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Simple steps to stay healthy during cold and flu season

2018-10-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – With cold and flu season just around the corner you might think there isn’t much you can do to prepare for the inevitable aches and achoos. A few small changes in your routine and at home can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy all season long.

Tidy toilet bowls

The toilet can be a breeding ground for bacteria, but instead of slipping on the rubber gloves and scrubbing with a grimy brush, consider ContinuousClean from Kohler. This factory-installed system housed in the toilet tank dispenses a consistent dose of cleaner during each flush. Simply place your preferred cleaning tablet in a compartment, choose a cleaning setting and let the system go to work. You don’t have to lift a finger.

Launder towels and linens

Washing linens regularly helps eliminate germs and viruses while cleaning off dirt and grime. This is especially important when someone in the house is sick because it prevents the spread to others. For frequently used and potentially shared items like bed sheets and bath towels, be sure to wash in hot water or use the sanitize setting. Follow this by drying using the high-heat setting in order to kill any microorganisms.

Disinfect household hotspots

Doorknobs, cabinet handles and light switches are frequently touched by everyone who lives in your home. That means any dirt, bacteria or germs on their hands will get transferred to those surfaces and onto the hands of the next person who touches them. To prevent this spreading and keep family members healthy, wipe down common surfaces with a disinfectant wipe. It takes just seconds to do but can make a big difference.

Clean hands

Regularly washing hands is one of the best ways to eliminate germs and prevent illness. All family members should scrub up every time they use the bathroom to keep fingers fresh and surfaces clean. For easy hand-washing, use the Kohler Touchless Foaming Soap Dispenser. Simply hold your hand under the spout to dispense soap automatically. A 20-second lighted timer lets you know how long to lather, which is not only the recommended hand-washing time from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but also a helpful guide for kids.

Self-care

Getting proper rest and nutrition is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system that fights off the germs and viruses that increase during cold and flu season. To prioritize these two essential steps, consider meal planning and creating a regular bedtime routine. By meal planning weekly you stock your fridge with healthy home-cooked foods. At night, create a routine with relaxing activities like bathing, reading or meditating. Set a daily alarm if necessary on your phone to remind you when it’s time to start your bedtime routine so you don’t put it off.

These four simple steps will help keep your home clean and your family healthy. That way you can enjoy the best of the season, without the runny noses and raspy voices.


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Why fall is one of the best seasons to build a deck

2018-10-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather starts to shift and the crisp air settles in, your first inclination might be to head indoors, cozy up with a blanket and save that deck project you’ve been researching for next year. Not so fast. While home improvement stores sell spring and summer as the seasons for all things outdoor home improvement, fall is actually one of the best times to build a deck. Here are five reasons you should take advantage of the transitional months and make your deck dreams a reality.

1. Use fresh summer memories to plan to perfection

With memories of backyard barbecues and lazy summer days still fresh in your mind, fall is the perfect time to evaluate your outdoor lifestyle and plan a deck that fits your needs. Whether you’re building a small, platform deck or a multi-level expanse, think about how you use your outdoor living space. Do you host large summer soirees? If so, a durable deck with handrails, built-in seating and lighting can help you define zones for socializing and eating. Is a peaceful, deck getaway more your style? Then consider designing your deck to frame a view, incorporate a hot tub or include a small reading nook. Whatever your preference, make sure you keep transitions in mind. Clear pathways between frequently used openings like the kitchen door, stairs and the backyard will improve your use of the space.

2. Avoid project delays

When deck building is at its peak and contractors are working from dawn to dusk, it can be hard to nail down the right professional and get a start date on the calendar. Far too often, project delays turn dreams of days lounging on a new deck with a lemonade in hand into a source of frustration that mars summer fun. But as fall approaches and construction demands slow, these become issues of the past. Homeowners can often secure top-rated contractors and negotiate a convenient start date. And with full project crews, many decks are built at a quicker pace.

3. Take advantage of seasonal savings

Fall marks the start of the off-season for decking. Whether brands are clearing inventory to make way for new products or contractors are offering incentives to keep their schedule full, there are plenty of seasonal opportunities to save on decking materials and installation costs. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can create your dream deck under budget. You might even free up some money for a few splurges like a trellis or fire pit.

4. Protect your existing landscape

The telltale cool air of fall means one thing — improved working conditions. Grass, trees and plants start to go dormant as temperatures drop and the ground freezes, making it easier for you or your contractor to build a deck without harming your landscape. The season’s milder weather also lends itself to a more comfortable working environment.

5. Extend decking season

Decks are no longer reserved for summer. With the right decking material, you can create an indoor-outdoor space that spans multiple seasons and keeps you breathing fresh air all year long. Look for decking products that are as durable as they are beautiful. This will help ensure your outdoor living space remains in top shape throughout Mother Nature’s harsher months.

“By using products like ChoiceDek composite decking that are extremely durable and water resistant, homeowners can broaden the scope of their home,” said Josh Landis, senior marketing manager for ChoiceDek composite decking. “The boards resist rotting and splintering and are easy to clean, a combination that will keep decks looking ready for summer all year long.”


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Dual Special Needs Plans help those on Medicare get benefits when money is tight

2018-10-02T07:01:01

(BPT) – The fall season brings cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period. Held each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, this is the ideal time to explore health care plans so you can choose the right one to help you maintain your benefits for better health all year long.

By combining Medicare benefits for people with financial need (or on Medicaid), some applicants may be eligible to enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan — or dual plan for short — that offers additional benefits and features such as dental, hearing and vision coverage. With a dual plan, beneficiaries may also receive transportation to health care appointments and help to purchase approved health items. Most importantly, they will have someone to help them manage and coordinate their care. All of these additional benefits and features may be available at no additional cost.

However, about 80 percent of people who qualify for dual plans are unaware of this option, according to Karyne Jones, president and CEO of the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging. “It’s important that everyone knows what they qualify for so they can maximize benefits to help save money and improve their health, which can help for a more secure and active future as a person ages,” she said.

DSNP basics

A Dual Special Needs Plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan that provides health benefits for people with income limitations who may need extra help because of disabilities, health conditions or age. Dual plans encourage everyone involved in caring for a patient — including primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals and care managers — to work together. This can help improve the patient’s health as well as their experience with the health care system.

It’s important that people who qualify know that they may be missing out on additional benefits that a dual plan can offer. Navigating health plan offerings can be challenging, so it’s important for people to understand their choices and whether they qualify for more benefits. Although requirements vary from state to state and by circumstances, an individual making less than $16,000 a year or a family of two making less than $21,000 a year may qualify.

How are DSNPs unique?

In addition to helping manage and coordinate care, dual plans offer additional benefits including:

* dental care, such as exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, crowns and extractions;

* credits to purchase over-the-counter health products such as vitamins and first-aid supplies;

* hearing exams and access to hearing aids at a reduced cost;

* an annual eye exam and a credit for eye wear; and

* transportation to health care visits and the pharmacy.

Beyond the benefits, dual plans are designed to be budget-friendly. People who are eligible for a dual plan can usually enroll for no monthly premium.

When to enroll?

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is a great time for people to consider their health plan options and see if they qualify for a dual plan. However, people who qualify for a dual plan can enroll or switch to a new plan at certain times throughout the year, not just during the Annual Enrollment Period.

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare’s dual health plans, call 1-855-799-3199, TTY 711, or visit www.getdual.com. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, including DSNPs.

“More than 2 million people were enrolled in a dual plan in 2017, which represents 3 percent of all people enrolled in Medicare,” said Jones. “By spreading the word about these plans the hope is more people will enroll and take advantage of important health care benefits in 2018 and beyond.”

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.


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What parents need to know about bullying

2018-10-01T15:01:00

(BPT) – Unfortunately, bullying in schools is all too common. According to StopBullying.gov, between 1 in 4 and 1 in 3 U.S. students say they have been bullied at school. While the term “bullying” has certainly become a buzz word, it’s also important to understand what it means. The Centers for Disease Control and Department of Education define it as a pattern of unwanted aggressive behavior that causes physical or psychological harm.

“As a high school counselor for over 10 years, I’ve witnessed bullying and its impacts in different ways — from working with administrators and teachers to put a stop to it in classrooms, to supporting parents and students as they attempt to heal and find the best path forward,” said Carol Heavin, a school counselor for Arkansas Virtual Academy who has been in education for 28 years.

National Bullying Prevention Month is a reminder for all of us to think about how we can help stop this behavior in our schools. One of the best ways to help prevent bullying is to empower parents with useful advice, including warning signs to watch for, tips on how to talk to your kids about bullying and information on where to go for help. Because the long-term effects of bullying can be serious for a child, a parent’s actions and support can help protect them from harm. Heavin offers the following warning signs and tips:

Warning signs

As a parent, you know your children well and what to expect from them. While some changes in behavior can be noticeable or sudden, others can be hard to spot.

If you suspect your child is a victim of bullying, watch for these warning signs:

* Change in your child’s attitude or visible loss of confidence; this includes nonverbal and verbal changes, from how they carry themselves (dejected, slumped posture) to expressing suicidal thoughts

* Any unexplained, physical bruising or injuries

* Withdrawing from usual hobbies and interests

* Change in dress

* Change in friend group or sudden loss of friends

How to talk to your kids

If you notice these warnings and suspect your child could be a victim of bullying, talking to your child is a critical step to understanding what is happening and building trust. Keep these things in mind as you decide how and when to talk to your child:

* Be available to your child and schedule at least one weekly family dinner or outing to connect and check in

* Ask your child about their day, every day, to keep the lines of communication open

* Find a time to talk to your child in a relaxing environment, such as listening to music, watching a sports game or doing an art project together

* Start the conversation with your child with topics that interest and build a rapport with them

* As hard as it may be, don’t push them to share something they may not be ready to share; however, consistent reminders that you are available to talk are important cues

What to do

After you’ve identified warning signs, and you believe that your child is a victim of bullying at school, there are a few things you should consider and keep top of mind.

* Take a deep breath and stay as calm as possible

* Document as many details as you can from your child, including what is being said or done to them, who may have witnessed the repeated behavior, etc.

* Speak to the school administration, sharing as many documented details as you can

* Ensure your child is a part of an environment that uplifts them (i.e., church events, sports, other clubs)

* If possible, remove them from the bullying situation and consider other academic opportunities, such as a tuition-free online public school

Children can be cruel, and adults simply can’t chaperone 24-7. For this reason, many times schools don’t find out about bullying until it’s been taking place for a long time. Students are embarrassed and uncomfortable speaking freely about what’s been happening to them. By following this advice, you’re already helping to stop bullying and protect your child. For more information, visit www.stopbullying.gov.

For more information on tuition-free, online public schools, visit: www.k12.com.


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How women business owners cracked the glass ceiling

2018-10-01T15:31:00

(BPT) – Today there are nearly 12 million women-owned small businesses in the United States that generate almost $1.7 trillion in revenues. But 30 years ago, it wasn’t the same story — these business owners’ financial futures could have been out of their hands due to sexist lending practices, incomplete government data and limited advocacy on their behalf.

In 1988, women owned just 4.1 million businesses in the U.S — which may have been partially because acquiring financing was so difficult. Up until 1988, lenders could require women business owners seeking financing to have a male cosigner. This shocking and unfair practice made it difficult for women business owners to get the funding they needed to grow — limiting their ability to do everything from open a new location to make payroll or even just refinance other debt.

That all changed with the passage of H.R. 5050, also known as the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988. This legislation is considered a landmark for women in business, changing the landscape of business financing for women in the United States forever.

H.R. 5050 went on to shape the future of women and business in three critical ways:

It banned lenders from requiring a male cosigner.

One of the many witnesses to the H.R. 5050 hearings was a woman who didn’t have a husband, father or brother available — so she had to ask her 17-year-old son to cosign a business loan for her, which sadly was not an unusual story. By making this practice illegal, the bill helped level the playing field for women in business.

It created the National Women’s Business Council.

This council was established as an independent and nonpartisan federal advisory council. Today, it advises on issues of impact and interest to women business owners by providing data and research to the White House, Congress, the Small Business Administration and the public.

It required the U.S. census to track women-owned C-corporations when reporting data.

In the 1980s, the Small Business Administration released a report that mistakenly claimed almost all women-owned businesses were home-based and had sales of under $10,000 per year — largely because data to the contrary wasn’t available. Knowing this to be a factually misleading report, the National Association of Women Business Owners’ then-president, Gillian Rudd, held a press conference on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to publicly call out the misguided report, which kicked off the call for H.R. 5050. With the belief that knowledge is power, this bill mandated that the government collect more complete information on the state of women-owned businesses.

Together, these pillars helped pave the road for women business owners — and over the past 15 years alone, women-owned enterprises have grown 1.5 times faster than other small enterprises. Access to capital is crucial for any business, and this legislation helped evolve long-outdated practices and beliefs that unfairly favored men. In recent years, online lending platforms like Funding Circle are helping to create opportunities for all. There still may be miles to go in continuing to equalize credit opportunity for everyone, but this significant step in women’s business history is surely worthy of celebration.


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Why our world needs wood

2018-10-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – More than 30 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly established World Habitat Day, an important step in acknowledging that everyone deserves a safe place to live.

However, housing availability in many cities is at a crisis level, where families have to choose between daily essentials and keeping roofs over their heads. Half of U.S. renters are living paycheck to paycheck because they’re spending more than 30 percent of their incomes on housing, according to the 2017 America’s Rental Housing Report — and that’s not just an issue felt in the U.S. but also across North America, Europe and Asia.

That means less money on other everyday essentials like food, medicine and transportation.

On Oct. 1, Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations will celebrate World Habitat Day as an opportunity to rededicate themselves to making sure everyone has suitable housing in North America and across the globe. At the American Wood Council (AWC), we’re also taking this time to draw attention to the critical need for a resilient and sustainable built environment, and the building material that can help us build more homes. That material is wood.

Making homes safe and sustainable

By 2050, experts estimate the global population will rise by more than a quarter, increasing the total population to around 9.7 billion people. This puts great pressure on all facets of our ecosystem. It also means it’s increasingly critical to find affordable, safe, carbon-neutral and sustainable alternatives to existing structural materials.

In the U.S. specifically, more than 90 percent of single family homes and 86 percent of multi-family buildings are built using wood framing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Developers and architects choose wood because it provides the highest cost savings without compromising on key factors like speed of construction, safety, durability and environmental impact. Such savings can be passed onto homeowners or renters.

Compared to other building materials, wood also leaves a smaller carbon footprint. When trees are sustainably harvested and manufactured into products, they continue to store carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere. If builders further increased the use of wood for remodeling projects and construction of multi-family structures, studies show the carbon benefit would amount to 21 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year, equivalent to taking 4.4 million cars off the road indefinitely.

Multi-story wood-framed buildings also present city leaders with the opportunity to create more urban infill buildings — those that leverage vacant or underused property and revitalize communities. These structures provide an affordable solution that meets code without compromising on cost. And when built to code, those structures can last for generations. Simply put, the savings associated with wood construction can make the difference between having a home and no home at all.

A safe bet

Wood buildings are designed to meet the same rigorous standards that all building materials must meet, as requirements of our nation’s building codes.

Wood is commonly used in areas of high seismic activity, since it’s naturally flexible and can offer a degree of motion that would cause damage to more rigid materials. In fact, wood school buildings are prevalent along the west coast due to wood’s performance in earthquakes. Wood can also carry greater maximum loads for longer periods of time during high-wind events like hurricanes, and have been approved by FEMA to build “safe rooms” for refuge during natural disasters.

Bottom line, our world relies on wood. Without it, we could be facing far worse housing and environmental crises.

In the spirit of World Habitat Day, AWC is helping draw awareness to wood as a building material that delivers durable, safe, cost-efficient structures for our communities. To learn more about the benefits of wood products and how AWC can be a valued resource in ensuring a resilient, safe and sustainably built environment, visit www.awc.org.


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United States of tacos [Infographic]

2018-10-01T07:31:01

(BPT) – Last year, Americans ate over 4.5 billion tacos — and we want to taco ’bout it! In honor of National Taco Day, Old El Paso is sharing some of the most loved taco recipes that represent each state, highlighting some of the surprising ones (We’re looking at you, Wisconsin, with your Taco Spaghetti Bake.) and the classics, like Breakfast Tacos, Taco Corn Chili and Baja Fish Soft Tacos. Surprised by your state’s results? Intrigued by other state recipe favorites?




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Leave it to the machines: How to avoid injury during snow season

2018-10-01T10:01:01

(BPT) – Back and shoulder pain, pulled muscles, slips and falls — these are just a few of the injuries commonly reported during the winter season due to snow removal. When the snow begins to fall, it’s important to make sure you have the proper snow-removal equipment. If you don’t, you’re increasing your risk for serious injury.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe this winter:

Stock up on the necessities

Stop at your local grocery or hardware store and stock up on salt and sand before the snow hits, just to be safe. It won’t go bad — you might even consider buying enough for next winter. Once winter hits, it will fly off the shelves, so try to get ahead of the winter storm rush.

Warm up and stretch your muscles

Before you brave the winter weather, take a few moments inside to stretch your muscles and warm up your joints, especially if the snow you’re removing has been on the ground for a while. When you’ve been cooped up inside, it’s easy to pull a muscle from too much strenuous activity.

Push, don’t lift, when shoveling

In the event that you need to use a shovel, always push the snow, rather than lifting — it’s much better for your back. If you must lift, use your legs as much as possible to avoid straining your back. When shoveling, bend your knees while gathering snow, then straighten appropriately to help the shovel last longer.

Find the right machine

While owning the right snow blower won’t make the snow season any shorter, it can make dealing with it much easier, faster and ultimately safer. With features like electric starters, heated handle grips and remote chute deflectors, you want to make sure you choose the right machine for your needs. Husqvarna’s snow removal machines are a great place to start your search, and you can learn more about the various models and their features.

Take good care of your snow removal equipment

When the calendar gets closer to winter, schedule a time to give your snow machines a checkup. Ensure your machine is in good repair. If anything looks broken, torn or out of place, don’t start the machine. Take it to be repaired by a professional. Before taking your machine out for the first plow:

* Put fresh gas and a new spark plug in the snow blower
* Use a pre-mixed fuel that contains a fuel stabilizer to keep your gas from going bad if your blower sits for long periods of time
* Make sure the tires are full of air and have no punctures

Avoid clogging your snow blower

Work with your snow blower at a brisk pace to avoid clogging, which is the main cause of hand-related snow removal injuries. Using the snow blower several times throughout snowfall will also help to avoid clogging. Should it clog, never reach your hand down the chute and near the blades. Turn the machine off and wait for the blades to fully stop then use a stick or broom to remove the clog.

Don’t let a treacherous winter turn into a spring season of recovering from snow-related injuries. With the right snow removal system in place, you’ll welcome every flake that falls from the sky.


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Top 5 questions to ask your office manager to go green

2018-10-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – While office managers are often the biggest champions for keeping their offices environmentally friendly, many may not be aware that being eco-friendly now goes far beyond recycling bins and reusable water bottles.

But building a greener office is something we all have a stake in — and you can help your office manager become an even better eco-warrior. Here are five questions, courtesy of Jake Swenson, director of sustainability at Staples Business Advantage, you can ask your office manager to help encourage him or her to stay up-to-date on the latest environmentally conscious policies and products — from breakroom to bathroom.

What are we doing to reduce office waste?

Waste reduction is the cornerstone of any office’s green policy initiatives. One key way to minimize waste is to reduce the use of single-use plastic products such as cutlery, straws and cups. Instead, your office manager should consider investing in more permanent products, like real silverware and ceramic mugs. If workplaces are serious about being more environmentally friendly, office managers should also implement comprehensive recycling programs that go well beyond paper and plastic. For example, many basic components of an old computer can be reused once it is broken beyond repair, and batteries can be recycled to avoid releasing hazardous chemicals into the environment.

What types of cleaning products are we using?

It’s not just about using fewer products, but also about the products you’re using. Biodegradable, non-toxic products and cleaners have been extensively researched and many perform as well, if not better than, their less-green counterparts. And the impact of using these eco-friendly cleaners extends beyond their immediate ability to disinfect a surface — cleaning products that are free from alcohol, ammonia and phosphates are friendlier for the environment and are often much less harsh on people. If offices are not thoughtful about the kinds of cleaning products they are using, they could be using products that negatively affect the office air quality and create odor pollution.

Are we purchasing sustainably sourced, healthy snacks and beverages?

Being green can apply to office snacks, as well. For example, ethically sourced fresh produce can provide both a healthy and sustainable option, and fair-trade coffee and teas can support the environment without requiring workers to give up their morning caffeine fix. And while purchasing these kinds of products may not directly impact your office’s waste generation, eating and drinking them benefits the environment at a more macro level and may be encouraging your colleagues to shop green and healthy outside of the office.

What are we doing to conserve energy?

Reducing energy usage is one of the easiest ways that offices can become greener, and small changes in behavior can add up to big changes for the environment. By simply having the last person in the office turn off the lights each night, companies can significantly reduce energy consumption. During the day, offices should also take advantage of natural light, as this can have a real impact on your organization’s monthly power bill. Another easy way for an office to conserve energy is to remind employees to turn off their computers before they leave for the day or switch them to standby mode.

How are we encouraging employees to be green outside of the office?

Office managers have the ability to help implement environmentally focused policies that extend far beyond the walls of your office. You can work with your office manager to organize events encouraging your colleagues to participate in volunteer work centered on the environment, such as an outing to clean up local parks and green spaces. These types of volunteer-focused events are not only good for the environment; they are also morale boosting. Your office manager can also help you champion donation matching initiatives for an eco-friendly cause.

Building a more eco-conscious office doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple changes can make a big difference — now and further down the line. Opening an ongoing dialogue with your office manager regarding your company’s sustainability efforts will get you well on your way to helping your office turn over a new “green” leaf.

For more information on eco-friendly products, visit StaplesBusinessAdvantage.com.