Month: January 2019

2019-01-07T11:53:00

(BPT) – When Jaylah Martinez has a paintbrush in hand, it’s like a conduit between the emotions inside Jaylah and the canvas. Like many teens, the budding artist has voiced big dreams for her paintings and art. In Jaylah’s case, she envisions them displayed in a modern art gallery in Los Angeles.

Unlike most teens, however, Jaylah faces struggles with her health. The high school honors student from San Antonio, Texas, is battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Last August, she was diagnosed with stage IV Renal Medullary Carcinoma. Prior to her diagnosis, Jaylah was an active teen who had taken on leadership roles, from serving as Teen Ambassador for the city of San Antonio, to designing and creating public art projects for Blue Star Contemporary’s MOSAIC Student Artist Program.

Sadly, because of Jaylah’s health issues, she’s been forced to step aside from her extracurricular activities, which made the special surprise that Jaylah received all the more inspiring and uplifting.

In December, Jaylah learned her dream as an artist, to show her work in LA, was about to come true. Make-A-Wish(R) Central and South Texas hosted a special wish unveiling for Jaylah at North Park Subaru Dominion, which had set aside part of their showroom for a community celebration of Jaylah and an exhibit of her paintings during the annual Subaru Share the Love(R) Event.

Jaylah greeted and hugged friends, family and local art lovers, and took time to describe the themes and inspiration running through her colorful paintings: Jaylah’s spiritual connection to God, celebrating life on Earth, and the comfort of familial love. Wearing bold silver earrings and a brilliant smile on Jaylah’s face, she looked every bit the part of an up and coming artist.

“It feels good to know there are so many people in my life who are just supporting me no matter what,” said Jaylah. “And I’m very grateful for these people. Because they’ve helped me. A lot.”

Jaylah’s upcoming LA exhibit will be held in January 2019. Despite Jaylah’s diagnosis, the high school junior is looking ahead to other life ambitions. Jaylah wants to attend college, major in biochemistry and become a research scientist who works to find a cure for cancer.

Jaylah’s art show was also an opportunity to help other kids in her community who are facing a critical illness, so they could have their wishes come true, too. The exhibit was held in conjunction with the Pack the Outback Toy Drive, where families were encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the North Park Subaru Dominion to fill a new Subaru Outback in support of Make-A-Wish Central and South Texas.

Kathrin Brewer, Make-A-Wish chapter president, said they were thrilled to have the support and partnership of the dealership. The heart of the matter is, she says, the wishes granted are more than “a nice experience.”

“Wishes have the power to transform lives by providing hope and the ability to experience life beyond illness,” Brewer said.

To learn more about how you can help grant more wishes to children who are faced with a critical illness, visit www.wish.org.

2019-01-07T13:07:00

(BPT) – Women represent as much as $20 trillion globally in annual consumer spending, yet many of their health needs remain unaddressed by the healthcare market. One large need that has been almost entirely ignored is feminine digital health. To date, women’s health accounts for just 4 percent of the R&D funding for healthcare products and services.

Take cervical health, for instance. For decades, there were almost no new innovations for the treatment of cervical cancer — despite the fact that it is the second most common cancer among women worldwide. Cervical cancer is highly curable when diagnosed at an early stage, yet thousands of women in the U.S. are still dying every year due to lack of proper screening.

The good news is that we’re finally seeing an acceleration of startups and investment focused on women’s health. Driving the trend is a growing awareness that feminine health technologies represent a huge opportunity. FemTech startups have raised more than $1.1 billion in total funding over the last several years, according to CB Insights. And Frost & Sullivan forecasts that the FemTech market will reach $50 billion by 2025.

Women’s health startups cover everything from fertility tracking apps and smart breast pumps to medical devices that give women instant feedback about their health status. This is all part of a growing effort to bring equal and objective technology to women’s health, and to introduce transformational innovations that improve their lives.

The monitoring of cervical cancer is a perfect example of this. The cancer is often preventable, but it is regularly misdiagnosed. The intrinsic subjectivity of the cervical exam limits the diagnostic accuracy to about 60 percent. This misdiagnosis puts patients at greater risk and costs the healthcare industry billions of dollars a year.

Since the introduction of the Pap test in 1943, the death rate in the United States from cervical cancer has decreased by 70 percent. However, false-negative reports — laboratory reports which fail to identify abnormal cells — are still widespread, and occur in 16 percent to 40 percent of all Pap tests.

The disease is especially deadly in developing countries, where testing is more infrequent and early detection and treatment are more difficult. It’s also important to mention that, due to new health standards, cervical exams are typically performed only every 3-5 years and not on an annual basis, which could make it even more difficult to identify abnormalities.

The bottom line is that cervical cancer screening, if properly conducted, could be even more effective. What if we could accurately detect cervical dysplasia and, therefore, prevent most cervical cancer?

One startup aiming to promote this issue is Illumigyn, founded by serial entrepreneur and inventor Ran Poliakine. The company’s breakthrough product, the Gynescope, is a compact imaging device that uses machine vision technology to allow gynecologists and GPs to perform cervical screening tests in a way that simply was not possible before.

Illumigyn’s Gynescope visualizes signs of early-stage cervical cancer using different illumination and light wavelengths. This helps the doctor detect abnormalities in the tissue before they evolve into cancer or become invasive. For example, cervical cancer could be in its very early stages and invisible to the naked eye, but visible with the right illumination and high-resolution imaging of the tissue. Early detection is vitally important when it comes to cervical cancer, because many of the treatments associated with later detection can risk the patient’s fertility and quality of life.

The device also produces digital images that can be saved, archived, retrieved, shared, followed and compared. That means if a woman wants a second opinion from a different specialist, she doesn’t have to be tested again, she only needs to show the specialist the digital image, thus shortening wait times for a second opinion. This is critical because there is shortage of experts in the field. And, by improving image accuracy and access, the Gynescope can provide the real-time answers doctors need to speed up accurate diagnosis of cervical cancer.

This approach is resonating in the market. Having digital recordings of their cervical health makes women more confident about the care they receive. What’s more, the possibility of shortening wait time for screening results can help reduce their anxiety.

Overall, expect to see even more technology solutions and products aimed at addressing the unique needs of women. Forward-looking companies now have a greenfield opportunity to tap into this exciting market — and truly change the game for women’s health. That’s good news for all women, who are increasingly empowered to take control of their health and live happier lives.

2019-01-07T09:37:00

(BPT) – Just in time for National Soup Month, a recent Idahoan survey revealed Americans’ habits and opinions on all things soup. Idahoan Steakhouse Soups deliver comfort made easy, letting you enjoy the flavorful, slow-cooked taste of restaurant-quality soup at home, in minutes. Bringing together real Idaho potatoes with flavorful seasonings and rich cheeses, Idahoan Steakhouse Soups provide a creamy, hearty taste in every spoonful.

2019-01-05T06:01:01

(BPT) – While Hawaii is known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, it may not be the first location that pops into your mind when you think of whale watching. If you’re a fan of the most majestic marine mammal on earth, you owe yourself the opportunity to view North Pacific Humpback Whales in person. Here are a few facts about whale migration to Hawaii that you may not know.

• Each year, thousands of North Pacific Humpback Whales migrate 6,000 miles from their feeding grounds around Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands to raise their young.
• The North Pacific Humpback Whale annual migration is one of the longest of any mammal.
• In 1992, the U.S. Congress recognized the importance of this whale habitat by designating the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
• From mid-to-late November, nursing mother whales begin arriving in the waters around Hawaii with their calves, followed later by young whales, adult males and pregnant females.
• The peak time to view the spectacular shows humpback whales provide in Hawaii is during the month of February, tapering off in April.
• The four-island region — composed of Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kaho’olawe — is one of two favorite areas in Hawaii for humpback whales to visit.

Hawaii is a must-see locale to visit for whale lovers of any age. You can enjoy your whale watching from the shoreline of beautiful Maui, from a variety of oceanfront locations offered by Marriott International – Hawaii, including the Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui or The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Visitors to these resorts often view whales spouting and breaching from the beaches and nearby scenic viewing spots, or even from the lanai (balcony) of their hotel or resort guest room.

For the serious whale lover, turn your visit into a complete whale-watching adventure on Ka’anapali Beach. Sheraton Maui offers a comprehensive whale watching package called “Kohola in Ka’anapali” (“kohola” is Hawaiian for whale). In addition to deluxe oceanfront accommodations, the package includes an educational whale talk by a marine naturalist from the Maui Ocean Center, plus an exciting Maui whale watch catamaran experience for two guests with Teralani Sailing Adventures in combination with your three-night minimum stay, along with several other fun amenities.

Plan a tour of the Hawaiian Islands to increase your opportunities to see the whales in action. In recent years, humpback whales have also been frequently seen in the waters around the Big Island, Kauai and Oahu. Fortunately, a variety of Marriott International Hotel and Resort venues are located throughout Hawaii, including all the areas where whales have been spotted, to meet anyone’s vacation needs. Whether you’re a family on a budget, an adventurous traveler or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, there are locations ranging from Courtyard and Residence Inns to Ritz-Carlton hotels to suit your special whale-watching adventure. You can combine a dream vacation with your love of these amazing marine mammals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2019-01-04T13:29:00

(BPT) – Think summer this winter, and start planning now for warmer days ahead that could be spent relaxing on a boat. Beginning in January, boat shows take place across the country, offering some of the hottest post-holiday deals around, with special pricing and incentives on new boat models and marine accessories — a major draw for the 142 million Americans who take to the water each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. For those ready to plan their summer adventures on the water, boat shows are the best place to start.

Explore all boating curiosities and interests, from fishing and sailing to riding personal watercraft and wakesurfing. Boat shows not only offer the unique opportunity to browse and board the latest boats and marine accessories at the best prices of the year, but also offer those looking to get started in boating a taste of the boating lifestyle during the off-season. Most boat shows offer educational opportunities and ways to get on the water — from rentals to boat clubs and more.

Whether you want to fulfill that New Year’s resolution of spending more time outdoors with family and friends, or you’re simply in the mood to escape the winter doldrums, Discover Boating, the national awareness program to help get people on the water, offers four reasons to visit a boat show near you this year:

* Warm up with hot deals. Unlike auto shows, boat shows are the place to buy. Hundreds of new models are available to buy right on the show floor at some of the best prices of the year, with many exhibitors offering special show pricing and other incentives. Boat shows make it easy to shop all the region’s dealers in one location, and it’s the perfect time to order a new boat to ensure it arrives by spring.

* Navigate the boating lifestyle. You can learn the ropes of boating and take advantage of onsite training, offered at little to no cost. Beginners can learn about boating, and more experienced captains are able to hone their skills. Plus, boat shows offer fun and interactive activities for the whole family from knot-tying and boating 101 seminars to remote-control docking ponds and virtual reality boating simulators and more. Most shows also have charters, boat clubs, rentals and boat schools for show-goers to research ways to get on the water before buying.

* Invest in your health. In addition to the thousands of steps you will achieve from browsing the latest products, boat shows could also be an investment in your health. According to a Discover Boating survey, 72 percent of Americans reported feeling healthier after spending time on the water. Plus, recent research has confirmed what many boaters already know — you experience health benefits, like reducing stress, by being near, in, on or under water, and while participating in activities like boating. Learn more about the health benefits of boating by visiting DiscoverBoating.com/your-brain-on-a-boat.

* Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat at a show, online or at a dealership, always check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com to find a boat show near you, a list of certified boat manufacturers, a Boat Finder tool that matches your on-water interests with different boat types, plus more interactive tools and resources for getting started in boating.

2019-01-04T11:01:00

(BPT) – Just try to walk by an unfinished jigsaw puzzle without stopping. It’s almost impossible and in fact, nearly half of all Americans puzzle for fun, to relax or to relieve stress. Families puzzle together as a winter tradition. Millennials puzzle to connect with each other and disconnect from a hyper-digital lifestyle while seniors puzzle for a brain boost. It may feel like puzzling is one of the many retro activities made vogue again, but it has always been in fashion.

In celebration of National Puzzle Month, which takes place each January and not coincidentally in the winter when friends and families puzzle most, here is a brief history of puzzling.

Puzzles in ancient times. Puzzling has been around since the dawn of time (almost). Greek mathematician Archimedes puzzled around 250 B.C. to solve geometry problems. He cut a square into 14 pieces, and then examined how many different configurations could be made from those 14 pieces. This puzzle was recently solved by Bill Cutler, a mathematician from Cornell University, who showed the puzzle has 536 truly distinct solutions.

The first jigsaw puzzle. Engraver and mapmaker John Spilsbury is credited with inventing the first jigsaw puzzle in 1767. He drew a map on top of a piece of wood, then used a jigsaw to cut it into small pieces. The name clearly stuck! Kids today still learn geography by using jigsaw puzzles of maps. In fact, the “Geographical Puzzle” was the first wooden puzzle produced in 1891 by Ravensburger, the world’s leading puzzle maker.

A puzzling craze sweeps the nation. Puzzles for adults became popular around 1900, and by 1908 puzzles were a staple of the upper class. Why upper class? Wooden puzzles were expensive, typically costing $5 each (or $140 today). For working people, who earned an average of $50 per month, puzzles would have been a luxury. Over time, cardboard puzzles became a less expensive option, making puzzling available to everyone.

A welcome escape. During the Great Depression, puzzles offered people a quiet, inexpensive escape from the troubled economy. In 1932, a new concept emerged: a weekly puzzle. The “Jig of the Week” was sold at newsstands every Wednesday. In February of 1933, puzzle production reached an all-time high of 10 million puzzles per week.

Puzzles grew. Literally. In 1977, Ravensburger debuted the world’s largest puzzle for its time, with 5,000 pieces. Today, the world’s largest Disney puzzle, dubbed “Memorable Disney Moments,” clocks in at 40,320 pieces. It took the puzzle creators 650 hours to trace each of the 10 scenes by hand to be digitally rendered on the computer and another 400 hours to bend the steel sheets with a hammer to create the cutting tool.

Puzzling today. As far back as we can trace, puzzling has been equal parts art and craft, driven by puzzlers who race to place the last piece and solve the puzzle. Just as in years past, it’s more than ever a respite from today’s hectic lifestyle to relax and connect with one another over a shared goal.

To learn more about jigsaw puzzles, visit Ravensburger at https://www.ravensburger.us.

2018-11-19T15:25:00

(BPT) – It’s here, the season of resolutions. You’re making plans for new routines, working a full-time job and taking care of your family. It’s a whirlwind but you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now you just have to find time to refresh your décor for the year ahead

With so much to do and so little time, you’re naturally looking for ways to update your home without too much effort. Opt for easier with the tips below.

* Add a little color to your home. In the summer colorful flowers can make any room welcoming, but in the winter your options for foliage are … limited. Don’t fret or forgo the opportunity to add some natural accents to your home. Evergreen sprigs added to vases can bring a flora component to any room and infuse a seasonal dash of color. Forsythia is an early blooming shrub that can provide a beautiful pop of yellow color. Place these in the same areas you would summer flowers and you’ll love the fresh effect they create.

* Photo-friendly options. Family photos are a mainstay in any home and this season is the perfect time to take your photo displays up a notch. Free-standing photo panels — available at CVS — provide a new and exciting way to showcase your favorite family moments. Available to order at cvs.com/photo, they offer a unique and easy way to bring these images to life.

* Let there be light. Stringing lights around the outside of your home is an annual holiday tradition, but why not keep inside lights throughout winter? String lights through the main entertaining areas of your home using insulated holders, just be sure to check the wires for fraying before you do. This is a great way to add light during shorter winter days, and because so many lights run on batteries and can be equipped with timers, it’s easier than ever to conserve energy.

* Décor panels add a festive feel to your space. What does the new year mean to you? Whatever it is, display it on a customizable décor panel from Kodak Moments, also available at CVS. Choose from a wide array of designs and once you find one you love, your décor panels can be personalized with text as well. Matching the perfect message with the perfect design will give you an accent piece you’ll want to keep up in your house all year long.

Start your planning today

Optimizing your decorating with the tips above will keep your home looking fresh without a lot of effort, and that’s something that will bring you peace and joy this year and beyond.

2019-01-03T12:01:00

(BPT) – New Year’s resolutions are often hard to maintain, especially if you are trying to make healthier food choices after indulging in treats during the holidays. According to a 2019 Marist Poll, 44 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. For those who plan to make a resolution, two of the top resolutions are losing weight and eating healthier. Focusing on nutrition can start with meal planning and healthy protein options like turkey.

Protein is essential to a wholesome, balanced diet, and turkey is an excellent source of protein. Turkey is also low in fat and perfect in many healthy recipes. Honeysuckle White offers a variety of turkey options — from ground turkey, to cutlets, breast strips, ready-to-cook meatballs and more. The brand works exclusively with independent family farmers in the U.S. to raise turkeys with care and without growth-promoting antibiotics.

Skinless turkey breast is one of the leanest meats available and is considered a superfood by the American Heart Association. A boneless four-ounce serving of turkey contains 26 grams of protein — 12 percent more protein than the same size serving of boneless chicken breast — and only about one gram of fat plus zero grams of saturated fat.

Turkey has much more to offer beyond protein. According to the USDA’s nutrition database, turkey typically has fewer calories and less cholesterol than other proteins, and is rich in all the B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which help the body convert food into energy. Turkey also provides an abundance of minerals, including immune-boosting zinc, selenium and iron.

Family farm-raised ground turkey is a great choice for families who want to eat better, and it is excellent for chili, tacos, fajitas and turkey burgers. With 28 grams of protein and only one gram of fat per serving, 99 percent fat-free ground turkey breast provides a great foundation for a wholesome entrée. For families on the go, convenient, oven-ready turkey meatloaf is a versatile option that is perfect for busy schedules.

Achieving balanced, wholesome meals only takes a few simple steps. Smart shoppers plan meals before heading to the store and stick to the outside perimeter of the store to purchase fresh ingredients including vegetables, fruit and lean meats. While shopping, be sure to read the nutrition labels to know what you are feeding your family.

Another benefit of laying out your shopping routine and planning meals is saving time and money. This budget-friendly approach will eliminate extra trips out to eat and can inspire new creations in the kitchen. Throughout the week you can have fun with your family, building new meals to put a variety of flavors on the dinner table.

Working toward a healthier lifestyle does not have to be a drastic overhaul. Making small strides, including planning meals and shopping trips, will lead to smarter food choices. With a mix of lean proteins and fresh produce in the kitchen, you can deliver well-rounded and healthy meals for your whole family in the new year.

2019-01-03T07:37:00

(BPT) – The chill, the dryness, the itch: As temperatures drop, winter can wreak havoc on your skin. Fortunately, you can fight winter’s wrath by taking a few smart, proactive steps.

Winter skin woes are common, with 83 percent of Americans saying their skin feels differently during the winter than it does the rest of the year, according to a recent survey conducted online among 2,000 U.S. adults by Harris Poll on behalf of CeraVe. More specifically, 77 percent say their skin feels dry in winter and 41 percent even describe it as itchy.

“Winter weather can affect all skin types,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. “Even though people are aware that their skin is dry, they often unknowingly make mistakes that can cause their skin to feel worse. Being mindful of how you’re treating your skin and adapting your skincare routine are two essential ways to help ease the skin discomforts that often come with the season.”

To help fight dry and itchy skin brought on by winter, Dr. Marchbein suggests five simple skincare tips:

1. Stay warm, not hot

Everyone loves a long, hot shower in the winter. In fact, the survey found 50 percent of people take more hot showers during the winter. Unfortunately, hot water strips the skin of natural moisture that keeps it healthy, hydrated and protected. Take a short, lukewarm shower instead to avoid irritating the skin. Find that warm comfort by cozying up in a blanket afterward instead.

2. Fix the winter itch

That winter itch is most commonly caused by severely dry skin, so be sure to moisturize daily with products that contain ceramides to maintain hydration and fight dryness. Ceramides are naturally found in skin but can be regularly disrupted by factors like the environment and daily activities, leading to dry skin. Keep a tub of a ceramide-rich cream in your bathroom to slather on while your skin is still wet after showering to really seal in moisture and help restore the skin’s protective barrier. For added moisture and protection, use an ointment like CeraVe Healing Ointment, which contains ceramides and helps to heal dry, chapped skin, and immediately slip on socks, gloves and comfortable clothes to help it soak in.

3. Dress smart

When you’re heading outside, be sure to bundle up! Always wear gear that protects your skin from the elements, like hats, scarves and gloves. Additionally, while winter makes us more inclined to bundle up in cozy sweaters, avoid any materials that may irritate your skin. If you feel itchy under your favorite wool sweater, wear a breathable shirt underneath or consider swapping it for a different material, like fleece or cashmere.

4. Maximize moisture

The colder winter air pulls moisture from the skin leaving it dry, itchy and lackluster, and heading indoors isn’t helping. The rising thermostat in your house causes dry air that sucks hydration from your skin. Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air in main spaces, like your bedroom. You should also be sure to adapt your skincare routine for the winter just like you would your wardrobe. Swap your light creams out for richer products that will add the extra moisturization needed during the winter and be sure to use them twice daily.

5. Drink up

However, adding moisture back into the air isn’t the only way to hydrate yourself. You should also be moisturizing yourself from the inside out by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water has a wide array of health benefits and the quality of your skin is one of them — especially during the winter months when we tend to lose moisture more often. Warm tea is another great way to get hydrated while comforting yourself during the colder months.

“Winter doesn’t have to mean dry, itchy and uncomfortable skin,” says Marchbein. “A few proactive steps and adjustments to your daily routine can help ease some of those winter worries so you can enjoy all the fun the season has to offer.”