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WASHLET: The History Behind the World’s Most Luxurious and Innovative Bathroom Technology

2019-08-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to bodily hygiene, what was once considered a luxury — cleansing with water — is now deemed a necessity. Before 1920, daily bathing was a luxury; bathing once a week was the norm. In the 1920s and 1930s, however, industrial automation introduced new standards of hygiene to the American public by reducing the cost of indoor plumbing fixtures. By the 1940s, daily bathing had become an everyday luxury and the social norm.

In the 1980s, TOTO, the Japanese plumbing manufacturer, conceived of a way to make personal cleansing an everyday luxury. TOTO reinvented the humble toilet seat as a high-tech, luxury seat with bidet function and brought personal cleansing into bathrooms across Japan. Capitalizing on toilet tissue’s inability to clean thoroughly, the TOTO brand WASHLET (a neologism drawn from “Let’s Wash”) quickly became popular throughout Japan and Asia and soon, in addition to Japanese homes, it was found in hotels, department stores, airports and train stations. Since then, the market for WASHLET has expanded exponentially. Today, TOTO has sold over 50 million WASHLET worldwide.

With WASHLET, TOTO demonstrated that water cleans better and more thoroughly than any other method, including toilet paper. As TOTO pointed out, when people clean their bodies, they use water. They wash their hands, face and hair with water. People innately love water, and nothing cleans, refreshes and revitalizes them better than water. TOTO showed that when it comes to personal cleansing, dry paper just distributes the problem, while WASHLET washes it away with pure, clean water straight from the home’s clean water supply.

Over the past 40 years, TOTO has taken its initial WASHLET concept even further, designing a diverse product line that elevates its offerings in personal cleansing and comfort, which were largely absent from products made by standard plumbing manufacturers. Each new addition provided innovative features that were highly valued by consumers, such as warm, aerated water for cleansing, warm air for drying and a heated seat.

Because of the deep market penetration of these coveted fixtures, visitors to Japan have continued to notice and remark on the luxury features of WASHLET from the time it was first introduced, whether in elements of American pop culture or by celebrities who were impressed by them. Today, TOTO continues to build on the original concept, pushing the boundaries of innovation, technology and design. Since its initial release in 1980, TOTO has continued to enhance WASHLET, offering a wide variety of innovative features in terms of functionality, comfort and cleanliness.

Most recently, TOTO introduced the high-tech WASHLET S550e, which offers warm, aerated water to clean, a warm air dryer and heated seat, with advanced touchless sensor technology that enables the lid to open and close automatically and the toilet to automatically flush when the user rises and walks away. Plus it has a night light as well as an in-bowl catalytic deodorizer, pre-mist and EWATER+ functions to further aid in keeping its wand and the toilet bowl clean. The warm water cleansing features offer adjustable temperature and water pressure controls, while the heated seat is also furnished with temperature control for maximum user comfort. And as if it wasn’t advanced enough, TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSHING technology offers unparalleled, high-performance with two powerful nozzles that create a powerful centrifugal rinsing action that keeps the bowl cleaner longer.

TOTO was the first to introduce the use of electrolyzed water, a proven disinfectant used in the food preparation and cleaning industries, to cleanse the streamline wand of WASHLET and keep the toilet bowl fresh and clean. EWATER+ is good for the planet, too. It reduces the need for toxic chemicals used to clean the toilet, which helps to protect the environment as it saves consumers money on cleaning supplies and time cleaning the toilet. EWATER+ returns to its natural state within two hours and is available on WASHLET S550e and S500e.

TOTO’s invention of WASHLET and its ongoing innovations in the area of personal cleansing make it the acknowledged pioneer in the industry, developing a line of state-of-the art personal cleansing products unlike any others that heighten any bathroom experience and are created specifically for the comfort and well-being of consumers.

For this reason, WASHLET has become a household name, and today offers comfort and convenience in personal cleansing to people across the globe.


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Think outside: 5 ways to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors

2019-08-08T06:31:00

(BPT) – Life is hectic, full of demands at work and home. Add digital distractions like computers, cell phones, tablets and more, and it’s no wonder many people are experiencing record-high levels of stress.

One simple solution is to shift your perspective by spending more time outdoors. When you do an enjoyable activity outside, stress begins to melt away as you bask in the fresh air, sunshine and beauty of nature.

This doesn’t mean you have to be a savvy outdoor adventurer. There is a growing movement of people of all ages and walks of life embracing nature by finding new ways to discover the world around them. If you feel the draw of the outdoors, consider these five ideas for disconnecting and enjoying activities outside:

1) Try something new

When you challenge yourself by trying a new outdoor activity, you gain confidence and build lasting memories. You might also find new connections with a shared perspective. Curious about fishing? Look for local opportunities and guides. Want to learn how to rock climb? Research local classes and clubs. Interested in an experience of a lifetime? Explore the many options Polaris Adventures provides. These expertly tailored trips throughout the country let you try new ride-and-drive experiences that you’re sure to never forget.

2) Take a hike

One of the easiest ways to explore the outdoors is something that virtually anyone can do: hiking. Put on comfortable, sturdy athletic shoes and have fun discovering the parks and forests around you. Whether you opt for paved trails or a more challenging path through the forest, it’s a wonderful way to have fun by yourself or with others. Make a day of it by packing lunch or other snacks for mid-hike picnics where you can take in the grandeur of Mother Nature.

3) Explore the open road

There’s something freeing about the open road and exploring the nation’s highways, byways and hidden winding roadways. The fresh air and breeze in your face is second only to the sights and sounds of the new surroundings you experience as you explore cities, towns and country sides. As you look for your next adventure, try an alternative to a car or motorcycle that provides an exhilarating experience, such as a three-wheeled motor vehicle. These vehicles are as fun to drive as they look, plus most can comfortably seat two people for joint outdoor exploration.

4) Head off road

Find endless possibilities beyond the pavement. Few things can compare to traveling off road and discovering hidden spots and new places. With Polaris off-road vehicles, the options are only limited by your desire to explore. Pack up your gear and head out knowing you’re in a machine made to journey through the forests, deserts, mountains and beyond. Go at your own speed and see where it takes you.

5) Wander the water

Whether it’s a pond, lake, river or ocean, the water is equal parts soothing and exhilarating. It provides countless opportunities to spend time outside, depending on your personal preferences. Fish from the shoreline. Rent a canoe or kayak to discover bays and sandbars. Kick back and explore on a Bennington Pontoon. Try your hand at paddle boarding. When in doubt, just plan a beach day with a group of friends or the whole family.

As life continues to pull people in every direction, it’s more important than ever to take a moment and spend time outside. With these ideas, it’s easier than ever to enjoy connecting with others and the outdoors. For more ideas about what to do outside, visit Polaris.


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More than a mower: The right robotic lawn mower can give you the yard of your dreams

2019-08-07T13:01:00

(BPT) – If you love a lush, green, well-manicured lawn but hate spending hours out in the heat mowing week after week, a robotic mower may be just the thing you need. The latest technology in robotic mowing gives you hours of your life back, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with your family — or getting other chores accomplished — and a much better-looking, healthier lawn.

So, how do robotic mowers work? Smart technology like *GPS-assisted navigation, automatic sensors and long-lasting batteries combine to make a mower that propels itself around your yard, cutting a fine layer of grass at each pass. The mower returns to a charging station for an hour or more when its battery runs low, and then it goes right back out to continue mowing. Most robotic mowers easily change direction when encountering or sensing obstacles or they work within a pre-programmed boundary. They can also work in wet weather and are far quieter than standard mowers.

*GPS-assisted navigation does not come with every Automower® model. The Automower® 315X mentioned below does not come with GPS-assisted navigation.

How do you find the right robotic mower for your needs? Here are some key factors to consider.

Lawn size

No lawn is too small for a robotic mower, but for those with especially narrow areas to navigate, mowers such as the Husqvarna Automower® robotic lawn mower can handle tight turns and complex spaces with ease. For example, the Husqvarna Automower® 315X can take on areas as narrow as 24 inches, and it covers up to 0.4 acres.

For a large lawn, you’ll want a mower that can handle more acreage. Depending on the model, you can also use more than one unit to work together to cover larger areas, which is also a great option for professional landscapers.

Challenging terrain

When choosing a mower, you’ll also want to consider your yard’s specific challenges. Steep inclines? Frequent obstacles? Separate areas that need coverage (such as front, back and side yards)?

Depending on the model, robotic lawn mowers can handle varying degrees of steepness. For example, the Husqvarna Automower® robotic lawn mower can handle inclines up to 45% (24 degrees). Be sure to assess the inclines in your yard to find the robotic mower that is best equipped to handle them.

Robotic mowers adjust direction if their bumpers encounter an obstacle, so objects such as trees, playgrounds and typical yard debris are not a concern. Robotic lawn mowers do vary in the level of complexity they can handle, so be sure to take your lawn’s obstacles and layout into consideration.

Ease of use

There are a variety of models out there offering different ways to program the mower. Some models allow you to program it directly through the unit, while others use Bluetooth and other wireless capabilities, enabling you to operate them through remote connections via smart devices, and offer other state-of-the art features. For example, with Husqvarna’s Automower® Connect App, you have full control of the unit via your mobile phone network.

A robotic lawn mower can take your lawn to the next level. The mowers work more often than traditional mowers to keep your lawn at the perfect height consistently. Many use smart technology to ensure safety, effective functionality and security for your unit. Some even offer features such as a personal PIN code to deter theft and GPS tracking to allow you to monitor the location of your mower.

The perfect lawn is within reach. You just need the right robotic mower for your yard to achieve it.


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Which is more important to recognize, emojis or road signs?

2019-08-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you were to take a quiz to test your ability to identify common emojis and road signs, how do you think you’d fare?

According to the results from a recent survey by Mercury Insurance, 1,890 respondents did not do so well. The meaning of the “yawning” emoji was correctly identified by 85% of the respondents, but only 31% of quiz-takers correctly identified the meaning of the “lane reduction” road sign. Additionally, 71% knew the “in love” emoji, but the “keep right” road sign was correctly identified by only 51% of quiz-takers.

Emojis are continually being added to our texting and messaging vocabulary, and for the most part, we’re able to keep up with this ever-changing landscape. Fortunately for the more than 200 million licensed U.S. drivers, road signs are highly regulated and consistent, and are designed to help keep drivers safe and easily guide them to their destinations. The bad news, however, is that far more people are able to identify emojis than road signs. And what’s worse is that many times they’re looking at these cute little icons while they’re driving.

“Sure, emojis are a fun, modern-day form of shorthand, and may be more intuitive, but there’s a time and place to use them, and behind the wheel of a car isn’t one of them,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of claims and customer experience at Mercury Insurance. “A picture may be worth a thousand words in some cases, but it certainly isn’t worth getting into a collision and risking someone’s life. Most collisions are avoidable if drivers focus on their main task of safely operating a vehicle.”

Distracted driving — anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, including texting and talking on a phone — accounted for 3,166 fatalities in 2017, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Texting while driving is extremely dangerous, as it takes your eyes off the road for five seconds on average — whether you’re reading or sending the message.

The results of the quiz also highlight the importance of knowing what each road sign means, so you and those around you are safe. “These signs are instantly communicating to drivers what actions to take, much like emojis instantly communicate what friends or family members might be trying to convey in a text,” said Quinn. “It’s OK to only somewhat understand an emoji, but it’s imperative to know exactly what a road sign is telling you; otherwise it could lead to disastrous results on the road where no one can afford a misunderstanding. And being an attentive driver who knows the rules of the road and safely gets where they’re going might earn you a smiley face from your auto insurance company, just don’t read it while you’re operating a vehicle.”


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4 easy DIY projects to go back-to-school in style

2019-08-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – Parents spend over $500 per student for those in grades K-12 during the back-to-school season, according to a new survey from Deloitte. But back-to-school shopping doesn’t mean your wallet needs to take a heavy hit! With just a little extra time and effort, generic backpacks and supplies can be customized into a personality-reflecting fashion statement.

“Personalized backpacks, binders or even lockers are a great way to show off individual personalities and styles,” said Kate Piche, Group Product Director at DAP. “And with the right adhesive, you can quickly liven up just about any school supply without spending a fortune.”

Start the year off right by transforming your affordable school supplies into fun, personalized pieces with these four simple projects:

Locker door décor

Take a school locker from drab to fab by using DAP RapidFuse All-Purpose Adhesive to glue magnets to the back of mirrors, pen cups, clothespins or other decorative objects for cute and practical locker door décor that can be hung without damaging the locker. RapidFuse is water resistant and more durable than typical super glues, making it the best option for the job. Bonus project: to create a locker chandelier, start with an inexpensive push light (found at hardware stores) and adhere decorative ribbons or gem stones to the outside rim of the light.

Backpack zipper pull

For a backpack that won’t get lost in the crowd, adhere a ring and clip to the back of a wooden ornament. Squeeze a bead of adhesive onto the metal ring and press onto the back of the ornament for 30 seconds. Once dry, clip onto backpack zippers to create stylish pulls that reflect your kid’s interests! But don’t stop there, liven up your pencil case while you’re at it so it doesn’t get mistaken for someone else’s.

Personalize binders and lunch boxes

Visit a craft store and allow kids to choose decorative patches, buttons, gemstones or even fabrics. The hard-to-bond plastic surfaces typical of binders and lunchboxes are no match for DAP RapidFuse Plastic Primer Kit. Once you’ve decided on décor placement, use the primer pen, wait one minute, apply RapidFuse All-Purpose Adhesive and press together. Also great for quick fixes around the house, the RapidFuse Plastic Primer Kit ensures a strong, clear bond on all plastic surfaces, allowing you to keep your cherished items, instead of tossing them out.

Teacher appreciation gift

Introduce yourself to your new teacher with a small teacher appreciation gift, like a pen holder or desktop organizer. Glue on letter tiles and spell out their name or subject — or apply small beads of adhesive to fasten a fun note or name label to extra school supplies you’re donating to the classroom.

For more information to help tackle back-to-school décor and projects, visit https://blog.dap.com/category/adhesives/.


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The ultimate guide to buying a cordless vacuum

2019-08-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you may have found that old-fashioned vacuum cleaners with long cords are inconvenient to use, and a hassle to carry around your home for everyday cleaning. Today’s lightweight, cordless vacuums offer more convenience and are much easier to use.

What should you look for in a cordless vacuum? Many shoppers consider price and brand affinity, but in the case of cordless vacuums, here’s what you should look for:

1. Effectiveness

The most important question about any vacuum cleaner is — How well does it work? The first thing you’ll want to look for is strong suction power. In the case of cordless vacuums, you’ll also want to know how long it’ll last before having to recharge it.

Suction power can be gauged by wattage, which ranges widely. For battery power, most cordless units run anywhere from 15 minutes to nearly an hour before recharging, depending on the size (including small handheld units). Another feature to consider is how long it will take for the battery to recharge, which might be four hours or more.

An example of a long-lasting, cordless vacuum with good suction power is the LG CordZero A9 Stick Vacuum. It offers 140 watts of suction power and a Power Punch nozzle attachment to deliver a burst of extra cleaning power for items like upholstered furniture and mattresses. In normal mode, it can last up to 80 minutes before recharging thanks to its two batteries that can be swapped out — letting you clean and charge at the same time.

2. Ease of use

Today’s cordless vacuums are very portable, ranging in weight from around 5-10 pounds. To make carrying them around the house easier, look for a model that weighs closer to the lighter side of the spectrum.

While some models are designed so you have to continuously hold down a power button during use, look for models that have an on/off control that you don’t need to keep holding while in use.

3. Meets the needs of your space

Think about how you will be using your cordless vacuum before choosing the right model. Do you need to clean hardwood floors, carpets or both? Do you need attachments for cleaning stairs, ledges, furniture or drapes?

Some units, like LG CordZero, can be used as either a stick vacuum or a handheld vacuum for quick clean-up jobs. It also comes with a telescopic wand and crevice tool for hard-to-reach spaces. Some models may come with an effective brush-roll attachment that can help clean up things like pet hair.

4. Effortless cleaning

While some models still use bags to hold dust and debris, most vacuums today are designed with a dust bin that needs to be periodically emptied. Look for models that hold a fair amount of debris before needing to be emptied, and that have dust bins that are easy to open for cleaning without having to get your hands dirty.

You’ll also want a vacuum with a multi-step filtration system to effectively separate debris in the dust bin. HEPA filtration systems are ideal as they help to effectively trap and reduce the number of allergens that can escape into the air.

5. Easy to store

One big advantage of cordless vacuum cleaners is that they’re smaller and easier to store. Many models are built with a combination storage dock and charging stand, so they can recharge every time you store them away. One unique feature of the LG CordZero is that you can choose from three different storage methods — wall-mount mode, self-standing mode or compact mode — depending on your needs.

Assessing exactly how you will use your vacuum cleaner, what features are necessary for you — plus where and how you want to store it — will help you find the best cordless vacuum for your needs.

For more information on LG’s latest powerful vacuum technology, please visit LG.com.


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5 ways to fight IPF

2019-08-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – It takes grit, dedication and commitment to go up against a serious and irreversible disease like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This lesser-known condition, which causes scarring of the lungs, is considered “rare,” but still kills more than 40,000 people in the U.S. each year — just as many as breast cancer. Following are five ways to fight IPF.

1. Know your opponent — understanding the disease

IPF is a progressive disease that causes the lungs to become permanently scarred. While IPF is considered “rare,” up to 132,000 people are affected in the U.S. and there are 50,000 newly diagnosed cases annually. It’s important to understand IPF and determine when to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

2. An early and accurate diagnosis is critical in the fight

An IPF diagnosis can take as long as two years, and during that time, the disease may worsen. That’s why it’s important to speak with a lung specialist, a pulmonologist who can perform the proper diagnostic tests right away.

3. Identify your fighting strategy — develop a treatment plan

After diagnosis, a treatment plan is the first step to helping slow the progression of your IPF. Talk to your doctor about OFEV® (nintedanib) capsules, a treatment for IPF. OFEV is the only twice-daily pill that helps slow the progression of IPF by slowing the decline in lung function. Learn more: www.ofev.com/about-ofev.

4. Know who’s in your corner — support can help

Finding the right support team can make a big difference after your IPF diagnosis. Having the right pulmonologist will help you get the needed answers to keep fighting. Whether you’re an Ofev patient, caregiver or family member, look to OPEN DOORS™ Patient Support Program to provide personalized support and advice: www.ofev.com/support.

5. Keep fighting — never give up hope

IPF is not contagious, but the way you live your life can be. Keep fighting to inspire your loved ones. You’re not alone in this fight, Boehringer Ingelheim is in your corner and committed to the IPF community through advancing IPF research and treatment options. Keep fighting: www.ofev.com.

What is Ofev?

Ofev is a prescription medicine used to treat people with a lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). It is not known if Ofev is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about Ofev® (nintedanib)?

Ofev can cause harm, birth defects or death to an unborn baby. Women should not become pregnant while taking Ofev. Women who are able to become pregnant should have a pregnancy test before starting treatment and should use birth control during and for at least 3 months after your last dose. If you become pregnant while taking Ofev, tell your doctor right away.

What should I tell my doctor before using Ofev?

Before you take Ofev, tell your doctor if you have:

  • liver problems
  • heart problems
  • a history of blood clots
  • a bleeding problem or a family history of a bleeding problem
  • had recent surgery in your stomach (abdominal) area
  • any other medical conditions.

Tell your doctor if you:

  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ofev passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed while taking Ofev.
  • are a smoker. You should stop smoking prior to taking Ofev and avoid smoking during treatment.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements such as St. John’s wort.

What are the possible side effects of Ofev?

Ofev may cause serious side effects.

TELL YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY if you are experiencing any side effects, including:

  • Liver problems. Unexplained symptoms may include yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea colored) urine, pain on the upper right side of your stomach area (abdomen), bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, feeling tired, or loss of appetite. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to check how well your liver is working during your treatment with Ofev.
  • Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor may recommend that you drink fluids or take medicine to treat these side effects. Tell your doctor if you have these symptoms, if they do not go away, or get worse and if you are taking over-the-counter laxatives, stool softeners, and other medicines or dietary supplements.
  • Heart attack. Symptoms of a heart problem may include chest pain or pressure, pain in your arms, back, neck or jaw, or shortness of breath.
  • Stroke. Symptoms of a stroke may include numbness or weakness on 1 side of your body, trouble talking, headache, or dizziness.
  • Bleeding problems. Ofev may increase your chances of having bleeding problems. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bleeding, bruising, or wounds that do not heal and/or if you are taking a blood thinner, including prescription blood thinners and over-the-counter aspirin.
  • Tear in your stomach or intestinal wall (perforation). Ofev may increase your chances of having a tear in your stomach or intestinal wall. Tell your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your stomach area.

The most common side effects of Ofev are diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, liver problems, decreased appetite, headache, weight loss, and high blood pressure.

These are not all the possible side effects of Ofev. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

For full prescribing Information, including Patient Information, visit Ofev.com or contact Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-542-6257.


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Are you getting enough protein in your diet?

2019-08-06T12:03:00

(BPT) – You may have noticed protein bars and shakes popping up at grocery stores or gyms. Coverage of the benefits of protein is all the rage. So it might be surprising to learn that almost half of older adults are not consuming enough protein, thus negatively impacting their health, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.

What role should protein play in our diet?

“Protein can be thought of as one of the building blocks to our muscles, bones and blood,” said Dr. James Metcalf, a medical director with UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “Not only does protein help keep our body strong, it helps promote good balance and mobility — all important factors to being able to live independently as we age.”

Additionally, protein helps combat common signs of aging, like declines in muscle mass, strength and function, which can put you at greater risk of falling and fracturing bones.

But before you grab the nearest protein bar, let’s discuss exactly how much protein you should consume each day.

How much protein do I need?

The National Academy of Medicine’s recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. For an adult who weighs 195 pounds that’s 71 grams per day; for someone who weighs 170 pounds that’s 62 grams per day.

While it is helpful to know how many grams of protein you should aim to consume each day, knowing the amount of protein in the foods we eat can be a bit of a mystery. Below are some sources of high-quality protein and the corresponding amount of protein in each, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central database:

  • Chicken breast (one): 54 grams of protein
  • Salmon (0.5 fillet): 40 grams of protein
  • Lentils (one cup cooked): 18 grams of protein
  • Black beans (one cup cooked): 15 grams of protein
  • Greek yogurt (one container; plain, nonfat): 10 grams of protein
  • Egg (one): 6 grams of protein

Bottom line

If you feel you might benefit from adding some sources of protein into your diet, be sure to talk with your doctor before making any drastic changes.

Increasing your protein consumption will not be a silver bullet to keeping your body healthy as you age. Staying physically active is also important to help maintain your health and live your best life.


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5 ways to get organized in time for back-to-school

2019-08-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – As fall quickly approaches, parents everywhere start thinking ahead to the next school year, writing to-do lists and going back-to-school shopping to be ready. It’s easy for things to feel hectic at the beginning of each school year, with changing schedules and routines making everyone’s lives suddenly feel busier. Chances are you remember some of last year’s mayhem — scrambling to get breakfast together in the mornings while kids are hunting for their homework and clean clothes.

How can you come up with a better way to cope with all the demands of school, activities and homework, to make the daily routine less stressful or maybe even fun?

Just a little planning ahead can help your life go a lot more smoothly this year. Here are some ideas to try:

1. Backpack setup routine

Choose a logical time for the kids to go through their backpacks each day, whether that’s right when they get home from school, or maybe just before or after dinner. Whatever works best for your family. Then you can make sure each backpack gets filled with whatever needs to go to school the next day — before bedtime.

Don’t leave the backpack emptying routine until too late in the day, as the children will be looking for homework that needs attention, as well as items parents should see, like school reminders or permission slips that need signing.

2. Make lunches the night before

To streamline your morning routine, which can easily get hectic, involve kids in helping to pack their lunches the night before and keep them in a special spot in the fridge so everyone knows where to find them.

Offer kids some healthy and fun choices that you know they like, such as yogurt cups, cheese cubes, pretzels or fruit snacks. For example, Black Forest Juicy Burst Fruit Snacks are gluten-free and fat-free, and an excellent source of vitamin C. Kids can choose their favorite flavors, like Mixed Fruit or Berry Medley. Kids love the juicy burst of the liquid-filled centers, and they’re easy to pack in lunchboxes or in backpacks for snacks when you’re on-the-go to after-school activities.

3. Create a special place for important papers

Make a cubby, shelf or a pair of “in and out boxes” where kids can deposit homework as well as items that parents need to review as the kids are cleaning out their backpacks each day. If you keep everything in one spot, nothing will get overlooked.

It’s best if you choose a place near the front door or the kitchen, so it will be seen easily by both kids and parents.

4. Set out clothes the night before

Establish a nightly routine to help kids pick out their own outfits to wear the next school day — before bedtime — and set everything out so it’s ready to go. Kids can take more ownership of choosing clothes as they get older.

This habit will also give you a heads-up if you suddenly realize you need to do a quick load of laundry that night. No more last-minute laundry pile diving to find a pair of clean socks in the morning!

5. Use a large wall calendar

Even if most of your family uses digital calendars these days, it can really help (especially the younger family members) to have a clear visual reminder in a spot like the fridge or a kitchen wall where everyone can easily see it (without having to boot up a computer or open a phone app). Find one that uses dry erase markers, or a magnetic calendar kit, so you can add or change everything from dentist appointments to after-school lessons or school trips, etc. as needed.

Encourage kids to enter their own activities on the calendar so they’ll be more likely to remember them. Use the calendar for fun items too, like birthdays, holiday celebrations and special events for the whole family to look forward to.

The return to school doesn’t have to be stressful this year. The start of the school year is a great time to establish a few new routines that will make everyone’s lives a little easier — for your kids and for you.


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5 ways parents can help kids be themselves

2019-08-06T07:01:00

(BPT) – As a parent, it’s so exciting to see your children grow and develop their own unique personalities and interests. While children are young and exploring the world around them, parents are always looking for ways to encourage their children’s growth, and to support them in finding activities that inspire kids and help them express their individual differences.

What are the most positive ways to influence kids? By letting them be themselves and cheering them on, all the way.

1. Let kids choose their activities

These days the choices for classes and activities can be overwhelming, so pick a reasonable number of choices for your children, but make sure they represent a variety of interests, from the arts, science and math, sports and more — and let them choose what interests them the most. If you need to narrow down their choices, take your kids to a library or bookstore, explain where to find what types of books, and see what they gravitate toward. What kinds of books intrigue them? This will keep the choices to a manageable level. Then allow your children to sample from the pursuits that interest them, and see what sticks.

2. Encourage kids to follow their interests — wherever they go

Once your kids express an interest in something, encourage the pursuit, even if it’s something you didn’t expect. Your children may choose an interest that doesn’t easily lend itself to after-school clubs or classes in your area. So how can you help them? Encourage their curiosity. Help them find kid-friendly books and websites on the subjects they like. Do an internet search for local resources, or ask friends to help you find a trustworthy adult they can shadow to learn about a related career or hobby. Learn about the topic yourself, so you can help your children explore it further.

3. Help kids express themselves through their room decor

Next time their bedroom needs a refresh, let children help pick out the color and design scheme — within reason. Allowing children to choose pictures to display or to arrange a shelf of treasures and knickknacks also lets them express their interests and personal style. The upside? They may be more likely to keep a room clean if they helped to decorate it!

4. Allow kids to pick their own clothing styles

There’s no better way to help children express their own personal style than allowing them choices about what they wear. Within an acceptable budget — which can also be a learning experience — go to your favorite store and let your children choose some of their clothing, within guidelines you set ahead of time (such as needing a certain number of shirts or pants for school days). Again, if the options are overwhelming, limit them, but still allow a choice. Ask, “Which one of these three shirts do you like best?” Shopping for kid-focused clothing brands like OshKosh B’gosh means you know that whatever they choose will be a perfect balance of quality, value, fashion and kid-friendly style.

5. Support kids in their efforts to help others

The internet is full of stories about kids who love to help others, from a lemonade stand raising funds for a good cause to kids doing good deeds to help out a neighbor or friend. Kids love to make a difference, and you can support their efforts as well as acting as a role model by making a difference, too. Since 2014, parents have helped the OshKosh Jeanius Campaign raise $2.1 million to help kids and classrooms, via DonorsChoose.org and Delivering Good. Through Sept. 19, you can buy an extra pair of jeans in-store or make a cash donation in-store or online, and OshKosh B’gosh will match each pair of denim with an article of clothing, and will match all cash donations up to $50,000. You can feel good knowing that 100% of the contributions received will benefit children and communities that OshKosh B’gosh serves.

Encouraging your kids to be kind, be confident and most importantly, to be themselves can be the most rewarding part of parenting. Visit Oshkosh.com for great deals on kids’ clothing, and more information about the B’gosh Jeanius Campaign.