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How to prepare your vehicle and secure your home for a summer road trip

2024-05-23T15:37:00

(BPT) – As peak summer travel season approaches, the cost and stress associated with road trips are top concerns for many travelers. With 43% of households planning road trips as their top travel plan this year, proper preparation of both your vehicle and home is essential. Mercury Insurance offers critical tips to ensure your vehicle is road-ready and your home is secure, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. These preparations can not only enhance your trip experience but also provide peace of mind while you’re away.

“Preparing your vehicle and securing your home are critical steps before embarking on a summer road trip,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Taking these steps can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected incidents and help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.”

Mercury’s guide to a worry-free road trip

Vehicle readiness:

  • Maintenance checks: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and fluid checks, is indispensable, particularly before a long trip. Ensuring your air conditioning is up to the task is also crucial for beating the summer heat.
  • Tire safety: Proper tire maintenance, including checking tire pressure, alignment and tread wear, is vital for safe driving and fuel efficiency.
  • Lighting system check: Ensure all lights and signals are functional to communicate effectively with other drivers during day and night.
  • Emergency kit essentials: A well-stocked emergency kit should include items like road flares, jumper cables and basic tools to handle unexpected roadside issues.

Home security:

  • Precautions before leaving: Secure all entry points and activate your security system. Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property.
  • Social media awareness: Delay posting about your trip to avoid tipping off potential burglars. Share your memories once you are safely home.
  • Insurance coverage: Review your home insurance policy to ensure you are covered against any possible incidents that could occur while you are away.

Planning and preparation:

  • Route and weather planning: Check your travel route for any potential disruptions like road work or severe weather conditions. Plan fuel stops or charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) accordingly.
  • Local emergency information: Keep contact information for emergency services and local contacts accessible throughout your journey.

“Mercury Insurance is committed to supporting your summer travel plans with comprehensive advice and insurance solutions tailored to your needs,” Quinn said. As you prepare for your road trip, consider speaking with a Mercury Insurance agent to ensure that both your vehicle and home are adequately protected.

Explore these blog posts for essential tips on staying safe during your summer road trips at mercuryinsurance.com:

For more information on how to prepare for a summer road trip or to discuss your insurance needs, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local Mercury agent today.

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Planning a DIY bathroom remodel or refresh? 9 reasons to include a bidet seat

2024-05-23T12:53:00

(BPT) – This renovation season, DIY projects are more popular than ever as people look to keep costs down. And whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a refresh of fixtures, paint and style, one of the most impactful and easiest DIY upgrades you can make is adding a bidet seat to your toilet. Haven’t considered it before? There are so many reasons why you should.

You may have come across a bidet in your travels. They have long been a central feature in European toilettes, and bidets are found in almost every bathroom in Japan. Finally, their popularity is growing in the U.S. where they have become a huge bathroom trend. Part of the newfound demand is due to innovative bidet seats like the TOTO WASHLET, which transforms your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the seat! These allow discerning homeowners and renters to incorporate the luxury and comfort of a bidet into their bathrooms in minutes without having to install a completely new fixture or hiring a plumber.

From improving health to helping the environment, here are nine reasons to add a bidet seat to your bathroom upgrade, from the industry-leading experts at TOTO USA.

Improves hygiene. It’s simply a fact that using a bidet increases the level of cleanliness of your bathroom routine. Thanks to a strong adjustable flow of aerated water and an effective warm-air dryer, you’ll experience a superior clean than toilet paper alone.

A more comfortable bathroom experience. A bidet seat is a refreshing and pleasant way to cleanse. It’s a mini spritz-off, exactly where you need it. A gentle stream of warm water cleanses, followed by a warm air-dry. And all WASHLETS have warm, adjustable heated seats, too — creating a spa-like experience in your own home!

Use less TP. The average American uses more than 140 rolls of toilet paper each year. If you measure that in miles, it’s nearly the distance between Denver and Dallas! The French use half that much. Why? The French use bidets, which clean and dry without the need for toilet paper, as a regular part of their bathroom routine. Switching to a bidet seat is a simple, easy way to help the environment and elevate your bathroom routine in the process.

Better for your plumbing. All of that toilet paper Americans use tends to back up toilets and it also can cause clogs down the line in your pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. With a bidet seat, you’ll experience fewer plumbing issues, backups and headaches.

Easy to install. The TOTO WASHLET attaches to your existing toilet. Setting it up is a simple DIY project that takes all of 15 minutes, with no need to call a plumber. Really. All you need is a toilet and a GFCI power outlet within three feet of it. There’s even an app to guide you through the installation process.

Renter friendly. Because WASHLETS attach to your existing toilet, renters can install them to temporarily uplevel their bathroom without the worry of losing their security deposit. And notably, they are also able to take their bidet seat with them when they move into a new place.

Helps people with mobility issues. This is especially important for older folks who want to stay in their forever homes safely, people with aging parents, or for those who have temporary or ongoing issues with mobility that make wiping difficult. A bidet seat cleanses and dries much better than toilet paper alone, and for people with these issues, it’s a lifeline to help with hygiene, privacy and independence. Bonus tip: If you’re an empty nester renovating your own bathroom with an eye toward the future, make sure you add a bidet seat now.

Keeps your toilet clean. High-end bidet seats like those from TOTO don’t just clean you. They can help clean your toilet, too, with deodorizing and bowl-cleansing misting actions before and after use that keep your toilet and bathroom fresh at all times.

Affordable with a range of price points. There is a bidet seat for every space, budget and need. You can choose what fits your lifestyle best from the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5, or new WASHLET S7A, which offers the very latest in TOTO’s technology and design.

All in all, whether you rent or own your home, upgrading your bathroom with a bidet seat is an easy, quick and affordable way to elevate your daily sojourns to the loo into a spa-like experience while keeping you and your family cleaner. For more information, visit TOTO USA.

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How a 28-Year-Old Woman Kept Her Sense of Adventure Following a Rare Disease Diagnosis

2024-05-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – In 2018, a vibrant young woman with a passion for theater and education set off on the quest of a lifetime: spending a month walking 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage from France to Spain. Christina K. was also at the beginning of a quest to learn more about a mysterious lump on her collarbone.

Months before her trip, one of Christina’s colleagues insisted she get the lump on her collarbone looked at. While it was bothering her and even made some activities difficult, Christina was hesitant to have it checked because she didn’t want to disrupt her long-planned European trip.

She relented, though, and an initial X-ray and ultrasound led her doctor to conclude it was a lipoma, a common, usually benign, fatty tumor that grows under the skin. With that diagnosis, Christina went on her trip, walking the 500-mile pilgrimage without giving the lipoma more thought.

When she returned, she prepared for surgery to remove the lipoma, taking time off from her rewarding job as a school drama teacher. But instead of hearing that the lump was indeed a lipoma that had been successfully removed, Christina was told by her doctor that he wasn’t sure what type of tumor it was.

Sensing that something was seriously wrong, Christina decided to seek answers from various specialists. She finally received a diagnosis at a university-based medical center. But the answer turned out to be something she’d never heard of: a desmoid tumor. At the time, her surgeon spoke to her about the possibility of removing the tumor. However, he said that it would be a very invasive surgery. In addition to the tumor, he would need to remove her collarbone, surrounding muscle tissue, and part of her sternum. She was informed that the surgery could potentially affect her vocal cords, which were her lifeblood as a singer, actress and educator.

“I went into the specialist’s office as someone who called herself healthy, who went yearly for my checkup, who was proactive in all the ways that I should have been — green smoothies in the morning, lots of exercise through yoga and dance. I was shocked and crushed when I got the diagnosis of a desmoid tumor.”

What is a desmoid tumor?

Desmoid tumors are rare, locally aggressive soft tissue tumors that can form anywhere in the body where there is connective tissue.[1],[2],[3] Also called aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid fibromatosis, these tumors can cause significant pain, loss of physical function and mobility, disfigurement and a diminished quality of life.[1],[2],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8]

Managing desmoid tumors can prove to be challenging.[2],[5],[6] Unpredictable by nature and with a high likelihood of recurrence, desmoid tumors have a significant impact on people’s lives.[6],[9],[10] Their invasive growth patterns exert pressure on nearby connective tissue and, in some instances, vital organs, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.[2],[5],[11]

Alternatives to surgery

Before making a decision about surgery, Christina met with her new oncologist and learned that surgery to remove desmoid tumors can be extremely complicated and often not successful.

“Desmoid tumors have these tendrils, like an octopus,” Christina said. “You need to make sure you get every trace of them, because otherwise they can recur.”

In fact, up to 77% of people with a desmoid tumor can experience recurrence following surgical removal.[12],[13]

With no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for desmoid tumors available at the time, Christina’s oncologist recommended several off-label treatments, including chemotherapy to try to shrink the tumor, which had grown to the size of a grapefruit.

The next few years were difficult for Christina, as she experienced severe reactions to the treatments that ranged from swelling and aching joints to nausea and her hair turning white. Unfortunately, none of the medicines slowed the tumor’s growth, much less shrank it. During that time, the COVID-19 pandemic began, forcing Christina into isolation to protect her now immuno-compromised system and making it impossible to continue working as an educator.

A new treatment option

Just as it seemed there might not be any medical treatments left to try, Christina’s doctor told her she could try an investigational treatment that was being studied specifically for desmoid tumors. In 2020, she began taking nirogacestat, now marketed by SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. under the brand name OGSIVEO®, and has been on that treatment ever since.

OGSIVEO (nirogacestat) is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for adults with progressing desmoid tumors who require systemic therapy.[14],[15] See Important Safety Information below.

Christina recently marked the six-year anniversary of her desmoid tumor diagnosis. She remembers hoping her tumor would stop growing and stabilize, exactly like her current situation.

Christina is still taking OGSIVEO and says that she has experienced a reduction in pain.

She has become a rare disease advocate through her Girl Meets Cancer Instagram and works as a program coordinator for the Cactus Cancer Society, which helps young adults facing cancer find support, connection and creative outlets.

Just as she confronted the challenge of a 500-mile walk from France to Spain, Christina views all these hurdles as part of her life adventure with a positive attitude that gets her through even the toughest days.

“I don’t like the word ‘journey,'” Christina said. “It’s not. I try to say the word adventure. I’m ready to take this all on as a new adventure.”

Learn more about the FDA-approved treatment option at OGSIVEO.com.

Important Safety Information

What is OGSIVEO?

OGSIVEO is a prescription medication used to treat adults with progressing desmoid tumors who require a medicine by mouth or injection (systemic therapy). It is not known if OGSIVEO is safe and effective in children.

Before taking OGSIVEO tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have liver problems.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. OGSIVEO can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment.
  • Females who are able to become pregnant:
    • Your healthcare provider will give you a pregnancy test before you start treatment with OGSIVEO.
    • You should use effective birth control during treatment and for 1 week after the last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about methods that may be right for you.
    • Stop taking OGSIVEO and tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant.
  • Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment with OGSIVEO and for 1 week after the last dose.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OGSIVEO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OGSIVEO and for 1 week after the last dose.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

You should avoid taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers during treatment with OGSIVEO. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take one of these medicines.

How should I take OGSIVEO?

  • Take OGSIVEO exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
  • Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with OGSIVEO if you develop side effects.
  • Take OGSIVEO 2 times a day with or without food.
  • Swallow OGSIVEO tablets whole. Do not break, crush, or chew.
  • If you take an antacid medicine, take OGSIVEO 2 hours before or 2 hours after the antacid.
  • If you vomit after taking a dose or miss a dose of OGSIVEO, take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of OGSIVEO to make up the dose.

What should I avoid while taking OGSIVEO?

Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit products, Seville oranges, and starfruit during treatment with OGSIVEO.

What are the possible side effects of OGSIVEO?

OGSIVEO can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Diarrhea. Diarrhea is common with OGSIVEO and may sometimes be severe. Your healthcare provider may tell you to drink more fluids or to take antidiarrheal medicines. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have diarrhea that lasts longer than a few days and does not get better after taking antidiarrheal medicines.
  • Ovarian problems. Females who are able to become pregnant may have ovarian problems and changes in their menstrual cycle during treatment. OGSIVEO may affect fertility which may affect your ability to have a child. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any changes in your menstrual cycle or hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness during treatment.
  • Liver problems. OGSIVEO can increase liver enzymes. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver function before you start and during treatment with OGSIVEO.
  • New non-melanoma skin cancers. Your healthcare provider will do skin exams before and during treatment with OGSIVEO if you are at risk for skin cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or changing skin lesions.
  • Electrolyte (salt) problems. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your phosphate and potassium levels during treatment and may give you medicines to treat low phosphate or low potassium if needed. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop any muscle pain or weakness.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Your healthcare provider may change your dose, temporarily stop, or permanently stop treatment with OGSIVEO.

The most common side effects of OGSIVEO are:

  • rash
  • nausea
  • tiredness
  • mouth sores
  • headache
  • stomach (abdominal) pain
  • cough
  • hair loss
  • upper respiratory infection
  • shortness of breath

OGSIVEO can affect fertility in females and males, which may affect your ability to have a child. Talk to your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you.

These are not all of the possible side effects of OGSIVEO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information including Patient Information.

[1] Sbaraglia M, Bellan E, Dei Tos AP. The 2020 WHO Classification of Soft Tissue Tumours: news and perspectives. Pathologica. 2021;113(2):70-84. doi:10.32074/1591-951X-213.

[2] Penel N, Chibon F, Salas S. Adult desmoid tumors: biology, management and ongoing trials. Curr Opin Oncol. 2017;29(4):268-274. doi:10.1097/CCO.0000000000000374.

[3] NIH. National Cancer Institute Center for Cancer Research. Desmoid tumor. Accessed October 16, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/rare-tumors/rare-soft-tissue-tumors/desmoid-tumor.

[4] Cancer.Net. Desmoid tumor: introduction. Accessed October 16, 2023. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/desmoid-tumor/introduction.

[5] Constantinidou A, Scurr M, Judson I, Litchman C. Clinical presentation of desmoid tumors. In: Litchman C, ed. Desmoid Tumors. Springer; 2012: Accessed August 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226455135. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-1685-8_2.

[6] Bektas, M, et al. Desmoid Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Adv Therapeutics. 2023. doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02592-0.

[7] Husson O, Younger E, Dunlop A, et al. Desmoid fibromatosis through the patients’ eyes: time to change the focus and organisation of care? Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(3):965-980. doi:10.1007/s00520-018-4386-8.

[8] Gounder MM, Maddux L, Paty J, Atkinson TM. Prospective development of a patient-reported outcomes instrument for desmoid tumors or aggressive fibromatosis. Cancer. 2020;126(3):531-539. doi:10.1002/cncr.32555.

[9] Skubitz KM. Biology and treatment of aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid tumor. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(6):947-964. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.02.012.

[10] Easter DW, Halasz NA. Recent trends in the management of desmoid tumors. Summary of 19 cases and review of the literature. Ann Surg. 1989;210(6):765-769. doi:10.1097/00000658-198912000-00012.

[11] Joglekar SB, Rose PS, Sim F, Okuno S, Petersen I. Current perspectives on desmoid tumors: the Mayo Clinic approach. Cancers (Basel). 2011;3(3):3143-3155. doi:10.3390/cancers3033143.

[12] Skubitz KM. Biology and treatment of aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid tumor. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017;92(6):947-964. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.02.012.

[13] Easter DW, Halasz NA. Recent trends in the management of desmoid tumors. Summary of 19 cases and review of the literature. Ann Surg. 1989;210(6):765-769. doi:10.1097/00000658-198912000-00012.

[14] OGSIVEO. Prescribing Information. SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc.

[15] Riedel RF, Agulnik M. Evolving strategies for management of desmoid tumor. Cancer. 2022;128(16):3027-3040. doi:10.1002/cncr.34332.

© 2024 SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. OGSIVEO is a registered trademark of SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. C_OGS_US_0309 05/24.

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Spend summer on the water: 5 tips for boating responsibly

2024-05-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing beats summer days spent on the water. Looking to get your feet wet? There are plenty of ways to get on the water whether you own a boat or are just getting started. Boating has seen a surge in popularity as millions of Americans prioritize experiences, outdoor recreation and work-life balance.

Being on the water provides freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, there is a scientific connection between water and happiness — it has a positive impact on psychological, emotional and behavioral health.

Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced captain navigating best practices, remember boating should be fun, not intimidating. Understanding basic skills and passenger etiquette will boost your confidence and help create a safer environment to allow for an enjoyable, stress-free day on the water.

“Spending time on the water with loved ones away from all the distraction on land is one of the best ways to decompress and create lasting memories,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of Discover Boating. “Before stepping on board or taking the helm, it’s a good idea to brush up on the safety essentials. There are a variety of educational resources available to not only ensure the safety of those on board but also protect other boaters so everyone can enjoy a fun day on the water.”

Discover Boating is a one-stop resource for all things boating, from safety and education articles, maintenance checklists and boating destinations to finding your dream boat, locating verified dealerships in your area, and more.

Below are five tips from Discover Boating to improve your nautical know-how to ensure the best possible experience on (and off) the water.

1. Watch a video. View Discover Boating’s new Boating Safety Basics Video Series, Presented with Progressive Insurance for expert tips to prepare for your captain duties and be the best boat guest including fueling best practices, proper use of navigation lights, trailering techniques and safe seating tips.

2. Take a class. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs and more are offered across the U.S.

3. Visit a boat show. Boat shows are an ideal place to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle and provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with — and shop — a variety of boat dealers and marine product companies all under one roof. Most boat shows also offer educational opportunities whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to improve your skills or a new boater looking for tips on everything from boating safety to navigation and boat operation. Find a boat show in your area.

4. Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat, whether at a boat show, online or at a dealership, check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

5. Preserve your boat with proper maintenance. Similar to cars, there are a few areas that require regular maintenance by the owner, and a few areas that require maintenance at routine intervals, which most leave to the professionals. Prepare a boat maintenance checklist that covers everything from engine needs to cleaning to electrical systems to ensure your boat has a long lifespan.

Enjoy your next boating adventure and be sure to use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your favorite moments on the water.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for safety tips, storage options, boat shopping tools, how-to’s for getting on the water and more.

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Help Mom maintain her independence and preserve your peace of mind

2024-05-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – As your mother ages, it’s natural to start thinking about where she’ll live out her golden years. Don’t be surprised if she decides to stay put instead of moving.

Over the last 20 years, more and more older adults are living in traditional housing. The trend is called “age in place.” A recent survey found that 92% of older adults prefer to live out their later years in their current home instead of a care facility or other assisted living housing.

Aging in place and living independently for as long as possible provides several benefits for older adults. According to the Cleveland Clinic, aging in place can preserve independence, reduce health care expenses, provide consistency (which lessens confusion for people with memory issues) and helps aging adults maintain their support networks. More importantly, Mom gets to stay in a place where she’s built a life and created beautiful memories, providing a sense of security and emotional well-being.

Of course, there are challenges to aging in place. Namely, the risk of falling.

A balancing act

As you begin a conversation about aging in place, you’ll have to balance protecting your mom with preserving her privacy. Both are important especially as risks, like falls, increase.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in four adults 65 and over fall each year in the U.S. While this can happen to anyone, women fall more often than men, accounting for three-quarters of all hip fractures.

Accidents happen, but some factors can increase your mother’s fall risk. For example, the National Council on Aging found that medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs can affect a person’s balance, and antipsychotics can increase dizziness and confusion, which can lead to a fall.

When an older adult falls, it can cause more than just a bruise. According to the CDC, one in five falls cause broken bones, head injury or other serious injuries. Not only are these falls scary and potentially life-threatening, but falling once doubles a person’s chances of falling again.

Caregiving crisis

To safeguard your mother’s desire for independence, while prioritizing her safety, you’ll need to address her care. Even if your mother is currently diligent about keeping you up to date with her care needs that may not always be the case.

As they age, older adults tend to experience a soft decline. They may not notice a decrease in their physical and mental functions. As they age, their functional skills decline. You may not be able to count on your aging parent to self-report accurately, so you’ll want to keep a close eye.

However, not every caregiver lives near their aging parents. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 5-7 million U.S. caregivers are long-distance, making regular check-ins virtually impossible.

If you live nearby, checking in on your mom is doable, but what about at night or during work hours? Caregiving for a parent can be exhausting, and many family caregivers experience burnout and fatigue.

Whether you live near or far, you could hire a professional caregiver … assuming you can afford or find one. Due to a combination of factors, including the pandemic, the U.S. is facing a growing nursing shortage, with about 9 nurses per 1,000 people in 2023 compared to almost 12 nurses per 1,000 people in 2021. The shortage will likely continue, considering that 610,388 registered nurses plan to leave the workforce by 2027 due to stress, burnout and retirement.

A new solution for safety, privacy and peace of mind

So, what are your options? Thankfully, new technology has made it possible for older adults to stay home safe and secure. Whether you live across the street, across town or across the state, these tools allow you to check on Mom and her daily activities remotely.

Advances in potential fall detection are making life easier for everyone. Early fall detection systems on the market were limited — only providing information when an event had occurred. These systems were unable to provide a broader view of daily activities that could be indicators of physical decline, including potential fall risks.

The latest systems combine simple movement and motion-sensing technology with the power and the portability of mobile apps. These systems greatly expand the ability to check on a loved one day or night before a fall or to alert of an actual fall.

What about cameras? For older adults who feel cameras are invasive, the choice could be between safety and a sense of privacy. But, technological advances can now capture and report the normal motion of daily activities without cameras.

Nomo Smart Care™ is an affordable, easy-to-install system designed around the idea of normal motion. What is normal motion? It’s a person’s simple daily routine, like getting out of bed and opening the refrigerator and the medicine cabinet. Changes in Mom’s expected normal motion could signal a decline in her health and well-being. Patterns have power. Disruption in normal patterns of behavior can provide early warning of potential problems and open the door to early intervention.

The Nomo Smart Care system is made of three basic components: the hub, satellites and tags. The hub and satellites detect motion. For example, a person moving through a room. The tags report activity in the room. Tags are applied to any surface, like doors and drawers, and report when they move. Because tags detect movement, they can also be set up and worn as a potential fall-detection pendant. All three components work together to create easy and intuitive reports and logs of Mom’s motion and movement, day or night, without using cameras.

Using the free-to-download app, an unlimited number of family members and caregivers can check on normal motion in real time. Mom didn’t open the medicine cabinet? No movement in the kitchen this morning? The user can also set triggers to be alerted when some activities occur or when expected activities don’t occur. If needed, the system can alert caregivers of an emergency and provide seamless connection to 9-1-1 services.

Keep your mom happy at home

Statistics point to the broader need for simple, effective solutions in the face of a groundswell of age-in-place parents. Technology can help. Cutting-edge systems like Nomo Smart Care are helping provide both independence and comfort for older family members who want to stay in their homes, and peace of mind for the caregivers who are supporting them. Visit NomoSmartCare.com to learn more.

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Bring balance and imperfection to the kitchen through Japandi style

2024-05-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Balance and harmony. These are two important principles of design to consider during the initial phases of conceptualizing a space. This is especially true in the kitchen, the heart and soul of a home, which must be both functional and visually inviting; a place where people can utilize the space effectively while nurturing purposeful and hospitable surroundings. Create a space of working beauty, while cultivating an environment of imperfection, to fully embody the Japanese design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi.

Organic Curves and Textures

Form has a distinct impact on the feeling a home evokes. Enhance the home through Wabi-Sabi by incorporating pieces that exhibit shape and fluid movement, instead of highlighting perfectly precise lines and hard angles. Consider the alluring appeal of a curved archway that influences a softer atmosphere or feature a live-edge wood dining table to spotlight the beauty in natural imperfection.

Use organic forms and materials like rounded furniture, a neutral color palette and natural lighting to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, but also foster a sense of tranquility. Mix textures throughout the kitchen via linen curtains, a concrete backsplash, hand-woven rugs and personal touches of pottery to add both visual and physical texture, ultimately eliciting a feeling of quiet luxury. Every detail should be beautiful, and every beautiful object should serve the overall purpose of the space.

The Evolution of Japandi Style

The epitome of balanced harmony can be seen through Japandi style, which artfully merges Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. With fluid lines that speak to minimalist sensibilities and crafted touches that reflect an artisanal soul, the Kintsu® Kitchen Collection by Brizo perfectly embodies these tenets.

Drawn from “kintsukuroi,” the Japanese method of joining pieces of cracked pottery with gold, “Kintsu” represent the way that Japandi style merges two design philosophies. The Kintsu® Widespread Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet unites understated sensibility with an avant-garde spirit through the creative use of negative space in the knob handle. Combining this with the functionality and versatility of the new two-handle configuration, the faucet looks to Wabi-Sabi philosophy for abstract, conceptual geometries.

Essential Elements

When it comes to the backdrop of a space, being intentional with the color palette can lead to a cohesive look that highlights the beauty of various elements within the room. Take inspiration from Scandinavian design — cozy, bright and inviting aesthetics — which promotes intentionality when choosing colors, paired with natural light, to create a fresh take on neutrals. Grays can be replaced with warm browns and taupe, providing a natural background to plan around.

Incorporate metals such as chrome, steel and aluminum in the kitchen to add a gleaming finish that is instantly eye-catching and is sure to incite instant glamour. Choose an unexpected, but striking finish such as the Black Onyx finish in the Kintsu® Kitchen Collection to create a distinctive and intentional focal point in the space.

When deciding which elements to include, consider the concept of mise en place. A place for everything and everything in its place. An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen, and an efficient kitchen is a thing of beauty.

Through the fusion of Japandi style’s harmonious balance and the timeless elegance of Wabi-Sabi, our kitchens can become more than just places to cook; they can be sanctuaries where we find solace in our surroundings.

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How to beat the summer heat — and boredom

2024-05-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – Summer break can be wonderful for kids, as they are able to explore new activities, visit with friends or just have more free time to play. But summer can also get hot — and long. If you’ve ever struggled to find more ways for your kids to have fun when the temperatures climb, or heard them complain about being bored, there’s a great solution: Urban Air Adventure Park, the largest indoor adventure park operator in the world and part of the world’s first Youth Enrichment franchise platform company Unleashed Brands, helping families get the most out of summer breaks.

Whether your kids are between summer camps and classes, it’s too hot or rainy to play outside, or you’re just looking for new ways to keep your kids more active and off their screens, Urban Air offers a wide variety of engaging activities — with a range of options that will turn any summer day into an exciting excursion.

While every location has unique offerings, all of them include something for everyone, for all ages and skill levels. Activities at most locations include options like Warrior Courses, Climbing Hills, Tubes Playgrounds, Battle Beams, wall-to-wall APEX trampolines and more. Some locations may also offer additional attractions like Bowling, Mini-Golf, Climbing Walls, Ropes Course, Go-Kart Tracks, Spin Zone Bumper Cars and Virtual Reality. Urban Air also provides a convenient cafe, with kid-friendly favorites like pizza and nachos (menus vary by location).

This year, Urban Air wants to help families get the most out of their summer breaks with new “All You Can Summer” offerings, available now. The Summersational Play Pass unlocks three months of adventure* and the All-In, All-Day Group Pass is perfect for the entire family, complete with fun and food. Urban Air is a top choice for memorable birthday parties, family get-togethers or just the best everyday reason to get out of the house and have a blast, all summer long.

Here’s what’s included in the passes:

Summersational Play Pass:

Adults can purchase the Play Pass online at UrbanAir.com/summer-pass for access to instant fun for unlimited visits during a 3-month period. While prices vary depending on each location, this pass starts as low as $44.99 and includes indoor play socks, with no blackout dates.

All-In, All-Day Group Pass: For less than the cost of a family night at the movies, the All-In, All-Day Group Pass includes top-tier passes to your local Urban Air Adventure Park for three children and two adults, with Urban Air socks, plus food and beverages including pizza, sodas and ICEEs — like the special Urbie’s Razzamatazzberry Blast flavor. Bundle prices vary by location and can be purchased online.

Check out the best way for families to beat the boredom and the heat by finding an Urban Air Adventure Park near you at UrbanAir.com/locations.

*The Summersational Play Pass is valid for 90 days once parks begin to accept visits for the play pass. The Summersational Play Pass is only valid on NEW purchases and cannot be combined with any other offers or promos. This is not a membership. Participating locations only. Attraction height and capacity restrictions may apply.

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10 Made-in-the-Shade Ideas for Covered Outdoor Spaces

2024-05-22T09:41:00

(BPT) – Homeowners across the country are going undercover. It seems no matter where you live, the growing popularity of covered outdoor spaces is evident in backyards from Buffalo to Bakersfield. Here are 10 ways to add shade, shelter and style to your home’s exterior.

Perk up a porch. A covered front porch provides an inviting entryway to any home, offering an elegant stage to greet guests, enjoy a morning cup of coffee or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Throw some shade. A pergola provides shade and style to any outdoor setting, while still allowing for open air flow and sunshine. It also lends definition to deliver the look and feel of an outdoor room.

Create a nature-inspired nook. Turn an underutilized area into an outdoor oasis by installing outdoor flooring, a ceiling and a cozy fireplace. In this design, the neutral Trex decking, exposed roof beams and modern furniture set the stage for relaxation.

Raise the roof. If you love spending time outside in all conditions, consider adding a roof to a portion of your outdoor space. This small shelter paired with privacy curtains provides protection from the elements and prying eyes so you can enjoy a relaxing soak any time and in any season.

Gaze from a gazebo. A deck gazebo provides many benefits, offering shade and protection from the elements while also establishing an elegant space to relax, dine and entertain guests.

Go below deck. The space beneath an elevated deck is loaded with potential. With the addition of a deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape, which diverts water to keep the area beneath a deck dry, this space can be outfitted with furniture, lighting and appliances to create an outdoor room with comfort and function.

Enclose for year-round enjoyment. Optimize usability by enclosing an outdoor space with screens or windows. This affords the benefits of enjoying views, fresh air and natural light without having to worry about insects, rain or fluctuating temperatures.

Bolster a balcony. Make a bold, architectural statement on your balcony with a stylish pergola. Covering half of this elevated outdoor space, the pergola’s dark beams offer the perfect contrast to the home’s light exterior and provide shade over the outdoor kitchen and sitting area.

Bring the indoors out. Seamlessly transition between your home’s interior and exterior living spaces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a covered outdoor area perfect for al fresco dining and parties.

Retreat from the rays. Turn the space beneath your deck into a poolside paradise perfect for escaping the sun’s strong rays after an afternoon of swimming. This covered area features an underdeck drainage system paired with a soffit ceiling and integrated lighting to deliver the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.

For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.

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Achieving Meaningful Growth With ‘Innovation for Impact’

2024-05-22T10:59:00

(BPT) – By Dr. Sokwoo Rhee, executive vice president of Innovation for LG Electronics, head of LG NOVA

In business, meaningful growth can’t happen without innovation. It’s essential if your organization is to evolve and thrive, and if you’re serious about adding value to people’s daily lives.

With a thirst to drive innovation, and a wealth of knowledge in the area of IoT, I set out to establish and grow my own startup. I’m happy to say I succeeded in this endeavor. However, with the business model being rather narrow — a continuous cycle of making products and then selling them — there were limitations to what I could do.

After making the decision to sell my company, I went on to serve as the Presidential Innovation Fellow for Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), a program run by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. It was a valuable and enlightening experience. There, I had the chance to work with leading tech companies to further develop and execute plans for industrial IoT and global smart cities. During my seven years in the U.S. federal government, I realized that there are limits to what governments can do with regard to building smart ecosystems. In the end, private companies are the ones bringing the ideas and concepts of smart solutions and businesses to fruition.

This was when I was first approached by LG Electronics. The company wanted to create a new organization dedicated to the discovery of future businesses. LG offered me this amazing opportunity to head up a team they were in the process of putting together.

I thought deeply about the prospect of joining LG. While the company is universally recognized as a strong player in the consumer electronics field, looking in from the outside, it seemed to lack what some might call, a certain ‘disruptive innovation.’ However, I was intrigued by its determination and desire to uncover future business and was confident that the company possessed the agility necessary to change and ‘disrupt.’

Personally, I believe that if there are ten great ideas on the table, seven or eight of them will fail to develop into successful businesses. While many people view this way of thinking about business creation as just plain crazy, LG CEO William Cho is, thankfully, not among them.

At LG NOVA, an initiative I am grateful to lead, our mission is to establish a community for nurturing, growing and creating new businesses in new market areas for LG. Early in the LG NOVA journey, we realized that entering new businesses — or new business areas — is difficult if you’re relying solely on your internal capabilities.

If LG wants to create new home appliances, it is in a good position to do this internally because it is already a global leader in consumer electronics, with all the necessary expertise and experience at its disposal. LG NOVA’s mandate is to explore entirely new and different concepts, not currently in LG’s wheelhouse. Although there are thousands of engineers and experts working in LG’s R&D centers, their expertise is in products and areas of business that LG is already in. This is why the LG executive team resolved to look outside of LG.

Our goal is to explore new business avenues that would, ultimately, help contribute to the advancement of LG Electronics. Startups, by the nature of their business model and ability to be at the ground-level of market needs, are leading the forefront of innovation. However, startups will not partner with just any firm that approaches them. This is why we needed to show that LG, as a company, has the commitment and capability to go far beyond home appliances and TVs. This is where LG NOVA comes in.

To establish ourselves in the market, we came up with the idea of hosting a grand challenge. In September 2021, we announced the launch of Mission for the Future, an annual, global competition for startups where we could identify innovative technologies and business ideas for a better tomorrow. The participating startups were tasked with developing and presenting technology-based solutions for improving daily life, our communities and the planet. The tech areas we asked them to focus on included clean tech, healthcare and future tech/AI.

To give you an idea of how it works, imagine there is a startup that creates sensors for use in healthcare devices. They might pitch a scenario or concept where their sensors are deployed in TVs to enable innovative new services. Our own business experts, or entrepreneurs in residence (EIRs), would then work with the startup to assess the feasibility of their idea. In many cases, EIRs would work closely with the startup to develop a relevant, but entirely different business idea that could be exciting to both parties. If the idea was deemed to be viable, and in alignment with LG NOVA’s goals and values, a partnership agreement might result and LG NOVA would launch a new business based on the collaboration. This is how a small, fledgling company can set its unique concept on the fast track to becoming a commercialized product.

Through this process, and by combining our capacity with the startup’s capacity, we can create a joint business where LG has as much ‘skin in the game’ as the startup. And at every step along the way, LG NOVA will be right there with them, from meeting with investors to introducing and marketing the ‘final product’ to customers. Through LG NOVA, we can create new products and services that can make a positive difference — and do it at a much larger scale than a startup could manage, if it were to go it alone.

I am proud to be a part of LG and to help guide LG NOVA into exciting new territories where boundless innovation awaits discovery. And I can say, without exaggeration, that I truly love this role. Ultimately, I’m striving for Innovation for Impact — which also happens to be the motto and the philosophy of LG NOVA. While there are many, many ways to make a profit, we have committed ourselves to achieving profitability in a meaningful way, and to leaving a lasting, positive impact on the world.

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4 easy swaps to make your favorite dishes vegan

2024-05-22T12:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re experimenting with going vegan, you’ve got good timing. Even just a decade ago, it was difficult to find meat- and dairy-free options in restaurants and in the grocery store, let alone tasty vegan recipes to make at home. But now, it has never been easier to focus on plant-based eating. Grocery stores are filled with vegan products — plant-based yogurt, like Icelandic Provisions Oatmilk Skyr, and even meat substitutes like burgers and chicken. Many restaurants offer vegan menu items, denoted with a green V. Vegan cookbooks are on the New York Times Bestseller List.

Still, it seems like a huge dietary change to make. Do you have to overhaul everything?

The good news is, the answer to that is no. In fact, experts like those at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health say that, while a vegan diet can reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease, blood cholesterol and diabetes, it’s best not to go all in, all at once. It can feel overwhelming, difficult and restrictive, so much so that you might just abandon the effort.

A great way to start small is to swap out some ingredients in your favorite meals to make them vegan, without the fuss.

Here are some easy swaps to make some of your favorite dishes vegan.

Oatmilk skyr for regular yogurt. Not familiar with skyr? It’s like yogurt, but creamier, thicker, higher in protein and usually lower in sugar. It’s a staple for many Nordic peoples, but because it’s traditionally made from milk, vegans haven’t had that option. Icelandic Provisions solves that dilemma, by using thousand-year-old heirloom Icelandic cultures adapted to perform in a vegan environment to create Icelandic Provisions Oatmilk Skyr. Take a single-serve cup on the go or use it just like you would milk-based skyr or yogurt — a bowl with berries and granola starts the day off right.

Chickpeas for tuna or chicken in salad sandwiches for wraps. This clever trick will transform your lunches, and it’s so easy to do. Start with a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and lightly mash so they’re still chunky. Then dress it up the same way you would a tuna or chicken salad sandwich — diced celery and onion, a dash of parsley or dill, and vegan mayo or plain oatmilk skyr for the base. Spread it on bread and add lettuce, tomato, avocado or whatever your taste buds fancy!

Lentils for beef or pork in spaghetti sauces. Many people find they can’t even tell the difference when they sub lentils for ground meat in sauces. Here’s the trick: Cook the lentils bolognese-style, with a vegan twist. Start by sauteing onion and garlic. Add your lentils, and then pour enough oat or soy milk to just cover the lentils and let that boil down. Then, add white wine, and boil that down, too. While the wine is reducing, add Italian spices. Last, add your tomato sauce and paste and simmer. Bonus tip: You can twist this recipe for tacos, too, by using Mexican spices. Top with plain oatmilk skyr, a great replacement for sour cream, and cilantro.

Oatmilk skyr, bananas or applesauce for eggs in baking. You can get all the moisture with none of the dairy by subbing oatmilk skyr, bananas or applesauce for eggs in your favorite baking recipes. Here’s what you need to know: One-fourth cup of oatmilk skyr or applesauce equals one egg. For bananas, one-half cup of mashed banana equals one egg. Give it a try! You’ll be surprised how delicious it is.

Going vegan, a little at a time, is an easy way to lighten up your diet. By swapping vegan ingredients for meat or dairy in your favorite dishes, you won’t miss a thing!