Month: June 2019

2019-06-21T10:19:51

(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.

2019-06-21T14:49:07

(BPT) – You’ve been there before — you wake up and immediately feel the pulsing in your head, you get to work and can feel the pounding pressure mounting as you move between looking at your computer screen and meetings, you’re gearing up for a fun day out with your kids but you cringe as the pain in your head magnifies with every shout of excitement.

The National Headache Foundation wants you to know you are not alone. Nearly 40 million Americans experience migraine and the World Health Organization lists headache disease as the third leading cause of productivity loss due to disability.

“People often underestimate the pain they experience and think their only choice is to endure,” said Dr. Seymour Diamond, executive chair and founder of the National Headache Foundation and Director Emeritus and Founder of the Diamond Headache Clinic. “There is nothing normal about pain in your head, yet even today after treating headache and migraine for over 60 years, I still see doctors dismissing their patients’ symptoms.”

It can be easy to dismiss a headache as normal, but normal shouldn’t be confused with common. Headaches can also be caused by your daily habits that may be easily removed from your routine or can help your doctor develop a treatment plan.

Know your headache and migraine triggers

• Food is one of the more common triggers, from smoked foods to alcohol and avocados, that is often overlooked. Keep a food journal to see if you can identify patterns and triggers
• Weather changes, including high- and low-pressure systems
• For women, menstruation and hormone fluctuations or imbalance
• Screen time
• Stress and a compromised sleep schedule

Headaches or uncharacteristic migraine symptoms can indicate you need medical attention. People are often reluctant to call their healthcare provider or go to the ER because they don’t want to arrive only to learn that nothing out of the ordinary is wrong.

Diamond advises, “If your symptoms are out of the ordinary for you, absolutely seek medical attention from a specialist and get help. Your headache or migraine should not keep you from living your life to its fullest.”

Common signs that you should seek medical help for your headaches

• You have more than the occasional headache (more than twice a week)
• Your headache persists, and continues to get worse or won’t stop
• Your headaches interfere with your normal activities of daily life
• You find yourself taking pain relievers more than two days a week
• You take over-the-counter medications for headache relief, but the recommended dosage is not adequate

Headache and migraine are serious conditions and you shouldn’t be afraid to talk to your doctor, or to seek out a certified headache expert: www.headaches.org/resources/healthcare-provider-finder. Most patients want their healthcare providers to be prepared and engaged when answering questions and be willing to educate them about their treatment options. On the other hand, healthcare providers often think that what matters most to their patients is expressing understanding and compassion. Diamond emphasized both a patient and their healthcare provider need to communicate clearly to effectively treat the headache or migraine.

Simple steps you can take to effectively communicate your concerns and needs with your healthcare provider include: staying focused on the most important questions you have, providing a daily record of your symptoms, sharing your concerns and reactions, and asking questions. After consulting with you to best understand your personal experience and needs, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments that may or may not include:

• Pharmaceutical therapy
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Diet changes
• Exercise
• Sleep changes
• Journaling symptoms
• Biofeedback therapy

The debilitating effects of headache and migraine don’t have to be part of your regular routine. Understanding your condition, knowing your triggers and having an honest conversation with your healthcare provider can help you get back to living your life.

For more information about headache and migraine or to find help, visit: www.headaches.org.

2019-06-21T14:27:25

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

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.

1) Adopt your pet

Adopting your pet from a local shelter helps animals in your community. One 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. Having your cat or dog spayed or neutered helps to reduce the number of pets unable to find a home.

2) 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.

The company is moving toward 100% zero waste for disposal by 2020 and is 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.

3) Use renewable and biodegradable pet products

No matter what pets you have in your home, you must 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 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.

4) Find earth-friendly grooming products

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.

5) Play with recycled pet toys

Plenty of dog and cat toys use 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 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.

2019-06-21T10:01:00

(BPT) – It’s summertime, and the living is easy! So long to the days and evenings spent inside — warmer weather means outdoor activities abound. From weekend trips and beach days, to pool parties and BBQs, there’s no limit to fun summer outings.

But the typical, indulgent summer party fare can make healthy eating difficult and wreak havoc for people looking to eat clean and maintain a nutritious regimen. That’s why more and more consumers are turning to plant-based diets. Recent studies estimate that a third of the population is actively reducing their meat consumption, resulting in the increased availability of plant-based products. The good news is there is no longer a need to sacrifice your diet or dietary preferences to enjoy your favorite summertime activities. Here’s a look at the plethora of tasty plant-based options now available to delight your senses for all your summertime occasions and events.

1. Beach days and pool parties

Nothing screams summer like ice cream, but dairy can often lead to bloating and gas, especially in those with dairy sensitivities, and no one wants to feel bloated on beach day! If you have a craving for something cold and sweet, opt for alternatives made with coconut cream, like the new Dessert Bars from Daiya. Creamy, rich and smooth, these decadent, dairy-free desserts feature premium ingredients like semisweet chocolate, fair trade dark chocolate, real vanilla extract and 100% Arabica coffee. Plus, they’re available in four flavors: Chocolate Fudge Crunch, Classic Vanilla Bean, Salted Caramel Swirl and Espresso Coffee, so there’s something for everyone.

2. Camping

Summer and camping go hand in hand, but staying in the great outdoors means cooking without the convenience of kitchen appliances. That’s why it’s best to keep it simple, but that doesn’t mean camp food has to be boring. Give sandwiches and wraps an instant upgrade with Dairy-free Slices. They offer the same incredible melt as dairy-based cheese and are a good source of calcium, so you can create plant-based versions of your favorite camping classics, like veggie burgers or grilled cheese roll-ups. These tasty, better-for-you camping foods make trip planning easy, so you can enjoy action-packed days and relaxing nights under the stars.

3. Picnics and on-the-go lunches

The next time you pull out the checkered blanket and your finest wicker basket, try something new and inventive. From foods like fishless TUNO sandwiches to these mini dairy-free caprese salad bites and Greek quinoa stuffed avocados, there are so many ways to put a plant-based spin on your alfresco feast. But nothing says picnic quite like charcuterie. Featuring real cheese flavor, Daiya Farmhouse Blocks are easy to cube for a charcuterie board and are available in a range of flavors ranging from Medium Cheddar and Monterey Jack, to more adventurous Jalapeño Havarti and Smoked Gouda.

4. Slumber parties

When school’s out, summer often means sleepovers, and kids who love to stay up late will likely snack much more than they will slumber. Sleepover food should be fun, portable and — most importantly — tasty, so kid-friendly favorites like these loaded nachos with vegan ground turkey or creamy macaroni and cheese should be high on your list. It’s also wise to keep grab-and-go snacks like popcorn, grain-free bars, almond butters and frozen pizza on hand — and Daiya Pizzas are free of everything except taste and flavor. Made with their signature dairy-free shreds and tasty toppings atop an artisan, gluten-free crust, it’s a pie-lover’s dream come true! For the morning, you can’t go wrong with blueberry pancakes made with a yogurt alternative featuring coconut cream.

5. BBQ and outdoor dinner parties

There’s nothing better than grilling outdoors during the summer months, especially surrounded by friends and family. Kids play, adults get to catch up and all guests enjoy a variety of BBQ dishes. But with the prevalence of food allergies and dietary preferences, finding recipes that please everyone’s palate can be tricky. In addition to ground beef alternatives that “bleed” like real meat, Daiya’s plant-based Cutting Board Collection Shreds can be used in any recipe that calls for melted cheese, so your guests can eat freely. Keep easy-to-serve, flavorful staples like Wholly Guacamole, JUST Mayo and Herdez Salsa Casera on hand to enhance any dish. You can also impress them with elevated, and better-for-you, versions of BBQ classics, like this chipotle maple glazed tofu burger, street corn salad and Caesar coleslaw.

With these tasty options and many more plant-based recipe ideas, you and your crew will eat well and enjoy effortless entertaining all summer long.

2019-06-21T10:04:06

(BPT) – The latest trend in home cleaning popularized by Marie Kondo reveals what many of us yearn for — not just decluttering, but a fresh start, a clean slate. We dream of an open, airy, bright home where everyone can thrive and be their best selves. But how do we get there, when our houses are filled with stuff — not to mention the accumulated dust?

Here are three ways you can re-energize your home and yourself.

1) Take a tour of your home

Whether mentally or literally, tour your home and make note of the areas causing you the most tension or stress when you look at them. Is it the laundry pile that never seems to go away in the bedroom? The kitchen cabinet that’s so overstuffed that something falls out every time you open it?

Prioritize the ones that bother you the most. Take a good look at each problem and prepare for a radical declutter.

Maybe the laundry pile exists because your closets and dresser drawers are overfull. When was the last time you assessed your pajamas or jeans collection? As recommended by the Kondo technique, take out the entire contents of the pajama drawer, hold and look at each item. Which ones do you really love to wear? You’ll be able to fit them back in your drawer more neatly when you have fewer items. For the others, if you don’t love them, it’s time to let them go. If you would love them “if only” they didn’t have a button missing, but you haven’t had the interest in replacing the button in over a year, it’s time to move on.

Same thing with your kitchen cabinet — take out all the pots and pans and examine which ones are taking up space, but you never use. For items you only use once a year, like a roasting pan big enough for a turkey, store them elsewhere.

2) Do the deep clean

Once you’ve tackled a couple of the biggest trouble spots, you’ll start to feel lighter and less stressed every time you enter that room or area of the house. You can now accomplish the cleaning and dusting under and around the problem area that you couldn’t manage before.

For each area you declutter, clean thoroughly before putting back the items you’re keeping. If it’s a drawer, wipe out the dust and grime and make sure it’s dry before replacing items. For a closet or room in the house, dust and wipe down from top to bottom, removing dirt from ceiling to floor.

3) Refresh your rooms

Typical cleaning products may leave your room looking good, but do they keep it smelling and feeling good every time you enter?

Take the time to clear, refresh and revive your space and your mind with aromatherapy. Using essential oils from Aura Cacia refreshes the environment of your home, invigorating and energizing your spirit. The Summer Citrus Diffusion Blend, which uses 9 drops Aura Cacia’s Grapefruit Essential Oil and 9 drops of Aura Cacia’s Lemongrass Essential Oil, infuses your rooms with fresh, natural aromas. See auracacia.com for more ideas to not just clean but refresh your home — and spirit.

Deep cleaning gives you the chance for renewal — and inspires a sense of new purpose. Let your home become a vital part of your re-energized attitude.

2019-06-20T23:01:01

(BPT) – Does tire performance matter to you? Keep your vehicle at its best and ready for any terrain you travel for work or play with BFGoodrich Tires.