2019-09-11T13:11:00
(BPT) – Home wellness is the active pursuit of creating and maintaining a healthy, balanced home.
According to a new survey, virtually all Americans desire to achieve a healthy home. However, when asked about their current level of home wellness, most people admitted they could do a better job.
2019-09-11T08:01:00
(BPT) – You’re going to have the house all to yourself, so you’ve invited your best girlfriends over for a fun night in — but what next? You want to make the most of this occasion. To make the night really special, you’ll need to pull together a few key ingredients.
Here are some ideas to create an evening your friends will be talking about for ages.
1. Choose a fun theme
Pick a theme you know your girlfriends will love to tie your whole party together. You could choose to celebrate an era like the ’80s or ’90s, or you might showcase a favorite TV show, movie or music group that you all enjoy. Did you once take a trip with your friends to go camping, or to visit New York — or wherever? You could build your theme around that famous trip.
2. Dress the part
You’re never too old to play dress up. Invite everyone to wear outfits and hairstyles that go along with your theme, whether it’s “Flashdance” wear and big hair, or dressing up like characters from your favorite musical. Make sure to give a prize to the best dressed! You can dress up your home, too — a little creative decorating can be accomplished with the help of your local party store or thrift shop. Short on time? Enlist some of your friends’ help to complete the decor.
3. Treat yourselves
No party is complete without delicious treats and snacks to make your occasion even sweeter. Elevate your girls’ night in with amazing wine and chocolate pairings to tempt your guests. In general, sweeter wines pair best with milk chocolate. Try BRACH’S Milk Chocolate Double Dipped Peanuts with an earthy pinot noir or Madeira. BRACH’S Almond Supremes use roasted, sugared almonds, which pair well with an effervescent bubbly, and their rich, woody Double Dipped Hazelnuts get along best with the creamy, buttery notes of a Chardonnay. The tart sweetness of BRACH’S Milk Chocolate Raisins would go very well with a dessert wine like a Riesling. If you’re including a cheese plate with your treats, try serving a tawny port that will complement both milk chocolate-covered nuts and sharp cheddar cheese.
4. Girls just want to have fun
Arrange to play music or watch a TV show or movie that goes along with your theme, or that’s from the era you’re highlighting. Set up a couple of games or activities to suit your theme. Get out the Trivial Pursuit or Rubik’s Cubes for your ’80s party, pull out your old games like Taboo! or Girl Talk for your ’90s party, or create your own game or activity to enjoy. You could make up a trivia contest centered around the theme or memory you all share and give prizes to the winners.
5. Thanks for the memories
Make the occasion even more special by creating little thank you gifts or goody bags that you can give to your friends to take along when they’re headed home. Include a couple of items from your theme decor or a fun retro toy from the era, movie or music you’re highlighting. Include a personal note to your friend to tell her how much you appreciate her friendship, along with a memento and a sample of the chocolate treats you served.
Your girlfriends will remember not only the great memories you all shared together, but they’ll be amazed by the care you put into creating such a fun, one-of-a-kind occasion to enjoy as a group. Before you know it, they’ll all be planning who will host the next girls’ night in!
For all your entertaining and family gatherings, BRACH’S makes everyday moments a little sweeter. Enjoy the new, improved recipes featuring sustainable chocolate sourced via Cocoa Horizons Foundation to help improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and their communities. Each recipe features improved cocoa flavor, increased caramelization and creamy notes to achieve a smoother mouth feel. Check out all the great options to enjoy at BRACHS.com.
2019-09-11T08:01:00
(BPT) – –
2019-09-11T08:01:00
(BPT) – Did you know tires could be green?
There aren’t literal green tires, of course — they would distract other drivers. But believe it or not, tires can help keep the planet a bit greener, when they’re built and used with sustainability in mind.
Here’s how.
Low rolling resistance saves energy and lowers emissions
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, between 4 and 11% of a car’s fuel is used up providing the energy required to propel your tires along the road. It’s known as rolling resistance. Premium tires that are properly inflated require less energy to operate — less rolling resistance — which makes cars more fuel-efficient.
Lower rolling resistance also helps lower carbon dioxide emissions. For example, since 2013 Nokian Tyres reduced the rolling resistance of its products by an average of 8% compared to 2013, resulting in a reduction of 128 million kg of CO2.
Keep your tires inflated at the right level
Several companies make tires that minimize rolling resistance, but you can play a role in that, too. The key: keeping your tires inflated at their proper level. Underinflated tires generate more friction and are less fuel-efficient. They’re also more prone to blowouts and wear down more quickly.
So, if you’re serious about going green, make sure you’ve filled your tires to the recommended inflation pressure. You can usually find that on a sticker inside your driver’s-side door or in your car’s owner manual. Keep in mind that as temperatures drop this fall and winter, so will your tire pressure: The colder it gets, the more your tires will deflate. As the thermometer drops, be sure to check your tires’ inflation level more often than usual.
Greener tires through better materials and processes
You can impact how full your tires are, but there’s plenty that happens before those tires are on your car. Eighty-five percent of a tire’s carbon footprint is generated during its use, but the other 15% comes from the way tires are sourced and manufactured. If going green is important to you, be sure to do some research about those processes before you buy your next set of tires.
Nokian Tyres was the first tire company to eliminate the use of harmful oils in its tire compounds. It only uses purified oils in tire production — no toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. The Scandinavian company is also achieving new levels of sustainability in its production process. From 2013 to 2018, it decreased CO2 emissions from its production process by 38%.
Consider some of these ways tires impact the planet as you pick tires that are right for you and good for the environment. For more information about how you can promote sustainability when you buy your next set of tires, visit NokianTires.com.
2019-09-11T08:01:00
(BPT) – –
2019-09-10T09:01:01
(BPT) – Though spring is often seen as the most critical season for lawn care, fall can actually have just as much — if not more — impact on the long-term health of your lawn. The following tips from turfgrass researchers will help you prepare your lawn for winter so it will be lush and green come spring.
2019-09-10T14:41:00
(BPT) – Natural disasters cost Americans $91 billion in damages in 2018, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
With parts of the country in the midst of peak hurricane season, and other regions of the country approaching the dangerous wildfire and flooding seasons, experts emphasize the importance of safeguarding key assets, especially those irreplaceable personal and financial documents.
“As the number of extreme storms in the U.S. continues to rise, so does the importance of protecting your assets like sentimental family photos, wills, insurance/tax documents and more,” advises Cheryl Nelson, a certified instructor at FEMA’s National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC). “We can’t always predict exactly when natural disasters will strike, but we can take proactive steps to safeguard the things we deem irreplaceable.”
In observance of National Preparedness Month in September, the Master Lock Company and Nelson partnered to offer insights and advice for safeguarding valuables from the unexpected.
Safeguard your irreplaceable belongings. Whether you’re waiting out a storm or must quickly vacate your home, your most important papers, records, photos, valuables and heirlooms will be more secure when stored in a fire- and water-protected safe, such as the durable SentrySafe Combination Fire/Water Safe or portable SentrySafe Fire/Water Chest.
Maintain digital copies. Plan ahead for contingencies by storing copies of your most essential documents safely in the cloud, as well as portable flash drives. Free apps for Android and iOS phones make it easy to scan documents for that purpose.
Consider moving expensive artwork, antiques, wine, cars and/or other possessions to a temperature-controlled, generator-protected storage facility built for that purpose.
Secure your yard and home. Make sure your trees are properly trimmed and ensure your yard is clear of lawn furniture, landscaping equipment and other loose items. Strong winds can also open doors to storage areas and sheds if not properly locked. Consider a durable Master Lock padlock, such as the new “Now Even Stronger” Laminated Padlocks, to keep outdoor storage areas secure.
Close interior doors. Taking that step may preserve your roof in high winds, since it compartmentalizes the pressure inside the home into smaller areas, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
Prepare for insurance claims. Inventory and photograph your belongings as they’re purchased, attaching receipts and including appraisals when applicable.
Establish a lock box. You never know when you could be trapped inside your home and/or need someone else to check on it during a disaster. Options like the durable Master Lock 5400D Portable Lock Box or easy-to-use Master Lock 5440D Portable Bluetooth Lock Box provide access via combination or smartphone.
A trusted name in security for nearly 100 years, The Master Lock Company offers a full suite of security solutions offering enhanced durability, reliability and security in myriad circumstances caused by natural disasters. For more information, visit www.masterlock.com.
2019-09-10T16:55:02
(BPT) – The holidays are fast approaching, as are lots of festive meals to plan, prepare and serve. How can you reduce your own stress, and guarantee that you’ll have happy guests throughout the holidays? A few simple tips for choosing versatile wines — and how to serve them — will not only please everyone, but will make everything about your get-togethers easier and more fun. Pairing delicious wines to serve along with your meals does not have to be complicated.
Here are a few tips to help you choose and serve wine for a successful holiday party or dinner.
Keep it simple
Choose just one good red wine and one good white wine varietal to serve during your cocktail or dinner party, if you want to avoid feeling overwhelmed. You could choose another varietal or two for guests to sample, if you’re feeling adventurous, but having two contrasting options is a great start, and sometimes all you need.
Since holiday meals can be heavy (or at least plentiful!), choose wines that are not overly rich or full-bodied. Instead, look for lighter wines that are fruity and bright, with soft tannins, that provide a nice complement to a big, rich meal. For example, Sanford Winery offers popular options in both chardonnay and pinot noir that can be a perfect duo to serve your guests.
Offering a refreshing fruit and cheese plate after dinner gives guests the chance to savor the last sips of wine before dessert and coffee are served. Don’t let the “rules” of pairing wine and food throw you off — keep both a red wine and a white wine on the table and let guests experiment for themselves and decide what they prefer!
Wine serving tricks
Since the temperature of the room and your guests’ hands will warm the wine glasses throughout the meal, it’s a good idea to chill both red and white wines for a while before serving.
Create fun, holiday-themed DIY wine charms for each guest, especially if you’re serving buffet-style or enjoying a cocktail hour before dinner. Check your local craft store or websites like Pinterest for fun ideas.
Each 750 ML bottle contains approximately 5 glasses of wine, so plan your wine supply accordingly.
Only fill each guest’s glass one-half to two-thirds full, to give the wine room to breathe.
Wine left in the bottle? Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays, then you’ll have ready-to-use “wine ice cubes” for recipes that require cooking with wine another day or a flavorful option to chill down your next glass of wine without diluting it.
Let wine do double duty
Optimize and harmonize flavors by cooking a dish that incorporates the same varietal of wine your guests will be drinking.
For example, a recipe for Citrus and Garlic Roasted Turkey uses pinot noir to create a sweet and tangy sauce along with fresh cranberries, rhubarb and tangerines. Visit sanfordwinery.com/recipe/citrus-and-garlic-roasted-turkey for the full recipe.
Whether you’re using a red wine or white wine in your cooking, don’t opt for an inferior “cooking wine,” but use the same quality wine you plan to serve during the meal. Because the alcohol cooks out of the food you’re preparing, what’s left is the flavor of the wine — and that will make a big difference to the flavor of your finished dish.
Holiday entertaining does not have to be overly complicated. Going for flavors you enjoy and offering your guests a few options in terms of food and wine will result in a successful meal or party, every time. What really counts is relaxing and enjoying the meal and the wine together.
2019-09-10T08:31:00
(BPT) – Despite being one of the most common genetic disorders in the world, patients with sickle cell disease frequently live their lives in the shadows — their voices going unheard, their condition may often go undertreated or ignored. A new public service announcement (PSA) campaign featuring Grammy®-nominated singer, film and Broadway star, Jordin Sparks, and five people touched by the disease, invites the public to get involved and help patients through understanding and support.
Last year, Sparks helped launch “Generation S” — a national sickle cell disease storytelling project sponsored by Novartis that encourages people touched by the disease to break their silence about the true impact of sickle cell disease. Since then, more than 750 stories about experiencing life with sickle cell disease have been submitted to JoinGenS.com.
Although sickle cell disease affects roughly 100,000 Americans, it has gone unseen by many. The general public may not understand the impact and burden of sickle cell disease. The stigma associated with the disease has left many patients under-treated and lost in the health care system.
Despite their challenges, the PSA highlights the resiliency of people touched by sickle cell disease, who are fighting the disease and starting foundations in honor of family members.
Here are some ways to join Jordin Sparks and the storytellers to help educate those who may interact with people living with sickle cell disease at work or in their personal lives:
Stay informed — What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells and makes blood cells stickier than usual. This can cause blockages in blood vessels and when the blood flow slows or gets blocked, there can be more health risks over time, like organ damage and organ failure and other long-term health complications.
It also can impact family and friends of those carrying the disease in profound ways. While one patient describes her condition as feeling like “shattered glass moving through my veins,” others share stories of watching loved ones struggle for years without being able to ease their suffering.
Communicate and interact
By sharing the PSA, you can help the public understand the burden and impact of the condition and the real life stories of those living with sickle cell disease.
The PSA is supported by Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA), Sickle Cell 101, Sick Cells, the Sickle Cell Community Consortium (SCCC) and Bold Lips for Sickle Cell — all partners to Novartis’s “Generation S.” Interact with the community and view additional stories featured in the “Generation S” mosaic on the JoinGenS.com website.
Share your story
For Jordin Sparks, sickle cell disease is personal. She lost her young stepsister to the disease in 2018.
“Many people still don’t know the impact sickle cell disease has on people living with it, and their families and friends,” Sparks said. “I hope this PSA will help change our mindset regarding sickle cell and I am proud to lend my voice to shine a light on these stories.”
To learn more and share your story, visit www.JoinGenS.com.
2019-09-10T06:51:00
(BPT) – Depression has impacted Kristen Davis’ life since she was a teen. It has caused her unbearable emotional pain, filled her mind with suicidal thoughts, and blocked her path to personal and professional fulfillment.
Now at age 31, she sees herself as a survivor — overcoming her darkest days to finally achieve the mental stability that has enabled her to live a healthier and productive life.
“It takes great strength to conquer mental illness, just like any other debilitating disease,” says Davis. “People who can learn to manage their illness and rebuild their lives truly are survivors.”
Painful lifelong struggle
Davis first experienced depressive thoughts in high school. Her struggle with depression worsened during her college years, marked by depressive episodes that included prolonged sadness, anxiety and a feeling of worthlessness. She reached her lowest point a few years later when entering graduate school.
“When I started graduate school in 2014, the stress of being back in school and other new responsibilities took a toll on me,” says Davis. “I had cycled off an antidepressant I was taking and was vulnerable. My depressive episodes became most intense and frequent. I began to have anxiety attacks and daily suicidal ideation, which led to an incident of self-harm. I could hardly sleep and was crying all the time. I felt like I was losing my mind.”
As her depression became insurmountable, Davis entered the psychiatric ward of a Washington, D.C.-area hospital seeking help. Ultimately, her battle with mental illness caused her to leave graduate school after only a few months.
The challenge of treatment resistance
During the next year and a half, Davis and her family desperately sought a way out of the abyss of mental illness that was crippling her life. She saw over 20 different mental health professionals, tried 15 different medications, and cycled in and out of seven different psychiatric facilities. Nothing succeeded in making her feel better.
What became clear to Davis and her doctors was that her depression was treatment-resistant. Standard medications would offer her little or no relief. The challenge of treatment resistance is a significant hurdle for doctors in treating patients with mental illness. One in three people with depression will become treatment resistant, according to a study published in the American Journal of Managed Care.
Genetic testing defines a path forward
Seemingly out of answers but not out of hope, Davis checked into a clinic in North Carolina. There, her doctor wanted to gain insight on her individual genetic markers to uncover the biochemical factors impacting her depression.
Using the results of a simple cheek-swab genetic test from Genomind(R), a Pennsylvania-based mental health care company, Davis’ doctor determined that she had a gene that affected her brain’s ability to use serotonin — often referred to as the “happy” chemical for its role in a person’s happiness and well-being. This genetic result suggested that Davis was more susceptible to stress. Moreover, other genetic markers indicated that her body could not metabolize certain antidepressants effectively.
“My doctor felt that the baseline in my brain without medication may actually be a depressed state,” says Davis. “He prescribed medication that was more likely to work, given my genetic variants, and I felt better within a matter of weeks. My suicidal ideations faded, and I could interact with people again. Of course, all my problems were not immediately solved, but I had the mental stability I needed to rebuild my life. I believe my doctor’s choice to use this genetic test saved my life.”
“Not my fault”
Understanding how her genes have played a critical role in her battle with depression empowered Davis.
“Genomind’s test helped me gain the proof that having depression was not my fault,” says Davis. “Knowing more about my genes also gives me important knowledge that I can use to make decisions to stay brain healthy for the rest of my life.”
Far-reaching impact of mental illness
With the aim of improving people’s understanding of mental illness and shedding light on the topic of suicide, September has been declared Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates have increased by 30% since 1999. Nearly 47,000 lives were lost to suicide in 2017 alone.
Today, Davis uses her own experiences to advocate on behalf of the millions of other sufferers of mental illness in the U.S.
“The primary lesson I learned as I have opened up about my depression is that no one is immune to the effects of mental illness, and almost everyone is searching for answers,” says Davis. “I couldn’t be prouder to use my experience to help others.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact your doctor, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. The call is free and the line is staffed 24/7.
