. The emphasis has become stopping hunger pangs and caving to cravings rather than fueling the body.

Food preparation can also have a major impact. Some foods require cooking to maximize nutrients, while others can be raw.

2. Food is less nutritious than it was 20 years ago.

Researchers behind a study published in The Journal of the American College of Nutrition compared 43 types of produce and found up to 40% declines in certain nutrients from 1950 to 1999. They discovered decreases in the amounts of protein, calcium and iron in the fruits and vegetables analyzed.

3. While they should never replace food, supplements can help close the nutritional gap.

Solaray, a pioneer of supplement health and wellness, strives to help people become their healthiest selves through high-quality supplements that work in tandem with food.

For example, its Magnesium Glycinate packs the same amount of magnesium into one serving as found in 50 cups of kale, 10 cups of blackberries, or 61 figs. Similarly, you can get the equivalency of support in 50 cups of yogurt in just one capsule of Women’s Mycrobiome Probiotic, or the power of two pounds of Lion’s Mane mushrooms in only one SharpMind Nootropics Focus capsule.

4. Absorption matters.

Research shows that our bodies may only absorb a portion of the nutrients in food and traditional vitamins.

“Our bodies simply aren’t absorbing enough of the quality nutrients we need,” says Dr. Peeke. “Even the most purposeful, curated, ‘healthy’ food diets will have naturally occurring nutritional gaps. In reality, you are what you absorb.”

That’s why Solaray launched their revolutionary Liposomal Multivitamins for enhanced nutrient absorption.^†

Liposomes are made up of lipids, or fats. These fat globules encase nutrients, helping protect them from the stomach’s harsh acidic environment as the supplement moves into the intestine. This protection is critical for superior absorption.^†

5. Not all supplements are created equal.

Since 1973, Solaray has scoured the globe for the highest-quality ingredients. Backed by science and rooted in nature, every raw material is stringently tested in its lab for purity and potency.

“The recent patent-pending technology harnessed by Solaray experts is a paradigm shift for the supplement space and will help people finally receive the level of nutrition they expect from their vitamins,” says Dr. Peeke. “We all know it can be hard to find a trusted source — Solaray makes it an easy choice with their legacy of excellence.”

Click here for further information and a complete list of scholarly references and resources.

2022-08-10T07:41:00

(BPT) – These days you’re likely thinking twice about making new purchases or doing a lot more research before clicking that buy button on websites. Fortunately, if you have a truck or Jeep^® you don’t have to buy a new one to customize it and match your lifestyle. RealTruck offers over a million parts and accessories for trucks and Jeeps^® to keep them looking and running as good as new. Here are the top five ways and products to affordably transform your vehicle so you can get out “In The Real.”

Keep a tonneau cover on your truck

BAK Industries^® manufactures America’s number one selling BAK Revolver X4S tonneau cover. It will keep your truck bed secure and protected from the elements. Designed with a low-profile appearance, it features flat side seals and redesigned rear corner caps for a sleek aesthetic. The tonneau showcases rotational locking rails that secure the X4S across the entire length of the truck bed, so items in your bed stay dry. It operates from either side with an automatic latch and has a roll-up cover that can be secured with straps and buckles. With an easy, no-drilling-required installation, this user-friendly tonneau cover will turn your truck bed into a fully functional space for all your gear and outdoor fall adventures.

Running boards & nerf bars give you a leg up

Update your truck with a set of Ionic 5″ black nerf bars. Nerf bars and running boards are made to fit your specific truck and run along the length of your vehicle. They allow you and your passengers to safely enter and exit your vehicle, while avoiding messy elements as you exit. While traveling “In The Real,” pull over at a viewpoint and step out on your nerf bars or running boards to look out at all nature has to offer. Give your truck a new look with this easy addition to your ride.

Fender flares protect tires from wear and tear

Flares are a must-have for any truck owner with oversized tires. Tires can be costly, depending on what make and model truck you have. Ensure tire longevity with pocket-style fender flares that will protect the rubber from UV rays, dirt and debris. The flares themselves are also UV resistant to prevent fading, cracking and chalking. They come in an OEM matte black finish and can be purchased in 2-piece or 4-piece sets. Get the most miles out of your tires with this upgrade.

Purchase Moto Wheels for the perfect deal

Give your truck the structural foundation it deserves with Moto Metal Machined Gloss Black MO970 Wheels. They’re made of heavy-duty cast aluminum which is super durable for all your on- and off-road adventures. These wheels have a unique eight-spoke design that’s sure to make your truck stand out. They come in multiple offsets, diameters and bolt patterns for a variety of trucks. Recommended especially for those who enjoy overlanding, these wheels will carry you on your way for many years to come.

Clean seats are hard to beat

Keep your seats stain free and stylish with Covercraft Carhartt Seat Covers, which are made of a breathable heavy-duty duck-weave fabric and are UV treated to prevent fading. They’re also coated with rain defender water repellent to protect from spills or meal mishaps while driving. The Covercraft seat covers are custom made for your exact vehicle and seat configuration, including heated seats and safety-resistant latch points. They’re machine washable and dryer friendly with a three-year limited warranty. Seat covers are a simple solution to help maintain your truck’s value.

Gear up, get out and go after it with all the truck essentials you need to make your truck up to date and looking good as new at RealTruck.com.

2022-08-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Attention, teachers! It may feel like summer, but it’s almost time to get your classrooms ready for the new school year. With back-to-school season already sneaking up, it’s important that teachers are equipped with supplies to prepare them for all types of projects in the classroom. Whether it’s a simple craft or something a bit more involved, every teacher could use a hand from some tried-and-true tools. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite must-have products that come in handy all school year long.

Arrow E21 cordless electric staple gun. Featuring a battery life of up to three hours, the E21 is Arrow’s latest and greatest staple gun. It’s perfect for fixing or making additions to any bulletin board — not to mention “extracurricular” upholstery projects you might be tackling at home. The convenient cordless design prevents mess or clutter in the classroom, and its included stapler base allows it to remain in place without the risk of damaging any surfaces while in storage.

Arrow SL24D staple lifter. If it’s time to swap out some artwork or seasonal displays, look no further. Arrow’s SL24D staple lifter removes staples quickly, cleanly, and — most important — safely. The angled, rounded point of the lifter makes it easy to get under staples without damaging or gouging any projects that you’d like to keep around.

Arrow T25X WireMate™ wire stapler. If you’re all about sprucing up the classroom with decorations, the T25X by Arrow is just what you need. Using the T25X, you can fasten wire onto surfaces (like a bulletin board) and attach pictures and paintings for the entire class to enjoy. Plus, when the holidays roll around, putting up string lights has never been easier with the help of this handy stapler.

Arrow GT80 professional glue gun. A quality glue gun is a must. From touching up art projects to building your class its very own solar system, Arrow’s GT80 professional glue gun not only heats up fast but also delivers exceptional quality and durability each and every time. Plus, you can choose between all-purpose glue or slow-set glue for when you need a cooler setting, which can be used on materials like foam, certain fabrics, and balloons.

Looking for more tools to add to the classroom? Head to arrowfastener.com to check out all our must-haves.

2022-08-10T04:01:00

(BPT) – If you haven’t heard of the MIND Diet, consider it the greatest hits of foods that support brain health. The MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) Diet combines powerful brain-supporting foods of two well-known eating plans, the Mediterranean and DASH diets. Conveniently, the same nutrients that help us focus and learn in the present also decrease age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s Disease in the future. Now that we’re getting back to school and back to schedules, it’s a great time to focus on smart eating.

What foods are in the MIND Diet?

The MIND Diet is targeted nutrition that highlights specific foods that offer important brain-health benefits. Some foods on the MIND Diet list, such as fish, will be of no surprise to health enthusiasts. Registered dietitian Bianca Tamburello explains, “The connection between eating omega-3-rich fatty fish like salmon and brain health is well-documented.” She recommends looking for fish that is particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon from Chile, to maximize brain health.

Tamburello says following the MIND diet is uncomplicated. “Eat more of these 10 brain-boosting foods (green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, olive oil, and for adults, wine in moderation) and limit these five foods (red meats, butter and stick margarine, cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried or fast foods).”

5 quick family-friendly tips to follow the MIND Diet

• Enjoy a power salad packed with leafy greens! The MIND Diet specifically calls out leafy greens as a top veggie and recommends eating a salad daily. Salads don’t have to be dull. Create a flavor-packed and filling salad by adding a ½ cup of quinoa or farro, berries or nuts for some added crunch.
• Aim for 3 servings of whole grains per day. This could be whole wheat bread or pita, brown rice or even whole wheat pasta.
• Plan for 2 fish meals per week. Fatty fish, like salmon, is packed with nutrition and quick to prepare. Tamburello says, “I recommend Chilean salmon because it’s high in omega-3 fatty acids, low-mercury, and responsibly raised.” Chileansalmon.org is a great resource for nutrition tips, recipes and more info about Chilean salmon.
• Go nuts! Enjoy nuts daily as a topper for oatmeal or as an easy snack.
• Swap out butter for olive oil in your home cooking. Balance is key. The MIND Diet recommends using olive oil, a healthy unsaturated fat, as your main cooking oil, and limiting butter to 1 tablespoon or less per day.

Incorporating 10 foods into your day may seem overwhelming. Start small by incorporating 1-2 of your favorite MIND Diet foods daily and plan your meals and snacks so that you have MIND Diet foods stocked at home. Healthy shortcuts can go a long way, too! Leverage healthy convenience foods such as frozen fish filets for fast dinners, salad kits packed with leafy greens, and individually wrapped nut snack packs.

2022-08-10T07:07:00

(BPT) – Character education is a crucial part of childhood development. According to a Sage Journal article, character education is associated with higher levels of educational outcomes and is also related to higher levels of expressions of love, integrity, compassion and self-discipline.

Behaviors children learn starting in infancy define how they’ll operate as a school-age child and into adulthood. It’s never too early to begin teaching children the value of strong morality and character in order to help them succeed in school. Building strong social and emotional connections is key to developing an overall good sense of self and motivates children to develop strong values in academics and socialization. Simply telling our children about important values and showing them through our actions is enough to set them up for better outcomes now and in the future. Modeling these behaviors is even more important.

Imagine a classroom where children help each other and respect each other’s uniqueness — where kids are able to recognize and manage their feelings while being able to relate to others. Perhaps this description is too good to be true, but it’s important to do our part as parents to help our children develop important character skills that are needed in school. While there are many important traits, experts at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care have identified five that are crucial to success in a classroom environment and in life.

Respect

Teaching your child respect, or being able to recognize and appreciate the rights, beliefs, practices and differences of other people, is one of the most beneficial traits to have in school. All children should feel respected in the classroom from peers and adults in their environment. In turn, children should demonstrate respect to other children, educators and adults in their lives. A great way to model respect is reinforcing good listening and being receptive of others, allowing them to be themselves. Respect builds trust and positive relationships.

Helpfulness

Giving assistance when someone is in need, or being helpful, is a trait that will allow your child to be a good citizen toward fellow students. Empower your children to help at home by letting them assist with chores like putting away groceries or washing off plastic dishes in the sink.

Empathy

The ability to empathize, or understand and care about how someone else is feeling, is beneficial for children interacting with other children because it will help them to show more kindness. Display concern for your children and help them see how others feel in different situations to build their ability to feel empathetic.

Honesty

Honesty, or the act of telling the truth and acting truthfully, is a challenging value to teach to children as they develop. Oftentimes, they can face confusion over facts, can mix up reality with fantasy or be afraid of getting in trouble. Assist your children with distinguishing what’s real from imaginary and reassure them that telling the truth won’t get them in trouble. You can do this by playfully asking if something they’re saying really happened or if they’re telling a story and you can also use books as a teaching element. Many popular children’s stories involve characters learning to tell the truth, such as “The Berenstain Bears and the Truth.”

Self-Regulation

Being able to use the strategies and coping skills necessary to control your emotions, reactions and behavior in different situations, or self-regulation, is a character trait that helps children excel in a classroom because they can calm down without distracting from others. Name your children’s emotions when you see them appear so they can learn to identify when they’re feeling mad or sad and teach them coping skills like taking deep breaths or counting to 10 in those moments.

According to TIME magazine, an individual’s personality traits are better indicators of academic success than a high score on an intelligence test. By setting our children up to learn strong character skills early in life, we are facilitating their success in school overall. For more ways to focus on character development at home, download Kiddie Academy’s Character Essentials Activity Book at kiddieacademy.com/character-essentials-activity-book/.

2022-08-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – The new school year is an exciting time full of possibilities for students. While learning and expanding their minds at school is important, their growth doesn’t stop when the last school bell of the day rings. In fact, since the popularization of remote learning, students learn just as much at home as they do in the classroom, so it’s important to set them up for success wherever they learn.

You don’t need much space to facilitate learning to help your kids thrive in their studies. Here are some of the ways you can prepare your home to set your children up to thrive this school year:

Digital devices

Even students as young as elementary school age are utilizing technology to help them learn better. Some schools may even assign your child a laptop or tablet for the year, so reach out to ask about requirements and expectations.

If you don’t receive technology from your school, it might be worth investing in a device for your student or one you can share as a family. A tablet might be useful for small children, but once typing becomes important, a basic laptop is a better fit. If cost is a concern, you can look into community organizations that help fund student technology or inquire about options from your local library.

Powerful wireless internet

From helping kids do research to connecting virtually with their teacher, wireless internet is essential to power those digital devices. However, as the average home has over 16 connected devices, decreased bandwidth and dead zones make connectivity problematic. Blanket your whole home in fast, reliable WiFi coverage with the Motorola Q11 WiFi 6 Mesh System. You’ll get blazing-fast WiFi 6 connectivity with speeds up to 1 gigabit, perfect for daily home networking needs like remote learning, video calls and 4K streaming. Whether using a 3 pack or 1 pack configuration, each Motorola Q11 unit is capable of connecting over 100 devices, too, so your remote learners, robot vacuum and smart thermostat stay connected without interruption.

WiFi systems like the Motorola Q11 also offer parents security with their home management app, motosync, powered by Minim, which makes home network setup effortless and features network management tools like parental controls, guest network management and data usage tracking. Plus, you get peace of mind with cloud-driven cybersecurity features, including auto firmware upgrades, malware scans, new device alerts and ad blocking.

Tech accessories and supplies

Having devices and a reliable, strong WiFi connection are a good start for a successful school year, but you can help your students even more by investing in some accessories to support their studies and technology use.

To start, headphones are important so kids can listen without interrupting other people in the household. Headphones come in a variety of styles and price points, including wireless options and ones with microphones for interacting with teachers and fellow students. A wireless mouse is also worthwhile, making it easy to navigate — especially if your device doesn’t have a touchscreen. Additionally, ergonomic wrist rests and a good-quality chair will help students stay comfortable and healthy while typing and exploring online.

The new school year is an exciting time full of possibilities. With the right technologies and supplies, parents and students of all ages will be prepared for success.

2022-08-09T09:01:00

(BPT) – You make recycling possible. Without consumer participation, recycling programs can’t function. If you already recycle, you’re playing a critical role in reducing waste in your area. But to truly make sure valuable materials — like cartons, plastic and other materials that can be reused in other products — are kept out of landfills, it is important to prevent wishcycling.

Wishful recycling (or wishcycling) is tossing something in your recycling bin hoping it’s recyclable, which can cause more harm than good. While many programs have recycling equipment to sort items, some non-recyclable materials can cause the machines to jam or break, causing delays and contaminating the recyclable items.

To prevent wishcycling and help your local recycling program operate efficiently, you’ll need to know what materials can be recycled and how to prepare them before tossing them in the bin.

Know what is and is not recyclable

The first thing you should do to determine if an item is recyclable is to check the packaging. If you find a recycling icon on the package, it often means you’re holding a widely recyclable item. However, that doesn’t mean that you can simply throw the item into your recycling bin.

What is and is not recyclable can change over time and based on location. Whether you’ve lived in the same neighborhood your whole life or have just moved to a new city, it is recommended that you check with your local recycling program from time to time to see what items are accepted in your area. Some programs may even provide a handy guide you can reference if you have any doubts about how to recycle certain items.

One recyclable material that still confuses many people is food and beverage cartons, like those made by Tetra Pak. From milk and juice to broth, soups and more, you likely have more than a few items in your kitchen that come in cartons. Because of how common they are, it’s essential to learn how to recycle cartons so they don’t end up in a landfill.

You likely have carton recycling in your area. Today, most U.S. households have access to carton recycling. In fact, access to residential recycling programs has increased by 240% since 2009, when the Carton Council was formed. This industry organization was created to increase carton recycling access and rates and divert valuable cartons from the landfill. They work to build a sustainable infrastructure for carton recycling nationwide and educate and raise awareness around carton recycling.

Want to know if cartons can be recycled where you live? Visit RecycleCartons.com/find/state to find out if your local recycling program handles cartons and, if not, learn how you can recycle them.

Know how to recycle an item properly

Once you’ve determined what materials can be recycled in your area, you’ll need to learn how they should be recycled. There are many recycling myths, so to ensure you’re doing so correctly, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with how to recycle certain products, especially ones you consume often.

One popular myth is that Tetra Pak^® cartons must be flattened before placing them in the bin. However, that’s not the case in the U.S. and Canada. To properly recycle a carton, simply empty it, replace the cap or push the straw back in the pack, then place it in the recycling bin in its original form.

Recycling doesn’t have to be complicated or mysterious. Familiarize yourself with your local recycling program guidelines so you can do your part to keep valuable items out of the garbage. To learn more about carton recycling, visit RecycleCartons.com/Learn or TetraPakUSA.com.

2022-08-09T09:59:01

(BPT) – Do you feel like you’re constantly cleaning and it’s never enough to stay on top of all the dirt, grime and germs? Do you wonder how professional cleaners get everything so sparkling and fresh in such little time? The trick is to work smarter, not harder, and one of their best-kept secrets is utilizing the natural cleaning power of steam.

Steam is a surprisingly powerful cleaning tool, with the ability to break down tough grime and disinfect virtually any surface. Plus, water is pure and natural, so you don’t have to worry about harsh cleaners with chemicals that may be bad for you and the environment. Here are the top reasons why many people use their steam cleaner as much as (or more than) their vacuum once they realize everything it can accomplish:

1. Steam kills bacteria and viruses

The pandemic caused people to become acutely aware of how easily germs can spread and the desire grew to regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces. Steam is scientifically proven to kill bacteria and viruses because they cannot survive the heat. This allows you to sanitize, disinfect and clean in one simple step. For example, the Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner easily removes dirt, grease and stains while killing 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, pathogens, bedbugs, mold and other undesirables.

2. Steam works almost anywhere

Steam can clean any type of flooring, including tile and grout lines, but it can be helpful in many more ways as well. It can tackle tough messes like burned-on grease in your oven or grill, heavy stains in furniture and upholstery, and grime in showers or bathtubs. It’s also great for cleaning your vehicle’s interior. It can sanitize your infant’s crib and your fitness equipment. Steam is also great on softer surfaces, such as sanitizing mattresses, children’s toys and pet furniture, especially those items that can’t be put in the washing machine. Not to mention, you can use steam to get into all the nooks and crannies that are otherwise hard to reach.

3. Steam cleaning improves air quality

Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often up to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Because steam cleaning is all natural, it’s a great way to help improve indoor air quality. Steam cleaning helps eliminate dust, bed bugs, pet dander, pollen, allergens, mold and more. Cleaner air means a healthier home so everyone can breathe better, day and night.

4. Steam eliminates most other cleaning supplies

How many bottles of cleaner do you have in your home and how much money have you spent on them? By investing in a steam cleaner you eliminate the need for many of those bottles, not to mention their toxins, helping you save money and green your home. Steam cleaning is environmentally friendly so you can feel proud to have a healthier, eco-smart home.

5. Steam saves time and is so satisfying

Steam cleans fast and dries even faster, which means less time scrubbing. This is why professionals use it in commercial and hospitality settings. The Dupray NEAT Steam Cleaner comes with 17 premium accessories so you can clean almost anything, from vast surfaces to tiny nooks and crannies. Learn more at Dupray.com. Plus, cleaning with steam can turn a mundane cleaning routine into a surprisingly satisfying experience when you quickly see the before-and-after results.

2022-08-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s economic and business environments are incredibly complex. Inflation is at a record high, supply chain disruptions continue to riddle companies and consumers, and while many organizations are still saying there’s a talent shortage, others are considering layoffs. Yet, workers can navigate this uncertainty and position themselves well in a rapidly evolving marketplace by pursuing continued education to broaden their skills. At the same time, organizations have a duty to make it easier for these learners to excel, not only to foster career advancement but also to navigate the technological disruption and workforce needs that they’re being forced to address.

To adapt to the uncertainties of today’s marketplace and compete in the modern business landscape, organizations should keep these four considerations in mind:

1) Understand how your digital transformation has reshaped your industry and your talent needs. Digital transformation and its acceleration have made up-to-date technical skills and understanding more important in virtually every sector of business. For example, many hospitals are implementing advanced electronic health records software to keep pace with the digitization of healthcare. Consider upskilling healthcare administration personnel across your system so employees can adjust to this technological change. It’s important to adapt these types of programs to new technology entering your sector to ensure you’re not only positioned for today, but also for tomorrow.

2) Assess your current education partnerships and training opportunities. Many employers offer on-the-job upskilling opportunities through higher education partnerships, including with institutions like DeVry University that offer career-specific training — making it convenient for employees to gain the technical skills needed for their careers. This has become an expected benefit among many prospective and current employees. If you have an existing program, ensure it adapts to how your industry is changing to up-level and compete as an organization.

3) Ensure your education provider offers flexibility and credentials that matter. In the U.S., there are approximately 1 million unique credentials available, including degrees, certificates and badges — meaning there is a credential — whether traditional or not — for anyone who wants to evolve their skill set, no matter what phase they are in their career or life. Ensuring your education provider offers flexible and shorter cycles of learning as well as non-traditional credentials is key to keeping up with the pace of digital disruption.

4) Understand how continuous learning drives upward mobility and economic stability. A recent analysis found that adult learners pursuing continued education are 22% more likely to achieve upward mobility and have earned annual salaries 140% greater than peers who didn’t return to college. The same study also found greater economic gains for those that pursued more technical credentials, highlighting the need for such skill sets in the workforce vs. what traditional higher education offers.

Not only is continued education positive for the learner, but it’s also positive for the economy. The more we’re able to address the shifts and challenges presented by the current economic environment with the right skills, diverse talent and flexible programs, the more we’ll fuel our economic engine. However, support and ambition are needed from both sides of the equation to drive progress.

“It’s imperative that our nation’s colleges and universities create shorter forms of education and training to reach millions of learners, especially amidst today’s economic uncertainties and the rapidly shifting industries of tomorrow,” said Tom Monahan, president and CEO of DeVry University. “Higher education institutions are not alone in this effort. Corporate organizations must develop new work-and-learn models to train people on the job and embrace hiring approaches that rely less on traditional credentials and more on job-specific skills and career experiences.”

While learners must have the drive to pursue a career for the future, it’s up to higher education and businesses to ensure they reach learners and adapt training programs to the shifting landscape.