Month: May 2018

2018-05-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – Flooring trends change through the years as homeowners acquire new tastes and technology allows for a larger variety of flooring designs. Deep ebony and driftwood finishes peaked in 2017, while 2018 trends are pushing toward wider planks, gray tones and even durable porcelain tiles designed to mirror wood grains.

As today’s flooring choices evolve, the importance of maintaining a clean floor remains constant, especially if you have kids and pets. But, clean floors don’t need to translate to hour-long scrubbing sessions on your knees. Instead, it should take minimal work to get the job done and it shouldn’t matter what type of floor you have. Here are some tricks and tips on the best ways to get your floors looking new and spotless in no time:

Laminate floors

Even though your laminate floors might look like hardwood or tile, you still need to care for them a certain way. It’s important that you keep water from getting under the planks, so it’s recommended that you regularly dry mop or vacuum the floors. A multi-surface spray mop like the Rejuvenate Click n Clean will allow you to quickly pick up dust and food particles with its microfiber dusting pad. For a deeper clean, simply click the appropriate cleaning solution for your floor type into the mop and attach the reusable microfiber cleaning pad and swivel away for a beautiful, professional clean. You never want to polish laminate floors and, if a plank looks damaged, it is best that you just replace it with a new one.

Linoleum floors

These type of floors are easily susceptible to water damage, so you need to clean them with caution. Vacuum them to prevent scratches and wipe up any spills as soon as they happen. You can spray a linoleum floor in sections and then wipe with a damp cloth as you go. If sticky messes find their way onto linoleum floors, use a soft, scrubbing pad to clean it up.

Hardwood floors

Most hardwood floors have either a wax or polyurethane finish. Waxed hardwood floors can be damaged with even small amounts of water, so keep damp mops away from this type of floor and just dust mop and vacuum it daily. Depending on the amount of traffic or abuse the floor takes, consider a floor cleaner with a safe, non-toxic neutral pH-balanced formula as it will not leave behind film, residue or streaks, just a clean fresh scent.

Tile and grout flooring

If you have stubborn stains or dirt embedded in grout lines, you can opt for a deep grout cleaner. Simply spray it on the floor, let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub it with the Click n Clean grout brush. Without the use of harsh, acidic chemicals, dingy grout will become brighter, lighter and stay clean long after you are done.

For more floor care tips, visit www.RejuvenateProducts.com.

2018-05-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – It’s National Wildfire Awareness Week. So, if you live in a wildfire-prone area, make sure you’re taking the right steps to stave off potential damage long before flames rage toward your doorstep.

And one of the best ways to do that is to take a look at the home itself.

“It’s a combination of the house materials, the house design and then everything around it within 100 feet that makes the difference between a safer home and one that has a greater risk of damage from wildfire,” says Michele Steinberg, manager of the Wildfire Operations Division for the National Fire Protection Association.

“All of our recommendations are really for well before the fire ever starts.”

Steinberg recommends paying special attention to these five spots around your house:

* The roof. Ensure yours is rated Class A, which means the covering and underlayment provide the most effective resistance to fire. It’s a big-ticket item for homeowners, but the most critical design item when it comes time to replace an aging roof.

* The gutters. Keep them free of debris such as leaves and pine needles, which can be ignited by swirling embers. “A wildfire doesn’t even need to be close to your house to cause a problem,” Steinberg says. “A blizzard of embers can pile up on roofs, porches and in gutters.”

* The foundation. It’s best that decks, porches and fences be made of non-flammable materials. Keeping their surface areas clear also is critical. Screening porches and decks with fine, metal mesh can help prevent embers from sweeping in to ignite leaves and other debris.

* The windows and vents. Double-paned or tempered glass better withstands approaching heat. “I’ve seen cases where the outside window breaks but the inside pane stays intact, so you have that extra level of protection,” Steinberg said. And, if possible, build in under-eave and side-roof vents to make it more difficult for the wind to blow in embers.

* The landscaping. Keep organic flammable materials such as trees, shrubbery and even mulch from contact with your house. They can lead fire right to the siding. Store firewood at least 30 feet from the house because of the intense heat and large flames it creates when ignited.

Find out more about how the Wildfire Response Program can provide you with extra wildfire protection when you need it.

2018-05-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – In 2017, nearly seven million Americans were estimated to have AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat, not caused by a heart valve problem. This condition increases the risk of having a stroke by five times. ‘Tune in to AFib,’ an educational campaign from the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance, along with the National Stroke Association (NSA) and iHeartMedia, is asking people to ‘tune in’ to AFib and ‘take note’ of AFib-related stroke risk.

Ken Dashow, campaign spokesperson and afternoon drive host of iHeartRadio’s Q104.3, New York’s Classic Rock Station, is helping people connect the dots between AFib-related stroke risk. When one of Ken’s good friends was diagnosed with AFib, he was shocked to learn of its increased risk of stroke and that’s why he’s using music to inspire those living with the condition to take action.

Check out the below for tips on how to get in tune with the AFib-stroke risk connection:

* Know the facts. With AFib, the top chambers (the atria) of the heart do not contract properly to push blood through the heart. As a result, some blood remains in the top chambers, which can pool, and clots may form. These clots can travel to the brain, blocking or limiting blood flow, and may result in a stroke.

* Talk to your doctor. Strokes due to AFib are more severe and more likely to be fatal than strokes not caused by this condition, and they can have a devastating effect on patients and their loved ones. However, some people with AFib may not have any noticeable symptoms. That’s why if you’re living with AFib, it’s important to work with your doctor to better manage your condition and learn how to reduce the risk of stroke.

* Test your knowledge about AFib. Take a quick five-question quiz to test your knowledge and learn more about the condition and the symptoms at www.TuneintoAFib.com. For each person who completes the ‘Tune in to AFib’ quiz, the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Alliance will donate $1, up to $30,000, to the National Stroke Association.

Check out www.TuneintoAFib.com to view exclusive concert footage of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, hear from Ken Dashow and learn more about AFib and its increased risk of stroke.

2018-05-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – Things will soon be heating up all over the country. In fact, the average U.S. household will spend 3 percent more on electricity bills this summer than in 2017, due to rising retail electricity prices and higher usage, according to the U.S. Energy Administration’s estimation.

Jennifer Franz, an energy efficiency expert at Lennox, says the good news is that homeowners can spend just a few hours before the season starts to make some quick fixes and easy improvements that will help them save energy and make them more comfortable all summer long, including:

Mind the maintenance: Schedule an annual routine check-up for your heating and cooling equipment to keep the system running as efficiently as possible, and check the air filter each month to see if it needs to be replaced.

Keep it cool: Add extra insulation to the attic, which will help prevent your home’s heating and cooling system from having to work harder to regulate the indoor temperature during the hottest months of the year.

Control cracks: Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping to prevent conditioned air from escaping.

Set it and forget it: Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature at certain times of the day, automatically regulating the temperature when you’re away. In addition, always set your thermostat to the highest temperature you can stand to save the most money. Homeowners can save as much as 10 percent a year on cooling bills by setting their thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than its normal setting for eight hours a day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Make a clean sweep: Decrease dust and dirt in the home by cleaning with non-toxic, natural household cleaners, such as baking soda, cornstarch or white vinegar, and using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which will trap small particles like dust that others re-circulate back into the air.

Seal the deal: Examine the home’s pipes and connections, as well as all vents, and add caulking or sealant, if needed, to ensure they are air-tight.

Clear the air: Breathe easier this summer by installing a whole-home air purification system, such as the new Lennox PureAir S, which is integrated with your home’s heating and cooling system. These systems are much more effective at eliminating airborne contaminants than portable room air cleaners and don’t produce ozone, which is a known lung irritant.

Franz says homeowners should pay special attention to their heating and cooling system, which accounts for more than half of a home’s energy costs. “The easiest thing homeowners can do to save energy and stay comfortable during the summer — and all year long — is to change the air filter on their system regularly; however, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it’s time to consider replacing it with a more efficient system that will save significant energy and help lower utility bills.”

By taking on a few quick and easy home maintenance projects, homeowners can help reduce the amount of wasted energy, save money and stay comfortable as temperatures rise. To learn more about home energy efficiency and how to save money on utility bills, visit https://www.lennox.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lennox.

2018-05-01T10:11:00

(BPT) – Watching a hummingbird is enchanting. Their tiny size and incredible speed make them a natural wonder. Flapping their wings an estimated 70 times per second, they can move in every direction, or simply float majestically in midair.

You may have observed hummingbirds in the wild, but you can increase your chances of seeing these delicate dynamos at home. You can even get one to land on your hand, with patience and persistence. However, before that can happen, you need to transform your backyard into a hummingbird haven.

Smart strategies for feeding hummingbirds

The National Audubon Society says to sustain their supercharged metabolisms, hummingbirds must eat once every 10 to 15 minutes and visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers per day. When you provide a safe, reliable food source, it’s like putting out a welcome mat for hummingbirds.

Some flowering plants are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, such as trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm and sage. A hummingbird feeder is a must-have and one of the most effective ways to consistently entice and encourage hummingbirds to visit your yard.

Keep in mind, not all feeders are created equal. The Cole’s Hummer High Rise Feeder is a smart choice. Scientifically designed with elevated perches, these feeders make hummingbirds feel safe and comfortable, which encourages them to consistently return. Hang in a tree, patio or garden spaces.

Although other hummingbird feeders tend to attract bees and ants, the Cole’s feeder is uniquely designed to keep pests at bay. It does not drip so large bees can’t get to the sweet stuff. What’s more, the Cole’s feeder has a built-in ant moat. Keep it filled with plain water and ants won’t be able to reach the nectar.

As for food, you can use traditional sugar water to feed hummingbirds, but to mimic the nectar they eat in the wild, you’ll want a liquid feed that replicates the natural sugars found in flowers. Then, you’ll be giving your favorite avian visitors a true treat.

Do’s and don’ts of attracting hummingbirds

It’s easy to make a few common mistakes when you start welcoming hummingbirds to your yard. Here’s a few tips:

* Be conscious of beneficial insects: Small insects are an important part of a hummingbird’s diet, providing essential protein to complement the nectar they drink. Try using manual or natural insect control in the afternoon when insect populations decrease.

* Do provide a water feature: Hummingbirds adore bathing. If you add a drip fountain or mister to your yard, they’ll bask in the wet wonder.

* Don’t put anything but plain water into the ant moat: Water alone will stop ants on the Hummer High Rise Feeder. Other birds may stop and take a drink from the liquid in the moat, so never use any type of repellent or additive to the water.

* Do check feeders regularly: Check at least bi-weekly to ensure a steady supply of fresh food. Clean the feeder as needed with one part white vinegar to four parts water.

* Don’t add red coloring to food: While hummers are attracted to red, adding dye to their food is unnecessary and could be harmful to their health.

* Do hang feeders in the shade: Too much sunshine and warmth can cause fermentation of sugar-based liquids. To prevent this, always hang feeders in the shade.

How to get a hummingbird to land on your hand

Once your feeder is in regular use, it’s exciting to try to get one to land on your hand. Sit near your feeder when typically in use. Remain still as the birds must realize you’re not a threat. Repeat this several times a day for a few days, wearing the same clothing. Move a little closer each day until you’re sitting right next to the feeder.

Once the bird is comfortable having you nearby, you can try holding the feeder or cupping your hand to use as a perch underneath the feeding ports. This can take several weeks, but with consistency and patience, you’ll be able to enjoy a close-up encounter with the uniquely exquisite hummingbird.

2018-04-30T17:15:00

(BPT) – “Prior to my asthma diagnosis as an adult, my health rapidly declined, I could not perform even the simplest of tasks — bending over to tie my own shoes would initiate an exacerbation,” said Donna Matlach, mother of four, grandmother of 10, world traveler and ballroom dancer. People who have asthma that isn’t controlled can experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. For some people, like Donna, who have a more severe form of asthma, these symptoms may exist even when taking multiple medications, causing difficulty with achieving the simplest of tasks and having asthma attacks that can be life-threatening.

Donna’s journey started with a chronic cough that led to a bronchitis diagnosis from her doctor, but despite numerous antibiotics and various medications and treatments, her symptoms showed no improvement. Her doctor then considered whether her childhood asthma had returned and the final diagnosis was that Donna’s asthma had indeed returned but it was a more severe type of asthma. Donna has worked with her doctor to develop a treatment plan to manage her severe asthma. “Fortunately, my asthma is now controlled and I am my own person again,” said Donna. “I can walk, I can dance, I can go out and enjoy myself, I can climb up the stairs. I can do the things I couldn’t do previously. I can now go on vacation and enjoy simple things like laughing — that’s me again.”

If you are experiencing asthma symptoms, you are not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 25 million people have asthma in the U.S. Up to 10 percent of these people have a more severe type of asthma. Like Donna, their asthma may be uncontrolled — even with multiple medications.

“Asthma can change over time, so periodic adjustments to treatment may be necessary for people to keep symptoms controlled,” said Dr. David Slade, pulmonologist and GSK Medical Affairs Lead on Asthma. “If you have asthma and are experiencing symptoms, you should consider taking the Asthma Control Test by visiting AsthmaControlTest.com to help you and your doctor determine if your asthma is under control and what you can do to gain better control of your asthma and live life without limitations.”

Do you feel like asthma symptoms are just a normal occurrence in your life? If so, now is a good time to “Rethink Your Normal” and determine if your asthma is under control by taking the Asthma Control Test at AsthmaControlTest.com. Don’t let asthma symptoms intrude on the things you love to do.

Is it time to “Rethink Your Normal”?

If your asthma symptoms are not controlled or if you continue to experience symptoms despite multiple medications, Dr. Slade suggests:

* Recognize the symptoms: People with asthma that is not controlled can experience symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Some people with a more severe form of asthma can experience these symptoms with greater frequency, even when taking multiple medications to control their asthma.

* Consider the severity of your asthma: For many people with asthma who continue to experience symptoms, even when on multiple medicines, simple tasks can become difficult to achieve and asthma flare-ups can be life-threatening.

* Talk to your doctor: Consider taking the Asthma Control Test by visiting AsthmaControlTest.com to assess if your asthma is controlled so you can share with your doctor and discuss your asthma management.