2018-06-28T15:55:00
(BPT) – Gilmour, a leader in smart watering solutions, has the tools and tips to grow a thriving herb garden all summer long. From varying temperatures to indoor and outdoor plants, Gilmour guides you through the entire process from plant selection according to your climate to watering and harvesting. Find more useful tips from Gilmour here.
2018-06-28T08:01:00
(BPT) – Approximately 55 million students in the U.S. will head back to class soon. From dealing with first-day jitters to shopping for school supplies, it’s an exciting and chaotic time.
Reports show a correlation, however, between the start of school and student performance — early positive school experience leads to better emotional well-being and academic achievement. So, the pressure is on for parents to get it right.
A little advance planning can go a long way toward making sure the transition is smooth for everyone.
1. Start the school night bedtime routine at least a week before the first day. It gives your child’s body clock time to adjust when there are fewer distractions. Plus, good rest the night before will eliminate stressful mornings on school days.
2. Fuel them up with a protein–packed breakfast like a dairy-free Mooala Bananamilk and peanut butter smoothie. Kids and teens who have a good breakfast are more focused, perform better in school and make healthier food choices throughout the day. Without breakfast, kids (and their parents) can become irritable, distracted and tired.
“Smoothies using plant-based beverages are a great way to send your kids off to school,” said Mooala Founder and CEO Jeff Richards. “Our beverages are made from real, simple organic ingredients. Our Original Bananamilk doesn’t include any added sugar — perfect for a breakfast smoothie that’s easy to prepare, delicious and packed with tummy-friendly nourishment to keep kids going all morning.”
3. Involve the family in meal planning for the week ahead. This way everyone gets to request a favorite dish and the detailed shopping list makes getting in and out of the grocery store more efficient.
4. Designate a homework station. Someplace quiet is best, without easy access to games, smartphones and the TV. Set aside time each day when you can be available to help them. When school work becomes a family activity instead of a solo chore, kids are more engaged in what they’re learning.
5. Consider using an app to create a family calendar for tracking everyone’s deadlines, activities and commitments. Getting your kids to choose which app you use will help them take ownership of their assignments. Some apps even feature reward systems to motivate family members to complete tasks.
6. Germs show up to school just like your kids do, so schedule those annual exams. Be sure your children are up to date on their vaccinations, and talk with your pediatrician about ways to keep them healthy throughout the year.
Bottom line: The best way to set your family up for a successful school year is to get organized.
Ingredients (serves one):
2 cups Mooala Original Bananamilk
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 banana
1 cup ice
2 tablespoons sweetener
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree to desired consistency.
2018-06-28T07:01:01
(BPT) – Homeowners insurance is a practical investment to help protect you, your family and your property in the event of unforeseen and unexpected losses. Traditionally, it’s associated with fire damage, burst or leaking pipes, or stolen property, but occasionally it covers unusual events that make for sensational news stories and viral videos.
Here are four claims homeowners never thought would happen to them.
1. Bear B&B
Bears are notoriously curious and intelligent creatures that also have an acute sense of smell.
People who live in areas with bears for neighbors must not entice them with the aromas of food. Keep doors and windows on ground floors closed and locked while cooking or if you leave the house. A bear can easily get through the screen of an open window or manipulate a lever-like door handle to enter your home and cause significant damage.
“Encountering a bear inside your home would be a very frightening experience,” says Christopher O’Rourke, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Safety should be your first priority, so call your local police or animal control station to have them help you with the situation. You can worry about any potential damages after the animal leaves the residence, because your homeowners policy will most likely cover any damage to your home (though not your personal property), unless of course the bear is a family pet.”
2. The sky is falling
China’s Tiangong-1 space station plummeted back to Earth and made its re-entry into the atmosphere earlier this year, breaking apart over the southern Pacific Ocean. The odds of debris from the space station hitting you were less than one in 1 trillion, according to the Aerospace Corporation. If it had hit your home, though, homeowners insurance would’ve covered it.
3. Your house is stolen
Yes, you read that correctly. Your homeowners insurance will cover the entire house, not just the contents inside, if it is stolen.
O’Rourke explains, “We had an insured who was away on vacation and when he returned the foundation of his home was all that remained.
“A house moving company had mixed up the address with another house down the street that was scheduled to be moved. The movers came in, transported the house to another location and thought their job was done — wrong!
“You can only imagine his surprise at the mistake. While homeowners insurance covered the cost of getting things restored back to normal, I would suspect this was one of the strangest situations any insurer has ever encountered,” says O’Rourke.
4. Fore!
Golf is a leisurely pastime enjoyed by millions in the U.S. It involves strolling across greens and riding in golf carts, so its slow pace may seem low-risk, but it can actually be quite dangerous. According to an article in Golf Digest magazine, nearly 40,000 golfers are admitted to emergency rooms annually after being injured while playing, most by errant golf balls and flying club heads.
Recreational golfers can also cause a lot of damage to personal property. If you live on a golf course, your house has probably been hit many times by errant shots — breaking windows, damaging roofs and leaving divots in exterior walls.
So, who’s responsible for these injuries and damage?
“Simply put, the golfer who hit the shot is responsible,” says O’Rourke. “There is good news, however, because recreational golfers would be covered by a homeowners, condo owners or renters insurance policy for damage or injuries that result from the wayward shot.”
Mercury recommends reviewing your homeowners insurance policy annually with your local insurance agent to ensure that you’re adequately covered for any unforeseen losses, both unusual and ordinary.
2018-06-27T08:25:00
(BPT) – Losing weight — and keeping it off — isn’t easy, and one of the main reasons is that there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all, guaranteed-to-produce-dramatic-results diet.
Just because your BFF lost her baby weight by cutting out carbs doesn’t mean you will. Your genes, blood markers and lifestyle all play a big role in what works and what doesn’t when it comes to winning the battle of the bulge. When you’re ready to make some smart changes, it can be hard to know what will actually make the difference when it comes to avoiding the yo-yo dieting syndrome that’s all too common.
Arivale, a Seattle-based scientific wellness company, is disrupting the billion-dollar weight-loss industry by marrying genomics, lab markers, technology and personalized behavioral coaching to help more people become successful losers. “Your health is impacted 60 percent by lifestyle, 30 percent by genetics and 10 percent by interactions with health providers,” explains Arivale CEO and co-founder Clayton Lewis. “Our program focuses on the 90 percent — lifestyle plus genetics.”
When it comes to weight loss, understanding your genetic predisposition can help jump-start your efforts, he says. “For example, many people — including 68 percent of Arivale members — are genetically predisposed to increased weight gain from high amounts of fat in their diet — even healthy fats like avocados and nut butters,” says Lewis. This may explain why diets like the Paleo, Dukan, South Beach and Bulletproof that focus on fats and proteins and call for drastic reductions in carbs may not work for everyone.
“Your genes may tell you whether you are predisposed to gain more weight than others when eating fats or carbs,” explains Ginger Hultin, MS, RDN, one of the team of 60 Arivale Coaches who are committed to their members’ weight-loss success. “Yes, limiting sugar and increasing vegetables are key for a healthy weight-loss diet, but genetics also influences our ability to taste sweet and bitter flavors, which can impact our preferences for sugar and vegetables and our ability to feel full.”
The Arivale difference starts with blood samples taken at a local lab and analyzed for 3,000 gene variants and over 40 blood markers. Then you’ll have an in-depth phone consultation with an Arivale Coach — a registered dietitian or certified nutritionist with 200 additional hours of training in genetics and behavior-change science — who will walk you through your data and recommend the best actions you can take to optimize your weight-loss efforts. It’s a one-on-one relationship with someone who’s willing to go the extra mile to build a personalized plan that works for you. So, if you want someone to text you every day to check in or prefer an email once a week, or you need a killer recipe for low-carb lasagna or veggie burgers, your Arivale Coach is available. Your coach is supported by genetic scientists, physicians, clinicians and researchers who work behind the scenes to review your personal data and flag any lab values that could require a follow-up with your healthcare provider.
“We design a personal plan that will take your body, goals, blood type, genes and lifestyle into account. Pairing data with one-on-one lifestyle coaching will empower you to take action,” says Hultin. “We can see what is working in real time and make tweaks to help you overcome weight-loss plateaus along the way, so losing weight and keeping it off can become a reality.”
To find out more, visit https://www.arivale.com/weight-loss-2.
2018-06-27T17:13:00
(BPT) – Going to college is the first time many young adults will be away from their parents and their home. With this newfound freedom comes new responsibilities, especially for those with allergies and asthma.
“For most teens, going away to college marks their first time living on their own,” says allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “In addition to moving to a new place, many teens must learn to manage their own schedule, diet, exercise and health. Young people may find their allergies and asthma neglected due to other, seemingly more important demands for their time.”
If you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma and is headed off to college this fall, here are five tips from ACAAI on how to prepare for the transition.
1. Make time now to see your allergist — Schedule an appointment with your allergist now to discuss plans for the fall. During this visit you should ask for a referral to an allergist close to where you’re going to college, as well as a complete copy of your records, including medications, lab work and allergy test results.
2. Start practicing good self-management — The best line of defense against allergy and asthma attacks starts with you. Know your triggers and always be aware of risk factors when you go into an unfamiliar environment. Carry your asthma medications with you in case of a flare-up.
3. Set up a network — It’s easy to leave things to parents, but once you move out, you’ll need to take an active role in your health. Whether you’re going 100 or 1,000 miles away, you’ll need to contact school administrators to discuss necessary arrangements for your dorm room and meals. If you’re moving far from home, along with a new allergist, identify new primary care and specialty physicians, as well as a new pharmacy.
4. Talk to the folks who’ll make your food — If you have a food allergy, plan to talk to food handlers and ask about ingredients at every meal or snack. You probably already carefully read labels, but make sure your friends, roommate and resident adviser know about your food allergies. It’s your job to educate others about your allergies.
5. Have an emergency plan — Anyone at risk for a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, needs to always have immediate access to epinephrine auto injectors. Almost every fatality from food allergy involves lack of timely use of epinephrine. Even when you’re at the gym or out with friends, find a way to keep two doses of epinephrine on hand.
Allergists are the best trained professionals to diagnose and treat allergies and asthma. To make sure you’re fully prepared for the fall, contact your allergist or, if you need help finding one, visit the ACAAI allergist locator.
2018-06-27T07:01:00
(BPT) – The warmer-weather months are the ideal time to get outdoors, stay active and focus on your health goals. Staying fit and eating healthy can come easy when you keep a few simple tips in mind.
Explore Mother Nature
If the gym is getting boring or just isn’t your style, it’s time to find inspiration outdoors. Warmer months are when Mother Nature truly shines and it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside and get active. Hike local parks, visit a beach and take a paddleboard class, rent a kayak with a friend and explore a regional river — the opportunities are endless.
“You might find inspiration in your own backyard by enjoying playful stuff you used to do as a kid like jump rope, hopscotch, hula hoop or play on the swing set,” says registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “Kid stuff can burn lots of calories, plus it adds fun and fuels your spirit.”
Avoid mid-day heat
During hot weather, be aware of peak heat periods. Typically, this is in the afternoon, generally between noon and 5 p.m. It’s wise to spend time outdoors earlier in the morning or later after dinner so that you don’t have to worry about heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion.
Eat a wholesome breakfast
Before heading out for a morning adventure, don’t forgo the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Give your body the fuel it needs so you can enjoy your activities to the fullest.
“Enjoy fresh fruit, whole grain toast and eggs,” suggests Blatner. “Though not all eggs are created equal, look for Eggland’s Best eggs since they are the only eggs with superior nutritional benefits like six times more vitamin D, 25 percent less saturated fat and ten times more vitamin E than ordinary eggs.”
Prepare for the sun
Longer days bring more sunshine, and while those rays can be amazing for getting outdoors, it’s important to adopt sun-safe practices. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, everyone should use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), is SPF 30 or higher and is water resistant. Additionally, consider wearing sunglasses and a hat to protect the face and eyes.
Drink up and snack smart
Your body sweats as a way to keep cool. During warm weather this can happen quickly, especially if you are working out or being active outdoors. Always keep a bottle of water close by and drink up regularly. Some people even set a reminder on their phone.
“And don’t think that plain water is the only way to stay hydrated in the summer,” says Blatner. “You can also get hydrated with unsweetened sun tea, water infused with fruit, or by actually eating water-rich fruits such as watermelon and pineapple.”
Visit the local farmers market
Want a healthy eating tip from a professional chef? “Seek out fresh fare from your local farmers market and enjoy all the flavors of the season,” says Chef Jonathan Poyourow, a registered and licensed dietitian, and assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University’s College of Culinary Arts. “Choose produce in a multitude of colors so you can enjoy a bounty of flavors and get a variety of vitamins and nutrients. For instance, green broccoli is a good source of fiber and carotenoids while yellow peppers are high in vitamin C.”
Next, try some chef-approved recipes to tempt your taste buds. For example, this tasty sheet pan recipe can be customized by using the local fare you just picked up at the market.
Rainbow Sheet Pan Veggies with Eggs
Ingredients:
6 Eggland’s Best Eggs (Large)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 orange bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes
1 cup radishes, halved
2 carrots, peeled
1 yellow pepper
1 yellow squash
1 cup broccoli florets
1 zucchini
1 cup radicchio, chopped
Directions:
While the oven is preheating, chop all of the vegetables into bite-size pieces to ensure they will roast quickly and evenly in the oven.
Arrange the chopped vegetables in a single layer onto the sheet pan in rainbow order: red bell pepper, grape tomatoes, radishes, carrots, orange bell pepper, yellow squash, yellow bell pepper, broccoli, zucchini, radicchio.
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle the salt, pepper and oregano evenly on top.
Using your hands, lightly toss the vegetables on the sheet pan while keeping the rainbow order intact until they are all evenly coated.
Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 15 minutes or until all vegetables are slightly tender.
Remove baking sheet from oven but leave oven on. Create room throughout the sheet pan for six eggs and then crack the eggs over the vegetables.
Return sheet pan to oven and bake until whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and scoop vegetables and one egg into bowl or on top of your choice of rice, quinoa or greens.
2018-06-27T08:01:00
(BPT) – For moms, back to school means transitioning back into routines filled with more activities to shuttle kids and their friends to and from, more homework to keep track of and more chaos to deal with at home. But with a little preparation and an arsenal of secret weapons, moms can get through it, even if it’s simply sharing strategies so they know they’re not alone.
According to a new survey of 1,000 U.S. moms of children ages 3-17 by Wakefield Research, 85 percent of moms agree that pizza is their go-to meal when their kids’ friends come over, not only because the kids love it, but because it’s an essential to keep on hand for last-minute plans.
Here are some of the other ways moms say they cope with everything from household chaos to mealtime madness.
Who needs sleep? Unfortunately, most moms handle chaos during the day and revisit other responsibilities late at night after kids are in bed. In fact, 61 percent have stayed up until midnight or later to finish chores or responsibilities they couldn’t complete during the day. More than 1 in 4 moms have stayed up until 2 a.m. or later.
Nodding off at work. Late nights can take a toll on moms who need to be up and “on” in front of coworkers during the day. Half of working moms concede they’ve been so exhausted from lack of sleep that they’ve taken a nap at the office, and one-third of them confess to taking on-the-job snoozes more than once.
Sanity-keeping strategies. Moms turn to many strategies to minimize the daily crisis at home. Their most common ways are prioritizing what’s important (81 percent) and posting lists such as chores and to-dos (73 percent). More than a third (34 percent) look to mom blogs for tips.
Send help now! Some moms end up turning a blind eye to what’s under the surface — literally. Nearly a quarter (24 percent) admit they can see just half or less of their floors clearly, meaning parts of the floor that aren’t covered with toys, paper or furniture. Moms crave help so often, nearly half (48 percent) agree they would choose a full day of housekeeping and caretaking versus a full day of spa treatments.
Defusing dinnertime drama. Pizza is more than a convenience; it’s a peacemaker. Eighty percent of moms believe pizza would quiet their kids quicker than an air horn; 65 percent agree having pizza to give their kids at the end of the day is just as relaxing to moms as wine; and more than half concur it is one of the only things that settles mealtime mayhem at home. For example, Red Baron pizza is a meal everyone in the family can agree on, providing one less battle to get everyone through the school year. One delicious slice at a time.
To learn more, visit redbaron.com.
2018-06-26T14:01:00
(BPT) – LinkedIn reveals what company culture means to employees, and the factors companies must prioritize in order to win the talent war.
2018-06-26T15:59:00
(BPT) – Crumbling bridges, failing subway lines, gridlocked roads, water and sewage systems that haven’t been updated for over 100 years and a vulnerable electric grid. This might sound like the scene of a futuristic world in ruins, but in fact, these images describe the state of America’s deteriorating infrastructure.
By now, many have heard politicians and newscasters talk about how urgent it is for us to invest in repairing and maintaining essential infrastructure. The Society of Civil Engineers gives America’s infrastructure a grade of a D+ and estimates that it would cost approximately $4.6 trillion to fix this problem.
That is an enormous amount of money.
For the average American, the problem can seem overwhelming. But there are steps each of us can take to reduce the burden on our nation’s infrastructure.
Know what to flush and what not to flush
Only two things should be flushed down the toilet: wipes labeled as “flushable” and toilet paper. A recent study revealed that 98 percent of what was collected at a wastewater treatment plant were non-flushable items, including paper towels, baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, surface cleaning wipes and feminine hygiene products. Flushing products that are not intended to be flushed can lead to serious problems for sewers and wastewater treatment operations.
Conserve electricity
America has a massive electrical grid. When you step back to think about it, the network of power stations, power lines and generators that span this country is truly astonishing. But much of the grid is outdated and running at full capacity. Simple steps to conserve energy that can help reduce the burden on the grid include using energy-efficient light bulbs, unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use, washing clothes in cold water and installing a programmable thermostat. These steps will also save you money on your monthly utility bills.
Use flushable wipes
To avoid clogging their own toilet and creating larger problems for wastewater treatment facilities, many people are switching to flushable wipes. This prevents them from accidentally flushing non-flushable wipes down the toilet. Made from fibers that are 100 percent plant based and designed to lose strength and disintegrate in the wastewater systems, flushable wipes will not clog wastewater pumps and are safe to flush.
Be careful about what you throw away
When it comes to garbage, most of us take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach. About half of the solid waste we all produce goes to a landfill. In most cases, our garbage and solid waste is managed and funded by local governments and through fees homeowners pay. By taking greater steps to recycle and reduce their waste, individuals can help relieve the burden put on landfills.
Repairing our nation’s infrastructure will be an enormous undertaking, and each of us will have a part to play. The steps mentioned above have an immediate effect on your household and, over time, can contribute to the overall resiliency of our infrastructure.
To learn more, visit Responsible Flushing Alliance.
2018-06-26T12:01:00
(BPT) – It’s summertime, and temperatures are on the rise. Whether relaxing at the pool, cheering for a favorite team or just hanging out with family and friends, keeping cool is at the top of the list. Nothing fancy needed — with a hat or cap to keep the sun away from the eyes, an umbrella for a bit of shade and a cold bunch of California grapes straight from the fridge or cooler, it is easy to take the sizzle out of hot summer days.
When it’s time to entertain, the grill can be a host’s best friend by making it a breeze to cook and relax outside at the same time. Grilled Flank Steak with Southwest Corn and Grape Salad is guaranteed to please the senses with its tasty flavors; beautiful color medley from red and green grapes, avocado and corn; and variety of pleasing textures.
Why serve ordinary side salads when extraordinary dishes like an Italian-inspired grilled bread salad offer a fresh twist? Panzanella Salad with Grapes and Radicchio pairs grilled Italian bread and onions with a refreshing combination of radicchio, cucumber and grapes. Tossed in a zesty dressing and garnished with crumbled goat cheese, this salad adds a touch of wow to any summertime menu.
Speaking of dressing up, remember that any color of grapes from California — red, green or black — make the perfect edible centerpiece. For a cool dessert, try freezing grapes for the perfect way to end a hot summer day.
For more recipes visit GrapesfromCalifornia.com.
Grilled Flank Steak with Southwest Corn and Grape Salad
Prep/marinade time: 25 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
1 1/4 pounds trimmed flank steak
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
Freshly ground pepper to taste
3/4 cup corn kernels, either freshly cut off the cob or thawed, frozen corn kernels
1/2 avocado, diced
3/4 cup red California grapes, halved
1/2 cup green California grapes, halved
1 tablespoon chopped shallot
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon lime zest
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions
Pat the steak dry. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, the cumin, coriander and freshly ground pepper. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the steak; let stand for 15 minutes. Place the steak on a medium-high grill and cook it for 5 minutes on one side without moving it. Flip the steak and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is achieved. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
While the steak is resting, combine the corn, avocado, grapes, shallot, olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; mix gently. Cut the steak diagonally across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange the steak slices on a serving platter or among four plates and top with corn and grape salad. Garnish with cilantro.
Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 390; Protein 41 g; Carbohydrate 17 g; Fat 18 g (42% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 6 g (13% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 110 mg; Sodium 160 mg; Fiber 3 g.
Panzanella Salad with Grapes and Radicchio
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes
Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
Dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 teaspoon honey
1/2 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 (1-inch thick) slices whole grain rustic bread
3 (1-inch thick) slices of red onion
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
3/4 cup red California grapes
3/4 cup green California grapes
1 cup roughly chopped radicchio
1 cup large-dice English cucumber
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, juice, zest, honey, mustard, tarragon, parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Heat grill or grill pan to medium high. Using a brush, lightly coat the bread and onion slices with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the onion slices on the grill. Cover and cook until charred, about 4 minutes, then flip and cook, covered, for another 2-3 minutes. Set aside. Grill the bread for 3 minutes or until toasted. Flip and grill another minute. Set aside. Roughly chop the grilled onions and the bread into 1” square pieces.
In a large bowl, combine the onions, bread, grapes, radicchio, cucumber and pistachios. Add the salad dressing and gently toss to combine. Divide the salad into 6 equal servings and top each with goat cheese.
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 283; Protein 7g; Carbohydrate 33g; Fat 15g (48% Calories from Fat); Saturated Fat 3.5 g (11% Calories from Saturated Fat); Cholesterol 8 mg; Sodium 387 mg; Fiber 3 g.
