Month: August 2019

2019-08-27T15:15:00

(BPT) – 1. Go reusable.

Did you know that the average plastic grocery bag has a lifespan of 12 minutes? Pick up a reusable grocery bag or bring a reusable water bottle with you to stay hydrated. Both can be used countless times and help reduce single-use plastic. By making small changes in your daily life, you can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

2. Go meatless on Mondays.

Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions — more than the combined exhaust from all transportation. Reduce your meat consumption by going meatless only one day a week. To find some great meatless recipes, check out the Veggie Lovers Cookbook on davita.com/freecookbooks.

3. Impact your community.

Lend some of your time to help clean up your local environment. Grab a friend and clean up the local beach or park, plant a tree or build a community garden. You’ll spend quality time with loved ones while creating a better environment.

4. Ditch the car; grab your bike.

According to data collected by the Department of Energy, nearly 60% of all vehicle trips in the United States were less than six miles. While public transportation may be challenging in different areas of the country, a good rule of thumb is to walk or bike when trips are less than a mile. It’s a great way to fit in some exercise, spend time in the fresh air with your family or take a few quiet moments to yourself.

5. Save energy and money.

There are countless ways to save energy in your home. Check with your local energy utility provider for potential rebates and discounts. You can also utilize a programmable thermostat, install LED lightbulbs and turn off lights when you leave the room.

To learn more about sustainable initiatives in your community and how you can contribute to a cleaner environment, visit davita.com/communitycare.

2019-08-27T10:11:01

(BPT) – Parents and caregivers want to keep kids safe in the car, but keeping up with the latest recommendations can be tricky, especially as your child grows and their needs change. It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re doing everything you can to keep children as safe as possible.

Regardless of your child’s age and how often they ride with you in the car, you’ll want to follow these guidelines to help you find The Right Seat.

1. Under 13? Don’t let them sit up front

Whatever a child’s height or weight, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises that children under 13 should never sit in the front seat, even for a short trip. Car safety standards and features like airbags are developed and tested for adult bodies, not the growing body of a child. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of 200-400 mph, which could seriously harm a child if deployed. Most car crashes impact the front of the car, so keeping kids in the back seat can help protect them from injury.

2. Tethers add extra protection

Most forward-facing car seats have tethers to secure them to the vehicle, in addition to using the vehicle’s seat belt or lower anchors. Tethers help keep car seats from pitching forward in a crash, reducing injury to the child’s head and neck. You can find the tether at the top of convertible, combination and all-in-one car seats. They’re adjustable straps that have a hook that connects to your vehicle’s tether anchors. Review your car seat’s instructions and vehicle’s owner manual to identify the correct tether location in your vehicle.

3. Don’t move kids on too soon

The best protection for a child in a car is the car seat that’s right for their age and size. According to the most recent NHTSA data, nearly 1 in 10 children between 1 and 3 years old were moved on to booster seats too early. And roughly 1 in 5 children aged 4 to 7 were prematurely moved to just using a seat belt when they should have still been riding in booster seats. Booster seats help a child’s seat belt fit appropriately, which means crossing the center of their chest and not touching their neck.

4. Check car seat recommendations online

Tools and resources are available to help make it easier to check that your child is in the right seat for their age, height and weight. Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to compare car seats and get helpful installation instructions.

5. Free car seat checks are available

Whether you’ve just installed a new car seat or just want a “checkup” for a seat your child’s been using for a while, you can get help at a car seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge and show you how to correctly install it and make sure your child is properly secured. Find a car seat inspection station near you at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.

6. Tweens should always be buckled

According to a 2005 report by the NHTSA, most accidents in urban areas happen under 30 mph. Be consistent and stay firm if your tween or teen resists wearing seat belts. Set safe habits for life, help keep your child safe and obey the law by making sure your child is buckled up every time for every ride, no matter how few miles or how slowly you’re driving.

7. Car seats have expiration dates

Car seats expire, because technology improves and safety standards change. If you buy a used car seat or receive one as a hand-me-down, check it carefully and make sure you know the history and whether or not it has been involved in a crash. Most car seats have an expiration date stamped on the manufacturer’s label on the side or base.

Want to learn more? During Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 15-21, 2019), many communities offer free car seat check events, especially on National Seat Check Saturday (Sept. 21). It’s a great opportunity to ensure you’re using your child’s car seat safely, whether you’re a new parent or caregiver, or you’ve been using car seats for years but want to confirm you’re using your child’s seat correctly. Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat for more information and to search for a car seat inspection station or event near you.

2019-08-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – For millions of individuals who are missing teeth, smiling is no easy task. The decision to get dental implants can prove to be life-changing. Several years ago, Dr. Natalie Wong, president of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), treated a shy 18-year-old man whose front teeth were knocked out in a bullying incident — and she still feels grateful for the opportunity.

When the young man first came to her office, he wouldn’t even look up or speak to her. Working slowly over many months, she earned his trust and replaced his missing teeth with dental implants. “The expression on his face when he smiled, looking at his final teeth, it was amazing,” says Wong, who practices in Toronto and is also the founder and director of the Toronto Implant Institute. “We change people’s physical state all the time. But when you can change someone’s mental state, that’s something impactful.”

5 reasons dental implants will make you smile

If you’ve been hesitant or unwilling to smile as often as you would like because you’re missing teeth — either from birth, as a result of injury, infection or decay — dental implants could be just what you need to start working those smile muscles a lot more. Here are five reasons dental implants will bring a smile to your face and renewed joy to your life:

1. You’ll look and feel great. Dental implants feel, look, fit and function like healthy, natural teeth. Whenever you smile, you’ll know you look your best. They’re so comfortable, you don’t have to think about them or care for them any differently than you do your natural teeth. You just brush and floss them — no need to remove them for cleaning.
2. They’re built to last. When properly cared for, dental implants can last decades. Many other tooth replacement options, including certain types of bridges and dentures, may need to be replaced as often as every five to 10 years, requiring a more significant investment of time and money.
3. You can live life with confidence. Dental implants don’t slip or click when you talk, eat, laugh or kiss. You can enjoy all of your everyday activities without worrying about your teeth. You’ll also find your speech is more natural. Simply put, you just won’t have any excuses not to smile.
4. They protect facial bone and healthy teeth. Leaving empty spaces in your mouth after losing one or more teeth can lead to jawbone deterioration and other health issues. When dental implants are placed in your jawbone, they bond with your natural bone. They’re the only tooth replacement option that stimulates bone growth and prevents bone loss, as well as keeps your facial structure intact. Another advantage is that they don’t require grinding down adjacent teeth as is required to anchor bridges or attach partial dentures.
5. They’re more affordable than you might imagine. At first glance, dentures or removable bridges might seem like a better deal than dental implants, given their lower upfront costs. But the full financial and emotional cost of dentures or bridges can run much higher than dental implants when you factor in ongoing maintenance costs, the inconvenience and time-consuming hassle of removing dentures for cleaning, and the need for frequent replacement. Add in health costs if your jawbone starts to deteriorate, and the social costs of simply not being confident about chewing, laughing, talking or living your life, and compare the costs again.

Dental implant surgery is one of the safest, most predictable procedures in the dental field. But dental implants are complex, sophisticated devices that require deep knowledge and specialized expertise to fit and place properly, so it’s important to choose a dental implant dentist with experience and knowledge you can trust. Be sure to ask about his or her training, specializations and credentials. You can also find plenty of additional helpful information on the AAID’s consumer website at www.aaid-implant.org, including a Find an Implant Dentist tool to locate an AAID-credentialed dentist near you.

You deserve many reasons to smile. Don’t let missing teeth prevent you from getting all the physical and emotional benefits that come with exercising those smile muscles frequently and confidently.

2019-08-26T15:01:01

(BPT) – Face it, everyone loves their pets. And they often want to take their pets wherever they’re going. In fact, a recent survey by Volvo Car USA and The Harris Poll found that 39% of pet owners would rather go on a road trip with their dog than a family member.

However, many pet owners worry about pet safety in a vehicle. Seventy-seven percent of respondents said that people don’t take vehicular pet safety seriously. Furthermore, nearly a third of dog owners reported leaving their furry friend home due to concerns about road safety.

These concerns aren’t unwarranted. The survey also examined driver behavior when pets were unrestrained in a vehicle and discovered eye-opening results.

The amount of unsafe driving behaviors more than doubled when dogs were unrestrained in a car compared to when they were restrained in a harness or cage. Allowing dogs to roam free led to frantic movements that distracted the driver, and dogs’ heart rates spiked 7 beats per minute faster while riding unrestrained.

What can you do to keep your pet safer while driving? Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, a veterinary specialist at Cornell University, shares some common but unsafe practices that pet owners should avoid.

1. Don’t drive with your pet in the front seat

In the event of a collision, your pet can be thrown into the windshield, even if restrained. Unless the passenger side airbag is disengaged, airbag deployment alone can be very dangerous to a small pet.

2. Never drive with a pet on your lap

In addition to distracting the driver, a pet can get caught under the steering wheel and cause an accident or projected forward into the windshield in the event of a collision. Additionally, the pet is positioned between the airbag and the driver, which is dangerous to both the driver and the pet.

3. Never drive with an unrestrained pet in the vehicle

Beyond the animal being a serious distraction, an abrupt stop can cause a pet to fall quickly, causing soft tissue injury or worse. In the event of an accident, a pet could jump from the vehicle and run into moving traffic.

4. Never allow your pet to lean out of a car window

While it may look like dogs are enjoying the rush of the wind in their fur, debris can be forced into their eyes and cause abrasions or punctures to their cornea, which could result in serious injury or blindness.

5. Never leave a dog unattended in a vehicle

You may be tempted to leave your pet in the car for a short errand, but it can be stressful and even life-threatening for the pet. Even in cooler months, you should never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, no matter how short a period, to avoid hypothermia or heat stroke.

How can you keep your dog safely in your vehicle? Volvo Cars is the leading vehicle manufacturer in developing safety accessories for pets that directly tie into the safety system of the car. These accessories include a flexible Dog Harness, a Load Compartment Divider for the rear hatchback, a Protective Steel Grille to keep an animal from jumping from the back to the front of the car and a Dog Gate that allows you to create one or two separate dog compartments.

To learn more about pet safety accessories, visit volvocars.com.

2019-08-26T08:31:00

(BPT) – Whether students are entering their senior year of college or freshman year of high school, planning is key to having a great year — and achieving goals. A recent study conducted by Post-it Brand found that American students spend approximately 105 hours a month “hustling” in order to achieve their goals, including nearly 10 hours a week studying.¹

It is no doubt that students today dream big — the same study found that approximately half of high school and college-aged students surveyed have a goal of starting their own small business, earning a 4.0 GPA, getting into their top choice college or making themselves and/or parents proud. Most respondents even had goals bigger than themselves — 50% said they’re motivated by the chance to make an impact or difference in the world. So, this school year, having the right tools is important so students can make their brilliant thoughts, world-changing ideas and spectacular inventions come alive.

From notes, to flags, to calendars and everything in between, Post-it Brand has the products that are not just a canvas for people’s thoughts, but a catalyst to move them forward, to take action on ideas and Think Loud this school year.

Here are a few tips to help students have their best year ever.

Identify due dates and plan ahead.

With only so many hours in a day and days in a week, it’s important for students to use their time wisely. After the first day of classes, go through each class syllabus to identify due dates for big papers, projects and exams. After flagging important dates, view the semester holistically and notice when big items are due within a short time of one another. Are there two long papers due the same day? A midterm exam the day after a big presentation? Plan ahead by setting up an early “due date” for one of those items and write a to-do list with the necessary steps in order to get it done.

Make it visual.

Despite living in a digital world, the same study found that over half of college-aged students prefer to use a paper calendar and planner to manage themselves and their time. Visual reminders help keep students on track and ensure that important deadlines aren’t forgotten. Use the Post-it Brand Super Sticky Full Stick Notes Weekly Wall Calendar to keep important dates front-and-center all year long. The calendar comes with notes that fit inside each daily spot making it easy to move appointments, due dates and reminders to accommodate schedule changes and new priorities.

Take effective notes.

Looming test dates during the semester can be overwhelming, but taking great notes can lessen the stress. In fact, the same study found that eight in ten students believe that not only do they learn better, but they also remember things better when they write down their thoughts. An easy tip to taking effective notes is to keep flags and page markers in different colors handy. Use the different colors to mark important sections of notes and topics to go back and review so when it comes time to study, all the important information is already flagged.

Brainstorm and organize paper topics.

Whether it’s a major research paper or collaborating with classmates on a group presentation, writing down information and keeping it front and center can help students think clearly. Sometimes a change of location can help move the brainstorm along, so take it outside by using Post-it Extreme XL Notes — the notes can stick to surfaces beyond the classroom, including brick and wood, providing the ability to toss ideas around to organize an outline.

Set goals.

Once students know their workload for the whole semester, they can start writing out weekly tasks and goals and estimate how much time is needed for each. Tip: It’s always a good idea to overestimate how long it will take. Then set aside enough hours each day, around school and/or work schedules, to accomplish the goals for that week. Be sure to incorporate time each week for extracurricular activities, sports or downtime, as well.

With the right tools, students can stay organized and on top of their schedules in order to achieve all their goals this school year. For more useful tips on how to Think Loud, check out Post-it.com.

¹Survey conducted by OnePoll for Post-it Brand with a sample of 1,000 U.S. high school and college students (ages 16-22) from July 22 – July 25, 2019.

2019-08-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Feeding your family wholesome meals that everyone enjoys can feel like a challenge, especially on busy days. With different food preferences and limited time to cook, it’s easy to fall into meal ruts where you eat the same thing over and over again.

It’s time to add a little color and creativity to dinners with meals that come with maximum taste and nutrition achieved with minimum effort. Here are five ideas to inspire healthy dishes the whole family will love, with extra nutrients you can feel good about:

Divide your plate

Let your plate be your guide in showing one of the easiest ways to make sure your family is getting enough good-for-you foods. In general, divide your plate into quarters. Half of the plate should be filled with vegetables like a salad or a combo of fruit and vegetables, such as steamed broccoli in one quarter and sliced peaches in another. On the other side, a quarter would be for whole grains including whole wheat toast or brown rice. The final quarter would be for lean protein, such as chicken breast, eggs or beans.

Utilize slaw kits

Packed with fresh produce, slaw salads are a wonderful addition to any meal that adds a satisfying crunch. However, most people don’t have the time or the know-how to make restaurant-quality slaw. Fresh Express makes dinner a culinary adventure. Their new, chef-inspired Premium Salad Kits include all of the ingredients for a gourmet salad. All you have to do is toss and serve.

Healthy hidden extras

It can be an endless battle to get kids (and adults!) to eat more vegetables. Try being creative when it comes to including vegetables into family favorites. For example, add a subtle sweet touch to your mac and cheese with a bit of pureed pumpkin or supercharge spaghetti sauce by adding finely chopped sweet bell peppers. For an extra nutrient boost without sacrificing taste, puree some steamed cauliflower and add to mashed potatoes to make them extra delicious and wholesome.

Creative twists

Sometimes you have to shake things up to keep meals interesting, but it doesn’t require trying out complex new recipes. Roll the new Fresh Express Asian Avocado Premium Slaw Salad Kit into a wrap for a great lunchtime meal. It comes with a blend of Napa, red and green cabbage and kale tossed with Asian Avocado dressing and topped with honey roasted sesame chips, crunchy wonton strips, and sweet dried corn. You can also pair it with a turkey burger or an avocado crab salad and you have a restaurant-quality meal.

Smoothies

Want to give your family healthy fruits and vegetables while they feel like they’re getting a treat? Whip up smoothies as an easy breakfast or a nourishing drink that works with virtually any meal. Try using frozen fruit as an affordable simple base for any smoothie. You can also add in vegetables like chopped frozen spinach for a vitamin boost you won’t even taste among all the fruit. Mix with ice and milk or juice and blend until smooth.

With these five tips and tricks, you’ll change your mealtime mindset and be able to shake up your family’s menu with healthful fare to please palates of all ages.

2019-08-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Has summer just flown by? Did you run out of time to take a vacation, or just can’t stand to see summer end? Maybe you want to use up the year’s vacation days before they expire.

Whatever the reason, now’s the perfect time to stretch your summer in Myrtle Beach. You could enjoy a short stay. How about 60 hours to match the 60 miles of stunning beaches? Or if you have time, plan a longer visit. Don’t let the season end before you’re ready.

Stretch your body

Relax and stretch your legs along the shore at Myrtle Beach, then take a hike at Huntington Beach State Park to enjoy its numerous boardwalks extending into salt marsh and freshwater lagoons.

Or you can take in some golf at one of the area’s spectacular courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

If biking is more your speed, tour the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, or take a literal stretch at one of Myrtle Beach’s many yoga centers like Yoga in Common. You could follow your yoga with a beer at a Sunday session at New South Brewing.

Stretch your mind

Opportunities to expand your horizons abound in Myrtle Beach, from Brookgreen Gardens, consisting of over 9,000 acres of botanical gardens filled with stunning sculptures and art, to the Franklin G. Burroughs Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, where you can view visual art in a wide variety of media, from renowned artists including Ansel Adams, Frank Lloyd Wright, Jasper Johns and Norman Rockwell. This fall’s exhibit “A Visual Exploration of Southern Heritage” showcases Southern-history themed works.

Traveling with kids? Expand their minds at WonderWorks, featuring nearly 100 hands-on exhibits to explore science, weather and space. Step into the Hurricane Shack to feel storm-force winds, or sit in a replica of the Mercury capsule. Everyone will enjoy this unique educational experience.

Stretch your limits

Catch a wave with Jack’s Surf Lessons, or rent a Jet Ski at Myrtle Beach Watersports. You may even see a dolphin or two as you cruise the ocean or Intracoastal waterway!

If you’re really daring, consider parasailing up to 500 feet above the ocean with the help of Express Watersports, or you and the kids could join forces and fight your way through monsters at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure Laser Strike.

Thrill the kids with the Dangerous Reef exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium, where they can watch sharks, stingrays and other sea creatures swimming around them.

Test your limits by taking a risk with Bartender’s Choice at Strong Waters Craft Cocktails & Kitchen, where you choose any two words such as fizzy, sweet or smoky, and the bartender will create a unique specialty drink just for you.

Stretch your dollar

Savvy travelers know they can get the best deals when the tourist season is ending, so fall is a great time to enjoy oceanfront resorts and other amenities without the summertime crowds. Myrtle Beach accommodations offer more value for your money during fall, and there are plenty of area attractions that are free or low-cost to suit any budget.

The 60 miles of beautiful beaches are free to visit and enjoy. Wake up early to watch a gorgeous sunrise, spend the day surfing the waves, or bring along a beach chair to relax in the sun. Stroll along Murrells Inlet MarshWalk to take in the stunning views of the marsh.

Join some fall festivals and events, such as Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down in September or the Little River ShrimpFest in October, offering live jazz and mouthwatering shrimp. Don’t miss the Loris Bog-Off in October, celebrating the Southern specialty of rice, chicken, sausage and pepper. For more on upcoming festivals, visit GrandStrandEvents.com.

For families who truly need a vacation do-over, share your stories at visitmyrtlebeach.com. Visit Myrtle Beach will surprise those with the most compelling stories and photos with a trip this fall.

To find ways to stretch your summer, check out visitmyrtlebeach.com.