Month: June 2019

2019-06-05T17:04:26

(BPT) – Dr. Nicole Avena, assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University, explains six popular nutrition trends including sustainable snacks, new plant-based milks, prebiotics and probiotics and the latest on gummy supplements vs. traditional vitamins:

1. Matcha vs. coffee? A premium green tea powder from Japan, matcha is used for drinking as tea or as an ingredient in recipes. While coffee and matcha have about the same amount of caffeine, matcha packs lots of great antioxidants. Check the label to make sure it has been tested for heavy metals, as some matcha can contain lead from the soil where it was grown.

2. Shelf-stable probiotics vs. refrigerated? Only two strains of probiotics are shelf-stable, whereas different and diverse strains can be present in refrigerated probiotics. But, shelf-stable probiotics have the advantage that they can be used in other food products, like granolas, butter, soups, etc. Just don’t mess with the packaging or open blister packs until you want to use them, as they are packed for preservation. Dead probiotics won’t harm you, but they don’t have any health benefits either. Remember there are different probiotic strains for different issues: i.e., you don’t want to take a digestive or immunity probiotic for vaginal health issues. Instead, try Pro-B as it contains two strains of lactobacilli, which are optimal to promote vaginal health.

3. Algae oil, fish or olive oil? Algae oil is vegetarian and a source of omega-3s and DHA (good fats to support brain health). Algae oil is safe to use in pregnancy (when eating too much fish can be harmful because of mercury) and is heart healthy (studies show it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides). It also has more monounsaturated fat than olive oil.

4. Cow’s milk vs. almond milk? Despite its popularity, almond milk often has less than 2 percent actual almonds in it, has a lot of added sugar, and is not necessarily better for the environment because it takes five liters of water to grow one almond.

5. Make sure to start taking a prenatal dietary supplement like OB Complete that contains 1,000 mg of Folate, 40-50 mg of iron and 1,000-1,200 IU’s vitamin D when you’re trying to conceive right through breastfeeding.

6. Gummy vitamins are just as effective as pills and chewables. The best way to get needed nutrients is through food, but, people don’t always have eating habits that provide them with all the nutrition they need. Others have deficiencies that diet alone can’t resolve. Supplements can fill the gap, but people are more likely to take their supplements regularly if they taste good and they’re convenient. Gummies can be a good option, and clinical tests show that their absorption is equivalent to traditional vitamin pills. vitafusion offers more than 30 types of gummy vitamins, with no artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, gluten or dairy.

Nicole Avena, Ph.D., is a research neuroscientist and pioneer in the field of food and nutrition. She is also the author of What to Eat When You’re Pregnant.

2019-06-05T15:53:35

(BPT) – It’s home improvement season, which means you’re probably dreaming of enhancements to make your space more livable and to enhance property value. Adding a bathroom is a great way to do both, but for many people, concrete poses a potential problem.

Want to add a bathroom to your garage? How about in the basement? A bathroom addition means you need proper plumbing, and often in these types of spaces none exists. You have a cold concrete slab and a bit of a dilemma: Do you give up on your bathroom dreams or cut through the concrete to put in the conventional below-floor drainage and piping necessary for a bathroom?

Cutting through concrete is not to be taken lightly. Before you hire a contractor or rent a jackhammer and concrete saw, remember these red flags.

5 reasons to avoid cutting concrete

1. Cutting concrete undermines structural integrity: When you cut a slab you compromise the foundational integrity of the building. You may be able to patch the hole so it’s aesthetically appealing, but the floor will not be as solid as it was to begin with. Plus, if your home sits on ground that’s less than solid, such as sand, it may settle differently after the cut.

2. Cutting concrete is never perfect: You may need to cut a circle, square or rectangle into a floor for burying a sewage ejector and its waste-storage basin, but that perfect shape will inevitably crack on the edges and fray outward in unintended directions. Once a stress crack is created, it can extend into the footing or into the walls.

3. Cutting concrete is unpredictable: It is difficult to know the depth of the concrete and whether it sits on rocks or a ledge, as well as if it contains rebar or tension cables. You can cause major damage if you accidentally cut one of those cables, so many professional contractors use an X-ray machine to determine the positioning of the cables, which is an additional cost.

4. Cutting concrete creates leaks and seepage: Once a stress crack is generated, radon and ground-water penetration are major issues, with the latter bringing unwanted moisture and mold problems as well. You don’t need a major flood to trigger these hazards. A higher-than-usual water table, because of extended wet weather, could be the culprit.

5. Large amounts of dust: Breaking through concrete generates a large amount of noise and dust. The noise stops when the jackhammers and saws shut down, but the dust doesn’t fade as quickly. That’s because it is not conventional household dust, but a thick particulate that gets into the central air system, which means it can be around for a long time if not properly handled.

Consider smart alternatives

Beyond these red flag reasons, cutting concrete can be time-consuming and expensive. The actual expense of cutting concrete depends on the size and complexity of the job, as well as local labor availability and rates. In some parts of the nation, the per-foot rate may be a few hundred dollars; in others, $1,000 or more.

To add a bathroom but avoid cutting concrete and the associated cost, consider Saniflo above-floor plumbing technology. Macerating (also called up-flush) plumbing systems can be installed right on top of the existing floor virtually anywhere in your home.

How do macerating systems work? Waste and water from a toilet, tub or sink are pumped through small-diameter piping, rather than flowing down like conventional plumbing. The up-flush system doesn’t store waste like a sewage ejector system; waste and water move out of the house to the septic or sewer system with every flush.

Macerating toilet and plumbing technology can be installed on top of concrete slabs, which means no costly cuts or messy, time-consuming extra steps. If space is a problem, these bathrooms can also be installed in a closet or the area beneath a stairway. Learn more at http://go.saniflo.com.

2019-06-05T15:45:49

(BPT) – Looking for a vacation that’s fun and meaningful? Wish you had more time to volunteer in a way that really makes a difference? There’s a simple solution: Plan your next vacation around a great volunteer opportunity.

Whether on your own or with the entire family, volunteering on vacation is a wonderful way to explore a favorite destination or someplace you’ve always wanted to go, while contributing to a cause you care about. It’s also one of the fastest growing travel trends. According to a Google Consumer survey, one in four travelers report that they plan to volunteer on an upcoming trip. Almost half of travelers (47 percent) say they would choose a vacation destination based on a volunteer opportunity they are passionate about.

With the Travel for Good program from Travelocity, you can explore volunteer activities in popular vacation destinations all over the U.S. Most activities involve volunteering anywhere from just a few hours to a whole day.

Here are just a few of the types of opportunities you can find on their interactive volunteer map.

Concerned about hunger?

Travel to New York City to volunteer for Rescuing Leftover Cuisine. This nonprofit organization saves food from the city’s restaurants that would otherwise go to waste, and then delivers it to folks who need a helping hand.

Or visit Washington, D.C., to sort food donations, stock shelves and assemble nutritious food packs for elementary school children at Food for Others. Volunteers age 12 and older can sign up for weekday shifts, making it a great opportunity to teach your tween or teen children about how they can make a difference.

Care about animals?

You can spend time at The Nashville Zoo, one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions, to enjoy the wildlife while assisting at one-time volunteer opportunities for special events like the adults-only Brew at the Zoo and holiday-related celebrations for Easter, Halloween and more.

Or if you love cats and dogs, consider volunteering your time to help at an animal shelter, such as Best Friends Animal Society in New York, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Washington, D.C., or PAWS Chicago.

Passionate about the environment?

Plan a trip to California to volunteer with Surfrider Foundation, which organizes regular beach cleanups around the Bay Area. Or head farther south to help at San Diego Coastkeeper, an organization that helps make sure San Diego’s waters are safe and clean.

In the Big Easy, help Green Light New Orleans work on sustainable, eco-friendly projects, including installing energy-efficient lightbulbs in residential homes, installing rain barrels to collect stormwater runoff and other good deeds.

Want to help build healthier communities?

You could spend your vacation in San Francisco, getting your hands dirty while tending the land at Alemany Farm, the largest urban farm in San Francisco, which educates visitors on how to become healthy food producers and gives away all the food it grows for free.

Or help teach hygiene habits to vulnerable groups in Las Vegas with a volunteer stint at Clean the World Foundation.

Finding a place where you can volunteer on vacation may seem daunting, but it’s easy to locate nonprofits in need in some of the top cities across the country by checking out www.travelocity.com/travelforgood. The site also offers tips from fellow volunteer travelers for your next adventure. Make your next vacation memorable and meaningful by finding the right volunteer opportunity for you.

2019-06-05T00:01:00

(BPT) – The green movement is thriving, with homeowners across the country looking for ways to make their properties more eco-friendly. During the summer months, turn your attention outdoors by choosing smart landscape projects that provide ample opportunity to make spaces look great and also support Mother Nature.

Not sure where to start? Here are some simple ways to transform your yard into an eco-friendly paradise:

Opt for native plants

When you’re planning your landscape, consider perennial plants that are native to your area. These come back year after year with minimal effort from you because they thrive in your climate and are naturally resistant to local pests. Keep in mind plants that support local wildlife as well. For example, some plants produce berries that will attract various birds and others will produce flowers that are particularly attractive to bees.

Water wisely

Water is important to maintaining a healthy lawn and landscape, but how and when you water can make a big difference in supporting water conservation. Limit water evaporation and help get water deeply to roots by watering your lawn in the morning or early evening (before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.). For flowers and other plants, consider installing a rain barrel system so you can use reclaimed water rather than pulling from the community water supply.

Rent rather than buy

Before you go out and buy all the tools and equipment you need for backyard projects, research what you can rent. Not only does this save you money, but it also limits energy consumption, pollution and waste associated with manufacturing, storing and maintaining new equipment. You can easily find a rental company near you on RentalHQ.com that provides a variety of equipment such as aerators, augers, jackhammers, pressure washers, chainsaws and more.

Use salvaged materials

Instead of visiting the local home improvement store or lumber yard to get materials for your backyard projects, consider if reclaimed materials are an option. For example, if you’re building a patio, recycled bricks or pavers will do the job just as well as new, they cost less and they impart unique character that you just can’t get from new materials. Look online to find suppliers of salvaged building materials in your area.

Reduce chemical use

Chemicals and fertilizers are often used to green lawns, but these can run off and pollute the local water supply. You can reduce or eliminate these unhealthy lawn care habits by looking for natural alternatives at stores and seeking out other proactive activities to support a healthy lawn. For example, instead of using chemical dethatchers, rent a dethatching machine and aerator to improve your lawn’s health naturally.

Mulch strategically

Adding mulch around landscaping not only looks great, but it’s also eco-friendly. Spread 1 to 2 inches of mulch around shrubs, trees, flowers and other landscape features to improve the outdoor aesthetics, plus you’ll help the soil retain moisture and regulate its temperature, all while limiting weed growth. You can purchase various kinds of mulch or rent a chipper to make your own mulch from wood in your yard.

These six eco-friendly ideas for backyard improvement will help you green your spaces while saving money — and all are Mother Nature approved. To rent the equipment you need to get your outdoor projects completed in an eco-friendly manner, visit RentalHQ.com.

2019-06-04T10:01:01

(BPT) – From cooking to conversing to entertaining, the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. It’s also one of the spaces that homeowners most often dream of renovating. A growing trend in kitchen design is personalization, where thoughtful updates go beyond stainless steel appliances and standard cabinetry to incorporate a host of interesting design elements.

By adding splashes of personality to your kitchen, not only will you make the space one of a kind, but you’ll also enjoy it more because it will reflect your unique preferences and style. Consider these key ways to breathe new life into any kitchen.

Switch up your cabinets

Want to give your cabinets a fresh look and add some pizzazz without refacing them or installing new ones? An easy place to start is to replace existing hardware. Just as jewelry completes an outfit, hardware adds a finished look to cabinets. The availability of a variety of styles and materials for drawer and cabinet pulls — metals, ceramics, crystal, glass, stone — makes it easy to update your cabinets with little cost and effort. Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match hardware styles or experiment with different shapes to add character.

Another idea for freshening up your kitchen is to update a few key cabinets. For instance, you can paint the cabinets above or directly beside the stove in black chalk paint, allowing you to add fun words and phrases — or even a favorite recipe — with chalk markers. You could also remove the face of several cabinets from the frame and add a clear or opaque glass insert for added visual interest and an unexpected touch of beauty.

Finally, don’t forget about the often overlooked toe kick space — the recessed area just below the cabinets — which can be enhanced with subtle styling. Consider painting this area a fun statement color or adding tiles for a clever update you won’t see elsewhere.

Add vintage style appliances

While stainless steel appliances are popular in modern kitchens, colored appliances are a great way to add personality if you’re feeling the desire for something a little different. Elmira Stove Works offers several vintage-inspired appliance lines in a variety of styles and colors. Whether you opt to update all your appliances or choose a single statement piece, your kitchen will feel inspired.

For those who lean toward a retro or midcentury modern look, the Northstar line adds conversation-worthy color to any kitchen. Perfect for basement bars, bonus rooms and man caves too, this line combines throwback style with modern conveniences. Add a fun pop of color with classic hues like tropical blue, mint green and candy red, or choose from an array of custom colors. Learn more at www.elmirastoveworks.com.

If retro doesn’t suit your fancy, consider the Antique line, which features intricately detailed appliances with historic styling. These distinctive appliances are available in a range of traditional and custom colors, and can complement any vintage home design, including a rustic cabin, country cottage or lake house. For a turn-of-the-century feel, the Fireview stove is especially stunning, with a visible wood-burning component that can also be used to heat rooms.

Light up the room

Proper lighting is essential for performing kitchen tasks, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Lighting provides an opportunity to get creative and bring touches of personality to the kitchen. By blending practical task lighting with decorative ambient lighting, you can inject the right balance of function and fashion.

Overhead and under-cabinet lighting make it easy to chop, cut, cook and more. Add a bit of flair by using a layered approach — for example, strategically mix pendant and wall lights with recessed lighting. The globes that surround light fixtures are another great place to sprinkle in some character. From glass designs in vivid hues to textured metal looks, these surrounds come in myriad shapes and sizes.

You can find your favorite kitchen lighting options at local home improvement stores or boutique lighting shops. For something truly one of a kind, visit antique shops, flea markets and home decor reclamation stores. Whether an amazing art deco chandelier or an adorable Victorian decorative table lamp, you’ll discover unexpected gems for your kitchen.

Your kitchen should be as unique as you are. When you add personal touches, you’ll enjoy an updated, customized space that will have you cooking and entertaining in style.

2019-06-03T12:11:00

(BPT) – To change the look of any room, start with the floor. A beautifully finished hardwood floor adds warmth and charm — and the range of options available for hardwood floors today can truly transform a room. With choices from soft natural to cool gray to dark charcoal you can find the perfect shade for your renovation. The floor sets the tone for the room’s overall appearance.

Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips to inspire a stunning redesign.

Choose an overall look

To help with your design choices, consider the overall feel of the room. Every design element — the floor stain, finish, wall color, furnishings and accents — should work together to enhance the mood and aesthetic. Do you want a soft and floral look? Sleek and modern? Cool and airy? The color palette and sheen of your hardwood finish will become the foundation for the feeling you’re trying to evoke.

Get inspired

There’s no shortage of resources to inspire your room design. From art galleries and Pinterest to nature itself, look for key colors, textures or items to inspire the new room design.

Next, get inspired by flooring options. Consider the collection of five customized style options crafted with a full range of stains, sealers, treatments and finishes from Bona.

For example, the Nordic Shimmer collection combines soft, natural tones that work well with whites and blues for a peaceful, comforting environment. This look complements furnishings with simple, clean lines. The New Modern collection offers rich, vivid tones to create a sense of urban luxury, in colors from white or walnut to charcoal. This style goes well with dramatic textures like glass, stone or shiny metal, and complements colors like green, rich gray or dark plum.

Other design collections include Garden Atmosphere, Malibu Dreams and Touch of Grace. Each option provides a suggested color palette and recommendations for furnishings.

Understand the process

Research the best tools and products for refinishing your hardwood floor. The process can be seamless and pleasant, or you can be left with a dusty, smelly mess. The first stage in refinishing a hardwood floor is sanding off the old finish with very light abrasion to reveal the natural wood underneath. This requires just the right grit level of abrasive, and typically takes more than one pass, using increasingly finer grit. It’s important that the wood is not over-sanded, to avoid damage. Look for a hardwood flooring professional that offers dustless sanding. Reducing the wood dust in your home not only makes clean-up a breeze, it’s also healthier for your home.

Next comes the stain (color) and possibly sealer, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. Know that you can create custom colors, so take enough time to pick your perfect shade. The stain process may take a day or two as the stain sets and dries.

Finally, pick your finish. Today’s hardwood floor finishes come in a wide range of sheens and durability levels. You can choose from a flat, natural matte finish to a shiny semi-gloss, and several sheens in between. Choose a waterborne finish to keep the home healthy.

Get creative

In addition to mixing stain colors for a custom blend, you can also get creative with how you treat the floors. Consider a wire brush technique to bring out the soft grain in the wood, or a distressed or scraped process for a more rustic charm.

Let the pros do it for you

The process of refinishing hardwood floors takes a high level of skill and experience — in many ways it’s an art form. To make sure it’s done well, many homeowners choose Bona Certified Craftsmen — professionals who will help you choose from a range of products designed to protect and maintain your hardwood floors. The right professional will guide you to the best stain, finish or sealer to suit your hardwood species and create the desired look. They will also take into account the room’s lighting and type of finish that is optimal for your room’s level of foot traffic.

Let your floor be the guide for creating a beautiful new look for one room or your entire home. With a wide array of colors and textures, the possibilities are infinite.

2019-05-31T11:01:02

(BPT) – The statistics for men’s health are alarming. For men, life expectancy is 76.3 years; for women, it’s 81.2 years. The Kaiser Family Foundation points out that nearly 71 percent of men are at risk of being overweight or obese, compared to 59 percent for women. Far more women than men are likely to go to a physician office visit, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

These statistics may be worrisome for men and their loved ones, but many of the health risks men face can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting recommended and timely preventive health screenings.

“It’s important for men to take charge of their health,” said Dr. Chad E. Bittner, a chief medical officer of OptumCare. “And there are a number of things men can do to get and stay healthy.”

Bittner offers the following tips to help men improve their health and well-being:

Physical activity: Regardless of gender, Bittner said he gives people the same general health advice, although men often need more reminders. One focus area for patients is physical activity. Regular physical activity can control weight, reduce risks of developing heart disease and some cancers, and can improve overall mental health and mood.

Nutrition: Another important priority is nutrition. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, and limit foods and drinks high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and alcohol.

He points out other important reminders for men:

Sunscreen: Don’t overlook the importance of using sunscreen. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States.

Prescriptions: All patients need to work with their doctors to get a full understanding of the purpose and side effects of the prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and supplements they take.

Depression: It’s important for men and those close to them to be aware of the warning signs for depression.

If you or the men in your life are not making positive health choices, now is the perfect time to take charge of your health.

More information is available at optumcare.com/menshealth.

2019-05-31T16:15:00

(BPT) – Did you know nearly 1 in 3 people think they’re more likely to learn Bigfoot is real than to save enough to retire comfortably, according to a recent survey from AARP and the Ad Council?

But successfully saving for retirement doesn’t have to be a fantasy — or scary. Chances are you’re better at saving than you think. Have you put kids through college? Bought a house? Purchased a car or two? You’re probably better at achieving financial goals than you give yourself credit for. The careful planning and savings skills you’ve already used can help you reach your next big financial goal: a secure retirement.

The right tools make it easier. AARP and the Ad Council offer a free online resource to help you get started, where you can create your personal action plan in just a few minutes. Meet your friendly digital retirement coach, Avo, and get started at AceYourRetirement.org today.

“In just three minutes you can get answers to a few simple questions, plus personalized tips and saving strategies,” said Debra Whitman, AARP executive vice president and chief public policy officer. “The to-do list format is effective and works for any age — not just AARP members.”

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have peace of mind, and a concrete plan. While everyone’s situation is unique, here are steps you can take today.

1. Take advantage of your employer’s retirement benefits. If your workplace offers a 401(k) or other savings plan, make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. If your employer matches part of your contribution, aim to contribute at least enough to get the full match.

“It’s basically free money for your future, and it can be a huge way to amplify the amount you’re able to save for yourself,” said Whitman.

If possible, consider boosting your contribution past that employer match by a percentage or two, to increase your savings even more. A long-term goal might be to set aside 10-15% of your income as a contribution to your 401(k).

2. Try to pay down debt. No matter your situation, reducing debt is always smart, as debt you carry eats away at savings you’re trying to set aside. Check interest rates on your current mortgages, car loans, home equity loans, parent loans or credit cards. Consider working toward paying down loans or cards with the highest interest rates first. Call your credit card companies and ask for a lower interest rate. Some debt may be eligible for refinancing, so consider that option to lower interest rates if possible.

3. Have a family conversation. When it comes to any big financial decision, it helps if everyone is on the same page. You and your spouse could create a budget and incremental goals to work on together. Talk to your adult children about how paying down your debt and saving for retirement is a priority, and that helping them with their education, housing or other responsibilities is a secondary goal.

4. Plan your retirement timing. “As soon as possible” isn’t the best way to decide when to retire. If your health and work situation allow, delaying retirement until your late 60’s or even early 70’s can make a big difference to your long-term financial security.

“Earning a few more years of income can really help you grow your nest egg, and waiting to claim Social Security increases your annual benefit for the rest of your life,” said Whitman.

Calculate your Social Security benefits to determine your best strategy at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html.

5. Live within your means. Spending only what you can afford is key to financial security. The sooner you develop a budget and track your spending, the more cash you’ll save in the short term, helping you make more accurate projections for the long term. Enjoy life now, but don’t let that enjoyment come at the cost of your future. Saving money consistently every month can help make a secure retirement a reality.

These goals are within your control, and you can make progress if you start small, start today and make a plan. Let Avo help you develop an action plan by visiting AceYourRetirement.org today.