Month: March 2019

2019-03-24T23:01:00

(BPT) – The decision to return to school is not made lightly. While earning a degree can be highly rewarding in the form of better career opportunities and higher pay, the path to get there can be filled with challenges, especially if you’re trying to fit school and studies in with your work and family responsibilities.

An education unlocks so many doors. It’s worth taking the time to make sure you’re opening the door that’s right for you.

Before you register for that first class, it’s important to consider and plan for how you’re going to get it all done, from working out an arrangement with your workplace to accommodating your school schedule and enlisting help from family members to get chores done.

Here are top questions every potential student should ask themselves before they begin the journey.

What are my career goals?

When you’re looking at a specific college program, it’s good to take a step back and examine your goals and motivations and how going back to school fits in. If you’re hoping the degree or certification will lead to a promotion or pay increase so you can better support your family, it’s important to know how that will happen. To get a gauge on the local market, search for job openings in your chosen field. If you have time, sit down for informational interviews with people in the field to give you a clearer picture of how a degree or certification can help you. Finally, some institutions provide support and information to prospective students. Make an appointment with the career center so you can better understand how a certain degree will advance your career or help you meet your goals.

How will I manage the costs of education?

High tuition costs and student loans can be a source of worry for many students. Before you commit to a school, be sure to take some time to uncover resources that will make your education more affordable. Start by talking to the financial aid office. Some institutions offer scholarships and financing options, as well as programs that incentivize students to do well. For instance, Strayer University automatically enrolls bachelor’s students in its Graduation Fund, which allows students to earn one no-cost course for every three classes successfully completed. These classes can be redeemed in the student’s final year of their bachelor’s degree program. As long as students stay continuously enrolled, these credits have the potential to reduce the cost of a bachelor’s degree by up to 25 percent.

Other cost-reducing avenues at other schools include research scholarships and grants, which may be available to people in certain fields. Also, don’t forget to talk to your employer. Many workplaces offer tuition assistance programs to their employees.

Does the program offer flexibility for my busy schedule?

Earning a degree or certification is a major commitment. For some students, work and family responsibilities can elbow their way into a busy school schedule. “It helps to know the availability and quality of flexible options offered by your school. These offerings can help make your educational experience more manageable and enjoyable,” said Brian Jones, president of Strayer University.

There are programs structured so students can learn at their own pace. FlexPath — available at Capella University — gives students the flexibility to complete coursework at a speed that is comfortable for them. Students are evaluated by how well they demonstrate competency in a course, so whether it takes two weeks or 12, they’re free to move on to their next course at their own pace.

Once you flesh out the answers to these key questions, you can start taking classes with the confidence that your chosen program is right for you and your career.

2019-03-25T01:01:01

(BPT) – Spring is just around the corner. Time to spruce up your home, clean out those dusty corners and say goodbye to winter. You’re not alone in the spring cleaning adventure — according to the American Cleaning Institute, 91 percent of Americans participate in spring cleaning.

As you join your fellow Americans this year, don’t forget to show a little extra love to those hardwood floors. The floor is the largest surface in your house, so caring for and cleaning your floors is important to keeping the home healthy and dust-free. Particularly for hardwood floors, a little care goes a long way in keeping this central feature in your home looking beautiful.

Here are a few easy spring cleaning tips to care for hardwood floors the right way — quickly, efficiently and safely.

1. Clear out the clutter. Spring is a great time to declutter, and clearing out the room not only looks cleaner but will allow fewer places for those dust bunnies to collect. Carefully move large items out of the way, so you can give the room a wall-to-wall, thorough clean. If you have limited space, move a couple of pieces of furniture at a time. Enlist help from family or friends to avoid scratching your floors and to prevent a back injury! This is also a great opportunity to consider a new furniture arrangement, or to clear out little-used or worn-out items to open up your space.

2. Banish the dust. Dust, sweep or gently vacuum hardwood floors first to remove all of the loose dust, accumulated pet hair and fine debris. Even small particles of dirt can create micro scratches in the finish.

3. Get the right tools. Not just any old mop will do. Old-fashioned sponge or string mops tend to just push the dirt around, or they can leave streaks of dirty water on your hardwood floors. For more effective cleaning on any kind of flooring, the Bona Premium Spray Mop is an all-in-one solution with the largest mop head base plate in the industry. That means covering more floor surface in less time. The mop also has rubberized corners to prevent damaging baseboards or furniture during your enthusiastic cleaning. Use a washable, reusable microfiber pad designed for hardwood floors to ensure dirt is lifted and trapped in the pad rather than just pushed around the room. The Bona Microfiber Cleaning Pad, for example, has dual-zone cleaning action — the outer fibers break up grime while the inner fibers trap and absorb dirt.

4. Use the right solution. Did you know that some floor cleaners can actually damage hardwood floor finish? Standard soap and water, and products containing ammonia or vinegar-and-water solutions can strip the finish and dull your hardwood floors — even when diluted with water — making them look and feel less clean. Oil-based cleaning products can leave a residue, making the surface of your floor dangerously slippery. Instead, look for a residue-free, non-toxic cleaner specially developed to help clean and protect hardwood floors. Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner, which is recommended by professional floor installers, is safe to use in your home and around family and pets.

5. Protect your floors. After cleaning your hardwood floors, consider using easily washable or vacuumable rugs under furniture to prevent marks or scratches from marring your hardwood floors. Furniture pads are another inexpensive investment to protect the floor finish. Finally, add doormats at key entryways in your home to grab dirt and debris before it ever hits the floor.

The floor is the largest surface in your home, which gets the most wear and tear. A room with a clean floor looks and feels so much better. With the right tools and little effort, you can get your hardwood floors — and your home — looking springtime ready.

2019-03-22T17:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re heading to the beach or hitting the slopes this spring, the weather just may be on your side.

According to the latest seasonal forecast from The Weather Company, the Northeastern, Southeastern and Northwestern U.S. will enjoy a warmer-than-normal spring, with the Plains and Southwest experiencing temperatures below normal. Most areas of the U.S. will see a wet spring, excluding portions of the Northeast and Southwest.

“After an extended cold period across the Northern U.S, the pattern is relenting as we head into spring,” said Dr. Todd Crawford, chief meteorologist at The Weather Company. “Our models suggest a general warm-north and cool-south pattern, with above-normal temperatures expected across the Northeast and Northwest, and below-normal across the Plains and Southwest.”

El Niño returns

Heading into the summer season, El Niño will linger into a second year, bringing cooler-than-normal temperatures across the Northern and Central Plains, along with parts of Nevada and California. The most significant warmth is expected in the Northwest. And both coasts will see above-normal summer heat.

El Niño is characterized by a band of warm ocean water in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, accompanied by high air pressure in the western Pacific and low air pressure in the eastern Pacific.

Here are three things to know about a back-to-back El Niño and what it could mean for summer:

1. It’s rare. Back-to-back El Niño events have only happened five times since 1950. In four of those five years, the Northern Plains and Great Lakes experienced below-normal summer temperatures, with warmer-than-normal temperatures across the Southern Tier and Pacific Northwest.

2. It could bring fewer hurricanes. In general, wind shear — the change in wind direction or speed with height — is stronger in the Atlantic Basin during El Niño seasons. All other factors equal, this shear tends to reduce the number of hurricanes that form in a given season.

3. Pack your umbrella. El Niño conditions over the last year resulted in a historically wet period across much of the United States. Rains are expected to continue into the summer across the Plains and parts of the Southeast. On the bright side, that could spell relief from the sweltering summer heat experienced across much of the U.S. last year.

“High soil moisture, combined with lingering El Niño conditions, will likely limit the summer heat this year compared to the very hot summer of 2018,” Crawford added.

To get the most up-to-date forecasts for your area, visit weather.com or The Weather Channel app on iOS and Android.

2019-03-21T10:13:01

(BPT) – There is no doubt that interest in genetics has exploded in recent years. In fact, genealogy has grown dramatically to become the second most popular hobby in the United States and the second-most popular internet surfing topic.

At the same time, advances in our understanding of genetics are broadening our understanding of the role genes play in our overall health and the development of many diseases. This is especially significant for people with inherited conditions, such as hereditary transthyretin-mediated (hATTR) amyloidosis. Affecting approximately 50,000 people worldwide, hATTR amyloidosis is a life-threatening disease that can impact multiple parts of the body, including the nerves, heart and digestive system.

hATTR amyloidosis is passed down from parent to child in an autosomal dominant fashion, meaning a person only needs to inherit one copy of the affected gene from one parent in order to develop the condition. However, inheriting the TTR gene with a mutation does not necessarily mean that you will develop hATTR amyloidosis. Despite its prevalence across generations and the appearance of symptoms, some families may be unaware of their family history or that they are at risk for the condition.

Symptoms of hATTR amyloidosis can vary widely from person to person, but often include weakness, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, burning pain, dizziness, shortness of breath and digestive issues. Misdiagnosis is common with hATTR amyloidosis because the symptoms can resemble those of other more common conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetic neuropathy and hypertensive heart disease.

This is where genetic testing can help.

“Making the decision to undergo genetic testing for serious conditions like hATTR amyloidosis is not easy, especially when it can have implications for your entire family,” said Emily Brown, a genetic counselor. “Knowing you are at risk can allow you to recognize symptoms faster, avoid misdiagnoses and identify a path forward with your doctor.”

Genetic counselors can also help to familiarize you with the process of genetic testing and provide support due to the potential implications if you test positive.

There are other resources available. Companies like Alnylam Pharmaceuticals have made genetic testing and counseling options available to help people make informed decisions about their health. Through Alnylam Act(R), Alnylam sponsors third-party genetic testing and counseling for individuals who may be carrying a gene mutation known to be associated with hATTR amyloidosis at no charge. For more information about the program, visit AlnylamAct.com.

Further, if you or someone in your family experience symptoms consistent with those of hATTR amyloidosis, talk to your doctor and visit Alnylam’s hATTRBridge.com for more information and additional resources.

A message from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

2019-03-21T08:01:01

(BPT) – On any given snowy morning as you’re making your way through rush-hour traffic, a legion of winter warriors has already been hard at work to help make sure you get where you’re going safely. Below is a closer look at some of these winter warriors and what you might not know about those keeping you going this winter.

Salt truck driver:

Salt trucks handle more than just salt. There are a multitude of products today that are used to help melt snow and ice, and along with sand, they are used to give you more traction under your wheels. As the street superintendent of the public works department for the city of Crystal, Minnesota, Bill Bowman says that his team “makes normal happen.” By salting the streets and removing ice, Bill sees that what he does makes a difference and serves the community during the harsh winter months. Bill also comments that many people might not know public works professionals are also first responders, serving the community from start to finish during a winter event. In some cases, plows and trucks are diverted from their route to quickly clear the road for a fire truck or an ambulance.

Did you know … Each salt truck holds 12 to 15 tons of salt and 218 gallons of calcium chloride. It’s a weather-dependent position, so drivers need to be on call. Most drivers work 12-hour shifts depending on road conditions.^[i]

Snowplow driver:

These brave men and women get out there when the snow starts flying, oftentimes in the middle of the night. They get the ice and snow out of your way, helping to make roads and parking lots safer. Kent Peddie, owner of Precision Snow Removal in Ottawa, Canada, has been in the business for 25 years. According to him, there is a golden rule when it comes to being in the snow removal business. “Always have backups to your backups,” Kent advises. “When it comes to winter weather, things can be unpredictable, and they can, and will, go wrong.” Having a backup plan ensures you will be able to get out there and serve your customers even if plans A and B fall through. Additionally, the snow-removal business is pretty unique when it comes to planning and can include 200-300 days of planning for what might be 10 to 20 snow or ice events.

Did you know … Fully equipped snowplows can weigh 15 times more than your car. Although it is not illegal to pass them, it is best to give them a wide berth and let them do their jobs.^[ii]

Tire manufacturer:

Tires matter! Your tires are the only things on your car that come into contact with the road, and they’re a critical part of your winter driving safety. If you think “all season” tires are winter tires, think again. According to Jessica Egerton, Director of Brand Development for Cooper Tires, “Winter tires are specifically designed and formulated to improve braking and handling on snow and ice. While all-season tires are a great option for many people, if you live in an area that sees snow or severe winter conditions, we recommend installing winter tires from November through March.”

Did you know … Snow-on-snow grip is better than rubber-on-snow. Winter tires are often designed to trap snow in the grooves of the tire for better braking performance.

Toll booth attendant:

Why are they winter warriors? Toll booths are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year in all weather conditions. When the temperatures dip below freezing, it’s a chilly job. Toll booth attendants also alert you of adverse weather conditions — if there’s a snow event headed your way, the attendant can make sure you’re aware. Patti Mitchell, who has been a toll booth attendant for 25 years in Kansas, shares that people might be surprised to know the wealth of skills that attendants must have in order to be successful. “In addition to accurately handling and counting money, attendants must have excellent customer service skills and knowledge of the state in order to help those in need of directions,” Patti said. “Also, we know CPR and a little bit of first aid in case a customer has a medical emergency.”

Did you know … Toll booth operators do much more in addition to collecting money. They are responsible for reporting incidents and crimes, notifying headquarters about roadway hazards and issues, as well as assisting drivers that might be in distress or find themselves lost.

Morning news team:

Your local morning news team, the news anchors, meteorologists and traffic reporters, are your first line of defense to let you know what you’ll be dealing with before you walk out of the door. You’ll get updates on the latest weather conditions, and what you might expect on the drive home, too. Emily Sutton, meteorologist and storm chaser for KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, says that forecasting winter weather is one of the most difficult parts of her job. “Any meteorologist will tell you that winter weather is one of the hardest things to forecast because it only takes a half degree temperature difference between freezing rain, sleet and snow, and that’s a game changer — especially when driving on it.”

Did you know … Most local morning news programs typically start around 4:30 a.m. That means the news team needs to wake up around 2 a.m. How do they handle it? Many set their alarms for off-times like 2:21 just to convince themselves they’re getting more sleep, never hit the snooze button, and it’s very early to bed, around 6:30 p.m.

The next time you’re headed out into winter snow, ice or sleet, you can rest easy that these winter warriors have your back. Visit Cooper Tires for more information about winter driving, and winter safety and maintenance tips.

2019-03-21T08:01:01

(BPT) – On any given snowy morning as you’re making your way through rush-hour traffic, a legion of winter warriors has already been hard at work to help make sure you get where you’re going safely. Below is a closer look at some of these winter warriors and what you might not know about those keeping you going this winter.

Salt truck driver:

Salt trucks handle more than just salt. There are a multitude of products today that are used to help melt snow and ice, and along with sand, they are used to give you more traction under your wheels. As the street superintendent of the public works department for the city of Crystal, Minnesota, Bill Bowman says that his team “makes normal happen.” By salting the streets and removing ice, Bill sees that what he does makes a difference and serves the community during the harsh winter months. Bill also comments that many people might not know public works professionals are also first responders, serving the community from start to finish during a winter event. In some cases, plows and trucks are diverted from their route to quickly clear the road for a fire truck or an ambulance.

Did you know … Each salt truck holds 12 to 15 tons of salt and 218 gallons of calcium chloride. It’s a weather-dependent position, so drivers need to be on call. Most drivers work 12-hour shifts depending on road conditions.^[i]

Snowplow driver:

These brave men and women get out there when the snow starts flying, oftentimes in the middle of the night. They get the ice and snow out of your way, helping to make roads and parking lots safer. Kent Peddie, owner of Precision Snow Removal in Ottawa, Canada, has been in the business for 25 years. According to him, there is a golden rule when it comes to being in the snow removal business. “Always have backups to your backups,” Kent advises. “When it comes to winter weather, things can be unpredictable, and they can, and will, go wrong.” Having a backup plan ensures you will be able to get out there and serve your customers even if plans A and B fall through. Additionally, the snow-removal business is pretty unique when it comes to planning and can include 200-300 days of planning for what might be 10 to 20 snow or ice events.

Did you know … Fully equipped snowplows can weigh 15 times more than your car. Although it is not illegal to pass them, it is best to give them a wide berth and let them do their jobs.^[ii]

Tire manufacturer:

Tires matter! Your tires are the only things on your car that come into contact with the road, and they’re a critical part of your winter driving safety. If you think “all season” tires are winter tires, think again. According to Jessica Egerton, Director of Brand Development for Cooper Tires, “Winter tires are specifically designed and formulated to improve braking and handling on snow and ice. While all-season tires are a great option for many people, if you live in an area that sees snow or severe winter conditions, we recommend installing winter tires from November through March.”

Did you know … Snow-on-snow grip is better than rubber-on-snow. Winter tires are often designed to trap snow in the grooves of the tire for better braking performance.

Toll booth attendant:

Why are they winter warriors? Toll booths are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year in all weather conditions. When the temperatures dip below freezing, it’s a chilly job. Toll booth attendants also alert you of adverse weather conditions — if there’s a snow event headed your way, the attendant can make sure you’re aware. Patti Mitchell, who has been a toll booth attendant for 25 years in Kansas, shares that people might be surprised to know the wealth of skills that attendants must have in order to be successful. “In addition to accurately handling and counting money, attendants must have excellent customer service skills and knowledge of the state in order to help those in need of directions,” Patti said. “Also, we know CPR and a little bit of first aid in case a customer has a medical emergency.”

Did you know … Toll booth operators do much more in addition to collecting money. They are responsible for reporting incidents and crimes, notifying headquarters about roadway hazards and issues, as well as assisting drivers that might be in distress or find themselves lost.

Morning news team:

Your local morning news team, the news anchors, meteorologists and traffic reporters, are your first line of defense to let you know what you’ll be dealing with before you walk out of the door. You’ll get updates on the latest weather conditions, and what you might expect on the drive home, too. Emily Sutton, meteorologist and storm chaser for KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City, says that forecasting winter weather is one of the most difficult parts of her job. “Any meteorologist will tell you that winter weather is one of the hardest things to forecast because it only takes a half degree temperature difference between freezing rain, sleet and snow, and that’s a game changer — especially when driving on it.”

Did you know … Most local morning news programs typically start around 4:30 a.m. That means the news team needs to wake up around 2 a.m. How do they handle it? Many set their alarms for off-times like 2:21 just to convince themselves they’re getting more sleep, never hit the snooze button, and it’s very early to bed, around 6:30 p.m.

The next time you’re headed out into winter snow, ice or sleet, you can rest easy that these winter warriors have your back. Visit Cooper Tires for more information about winter driving, and winter safety and maintenance tips.

2019-03-21T02:01:00

(BPT) – For many car owners, their vehicle is an extension of their personality — and as such they customize it to reflect their individuality and uniqueness.

That’s particularly true for young car enthusiasts ages 16 to 24, who spend $7.2 billion each year customizing their vehicles, according to a recent study by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

“More than 7.9 million young people customize, modify or upgrade their vehicles each year,” says SEMA Director-Market Research Gavin Knapp. “Their vehicles not only help them get from A to B, they are also an integral part of their social lives.”

Car modifying is an exciting creative outlet that lets young people express who they are. Larger projects become group projects, and mods give them something to talk about with friends. Here are some modifications young customizers perform on their cars:

• Wheels and tires: Almost half upgrade these elements. Original tires are upgraded to all-season models, performance slicks, off-roading tires or low-profile versions. Swapping out standard wheels for lighter options made of aluminum, alloy or carbon fiber enhances both the look and performance of any given car.
• Exterior body mods: Exterior looks matter to 42 percent of young customizers. They spend money adding tint to their windows, completely wrapping their car body or installing a body kit. Customizers also often upgrade their bumpers, mirrors, fenders and grilles to achieve unique looks.
• Interior mods: From simple changes like upgraded floor mats to more intricate modifications like installing a new dash kit or replacing upholstery, 16- to 24-year-old enthusiasts feel enhancing the interiors of their cars is just as important as modifying the exteriors. Changing the seats alone can result in a more comfortable ride.
• Lighting: Lighting modifications are some of the easier and more common upgrades performed by young car aficionados. Most exterior lighting upgrades consist of replacing the taillight and headlight covers, switching lightbulbs and/or adding lighting kits. Inside vehicles, customizers easily personalize looks by changing cabin and dash lighting to different hues.
• Mobile electronics: Upgrading a car’s sound system remains a priority for young enthusiasts, including new stereos, speakers, amplifiers or anything else that enhances sound to their liking. Other electronic upgrades may include new GPS systems, dashboard cameras, alarm systems and/or Smartphone connections.
• Performance enhancement: Young customizers enhance the performance of their cars by switching to aftermarket high-performance oil, fuel additives and engine treatments. By replacing original equipment such as brake pads and rotors with lighter counterparts, they can also lower vehicle weight. Modifications like an updated suspension system, exhaust kit, drivetrain and/or intake system can help a vehicle perform at a different level.

Those are just a few of the many types of vehicle modifications young enthusiasts routinely perform on their vehicles, made possible by the many options available to them in the $43 billion automotive aftermarket industry.

Manufacturers introduce their latest products and services every year at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the leading trade-only show for automotive industry businesses. Consumers can connect with those businesses at the official SEMA Show after-party known as SEMA Ignited, where one-of-a-kind custom vehicle builds with the newest aftermarket products (including wheels) parade out of the convention center to the ultimate car show. For more information, visit www.semaignited.com.

2019-03-20T17:01:00

(BPT) – While modern mobility may mean that distance keeps members of a family apart, more — and younger — members of many families across the country are finding significance in their heritage, and making it come alive in their own ways. Special family and cultural traditions can strengthen family bonds, provide a sense of belonging and connect the present day to a richer history. Whether tied to holidays or unique meaningful moments, gathering in together helps a family have fun and create new memories.

Although one family has grown and bottled wines in Napa Valley for almost 75 years, the iconic CK Mondavi and Family makes a point of celebrating their shared Italian heritage through food, wine and a favorite traditional pastime — bocce ball.

From their family to yours, here are a few ways you can explore and celebrate your own family traditions.

1. Identify your family’s origins and cultural heritage. With the increasing popularity of DNA kits and family websites, more people are exploring their family origins than ever before. Whether you speak with older members of your family to learn more about your background, send off your DNA in a box or explore a genealogy website — or a combination of the three — now is a great time to explore where you and your spouse or significant other’s families came from.

2. Create a family tree to share with your parents, siblings and extended family. Maybe other relatives can help fill in some of the missing pieces. Talk about what these discoveries mean to all of you, and how they help you better understand some of your family’s traditions, traits and habits. Create a photo album, collage board or scrapbook to commemorate what you’re learning about your family tree. This will be a great gift to leave your children and grandchildren someday.

3. Become a tourist of your origin countries. Whether you can travel to one or more of your origin countries for real or just become an armchair tourist for the time being, find out more about the country or countries your ancestors came from. Taste some food and wine from that region, explore the art and music of that area of the world, immerse yourself in a craft or learn to play a traditional game or sport — like bocce ball if you’re Italian — to help you identify with your origins.

4. Rediscover traditions from your family’s past and recreate them. Talk to your parents, grandparents and other elders in your family who can tell you stories about the traditions and celebrations that may have fallen by the wayside during our busy, less connected modern lives. Look through photo albums and family memorabilia and see if you can recreate a family tradition to bring the newer generations that sense of history and continuity.

5. Develop new family traditions. What could be better than enjoying a weekly or monthly dinner with your family, serving the food and wine that are part of your family’s heritage? CK Mondavi and Family is steeped in their Italian heritage. They regularly gather to play bocce ball together, and to share and enjoy food along with the wines that have become their legacy, including the 2018 spring white wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. A large portion of the grapes in CK Mondavi and Family wines are estate grown on the family’s 1,850 acres of vineyard property and the family is committed to working with American growers that they’ve had partnerships with for generations. Their wines can become a part of your family’s own traditions, new and old.

Learning about family and history is all about making connections with those people who are most meaningful to you. What better way to use what you learn about your heritage than to turn it into an opportunity to gather together and celebrate where you came from and where you’re going.