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How to spot hearing loss and improve quality of life

2019-11-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s hectic healthcare environment, new diagnoses, wellness trends and studies on conditions like cancer and heart attacks are popping up every day. This can be overwhelming and cause many to push standard health care, like hearing health, to the bottom of their to-do lists.

As you gather with family over the holidays this year, it is the perfect time to learn more about hearing health and hearing loss, a condition faced by nearly 48 million Americans. It affects more people as they age, with 1 in 3 between the ages of 65 and 74 diagnosed with the condition. However, hearing loss can greatly impact younger people as well.

Hearing loss is often gradual, which makes it harder for people to acknowledge that they are experiencing it. Despite symptoms, many wait an average of 7-10 years before seeking treatment, which can put them at risk for developing additional serious health conditions.

“It’s extremely important that people experiencing hearing loss are assessed and receive any treatment they may need. Hearing loss is linked to a range of issues, from depression and social isolation to cognitive decline and decreased balance,” says Leslie Soiles, chief audiologist at Campaign for Better Hearing and HearingLife. “Additionally, people with severe, untreated hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia, so it’s important to be assessed as soon as hearing loss symptoms appear.”

Treating hearing loss can have a positive impact on a person’s life — physically, mentally and socially. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you or a loved one might be experiencing hearing loss symptoms.

Notice those around you

As you begin to gather with friends and family you may not have seen for a while, you should watch for changes in their hearing — especially in loved ones over 60.

If their hearing is getting worse, they may ask others to repeat themselves, seem frustrated or appear to misunderstand what others are saying. If your loved ones have had these symptoms for a long time or have advanced hearing loss, they may seem disengaged or removed from conversations, as it’s too hard to distinguish voices from one another or follow conversation threads.

Say something

If you notice these changes in a friend or family member, find a way to gently broach the topic and suggest they have their hearing assessed. You can also offer to accompany them to their appointment if they’d like — hearing health centers like HearingLife encourage family and friends be a part of the assessment, as assessing a person’s hearing with a familiar voice can provide more accurate results.

Be honest about your own hearing

If someone tells you they’re concerned about your hearing, or if you yourself notice you’re having trouble making out conversation in restaurants or social groups, acknowledge that you could be experiencing hearing loss. If you’re hesitant to have your hearing assessed, think of the positive changes improved hearing could bring, like hearing your grandchildren speak at family dinners or going to the movies and understanding the dialogue.

Know that early treatment makes a difference

Treating hearing loss early can help people maintain relationships and be fully engaged in daily activities. It is recommended that anyone over the age of 60 have an annual hearing assessment to detect problems before they affect quality of life.

HearingLife offers complimentary hearing assessments at over 500 hearing health centers around the country. There, hearing health providers can assess your hearing and discuss treatment options, like hearing aids, with those who need them. Visit hearinglife.com to learn more or schedule an assessment.


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Navigating Cancer Costs? Consider These 3 Steps

2019-11-04T23:01:00

(BPT) – The rising cost of cancer care affects virtually every patient undergoing treatment for cancer, including patients who have health insurance. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a global leader in the fight against cancer, has found that patients experience the financial burden of cancer care for many years following diagnosis, as survivorship typically involves continuous treatment and follow-up care.

Marialanna Lee, VP Public Policy for LLS, oversees the organization’s Cost of Cancer Care Initiative, which urges all of the stakeholders in the healthcare system to work together to bring down the unsustainably high cost of cancer care. LLS’s Office of Public Policy advocates for cancer patients at the federal and state level, to ensure that patients have access to meaningful health insurance coverage so that they can afford the costly treatments necessary to survive a cancer diagnosis. Lee hears firsthand stories from patients about their struggles with the high cost of cancer care.

“Too many cancer patients are forced to make life-or-death treatment decisions based purely on the cost of their care,” says Lee. “When cancer patients are fighting for their life, the last thing they need is financial distress.”

According to Lee, for anyone dealing with cancer, it’s important to consider the following factors when navigating the complexity of accessing treatment and managing the many costs encountered along the way.

Getting a second opinion can have a positive impact on not only your treatment plan, but on your wallet too.

Even if you have health insurance, it can be helpful to gain a second opinion not only to inform the best course of care, but to avoid the potential for side effects and added costs that may arise from treatments not well suited to your needs. To help you investigate the options that may be available to patients and their families, LLS offers emotional, educational and financial support, including co-pay assistance and help finding and enrolling in clinical trials. To learn more, visit www.lls.org/support/financial-support.

To learn more about the challenges patients face and what LLS is doing to drive change, please visit www.lls.org/cancercost.

The financial impact will likely extend to your caregiver and maybe even other family members.

For many patients, caregivers play a crucial role in helping to navigate a life-altering diagnosis like cancer. Along the way, caregivers will likely encounter a range of physical and emotional demands, and the financial cost of caregiving can take a toll as well. Caregivers may be hesitant to seek help for themselves and may be unaware of the many resources available to them. LLS provides free resources and support services for caregivers, including financial assistance.

You can be an advocate for change.

Callan Kreidel, Cancer Survivor & LLS Advocate (Photo courtesy of Kendall Parsons Photography)

Your voice as a patient or caregiver is invaluable, as it can help shape discussions about the cost of care and the importance of access to meaningful health insurance coverage. Whether you act as an individual or part of an effort organized by a patient advocacy organization, you can make an impact by sharing your story about the financial hardships you’ve experienced. These firsthand accounts are vital for spurring action.

To learn more about LLS Advocacy and how you can raise awareness about the cost of cancer care and its impact on patients and families, visit www.lls.org/policy-advocacy.


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Make room for your passions: How to maximize your garage space

2019-11-05T08:31:00

(BPT) – Did you know over half of Americans (59%) feel that engaging in hobbies helps relieve stress? This was one finding in a survey of over 3,000 Americans conducted in 2017 by Kelton Global on behalf of Gladiator, the nation’s leader in customizable garage and household organization solutions.

While work and family obligations may prevent many from pursuing their favorite activities, the survey revealed that another factor acting as a roadblock was having enough space to store equipment or supplies needed for hobbies. Whether you love biking, crafts or other activities, chances are you need easily accessible space to store your gear.

Here’s where your garage comes in. The same survey found that 3 out of 4 Americans prioritize storage as the leading use for their garage — but that 28% of Americans can’t even fit a car in their garage because of the clutter.

What’s the solution? Get motivated to optimize your storage space so you can easily access all the things you love to do. Once you’ve rid yourself of the clutter, you can start clearing out even more floor space for your vehicle, woodworking bench, arts and crafts or drum kit for your garage band.

Here are some smart ways to make the most of your garage.

1. Figure out your needs

First, determine how much room your vehicles take up, then map out how much floor space you’ll need for any other items, such as a work bench or space to maneuver items you use frequently. Group the items you want to store in your garage according to category, then get ready to create more storage possibilities for all your gear.

2. Optimize your walls

Take a good look at all the wall space that’s currently being unused in your garage. Fortunately, there are solutions for your walls that don’t involve building bulky shelving that further encroaches on your floor space. For example, the Sports Caddy GearTrack Pack by Gladiator can hold much more than just basketballs and baseball bats. It installs easily on the wall and includes a ball caddy, which holds up to 25 pounds, that you can use for anything from helmets to sleeping bags, bags of potting soil or other bulky items you want kept off the floor. It also has two scoop hooks for heavier sports gear, backpacks, purses, garden tools and more.

3. Foldaway storage solutions

Another versatile option is to use a storage product that can transform from a wall­-installed storage cabinet to a sturdy work surface. Gladiator’s Ready-­to­-Assemble Foldaway Work Station provides both a space-­saving storage cabinet and a functional work surface that can be mounted to their GearTrack or GearWall for easy wall storage. The versatile work station can be used as a gardening center, paint station or as a cabinet for power tools.

4. Look up

There’s another area of your garage that is most likely underutilized — the overhead space.

To safely use overhead storage space in your garage, you’ll need a very secure, heavy-duty solution like the steel Overhead Storage Rack made by Gladiator, which has a weight capacity of 750 pounds spread across 96 cubic feet of storage space. The unit is flexible, and its height can be adjusted so you can lower the rack for easier access.

With smart solutions that use every area of your garage both safely and efficiently, you can make the most of your garage this year. Optimizing your garage storage space allows you to make more room in your life — for all the things you really love to do.


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Honoring veterans and moving into a new era of service

2019-11-05T00:01:00

(BPT) – Veterans Day, Nov. 11, is a time to honor veterans — and this year, to mark important milestones for the holiday and for service to these American heroes.

A century ago, on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the armistice ending World War I, President Woodrow Wilson addressed the nation asking Americans to reflect on World War I and to “be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory.” Seven years later, an Act of Congress made “Armistice Day” an official U.S. holiday dedicated to peace. In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks began a personal campaign to expand the meaning of Armistice Day to celebrate all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. Weeks led the first national celebration of veterans in 1947 and just eight years later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a new law establishing Veterans Day.

As we pause this Veterans Day to remember those who protected our nation’s freedom, and those still serving today, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) also celebrates its 100th anniversary.

After a century of service to veterans and their families, this year the ALA is evolving in ways that will allow it to help more veterans and military families.

The ALA was founded Nov. 10, 1919, as an affiliate of The American Legion, and historically has been composed of women associated with male service members. The face of the U.S. military is changing, though, and the ALA is changing with it. Women now make up 14.4 percent of the active-duty force, according to America’s Promise Alliance. so the Auxiliary has changed its bylaws to allow male spouses of veterans to join the organization.

One of the first male spouses to join the Auxiliary was Chanin Nuntavong. “I’m proud of my wife’s active-duty service in the U.S. Marine Corps. I can think of no better way to recognize her military service than to join a membership-based organization [for] spouses of servicemembers and honorable discharged veterans,” said Nuntavong. “I hope to dispel any negative stereotypes about being a male military spouse.” Nuntavong is also a member of The American Legion and is retired from the U.S. Marine Corps.

The ALA’s mission remains the same after a century of service: to advocate for veterans and military issues and provide services to help support them and their families. Initiatives and volunteer opportunities to help:

  • Poppy Sales: ALA members distribute poppies in exchange for donations across the country, with proceeds going to disabled and hospitalized veterans.
  • Christmas Gift Shops: Auxiliary volunteers collect and provide items that hospitalized veterans can give as Christmas gifts.
  • National Veterans Creative Arts Festival: Co-presented by the ALA and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this annual event invites veterans to participate in visual and performing arts, including creative writing, music and dance, drama, painting, sculpting and drawing.
  • Stand Downs: Named for the military term meaning a period of rest and recovery for a combat unit during war, stand downs provide food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, haircuts and job counseling for homeless veterans.
  • Welcome-homes and Send-offs: These events offer benefits counseling, employment assistance, education support and information about community service providers for returning service members.

The Auxiliary also works with The American Legion’s Legislative Division in Washington, D.C., to support legislation that addresses veteran interests, including benefits, national security and children of military.

One piece of legislation signed into law this year expands benefits to more veterans. The Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act, or LEGION Act, declares that the United States has been in a state of war since the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. It means that approximately 6 million veterans who served in previously undeclared times of war now are eligible for benefits. It also means their service and sacrifice can be recognized with support from The American Legion Auxiliary.

For more information to volunteer, join and donate, visit https://www.alaforveterans.org/.


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How to Bring Warmth and Texture to Your Kitchen

2019-11-04T12:35:00

(BPT) – Hardwood kitchen cabinetry gained popularity in the 1980s, and demand for the versatile material has continued to grow since. “Hardwood cabinets and built-ins fit into any style of kitchen, from rustic farmhouse to sleek modern high-rise,” says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center. “Savvy designers and homeowners are using such classic woods as oak, walnut, cherry, and maple — along with less-expected varieties like hickory and cypress — to bring inviting warmth and interesting texture to their kitchens. That hardwoods are durable and will probably last for many years only adds to their appeal.” Here are five inspiring examples of what Linda is talking about.

1. Natural Rustic Hickory and Painted Maple

Photo courtesy Images by Lisa

Natural rustic hickory wall cabinetry with a clear-coat finish brings a real country vibe to this Postville, Iowa, kitchen — a good thing since it’s an addition to a real farmhouse. By surrounding the characterful wood with a neutral palette — white subway tile, pale gray painted maple island — the designer, Lisa Hinzman of Forever Cabinets by Kendrick, lets it shine.

2. Light-stained Walnut and Painted Poplar

Photo courtesy David Gilbert

In Southampton, New York, designer Laura Bohn specified walnut for the kitchen floor and island but finished the latter in a lighter stain, so it stands out like a piece of furniture. The rest of the space is a serene composition of subtle colors: The walls are pale gray, the wall cabinets a putty tone rather than white, which would be too severe.

3. Painted Maple and Black Granite

Photo courtesy Peter Rymwid

Designed by Ivee Fromkin of I Fromkin Interiors, the kitchen in a Monmouth, New Jersey, beach house features an island with under-counter cubbyhole wine storage and a glass-door wine refrigerator. The maple cabinetry is painted white and the countertop is honed black granite — a crisply tailored look that helps integrate the kitchen into the living area it abuts.

4. Cherry and Oak

Photo courtesy Images by Lisa

In Farley, Iowa, another kitchen renovation by Lisa Hinzman of Forever Cabinets by Kendrick features an entire wall of built-in cherry cabinetry with polished-metal hardware and a celadon subway-tile backsplash. Designed for entertaining, the handsome unit has been finished with a dark custom stain for contrast with existing oak millwork on the stairs and French doors.

5. Walnut, Blackened Steel, and Marble

Photo courtesy Henrybuilt

Created by Henrybuilt kitchen systems for the renovation of a high-ceilinged apartment in a historic building in Manhattan, these simple and elegant walnut cabinets allow the natural beauty of the millwork to take center stage. Blackened-steel French doors, dark granite countertops, and pale-gray marble flooring complete the look. Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more ideas and information about creating stylish kitchens with hardwood.


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This New Tool May Help Parkinson’s Caregivers Identify and Describe Loved Ones’ Symptoms

2019-11-04T13:01:00

(BPT) – November is National Family Caregivers Month, which recognizes and honors the important role caregivers play in their loved ones’ well-being. Caregivers of people with Parkinson’s have an especially critical role. Parkinson’s is often described as a “team sport,” impacting not only the person with Parkinson’s but also their loved ones and caregivers. In the U.S., approximately one million people are living with Parkinson’s, defined by a progressive loss of certain nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain.

People with Parkinson’s rely on caregivers for a wide range of support — from taking them to doctors’ appointments to helping them get dressed and recording daily symptoms, like OFF periods, or the re-emergence of Parkinson’s symptoms. OFF periods can be difficult to describe because they differ from person to person and can include both motor and non-motor symptoms.

According to a recent survey of 700 caregivers and people with Parkinson’s, caregivers report more non-motor symptoms of people with Parkinson’s than people with Parkinson’s themselves do. Researchers also found caregivers are able to detect subtle changes before people with Parkinson’s are able to recognize and identify them. While caregivers help recognize symptoms, there is a need for resources that can capture and help communicate them to healthcare providers.

A new online tool is now available to help people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers identify and discuss their symptoms. The “Do Tell” Your Doctor Tool, from the “Live Well. Do Tell.SM” initiative from Acorda Therapeutics, offers a visual guide to help caregivers and people with Parkinson’s recognize and record their most challenging symptoms so they may communicate their impact more easily during a doctor’s appointment.

The tool is based on a clinically validated questionnaire developed by Duke University called the Wearing-off Questionnaire 9 (WOQ-9). Acorda licensed the tool and adapted it, with input from a multi-disciplinary Steering Committee of Parkinson’s community leaders, to create a patient-facing resource. The tool also underwent beta testing from members of InMotion, a nonprofit center dedicated to helping people manage their Parkinson’s in Cleveland, Ohio.

People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers can use the tool by identifying the symptoms they experience and ranking how bothersome they are. The answers are used to generate a word cloud, illustrating the symptoms users identified as most bothersome in larger letters, to help prioritize discussions with their healthcare provider at their next appointment. As a caregiver of a loved one with Parkinson’s, encouraging the use of this tool can help ensure symptoms, including OFF periods, are discussed in a meaningful way in the doctor’s office.

The “Do Tell” Your Doctor Tool is part of Acorda’s “Live Well. Do Tell.” program, which aims to help initiate effective conversations about OFF periods between people with Parkinson’s and their healthcare providers. For more information and to use the “Do Tell” Your Doctor Tool, visit: https://livewelldotell.org/takeaction/.

This article is sponsored by Acorda Therapeutics.

The Instrument has been licensed by Duke University solely for use by individual visitors to the LiveWellDoTell.org website who use the “Do Tell” Your Doctor Tool. Any other use requires a separate license from Duke University. The copyright on the Instrument and Derivatives is held by Duke University, 2006, and all rights in the Instrument are reserved. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this tool.

PD8500 10/19


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How a scholarship opportunity preps students for their future

2019-11-04T13:27:00

(BPT) – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer science-related jobs available, but there will only be 400,000 computer science graduates with the skills needed to apply for those jobs. Furthermore, although computer science is the fastest-growing profession within the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), only 8% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree in school — with only a small percentage of those students from underserved backgrounds. To discover the untapped talent among today’s high school and college students, scholarship opportunities are needed to provide the encouragement and the financial means for more students to pursue careers in computer science.

With the goal of inspiring and educating children and young adults to try computer science, especially students from underserved and underrepresented communities, Amazon has founded a program called Amazon Future Engineer, which is part of Amazon’s $50 million investment in STEM and computer science over the next five years. Amazon Future Engineer is a four-part, childhood-to-career program that funds programs ranging from after-school coding classes for kids in grades K-8, to robotics programs and Intro and Advanced Placement (AP) computer science courses for high school students.

One of the highlights of the program is the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship, which awards 100 high school seniors from underserved communities scholarships of $40,000 over four years to study computer science at a four-year college or university of their choice. The scholarship award also includes an offer for a guaranteed, paid internship with Amazon, after students complete their first year of college, to gain valuable work experience. It is one of the only computer science programs to offer both a scholarship and guaranteed internship placement to students.

Previous scholarship winner and current Ohio University student Hannah Nguyen said, “Being selected for the Amazon Future Engineer program is incredibly empowering, especially with women being so underrepresented in the field. I’m so excited for my future in computer science and I’m looking forward to the amazing opportunity to apply my knowledge while gaining real-world experience at this summer internship.”

What are the scholarship requirements?

  • Completion of an AP computer science class in high school
  • Intent to pursue a computer science degree at a four-year college or university
  • Teacher recommendation

Other factors considered include the applicant’s academic performance, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience, a statement of career and educational goals, and financial need.

Amazon’s inaugural class of scholarship winners was announced in April 2019 and includes 100 students from 32 states. All of the recipients demonstrated financial need and more than half of the students awarded the scholarships were from underrepresented groups in the computer science field, such as women, first-generation immigrants and people of color. These 100 students are currently attending some of the top universities and computer science programs in the country.

Another scholarship winner from the class of 2019, Jailynn Primus, used her award to enroll at Howard University. “To me the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship means an investment in my future and the opening of doors that I thought were previously closed to me,” she explained. “Being a double minority in STEM by being both African American and female, this empowers me to stay focused on the future I would like to create for both myself and society.”

To read more about previous scholarship winners, visit blog.aboutamazon.com/community/how-raising-her-hand-in-robotics-club-led-to-an-amazon-scholarship.

Applications for this year’s Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship will be accepted through January 17, 2020 for current high school seniors. Interested students can apply at AmazonFutureEngineer.com.


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Embrace timeless design elements for a lasting aesthetic

2019-11-04T07:01:01

(BPT) – As trends transition in and out of style, an understanding of what takes a space beyond temporary can help achieve a truly timeless design. Whether it’s blending the past with the present for a new take on traditional, or selecting decor and furnishings with a quiet, yet self-assured air, certain elements will establish endurance and ensure an aesthetic that is — and always will remain — relevant.

Enduring interiors

Curate a space that will withstand the test of time by opting for clean lines and even proportions to create an unobtrusive look that will remain effortlessly in style. For a sense of depth and character, consider textured wallpaper, or an authentic rosewood coffee table that will develop a natural patina over time. To further establish staying power, select a complementary neutral palette of soft gray or sandy beige, then accent the clean canvas with quintessential jewel tones for stately elegance.

Classic cues

Invite the past to the present, blending influences from the Edwardian Era and sensibilities from the Machine Age for timeless appeal. Incorporate a modern revival of classic forms with the Invari Bath Collection by Brizo. Subtle design elements display intricate craftsmanship in every graceful nuance, from hand-assembled linchpin joints to finely ridged coining for an artisanal touch. Finishing details, such as black crystal knob handles, elevate the overall look, bringing adornment into a space without excess.

Quiet confidence

A sense of poise and purpose helps to achieve an ageless aesthetic. Select perfectly scaled furnishings that enhance the design, while also serving an intentional role. Opt for fewer, more distinguished elements that can easily transform to changing tastes. Consider a stately stone fireplace to ground the space, or tasteful, yet surprising elements, such as lacquered cherry wood walls or scalloped wainscoting. For an overall cultivated tone, add worldly accents such as a decorative sculpture to create a visually striking and self-assured focal point, then position dramatic uplighting, giving it an almost regal air.

Outlasting elements

Take time to curate a space without granting trends too much influence, whether it be a patient search for an antique mirror or a large-scale painting that boasts modern, yet classic styles for a transitional effect. Make design decisions that lend versatility across aesthetics, from built-in, vaulted bookshelves in the living room, to lustrous tile flooring in the bath space for a clean, polished look. Where possible, maintain a sense of forethought and incorporate decor that is easily adaptable. Elements such as elegant pendant lighting or lush linens can be updated easily to fit current trends, carrying the space seamlessly through time.


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5 ways to bring the outdoors in this fall

2019-11-02T23:01:00

(BPT) – With the weather cooling down and trees changing to vibrant colors, it’s no wonder many consider autumn their favorite time of year. Fall draws people outside to apple orchards and pumpkin patches and fills homes with the smells of seasonal baking.

A recent YouGov survey commissioned by VELUX found that most people (over 69%) think exposure to daylight, fresh air and nature has a positive effect on their well-being, including reducing stress. Yet according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people today spend 90% of their time indoors. Even houses now are built to be more sealed, trapping bacteria and toxins inside, with many people unaware that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA.

To enjoy the positive benefits of nature even when spending time indoors, why not open up your house and bring more of the outdoors in? Try these five strategies for bringing more nature into your home this fall.

1. Open your windows or skylights

Before cold weather arrives, take advantage of pleasant temps to let in fresh air and sunlight, and even enjoy viewing the beautiful yellows, oranges and reds outside. The fresh air will help you breathe easier, ridding the air of toxins, bacteria and musty odors inside.

Skylights are great options for adding fresh air and natural light, which can help make your indoor living environment healthier. Skylights are a simple home renovation project that can dramatically improve your home’s health and have changed a great deal from those of decades past. The latest skylight models and skylight blinds can open via smartphone app or remote control to bring in fresh air and control light. VELUX No Leak Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights can be automated using VELUX Active with NETATMO, an internet-connected control system that compares online weather forecasts to temperatures, humidity and CO2 levels inside the home, automatically opening skylights to bring in fresh air if doing so improves indoor air conditions. In addition, VELUX offers a number of blinds options that can be automated with the VELUX Active with NETATMO system to boost the skylights’ thermal performance by blocking intense sunlight or providing an additional layer of insulation during cold nights.

2. Fill your home with cozy, natural scents

Use fresh herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, cinnamon sticks and cloves to create your own homemade potpourri. Or you could make a wreath using sprigs of your favorite herbs, including lavender, rosemary, bay and sage. You can add sprigs of similar aromatic dried options to fresh-cut flower arrangements, adding layers of scent, deeper colors and contrasting textures to your floral displays.

3. Bring pumpkins indoors

Autumn is not complete without pumpkins, but there’s no need to banish them to the front porch. Pick up some smaller pumpkins and other types of gourds, adding dried corn cobs to create a centerpiece for your dining room table or adding a pop of color to a coffee or side table.

Some types of edible squash are almost too pretty to eat, so why not display them for a while before cooking them? Look for visually interesting acorn, delicata and buttercup squash for your displays.

4. Leafy bouquets

Rethink your cut-flower bouquets. Take a walk outside to collect branches of colorful leafy fall foliage to add to your floral bouquets, along with flowers of similar autumn hues. Think chrysanthemums, sunflowers, dahlias and daisies in tones of orange, crimson and gold.

5. Incorporate fall design elements

Use autumn colors and shapes to inspire new design ideas. Swap decorative elements, from pillows and blankets to throw rugs and tea towels, for new items highlighting earthy tones like brown and orange. Look for items with nature-inspired designs — from leaf or vine patterns to migrating flocks of birds — that bring a feeling of autumn into your home.

Change up your window treatments to reflect the season, too. Swapping out blinds on your skylights is simple; you can easily add fall-colored blinds to match the tones of your new decor.

To learn more about adding fresh air and natural daylight into your home with new energy-efficient skylights, visit whyskylights.com.


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The grill guide: Picking the perfect wine for each meat

2019-11-01T14:44:47

(BPT) – Grilling is one of America’s greatest pastimes, and if you love grilled meat, chances are you also like hosting meals for family and friends to show off your pit master prowess. Once you’ve mastered the art of the char, why not take it a step further? Serve wine that blows the lid off the meal, in the best possible way.

The right wine pairing makes all the difference. The aroma and flavor of wines can highlight and enhance the taste of grilled food like no other beverage. And the good news is, it’s not rocket science. Choosing wine depends mostly on what you’re grilling, and how you’re dressing it up — what kind of sauce or rubs you’re using.

Here’s a handy guide to wine pairings to take your event to the next level.

Mix it up

If you’re serving a mix of grilled foods, including pork or barbecued chicken or turkey along with burgers and steaks, you’ll want to choose a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of different types of meat and poultry. Since many pork recipes use sweet and tangy sauces, wine with a fruitier flavor may be just the ticket, like red zinfandel or a bourbon barrel aged wine. You may even want to add a little of the wine to the sauce.

The Federalist Bourbon Barrel-aged Zinfandel embraces the uniquely American tradition of aging wine in charred bourbon barrels. The result is a fruity, spicy wine with dark cherry and cola notes, making the wine a great choice to pair with chicken or turkey marinated in barbecue sauce or grilled smoked sausages. For a stronger tannin structure and cleansing acidity that pairs exceptionally well with steak, a Lodi sourced zinfandel adds some zing to balance spicy, smoky flavors from your grill or smoker.

Lighten it up

When you’re grilling lighter fare like turkey, fish or chicken, or if you’re entertaining vegetarian or vegan friends, choose a white wine to enhance and match those delicate flavors and textures. Heavier barbecued meats and stronger flavors can easily overwhelm a lighter white wine, but a crisp chardonnay pairs very well with these foods. Chardonnay pairs perfectly with veggie burgers and grilled vegetables, turkey, chicken, and several types of fattier fish such as salmon, trout, tuna or rockfish. You can even serve it with Cornish game hen if you’re feeling fancy.

Bold barbecue needs bold wine

When you’re grilling cuts of beef like brisket, tenderloin, a juicy steak or ribs and using potent spices and flavors like classic Kansas City or Memphis-style barbecue sauce, cabernet sauvignon is a great choice to balance those intense flavors.

For example, within The Federalist’s portfolio of wines celebrating America’s heritage, The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium weight red wine with a good grip from tannins, in wine speak — and what does that mean? It means the flavor and body of the wine is strong enough to hold up to the bold, smoky and spicy flavors of your meat. You can also serve it with game like venison or roasted and smoked vegetables. This wine has an aroma of berries, tart cherries, sweet oak and cinnamon, along with a delicious flavor that will wow your meat-loving guests.

Another popular choice to serve with grilled meats like a flank steak is The Federalist Honest Red Blend, combining 53% merlot grapes with 30% zinfandel and 15% cabernet sauvignon. It marries the flavor of dark fruits with some spiciness and a rich, round mouthfeel. You can’t go wrong serving a bold red wine with grilled red meat, as the high-fat content in the meat is balanced by the strong tannins present in red wine.

Tap into these tips to help you select the right flavor balance to show off your grilling skills. Check out @FederalistWines on Instagram to learn more.