Month: April 2019

2019-04-18T18:37:00

(BPT) – Chances are, you consider your animal companion part of the family. You care about what your pet eats, and you want what’s healthiest for everyone, including your pet. You also may care about promoting a healthy environment and using products that are eco-friendly and good for all of you.

There are many ways you can provide for your four-legged friends while making responsible choices for the environment, from where you find your pets to how you care for them.

Adopt your pet

Adopting your pet from a local shelter helps animals in your community. One great resource to find a new pet is www.petfinder.com, which also provides useful information about local shelters and opportunities to foster pets or volunteer. And having your cat or dog spayed or neutered helps to reduce the number of pets unable to find a home.

Feed your pet responsibly sourced and sustainably produced food

Look for companies that use responsibly, sustainably sourced food that also provides high-quality nutrition for your animal companion. For example, Purina ensures that every ingredient in their pet food serves a nutritional purpose, and they know how and where each ingredient is grown or raised.

Purina is moving toward 100% zero waste for disposal by 2020, and is also committed to making 100% of their packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025. Today, 80% of their packaging in the U.S. is recyclable. To learn more about the company’s commitment to the environment, visit www.purina.com/sustainability.

Use renewable and biodegradable pet products

No matter what pets you have in your home, you have to deal with waste disposal. For cat owners, cat litter has seen a green revolution in recent years. For an earth-friendly option, you can choose Purina’s Yesterday’s News Cat Litter, which is made from recycled newspaper.

For dog owners, many brands of biodegradable bags are available for scooping up feces when you’re on daily walks.

If you care for animals like guinea pigs or hamsters, you can find eco-friendly bedding made from products like biodegradable, compostable recycled paper fibers or wheat straw. Check the labels to ensure the materials are biodegradable.

Find earth-friendly grooming products

For bathing your dog, plenty of pet shampoos and other grooming products are made without fragrances. Dogs have a strong sense of smell, so added chemicals can easily bother them. Look for pH-balanced soaps and shampoos containing no alcohols, sulfates, parabens or other preservatives. These options will not only prevent irritation or allergic reactions in your dog, but will make the bathing experience more pleasant for you as well.

If you use a groomer, ask what products they use, and if their products are not natural, ask if they’d let you bring products you are more comfortable with.

Play with recycled pet toys

Jumping on the sustainability bandwagon are plenty of dog and cat toys using recycled products or renewable natural resources. For example, you can find many dog chews or tug toys made from hemp fiber or canvas — with minimal packaging. Look for toy and product labels that tell you what materials are used and whether the products are eco-friendly. As with all toys, ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your specific pet based on his or her unique play style.

For cats, DIYers can find great satisfaction creating inventive cat jungle gyms using items like recycled wood pallets and carpet scraps. It’s a good feeling to provide your pets with products that will not only keep them safe, but are good for the planet as well. When choosing to buy products for your cat or dog, ask or research the company on the internet to find out more about the recycled or reclaimed materials used, or how they were processed, to ensure they’re safe for your pet.

Today there are many choices for pet owners looking for food, toys and other supplies made in an eco-friendly way. No matter what pets you share your life with, you can help the planet by choosing responsible, sustainable products that will provide them with a healthy, happy life.

2019-04-18T12:01:00

(BPT) – Spring gives way to many new things — flowers, smells and new home projects (to name a few). But new doesn’t always have to mean “doing it yourself” (DIY), especially when some projects can become daunting, fast! It might be best for you to ask a professional to “do it for me” (DIFM).

Just as you may hire a landscaper to care for your yard or bring in a designer to offer fresh ideas for your home, choosing the right smart home technology is streamlined with the expertise of a professional. In fact, a recent survey conducted on behalf of Resideo by YouGov found that consumers prefer a professional install their smart devices.

2019-04-18T17:35:17

(BPT) – These days, home upgrades are increasingly focused on one key feature: connectivity. In 2019, buyers want smart homes they can easily control from anywhere. From smart HVAC and sprinkler systems to connected garage door openers, it’s all about creating convenience and comfort.

Here are four examples of smart home improvements that add value:

1) Fully connected security systems

Security systems are nothing new, but the technology used to arm those systems is changing rapidly. Home security companies now offer fully connected systems that allow users to protect and monitor their homes from any smart device. Whether it’s a live video feed, the ability to lock and unlock doors remotely or just checking that all sensors are working properly, integrated security systems offer peace of mind. Having the infrastructure in place can be a selling point for buyers who want to make sure their new home is as safe as possible, given they’ll only have to set up the monitoring subscription upon move-in.

2) Smart garages for convenience and safety

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value survey, a garage door replacement is the number one home improvement project in terms of return on investment. But homeowners are taking it a step further and installing new technology to make the garage more user friendly. For example, the SilentMax Connect garage door opener from The Genie Company comes with Aladdin Connect technology built in to improve convenience and functionality. Not only is the opener quiet — ideal for attached garages — but the connectivity features allow you to check whether your garage door is open or closed, grant individual access with virtual keys, instantly know when someone is operating your garage door (authorized or not), and provide a log of when each opener was used — all from your phone or smart device. You can open the garage door remotely for delivery people, a housekeeper or for your child coming home from school. Considering your garage is one of the most accessed points in your home, this is a useful security feature and proves that garages offer more than just storage space. With the right connectivity tools and features, they can provide convenience that will be attractive to future owners.

3) Smart thermostats save energy, increase comfort

As home improvement trends go, increased connectivity is rivaled only by the desire for more energy-efficient homes. Smart thermostats accomplish both these aims and can increase the value of your home in the process. Smart thermostats let you easily control the temperature in your home from any connected device. You can set a daily schedule for your heater, adjust the temperature in individual rooms or let the system program itself based on your usage history. For energy-conscious buyers, this kind of technology provides a way of living that’s as aspirational as it is attainable.

4) Programmable lighting is a must-have

Smart lighting has turned from a novelty to a practical tool as products have gotten more advanced. Programmable lighting allows you to schedule when your lights will come on, turn lights on and off remotely, or change the lighting to improve aesthetics. With a smart lighting system, you’ll never have to get out of bed to turn the lights off downstairs, and you can always come home to a fully lit house, boosting your sense of security. With these kinds of applications, your home’s lighting can go from a ‘given’ to a must-have, attracting buyers like a moth to a flame.

New, smart products are hitting the market every day. For homeowners savvy enough to incorporate this technology into their homes, they’ll not only be more connected, but they’ll likely see more offers rolling in when it comes time to sell.

2019-04-18T09:05:00

(BPT) – Unwind, relax and rejuvenate — these are the words associated with enjoying a warm bath. Bathing is an indulgence that has remained popular for centuries and is especially important today as you work to find balance in a fast-paced lifestyle.

Hydrotherapy provides the perfect solution with innumerable benefits in self-care, wellness and general de-stressing. Here are some of the main benefits:

Boost your immune system

Hydrotherapy helps increase blood flow and the circulation of white blood cells around the body. This assists your immune system in collecting and removing unwanted materials from the body, which strengthens your immune system to fight colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Reduce tension and relieve pain

The weightlessness you experience in water helps relieve tension in your arms, legs and back, soothing aching muscles and easing movement. Hydrotherapy also stimulates endorphin release, which helps relieve pain naturally and reduce muscle soreness. It’s also a great way to recover after a tough workout or a stressful day. Many newer bathtubs feature pain-relieving technology, like Kohler Heated BubbleMassage, which produces a massaging effect and consistently delivers warm bubbles to slow down the cooling process of the water.

Breathe easy and de-stress

Immersing yourself in warm water helps open your chest, increasing your lung capacity and oxygen intake. Your heart beats faster and the steam from the water clears your sinuses. Taking deep, slow breaths calms your body and helps you relax, relieving your mind and body from stress. Steam from a hot bath also works wonders for cold and flu symptoms like congestion and coughing. It gets the blood vessels in your face and nose moving and loosens any mucus blockage.

Balance your hormones

Hydrotherapy can be helpful for some chronic conditions. Bathing in cooler temperatures helps balance hormones released by the pituitary gland while warm water bathing can increase serotonin levels, the brain chemical associated with happiness and well-being.

Regulate your body temperature

There’s nothing better than stepping into a warm tub on a cold winter day. Alternatively, jumping into a pool of cool water on a hot, sticky day is just as refreshing. Adjust your bath temperature according to the season to get your body temperature back to a comfortable place.

Improve your sleep quality

For optimal sleep, many sleep experts recommend setting your bedroom temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. But a hot bath before bed can yield similar results. At night, your body temperature drops naturally to signal the production of melatonin, the sleeping hormone. Soaking in a warm bath will raise your body temperature, and exiting will more rapidly cool it down, better preparing you for a good night’s rest.

Enjoy these health and wellness benefits by adding hydrotherapy to your self-care routine. To learn more, visit Kohler.com.

2019-04-17T13:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored ad content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

Emergencies by nature happen when we least expect them, and often at an inconvenient time. From a minor emergency like a car or home repair to more serious emergencies like a medical issue or unemployment, handling the emergency becomes easier when you’re prepared financially. If going into debt — or further into debt — is the only way you can handle one of life’s curveballs, then it’s time to find a solution before one small emergency creates further problems down the road. There’s nothing worse than adding a financial burden to an already difficult situation.

Fortunately, it is possible to help your future self and reduce the impact a potential emergency can have by creating an emergency fund. This means saving money that you will only use toward that “rainy day,” when you really need it — not for pricey concert tickets or a vacation splurge.

“Having an emergency fund provides a sense of ease when making financial decisions and budgeting,” says Jason Langston, director of customer experience at Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. “With discipline and planning, it’s a security that can help make life’s obstacles more manageable for families when unexpected expenses occur.”

Here are a few tips for building an emergency fund.

Decide how much to save. How much money do you need to set aside for your emergency fund? Many financial experts recommend saving about three to six months’ worth of total expenses. In other words, money enough to pay all the bills for a few months to half a year, in case you are unable to work or have a sudden, large expense. That may seem like a lot of money, but it’s possible to achieve this savings goal if you save a little at a time.

Start small. Consider depositing your emergency funds in a separate, easily accessible — but not too accessible — account. Make sure it is not an account that you can easily dip into for daily expenses. Creating a budget and finding areas you can save are essential to determining how much money can be tucked away each month. Then set a goal that is not out of reach for you, and conquer it! For example, try to have $500 saved in your emergency fund in one year; that comes out to only about $42 a month — or about a buck fifty a day. That seems entirely doable! Skipping a coffee shop latte every other day should do the trick.

Conquer one goal at a time. Celebrate when you reach the goal, but not by spending. Make a special at-home dinner with your family and talk about the good feeling you have knowing that you’ll be able to handle a minor emergency, thanks to your savings. This is a great lesson to teach your children about finances. Then set your next goal right away. Over time, your $500 will become $1,000, then $2,000. Soon, your emergency fund will be sufficiently filled. You’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you’ll be financially prepared if the unexpected comes your way.

Most of us don’t like to think about emergencies, because we don’t want to believe that they’ll happen. But, if you have the discipline to save for those unexpected surprises, your future self will be thanking you for your emergency fund when the unexpected happens.

About Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. is a national housing lender that specializes in financing manufactured homes. In business for more than 40 years, the company currently services more than 200,000 home loans and works hard to tailor loans to each family’s needs. Vanderbilt has an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau and is a Berkshire Hathaway company. For more information, visit VMFHomeLoan.com.

NMLS Disclosure

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

2019-04-17T13:41:00

(BPT) – Building the confidence to try, experiment and keep going even when things get hard is a critical part of the educational process. Confidence comes more naturally to some students than others, yet new research shows that confidence levels today impact learning outcomes for students.

Three-quarters of teachers say anxiety and lack of confidence hinder learning among their students, according to the Confidence in Learning Poll conducted by Harris Insights and Analytics on behalf of LEGO Education. Two-thirds of parents agree their children are not more confident than their peers or themselves at that age.

This is impacting students’ education in many ways, particularly in the important STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics). The poll found fewer than one in five students is “very confident” when it comes to learning STEAM, while only one in three teachers says their students are more confident in STEAM subjects compared to five years ago.

As we think about preparing students for the future workforce, 65% of children entering primary school today will ultimately end up working in new jobs that don’t yet exist, according to the World Economic Forum. This makes confidence in STEAM especially important as we prepare kids for unknown needs.

Building confidence

Consider the middle-school years as an important time to grow and maintain confidence levels among students. A time of tremendous physical change, kids are also dealing with new academic and social pressures, too. The good news is both parents and educators can take basic steps to help boost confidence in learning to help middle-school kids at home and at school.

With confidence such a key component of learning success, how can parents and educators keep levels high so that students not only succeed at learning, but also find joy in it? The key is hands-on learning. A whopping 97 percent of teachers in the U.S. say that hands-on learning builds confidence among their students, though that doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. Here are simple ways to help middle-schoolers gain confidence in themselves and their education:

Hands-on learning at home

Adults who incorporate hands-on learning can make a big impact, with 87 percent of students reporting that when they learn via hands-on projects, they tend to remember the topics for longer. At home, invite kids into the kitchen to cook together, talking about measurements and reactions of cooking ingredients before enjoying a meal as a family. Another idea: Have them help out as you use tools to work on your car, discussing the problem, brainstorming the potential solutions and fixing it together.

Hands-on learning at school

When projects come to life, kids can learn through collaboration and exploration, which can help improve processing and retention. The new LEGO Education SPIKE Prime, bringing together familiar LEGO bricks with digital programming, lets students learn essential 21st-century skills through a hands-on approach. The kit includes guides for 32 different creations, though the possibilities are limitless. “We believe deeply in the value of hands-on learning experiences to build curiosity and confidence, spur development, bring more joy to learning and spark imagination — and that’s exactly what SPIKE Prime offers,” said Esben Stark Jørgensen, president of LEGO Education.

Ask questions through open discussions

Having open, engaging and nonjudgmental conversations with middle-school kids is important to breaking down barriers. Let them lead the conversation, but if it stalls out, take the lead by asking questions about how they think and feel. Remember, no answer or thought is a bad one. It’s also important, as an adult, to show vulnerability. If you can show you’re OK being comfortable with success or failure, it helps them gain confidence that it’s OK to feel that way, too.

To learn more about confidence-building, educational opportunities and LEGO Education SPIKE Prime, visit LEGOeducation.com/SPIKEprime.

2019-04-17T15:47:51

(BPT) – “You’re sitting at home one night and get a phone call that your husband is being medevaced and he’s coming home. They said it was for spinal injuries,” recalled Mandy Spooneybarger, 36, caregiver to her husband, Charles, an Army veteran. “You have to live in your new normal. It’s stressful. It’s isolating. You have to let go of what you had. That is the hardest part. Sometimes it takes years. You can find strength from the person you are caring for. If you can, find other support.”

One place to find that support has been the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. The organization recently received a grant from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign for innovative and evidence-based programs that address the long-term needs of military caregivers, spouses, parents and loved ones caring for servicemembers and veterans at home.

Veterans depend on caregivers

“The ALA recognizes that many veterans depend daily on their dedicated caregivers,” said Kathy Dungan, national president of the organization. “We recognize how important it is to support caregivers and address the unique stresses they face to help ensure our nation’s heroes are supported for years to come.”

At the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) last fall, the grant helped the Auxiliary provide several opportunities to empower caregivers and provide social support. Respite bags were handed out to each caregiver at registration. Although the event is centered around veterans, the bags and warm welcomes from Auxiliary volunteers and staff made the caregivers feel special. Programs relevant to the needs of military caregivers are typically focused on the servicemember or veteran, and only incidentally related to the caregiver’s role. There are gaps in needed programs, which the grant helped to address. In addition, the funding provided the opportunity to build skills and confidence as caregivers.

Caregivers need support too

Dolores Kostiw, 71, caregiver to her husband, Steve, an Air Force veteran, said, “I retired two years ago. I’m around to help do what he needs to do, make sure he gets in and out of the shower OK. If he needs help with his shoes or dressing of any sort, I can try and help him with that. It’s very hard because he’s first — I have to make sure he’s OK and everything before I can take care of myself.”

According to a Rand Corp. study, there are more than 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers in the U.S. They spend many hours tending to the visible and invisible injuries or illnesses of their loved ones. In the study, 17 percent of civilian caregivers reported spending more than 40 hours per week providing care; 12 percent of post-9/11 military caregivers and 10 percent of pre-9/11 military caregivers spent more than 40 hours per week.

It’s OK not to be OK and ask for help

“Anger is a big thing. Address that as soon as you can,” said Spooneybarger. “Because that’s the biggest reason I see why people leave their spouses — unresolved anger. They take it out on the only safe place they know — the person holding their hand through the whole process.”

For Kostiw, it’s about finding time for herself.

“More than once, you think, I can’t do this anymore, I want to get out of it, but then he needs something, and I have to be there for him to give it to him,” she said. “Do what you can and if you can’t do it, ask for help.”

Through the educational program and social support opportunities that were offered at the NVCAF, Kostiw and others learned it was OK to not be OK and to ask for help as a caregiver. They had the opportunity to show their emotions in a welcoming environment with others in similar situations. Some also offered suggestions on how to cope, based on their own experiences.

To learn more about how to get involved in the ongoing work of supporting caregivers and to give back to veterans, the military and their families, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

2019-04-17T16:01:00

(BPT) – Building strong credit is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself. It can affect everything from getting a loan, to renting an apartment, to even getting your very own cell phone plan. But building or repairing your credit doesn’t happen overnight, it’s something that takes time. If you’re committed to improving your financial wellness, it could be time to consider a secured credit card.

Secured cards are a great way to help establish credit for the first time and can even help you repair credit if needed. A secured card is a little different than an unsecured card, as secured cards are funded by the cardholder. So instead of a bank or credit union extending you a line of credit, you front a deposit that’s then used as your credit line. However, not all secured cards are created equally.

Here’s what you should be looking for in a secured credit card:

1. A credit limit that feels right.

Secured cards require a security deposit from the applicant, usually falling anywhere from $200 to $500.

“Let’s say you put down a $500 deposit. If approved, the issuer will then extend a $500 credit line,” said Justin Zeidman, manager of credit card products at Navy Federal Credit Union. Borrowing against your own money may seem pointless, but the reward for good behavior is priceless.

“Like a normal credit card, your activity will be reported to the credit bureaus, so make sure to make on-time, monthly payments. By using your card responsibly, you’ll prove to the issuer that you understand how to handle credit,” said Zeidman.

2. Avoid being bogged down by fees.

The last thing anyone should have to worry about while trying to build or repair credit are fees. Avoid secured cards that charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees.

“Secured cards are about building strong financial habits and getting comfortable with credit. Find a secured card with no fees and use your card how and where you want to — and focus on making those monthly payments,” added Zeidman.

3. A credit monitoring tool.

Look for a card that provides you with free access to your FICO score so that you can track your progress as you use your secured card responsibly. “Actually seeing the impact that responsible credit can have on your credit score helps to reinforce positive habits and makes it easier to celebrate your progress as you work towards your credit goals,” said Zeidman.

4. Ability to earn rewards.

Rewards aren’t a guarantee with secured cards, but some financial institutions do offer rewards opportunities for secured card holders. Take Navy Federal’s nRewards Secured credit card, for example, which allows you to earn rewards for the purchases you make. Those reward points can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise and everyone’s favorite — cash. Although a decent secured card doesn’t require this kind of rewards program, if you’re working to build up your credit you might as well get rewarded while doing it!

5. A chance to upgrade.

A secured card is a great introduction to building credit, but eventually, you’ll be ready for something a little more advanced. Some issuers will automatically upgrade you from a secured card to a non-secured card if you continue to practice strong financial habits. For example, starting at six months, Navy Federal will review your account monthly to see if you’re eligible to be upgraded from their nRewards secured card to their cashRewards unsecured card. A bonus not many other financial intuitions offer.

Secured cards often act as a stepping stone into the world of credit cards, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Do some research and find a card that fits your needs. Finding the right secured card could be just what you need to get things back on track.

2019-04-17T16:01:45

(BPT) – There is no such thing as TMI (too much information) when it comes to communicating facts about your health with your physician anesthesiologist before surgery or a medical procedure. You might not think taking ginkgo biloba for memory, using medical marijuana for pain, smoking or snoring are relevant, but these supplements, drugs and conditions are among the eight things you should disclose for your own safety.

“Your physician anesthesiologist isn’t interested in judging you, but rather wants to provide the safest, most effective anesthesia and pain relief,” said Dr. Linda J. Mason, M.D., FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Your safety is our priority and this information is essential so we can adjust your anesthesia and pain management to ensure the best outcome.”

Anesthesiology was the first medical specialty to focus on championing safety, and the group urges patients to be forthcoming about their health information.

Be sure to tell your physician anesthesiologist if you:

1) Take anything for your health, including:

– Medications — Many medications can affect anesthesia or pain management. While some medications (such as blood pressure medications) should be continued even during surgery, others may need to be paused for a day or longer. Discuss all your medications so the physician anesthesiologist can determine the best course of action.

– Supplements — Certain supplements can interact with anesthesia. Many people take ginkgo biloba to improve their memory or ginseng as an immune system booster, but both can increase the risk of bleeding. Discuss what supplements you take and the dosage.

2) Smoke. Smoking damages your heart and lungs, can lead to breathing problems during or after surgery and increases your risk of: developing pneumonia; needing a ventilator to help you breathe after surgery; suffering a heart attack during or after surgery; and reducing blood flow, which slows healing and increases the chance of infection. You will likely need to stop smoking at least a week or more before the procedure.

3) Use marijuana. Marijuana has a sedative affect and can interact with anesthesia, so discuss if you partake, whether by eating edibles, smoking or other methods.

4) Drink alcohol. More than two alcoholic drinks a day can increase your risk of side effects from anesthesia as well as affect the amount of anesthesia you’ll need. You may be asked to abstain before surgery.

5) Snore. If your snoring is caused by sleep apnea, anesthesia is riskier because sleep apnea slows breathing and increases sensitivity to side effects. Sleep apnea also can make it more difficult for you to regain consciousness after surgery, so the sedative may be adjusted, you may be kept in recovery longer and you may be prescribed non-opioid pain medications.

6) Have had heat stroke or suffered a stroke. If you or a family member have ever had heat stroke or suffered a stroke, both can increase your risk of having a potentially deadly reaction to anesthesia called malignant hyperthermia, which causes muscle rigidity and a sudden high fever.

7) Have had a reaction to anesthesia. It’s important to share if you’ve had a bad reaction to anesthesia during previous procedures. You will need to answer detailed questions about what happened so your anesthesia can be adjusted to prevent it from recurring.

8) Have chronic health issues. Many chronic health conditions can have repercussions for anesthesia, including diabetes, heart disease, allergies, liver or kidney disease, asthma, high blood pressure, obesity and seizures or other neurological disorders.

You should discuss these issues and any concerns you have when you talk to your physician anesthesiologist before surgery. For example, if you are concerned about taking opioids, you can discuss alternatives.

To learn more about preparing for surgery, visit asahq.org/wscpreparingforsurgery.

2019-04-17T16:11:52

(BPT) – Did you know that what you eat affects your hair? That’s news to most people, especially those who are dealing with hair loss. While there are many possible causes for hair loss — stress, the environment, health problems — achieving thick, full and healthy hair ultimately starts with your diet. That’s because the nutrients you get from food and supplements provide the building blocks for your hair growth.

Research shows that certain nutrients, including iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin C and omega-3s are essential to healthy-growing hair, while lack of these nutrients and certain inflammatory foods can lead to hair loss and slower-growing hair.

Integrative nutrition health coach Maria Marlowe has partnered with Nioxin to spread the word about how nutrition contributes to achieving a beautiful mane. Here are her best tips about what to eat — and what to avoid — for optimal hair health.

What to consume:

Iron

Iron helps boost circulation and carries oxygen to your hair’s roots, which helps the hair grow faster and longer. An iron deficiency can lead to hair loss. Some good sources of iron include clams, beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, oysters, grass-fed beef and bison.

Zinc

Zinc is involved in hair growth and keeps the oil glands around the hair shaft working properly. If you have dandruff, slow-growing hair or hair loss, low levels of zinc might be the culprit. To ensure you have enough in your diet, try oysters, white beans, chickpeas, red kidney beans, black beans, lentils and seeds.

B vitamins

Biotin is the most well-known B vitamin that helps keep the hair thick and healthy. A deficiency can lead to hair loss. Additional B vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folate (B9) also support healthy hair growth, as B vitamins create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Eat eggs, sweet potatoes, onions, pecans, almonds, tomatoes, carrots, grass-fed beef and avocado for a diet rich in B vitamins.

Omega-3

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory powerhouses. Since your body does not produce them naturally, you must consume them through your diet. Most people associate fish, like mackerel, wild salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies with omega-3s, but you can also get them through flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds and hemp seed.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can hamper hair growth. It helps you absorb iron from plant-based foods, and supports the body in collagen formation, which is required for optimal hair growth. Food sources include bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and dark, leafy greens.

Supplements

While eating a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet on a regular basis is ideal for improving hair health, incorporating a hair-supportive supplement like Nioxin’s Recharging Complex is a great way to help you reach your nutrient needs. This once-a-day tablet contains biotin, zinc and iron, plus 14 other nutrients that support healthy-growing hair from the inside out.

What to avoid:

Sugar and high-glycemic foods

Sugar and high-glycemic foods produce inflammation in the body. They can lead to an increase in insulin, which creates more available DHT, a hormone that can cause hair follicle shrinkage and hair loss in women and men. Avoid foods like sugar, bread, cereal, pasta, crackers, cookies, cake and candy.

For more information, visit https://www.nioxin.com.