Month: August 2018

2018-08-16T15:31:00

(BPT) – Just about everyone feels like they could use a little extra pep in their day, that surge of energy to get things done and enjoy their favorite activities. This is especially true as we age.

However, very few people actually feel as if they have the energy they need. The stress of modern life, poor sleep habits, consuming processed foods and less than optimal digestion are triggering a perfect storm for a human energy crisis.

There are several simple ways to tune up your nutrition and lifestyle habits so you can feel better than ever. A great place to start is with your diet.

“A healthy diet that is rich in plant foods, whole grains and lean proteins is always the starting point in reaching optimal health,” says Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum+, an author and internist. “At the same time, as we get older, it’s important to understand how our bodies change, and what we need to do to help our bodies get what they need to keep our systems running well.

“However, despite our best efforts,” Teitelbaum explains, “it is very difficult for us to get all of the nutrients we need from food alone. Sometimes nutritional supplements may be needed to fill nutrient gaps.”

In addition to movement and a healthy diet, Teitelbaum shares things people in their 50s and 60s need to know to optimize their health and feel good.‡

1. Your digestive system changes as you age, so make sure it’s getting support.

A healthy digestive tract is crucial for overall health. As we age, our digestive systems often need more support in order to properly break down food and absorb the nutrients our bodies need to function optimally, according to a study published in Oncotarget.

To get the most nutrition from the food you eat, Dr. Teitelbaum recommends talking to your doctor about adding a plant-based enzyme supplement to your regimen to support your digestive health. GI Digest, for example, is a comprehensive digestive enzyme formula designed to assist in the proper digestion of proteins, fats, starch, dairy and gluten.‡

2. Small things can make a big difference for heart health.

Getting an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, may support cardiovascular health.‡ Because vitamin D is best absorbed in the body when taken with a fat source, Dr. Teitelbaum suggests talking to your doctor about a supplement that has a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, like QÜELL Fish Oil EPA/DHA Plus D.‡ Also, be sure to talk to your doctor about other heart-healthy habits you can incorporate into your life, because things like daily walks, reducing stress and increasing your fruit and vegetable intake can all support heart health.‡

3. Is your energy lagging? It may be a simple deficiency.

As we age, we tend to accept at face value that having less energy just comes with the territory. Sometimes the solution is a simple matter of meeting our bodies’ nutritional needs. For example, one mineral that helps the body convert nutrients into energy is magnesium. When levels get low, it can interfere with your body’s ability to access its energy stores, causing the body to work harder, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Nutrition.

To support your body’s metabolic function, a supplement like Magnesium Glycinate contains 100 mg of magnesium in an easy-to-swallow tablet.

In addition, vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps your body convert food into energy; however, as we age, our bodies can begin to have trouble absorbing enough B12. To support your body’s energy needs, ask your doctor about taking Methyl B12 Plus, a great-tasting lozenge that rapidly dissolves in the mouth.

If your energy levels are lagging, Dr. Teitelbaum says, it’s important to talk to your doctor, so together, you can uncover the root causes, and he or she can make recommendations.‡

4. Feed your body with real, whole foods.

Food processing destroys most of the vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients the body needs to function optimally. Dr. Teitelbaum says the best thing you can do is cut the sugar from your diet and slowly add whole foods. Though most adults should be eating at least 1.5 cups of fruit and two cups of vegetables per day, a mere 9 percent actually meet that target, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It may sound like a tall order to work all those fruit and veggie servings into your diet, but break down the daily goal into smaller parts and it may feel more attainable. For example, just take the simple step of adding one extra serving of fruits and veggies to each meal. Slice some banana on your morning cereal, opt for the steamed veggies with your entree, snack on veggies and hummus, and close the meal with fresh berries. Supplementing with a high-quality multivitamin can also help fill the gaps in your diet. Dr. Teitelbaum recommends Ultra Preventive X as a daily multivitamin that can help provide the nutrients you need in their most usable forms for the body.‡

To address your needs and support your health, always talk to your healthcare practitioner about adding nutritional supplements to your daily routine. To discover new ways to use nutrition to tune up your health, visit the Douglas Labs website and watch the videos at www.douglaslabs.com/tune-up-teitelbaum/.

+Dr. Teitelbaum has been retained as a medical consultant in advising Douglas Laboratories.
‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

2018-08-16T14:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine going to a job interview filthy and stinky. Or on a first date covered in mud. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for millions of shelter dogs looking to make a good first impression. While rescue organizations work tirelessly, the sad truth is that less than half of these dogs are getting the grooming they need so their lovable, adoptable selves can shine through. To better their chances at finding a fur-ever family, pet industry leaders Wahl and GreaterGood.org have teamed up to donate funds and grooming supplies to shelters nationwide. The goal: Transform more than 20,000 dogs this year to get them ready for adoption. Hundreds of these amazing makeovers can be seen in the Dirty Dogs Before & After Gallery (DirtyDogsGallery.com), but the following represent the 10 most amazing transformations.

1. Gabriel

Gabriel was rescued along with 58 other animals from a hoarder and was found barricaded inside a makeshift cage all alone. So severely neglected, his rescuers believe his grooming may have been the first human touch he had felt in years, perhaps ever. After a good cleanup, he looked like an angel and was named Gabriel. His name proved prophetic, and he now comforts other neglected animals as they enter his foster home.

2. Apollo

Apollo was used as a breeding dog in a puppy mill for seven years. He lived in a wire cage, where he suffered from the summer heat and winter cold and had deteriorated into a filthy mess. Thankfully, Apollo was rescued along with 53 other dogs. After a warm bath, a precious Yorkie emerged and Apollo quickly captured the hearts of a forever family.

3. Pepper

Pepper was left in an abandoned home. She was rescued when neighbors spotted her hanging out the window next to an air conditioner crying for help. Left with no food or water, Pepper was in desperate need of medical attention and grooming. She went from horrific conditions to feeling like a million bucks and is now eager to find a family to love.

4. Buffalo Bill

Buffalo Bill was one of 17 Shih Tzu rescued from a hoarder. He was so matted he could hardly walk or see, but he still maintained a sweet personality. After his grooming, however, he truly blossomed, getting attention by dancing around. It’s no surprise he was adopted within hours of being available.

5. Banjo

Banjo was found living in a car with his homeless owner. He was rescued after being trapped in the car with the windows up on a 95-degree day. Old injuries and ticks lurked beneath all his matted fur. He’s now all cleaned up and keeping his cool as he waits for a forever family.

6. Opie

Opie had spent most of his six years in a tiny kennel, until he was abandoned by his owner. Once rescued, he swiftly got the grooming and medical attention he desperately needed. He’s now flourishing with a foster family while he waits for his forever home.

7. Dorothy

Dorothy was found wandering on a deserted dirt road. She was so matted her ears almost touched the ground, and her hind legs were stuck together, making it difficult for her to walk. Her rescuers believe she was used to breed and had been abused. Thankfully though, there was hope for Dorothy somewhere over the rainbow. She’s now living in a loving home with her forever family.

8. Crinolin

Crinolin was rescued from a hoarding situation. He was found in such bad shape, you couldn’t tell what kind of dog was living beneath all that matted fur. With some careful grooming, however, a happy-go-lucky dog emerged, and now the first thing people notice is his cheerful face.

9. Milo

Milo was found living off the streets and he looked like he’d had a rough go of it. With some medical attention, pampering and a lot of grooming, this little guy got a new “leash” on life and now lives with a loving family.

10. Gizmo

Gizmo was found completely weighted down with matted fur, but after his grooming he now has a spring in his step.

2018-08-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to vacation planning, millennial families with young children have the edge over school-aged families — no strict school schedules to obey!

Take advantage of this flexibility while you can, and plan your escape to Myrtle Beach. This oceanside city along the beautiful South Carolina coastline features just about everything families with young children are looking for: family fun, engaging and interactive attractions, delicious food and relaxing places to chill out. Bonus: Now that school is in session, you’ll escape the summer crowds.

To help you plan, here are some of the things that await in Myrtle Beach.

Budget-friendly fun: As promised in the name, Myrtle Beach is the place to make oceanside memories: building sand castles, hunting for seashells and delighting in their giggles as the waves lap their little toes. As it turns out, fall is one of the best times of year to have that beach vacation without breaking the bank. Look for deep discounts and special lodging packages at hotels and resorts. While you search for fun things to do, be on the lookout for exclusive fall promotions. For example, Visit Myrtle Beach is offering a complimentary children’s beach photo session, which will create the perfect keepsake for your getaway.

Beautiful “summer” weather: Even if you feel a nip in the air in your region, the fall weather in South Carolina is still ideal for exploring wide open spaces and enjoying outdoor activities. Brookgreen Gardens features the Lowcountry Zoo, which houses animals in spaces as close to their natural habitat as possible. You’ll definitely want to get way up high and see the beaches and water stretch off into forever from atop the SkyWheel, a 200-foot Ferris wheel that’s right on the beach.

Enriching fun: Myrtle Beach has plenty of kid-friendly places to interact and build new connections to this wide, wonderful world. Kids can get an up-close look at the colorful fish and other sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium. After hearing stories about farm life in their favorite picture books, they can see the real thing at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm. Finally, WonderWorks Science Center has more than 100 hands-on exhibits that are designed to both thrill and teach children a thing or two about science.

Peaceful pursuits: While you’re enjoying all this family time (and seeing the smiles on those little faces), be sure to make time for the grownups to enjoy themselves, too, with solo outings at some point in the trip. All around Myrtle Beach you’ll find lots of options to chill and recharge, whether it’s a well-deserved spa treatment or discovering your new favorite wine at a tasting. We’ll lose the thought with this vision of heaven: You and your family relaxing along the seashore seashore. No one’s cranky, no one’s hungry, just … aaaaaaah!

For more ideas and inspiration to plan your fall family vacation to Myrtle Beach, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

2018-08-15T13:21:00

(BPT) – Overwhelmingly, people say that they want to stay independent and in their own home as they age. One way to ensure they can is to learn about fall risks and make changes to reduce their chances of falling. Because, while one in four older adults falls each year, there are ways to be prepared for the changes of aging in order to prevent falls.

“The misconception is that falls are a normal part of aging, but this is untrue,” says Kathleen Cameron, senior director at the National Council on Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging. “Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you’ll inevitably fall at some point. There are proven ways to prevent falls, so older adults can live healthy, safely and independently.”

Every 11 seconds an older adult is seen in an emergency room for a fall-related injury, reports the National Council on Aging. To prevent falls, follow these six simple steps. For additional advice about preventing falls, visit www.ncoa.org/FallsTips.

Step 1: Find a good balance and exercise program

As you age, it’s important to maintain balance, strength and flexibility. Contact your local senior center or Area Agency on Aging for information on programs that can help you achieve these goals. Review your options and find one that appeals to you. Better yet, join with a friend to make it more fun and keep each other accountable.

Step 2: Talk to your health care provider

Have an open conversation with your health care provider about your fall concerns. Share your history of falls and ask for an assessment of your risk of falling again so you can come up with a plan proactively.

Step 3: Review medications with the pharmacist

Some medications have side effects that can make it more likely for you to fall. First, always take medications as prescribed. Second, make sure you know the risks and take precautions when necessary.

Step 4: Get vision and hearing checked annually

Your eyes and ears are key for keeping you safely on your feet. Getting your vision and hearing checked each year by a health care professional is important, so you can update vision prescriptions and take any necessary measures to correct hearing loss.

Step 5: Secure your home

To keep your home safe you need to remove any tripping hazards like loose rugs or free cords. You should also increase lighting to improve visibility indoors and outdoors. Pay particular attention to stairs and consider installing grab bars or railings.

Step 6: Talk with family members

Falls affect all demographics and various ages. Talk with family members about your risks and concerns. Enlist their help as needed to secure your home and keep you safe.

“A few simple steps can dramatically reduce your risk for falling no matter your age,” says Cameron. “By being proactive, you can live healthy and independently for longer.”

2018-08-15T13:29:01

(BPT) – This past July marks one year for Jack. Just one year ago, the 15-year-old was unable to go outside — he was bound to his home because of his blood disorder. He missed time with friends, school and sports. A bone marrow donation was his only hope, but matches sometimes aren’t easy to find, particularly for those of Asian heritage. So, Jack waited patiently — nine months to be exact — until thankfully a match was found.

Now Jack wants to help others who are waiting — to pay it forward. When volunteers from Make-A-Wish^® met with Jack to identify his wish, he wanted to help others like him. He used his wish to be a bone marrow donation spokesperson and record a PSA encouraging others to sign up for Be The Match. As the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, Make-A-Wish grants life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.

“I’m alive today because someone like you decided to save the life of someone they didn’t even know,” said Jack. “I want to help people who weren’t as lucky as I was.”

When Jack made his wish, little did he know the turnout of support he’d receive. Thanks to a charitable donation by Bristol-Myers Squibb to Make-A-Wish, the organization was able to make Jack’s wish become a reality. For the second consecutive year, Bristol-Myers Squibb made a seven-figure charitable funding contribution to Make-A-Wish. The company’s generosity has helped Make-A-Wish provide transformational wishes for children with critical illnesses, like Jack, across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.

Make-A-Wish teamed up with Dana Nachman, the filmmaker who created “Batkid Begins,” to bring Jack’s vision and PSA to life. Then in spring 2018, Jack, along with nearly 100 people gathered in a local movie theater to watch the premiere of Jack’s PSA. Highlights of the PSA include many of the activities Jack can do again, thanks to his transplant: cooking with his friends (one of his hobbies), playing basketball, walking his dog and biking around the neighborhood.

Jack’s goal is to secure 430 new registrants to help save a life just like his was saved. For every 430 people who sign up through Be The Match (join.bethematch.org/jack), one goes on to be a donor. Thanks to the support of Make-A-Wish, donors like Bristol-Myers Squibb and Jack’s community, more lives have the potential to be transformed. That’s the transformational power of wishes. Visit wish.org to learn how wishes can help make the impossible possible for children battling critical illnesses.

2018-08-15T14:47:00

(BPT) – Understanding and managing your personal information is essential to achieving your life goals such as owning a home, financing an education, getting your next job or simply having the convenience of credit cards for everyday purchases.

Banks, landlords, employers and many others need to authenticate your identity and evaluate your creditworthiness to determine whether they can trust you to make payments if they lend you money. This credit behavior determines a person’s credit score.

So, how do you take control of your personal information and maintain good credit health? Here are a few key tips for financial health empowerment:

Monitor your information regularly: According to TransUnion’s July 2017 Credit Literacy study, almost half of consumers thought checking your own credit score has the same effect as when a lender checks it. Fortunately, this is not the case. When you check your information, it is usually reported as a soft inquiry and ultimately does not impact your score. Checking your information regularly is encouraged and should be part of a habitual routine, much like regular exercise.

It’s important to understand both what helps build credit and what negatively affects your credit. Once you are well-versed in your information, you are taking one important step toward being in control and can better inform your choices and be empowered to make the right decisions. There are many solutions available that provide easy access to your information, including TransUnion Credit Monitoring.

Make payments on time: Paying your bills on time and in full each month will show that you are reliable and more likely to pay back debts. Doing so will help grow your credit score, but remember, consistency is key. If you have missed a payment in the past, getting back on track and paying off debt should be a top priority. Having a positive history of on-time payments shows responsible behavior.

Don’t use all your available credit: It is recommended to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, that is, how much of your available credit you’re using at any given time. This suggests to creditors that you can use credit responsibly and do not rely on it too much. It is recommended that you use no more than 30 percent of your available credit.

Building credit takes time: Building and maintaining a track record takes time, responsible financial behavior and smart credit usage. Therefore, it is important to start early and understand the implications of your decisions. For example, closing your oldest credit card account could end up negatively impacting your score. However, every situation is different, depending on a person’s account history, fee structure or rates.

Protect your information: You have a vital role to play in controlling who has access to your information, and there are tools readily available to do this. Protecting your information from fraud is critical. As part of TransUnion’s ongoing commitment to empowering consumers to understand and manage their information and achieve financial health, it offers a range of solutions. To complement credit monitoring, Lock Alert is a new, innovative feature that automatically sends an alert to members whenever a request for their locked or frozen credit report is made in connection with an application for new credit.

With the right information, tools and responsible financial decisions, you will be on the path to taking control of your information, leading to good credit health and the opportunity to achieve your dreams.

For more information, visit TransUnion.com.

2018-08-15T08:01:01

(BPT) – At America’s restaurants, you may have noticed more appetizers and entrees draped with pickled onions in the last couple of years. You may have been adventurous enough to try them, learning how their tartness coupled with onion flavor kick every dish up a notch, bringing tired flavors into a new era.

Pickling has been around some 4,000 years as a way to preserve vegetables. It became popular in 18th century England as a way to preserve food, according to savoringthepast.net, and today is traditionally served with fish and chips or with what is called a ploughman’s lunch, a dish of bread, cheese and onions — part of the English diet for centuries.

Today, pickled onions are used all over the world in a variety of dishes.

Just as with fashion, foods come and go, and the pickled onion has made a resurgence in the United States in recent years. According to a Datassential survey on menu trends, the use of pickled onions has grown 191 percent in restaurants and diners in the U.S. in the last four years. From 2016-17, their use grew 8 percent. It seems chefs are on to something. They’ve learned the pickled onion adds an interesting twist when paired with burgers and dogs and salads and sandwiches.

Adding pickled onions to your dishes doesn’t have to be the work of a 5-star restaurant chef. In fact, pickling onions is easier than expected, and it adds a delicious kick to any old dish you’re working on for dinner, lunch or even your tailgating dogs.

Pickled onions are great make-ahead options for garnishing your meats, adding to salads or sandwiches. While healthier for you, you’ll not be giving up the flavor.

Pickled Ginger Onion Relish

Recipe provided by the National Onion Association.

Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients:

3 cups onions, red, sliced 1/8-inch thick

3/4 cup rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/2 cup pickled ginger with juices

Directions:

Place onions into a bowl and cover with icy water for 10 minutes. Drain when ready to use. In a saucepan, heat vinegar, honey, salt and pepper over low heat just until boiling. Remove from heat. Pour over drained onions and mix well. Stir in ginger with juices and mix. Cover and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Place in a covered container and refrigerate at least 24 hours before using.

2018-08-15T09:01:18

(BPT) – As summer winds down, there’s still plenty of time for good food, great friends and celebrating the great outdoors unburdened by coats, shoes or any other winter-time worries.

As we enjoy the remaining days of beautiful weather, many of us are planning outdoor parties and barbecues so we can have fun and make memories with our favorite people. More often than not, the menus for those fetes will feature food we’ll custom-grill ourselves, along with a range of flavorful accompaniments.

That’s not surprising, considering seven in 10 U.S. adults own a grill or smoker and 63 percent of us grill year-round, reports the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Our top reasons for choosing to cook over an open flame? Americans most often cite improved flavor, fun, the entertainment factor and convenience.

If you’re among those seizing the day by putting together a backyard BBQ, here’s a short list of the most important items you’ll need to make it a success.

A bounty of grilled food

These days, Americans seize the warm weather to cook everything from meats to vegetables to fruits to corn on the cob over an open flame. What’s better with grilling? It’s called the “Maillard Reaction”; the smoke and intense heat break the food proteins into amino acids that react with the sugars to create intense taste sensations. Once the mouth-watering aromas further activate your taste buds, you’re subject to a double whammy of deliciousness. Frankly, braising and boiling don’t even come close.

Lots of tasty snacks

Nothing complements the great taste of your favorite grilled foods better than bags of your favorite crispy snacks offered in a range of savory flavors that will please a variety of guests, young and old. And chips are so easy and convenient to keep on hand. Popular choices this season include Lay’s Poppables Honey BBQ potato bites, Kettle Cooked Sweet and Smoky Barbecue chips and Lightly Salted Classic potato chips.

Cool, refreshing blender drinks

Stock your freezer with a variety of frozen juices and cut-up fruits so you can concoct icy-cold slushes and cocktails on demand, whether your aim is adult or kiddie versions. Set up your blender, mixers, ice, garnishes and colorful plastic cups right on your patio, and don’t forget the loop-de-loop straws.

Tasty salsas and dips

There’s something fun about having a variety of savory and sweet dips to try with our favorite chips, crackers, fruits and vegetables, and the right accompaniment can transform even a one-note food into an extraordinary flavor combination. The pairings may be as easy as Tostitos Mango Salsa with Yellow Corn Bite Size chips, or you can mix up a wide range of classic or new ingredients from around the world ranging from hummus to queso blanco to black sesame tahini. You’re only limited by your willingness to try new tastes.

Outdoor games

Keep your guests enjoying the sun and fresh air by offering up a number of fun games for all ages. The adventurous will be more than happy to partake of badminton, croquet, Frisbee, giant Jenga, a bean bag toss, a bouncy house, etc. And the rest will be entertained to kick back and watch.

Take time to plan the key elements of your next outdoor shindig, and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy all the fun yourself on the big day. See Fritolay.com for more outdoor entertaining tips.