Month: August 2024

2024-08-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – Looking to add more fruits and vegetables to your day, but not sure how? The key to success might be simpler than you think. Building on your current eating habits and finding easy ways to incorporate fruits and veggies into your routine can make all the difference.

A recent report, Hacks To Habits: A Behavioral Research Study To Bolster Fruit & Vegetable Consumption, showed that piggybacking off moments in time when people are already eating or enjoying other foods they love can present an opportunity to increase fruit and vegetable consumption. The report found 40% of high-medium vegetable consumers add fruits and vegetables to favorite dishes, meals and snacks. For example, 43% said they add vegetables to sandwiches and burgers — an easy, tasty and healthy addition.

Fruits and vegetables are not only packed with nutrients that contribute to better health, but they also bring a burst of flavor to every eating occasion. In honor of National Fruits & Veggies Month, adopt the “Every Time You Eat, Have A Plant^®” mindset and make it easier and more fun to enjoy fruits and veggies throughout the day. Here are five ways you and your family can do so:

Incorporate Into Beloved Meals

One of the easiest ways to up your produce intake is by adding fruits and vegetables to dishes you already love! Top a frozen pizza with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms and spinach for a quick, satisfying dinner that’s loaded with nutrients. If your kiddos love tater tots, put a spin on them by making them with zucchini. This simple swap adds more veggies to the plate without sacrificing taste. Check out this zucchini tots recipe from the digital creator behind Charlie & Crew Dad, Danny Scott.

Create Fun Snack-tivities

Turn fruit and veggie prep into a fun activity for the whole family. Encourage independence by letting kids prepare their own snack pairings like apples with walnuts, grapes with string cheese or carrot sticks with hummus. As vlogger and mom to two Caitlyn Neier says, “Make snack time a creative endeavor by cutting fruits and veggies into fun shapes or creating colorful kebabs. It’s a great way to get kids excited about eating more fresh produce.”

Have A Plant^® With Family

Family meals are more than just an opportunity to eat together — they’re a chance to bond, share stories and create lasting memories. Pair fruits and vegetables with family favorites to elevate the meal. For example, add roasted vegetables to go-to pasta dishes or let your kids explore different veggie options prepared like familiar favorites.

Seasoned To Taste food blogger Carita Fambro suggests pairing carrot fries and a zesty dipping sauce with burger night. They might just discover a new love for veggies!

Have A Plant^® At School

Packing filling and delicious lunchboxes that children enjoy can be challenging. Try the “One Veggie Five Ways” approach. Each day, prepare the same vegetable in a different way for your child’s lunch. For example, serve broccoli raw, roasted, stir-fried, cut into sticks or pureed into a hummus or ranch dip with whole-grain crackers. The repetition and variety in serving is a great way to increase exposure and help build healthy habits at an early age.

Have A Plant^® On The Go

Faced with a hectic afterschool routine? “Keep a tray of fruits and veggies cut up and ready to go in your fridge for easy grab-and-go opportunities for the whole family. Having healthy options within reach makes it easier for everyone in the family to make better choices,” shares Caitlyn Neier. A tasty way to grab a snack on the go and keep your commitment to eating more fruits and veggies.

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your daily routine doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By making these small changes, you can enjoy more flavorful meals while adding a boost of nutrition. We all need to enjoy more produce every time we eat, so whether you’re shopping, dining out, enjoying a meal with family, at school or on-the-go, Have A Plant^® for better health and happiness.

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook and let’s build the #haveaplant hype! For recipes, tips, inspo and more, visit fruitsandveggies.org.

2024-08-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – By Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RD, former lead dietitian and Cleveland Clinic Integrative Medicine and Quest partner

Consumers are becoming more savvy about getting the most bang for their nutritional buck. Protein and fiber remain at the forefront of food and wellness trends. Though the explosion in use of GLP-agonist medications for weight loss has most likely contributed to this, it’s important to note that protein and fiber play a crucial role in improving health span. Understanding the nutritional benefits of adequate protein and fiber can guide you toward making healthier dietary choices. Here are some ways to optimize both throughout the day.

1. Start the day off with protein. A quick review of the standard American breakfast reveals choices that are not always aligned with optimal fueling. Swapping the daily doughnut or sugary breakfast cereal can make a big difference in how you feel and your energy throughout the day. It may also help with weight management and brain power as well. A 2024 study showed that protein at breakfast, for example, increased satiety and concentration. When looking for more protein, consider scrambled eggs with veggies and cheese, yogurt with berries, a protein smoothie, or steel-cut oats with chopped nuts and hemp seeds. If you’re craving something sweet (like a breakfast muffin), consider Quest’s new protein-packed muffins as an alternative. They provide 10g of protein and fiber with only 2g of sugar — a perfect nutritional profile to fuel your best day.

2. When choosing carbohydrate-rich sources, make sure the source has fiber attached. The body recognizes food as either easy to digest (think candy and stripped grains) or hard to digest (think whole grains and vegetables). Easy-to-digest foods may put the body on a roller coaster of blood sugar and insulin, leading to the inevitable sugar crash and zapped energy. However, hard-to-digest foods take the body time and energy to break down. Fiber is the ultimate hard-to-digest food since the body can’t digest it, and studies show that it helps slow the reaction of sugar metabolism in the body. Fiber may also help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes as well, leading to better metabolic health. Get more fiber in your day by snacking on nuts and seeds, adding beans and lentils as a plant-based source of protein, or focusing on cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens at mealtimes.

3. Optimize protein and fiber in drinks. Consuming fiber- and/or protein-rich drinks can be a great way to “sneak” both into your day. You can obtain this by consuming protein shakes with added fruit, vegetables and nuts to get that added fiber or by consuming milk or bone broth for protein without the fiber. I recommend Quest Iced Coffee to my patients. Their iced coffee is non-perishable (great on the go) and packs a big punch of protein (10 grams) without the sugar that many iced coffee varieties often contain. With 200 mg of caffeine, they are also a great way to energize any time of the day.

4. Don’t forget about plant-based options in your efforts to optimize protein and fiber. Variety is key when it comes to protein options. A 2022 study found that eating a variety of protein sources may help enhance health by reducing cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure. Plant-based proteins fit in well with vegetarian lifestyles and pack fiber in addition to protein. Examples include beans and lentils, quinoa, soy, and nuts and seeds. Some vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach, also contain protein.

5. Consume protein before other macronutrients. Studies show that consuming protein before other macronutrients (alongside nutrients such as fiber) may help improve overall satiety and blood sugar control. To do this, consider having a few bites of protein before diving into the rest of the meal. For breakfast, this may mean having a few bites of yogurt or eggs before consuming whole-grain toast; for lunches and dinners, consider a few bites of chicken or tuna before consuming grains. You can also do this by focusing on protein-rich snacks you may drink a few hours before meals. I always carry Quest protein bars when I am on the go. They are a delicious way to get high-quality protein and fiber throughout the day.

6. Add protein and fiber as a garnish. Don’t limit protein and fiber to meals, snacks and drinks. Consider adding these nutrients as garnishes to food. The best way to do this is to add nutrient-rich nuts and seeds to foods. Add nuts to salads to boost protein and healthy fats, add seeds such as hemp seeds to yogurt, try roasted chickpeas or toasted quinoa on top of veggie bowls, or add nutritional yeast to pasta dishes.

7. Time your protein intake with your exercise regimen. Protein and exercise go hand in hand. Timing of protein intake is essential to maximize benefits based on the type of exercise. For resistance training, studies show that protein after exercise is the ideal way to maximize muscle growth. Whey protein (found in dairy products such as milk and cheese) and supplemental protein sources (such as Quest ready-to-drink protein drinks) may offer a supportive means to better muscle growth. Some studies have suggested that protein before resistance training may assist as well. Therefore, if you’re more likely to consume protein before rather than after a workout, you may still see benefits. Finally, studies show that consuming protein after workouts may also enhance calorie burning in addition to muscle growth.

8. End the day with protein. Studies show that consuming protein throughout the day helps optimize muscle maintenance, especially in older individuals. Why limit protein to just meals and snacks? That dessert you crave at the end of the day can also pack a protein punch! Quest bake shop brownies are a perfect way to end the day, providing 10g of protein with only 1g of sugar! As an added benefit, protein at night before sleep has been found in studies to help enhance muscle mass as well.

Protein and fiber are essential components (alongside healthy fats) of a healthy, longevity-based diet. With so much variety, finding delicious options that work for you and your health goals is easy!

2024-08-29T09:31:00

(BPT) – Establishing and maintaining a solid wellness routine is a big part of living your best life. From nutritious meals to regular exercise and self-care practices, every little thing you do can positively affect your overall well-being. Having a dog can enhance your well-being significantly, so it’s crucial to prioritize your pet’s health too. Aly Raisman, a gold medal winning gymnast, understands the importance of prioritizing her dog Mylo’s health, just as she would her own wellbeing.

“Incorporating wellness into my daily routine is a priority — not just for me — but also for my dog, Mylo,” said Raisman. “Mylo loves to mirror everything I do, even down to taking his daily supplements.”

When choosing supplements for Mylo, Raisman opts for EverRoot Dog Supplements powered by Purina. Developed by Ph.D. animal nutritionists, EverRoot’s ingredient-focused supplements come in a variety of tasty, soft and chewy forms that you can use to help your dog live their best life.

“Whether it’s Mylo’s digestion, joint mobility, or immune system, EverRoot soft chews are thoughtfully crafted with specific ingredients to support Mylo’s overall health,” said Raisman. “Mylo loves the taste of his daily EverRoot Digestion soft chews, which are made of pumpkin and probiotics. I love that they help him maintain a healthy intestinal tract.”

All-around winning supplement

EverRoot believes that every dog deserves to feel their best, that’s why they offer a range of supplements that dog owners can use to meet their dog’s unique health needs.

“The EverRoot Multi-Benefit soft chew supplement supports the gut, which is key to good health and the immune system,” said Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, lead veterinarian at Purina. “Made with pumpkin, it’s a fantastic source of prebiotic fiber and supports digestion. It also contains Spirulina, which promotes a healthy immune response and is a natural, nutrient-dense ingredient.”

Additionally, if you have a nervous dog, they may benefit from EverRoot’s Calming soft chew supplement. For instance, you may notice your dog displaying anxious behaviors — especially when you’re about to leave the house. Made with organic chamomile, this supplement can help them stay relaxed and ease your mind when you leave them home.

EverRoot also goes beyond just helping with nervousness. Whether old or young, protecting your dogs’ joints should also be a top priority. “To help ensure that our dogs join us on outdoor adventures for years to come, we have EverRoot Hip & Joint,” shared Lobos. “This soft chew supplement is made with wild-caught Alaskan salmon and cod oil to ease joint stiffness due to normal daily exercise and activity so you can help them approach aging with vibrance!”

One small addition for a happy, healthy life

Combining supplements with your dog’s nutritious diet can help your pup stay happy and healthy throughout their life. And when your dog is happy and healthy, you can enjoy every minute with them.

“I love spending time with Mylo, and it brings me joy to see how much fun he has when we play fetch or play outside together,” said Raisman. “Mylo always gets so excited when he hears the EverRoot Dog Supplements packaging open — it’s great he enjoys them, but even better that they’re good for his health.” You can purchase EverRoot Dog Supplements on Amazon.

2024-08-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

Every year, tens of thousands of Americans are newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

For many, that diagnosis comes unexpectedly — and even more so because research has shown approximately 90% of people diagnosed do not have type 1 diabetes in their family history. Suddenly, routines are permanently altered as individuals and families rush to learn how to best manage the condition — all while coping with the underlying impacts a type 1 diabetes diagnosis has on emotional, social, and financial health and well-being.

Survey findings from Beyond Type 1 — a leading organization dedicated to changing what it means to live with diabetes — and commissioned by Sanofi, titled “The Cost of Not Knowing,” highlight the costs of a diagnosis among adults with type 1 diabetes and caregivers of children under the age of 18 with type 1 diabetes. Here’s a look at “The Cost of Not Knowing,” told through the eyes of adults who live with this condition. Their perspectives underscore the importance and urgency of early screening for type 1 diabetes.

Not knowing has “costs”

The impact of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis can extend far beyond just physical health. Indeed, the survey findings illustrate that not knowing your risk for developing type 1 diabetes carries significant emotional, social, and financial burdens. Consider:

• Emotional: 64% of adults with type 1 diabetes said their emotional health declined when they first learned about their diagnosis, as they struggled with feeling sad (39%), afraid (38%), angry (30%), and uncertain for the future (25%).
• Social: 71% of adults with type 1 diabetes gave up some of their interests or future plans when they learned of their diagnosis.
• Financial: Half (50%) of adults with T1D spent at least $5,000 on emergency care for their T1D symptoms before or during their diagnosis, with nearly 1 in 4 (24%) spending at least $10,000.

These findings quantify the very real impacts — some of them intangible — of a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, and how it can carry potentially life-changing implications for adults as they learn how to cope with a disease that has no known cure and ultimately requires lifelong dependence on insulin replacement injections for survival. Now, imagine if you had more time to brace yourself for a potential new reality.

Knowing sooner can have an impact

Early knowledge about a potential type 1 diabetes diagnosis, which is possible through an autoantibody test, can provide people with time to learn about the condition and prepare for constant, 24/7 disease management. Advanced information can be particularly valuable, considering that 79% of adults with type 1 diabetes changed how they lived their life when they first learned of their diagnosis, specifically because they felt overwhelmed and underprepared.

A diagnosis can be a life-altering event, but early detection can help people feel more in control of their health, avoid the stress that comes with not knowing, and, importantly, potentially reduce the risk of serious health complications at the time of diagnosis. With these benefits in mind, it’s not surprising that the majority of adults (85%) with type 1 diabetes who became aware of their diagnosis after symptoms began wished they had known about their risk of developing the disease before their diagnosis. The1Pledge.com has a useful screening guide on how to talk to your doctor about getting screened early for type 1 diabetes and what to do before, during, and after screening.

Adults with type 1 diabetes recommend early screening

Although the benefits of early detection are clear, autoantibody screening is still uncommon today, largely due to a lack of awareness. Just consider that only 14% of adults with type 1 diabetes say they were screened with an autoantibody test prior to their diagnosis to see if they were at risk of developing the disease — and among those who did not screen, 72% of adults with type 1 diabetes said they were not even aware that an autoantibody test was available, demonstrating an awareness gap that must be closed.

What’s more, among those who were not screened, 68% regret not taking an autoantibody test to better understand their risk of developing type 1 diabetes — and nearly all adults with type 1 diabetes (92%) today would recommend friends and family members get an early autoantibody test for type 1 diabetes. There’s no need to wait to get screened and start to prepare for the future. “The Cost of Not Knowing” sends a message that it’s time to take charge of your health and talk to your doctor about your screening options. This research was conducted by Wakefield Research via two survey instruments — one among 1,000 US adults with type 1 diabetes and a second among 1,000 US caregivers to those under the age of 18 years with type 1 diabetes. Learn more about the survey findings and methodology at https://beyondtype1.org/unexpected-type-1-diabetes-diagnoses/.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

2024-08-28T12:23:00

(BPT) – Weddings are exciting, memorable — and expensive. New research from Empower reveals how Americans approach these expenses, and proves generational differences can affect how much we spend.

2024-08-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know anyone can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), even adults? Although it was long considered a disease that started in childhood or adolescence, nearly half of new T1D diagnoses are among adults. And misconceptions about the disease can result in people being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes or experiencing serious complications at diagnosis.

If you have a family history of T1D, or if you would like to take a more proactive approach to understanding your health, you should know that you have options to detect T1D early through screening.

The leading global T1D research and advocacy organization, Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), is encouraging people, especially those with a family history, to “Detect so you can decide” and learn the potential risk for developing T1D. Early detection of T1D can help reduce the risk of life-threatening complications at diagnosis and allow people time to access care, participate in T1D clinical trials, and prepare for future medical needs.

What is T1D?

Nearly 1.45 million Americans live with T1D, which is an autoimmune disease that causes your pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, and this number is increasing every year. Insulin is a hormone that everyone needs to get energy from the food they eat. People with T1D must take insulin by shots or an insulin pump to survive.

Who is at risk for T1D?

A family history of T1D increases your chance of a T1D diagnosis by 15 times. However, it’s important to know that over 85% of people with T1D do not have any family history of the disease, which is why early detection through screening is so important.

“A type 1 diabetes diagnosis is life-changing and can be overwhelming, but early detection helps individuals and their families prepare and plan,” said Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, PhD, APRN, AVP of community screening and clinical trial education at Breakthrough T1D. “The benefits of early detection are significant and could lead to a delay in the onset of the disease through approved therapies or accelerate research through clinical trials.”

How early detection works

A simple blood test can detect the presence of certain islet autoantibodies, as the earliest indication of T1D. Screening for T1D typically tests for four autoantibodies, and research shows that most people who test positive for two or more autoantibodies persistently will eventually develop T1D. This early awareness can help people monitor for disease progression and symptoms and help avoid potentially life-threatening complications at diagnosis.

“Screening and monitoring can help reduce the number of people with T1D who experience diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis from between 25-50% to 5%,” added Albanese-O’Neill. “Because early detection is so important, we want people to know their options and the steps they can take to screen for T1D.”

How you can take action for your health

In partnership with local clinics nationwide, Breakthrough T1D is expanding early detection opportunities, especially for family members of people who have been diagnosed with T1D. Online resources will help you talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of screening for your family.

In June 2024, new consensus guidance was developed under the leadership of Breakthrough T1D in partnership with over 60 global experts. This new guidance will help the healthcare team care for those who test positive for autoantibodies, monitor for disease progression and guide patients by providing support and information about appropriate therapies, clinical trials and other resources.

To learn more, talk to your health care provider and visit BreakthroughT1D.org/early-detection.

2024-08-27T13:01:00

(BPT) – Technology is an integral part of education today. As kids head back to class, it’s crucial to understand the potential digital safety challenges they may encounter. You can equip yourself with the knowledge to educate your children, regardless of their age or grade level, by providing them with tools they need both in and out of the classroom to become responsible digital citizens.

This guide can help you understand some of the risks your kids may face, along with age-appropriate steps to help keep your family safe.

Navigating potential threats

The potential online safety threats your children face and their ability to use and understand technology changes as they grow and develop. Start by setting age-appropriate limits for device use and take time to educate them about potential hazards of the online world. This foundation will help them make smart, informed decisions as they grow and use technology in different ways.

Early introductions to technology: preschool and elementary school

Children’s interactions with technology start even before they enter grade school. During these crucial years, young children use devices to explore videos, play games, complete schoolwork and communicate with friends and family online.

Some of the potential risks at this age include encountering inappropriate content, clicking on dangerous phishing links that may infect their device with malware and even engaging with people they should not.

Start early by setting a good example of responsible digital use. Have open and candid conversations about technology regularly with your children. Reassure them that if they encounter anything online that upsets or scares them, they can talk to you without fear of getting in trouble.

Understand your school’s tech policies and how your kids are being taught to use their devices responsibly. Consider checking out The Smart Talk, a resource created by the National PTA and Norton to help facilitate and guide discussions about safe technology use with your child. Tools such as Norton Parental Control can also help you safeguard your children from online threats by blocking websites and inappropriate content, setting screen time limits and monitoring their activity, including searches and app use.

Growing up fast: middle school and high school

These years can be challenging. It’s when kids engage in more digital exploration, personal communication with friends and expression through social media. Kids will explore a wider range of websites and apps for personal and academic purposes, making them more vulnerable to various online threats. When they use social media and messaging apps, they may also face risks like cyberbullying, exchanging inappropriate content and scams.

Teens can be an easy target for scammers. Educating them about email, text and social media scams will help them better spot one in the wild. Teens should especially be cautious talking to and accepting messages from people they don’t know to ensure their digital and physical safety.

Be open with your child regarding their social media usage and how they engage online, through apps and texts. At this age, teens should understand that once something is online, it lives there forever. Once they send a message or photo, they lose control of where it ends up. Recognize the signs of cyberbullying and encourage your children to confide in you if they experience harassment online or inappropriate messages, such as sexting. Resources like Norton Family can monitor your family’s online presence, protect their devices, manage your teen’s virtual learning environment and even teach them safe online habits. These resources help create a safer, more informed digital environment for your family.

Independent young adults: college

Leaving the nest is a huge milestone that comes with newfound independence and responsibility. It’s crucial for college students to stay informed about risks they may encounter during this new phase of their life.

Young adults manage their own bank accounts, Social Security numbers and sensitive personal information. Scammers target them sometimes disguised as fellow students to access their personal data, steal their identity or trick them into a scam. Using public Wi-Fi networks in coffee shops, dorms or libraries can also leave college students vulnerable to viruses and malware attacks.

Products like Norton 360 with LifeLock identity protection will protect your college student from viruses, hackers and identity thieves. It also includes a virtual private network or VPN to keep their internet browsing private when connecting to public or insecure networks. They can also download Norton Genie, a free scam detector app that leverages AI to identify and avoid common scams in real time.

As a parent, you’ll never stop worrying — but with knowledge about potential threats plus these tools under their belt, you can help your children become smart consumers of technology and educate them on how to navigate the technology needed to get them through school at every age, explore the world, make social connections and learn the skills they’ll need as responsible adults.

Visit Norton.com to learn more about keeping your family safer from online threats.