Month: September 2019

2019-09-20T09:17:00

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2019-09-20T09:19:00

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2019-09-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – With all the distractions on today’s roads, parents are feeling increasingly anxious about keeping their children safe while driving. According to a new study by Volvo Car USA and The Harris Poll, more than six in ten American parents believe roads today are more dangerous than ever, and are actively seeking guidance on how to properly protect their loved ones when they’re on-the-go.

To help parents overcome their anxiety around child safety on the road, Volvo Car USA and Britax, two leaders in the field, worked together to curate helpful tips to keep children protected from harm and give peace of mind to parents everywhere.

Parents are overwhelmed when researching child safety products.

Parents have never had more options or information available to help them make decisions, yet for nearly two-thirds of parents, this is causing more confusion and stress. Almost all new parents (97%) find it overwhelming to research products — with 58% citing car seats specifically as a product they are seeking more guidance on how to install and use properly.

Tip 1: Keep children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible.

In some states, children are required by law to sit rear-facing until a certain age. However, that does not mean they should move to a forward-facing seat immediately when they come of age. Safety experts recommend children remain rear-facing until reaching the maximum height or weight restrictions for that seat. Rear-facing seats spread crash forces more evenly across the back of the car seat.

Besides keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, make sure you’ve installed the safety seat correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly three in five (59%) car seats are installed incorrectly. Additional resources and information about car seat installation can be found at nhtsa.gov.

Tip 2: Install harnessed seats using either the LATCH system or the safety belt.

One of the most common misconceptions in car seat installation is that utilizing both the LATCH system and safety belt together adds a layer of protection, when in fact, it’s not recommended by most car seat and vehicle manufacturers. Read both the seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual to determine the best way to install the car seat and ensure the seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path once installed.

Parents are distracted when driving with children.

Two-thirds of parents surveyed said they often feel distracted while driving with children. About one in three parents reported children throwing a tantrum or getting sick while they were driving, leading them to shift their focus away from the road. As a result, one in four new parents said they unintentionally ran over a curb while driving with children, while one in five admitted to getting into a fender bender with their child in the car.

Tip 3: Avoid reaching into the back seat while driving.

Whether you’re reaching for an item, consoling a child or breaking up an argument, it’s safer to pull over and address the issue than to take your eyes off the road, even when stopped behind stalled traffic, at a stop sign or traffic signal. Better to arrive at your destination late than to end up in an accident. Parents also said they’ve experienced children throwing a toy (22%) or food (18%) at them from the backseat while they were driving.

Tip 4: Secure items inside the car.

Limiting the number of items accessible to children in the back seat not only to makes it less likely to have an unexpected item hurled at the driver, but also prevents the possibility of items becoming projectiles that could harm passengers in the event of a crash.

To read the full report from Volvo USA and The Harris Poll, visit volvocars.com.

2019-09-20T03:01:00

(BPT) – One year ago, North Carolina native and licensed practical nurse Shannon Lanier found herself caught in a storm that seemed otherworldly. Hurricane Florence had arrived. And with it came more than two feet of rain in her hometown of Wilmington.

Lanier had listened to all the warnings and knew this had the potential to be a big one. But she’d never evacuated before. Her plan was to wait out the hurricane in her 30-year-old house at the end of a cul-de-sac near the Cape Fear River.

A few hours after Florence made landfall, rising water levels forced Lanier, her roommate and their 140-pound Great Dane to seek shelter up on their home’s second floor. Through Facebook, Lanier discovered that the United Cajun Navy was rescuing people in her neighborhood. She used the flashlight on her phone to signal for help and waded through four feet of water on her home’s first floor to reach the boat.

Volunteers assisted the trio into a boat and began paddling against the current up the street. As they did, the boat capsized, forcing everyone to swim to safety with only one lifejacket available. They were fortunate to make it out of the water before being transported to an evacuation shelter.

“All we had were the clothes on our backs,” said Lanier. “The shelter was packed and supplies were dwindling. We were so grateful to even be given a few paper towels to use to dry off.”

Lanier has worked for DaVita Sedc Wilmington Dialysis Center — the sole dialysis provider in Wilmington — for 18 years. Her patients with chronic kidney disease require life-sustaining dialysis treatment three times per week for four hours a day. Lanier considers them family.

“After Florence, my heart hurt because I knew I couldn’t be there for my patients,” recalled Lanier. “I was always the one who would jump in to help find patients and make sure they could receive dialysis somewhere after a storm. But I wasn’t able to do that this time.”

Instead, hundreds of her teammates stepped in to help. They waded through thigh-high waters to guide patients to safety and treatment. DaVita trucked in fuel, stationed generators where power had been lost and set up a dedicated support line to connect Lanier and others to resources. One-time donations were also given to teammates in need who were impacted by Florence. Six months after the hurricane, Lanier finally returned to her home.

“I wouldn’t have made it through this without DaVita,” shared Lanier. “Churches, shelters, everyone was there for me. When things like this happen, people come together. The power in this story is how everyone came through for me. I knew I wasn’t alone.”

When a disaster strikes, it’s important to have a plan in place. Here are some items to consider when creating a disaster plan:

1. Make sure all insurance policies are up-to-date.
2. Know the evacuation routes out of your city. Be sure to note all types of emergency alerts and warnings in advance.
3. Identify an emergency point of contact. Consolidate emergency phone numbers for doctors and medical centers.
4. Develop a list of medicines and dosage amounts. If an emergency occurs, you’ll want to have at least three days’ worth of any medications on hand.
5. Put together a basic home emergency kit with enough water and food for each person for at least three days, paper and plastic ware, a manual can and bottle opener, first aid supplies, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Store the kit in a place that’s easily accessible and waterproof.

As hurricane season continues, look for more preparedness tips at ready.gov. Emergency preparedness recommendations for people living with kidney disease are available at www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/emergency-preparedness-for-people-with-kidney-disease.

2019-09-19T11:19:00

(BPT) – Fall marks the beginning of a new school year and a perfect time to get you and your family organized. Use this fresh start as an opportunity to establish clear routines for scheduling, sorting papers and organizing everything your family needs for your work, school and home lives to run more smoothly.

The right tools plus the right approach will help to get everyone more organized.

1. Post a central calendar

Developing a central calendar in one of the common rooms in your home to track activity provides your family with a quick and easy way to stay organized and in the know. A large reusable monthly calendar in the kitchen or other key area of your home allows all family members to mark appointments, lessons and deadlines, plus special occasions so you’ll know what’s coming up at all times. Try the Staples Magnetic Calendar, a dry-erase calendar that comes with self-stick tape for posting on the wall, and two magnets to highlight special dates. There’s even a cork board at the bottom for pinning tickets or other important papers.

2. Find easy ways to leave notes

Whether you need to remind your family about lunches in the fridge or feeding the dog, Post-it Super Sticky Notes make it easy for everyone to communicate throughout the house. Using brightly colored notes means family members won’t miss them and you’ll be one step closer to your fall organization goal.

3. Focus on planning ahead

For your own goal-setting and scheduling, find a planner that helps keep track of monthly appointments and goals while also offering tips to help you de-clutter and streamline processes. The Emily Ley Simplified Pineapple Planner is as stylish and attractive as it is useful and inspiring. Check out the handy tips on quick clean-up routines — and even a page for your bucket list!

4. Crush your to-do list

To stay on top of long-term goals, it’s important to focus on what “to do” every day. Using a small tear-off pad with a to-do checklist helps you conquer your goals. The Martha Stewart Daily Goals Tracker fits the bill, dividing daily to-dos into a.m. and p.m., with space for overall daily goals and tomorrow’s focus. There’s even a place to check off your daily glasses of water.

5. Use color coding methods

Visual cues are key to organizing, so use color to help keep track of what’s what. You can use differently colored pens for various reminders in your planner or items on your to-do list (red means urgent!). Assign a different colored pen to each family member so you’ll know at a glance who each item is for. With TRU RED retractable pens, everyone can choose their favorite color. The ink in these gel pens dries quickly for smudge-proof writing, making them ideal for lefties.

To further organize papers, use a color-coding principle. Staples Top-Tab File Folders in pastel colors separate different types of papers into clear categories before filing them away. One hundred folders in a variety of pastels come in each box, with three tabs for easy labeling.

6. Stay organized on-the-go

When you’re running around doing errands, what could be better than a simple way to stash your papers, pens, keys and phone with an Emily Ley Simplified Seersucker Storage Pouch? Measuring 10 by 7 1/2 inches, the pouch can secure important items, and the navy cotton lining helps it stand up to daily use.

7. Clear your desk

Even if it’s just a section of your kitchen counter, free up space by sorting your “home office” items. Find an organizer (or two, or three) with different-sized compartments to fit what you and your family regularly need: stapler, scissors, pens, paper clips, etc. Try the sturdy plastic TRU RED desk organizers, in different sizes and configurations. Mix and match pieces to set it up just the way you want it.

8. Sort papers by type

It’s easier to find papers if you group them by category. Separate magazines or newspapers from brochures, kids’ homework or bills. Get boxes that fit the kinds of papers you most need to store, like Martha Stewart StackFit Magazine Files, which look stylish and fit neatly on a shelf. You can use them for magazines, catalogs, notebooks or any other papers. Label contents clearly using the metal bookplate on the side.

9. Box it up

A neat storage solution brings peace of mind to your home. To store kids’ artwork, papers, cards, photos or craft supplies neatly on shelves, stock up on these medium style boxes with lids. These sturdy, rattan-look storage baskets have integrated handles and reinforced corners. They’re also scratch resistant and easy to clean with a damp cloth.

Getting organized can be stressful, but having the right tools and supplies to get the job done will make the process go smoothly. Kids and parents alike can use these tips and tricks to organize their rooms and stay on track. Visit Staples.com for more ideas on how to get organized and meet your goals this fall.

2019-09-19T10:02:53

(BPT) – More than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and as pollen production grows in intensity and duration due to longer freeze-free periods, that number is expected to rise. For chronic allergy sufferers, this can mean battling symptoms year-round, year after year.

Allergies pose health risks beyond stuffy noses and itchy, watery eyes. Those with intense symptoms find their quality of life drastically affected, leading to missed school and work days, or even emergency room visits. Severe allergy sufferers may experience intense congestion, sneezing, hives or eczema, plus difficulty breathing.

Of the 26 million Americans who suffer from asthma, around 60% have allergic asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, meaning that the serious, life-threatening respiratory distress of asthma is triggered by allergic reactions to pollen and other substances.

Over-the-counter antihistamines and other allergy medications can provide temporary relief, but long-term relief requires finding a specialist for inconvenient office treatments, often multiple times a week for years. Or does it?

Immunotherapy at home

The standard of care for allergy treatment, immunotherapy, was introduced in 1911 based on the positive results of vaccines that produced protection against infectious diseases such as smallpox. Scientists recognized that they could induce immunity and build tolerance to allergens by injecting hay fever patients with pollen they were allergic to.

Today, only 20% of allergy sufferers see an allergy specialist. And those that do must stick to a regimented schedule of frequent in-office visits for treatment for it to be effective. But innovation in allergy immunotherapy means patients can be tested by their general practitioner instead of seeking out a specialist, and then conduct their own treatment at home. That makes it more convenient to seek treatment and commit to the immunotherapy protocol as it helps their bodies build up resistance to the allergens that affect their lives. At-home immunotherapy allows allergy sufferers to treat themselves over time.

“The biggest challenge is getting a patient to stay consistent with treatment. With the traditional method, it’s a huge inconvenience and time commitment to have to go to an allergist’s office sometimes hundreds of times over the course of years to make a difference,” says Dr. Hormazd Sanjana, of Castle Hills Family Practice in San Antonio, who has incorporated allergy immunotherapy treatment into his practice.

“To be able to provide better access to treatment to my patients, and a way for them to conveniently administer it to themselves on their time, where they are most comfortable, is a game changer.”

How does immunotherapy treatment work?

The largest provider of immunotherapy services, United Allergy Services, has been working with physicians to create and administer custom treatments for patients since 2009. More than 500 primary care providers offer UAS testing and treatment in their offices.

1. First, an onsite allergy specialist tests for the 48 most common allergens.
2. After triggers are identified, doses of the allergen are mixed for the patient to gradually expose him or her to very small amounts.
3. The physician and Clinical Allergy Specialist guide the patient through at-home immunotherapy administration and the myAllergyPal app helps patients see test results, track doses and receive helpful tips between check-in visits.
4. With exposure to increasing amounts at regular intervals over the course of treatment, the body is gradually desensitized to those triggers that once caused uncomfortable or debilitating symptoms.

Up to 85% of patients on United Allergy Services’ treatment program start seeing results within 12 months, some in half that time. With continued treatment for up to three years, patients can then discontinue doses and experience long-term relief.

“I have lived with allergies my entire life and now I have almost no symptoms,” said Tiffany Conner of North Carolina. Going through at-home immunotherapy treatment was the best decision I could have made.”

For help finding a primary physician in your area that offers UAS testing and treatment, visit unitedallergyservices.com.

2019-09-19T09:51:32

(BPT) – Grilling is an American staple, and many home grill masters yearn to take it to the next level, impressing their friends and families with tasty, mouthwatering smoked beef. Smoking is a timeless technique that elevates the beef people crave by delivering rich flavor and tenderness.

What do you need to become a pit master? Here are the basics from the Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Culinary Center, funded by the Beef Checkoff.

Selecting your beef

Large cuts, such as brisket, roasts and ribs, are prime candidates for smoking, but even a burger can benefit from a hint of smoke. Some of the most popular cuts of beef for smoking are:

• Back ribs — A barbecue must, these ribs are flavorful and a great value.
• Brisket — This smoking classic is a fan favorite — sliced or shredded, can’t go wrong here.
• Rib-eye steak — Rich and juicy, rib-eye is known for exceptional taste and generous marbling.
• Tri-tip roast — Boneless and tender, this rising star is growing in popularity.

Regardless of the cut you select, always remember that time, patience and practice pay off — don’t be afraid to tweak your technique to suit your tools and tastes.

Choosing a smoker

Your smoker should fit your space, budget and preferred heat source. Here are a few options to consider:

• Kamado or ceramic smokers use lump charcoal and are very versatile, providing heat retention and consistent high temperatures.
• Pellet smokers use an electric-powered auger to feed wood pellets into the smoker. They have a grilling area big enough for large cuts of meat.
• Electric gas smokers are great for beginners, making it easy to select and gauge temperatures.
• Charcoal smokers are favored for the low, slow cook many pit masters prefer. They offer a more natural flavor, but also need more temperature monitoring.

Picking the right wood

Once you’ve selected your smoker, you can further customize your smoking experience with different types of wood. Some variations to choose from include:

• Hickory is popular for smoking due to its strong, hearty flavor.
• Mesquite offers a very smoky flavor, great for cooking smaller cuts for shorter periods.
• Oak has a subtle flavor that’s great for larger cuts of meat.
• Apple smoke provides a sweeter taste.
• Pecan has a rich, sweet, nutty flavor.
• Cherry offers a hint of fruitiness.
• Maple leads to a sweet, mild smoky flavor.

Experimenting with types of wood allows you to add your signature twist.

Deciding on a rub

Next up is creating a rub to complement the flavors provided by the beef and smoke. There are two main types of rubs to consider:

• A dry rub typically starts with a base of sugar and salt and incorporates a variety of bold spices and herbs to create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat.
• Wet rubs contain wet ingredients, such as oil, vinegar, citrus juice, Worcestershire sauce or even molasses, combined with dry herbs and spices. One benefit of a wet rub is that the seasonings can have an easier time adhering to the meat.

When creating your rub, keep in mind your beef should always be the star of the show. Rubs play a supporting role by enhancing the taste beef innately brings to a smoker.

Ready to put your skills to the test?

Try this recipe for Classic Smoked Beef Brisket from the chefs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Culinary Center, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, who develop recipes for BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

Classic Smoked Beef Brisket

Ingredients

• 1 whole beef brisket (approximately 12-13 pounds)
• 1/4 cup granulated garlic
• 1/4 cup sweet paprika
• 1/4 cup cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

Directions

Add wood chunks, chips, pellets or charcoal to smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat smoker to 225°F.

Combine spices in small bowl. Press spices into brisket on all sides and edges.

Tip: Brisket may require trimming fat to ensure the rub contacts the beef.

Place beef on rack in smoker. Set timer for 12 hours.

Tip: To prevent dryness and accelerate the cooking process, try the “Texas Crutch” — wrap aluminum foil around the meat along with a little liquid, such as water, juice or beer.

Carefully remove beef from smoker after 10 and 1/2 to 11 hours or when temperature reaches 195°F for beef that slices easily. For beef that can be shredded or chunked, carefully remove from smoker at 12 hours or when temperature reaches 205°F.

For more smoking recipes and tips, visit beefitswhatsfordinner.com/cooking/smoking-basics.