Month: October 2018

2018-10-24T13:55:00

(BPT) – Does the idea of holiday travel make you feel like a Scrooge? Booking a flight, traversing through a packed airport and getting to the gate on time are just a few things that can cause stress. Then there’s using those tiny on-board bathrooms, and hoping you get your luggage back in one piece.

Holiday travel is difficult for the average person, but now imagine doing all this in a wheelchair.

“Problems for travelers with disabilities are extremely common,” says Shaun Castle, a service-disabled U.S. Army veteran and deputy executive director of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “By far, the number one complaint that we receive from our members about any issue, is about the problems with air travel.”

Castle has experienced the difficulties firsthand. He has had his wheelchair bent, cracked and even lost in separate incidents.

“These are more than minor inconveniences,” Castle says. “If my wheelchair is damaged, it may mean I am stranded until I can get it repaired.”

But things could be getting better soon for Castle and tens of thousands of travelers with disabilities with the signing of the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302) on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 by President Donald Trump.

The passage of H.R. 302 provides a ‘bill of rights’ and an advisory panel for passengers with disabilities, as well as revised training and procedures for TSA screenings for people with disabilities.

Paralyzed Veterans of America calls it a matter of basic civil rights, and has been a vocal advocate for safer trips for all travelers with disabilities. The congressionally chartered veteran’s service organization even challenged the Department of Transportation in court to move forward with requirements for accessible bathrooms on single-aisle planes.

Improvements could come as early as this year, but in the meantime, there are some things travelers with disabilities can do to reduce risks, especially during the busy holiday season. Paralyzed Veterans of America recommends not only giving verbal instructions for folding and storing wheelchairs or scooters, but attaching written information to the equipment as well. Many airlines have written forms online for passengers to complete. The group also says to arrive at least two hours early for a flight, to take advantage of pre-boarding.

“This new bill recognizing the rights of travelers with disabilities is a huge move forward, but there’s more work to do,” says Castle. “Paralyzed Veterans of America will continue to work toward accessibility for all Americans with disabilities.”

To learn more about these issues and how Paralyzed Veterans of America is an advocate for accessible public spaces and disability rights, visit pva.org.

2018-10-24T16:03:00

(BPT) – Following their military service, many veterans feel overwhelmed by the transition to civilian life and the decision about what’s next. While veterans may feel that it’s challenging to identify civilian jobs that match their skills, there are job opportunities across the country and in their own backyard — they just need help finding them. 

One industry that is especially relevant for the veteran workforce is manufacturing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 12,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs, and that number continues to grow. Manufacturing industry jobs require the strategy, logistics and leadership skillsets developed in the military. And these are companies that recognize the value, talent, education and work ethic that veterans add to the workforce. It’s up to employers to properly target veteran skillsets, and it’s up to veterans to use the resources available to them to find mutually beneficial job opportunities. 

Hankook Tire, for example, opened its first U.S. manufacturing plant in Clarksville, Tennessee, last year, less than 15 miles from Fort Campbell, a U.S. Army installation in Kentucky, and continues to hire local veterans to fill key positions as the company grows. Hankook has become an active employer of veterans in the Clarksville area, and as a result, more than 20 percent of the plant’s current employees are former U.S. military members. For many veteran employees, this job has provided them with a winning solution — a great job with growth opportunities in their local area. 

For many veterans, their biggest concern about transitioning out of the military is uprooting their families to find a good civilian job. This provides companies, in particular those with manufacturing facilities near military bases, with a huge opportunity to tailor their job descriptions, recruitment and training to veterans, to help them build successful careers and stay in their communities. 

Organizations like DAV (Disabled American Veterans) are dedicated to ensuring that the men and women who stood up for America have the tools, resources and opportunities they need to competitively enter the job market and secure meaningful employment. Those currently making the switch to civilian life, as well as those looking for new jobs, can take advantage of networking and employment resources at career fairs co-hosted with RecruitMilitary and Veteran Recruiting. 

You can honor and recognize veterans for their service through the Hankook Heroes program, which seeks stories about why veterans are heroes. Enter for a chance to receive a set of tires by submitting your story to www.hankookheroes.com by Nov. 12. A second set of tires will be donated to a local DAV chapter member who is instrumental in helping support his or her local veteran community.

2018-10-24T09:39:00

(BPT) – When your kids contract head lice, the issue can extend beyond just the time and patience you need to get rid of them.

Though head lice have nothing to do with lack of cleanliness, kids can be subject to misconceptions from their peers about the pesky but otherwise harmless condition — and can face bullying at school as a result. Parents can also feel stigmatized; a recent poll found 52 percent of American parents feel judged by other parents when their children get lice.

“When your child comes home with head lice, life for classmates, friends, siblings and parents is turned on its ear,” notes nationwide organization Lice Clinics of America. “That’s why it’s so important to get rid of them quickly.”

To help change perceptions and encourage kindness as a general principle, Lice Clinics of America is launching #LetsGetRealAboutLice on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to coincide with National Bullying Prevention Month this October. In conjunction, here are some helpful tips about head lice and how it can be effectively treated.

Rather than being attracted by bad hygiene, head lice often thrive in well-washed hair. They spread indiscriminately through direct head-to-head contact, meaning anyone can contract them. The CDC reports that 12 million Americans contract head lice each year, but Lice Clinics of America feels that this number is underreported based on the number of annual treatments they provide in their more than 350 clinics in 36 countries.

Head lice carry no diseases and cause no harm other than an intense itching of the scalp. Since mature lice can hatch up to 4-8 new eggs daily, infestations can remain for weeks or months when left untreated or ineffectively treated by over-the-counter pesticide treatments and home remedies. Most lice (so-called ‘super lice’) have developed immunity to these over-the-counter products, and the pesticides that they use have been linked to health problems in children.

Treatment options have improved in recent years to avoid the application of toxic pesticides or other unsafe methods used in the past. Over-the-counter options often employ specially designed devices and combs that can kill and remove the bugs, and many have become effective against ‘super lice,’ too. One company leading the fight is Lice Clinics of America, which offers highly effective non-toxic DIY home treatment kits as well as in-clinic treatments optimized by the patented AirAllé medical device.

If someone in your home has had head lice, it may bring peace of mind to place any clothes, coats, hats, bedding, linens and stuffed animals the person has recently used in a clothes dryer for 10 minutes on high heat. More importantly, other family members should also be checked for infestation and treated if necessary.

You can help prevent head lice by discouraging or avoiding head-to-head contact. More study is needed about over-the-counter preventatives, reports the Mayo Clinic, but some believe lice are repelled by rosemary, lemongrass, tea tree, citronella or eucalyptus.

Time and time again, parents and kids find that misinformation about head lice — and the trials of treating it effectively and quickly — can lead to embarrassment and shame. Children should not have to endure any bullying, let alone from a medical nuisance like head lice. Lice Clinics of America is committed to helping kids and families get back to their lives without facing the stigma of head lice infestations.

2018-10-23T09:31:01

(BPT) – As your child is wrapping up their high school career and making plans for college, there is often a mix of emotions for everyone involved. On one side, you and your student may be feeling a sense of pride and excitement for the ambitious plans ahead. However, as with any transition, graduation may come with some anxiety because of the unknown. One of these worries might be whether your child is getting into the right college program that will help them find a career worth the time, money and effort invested.

“We value education because it unlocks many doors and lets students build a foundation to launch their careers,” says Joe DePaulo, CEO and Co-Founder of College Ave Student Loans. “But when you factor in the costs of higher education, it’s perfectly normal to feel concerned over whether your child’s chosen path will actually pay off four years from now when they earn that bachelor’s degree.”

To help with those final decisions leading up to college, DePaulo offers the following senior-year checklist for parents and students.

Apply to a variety of schools: After visiting campuses and poring over all the details, it’s very common to settle on one school as “the one.” Don’t just leave it at one. Applying to three or four additional schools can help your student keep their options open and compare financial aid award offers. Best case scenario: A previously overlooked program may come through with an award letter with a financial aid offer they can’t refuse!

Dig into career prospects: Another important factor in guiding your student to the best program is their career prospects. As a rule of thumb, a student’s total loans should not exceed the expected first-year salary. Before your student chooses, they should have an estimate of total loan costs and how long it would take to repay them. To help with this planning, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, to help you plan for the cost of borrowing, find the student loan calculator on the College Ave Student Loans website to understand your expected loan payments.

Look for funding in unexpected places: Paying for school can be a huge worry for families. Before you get overwhelmed by the price tag, make sure you’re taking full advantage of the various opportunities available to help with college costs. Start with your employer. Many out there offer tuition reimbursement for employees and their children. (If your student works part-time, they should definitely check with theirs, too.) It’s also important to dedicate time researching scholarships and applying to as many as you can. In fact, after receiving their award letter, 83 percent of students wished they had taken time to research more scholarships, according to a recent College Ave survey. Finally, it’s not outlandish to ask for help. You may have supportive family members who are more than happy to “sponsor” a specific expense, say, a semester’s worth of dorm meals or textbooks.

Finally, stay focused: Even this late in the game, do what you can to keep your student motivated and avoid the senior slump. In the final semester, grades can still affect scholarship eligibility. Don’t forget, senior year is also the time when students often rise to leadership roles in their chosen activities and sports, which can give them a confidence boost in their abilities and future potential. Be sure to cheer them on, because senior year can be a time to shine and graduate on a strong note.

The things you and your student accomplish this year can ensure a strong start in college next year. To explore more funding options and to get prequalified for a private student loan, visit collegeavestudentloans.com.

2018-10-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – A cup of steaming rich coffee is one of life’s simple pleasures, especially if you have some extra time to linger over those roasty aromas and flavors at your favorite coffee shop.

The good news is you don’t have to be a barista to achieve the same results at home. Apply these expert secrets to unlocking the full potential of your favorite coffee bean to make perfectly balanced yet flavorful java.

Even if you elect to try just one or two of these tips, getting your daily caffeine fix will feel more like a special weekend treat.

Step one: Always go with the freshest beans you can find

Coffee connoisseurs will differ as to whether a light roast or dark tastes best, but all agree on the power of starting with fresh beans. Before you measure and grind, give them a visual inspection. They should be glossy in appearance, keeping in mind that darker roasts give off more sheen than light roast or decaffeinated beans do.

Step two: Achieve balance with a food scale

As a rule, you’ll need 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water used. However, if you have a food scale, getting into the habit of weighing beans instead of using the scoop ensures more consistent results. As a rule, 2 tablespoons amounts to 10.6 grams; from there, you may adjust up and down slightly until you find the perfect balance that pleases your taste buds. Because freshly ground beans are more flavorful than stale, take care to grind only what’s needed per batch.

Step three: Unlock the magic of spices

To curate your cup with unique flavors and aromas, try adding Simply Organic Pre-Brew Spice Blends, a pre-cut blend of organic spices, to your ground coffee beans before brewing. Whether you opt for the warmth of ginger and clove in Pumpkin Spices or rise and shine with the cinnamon and anise in Awaken Spices, any brewing method makes a perfectly spiced cup free of sugars and additives. To discover how to create your favorite coffee-shop treat right at home, visit SimplyOrganic.com.

Step four: Not too hot!

If you’re using a coffee maker, you won’t have much control over water temperature. If you’re using a French press or pour-over coffee maker, keep in mind that boiling water makes bitter coffee. When you put the kettle on, use a thermometer to make sure the water gets to a range of 195 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit before it makes contact with the ground coffee. Finally, if you’re using tap water, consider filtering it first. Things like chlorine and water softening agents can get in the way of those rich, subtle flavor profiles.

Step five: Serving up the perfect cup

Coffee is best when enjoyed freshly brewed. At this point, you can further customize your cup by adding sweetener and dairy. To achieve a more unique flavor, experiment with honey, agave nectar or even maple syrup. To create a latte at home, you don’t need an espresso machine to make frothed milk. Everyday kitchen tools like a blender, a whisk or a mixer can help you achieve the thick, foamy texture you love.

In every coffee bean, rich and complex flavors await. Put these tips into practice and you’ll soon be sipping your way to bliss.

2018-10-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Each winter, drivers from Maine to Texas are reminded just how dependent we are on our cars, and what happens when snow and ice get in the way. More than 116,000 Americans are injured and over 1,300 are killed on snowy, slushy or icy pavement every winter. Snowfighters tasked with the job of keeping travelers safe know that road salt is the most effective way to treat road surfaces. A Marquette University study examined highway accidents in snow and found that road salt reduced crashes by up to 88 percent, and injuries and accident costs were reduced by as much as 85 percent.

Another study from the University of Waterloo on the safety impacts of using deicing salt before and after a snow event on four-lane highways found that it reduced accidents by up to 93 percent. Untreated roads also carry a significant economic cost. According to a Global Insight study, a one-day major snowstorm can cause a state $300-$700 million in direct and indirect costs. According to James Gillula, the principal researcher of the study, “Lost wages of hourly workers account for about two-thirds of the direct economic impact of a major snowstorm. Among all workers, hourly wage workers can suffer the most painful economic losses.”

A few winters ago, residents of Atlanta were hit with an ice storm and experienced what happens without road salt to keep streets clear. Children had to spend the night at school sleeping on gym mats when buses could not safely get them home. Workers became stranded in their cars for hours as traffic became completely gridlocked due to accidents and many vehicles were left abandoned. News reports were filled with images of people sleeping on the floors of area grocery stores.

Across the country, news accounts are highlighting the importance of salt as agencies prepare for winter. “It is important for municipalities and Departments of Transportation to have sufficient inventories before the start of the winter season. The Salt Institute recommends a complete year of inventory on hand before the start of the season, based on usage during a severe winter,” said Lori Roman, president of the Salt Institute.

The Salt Institute promotes the latest environmentally-friendly application technologies and management practices with its “Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting” program and award. The Institute also partners with other organizations like the Ontario Good Roads Association and the American Public Works Association to provide training and information to snowfighters across the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.saltinstitute.org.