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Why allergy season is getting worse — and what you can do about it

2023-05-08T08:03:00

(BPT) – Does it feel like your allergy symptoms keep getting worse every year, and seem to last a lot longer, too? If so, you’re not alone. According to a recent report from the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, warming temperatures due to climate change have increased the growing seasons for many plants. This means that common allergens like pollen are produced much earlier in the season and last longer than ever before in many regions of the United States.

In addition to the extended growing seasons, these changes in temperature are also producing higher concentrations of pollen, meaning anyone allergic to or sensitive to pollen will feel their symptoms even more.

What are allergies, anyway?

Allergies are the result of a chain reaction of chemicals in your body that release histamine in response to allergen exposure, resulting in the symptoms many commonly experience such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itching of the nose or throat. Common triggers include allergens such as pollen, dust, pet dander, fungal spores and grass clippings.

How allergy myths can prevent or delay effective treatment

Over one-fourth of all U.S. adults and children have at least one type of seasonal allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you are one of the many who suffer from seasonal allergies, you may think you can wait it out, hoping your symptoms will just go away on their own when spring is over, but the truth is that allergies can greatly impact one’s everyday life.

“Allergies can significantly hinder quality of life and thus interfere with work and daily activities. You may experience sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, runny nose, sore throat, and if not treated, allergies can turn into even more severe symptoms like respiratory issues,” said Family Physician and ZYRTEC® partner, Dr. Leslie Gonzalez. “These symptoms can quickly worsen within hours to days, making them harder to treat — so it’s better to treat your symptoms at the first sign of an allergic reaction.”

What you can do to lessen allergy symptoms

Throughout allergy season (and beyond, if you’re experiencing symptoms year-round), Dr. Gonzalez recommends the following to help reduce your exposure to allergens:

  • Wash your hands and body daily — especially after spending time outdoors, and change clothes after doing yard work, playing sports or an extended time outside.
  • Stay indoors when winds are strong or when pollen counts are high in your area. ZYRTEC actually has an app called AllergyCast that provides access to personalized allergy forecasts, live pollen counts and a symptom tracker to help allergy sufferers get ahead of their allergies, which is key.
  • Avoid outdoor activity in early morning when pollen counts are highest.
  • Vacuum daily, dust often — consider reducing fabrics in your home that allergens can bind to (such as choosing hardwood flooring over carpet), and wash bedding regularly.
  • Improve ventilation in your home — and consider replacing HVAC filters even more frequently than recommended by the manufacturer during the height of allergy season.

Treat your allergy symptoms as soon as they start

Dr. Gonzalez also recommends that her patients take ZYRTEC immediately after the first signs of an allergic response, and then continue to take it throughout the season for the best results.

ZYRTEC starts working at hour one, providing a full 24 hours of prescription strength relief so allergy sufferers can enjoy the day without having to worry about allergy symptoms getting in the way. ZYRTEC also works twice as hard when taken again the next day, relieving the worst allergy symptoms, indoors and out.

You could also opt for ZYRTEC Chewables, which have the same great benefits as adult tablets, but in an easy-to-take tablet. No water is needed, so they’re convenient for any occasion and easy to take on the go. They also come in a children’s version for any parents whose kids have seasonal allergies.

Ready to start feeling your best, so you can get out and do all the things you love, any time of year? Learn more about seasonal allergies and find effective products to help alleviate your symptoms at ZYRTEC.com.

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Nine in ten parents say their child is at grade level. About one in four are.

2023-05-07T23:01:00

(BPT) – Shareeda Jones thought her nine-year-old daughter was doing well in school, even during the pandemic when remote and hybrid learning took a significant toll on student achievement. Shareeda said her daughter enjoyed school and her report cards were good. But when her daughter entered a new school, Shareeda found out that she was three grade levels behind.

Since the pandemic, schools and families alike have focused on getting back to regular routines and getting their children back on track academically, but many parents like Shareeda have a misperception of how far behind their children are.

New research by the national non-profit Learning Heroes finds that 9 out of 10 parents of children in grades K-12 nationwide believe their child is performing at or above their grade level — but the Nation’s Report Card reveals that just 29% of eighth-graders nationally are proficient in reading, and only 26% of them are proficient in math.

Why the gap between parent perception and reality?

Parents primarily rely on their child’s grades to know how they’re performing at school, and research shows that 80% of parents say their child receives mostly Bs or higher. However, only 30% of teachers rate report cards as one of the most important ways to gauge student achievement. Grades reflect many other important factors, including attendance, participation and behavior.

“Parents are problem solvers. But they can’t solve a problem they don’t know they have,” said Cindi Williams, co-founder of Learning Heroes. “To help their children reach their full potential, it’s important for parents to partner actively with their children’s teachers.”

What can parents do?

To help parents understand what their children’s skill levels really are and what they need to succeed, the website GoBeyondGrades.org provides information in English and Spanish to help families search and sign up for district, community-based and online summer learning opportunities. At GoBeyondGrades.org, parents can follow the ABCs:

  • Ask your child’s teacher if your child is at their grade level in reading and math.
  • Be in the know about your child’s learning and what’s expected in each grade.
  • Connect to programs for summer learning like tutoring, camps, activities and more.

Access summer learning opportunities for your child

Nationwide, there are many fun, engaging and educational programs to help children with reading, math and life skills, and summer is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of them. Many summer programs are available at low or no cost due to pandemic-era funding from the federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). With the help of these recovery dollars, school districts are able to provide high-quality options for students by mixing learning time with summer fun and exploration. This federal funding will expire soon, so now is the best time to take advantage of many educational opportunities.

With the knowledge that her daughter was years behind in reading, Shareeda took action by teaming up with her child’s teacher and identifying summer learning opportunities. As a result, her daughter is now on track to be ready for the fourth grade.

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Honoring Naval History: 5 Ways to Keep Museums Afloat and History Alive

2023-05-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – There are approximately 120 navy vessels designated as national historic landmarks in the United States. Naval ship museums help preserve American maritime heritage and educate future generations about the history of these ships. These museums are often housed in retired warships and submarines, bringing history to life as visitors explore these maritime vessels.

Some of these museums you may be familiar with — the USS Midway, USS Enterprise and USS Pampanito, to name a few. Others may not be as famous but offer a glimpse into key moments in our country’s naval history. For example, the SS Red Oak Victory is one of the last surviving WWII Victory Ships built on an emergency basis to carry vital supplies and troops to all theaters of war. Well-known or not, all these museums have one thing in common — costly preservation.

“We have a responsibility to future generations to preserve historic ships like the SS Red Oak Victory and to raise awareness through events like the Longest Night of Museums,” said Fred Klink, Director of Marketing and current Executive Committee chairman. “The ship provides visitors with a truly unique hands-on experience plus an opportunity to learn about not only the ship but also the remarkable efforts of the WWII homefront workers who built her. Our 100% volunteer crew not only conducts tours but does all of the maintenance and restoration work. A historic ship is a huge financial effort, and we rely on donations from corporations, organizations and generous individual donors to support our efforts to keep history alive.”

Maintaining and operating these floating museums often falls to veterans’ groups with minimal or no government funding. These naval museums rely on the generosity and support of their members and the public to preserve the ships and the history they contain.

You don’t need to be a millionaire to support naval and maritime museums. Here are five simple ways you can support naval ship museums near you and across the country.

1. Visit

One of the easiest and most fun ways to support naval ship museums is to visit them! The mission of these museums is to preserve and teach the public about naval history through exhibits, displays and collections. By purchasing a ticket and exploring the museum, you’re helping generate revenue for the museum and bringing its mission to life.

2. Volunteer

It takes a lot of people to run a museum. You can help your local naval museum by volunteering to lead tours, staff the information desk, assist at special events and perform day-to-day tasks that keep the museum open and operational. Set aside a couple of hours every week or take longer shifts once or twice a month to help relieve some of the workloads from existing volunteers and museum staff.

3. Donate

Many naval ship museums rely solely on donations to operate and maintain their collections. Show your support by putting aside money to donate to your local naval ship museum or support other museums across the nation. Big or small, every dollar helps keep naval history alive.

4. Spread the word

Don’t keep it to yourself! Tell others about naval ship museums and encourage them to visit and support. Plan an outing with friends, family or co-workers to your local naval museum so they can experience naval history firsthand. Stop by the gift shop on your way out and buy a souvenir to remember your outing and support the naval ship museum’s operations.

5. Tune in

If you can’t visit a naval ship museum nearby or want to visit others outside your town, you can do so from the comfort of your own home. World of Warships, a naval tactical game, is encouraging players to tune into their annual Longest Night of Museums livestream to support naval ship museums near and far.

World of Warships prides itself on its longstanding relationship with naval museums. Wargaming, the game’s developer, supports its efforts to preserve naval history by raising donations to restore several museum ships and spreading awareness of these museums. In 2021, the game’s developer Wargaming launched its first Longest Night of Museums event, attracting 1.4 million viewers on Twitch alone. During this livestream, viewers could take virtual tours of over a dozen naval museums worldwide and learn about each vessel’s maritime history.

On May 18, you can join others for free virtual tours of 18 naval museums worldwide. Tune in via YouTube or Twitch and visit WorldofWarships.com to learn more.

Naval ship museums are critical to preserving naval history, educating the public and honoring those who served on these ships and continue to keep them running. Support naval ship museums through these five easy actions and be a part of protecting history.

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Graduation season is here: Tips and resources to help young women be more financially savvy

2023-05-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, chances are you’re becoming more independent about handling your own money. While finances can be stressful, they don’t always have to be — which is why a new initiative from Secret Deodorant focuses on providing young women with access to free resources to help them kickstart their financial journey. Through this program, Secret has partnered with five highly renowned female finance experts to offer advice about increasing your financial know-how, posting financial literacy discussions on social media through #SecretMoneyMoves to explore the ins and outs of budgeting, negotiating your first salary, understanding your credit score and more.

“Managing your finances can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re becoming financially independent for the first time,” said Carmen Perez, Founder and CEO of the budgeting app MUCH. “But with access to the right tools, this milestone can be an empowering next step into adulthood.”

Here are some tips to help empower you on your journey to financial wellness.

It’s all about that budget

Better money management begins with one simple tactic: budgeting. Tracking exactly how much money is coming in (like your paycheck) and how much is going out (everything you’re spending) is essential to learning how to decrease debt and start saving.

“It’s important to know how much money you’re spending every month compared to your monthly paycheck,” shares Perez. “If you’re spending more than you’re bringing home every month, it’s time to make a change — or you could end up in debt.”

Take a good look at your expenses to see where you could cut back. Which of your costs are essential, like rent, utilities, groceries and debt repayment, and what can you trim (going out to eat, non-essential purchases)? Finding areas where you can cut down on expenses will help ensure that you don’t rely on credit cards — which can lead to more expenses when you have to pay the interest.

Some financial experts swear by the 50/30/20 rule: aiming for about 50% toward essential living expenses, 30% for flexible spending (entertainment) and 20% toward goals such as savings. If you’re seeing more than 30% going to entertainment, you may need to cut back.

Start an emergency fund

As soon as you’re sure you can keep up with necessary bills and expenses, it’s important to get in the savings habit, even if it’s a small amount each month. Consider setting up an automatic deposit of a few dollars from each paycheck into a separate savings account — then leave it alone.

If you do have an emergency later (like an unexpected car repair), you’ll be glad you have your emergency fund.

Pay down debt more actively

Another goal to work toward is paying down your debt as quickly as possible, to reduce the amount of interest you’re paying. Start by paying just a few more dollars than the required minimum payment each month.

There are two schools of thought on paying down debt: one is to identify the credit card or loan charging you the highest interest rate to pay down more aggressively first, which can save you the most money in the long run. Another is to pay toward the smallest debt you owe first, so you’ll have the satisfaction of seeing one debt completely paid off sooner — which can inspire you to keep going. Either approach will get you started on the road to better money habits, so pick one and stick to it.

Don’t be afraid to talk about money — and get help when needed

While many people are reluctant to talk about money with their friends or family, you can learn a lot from others if you’re willing to have an honest discussion. You may also be able to get help from them when you need it, whether in the form of a loan or just some timely advice to help you manage your money better.

“Talking about money may feel uncomfortable at first,” added Perez, “but it’s a great first step toward feeling more confident about handling your own finances.”

Learning how to successfully budget, manage debt and achieve your financial goals is within your grasp. Take control of your financial journey today and visit Secret.com/MoneyMoves to learn more about Secret’s financial empowerment initiative, financial experts and how to get access to free educational resources.

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3 expert tips from a dietitian to improve your health and fitness

2023-05-07T23:01:00

(BPT) – Warm weather is quickly approaching, and there’s no better time to kick off a new wellness routine as you prepare for three months of fun in the sun. Improve your lifestyle just in time for summer by making smarter choices and simple swaps when it comes to snacking, meals and fitness habits.

To help you get started, registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., who has partnered with and endorsed the Quest brand, offers a few practical suggestions on ways to continue enjoying the flavors you love while also sticking to your overall wellness goals.

1. Start swapping your snacks now

Making a few simple swaps that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine will make a big difference come summer.

“Chips and guacamole may seem like the perfect warm-weather pairing, but those high-carb dippers can add up fast, possibly making energy levels tank,” said Kirkpatrick.

Instead, keep the healthy fat that guacamole provides, but swap out the dipper. For example, the new Quest Hot & Spicy Protein Chips pack plenty of the flavor and crunch that you want in a snack, without a ton of carbs. They can even add to your protein content for the day, with 19 grams of protein per bag.

2. Take advantage of seasonal produce

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy all the bounty that nature has to offer. Salads are the perfect meal when tasty, fresh local produce becomes widely available and backyard gardens start producing.

“If your salads were getting a little ho-hum over the winter, now’s the time to spruce them up and get creative by experimenting with a wider variety of fresh ingredients,” Kirkpatrick noted. “Get the whole family involved by growing an edible garden together or visiting your local farmers market for inspiration.”

Swap the romaine you used all winter for arugula, and switch out the dried cranberries you were piling on for hempseed or shredded radishes. Soon you’ll be able to mix in even more fresh colors and flavors with ripe blueberries or strawberries. Consider adding more herbs to your salads, too. Search for fresh basil and mint at your farmers market or grow some of your own!

“Get a protein boost by adding chicken and shrimp fresh off the grill, or hard-boiled eggs and garbanzo beans when you need something quick,” says Kirkpatrick.

3. Make simple lifestyle changes

Better health can start today by following new wellness routines. Start by eating more colorful veggies and fruits every day (so you’re getting more phytonutrients), focus on better sleep — aim for seven hours a night — and start moving more whenever possible.

The warmer weather and extended daylight hours provide the ideal opportunity to fit more activity into each day. Start today and get your fitness level up by signing up for a short race, or spend time swimming, cycling or walking outdoors with friends and family.

“The best thing about the warmer months is that you don’t have to spend all your time cooped up in the gym to improve your fitness,” added Kirkpatrick. “Spending more time outdoors, whether you’re playing with the kids or working in the yard, will help you become more active.”

Visit QuestNutrition.com for more snacking options as you enjoy the warm weather.

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From grads to dads to newlyweds — this 5-in-1 tool makes the perfect gift for everyone

2023-05-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – Life is full of important moments and milestones worthy of celebration. If you have a loved one starting a new chapter, you can show you care with words of encouragement and a great gift. While the words may come easy, finding the right gift can be a little more difficult.

What if you could give a gift that helps them do a multitude of things, simplifies complex tasks and can be used again and again? Tools make incredible presents, and when you gift a tool like the Arrow 500 Series Staple and Nail Gun that can do many different things to help with a variety of tasks, your gift will be appreciated now and for years to come.

Why is this tool so innovative? Previous tools of this type only did one thing, but this new range is incredibly versatile, offering users five different functionalities in one slick tool. It’s a tool virtually everyone will use and appreciate! Here’s what you need to know about this must-have tool and the best occasions for gifting it:

Arrow Staple and Nail Gun

Small but mighty, the Arrow Staple and Nail Gun packs a punch. This multi-purpose tool is available in manual, corded and cordless options and is great for a variety of projects: use flat crown staples for fabric and crafting; round crown staples for installations like holiday lights; and brad nails for trim and carpentry projects. The compact, ergonomic design of this tool helps improve mobility and reduce fatigue, saving you time and effort on projects. Plus, it can also remove staples quickly and safely without damaging work surfaces.

Mother’s and Father’s Day

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Whether you have a handy dad or a DIY mom, tools make a great gift for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Both these celebrations occur during prime home improvement season, so the Arrow Staple and Nail Gun is the ideal gift to help them tackle their to-dos and inspire their designs. Plus, this tool does a lot without taking up much space, making it ideal for new parents who may be building their tool collection, or, older generations who may be downsizing and are looking for compact tools with a lot of capabilities.

Weddings and showers

A marriage is a momentous occasion when two people start their life together. Because that life likely includes making a house a home, the Arrow Staple and Nail Gun sets up the happy couple for success. Wrap it up as a wedding present or step out of the ordinary and gift it at a shower. With more women inspired to DIY, it’s an ideal shower gift for the gal in your life. Guys love it, too, and with the increase in popularity of groom showers — sometimes called bro-dal showers or man showers — this hardworking tool makes it easy to please.

Housewarming

When someone moves into a new home, it’s a time full of possibilities. When you gift the Arrow Staple and Nail Gun, you’re showing the sky is the limit when it comes to adding personal style to a home. Because it’s like having five different tools at your fingertips, this little workhorse will be by the new homeowner’s side for countless projects. From home repairs and improvements to design enhancements and customizations, it’s a gift that keeps on giving.

College and new rentals

A young person starting their life after high school is worthy of celebration and support. Whether they’re headed to a college dorm, renting a room or getting their own apartment, they will want to personalize their space but likely don’t have access to many tools. The manual version on the Arrow Staple and Nail Gun is ideal for people in these scenarios because powered tools may not be allowed. The tool can help them do many things and doesn’t take up much space when it needs to be stored, so they can make their spaces unique no matter what.

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3 money-saving tips for creating an eco-friendly lawn & garden

2023-05-03T12:00:00

(BPT) – More and more Americans enjoy spending time outdoors and are looking for ways to achieve their backyarding goals without breaking the bank.

Licensed landscape contractor, author and TV personality Sara Bendrick offers these eco-friendly tips on how to create your ideal lawn and garden that are not only sustainable but can lead to big savings.


1. Create and maintain a climate-resilient eco-friendly yard.

Create a climate-friendly landscape design using native plants or climate-appropriate plants. Native plants are ideally suited to designing a landscape for water efficiency because they’ve adapted to their local soil and their roots are adjusted to the natural weather patterns.

  • Consider low-water-use landscape and planting trees or high-growing plants for shade, which will help conserve water. You can even create a rain barrel to collect water for plants and grasses. Benefits include cost savings on water bills, improved health for plants and reduced likelihood of flooding or erosion.
  • When cutting your grass, use a mulching mower, such as the STIHL battery-powered RMA 460 V that allows you to recycle key nutrients back to your lawn and reduce waste.
  • Utilize local nurseries, garden centers and landscape professionals to assist you in developing your plan.

Plant for pollinators—bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, flies and beetles. Pollinators are critical to our food supply. You can plant flowers and shrubs that help encourage their survival in your own yard and the greater community at large.

  • Choose plants that flower in different seasons to enjoy blooms while also providing nectar and pollen year-round.
  • You can also plant flowers that bloom at night for evening foragers.
  • Pollinators are also attracted to different colors! Butterflies are drawn to red, orange and yellow; hummingbirds prefer red, fuchsia and purple.

2. Grow your groceries.

Not everyone has a ton of space to grow food, but even a small qarden can lead to major savings. Whether you have a large yard for a full garden, a small patio space or even just a windowsill, you can grow your own food. Do some research to find out what grows well in your area. Your local garden center is a great resource.

For large yards, one of my favorite projects is building a planter box that can also serve as a one-stop shop for a delicious side dish—salsa! For smaller yards, container gardens have many benefits:

  • Space-efficient
  • More protective against disease than growing plants directly in the ground
  • More protective against pests that would typically move from plant to plant in a traditional garden

The most cost-effective way to grow your own food is to start with seeds. And even save seeds from your harvest for next year. Be sure to use native and organic soils when planting.

3. Use battery-powered tools.

Battery-powered equipment is the biggest trend in the outdoor power equipment industry. Advanced battery technology from STIHL offers homeowners an option to reduce their impact on the environment while providing a powerful alternative to gasoline-powered equipment. These tools have a longer run time than ever before. For example, the STIHL RMA 460 V mower can mow the length of 12 football fields on a single charge.* Also, one battery can power multiple tools — including blowers, chain saws, hedge trimmers, mowers and trimmers — so you’ll have a high-performance battery tool for every project. The benefits of using battery-power equipment include the following:

  • No need for messy and smelly fuel, eliminating exhaust emissions concerns. This is especially important in parts of the country with emissions restrictions.
  • Battery products are quiet and can be used early morning or late afternoon without disrupting neighbors.
  • Lightweight and easy to use, so homeowners can tackle yard work with less fatigue.

*Usage claim tested and verified by an independent third-party test laboratory. Run-time per charge may vary depending on usage and application.

Sara Bendrick

Licensed landscape contractor, author and TV personality Sara Bendrick is best known for her work as the host of I Hate My Yard where she tackles the tough yards of homeowners and shows them the possibilities that exist for their exterior spaces. She is also the author of “Big Impact Landscaping: 28 DIY Projects You Can Do on a Budget to Beautify and Add Value to Your Home.”

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1 in 4 homeowners experience weather damage. 5 ways to protect your home.

2023-05-05T08:57:00

(BPT) – Spring brings many opportunities to shake off the winter chill and enjoy the warm weather ahead. However, spring can also mean the beginning of severe weather events. According to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, there have been more than 450 confirmed tornadoes in the U.S. as of April 20, and the month of May is considered another active severe weather month.

After a tornado or other severe weather event has passed, homeowners are tasked with assessing and repairing the damage. According to a recent COUNTRY Financial Security Index (CFSI), one in four homeowners has experienced property damage due to severe weather or natural disasters, an increase from one in five last year. Also, three in four homeowners said they would like to take more steps to prepare for severe weather events or natural disasters.

“Severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere, and we have already seen its devastating effects in 2023,” said Kelvin Schill, senior vice president of property and casualty at COUNTRY Financial. “Spring severe weather is not yet behind us. And although we can’t control the weather, homeowners should be proactive and take steps to protect their homes and valuables from severe weather damage.”

Don’t be caught unaware during a tornado, storm or other natural disaster. Check out these five ways you can prepare your home for severe weather this spring.

1. Create an inventory

In the event of a disaster, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to remember all your possessions, making it difficult to accurately assess the damage and loss to your home. An up-to-date home inventory can help you settle insurance claims faster and restore your home.

While it may seem daunting to inventory all your possessions, it is a relatively simple process. According to the Insurance Information Institute, you should start by picking an easy spot — like your kitchen — and record your kitchen appliances. As you purchase new household items, get into the habit of recording them as you go and make sure to save your receipts.

2. Save for emergencies

Severe weather and natural disasters can happen at any time and can be costly, so it’s critical to have enough savings in your emergency funds. More than three in four homeowners (77%) say they have enough money to cover their home insurance deductible if they experience major home damage. However, many homeowners are not prepared for the cost of weather-related home damages.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, you should keep a small amount of cash in small bills at home in a safe place, such as a fire- and weather-proof safe. This will allow you to buy supplies, fuel and food in case a disaster makes using ATMs and credit cards impossible. Make sure to also review your home, health and life insurance policies, so you have enough to cover the deductibles.

3. Prioritize home maintenance

While you can’t stop a tornado or other extreme weather events, you can maintain your home to reduce the impact. According to the CFSI, 23% of homeowners plan to perform more regular home maintenance in case of severe weather.

Regular home maintenance can help prevent damage to your home and potential home insurance claims. For example, by removing loose siding, broken shingles and dead tree limbs from your yard, you can reduce the chance of damage to your home from flying debris.

4. Review your home insurance policy

Reviewing your home insurance policy is the best way to prepare for a weather-related emergency. Of the homeowners surveyed, 20% plan to review their home insurance policy and 12% want to increase their coverage to be better prepared for emergencies.

When reviewing your policy, check to see what it covers. It’s important to understand the type of coverage you have. For example, Actual Cash Value protection subtracts depreciation from the value of your home or belongings. However, Replacement Cost does not subtract for depreciation, so it’s based on today’s costs. In addition to your house, your insurance may cover sheds, fences, detached garages and other structures on your property, but you may need to add coverage for things like sump pump failure. This is also a time to inform your insurance agent of upgrades you have made to your home to make sure you’re covered.

5. Upgrade your home

Home improvement projects not only increase your home’s curb appeal, but they can also keep you safe in cases of severe weather. For example, you can replace your current windows with impact-resistant ones or install hurricane shutters.

During a storm, your roof is vulnerable to hail, water and debris damage. If you are replacing your roof, consider upgrading to a metal roofing system, which is known to be more durable and can sustain higher winds.

There may be cases of severe weather where you’ll need to shelter in place. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends locking doors and windows, shutting air vents and turning off AC and heating systems. Head to the basement until the severe weather abates. If you don’t have a basement, head to an interior room, such as a bathroom, with few or no windows.

Learn more about what home insurance covers and find a home insurance agent near you at countryfinancial.com.

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Masterpieces of Home Entertainment and Modern Living: The Evolution of LG OLED Continues

2023-05-05T12:05:00

(BPT) – Over the past decade, LG has solidified its leadership of the premium TV market through the continuous evolution of its OLED TVs. The company’s commitment to understanding and catering to users’ needs is reflected in its latest OLED products — tailored solutions that deliver superior performance, convenience, usability and accessibility. To create these masterpieces of home entertainment and modern living, LG has done what it has always done: listen carefully to its customers and find innovative technology and design solutions that add value to everyday life.

A New Level of Innovation with LG OLED

As a result of always putting customers’ needs first, LG OLED has become a mainstay of the global premium TV market in 10 years. Its unmatched contrast brings incomparable viewer immersion, enabling perfect blacks and true-to-nature colors that make any kind of content look and feel more real. Additionally, the unprecedented flexibility of the company’s OLED technology has led to unique new form factors and a previously unobtainable level of thinness.

Among the innovative form factors the company has introduced is the LG SIGNATURE OLED R, which features a rollable self-lit screen that can roll down and disappear into the TV’s base. The rollable OLED was developed with the goal of removing the ‘big black screen’ from users’ living rooms; giving them back their space and providing a greater degree of decorating freedom.

This year, LG OLED achieved a significant milestone with the unveiling of the LG SIGNATURE OLED M3. The groundbreaking product is the first-ever TV with a wireless solution capable of video and audio transmission at 4K 120Hz — a feat made possible by LG’s Zero Connect technology. At 97 inches, the M3 also offers the largest screen size of any OLED TV currently available.

The impressive TV and its cutting-edge wireless solution provide a stylish, distraction-free viewing experience, and were designed in response to customers’ desire to have more scope and individual choice when it comes to curating the layout and look of their living space.

Enhancing the User Experience and Everyday Life

Nowadays, people care about more than just tech specs and screen sizes, seeking TVs that can deliver next-level convenience and a personalized user experience.

When consumers told LG they wanted an OLED TV that could be conveniently mounted flush to the wall, the company listened. Applied to the Gallery OLED TV lineup, LG’s refined Gallery Design allows the rear of the TV to ‘hug’ the wall, presenting consumers with a remarkable centerpiece for their space — one that looks like a part of the wall and delivers a truly immersive viewing experience. This year’s G3 OLED evo models boast an aesthetic upgrade via the introduction of the ultra-seamless One Wall Design, which leaves no visible gap when the TVs are installed. LG has also added convenience through adopting a composite fiber material* that reduces the overall weight of its OLED TVs, making them much easier to move and mount.

Part premium TV, part sophisticated furniture piece, each LG Lifestyle Screen presents differentiated value that goes far beyond what a conventional TV can offer. LG OLED Objet Collection Posé, for example, augments the surrounding décor with its unique, aesthetically-pleasing appearance, and has an effective cable management system that helps users enjoy a cleaner space. In addition to looking stylish from any angle, Posé provides stunning OLED evo picture quality with vibrant, distortion-free colors from practically any viewing angle.

Personalized TV Experience

LG is changing the way people use and think about TV by providing personalized experiences based on its Life’s Good philosophy and Sync to You, Open to All vision. The latest LG TVs offer various customizable features and settings — including user interface configuration, content recommendations and picture options — that users can fine-tune to suit their individual preferences. By leveraging usage data, LG can suggest features and recommend apps, services and shows tailored to the tastes of each user. Along with the ability to automatically adjust color and contrast according to how the user likes them, the company’s new TVs deliver the ease and intelligence of AI Concierge, which not only provides a curated selection of content choices based on past usage and searches, but also suggests trending titles as well as useful settings and features.

With a decade of OLED TV expertise already under its belt, LG is determined to maintain its dominance in the premium TV market. The company understands that delivering unparalleled customer experiences is key to the future success of LG OLED, and looks forward to creating new value and new consumer-driven display innovations that enhance everyday life.

By Jung Jae-chul, home entertainment research and development lab leader of HE R&D Lab at LG Electronics

* Applies to 55/65/77-inch G3 models, 42/55/65/77-inch C3 models and 77-inch A3 model.

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Trim & Tone Your Love Handles, Abs and More

2023-05-05T05:01:00

(BPT) – Not loving your love handles? Need a little help toning your baby belly?

The new truBody® body sculpting product line offers everything you need to reshape your trouble spots without the downsides of going off carbs, taking pills or injections, or spending countless hours at the gym with a personal trainer.

This award-winning body-shaping technology can address your problem areas with 15-minute treatment options that are customized for your shape to deliver effective results. Ideal for busy lifestyles and those who want help getting to their body goals faster, the new truBody helps you go beyond your best.

Dr. Elise Grenier, owner of The G Spa in San Francisco, CA, is impressed with the dramatic outcomes that can be achieved for her patients. “We are seeing tremendous benefits by incorporating both truBody devices together, Monopolar Radiofrequency and Multi-Directional Stimulation, truSculpt® and truFlexTM. Since the treatments are non-invasive with zero downtime, patients can go back to work or get on with their day immediately following their treatment sessions with us. These non-invasive treatments will fit easily into anyone’s busy schedule with ease so both women and men will stick with the program to get the results they are looking for.”

“truBody allows our practice to give clients personalized results that improve their physical and mental well-being. We love that there is no recovery time needed after any of the treatments. We are able to target multiple areas with different applicators within the same session, thus reducing the number of treatment sessions, time and visits to be scheduled around their daily activities,” says Dr. Grenier.

Customization is key, and truBody allows you to hone in on the areas you’ve been struggling to define. Treat your abs and flanks (love handles) with truSculpt fat reduction, for an average of 24% reduction in fat in one treatment1. Shape, tone and define your abs, butt and thighs with truFlex, boasting 54,000 muscle contractions in just 15 minutes. According to Katie Werbowski, Director of Brand Strategy and Development at Skin Spa New York, “We are getting incredible body sculpting results for our clients with truBody, both fat reduction and muscle toning, because it is so customizable. We often start at only 30% of truFlex’s power which has been a game changer for those looking to take their body sculpting to the next level.”

“By providing highly effective combination treatments, our clients love the addition of a body device that allows them to treat multiple areas simultaneously targeting both fat and muscle. The Trim & Tone treatment protocol has been a long-awaited solution for those who have limited time,” says Ms. Werbowski.

“This treatment is much more than just a body contouring device. The next generation truBody technology helps our patients establish goals to create better habits for their overall health. They are encouraged to drink more water and maintain a healthy lifestyle during the treatment plan to maximize results, and many or most of them stick with these changes long after their last treatments,” says Dr. Grenier.

“We can help our patients achieve the body of their dreams without surgery or downtime, and they are loving the results,” she says.

Find a truBody provider near you today!

1 Somenek MT, Ronan SJ, Pittman TA. Lasers Surg Med. 2021;53(3):337- 343

2 Nye R, Hoffmeister A. The process of muscle hypertrophy utilizing a novel bio-electrical muscle stimulation device [white paper, Cutera Inc.]. 1/2020