Month: May 2019

2019-05-22T00:01:00

(BPT) – Worksite hurdles are the issues or hassles that prevent employees from being engaged, successful and happy at their jobs. To help overcome these hurdles, and for more satisfied, productive employees, an increasing number of employers are looking to their employee well-being programs for answers.

According to a survey from Fidelity Investments and the National Business Group on Health, more than two-thirds (67 percent) of companies plan to expand their well-being programs over the next few years. Also, UnitedHealthcare’s 2019 Wellness Check Up Survey revealed that more than half (57 percent) of employees with access to an employer-sponsored well-being program say the initiative has had a positive effect on their health.

Creating a culture of well-being in the workplace can be challenging for employers, but it doesn’t have to be. Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health strategies, UnitedHealthcare, shares the following tips to help employers align their worksites with a focus on employee engagement, health and well-being.

1) Encourage staying active

Having a meeting? Put your walking shoes on and talk on the go by having a “walk-and-talk” meeting. Employees whose jobs require them to sit at a desk all day may appreciate the change, and it may be good for their health. Also, onsite yoga may have numerous physical and emotional benefits. Additional ideas to consider: onsite walking trails, fitness equipment and classes, treadmill conference rooms, and stand-up desks.

2) Reduce employee stress

Use available office space to create a low-lit “relaxation room” to help employees recharge and lower their stress levels. Also consider offering employees a mindfulness program that may help fill the workplace with positive energy, where working relationships are optimized and distractions give way to focus and self-awareness. Additional ideas to consider: a 5-minute stretching routine, paid time off for volunteer work and behavioral health counseling.

3) Healthier food options

Ensure healthier food options are available in vending machines and cafeterias, and at company events. Also, consider putting healthier options at eye level within those vending machines and denoting those options with stickers. Additional ideas to consider: a free onsite salad bar, onsite cooking demonstrations, a fruit sampling day or even onsite gardens to help increase teamwork.

4) Prioritize employee health

Consider banning all forms of tobacco (and vaping/e-cigarettes) from company premises, at company events and within company vehicles. Also, consider dedicating a private room for telehealth (virtual visits) appointments and allow employees to connect to a telehealth care provider as needed during the work day. Additional ideas to consider: onsite biometric screenings and flu shots, finding a wellness champion for the office, and offering financial well-being programs.

For more information about well-being programs, visit UHC.com.

2019-05-21T15:02:20

(BPT) – Gary Govanus didn’t put much thought into what he was wearing 45 years ago while working in-flight services at night at Chicago O’Hare, but by the end of that day his life would be forever changed because he reached for a hard hat at the start of his shift.

On the night of his accident, he and his team were cleaning out an Eastern 747 airplane that had electrical problems and flaps stuck in the extended position. This meant moving things in and out of the plane using an inconvenient, steep staircase.

“Because of the height of the door and the curvature of the air frame, the ramp that usually nestled up against the side of the plane at door level was now about two feet lower than the door and there was a three-foot gap between the plane and the truck,” said Govanus. “It presented an obstacle that required thought and planning to get into and out of the plane.”

Freezing cold and past quitting time, Govanus was anxious to get home to see his fiancée, who had recently arrived in town.

“I was thinking about going home and not getting into the airplane,” he said. “As I took that final step to get into the aircraft, I missed. I may not remember everything from that night, but the sight of watching the open door go by as I started my plunge is forever ingrained. I knew that I was about to find out if it was my time to die.”

He fell about 30 feet to the cement tarmac. Thanks to the position he landed in, a heavy winter coat that provided cushion and his Bullard hard hat, he survived.

“I was wearing a hard hat and that heavy jacket. The hard hat kept me alive. The jacket prevented further injury to my shoulders and arms. I came away with two compressed vertebrae and two broken wrists. I was blessed,” Govanus said.

Hard hat history

Hard hats save lives, and what you may not know is that the hard hat turns 100 this year. The hard hat comes from Kentucky-based, family-owned Bullard, founded in 1898 in San Francisco to supply carbide lamps and mining equipment to gold and copper miners. The “Hard Boiled” hat, introduced in 1919, was the first of many innovative designs over the past century in head protection and safety equipment.

During the 1930s, while the Golden Gate Bridge was being constructed in San Francisco, bridge engineer Joseph B. Strauss asked the company to adapt its hats to protect bridge workers. This was the first-ever designated “hard hat area.” The company continued to innovate the hard hat. In 1938, they designed and manufactured the first aluminum hard hat, considered durable and reasonably lightweight for the time.

The company’s distinctive three-rib, heat-resistant fiberglass hard hat was developed in the 1940s. In the 1950s and ’60s, thermoplastics replaced fiberglass. In 1982, the standard hard hat changed again with the incorporation of a non-slip ratchet suspension with a knob in the back for simple sizing.

The modern hard hat is produced from polyethylene plastic, making it lightweight, durable, easy to mold and non-conductive to electricity. Features such as easy-lock snaps, an upgraded suspension system and enhanced air flow, make it more comfortable and convenient than ever.

Bullard is also a supporter of the Turtle Club, a group that honors those whose life was saved as a result of wearing a hard hat. Survivors can share their story via the company website, www.bullard.com.

2019-05-21T15:33:01

(BPT) – As seasons change and temperatures rise, so do the number of tire blowouts around the country. The truth is a blowout can happen anywhere and at any time. Tire failures put drivers in an unexpected, frightening and dangerous situation. And, while it’s an experience no motorist wishes to endure, it’s important to understand how to react when and if it happens.

Most tire blowouts happen from mid-May through early October, according to tire safety experts at Nokian Tyres. This is the time when the outside temperatures are warmest and drivers are traveling longer distances. However, a tire may fail at any time due to factors such as improperly repaired punctures, impact damage, improper inflation and overloading.

Properly controlling a vehicle when a tire failure occurs is key to minimizing damage to the vehicle. When a tire blows out, you may hear a loud noise, feel a vibration and/or the vehicle may pull toward the side of the failed tire. If this occurs, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:

1. Remain calm and control the vehicle

Staying calm may seem like an unrealistic expectation, especially when something as scary as a tire blowout is occurring, but you will be doing yourself a favor by keeping a straight head and handling the situation in a composed manner. Here’s how:

• Gently remove your foot from the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down gradually.
• Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel and guide the vehicle straight ahead. The tires are going to try to pull toward one side, but it’s extremely important not to turn the car.
• Pull over to the shoulder and come to a complete stop.

2. Make yourself visible to other drivers

If possible, try to pull over with the damaged tire facing away from traffic. This will make it easier and safer to observe and replace the tire. It is vital to make you and your vehicle visible to other drivers on the road. Once the vehicle has safely come to a complete stop, turn on the emergency flashers and observe your surroundings. If the road conditions are safe, exit the vehicle, put out reflective cones, if available, and assess the situation.

3. Observe the damage

If one or more of the tires looks flat, low, or shows detachment or other damage, remove the tire assembly and replace it with a properly inflated spare. Bumps or bulges in a tire may indicate detachment within the tire body and require inspection by a qualified tire technician.

4. Replace the damaged tire

Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual to find where the spare tire and necessary tools to change it are stored. If you don’t know how to switch the tire, call for roadside assistance. It’s important not to drive on the flat tire. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but it can also do more harm to your vehicle requiring costly repairs. Keep in mind that spare tires are only recommended for emergency situations and should not be driven on for long distances or at high speeds.

While tire blowouts are not 100 percent avoidable, taking proactive steps to ensure your tires are well maintained can help decrease the chances of damage. Nokian Tyres’ experts recommend taking precautions such as:

• Check tire pressure at least once a month
• Avoid driving on underinflated or overinflated tires
• Avoid overloading a vehicle
• Avoid driving over potholes and curbs
• Drive at moderate speeds to decrease the chance of a tire failing

Most importantly, a driver’s response to a tire blowout has the potential to make a huge difference in how the situation is resolved. Remaining calm and following the steps above will get you safely back on the road.

The Nokian Tyres website offers in-depth tire safety tips to help drivers tackle every road with confidence. Visit https://www.nokiantires.com/innovation/safety/tire-safety/ for more useful advice.

2019-05-21T15:25:04

(BPT) – Getting your home ready for summer means putting away the warm clothing and winter gear, clearing out clutter and making room for lighter and brighter accessories. As you prepare to tidy and organize your home for a summer of get-togethers and cookouts, 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 keep 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 tips to care for hardwood floors the right way — quickly, efficiently and safely.

1. Clear out the clutter. 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 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 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.

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 — ready for anything.

2019-05-21T11:01:04

(BPT) – Moving is an exciting time as you look forward to settling into your new home sweet home. However, it’s also a stressful time as you try to move your belongings from one place to another, as well as set up all the services you need, such as mail, cable and internet.

Before you get stressed, take a deep breath and know that in a few simple steps, you can save time while making your move easier. Here are some top tips and tricks to take the stress out of moving so you can look forward to settling into your new home:

Sort and label boxes wisely: Not only will being organized help you pack faster, it will also streamline the unpacking process at your new place. Label boxes by item type and and room. For example, one box might be labeled “kitchen: pots and pans” while another might be labeled “master bedroom: shoes.” You might also consider using colored markers for each room type or adding a shape, such as a star or triangle, for easy visual sorting. Don’t forget a box for donations to charity with items you no longer use.

Move cable and internet within minutes: If you have Xfinity, you can transfer your services digitally in about a minute through Xfinity.com. Simply log in, add the move date and new address, and schedule an installation. Having your xFi WiFi service up and running quickly means the whole family can get back online in your new home and you can shop for all those last-minute things (like new doormats) that you forgot about. If you already have X1 video service, simply say “Move with Xfinity” into your voice remote to get started.

Keep clothes hanging: It’s a pain to have to unhang clothes, fold and then rehang on hangers when you unpack. Instead, when clothes are still in your closet, group by four or five and use a garbage bag to protect and hold them together. Open the plastic bag and insert clothes from the bottom up, then tie the top around the hangers. Voila! Grouped, protected and ready to move.

Use technology to your advantage: Your smartphone is a great tool for keeping up with move to-do’s since you always have it with you. Utilize text reminders from services related to your move. For example, Xfinity sends updates on your move right to your phone through SMS, so you know what the next steps are and you don’t have to stop what you are doing and call. Also, if you want to keep your children entertained while you’re unpacking, download the Xfinity Stream app to your smartphone or tablet until the family’s TV room is up and running.

Keep important documents with you: Whether you’re moving by yourself or hiring movers, there are plenty of boxes that need to make it from point A to point B. A few things should never be in those boxes, mostly because they aren’t worth the risk of getting lost or damaged. These include personal documents such as birth certificates, bank records and wills. These should be kept with you in a safe spot at all times.

Moving can be hectic, but these five tips will help limit the chaos and simmer the stress so you can worry less and be excited more. Remember, enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

2019-05-21T08:31:00

(BPT) – Summertime is just about here, and that means new temperatures, new travel plans, and perhaps most importantly, new flavors. Finding the right flavor combinations can make or break your summer taste experiences. In fact, new research from Cape Cod Potato Chips surveying Americans 21+ finds that 71% say the key to successful summer meals and snacks is finding perfect flavor pairings.

But, identifying the perfect pair on your own isn’t always as easy as it sounds. More than three-quarters of respondents (76%) say they would love help learning how to pair flavors together.

To help kick off the summer flavor pairing season, two of New England’s iconic brands, Cape Cod Potato Chips and Samuel Adams Brewery, have come together for the first time to craft the perfect pairing: Limited Edition Cape Cod Summer Potato Chips and Samuel Adams New England IPA. The flavors have been developed to best complement each other, with the chips featuring cracked pepper and lemon flavors, accompanying the medium-bodied, hazy brew that balances sweet and bitter with bold notes of citrus and tropical juiciness.

So why do these flavors pair so well together, and what exactly makes chips and beer the ultimate duo for summer? Here are your top three tips for perfecting the art of pairing.

1. Go for the Crowd Pleasers

Whether you’re picking up items for a barbecue or setting up for an evening at home, it’s never a bad idea to grab the fan favorite flavors. Think about universally beloved tastes as your foundation, and build pairings from there. So which items round out the top favorites for a summer gathering? Americans 21+ have ranked the top must-have sides at a summer barbecue: 1) Beer, 87%; 2) Chips, 82%; 3) Potato Salad, 60%.

2. Lean Into Seasonal Flavor Favorites

Cape Cod’s new research has uncovered what Americans say are the top three flavors of the summer: 1) Citrus; 2) Sweet; 3) Salty. Start with these as a base to any flavor pairings of the season and you’ll set yourself up for a taste bud experience that’s not only tasty and refreshing, but will get you excited for the new season happening right outside your window!

3. Learn to Spot the “Complements”

When you’re first starting out, the best way to begin pairing is asking yourself what flavors and tastes will offer a complementary balance. Does it sound like the flavors share similar notes, or will bring out the best in each other? Take the Limited Edition Cape Cod Summer Potato Chips and Samuel Adams New England IPA, for example. Cape Cod Chip’s cracked pepper and lemon flavors pair with Samuel Adams IPA’s citrus fruit notes. The result? A complementary taste experience that captures the taste of summer — whether you’re at the beach or enjoying your lunch break.

And most importantly, don’t forget to sit back, relax and enjoy summer wherever you are. Because when your hand’s in the bag, your head’s in the Cape. For more information on Cape Cod Potato Chips and Samuel Adams, visit https://www.capecodchips.com/ and https://www.samueladams.com/.

Methodology: This online survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Cape Cod Potato Chips from May 13-15, 2019 among 1,047 consumers aged 21+ across the United States.