Month: April 2019

2019-04-26T05:01:00

(BPT) – What do school science projects and learning to navigate real life challenges have in common? Everything. The process of learning how to create an effective science project taps into everyday skills students need, including critical thinking and communication.

Science projects that expand beyond classroom learning challenge students to grow while learning and flexing critical life skills. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a perfect example of this by encouraging students in grades five through eight to develop innovative solutions to real-life problems such as those affecting health, safety, the environment, connectivity, energy consumption and the community. These impressive inventors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a 3M scientist mentor to bring their innovations to life, compete for $25,000 and earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

These students demonstrate an ability to take science projects to the next level. For example, 2018 3M Young Scientist Challenge winner Rishab Jain, 14, created an algorithm to make pancreatic cancer treatment more effective by using artificial intelligence to accurately locate and track the pancreas in real time during MRI radiotherapy.

The projects developed by all participants show how they use essential skills, from their initial brainstorming to developing hypotheses, through carrying out research and experiments, to presenting their findings.

Here are four ways science projects help students think critically, learn and develop crucial skills.

1. The scientific method teaches problem solving

Teaching students how to think through a problem, step by step, is a skill students will need throughout their lives. Students create science projects by using the scientific method, a process which begins with the development of a hypothesis. This means the student formulates a potential answer to a question, then uses critical thinking to test the hypothesis and form a conclusion. Along the way, failures may occur, but this is part of the process. In fact, students may learn the most from the challenges that arise during experimentation.

2. Curiosity teaches exploratory learning

The reason scientists observe and investigate in the first place is often simple curiosity. The desire to know how something works or why a reaction occurs drives a scientist to ask questions; this is the first step in thinking through new and innovative solutions. For example, if a student shows interest in chemical reactions, engaging them in chemistry projects will foster his or her inquisitive nature. This intellectual curiosity drives scientists to develop insights about the world and how they can use science to find solutions.

3. Failure teaches persistence

When conducting experiments, determination and patience are required. The chosen experiment may not effectively prove or disprove a scientist’s hypothesis; sometimes he or she must rethink the premise and assumptions. Students grow by focusing on why they chose the problem, the steps needed to solve it and the lessons they learn along the way. What students learn from each failure is equally important as getting it right in the end. Jain explains that he had to be patient when running his experiments: “While frustrating, I always reminded myself that every failure taught me something new and was just bringing me one step closer to solving the problem.” Jain’s ability to focus on the initial problem he was trying to solve — not the setbacks — helped him succeed.

4. Science fairs teach communication skills

Students who present effective science projects know it’s not just about creating colorful graphics and charts. They must be able to clearly explain what they did, why they chose that problem and how they solved it.

“Good communication skills were essential to make sure my project could be understood clearly,” said Jain. “Verbal skills were needed to be able to concisely and accurately explain the project and its relevance, while visuals helped me effectively deliver a talk to a large audience.”

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge encourages young minds across the nation to imagine innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. These young people are bound to make a better world by applying these important life skills.

2019-04-25T16:45:00

(BPT) – For pretzel lovers everywhere, this Friday is time for a huge celebration … it’s officially National Pretzel Day! To help get you in the spirit and give you the tools you need to host the ultimate celebration, Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps is here to break down a how-to guide for the ultimate Pretzel Crisps Bar.

Here are the top four tips from Campbell’s Chef Kaylee Gill:

Tip 1: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Experimenting with flavors can lead to exciting new concoctions and unlock unexpected taste profiles. This is the perfect moment to rethink your pretzel. Think outside the box, grab new flavors of Pretzel Crisps you haven’t tried before, and pair them with dips and toppings you might not always put together — remember, opposites attract.

If you find yourself stuck, think of some of your favorite foods or flavor combinations and use them as inspiration. Are you a fan of bagels and cream cheese? Try out Everything Pretzel Crisps paired with cream cheese and lox, and garnish with pickled red onions and dill for added flavor.

Tip 2: Play With Your Display

When it comes to hosting, don’t forget the importance of presentation! A great way to drum up excitement with your guests and encourage them to try out different offerings is to focus on how you’re displaying the tasty treats. Try out a high-low setup using cake stands or elevated plates to show off the bites, and incorporate a variety of looks with your everyday platters and serving ware for added flare.

A fun way to switch things up? Try out snacks that are versatile — stackable and snackable.

Tip 3: Go For Variety

Have a little fun with taste buds, and give your guests something to talk about! A great rule of thumb is to provide a range of salty and sweet options, and a variety of different base flavors.

To kick things off, you can pair everything from Original Pretzel Crisps and beet hummus to Buffalo Wing Pretzel Crisps and buttermilk ranch. And for just the right amount of sweet indulgence, try the brand new Milk Chocolate & Caramel Drizzlers with a creme fraiche or the Dark Chocolate Drizzlers with an orange-almond butter.

With all these flavors on your table, there’s always a fun new flavor profile to explore.

Tip 4: A Good Base is Key

No matter what dips and toppings you try out, don’t forget that the foundation is key. Make sure your pairings have a crowd-pleasing base. To set your display up for success, lay out an assortment of fan-favorite Pretzel Crisps and have them easily accessible throughout — from pre-spreading some for ease and inspiration, to stacking them right at your guests’ fingertips.

Make a splash on National Pretzel Day with these go-to tips, and most importantly, have fun!

2019-04-25T10:05:00

(BPT) – When you think of a list of the most common tools — tools that you start using as a kid and become part of your toolbox everywhere life takes you after that — it’s probably got five or six must-haves. That list would likely include a hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, saw and a Crescent wrench. All immediately recognizable. All recognized as essential.

But on this Mount Rushmore of tools in your toolbox, one of them might be an impostor.

“There’s a good chance that what a person thinks is a Crescent wrench isn’t actually a Crescent wrench,” said Brendan Walsh, director of product marketing at Crescent Tools. “It’s just an adjustable wrench. And, yeah, there’s a big difference.”

The misconception starts with the fact that many people don’t realize that Crescent is the name of a brand, not the tool. Crescent Tools started producing the famed adjustable wrench in 1908, and it didn’t take long for the tool to boom in popularity. The ability to essentially have multiple wrenches of different sizes in one tool was a revelation.

This happens when brands become synonymous with the thing that they sell, and consumers see it happen all the time. Kleenex, Band-Aid, Xerox, Jet Ski and even Zamboni are all brands that are referenced interchangeably as names for the items they sell. Kleenex doesn’t sell Kleenex, it sells facial tissues. On the flip side, their competitors don’t sell Kleenex, they also sell facial tissues. But everyday people commonly refer to everything as Kleenex.

And that’s what happened to Crescent’s adjustable wrench.

“I can’t blame people for doing it. I mean, it certainly rolls off the tongue faster than ‘adjustable wrench’ does,” said Walsh. “But the fact is that if it’s not made by Crescent, then it’s not a Crescent wrench. And, honestly, we take a lot of pride in that.”

Adjustable spanners — the precursors to Crescent’s adjustable wrench — had been developed as early as the 1840s, but the sliding jaw would easily bind, rendering them unusable. However in 1907, a gifted Swedish inventor named Karl Peterson founded the Crescent Tool Company in Jamestown, New York. A year later, he introduced the Crescent wrench, an adjustable wrench with a smooth-sliding jaw so superior to anything else on the market that the Crescent adjustable wrench was an instant success.

The Crescent wrench has since been the brand’s signature item, overshadowing Crescent’s growth into one of the most respected professional hand tool brands in the world. Crescent recently expanded to include five other legendary hand tool category creators: Nicholson (files), Wiss (scissors, snips and cutting tools), H.K. Porter (heavy duty cutting tools), Lufkin (measuring) and JOBOX (tool and equipment storage).

“We make so much more than the average person — even a heavy tool user — knows about,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, product manager at Crescent Tools. “We’re innovating now the same we did a hundred years ago, listening to tradesmen to develop and improve tools in ways that make their lives easier. For example, we just launched our Crescent Lufkin Shockforce measuring tapes this past March, and the reaction over how innovative they are has been overwhelming. Tradesmen didn’t know that tapes could be improved so much, but we’re doing it.”

While other hand tool brands don’t market their adjustable wrenches as “Crescent” wrenches, consumers still use the term interchangeably regardless of the brand.

“It feels good to know we’ve built a tool that is so popular and so well respected that its name has become the default name for the tool itself, but it’s important to know that the brand matters. It’s not a Crescent wrench unless it’s a Crescent wrench.”

2019-04-24T22:01:01

(BPT) – When temperatures start going up, so do your energy bills. Follow these tips to save money, while staying cool this summer.

2019-04-24T13:21:48

(BPT) – It is no secret that building up the motivation to exercise can sometimes be more challenging than the workout itself. But what if you already have the tools you need to find your motivation?

It might be as easy as assembling a playlist of your favorite songs, or finally repurposing that tote bag you always mean to bring to the grocery store to be your gym bag. Let’s explore some new — and maybe unexpected — ways to help unleash that motivation.

1) Put together a dynamite playlist

Put your favorite tunes together to power you through a workout or download a new podcast for a cardio session.

2) Repurpose an old bag to be your gym bag

Having a dedicated gym bag that you prepare the night before is a great way to feel ready to hit the gym, while also keeping yourself accountable.

3) Wear your workout clothes more

While it might seem like wishful thinking, science has shown that the clothes we wear can impact our behavior. If you plan to exercise in the afternoon, try putting on your workout clothes right when you wake up.

4) Keep yourself accountable and inspired

Log your workouts in a notebook or journal, or place inspiring sticky-notes around the house to remind you of your goals.

5) Treat yourself, every once in a while

Reach a fitness goal and want to celebrate? A great way to honor your success while being practical might be treating yourself to a new workout outfit or a snazzy new pair of sneakers. A little something new might just help power you to achieve your next goal.

To take a more active role in your health, some health plans, including UnitedHealthcare, offer gym memberships at no additional cost. To learn more, visit UHCMedicarePlans.com.

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Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

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2019-04-24T16:31:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again, when smaller smiles, tinier helping hands and bigger imaginations start coming into work — this Thursday is Bring Your Kids to Work Day!

It’s an annual tradition at workplaces nationwide and a perfect time for families everywhere to make memories and connections. This year, Lance — the beloved maker of the original Lance sandwich cracker who this week is announcing a bite-sized version, Lance Minis — is calling on families and workplaces across the country to get involved and make the most of the day.

They are rallying around the day after uncovering that while just over one third (38%) of working parents participates in Bring Your Kids to Work Day, 84% agree that their child feels more connected with them after taking part. So, Lance is here to help foster those connections and get behind this “Mini Me Moment” for families everywhere.

Here are the top three hacks for making the most of your day!

1. Get involved!

The first step is to prioritize participating in the day! While our work days may be busy and sometimes stressful, Lance research revealed that a strong majority of parents (85%) agree Bring Your Kids to Work Day has a positive impact on the kids, and 80% agree they feel more connected with their child after participating in the day.

Mark the day on your calendar and work on scheduling kid-friendly meetings or appointments that day. And don’t fret if you’re not able to get involved on the day itself — you can always explore picking an alternate date, or if your workplace isn’t kid-friendly, you can have your own “What Work Is Like” session with your child at home. Feel free to get creative!

2. Plan Ahead

While the majority of parents see strong benefits for the day, the main hurdle is knowing what to do. More than 1 in 3 parents don’t know what to do with their child when they bring them into the office (34%), and a strong majority (71%) wish they had more activities to do with their child on the day.

Chances are work keeps you busy during the day, so you can certainly find some fun ways to keep your child engaged as well! Consider speaking with your workplace to see if any kid-friendly activities might be possible — like a fun office immersion, a lesson from experts or a work-related scavenger hunt. And there are plenty of ways to take the schedule into your own hands! Parents today say the top activities they swear by for the day are introducing their child to the boss (74%), giving an office tour (71%), shadowing through daily routines (69%) and breaking for snack time (65%).

3. Focus on Connecting

No matter what, it’s good to keep your eye on what’s important — the number one reason parents say they participate in Bring Your Kids to Work Day is to connect with their child. Leverage activities as teaching moments. Use snack time as an occasion to be present and engage. Try asking and answering questions whenever possible. And ultimately, take this as an opportunity to bridge home life and work life in a way that inspires your children — and it might even inspire you too!

To learn more about Lance Sandwich Crackers and Lance Minis, visit www.lance.com.

2019-04-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – Making changes to improve your health can feel overwhelming. But just a few simple modifications can impact your health dramatically. Here are three easy changes you can make now to transform your health:

Eat your water

Are you thirsty? Up to 75 percent of Americans may be functioning in a chronic state of dehydration. This lack of hydration also leads to many other health issues. Every cell in your body needs water to function, but often people don’t realize they’re dehydrated. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Thirst isn’t always a reliable early indicator of the body’s need for water. Many people, particularly older adults, don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated.”

Most people learn that water exists in three forms — liquid, gas and solid. But there is a fourth form of water called “gel water” that’s the most hydrating. It’s found in plant cells and contains glucose and/or sodium, which helps your body absorb it in the small intestine. This is critical because the small intestine is where 95 percent of water is absorbed into your body.

Gel water can be found in high concentrations in fruits and vegetables like cucumber, celery, watermelon and cantaloupe. One great way to stay well-hydrated is to drink smoothies. Blend fruits and vegetables in a smoothie and add coconut water to provide electrolytes. Drink this hydration-booster every morning, along with 3.5 liters of fluid water throughout the day.

Here’s a final hydration boosting tip: Add a handful of ground chia seeds to your smoothie or beverage. Ground chia seeds absorb 30 times their weight in water and turn fluid water into gel water. They also slow the passage of water through your digestive tract, giving the body more time to absorb it.

Stop taking your multivitamin pill

Despite evidence that they are poorly absorbed, more than 200 million Americans take supplements daily. Most tablets and capsules contain relatively large, dense and difficult-to-absorb particles that are often more than 10 times too big to be absorbed. Some scientists even believe these sand-like particles may be scratching the lining of the gut, causing inflammation.

There’s another option. Consider taking safer, more natural, more effective alternatives to pills that are better absorbed. A new category of supplements called microgels uses an advanced technology to replace tablets and capsules. Microgels allow for maximum absorption of ingredients into the body by releasing extremely small, ultra-bioavailable nutrient particles in the digestive tract. These microgels are a more natural way to supplement the diet — they are 100 percent free of synthetic binding glues, fillers and coatings listed as “other ingredients” in many supplements.

One example of a high quality microgel multivitamin is Bioactive Multi by Healthycell. Available in convenient individual packets, you can take Bioactive Multi straight from the gel pack, add it to a drink or meal, or even blend it into yogurt or smoothies. Learn more at www.healthycell.com.

Use micro-techniques to reduce stress

Most of us are well-acquainted with stress. Studies show stress has negative effects on organs and tissues, including the brain, circulatory system and immune system. Many Americans report insomnia, anxiety, anger or fatigue due to stress.

There are some quick and easy ways you can reduce your stress level in a healthy way. It’s unlikely that anybody can remove stress completely, but if you have the discipline to incorporate just three simple techniques into your daily routine, you may be surprised at the calming benefits you can experience in just 5 to 10 minutes.

First, just take five deep breaths with your eyes closed a few times per day or whenever you feel stressed.

Second, meditate for another 5 minutes per day to clear your mind. Meditation may sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you may think to get started. There are even apps you can use on your phone for free guided meditations, like Sattva Meditations & Mantras or Insight Timer.

Third, smile. Studies show the act of smiling affects brain chemistry to make you feel happier by immediately changing your hormone and stress levels.

Just three steps

In just three easy steps, you can start making progress toward improving your health. Take a deep breath, drink a smoothie loaded with fruits and veggies, and take your microgel vitamin. Smile: You’ve got this.

2019-04-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – In keeping with tradition this time of year, parents across America are getting ready to celebrate the graduation achievements of their children, nieces, nephews and other friends and relatives.

Many will be moving forward from preschool, elementary school or middle school. A whopping 3.3 million will graduate from high school. And at the college level, students are expected to have earned an impressive one million associate’s degrees; 1.9 million bachelor’s degrees; 780,000 master’s degrees and 182,000 doctor’s degrees over the 2018-19 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Because these milestones are such an important part of life, your graduate will want to preserve memories of friends, accomplishments and key experiences gathered along the way. If you’re a proud parent helping your student celebrate this transition into the next phase of life, here are some ways to make it feel extra special.

• Share the great news. Even if you’re not planning a huge event, you can still show pride in your grad’s achievement by mailing out personalized announcements that include graduation photos. Friends and family will appreciate hearing that your student has passed a milestone and moved on to the next stage of life. And the photo will give them a tangible memento they can display and keep.
• Plan a personalized grad party. Honor your graduate’s individuality by creating customized signs, banners, tableware, balloons, favors, candy, a cake and/or other party gear that features their name, image, hobbies, school colors and logos, etc. You might even spring for a life-sized standalone cut-out of the guest of honor. Many personalized products can be easily created at the self-service Kodak Picture Kiosks available at most CVS and Target stores across the nation. In fact, most can be completed and returned on the same day they’re ordered.
• Serve up your grad’s favorites. In American culture, love is often expressed through food. Whether your celebration will consist of a big party or a small, private family affair, putting your grad’s favorite food and drink on the menu will show him or her you care. Of course, that’s made easy now that graduation parties feature such a wide range of cuisines; consider ordering take-out from your grad’s favorite BBQ restaurant or having your local supermarket hand-craft beautiful sushi platters to serve to guests.
• Make a personalized playlist. Compile and record a selection of your grad’s favorite music to play at his or her celebration party. Sprinkle in other songs that may bring a smile; consider childhood favorites, tunes with sentimental lyrics, school fight songs and/or music associated with band, orchestra, theater or dance performances.
• Commemorate friendships through photo gifts. Your grad and his or her classmates will treasure their school memories well into the future if you custom-create gifts featuring their favorite photos. Digital photos can be brought to better light, and create more smiles, when they’re turned into functional items like keepsake boxes, calendars, mugs and magnets on KodakMoments.com.

Your child will remember his graduation celebration for years to come if you personalize every element. Start planning the details now so you can be ready by the end of the school year.