Month: November 2022

2022-11-10T21:42:26

(BPT) – Annual well-child visits are doctor appointments for preventive health services which are essential for ensuring a child’s growth and tracking developmental milestones. The well-child visit is also the time for routine immunizations to prevent diseases like measles, polio, hepatitis B, chickenpox, whooping cough and other serious diseases.

“Like vaccines, which prevent physical health conditions, speaking with your child’s primary care physician regularly about mental health concerns is also an essential part of overall preventive care,” said Rhonda L. Randall, D.O. and chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare. “Your annual well-child visit is also an opportunity to have a conversation with your child’s physician. It’s best to have these conversations when problems or warning signs first appear, so your physician can take the appropriate steps to best treat them.”

If you’re not sure what questions to ask your child’s primary care physician during an annual well-child visit, consider the following:

1) Ask what vaccines are appropriate for your child’s age — and how to make up any that have been missed. You can refer to the list of child and adolescent vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at CDC.gov/vaccines. In addition to other childhood vaccines, both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended by the CDC for everyone 6 months of age and older. If you are concerned about childhood vaccines, ask the pediatrician about common side effects, which are typically very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site, and can include low-grade fever or rash.

2) Discuss changes in your child’s behavior. Some common warning signs that your child’s mental well-being isn’t where it needs to be include persistent sadness, withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions, displaying outbursts of extreme irritability, drastic changes in mood, behavior or personality, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, frequent headaches or stomachaches, difficulty concentrating, changes in academic performance or avoiding or missing school.

3) Ask for guidance on how best to support your child. Whether you have concerns about your child’s nutrition, exercise, sleeping patterns or behavioral changes, your child’s primary care physician is a great place to start. With so many young children experiencing mental and emotional health challenges, it’s important to create opportunities for them to share how they are really doing. Remember that these can be sensitive topics for your child to discuss. Empathy and patience go a long way to help children and adolescents feel listened to and comfortable.

4) Don’t forget to bring your sports physical forms. It’s great if your child participates in school sports. The wellness visit is an opportune time to make sure your physician is aware that your child is a student-athlete and address any concerns like nutrition, prior injuries and family history.

5) Ask for recommendations for other health care professionals, if needed. For example, if your child hasn’t seen the dentist in a while, if their vision screening indicated that they need to see an eye doctor, or their mental health screening has raised concerns, ask which health care professionals in your plan’s network they would recommend.

“If you haven’t already, now is the time to schedule an appointment with their pediatrician, to give your child a healthy start to the new year,” added Randall. “Regular well-child visits are essential in making sure your child is up to date on immunizations and that their developmental milestones are on track — including their mental well-being.”

To learn more about recommended preventive care for your child, visit UHC.com.

2022-11-10T21:21:55

(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 so 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.

2022-11-10T17:01:00

(BPT) – If you have family friends that are current or former service members, you know how important it is to show them your appreciation. As Veterans Day approaches, it’s the ideal time to think about how you can show your support for former military members on this day and beyond.

For the Mondavi family, owners of CK Mondavi and Family, supporting veterans is a cause near and dear to their hearts.

“My father, Peter Mondavi, Sr., served in World War II,” said Marc Mondavi, third generation co-proprietor of the winery. “He was dedicated to helping other veterans, and it is a cause that is very meaningful to me as well.”

To help you observe Veterans Day and honor veterans all year long, CK Mondavi and Family has offered these three tips.

1. Marking Veterans Day

You can mark Veterans Day at home in simple yet meaningful ways. In preparation for Veterans Day, you can display a yellow ribbon outside your home, the universal symbol of support for veterans and active-duty members. Consider getting friends and family together to write and send notes to veterans you personally know.

Also, find out if your community hosts public observations of Veterans Day or holds a parade so you can attend or become involved in planning it. Visit your local Veterans Affairs hospital and retirement community and spend time with veterans listening to their stories.

2. Share a meal with a family member or friend who is a veteran

Often, after leaving service and returning to civilian life, veterans can feel isolated and lonely. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers tried to learn which facets of social connectedness are linked to depression in former service members. The results suggest that loneliness was tied to the highest levels of depression. It is also associated with the lowest level of patient efforts to manage their health and seek help.

To help the veterans in your life combat loneliness, invite them regularly to share a meal with you. It’s a simple but impactful way to show them you care. During the meal, ask them how they’re doing and offer ways to support them with their struggles. If you don’t personally know a former service member, reach out to your local veteran services and ask if you can visit veterans or bring a meal to share with them.

3. Donate to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund

Donating to a military charity is a great way to support veterans every day of the year. Your donations can help fund mental health services, job training and other resources for veterans locally and nationally.

One group you can consider donating to is the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF). IFHF serves U.S. military personnel experiencing traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. To date, IFHF has raised over $200 million for facilities, programs and financial support for the U.S. military community.

Individuals like you aren’t the only ones who donate to this organization. CK Mondavi and Family has supported IFHF for a decade and contributed $230,000 to date. They continue their strong partnership to this day.

“Our long-term partners are critical to our ability to meet the needs of our veteran community,” said David Winters, president of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. “CK Mondavi and Family has been a supporter for more than a decade, and we’re grateful for their ongoing commitment.”

Using these three tips, you can show veterans that you care and honor them for their service and sacrifice. To learn more about the fund and how you can support veterans year-round, visit FallenHeroesFund.org.

2022-11-10T14:01:00

(BPT) – The pandemic catalyzed a new way of learning and an increased need for upskilled employees across a number of industries emerged. As a result, many high school graduates are pursuing nontraditional education pathways with 73% of high schoolers believing a direct path to a career is critical in considering postsecondary education. And adults, especially those working in more technical fields, are seeking continued education to gain the skills needed to advance their careers. Meanwhile, organizations find skills-based education valuable too, with many organizations reporting that professional certification increases confidence in the reliability, knowledge, and competence of its staff.

As students balance career opportunities and the demands of everyday life with learning, they need flexible programming that will give them skills relevant to their current or desired careers. And as they weigh the different education options that exist, non-traditional education options such as DeVry University, that offers skills-based learning, play an important role in empowering workforce readiness amongst all types of learners.

Previously, a traditional four-year higher education track was positioned as the only viable option for students looking to carve out a successful career path. To succeed in today’s economy, learners need to absorb future-ready and technical skills through continued education, which may not include a traditional four-year degree. Skills-based learning provides students with the opportunity to develop a strong academic foundation while providing real-world on-the-job experience.

Here are three reasons why acquired-skill learning is an important driver for career development and helps move the economy forward:

1. Higher education institutions should provide more flexibility for traditional and non-traditional learners to pursue a desired career path.

   In a time when skill is being given the same credence as education in hiring practices, non-traditional learners have an opportunity to advance in their careers due to accessibility, where upward mobility may not have previously existed. Higher education institutions should work to support non-traditional learners by incorporating skills-based learning models that are adaptable based on industry and employer needs. Acquired-skill learning pathways empower students to refine and commoditize their skillset in parallel.

   Apprenticeships represent one form of skills-based learning that encourages students to further their education without having to pursue a four-year degree. With National Apprenticeship Week celebrated this year from Nov. 14 to Nov. 20, these programs provide hands-on learning experience that education institutions can integrate into their academic framework to satisfy a student’s desire to learn while becoming proficient at a specific trade or skill in tandem. An example of this in real time is DeVry’s partnership with CompTIA which brings tech and IT apprenticeship opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds, while helping organizations recruit new talent to fill their staffing needs.

2. Skills-based learning increases employer and employee confidence in industries of high importance.

   Acquired-skill learning opportunities are being offered across a variety of industries to satisfy a need to fulfill critical job roles in an increasingly technology-forward society. Industries such as engineering, cybersecurity and tech require employee skills to be as up-to-date as possible. Hands-on learning models provide learners with the training and abilities they need to be proficient in their respective industries.

   “It’s paramount for higher education institutions to continue creating shorter, agile forms of education, and work closely with partners such as CompTIA, to provide hands-on learning experience while preparing learners to thrive in careers shaped by continuous technological change,” said Elise Awwad, DeVry University’s chief operating officer.

   As job demand in industries of high importance persists, employers are sourcing employees with varying educational backgrounds to help fill open roles in their companies, according to a study from Harvard Business Review and Emsi Burning Glass, higher education institutions can act as a springboard for non-traditional students to obtain a skillset and join the workforce at a faster pace.

   “Creating educational pathways that are sustainable and tailored to meet individual student needs is just one way DeVry is working to close the skills gap and stimulate the nation’s pool of talent,” added Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., DeVry University’s provost and chief academic officer.

3. Skills-based learning helps bridge the opportunity gap and increase diversity in the workforce.

   As the country works to expand upon its training-based programs, the level of diversity within the workforce is increasing as a result. Competency-based learning tracks offer workforce solutions to help fill job roles while simultaneously creating greater accessibility for a more diverse group of learners to seek out continued education. Increased awareness around these opportunities drives continued growth and diversification of the workforce because these programs are open to all. Recent studies show that employers who prioritize diverse hiring in their companies saw greater financial gains and idea flow amongst employees. When students from various backgrounds are empowered and equipped with the resources they need to facilitate continued education, the needle moves forward on innovation and creativity in the workplace.

   Skills-based programs comprise a vital part of the U.S. workforce and are a key contributor to the economy. Competency-based programming provides students with highly flexible alternative education pathways, making them accessible to all types of learners. An increased awareness and recognition of these career pathways also allows companies to hire from a diverse pool of talent, sparking innovation and creativity in the workforce. As skills-based education gains momentum, students of all kinds have the ability to chart a path towards professional success that’s tailored to meet their academic needs.

2022-11-10T15:41:00

(BPT) – Fall, comfort food and carbs often go together, but that doesn’t mean you have to trade off on nutrition. Northwest-grown pears offer ample ways to add a sweet twist to your favorite fall recipes while ensuring the carbohydrates you consume are fueling energy, not pounds.

Carbohydrates tend to get a bad rap, and simple carbs that break down easily and cause blood sugar spikes are often to blame. Yet complex carbs are a necessary component of maintaining a healthy digestive system. The key is to choose these good carbohydrates — such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains — and complement them with lean protein and healthy fats to ensure a balanced diet. By balancing carbohydrates at every meal, you decrease your rate of absorption of glucose. In other words, you can prevent your blood sugar from spiking dramatically while gaining longer-lasting energy.

Fiber-rich fresh pears are a fall favorite that pack a powerful nutritional punch and can be found in stores almost year-round. Northwest Pear growers harvest 10 varieties each year, boasting versatility in the kitchen — from charcuterie boards and salads to main dishes and desserts — and for your health. Snack on a pear to tap these four wellness benefits:

1. Improve gut health

Fiber is critical to maintaining a healthy digestive system, but only about 7% of American adults get the recommended daily allowance. Pears are among the best fruit sources of fiber: each medium pear contains six grams of fiber, or 21% of the recommended daily value. Fiber helps ensure bowel regularity, and pears contain prebiotic fiber, which provides food for beneficial probiotic bacteria that aid in overall gut health. In addition, dietary fiber may help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

2. Enjoy a sweet without the spike

A ripe pear boasts a succulent, naturally sweet flavor, with the added benefit of being a low glycemic index (GI) fruit. This means that pears release glucose gradually and evenly, keeping blood sugar levels steady longer and helping to prevent a sugar spike. There is an important difference between added sugar and naturally occurring sugar found in fruit, which is balanced by vitamins, minerals, water and fiber — all important nutrients for those looking to improve overall health, manage their weight or manage conditions like type 2 diabetes.

3. Strengthen immunity

Pears are a source of vitamin C, with a medium pear providing seven milligrams or 8% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is vital for normal metabolism, tissue repair, proper immune function and protection against infectious diseases.

4. Keep your brain sharp

Emerging research has explored the connection between pear consumption and cognitive function. According to a study from the Rush University Memory and Aging Project, eating more flavonols may be associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer dementia. Flavonols are a type of flavonoid that protects cells from oxidative damage that can lead to disease, and this beneficial compound is found in foods like kale, spinach, tea, red wine, olive oil and, of course, pears!

Fall may be the harvest season for Northwest-grown pears, but this fruit keeps well and can be found in stores almost year-round — which means good nutrition is nearly always at hand. To learn more about the health benefits of pears, visit USAPears.org.

2022-11-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – It’s true at any age: The more do-it-yourself skills we can develop, the better control we’ll have when it comes to maintaining our homes, vehicles and the other material assets that help us lead productive and enjoyable lives.

That’s why it’s so important to keep teaching our children such practical skills as they grow into adulthood. As kids learn how to handle their own tasks surrounding home maintenance, small engine repair, auto mechanics and other elements of day-to-day life, they develop confidence in their own abilities and hone the problem-solving skills that will help them succeed.

Further, when you take an active role in imparting such valuable “garage logic,” you can create bonding experiences that strengthen intergenerational relationships.

“Sharing a mutual goal, combining strengths, helping each other and negotiating decisions together can foster a sense of teamwork and bring people closer,” advises Kristen Mosier on BobVila.com. “And, of course, admiring a finished project is sweeter when shared.”

This holiday season, you may wish to invest in your child’s future by giving them the gift of practical DIY knowledge. Here are suggestions for making that happen.

Explore their areas of interest. Be proactive by talking to your child ahead of time about the skills he or she would most like to learn. Your teenager may wish to seize independence by learning how to repair her own car, while your green-thumbed youngster may be most enthusiastic about mastering the mechanics of your yard and garden equipment.

Share your area of expertise. If you’re skilled in a certain category, you might feel especially proud and happy to pass that specific knowledge on to the next generation. Tell your child the story of how you acquired your own abilities, and explain why you’re excited to be sharing them with the next generation.

Establish good cleanliness and safety habits. Teach kids to prioritize a safe work environment by insisting on protective gear such as safety glasses, earphones, masks and gloves. Make sure everyone involved in the project participates in keeping floors, counters, tools and other elements cleared off, hazard-free and well organized.

Make tools part of your gift. When the majority of your lesson is finished, consider passing the tools you’ve used on to your child — or, buy them their own new set they can continue using once they leave your household. With its huge span of machinery, tools and equipment, Northern Tool + Equipment is a great place to walk the aisles and explore tools to help your child fill up their tool belt.

“We’re in the business of providing the essential tools and gear that people need to handle any tough job that comes their way, whether they’re pros or DIYers,” said Suresh Krishna, President and CEO of Northern Tool. “The gift of high-quality tools is one that can keep on giving for years to come, and can help instill pride in working with one’s hands at an early age.”

Create maximum fun. Make sure to create positive memories by making your experiences enjoyable for everyone involved. That means anticipating mistakes, remaining patient, explaining how errors can be corrected and making sure your child knows they’re not expected to know everything right away. Ideally, you’ll both look back on your experience with fondness, not confusion or regret.

Celebrate your achievements. Once your child has mastered a skill, praise them for having the patience and attentiveness to see it through. Remind them of how the knowledge they’ve learned can serve them well in the future, and celebrate their new achievement as a family however and whenever that’s appropriate.

This holiday season, helping your child learn a new and practical skill could be a wonderful alternative to a more traditional gift. Consider a present of your time and expertise that could make your child more knowledgeable, confident and self-sufficient as they face life’s everyday challenges.

2022-11-10T12:01:00

(BPT) – Having a real Christmas tree in your home brings joy to everyone who sees it — and smells it. So says a recent survey from the Real Christmas Tree Board. In it, people ranked classic holiday scents, defined just what that real tree smells like, and talked about all the feels …

2022-11-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Before Wanda Green Scott became a caregiver for her mother nine years ago, she was the one needing care. Wanda has lived with lupus for almost half of her life, and as an only child whose parents divorced when she was a toddler, “it has always been just me and Mama,” she says.

But the tables have turned. Wanda’s mother, who has dementia and is recovering from lung cancer and a series of strokes, now needs around-the-clock care.

Wanda is committed to providing that care, but it isn’t always easy. “I am the physical extension of my mom right now, which is hard for her and hard for me, as I also have health challenges,” she says. There’s also the mental health toll of being a caregiver. “It’s very hard to see your loved one suffering and you feel compelled to be there all the time for them. There’s a feeling of ever-present guilt.”

Wanda is not alone in her caregiving journey. About one in five Americans are unpaid caregivers and struggle with many of the same challenges. According to the Global Carer Well-Being Index, a survey of more than 9,000 global caregivers released by EMD Serono in 2021, 89% of caregivers said they put the needs of those they are caring for over their own; 55% said they are not getting enough sleep; and 45% said they are exercising less than they were before the pandemic.

The Carer Well-Being Index underscored the mental health challenges many caregivers face. Caregivers struggled with their mental health long before COVID-19, but the pandemic just exacerbated those issues. Now, caregivers need support more than ever.

“Self-care for caregivers is not a ‘nice-to-have,’ it is an essential,” said Hazel Moran, vice president of Global Patient Insights and Advocacy of EMD Serono. “We can help caregivers prioritize their mental health by making support more readily available and encouraging them to practice a routine of self-care early on in their caregiving journey.”

Research shows that when the mental health of the caregiver is compromised, the outcomes of those for whom they are caring are affected. It can be hard to know how to support caregivers, but here’s a good way to get started.

In speaking with caregivers like Wanda, who voiced their challenges, here are five caregiver-approved tips for how to practice self-care:

1) Disconnect in ways that feel right for you

Find what recharges you and brings you joy outside of caregiving and take time to do it. As an unpaid caregiver, you don’t get to clock out or take vacation days. And when you naturally put the needs of your loved one above your own, taking a break can feel selfish. It’s not.

Disconnecting is necessary to keep you healthy and at your best. It can be as simple as check-ins with yourself to make sure you’re eating and sleeping regularly. It can also be as big as asking someone to step in while you take a break or go on a vacation.

2) Acknowledge your limitations and listen to your own needs

Recognizing your own limitations is the first step toward avoiding burnout, because taking care of someone 24/7 and not taking care of yourself isn’t sustainable. Note the emotions you are holding back and accept that you’re not a machine and that you too deserve some care.

3) Communicate more with those around you

Many caregivers often feel that it’s difficult for others to understand what they’re going through, as many healthcare professionals, friends and family members don’t know what it’s really like. Talking things through with these people not only gives people a better picture of what’s going on, it can also help carve a path toward real solutions.

4) Seek mental health support

Sometimes it’s hard to manage the feelings of guilt, helplessness and sadness that come with caring for a loved one. If you find yourself struggling with these emotions, consider reaching out to a mental health expert. You can also visit EmbracingCarers.com, where you can find organizations to connect with and learn more about finding mental health support.

5) Find your caregiving community

You’re not in this alone. Many caregivers are also struggling with their mental and physical health. Wherever you are in your caregiving journey, there are resources at EmbracingCarers.com to help you find someone out there going through the same thing and organizations that will support you.

2022-11-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is approaching, folks — and we all know what that means. It’s time to tally up your closest family members and friends, take a good look at your bank account, and put your creative caps on. The exciting (and often stressful) gift-giving season is officially upon us.

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be intimidating; what do you get the person who has everything? The person who wants nothing? The outdoor adventurer, the couch potato, the chef or the dreamer?

The answer for everyone is simple: A good book.

From those wacky and wild siblings to tricky-to-buy-for in-laws — and everyone in between! — a good book can make for a timeless, personalized gift that won’t break the bank.

This year, take a scan through the expansive list of offerings from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books. Here are just a few books you can choose from as you gear up for the gift hunt.

1. The Golden Girls Cookbook: Cheesecakes and Cocktails!

For those who enjoy the classic sitcom and want to immerse themselves in the tasty treats of the fab four, The Golden Girls Cookbook is the perfect gift. The book’s innovative recipes are by renowned chef Christopher Styler, accompanied by beautiful full-color photos by New York Times food photographer Andrew Scrivani. And just for laughs, the cookbook features quotes, jokes, and photographs from the show that Golden Girls fans will enjoy.

Using these easy-to-follow recipes and tips, your family members can make star-worthy cheesecakes and tasty drinks for any occasion. Whether they make Blanche’s Big Daddy Mint Julep or Sophia’s Double Fudge Amaretto Ricotta Cheesecake, they’re sure to thank you for — and possibly invite you to enjoy! — the delicious food and drink recipes found within this fun-filled gift.

2. 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime

For Disney fans and travelers alike, gift 100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences From Around the World. This illustrated hardcover treasury allows gift recipients to discover 100 beloved and little-known Disney adventures.

There’s something for recipients of all ages. Wake up to the sight of giraffes grazing outside your window. Watch the Disneyland fireworks from the Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, far away from the crowds. Taste your way through six continents at EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. Go on a family journey to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks with National Geographic. Whether you’re looking for a gift for kids, teens or Disney adults, this book can help your loved ones plan their next trip to Disney and make memories that will last a lifetime.

3. National Geographic Stargazer’s Atlas

National Geographic Stargazer’s Atlas: The Ultimate Guide to the Night Sky is a thoughtful and educational gift for budding and avid astronomers. The illustrated atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, nebulae and galaxies.

Using the practical advice in this book, readers can build key observational skills such as “star hopping” from easy-to-find stars to fainter deep-sky objects. Gift recipients can also learn about ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations they can add to their travel lists.

4. National Geographic Photo Ark Wonders

For the animal lovers in your family, gift National Geographic Photo Ark Wonders. This new volume celebrates diversity in the animal kingdom and features photographer Joel Sartore’s signature animal portraits. Highlights include the fascinating shapes, patterns and expressions of animals, familiar and obscure.

The book invites readers to revel in these photographs, many cleverly paired into amusing and often surprising comparisons, like the catfish and the mouse with the same stripes down their backs, the tarantula and the poison dart frog both cobalt blue and the tiny lizard and the weighty ox both sporting pointed horns.

If your loved one already has National Geographic The Photo Ark, Birds of the Photo Ark, and National Geographic The Photo Ark Vanishing, this book expands the bestselling Photo Ark series and is sure to be a hit.

5. The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book

Fans of Bob’s Burgers can experience the show at home with The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book. Filled with 75 original and practical recipes straight from the show, this gift allows your loved one to make edible versions of the show’s Burgers of the Day. All recipes come from the fan-created and heavily followed blog “The Bob’s Burger Experiment.”

Fully illustrated with all-new art in the series’ signature style, The Bob’s Burgers Burger Book showcases the entire Belcher family and beloved characters, including Teddy, Jimmy Pesto Jr., and Aunt Gayle. It’s the perfect gift for the Bob’s Burgers super fans in your life.

No matter which volume you choose (or all five!), an offering from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books can make for a beautiful coffee table conversation piece, a sentimental gift or an educational resource. Start your holiday shopping early and pick up these eye-catching and memorable gifts wherever books are sold.