Month: December 2018

2018-12-13T12:01:00

(BPT) – Although the holiday season is known to be “the most wonderful time of year,” for many, this time of year can also come with stress. 

2018-12-13T15:01:00

(BPT) – 1) This winter, escape to Destination Kohler, the Midwest’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond resort-hotel. The charming retreat is set in the quaint village of Kohler, Wisconsin, only two hours north of Chicago. The world-class travel destination features everything a traveler seeks: from historic accommodations to the luxurious Kohler Waters Spa, holistic wellness offerings and distinct culinary events. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the village set the scene and are especially popular after new-fallen snow.

2) Soak in the serenity and all the outdoors offers, year-round. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile footpath that highlights these landscape features as it travels through some of the state’s most beautiful natural areas. The trail is entirely within Wisconsin and is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The trail offers scenic landscapes for enthusiasts of silent sports. No motorized vehicles are permitted on the pristine hiking trail and conservation resource.

3) For a hydrating, indoor respite from the Midwest’s dry and cold winters, guests can rejuvenate at the recently expanded Kohler Waters Spa, one of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas worldwide. Led by industry experts with decades of experience, the spa is renowned for its cutting-edge hydrotherapy services, which have been shown to help detox, improve circulation and hydrate the body.

4) For travelers looking to continue, adjust or enhance their healthy routine while on vacation, consider destinations that provide thoughtful well-being programs. Destination Kohler offers the Destress, Healthy Lifestyle or Mindful Journeys where guests can speak with a Wellness Concierge in advance of their visit to personalize their wellness experience.

5) Consider yoga and cycling classes as part of a winter getaway. Specifically, yoga has been found to assist in detoxification, increase flexibility, promote mindfulness and can boost your mood. Studios like Yoga on the Lake also offer thoughtful programming to further enhance these results. On Feb. 2, 2019, Yoga on the Lake, Alchemy by Nina Kohler and Yoga Digest will present “Energy in Motion + Om & Beats,” a weekend focused on energy and yoga ending with an energizing yoga event.

A trip to the Midwest offers all this and more for travelers. Diving in and embracing the invigorating, winter environment makes warming up and relaxing afterward even more satisfying. For more information and reservations, call 800-344-2838 or visit DestinationKohler.com.

2018-12-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – In the new year, lots of people will make resolutions to get healthier. When it comes down to it, no one is in charge of your health but you. Sure, you can use technology to track some health issues, but that will only get you so far. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to ensure you get the checkups that are key to your health care. Here are the top five health evaluations you shouldn’t put off.

1. General checkup

You’ve heard it before, but getting a full physical examination annually is the best way to keep tabs on your health and prevent small issues from becoming big problems. A general checkup can include any number of individual evaluations including cardiovascular checks, pap tests, screenings for family history, drug and alcohol use and more. Your provider will also likely order a full blood test to check for things like cholesterol levels, glucose levels, fluid balance and organ function.

2. Vision exam

Your sight is worth protecting. That’s why it’s so important to get an annual eye exam, especially if you haven’t gotten one in a while. There’s more to eye health than just seeing clearly. Your eye doctor can check for things like macular degeneration, astigmatism, glaucoma and other conditions that develop over time. Also, because vision can worsen gradually, you may not even realize you’re not seeing as well as you could be.

Experts recommend most adults get their eyes checked annually. If your current insurance portfolio doesn’t offer vision protection, consider an insurance partner like VSP^® Individual Vision Plans. It’s vision coverage you can buy on your own and there’s no waiting for specific enrollment periods.

3. Dental exam

It’s true, there aren’t many people who enjoy going to the dentist. But that doesn’t make it any less important. Dental problems tend to snowball, and what starts as a cavity can turn into a more serious issue. Put your reluctance aside and go see your dentist. They can screen for things like cavities, gingivitis, infections and make sure any prior dental procedures, like crowns or fillings, are still holding up.

4. Age-appropriate screenings

As we get older, our health needs change. We become more at-risk for different types of conditions, and the health evaluations we relied on in younger years may not be sufficient anymore. As you age, consider going in for more age-appropriate health screenings, like a colonoscopy to check for colon cancer, hearing tests and mole checks. Your doctor or primary care physician can tell you what screenings are right for your age and individual health concerns.

5. Flu shot

While the flu shot is not technically a health evaluation, it’s still one of those things many people put off, or avoid altogether. This is unfortunate because a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from real health consequences. According to the CDC, nearly 80,000 people died from flu-related issues last year in the United States. Getting a flu shot is especially important because people with compromised immune systems may not be eligible for the vaccine. By not protecting yourself, you may be putting others at risk.

2018-12-13T11:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season presents the opportunity to pause and express gratitude to those that have touched our lives. For former dialysis patient and recent kidney transplant recipient Ingrid Codrington, her biggest “thank you” is to a woman who changed her life when she needed it the most.

The bus ride to DaVita South Florida Dialysis in Hollywood, Florida, is routine for Codrington. After being diagnosed with end stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2012, she has gone to the clinic three times a week for her four-hour dialysis treatment. She knew dialysis was sustaining her life, but it wasn’t how she wanted to live forever. Since Codrington faced tremendous physical and emotional challenges with dialysis, she pursued a kidney transplant in hopes of achieving a better quality of life.

To become eligible for a kidney transplant, she needed to either find a living donor or achieve active status on the kidney transplant waitlist. However, in the six years she’d been on dialysis, she never expressed an interest in receiving a kidney transplant to her DaVita Integrated care team. She was overwhelmed and viewed the process as daunting. “There were so many times that I would have an appointment, but feel too exhausted to make it on the bus, or I would forget to finish paperwork on time. When I was on dialysis, I never felt completely like myself, and I viewed the kidney transplant process as challenging in the midst of trying to maintain my health,” Codrington shared.

Luckily for her, DaVita South Florida Dialysis is part of an ESRD Seamless Care Organization (ESCO), a Comprehensive ESRD Care (CEC) Model administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The CEC model enables providers to address the patient’s total health needs inside and outside of the dialysis center. This holistic approach helps coordinate care for patients facing multiple illnesses, helps resolve non-medical barriers and helps patients navigate a fragmented health care system.

Selimah Francois, an integrated care nurse at the DaVita South Florida ESCO, witnessed Codrington balancing treatments with the demands of her everyday life and sensed she was struggling. Francois asked Codrington a simple question: “What’s your plan?”

When Codrington shared she wanted to get a kidney transplant, Francois immediately began to help her. She created a checklist of what needed to be done, helped gather the necessary paperwork and simplified what Codrington saw as an insurmountable task. For Codrington, the additional support gave her the personal time and attention she needed to help her be successful in preparing to qualify for a transplant.

In less than a month, Codrington was referred to a transplant center, evaluated by the transplant center team and given an active status on a kidney transplant waitlist. She felt a new sense of hope because she was officially on the kidney transplant waitlist.

“Getting on the waitlist made the likelihood of getting a new kidney real,” said Codrington. “I relied on my DaVita integrated care team to educate me on what life after a transplant looks like. They helped prepare me emotionally and financially for the transition.”

Codrington joined nearly 93,000 others on the kidney transplant waitlist, and faced an average wait time of 3-5 years according to the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS). Transitioning from dialysis to a kidney transplant is a major change for patients. They need to take medication that suppresses their immune system so that their bodies don’t reject the kidney. Additionally, they are required to continue on this medication after they receive a transplant. Codrington wanted to be prepared.

“While I was waiting for my kidney, I worked hard to build my savings to be comfortable with the cost of medication and transportation to my doctor visits,” she said.

Codrington received her kidney transplant in April 2018. She says she is forever grateful for Francois, who not only took time to notice, but cared and helped when Codrington didn’t know if she could do it by herself. Codrington’s kidney transplant has given her the gift of more energy and time to spend with her loved ones. She’s living life on her own terms again.

2018-12-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Cold brew coffee is popping up everywhere, poised to be a top food trend in the new year. You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite coffeehouse or in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store, but what exactly is cold brew coffee, and why are people raving about it?

Cold brew 101

Cold brew coffee is commonly confused with iced coffee, but the name comes from how it’s brewed rather than how it’s served. Cold brew coffee is slowly steeped in cold water using coarsely ground coffee beans. While you can brew a pot of traditional hot coffee in a few minutes, cold brew takes hours — 12 or more — to achieve the signature result.

When you taste a high-quality cup of cold brew coffee, the difference is apparent. Coffee made using the cold brew method has a smoother, naturally sweeter result that tastes less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee. The reason for this is the solubility of the organic acids inherent in coffee are extracted at higher brewing temperatures. The organic acids (like citric, malic, formic, quinic and acetic) are a signature aspect of hot-brewed coffee’s flavor and aroma yet only dissolve in hot water. The cold brew method doesn’t extract the bright flavors associated with these acids but extracts the rich chocolate and caramel notes that result in the rich and smooth beverage with a difference that you can taste.

Cold brew at home

Cold brewing from scratch at home can be quite the task, but that doesn’t mean you must choose between expensive coffeehouse cold brew and the messy, time-consuming process of cold brewing at home. The solution: Java House(R) Authentic Cold Brew Coffee Dual-Use Liquid Pods can be enjoyed hot or cold at home. To enjoy hot, place a pod into a single-serve brewer with the tab facing up for a rich yet smooth cup of coffee. To enjoy cold, slowly peel open the pod, pour over ice and add water. For best results, use 8 oz. of water, whether enjoying hot or cold.

The smooth, rich taste of cold brew can be savored by itself all year long. The caramel and chocolate notes extracted are characteristic features of cold brew and not something you’ll naturally find using other coffee brewing methods.

Become a home barista

Feeling creative? You don’t need professional barista experience to craft a satisfying coffee creation. While delicious without anything added, Java House(R) Cold Brew is also a great base for many coffee recipes, whether you want to create something rich, sweet or a little bit spicy. For example, this recipe for Hot Salted Caramel Coffee will warm you up, no matter how low the temperatures dip outside.

Hot Salted Caramel Coffee

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

4 fluid ounces water

2 Java House(R) Cold Brew Liquid Pods 

4 tablespoons whole milk

1 and 1/2 tablespoons salted caramel syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla syrup

Whipped topping

Caramel sauce to drizzle

Coarse sea salt to sprinkle

Directions:

In a large mug, combine water, cold brew liquid pods, milk and both syrups. Stir well and microwave for 30 to 40 seconds. (Or combine in a saucepan over medium low heat for 4 to 8 minutes and pour into a large mug.) Top with whipped topping. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with sea salt.

You can substitute almond milk or low-fat evaporated milk and low-fat whipped topping for the whole milk and whipped topping for a healthier alternative.

To serve cold:

In a tall glass, combine water, cold brew liquid pods, milk and both syrups. Stir well. Top with ice. Top with whipped topping. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Keep in mind, Java House(R) does not use any preservatives, coffee additives, coffee derivatives or reconstituted coffee. It’s just a great-tasting cold brew coffee that lets you become a home barista using four varieties: Colombian, Ethiopian, Sumatran and Decaf. Visit javahouse.com to learn more.

2018-12-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – Families trying to navigate through a busy holiday season — whether it’s running to planned activities or hosting out-of-town guests — often engage in unhealthy breakfast habits or skip breakfast altogether. Studies show on-the-go families that eat a healthy, protein-packed breakfast can enjoy improved energy levels and stay full longer.

A recent study in the October 2018 Journal of Dairy Science shows a high-protein diet can help curb your appetite later in the day. Survey participants who consumed extra protein at breakfast had lower blood sugar levels and reduced appetites in the late afternoon.

Choosing protein-packed foods that offer a healthy dose of nutrients and vitamins can also benefit active families. Many families are opting for high-protein, 100 percent grass-fed products as their breakfast favorites. Grass-fed farms and ranches raise cows on pasture that eat the way nature intended, and as a result, their dairy and beef products contain higher levels of omega 3s, CLAs and beta carotene.

“Dairy produced from 100 percent grass-fed organic farms tastes farm fresh and satisfying — the way milk is supposed to taste,” said Tim Joseph, founding farmer of Maple Hill 100 percent grass-fed organic dairy. “The key to a better breakfast is eating protein and healthy fats to fuel your body and keep you fuller longer without slowing you down.”

Maple Hill is supplied by more than 150 small farms in Upstate New York, all producing certified 100 percent grass-fed organic dairy, including milk, kefir and yogurt. Joseph recommends using Maple Hill plain kefir as the perfect base for a low-carb, low-sugar smoothie that’s good for your gut. Simply blend in blueberries, vanilla and ice cubes for a quick smoothie the family will love.

For a high-protein morning breakfast side, families can choose all-natural 100 percent grass-fed and finished beef products, such as Teton Waters Ranch maple, original and spicy breakfast links. These clean protein options are free of fillers, nitrates, antibiotics, hormones and gluten. They contain 10 grams of protein and all the benefits of 100 percent grass-fed beef, including higher levels of CLAs, omega 3s, and vitamins A, D and E. The sausage links are fully cooked, ready to heat and eat for a quick and easy breakfast solution. Teton Waters Ranch also offers 100 percent grass-fed and finished all-beef hot dogs, sausages and meatballs.

“Our company works to create a system of food that is both sustainable and healthy,” said Mike Murray, chief executive officer of Teton Waters Ranch. “We are passionate about offering better-for-you protein choices for busy, growing families.”

Another healthy food option to add to the breakfast table is a Kodiak Cakes Protein Packed Power Waffle or Flapjack for the toaster. The waffles and flapjacks have 12 grams of protein and are made with all-natural ingredients and 100 percent whole grains, which offer fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants to give long-lasting energy throughout the day.

No breakfast would be complete without coffee. Kitu Super Coffee, made from certified organic 100 percent Arabica coffee, is infused with healthy fats and 10 grams of protein in every bottle. Ready to drink and take on the go, the sugar-free, lactose-free, soy-free and gluten-free Super Coffee is sustainably sourced from local family farms and contains 100 percent MCT Oil extracted from coconut oil, which provides clean energy, optimal cognitive function and balances mood.

With little effort, busy families during the holiday season can prepare healthy, protein-packed breakfasts to keep them energized and full throughout the day. For more high-protein breakfast ideas that are better for you, visit www.MapleHill.com, www.TetonWatersRanch.com, www.KodiakCakes.com and www.KituLife.com.

2018-12-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – Amidst a frenzy of holiday parties and family gatherings, it can be easy to lose sight of your financial goals. But the end of the year is an ideal time to reflect on your financial plan and review your savings and investing approach. Before you say goodbye to 2018, take these steps to maximize your savings and help position your portfolio favorably for the coming year:

1) Max out retirement savings (if you can): The end of year is a good time to evaluate your overall savings and determine if you can bump up what you’re putting away for retirement. For 2018, the maximum 401(k) contribution is $18,500. To help build your savings, it’s a good idea to take full advantage of your employee retirement plan, at least to the point of any employer match.

You can also use lump sums, like an annual bonus, to give your savings a boost. Also, if you’re age 50 or over, you are allowed to add another $6,000 in catch-up contributions, for a total of $24,500 a year in your 401(k).

2) Rebalance your portfolio: According to Schwab’s Modern Wealth Index, only 46 percent of investors have rebalanced their portfolio in the last year. With the increased turbulence in the stock market recently, it’s possible your investment portfolios have strayed from their original target asset allocation.

Rebalancing simply means selling positions that have become overweight in relation to your target allocation and moving the proceeds to positions that have become underweight. The end of the year is a good time to take a look at your portfolio allocation and make sure it’s aligned to your goals and risk tolerance. This can be especially important for people nearing or in retirement, who might not be able to withstand sudden volatility.

3) Take advantage of lesser-known savings strategies: It’s open enrollment season, so if your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) — and you qualify to contribute to one — consider opening one. HSAs are tax-advantaged savings and investment accounts available to people with high-deductible health plans. You can set aside money in an HSA, free of federal taxes, to pay for qualified medical expenses like doctor visits and prescription medications.

In addition, HSAs can serve as a stealth retirement savings account similar to a 401(k) or an IRA. If you’re able to contribute to an HSA and leave it alone, it can be used to cover healthcare expenses in retirement without tapping into other savings.

If you already have an HSA, try to contribute the annual maximum before the end of the year. For 2018, those in high-deductible health-insurance plans can sock away as much as $3,450 before taxes. For families, the figure is $6,900, and those age 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000.

It’s easy to deprioritize your investments amidst the chaos of the holidays, but taking the time to evaluate your success and consider unexplored opportunities can put you on a better path for the coming years. To stay on the right track and make sound financial decisions over time, it’s also important to get a written financial plan in place. A financial plan goes beyond saving and investing to look holistically at all the interrelated parts of your financial life. It’s like a roadmap — it forces you to develop a realistic and informed perspective on where you are, where you want to go, and how to make the best use of your resources to get there.

For help creating or updating a financial plan, visit a Charles Schwab branch.

Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individualized investment advice. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. Diversification, asset allocation and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. This article is sponsored by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Member SIPC. (1218-8X21)

2018-12-12T15:31:00

(BPT) – With cold weather already here, the winter season has officially started early for most Americans. As the weeks drag on, you’re bound to get sick of bundling up in your sweaters and puffy coats. It’s the perfect time to refresh your style.

But there’s no need to splurge on an entirely new closet full of clothes. Here are a few simple tricks to help you cure your winter wardrobe blues and invigorate your sense of fashion:

Clean smart

Taking care of your existing winter clothing (and hard-to-clean winter coat) is imperative! After months of storage, a thorough refresh is needed to keep your winter gear in tip-top shape. Machine washing can be tough on your clothes, especially delicate items. Take better care of your wardrobe staples with the Wi-Fi enabled LG Styler, a clothing care system that uses the gentle power of pure steam to refresh your clothes, reducing wrinkles and odor in as little as 20 minutes. For allergy sufferers, LG Styler not only sanitizes, but also removes allergens and is asthma and allergy friendly(R) certified by the experts at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Look to social media

With so many fashion bloggers, it’s easy to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. Search Instagram for fashion bloggers that match your style — bonus points if they live in your area and share outfit inspiration that matches your current climate. These fashion gurus also often share sales and discounts that can help save you money when something catches your eye.

Color coordinate your accessories

If you’re bored of your basic, neutral pieces, energize your outfit by choosing a color theme for your accessories. For example, match red shoes to a pair of statement red earrings in an otherwise all-black ensemble or step up a sweater and jeans with a colorful printed scarf. Bold, bright colors reflect your personality. Animal prints and stripes can create an edgy, eclectic look. The possibilities are endless when you start to experiment with accessories and mix it up.

Declutter your closet

Many people stand in front of a closet full of clothes every morning but can’t find anything they want to wear. If this is you, it’s time for a closet overhaul. Spend a day going through every item of clothing you own. Keep what you love and wear regularly and donate the rest. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel.

Invest in new pieces

Once you get rid of the clutter, you’ll have a better understanding of what you need. A few updated pieces can take you far. If your winter boots are looking tired and worn out, try a new style. If you donated all your jeans, shop for the perfect pair to add to your collection.

You may be counting down the days until spring, but these tips will help you get through another stretch of cold weather. For more information on how to refresh your style and home, visit lg.com.

2018-12-12T08:01:01

(BPT) –