Category: Brandpoint

2017-12-20T17:13:00

(BPT) – You can feel it in the air: The ski and snowboard season has arrived, and some areas in the U.S. are already open for business. As snow sports continue to gain popularity, millions of people will be hitting the slopes this winter. During the 2016-17 ski season, the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported that U.S. ski areas tallied an estimated 54.7 million skier and snowboarder visits, up 3.7 percent from the previous season’s 52.8 million total.

With the increase in skier and rider visits, safety is always a top concern. Substantial growth in the number of skiers and riders wearing helmets has made participation in snow sports safer, along with awareness and education campaigns that emphasize the responsibility each skier and rider has every time they take to the slopes. For example, The NSAA and Craig Hospital, a world-renowned rehabilitation and research hospital in Denver for people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or brain injury, are partnering to promote several industry safety campaigns: #RideAnotherDay and ParkSmart.

Helmet usage on the rise

Eighty percent of skiers and snowboarders wore helmets during the most recent ski season, setting yet another record for helmet usage at ski areas across the country. While helmets can help to reduce or prevent certain injuries, they are not foolproof, and there are other safety concerns while skiing.

Proving that helmets alone do not prevent all injuries, data from Craig Hospital shows an increase in the number of patients admitted each year from snow sports accidents (up 50 percent in 2017 over 2012).

As an avid skier, ski racer and one of the early pioneers of adaptive skiing programs, Dr. Thomas E. Balazy, medical director of Craig Hospital, is a strong proponent of helmets. “Helmets can definitely prevent head injuries while skiing or riding,” said Dr. Balazy. “I would never go out without one, and while I believe that everyone who participates in this sport should wear one at all times, responsible, safe skiing and riding is the best way to prevent serious injuries on the mountain.”

Ride another day

Kelli Johnson, along with her daughter Elise, inspired the #RideAnotherDay campaign. On the day before Christmas in 2010, Kelli was skiing in northern Wyoming near their home with her oldest child, Elise, 5. When Kelli stopped to help Elise put her ski back on, a snowboarder traveling at more than 50 mph collided with them. The accident was devastating. Elise and the 23-year-old snowboarder died instantly, and Kelli sustained a traumatic brain injury and paralyzed arm.

After months of rehabilitating at Craig Hospital, learning to walk, eat and swallow, Kelli has made a remarkable recovery, although she still has some paralysis on the right side of her body. To honor their daughter and create a lasting legacy, Kelli and her husband, Chauncy, partnered with the NSAA to launch a safety campaign titled #RideAnotherDay.

“My hope is to get this message out to others,” said Kelli. “If anyone hears this message just once, they will hopefully change how they act and conduct themselves out on the mountain.”

These types of accidents, while horrific, are rare. In fact, during the 2015-16 season, only 39 fatalities occurred at U.S. ski areas out of the 52.8 million skier/snowboarder days reported for the season. To put that in perspective, more than 1,000 people died from bicycle collisions with automobiles during that same time.

Keeping skiers and riders safe while skiing and riding is top of mind for those in the ski industry. The following tips are from the #RideAnotherDay campaign, which is being promoted at more than 300 ski areas around the country:

* Be ready to avoid objects and other skiers.

* Maintain a safe speed and always ski in control.

* Stay alert to what’s going on around you, especially other skiers and riders.

* Plan ahead and ease up at blind spots, check uphill when merging onto trails and give others plenty of room when passing.

Terrain park safety

The explosive growth of terrain parks at ski resorts (94 percent of U.S. ski resorts have at least one terrain park), has led to the NSAA launching the ParkSmart campaign. It tackles some of the unique differences between skiing or riding on traditional ski area trails versus riding in the ever-popular terrain parks. Freestyle terrain parks can include jumps, half pipes, rails, ramps and more. Some simple safety and etiquette tips for terrain parks include:

* Start small — Work your way up. Build your skills. Know your limits and ability level and select the appropriate freestyle terrain for you.

* Make a plan — Every feature. Every time. Some features are set up to be used one after the other, without stopping, and others individually; jumps are for jumping and rail takeoffs are for using the rail.

* Always look — Before you drop.

* Respect — The features and other users.

* Take it easy — Know your limits. Land on your feet.

Learning how to ski and ride safely and understanding the rules and etiquette of the mountain can help ensure a fun, safe season on the slopes. For more information on the #RideAnotherDay campaign or ParkSmart, visit NSAA.org.

2018-01-10T16:01:00

(BPT) – Chasing a place on the podium isn’t possible without the proper fuel for your body. Whether you’re going for the gold or just passing the pigskin in honor of the big game, athletes and amateurs alike need the right combination of nutrients to take on their training, and sports nutritionists across the nation are recommending one vegetable in particular to get them there — potatoes! Here’s why:

* Carbohydrate — Potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable with 26 grams of quality carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are important for optimal physical and mental performance as the primary fuel for your brain and a key source of energy for muscles. And, because your body’s own stores of carbohydrates are limited and may be depleted — even in a single session of intense and/or prolonged exercise — it’s important to replenish them.

* Potassium — Did you know a medium-sized potato with the skin has more potassium than a medium-sized banana? A medium (5.2 ounce) skin-on potato contains 620 mg of potassium, an important electrolyte that aids in muscle, cardiovascular and nervous system function. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines mention potassium as an under-consumed nutrient of concern, and recommend consuming foods with high levels of potassium such as white potatoes.

* Energy — Potatoes are more energy-packed than any other popular vegetable. Adequate energy intake supports optimal body functions and it’s critical to take in the appropriate number of calories to match the demands of the day, especially while training.

Partial to pasta or rice? With as much — if not more — of several essential vitamins and minerals found in spaghetti, brown rice or whole wheat bread, potatoes are a smart addition to your other favorite performance foods (compared on a per-serving basis). What’s more, a medium Russet potato with the skin has more vitamin C and potassium than a medium sweet potato.

There is a medal-worthy potato option to fit your tastes (and schedule) no matter what sport is your specialty. Leslie Bonci, registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs and the WNBA, says, “I love potatoes for their versatility, affordability and applicability to all types of culinary options. The carbohydrate, fiber and potassium make them a great choice for workouts and offer a change of pace and taste from other sports-focused foods.” She created a recipe for portable and crunchy On-the-Go Potatoes for a quick savory snack for mid-hike or mid-bike that’s ready in just about 30 minutes. Gearing up for a busy week? Make a batch of On-the-Go Potatoes on Sunday and freeze them. Defrost throughout the week by leaving in the refrigerator overnight, and then simply re-heat in the toaster oven (or enjoy cold).

On-the-Go Potatoes

Yield: 8 servings (about 5 potatoes per serving)

Ingredients:

24 oz. petite yellow potatoes (about 40 petite potatoes)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 cup panko crumbs

1/4 cup tuxedo sesame seeds

2 teaspoons Chinese 5-Spice seasoning mix

Directions:

Put potatoes in a bowl and toss with the olive oil and soy sauce. Mix to coat well.

In a separate bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, sesame seeds and 5-spice seasoning and mix well.

In small batches, put the potatoes in the bread crumb mixture and roll around to coat well.

Transfer to a cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through.

Nutrition

Per serving (8 servings; about 5 potatoes per serving): Calories 174, Fat: 5.7 g, Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 257 mg, Carbohydrates: 26.8 g, Fiber: 2.5 g, Potassium: 485 mg, Protein: 4.3 g, Vitamin C: 7 mg

2017-12-20T17:01:01

(BPT) – As drivers bundle up to take on Old Man Winter this season, having a few tricks up your sleeve can be a big help in keeping your cool on the road. Here are five hacks for battling the elements and staying safe on the roads.

Got stuck? Snow problem!

Hazardous winter weather requires that drivers take additional precautions. According to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, 72 percent of drivers indicated they would not want to drive in icy conditions. Further, 84 percent of Americans recognize the dangers of black ice, the most dangerous weather condition for driving.

If you find yourself stuck in the snow and ice, apply a bag of cat litter or sand under your wheels to provide much-needed traction to get out of a snowy situation. As an added bonus, the additional weight over the rear axle (especially for trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars) will further add traction. Floor mats can also come in handy. Place them under your tires in the direction you’re looking to travel. The mats create a mini runway of traction for your vehicle.

Here comes the sun

When the snow starts to pile on the driveway, nearly a quarter of Americans (24 percent) rely on someone else to dig their vehicles out of the snow, according to the Gauge Index. In fact, 18 percent simply wait for the snow to melt! To help with the backbreaking chore, park your vehicle overnight facing east. The rising sun can help melt the snow before you even get out of bed.

Raid the pantry

By using some items commonly found in your pantry, you can make your morning routines that much easier. For example, fit resealable freezer bags over your side-view mirrors to help prevent ice from forming. Other household items like cooking spray can also help melt ice. Spray it on your mirrors, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe off the ice. You also can apply the spray to the rubber seals of your door on particularly cold nights. This will help keep your door from freezing shut or damaging the rubber seals if you force open the door.

Right tools for the job

When the going gets rough, it’s important to make sure your car is well equipped for the conditions you’re driving in. As temperatures drop, so can your tire pressure, decreasing about one psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. If your car was built after 2000, you likely have a Tire Pressure Monitor System that will alert you when pressure drops below the manufacturer’s recommended levels for your vehicle. It’s also important to be able to identify the TPMS symbol, as the Hankook Gauge Index found that 1 in 3 (35 percent) Americans do not know what the warning symbol means.

With 13 percent of drivers unsure of what category tire is on their car, understanding the difference in how a snow tire performs in relation to its summer and all-season relatives can go a long way in terms of safety and performance. For enhanced traction in low-grip situations, tire chains can be very useful, but as indicated in the Gauge Index, 65 percent of drivers are unsure how to install them. Be sure to practice once or twice at home before venturing out on wintry roads. And when you have chains on your tires, drive slowly — generally no more than 30 mph.

Always carry a spare … pair of socks!

Packing emergency clothes in your trunk is always a great idea should you find yourself stranded and in need of extra warmth. Interestingly, your socks may be your most versatile piece of clothing, and drivers can benefit from carrying an extra pair in the glove compartment. When expecting snow, simply lift your windshield wipers off the glass and place a sock over each blade to help keep snow off the blades and ice from forming. Additionally, when socks are put over your shoes (yes, that’s right) they can provide an added level of traction when walking on ice.

Hopefully, some of these tricks can help if you find yourself locked in a battle with the elements this season. Have a favorite winter hack we missed? Let us know at Hankook USA on Facebook or Twitter with the #WinterHack tag!

2018-01-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – It’s a new year, the time people traditionally take a look at what’s working in their lives and what could be kicked up a notch. If you could use more productivity and efficiency in your life, you’re not alone. Sometimes, it’s all anyone can do to make it through the day unscathed, let alone slay every item on their to-do list.

The good news? There’s help out there. Here are some tips, tactics and technology to help you wrangle productivity and efficiency back into your life at work and at home this year.

Eat that frog

If procrastination bedevils you, take a page from Mark Twain. He famously said if you eat a live frog first thing in the morning, you can go about the rest of your day knowing the worst is behind you. Author Brian Tracy brings that philosophy into the workplace, coaching people to “eat that frog,” or, get your most unpleasant or challenging task — the thing you’re most likely to put off — done first. It’s a powerful way to cut down on procrastination, accomplish more and slay your to-do list every day.

Get smart at home

Artificial intelligence is going to be big in 2018, with everything from chatbots helping you with your banking questions to devices designed to make your home smarter and life easier. LG Electronics has just released its AI device, the LG ThinQ Speaker, which comes with Google Assistant built in and features improved vocal clarity thanks to technology from Meridian Audio, the maker of high-performance audio solutions. With a voice-activated interface it serves as a smart home hub for your entertainment needs and for LG’s smart home appliances. Another LG device that plays well with the Google Assistant is the TONE Platinum SE, a Bluetooth headset that has a button for accessing the Google Assistant in a snap. It allows you to have a more natural conversation with it instead of always having to prompt everything with “Hey Google.”

YNAB

Struggling with your finances? Check out You Need A Budget. It’s an online program that helps users take control of their spending and save money with the goal of getting out of the living-paycheck-to-paycheck snare. On average, YNAB helps users save $600 by the second month and $6,000 the first year.

A dry cleaner in your closet

If you have ever scowled into your closet realizing you have nothing clean or wrinkle-free to wear to the office, the LG Styler from LG Electronics is for you. It looks like a closet of the future, but it’s a steam cleaner and wrinkle reducer that uses just water to get the job done. Hang your clothes inside, close the door and boom, they come out clean, fresh and lovely.

Keep your resolutions

Setting goals for 2018? There’s an app for that. It’s called Strides, and it tracks any goal or habit you’d like to incorporate into your life. Weight loss, exercise, getting up early, you name it, Strides can track your progress and let you know how you’re doing.

Wrestle laundry into submission

If your family’s mountain of laundry eats up your weekends, check out the LG TWINWash. It takes the pain out of laundry day. It features the LG SideKick, a pedestal washer (an industry-first innovation) that can tackle smaller loads, delicates and intimates. You can run both the SideKick and the main washer at the same time, and it’s also Wi-Fi enabled so you can check the status of your laundry from anywhere using your smartphone.

Using tips, tactics and technology, you can be your best, most productive, efficient self in 2018, giving you more time to enjoy everything the new year has to offer.

2017-12-20T14:01:01

(BPT) – Being an informed health care consumer is hard work. There is information everywhere. But how do you sift through it and make sense of it all? And how do you know what is reliable and what isn’t?

Sorting through the noise when buying hearing aids is no exception.

In the past several months, there has been significant media coverage and social media discussion about the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which will make certain types of hearing aids available over the counter in the next several years. At the same time, there are many advertisements about devices called Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) — which are not hearing aids and are not designed to treat hearing loss — adding to the confusion.

To help consumers cut through the clutter, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) has pulled together six essential facts for people with hearing loss who are considering the purchase of hearing aids.

BHI recommends that anyone who is ready to address their hearing loss keep these six points in mind:

1) Addressing hearing loss promptly and appropriately is important for health and quality of life. Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline and dementia, depression, an increased risk of falls and hospitalization, and greater health care costs. Hearing loss also is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, moderate chronic kidney disease, obesity, sleep apnea and rheumatoid arthritis, studies show.

2) Hearing loss is not a simple mechanical issue and cannot be remedied as easily as buying a pair of reader glasses at the grocery store. Hearing loss is a complex sensory loss. It involves brain function and frequency losses specific to the individual. Human hearing involves a multifaceted interplay between specific parts of the ears and brain. For this reason, hearing aids — which are designed specifically to compensate for hearing loss — must be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure safety and efficacy.

3) Hearing aids need to be custom-fitted and programmed specifically for the individual so they correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. The beauty of authentic hearing aids is that they’re tailored — through personalized fitting, programming and follow-up adjustments — to correctly address those specific frequencies the individual has trouble hearing. This gives the wearer the greatest benefit and ensures that the level of amplification is appropriate across the entire frequency spectrum. Follow-up hearing aid adjustments, along with training to help consumers adjust to amplification and re-learn how to hear and process sounds they had been missing, further increase user satisfaction.

4) Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are not hearing aids and are not cleared by the FDA to treat hearing loss. Consumers need to be careful not to confuse hearing aids with PSAPs, which simply turn up the volume — sometimes to dangerously high decibel levels — regardless of the individual’s specific hearing needs. Over-amplifying in this way may put the consumer at risk of greater hearing damage.

5) Seeing a hearing care professional is the best safety net for proper diagnosis and treatment. Going to a hearing care professional helps ensure that any underlying medical issue behind a hearing loss is identified and addressed. It also helps ensure that the person’s hearing loss is safely and effectively treated. Hearing care professionals — audiologists, hearing aid specialists and ENTs (Ear, Nose and Throat doctors or doctors of otology and otolaryngology) — are best suited to help consumers with hearing loss. Audiologists and hearing aid specialists are expressly trained in all aspects of hearing aids and amplification, and they are state-licensed. Many work in practices with ENT doctors. They have the most appropriate and accurate equipment to give a precise read of an individual’s current hearing level. Involving a hearing health care professional also means the consumer gets maximum benefit from their hearing aids.

6) Currently, hearing aids are only sold by licensed hearing care professionals. Today, real hearing aids cannot be purchased in the U.S. without the involvement of a licensed hearing care professional. The way hearing aids are sold, however, will change in a few years due to the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017, which was signed into law in August 2017. Nevertheless, the complex nature of hearing loss will not change. The safest thing consumers can do for their hearing is to seek professional hearing health care advice from the start.

BHI urges consumers with hearing loss to remain encouraged. Most people with hearing loss can benefit from custom-fitted and programmed hearing aids. In fact, 91 percent of people who purchased hearing aids in the last year say they are happy with their purchase, and 90 percent say they would recommend getting hearing aids to family members and friends, BHI research shows.

For information on types of hearing loss, visit http://www.betterhearing.org/news/heres-what-you-need-know-about-different-types-hearing-loss.

2018-01-10T06:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you want to lose weight, get in shape, read more or start playing guitar, there are thousands of New Year’s resolutions to pick from. For most people, though, their resolutions have to do with losing weight, exercising more or getting healthier. In fact, 69 percent of resolutions are about losing weight or staying healthy.

After all those cookies and belt-loosening meals of the holidays, it’s no wonder people want to get healthier.

Unfortunately, deciding on a resolution is the easy part; maintaining it is the challenge. But it’s not impossible. With the right resources and habits, there’s no reason you can’t realize your goal.

These five tips will help you do just that.

1. Set up a lot of smaller, incremental goals. In making our New Year’s resolutions, we can sometimes get a little ambitious. While it’s great to dream big, on a practical level, you need to figure out how to reach your target. Rather than have an enormous goal looming in front of you, think in terms of days or weeks. For instance, if you want to lose 25 pounds this year (which would be a significant and awesome accomplishment!) focus on losing two pounds a month. Breaking your goal into smaller increments can help you succeed in achieving that ambitious resolution.

2. Take advantage of perks. Did you know that your health insurance may have extra perks that give you an incentive to get healthier? Through the Blue365 health and wellness discount program, members of participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have access to discounts on gym memberships, athletic gear, nutrition products, and vision and hearing products. To see if your BCBS company participates in this program, visit www.Blue365deals.com.

3. Make it a team effort. Instead of making your resolution an individual goal, team up with a friend or family member, and together, work toward a shared goal. Having someone to hold you accountable, who you are responsible to and who can motivate you, is huge. It creates a great dynamic and source of inspiration that can get you through those mental slouches. If you can’t find a resolution partner, be sure to tell people about what you’re doing and talk about your progress.

4. Enlist the aid of technology. You may have noticed there are a lot of people wearing thin bands around their wrists these days. These fitness trackers track your movements, monitor your heart rate, provide a record of your movements and more. They help you to hone in on your fitness goals and remind you when you need to move. If you’re ready for a fitness tracker, or need to upgrade your old one, the Blue365 health and wellness discount program offers discounts on these essential workout tools.

5. Be meticulous. Don’t be casual about your goals! Treat them like you would a project for work. Set up a schedule that you can follow and create specific, measurable goals. This might sound a bit rigid, but it will give you concrete steps to follow, and once you start seeing your progress, you’ll feel a new boost of energy.

You should be excited about your New Year’s resolution, and you should be excited about challenging yourself to see it through and to realize your goals. For tools and motivation to keep your efforts on track, visit www.Blue365deals.com and get ready to welcome 2018 with gusto!

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index^SM. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog.

Blue365 offers access to savings on health and wellness products and services and other items that may be purchased from Blue365 Vendors, which are different from covered benefits under your policy(ies) with your local Blue Company, its contracts with Medicare, or any other federally-funded healthcare program. To find out what is covered under your policy(ies), contact your Blue Company. The products and services described on Blue365’s website are neither offered nor guaranteed under your Blue Company’s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, these products and services are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding your insurance products and services may be subject to your Blue Company’s grievance process. BCBSA may receive payments from Blue365 Vendors. Neither BCBSA nor any Blue Company recommends, endorses, warrants, or guarantees any specific Blue365 Vendor’s product or service available through the Site.

*Note to Editors: Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies participating in Blue365 are in the following states: AZ, AR, DC, DE, FL, IL,IA, KS, LA, MA,MD, MI, MO, MT, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY,OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WV, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® also participates in Blue365.

2017-12-20T10:31:00

(BPT) – Setting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all.

Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If you find yourself struggling to stick to your goals, you’re in good company. A whopping 67 percent of people surveyed by Statistic Brain in 2017 said they have gym memberships they never use.

Even after a great start, you may find yourself struggling to find motivation to stay on track. Try one of these tips to make it easier to make your fitness regimen stick and most importantly — feel good while getting fit!

Get a workout buddy: If getting out of bed or off the couch is your biggest challenge, it’s time to use the phone-a-friend solution for some motivation. Find someone you like who’s at a similar fitness level and make plans to meet up for a workout. Psychologically, you’ll be much more likely to show up for the class, the weight session or the morning run when you know someone’s waiting for you. Plus, working out will be a breeze with your buddy!

Streamline your routine: Don’t let your fear of sweat keep you from getting fit. With a few tricks, you can get back to glam in minutes, even when you lack time to shower. First, make smart use of the tools they have on hand at the gym. Grab some extra towels and pound out that treadmill run with the high-powered fan on full blast. In the locker room, hand dryers (and a dab of dry shampoo) are great for getting your tresses looking great again. Cleansing cloths at the ready can also be a lifesaver. Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths let you freshen up on the go and are balanced to a woman’s natural pH, so you’ll always leave the gym feeling fresh and ready to take on the world.

Inspire your ears: Let’s face facts: Workouts get tedious. If the thought of sprinting and lifting your way through the next circuit bores you to tears, try uploading your playlist with fast-paced music that gets your heart racing. Don’t worry what others think — this is for your ears only! If it makes you feel good, you’ll be more likely to experience a positive workout.

Be ready for action: As soon as you’re home from your session, re-pack your gym bag as soon as possible so you’ll never waste a moment hunting around the house for your workout gear, such as sneakers, earbuds and products that help you ease back into your day. Stash essentials like Summer’s Eve Cleansing Wash in your bag as well for days that you can fit in a quick shower after your workout. It not only gently cleanses and freshens your skin after a grueling workout, it removes odor-causing bacteria, so you’ll feel fantastic, inside and out.

Update your attire: Ever notice how easy it is to get out of bed when you know you have a new outfit to wear to work? Feeling good about how you look can put a spring in your step and motivate you to get up and out the door. When you notice that your fitness routine is lagging, maybe it’s time to spruce up your workout attire. Bonus: If you’ve lost a few pounds, you’ll get an extra lift from that ego boost!

2018-01-09T11:51:00

(BPT) – They say you can tell a lot about a person from their smile. From braces to whitening treatments, regular dental visits and good brushing habits, Americans do a lot to make sure their teeth look great when they flash a smile.

However, one of the most important parts of a great smile, and indeed an essential part of healthy teeth, often gets overlooked: your enamel.

The enamel is the hard, protective coating that covers your teeth and is the first and most important line of defense against tooth decay. Even though maintaining a strong, healthy layer of enamel is essential to preserving your smile, it often isn’t the focus of someone’s oral care routine.

“I like to share valuable information like enamel erosion with my patients and friends because most people don’t understand it or know how to prevent it and, most importantly, that once enamel is gone, you can never get it back,” says Ann Ross, RDH. “Because of this, prevention, through avoiding certain foods and practicing good oral hygiene, is essential.”

Proactive approach

To preserve your enamel and prevent further erosion, dental professionals recommend a proactive and defensive approach.

The first step is to take proactive measures. This includes proper brushing and using the right toothpaste.

In October of this year, the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs announced that Crest Pro-Health Advanced, Deep Clean Mint toothpaste earned the first ADA Seal of Acceptance in the enamel erosion category, based on the finding that the product is safe and has shown efficacy in helping to prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids, when used as directed.

A good defense

You may be causing enamel erosion without knowing it. On a daily basis, people ingest acidic drinks and foods that are especially harmful to teeth. The biggest culprits are:

• Lemon (including lemonade)
• Cola drinks
• Sport drinks
• Orange juice
• Energy drinks

If you drink these daily, make sure you are taking steps to protect your enamel, like using the right toothpaste, and drinking plenty of water.

Ross adds, “If you want to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, make sure you protect your enamel by brushing twice a day with toothpaste that has been scientifically shown to prevent the erosion of enamel, like Crest Pro-Health Advanced, Deep Clean Mint.”

For more information, visit www.crest.com.

2018-01-08T11:59:00

(BPT) – Though many women are reluctant to discuss ’embarrassing’ health issues — especially those pertaining to gynecologic health — many don’t understand the impact these same issues can have on a woman’s overall health and quality of life. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most prevalent gynecologic infection, affecting 21 million women in the U.S. ages 14 to 49 each year. Despite its prevalence, women may not understand that the total impact of BV can go beyond its serious physical health implications. The condition can greatly impact women’s emotional health as well, causing feelings of anxiety and embarrassment that can influence health, sex lives, dating and personal relationships.

A new national survey* of 304 U.S. women ages 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed with BV within the past two years highlights the lack of knowledge of BV and its associated risks as well as the serious impact of the condition on women.

What are the risks?

Common signs and symptoms associated with BV include unusual vaginal discharge that may be white or gray, watery, and may also have a strong fish-like odor. It can be difficult to tell common gynecologic infections from one another because the symptoms can be similar. However, if ignored or mistreated, BV increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis and HIV. BV also increases the risk of pre-term birth and low birth weight, which can negatively impact the overall health of the baby; and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Many women don’t understand the risk of these serious health concerns if BV is left untreated. In fact, according to the national survey, 76 percent of women with BV state they would have gone to see a healthcare professional sooner if they were aware of the risks associated with BV if left untreated. Additionally, not only did 62 percent of women mistake BV for a yeast infection prior to diagnosis, but 20 percent still believe that BV is a yeast infection.

How does BV impact a women’s overall health and quality of life?

The total impact of BV goes beyond the physical symptoms. BV can greatly impact women’s emotional health as well, influencing healthy sex lives, dating and personal relationships. Results from the national survey found that most women with BV feel self-conscious (68 percent) and embarrassed (66 percent) due to their condition. Furthermore, women with BV admit they have avoided certain everyday activities that may often be taken for granted, including being intimate with their spouse/partner (79 percent); working out (27 percent); going on a first date (17 percent); performing everyday activities (e.g., running errands, doing chores) (16 percent); and spending time with family/friends (15 percent).

A new online resource

A new online resource, www.KeepHerAwesome.com, features additional results from the Harris Poll national survey that was sponsored by Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company, and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA). The website also provides women and healthcare professionals with information on BV including downloadable resources, such as a BV fact sheet, discussion guides on how to talk with your partner and healthcare provider about BV, and Do’s and Don’ts for healthcare professionals to share with their patients.

*The survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Symbiomix Therapeutics, LLC, a Lupin Company, and the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) within the United States between September 14 and 29, 2017 among 304 U.S. women aged 18 to 49 who have been diagnosed by a healthcare professional with bacterial vaginosis (BV) within the past 2 years (“women with bacterial vaginosis”). Figures for age, income, race/ethnicity, region, education, and size of household were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

2018-01-08T08:01:01

(BPT) – A new year brings new opportunities to focus on health and fitness. The following are four easy ways to boost your health in less than five minutes per day.

Drink water before each meal.

Drinking enough water each day helps to boost hydration, improve energy and aid digestion. But drinking before meals may offer another benefit — it can help you to eat less and lose more weight. One study found drinking 16 ounces of water in the half hour before meals led to nearly three pounds of weight loss on average over a 12-week period when compared to those who did not drink before a meal.

Make it a habit to take your multivitamin every morning.

No matter how healthy your diet, you may fall short on essential nutrients day to day. “Taking a multivitamin is one of the best ways to ensure you are meeting all of your nutritional needs consistently,” states Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, and spokesperson for Swisse Wellness. When choosing a multivitamin, not just any option will do. “Look for brands that have been clinically tested to ensure they can be utilized and absorbed by the body,” points out Palinski-Wade. “I recommend Swisse Ultivite (R) multivitamins as these products have been analyzed in over 13 clinical studies and been shown to improve energy and mood, reduce stress and increase mental alertness in both men and women.”

Practice belly breathing.

High stress levels can increase blood pressure, affect your immune system and cause you to pack on the pounds. To instantly fight stress, remember to breathe. Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as belly breathing, can reduce heart rate and lower stress hormones quickly, helping to prevent stress from having a negative impact on health. To practice, place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in slowly through your nose into your belly. You should feel the hand on your stomach being pushed outward while the hand on your chest remains still. Hold the breath for a few seconds, and then push it out through pursed lips, like you were whistling. Repeat for three slow, deep breaths to instantly feel less stressed.

Pick up the intensity of your workout — for one minute.

Finding time to exercise can be a challenge, but there is good news for those with maxed-out schedules. A recent study found that just one minute of high-intensity exercise may be equivalent to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise. Although you shouldn’t ditch your workout routine completely, when you are short on time, aim to fit in small bursts of exercise throughout the day. Just make sure your doctor clears you for intense exercise before getting started.