Month: August 2019

2019-08-29T16:45:57

(BPT) – After 30 years of painting commercial buildings, Mario Martinez of San Jose, California, was used to grueling hours under a sun-soaked sky, doing back-breaking work. He loved his job, but after spending hours outside he was ready to go home.

Mario bent down to pick up his paintbrush, roller and can. Turning back to look at his day’s work, he paused. His heart sank. He knew something was wrong.

“Mario came home and told me he had painted the wrong side of the doors on the building,” said his wife, Veronica. “It was alarming because he’s been painting buildings for years and never made this kind of mistake. It worried us both.”

The couple had noticed that he seemed to be more forgetful recently, but neither had shared their concerns with the other. Now that Mario’s memory lapses were interfering with his work, it was time to talk.

Action through conversation

“Veronica told me I was asking for more and more help,” Mario said. “I told her that I was forgetting a lot of the things she asked me to do. The more we talked, the more I realized I had a problem. I was forgetting many moments in my life and not enjoying activities that I had enjoyed before.”

The couple’s difficult conversation led Mario to his doctor’s office, and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Mario is one of more than 5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s — a fatal brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Every 65 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease and it’s the country’s sixth-leading cause of death.

Despite Alzheimer’s growing impact, many families struggle with discussing the issue. A recent Alzheimer’s Association survey reveals that 72 percent of Americans say that talking to close family members about cognitive decline would be challenging for them. However, having these difficult, but important conversations sooner can prevent a crisis and improve health options and outcomes.

Reach out for help

To encourage and help more families discuss cognitive problems sooner, the Alzheimer’s Association, in partnership with the Ad Council, has launched the “Our Stories” campaign. “Our Stories” features real stories of people who noticed cognitive changes in a family member and took the first, difficult step to initiate a conversation.

“It’s understandable that many families are reluctant to express their concerns and start a conversation, but there are good reasons to do so,” said Ruth Drew, director of information and support services, Alzheimer’s Association. “Initiating conversations sooner can enable early diagnosis, which offers many important benefits, including allowing more time for critical care planning, better disease management and providing diagnosed individuals a voice in their future care.”

The “Our Stories” website (alz.org/ourstories) offers families tools and resources, including customizable conversation starters, a list of early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s, benefits of early diagnosis, a downloadable discussion guide and other resources.

Whether you’re noticing changes in yourself or a loved one, starting a conversation about Alzheimer’s can be difficult, but it can make a big difference and there are resources to help. When something feels different, it could be Alzheimer’s — now is the time to talk.

2019-08-28T09:33:07

(BPT) – Four out of five homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingles. And it’s easy to see why. The wide variety of available colors and styles, combined with durability and affordability, have made asphalt shingles the leading choice for residential roofing in the country.

Like all exterior building products, asphalt shingles start to age as soon as they are exposed to nature. Buildings experience aging factors differently, so it’s difficult to predict how long shingles will last. With storm chasers and insurance adjusters claiming roof damage or defective shingles after major weather events, it’s important for homeowners to arm themselves with information about what type of roof aging is normal, and most importantly, what type is not.

What is normal?

It’s natural for a roof to age, and the process begins as soon as shingles are exposed to nature. The sun can raise rooftop temperatures as high as 50-70 degrees above the ambient air temperature. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and heat have been shown to accelerate roof aging, as have pollution, hail, snow, ice, falling tree limbs and people walking it.

Here are a few common signs of aging shingles:

Curling is a common phenomenon in some shingles and is not considered a defect. It is natural for asphalt to age and shrink with time, which may result in a slight curling of the shingle edge.

Minor cracks may also appear on the shingles as they age, but industry experts say it is a normal weathering characteristic and not cause for alarm, as long as the cracks do not penetrate through the shingle and the roof is still performing the intended purpose of shedding water.

“Minor cracks may not be noticeable from the ground, but people often spot them while hanging their Christmas lights,” said roofing industry expert Rick “the Roofer” Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as a traveling trainer for shingle manufacturer TAMKO Building Products. “The intense heat from the sun can deplete some of the protective asphalt oils, and that can cause minor cracks.”

Dark brown or black streaks down the roof are common in particularly moist or humid areas of the country, and are the result of algae growth on the shingles. While not particularly attractive, these stains should not affect the shingles’ ability to shed water.

Some granule loss on the shingles is to be expected, especially if a roof has been recently repaired or replaced, since extra granules are a part of the shingle manufacturing process. Loose granules are usually noticed collecting in roof gutters after the shingles are installed. This type of granule shedding is common and not a cause for concern.

What is cause for concern?

While minor curling, surface cracking, closed blisters, algae stains and some granule loss can all be signs of normal roof aging, some more serious roof wear and aging could be indicative of a potential problem, and should be examined and monitored.

These roof issues may need attention:

Blisters, or small circular raised areas, are often the direct result of under-ventilated attics or excessive use of plastic cement — both of which are installation errors. If the blisters are closed and are not affecting the shingles’ performance, they are not a cause for concern. But if the blisters are open, exposing the asphalt, the roof is vulnerable to water penetration and requires immediate attention.

Buckling, a distortion of the shingles, can be a possible sign of inadequate roof ventilation, issues with the roof deck or other installation errors and may require attention.

Deep cracks that penetrate through the fiberglass mat should be investigated, as they may compromise the roof’s ability to shed water and make it susceptible to leaks.

Excessive granule loss that exposes the shingles’ asphalt layer is a reason for concern and requires immediate attention.

Armed with this basic information, homeowners should be able to distinguish between natural processes that are no cause for alarm and issues that do require attention and repair. Visit www.tamko.com for more information about roofing repair and replacement.

2019-08-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – –

2019-08-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – Windows down, volume up. It’s summertime and Americans are hitting the highways in droves for road trips, weekend drives and cross-country treks in the car. And the most important part of any road trip? The music. There are over 2 million road trip playlists on Spotify, and streaming of road trip playlists bumps up more than 40% in the summer months.

This United States of Streaming map shows the top states and songs for road trips across the U.S. using listening data from Spotify. So put on your favorite traffic jam, plug in the AUX cord, hook up the Bluetooth or connect to your in-car dashboard, and hit the road!

2019-08-28T09:42:52

(BPT) – It’s time to invite friends over for a backyard BBQ or to tailgate before the big game.

Make sure your cookout stands out by offering everything your guests will need for a seriously amazing time.

Here are some sure-fire ingredients for an awesome cookout.

1) Beer

While simply providing beer for your cookout is likely a no-brainer, many “experts” believe it’s important to offer a variety of options for your friends. Consider more drinkable beers that really quench your thirst — try out some lighter styles like Pilsners, shandies or lagers. Look close to home and find specialized breweries or brands to capitalize on local sourcing and small-batch food trends. Choose area favorites that your guests can’t get anywhere else.

2) Beans

Just like with beer, it’s best to offer a variety of beans. And let’s face it — basic is boring. Your cookout has the potential to be talked about for weeks or even months to come. Don’t let boring beans ruin it. Your beans should bring a little shock-and-awe. And, if you fear you will be attending a friend’s cookout with only basic beans available, you’d better be prepared to BYOB. Try giving your guests a sampling of the bold bean flavors courtesy of Serious Bean Co., such as Southern Mustard-Q BBQ Beans with your barbecue. Or cook up some Sweet and a Bit Sassy Dr Pepper Baked Beans, with real Dr Pepper.

3) Dips

No matter what kinds of chips you’re getting for your cookout, they can be kind of blah without a great dip to go with them. If you have a base of sour cream, cream cheese or even Greek yogurt, there’s no limit to what you can add to make an exciting dip. Mixing in your favorite kind of beans with your dip base is a winning combination. Here’s one easy-to-make bean dip that will have your friends asking for the recipe:

MVBD (Most Valuable Bean Dip) Tex-Mex Edition:

Ingredients

• 1 can Serious Bean Co. Buckin’ Buffalo Beans
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• Chopped cilantro, to taste
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced fresh jalapenos, to taste

Instructions

Heat beans for about 2 minutes in the microwave, then add them to a food processor or blender with the cream cheese. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and top with desired amount of diced tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. Perfect with tortilla chips for dipping.

4) Conversation

Be prepared to talk and ready to navigate skillfully around topics like politics and religion (unless your religion is beer or beans). Brush up on current events and pop culture, including new movies, the football season and upcoming vacation destinations.

5) Shenanigans

What fun cookout is complete without some hilarious lawn games? When was the last time you bobbed for anything? (Maybe peaches would be easier than apples?) How about a three-legged race or a refreshing game of water balloon toss? Come up with some ideas for organized games and then provide a few Frisbees, badminton or beanbag toss games so everyone can join the fun.

Check out the Serious Bean Co. Facebook page for more ideas.

2019-08-28T09:52:42

(BPT) – According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans will take a vacation in 2019. While vacations are fun, traveling can be hectic, making it that much more important to have healthy on-the-go snacks to keep you energized throughout your trip.

Sweet cherries are an ideal grab-and-go snack, with high concentrations of nutrients and bioactive components like fiber, polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C and potassium. They can help tackle several chronic health issues, according to a review of nearly 30 published studies. Read on to learn how this snack can help you manage five common health concerns.

1. Oxidative stress

Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals and antioxidants are out of balance in your body. Under normal conditions, free radicals help the body by fighting off pathogens that can lead to infection or disease. But when antioxidants are far outnumbered, free radicals can attack the body’s fatty tissue, protein or even DNA. Once compromised, the body becomes more susceptible to various diseases over time, such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension, to name a few.

Sweet cherries are rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, which have powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that eating them can increase antioxidant capacity and reduce oxidative stress, bringing the body back into a healthy balance.

2. Inflammation

If you’re among the 54 million Americans who suffer from arthritis or another rheumatic disease, sweet cherries may be able to provide some relief. Research shows that their anti-inflammatory properties can have the same effect as ibuprofen.

3. Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis, and sufferers tend to experience severe pain, redness and tenderness in their joints. The condition is associated with elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, levels that have been reduced with a diet incorporating sweet cherries. A recent study with gout patients found a 35% lower risk of gout attacks among those who consumed the fruit over two days. When that was combined with their prescribed medicine, specifically allopurinol, the risk of a gout attack was 75% lower.

4. Sleep

Vacation and travel can throw off your sleep patterns, and a good night’s sleep is essential in a great vacation. With sweet cherries, you have a reliable source of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is necessary to the development of serotonin, which, in turn, plays an important role in regulating sleep, mood and appetite. Adequate levels of serotonin can contribute to feelings of well-being, while depression has been linked to low measures. Additionally, melatonin helps maintain your body’s internal clock, regulating your sleep and wakefulness patterns.

Studies show that along with this enhanced sleep quality and quantity, mood and anxiety also display improvement. Researchers say enjoying the fruit about an hour before bedtime can help stabilize your sleep cycle.

5. Blood pressure

Finally, studies point to a link between the consumption of sweet cherries and lower blood pressure, both systolic and diastolic measures. Prolonged consumption correlates with a decrease in a potent vasoconstrictor, a compound that narrows blood vessels and restricts blood flow. The fruit is also associated with increased effectiveness of vasodilators, which help widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.

The addition of sweet cherries to your diet can reduce common health concerns and minimize the risk for developing illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Best of all, they are delicious.

2019-08-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Being 17 years old and battling leukemia was not easy for Johnny. He was forced to miss out on many opportunities with friends and family as his illness took a toll.

During this lonely time in his life, Johnny, the son of a military veteran, kept busy by learning about World War II. He enjoyed watching movies about the experiences of soldiers on both sides, what tactics they used and the impact the war had on them. When volunteers from Make-A-Wish asked what his one true wish would be, he knew he wanted to go to Normandy, France, to see the World War II memorial sites during the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

“Having just gone through a year of constantly being sick, and having life-threatening reactions, it was amazing to get away and have an actual vacation with my family,” Johnny said. “I needed it and my family needed it just as much, if not more.”

Getting ready for the trip was a much-needed escape for Johnny and his family. It allowed them to put the constant thought of his leukemia behind them while they focused on their upcoming adventure.

“Johnny was still recovering from treatment until about a month before the actual trip,” said Johnny’s mom, Shannon. “The process of planning and preparing for the trip helped to keep his mind off the physical effects of treatment and helped to maintain a positive attitude.”

While on his wish, Johnny and his family were able to experience a trip that allowed them to forget about the hard times they faced at home. They saw beautiful beaches and countryside. They visited Belleau Wood to learn more about war history, which reinforced Johnny’s plans to join the United States Marine Corps in the future.

Johnny’s wish was made possible through a donation from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The company’s charitable funding, totaling more than $3 million since 2017, has helped Make­-A-­Wish provide transformational wishes for children with cancer, the most common illness of eligible wish kids, across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. A wish granted helps kids like Johnny experience life beyond illness, and can also help build the physical and emotional strength a child needs to fight a critical illness.

“I feel that the biggest benefit from this wish, or any wish, is getting the child (and family) out of the treatment mindset,” Johnny’s mom said. “This trip enabled us to reset and find a place of normality again.”

“Thank you so much for doing what you do,” Johnny said. “I appreciate it greatly, my family appreciates it and I’m sure anyone else who has cancer, has been affected by cancer, or anyone who knows friends or family that have been affected by cancer really appreciate it.”

To help grant life-changing wishes for kids like Johnny, visit site.wish.org/johnny.