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An All-Star Strategy: How A-Rod Keeps His Gum Disease in Check

2024-04-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – World Series Champion and 3-time American League MVP Alex Rodriguez (aka A-Rod) knows how important it is to prioritize your oral health. That’s why, upon receiving a gum disease diagnosis over a year ago, he knew he needed to act fast.

“I realized I needed to prioritize my oral health once I was diagnosed with gum disease, which is a chronic bacterial infection,” Rodriguez says. “You can’t simply brush or floss away an infection, which can impact the gums and bone that support your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.”

Rodriguez is one of many impacted by gum disease, which affects nearly 50% of people over 30 years old. Gum disease typically presents with oral health symptoms, such as red, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums.

“Since my diagnosis, I’ve learned gum disease can be serious,” explains Rodriguez, “which is why I have remained proactive in the management of my condition.”

Rodriguez’s Game Plan

Rodriguez’s dentist began treating him with ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, an antibiotic applied directly to the gums that is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

Rodriguez’s dentist discussed ARESTIN’s safety profile with him and explained that he should not take ARESTIN if he’s allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines and offered to share a list of these drugs if he was not sure. His dentist shared that swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN and some of those reactions were serious. His dentist requested that Rodriguez share if he experiences any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if he has an exaggerated sunburn reaction. He also directed him to the full Prescribing Information for more.

“Since starting treatment, I have felt more at ease,” Rodriguez says. “Knowing my dentist is doing everything he can to manage my gum disease and reduce the risks associated with it gives me peace of mind.”

While gum disease can’t be cured, it can be managed with regular in-office monitoring, treatment, and at-home care. Rodriguez, for example, drawing from the discipline of his baseball career, maintains a rigorous oral care routine, maintaining a consistent flossing and brushing schedule. What’s more, he never misses a dentist visit, stopping by every three months.

And while some may worry about going to the dentist, Rodriguez says not to stress.

“The treatment application at the site of infection is easy with ARESTIN and doesn’t require any needles or anesthesia. My dentist has walked me through every step of my treatment plan, so I know exactly what to expect every time I visit.”

Spreading awareness about gum disease and encouraging others to prioritize their oral health is important to Rodriguez. Here’s his advice:

  1. Gum disease can be serious. Treat your gum disease as a serious infection and not something that can be ignored or solved by brushing or flossing alone.
  2. Know the signs. Be proactive and talk to your dentist if you think you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, like bleeding, red, swollen, or receding gums, or bad breath. Check out ARESTIN.com for a discussion guide that provides questions to ask during your next trip to the dentist.
  3. Routine and discipline. It is important to stick to a long-term plan, which includes visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.

Visit ARESTIN.com to learn more about gum disease and talk to your dentist about what treatment options may be right for you.

Review the Important Safety Information and the full Prescribing Information for ARESTIN.

What is ARESTIN?

ARESTIN (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1mg is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN® may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

  • Do not take ARESTIN if you are allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a list of these drugs if you are not sure. Swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN. Some of these reactions were serious. Tell your dentist right away if you have any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if you have an exaggerated sunburn reaction.
  • THE USE OF TETRACYCLINE CLASS DRUGS, INCLUDING ARESTIN, DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH, AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CHILDREN OR IN PREGNANT OR NURSING WOMEN.
  • ARESTIN has not been studied in patients with weakened immune systems (such as patients with HIV infections or diabetes, or those receiving chemotherapy or radiation). Tetracyclines, including oral minocycline, have been associated with the development of autoimmune syndrome with symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, rash, swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and general body weakness. Tell your doctor about any health problems you have, including whether you have had oral candidiasis (“thrush”) in the past, and about all medications you are taking.
  • In clinical studies, the most frequently reported non-dental side effects were headache, infection, flu symptoms, and pain.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Visit ARESTIN.com/PI for full Prescribing Information.

ARE.0080.USA.24

Source: Bausch Health US, LLC

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How small businesses can build a greener future through sustainable sourcing

2024-04-18T09:15:00

(BPT) – Sustainability has been a buzzword in the business world for years, with many businesses looking for different ways to introduce “green” products to a market that is demanding them.

According to internal data from global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce platform Alibaba.com, Request for Quotations (RFQs) containing terms such as “sustainable,” “eco-friendly,” “biodegradable” and “renewable” are up 23% year-over-year (YoY). Growth in these inquiries has occurred across industries, including apparel and accessories (61% increase YoY), kids’ toys (30% increase YoY) and electronic components (26% increase YoY).

The issue for many businesses, especially smaller ones, is some product markets are becoming oversaturated with sustainable products and setting yourself apart can be difficult. So how can you help your business stand out compared to competitors? It starts with expanding your sustainability efforts beyond the product itself.

Start with sourcing: Sustainable supply chains elevate sustainable products

With the crowded market for sustainable products, small-business owners can set themselves apart by making their entire sourcing operations sustainable. How many times have you placed an order that came in an unnecessary amount of extra packaging that you just ended up throwing away? Is a sustainable product really sustainable if its packaging isn’t, or if the supply chain to get it to customers creates considerable pollution? By considering these potential issues and adapting your supply chain to address them, your business can do more than create a sustainable product — it can be a sustainable business.

How can you implement sustainable practices into your supply chain? Turning to online sourcing platforms to help identify sustainable sourcing partners can do a lot of the work for you, including:

  • Simplifying the process of sorting through potential suppliers: B2B e-commerce platforms such as Alibaba.com have features that allow you to add search filters to narrow down sourcing options and identify suppliers that fit the specific profile you are looking for.
  • Providing ways for suppliers to verify their sustainable practices: These platforms also provide prospective suppliers with ways to verify their sustainable practices, including listing any certifications or sustainability data that can help you identify the right sourcing partner.
  • Connecting small businesses and suppliers directly: B2B e-commerce platforms help you identify potential sourcing partners, and some platforms like Alibaba.com provide you with a direct channel to communicate with suppliers to find your match and begin sourcing sustainably. By connecting directly with suppliers, you can more easily ask about their materials, manufacturing processes and certifications to ensure that they fit the profile you are looking for.

How to tell people about your sustainable business

Crafting your sustainable product line and supply chains is important, but equally important in standing out amongst your competitors is effectively marketing your product and sustainability practices. While tactics might differ based on the types of products you are selling, there are a few key considerations as you go to market your products:

  • Leverage the information your suppliers provide: With all the information that suppliers can provide on B2B e-commerce platforms, you have the information you need to show consumers how your product and business are sustainable. By sharing this information with your customers, you demonstrate transparency around your sourcing practices to help consumers trust that your product is truly sustainable.
  • Make it digestible for the average person: When marketing the sustainability aspect of your product and business, it is important to make sure you are using clear, accessible language that can be understood by all consumers. Your sustainability messaging can only set you apart if your customers understand what it means, and making it accessible can help further build trust with your customers by increasing transparency.
  • Show your customers how your product benefits them: When a customer is making a purchasing decision, their choice ultimately boils down to deciding which product benefits them the most. Make sure that you are marketing your product or business in a way that communicates how the product benefits them both personally and how their purchase means they are making a difference for the environment.

At the end of the day, differentiating your sustainable business from competitors requires you to ensure that your entire operation is sustainable, and communicating your sustainability efforts in a way that your customers can understand. While the physical delivery of sustainable products is important, giving customers the peace of mind that they are making full-circle sustainable choices to help the world is equally crucial to building and maintaining your consumer base.

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Purina’s commitment to pets, people and planet Earth

2024-04-18T10:11:00

(BPT) – By Gopi Sandhu, vice president of Environmental Sustainability at Nestle Purina

Efforts to protect the planet are important for every creature that calls Earth home, including people and their pets. Companies and consumers must make eco-friendly changes now to ensure a lasting impact.

At Purina we are committed to the health of pets and making high-quality products for them. We are also committed to the planet that we all share. Though our climate-focused goal of achieving net zero greenhouse emissions by 2050 drives much of the important work we do across our value chain, our sustainability work also includes water, packaging and biodiversity. Our experts continually look for ways to better steward the Earth’s resources and reduce Purina’s environmental footprint.

Ingredients and sourcing regenerative agriculture

Did you know that each ingredient used in Purina’s products is chosen specifically to meet the nutritional needs of pets based on their health and life stage? Purina has more than 500 pet nutrition and behavior scientists, veterinarians and other credentialed pet experts on staff. For decades, these experts have been studying the nutrients our dogs and cats need, then selecting the right ingredients, like high-quality meat, grains and vegetables, to ensure that every recipe will nourish pets and taste good.

Just as important as the ingredients themselves is how they are sourced — we can trace our ingredients back to our trusted suppliers. Because these ingredients are such an important part of our environmental footprint, we are working with suppliers and sustainability partners in the regions where we source our ingredients throughout the U.S. to promote and accelerate regenerative agriculture, a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems that restores soil and ecosystem health and offers climate, water and biodiversity benefits.

Purina is investing with partners like Cargill to support farmers in the Midwest as they transition to regenerative agriculture practices. This work will support soil health and is estimated to reduce the carbon footprint of the Purina grain supply from Cargill by up to 40% over the next three years.

Reduce and renew in manufacturing and logistics

Nearly all of Purina’s products sold in North America are manufactured in our own facilities across the U.S. An increasing portion of our total electricity today comes from clean energy, renewable resources such as solar, hydropower, wind and investments in renewable energy. We are on track to reach our goal to have 100% renewable electricity across all of our factories and distribution centers by 2025. Our factories have been committed to reducing energy, water and waste for decades. Similarly, our transportation network is now undergoing changes to increase the use of low carbon fuels and electric vehicles.

Recycle and reuse in packaging

Today, more than 90% of Purina’s packaging is designed for recycling, and we continue to look for ways to transition the rest of our packaging to recyclable solutions, while also working with trade organizations to promote a better recycling system in the U.S. Nearly half our Tidy Cats litter jugs are made with 60% post-consumer resin (recycled plastic), and by 2025, we’ll reduce our use of virgin plastics by one-third. Together with our partners and pet owners, we can make a difference by reducing waste to landfills.

Purina’s sustainability commitment

From the ingredients we source to manufacturing, transporting and packaging our products, Purina is committed to providing families with the healthiest and most nutritious foods possible for their pets, and to remaining focused on our impact on the world we all share. Pets are our passion, and there is nothing quite like the bond we get to share with them. It is our promise to continue working for a better planet today, and for future generations of people and pets.

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3 expert tips to fight the 3 p.m. slump

2024-04-16T23:01:00

(BPT) – Do you struggle to stay focused and alert in the afternoon? The 3 p.m. slump is very real and hard to avoid! Many people feel their energy and productivity tank during this time, but fortunately, you don’t have to give in to the 3 p.m. slump. Registered dietitian and Quest partner Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., offers her top three tips to help power through this challenging time of day.

1. Choose your afternoon beverage wisely

What you drink in the afternoon can help or hinder your fight against the afternoon slump. Choose your drinks wisely by avoiding sugary beverages. Consuming too much sugar throughout the morning is a sure way to fast-track a midday crash.

When your body has more sugar than it’s used to, it produces an influx of insulin to keep your blood glucose (sugar levels) consistent. This blood sugar spike is quickly followed by a crash caused by a rush of insulin and decreased blood glucose, leaving you tired and unfocused.

Avoid a sugar crash and boost your energy by reaching for a beverage high in protein and minimize sugar. Kirkpatrick recommends keeping Quest Iced Coffees on hand to help you power through your day. Just one serving offers 10 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar and a whopping 200 milligrams of caffeine, so you can stay alert throughout the day while hitting your nutrition goals.

2. Get moving

A simple yet powerful way to combat the 3 p.m. slump is to get moving! Moving increases blood flow and oxygen to your brain, making you feel more alert and energetic.

When you’re feeling lethargic and unfocused, practice some light stretches, do a few jumping jacks or pushups, or take a walk. With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect excuse to leave your desk and take a stroll around the block or even the office.

In addition to improving your energy and focus, physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that can make you feel happier, relaxed, and less anxious so you can breeze through your day and feel your best.

3. Work on your sleep

Do you regularly feel tired throughout the day? You may not be sleeping enough. If you are getting solid, restful sleep, you’re more likely to stay energized and focused the following day.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that adults sleep between seven to nine hours each night. Once you have a consistent sleep schedule, staying awake — even during the afternoon — will become easier.

Consider making time for a nap on days you haven’t slept enough. Surprisingly, even short naps have been found to enhance energy and alertness. Studies show that short naps can potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes!

Don’t let the 3 p.m. slump beat you! With these three tips, you can power through even your sleepiest afternoons and finish your day strong.

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East Coast Shoppers Gain New, Convenient Grocery Delivery Options

2024-04-16T23:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you need groceries for your weekly meal prep, last-minute ingredients for tonight’s dinner or stocking up for upcoming holidays, you can now have your groceries delivered straight to your door from Stop & Shop through DoorDash! Thanks to a new partnership between the grocery retail chain Stop & Shop and local commerce platform DoorDash, shoppers in the North East will have access to thousands of new items, including high-quality fresh produce, meat, seafood, household essentials, convenience items, and more.

The partnership reflects the booming trend of online grocery shopping and delivery. Today, more than half of the U.S. population, some 150 million people, regularly order groceries online and get them delivered, according to Statista.

The trend caught fire during the pandemic. That’s not surprising — people didn’t want to leave their homes to shop in a public place. What has surprised some analysts is the steady increase in online grocery shopping after the pandemic was over. The 2023 Online Grocery Shopping Report found that 56% of consumers were buying groceries online more frequently than the prior year.

So why are so many people skipping the trip to the grocery store? For one, consumers are able to access a wide variety of grocery stores from the comfort of their home, offering more options, value, and convenience. See more on online grocery shopping below:

Convenience. In today’s busy world, convenience is key. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, sometimes you just need a flexible option to get all your grocery and home essentials delivered without needing to leave the house. It’s a huge time saver and one more chore off your plate. With the touch of a button you can order all your grocery and household essentials to arrive at your doorstep in just a few hours or you can schedule ahead of time to arrive right when you need it to.

Variety. With the addition of Stop & Shop, consumers can now experience a whole new world of brands from their vast inventory — from locally-sourced produce and pantry staples, to specialty items and more.

Value. When shopping in-store, it can be hard to tally up in your head how much you’re spending. But with ordering online, you see the price as you go, making it easier to stick to your budget. Plus, by shopping at any Stop & Shop location near you, you can rest assured you are getting high-quality items at affordable prices from your local grocery store! Even better, the GO Rewards loyalty program shoppers know and love is available in the app experience. All you have to do is input your loyalty card to save on weekly promotions and earn points with every eligible purchase.

Accessibility. With grocery delivery at your fingertips, you now have the freedom to browse through endless options and purchase exactly what you need, when you need it — all from the comfort of your own home. And if you tend to buy the same few staples week after week, with DoorDash’s reorder feature, you can keep your pantry fully stocked with your everyday essentials — just simple, stress-free grocery shopping.

To offer even more savings to consumers, all Stop & Shop stores will also be available on DashPass, DoorDash’s membership program that offers members $0 delivery fee and reduced service fee on eligible orders plus member-only benefits from thousands of restaurants, grocery, and convenience stores nationwide. DashPass members save $5 per eligible order on average.* Plus, first-time Stop & Shop shoppers can enjoy 40% off their order, up to $20 on orders of $40+ with promo code ‘NEWGROCERY’ on DoorDash**.

So, what are you waiting for? Sit back and relax while DoorDash takes care of the rest.

*DashPass benefits apply only to eligible orders that meet the minimum subtotal requirement listed on DoorDash for each participating merchant. Other fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. After signing up for DashPass, you will be charged the then-current renewal price (plus applicable taxes) automatically on a recurring basis until you cancel. DashPass terms (including how to cancel) here.

40% Off Your Order, up to $20: Offer valid through 4/30/2024. Valid only on orders with a minimum subtotal greater than $40, excluding taxes and fees. Maximum discount value using promo code is $20. Offer available to new customers to Food Lion, Stop & Shop, GIANT, MARTIN’S, GIANT Heirloom, Giant Food, Hannaford on DoorDash only. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. All deliveries subject to availability. Must have or create a valid DoorDash account with a valid form of accepted payment on file. No cash value. Non-transferable. Use promo code NEWGROCERY to redeem. See full terms and conditions at https://drd.sh/8ONpZP/.

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Redefining grandparenthood: Finding success as an older, yet more involved, grandparent

2024-04-16T07:01:01

(BPT) – Young parenthood is becoming a thing of the past. In 2021, the mean age of mothers giving birth for the first time was 27.3, a record high for the U.S. As a result, their parents are becoming grandparents later as well, though thanks to longer lifespans, they are still able to enjoy time in this rewarding role. In fact, the number of living grandparents and great-grandparents is rising, which presents new potential benefits. Having more familial connections available can build a stronger family bond and even offer additional childcare options, so long as grandparents are willing and able.

By staying healthy and active, older grandparents can keep up with little ones and reap many of the benefits of providing that care. According to research published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, spending time with grandkids can help with mental sharpness, physical fitness, and even improved mental health. Being an older grandparent, though, may also present a need for better planning, as older adult children may have to juggle caring for their little ones and aging parents.

“Pursuing goals like a healthier lifestyle and preparation for the future are a little bit easier when you have access to tools and resources as a guide,” said Greg Marion, SVP Health Products and Services, AARP Services. “Fortunately, AARP members also have access to many benefits that can help achieve those goals so they can better enjoy this new era of grandparenthood.”

Stay Well

Looking after young children can help you stay fit, but it’s helpful to have some stamina from the start. Activities like walking and strength training can help with endurance, balance and overall fitness. It’s also a good idea to regularly see your primary care physician to stay on top of any issues and ensure you’re taking care of your health. You’ll also want to take preventative measures to minimize illness or ailments.

Look for a physician who accepts your insurance plan so you can stay well. Oak Street Health, for example, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments (where available), convenient locations, a dedicated care team, and a 24/7 patient support line.

Stay Prepared

The opportunity to care for grandchildren can be fun and joyful, but it’s also a significant responsibility. Being aware of your surroundings and staying physically fit can help prevent injuries during playtime. In addition, it’s good to be prepared with first aid supplies and have an action plan in place in the case of an emergency.

At home or away, Lifeline’s medical alert systems offer peace of mind, especially when caring for a grandchild who may be unable to call for help. Help can be called 24/7/365 with just the press of a button, or automatically with fall detection enabled. AARP members save 15% on medical alert service and get free shipping and activation. You can choose the system that suits your lifestyle for fast access to help anytime.

While enjoying the present, it’s a good idea to prepare for the long term as well, like planning for circumstances where you might need assistance with getting dressed, driving to appointments, or making meals, either at home or within a facility.

With young children and established careers, today’s adults may be less able to provide aging parents with adequate support. Planning for long-term care can make getting that help easier and more financially manageable. You have access to information on long-term care options to help you prepare for the future with customized solutions to help protect your assets and lifestyle.

Save Up

Living longer might mean stretching a fixed income further, which can be challenging with medical expenses and the added cost of wanting to spoil grandchildren. Finding ways to save on medical costs can be a big help.

AARP® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX® can help with savings on prescriptions. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. The program is open to anyone, but AARP members receive additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more.

If you’re visiting with your grandchildren for extended periods of time, learn about Medicare-Related Options to ensure that you have the right coverage to fit your lifestyle and financial situation when traveling. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) can help pay for hospital costs, inpatient and outpatient care and doctor visits, but it does not cover all costs.

Enjoy It

It’s a gift to be able to meet your grandchildren, and the opportunity to be an active part of their childhood is priceless. By being prepared and taking preventative steps to manage your health, you can enjoy today’s version of grandparenthood for many fruitful years. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

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Into cafécore? It’s the new trend for creating the coffee shop vibe at home

2024-04-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – You may have heard of “-core” trends that center around a specific niche, like cottagecore (accessorizing your home like a lake house) or balletcore (a style that emphasizes elegance, ballet flats and tulle). The latest “-core” trend sweeping the country is cafécore, the art of recreating the coffee shop vibe at home.

Pinterest Predicts 2024 calls cafécore one of the hottest trends of the year. It’s about bringing the atmosphere of a coffee shop, including your favorite coffee drinks, to your kitchen. Words like warm, comfortable, inviting and, of course, delicious, come to mind. Here are some tips for turning your kitchen into your favorite coffee shop.

It starts with coffee. Cafecore starts with the ability to make your favorite espresso drinks like lattes, cappuccinos and more at home. In the past, espresso machines were inaccessible, complicated and, frankly, too big and clunky for at-home use. Enter the KitchenAid Espresso Collection. The line consists of four machines: one Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine with Burr Grinder, and three Fully-Automatic Espresso Machines with features to suit your tastes and preferences.

All are designed to help you elevate your coffee experience at home, taking the guesswork out of being your own barista. These models can do everything except choose the beans for you — precise dosing so you’ll always have a perfect shot of espresso, bean grinders, automatic milk frothing with options for non-dairy milks (on select models), drink personalization settings with up to six user profiles on some machines, even an intuitive touch screen. And dare we say it? The KitchenAid Espresso Collection is pretty, too. This is the gorgeous foundational piece to build your personal caffeine aesthetic around.

Create a coffee corner. While the KitchenAid Espresso Collection is stunning on its own, the appliances are designed to complement a variety of tastes, so you can customize your home coffee station to perfectly suit what you love. Include pretty mugs, a tray for flavored syrups, napkins, stir sticks, fun coasters, a basket for croissants and anything else you enjoy with your coffee. You can even deck out a bar cart with a water dispenser and any favorite decorations and glassware that complement your style.

A comfortable place to sit. The best coffee shops have an ambiance that makes you want to sit for a spell, relax and enjoy. Whether it’s a sunny spot with an armchair and end table or a cozy corner perfect for curling up with a good book, once you find your perfect perch, trick it out with a cordless coffee warmer, charge cords for your laptop and phone, and a plush blanket that invites you to settle in.

Accents! Pinterest is a great source to find accent ideas to make your coffee corner stand out. A custom chalkboard to write notes and favorite recipes on, a fun wallpaper or a sentimental piece of art can all take your space to the next level.

This trend is all about creating a comfy space in your home that celebrates your love of coffee, invites relaxation, and provides a lovely start to your day. To learn more about the KitchenAid Espresso Collection — or for tutorials about how, exactly, to froth milk — visit their website at https://www.kitchenaid.com/countertop-appliances/espresso.html.

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New study shows 99% of materials causing sewage clogs should never have been flushed

2024-04-16T11:35:00

(BPT) – Do you have good flushing habits? Flushing may seem like a simple, routine task, but unfortunately, many people flush items that can cause major problems for local and national sewage systems.

Wastewater agencies and wipes industry experts recently collaborated on the largest known domestic sewage collection study to help determine what exactly is clogging sewer lines and equipment. The final study results are now available, and they add up to a massive problem.

What do the numbers say?

The study captured, sorted and identified over 1,700 items collected during peak flow times. The materials found included:

  • 34.1% non-flushable wipes labeled with the “Do Not Flush” symbol (baby wipes, cleaning wipes, makeup wipes, etc.)
  • 64.9% other non-flushable items (paper towels, period products, trash, etc.)
  • 0.9% wipes labeled as flushable

Wipes labeled as “flushable” accounted for less than 1% of sewer system debris and were in the process of breaking apart, while the majority of the non-flushable items collected were fully intact.

What’s the big deal?

It can be tempting to assume that flushing a non-flushable item occasionally may not be a big deal. However, items like paper towels, baby wipes, makeup wipes, rags and more are not designed to pass through sewage systems at any point in their lifetime.

Unlike flushable wipes made from natural fibers that break down easily, non-flushable items can clog the pipes in your home. Even if they pass through your home’s waste system, they can cause problems in your local sewer system and beyond.

The pumps, augurs and pipe networks of municipal wastewater systems are not made to transport or break down these materials. When enough non-flushable items come together, they can congeal to form cement-like fatbergs, which are expensive to remove.

Each year, a significant number of sewer spills occur, many caused when non-flushable products make their way into the wastewater system. These wastewater spills are messy and expensive to clean up. More importantly, wastewater spills threaten public health and the environment.

The cost to the public and you

Fixing problems caused by non-flushable products is quite expensive. A home clog can cost homeowners anywhere from $175 to more than $1,000 to fix. Even if you don’t pay for a plumber for your pipes, you may end up paying for damage to wastewater systems.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies estimates that local public agencies throughout the U.S. (and the ratepayers they represent) spend more than $440 million each year to respond to sewer overflows caused by inappropriately flushing “Do Not Flush” labeled wet wipes and repair wastewater treatment equipment.

How can you help?

While non-flushable products clogging the nation’s sewer systems is a massive problem, everyone can do their part to solve it. You can help by learning and practicing smart flushing habits.

Common household items that you should NEVER flush include:

  • Baby wipes, household cleaning wipes and makeup wipes
  • Paper towels and facial tissues
  • Fats, oils and grease
  • Food, trash and plastic bags
  • Rags, cloth and disposable gloves
  • Cotton balls, cotton swabs and dental floss
  • Feminine products
  • Hair and hair weaves
  • Medications and syringes

Be especially cautious when flushing wipes. In the U.S., 90% of wipes sold are non-flushable. When purchasing and using wipes, look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the front of the packaging. If you can’t find the symbol, err on the side of caution and dispose of the wipes in your garbage can.

Take care of your pipes and help reduce damage to the nation’s sewage systems by practicing smart flushing habits. To learn more about the study, visit FlushSmart.org/CA-Collection-Study-Report.