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A nationwide effort to help domestic violence shelters become pet-friendly

2019-10-02T14:16:28

(BPT) – An estimated 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Escaping abusive situations and starting over in a new and safe environment is an overwhelming experience for victims, especially when pets are involved. An added challenge is that few (approximately 10 percent) domestic violence shelters in the U.S. accept and house pets. This leaves abuse victims with a difficult decision — flee to safety but leave their pet behind or stay with their abuser?

Almost half of domestic violence victims choose to stay in an abusive situation out of fear of what might happen to their pet if they leave.

Pets provide unconditional love and comfort, demonstrate loyalty and devotion, and teach people about care and compassion. Pets can also sense when their owners experience sadness or pain, and their presence can provide comfort and promote healing.

That’s why Purina has partnered with RedRover, a national nonprofit organization that helps people and animals in crisis situations, to create the Purple Leash Project. The Purple Leash Project not only raises awareness about this issue, but the program also helps provide funding and resources necessary to help more domestic violence shelters become safe, healing spaces for pets and people.

As part of the initiative, the business is committing more than $500,000 to establish Purple Leash Project grants, which are awarded in partnership with RedRover to shelters across the country to fund renovations to make their shelter spaces pet-friendly. The project aims to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic abuse shelters across the U.S. to ensure there are more resources available for survivors with pets in every state. Purina is also advocating for the cause at a federal level as a founding member of the PAWS Act Coalition, which helped pass legislation that will provide federal funding for domestic violence shelters to become pet-friendly.

How can you get involved?

1) Be vocal and spread awareness about this issue — Use your voice to advocate for your neighbors with pets who may be struggling with abuse by raising awareness of the lack of pet-friendly options for domestic violence victims. Visit the project website to stay informed of all the ways to get involved. And post your support for the mission on social media using #PurpleLeashProject to take a stand for the belief that pets and people deserve to escape abuse and heal together.

2) Ask your local DV shelter how you can help — Reach out to your local domestic violence shelter to see how you might be able to help the survivors in their care, and find out if it accepts pets now or is interested in finding resources to become pet-friendly (if so, tell them about the grants). From volunteering to making donations of clothing, diapers, toys and other comfort items for people and pets, there are a lot of things domestic violence shelters may need to care for the survivors they serve.

Support the Purple Leash Project — The mission is to increase the number of pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, and with your help, the goal can be reached even faster. To donate to this cause by making a donation directly to RedRover and learn more, visit www.PurpleLeashProject.com.

If you or someone you know or love is a victim of domestic abuse, call or visit the Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 for support and resources: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Bilingual advocates are available. To find a DV shelter that accepts pets or offers services for pets, visit safeplaceforpets.org.


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Top cybersecurity threats for small businesses and tips to stay protected

2019-10-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – As cyberattacks become more sophisticated than ever, small business owners need to take action or face some potentially devastating consequences. Contrary to popular belief, an estimated 43% of all data breaches involve small businesses, not large corporations. Even more alarming, another study found that 60% of small businesses who fell victim to cyberattacks closed their doors within six months. From these two statistics alone, it’s clear the stakes couldn’t be higher.

According to experts, three of the biggest cybersecurity threats to small businesses are ransomware, direct larceny attacks and compliance issues. Ransomware is a type of malware that locks you out of your system and encrypts your data, holding it hostage unless you pay a ransom. It’s damaging to small businesses because of its impact halting business operations. Larceny attacks are more straightforward, with hackers stealing money or valuable data by infiltrating your system. Lastly, if you’re not properly guarding customer data, these kinds of attacks could lead to serious compliance issues and potentially some very large fines.

To prevent these threats from impacting your organization, the key for small businesses is to be proactive. Here are four cybersecurity tips on how to keep your small business protected.

1. Have a plan to prepare for cybersecurity threats

You probably have a plan for your company’s physical security, why not cybersecurity? Taking the time to create a plan to prepare for a cyber incident will not only better protect your business, but it will help you recover much more quickly should an attack occur. At minimum, your plan should answer the following questions:

  • Where does data live in my system?
  • Do I have backup systems in place?
  • Where is my data stored?
  • If an attack happens, what is my response plan?

The simple truth is that bad actors are looking for easy targets. If you can make yourself even a little less desirable and a little harder to infiltrate, you’re much less likely to suffer from an attack. Writing down your cybersecurity plan is the best place to start.

2. Upgrade your prevention efforts with new technology

Just as cyberattacks have grown more advanced, so has the technology to guard against them. Security tools like advanced malware detection use machine learning to identify and prevent cyberattacks. If you’ve been using the same security software for years, it’s time to upgrade to the latest protection.

If you’re not sure which security system is right for your business, consult with experts like those at Dell Small Business who can make recommendations and provide further information about how to best protect your business.

3. Encrypt, encrypt, encrypt

Encrypting your data may be the simplest and most effective way to protect your business, especially from threats like ransomware. Encryption changes your data into a code so that anyone who wants to read that data will need a key or password. Encryption is a fundamental starting point for protecting your data, making it much more difficult for hackers to access.

4. Partner with a cybersecurity professional

Many small businesses use IT vendors to manage their digital infrastructure and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But the person who fixes your printer or resolves your slow internet connection shouldn’t be the same one guarding your most valuable company asset — your data. To truly protect your business, you need to enlist the help of cybersecurity professionals. By partnering with a firm dedicated to cybersecurity, you get true expertise and help to ensure your system is always protected against the latest threats.

The risk of cyberattacks on small businesses is real and the consequences could be devastating. But by formulating a plan and executing that plan with the latest technology and professional support, you can better protect your data and feel confident that your business is secure.


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3 things that may go wrong if you don’t winterize your house

2019-10-01T09:05:00

(BPT) – Fall is here, which means, like it or not, cold weather is just around the corner. While most of us would prefer not to think about turning on our heat just yet, this is actually the best time to check your heating to ensure everything is operating as it should.

Neglecting to winterize your home and letting small issues pile up can have big repercussions. Ahead of the winter season, HomeServe, a leading provider of service plans, repair and installation services for the home, wants to make sure you’re aware of three major things that may go wrong if you don’t winterize your house or neglect your heating system.

1. Your utility bills may skyrocket. Utility bills often jump up in the winter due to the increased hours of darkness and the cost to heat your home. But if your heater is on the fritz or your filters are clogged, you could be in for an even bigger surprise. Dirty filters cause your furnace to work harder, which leads to inefficiency and a shortened lifespan for your heating system. Replacing filters is often an easy task for homeowners. A yearly tune-up is an inexpensive way to help prevent a costly system breakdown in the coming months. Also, keep in mind that some warranties require annual tune-ups, so don’t let your warranty go invalid by skipping this year’s tune-up.

2. The threat of carbon monoxide is very real. Do you know how old your furnace is? Do you know how long it’s been since a professional checked it over? Carbon monoxide poses a health threat when the heating system flue, vent or chimney becomes blocked from debris or other material. During a heating system tune-up, a professional service technician can check to make sure all your vents are not blocked and are working properly. Drains and traps also need to be checked and combustion gases should be analyzed and compared to the specifications of your furnace or boiler to make sure everything is running safely. Installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home is another smart way to help with early detection.

3. Water pipes can burst. It’s not just your heating system that needs to be winterized. All too often it happens — we wake up to realize our pipes are frozen, or even worse, leaking. Before the cold sets in, make sure outside hoses are put away and water is turned off. Evaluate which pipes are at the greatest risk for freezing during cold weather. For example, if your water pipes come up from an un-insulated crawl space, or if they are in or close to an uninsulated outside wall or vent, they are more likely to freeze and burst in low temperatures. Inside pipes should be covered in insulation to keep pipes warmer longer. Pipe insulation is easy to apply and available at most hardware stores and home centers.

By having an annual tune-up in the fall, you can catch small issues now, instead of experiencing bigger problems in the dead of winter. A tune-up can also save energy, reduce heating costs and prevent a system breakdown in the coming months.

For more information on National Tune-Up Day, including a heating system check-list, visit nationaltuneupday.com.


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U.S. Experts Concerned About Complacency with Heart Disease

2019-09-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – Success breeds complacency and in healthcare this is particularly problematic with heart disease. Over the past 50 years, deaths from heart disease have been cut by more than 50% — a public health success story driven largely by medical innovation such as procedures and drugs, according to researchers and U.S. government data.[i],[ii]

However, despite this progress, heart disease remains the number one cause of death.[iii] It kills as many Americans as all cancers and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined.[iii] And after decades of progress, in the past ten years, deaths from heart disease have increased.[iv] Many healthcare professionals worry that no further progress is being made against the number one killer and more treatment innovation is needed.[v]

“Despite it still being the major killer in the United States responsible for about 610,000 deaths [each year, between 1999-2013] according to the American Heart Association (AHA)[vi], [heart disease] seems to generate less fear among the public than cancer … or even the opioid epidemic,” said Mimi Swartz, executive editor at Texas Monthly and contributing opinion writer, writing about coronary complacency in 2018.[vii]

Some argue that these decades of progress have dulled the perception of heart disease as one of the most dangerous public health threats.[viii] Others argue that lowering heart disease risk further is too difficult and too void of medical advances to garner media attention.[v] Health experts warn that heart disease, although blunted by medical advancements, is still a ubiquitous ticking time bomb. Patients and physicians need greater awareness about lowering risk through lifestyle choices. Additional therapies can also lower the risk of heart disease beyond management of blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol.[ix]

“We may be incubating another [negative] cycle … the skyrocketing increase in obesity, diabetes and the metabolic syndrome even as smoking decreases and hypertension and hyperlipidemia are better treated, may presage such a recurrence,” Henry Greenberg, Susan Raymond and Stephen Leeder, experts affiliated with Columbia University’s Center for Global Health and Economic Development, said in the journal Health Affairs.[x]

The good news, experts say, is there are steps known to help prevent cardiovascular disease and thwart complacency.[xi]

U.S. health authorities recommend the following steps to prevent heart disease. Eat a healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, limited processed foods and low-fat, low-sodium and high-fiber foods. Maintain a healthy weight. Get enough physical activity to keep weight down and lower blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Don’t smoke. And avoid drinking too much alcohol.[xii]

Finally, while advances in medical innovation — the discovery of new ways to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease — have been relatively slow in recent decades, there have been meaningful new findings. Some of these findings have led to corrections in certain prior conventional thinking, such as the lack of value of dietary supplements for treatment of serious diseases.[xiii] Other findings include new therapies which provide opportunities to improve care for many patients.[xiv]

Complacency with taking control of your cardiovascular health can be a killer, but steps — old and new — can help us all try to avoid it and the perils it can bring.


[i] Mensah, George A et al. “Decline in Cardiovascular Mortality: Possible Causes and Implications.” Circulation research vol. 120,2 (2017): 366-380. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.309115

[ii] CDC, NCHS. Death rates for diseases of heart, by sex, race, Hispanic origin, and age: United States, selected years 1950-2016. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/2017/022.pdf

[iii] “Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2019 At-a-Glance.” American Heart Association. 2019.

[iv] Benjamin EJ, Muntner P, Alonso A, Bittencourt MS, Callaway CW, Carson AP, Chamberlain AM, Chang AR, Cheng S, Das SR, Delling FN, Djousse L, Elkind MSV, Ferguson JF, Fornage M, Jordan LC, Khan SS, Kissela BM, Knutson KL, Kwan TW, Lackland DT, Lewis TT, Lichtman JH, Longenecker CT, Loop MS, Lutsey PL, Martin SS, Matsushita K, Moran AE, Mussolino ME, O’Flaherty M, Pandey A, Perak AM, Rosamond WD, Roth GA, Sampson UKA, Satou GM, Schroeder EB, Shah SH, Spartano NL, Stokes A, Tirschwell DL, Tsao CW, Turakhia MP, VanWagner LB, Wilkins JT, Wong SS, Virani SS; on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics

Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2019 update: a report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2019;139:e1–e473. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000659.

[v] Pattani A. “Rise in heart disease deaths sends experts down new paths.” CNBC, 22 Dec. 2016, https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/22/as-heart-disease-deaths-rise-health-experts-focus-on-prevention.html

[vi] CDC, NCHS. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2015. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2013, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program. Accessed Feb. 3, 2015.

[vii] Swartz M. “Our Coronary Complacency.” The New York Times, 30 Aug. 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/30/opinion/swartz-heart-disease.html

[viii] McKay B. “Heart Attack at 49—America’s Biggest Killer Makes a Deadly Comeback.” The Wall Street Journal, 21 Jun. 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-decades-of-progress-america-backslides-on-heart-disease-11561129106

[ix] Walker M. “CDC: CV Event Prevention Stalls, Especially Among Middle-Aged Adults.” MedPage Today, 6 Sep. 2018, https://www.medpagetoday.com/cardiology/prevention/74962

[x] Greenberg, H et al. “Cardiovascular Disease And Global Health: Threat And Opportunity.” Health Affairs. 2017. https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/pdf/10.1377/hlthaff.W5.31

[xi] “Preventing Heart Disease: Other Medical Conditions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/medical_conditions.htm

[xii] “Preventing Heart Disease: Healthy Living Habits.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/medical_conditions.htm

[xiii] Jacobsen A et al. “Hypertriglyceridemia Management According to the 2018 AHA/ACC Guideline.” American College of Cardiology, 11 Jan. 2019, https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2019/01/11/07/39/hypertriglyceridemia-management-according-to-the-2018-aha-acc-guideline

[xiv] Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, Beam C, Birtcher KK, Blumenthal RS, Braun LT, de Ferranti S, Faiella-Tommasino J, Forman DE, Goldberg R, Heidenreich PA, Hlatky MA, Jones DW, Lloyd-Jones D, Lopez-Pajares N, Ndumele CE, Orringer CE, Peralta CA, Saseen JJ, Smith SC Jr, Sperling L, Virani SS, Yeboah J. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/ APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;139:e1082– e1143. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625.


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Boomer Health Starts With Prevention

2019-09-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – Baby Boomers may be aging, but that doesn’t mean they’re slowing down anytime soon. As a group, these adults continue to lead active lifestyles, pursuing their goals and relishing new experiences. A key to maintaining an active way of life is staying healthy – particularly when it comes to avoiding vaccine preventable diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia. That’s why Pfizer created the All About Your Boom™ campaign, to encourage Boomers to take important steps to help protect their health.

Increased age may equal increased risk

As adults get older, their immune systems tend to weaken, meaning those 65 or older can be at a heightened risk for certain diseases.1,2,3 There are more than 51 million adults in the United States 65 or older, and many do not realize that they are at an increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia.1,4 It can strike anywhere, anytime and may start quickly with little warning. Adults 65 or older are over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia than adults 18-49.5

“Pneumococcal pneumonia is a serious and, in some cases, potentially life-threatening illness. Some of its physical effects can be felt for weeks, taking you out of your routine,” said Dr. Vincenza Snow, Senior Medical Director for Vaccines, U.S. Medical Affairs Lead at Pfizer. “That’s why it’s so important that Boomers talk to their doctor about staying up to date with their CDC recommended vaccinations, because even healthy adults can contract the disease.”

Dr. Snow reminds everyone that age is one of the primary risk factors for pneumococcal pneumonia, due in large part to the natural, age-related decline of the immune system.1 Common symptoms include high fever, excessive sweating, shaking chills, coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Certain symptoms, like cough and fatigue, may last for weeks or longer.6 However, vaccines may help reduce the risk of getting certain diseases, like pneumococcal pneumonia.

Football legend joins the cause

Baby Boomers know their exuberance for life doesn’t diminish as they age. That’s why the All About Your Boom™ campaign partnered with someone who exudes that same love of life: Hall of Fame football player Terry Bradshaw. As a four-­time NFL champion turned TV analyst, many adults are drawn to Bradshaw’s inviting and larger-­than-life personality. He said the campaign’s message is important to him as a former athlete, and he wants others to enjoy their lives as much as he enjoys his life.

“I’m just getting started on all the things I want to do in life,” Bradshaw said. “That’s why it’s important for me to do what I can to lower my chances of getting a vaccine-­preventable disease, like pneumococcal pneumonia, which could hold me back from doing the things I love.”

As a spokesperson for the campaign, Bradshaw is featured in a series of short videos with him checking off various activities on his fictitious bucket list. Check out the videos and learn more about the campaign and pneumococcal pneumonia at www.AllAboutYourBoom.com.

_________________________________

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Disease: Risk Factors & Transmission. http://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/risk-transmission.html. Accessed April 27, 2017.

2 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Pneumonia. Causes. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/pneumonia. Accessed June 24, 2019.

3 Weinberger B, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Schwanninger A, et al. Biology of immune responses to vaccines in elderly persons. Clin Infect Dis. 2008; 46:1078-1084.

4 U.S. Census Bureau. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Selected Age Groups by Sex for the United States, States, Counties and Puerto Rico Commonwealth and Municipios: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014.

5 Ramirez JA, Wiemen TL, Peyrami P et al. Adults hospitalized with pneumonia in the United States: incidence, epidemiology, and mortality. Clin Infect Dis. 2017:1-7. [Epub ahead of print.]

6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Disease: Symptoms & Complications. http://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/symptoms-complications.html.

PP-PNA-USA-3776 © 2019 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved. September 2019


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3 ways to improve your self-care routine

2019-09-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – Self-care — the practice of taking care of oneself — has become a hot topic across generational groups, with sleep, stress management and fitness as key areas to build better habits. But where to start? Here are three tips for practicing better self-care.

1) Get a sleep routine — Only 11 percent of Americans say they get excellent sleep on a regular basis while 18 percent report poor/not good sleep quality, and the rest are somewhere in between. (Survey methodology: An omnibus survey of American adults 18+ conducted online by Finn Partners Research between May 15 and 18, 2019, on behalf of Tranquility/American Textile Company.) Commit yourself to good sleep hygiene habits like going to bed and waking up at the same time daily, avoiding food and beverages within two hours of bedtime, and limiting nighttime stimulants like electronics to an hour before bedtime.

“People are more aware of their sleep quality these days thanks to better sleep science and sleep trackers,” says lifestyle expert Jenn Falik. “But better sleep solutions remain elusive to many. In addition to routinizing wakeup and bedtime, look at your bedding and wind down routines.”

2) Manage stress — Managing stress is critical to overall wellness. Experts recommend setting aside time each day for relaxation activities, which could include meditation, a walk in nature or even chilling out with a good book or TV show. The survey found that 62 percent of Americans say that chilling out at home and watching/streaming TV is part of their de-stress routine.

“One way to help you relax and unwind is to use a weighted blanket like Tranquility while resting or sleeping,” says Falik. “The blanket uses heavy glass beads distributed evenly across the box-woven design to stimulate deep touch pressure, which has been shown to decrease the stress hormone cortisol while increasing the release of sleep-promoting serotonin. I love that these weighted blankets are affordable and that they’re available at popular retailers like Target and Walmart.”

3) Set aside time for fitness — The American Heart Association recommends adults strive for at least 150 minutes of heart-pumping physical activity each week. Exercise not only staves off illness but is correlated to better sleep and stress management, making it essential to good self-care habits.

Experts also recommend thinking about self-care as an ongoing approach rather than a one-time fix.

“I’ve found setting time aside to unwind after a long day helps me stay balanced,” says Falik. “I also use the time to reflect on what I’m doing for myself so I can make sure I am prioritizing self-care.”


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Maximize your employee benefits in 3 simple steps

2019-09-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – With the autumn season near, thoughts naturally turn to cooler temperatures, football games and holiday preparations. Another annual ritual synonymous with the season — but not one that many spend enough time on or particularly enjoy — is open enrollment.

Open enrollment is the period of time employees throughout the U.S. can enroll in or change coverage for benefits, such as health and disability insurance, or other offerings like employee discounts on auto and home insurance, legal services and financial planning. Since changes to benefits are not available throughout the year outside of special circumstances, such as after you get married or have a baby, it’s important to take time going into the fall season to think about how your needs have changed since last year.

Preparing for open enrollment

According to a recent open enrollment survey by MetLife, 45 percent of U.S. employees say they dread selecting benefits as much as they do asking for a raise (the data is higher for female employees — 48 percent). It’s no wonder then that one in five workers spends only a few minutes reviewing their benefit options.

The process doesn’t need to be overwhelming, and by taking time now to think about your short- and long-term financial goals, and seek out advice from trusted friends, family or colleagues, you’ll be ready to make the most of open enrollment.

1. Look ahead

Every journey begins with an initial step, but first, you need to know which direction you want to go. This means taking time to consider your goals and figuring out what is most important to you. Use this knowledge to evaluate the different benefits your employer offers and determine how they can help you meet your goals. Accident and critical illness coverage, for example, provides lump sum payments that can offset high out-of-pocket medical costs, which are increasingly common with high deductible health plans. Covering expenses with this type of insurance can help you avoid dipping into savings designated for a home purchase, education or other big-ticket items.

Think about …

  • What are your most immediate short-term financial goals?
  • Which long-term goals should you prioritize?
  • How would you handle an unexpected expense from an illness or accident?

2. Reach out

Many people shy away from openly talking about their finances, but friends, family and co-workers can be valuable resources. Check to see how their benefits have helped them navigate everyday challenges as well as more difficult situations. For instance, you might think life insurance in your 20s is foolish if you don’t have a spouse or children, but it could be important. With student loans burdening the millennial generation, it’s crucial to understand that some of these debts don’t go away should something happen, and could leave loved ones saddled with the expense. Asking questions is how we learn, and most people love being asked for advice. Don’t be afraid. When it comes to your financial future, sometimes an honest conversation with people you trust can make all the difference.

Think about …

  • Do you have student loans that would be difficult for loved ones to pay off in your absence?
  • Have you asked friends if life insurance has made an impact in their lives?
  • Did you know that you can list a nonprofit organization as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy?

3. Discover savings

Look beyond traditional benefits offered by your employer and see if other perks are available. One of the best places to start your search is the company’s website. Here, you may find a host of discounts on products you already purchase, such as cell phone service, auto, home or pet insurance, and legal plans. It isn’t only the 56 percent of Americans who, according to a Gallup survey, don’t have a will who could benefit from a legal plan; legal plans are a convenient, affordable option that provide access to qualified attorneys who can help address a range of personal issues from filing estate planning documents to purchasing and selling a home or handling speeding tickets and identity theft.

Think about …

  • Are you leveraging your company’s discounts on things you already pay for?
  • Would you know the right lawyer to contact in the event you needed help with a landlord dispute?
  • Do you have estate planning essentials — such as a will or healthcare proxy — in place?

The decisions you make to maximize your benefits during open enrollment have important financial implications, so it’s essential to consider the options and make wise choices. The time you invest in preparing today can pay off later — for both you and your finances.


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5 simple ways to update your bathroom’s style

2019-09-30T23:05:00

(BPT) – Do you have a bathroom that’s starting to look a little dated and drab, but perhaps doesn’t need a complete remodel? If you’re craving a change, you can update the space’s style with a few strategic steps. Not only will you elevate the appearance of your bathroom, but you’ll be boosting your home’s value as well.

Here are five ideas for updating your bathroom space with fashion and function in mind:

Flooring replacement

The floor in your bathroom gets used and abused, with frequent foot traffic as well as moisture from baths and showers. Replacing the flooring gives the space a noticeable face-lift. New tile is always a great choice for the bathroom, with options in virtually every shade, so you can select a new color palette if you please. Add a heated floor element to give the space upscale appeal. Not into tile? An alternative is luxury vinyl flooring that gives the illusion of wood but with better durability.

Vanity upgrades

Your vanity is a main focal point of the bathroom, but replacing the entire unit is costly and difficult. One way to update a vanity is to replace the top portion with a durable material, such as granite, quartz, marble or concrete. This can change the entire look of the vanity and update it with modern style. Want to go one step further? Consider updating the hardware as well. By replacing the handles and knobs you are enhancing the look of the piece while adding to the overall aesthetic of the room.

Mirror and lighting

One of the hottest trends in bathroom design right now is lighted mirrors, adding both elegance and function to a bathroom. Upgrade your mirror to a new Sunfield Lighted Mirror from Sterling Plumbing and you’ll enjoy natural, purposeful lighting in a sleek design. Sunfield lighted mirrors create a flood of natural light from the perimeter of the mirror with a true-to-daylight Color Rendering Index (CRI) greater than 90, providing accurate reflection and color representation. Learn more at www.sterlingplumbing.com.

Shower style

Replacing the shower is a massive project, but if you want to update the style with less effort, replace the shower curtain or door. If you have a shower door, it can be difficult to keep the glass clean and eliminate water deposits that build up over time. A new crystal-clear door from your local home improvement store will add a clean, updated look to the space. If you have a curtain, swap out old material for one in a fresh hue that evokes just the right feel for the space.

Linens and rugs

Last but not least, to update the style of your bathroom space, don’t forget about fresh linens. New hand towels, bath towels, rugs and more in a coordinating color will update the visual appearance of the room in an instant. Simply swap out new for old and you’ll not only love the look, but there’s something luxurious about wrapping yourself up in a fresh plush towel after a long bath or shower.


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How to make a splash entertaining this fall

2019-09-30T23:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for new party ideas for any hour of the day? As fall begins, entertaining can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can make any occasion memorable. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, a casual tailgate or an evening cocktail party, focus on food, refreshment and fun.

Brunch With Bubbles

To make a light and festive brunch, consider options that won’t weigh everyone down for the rest of the day.

1. Eat outdoors. Weather permitting, why not give your porch or patio one more round of entertaining?

2. Keep menus light.

  • Try a power bowl using healthy proteins, or grain bowls with quinoa or faro. Add berries or citrus fruits like grapefruit for a bright touch, topped with yogurt and toasted nuts.
  • Make a frittata or huevos rancheros for an easy, one-pan entree. Let your dishes inspire your choice of drink, like a white prosecco sangria for a spicier meal.
  • Serve cocktails with a lower alcohol content that won’t leave guests craving a mid-morning snooze. Try fresh and fruity L’Aperitivo Nonino Botanical Drink topped off with prosecco and a twist of lemon for a refreshing Nonino Spritz.

Make Mid-afternoon Moments

Find fun new recipes or change up old favorites to delight your friends while gearing up for the big game.

1. Think convenient refreshment. Nothing could be easier than bringing high-quality ready-to-drink cocktails to your tailgate party. There’s a great new choice with Greenhook Ginsmiths Ready-to-Drink Gin & Tonic, which not only carbonates the tonic but also carbonates the gin to deliver pure refreshment in a can.

2. Spiced-up pigs in a blanket. Add a kick of flavor using andouille sausage instead of your usual “pigs.” Wrap sausage pieces in thin-cut or pre-cooked bacon before baking in ready-made pastry dough. Create a dip using a base of Dijon mustard and honey.

3. Ultimate comfort food. For a real crowd-pleaser that combines some tailgate favorites: think baked potatoes, chili and macaroni and cheese. Serve the potatoes, chili and mac and cheese separately, providing fun toppings in a “bar” setup (think salad bar) with choices like chopped onions, grated cheese, jalapenos or croutons — the sky’s the limit!

Elevate Your Evening

Whether you’re hosting a sit-down dinner, a family-style meal or a cocktail party, offer unique food and drink choices to suit the season. A charcuterie board is a great start — all you need to add are some stand-out drinks to make an impression.

1. Create a charcuterie board. Charcuterie boards can be appetizers or the main attraction at a cocktail party. Select cured meats like salami, smoked sausage and prosciutto along with with spreadable choices like paté, plus an array of cheeses. Choose softer, mild cheeses and harder, sharp cheeses to appeal to every palate. Add sliced French bread and/or crackers, with accompaniments like olives or fruit. Round out the board with little dishes of mustard, honey or quince paste. Get creative as you arrange everything on a board or platter. The idea is to provide guests with a variety of seasonal flavors they can mix and match in fun ways.

2. Punch up your party. Instead of adding bartender to your multitude of host duties, make a delicious Rum Punch served in a beautiful glass punch bowl ahead of time and empower your guests to serve themselves:

Rum Punch

Ingredients:
3 ounces Angostura 5 Year Rum
1.5 ounces lime juice
3 teaspoons brown cane sugar
1 dash Angostura orange bitters
4 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters
Garnish: lime wedge, grated nutmeg, maraschino cherry

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients and strain into ice-filled glass. Garnish with lime, cherry and nutmeg.

3. Sugar and spice and all things nice. For an easy dessert you can make well in advance, offer guests a platter of chocolate truffles or fresh-baked cookies. Another fun option: Cut squares of ready-made puff pastry, add your favorite jam, fresh fruit, chocolate or nut spread, then fold the dough, seal with wet fingers and bake on parchment paper at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Or instead of dessert, finish off a delightful evening by offering your guests a nightcap with some sweetness in a glass that doubles as dessert:

Amarula Espresso Martini

Ingredients:
1 shot vodka
1 shot Amarula Vanilla Spice Cream Liqueur
2 shots of espresso coffee
1 teaspoon caster sugar

Instructions:
Shake coffee, vodka, Amarula Vanilla Spice and sugar together with cubed ice.
Strain into a martini glass and finish off with a light dusting of cocoa.

There’s no reason fall entertaining can’t have the same fun and flair as summer soirees. With great food and drink choices, the possibilities are endless. For more cocktail recipe inspiration, visit TerlatoWines.com/Artisan-Spirits.