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7 Tips for Spring Yard Prep

2024-04-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – After winter’s last gasp, spring is just around the corner. That means it’s time to get out into the yard and tackle some spring cleaning. With a little DIY prep work now, your yard will be your family’s oasis for months to come.

Here are seven spring cleanup tasks from ECHO Inc. to put on your to-do list, along with the right tools to get the job done.

Clean up debris. Gather up any stray branches, twigs and trash that have blown into your yard. Tool tip: Keep two bags handy, one that you regularly use for garbage and a bag specifically designed for yard waste. Garbage services in many cities have specific windows of time in which they’ll pick up yard waste in the spring, so check with yours and make sure you get your debris to the curb on time!

Rake the lawn. Didn’t get to those leaves before the first snowfall? Now’s the time to rake them up. This will let sunlight and air reach your grass, sparking it to grow. Tool tip: They go in that same yard waste bag you’re using for debris.

Do you need to aerate? Take a hard look at your lawn. Is the soil too compacted? Do you have bare patches? It could mean you need to aerate the soil. Tool tip: You can do this job yourself by renting an aerator from your local hardware store. Or, bring in a lawn service to do it for you. This is also the time to apply fertilizer if your yard needs it.

Deal with downed trees or branches. After this unpredictable winter, many people are faced with downed trees or large branches in their yards. Cutting them up and disposing of them now will save lawn headaches later. Tool tip: This is a job for a chainsaw. The battery-powered ECHO eFORCE DCS-5000 chainsaw is quiet, easy to use and you don’t have to mess with gas and oil. Or a power cord. You’ll get 200 cuts on a single charge delivering professional-grade power via the ECHO eFORCE 56V battery system.

Trim up shrubs. Since you’ve got that ECHO chainsaw powered up, take a look at your shrubs. Did you find any dead or diseased branches? Zip them off. Now is also a good time to shape your bushes and plants, cutting away any stray branches for a clean look.

Prune your trees. If you have low-hanging or dead branches, the time to clean those up is early spring, before the leaves start budding out. Tool tip: An extendable pruner is the safest tool for this job. It allows you to prune branches without climbing onto a ladder. Read more about it in this article from Almanac. One important rule to remember when doing this task: Stay away from branches that are anywhere near a power line. That is a job for the pros, period.

Tend your garden. Whether you have an in-ground garden or containers, remove any dead plants and other debris like sticks from those beds. Also, cut your perennials back to just a few inches off the ground. This will facilitate new growth. Tool tip: Turn over or till your soil with a simple hoe if your garden is small. For bigger plots, you’ll want to use a tiller.

With these tips and the right tools, you can spruce up your yard, making it ready for your family to enjoy until the snow falls again. For more information about how to use ECHO’s line of outdoor power tools, visit their website at www.echo-usa.com.

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My child’s tooth got knocked out! What should I do?

2024-04-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – At this time of year, kids are itching to shake off winter’s cabin fever and get outside. Spring sports are in session, and kids are heading off to summer camp, riding their bikes with friends, or just exploring the great outdoors.

Along with the fun and adventure, every parent knows this is also the season of skinned knees, bumps and bruises. Some parents will say that it’s not summer without a trip to the ER, and most households have a first aid kit stocked with bandages and antiseptic spray. A little TLC after a minor mishap and your child is good to go.

There is one childhood injury that calls for a different treatment process than parents might be accustomed to — a child’s tooth getting knocked out. The image of your child walking, dazed, into the kitchen, carrying his or her tooth, perhaps bleeding, can strike fear into parents. A skinned knee is one thing, but the loss of a tooth can seem much more serious.

The first thing to do, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is take a deep breath. Stay calm. You’ve got this, and the big authority on little teeth has got you. Here’s what Dr. Scott Cashion, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says to do when your child’s tooth gets knocked out:

For baby teeth:

If it’s a baby tooth, give your child some TLC. This isn’t an emergency situation.

Have your child rinse out their mouth with cool water. No need to put the tooth back in the socket; in fact, that can damage the growing permanent tooth. Wrap it up for the tooth fairy or toss it.

For permanent teeth:

This requires quick, careful action, says Dr. Cashion. The goal here is to save the tooth. But don’t worry. Your pediatric dentist is trained for emergencies like this. Until you get to their office, here’s what to do:

Control any bleeding. Ensure your child is positioned so he or she will not choke. Place a wet cloth into the mouth to control the bleeding and apply gentle pressure.

Locate the tooth. If you can’t find it, it might be pushed up into the gum.

Don’t handle the tooth by its roots. If you have rubber or medical gloves in your first aid kit, this is the time to put them on.

Rinse the tooth gently with water. Don’t scrub it or use antiseptic.

Put the tooth in a small plastic bag with some milk. Yes, milk. Not water! Milk enzymes can help preserve the root and keep it “alive.” Place the bag into a cup of ice.

Call your dentist and let them know you have an emergency and are on your way. If it’s after hours or on the weekend, contact an emergency dentist in your area. It’s wise to have the number of an after-hours or emergency pediatric dentist handy on your fridge, before you need it.

If you aren’t sure whether it’s a baby tooth or permanent tooth, follow the steps above for permanent teeth, and place it in milk rather than reinserting.

Ideally, try to get your child into the dentist’s chair within 30 minutes of the accident. If this isn’t possible, get there as soon as you can. Your dentist knows what to do. For more information or to find a pediatric dentist near you, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

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USS Wisconsin commemorates 80th anniversary with World of Warships collaboration

2024-04-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – In a salute to naval history and video game innovation, Wargaming’s World of Warships — a massive multiplayer online naval combat game — is adding the USS Wisconsin to its roster of more than 800 vessels starting April 17, which also marks the ship’s 80th anniversary.

Steeped in history, the USS Wisconsin played a pivotal role in World War II and beyond. From the Pacific Theater battles to its resurgence during Operation Desert Storm, this battleship has left an indelible mark on military history. Today, as part of Nauticus, a Maritime Discovery Center located in Norfolk, Virginia, the Wisconsin serves as a floating museum — a tangible link to the past — by offering visitors a glimpse into its illustrious legacy.

To commemorate the USS Wisconsin anniversary and the upcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day, World of Warships is spreading awareness about this historical vessel, honoring military families, and making naval history accessible to video game and history enthusiasts alike through several USS Wisconsin-focused initiatives.

Active service members and veterans who visit the Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin during April will enjoy complimentary admission courtesy of World of Warships. For those unable to visit in person, World of Warships is offering a virtual alternative.

The game makers recently conducted a livestream providing a tour of the USS Wisconsin, examining the ship from stem to stern and exploring the vessel’s storied past. This stream allowed viewers to delve into the ship’s history. It featured a special appearance by a Desert Storm veteran who served aboard the vessel, offering valuable insights and anecdotes. The 60-minute archived stream is available to view on World of Warships’ Twitch channel.

Photo courtesy World of Warships

World of Warships has naval history coded into its DNA and remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving naval history. Through educational initiatives like the “Naval Legends” YouTube series and partnerships with maritime museums like Nauticus and the USS Wisconsin, the game fosters an appreciation for naval heritage. Because many of these museums are underfunded and run by volunteers, often veterans, World of Warships actively fundraises to restore museum ships and raise awareness of their vital role in preserving history for current and future generations.

World of Warships is a free-to-play naval warfare game where players command historical warships from various nations in intense multiplayer battles. The game offers a wide range of vessels, from nimble destroyers to powerful battleships and aircraft carriers. With strategic gameplay, realistic ship mechanics and stunning visuals, World of Warships immerses players in epic naval combat across diverse environments.

Photo courtesy World of Warships

And now, with the addition of the Wisconsin (fondly called “Big Wisky”), players will have three months to build a virtual USS Wisconsin, known as a Tier X ship in the game, from the ground up in 30 phases and at each of those phases receive different rewards to ease their progress in the game, as well as another ship, a recreation of the USS West Virginia, a Colorado class battleship. Once complete, players will have the opportunity to captain the ship in naval battles independently and in group missions.

To learn more about how you can visit the USS Wisconsin at Nauticus, visit Nauticus.org/Battleship-Wisconsin-Turns-80/. If you want to build your own Wisconsin and captain the ship in history-altering battles, visit WorldofWarships.com.

Battleship Wisconsin photo courtesy Nauticus.

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5 Financial Tips to Take Your Business to the Next Level

2024-04-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Irana Wasti, Chief Product Officer at BILL

Building a business is an incredible journey — and like all journeys, every stage is different. Running a startup, for instance, is very different from running a midsize business.

As your business grows, your needs evolve too. Scaling a business often means navigating different types of risks, expanding product or service offerings, and executing more complex operations. The tools or technology solutions you had as a startup may be different to the resources you need now to help you manage a larger team, support more customers, or solve more complexities in your business.

Just one example: when it comes to thinking about finance tools or technology, there are so many different choices on the market that it can be difficult to understand which is the best one for your growing business.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, here are four finance-focused tips to help your growing business continue thriving.

1. Be Smart About Spend & Expense Management

As your business grows, you need full visibility into your evolving company budgets and how your employees are spending. Adding new employees and departments makes it harder to fully monitor organizational spending, opening your business up to the risk of overspending or fraud (whether intentional or not). Finding efficiencies in the overall spend and expense process can also deliver valuable time back to employees so they can focus on your business and customers. Automating your spend and expense management can help.

Stay agile with budget management: Scaling up means more budget complexity. Adopting a spend management solution helps to keep you nimble and can allow businesses to approve and delegate budgets adeptly, ensuring control over financial health without the hassle.

Automate your expense processes: For every business owner, streamlining the approval and reimbursement process is a game-changer as you scale. Automation in expense management can significantly reduce the administrative burdens, enhancing efficiency and allowing for a smoother financial workflow. For example, BILL customer Marine Layer, a growing retail apparel brand that focuses on sustainability, saved at least three to four hours per week on expense management. “BILL gives us more up-to-date expense reporting. It’s just a real time saver and definitely speeds up our financial close. Not having to manually code for our monthly close really saves time and makes the close more efficient,” said Kelly Ransom, Financial Accountant at Marine Layer.

2. Get Ready To “Pay Global” Even if You Are Not Global Yet

As your business grows, you might also be looking at partners and vendors you’re working with to ensure they can help you scale the operations for your business needs. At this stage, many small and midsize business (SMB) owners will look to expand their vendor network, both domestically and internationally, in order to improve cost, quality, and business efficiency. But to do that, SMBs need safe, secure and efficient financial platforms that can handle vendor payments, whether domestically or internationally. This is particularly important as traditional international wire transfers can be expensive and complex. Leveraging integrated financial automation software for international payments can help ensure a faster, more secure and effective process.

Choose the right global payment partner: It’s important to look for a technology partner that will simplify operations, offer competitive exchange rates and provide comprehensive data management. The right financial platform can provide seamless global payments integration and robust features to process international payments quickly, securely and easily. I also always encourage businesses to look for a global payment solution that grows with your business.

Diversify payment methods: Payment preferences vary depending on what part of the world your sales or services are coming from. It’s helpful to offer a variety of payment options to your vendors, such as credit or debit card payments, contactless payments, and digital wallets. The right technology partner can allow you to offer multiple options for international payment needs.

Sync with accounting software: I also encourage businesses to leverage payment partners that integrate with major accounting software providers to ensure seamless management of both domestic and international payments, by streamlining your workflows and eliminating the need for double data entry.

New York-based apparel brand Bombas sends roughly 50% of their payments to 10 international vendors, even more when they need to bulk up their inventory to prepare for the holiday rush. However, Melissa Harris, Director of Accounting Operations at Bombas, isn’t worried about making international payments because they use BILL. “BILL Accounts Payable does it all in one shot, using the same process for both domestic and international payments. It’s been a much more seamless process with BILL than it has been with other AP systems I’ve used,” said Harris.

3. Get Real-Time Data and Insights for Growth

A frequent challenge for businesses is they don’t typically have large teams of finance professionals to provide analysis, insights, data and forecasting. Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) technology is changing that. With FP&A, SMBs can predict future cash flow, understand trends and opportunities, and make better business decisions, faster. Timely data and analytics can help you make the best decisions to help take your business to the next level.

Strategic financial planning: FP&A technology enables SMBs to collaborate closely with executives and department heads, aligning financial goals with the overarching business strategy. By assessing market trends, competitive landscapes, and internal capabilities, businesses can create robust long-term financial plans that support sustainable growth.

Budgeting and forecasting: Businesses can also develop detailed annual budgets that reflect accurate cash flow forecasts. This technology supports the creation of rolling forecasts, allowing companies to adjust their financial plans in response to changing market conditions and evolving business needs.

4. Maximizing Financial Rewards

Taking advantage of financial rewards is not just about the bottom line — it’s an opportunity for businesses to show appreciation and build a positive workplace culture. Many SMBs are already familiar with rewards programs for travel, but why not extend those benefits to everyday spending?

Virtual cards with rewards programs can be a game-changer for SMBs. One common way businesses like to use virtual cards is for business subscriptions management. This ensures payments are made on time, within budget, and without the risk of overcharging, with real-time visibility into spending.

Implementing rewards programs: Similar to consumer rewards programs, virtual cards with rewards programs are a powerful tool for businesses. Choosing financial tools that offer cashback, points or other incentives transforms everyday expenses into opportunities for savings or investment. It’s a great way to turn routine transactions into opportunities that add value to your business.

5. Choose Technology Partners that Can Increase Operational Efficiency

According to The BILL 2024 State of Financial Automation Report, SMBs are increasingly looking to AI and automation to improve efficiency and productivity. In fact, 85% of SMBs are enthusiastic about using AI for their financial operations.

One of the most important considerations is which company you choose to partner with to deliver these AI capabilities for your daily operations. You want to work with technology partners that understand the opportunity for you to harness the use of AI for your business to drive impact. For example, AI can help you improve customer experiences, gain efficiencies, or scale. This in turn can free up your valuable time, allowing you and your staff to focus on more strategic tasks that can foster innovation and growth for the business.

While AI technology is still developing and will continue to evolve, there are great technology partners that can help your business maximize AI. Choose a partner that is innovation-forward, already innovating with AI, and is an early adopter with your unique needs and interests top of mind.

Key Takeaway

There’s a transformative shift happening in how SMBs are served by technology. Innovative finance tools like spend and expense management, international payment processing, and FP&A technology are increasingly essential for growth-focused businesses. As your business evolves, embracing these financial technologies will be crucial in shaping your journey toward sustainability and success.

At BILL, we’re dedicated to helping businesses get more control, visibility, and efficiency in their financial operations. Automating financial operations can be a game changer for your business, saving valuable team time on inefficient manual processes, and enabling you to focus on high-value strategic business needs instead. To find out more, visit Bill.com/Signup to start your risk-free trial.

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Excited about spring? 5 top ideas for fun new adventures

2024-04-01T05:01:00

(BPT) – If visions of sunny days, blooming flowers, and warm breezes get you excited to go to new places and do fun things, you may want to shake off the winter blahs by planning a spring getaway or event with family and friends. To help with your spring vacation planning, National Geographic offers books with something for everyone.

Here’s a look at the vacation inspiration you’ll find inside these fun books.

1. Visit a national park

Did you know April 20–28 is National Park Week? To celebrate the occasion, entrance fees to National Parks are waived on April 20, so plan ahead to take advantage of the free admission.

National Parks are an American treasure that could take a lifetime to fully explore. Why not start now? Three helpful books, Complete National Parks, Atlas of the National Parks, and Yellowstone National Park Trail Map, provide valuable information about parks near you and throughout the country—just waiting for you to visit.

2. Plan a unique vacation

A vacation along the road less traveled may be just what you need this spring. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to go to the same places that every other tourist visits, and you love uncovering hidden gems in the U.S. and around the world, Here Not There is the ideal book for you.

You’ll appreciate travel guidance that finds you lesser known locales to discover—which can also help you avoid excessive crowds and costs. For example, you may choose to visit San Antonio, Texas, instead of Venice, Italy, for a city full of colonnades, canals, and carnivals. You could discover that Cleveland, Ohio, offers theater performances rivaling what you can find on Broadway, or that a water-filled excursion through New York’s Thousand Islands offers beauty to match Germany’s Rhine River.

3. Get your pedals turning with ultimate cycling experiences

Geared for everyone from casual enthusiasts to expert riders, this vibrant book offers a wide variety of routes that are suitable for every type of cyclist. In 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime you’ll discover quick jaunts in your own neighborhood, challenges that belong on every cyclist’s bucket list and more.

This handy guide also provides essential information such as the best times to ride, great spots to refuel, cultural highlights along each route, where to stay, and how to relax post-ride.

4. Try a tasty new treat in every state

Ever wanted to eat your way across the country? Now you can, with help from 50 States 1,000 Eats. You’ll find must-have diner breakfasts and food trucks to can’t-miss farm-to-table dinners and apple farms with the best cider—with flavors and food experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you just love going on road trips or you’re an avid foodie, you can explore the best dishes in every state, check out expert advice on where to find top meals at local eateries, learn how to schedule your trips around popular food festivals and read about inspiring activities to pair with your favorite dishes.

5. Optimize your staycation with incredible barbecue

Staying at home for your next vacation? Gather friends and family for some good eats with the help of Big Moe’s Big Book of BBQ. Learn about the best kinds of wood, premium grills, and how to concoct the tastiest rubs and sauces. Pitmaster Moe Cason, winner of over 250 barbecue competitions, shares 75 family-favorite recipes for perfect barbecue classics.

Ready to make your spring plans? Find all these books and more at Books.Disney.com.

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Taste the Sunshine: 5 Ways to Explore the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail

2024-04-02T04:01:00

(BPT) – It’s National Brunch Month, the perfect time to experience the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail! With over 40 stops along the way, the trail offers a self-guided tour of restaurants that serve brunch’s favorite cocktail (usually a combo of juice and sparkling wine) along with a wide array of breakfast cuisine.

“The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail gives visitors and locals alike a new way to explore all the delicious brunch beverages that our region has to offer,” said Tom Loftus, vice president of marketing at Richmond Region Tourism. “We believe the Richmond Region is the first and only destination in the country to offer a mimosa trail, and our trail will always be special because it comes with the unique Richmond Region experience.”

Here are 5 ways to make the most of the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail:

Celebrate a Special Occasion

Don’t wait until dinner — celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or engagements at brunch instead. For a truly memorable experience, consider dining at a rooftop venue like Kabana, with picturesque views of the city. Or in cooler months, cozy up in historic restaurants like Martha’s Kitchen or Liberty Public House. Book your stay at The Commonwealth where you can enjoy a Blood Orange “Moon-Mosa,” crafted with Richmond’s own Belle Isle Moonshine (35 percent ABV), at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Rueger’s.

Enjoy a Unique Experience

For an entertaining day date or an out-of-the-ordinary gathering of friends, the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail has just the thing. Play a round of mini-golf at Hotel Greene, tour historic Hanover Tavern, or enjoy a world-famous Drag Brunch performance at Godfreys, with a side of bubbly. Relax and revive after your lively brunch with spa treatments and a few splendid nights at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump.

Make it a Memorable Meal

When it’s Mimosa time, it’s also time for the most important meal of the day. The Richmond Region has countless options for morning munchies to accompany your tasty beverages. Order the Devil’s Mess alongside a Manmosa at Millie’s Diner, or indulge in a red velvet waffle with tropical mimosas at Lulu’s. For organic, natural ingredients and mimosa carafes, The Daily Kitchen & Bar offers two locations to meet your needs. Treat yourself to luxury and tradition with a stay at The Jefferson Hotel, which offers a decadent Champagne Sunday Brunch and memorable fine dining in its restaurant, Lemaire.

Go All Out for Girls’ Weekend

Gather your besties and raise those glasses for an unforgettable girls’ trip to celebrate friendship or a bachelorette bash. A get-together of gal pals calls for a grouping of the best bubbly, so choose from mimosa flights at Kregger’s Tap and Table, Cooper’s Tavern or Napa Kitchen and Wine, just to name a few. Think pink for your overnight accommodations with a stay at the Quirk Richmond, a light, airy, art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond — with a restaurant that serves mimosas, of course.

Just Because

Sometimes, the best reason to treat yourself is no reason at all. Toast to the weekend with a traditional mimosa from Capitol Waffle Shop or Joe’s Inn or sample a new flavor from ML Steak or Les Crepes. Keep some extra cash for the trail when you book your stay at one of the area’s newest and highly rated hotels for mid-budget travelers, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chester.

What Are You Waiting For?

Make plans now for your Richmond Region Mimosa Trail adventure with friends and family. No matter the occasion, there’s a stop (or a few) on the trail to start your day in a refreshing, bubbly way!

The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail is presented by Visit Richmond VA. Learn more at www.richmondmimosatrail.com.

Please drink responsibly. Remember to bring along a designated driver or use a ride service for transportation. Find more information at responsibility.org.

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6 Spring Break Feel-Good Essentials

2024-04-01T13:01:00

(BPT) – Sunsweet prunes are the feel-good addition to spring break. From fueling your adventures to supporting energy levels throughout the day and helping you recover from fun, prunes are there to support your health so you can keep up with your spring break plans!

Registered dietitian, Angie Asche, MS, RD, CSSD partnered with Sunsweet to compile a list of spring break snacking essentials. As a toddler mom and wife to a professional baseball coach, Angie is an expert in travel snacks. Stock up on some of these favorites ahead of your break.

1. Your last-minute packing companion: Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes

One thing worse than last-minute packing? Being hungry. Cue Sunsweet Probiotic+ Prunes to satisfy your hunger and with elderberry flavor and BC30 Probiotic and prebiotic fiber they even support your digestive and immune wellness. Asche suggests pairing with almond butter for a boost of protein.

2. Your travel day brekkie: Oatmeal & Prune Muffins with Blueberries

With less added sugar than traditional muffins and protein from Greek yogurt, these muffins can help fuel your travel. Why? “Along with fiber from prunes, protein can help keep you full and satisfied as you travel,” highlights Asche.

3. Your unsung spring break hero: Hydration

Asche cautions while people commonly avoid drinking fluids on long car or plane rides, this can backfire by increasing the risk of dehydration and digestive issues. Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice in convenient 7.5oz cans is perfect for your next road trip to keep you and your family feeling good on the inside. Asche also suggests bringing an empty water bottle and filling it before your flight.

4. Your activity fuel: Sierra Trail Bites

Whether hitting the beach, ballpark or trail, pack Sierra Trail Bites for a portable treat. Made with simple ingredients like dates, prunes and almonds, they provide 3 grams of plant protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving. With no refrigeration necessary, they are a favorite for Asche.

5. Your post-break, still on vacay mocktail: Sunsweet Mule Mocktail

Traveling can take its toll; this prune juice mocktail can help you recover. Each delicious serving of Sunsweet Amaz!n Prune Juice provides a natural source of 4 grams of fiber, which can help to maintain your digestive health and help you feel good.

6. Your post-trip pick-me-up: Prune Energy Balls

While sipping your mocktail, take 10 minutes to prep this easy recipe. Perfect for combatting the 3 p.m. slump in the week ahead. And did you know adding prunes into your daily snack routine may even support bone health?

For more feel-good recipes and inspiration to fuel your spring break and beyond, visit www.sunsweet.com.

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5 simple spring safety tips for your home

2024-04-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – Refreshing your home in the spring is about more than organizing closets and cleaning floors. As winter melts away and warmer weather returns, proactively checking your home’s systems will help keep it running efficiently while remaining a comfortable and safe space for you and your loved ones.

Upgrade fire and CO safety solutions.

While you’re ticking through your list of spring maintenance to-do’s, don’t forget about the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Proper smoke and CO alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential to keeping your family safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Alarms should be tested regularly, and if the device is battery-powered, batteries should be changed at least every six months.

To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Combination Alarm. This 10-year sealed battery alarm eliminates battery replacement and late-night battery chirps for a decade. Easy to install, 10-year alarms come equipped with a mounting bracket and installation kit — making safety simple for you and your family.

Check for winter wear and tear.

Winter’s extreme temperatures can take a toll on the outside of your home and its appliances. Examine the outside of your house and roof to check for fallen branches or debris that could block gutters or downspouts and cause a drainage problem. Inspect the driveway and sidewalks for new potholes or cracks that may have developed in the cold, and ensure all exterior lights are working properly.

Tune-up your cooling system.

When the weather gets milder, schedule a professional maintenance service to ensure that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating optimally and won’t quit after the first heat wave. If you don’t already have one, upgrade to a smart thermostat, like a Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat, which allows you to adjust your temperature from anywhere and set different temperature schedules for various times of the day. ENERGY STAR certified thermostats can provide comfort when you’re home, and energy savings when away.

Change your air filters.

Over a long winter, your heating system’s air filters naturally accumulate dust and other airborne particles, which can clog your air filter, impact indoor air quality and affect system performance. Regularly replacing your air filters is a great way to help maintain indoor air quality and support a comfortable environment for your family. Clean air filters also allow for better air flow, reducing the stress on your home’s HVAC system and promoting energy efficiency.

Secure windows and doors.

Warmer weather often breeds more home break-ins as burglars like when windows are open at night or garage doors are open during yardwork. But you can help lower the threat by hardening the target. Walk around outside of your home to inspect doors and windows for working locks and be mindful not to leave valuables in sight. If you have cars parked in your driveway, keep them locked and garage door openers should be tucked away.

To help protect what matters most and learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com. For assistance with HVAC or home security assessments, contact your local professional service.

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Doing this during your pregnancy can help protect both you AND your baby

2024-03-28T23:01:00

(BPT) – Many pregnant people are focused on protecting the health of themselves and their babies by seeking out trusted healthcare providers and activating support networks of friends and family. One important protection pregnant people can consider for themselves and their little ones is getting recommended vaccinations. Getting recommended vaccinations during pregnancy can be an important — and empowering — way to help protect the health of both pregnant people and their babies. It is important for pregnant people and their support networks to revisit the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy. Here are three reasons to consider:

  1. About two weeks after a pregnant person gets a vaccination, their body creates antibodies (proteins that fight off diseases), and those antibodies can be passed on to babies. These antibodies increase protection, for both the pregnant person and their baby, against severe illness and complications caused by some infectious diseases, like whooping cough.
  2. Pregnant people are at higher risk for having severe complications from infectious diseases (like flu) than people who are not pregnant. This may be due to changes in pregnant people’s immune system and heart and lung functions. Vaccination helps increase protection for pregnant people.
  3. Newborns do not have fully developed immune systems when they are born. Vaccination during pregnancy increases protection for newborns until they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations.

Vaccination during pregnancy is one of many important parts of prenatal care. Healthcare providers can answer important questions pregnant people may have about which vaccines are recommended for them and why. Healthcare providers can also help pregnant people consider how vaccination fits into their overall prenatal care plan by discussing when vaccinations are recommended throughout their pregnancy.

Talk to a trusted healthcare provider about vaccination during pregnancy. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/vacc-during-after.html.

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Be prepared: How to be ready for the morning after

2024-03-28T11:45:00

(BPT) – There are a few hard truths in life — traffic is always worse when you’re late, you’ll never find that missing sock and accidents happen when you least expect them, including in your sex life. Accidents like a birth control failure or unprotected sex can happen to anyone, and it’s important to know there are options available.

“I talk to my kids about a lot of things — from how their day at school was to what they want for dinner, and surprising for some, sex. With a teenaged daughter and a college-aged son, it’s important that we have frank, honest conversations about what can happen in the real world, like unprotected sex or birth control failures,” said Todd Rodeheaver, vice president, business development and strategic relationships at Afaxys, Inc.

Being prepared can give you peace of mind and is easier than you think. It can look like open conversations with a family member, partner or physician. It can also be keeping emergency contraception on hand in your medicine cabinet or travel bag to prevent pregnancy if you find yourself in an unexpected situation. Emergency contraception, like EContra One-Step® (levonorgestrel) tablet, 1.5 mg, can be affordable and accessible over the counter, without a prescription. In fact, according to research published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about one in four women (23.5%) have used emergency contraception.

How does it work?

Emergency contraception stops the release of an egg from the ovary, preventing pregnancy. Emergency contraception is easy to access, as it can be purchased online or in the store without ID or a prescription.

“Emergency contraception prevents a pregnancy from occurring in the first place by delaying or preventing ovulation, similar to how some other types of contraception work,” said gynecologist Kristen Feldman, M.D., FACOG, BCMAS, vice president, medical affairs at Afaxys, Inc. “It should be used within three days after sex to be most effective, it will not work if you are already pregnant, and it will not affect an existing pregnancy.”

Emergency contraception will not protect against HIV infection (the virus that causes AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

How do I use it?

Common situations in which emergency contraception could be used include forgetting to take several birth control pills in a row, experiencing condom breakage or having unprotected sex. Here are three tips to keep in mind —

1. Have an emergency contraceptive on hand. (Pro tip: you can even find emergency contraceptives on Amazon!)
2. Know how to use emergency contraception properly: Take it within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you use it, within three days after birth control failure or unprotected sex, the better it works.
3. Expect menstrual changes, but consult your physician after use if you’re experiencing side effects like severe abdominal pain.

It’s always better to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to situations like unprotected sex or birth control failure.

“Accidents are a part of life, and they’re certainly a part of college. I want both my kids to know they have options,” said Rodeheaver. “Knowledge like this can help us navigate the unexpected things life throws at us.”

Learn more about EContra One-Step®, an over-the-counter emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or birth control failure, by visiting EContraOneStep.com.