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3 ways small businesses can use technology this holiday season to thrive

2024-11-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is right around the corner, and if recent retail sales forecasts are any indication, it’s going to be a massive year for small businesses. The Mintel Holiday Shopping Report 2024 predicts U.S. retail sales in November and December will reach upwards of $1.07 trillion and people are planning to start their shopping early. Are small businesses ready?

For many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the holidays can make or break their year. Small businesses don’t have the same luxury as big corporations and, in most cases, operate with a lean team, tight inventory and limited resources. With this in mind, every second and every dollar matters. So, how can businesses ensure that they’re optimizing internal processes and utilizing their employees effectively to drive growth?

Technology can be a powerful enabler, opening up new opportunities and giving small businesses a significant edge toward success. The right technology will allow businesses to reach the right audience, meet customer demand and drive maximum traffic.

Here are three ways SMBs can leverage technology to stand out and scale up this holiday season, from the pros at Lenovo.

Use AI to improve efficiency

AI isn’t going to replace people, especially in customer service and sales, and it can be a big help in improving the way owners operate their business. According to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, 75% of small businesses are using AI for a variety of tasks, and nearly half of those report AI allows their (human) employees to focus on more meaningful, higher-level tasks. Whether it’s streamlining processes, generating new ideas, tracking inventory or creating custom marketing materials, AI can be molded and incorporated into your business to address your needs. AI can also provide support with analyzing customer data to create targeted advertising and personalized recommendations, automation of repetitive tasks like data entry, and creating chatbots for simple customer service questions or needs, allowing team members to prioritize more complex projects.

Create and optimize an online presence to attract consumers

Consumers expect businesses to have an online presence in addition to a physical presence. In fact, data from Expert Market shows 98% of small businesses have some kind of online presence, however, only 63% have ecommerce integrated into their website. That’s a missed opportunity. According to the Mintel report, 82% of people are multichannel shoppers who shop online. Adobe Analytics predicts online holiday sales will top $240.8 billion this year, with this being the most “mobile” shopping year to date. With all of those online and multi-channel shoppers, small businesses must include ecommerce on their sites to stay competitive.

Improve customer experience

SMBs should ensure they are reaching customers where they are by offering an omnichannel experience. For those with an established online presence, they must continue to incorporate new techniques that elevate their customers’ online experience so they continue to return. A robust, user-friendly website with ecommerce creates a great customer experience. You want shoppers to feel as welcome online as they do in your physical business. Chatbots can help out with customer service, personalized email campaigns can make your customers feel seen and heard, while social media marketing can build loyalty, create community and put you in touch with people all over the world. Other tools like customer relationship management systems can store customer data, track purchase history and provide targeted offers, further upping the relationship level.

By leveraging technology, small businesses can level up just before the holiday rush. Technological advancements will help small business owners create an engaging, personalized presence for customers and can help run your business more efficiently and smoothly, too. For more information about how technology can help your business, visit Lenovo.com.

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Deck the halls with cybersecurity smarts

2024-11-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – As you start checking off everyone on your holiday shopping list, it’s important to remember that more online shopping means more opportunities for cyber scams. But don’t let the Grinch steal your holiday cheer! It’s time to deck the halls with essential cybersecurity tips to ensure a safe and merry shopping experience.

Unwrap some festive tips to keep your holiday season jolly and scam-free!

1. Update your devices for a holly jolly holiday

In your tech-driven lives, your devices act as your personal elves, guarding your digital stockings. Regular updates help to patch vulnerabilities and protect you from the latest security threats. So, as you prepare for your holiday online shopping sprees, make sure all your devices — smartphones, tablets, laptops — are running the latest operating systems. This not only enhances security but also improves functionality, making your online experience smoother as you shop for that perfect holiday gift.

2. Protect your holiday cheer: Avoid public Wi-Fi for financial transactions

As you dash through shopping malls or bustling airports, the convenience of public Wi-Fi can be tempting. However, these unsecured networks can quickly become a hacker’s winter wonderland, making it risky to conduct financial transactions or access sensitive information. Instead, opt for secure networks that require a password, or better yet, use your mobile data when making purchases. It’s always worth waiting for a safer connection to protect your personal data and avoid potential cyber pitfalls during your holiday shopping adventures.

3. Stay off the naughty list: Skip ads and go straight to the site

While it’s easy to get drawn in by eye-catching ads promising unbeatable holiday deals, clicking on them can expose you to scams. Advertisements often track your data and lead you to fraudulent websites. Instead, take a moment to type the URL directly into your browser. This small yet impactful action not only safeguards your personal information but ensures that you reach the legitimate sites for your holiday shopping, allowing you to shop with confidence.

4. Keep your digital wallet as safe as Santa’s sleigh

Digital wallets are convenient tools for both in-person and online shopping, especially as you navigate holiday markets or browse for gifts during your travels. They encrypt your account details, ensuring your card numbers are never shared. However, it’s vital you secure this personal vault. Protect it with a robust passcode and enable biometric locks, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This added layer of security ensures that your financial information remains safe, allowing you to enjoy your holiday shopping without fear.

5. Jingle All the Way with Zero Liability

This festive season, let Zero Liability keep your holiday cheer intact and free from worries. Financial institutions that issue Mastercard cards won’t hold you responsible for “unauthorized transactions,” as long as they are promptly reported and you’ve taken reasonable care to protect your card from loss or theft. As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability covers your purchases made in-store, over the phone, online, via a mobile device, and even at ATMs. With such protections, paying with your card brings more peace of mind than paying with cash or check.

So, keep your card close, and let your holiday spirit shine bright without any worries! As the holiday season jingles on, remember to be proactive about cybersecurity to make your shopping experience merry and bright. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa at a cozy café while hunting for last-minute gifts online or exploring local treasures in a new city, these tips will help you navigate the bustling holiday landscape safely. So, deck the halls with cyber smarts, enjoy your festive shopping, and travel safely.

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USDA’s Message to Travelers: Don’t Pack Pork!

2024-11-18T23:01:00

(BPT) – Are you traveling abroad this holiday season? As you choose souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your trip, remember to leave the pork behind.

Pork products from outside the U.S. mainland pose a serious threat to the nation’s pork population. If you bring pork products back from your travels, you could unknowingly bring back African swine fever (ASF), which could decimate the U.S. pork industry.

To protect our nation’s agricultural industry and economy, travelers to or from the U.S. mainland, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are prohibited from bringing pork products with them.

What is African swine fever?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), ASF is a highly contagious and deadly virus that’s infected pigs in many countries. Although it’s harmless to humans, the virus may be present in food made from pork. Travelers can inadvertently spread the disease by bringing pork or pork products with them from a country where ASF exists.

What would happen if ASF enters the U.S.?

ASF hasn’t reached the U.S. yet. If the virus does enter the country, an outbreak could devastate U.S. farmers, food supply and the economy.

The U.S. is one of the world’s largest pork producers and the second-largest exporter of pork in the world. If ASF were to infect the pork population, it could cost $74 billion over a decade.

ASF won’t make meat unsafe to eat. However, if just one pig on one farm contracts the virus, it will disrupt our food supply and have an impact on your wallet. The introduction of ASF to the U.S. could kill millions of pigs that the country relies on for food, leading to pork shortages and increased food prices.

Which countries have ASF?

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH, formerly OIE) reports that the disease has reached multiple countries across Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific, affecting both domestic and wild pigs.

As of 2021, ASF has been detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. To keep the disease out of the U.S., APHIS established a protection zone in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Since then, there have been increased inspections of passengers and products arriving from ASF-affected countries and advanced risk-based restrictions on imports of pork and pork products from these countries.

How can I help prevent the spread of ASF?

If you’re traveling this holiday season, you can be part of the ongoing effort to keep ASF out of the U.S. To prevent the spread of ASF to the U.S. pig population, USDA APHIS recommends taking the following steps:

  • Don’t bring food containing pork with you when you travel.
  • When you enter the U.S., declare all meats, animals and animal products to Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
  • Tell CBP if you have been on a farm, near livestock or near wild pigs.
  • After you return, wait at least five days before you visit any animal facility with pigs. This includes farms, livestock markets, zoos, circuses and pet stores with pot-bellied pigs.

To learn more about ASF and about the USDA’s Don’t Pack Pork initiative, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/stopasf.

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Early Detection and Management of Feline Diabetes: What Cat Owners Need to Know

2024-11-18T14:57:00

(BPT) – During National Diabetes Month, Elanco is raising awareness about an often-overlooked disease — feline diabetes. With approximately 600,000 cats in the U.S. diagnosed with diabetes in their lifetime, and cases on the rise, Bexacat™ (bexagliflozin tablets), an innovative treatment, is changing the landscape of feline diabetes care.[1],[2]

Feline diabetes occurs when a cat’s body is unable to regulate sugar (glucose) in their blood due to insulin resistance and/or insulin deficiency. Glucose is an important fuel source for cells in the body and insulin (a hormone from the pancreas) is responsible for driving glucose into the cells to be utilized for energy. Without insulin, glucose is unable to enter cells, and the body is forced to use fat and muscle for energy to avoid starvation despite increasingly high blood glucose levels. Over time, this cycle of “starvation amidst plenty” leads to weight loss despite an excessive appetite, increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and a life-threatening buildup of acids in the blood from excessive fat breakdown called ketoacidosis. Unfortunately, feline diabetes is a chronic illness that requires lifelong medical care and owner education to prevent complications and ensure a good quality of life.

For pet owners, receiving a feline diabetes diagnosis can feel scary and overwhelming. They face the fear of the unknown and may worry about lifestyle changes and the complicated nature of traditional therapy. Over 90% of cat owners say they know their cat best; however, many are unfamiliar with symptoms of feline diabetes.[3] Recognizing the signs early can lead to timely veterinary care and better outcomes for cats.

Symptoms of Feline Diabetes

Research shows 125,000 cats go untreated when it comes to feline diabetes, making them susceptible to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, dehydration, severe depression, problems with motor functions, coma, and even death.[4] Diagnosis is the first step toward managing the condition. A simple way to remember the signs of feline diabetes is to think M.E.O.W:

  • M: More drinking and urinating
  • E: Excessive appetite
  • O: Overweight
  • W: Weight loss that occurs suddenly

Providing care for your cat doesn’t need to be overwhelming, and feline diabetes doesn’t have to prevent your cat from thriving in a happy home. It’s important to recognize the signs of feline diabetes early and start a conversation with your veterinarian. Feline diabetes has lasting impacts on overall cat health and when untreated, can impact a cat’s weight, ability to play, and overall mobility. Detection and treatment will help cats, and their pet parents, get back to their regular, healthier lives.

Bexacat: A Breakthrough Treatment for Diabetes in Cats

For owners, getting a diagnosis of diabetes can be devastating. In fact, one study found that one in ten pets are euthanized after being given this diagnosis.[2] Diabetes has historically been treated with once to twice daily treatments of insulin, which is given as an injection under the skin. Luckily, there is an alternative — Bexacat™ (bexagliflozin tablets), the first and only non-insulin oral tablet specifically designed to treat feline diabetes in otherwise healthy cats not previously treated with insulin. This prescription product is an easy-to-give flavored tablet that helps manage your cat’s diabetes.

During National Diabetes Month, and every month, think M.E.O.W. If your cat is showing signs of diabetes, schedule a visit with your veterinarian today. With proper management, cats with diabetes can live longer, healthier lives.

To learn more about Bexacat, visit yourpetandyou.com.


[1] Feline diabetes | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

[2] AVMA 2022 Pet Ownership and Demographic Sourcebook

[3], [4] Elanco Animal Health. Market Data on File.

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Tips for Healthy Aging with Medicare Advantage Plans

2024-11-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Your health plan plays a big role in keeping you healthy as you age. It can support key parts of healthy aging, like preventive care, taking prescribed medications, regular exercise and staying socially active. Medicare Advantage plans, for example, offer a more complete approach to health and wellness, helping you manage these important areas of your life. Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan is important during this year’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), when Medicare-eligible people can sign up or make changes to their coverage.

Dr. Ali Khan, chief medical officer for Aetna® Medicare, is a practicing board-certified internist who sees primarily Medicare patients and discusses these aspects of healthy aging with them nearly every day. To help people understand how these plans support healthy aging, Dr. Khan shares four key tips:

1. Focus on preventive care

Getting regular checkups and screenings from your doctor can help catch health problems early, which can stop them from becoming more serious. It’s important to review your Medicare Advantage plan as many cover various health screenings, such as colonoscopies and mammograms, at no additional cost.

Don’t forget about the importance of regular dental, vision and hearing care, too. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include dental, vision and hearing benefits. Poor oral health can harm other parts of the body as you age, which can lead to heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. It can also reduce your quality of life and impact your overall health. Poor vision or hearing can sometimes point to bigger health conditions such as dementia.

You might not even have to leave your own home for some preventive care. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer an annual Healthy Home Visit from a licensed clinician with Signify Health®. During these visits, a clinician can assess your health and check your home for fall risks and social support needs, helping to keep you safe and healthy. After the visit, the clinician will share a summary report with your doctor and help coordinate any care needs.

An Aetna Medicare Advantage plan member shared feedback related to their preventive care experience: “I believe Aetna’s focus on health care versus sick care is a better way to go. They understand that maintaining a person’s health is better than trying to get them healthy after they’re sick.”

2. Stay physically active

Regular physical exercise is a big part of healthy aging. Not only does it help keep muscles and bones strong, but it also helps improve heart health and lowers the risk of chronic conditions. Medicare Advantage plans can also provide benefits related to exercise, such as offering a SilverSneakers® basic fitness membership. Many older adults experience social isolation or loneliness, so signing up for group fitness classes also helps to stay socially connected.

3. Take medications as prescribed

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking medications. Life’s demands can make it easy to forget to take medications. However, setting up a daily routine can help you remember to take them, such as taking your medicine at the same time every day or pairing it with a task like brushing your teeth. Pill organizers can also help ensure you take the right dose at the right time.

4. Prevent falls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older and over 14 million older adults report falling every year. To prevent falls, stay active to help maintain balance, get your vision and hearing checked regularly, and remove hazards like loose rugs from your home.

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer home health assessments to identify risks, and they may cover vision and hearing tests that can increase awareness of the surrounding environment.

This is an important time of year to be thinking about your health plan and what health benefits matter most to your overall health and wellness. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is already underway and runs through December 7. People who are eligible can sign up for Medicare or switch plans during this time. To learn more about 2025 Aetna Medicare plans, call Aetna at 1-844-588-0041 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week, 8 AM to 8 PM. A licensed agent may answer your call. Or visit AetnaMedicare.com. Aetna and Signify Health are part of the CVS Health® family of companies.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

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Expectant parents: 6 reasons to learn your baby’s gender earlier

2024-11-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Few experiences compare to the excitement of finding out you are pregnant and the anticipation of your growing family. Along with natural concerns about the childbirth process and health of your child, you have many other questions and curiosities. What will your baby be like? Will your child resemble one parent or the other? How will they act, smile, learn and grow? And one of the most intriguing questions: Will your baby be a boy or a girl?

The unknowns you face as a parent can feel overwhelming, so wouldn’t it be great to have at least one of these questions answered sooner? According to a survey commissioned by Myriad Genetics, 82% of parents want to know the gender of their baby in advance, and of those parents who did find out ahead of time, almost all of them (94%) said they would do it again.1

Answering the age-old question

For generations, there were many tales about how to determine your baby’s gender, including the shape and position of the mother’s “baby bump,” which were not very scientifically accurate. While these tales still hold popularity, many parents seek out more verifiable ways of determining their baby’s gender, like an ultrasound, which typically does not happen until 20 weeks into pregnancy.

While 70% of survey respondents believed you could get an accurate gender result via ultrasound as early as 11-20 weeks into pregnancy,1 the reality is that the accuracy of gender determination by ultrasound is just over 70% at 11 weeks. The second-most commonly cited method of determining gender by expectant parents is noninvasive prenatal screening, which is offered at 10 weeks or later to detect risk for certain genetic conditions.

Early answers

Thanks to modern science, it’s possible to learn if your new bundle of joy is a male or female as early as six weeks — from the comfort of your own home. The SneakPeek® At-Home Gender Test uses an innovative DNA-based method to detect fetal sex as early as six weeks with clinically proven over 99% accuracy.2

The only six-week gender test used by more than one million parents, the SneakPeek test requires the collection of a simple, at-home blood sample, which is then analyzed in a lab to detect whether male chromosomes are present or not. If they are present, the baby is predicted to be a boy, and if not, the baby is predicted to be a girl. SneakPeek is also the number one OBGYN-recommended gender test.3

The benefits of knowing early

Why are so many expectant parents eager to know their baby’s gender as soon as possible? Here are the top seven reasons according to survey respondents:

1. Preparedness: You can feel more ready for your baby’s arrival, including decorating their room or nursery, planning a baby shower, buying their clothing and more.

2. Naming: Face it, deciding on a baby’s name is hard! You’ll have a few more weeks to find the perfect fit.

3. Satisfy curiosity and impatience: Nine months is a long time, so why wait if you don’t have to?

4. Bonding with the baby: With more information, it’s easier to imagine your life with your new child and strengthen that early sense of connection.

5. Reducing the number of unknowns: Welcoming a new child can be stressful, and fewer unknowns can help you feel more confident and secure as you go through your pregnancy journey.

6. Celebrating with friends and family: Knowing earlier gives parents the power to plan and decide when to share the your news with everyone.

Whatever your reasons for wanting to know your baby’s gender sooner, you’re not alone. Now expectant parents can enjoy getting to know their newest family member earlier than ever before.

For a “sneak peek” into the future of your family, visit SneakPeekTest.com, or find the test at your local drugstore or retailer.

Survey Methodology: Myriad Genetics SneakPeek Survey was conducted online by Padilla Newsmaker January 2024 among a statistically representative sample (n=1,000) of U.S. women between the ages of 21-45 who intended to get pregnant, are pregnant or have been pregnant.

1 ©2024 Padilla Newsmaker Online Survey, January 2024, n=1,000.

2 In a separated published study run in 2021, fetal sex was accurately determined in 100% of 134 pregnant women at 7 weeks gestational age. In a 2022 scientific study, SneakPeek accurately determined fetal sex for 100% of 103 women at 6 weeks gestational age.

3 SneakPeek recommended six to one among 100 OBGYNs surveyed.

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Ways to Keep Multifamily Projects on Budget: Affordable Kitchen & Bath Products and Helpful Tools for Trade Pros

2024-11-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – With multifamily construction projects reaching as high as $700 per square foot this year, effective cost planning is essential for any build. Identifying affordable, yet functional products and services across kitchen and bath spaces is an effective way for contractors to reduce excess spending. Other factors to consider when developing a multifamily build are high-quality materials and reliable warranty programs. See below for helpful tips and solutions contractors and professionals alike can take into action when embarking on a new project.

Quality and Durability

Selecting quality materials will set up contractors for success in their next project. Quality can dictate overall durability, longevity and in general, less maintenance. Lower quality materials can depreciate at a faster pace and oftentimes require more repairs. Decreasing duplicative spending over a material’s life will ultimately create savings that can be leveraged elsewhere.

A cost-effective material contractors often rely on for construction projects is stainless steel. This material is highly valued for its strength and durability, corrosion resistance, minimal maintenance and aesthetic appeal, making it a reliable choice for commercial-type projects. In multifamily units, stainless steel could be used for interior design and aesthetic features like in railings and handrails, elevator doors and cabins, and even fixtures.

Ceramics are another highly durable material often used in construction due to their reliable properties. This is a refractory material, meaning it’s strong enough to withstand high pressures and most chemical compounds, hence why they’re commonly used in places where materials need to retain their integrity, like in the bathroom. Ceramics are great in the bath because they have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, meaning they don’t expand or contract much with temperature changes. This makes them stable and reduces the risk of cracking in these types of environments.

A seamless way to incorporate ceramics in multifamily projects is in fixtures within the bathroom. Ceramic valves are almost leak-proof and rarely need repairs, whereas ball valves are more prone to leakage and the ball itself might need to be replaced over time. Brands like Peerless® Faucet do a great job at offering high-quality, cost-efficient bath fixtures that not only look good but are incredibly functional. The brand offers ceramic valves across all fixtures, so no matter what contractors choose, they’re always guaranteed quality and durability.

Reliable Warranty and Incentive Programs

When beginning a new project, contractors should ensure the products they select have reliable warranties that will repair or replace (free of charge) parts if ever defective. Reliable warranty programs are essential in construction projects like multifamily because they provide a safeguard for financial investment against potential defects or failures in products and materials, while also enhancing trust between suppliers, builders and clients. In fact, many manufacturers also offer extended warranty terms and have local representatives available who can intervene on your behalf in case of any issues, which in turn, can prevent project delays.

In addition, in many states, there are programs and cost-efficient incentives available to multifamily professionals through tax breaks or direct funding. Building developers may be able to access things like new energy efficient home credits, commercial building deductions and low-income community bonus credit programs. Professionals can find available programs and incentives like these in their state by visiting www.energystar.gov/homesavings or www.dsireusa.org (Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency).

Ease of Installation and Functionality

With labor accounting for 40-50% of construction project costs, it’s crucial for contractors to purchase products that are easy to install and maintain. Easy-to-install products save time, allowing projects to stay on schedule and within budget, while simplifying the work for laborers, potentially reducing the need for specialized skills. Products that are easy to maintain also enhance the long-term value of the project by lowering maintenance costs and reducing downtime for repairs, ensuring the structure remains functional and durable with minimal disruptions over its lifespan.

Tools of the installation trade including: a level, trowl, caulking gun, tile, measuring tape, etc.

Peerless® designs user-friendly products that make installation a breeze while also allowing for flexibility. For example, in the bath, the Multichoice Universal Valve offers the ability to update shower fixtures without altering the plumbing behind the wall. It also pairs with all shower trims across the Delta Faucet Company portfolio if updating them is ever desired.

Putting It into Action

Cost planning is a critical component for a successful multifamily project. Trade professionals can select high-quality materials to create savings not only for contractors but for future homeowners. Additionally, identifying plumbing that’s easy to install and modify will future-proof the build and allow tenants the ability to renovate or swap fixtures as they’d like. Contractors should also ensure that the brands they are selecting are backed with extensive warranties to protect their investment and the livelihoods of those who will be living in the finished units. Professionals should give these cost-effective products and services a gander for their next tasks; cross-reference plans and you’re sure to identify savings for your next multifamily or commercial project.

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4 cookbooks to inspire your holiday meals

2024-11-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – Cooking is so much more than just heating up something for dinner. It’s about feeding your family, gathering in the kitchen while sauces are simmering and talking about the day, and showing love through the meals we make for the people we hold dear. On holidays, all of that is taken up a notch! Many of us grew up with favorite holiday dishes passed from grandmothers on down. But holiday cooking is also about making new traditions. Why not try something new this year?

Here are four new cookbooks from Disney Publishing and National Geographic that are great for everyone and will help you serve up holiday memories along with delicious dishes. Bonus tip: These cookbooks make great holiday gifts!

The Official Disney Parks Celebration Cookbook: 101 Festival Recipes from the Delicious Disney Vault

The Official Disney Parks Celebration Cookbook cover.

Create Disney magic at home with this collection of official recipes from festivals at the Disney Parks. While these events are delightfully orchestrated days of live entertainment, art, culture, and beauty, for many guests, the food is the star. Now celebrate all that is joyous about festivals across the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort — in your own kitchen.

Delicious dessert wraps served with sweet sauce and whipped cream.

With gorgeous food photography and advice from the Disney Chefs, this cookbook offers ideas for appetizers, small plates, main courses, sides, beverages, and sweet treats. Plus, 40 of the 101 recipes are being published for the very first time!

A Confident Cook: Recipes for Joyous, No-Pressure Fun in the Kitchen

Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling A Confident Cook book cover

by Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling

A new cookbook for beginners and curious cooks by Emmy Award-winning talk show host and journalist Tamron Hall and her good friend, chef and award-winning culinary producer, Lish Steiling.

Tamron and Lish frying chicken in the kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Volo

When Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling first met while working at the Today show, they never imagined their friendship would lead to endless kitchen adventures filled with laughs, learning, and even tears of pure joy. In A Confident Cook, they share that same empowerment and excitement with those who are just starting to cook. Learn how to select which tools you need (and which you don’t!); how to stock your pantry; and how to cook for one, two, or a whole group. Scrumptious recipes include Baked French Toast with Berries for a Crowd, Crispy Fried Chicken, Harissa Roasted Carrots with Queso Fresco, and so many delectable desserts. Plus, family-style crowd pleasers like Sweet-and-Spicy Ham and Garlicky Potato Gratin are perfect for your holiday gathering. Throughout, Lish and Tamron chat, teach, learn, and inspire you to keep it going in the kitchen!

Big Moe’s Big Book of BBQ

Big Moes Big Book of BBQ book cover

by Moe Cason

In this mouthwatering debut cookbook by pitmaster Moe Cason — who has competed in more than 250 barbecue competitions — find 75 of his family-favorite recipes, including his beloved brisket and competition-winning ribs.

Big Moe preparing ribs inf front of a smokey grill.
Photo courtesy of Jody Horton

From bone-in Tomahawk steak to Big Moe’s famous burgers, the mouth-watering recipes gathered in these beautifully photographed pages showcase a breadth of time-tested techniques and recipes. And let’s not forget the sides! Savor a secret-ingredient mac-n-cheese that wowed Steve Harvey, enjoy a generations-old sweet-and-savory Jalapeño Cornbread, and get a taste of perfectly seasoned collard greens. Plus, Cason offers expert guidance on working with different types of smokers and grills, filling the pantry with award-winning spice rubs and marinades, selecting the perfect cuts of meat, and more.

The Blue Zones Kitchen

The Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook cover.

by Dan Buettner

Building on decades of research, longevity expert Dan Buettner has gathered 100 recipes inspired by the Blue Zones, home to the healthiest and happiest communities in the world. Each dish, like Sardinian Minestrone, Costa Rican Hearts of Palm Ceviche, Cornmeal Waffles from Loma Linda, California, and Okinawan Sweet Potatoes, uses ingredients and cooking methods proven to increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. Complemented by mouthwatering photography, the recipes also feature lifestyle tips (including the best times to eat dinner and proper portion sizes), all gleaned from locations as far away as Japan and as near as Blue Zones project cities in Texas. Innovative, easy to follow, and delicious, these healthy living recipes make the Blue Zones lifestyle attainable, so you can improve your health, extend your life, and fill your kitchen with happiness.

Baker working with traditional ingredients in a rustic venue.
Photo courtesy of David McLain

These cookbooks make great gifts for all the home chefs in your life. You can find these delicious and educational titles from Disney Publishing and National Geographic wherever you love to buy your books.

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New Technology Provides Hope for Patient with AFib

2024-11-15T13:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Boston Scientific

After retiring from his career as a photographer, Pennsylvania resident Bob Skalkowski looked forward to spending his time sailing, gardening, exercising, fixing things around the house and taking photos just for fun — but he never expected atrial fibrillation, or AFib, to interfere with his goals and plans. Although he knew that his parents had AFib in their older years, Bob was still in his early 70s and led a truly active lifestyle.

When he suddenly began experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness and ankle swelling, Bob thought it might be simple dehydration. But his wife, Beverly, was concerned and encouraged him to go to see his doctor. Before he knew it, he was in the hospital for five days, with his doctors trying to lower his resting heart rate of 170 beats per minute (60-100 is considered normal for his age). That was when a doctor first diagnosed Bob with AFib.

“I think there needs to be more education about AFib, because most people don’t know what it is, what it feels like, or they confuse it with something else like I did,” said Bob.

What is atrial fibrillation?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), AFib is an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia that occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slowly or irregularly. AFib can lead to serious and even fatal events such as blood clots, stroke and heart failure.1 It is estimated that over 12 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with AFib by 2030.2

While symptoms can include irregular heartbeat, palpitations, lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain,1 Bob described his AFib as a hollow feeling. He said it was like “a space in my chest was opening up.” After his initial diagnosis, he commonly used a mobile electrocardiogram device linked to his phone to track his pulse. As a first treatment step, patients are often given anti-arrhythmic drugs. However, they aren’t always effective and can cause side effects, which became yet another reason for concern for Bob.

“My underlying symptom was worry,” said Bob. “I was always worrying, even when I was taking medications.”

Bob didn’t think that the medications were working to resolve his condition, as his AFib episodes still lasted between two and 12 hours. Most of all, he continued to worry that his life would never return to “normal,” and that he would have to constantly monitor his heart rate, preventing him from relaxing and enjoying the things that he loved to do.

A new treatment option

Feeling frustrated by his current AFib treatment, Bob often scoured the internet for news about the latest treatments and to see if there were alternative methods to better manage his AFib. During a discussion, Bob’s doctor shared that there was a technology being studied in a clinical trial called the FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) System. He was intrigued and asked to learn more.

Some patients with heart arrhythmias, including AFib, undergo thermal ablation — a procedure that uses a catheter to apply extreme heat or cold to target areas of the heart. Bob’s doctor explained that the FARAPULSE PFA System uses electrical fields instead of extreme temperatures to target specific areas of the heart. He added that it was designed to avoid damage to the esophagus and other surrounding structures, which can result in complications or even death in some rare occurrences.

Bob soon became the first person in Pennsylvania to participate in the clinical trial for this innovative technology.

The FARAPULSE PFA System was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2024 with an indication to treat paroxysmal (i.e., intermittent) AFib and is a unique, new alternative to standard-of-care thermal ablation therapy.

Feeling like himself again

Bob and Bev wearing jackets enjoying a mountainous vista during Autumn.

Following his procedure with the FARAPULSE PFA System, Bob was beginning to feel like his old self again. Overall, he was thrilled with the results and delighted to return to sailing, doing home improvement projects and enjoying his life.

“Once you get to a certain age, you’re not invincible anymore — you need to see your doctor every year,” said Bob. “And if you do have AFib, don’t be afraid to ask about all the treatment options that are available to you, because your life can depend on it.”

There are risks associated with all medical procedures. Please talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of the FARAPULSE PFA System. For more information about AFib treatments and to see if you are a candidate for a FARAPULSE PFA procedure visit www.farapulse.com.

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References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Atrial Fibrillation. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/atrial_fibrillation.htm. Last Reviewed October 14, 2022. Accessed March 2024.
  2. Colilla S, Crow A, Petkun W, Singer DE, Simon T, Liu X. Estimates of current and future incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation in the U.S. adult population. Am J Cardiol. 2013;112:1142–1147. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.05.063.

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5 expert tips to treat your heart well this holiday season

2024-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again when we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season. This year, when you enjoy a delicious holiday meal with friends and family, over-indulge in all the festivities, and call up those unresolved issues from childhood, remember to be mindful of your heart health.

According to a study published in Circulation, the flagship journal of the American Heart Association (AHA), more cardiac deaths occur December 25 than on any other day of the year. The second largest number of cardiac deaths occurs on December 26, and the third largest number occurs January 1. Given these findings, keeping your heart healthy should be a priority during the holidays.

“Investing in your heart health doesn’t have to dim your joyful spirit,” said Philip Nimoityn, M.D., FACC, clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Consultants of Philadelphia at Jefferson and attending physician at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. “There are many ways to enjoy all the holiday season traditions while still focusing on your health and well-being. By keeping everything in moderation, reducing stress and inflammation levels, and knowing what signs to look out for, you can make the most of the time you spend with friends, family and other loved ones this year.”

Dr. Nimoityn shares five essential tips to help you navigate the holiday season while taking care of your heart.

1. Celebrate the holiday food and drinks in moderation

During the holidays, you may find yourself indulging in rich foods and alcoholic beverages. You don’t have to give up these holiday treats. However, aim to enjoy them in moderation, as overindulgence can strain your heart.

For example, when you eat a large holiday meal, your body diverts blood from the heart to your digestive tract. If you’ve experienced a cardiovascular event or are at risk of a heart attack or stroke, a holiday binge could turn a festive get-together into a dangerous situation. Similarly, heavy drinking can trigger rhythm and other heart problems.

So, when you gather around that festive dinner table, eat slowly, stick to regular portion sizes and think twice before drinking a second spiked eggnog!

2. Stay active

Colder weather can make staying active challenging. However, regular physical activity is critical to keeping your heart healthy.

As part of your winter routine, set time aside for exercise to keep your blood moving and reduce holiday stress. Whether it’s bundling up to go on a holiday stroll with family and/or your loved ones, partaking in the annual turkey trot, enrolling in a fitness class or dancing to a holiday playlist, movement is your heart’s best friend.

On the other hand, sudden, heavy exertion — like shoveling all the snow off that driveway in one continuous effort — could cause trouble. The conclusion on moving is don’t skip your usual exercise routine and don’t go overboard with sudden, superhero exertion.

3. Have your inflammation levels checked

You might be familiar with inflammation as your body’s natural defense against illness and injury. However, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, cholesterol and plaque build-up in your arteries can also trigger an inflammatory response and, if left untreated, can damage your heart and other healthy tissues. There’s good news though; this holiday season, one simple, easily available test can measure your high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and give you a clearer picture of your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

If your hs-CRP levels are high, your doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory medication, low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg, to further reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg is the first and only therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration shown to reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event. The once-daily oral tablet can be used alone or in combination with a patient’s current lipid-lowering medication and has been proven to reduce the risk of cardiac events in patients by 31% and by 23% after a recent heart attack.

Ask your doctor today to learn more about your inflammation levels and cardiovascular risk!

4. Know the warning signs of a heart attack

Not all heart attacks are sudden and intense. Knowing the signs of a heart attack can save lives, including your own.

Symptoms can vary from person to person, but according to the AHA, early signs include:

  • Chest discomfort
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breaking out in cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness

Pay attention to your body. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Stick to your medication

When you’re busy celebrating the holidays, taking your heart medication may slip your mind. However, skipping doses can have serious consequences for your heart health. To help take care of your heart health, set reminders on your phone and keep track of your prescribed regimen.

For instance, if your cardiologist or physician has you taking a statin, a blood pressure drug or low-dose colchicine, 0.5 mg be sure to remain consistent in taking your medications to effectively reduce the risk of cardiac events along with a healthy diet and exercise. Make sure you also have your prescriptions renewed and on hand for the holidays and any holiday travel so you don’t have to worry about holiday pharmacy hours or getting a renewal at the last minute.

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind

This holiday season, take a proactive approach to your heart health. Using these five tips, you can support your cardiovascular well-being and still enjoy your usual holiday traditions with friends, family, and loved ones.

Learn more about your risk and steps you can take to support your cardiac health at CVDInflammation.com.