Month: October 2018

2018-10-09T13:01:00

(BPT) – A long weekend is coming up, and this time, you’re hoping to elevate it into something more memorable than a run-of-the-mill road trip to the next city.

Why not live like the rich and famous, and make it a quick jaunt to paradise? True, we tend to think of tropical destinations as best suited for full-length vacations lasting a week or more, mainly because of the cost and effort it takes to travel.

Actually, planning even a brief side trip to a destination like Hawaii is a lot more feasible than you’d think, in terms of finances and timing. Here are some things to think about as you say aloha to your weekend escape.

Getting to Hawaii is easier than you think

When choosing someplace to spend a long weekend, most people wouldn’t hesitate to embark on a six- to eight-hour drive to reach the city or destination of choice. Did you know you can jet to Hawaii on a similar timetable? Hawaii has more than 20 direct flights connecting it with major cities throughout the U.S. as well as Vancouver. That means you can travel to paradise in less time than it takes to drive from, say, Los Angeles to San Francisco (assuming you don’t get trapped in a traffic jam).

Granted, a weekend in Hawaii is easiest for those who live on the West Coast, as direct flights from there take as little as six hours. Still, if you’re flying out of a major U.S. city with direct flights to Hawaii, spending a long weekend is well within reason. Locate your nearest direct flight city, and the possibilities really start to take shape.

Minimizing the cost of plane tickets

Perhaps the cost of plane tickets deters you from even considering Hawaii. Be willing to use a bit of creativity when choosing your flight. With a willingness to be flexible on timing, round-trip tickets can be had for as little as $247.

Choose the right hotel

For ease of planning your getaway, you’ll find plenty of choices from Marriott International – Hawaii, which has more than 30 hotels in the state across four islands with a selection of brands, from Courtyard to Ritz-Carlton. Whether you have your eye on Kauai, Oahu, Maui or the Big Island, all you have to do to lock in a great weekend rate is visit Marriott.com!

Devote the first day to lazing at the beach

The key to an enjoyable weekend trip is selecting one island to visit while keeping a simple itinerary. Devote a full day of your long weekend to pure beachside relaxation. In the morning, just step outside and let your troubles disappear while basking in the sun of Waikiki Beach. When it’s time to eat, umbrella drinks and delicious entrees are just steps away at the legendary Royal Hawaiian’s Mai Tai Bar. Later, grab a nap under the trees at Kapiolani Park, but if you’re up for a stroll, Kaimana Beach is a local favorite. For a stunning overlook of the waves and surfers, take a walk along Diamond Head Road.

Spring to life for a second-day adventure

Now that you’re rested, the second day can step up the adventure. Explore TV and film relics like Godzilla’s footprints and Jurassic Park’s fallen tree at Kualoa Ranch’s famed Ka’aawa Valley. For your lunch break, the Waiahole Poi Factory is a popular dining spot with deep roots in traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Then pass the afternoon leisurely shopping for unique and colorful apparel at the many boutiques in Kailua Town. On the drive back to your hotel, take the coastal route — your soul will live off the amazing views of East Oahu long after you return.

Basking in the sun, surf and happy vibes that you can only find in Hawaii is the perfect way to spend any weekend. Start planning your getaway today!

2018-10-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re like most Americans, there are probably a few things you find difficult to swallow. Like the fact that it’s been more than 30 years since they stopped making cassette tapes or that smartphones are basically entire computers that fit in the palm of your hand.

You know what else Americans can find difficult to swallow? Their pills!

According to research, 40 percent of American adults age 50 and older experience difficulty swallowing pills, while some report “pill fatigue” from taking too many pills. These reasons may cause them to skip taking them while others would be more likely to take their pills every day if they could chew them.

So what does that mean?

Well, it could mean that older Americans with moderate to advanced age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, may not be getting the nutrients they need to support their eye health.

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people 50 and older, affecting more Americans than Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, it is estimated that one in five people over 65 is diagnosed with AMD, a ratio expected to increase as the population ages. The condition affects the macula, the part of the eye required for central vision, which is needed for driving, reading and other important tasks. While there is no cure for AMD, there are steps one can take to help reduce the risk of disease progression – such as including a nutritional supplement as part of a daily care plan.

When it comes to AMD and the health of your eyes, there are some important steps you should take:

* See your eye doctor to create an eye care plan that’s right for you.

* If you smoke, quit as soon as possible.

* Eat right, exercise regularly and talk to your eye doctor about taking a daily supplement that contains the nutrients recommended by the National Eye Institute (NEI) based on the landmark AREDS2 study.

For the millions of Americans who suffer from AMD and also experience difficulty swallowing, there’s good news. The makers of PreserVision(R) now offer their AREDS 2 nutrient formula in a convenient and great-tasting chewable vitamin. PreserVision(R) AREDS 2 Formula eye vitamins are the only ones that provide the exact levels of all six clinically proven nutrients recommended by the NEI.

To learn more about AMD and AREDS 2 formula vitamins, visit www.PreserVision.com.

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2018-10-09T10:11:01

(BPT) – Ready or not, bad weather is on its way. Before the snow starts falling, take some time to transform your backyard into a safe refuge for winter-weary birds before unpredictable, harsh weather begins. The experts at Cole’s Wild Bird Products suggest timely tips to encourage birds to seek sustenance and shelter in your backyard this winter.

Start by taking an inventory of your existing feeders. Inspect each for damage and replace if necessary. Consider adding new feeders to attract even more birds and allow for fewer trips to refill them during especially cold and stormy days. Now is also the perfect time to stock up on high-energy bird feed so you’re ready to go when the first flakes fall.

Figuring out feeders

Different species of birds not only prefer different types of feed, they prefer different types of feeders. Consider providing a variety of feeder types to increase the diversity of your avian visitors.

A tube feeder is a must-have, since these all-purpose feeders keep seed dry while allowing a wide variety of birds to feed from multiple ports. Specialty wire-mesh tube feeders, designed for birds that cling, can easily dispense tiny, oil-rich niger seeds, protein-packed dried mealworms and other specialty feed. Mesh feeders allow clinging birds like woodpeckers to grasp the side of the feeder while selecting food — and prevent larger, more aggressive birds from hogging the feed.

If you want an easy-to-use, one-size-fits-most feeder, select a bowl style with a protective dome that can be raised and lowered to thwart large birds and squirrels from getting to the feed while helping to protect seed from rain and snow. Easy to hang and fill, bowl feeders accommodate any seed, suet or even chopped fruit. Also, be sure to include at least one suet cage in your feeder array since suet provides a critical source of energy for birds in cold weather.

Clean to prevent disease

As you prepare your feeders, a necessary chore is to clean out any residue before filling with fresh seed. Unfortunately, some feeders are hard to scrub out, but Cole’s tube feeders have a built-in “quick-clean” feature, making cleaning a breeze. Just push a button and the bottom pops off for easy access to the inside. Use soapy water and a bottlebrush to scrub, then rinse with cool water. This ensures that mold or mildew aren’t present and helps prevent disease.

Select top-quality feed

You may not realize that some commercial birdfeed is treated to prevent spoilage or packed with cheap “filler” seeds like milo, wheat or red millet — which birds seldom eat. Offering top-quality feed means less waste and ensures an increase in birds at your feeders.

Cole’s takes exceptional care to select only the top 1 to 2 percent of the highest-quality seeds birds like to eat. The seed is delivered in “Harvest Fresh Lock” packaging, which protects nutritional content and doesn’t allow seed to spoil or dry out like other bird feed. No dangerous pesticides, chemicals or mineral oils are used, keeping seed as close to a natural state as possible.

Your seed choices should provide birds with the biggest energy boost possible. Sunflower is a great seed option for winter because it’s rich in oil, which attracts birds and provides plenty of energy. Cole’s Oil Sunflower is the highest-grade black oil sunflower seed, at over 99 percent pure! Peanuts are another high-energy option. Choose hulled varieties that are whole — and more nutritious than peanut pieces.

And don’t forget high-fat foods, like suet, the solid fat rendered from beef, or vegetables that provide concentrated energy to help birds maintain their increased metabolic rate during winter when their normal food sources are scarce. Or, try a suet-seed mix like Nutberry Suet Blend, an energy-packed, powerhouse feed mix of premium fruits, preferred nuts, suet kibbles and whole kernel sunflower meats.

Provide water and shelter

Birds need fresh water, especially in cold weather. Choose a heated birdbath and place it in a sheltered spot for safe access. And since birds may unwisely choose the coldest days to take a bath, consider placing a few rocks inside to discourage bathing, while still allowing birds room to drink.

Birds also appreciate warm, dry shelter from wet, snowy conditions. Offering well-insulated nest boxes will provide them with a cozy place to harbor.

Preparing for birds now will enable you to continue to enjoy them throughout the winter and birds will benefit from your extra-special care.

2018-10-09T09:33:00

(BPT) – Inspiring kids’ interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) now could help prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that occupations related to STEM are projected to grow 13 percent by 2022 — faster than projections for all other occupations over the same time.

Although the need for professionals with STEM experience is growing, a recent survey of U.S. high school students shows that only 24 percent of boys and 11 percent of girls are interested in STEM careers. Research also shows that youth who have extracurricular STEM experiences before graduating from high school are more likely to explore higher education and career opportunities in STEM.

To help meet the future demand for tech leaders, private companies are stepping up to help inspire kids’ passion for STEM and develop the next generation of skilled professionals. HughesNet, America’s No. 1 choice for satellite Internet, supports 4-H, America’s largest, positive youth development organization, to give youth across the U.S. the opportunity to engage in STEM activities. Since 2014, the two organizations have worked together to increase youth access to STEM education and, this year, introduced STEM Lab, a free online resource offering exciting, hands-on activities for youth ages 4 to 16.

“I found great activities for my kids on the STEM Lab website,” said Tracy Colliton, a mom from Maryland who tried the STEM Lab projects with her preschool-aged daughters. “STEM is exciting when you can teach ideas through hands-on activities that engage all the senses. They loved the Fizzy Foam Fun and Windmill experiments, and I will be on the lookout for the next cool project.”

With STEM Lab, parents are empowered to guide their children’s early exposure to STEM, which is proven to increase their chances of pursuing those fields. Each STEM Lab activity includes easy, step-by-step instructions, discussion questions to help guide the experiential learning process and clear explanations of the scientific concepts at work. In addition, each activity includes a list of supplies, which are mostly basic household items, and a “Messy Meter,” ranging from “clean” to “mega mess,” to help parents plan their budding scientists’ activity. And to keep kids immersed and excited, new projects are added regularly for continual enrichment.

“HughesNet wants to ensure that all children, no matter where they live, have access to hands-on, experiential STEM learning,” said Peter Gulla, senior vice president of marketing at Hughes.

“It is a part of our company’s larger commitment to bridging the technology divide. Kids who tap into their curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM now will grow into the leaders of tomorrow — ensuring our country stays competitive in the global economy and powering our connected future.”

Another fun way for kids to get involved in STEM is 4-H National Youth Science Day. Celebrated throughout October, this program centers on the “Code Your World” four-part challenge.

“Code Your World” teaches kids and teens with little to no coding experience to apply computer science to the world around them with fun, interactive challenges. For instance, “Code Your Dance,” an unplugged activity, uses the power of dance to teach concepts like algorithms, loops and conditionals. With another activity, “Color Your World,” kids color and create maps to learn about graph theory, patterns and algorithms.

Teachers and parents interested in National Youth Science Day can participate online or buy activity kits, which include supplies for up to 10 participants.

2018-10-08T09:45:01

(BPT) – The dog days of summer are over and your furry family member is up and ready to play! It’s the time of year when even pets can get excited about the season and all the autumn outdoor activities families may enjoy. It’s also a time of year that can come with some hazards and vulnerabilities for our four-legged friends. Here are a few reminders to keep your pet happy and healthy, as the crisp apple-spiced air makes its fall appearance.

Fall is a great time to take advantage of healthy, active play with your pet to encourage and strengthen the human-animal bond. In addition, active play develops healthy movement and cardiovascular endurance for you and your dog, especially when exercise can tend to decline during the colder months and holiday party season. A simple game of fetch offers both! It’s a great way to make fetch happen with your dog’s favorite Chuckit! launcher and ball. The essence of fetch play satisfies their natural instincts to chase, while encouraging healthy and happy movement.

Speaking of cooler weather and active play, this time of year can certainly put a little more stress on your pet’s joints. It’s important to make sure your pets stay well hydrated, and are provided with the right nutrition and supplements to ensure their active bodies are performing at their very best. In addition to a healthy diet, a good bed can go a long way to prevent any painful issues down the road. After an active day of play with your pet, a good place to relax and recuperate will help ease stress on their joints. The orthopedic foam beds by SnooZZy provide excellent support, as opposed to a harder floor surface, enabling your pet to bounce back up much quicker and happier, no matter how old they are.

As the sun sets lower on the windowsill, many cats will try to bask in as much warmth and light as the day will allow. Don’t be fooled by the declining strength of the sun’s rays. No matter what time of year it is, lighter-pigmented cats can be more prone to sunburn and darker coated cats can run the increased risk of heat stress. Prevent sun damage issues by applying a small amount of pet-safe sunscreen on areas like the nose, ears and underbelly that are susceptible to sunburn, and monitor all sunbathing, particularly when the sun is at its strongest — early afternoon until evening. Providing your cat with another comfortable place to lounge, like the Jackson Galaxy Convertible Scratcher, is an excellent way to coax them out of the hot sun. Your cat will enjoy lounging on the scratcher and its various configurations, while enabling them to tap into their natural instincts to scratch when they want to be more engaged and active.

Another hazard to consider is an increase in pet anxiety due to the new noises that may come with the fall season. For pets prone to anxiety caused by noise (leaf blowers, school bus engines, doorbells and trick-or-treaters), consider keeping them occupied with a solo play toy, like the JW Robobone, for engagement and fun. Interactive puzzle toys from JW can help keep dogs occupied and focused, preventing any new seasonal stress they may experience.

Lastly, despite the declining temperatures, fleas and ticks are still present and a threat. Whether you’re partaking in a camping trip or just a quick walk to enjoy the fall foliage, make sure your pets are properly guarded from these pesky insects to avoid serious problems like Lyme disease, or any other issues that accompany these unwanted pests.

All in all, the fall season can be an exciting time for you and your pet. Keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy, but be sure to enjoy every moment with your furry family member. After all, they are the sweetest part of the holiday season.

2018-10-05T14:42:00

(BPT) – More research seems to contradict the oft-stated notion that we eat too much salt. The latest such study appeared in The Lancet medical journal. The study found that for the majority of people there is no health benefit from a low-salt diet and no harm from the average salt consumption of most people.

The lead scientist working on this study, Dr. Andrew Mente of McMaster University, worked with researchers around the globe to monitor the salt intake and health of more than 95,000 individuals in 18 countries for an average of eight years. They also monitored the associations between sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and mortality.

They found that most people around the world already are in the healthy range of sodium consumption — between 3,000 and 5,000 mg per day — and that people who consumed salt at the higher end of the healthy range had better health outcomes and fewer incidences of heart attacks. Only in China, where consumption was over 5,000 mg per day, was intake associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. In addition, they found a positive effect of increased potassium consumption, noting, “All major cardiovascular outcomes decreased with increasing potassium intake in all countries.”

Despite this new research the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to insist that Americans should consume no more than 2,300 mg per day of sodium and the American Heart Association recommends a daily maximum of 1,500 mg. Americans currently consume an average of 3,400 mg per day.

Dr. Martin O’Donnell, also at McMaster University and a co-author of the study, said, “Public health strategies should be based on best evidence. There is no convincing evidence that people with moderate or average sodium intake need to reduce their sodium intake for prevention of heart disease and stroke.”