Category: Brandpoint

2023-05-03T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you have a pack or two of wet wipes around the house, you know how convenient and helpful these household items can be. However, baby wipes, makeup wipes, and disinfecting wipes are classified as non-flushable products. Wet wipes make life easier when pressed for time but if consumers don’t dispose of non-flushable wipes properly, it can lead to serious problems for local and state infrastructures.

According to a survey by The Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA), 93% of California consumers feel that practicing responsible flushing habits is somewhat or very important to their local community. However, the data also found that many Californians falsely believe it’s safe to flush baby wipes (26%), disinfecting wipes (17%) and makeup wipes (18%). Even among those who are aware, 60% admitted to flushing something they knew wasn’t flushable within the last year.

“When you look at the data, we see there is a clear disconnect between perception and reality,” said RFA President Lara Wyss. “When the wrong things are flushed, it can cause massive problems in the form of clogs and fatbergs in California communities and home pipes.”

Downstream damage

It’s easy to think that flushing a non-flushable wipe every once in a while isn’t a big deal, but even one can cause issues downstream. Non-flushable wipes represent 93% of wet wipes in the U.S. and are made of long, often synthetic fibers, making them durable for their intended uses. While this benefits consumers, their durability means they aren’t designed to disintegrate when flushed, blocking home or sewage pipes, pumps and wastewater equipment.

Clogs aren’t just inconvenient; they’re costly. The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) estimates that flushing non-flushable wet wipes costs $441 million a year in additional operating costs for U.S. clean water utilities. Also, on the municipal level, the average utility pays about $100,000 a year in additional collection system operating costs because of issues caused by flushed wet wipes.

California is leading the charge

While these facts are discouraging, consumers do have the power to make a difference. To raise consumer awareness and encourage Californians to dispose of non-flushable wipes properly, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the Proper Labeling for Wet Wipes law in October 2021. This law requires non-flushable wipes packaging to include the “Do Not Flush” (DNF) symbol. Washington, Illinois, and Oregon have similar laws as well.

While the law is fairly new, the RFA survey found a growing consumer awareness of the DNF symbol, with 75% of Californians claiming they recall seeing it on wet wipe packaging. More importantly, most Californians (68%) are willing to change their behavior after learning about the costs of improper flushing.

Ultimately, educating the public about the consequences of improper flushing to their wallets, community, and environment is critical to reducing fatbergs and clogs across California and beyond.

“We know consumer education works; we’ve seen that in our 2022 pilot #FlushSmart campaign,” Wyss said. “It’s just a matter of connecting with audiences on the issue in a way that hits close to home, making sure we’re getting the message out to as many people as we can.”

Everyone can do their part to stop the wastewater issues caused by inappropriately flushed items like non-flushable wipes by always looking for the “Do Not Flush” symbol. To find educational resources on the subject and learn more about RFA, visit FlushSmart.org or check out @FlushSmart on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2023-05-02T16:35:00

(BPT) – Mexican food is a staple during this time of the year in the United States. Whether you’re gathering with friends to indulge in your favorite Mexican-inspired meal, celebrating Mexican culture with family or commemorating Mexico’s win over France in the Battle of Puebla in 1862 on Cinco de Mayo, the makers of the HERDEZ^® brand are honored to partner with Mexican-American home chefs to inspire you with their own authentic recipes and traditions to help you celebrate.

Here is how a handful of popular Mexican-American content creators take part in the annual tradition, along with tasty recipes they recommend to make your celebration complete:

This Cinco de Mayo, Jerlynn Torres, a Mexican-American chef whose family grew up in Guerrero and Jalisco, Mexico, will bring out her original Mexican Talavera pottery plates and kick off the day by making her family an authentic Mexican breakfast, Chilaquiles Divorciados. Torres plans to use the holiday to educate her children on the significance behind Cinco de Mayo.

Fabrizio Villalpando, a New York-based foodie and content creator, believes Cinco de Mayo is all about gathering with family and friends with platters of food, drinks and Mexican music to celebrate. This year, he plans to blend the old with new traditions and will experiment with a new Michelada recipe that features HERDEZ^® Traditional Salsa, which he’ll pair with bottomless tortilla chips and HERDEZ^® Traditional Guacamole, made with real Hass avocados that follows an authentic Mexican recipe.

Recipe developer and home cook Alfredo Garcia says he finds joy in passing along his own culinary traditions and helping his fans cook simple, approachable Mexican recipes. His choice for this Cinco de Mayo: Easy Beefy Chipotle Empanadas topped with a creamy flavorful Chipotle Salsa Cremosa, which features the smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle and is inspired by Mexican cuisine from the ages. It is also a great complement to chicken, pork or seafood, and may be enjoyed in shrimp tostadas or chipotle chicken taquitos, according to the HERDEZ^® product website.

Leonor “Lilo” Vargas, an Instagram-famous Mexican American known for sharing easy and authentic homecooked meals, is looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with her family, all of whom are from Durango, Mexico, at her mom’s house cooking a family recipe. This year’s favorite? Spicy Steak Fajitas with HERDEZ^® Traditional Salsa and Guacamole, Vargas explains, while listening to her dad’s ranchero music.

The key to a festive holiday meal is combining the authentic flavors of Mexico with the ease and convenience of a day spent with family and close friends. For more recipe inspiration, or to find delicious, ready-to-serve dips, hot sauce and salsas that will enhance celebrations of any size, visit www.herdeztraditions.com.

2023-05-02T14:37:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably seen them at charging stations around town, but have you tried riding an electric bike (eBike)? It’s a sustainable transit option that makes it easy and accessible to get around town.

More and more people are buying eBikes as an alternative to driving their cars. In fact, eBikes are actually outselling electric cars. According to a recent study, eBikes sold over 500,000 units in the U.S. in 2021, and the trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

There are many reasons why eBikes are having a moment. The most obvious benefit is the pedal-assist feature that amplifies your pedal power, making it faster and more comfortable to ride. However that’s not the only benefit of owning and riding an eBike. Check out these seven reasons why eBikes are a sustainable and fun transportation option that’s here to stay.

1. Ecofriendly transportation

Transport accounts for a fifth of all CO₂ emissions worldwide. Because they are quiet and don’t create exhaust fumes, eBikes are an attractive form of eco-friendly transportation. Many people are leaving their cars at home in favor of using eBikes for their commute, running errands or just getting from point A to point B. Also, eBike batteries can be recharged using renewable sources of energy like solar power, reducing your environmental impact.

2. Safety

Not all eBikes are created equal. There have been dozens of reports of fires caused by their lithium-ion batteries. However, industry leaders are stepping up to enhance eBike safety. Bosch, for example, has ensured that their eBike system goes above and beyond the strict legal requirements for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries used to power the bikes.

The entire Bosch eBike system is certified to UL 2849 safety standard to protect consumers from the dangers of eBike fires and reduce the risk of potential assembly errors. The battery management system (BMS) in particular detects potential problems of the high-quality lithium-ion batteries, effectively protecting cells from overheating and overloading. Not only does this system protect you, but it also makes the battery even more durable.

In addition to this effective and safe BMS, Bosch has even included other safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to further improve eBike safety.

3. Exercise

A common misconception about eBikes is that you don’t get as much exercise as you would riding a conventional bike. However, research shows that eBike users log more weekly exercise minutes than riders who only use conventional bicycles. Researchers also found that eBike owners don’t solely use eBikes and tend to also own and use conventional bikes. In fact, the study showed that when eBike users did ride conventional bikes, they did so longer than those who only rode conventional bikes.

4. Go farther

Not only do eBike riders get more exercise, but they also ride farther and on terrain that would be difficult for conventional bikes. Norwegian researchers found that eBike riders, on average, quadrupled their cycling distance per day.

5. Conquer hills and difficult terrain

Hills can be challenging on conventional bikes, but an electric motor combined with pedaling makes going uphill much easier. If you use your bike to commute to work, you can arrive at your office without worrying about sweating through your work clothes. Also, eBikes can make riding on paved streets, dirt or even sand a bit easier to manage.

6. Plenty of cargo room

Whether you specifically buy a cargo eBike or install a rack and panniers, you can easily carry groceries, camping gear and more to any destination. This is especially useful for families. By attaching a passenger seat, you can take your kids on rides to the park, school or Grandma’s house.

7. Something for everyone!

There are so many models of eBikes that you can find the right one that fits your lifestyle. An all-terrain eBike can make off-roading easy, fun and accessible. A sleek and efficient commuter bike allows you to cycle the city streets with ease. Cargo eBikes make it easy to take whatever you need on your adventures.

To learn more about how eBikes work, safety features and to find an eBike that allows you to do everything you love, visit Bosch-eBike.com.

2023-05-02T15:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is the season of events — from graduations and BBQs to weddings and holiday weekends, these next few months are filled with exciting plans. As commitments add up, so can the prices. This can prevent us from buying that thing we’ve had our eyes on or booking a trip for some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

As summer creeps closer, plan to make the most out of the moments that matter by channeling these tips:

Make a list and earn on every purchase

For those who enjoy hosting, planning the perfect summer party can add up, especially as prices go up. Before heading to the store (or clicking confirm purchase online), create a checklist with everything you need to buy. This way you can avoid over-buying while at the store and remove items that aren’t necessary (maybe even get creative and DIY decorations!).

With all this party prep, make sure you’re using a cash back credit card, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®, so you’re able to get rewarded on every purchase and earn 1.5% cash back on every $1 spent. Cardmembers can link their card to Amazon to shop and instantly redeem cash back rewards on eligible purchases at checkout, including tax and shipping.

Maximize travel purchases

Thinking about a long weekend getaway or big family vacation this summer? We all know it’s important to research flights or hotel prices ahead of time, but many forget to check the rewards or offers available through their credit card. For example, Chase Freedom Unlimited cardmembers can earn 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®, so they’re able to earn rewards toward their next trip.

And when you’re packing, don’t forget to bring your Chase Freedom Unlimited card along for the trip — you’ll earn 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and drugstore purchases (think: sunscreen, snacks and other last-minute needs).

Stay alert for deals and offers

There’s a good chance you’re celebrating someone this summer — whether it’s for Mother’s Day, a graduation or even a wedding — so you’ll also need to budget for a few gifts. Start thinking of ideas early and sign up for emails from popular retailers so you can stay up to date on sales.

If you’re shopping during the month of May, be sure to check out Chase’s Month of More, a month-long promotion where cardmembers can score some of the best offers and earn higher cash back on a variety of popular brands. Cardmembers can save up to 15% on gift cards from Macy’s, Wayfair and Chipotle and earn 5% or more cash back from favorite brands like Sam’s Club, Walmart, Athleta, Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Lowes, Nike and more. Cardmembers can also get 10% more value for their points at Chase Apple Rewards Store.

Start your summer off right by maximizing every purchase and earning rewards. Plus, new Chase Freedom Unlimited cardmembers earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

No matter how you plan to celebrate this summer, make the most of your spending!

2023-05-02T11:29:00

(BPT) – Advances in early detection and treatment of retinal diseases made possible by retina specialists can preserve sight and virtually eliminate vision loss from conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy and retinal detachment.

People who are at risk or experience symptoms of a retinal condition should visit a retina specialist’s office which is equipped with cutting-edge imaging technologies, allowing for earlier diagnosis, closer monitoring and breakthrough treatment approaches that can help save sight.

According to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), advanced imaging techniques and technologies a patient may encounter during a visit with a retina specialist include:

• Indirect ophthalmoscopy: A diagnostic technique used to examine the back of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels. During the exam, the retina specialist shines a bright light into the eye from a special head-mounted device. The retina specialist then uses another lens, called a handheld lens, to magnify the image of the back of the eye and examine it in detail.
• Fundus photography: Fundus photography and ultra-widefield fundus photography use a specialized camera with a low-power microscope to capture a series of high-resolution images of the fundus, or back of the eye including the retina and macula, while a patient’s eyes are dilated. During this painless test, the patient is seated in front of a specialized camera and looks straight ahead while a bright light is shone into their eye. The camera then takes multiple images of the back of the eye, which are reviewed by the retina specialist for any abnormalities or signs of disease.
• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): A non-invasive imaging technique that uses waves of light to capture individual images of cross-sections of the retina giving retina specialists a three-dimensional look at its structures and the ability to measure the retina’s thickness. During the test, the patient is seated in front of a machine that looks like a camera and asked to rest their chin on a support to keep their head still. The patient’s eyes are then scanned with a special light, which captures images of the back of the eye. The results are available immediately which allows for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A): A novel, non-invasive technique, OCT-A allows a close, three-dimensional look at the blood vessels and blood flow inside the retina and surrounding tissues. The resulting images may be in color or black and white. During the procedure, the patient is seated in front of a machine that looks like a camera and asked to rest their chin on a support to keep their head still. The patient’s eyes are then scanned with a special light, which captures images of the back of the eye, including blood vessels and blood flow.
• Fluorescein Angiography/Indocyanine Angiography (FA/ICG): A diagnostic technique that uses a dye injected into the bloodstream and a highly specialized camera to record blood flow within the retina and the rest of the eye. After a patient’s eyes are dilated, a small amount of dye is injected in the arm or hand. The patient is positioned in front of a specialized camera and looks at a series of bright lights while a series of pictures are taken which shows the dye as it moves through the blood vessels in the retina.
• Ophthalmic ultrasound: Ophthalmic ultrasound or eye ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the structures inside the eye. During the non-invasive test, a probe is placed on the eye or eyelid and the patient may be asked to move their eye in different directions. Ophthalmic ultrasound is useful in diagnosing and monitoring various eye conditions, including retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, tumors and other abnormalities.

“Retina specialists have access to highly specialized imaging equipment right in their office, allowing patients to have all tests and imaging done to track the progress of their retinal condition in one location, eliminating the need to travel to a different medical office or clinic,” said Philip J. Ferrone, M.D., FASRS, president of the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists. “Our goal is to reduce the burden on patients and their families and provide a one-stop shop for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment for everyone facing a retinal condition.”

For more information visit www.SeeforaLifetime.org.

2023-05-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Plenty of things can make you sweat — hot weather on a summer day, strenuous physical activity or feeling stressed out. But why do you smell worse when you’re stressed compared to after a workout or an afternoon in the sun? What you may not know is that there are three different kinds of sweat — stress, heat and activity — and they come from different glands in your body.

“Compared to heat and activity sweat (salt water that comes from eccrine glands), odor from stress sweat from the apocrine glands smells worse because it contains food for the bacteria on our skin,” said Dr. Maiysha D. Jones, Principal Scientist, North America Personal Care at Procter and Gamble. “When bacteria consume the fat and proteins in stress sweat, they produce foul-smelling gases that we perceive as body odor.”

So what can you do to cut down on all three types of sweat, especially the smelliest stress sweat? Here are some tips to help you stay cool in the summer heat and conquer your stress so you can be at your best, no matter what you’re doing:

• Keep your cool while outside in the summer sun: As the temps start heating up, make sure not to overdo it, especially if you’re outdoors for a long period of time. Remember to stay hydrated and keep water handy. If possible, cool your body down with a dip in the pool — even running cold water on your face can help you feel cooler.
• Be careful when exercising in the heat: It’s easy to get overheated when you’re working out, playing sports or doing yard work during the warmer months, so it’s important to safeguard your health while doing activities outside. Try to work out in the early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest times of the day and choose moisture-wicking clothing to keep you cool.
• Protect against sweat and odor: No matter the type of sweat you experience the most, Secret Clinical Antiperspirant/Deodorant has you covered. It’s made with advanced odor fighters, provides 72-hour sweat protection, it’s clinically proven to fight sweat from stress, heat and activity, and it comes in several delightful scents.
• Take mindful steps to reduce stress: Everyone experiences stress sometimes, whether due to work demands, unexpected events or everyday obligations. Take the time to replenish your energy and try stress-relieving activities such as deep breathing, unplugging from social media or computer screens, listening to music, or spending time outdoors to enjoy nature.

“While most of us can’t avoid sweating altogether, we can stay protected with products that keep us feeling confident,” added Jones. “Secret Clinical fights sweat from stress, heat and activity so no matter what the day brings, you’ll be ready to take it on.”

Visit Secret.com to find the best product for you or find Secret Clinical at retailers nationwide.

2023-05-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – As May rolls around each year, we are reminded to show our appreciation for the educators who have dedicated themselves to shaping our future generations. It’s not just the classroom teachers who deserve our gratitude — we should also acknowledge the invaluable contributions of substitute teachers and non-instructional support staff who play a crucial role in student achievement.

Substitute educators aren’t just temporary teachers.

Substitute teachers have a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of children, and their role is essential for students to succeed academically. When a teacher is absent, a substitute teacher helps to maintain the continuity of learning by teaching lesson plans and curriculum established by the classroom teacher. While quickly adapting to new classroom environments and routines, substitute teachers ensure students receive a quality education with minimal disruptions to the learning environment.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, substitute educators have been critical in filling the gap of absent full-time educators, and demand has only increased. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 600,000 substitute teachers cover more than 30 million absent teachers in K-12 schools annually. Findings from a recent National Center for Education Statistics report indicate that “as of October 2022, 6 percent of all public school non-teaching staff positions were vacant. The average public school had one vacant non-teaching staff position.”

In many ways, substitute educators are the unsung heroes of the educational system in our country.

Celebrating substitute educators

To honor the contribution of substitute teachers and non-instructional substitute educators such as paraprofessionals, nurses and food service workers, Kelly Education, the nation’s largest education staffing provider, has had a longstanding tradition of recognizing the achievements of substitute educators with its annual Substitute Educator of the Year Award.

This year, Kelly Education chose four educators for the 2023 Substitute Educator of the Year Award. Criteria included current employment by Kelly Education and a nomination by a school colleague demonstrating how the educator enriched the lives of students and peers in their school community. Each winner receives a $5,000 bonus plus an additional $1,500 to give to the school of their choice.

Check out how the four winners of this year’s award are changing students’ lives one classroom at a time.

Jim Rue retired from teaching full-time in Saint Paul, MN. However, he continues to serve as a substitute educator at Belwin Outdoor Science, where he previously taught. Working as a substitute teacher allowed him to work with students outdoors while maintaining a flexible schedule and his skills as an educator.

“Never underestimate the positive effect you can have on a young person’s life,” said Rue. “Substitute teachers should never lose sight of being able to change a student’s life. That positive influence may not be seen by them until years down the road or ever, but what you do does have an impact.”

Bonnie Weeks graduated from Brigham Young University and immediately began teaching second grade full-time. After several years as an educator, she chose to stay home to raise her children and later cared for her aging parents. After they passed away, she began working as a substitute teacher.

“Throughout the years, I never lost my passion for teaching,” said Weeks. “The best part of each day is positively influencing the students’ lives. When I can help a student, particularly one who struggles, learn and understand a concept, it brings me great satisfaction as it helps build their self-esteem.”

Charles Sheehan is a veteran who retired from the U.S. Army in 2016 and began working with troubled teens in detention. During the pandemic, his family decided to move back home to Florida, where he chose to work as a substitute educator.

“The greatest benefit of working as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education is providing an exceptional education to students in need and having a flexible schedule,” said Sheehan. “Substituting isn’t easy, but it is very rewarding. I enjoy working with and getting to know all the third-grade students and teachers at Belmont Elementary.”

Patricia Phillips is a school nurse in North Kansas City, MO. She retired from hospital care after more than 20 years and went to work in education. She has worked for Kelly Education for 12 years and recently received a certificate from the state of Missouri honoring her 50 years of nursing service.

“Being the nurse, you have the opportunity to help children and teens in all kinds of situations,” said Phillips. “It might be chronic health issues, emergency situations or emotional issues. You have to have a lot of confidence in your assessment skills because you are working alone most of the time. But you also need to know when to reach out for help.”

Creating a robust academic experience requires the contribution of all school employees, especially substitute teachers. This year, during the month of May, take time to thank the substitute educators in your community.

“One of my greatest joys is celebrating the work of our educators,” said Kelly Education President Nicola Soares. “These four educators are extra special because they were all nominated by school colleagues for the positive impact they have on their school community.”

You can learn more about this year’s winners by reading their full profiles on kellyeducation.com.

2023-05-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – If it seems like you’re searching for a lot of gifts this time of year, it’s not your imagination. Between Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduations, late spring through early summer is filled with celebrations. And as if those occasions weren’t enough, May, June and July are among the most common birthday months, and peak wedding season starts in June.

So if you’re scrambling to find budget-friendly gifts that bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, here are some tips.

1. Make it personal

Consider ordering a customized item your gift recipient will know is unique. Several sites online can create almost any gift item marked with your friend or family member’s name, a personalized message or even a photo. Even more memorable would be choosing a favorite image with the two of you together, then creating a framed keepsake of that moment labeled with your names and the occasion.

2. Celebrate what makes them unique

Show your support for your loved ones by recognizing and encouraging their talents and passions. If your dad loves gardening, your mom is an avid crafter and your brother is great at drawing, assemble a box or basket filled with supplies they can use to do whatever it is they love most.

3. Find the best deals to stretch your dollar

To gift your friends and family the way you want, it pays to find great deals. Using Microsoft Edge as your web browser can make all the difference — it’s the best browser for shopping, with built-in tools right there in the sidebar like coupons, price comparison, price history and cash back. You don’t have to leave your browser tab or download any extensions. Combined with the new AI-powered Microsoft Bing search engine, you can find what you’re looking for quickly and easily, make smart shopping decisions, and even get inspired with unique and thoughtful gift ideas.

Shoppers can already save up to $400 a year using Microsoft Edge, and during Microsoft Edge Deal Days May 8-14, you can save even more on gifts from some of the most popular retailers with special deals like:

• Home and decorating essentials with up to 7% cash back on select Walmart purchases and up to 10% cash back on select Ashley Furniture.
• Laptops designed by Microsoft with up to 11% cash back on Surface Pro 9, up to 8% cash back + $300 off Surface Laptop 5.
• Upgrade to a new fridge, smartphone or TV with up to 12% cash back on select Samsung products.
• For a limited time, $10 cash back on one purchase of $100 or more from select retailers like Sephora, Neiman Marcus and Overstock.

4. Gift them an experience

How about gifting your friend or relative a class, a tour or another event you know would interest them? Even better, find something special you can do together, creating a once-in-a-lifetime memory you’ll both cherish forever. Think about an experience you’ve had that you want to share with them, one thing they love to do that you’d also like to explore — or discover a new activity, and join them on the journey.

5. Give them something they’d never treat themselves to

Can you identify an item they’d love, but would never get for themselves? It could be a luxury or treat you know they want, but might feel too self-indulgent to get on their own. This might be a gorgeous gold bracelet or new laptop for Mom, a supply of Dad’s favorite high-end coffee or a superior quality smartphone. If you’re unsure what they’re hankering after, brainstorm with family members to find that special item — and consider chipping in on a luxury item with them so you can aim higher with your gifting goals.

With these tips, you can make this gift-giving season easier, memorable and more affordable. Happy gifting!