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3 tips for making gifting easier this holiday season

2018-11-05T16:39:00

(BPT) – From shopping for gifts, planning holiday travel or parties and wrapping up work projects, the weeks leading up to the holidays can be full of activity. For those tackling their shopping list, finding the perfect gift for a special loved one may sometimes feel overwhelming. However, for savvy shoppers who leverage the following tried-and-true tips, holiday shopping can be stress-free, fun and convenient.

* Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. There’s no better feeling than watching a loved one open your gift and knowing they’re going to love it. Take a step back and think about what the perfect gift looks like for everyone on your list. Whether that person values gifts that give back, hard-to-find fashion or tech toys, many retailers group gift ideas by personalities to help customers take the guesswork out of shopping in-store or online.

* Join a loyalty program. Being a rewards member at your favorite retailer allows you to not only get the perfect gift, but enjoy wonderful bonuses for yourself as well. For example, Nordstrom’s new Nordy Club combines everything you loved about the Nordstrom Rewards program with enhanced services and experiences. You can earn points faster to receive notes, which can be used like cash for purchases in-store, in the app or online. As a member, you also get “First to Shop” select brand and product launches, access to beauty and style workshops, free basic alterations, and can reserve online to try on in-store or use curbside pickup.

* Find shortcuts. During the holiday season, time is of the essence. From using convenient services like Buy Online Pick Up in Store, engaging with a salesperson to help find that perfect gift or locating the holiday gift-giving or gift-wrapping section at a store, look for ways to shave time off your shopping trips.

To learn more about The Nordy Club visit nordstrom.com.


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4 misunderstandings about preterm birth, debunked!

2018-11-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Premature birth is an issue that affects families all around the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year (before 37 weeks of gestation). Globally, the rate of preterm birth ranges from 5­-18 percent, and in the United States alone, approximately 1 in 10 babies are born too early.1,2

While the entire month of November is dedicated to global prematurity awareness, making sure that women and their families have accurate information on preterm birth is critical year-round. With all of the conflicting information and opinions that exist on pregnancy and preterm birth, it’s understandable for anyone to feel misguided when it comes to the consequences of not carrying a baby to full term. Read below to find out what some common misunderstandings are and how you can help to correct them.

1. My baby was preterm, but she was healthy because she didn’t require a stay in the NICU.  

Babies born preterm do not always require care in the NICU, but that does not mean they are as developed as a baby born full term (39-40 weeks gestation). What some people may not realize is that whether the baby needs to go to the NICU or not, preterm birth, and even late preterm birth (between 34-­36 weeks) can be associated with both short and long-term health risks and developmental issues. Bringing pregnancy to full term gives babies their best chance at having the time they need to meet all of their important developmental milestones.3-5

2. Preterm birth can happen to anyone, so there’s nothing I can do to reduce my risk.

Recognizing the risk factors of preterm birth is the first step for mothers to understand what may increase their likelihood of having their baby preterm. And, while it’s true that preterm birth can happen to anyone, one of the leading risk factors is having delivered a baby preterm in a prior pregnancy. By knowing what may increase their risk, moms-to-be can be proactive to discuss with their doctor their risk factors and to understand what they may be able to do to help reduce their risk. You can access a risk factors checklist here.3,4,6

3. My baby was only born a few weeks early and he’s doing just fine, so late preterm is no big deal.

Every week inside the womb is essential, because during the final weeks of pregnancy, the baby is still reaching key developmental milestones. Even late preterm babies can experience health issues associated with preterm birth later in life. Some babies born late preterm may experience issues with temperature regulation due to low birth weight and jaundice — which may not become apparent until after leaving the hospital. Staying pregnant full term is one of the best ways to provide your baby with a healthy start in life.7-9

4. My baby was born preterm, but was a healthy weight so it’s okay.

A healthy birth weight is always a good sign, but while some preterm babies may look the same on the outside as full term babies, there is significant internal growth that occurs in the final weeks of pregnancy that is not as visible as weight. For example, a baby born preterm hasn’t had the chance for their brain to fully develop, and as a result may have a harder time in school. They are more likely to have learning and behavior problems throughout childhood. Preterm babies may also have trouble breathing because their lungs continue to develop until the very end of pregnancy. Although the lungs usually get better with time, asthma-­like symptoms may occur throughout life.7-10

With the right knowledge, we all can help to address preterm birth and educate others on the risk factors and developmental impacts. If you think you may be at risk for preterm birth, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual situation. You can also find more information on preterm birth, risk factors and developmental milestones by visiting www.growthyoucantsee.com.

1. WHO. “Preterm Birth” Available at: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth Feb. 2018. 2. US Department of Health and Human Services. “Births in the United States, 2017.” No. 318. August 2018. 3. March of Dimes. Preterm labor and birth. Available at: http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/preterm-labor-and-premature-birth.aspx. October 2014. 4. American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Preterm labor. Available at: http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq087.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130207T1252359850. November 2016. 5. American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “Definition of Term Pregnancy” Available at: https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Definition-of-Term-Pregnancy November 2017. 6. March of Dimes. “Preterm Labor And Premature Birth: Are You At Risk?” Available at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/preterm-labor-and-premature-birth-are-you-at-risk.aspx October 2018. 7. March of Dimes. “Long-Term Health Effects of Premature Birth.” Available at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/long-term-health-effects-of-premature-birth.aspx October 2016. 8. Engle WA, Tomashek KM, Wallman C. Late-preterm infants: a population at risk. Pediatrics. 2007;120:1390-1401. 9. Whyte, RK et al. Safe Discharge of the late preterm infant. Paediatric Child Health. 2010 Dec; 15(10): 655–660. 10. CDC.org “Preterm Birth” Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pretermbirth.htm April 2018.

NP-MKN-US-00136 11/18


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Drivers dabble with drive-time decisions

2018-11-05T10:01:00

(BPT) – There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to driving, and the list only grows once you’ve got your own set of wheels. Whether you’re facing a purchasing dilemma over which make and model is best for you, or simply wonder how much is too much to top off the gas, being a responsible driver comes with more options than there are gears on a manual car.

Tire time

You may think that the biggest choice you’ll face when it comes to cars is which one you’ll own. However, even after that primary purchase, there’s a plethora of other parts to ponder, too — like the tires! According to the latest installment of Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey, Americans are more likely to consider the safety rating of their tires (26 percent) than the safety rating of their car (18 percent). And the decisions don’t stop there. Americans are split (50/50) on whether off-road tires are only meant for off-road cars. The truth is, while you can put them on vehicles for everyday driving, they are optimized for off-road use.

But no matter which type of tire you’re shopping for, one thing is for certain: Buying American-made products is in. The Gauge found that 92 percent of Americans prefer to buy products that are made in the U.S. That’s up from 87 percent this time last year. Luckily, with more and more automotive companies like Hankook manufacturing products in the U.S., there are plenty of options for consumers to consider.

Lights on, or lights off?

Apparently, we actually did listen to our parents when they told us to turn off the overhead light in the backseat. The Gauge found that more than half (58 percent) of Americans believe the “old dad’s tale” that driving with your interior lights on is illegal. Because it’s distracting to other drivers, experts recommend that you don’t drive with the interior lights on.

That said, your mom was right about using low lights in foggy or rainy conditions. While more than a third (38 percent) of drivers think that high beams are the right choice for fog or rain, it actually can create a harsh reflection against the water, making it more difficult to see.

Check the check list

Let’s add another decision to the mix — when to service your vehicle. How many miles are you really supposed to go between service appointments? That depends on the car, seasonal driving conditions, how much driving you do, and a whole plethora of other factors. However, many drivers use the change of seasons as a regular reminder to take the car in, and it’s a good schedule to keep by. For example, car and tire maintenance was on the back-to-school checklist for 45 percent of Americans, but winter weather may not have been top of mind at the time. As the leaves fall and temperatures drop, it may be time to talk about what’s necessary for the cooler coming months — whether that’s a new set of winter tires, or a fresh pair of windshield wipers.

To top it all off …

It can be terribly tempting to squeeze the handle once or twice more to get the most bang for your buck at the gas pump. In fact, 3 in 5 Americans (60 percent) don’t think that topping off your gas tank is bad for your car … but experts say it is, and can actually lead to further damage down the road! Topping off can overfill the tank and cause liquid gas to enter the charcoal canister or carbon filter, which in turn can damage your engine. Save yourself a potential maintenance headache, and let off the gas once the pump shuts off.

Many of the choices you make as a responsible driver go beyond figuring out which parking spot to snag in a grocery store lot (for the record, 43 percent of Americans will park as close to the entrance of a store as they can get). But the decisions don’t need to be daunting, so long as you stay informed about your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and needs, and know the options available to you to keep your ride smooth and your car well maintained.


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Pumpkin: The ultimate fall superfood

2018-11-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – The perfect fall foods are hearty, nutrient-dense and packed with flavor. And while there is no shortage of savory sustenance this time of year, no other food captures the essence of the season quite like pumpkin. Brimming with nutrients and boasting a rich taste, it’s a nourishing food the whole family enjoys — from picky toddlers to even your dog! Here are five flavorful ways to incorporate pumpkin into your entire family’s meals this season.

The perfect pasta

A go-to dish any time of year, creamy ravioli is especially enticing during the autumn months when comfort food cravings are at an all-time high. For an ultra-rich flavor, farm-fresh pumpkin and browned butter make for the perfect pair. Pumpkin sourced from your local farmers market will ensure an authentic flavor, while also seeing to it that your meal is optimally fresh. Stuffed with grated nutmeg and topped with garden-picked sage leaves, shaved Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, this decadent dish is the ultimate way to wind down on an autumn evening. 

Light bites

For a bite on the lighter side, pumpkin and white-bean hummus is a perfect starter snack for any fall get-together. Sweet, smoky and savory, this nutrient-rich appetizer packs a flavorful punch and is loaded with fiber and a host of essential vitamins and minerals. To whip up this delicious dip, combine fresh pumpkin puree with white beans and garlic, and mix in a food processor until smooth. Enjoy with a side of homemade pita chips lightly brushed with olive oil and sea salt. You’ll have a delightful bite that’s tasty and richly nourishing.

The dog-friendly dish

While pumpkin is a seasonal staple in homes across the country, this fall superfood is also one of the most family-friendly. With the ACANA Singles Beef & Pumpkin formula, you can nourish your four-legged family member so he can join in on all the fall fun. Made from a hearty 60 percent meat — half of which is fresh — 31 percent protein and no more than 25 percent carbohydrates, ACANA Singles Beef & Pumpkin contains a single protein and is specially formulated to support healthy digestion. Ideal for dogs with food sensitivities, the limited ingredient, nutrient-rich formula is delivered in WholePrey ratios and includes meat, organs and cartilage — just the way your dog would eat in the wild. A tasty solution for dogs who crave both meat and variety, it’s the perfect way to include your furry family member in your autumn meals.

A cold weather classic

An all-time autumn favorite, nothing says fall like a soothing bowl of pumpkin soup. Combine freshly scooped pumpkin with a delicious mix of crème fraîche and locally grown herbs — rosemary, bay leaf and thyme make for savory selections. Festive fall seasonings such as cinnamon and nutmeg add just the right amount of sweetness, and don’t forget to sprinkle in grated garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of a kick. For a protein-packed version, add fresh lobster gently coated in a spicy butter. The natural freshwater flavor of the lobster helps to bring out the richness of the stock and provides the added nutrients to keep you feeling satisfied.

Sweet eats

It wouldn’t be fall without a sweet pumpkin treat. While traditional pumpkin pie is almost always a fixture at the autumn dessert table, a delicious variation is a flavorful pumpkin cake, complete with rich caramel and cream cheese frosting. Made from garden-fresh pureed pumpkin and spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, this mouthwatering recipe can be served hot or cold and is the perfect complement to a post-dinner pumpkin-spiced latte. Irresistibly delicious, this is one dish that will take you through the fall season and beyond.


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Volunteer Firefighter Returns to Duty with New Knee

2018-11-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – Eric Jones, of southern New Jersey, is not your typical volunteer firefighter. Jones, who works as a communications technician by day and a firefighter by night, has worked and fought fires with a prosthetic leg since the mid-1990s. Eric was diagnosed with cancer when he was 11 years old and required the amputation of his right leg above the knee. Years of activity and injury began to deteriorate both his quality of life and the functionality of his left knee.

Not unlike many people with knee pain, Jones’ issues started with an injury. “I tore my meniscus, then I had it scoped, and a few years went by. The pain started to get gradually worse and got to a point where I needed to do something,” said Jones, who began to change the way he went about his days to reduce the ongoing knee pain.

“I wouldn’t go to outings. If there was walking involved, I wouldn’t walk. I stopped riding the fire truck and fighting fires, and my attitude became negative. Being in pain made me upset.”

Even with the physical and emotional pain he was experiencing, Jones was still hesitant to make the decision to have knee replacement surgery. Like Jones, many people dealing with knee pain find ways to change their lifestyle and daily activities to avoid consulting a doctor or considering replacement surgery.

All that changed during one pivotal moment.

“One day when I was taking the trash out to the bin — literally 20 feet from my door — I was experiencing such severe pain that I couldn’t get back to my house. Instead I had to walk backwards to my front door, sit down and scoot myself back to my bed until the pain went away.”

For Jones, it was at that moment he knew he had to find something to make a difference in his life and talk to a doctor.

This type of severe knee pain is most commonly due to osteoarthritis, a form of arthritis that is caused by a wear and tear of the joints1. It’s a progressive, degenerative condition that gets worse over time and impacts approximately 30 million U.S. adults1.

Jones met with Zachary Post, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon from the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia, PA, to discuss his options. Jones recalled the experience: “I went to see Dr. Post and we talked about knee replacement surgery, talked about my concerns including infection, and most importantly, me losing my other leg … I was scared.”

Although knee replacement surgery is a common procedure performed more than 760,000 times each year in the U.S. alone2, there are always concerns for people about major surgery and for Jones this was no different.  

During their discussion, Jones and Dr. Post together decided that the ATTUNE® Knee would be the right choice for him. He had surgery for a knee replacement in early 2018.

Jones worked hard at prescribed physical therapy and rehabilitation and then resumed work on his own at the gym to continue strengthening his knee. So far, he has had three follow-up visits with his surgeon and is doing well.  

“Eric almost couldn’t use his prosthesis anymore because his left leg didn’t support him enough, so he walked with crutches,” Dr. Post recalls. “Gradually during the weeks following surgery we noticed he was able to start doing things he hadn’t done in a long time. At his six-month visit he walked in without crutches, something we’d never seen him do before!”

Walking around in his home away from home, the firehouse, surrounded by his hard-earned “Fireman of the Year Award” and fellow firemen, Jones talks about his quality of life and how things have changed. “My quality of life has changed and I’m not in pain anymore. I can do more, and my body is changing because I’m being active and losing weight. Things are getting better.”

It’s important to remember that the performance of knee replacements depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have these surgeries. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine if knee replacement is necessary based on an individual patient’s condition.

For more information and to hear more stories from people who have received the ATTUNE Knee, visit www.ATTUNEknee.com.

© DePuy Synthes 2018. All rights reserved.

100865-181016 DSUS

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1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Osteoarthritis. Downloaded October 30, 2018 https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm

22017 GlobalData.


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5 compelling reasons to make prepaid wireless service part of your household budget

2018-11-05T06:01:00

(BPT) – Out with the old and in with the new is the mantra most people live by in the smartphone age. New apps, new styles, new functionality, they all have you running to get an upgrade as quickly as possible.

But the predecessors to what’s new and hot aren’t the only old that needs to go. In fact, it’s also time to drop the antiquated notions that annual contract providers are the only ones who offer the widest coverage, best service plans and hottest devices. This is especially true if you’re still thinking long-term contract wireless service is your only choice for a great experience, when in fact a no-annual-contract solution might serve you much better.

The new world of prepaid, no-annual contract solutions is one where prepaid options are no longer considered “throw away” phones. Instead, a no-annual-contract solution is a smart choice with several benefits you’ll appreciate now and in the future.

With that in mind, here are five reasons you should seriously consider making prepaid wireless service your family’s plan of choice.

* Total network coverage. The old notion of dropped calls with a prepaid phone is long gone. Today, no-annual-contract wireless plans offer you the comprehensive coverage you’ve come to expect from other networks. Cricket Wireless, for example, has a network that covers most Americans, allowing you to stay connected no matter where you are.

* Keep your phone and your number. Out with the old and in with the new? Not so fast. Apps and features are all well and good, but sometimes you’re not so quick to replace your phone. You go everywhere together after all, and you really don’t want to replace your number. Good news! With a no-annual-contract wireless choice, you don’t have to. Most plans offer you the ability to keep your phone and your number, all while switching to a plan that saves you the money and time it takes to transfer everything over.

* No strings, just savings. Speaking of saving money, you will. A lot of it. Cricket Wireless plans are simple and affordable. With high-speed data, text and talk plans starting as low as $30, there’s a plan to meet your needs. And because you’re not signing a contract, you never have to worry about termination fees should you decide to change your phone situation.

* Set a plan with you in mind. Say, for example, you’re more of a talker and texter and don’t need a ton of data. You can shop for a plan that delivers the support you want. Do you have family in other parts of North America? Some plans include unlimited high-speed data access, text and voice to and from Mexico and Canada. Explore your options, and you can change your plan each month depending on your needs.

* It’s personal. Just like the contract carriers, prepaid wireless stores are in the neighborhoods where you live and work. They are bright and friendly, offering a simple explanation of what you get for what you buy. If you prefer to buy online, Cricket’s plan and device information, benefits of service and pricing are clear and simple, so you know what you’re getting. No surprises.

If you’re ready to change your phone solution, step into a new world of options and consider a prepaid option. It’s easy to give it a shot, and it’s a change you’ll wish you made long ago. Start your new phone solution today!

To learn more about prepaid phones and the values of a no-annual-contract phone solution, visit cricketwireless.com.


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The stats are in: Credit card fraud is down 75 percent because of chip technology

2018-11-04T08:01:01

(BPT) – The whole idea behind integrating EMV® chips into credit and debit cards was to make transactions safer and more secure for consumers and merchants. A recent report by Visa shows that it has hit the mark. Visa took a look at the numbers, comparing chip card use by consumers and adoption by merchants from the initial rollout of chip cards in 2015 to now.

What they found is pretty staggering. Counterfeit fraud, where a criminal steals your payment card number and imprints it onto another card to use in-person at their favorite store, is down 75 percent from September 2015 to March 2018 at U.S. merchants that are chip-enabled.[i] The sharp drop illustrates that the chip technology is doing its job as intended. That’s important, because criminals are always on the prowl searching for an easy way to get money.

Data that travels through a payment network when you insert your chip card is different than the data that is sent when you swipe your payment card using its magnetic stripe. The chip generates a one-time code that can only be used for one transaction. If cybercriminals steal your card number from the merchant’s system or from a data breach, it is essentially impossible to commit counterfeit payment card fraud because the one-time code cannot be re-used and the card number alone is not enough to complete a transaction at a point-of-sale (POS) machine.

So chip cards and terminals protect the customer from his or her stolen payment card number being counterfeited and protect the merchant from having to refund the money while losing their merchandise. In the end, everyone wins except for the fraudster.

Some other findings from the Visa study include:

  • More than 3.1 million U.S. merchant locations or 67 percent of U.S. storefronts are now fully chip-enabled and accepting chip cards. As recently as September 2015, only 392,000 merchants were accepting chip transactions. That’s a 680 percent increase since chip technology debuted in the U.S.[ii]
  • 97 percent of overall U.S. payment volume in June 2018 was on chip-enabled cards.[iii]
  • In September 2015, $4.8 billion was spent on chip transactions. In June 2018, that figure had jumped to $76.7 billion.[iv]

Reasons for merchants to switch to the chip

More and more merchants are accepting chip card transactions, but some, especially smaller merchants, have been slow to adopt the technology. But there are good reasons for updating to accept chip card payments, not the least of which is customer expectation. People who have chip cards expect the payment security they provide, and not accepting chip payments might be seen as a negative with consumers.

 Other reasons for adopting chip technology include:

  • Implementing chip-based POS terminals is easier than ever before. It has become standard technology among many merchants and their technology suppliers.
  • Transactions involving chip-based payment cards at many merchants are faster than when EMV chip cards first became available thanks to Visa Quick Chip technology.
  • Implementing and investing in chip-based POS systems in many cases can also support new payment technologies like contactless payments.

For more information about the study, or to read the findings, visit Visa, Inc. at https://usa.visa.com/visa-everywhere/security/visa-chip-card-stats.html.

EMV® is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries and an unregistered trademark elsewhere. The EMV trademark is owned by EMVCo, LLC.


[i] Counterfeit fraud reduction at fully chip-enabled U.S. merchants for the quarter ended March 2018 compared to the quarter ended September 2015.

[ii] Fully chip-enabled merchants defined as locations where 75% of card present payment volume is chip-on-chip for the quarter ended June 2018.

[iii] Overall U.S. payment volume on EMV cards includes transactions made on all terminals (chip-enabled and non-chip) for the quarter ended June 2018.

[iv] Transaction volume based on VisaNet data for U.S. locations with chip transactions as of quarter ended June 2018.


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5 Homebuying Myths Debunked

2018-11-02T16:15:00

(BPT) – You may not know everything about homebuying, but some things are simply common knowledge, right? Think again! Some facts about buying a home that seem obvious are actually myths.

If you knew the truth, would that change your view of buying a home? Or lead you to consider doing it sooner than you had originally planned? Here are five common myths about homebuying that were disproven by Bank of America’s Homebuyer Insights Report.

1. Millennials are only interested in renting. 

While the notion has long existed that millennials are a generation of renters, millennials themselves are proving that is not true. Those polled listed owning a home as one of their top priorities, second only to retiring. In addition, millennials equated homeownership with feeling mature/responsible, independent and established.  

2. You need a perfect credit score to obtain a home loan. 

The number of homeowners across the nation far exceeds the number of people with a perfect credit score, yet many renters reported believing they needed a perfect credit score to be considered for a mortgage. While a higher credit score is always a plus, having a less-than-perfect score should not dissuade you from exploring the possibilities. It is possible to obtain a mortgage without having a perfect credit score, and people do it every single day. Use Bank of America resources like the Down Payment Center to explore ways to help with your down payment and closing costs or investigate low down payment loans like the Affordable Loan Solution mortgage.

3. Renting is cheaper than owning a home. 

One of the report’s most interesting findings shows that 51 percent of renters felt that renting was just as or less expensive than owning a home. At the same time, 70 percent of respondents said their rent rises every single year and that their rent already accounts for 30 percent or more of their income each month. Charting your future rent projections may reveal that renting will not be cheaper over the long term.

4. First-time homebuyers always want a starter home for their family. 

The stereotypical white picket fence isn’t for everyone. Report respondents were split evenly when asked if they would prefer to buy their forever home or a starter home. An even wider disparity came when those polled were asked who they planned to buy their home with. While a majority (57 percent) said they would purchase a home with their spouse or partner, a somewhat surprising 37 percent said they would buy it alone and 8 percent said they planned to buy with someone other than a spouse or partner.

5. Everyone buys their home in spring. 

Yes, it’s true that spring is the busiest time of year for home purchases, but the idea that all home purchases — or even most — occur in the spring is a myth. Many would-be home buyers are realizing that buying at other times of the year can mean less competition for the best homes on the market. In fact, winter is the second most common time of year for home purchases.


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Where does your turkey come from? It does matter

2018-11-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – It’s 6 a.m. in Bell County, Texas. The sun is yet to peek over the horizon on what will become a steamy summer day, but Darrell Glaser is already strolling through his turkey houses to ensure the birds on his family farm are comfortable. The farm has been in Glaser’s family for nearly 100 years, and Darrell and his family have spent nearly every day tending to their turkeys.

At Bar G Farms, the Glasers — Darrell, his four sons and his mother — focus on raising healthy, happy birds. From monitoring and protecting them during a raucous Texas thunderstorm to checking air and water quality, the family does everything possible to ensure the well-being of their turkeys.

“Animal welfare is very important to all of us at Bar G Ranch,” Darrell said. “The happier and more comfortable the animal, the healthier they are going to be.”

Shady Brook Farms(R) understands the connection between family farms and family holiday traditions. A November 2017 survey conducted by Shady Brook Farms revealed that 80 percent of consumers agree that during the holidays, it is important for their turkey to be raised by a family farm. Shady Brook Farms turkeys raised by family farmers can be found in local retailers in the eastern United States.

In Central Missouri, Glenn and Kathy Robertson have been raising Shady Brook Farms turkeys for 45 years on their family farm, with plenty of helping hands.

“On our farm, it has always been a family event,” Glenn said. “Kathy and our four children have always helped from getting ready for new poults to cleaning the building when they go to market. Now, my son, Ryan, is going to take over with help from our 15 grandchildren who all live on the farm.”

The Robertson family is very active at church and in the local community. Glenn coaches local basketball and baseball teams, contributes on the board of special services for special needs children and serves as the Boy Scouts’ youth director. When the Robertson family gathers for Thanksgiving dinner, they will be thinking about those who are spending time together enjoying a turkey raised on their farm.

Quality time together is also the favorite part of Thanksgiving for the Shepherd family in Coryell County, Texas. In 2012, Jordan and Megan Shepherd started raising turkeys on Spurrin’S Farms.

“We were looking for a great place to raise a family where we could live and work together, where we could be a part of each other’s lives and help to make a difference for the better,” Jordan said. “Here we have found all of that and more.”

Jordan and Megan have two children, Jaxon and Emma Rae, and Megan’s dad, Gene, joined them on the farm. The Shepherd family raises turkeys with care and compassion, and best of all, they get to be a part of each other’s lives on a day-to-day basis.

These family farmers are thriving raising holiday turkeys. They have a passion for the time they spend together, the well-being of their animals and the work they do.

“We put our heart and soul into what we do. We work long and odd hours to make sure our turkeys are healthy and safe,” Darrell Glaser said. “Farming is what we do, and we love it.”