Month: May 2024

2024-05-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – What does your child need to be ready to head off to college this fall? From decision day to how to pay, check out this checklist from College Ave to help you plan for everything leading up to move-in day.

2024-05-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – As temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, it’s more important than ever to make your home a sanctuary — safe from pollen and other allergens. This spring, upgrading your home air filter can drastically improve the quality of air your family breathes everyday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-quarter of adults (25.7%) and about 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have seasonal allergies. Spring and summer can be peak times for bothersome symptoms ranging from congestion, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue to more serious consequences for children, the elderly, and those living with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.

If this describes someone in your household, you’re probably already aware of how seasonal allergies as well as allergies to dust, pet dander and other triggers can impact your life. Fortunately, you can follow these steps to help reduce pollen and other allergens in your home, improving comfort for every member of your family.

1. Keep pollen out

You can take proactive measures to lower the amount of pollen that enters and circulates in your home, from the moment you first open your windows in the spring throughout the entire summer and early fall.

• Clean your window screens: High-quality screens help keep some pollen out, so it’s vital to clean them periodically to keep pollen at bay and allow air to flow through. Use the brush tool on your vacuum to clean screens or a soft cloth. If you can easily remove screens, wash them outdoors with diluted dish detergent or vinegar.
• Use good-quality door mats: Place mats inside and outside every entrance to capture particles. Washable area rugs are also a good idea.
• Don’t hang linens outside: Bedding or rugs hung outside to dry will collect pollens to bring indoors.
• Track the pollen count: If certain days are especially bad for local pollen counts, that may be a good time to keep windows closed and use your HVAC to circulate and filter indoor air.

2. Filter air better

Making sure the air you breathe inside is as clean as possible makes a big difference in your home.

• Use a high-quality air filter: For example, K&N air filters are built for strength and efficiency, providing superior airflow — up to 70% better — while trapping airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, smoke particles, bacteria and pet dander. K&N filters are made with the highest quality materials, including a strong HDPE frame, 2-ply filter media and metal mesh to maintain their shape and provide durability for the life of the filter, which is over 10 years. All K&N products are backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
• Keep your air filter clean: Disposable air filters need replacing every 3 months and cost a lot of money. What’s more — approximately 3 billion air filters end up in U.S. landfills every year. With reusable air filters like K&N, you can simply rinse clean with your hose in about 5 minutes, shake off excess water and pop back in your HVAC system, with no need for cleaning equipment or solvents.
• Choose the right MERV rating for your household: Whether you want a more free-flowing filter (MERV 8) or want to remove even more pollens, allergens and dust from your home (MERV 13), K&N has a full range of options available. Visit KNFilters.com/home to learn more.

3. Clean surfaces smarter

From ceiling fans, cabinet tops, and shelves to carpets and other flooring, dust and allergens will accumulate over time, so regular deep cleaning is a must! Cleaning these surfaces will also help reduce the allergens that end up floating around in your home.

• Start at the top: Anything you dust can end up on the floor, so working from the top to the bottom is most effective.
• Clean ceiling fans carefully: Try using an old pillowcase around each fan blade as you work to help capture dust. Spray diluted vinegar inside the pillowcase first to pick up dust, then follow that initial dusting with a damp cloth.
• Declutter first: To make surfaces easier to dust, remove items that can get in your way or that also need dusting.
• Tackle floors with allergens in mind: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove fine particles from surfaces. If you have family members with severe allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, you may want to replace carpets with hard flooring instead. Otherwise, consider regular shampooing to further remove dust, dirt and other allergens after vacuuming.

Taking these steps will help give you peace of mind that you’re doing all you can to provider cleaner air for everyone in your home, so you can all breathe a little easier.

2024-05-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Across the nation, whiskered men are making the world a bearder place to live; or in other words, they are contributing positively to their communities. Whether they’re aiding the homeless or championing animal rights, their charitable endeavors — and their beards — have the chance to be recognized in the third annual Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest. One Grand Prize winner will be presented with $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for the charity of his choice. He’ll also be crowned the new ‘Wahl Man of the Year,’ a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 17 years.

“There is no shortage of people who donate their time and energy to helping others, and the Benevolent Beards contest provides an excellent platform to discover and honor those individuals,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl. “As a family-oriented company dedicated to community service, Wahl is excited to reward men who mirror our commitment in their own communities.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner, Dr. Christopher McNeil from Kansas City, Missouri, whose selected charity, the Kansas City Public School Foundation, supports educational initiatives and impact programs like his ‘Books and Barbers’ program which provides haircuts, books, and mentorship to elementary school students.

According to McNeil, who is currently the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools, ‘Books and Barbers’ is about more than just free haircuts. “We try to recreate what’s special about barbershops by offering students a safe space where they can learn about life and glean wisdom from amazing mentors. It’s also a way for us to increase the kids’ love of learning and literacy,” he explained.

How to Enter

From now until June 30, 2024, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards. They can also get to the page by visiting the @WahlGrooming Facebook or Instagram pages. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a NEW Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get really exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl’s Mobile Barbershop to do a charity fundraising grooming event. At the event, barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the charity — up to $5,000.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help.

2024-05-08T23:01:01

(BPT) – Exercise is much more than just cardio and weights. You may not realize that as you’re working up a sweat, you’re taking a load off your mind, too. Many people face the nagging effects of everyday stress and pressure that impact mental health and overall well-being but fortunately, some of that can be alleviated by working out. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to refocus on your mind, body and movement.

Self-care and focusing on your mental health is particularly important in a post-pandemic world. According to a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association, more than 75% of adults in the U.S. said they’ve experienced stress in the prior month. The majority of those said health and finances were among their top sources of stress, contributing to symptoms like headache, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, sleep disorders and more.

As a leader in health and wellness, Planet Fitness is sharing some important mental health benefits that anyone can get from moving their body and exercising:

Mood boost. Aerobic exercise leads to an increase in levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that regulate your mood and focus, according to Neuroscience News.

Increase in brain function. Neuroscience News also reports exercise promotes brain plasticity, the ability to form new neural connections. This is especially helpful in counteracting the cognitive decline that comes with age. Forgot where you put your keys? Some cardio throughout the week may help with that.

Relax of stress hormones. Exercise helps regulate cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones. By pumping up your feel-good endorphins, the Mayo Clinic says exercise improves your sense of well-being.

Better sleep. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health to your step-counting coworker will tell you that exercise helps you sleep better. Whether the evidence is anecdotal or gleaned from a health-industry study, it’s clear that getting a good workout will lead to better sleep in both duration and quality. When you sleep better, you have more energy throughout the day to accomplish tasks, complete your checklist or even prep for your next workout.

Confidence booster. When you move your body, you feel good about yourself! You’ll find yourself getting stronger, walking farther, running faster, or even lifting heavier weights than you could before. This feeling sends your confidence through the roof and that sense of accomplishment and self-esteem will have you walking on air for the rest of the day.

Post-workout relaxation. After your workout, give those muscles some self-care. With Planet Fitness’s PF Black Card^® Membership, you’ll get access to everything Planet Fitness has to offer, including HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, Total Body Enhancement machines, discounts on cooler drinks, and the ability to bring a friend with you every time you work out. Rest and recovery are an integral part of your workout routine and your overall mental wellness.

Social connections. Going to the gym regularly, connecting with other members or certified fitness trainers (a perk offered to all Planet Fitness members) or just seeing the same folks every workout will increase your social connections and help relieve stress and feelings of sadness and loneliness.

If you haven’t been to the gym in a while and feel a bit intimidated, Planet Fitness is the perfect place to enjoy a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone^®. With the main causes of stress being health and finances, Planet Fitness can help you get a great workout that will impact your mental health without breaking the bank. Check out all the Judgement Free Zone^® has to offer this Mental Health Awareness Month and focus on YOU.

2024-05-09T06:19:01

(BPT) – The love of a mother knows no bounds. This Mother’s Day, consider a unique gift that reflects her unconditional love for you: a subscription that empowers families in the world’s toughest places to create change that lasts.

More than 700 million people worldwide are living in extreme poverty — most of them women and children. Like all mothers, these moms want to give the best for their children, but they face many challenges. With an income of less than $2.15 per day, they are deprived of basic human needs like clean water and sanitation, nutritious food, health care, education and spiritual nurture.

This Mother’s Day, you can show your gratitude for your own mom’s loving care through a gift subscription to join Believers for World Change™ — a community of change makers dedicated to helping end extreme poverty around the world in partnership with World Vision, the global Christian humanitarian organization.

A gift with lasting impact

Just as your mother’s love is ongoing and reliable, so is the idea behind subscribing to world change. The monthly gifts given in her name will equip families with access to resources that answer both immediate and long-term needs, like sustainable clean water sources, essential health care and nutrition training, education and safeguarding programs for children, job training, emergency aid when disaster hits, and much more. You’ll be helping equip families to not just survive, but thrive, by providing them with the tools they need to change their lives for good.

Why a subscription?

Most Americans use multiple subscription services, like streaming platforms, apps, meal kit deliveries and more. You’re likely used to paying a monthly fee and getting something in return.

You may even be paying for services you no longer use, since autopay can fly under the radar. A poll conducted by C + R Research showed that 42% of consumers admit they’ve stopped using a subscription service but forgot they were still paying for it.

Now is the ideal time to evaluate your subscription services and consider redirecting funds from ones no longer useful to you into one that offers lasting value: a subscription to world change.

Make a tangible difference

This subscription flips the focus of the standard model by making it about not what you get, but what you give: tools and support that equip families to experience transformation that can last for generations.

“Worldwide, humanitarian needs continue to increase,” said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision. “But World Vision knows that when we partner with donors and the communities we serve, we’re able to not only bring life-saving aid to some of the world’s most challenging places but also equip children with the tools they need to fulfill their God-given potential. Our hope is that donors will join with us to bring hope and create lasting change while gaining a new and a more rewarding perspective on how they spend their hard-earned money.”

Whether for Mother’s Day, a birthday or just to show you care, a subscription to world change is a gift with meaning that’s sure to be remembered and appreciated well into the future — both by your gift recipient and families around the world.

2024-05-09T08:15:00

(BPT) – Workers’ compensation insurance acts as a crucial safety net, offering protection to both employees and employers when illnesses or injuries happen. Workers’ compensation coverage pays for things like medical expenses and lost wages when employees become ill or injured at work. It also covers death benefits and disability in the worst-case scenarios and employer liability for work-related injury or disease.

There is no one-size-fits-all workers’ compensation policy, as each state sets its requirements for this complex coverage — and just having the required coverage may not be enough to support your business goals. Choosing the right partner will satisfy state requirements, protect your financial position and help support employee well-being.

Acuity Insurance differentiates itself as a trusted partner for small business owners. In addition to detailing which questions to ask yourself when seeking a workers’ compensation insurance provider, the following explains a few Acuity differentiators that can elevate your claims experience beyond basic state-required coverages.

Does your insurance company provide top-notch customer service?

Workers’ compensation insurance is complex, dealing with health care, state regulations, and the emotional side of injury or illness. Your insurance company should provide you and your employees expert guidance to navigate through all the steps. How long does it take your insurance company to return your phone calls? Does it have dedicated claims adjusters who handle workers’ compensation claims? Acuity provides same-day contact from a caring adjuster, who will work with you until the claim is closed. This has led to Acuity policyholders reporting a 97% positive claims experience.

Does your insurance company provide services to help employees receive the proper care and return to work?

For small businesses struggling with labor shortages, lost time due to illness or injury can be challenging. Acuity offers a transitional return-to-work program to bridge the gap between injured workers’ existing work capabilities and what the employer can provide by working with local nonprofits to place workers into temporary positions. Additionally, the 24/7 Acuity Nurse Helpline assists workers with nonemergency injuries, saving money and facilitating a quicker return to work.

Does your insurance company help you reduce risk?

Some insurance companies provide loss control services as part of their workers’ compensation policies. Loss control uses a proactive approach to risk management, which helps create safer and more-efficient workplaces, ultimately reducing claims and enhancing overall profitability. Acuity’s loss control department also provides post-loss services, including individual claim investigations and trend analysis, to empower businesses to adopt a proactive approach to prevent future accidents.

Does your insurance company help you manage costs?

Using loss prevention services, return-to-work programs and nurse helplines can translate to significant savings for customers by reducing incidents, lessening the severity of incidents and reducing lost time. Medical costs are often difficult to understand and navigate. Acuity’s managed care program features a preferred provider network with negotiated discounts, a meticulous bill review program and a pharmacy benefit program. These initiatives also translate into significant savings for customers, further reducing their insurance costs, and Acuity does not include the cost of these services as incurred claims costs.

Acuity’s unique offerings underscore its commitment to innovation and customer-centric service. Acuity helps small business owners navigate the complexities of risk management before, during and after incidents to help them become more efficient, safe and profitable.

2024-05-08T10:21:00

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

Imagine a TV that not only delivers your favorite shows in incredible picture quality but also connects with you on a deeper level. That concept is no longer bound to imagination, as LG’s latest TVs are capable of understanding what you want and need, tailoring every moment you spend with it through ‘Affectionate Intelligence.’ This is the essence of LG’s unwavering commitment to crafting empathetic algorithms through three decades of technological innovation. This ethos seamlessly extends to the development of its AI chipsets, which are designed to foster more meaningful TV interactions.

As a testament to this dedication, LG’s Alpha AI processor, engineered exclusively for its OLED TVs, made its global debut a decade ago as one of the biggest breakthroughs in TV processing technology history. This AI-powered processor is constantly evolving based on customer feedback, which guarantees a TV experience that only gets better with time.

Amidst the widespread adoption of OLED panels, LG OLED TVs set themselves apart courtesy of the first OLED-dedicated AI processor. This processor leverages advanced algorithms and cutting-edge upscaling technology to unlock uncharted levels of picture quality within LG OLED TVs.

Various processing technologies continue to evolve with AI, notably showcasing significant performance enhancements in the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) — essential for affectionate intelligence — with a remarkable surge of 400 percent. LG’s latest OLED evo TVs¹ are equipped with the new α (Alpha) 11 AI processor which boosts processing speeds by 30 percent compared to its predecessor.

What’s more, LG’s premium AI processing technology has expanded to LG QNED TVs, taking the performance of its high-end LCD TV lineup to new levels. LG QNED TVs feature the Alpha 8 AI processor to achieve a 1.3-fold increase in AI performance and 1.6-fold increase in processing speed compared to its predecessor. These remarkable advancements come together to form a powerful yet refined audiovisual experience that heightens the audience’s sense of immersion.

At the core of LG’s AI TVs lies a deep understanding of the user’s preferences, habits and desires. Seeking to enrich the home entertainment experience with versatile personalization and added convenience, the latest LG AI TVs can recognize voices based on unique webOS profiles, making it easier to deliver personalized recommendations based on their personal viewing history.

This user-centric approach lets users access their favorite or most-used content and services in an instant, while Picture Wizard works to tailor picture quality to their preferences to foster a deeper understanding and connection. Picture Wizard lets users pick from a range of image options, so that they can fine-tune images to their liking and receive greater viewing satisfaction without having to learn everything there is to know about technical aspects such as brightness, contrast or sharpness.

With sound quality now deemed just as important as image quality in completing the viewing experience, AI processing technologies have been evolving to help the TV’s audio performance catch up. AI Sound Pro offers richer and fuller audio while the LG TV’s built-in speakers produce virtual 11.1.2 surround sound to heighten immersion. The AI can even enhance dialogue clarity by separating vocals from the soundtrack, making it seem like sounds are emanating naturally from the screen’s center. Moreover, WOW Orchestra creates three-dimensional audio which works in unison with the TV’s built-in speakers and compatible LG soundbars, creating a unified sound together.

LG’s focus on the webOS smart TV platform, which powers over 200 million smart TVs, is clear for everyone to see. webOS enriches everyday life experiences with versatile personalization and enhanced convenience in the form of individual profiles, voice recognition and recommendations based on viewing history. With its extensive user base, LG is set to maintain a strong presence in targeted advertising, FAST and content streaming services.

Lastly, the webOS Re:New program² offers the latest webOS upgrade to existing LG Smart TV owners to guarantee the most up-to-date TV experience for the next five years. That means consumers purchasing an LG OLED TV or LG QNED TV launched in 2024 can benefit from the latest webOS platform until 2028.

To explore the various efforts the LG Home Entertainment Company is making to curate life-enriching experiences for every kind of user, stay tuned to the LG Newsroom.

¹ LG OLED evo M4 and G4 models

² Pop-up notifications offering a full upgrade without the need to select specific UX, UI or features are only sent to customers who have agreed to receive them. Please note that this upgrade does not cover the TV’s hardware performance, features or durability.