Category: Brandpoint

2023-07-11T11:59:00

(BPT) – Now playing on a silver screen near you, the Clog Monster is finally making his Hollywood debut. He’s made his way from the dark, dank sewers and is now taking over your favorite films! Not only is the Clog Monster mucking up your movie time, but he and his fatbergs are causing damage to your plumbing and local sewers.

Without even knowing it, you may be helping feed the Clog Monster. For example, you may think you can flush any wipe down the toilet, but more than 90% of wipes sold are not designed to be flushed. When you dump non-flushables in the toilet, the Clog Monster becomes more powerful!

However, you can do your part to help stop the Clog Monster. On Flush Smart Day every July (and TBH, every day), be a hero and use these five tips to defeat the Clog Monster!

1. Look for the sign

To help defeat the Clog Monster, you need to know how to spot a non-flushable item. You can figure out if an item will help the Clog Monster by looking for the “Do Not Flush” symbol. If you see it, always toss that wipe in the trash, and never the toilet, and keep it out of the villain’s grasp.

2. Don’t feed the clog monster

The Clog Monster can’t become more powerful if he doesn’t have food. Make sure to keep the following items away from your toilet:

• Baby wipes
• Period products
• Cleaning wipes
• Makeup wipes
• Cotton balls, pads or swabs
• Dental floss
• Hair
• Paper towels or rags
• Trash
• Cat litter
• Medicine

By keeping these Clog Monster foods out of the toilet, you can help stop him in his tracks before he can cause more destruction to your city.

3. Make a trap

What you pour down the toilet and sink can also create fatbergs and help the Clog Monster take over. When fats, oils and greases (FOG) collect in the pipes with non-flushables, they create the Clog Monster’s henchmen, the fatbergs. These large, rock-like foes can grow and grow, eventually clogging pipes and sewers and causing water pollution.

To keep FOG out of the reach of the Clog Monster, make a trap! Grab an empty vegetable or soup can, decorate the outside, and pour cooking oils into it to keep them trapped. You can find instructions on how to make your FOG can here.

4. Warn others

Many citizens may not know about the Clog Monster, so it’s your job to warn them! When friends and family come to visit, make sure to let them know what they can and can’t flush down the toilet. You can even make signs to put on or near the toilet with pictures of what needs to be thrown away. Once you’ve warned them, they can go on and warn others, so everyone can work together to defeat the Clog Monster.

5. Better safe than sorry

If you can’t tell if an item is Clog Monster food, read the packaging for disposal instructions. If you’re still unsure, don’t take a chance and accidentally help the villain. When in doubt, throw it out!

Using these five tips, you can be a hero and help defeat the Clog Monster and his fatberg minions and protect your home, the sewers and the environment.

In celebration of Flush Smart Day, watch the Clog Monster movie trailer and make your own movie poster. To see all the movie posters, head to FlushSmart.org/resources, where you can print out a coloring page and unleash your creativity! Once it’s done, have an adult snap a photo and tag @FlushSmart on social media.

Remember to help keep the Clog Monster at bay, always look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on wipes packaging. If you see it, that wipe goes in the trash and never the toilet.

2023-07-11T11:01:00

(BPT) – Americans are optimistic about their longevity. A recent survey by MDVIP — a national network of primary care doctors focused on preventive medicine — and Ipsos found that 67% of Americans want to live longer than their parents and 87% want to take steps to live healthier for longer. However, 74% of Americans failed a basic 20-question quiz on the lifestyle factors that influence aging and longevity.

Living longer doesn’t happen by accident or by the grace of genetics alone. “Study after study has shown that our lifetime of decisions about what we eat, whether we exercise or whether we’re managing stress have a considerable impact on how well we age,” said Dr. Andrea Klemes, chief medical officer at MDVIP.

Another thing to consider is that extending your lifespan shouldn’t be the only goal. You want to focus on maximizing the number of healthy years of your life. By increasing your “healthspan” — how many years you live without serious disease — you can enjoy your life well into your 80s and beyond.

Here are three simple but essential habits you can incorporate into your life to help improve your healthspan.

1. Invest in your health like you do your finances

According to the survey, 54% of Americans admit they plan more for their financial future than their health. To invest in your health, you need to learn more about your family’s medical history and how lifestyle changes can improve your healthspan.

“Just like you start saving for retirement in your 20s, you need to start investing as early as possible in your health,” said Dr. Klemes. “Try taking a ‘portfolio’ approach to longevity and make sure you have a primary care doctor who will help you build the right mix of healthy habits based on your history, risk factors and goals.”

Investing in your health doesn’t require overhauling your life in one night. You can talk with your doctor about your current health status and work with them on setting realistic goals and benchmarks you can work toward over time. By creating a plan and making small incremental changes to your lifestyle, you can reap dividends in healthier years now and in the future.

2. Prioritize socializing and happiness

When you think about your health, you likely think about what you, as an individual, can do to improve your wellness and longevity. However, your health can be greatly impacted by the relationships you form and maintain throughout your life. That’s because having healthy, stable and strong relationships positively impacts your happiness.

According to an 85-year-long study by Harvard University, there is a direct correlation between social connections and longevity. People who have strong social ties with their friends, family and community are happier, healthier and live longer than those who are less well-connected.

Other research supports the Harvard finding. A 2022 article published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that optimism is associated with healthy aging and longevity across racial and ethnic groups. Make it a point to schedule regular calls, meet-ups and activities with people you care about so you can be happier and help contribute to their happiness and health, too.

3. Find a primary care physician

Establishing a relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) and getting annual check-ups is vital to improving your healthspan. A PCP will get to know you and monitor any changes to your health that could otherwise be missed if you don’t have a regular doctor.

Another advantage of having a PCP is that you can talk about your risk factors and ways to prevent disease instead of reacting only to health problems as they appear. MDVIP-affiliated physicians focus on personalized care, early detection and preventive medicine. These PCPs have smaller practices, so they can spend more time and partner with patients to improve their health.

If you want to lead a healthier, more vibrant life, visit MDVIP.com/LongevityIQ and take the Longevity quiz to understand more about the factors that influence aging. There you can also learn what steps you can take to help extend your healthy years.

2023-07-11T08:03:00

(BPT) – As you enjoy the warm weather months, you may notice that your skin might not look and feel as healthy as it normally does. Don’t fret. More often than not, it’s a matter of making a few simple tweaks to your daily routine to adjust for the change in seasons. To help you achieve your best skin this summer, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few tips to help you stay on top of your summer beauty routine.

1. Become best friends with sunscreen

Spending time outside in the sunshine is one of the many simple pleasures of summer. However, too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to premature aging, wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancer. To fully enjoy the season, avoid sunburns and protect your skin by incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine.

Regardless of whether it’s sunny or cloudy, make sure to put on broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF every morning. If you’re spending long periods of time outdoors, make sure to have sunscreen on hand to reapply every two hours.

2. Limit sugar for your skin’s sake

No matter what season it is, too much sugar can decrease the health of your skin. When you eat sugar, it enters your bloodstream and attaches to proteins, forming advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

According to a review in the journal Nutrients, AGEs damage the collagen and elastin in your skin, which can lead to wrinkles, inflammation and premature aging. To keep your skin healthy, swap sugary beverages and foods to lower sugar options to reduce the formation of AGEs.

3. Stay hydrated

Water plays a vital role in maintaining your health, especially when it comes to your skin. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can look dry, dull and flaky. According to early research, staying hydrated can increase blood flow to the skin, which may help skin elasticity, texture and support a natural glow.

By getting into the habit of hydrating regularly, you’ll not only feel better, but your skin will look better, too. Carry around a reusable water bottle and add hydrating foods, like watermelon and cucumber, to your eating routine.

4. Nourish from within

If you want to maintain healthy skin, it’s important to nourish from within by eating balanced nutrition. Blatner recommends eating meals and snacks rich in protein, antioxidant-rich produce and healthy fats to help you look and feel your best this summer.

Try including recipes like this delicious Summertime Egg Skillet from Eggland’s Best, which contains essential ingredients for healthy skin like eggs, avocado and tomatoes. Eggland’s Best eggs contain 10 times more vitamin E than ordinary eggs, which helps to promote healthy skin. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin B5, which enhances the skin’s natural healing process.

Summertime Egg Skillet

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4-5 large Eggland’s Best eggs
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Handful of cherry tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes for extra kick
• 1/4 cup of crumbly goat cheese
• Crusty toasted baguette
• Fresh basil to taste
• Avocado sliced to finish

Preparation

1. Grab an oven-safe skillet. Add olive oil and 3 chopped garlic cloves on low to medium heat until they begin to brown.
2. Add a handful of cherry tomatoes and turn up heat to high, watching as they begin to blister.
3. Lower to medium heat and add chopped fresh basil.
4. Crack a few eggs into ramekins, slide them into the skillet and sprinkle crumbly goat cheese.
5. Place the skillet in the oven at 375 F for approximately 7-8 minutes until the eggs are cooked through but still slightly runny.
6. Add avocado and more fresh basil and serve with crusty bread!

As you enjoy the summer months, don’t forget to prioritize your skin health. By following these four simple tips, you can achieve a healthy and radiant glow that lasts all summer and beyond! To find more nutritious recipes that can nourish your whole body, visit EgglandsBest.com.

2023-07-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – While heading to college is a great adventure, the cost of college is sky high. Whether you’re still in high school or planning your enrollment at a state public school or a private college, here are some tips for what you can do now to be able to cover your college expenses.

1. Get your finances in order

If you’ve already chosen a school, get a detailed annual cost estimate and compare it to your existing savings, income and budget. If you haven’t picked a school yet, understand the potential cost differences between community, in-state and private schools. If college is still several years away, factor saving into your monthly budget.

2. Look for funding

No one wants to start off with student loan debt. But sometimes it’s the only way. First, make sure you have a college savings plan that allows tax-free withdrawals. Then, see if there are gaps in your college fund and look into federal loans, grants or scholarships.

3. Get a head start

Fill out a FAFSA application for federal student aid. To cover the gap, ensure you apply early so you don’t miss your school’s deadlines. A gap in funding happens when federal student aid and scholarships don’t cover all your college expenses.

4. Look into private student loans

Private student loans are for when federal student loans, grants, savings and scholarships don’t cover all your qualified higher education expenses. Applying for these loans is easy. For example, at Navy Federal Credit Union, a student loan application takes less than 15 minutes, and you have a variety of repayment options while you’re in school to help reduce your overall loan costs.

Plus, with a Navy Federal private student loan, you’re automatically eligible for a Career Assistance Program — online tools and training that can help you level up your resume, hone your interviewing skills and find job search opportunities and other tips.

5. Get a cosigner

Private lenders want to know you can handle repayment before giving you a loan. A parent, other family member or even a trusted friend with good credit can agree to back your loan. Having a cosigner may even help you get a student loan at a lower interest rate.

For example, Navy Federal allows you to request a cosigner release after you graduate school and make 24 on-time payments in a row.

6. Borrow the right amount

You may not know what all your college expenses will add up to, so it can be hard to know how much to borrow. Base the amount of your private student loan on the cost of your school’s attendance, which includes college tuition and college expenses like fees, books, computers, meals, travel and housing.

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

2023-07-10T11:33:00

(BPT) – If you’re a parent, you know that one of the hallmarks of parenthood is sleepless nights. Whether you have a newborn or a preteen, you may think that you don’t sleep as well as you did before having kids. For its second annual sleep study, “Sleep Uncovered: How Parents Sleep,” Mattress Firm set out to find out just how parents are sleeping. The results show notable differences between parents and nonparents, including in emotional health, how rested they feel and how they value sleep.

In collaboration with SleepScore Labs™, this study surveyed more than 1,400 adults, including 1,047 parents with children ages 1-12 living at home and 368 nonparents. The results found that the more children a parent had, the less they slept: 68% of parents with three kids agreed they slept better before having children. Older parents and single parents also experienced diminished sleep. Of all ages groups, those whose youngest child was between the ages of 6 to 12 reported 50 minutes less sleep per night than parents with the youngest child between the ages of 1 and 5.

The study found that parents were less likely than nonparents to prioritize sleep and more likely than nonparents to fit exercise or taxing activities into their time before bed. In fact, less than 42% of parents said sleep was very important to them, compared to 65% of nonparents; this is likely due to competing family priorities that push sleep to the backburner. It’s crucial for parents to start prioritizing sleep in order to maintain their health and well-being so they’re at their best when caring for their children. While it’s widely accepted that sleepless nights and disrupted rest are just a normal part of parenthood, it doesn’t have to be. If you find it difficult as a parent to sleep well, check out these four tips to improve your sleep hygiene for a restful night’s sleep.

1. Stick to a regular sleep schedule

About 41% of parents reported getting out of bed at different times throughout the week, compared to 23% of nonparents. It can feel like a luxury to sleep in on the weekends when you don’t need to get your kids off to school, but doing so can disrupt your body’s circadian rhythms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, having a consistent sleep schedule reinforces your body’s sleep-wake cycle. The occasional lie-in is fine, especially if you’re catching up on sleep debt, but if you want regular restful sleep, you should aim to go to sleep and get up at the same time every day.

2. Relax before bed

Many parents establish an evening routine for their children, such as limiting screen time before bedtime, bathing, brushing their teeth and getting tucked in with a story. A similar bedtime routine can help parents sleep better, too. Sleep.com recommends starting your bedtime routine at least an hour before going to bed, reducing blue light (including from phones) and minimizing food and drink. Use this chunk of time to engage in self-care, which many single parents can find challenging to do during the day. According to the survey, 21% of single parents said they make time for self-care throughout the week, compared with 37% of partnered parents.

So, put away the electronics, dim the lights and engage in soothing, relaxing activities like reading a book or listening to a podcast — Chasing Sleep has a whole episode about sleep and parenting — taking a warm bath or drinking herbal tea.

3. Stress when the sun is out

Once your kids are asleep, you may find yourself catching up on bills and other tasks you couldn’t get to during the day. However, anxieties can rile you up and keep you from being able to turn off your mind for sleep. To help keep your to-do list from interrupting your nightly sleep, set aside time each day to tackle the most complex tasks. Behavioral sleep psychologist Jade Wu, Ph.D., also recommends making what she calls a “mental litter box” to hold all of your worries. She recommends letting your mind worry about any looming issues for a few minutes during the day, then putting those concerns back into the mental box so that they don’t pester you while you’re trying to sleep. After all, getting good sleep can help you feel more emotionally resilient to tackle the big stuff. “It’s a lot harder to weather setbacks, feel upbeat, be patient and do all the other things required as a parent when you don’t sleep well,” Wu says.

4. Create a soothing sleep environment

About 61% of parents agree that changing their bedroom setup would result in better sleep. With just a few adjustments, you can create a space that will have you falling asleep quickly and deeply. Dr. Chris Winter, MD, neurologist and Mattress Firm’s Sleep Health Expert, believes creating a soothing bedroom environment begins with the five senses. To create the perfect sleep foundation, Dr. Winter recommends keeping the room dark, cool and quiet, as well as sleeping on a comfortable mattress and linens and using a pillow based on individual sleep needs. It will take time to establish new sleep habits, but with a little patience and effort, you can improve your chances of getting consistent, quality sleep. Using these four tips, you’ll be on your way to better sleep so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on a new day. To learn more about the “Sleep Uncovered 2023: How Parents Sleep” report, visit MattressFirm.com.

2023-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – It is the season of “back-to-school” checklists, and there is one task that is important to cross off: a checkup to ensure your child is caught up on their routine vaccinations. After a summer of fun, routine vaccines can help make sure your child’s immune system is well prepared to protect them from serious diseases like measles, polio and chickenpox.

The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 93% of kindergartners in the U.S. got their recommended routine vaccinations. While the overwhelming majority of children are getting their vaccines, the data also showed a 1 percentage point drop in vaccination coverage for the second year in a row. That means at least 250,000 kindergarteners may lack important protection from preventable childhood diseases. Now is a great time to catch up!

Parents, are you ready to get your child off to a healthy start this school year? Test your knowledge of routine childhood vaccines.

Which of the following is true about routine childhood vaccines?

Many children have missed recommended childhood vaccinations over the past few years.

True. Now is an excellent time to take your child to a well-child visit and catch up on any recommended vaccinations. CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children catch up on routine childhood vaccinations and get back on track for school, childcare and beyond.

Getting children caught up with recommended vaccinations is the best way to protect them from a variety of vaccine-preventable diseases and keep them in school and participating in other activities.

True. Children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. These diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, even deadly. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of measles in the United States, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Children may qualify for no-cost vaccines.

True. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program offers vaccines at no cost to children who qualify. In fact, more than half of American children younger than 19 years old receive VFC vaccines. Ask your doctor if your child may qualify.

Vaccines are safe and effective against preventing diseases.

True. The United States’ long-standing vaccine safety system ensures that vaccines are as safe as possible. Currently, the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history. Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common side effects are very mild, such as pain or swelling at the injection site.

Prepare your child for a healthy start to the school year by ensuring your child is up to date on their routine vaccines. Learn more about routine childhood vaccination and schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor today.

2023-07-07T15:01:00

(BPT) – The summer travel season is here! Whether you’re planning an epic trip across the country or stamping your passport for an international adventure, there are plenty of items to pack and tasks to do before you take off. Keeping your family safe online while you travel should be at the top of your to-do list.

More than half of Americans confess to using public hotel networks and 1 in 3 travelers rely on airport Wi-Fi, according to a recent Norton survey. Nowadays, there are plenty of public networks for you to use, but doing so can make you an easy target for hackers. If left unsecured, your sent emails, banking information, credit card details and more could be out in the open for hackers to access. However, you have the power to shield your information from prying eyes.

A simple way to secure your information and provide peace of mind is to use a virtual private network (VPN). You’ve probably heard of a VPN before, but do you know what it does? This digital privacy tool creates a private encrypted connection between you and the internet, giving you online privacy and anonymity even when on public networks. Read on to see why you should add a VPN to your packing list.

1. Hide your private information

You won’t always know if the Wi-Fi networks you access during your travels are secure and safe. Even hotel Wi-Fi networks can be troublesome, as you never know if they were set up with security in mind.

Whether you’re at an airport, train station, coffee shop or hotel lobby, a VPN can hide your online activity from would-be snoops. You can browse, shop, post, bank and view content without worrying that cybercriminals, governments and others can see your location or activity.

2. Access your streaming subscriptions worldwide

Some streaming platforms have region-blocked services. This means you may be unable to catch up on your favorite streaming show or root for your home team during the big game when traveling abroad. Luckily, a VPN can help you keep up with your favorite shows even when you’re at a resort halfway around the world.

3. Avoid geographical restrictions while abroad

Similarly, some VPNs allow you to bypass geographical restrictions imposed in some countries. Depending on where you travel, you may not be able to access certain websites, social media platforms or content.

Using a VPN, you can “appear” to be in a different location, which may grant you access to sites otherwise inaccessible at your destination. Keep in mind that you will need to identify whether the use of a VPN is legal. Before you take off, check the country’s laws before using a VPN.

4. Save on transportation and lodging

Did you know that the prices for flights and hotels can change based on your location? With a VPN, you can find the best deal. Before you book a trip, search for flights and hotels using a VPN and try changing which server you are using to compare if the price is cheaper when shopping from a different location. Then you can use the money you save to treat yourself while on your vacation. A VPN can also keep your credit card information secure while booking.

Finding a VPN that’s right for you

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some are free, while others are paid subscriptions. If you’re willing to put in the time and research, you may be able to find a free VPN that suits your needs. However, most travelers generally use a paid VPN service to preserve internet speed and to have an overall better user experience.

When choosing a VPN, consider using Norton Secure VPN, which protects personal information like passwords, bank details and credit card numbers when you’re using public Wi-Fi. Whether on a PC, Mac or mobile device, you’ll be protected.

Are you ready to escape your everyday and stay safe online while on vacation? To learn more about how you can secure your Android or IOS devices, visit US.Norton.com/Norton-Secure-VPN.

2023-07-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Dreaming of an amazing European vacation? Perhaps a scenic Italian locale featured in TV shows like “White Lotus”? You’re not alone. Demand for top Italian destinations is high. With pent-up demand, rising costs and crowded venues, it’s not easy to plan visits to hot spots like Amalfi. Fortunately, Italy boasts many less-traveled roads leading to off-the-radar spots well worth exploring.

To help you find the greatest towns you’ve never heard of, Steve Perillo, president and third-generation owner of America’s leading travel company to Italy, Perillo Tours, has you covered.

Here are Perillo’s top recommendations for your next Italian itinerary.

Enjoy the Amalfi Coast vibe in Minori

While the town of Amalfi is one of the most famous tourism locations, there’s plenty of charm in other towns along the coast that are far less expensive and booked up. For example, while Minori is just a mile from Amalfi, it offers a pretty downtown area, gorgeous scenery and truly delicious pasta. Make sure to visit the Villa Romana e Antiquarium — an archaeological site and museum of an ancient Roman villa, then enjoy a scenic promenade along the harbor.

Relish the relaxed, quiet pace of Praiano

Perched on the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast is the charming fishing village of Praiano. Just 15 minutes from the famous town of Positano, Praiano is the perfect spot for a slower, quieter respite. Praiano boasts a public beach, the Marina di Praia, plus small fashion boutiques for a leisurely day of shopping. Want an adventure? Hop on a ferry for a 25-minute ride to the gorgeous Isle of Capri, or enjoy some windsurfing or kayaking.

Get out your camera for a visit to Ravello

The clifftop town of Ravello is known for some of the best views of the Mediterranean Sea along the Amalfi Coast, plus outstanding hiking. The town was decreed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, with beautiful architecture in buildings like the Villa Cimbrone and the Villa Ruffolo. The long history of the town is fascinating, from its 5th-century founding through becoming a coveted vacation spot for actors and celebrities including Greta Garbo, Humphrey Bogart and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Discover the Baroque beauty of Lecce

Until recently, Puglia was southern Italy’s best-kept-secret destination, but it is becoming increasingly popular. Considered the cultural capital of Puglia, the town of Lecce is best known for its Baroque style buildings, churches, palaces and museums. The striking architecture of Lecce has earned it the nickname “The Florence of the South.”

Love pasta? You’ll love Alberobello

Also in Puglia, Alberobello is famous for fairy-tale-like 14th-century white-washed conical-roofed houses called “Trulli,” which are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bring your appetite, as the town is also renowned for its long tradition of pasta making. The “Quartiere delle Orecchiette” (Orecchiette district) is lined with women seated outside their homes making orecchiette (little ears) and cavatelli (small shells) pasta by hand, a culinary tradition passed down through generations.

If you’re set on an Italian getaway, you may be surprised to find popular destinations already fully booked through the summer. The good news? The best way to find hotels at relatively affordable rates is by booking guided tours. Since many tour operators pre-negotiate hotel rates years in advance, tour group pricing has not seen the dramatic price hikes found across other parts of the travel industry — and rooms are already pre-reserved for these groups.

Perillo Tours, the leader in Italian travel for over 75 years, offers nine core Italy itineraries ranging from 14 days exploring Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Venice and Milan, to 9 days in Rome and the Amalfi Coast, providing an ideal balance of sightseeing, free time and activities. A 13-day guided program in Spain, an 11-day Greece itinerary and three Hawaiian itineraries are also available to satisfy your wanderlust.

All 2023 departure dates and pricing are now available for booking at PerilloTours.com. Or for independent travelers wanting to design a customized vacation to meet your individual needs, visit ItalyVacations.com for a helpful planning guide.