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4 things moms should know about the fourth trimester

2023-10-18T08:07:00

(BPT) – Did you know that the first 12 weeks after giving birth are known as the fourth trimester? While you may have just given birth, your body will continue to change just like it did during your three trimesters of pregnancy.

The fourth trimester can have many surprises for first-time mothers. They might experience many physical, mental and emotional changes as their bodies heal and adjust to motherhood. While they may expect certain changes like stretch marks, hair loss and weight fluctuations, many other postpartum adjustments aren’t discussed as much.

First Response™ wants to bring awareness to the changes mothers should expect during the fourth trimester. By learning about these changes and how to manage them, women can embrace and accept them with self-compassion and feel empowered to ask for support during their postpartum journey.

1. Postpartum bleeding

If you’re a first-time or soon-to-be first-time mom, you may not know you’ll experience bleeding after birth. While it may seem scary, this is a very normal part of the postpartum healing process.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, this vaginal discharge is known as lochia and contains a mix of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. It’s similar to menstrual blood and can last several weeks, though the heaviness of the discharge should subside over time.

During the first six weeks after giving birth, use sanitary maxi pads (not tampons) to deal with the bleeding. For the first week, expect to go through several pads throughout the day. Most importantly, remember to take it easy and give your body time to heal.

2. Breast engorgement

During the fourth trimester, you may experience breast engorgement until your milk supply regulates. Your breasts may feel swollen, tight and tender, and you may even leak breast milk until symptoms subside, usually within a few days as you begin to regularly breastfeed. Use a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain. If you choose to breastfeed, you can wear a well-fitting bra to provide support and reduce soreness, according to La Leche League International.

If you don’t plan to breastfeed, it can take up to several weeks for breast engorgement to subside. During this time, do not pump so your body gets the signal that it doesn’t need to produce milk. A cold compress, supportive bra and over-the-counter pain meds can help you manage pain and discomfort until you stop producing milk.

3. Poor sleep

Babies don’t have the same sleep schedules as adults. According to the Sleep Foundation, while newborns sleep up to 18 hours a day, they don’t sleep in one solid block of time like adults do. Until your baby begins to sleep through the night, you will likely be up several times a night to attend to your baby.

To combat sleep deprivation during the fourth trimester, nap during the day when your baby sleeps. If a partner or family member is helping you, trade off middle-of-the-night feedings. Also, ask friends and family for help with house chores or child care so you can get some well-deserved rest.

4. Postpartum depression

You may have heard of the baby blues when mothers feel overwhelmed, irritable and stressed the first couple of weeks after giving birth. This is your body’s natural response to the drop in hormone levels postpartum. However, some women may feel these symptoms more intensely and for long periods, indicating a more serious form of depression.

According to the National Institutes of Health, one in seven women can develop postpartum depression (PPD) within the first six weeks of giving birth. Some symptoms of PPD include:

  • Depressed mood
  • Loss of interest or pleasure
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of energy or fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

Because of the societal expectations of motherhood, it can be difficult for women to admit they need help. That’s why it’s incredibly important for new mothers to have a support system of friends, family and other mothers to help them overcome the stigma of PPD and get the care they need.

If you’re experiencing PPD, reach out for help and contact your doctor. While PPD is serious, it is treatable.

Get connected

These are just four ways your life may change after giving birth. While these changes may sound overwhelming, you can manage them with a little help and understanding. That’s why First Response has launched the Pregnancy Hub by First Response.

This online community aims to connect, inspire and provide resources to those navigating trying to conceive (TTC), pregnancy and motherhood. By joining, you’ll have free access to resources and advice, the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with other members, share personal experiences, and more. To learn more and get connected, visit FirstResponsePregnancyHub.SocialMediaLink.com.

**The content provided on this health blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.**

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5 ways to make playing outside more enjoyable this winter

2023-10-18T06:01:00

(BPT) – Although it may seem normal to want to hunker down indoors when the temps start dropping, there’s still a lot of fun to be had outdoors, even when it’s snowy and a little chilly. The key to having a great time during the colder months of the year is to be prepared, so you and your family can make the most of all the great opportunities winter has to offer.

Here are some tips to make sure everyone has a blast outside this winter, whatever you choose to do.

1. Check the forecast

Before heading outdoors for an excursion or even just a little playtime, ensure that it’s safe to do so by checking not just the temperature, but for windchill or icy conditions that might be unsafe. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children can play outside even when it’s really cold outside, as long as they come indoors occasionally to warm up, but you should keep an eye on the windchill. If the windchill is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes.

As long as you dress everyone appropriately, you can enjoy outdoor fun throughout the winter.

2. Dress for warmth

To be able to play happily outdoors in winter weather, you’ll want to make sure your child’s hands, neck and head are well covered. Gloves or mittens work best when they’re waterproof, and for little ones who enjoy rolling around in the snow, a snowsuit is your best bet. Staying active will also help you feel toasty, so make sure to keep moving!

Cold-weather comfort starts with your feet, and quality footwear is crucial to help keep your feet dry, safe and comfortable while you’re outdoors. You should choose durable, quality boots designed for families from companies such as Kamik, a leading Canadian footwear company celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Their durable boots are created to provide protection from the elements to help your entire family embrace being outdoors in any weather.

Even better, every Kamik product is made with sustainability in mind, making everyone in your family look good and feel protected, while also empowering you to feel good about your footwear choices. Kamik.com offers a wide selection of fall and winter boots for everyone in the family to choose from.

3. Let your imagination be your guide

Sometimes the simplest, tried-and-true activities like going sledding or making snow people or a snow fort in your yard are the most fun for kids of all ages. But you don’t have to stop there — you could create an outdoor scavenger hunt, make a target for a snowball throwing contest or bury a few prizes in your snowy backyard for kids to find.

And even though the days are shorter, you can stay out past sunset and brighten a winter night by enjoying s’mores and drinking hot cocoa or cider around a fire pit.

4. Encourage your child’s interests

Use your child’s fascinations to develop activities that will make being outside even more fun. For example, if your child loves art, use household containers or molds to make ice sculptures using water and food coloring, freeze overnight, then decorate the yard with their creations. Budding scientist in your house? Blow bubbles outside in the cold to see how quickly they freeze, or gather snowflakes on a piece of black construction paper (first put paper in the freezer or outside) to examine each snowflake’s unique beauty under a magnifying glass.

5. Play ‘winter tourist’ in your own hometown

Sometimes you need to be a tourist to find the best events and adventures in a new area, so why not pretend you’re a visitor and search for winter activities right where you live? You may discover all kinds of wonderful things to do not far from home that you didn’t even know existed, from sleigh rides, nature walks and zoo events to ice carving or winter lights you can all visit together.

Don’t let the cold weather hold you back from enjoying the outdoors this year. By embracing winter and with a good pair of boots on your feet, you can make lasting memories with your family all season long.

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How personalized breast cancer screening and care can save lives

2023-10-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – Mammograms are important standard health screenings that help detect breast cancer as early as possible, when treatment is typically most effective. Yet for many women, it can be unclear as to when to start getting these screenings and they may face numerous barriers to doing so — such as cost, time or feelings of discomfort and anxiety.

Dr. Allison Zupon, co-owner of Women’s Imaging Center in Kansas City, Missouri, helps shed light on the current landscape of mammograms and breast cancer screening and why it is critical for women to prioritize these appointments. As an imaging specialist, she spends her days reading mammograms and ultrasounds, performing biopsies and supporting women’s access to personalized care.

“Taking care of women has always been a passion of mine because so often they take care of everybody else around them and not themselves. This includes advocating for women to ensure they are getting the proper information and care they need,” said Zupon.

Zupon recommends standard mammogram screenings start for women at age 40. “In order to prioritize women’s health and survival, mammogram age should be 40,” Zupon said. This reflects the recent updated guidance from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that says the same thing, lowering guidance from age 50.

When a woman receives a mammogram, the images are reviewed by someone like Zupon and categorized as normal, abnormal or inconclusive. If not normal, you may require another mammogram or further testing. The reasons can vary greatly — including having dense breast tissue that is difficult to image or an abnormal pattern in the tissue that is flagged.

Traditional 2D mammograms are a fundamental part of women’s health care, but Zupon said, “If you’re getting a mammogram and have dense breast tissue, mammograms are really not enough and a supplemental screening is highly recommended.”

Zupon and her colleagues rely on additional technology to provide timely, personalized care to everyone. “To have effective care, you have to have a suite of imaging options in order to tailor each woman’s screening exam,” she said. For example, 3D mammography provides a more detailed look at breast tissues. They also use GE HealthCare’s contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) which uses an injected dye to examine breast tissue and flag abnormalities with high levels of sensitivity and specificity, as well as automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) which is specifically designed for detecting cancer in dense breast tissue. If required, biopsies — which take a small sample of tissue from the patient — can also provide critical information.

These kinds of technologies give healthcare teams important information to properly diagnose cancers and determine treatment options. As a proponent of personalized care, Zupon and her colleagues try to do as much as possible at the first appointment so that patients can leave with answers in the same day. “Having same-day workups can help get patients that need treatment on the right path as soon as possible,” she noted. “For those who do not require treatment, this can also help eliminate anxiety that can build if a patient needs to come back for additional follow up scans.” However, for patients with dense breasts, this supplemental screening is not always covered by insurance. While there is legislation in progress to help address this, Zupon continues to advocate for this to become a standard of care across the U.S.

“It’s clear to me that if a certain procedure only works for some but not all women, change is needed,” Zupon stressed. “We are trying to find cancers at their smallest, earliest and most treatable stages, and in order to provide the most effective care, it needs to be accessible, affordable and tailored to them.”

Zupon prioritizes having open, ongoing conversations with patients throughout their health care journey, providing options so they can make the right choices for themselves. “I feel good about providing a spectrum of care options to patients and look forward to many more years of supporting women’s health.”

To learn more about breast care options, visit GEHealthCare.com.

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The Cost of Cash

2023-10-17T14:13:00

(BPT) – Today, in 2023, there are more credit cards than Americans — with over 441 million credit cards issued across the country. Paying with credit is an extremely popular payment option for several obvious reasons. With just the swipe of a card, consumers can use their credit cards to make safe, secure, and efficient transactions.

But that’s not all! Thanks to the innovation of electronic payments, there are more credit card payment forms than ever that are constantly being developed such as tap-to-pay options, QR codes, and virtual cards. With credit cards, paying has never been easier.

The alternative to electronic payments is to pay with physical cash, which, unfortunately, comes with some risks.

The reality is that cash creates major security concerns. Perhaps the most major concern is that cash is vulnerable to theft. Physical currency is much riskier to deal with and harder to track down. Unlike electronic payments, it is extremely difficult to trace or recover cash once it is stolen, making it an attractive target for thieves.

To help prevent the risks associated with cash transactions, businesses are forced to spend money to bring in costly security measures. These security measures can include anything from on-location guards to armored cars for cash transport. If it weren’t for the risks that come along with cash payments, the money used toward these security measures could be better utilized for resources like business innovation or employee benefits.

Not only do consumers bear the cost of cash, but retailers also suffer the consequences. Data reveals that U.S. retailers lose an estimated $40 billion each year to cash theft. On the other hand, credit cards are equipped with advanced fraud protection. Financial services companies spend billions of dollars each year to bolster cybersecurity and ensure secure transactions for consumers.

It’s safe to say that credit cards are the most effective payment method because they provide both protection and convenience at the checkout counter. For consumers and merchants alike, security is of the utmost importance when it comes to making or receiving a payment.

Credit cards provide advanced security features such as EMV chips, PIN numbers, and transaction alerts. The good news is these layers of protection ensure that your transactions are safe from fraud attempts and allow consumers to shop with ease. The bad news? This crucial card security may not be around forever.

Proponents of proposed credit card legislation want to implement routing mandates that could jeopardize fraud protection. If passed, this legislation could redirect billions in consumer spending to less secure, higher risk payment networks. Ultimately, this bill could affect the security and innovation that credit cards provide to us every day.

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Creating a wellness sanctuary in the bathroom

2023-10-17T19:01:00

(BPT) – From waking up and setting the right tone for the day ahead, to winding down with a nighttime routine, a bath space has the potential to evoke feelings of deep relaxation. It’s a space that can be designed to generate a sense of tranquility and enhance well-being for the mind, body and soul. Starting and ending the day with self-care as a priority is the ultimate form of wellness.

Wellness for the senses

A great way to promote wellness is by engaging the senses in an immersive, vitalizing experience. Imagine a shower that soothes both the body and the mind, all while fostering a calming space. With the Brizo® Mystix™ Steam System, one can choose the lavish simplicity of the Elemental Experience or the holistic ambiance of the Transcendent Experience. Both are finely curated shower experiences that bring a sense of serenity to the bath. The Elemental Experience transforms the space into a restorative spa with its innovative Mystix™ Steam Generator. The Transcendent Experience combines all the benefits of the Elemental Experience with enhanced technology, plus a full suite of spa options: aromatherapy, chromatherapy and audiotherapy. These features rejuvenate the senses and elevate the shower to an entirely new level of indulgence, transforming the daily practice of showering into a self-care experience that one truly looks forward to as part of the day.

Personalizing the shower experience

Luxury is not one-size-fits-all; it’s found in the distinctive details. A personalized selection of products and features can elevate a shower from simple to grand. Whether selecting an essential oil to be dispersed with the steam, choosing a light color that soothes the mind, listening to a personal playlist through a connected app during a steam shower session — or all three — one can tailor the experience to fit the desires of the user. The variety of options and ability to customize these details ensures the shower fulfills these distinct wellness needs. The Mystix™ Steam System Transcendent Experience allows users to choose from seven different mood-enhancing lights, with each color creating a unique ambiance, and select from an array of five finely curated fragrances to transport the senses through the benefits of essential oils. Both inspiring and calming, these sensory elements work together to rejuvenate the mind and the body, undoing the stresses of the day. The resulting sense of harmony is one only a well-crafted steam shower can bring.

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3 Backup Power Innovations For Home and On-The-Go

2023-10-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever wished you could do more to harness the solar energy captured by your home’s solar panels? Have you ever wished your generator was quieter and didn’t smell so bad? Have you ever grappled with EV range anxiety or wanted additional backup power in your RV? If so, then this news is for you. Cast off the anxieties and annoyances! A better way is here.

Anker’s SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station is the flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-install power system breakthrough in whole home (and EV) backup power the world has been waiting for. Tens of thousands of solar enthusiasts have already signed up to be the first in line for this power station. And with these three game-changing innovations in the mix, odds are the excitement is just going to keep on climbing.

1. Powerful output + AC coupling

This is the first power station to feature AC coupling, and it offers 6000W of AC power output to power most home appliances. It also provides 120V/240V dual voltage output, letting you run both standard and high-energy devices simultaneously.

Worried that 6000W might not cut it? Perhaps you’ve got a large home to power, or some seriously demanding equipment to run? No worries. This power station can be doubled up for a staggering total output of 12000W.

2. Extended backup power

In the past, limited battery storage has left a lot of otherwise interested folks wary of making the switch to solar. Now, you can put those fears to bed. A massive 3.84kWh internal battery provides ample backup power at the drop of a hat. Plus, by combining two power stations and up to 12 additional batteries, the average homeowner can get up to a week of backup power. That’s enough to see you through the longest recorded blizzard in U.S. history plus three days to spare!

3. Take it where you need it

However, not all power needs are stationary. And when you have big electricity demands on the go, you want a power station that can go with you. With a convenient suitcase design featuring a stowable handle and a set of large, sturdy wheels, the F3800 is always up for the trip.

EV owners, take note. Fear of losing power has prevented drivers from maximizing their road trips for far too long. Set yourself free with a power station that’s transportable, high-powered and easy to use. Just directly connect your vehicle’s charging cable — no additional grounding accessories required!

For RV owners out there, the F3800 can run all your appliances in the RV and power them for several days to ensure the enjoyment of your whole trip thanks to its built-in RV port.

Of course, if you’re looking for an even more portable, lightweight and super-fast power station, there’s no need to wait for the Anker F3800 to drop. Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station was designed for small places, and is the perfect power accessory for winter emergency use or just to ensure your devices never run out of power during your festive celebrations. It is lightweight and has a fast-charging technology, compact design, plenty of ports to connect up to 11 devices at the same time, high voltage output (120 volts) and even smart app control to set power schedules.

Get an advantage with advanced solar solutions

The solar age is finally here, and those who take advantage of it have a lot to gain. No more lining up for gas to refill your generator after severe weather. No more EV range anxiety or complicated route planning. And of course, you can celebrate that big reduction in your carbon footprint thanks to a clean solar energy loop.

If that sounds like a good deal to you, head over to Anker.com/anker-solix to pre-order the F3800 today on Kickstarter.

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Navigating Intimacy with Erectile Dysfunction: How One Man Reconnected with his Wife

2023-10-17T10:45:00

(BPT) – Gene Miluk, 72, is a retired software engineer who has been happily married to his wife Mary for nearly 50 years. They live in North Ogden, Utah, and enjoy spending time outdoors and camping with their two sons and grandson.

For many years, Gene and Mary valued regular physical intimacy as a cornerstone of their marriage. As Gene aged into his 50s, this dynamic started to shift as he began to struggle to maintain an erection during sex.

Gene’s experience is not uncommon. It is estimated that more than half of men between the ages of 40 and 70 will experience some form of erectile dysfunction (ED), yet it often comes as a surprise to those who experience it.[1] ED is a common condition defined as the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for intercourse.[2] Men may develop ED for a variety of reasons including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which Gene struggles with.[3]

“When you’ve had years of experience where everything works and then you become unreliable, you feel like a failure,” said Gene. “Each time we tried to become intimate I was fearful that I’d be letting my wife down. I questioned my value as a man and a husband.”

ED can be mentally taxing on the person experiencing the condition, as well as their partner.[4] “I don’t think we were very well educated on what it means to age, and we didn’t understand why this was happening,” says Mary. “I wondered, too, if I was doing something wrong.”

When Gene started experiencing symptoms of ED, he tried to ignore them and hoped the issue would resolve itself. When it became clear the condition wasn’t temporary, Mary urged Gene to see a doctor. This was the first time Gene learned about the prevalence of ED and potential treatment options. For years, Gene’s ED was treated with pills, but since his condition was progressive, they slowly stopped working for him. Gene moved on to injections but realized he started needing higher doses over time. That’s when he decided to seek a more long-term and spontaneous solution.

At the age of 68, Gene’s doctor recommended the AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, a penile implant designed to provide men the ability to maintain an erection during sex. It is comprised of three parts: an inflatable implant, a pump which gets placed within the scrotum and a reservoir to hold the air when the implant is not inflated. It is activated by squeezing the pump and is designed to hold an erection as long as a person wants.[5] This device is designed to closely mimic a natural erection, providing rigidity when inflated and a natural, flaccid appearance when deflated.[5]

“I did a lot of research on implants and decided to move forward with it,” said Gene.

Within a few weeks after surgery, Gene was enjoying a renewed sex life with Mary.

“I was so happy to get my husband back,” said Mary. “The AMS 700 affected our relationship because Gene felt so much better about himself.”

Now, several years after the surgery, Gene says, “I don’t even notice the implant. It opened the door for revived intimacy for me and my wife. I no longer feel any pressure around the possibility of failing. The AMS 700 has given us the gift of continued intimacy into our retirement years.”

To learn more about potential options, including the AMS 700, and to hear more patient stories, visit EDCure.org/video-series/.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and benefits involved with the AMS 700 Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, and it’s important to talk with your doctor to determine a treatment approach that’s best for you. With a penile implant, the possibility of organic erections or alternative treatment options for ED are no longer possible. Other risks of a penile implant may include infection risk during the procedure; mechanical failure of the device, which may require revision surgery; and upon removal or replacement of the implant, the penis may become scarred, shorter or curved. Pain associated with the healing process can be expected.

Results from case studies are not necessarily predictive of results in other cases. Results in other cases may vary.


References

[1] Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, et al. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994 Jan;151(1):54-61.

[2] Erectile Dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/erectiledysfunction.html. Accessed June 21, 2023.

[3] Mayo Clinic. Erectile dysfunction. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776. Accessed August 2023.

[4] Sheng, Z. (2021), Psychological consequences of erectile dysfunction. Trends Urology & Men Health, 12: 19-22. https://doi.org/10.1002/tre.827.

[5] Data on file with Boston Scientific.

Important Safety Information for Patients Considering an Implant

AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Implant

Caution: U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Your doctor is your best source for information on the risks and benefits of the AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. Talk to your doctor for a complete listing of risks, warnings and important safety information.

The AMS 700™ Inflatable Penile Prosthesis is intended for use in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (impotence). Implanting a penile prosthesis will damage or destroy any remaining ability to have a natural erection, as well as make other treatment options (oral medications, vacuum devices or injections) impossible.

Men with diabetes, spinal cord injuries or skin infections may have an increased risk of infection. Implantation may result in penile curvature or scarring. Some AMS 700 devices contain an antibiotic (InhibiZone™ Antibiotic Surface Treatment). The device is not suitable for patients who are allergic to the antibiotics contained within the device (rifampin, minocycline or other tetracyclines) or those who have systemic lupus; these patients should use one of the devices that do not contain InhibiZone Antibiotic Surface Treatment.

Potential risks may include: device malfunction/failure leading to additional surgery, device migration potentially leading to exposure through the tissue, wearing away/loss of tissue (device/tissue erosion), infection, unintended inflation of the device and pain/soreness. MH-545411-AB

This material is for informational purposes only and not meant for medical diagnosis. This information does not constitute medical or legal advice, and Boston Scientific makes no representation regarding the medical benefits included in this information. Boston Scientific strongly recommends that you consult with your physician on all matters pertaining to your health.

Gene Miluk is a paid consultant of Boston Scientific Corporation. He has not been compensated for his participation in this story.

EDCure.org is a website sponsored by Boston Scientific.

All images are the property of Boston Scientific.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

©2023 Boston Scientific Corporation. All rights reserved.

URO-1688105-AA OCT 2023

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Ever try a 2-in-1 eye cream? Here’s what you should know

2023-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that the area of skin around the eyes is one of the most sought-after focuses of cosmetic enhancement surgery today? That’s because the delicate skin around your eyes is 10x thinner than the skin on your face, and therefore the most likely to show early signs of aging. But fortunately, there are non-invasive alternatives to eye enhancement procedures, including proactive steps you can take now to help protect and improve the look of your skin, both above and below the eye.

Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to caring for the skin around your eyes:

DO improve your nightly routine to help protect your eyes. Beyond just getting a good night’s sleep every night, consider habits like using an anti-allergy pillow cover, which can help reduce eye puffiness if you are prone to allergies.

DON’T forget the sunglasses — even on cold winter days. The same UV rays that damage any exposed skin can cause even more signs of aging to appear around your eyes over time, and wearing sunglasses can help you protect that skin.

DO use a gentle touch around your eyes. Because this skin is so delicate, you’ll want to avoid rubbing, tugging or pulling this skin. Apply skin care products with a very light touch by dabbing on with your fourth finger or pinky.

DON’T use the same skin care products as on the rest of your face. It may seem natural to just apply the same products to your eye area that you use elsewhere, but this thinner skin will benefit most from products that are specially formulated for both underneath the eyes as well as above the eyes. RoC Skincare’s NEW Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream is a great solution with two separate formulas in one convenient jar:

  • A lower eye cream to visibly reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles
  • An upper eye gel to lift, tighten and “freeze” the brow area and eyelids

“Many people don’t realize some of their daily practices and habits may actually be further damaging this fragile skin,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nkem Ugonabo. “Using a two-in-one eye cream, like RoC’s Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream, that addresses the problems commonly seen both above and below your eyes, is an important step toward helping reduce the signs of aging.”

With Advanced Retinol to smooth wrinkles, Peptides to diminish eyelid creases and folds, Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and Dynalift to instantly lift and tighten your upper eye, this 2-in-1 product will re-awaken the eyes and provide a more youthful appearance. In just one week, 96% saw the look of lines and puffiness reduced, and in two weeks, 90% had visibly lifted eyelids and reduced dark circles. After four weeks, 100% felt more confident about their appearance.

RoC was the first to discover the method for stabilizing retinol over 25 years ago, combining it with other ingredients like antioxidants to make it safe and effective for daily use. RoC Retinol products are clinically proven to work quickly and to continue delivering results.

Instead of rushing to get cosmetic surgery to improve your eyes’ appearance, you can discover a non-invasive eye lift using this 2-in-1 cream that was developed with dermatologists and plastic surgeons to help re-awaken your eyes.

Find RoC’s NEW Derm Correxion Dual Eye Cream for under $30 at Walmart.

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How you can enjoy tasty, authentic Indian food without eating out

2023-10-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you love Indian cuisine, you’ll be glad to know you can now enjoy awesomely authentic meals and sides without the cost of dining out — and without spending hours in the kitchen.

Thanks to convenient, easy-to-prepare Tasty Bite entrees and rices, you can create a memorable meal full of bold flavors in just minutes. With their wide variety of options, you can enjoy a quick and easy ready-to-eat dish — or incorporate their products into recipes that will soon become family favorites. Tasty Bite makes Indian food accessible to everyone with their All-Natural, GMO-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and organic options — all ready in under two minutes.

Here are tips and recipes for creating outstanding dishes with genuine Indian flair.

1. Up your spice game

Stock your spice cabinet with the flavors of India so you’ll be ready to boost your culinary repertoire. Turmeric, ginger, curry and cumin are popular in Indian cuisine, so these should be at the top of your shopping list.

Pro tip: For best results, “bloom” spices by heating them up in cooking oil first. This will enhance the flavor of your finished dish.

2. Make it easy for yourself

There’s no reason dinner in a hurry has to be bland or boring! When time is short, try an easy-to-prep selection like Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils, Tasty Bite Organic Chickpea Tikka Masala and Tasty Bite Organic Coconut Chickpea & Turmeric Curry — plus a variety of rices that are simple and quick to fix and serve as is, or to use in recipes that make everyday meals an adventure. Their convenient products are chock full of classic Indian aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric and ginger — combined with hearty vegetables and slow simmered to perfection to free you from boring meals.

3. Do some weekend meal prep

To make it even easier to create exciting, flavorful — and more healthful — meals from Indian cuisine on busy weekdays, do some extra prep on the weekend. Cut up veggies and store in air-tight containers so they’ll be ready to go when you want to cook a meal during the week. Commonly used vegetables in Indian dishes include spinach, bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, onion and carrots.

4. Put an Indian twist on an old favorite

Take your nachos to the next level with Madras Lentils in just 20 minutes.

Tasty Madras Lentils Nacho Cups
Total time: 20minutes. Serves 4.

Ingredients
2 pouches Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
1/2 cup tomato, diced
1/3 cup onion, diced
1/3 cup jalapeno, diced
1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. lime, juiced

Salt and pepper to taste

Scoop or cup style nacho chips

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps
 Mix in a medium size bowl tomato, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, sugar and lime. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils according to package instructions.

Fill nacho chip cups halfway with Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils.
Top with tomato mixture and cheddar cheese.

5. Spice up your breakfast

You can even include Indian flavors for a satisfying breakfast with this fun play on the breakfast burrito.

Breakfast Burritos
Total time: 25 minutes. Serves 8.

Ingredients
1 cup Tasty Bite Organic Madras Lentils
1 cup Tasty Bite Basmati Rice
1 onion, chopped
6 large eggs
8 flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 sliced avocado
2 tablespoons butter (for eggs)
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps
Using medium pan, saute chopped onion with half the butter until golden and translucent.
While onion is cooking, heat lentils and rice according to bag instructions.
Once onions are cooked, remove from pan and place in bowl. Set aside.
Using the same pan, add the rest of the butter and scramble eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble burritos using rice, lentils, onion, eggs, cheese and avocado.

For everyone from college students to busy families, there are plenty of options for convenient meals and sides at TastyBite.com — or look for the colorful new packaging reflecting the bold flavors and ingredients of this awesomely authentic Indian food at a store near you.

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MAX out your chill: 4 types of ice to elevate your holiday cocktails

2023-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – The winter holidays are fast approaching. If you enjoy hosting friends and family for dinners or the occasional happy hour especially during the holiday season, one way to impress your guests is to plan and prepare various drinks for each occasion.

While you likely prioritize getting the best spirits, mixers and glasses, it’s essential not to overlook the significance of ice. Different ice shapes serve distinct purposes, and incorporating the right ones into your beverages will wow your guests and let you flex your skills as a home barkeep. Check out the four main types of ice and how to use them when crafting holiday drinks.

1. Cubed

Classic and versatile, cubed ice is your all-purpose companion. Whether you’re crafting a classic Long Island iced tea or a refreshing gin and tonic, cubed ice will swiftly chill your spirits. It’s also perfect for serving iced teas, rum and cola or mojitos in a highball glass.

2. Crushed

Recognizable by its pebble-like texture, crushed ice brings a unique element to your drinks. The pebble-like ice melts faster than your typical cubed ice. While not all cocktails benefit from dilution, certain creations like the Mint Julep thrive on it, according to Vine Pair. Crushed ice’s ability to thin out syrup and juices is its secret weapon, especially for dessert options like a homemade take on shaved ice.

3. Mini cubed

A generous supply of mini-cubed ice is the perfect answer for filling water bottles or delivering a quick chill. Like crushed ice, mini-cubed ice is fantastic at quickly cooling drinks, making iced coffee or chilling soda and water.

If your plans involve blended drinks or frozen cocktails, mini-cubed ice is the way to go. The small cubes blend smoothly, so every drink you make has a consistent texture.

4. Round

Round ice (also known as sphere or ball ice) isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. It melts slowly, gradually chilling your drink without diluting it. For those who enjoy sipping on whiskey, bourbon or craft cocktails, opt for round ice in a lowball glass. It’s also helpful to keep any cocktail or non-alcoholic drink chilled during long parties.

You can get round ice trays to make them at home, but if you have an LG refrigerator, some make slow-melt LG Craft Ice™, so you can have round ice on demand.

All the ice you need at home

While your fridge may make cubed and crushed ice, you’ll likely have to buy specialty trays to make others, like mini-cubed and round shapes. Even for cubed and crushed ice, your fridge may not make enough to serve drinks to your guests all night.

You can effortlessly enjoy all these four ice options at your convenience with the LG Smart Mirror InstaView® Counter-Depth MAX French Door Refrigerator. This large-capacity fridge makes these four types of ice to suit any holiday get-together or occasion, including LG’s exclusive slow-melting, round Craft Ice™.

In addition to its spacious interior, the refrigerator offers a sleek, counter-depth design that blends seamlessly with surrounding cabinets and also features LG’s latest Mirror InstaView® window. With just two quick knocks on the glass panel, you can illuminate the contents inside your refrigerator.

To learn more, visit LG.com/US. Elevate your entertaining with the perfect ice for every occasion.