Month: May 2019

2019-05-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28th focuses on the importance of menstrual hygiene education and awareness. In honor of the day, Summers Eve, the #1 Feminine Freshness brand*, conducted a survey to reveal how modern women feel about their periods in 2019. The brand covered everything from period stigmas to common concerns during menstruation.

These same insights inspired Summers Eve’s newest line FreshCycle Cleansing Cloths and No-rinse Cleansing Foam, which is specifically designed for freshening up during your period and beyond!

*Sales Data

2019-05-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – The warm months have arrived, bringing with them longer days and the promise of new family memories to be made.

An affordable getaway to The Natural State is the perfect excuse to soak up all the fun and sun this time of year offers.

Centrally located and naturally beautiful, Arkansas is the ideal location for all types of families. Whether you’re drawn to the spa-like thermal baths and thrilling family activities in Hot Springs, the unmatched dining and historical significance of Little Rock, or the incredible underground caverns and endless watersports in northern Arkansas, there is something special for everyone to explore.

As you begin planning you next family adventure, keep these top destinations in mind:

Blanchard Springs Caverns: Located in northern Arkansas’ Ozark National Forest, Blanchard Springs Caverns is a living cave constantly growing and changing, a result of flowing mountain spring water. This attraction features beautiful views of the cave’s glistening formations, an underground river and the world’s largest flowstone. With a year-round temperature of 58 degrees, it’s a great place to explore during hot weather season. Ranked among the best cave systems in North America by USA Today and Travel Channel, it’s a can’t-miss destination for kids and parents alike.

Garvan Woodland Gardens & Treehouse: Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of southwest Arkansas, the stunning botanical gardens represent Arkansas at its best. From its dynamic architectural structures to its whimsical botanical landscapes, Garvan Woodland Gardens provides an unforgettable escape to a serene paradise. The gardens also feature an engaging Children’s Adventure Garden including a uniquely modern treehouse designed to teach children about nature through engaging and interactive exhibits.

Bathhouse Row: One of the most historic attractions in Hot Springs, Bathhouse Row was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987. This significant destination is composed of eight individual bathhouses offering visitors relaxing amenities ranging from traditional and modern spa services to a remodeled brewery and distillery.

Johnny Cash Boyhood Home: Fans of American music icon Johnny Cash and his legacy are invited to explore the 11-mile stretch of music greatness on Highway 67 in eastern Arkansas where Cash and other artists such as Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis launched their careers. Visitors will also have the chance to see Cash’s restored childhood home in Dyess, which was featured in his 2005 biopic “Walk the Line.”

Crater of Diamonds State Park: Located in Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only diamond-producing site open to the public. Visitors get a true one-of-a-kind experience — the adventure of hunting for real diamonds in the park’s 37-acre field that is the eroded surface of the world’s eighth largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. The park also includes 47 Class AAA campsites and five walk-in tent sites with free Wi-Fi, an enclosed pavilion with air conditioning and heating, picnic sites, gift shop, trails, and the Diamond Springs Water Park, a play pool for visitors of all ages.

To learn more about the wide variety of adventures available in The Natural State, check out Arkansas.com.

2019-05-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – When was the last time you had a good night’s sleep?

For many, sleep doesn’t come easy. Up to 70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. Nights are spent staring at the walls as insomnia takes control, or frequently waking from snoring or gasping for air due to untreated obstructive sleep apnea. Fortunately, achieving the recommended seven hours of healthy sleep and managing a sleep disorder is possible with help.

“Sleep should be a restorative experience, but sleep disorders are notorious for robbing us of that nightly pleasure,” said Patti Van Landingham, chair of the American Alliance for Healthy Sleep (AAHS). “Whether recently diagnosed with a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, or just noticing warning signs, such as snoring, choking during sleep or fatigue and daytime sleepiness, people need to seek support so that they can experience the joy of sleep again.”

However, where do you start and what resources are available? The AAHS, a patient-focused membership organization made up of health care providers and patients with sleep disorders, shares the following three tips to manage your sleep better:

Talk to your doctor — As a society, we often deprioritize sleep issues despite a patient’s need to address a lack of sleep. Many patients do not proactively talk to their primary care physician about their sleep during routine exams, mainly due to a perceived high cost of treatment. By asking the right questions or finding an accredited sleep center for testing and consultation, you’re one step closer to a good night’s sleep. A sleep physician can help outline a treatment strategy that can last a lifetime, helping you take back control and reduce the cycle of the frustration of losing valuable sleep.

Connect with others — Another way to improve quality of life if you suffer from a sleep disorder is to identify a one-on-one peer support group. Mentorship provides long-term support to patients who are newly diagnosed by connecting them to patients who have experience managing their sleep disorders. Patient mentor programs, such as the one offered by the AAHS, allow experienced patients to share their stories and use their firsthand experience to help guide others. For example, a newly diagnosed narcolepsy or sleep apnea patient is connected with an individual who was diagnosed with the same disorder at least two years prior and is managing his or her sleep disorder with an evidence-based treatment option. The result is a support system that offers encouragement and a new perspective on sleep at a peer level.

Stay up to date — It’s an exciting time in the sleep field, and advancements are on the horizon. From new sleep monitoring technology and more comfortable positive airway pressure machines, researchers continue to focus on new ways to provide high-quality patient-centered care. By joining together, patients and their family members can learn more about healthy sleep, access exclusive news affecting the sleep community and ultimately be a part of a collaborative discussion that furthers the success of the sleep disorders community. Together you can advocate for increased and improved care for patients and rally for more significant research funding to improve the understanding and treatment of sleep disorders. To learn more about improving your life through healthy sleep, visit www.sleepallies.org.

2019-05-22T13:35:02

(BPT) – For both novice gardeners and those with years of experience, there are always ways to improve the gardening experience and the results with innovative techniques, approaches and products. From choosing eco-friendly plant food to updating the containers used for planting, here are a few tips and products gardeners can use to up their gardening game this year, no matter what or where they want to grow.

Go organic.

The 21st century consumer is demanding new ways to grow plants. At the same time, research shows that performance is more important than ever for organic solutions. Miracle-Gro(R) Performance Organic(TM) solves this consumer pain point: no compromise, just results — guaranteed. This line of soils and plant foods features a revolutionary blend of natural and organic materials and locally sourced, specially aged compost and includes a container mix, in-ground soil and different plant nutrition options. Gardeners now have an organic solution that achieves results on par with — or better than — conventional products.

Raise your garden.

Gardeners with yards that have persistent pests and critters, or that have problems with excessive weeds, soil compaction and drainage, should consider using a raised garden bed to elevate it off the ground. This simple solution can be built to any size or height, as long as there is at least 6-12 inches of soil depth for root growth, depending on the plants (more is better). Redwood and cedar are the best types of wood for building a raised bed, according to gardening experts.

Grow vertically.

Especially with limited space, a trellis, fence or other strong support structure allows a gardener to grow upwards with ferns, bromeliads, vines or begonias as well as edible plants like tomatoes, peas, pole beans and some types of squash. This approach can also provide a beautiful aesthetic to a home’s landscape. Choose the vine varieties (not bush varieties) of vegetables when growing vertically. The structure can be built from a raised garden bed, patio or terrace, or directly from the ground, and must be strong enough to withstand the weight of mature fruits and vegetables.

Grow indoors.

For those with insufficient space for outdoor gardening or who have challenges such as poor climate or pesky critters, the answer is simple: indoor gardening. Gone are the days when a garden must grow outdoors. With the right equipment, a gardener can grow indoors year-round with little space, and feel empowered by knowing where their food came from.

The Miracle-Gro(R) Twelve(TM) Indoor Growing System is an easy-to-use, hydroponic system that is designed to blend in with home decor, while providing ideal growing conditions for plants to thrive indoors. The growing system connects to the Miracle-Gro(R) Twelve(TM) App via Bluetooth technology to monitor the water level, control the light, set a growing schedule and receive nutrient reminders.

The system is specially designed to grow a wide variety of leafy greens like kale, arugula, leaf lettuce or mustard greens, and/or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, cilantro, mint or rosemary. It can fit up to four plants at once, and it’s stackable so indoor gardeners can grow twice as many plants in the same footprint by using the Miracle-Gro(R) Twelve(TM) Stacking Kit (sold separately).

Gardeners today can take advantage of all the latest technology and products, maximizing their output and enjoying the entire gardening process, whether indoors or out. For additional gardening tips, visit www.miraclegro.com.

2019-05-22T13:45:03

(BPT) – Today’s college students bring a wide variety of needs and manage a constant juggle of responsibilities while pursuing a degree. According to the Department of Education, 74 percent of undergraduate students, described as the “new normal,” have at least one nontraditional characteristic such as being a first-generation student, having at least one dependent, or working either full or part time. Further, nearly half of students enrolled today are age 25 or older and are working to complete an unfinished degree, returning to advance their career or re-skill for a new opportunity.

As students are redefining their roles, higher education is reimagining pathways for today’s rapidly growing number of nontraditional students who are committed to earning a degree by offering more robust support programs, new technologies and flexible course schedules.

1. Supporting students beyond the classroom

Considering today’s college students are seeking a work-life-school balance, there is an increased demand for student support services to deliver helpful tools, resources and programming designed to aid students from enrollment to graduation.

Many online students are stepping back into school after years of taking time off and greatly benefit from personalized resources and support like those offered at ASU Online where students are paired with an online success coach from day one. Success coaches are a lifeline as these learners juggle life with studying and coursework. By proactively reaching out to students, coaches can quickly assist in overcoming obstacles and work to ensure online students stay on the path to graduation.

2. Technology in the classroom

A recent study found that the number of students taking online courses grew to over 6.3 million students in the U.S. and that number continues to rise. More degree specializations are now available as universities scale and expand to meet the evolving needs of students. ASU Online offers more than 200 degree programs ranging from traditional degrees to specialized programs — many of which are infusing emerging technologies bringing forward an entirely new kind of learning environment.

New technologies are also changing the way professors deliver information and how students can apply key learnings in real time. Virtual reality tools enabling completion of lab sciences courses are helping to expand the types of degrees available to online students. At ASU Online, courses are designed using state-of-the-art technology and tools providing students with a direct connection to the knowledge and expertise of university faculty.

3. Introduction of flexible class schedules

Universities are now designing flexible learning models and accelerating course offerings that better fit the modern-day student’s schedule as they balance work, parenting, education and family. Online learning provides an opportunity for students to design their own path — putting them in control. Being able to study at a time that’s most convenient — whether it’s late in the evening, early morning before kids are awake or over a lunch break — is a game changer for many busy adults. Dealing with a commute or missing class is no longer an issue as students can manage their time and create a schedule that works best for their lives.

The flexibility allows online students to be anywhere in the world while studying or attending a lecture. Further, online learners are now able to log into class at their convenience, which allows students to work at a pace that best suits them.

Online learning allows universities to meet students where they are both academically and personally. The power of innovation in online learning is visible with each new program, each new tool and the promise of each student that is able to complete a degree in a way that was simply not possible before. For more information on Arizona State University’s online offerings, visit asuonline.asu.edu.

2019-05-22T16:01:01

(BPT) – Off to work. Heading to the gym. Going to see the latest superhero movie … again. Taking the kids to soccer practice. Road trip! Wherever you’re driving to, the last things on your mind when you jump into your car are the tires.

Makes sense: To most, tires are nondescript, black and round, no big deal. Safe to say, tires get no respect. Think about it: What other parts of a car do we kick? Truth be told, tires are easily one of the most technologically advanced parts of a vehicle, influencing the braking, steering, comfort, handling, safety and fuel efficiency.

How important are tires? Well, they are the only parts actually touching the road and without tires, America stops rolling, literally. Just ask the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), a trade organization based in Washington, D.C. Among the many things they do — monitoring legislation to environmental concerns — USTMA puts on National Tire Safety Week every year to educate folks on the vital role tires play in our lives every single day.

“USTMA does a fantastic job promoting tire safety and awareness,” said Alan Holtschneider, director of marketing for Yokohama Tire, a longstanding USTMA member.

Yokohama has pitched in with “Tire Tips,” an instructional 10-part video series created to increase consumer awareness and educate the public about a wide variety of tire-related subjects. “We designed the Tire Tips videos to be not only informative, but entertaining as well,” Holtschneider said. “The idea is to really help consumers understand just how important tires actually are and help maintain them for optimum use.”

Viewers can watch Tire Tips at https://www.facebook.com/pg/yokohamatire/videos/ and learn things like how to choose the right tire for your SUV/CUV, how to make your tires last longer, why speed ratings are so important, why you should rotate your tires, and when is a tire repairable?

Holtschneider said two of the most popular videos contain tips about keeping tires properly maintained:

• Check tire pressure at least once a month — this takes about five minutes. Consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or placard on the driver’s door to determine proper tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.

• Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy a new tire. Tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, the lowest legal limit. It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 for optimal performance, especially in bad weather.

For even more tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101 or https://www.ustires.org/.

2019-05-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – Father’s Day is coming up and you’d like to give something special as a gift. Why not make your own tool organizer? Not only does this make a great gift for any father figure in your life, it’s also a fun project to do together, so you can spend quality time with your favorite dad.

Get started by following these simple DIY instructions from the experts at Arrow Fastener:

Some of the supplies you’ll need include:

PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Brad Nails BN1810CS (5/8″)
PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun
T50 STAPLES 509 (9/16″)
Power drill 1/2” drill bit Flush cut saw

For a full list of tools and materials, check out the project on arrowfastener.com.

Step 1

Attach shelf supports to the sides of the organizer. Place the two sides on a flat surface beside each other. Use a square to keep in alignment. Measure down from the top, 3-3/8” and 10-3/4”; draw guidelines from side to side. Glue shelf supports below each guideline and 3/8” in from the back; secure in place with the Arrow PT50 Pneumatic Staple Gun. Wipe away any excess glue and set aside.

Step 2

Attach shelf spacers to one shelf. Measure across shelf every 2”. Draw a guideline for accuracy. Glue spacers to the left of each guideline and 3/8” in from back; secure in place with the Arrow PT50. Wipe away any excess glue and set aside.

Step 3

Attach the sides to the back. Lightly glue the long edge of the back. Stand the back and one side upright. Use the angle bracket and 2 clamps to hold in place. Secure with the Arrow PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer. Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 4

Attach shelf supports to the back. Use the side supports as your guide. Glue and secure with the Arrow PT50.

Step 5

Dry fit the shelves, adjusting if necessary. Lightly glue along the joints of the shelf supports on the back and the sides. Set shelf in place and secure with the Arrow PT18G. Repeat for the second shelf. (Use the square to draw a guide line down the side for accuracy.)

Step 6

Attach the organizer top. Glue and secure with the Arrow PT18G.

Step 7

Place and attach the shaker pegs. For the left peg, measure in from left 4” and down 4”; drill a hole all the way through. For the right peg, measure in from the right 5-1/2” and down 2-1/2”; drill a hole all the way through. Dry fit the pegs until they stick out the back, making any necessary adjustments. Glue pegs and allow to dry for at least one hour.

Step 8

Remove any excess peg from the back using the flush cut saw.

Step 9

Use the sandpaper to sand any rough edges.

Step 10

Attach the D-rings to back of organizer. Pre-drill holes and secure in place with screws. If you want to, you can now paint or stain the tool organizer.

Step 11

You are now ready to hang your staple gun tool organizer and fill it with all of your favorite Arrow staple guns or hand tools.

Win Arrow Tools for you and your dad

Arrow Fastener is celebrating its 90th year anniversary! As part of the celebration, Arrow is sponsoring a special Father’s Day themed giveaway that recognizes that great dads are not “one size fits all” and invites visitors to Arrowfastener.com to build and share a unique “Dad-jec-tive” for a chance to win a prize pack filled with Arrow tools and fasteners for themselves and their dad.

Arrow is offering up pictographs that resemble both male and female role models, knowing that today’s dads do not fit one traditional profile. Visitors can create a unique “Dad-jec-tive” by picking five adjectives to describe their dad and selecting a Dad-moji that most resembles their dad. Twenty-five winners will be picked at random and will be announced on Arrow’s social channels on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 16.

Learn more at www.arrowfastener.com and arrowfastener.com/fathers-day-giveaway.

2019-05-22T10:59:00

(BPT) – When the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to spend a day casting on the water. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman, a novice or a family looking for a fun, all-ages activity, fishing is an easy and enjoyable choice.

Here are three reasons for you and your family to go fishing for your next day trip:

1. It’s a fun way to spend time together.

Fishing is a fun activity that gets kids outdoors and engaged, and it’s easy for anyone to participate, regardless of their age. Fishing allows friends and families to enjoy a relaxing day together, and helps keep their focus on each other, nature and the activity at hand. For kids interested in fishing on a regular basis, organized youth fishing programs are becoming increasingly popular nationwide. These programs and high school fishing teams are growing rapidly, getting support from well-known fishing companies including lure manufacturer Rapala, which sponsors the Student Angler Tournament Trail.

“We are witnessing an exciting explosion in youth enjoyment of fishing,” says Rapala marketing director Matt Jensen. “High school and college fishing teams are growing faster than we’ve ever seen and it’s encouraging kids to get into the sport at a younger age.”

These programs are a great way to teach kids fishing basics, allowing them to pursue a lifelong sport. Summer is an ideal time to sign kids up for fishing camps and schedule fishing trips for the whole family.

2. It’s accessible.

Many people live near lakes or other bodies of water, allowing easy access to the sport. For others, water may be just a short drive away, making for a perfect one-day escape or weekend getaway.

Also, fishing isn’t complicated to learn and doesn’t require a ton of expensive equipment. Whether you own or rent a boat, or fish from a dock or shoreline, learning the basics with an affordable rod and reel is something anyone can do. Also, there are plenty of lure options that make fishing a quick and fun pursuit for any skill level. Here are a few easy-to-use choices:

• The Original Floating Rapala is the world’s No. 1 “go-to” lure. Found in more tackle boxes than any other bait, it’s versatile and effective. Designed with a natural minnow profile, the bait offers anglers the ability to reach any depth, making it perfect for catching a host of game fish, no matter where they lurk. Its patented wounded minnow swimming action continues to be irresistible to fish decades after its debut.
• The Storm 360GT Searchbait is the ultimate confidence lure. Designed to be fished anywhere by anglers of all skill levels, its true-to-life rattling jig head and soft-plastic minnow profile creates a natural presentation that fools fish time and time again.
• The Rapala DT (Dives-To) Series is a favorite choice for professional bass anglers. This crankbait comes in a variety of sizes, allowing the user to target specific depths and stay in the “strike zone” longer than any other crankbait on the market. Swimming with an attention-grabbing side-to-side motion, the Rapala DT-Series is a must-have lure for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass.

3. It’s good for you.

Spending time outdoors offers significant health benefits. One huge advantage of fishing together is that it allows families to get away from screens. Everyone can set their phones and gadgets aside to enjoy time in nature and relish each other’s company without distractions.

If a child is spending too much time with electronics, breaking up their routine with an outdoor activity like fishing can expose them to the benefits of in-person interaction, engaging with the real world and experiencing the beauty of nature.

Here are additional health benefits that come with fishing outdoors:

Vitamin D. Just 10-15 minutes of midday sun provides a healthy dose of vitamin D, which helps bodies absorb calcium. This boosts bone growth and health, and fights disease. Vitamin D also elevates mood, helping with depression.

Relaxation. Being outdoors, breathing fresh air and spending time on a body of water relieves stress and lowers blood pressure. For people constantly on the go, it’s a great way to take a much-needed break.

Exercise. Walking and boating helps burn calories and increases heart rate. And even though the participants may not notice, fishing helps stretch and flex some of the body’s underused muscles.

With its widespread accessibility, health benefits and ease of participation, fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the beautiful summer weather ahead. You just might catch some fish — and have a great time doing it.