Month: December 2022

2022-12-15T10:31:00

(BPT) – Have you ever wondered what’s in the indoor air you breathe? If you work in an office or own a business where there are face-to-face interactions with customers and co-workers, you may want to consider learning more about your indoor air quality.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, especially in office environments during work hours. Even with proper ventilation, you’re exposed to airborne particles and contaminants for hours.

If you have a large, room-sized air purifier, you’re already on the right track to breathing cleaner air at work. However, to help minimize lingering foreign airborne particles from face-to-face interactions, we recommend some backup.

A tabletop air purifier can work together with the building HVAC to provide cleaner air right in front of you. For those that work in appointment-based organizations or small businesses with frequent customer facetime, such as accountants or tax preparation experts, bank officers, or in a healthcare office reception, you should consider investing in tabletop air purifiers.

Check out these three reasons why you should be using a tabletop air purifier at work and with customers:

1. Cleaner air for better health

The air you breathe is overflowing with airborne particles like aerosols (small liquid particles) that come from you and others chatting, sneezing, coughing and even just breathing. According to a 2021 article published in the international journal Building and Environment, these aerosols — which can transmit germs and droplets — can linger in the air for up to nine hours.

This can quickly become a problem in an indoor work environment, especially during the colder seasons. This is doubly true if you live or work with people who have children. With extended in-person exposure in the winter, droplets can remain airborne and spread easily from the office or school to your home.

Being able to recognize signs of poor air quality, including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, can help employees and employers strive for cleaner air to help minimize the spread of airborne particles, working toward a positive environment both for their customers and employees. If you’re in the market for one, check out the Brother AirSure tabletop air purifier. This unit, designed with a three-sided air intake and filter, captures up to 99% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.

2. Reduce allergens

Second to the aerosol particles that we spread when simply talking, air can also carry pollen, mold, dust and other allergens that can set off allergies. Also, as the weather changes from summer to fall, you and your employees may suffer from seasonal allergies. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, improving the air quality in your home, office, school and car can reduce allergy triggers. Even if you don’t have allergies, it is wise to try to reduce allergens and other biological pollutants in indoor air.

A tabletop air purifier may help reduce foreign particles and pollutants in front of you that may not have been immediately captured by a larger room air purifier.

3. Inspire customer confidence

In addition to protecting you from airborne aerosols, having a tabletop air purifier can increase customer confidence in your business.

Imagine walking into a small office within an organization and seeing a tabletop air purifier. What would you think about the company? Would you feel taken care of and put at ease?

A tabletop air purifier signals to clients that you are invested in their health and the health of your employees. This can provide them with peace of mind and build trust. After all, if you’re interested in providing clean air in your office space, then you’re likely a person that pays attention to detail. That impression reflects positively on your company and can increase a customer’s confidence in your brand, products and services.

The AirSure air purifier is ideal for business scenarios where people are having face-to-face conversations, such as the personal space for preparing taxes, working with a bank manager and employee desks where they are regularly hosting 1:1 meetings to help capture aerosols during these close quarter interactions. This lightweight and portable purifier is convenient for most office and business spaces, using just a USB-C power cord and wall outlet adaptor.

To learn more about the benefits of using a tabletop air purifier at your business, visit https://www.brother-usa.com/airsure-air-purifier.

2022-12-15T15:59:00

(BPT) – Visitors to New York City’s iconic Times Square are amazed by the dazzling display of light, colors and motion on the famed location’s digital billboards.

Creating innovative motion and images to capture peoples’ attention in this dynamic urban landscape can be challenging even for professional animators and video producers. This holiday season, talented college students are showing how they are up for this task by creating incredible 3D animated artwork to awe passersby as they walk through Times Square.

In the inaugural “Wonderbox Showcase” digital art competition, sponsored by global innovator LG Electronics, students from across the country were invited to submit animations creating their own digital worlds, opening to reveal a moment that invites curiosity, then amazes, engages and delights viewers — taking them to a whole new world of possibilities.

The winning artwork will be displayed on LG’s Times Square billboard from mid-December through mid-January. The prizes to be awarded are: first place, $25,000; second place, $10,000 and third place, $5,000. Winners will also receive a 27-inch LG 4K monitor.

After reviewing submissions from students across the country, an expert judging panel selected three finalists:

“Giant Present” by Chloe Ko, School of Visual Arts, New York City. Born and raised in South Korea, Ko specializes in 3D motion graphics and Houdini FX. “Christmas in New York City is amazing,” said Ko. “It’s the holiday season, so I thought, why not start with a big red gift box? I wanted to give this project a cute, uplifting vibe.”

“Rocket Ship” by Evan West, Utah Valley University, and Ashley Johnson, Brigham Young University. West is a motion designer who says he wants to pursue his love for animation and design working at a top-tier motion design studio, and Johnson is an illustrator, textile artist and clothing designer. The married couple used the competition to combine both their talents.

“Our artwork features a rocket on an exciting journey through space,” said West. “The theme of space travel represents forward progress in all aspects of life. We want to continually explore uncharted territories, innovate to find solutions to life’s problems and share beautiful creations with the world.”

“Gnomes” by Sera Mun, Maryland Institute College of Art. Mun is from Seoul, South Korea and moved to Baltimore to study animation. “I produced Gnomes with the intention of prompting happiness and dreams in viewers,” said Mun. “What came to mind were vending machines you commonly see in New York, and the animation represents the current situation of society. During COVID-19, many people were trapped in their rooms. This animation is a message of support for those who have suffered or are currently suffering.”

The competition judges were three acclaimed creative artists with backgrounds in design and animation:

GMUNK is a visionary who has established himself as one of the top visual design directors in the world. His commercial resume includes campaigns for iconic brands such as Nike, Adidas, Microsoft, Audi, Maserati, Mercedes, Uber, Dolby, Tonal, Hummer, Infiniti and HBO.

Penelope Nederlander is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated digital artist with over 20 years’ experience in 3D and 2D motion graphics, VFX, compositing, animation and illustration. She has created animating titles for films like Birds of Prey, The Harder They Fall, Pitch Perfect and Kung Fu Panda 1 and 2, plus VFX supervising and post-production on music videos for The Killers, Dolly Parton and Sean Lennon.

Clinton Jones, noted director and 3D/VFX artist, makes 3D art fun for his audiences through in-depth tutorials, livestreams and massive 3D challenges. His goal is to create detail-oriented, story-driven art and to inspire filmmakers, 3D artists and big dreamers to learn and grow together in creative pursuits.

“It’s always exciting to see how different people interpret a challenge and opportunity like this. This LG corner wrap-around screen is such a fun canvas to play with and all the contestants really explored the space in different and fun ways,” said Nederlander. “Quality of finished product is always high on the checklist when weighing entries for a winner, but for me the 3D tools are just that, tools, to tell a story, as well as how visually interesting a piece might be. I look for a well-rounded approach combining all these aspects.”

Learn more and view the winning entries at LG.com/us/wonderbox.

2022-12-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – Stop for a moment and think about your top 5 New Year’s resolutions. If you said them out loud right now, how many would be about your health?

Did they include:

• exercising more
• eating more healthily
• stopping smoking
• meditating
• getting more quality sleep

Is getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia on your health list?

Some people are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia — a potentially serious bacterial lung disease — like those 19 or older with certain underlying medical conditions such as:

• asthma
• diabetes
• COPD
• chronic heart disease

Those aged 65 or older are also at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia, so it’s important to stay up to date on pneumococcal vaccination.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and pneumococcal vaccination is available year-round. Even if you’ve already had a previous pneumonia vaccine, your healthcare provider may recommend another vaccine for additional protection.

A new approach to your New Year’s resolutions

One way to keep on track is to prioritize your resolutions. Some will be about consistency, but some you can check off your list quickly — like getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

If you said your top 5 New Year’s resolutions out loud again now, think about why your list should include getting vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia if you’re at increased risk. Because, as you head into the new year, it’s important to let nothing stand in the way of taking your shot at what you want to do in 2023.

Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and pneumococcal vaccination is available year-round. Even if you’ve been vaccinated against flu this season, don’t wait to ask your doctor or pharmacist about pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination.

To learn more about the disease, risks, symptoms and more, visit KnowPneumonia.com.

2022-12-15T11:27:00

(BPT) – Are you still looking for the perfect gift for the children in your life? This holiday season, give them the gift of color and creativity with Crayola!

From toddlers to teens and those in between, Crayola is creating a fun, colorful and unforgettable holiday season. Whether you have a little artist, scientist, painter or paleontologist, these five fun gifts will keep kids creative, engaged and excited!

1. Scribble Scrubbie Arctic Pets Snow Explorer

Does your little explorer love learning about new terrains and the animals that live there? Drive them toward new adventures and track through winter landscapes in style with this toy and activity set!

Your child can have fun coloring three artic pets, a walrus, penguin and polar bear. They’ll be amazed as they watch the three new pets magically change color from white to blue in cold temperatures. Just put the pets in the freezer or outdoors on a cold winter day and watch them transform. Take them indoors or give them a warm bath to change them back.

When finished, wash them clean and enjoy coloring and changing how each pet looks over and over again. Best of all, the real-working explorer vehicle can take these colorful pets on an arctic expedition and double as storage.

2. Scribble Scrubbie Pets Line

The fun continues for all pet lovers by gifting them one or multiple Scribble Scrubbie Pet sets. Each set includes at least two pets, ultra-clean washable markers, a scrub brush, and additional accessories. Scribble Scrubbie Pets are also available in 1 or 2 count collectible packs.

Scribble Scrubbie Pets keep kids busy during the holidays and beyond, and they will be amazed as they color, clean, and color their pets again and again!

3. Ultimate Light Board

Display your little artist’s masterpieces in lights with this light board. Kids can draw art directly on the light board’s surface, turn it on and watch their designs shine.

Using the Gel FX Markers, kids can see their drawings come to life as the bright LED lights built into the frame make the inks glow. When done, simply wipe the screen clean with a damp cloth and watch as your child unleashes unlimited creativity. Also, built in storage makes supplies portable.

4. Clay Sculpting Station

For a more hands-on project, gift your young sculptor this all-in-one air-dry clay kit. They can have fun building, sculpting and painting animal sculptures or mini clay pots!

The kit includes step-by-step instructions and a built-in kid-powered turntable, all washable paints, tools and clay. All materials pack away neatly into a storage case for easy cleanup, storage and portability, so your kids can create at home or on the go!

5. Tie-Dye Color Chemistry

If you have a young chemist in the making, they’re sure to enjoy this colorful tie-dye chemistry set! Packed with 50 science focused activities, kids can learn how colors travel, blend and transform. No two experiments are the same!

Each kit includes an easy-to-follow, educational and full-color instruction booklet. Budding scientists can set up their own laboratory and create exciting experiments, including drip-drop tie-dye, erupting tie-dye volcano, kaleidoscope creator, neon mosaic, tie-dye shockwave and more.

This holiday season, give the gift of Crayola with all new toys and activities to spread holiday cheer and add to their winter break itinerary! All five of these gifts are available for purchase at retailers nationwide. To learn more about these products and check out more colorful and creative holiday gifts, visit Crayola.com.

2022-12-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – With the start of a new year just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to have a refreshed perspective on our health and well-being so we can continue to improve ourselves day by day. The new year brings new possibilities when it comes to our wellness routines, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. If you’re feeling unsure how to get started or which goals to set for the year, registered dietitian Maggie Michalczyk is sharing five expert tips on how to have a refreshed routine for the year that focuses on nutrition and health while incorporating her favorite snack, almonds.

Maggie Michalczyk believes that wellness starts from within, including fueling her body with the proper nutrition that makes her feel good. Maggie shares how to refresh your wellness routine while keeping nutrition top of mind for the new year, allowing you to live your best life.

1. Keep it simple

It’s easier said than done, but keep it simple! Eating healthy can feel daunting — do you change everything that you’re eating, do you follow the latest trends? One simple and realistic strategy I recommend is to start by adding more nutrition to the meals and snacks you’re already eating. Here are a few examples: top yogurt and oatmeal bowls with almonds, add a handful of greens to things like smoothies, stir frys and omelets, or add a side salad to go with any main dish.

2. Snack on healthy whole foods

There are so many options for snacks these days, but not all are created equal. Snacks that contain protein, fiber and healthy fat, and are low in sugar, will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Almonds contain 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber along with 13 grams of “good” unsaturated fat and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving, making them a great well-rounded snack, plus there are many ways to enjoy them to keep things fun.

3. Nourish your skin from within

With so much emphasis on the perfect skincare routine, one thing often overlooked is supporting our skin from within with foods that contain essential skin-benefiting nutrients like almonds. A handful of almonds provides 50% of your recommended daily value of vitamin E in one serving, which helps protect skin cells from damaging effects of free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays, cigarette smoke and other factors.

4. Prioritize your magnesium intake

Most of us are not meeting the daily recommended amount of magnesium in our diets. The good news is almonds can help. Almonds are an excellent source of magnesium, which aids in the production of energy in the body as well as supports a healthy immune system. I add almond butter to my breakfast toast, topping my salad with almonds, or simply snack on them throughout the day to reap the benefits.

5. Challenge yourself

Pick up a plant food (think fruit, vegetables or nuts like almonds) at the grocery store or farmers market that you’ve never tried before and challenge yourself to try it. Not only does this help keep things fun and fresh in the kitchen, it also adds more nutrition to your diet, helps to improve gut health and can help improve your relationship with food.

“It’s so important to me to start off every new year feeling refreshed and energized. For me, I like to look at how my snacks are benefiting my overall health. I’m all about keeping it simple, which is why one of my go-to snacks is almonds. They are the perfect snack to take while on-the-go, given their mix of protein, fiber and fat, keeping me energized throughout the day,” says Maggie.

Are you ready to upgrade your wellness routine in the new year? As Maggie states above, it’s all about starting small and knowing what you put in your body. Visit almonds.com for more information and follow @californiaalmonds for inspiration on how to nourish your well-being in 2023!

2022-12-15T09:49:00

(BPT) – Family life can get busy in a hurry, especially during the holiday season. However, with a little planning ahead and the right resources, busy parents can find efficient and creative ways to tackle their to-do lists with ease and more time to do things they really love, like spending time with friends and family.

Here are a few tips to help you get all your errands done, prep family meals and shop conveniently and smartly — with time and energy to spare.

Always go for one-stop shopping when possible

Nothing wastes more time than running from store to store to get the items you need each week. Whether it’s groceries or household necessities, shopping for everything in one location is a game-changer for busy parents.

Fortunately, you can shop at BJ’s Wholesale Club, a one-stop shopping destination for unbeatable savings on everything you need for your family. BJ’s is committed to providing the best quality, value and assortment through exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands — meaning you can get high quality and unmatched value on everyday groceries you need for meals as well as all the household items that keep everything running smoothly.

BJ’s provides a large selection of delicious fresh food and groceries with their exclusive Wellsley Farms brand, and Berkley Jensen offers a wide assortment of household products, including necessary paper goods, apparel, diapers and formula, health and beauty products and more.

In addition, BJ’s offers items ranging from electronics and toys to furniture and appliances — plus exclusive member services including an optical center for eye exams and lenses, as well as a tire center.

Shop conveniently and smartly

To help members shop their way, BJ’s makes it even easier for members to shop and save, with its convenient, digital shopping options. As a member, you can shop in a variety of ways, including in-club shopping and shopping online at BJs.com, with same-day delivery, curbside pickup, and in-club pickup.

Batch-cook on the weekends

Another big-time saver during super busy weeks is to set aside time to cook extra meals ahead over the weekend. Whether you double up on a favorite recipe you’re making on Sunday or cook an extra casserole to pop in the fridge or freezer, making sure that you have a couple of extra meals already prepped and ready to heat up will be a huge help during those busy weekdays when you’re running between school and different activities.

Turn lunch-making into a fun activity

Involving kids in prepping their own lunches the night before can help save on time while also providing kids with valuable skills and knowledge about healthy food choices. A fun trend your children may enjoy using is a kids’ bento box, designed with separate compartments ready for filling up with their (parent-approved) selection of healthy proteins, fruits, veggies and snacks — which also helps to save on packaging waste. Set out the options for your kids to choose from on the table or counter each night and let kids fill up their own boxes (with a little guidance if needed).

Ready to shop conveniently while also finding unbeatable value and incredible savings on all your family’s everyday essentials? Join BJ’s Wholesale Club today.