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Antibiotic Resistance: What it Really Means for Rosacea Sufferers

2019-11-18T08:31:00

(BPT) – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), five out of every six people in the United States received one antibiotic prescription in 2016.1,2 While antibiotics are commonly used for their bacteria-killing capabilities, dermatologists, the top antibiotic prescribers in the U.S., also use antibiotics for their anti-inflammatory properties, to treat common conditions like rosacea.3,4,5 The problem arises as any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects that lead to antibiotic resistance.1 This means that bacteria develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to eliminate them.6

Antibiotic resistance has become so widespread that the CDC declared it “one of the most urgent threats to the public’s health,” leading to 2 million people infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria annually and 23,000 related deaths.5,7 When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics cannot fight back, and the bacteria multiplies.6 This can ultimately result in less effective treatments, allowing for longer lasting infections dangerous to human health at an individual and global level.5

Therefore, it’s important for those suffering from rosacea, a chronic skin condition affecting an estimated 16 million Americans, to understand antibiotic resistance, what it means and ways to help prevent it by relying on alternative solutions when possible.8,9

Thankfully, there are non-antibiotic dose options that can help reduce the symptoms of rosacea.4 ORACEA® (doxycycline, USP) 40mg* Capsules, a convenient, once-daily prescription treatment, targets inflammation below the skin to reduce the bumps and blemishes of rosacea from the inside out.4,10,11 The low-dose formulation of ORACEA Capsules does not work by killing bacteria; instead, it treats rosacea symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory properties.4,10,11

According to board-certified dermatologist and Galderma consultant, Dr. Julie Harper, “The signs and symptoms of rosacea can be bothersome for those who haven’t found the results they were looking for with topical treatments.12 As I try to steer away from introducing an antibiotic dose to help my patients achieve clearer skin, I find that ORACEA Capsules are a great solution to help to minimize the bumps and blemishes of rosacea.”11 Unlike the most commonly prescribed 100mg dose of doxycycline which showed induced microbial resistance as early as day seven, ORACEA Capsules’ formula was shown to not contribute to antibiotic resistance in a nine-month study.11,13

Aside from using safe and effective treatment options, like ORACEA Capsules, there are other ways to help decelerate the threat, and equip yourself in the fight against antibiotic resistance by following these tips:

  • Don’t demand antibiotics: Antibiotics do not effectively treat viral infections like the common cold or flu, so trust your doctor’s expertise when told that antibiotics won’t help.5,7 In fact, the CDC estimates 30% of antibiotic prescriptions written by doctors are unnecessary.7
  • Follow doctor’s orders: When prescribed, complete an antibiotic course as instructed.5 Unfinished antibiotic regimens can allow bacteria to survive (even if you’re feeling better) and adapt to the treatment, increasing rates of resistance.14
  • Don’t save or share leftover antibiotics: Self-medicating may not treat the illness properly and could lead to adverse side effects.5,15
  • Engage in the conversation: To help reduce the bumps and blemishes of rosacea, ask your dermatologist about an effective, non-antibiotic dose option.10

For more information about antibiotic resistance, talk to your dermatologist today. Visit Oracea.com to learn about rosacea and the non-antibiotic treatment option. With proper care, it’s possible to treat rosacea and help limit the risk of antibiotic resistance for a clearer and healthier future.11

Important Safety Information

Indication: ORACEA Capsules are indicated for the treatment of only inflammatory lesions (papules and pustules) of rosacea in adult patients. ORACEA Capsules do not lessen the facial redness caused by rosacea. Adverse Events: In controlled clinical studies, the most commonly reported adverse events (>2%) in patients treated with ORACEA Capsules were nasopharyngitis, sinusitis, diarrhea, hypertension and aspartate aminotransferase increase. Warnings/Precautions: ORACEA Capsules should not be used to treat or prevent infections. ORACEA Capsules should not be taken by patients who have a known hypersensitivity to doxycycline or other tetracyclines. ORACEA Capsules should not be taken during pregnancy, by nursing mothers, or during tooth development (up to the age of 8 years). Although photosensitivity was not observed in clinical trials, ORACEA Capsules patients should minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight. The efficacy of ORACEA Capsules treatment beyond 16 weeks and safety beyond 9 months have not been established.

*30 mg immediate release & 10 mg delayed release beads

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic use in the United States, 2018 update: progress and opportunities. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services, CDC; 2019.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic use in outpatient settings, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/stewardship-report/outpatient.html. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

3 Penn Medicine News. Dermatologists prescribe the most antibiotics, but which uses are driving the trend? https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-releases/2019/january/dermatologists-prescribe-the-most-antibiotics-but-which-uses-are-driving-the-trend/. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

4 Del Rosso, J. and Zeichner, J. The clinical relevance of antibiotic resistance: thirteen principles that every dermatologist needs to consider when prescribing antibiotic therapy. Dermatology Clinics: 2016. 34, pp. 167-173.

5 World Health Organization. Antibiotic resistance. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic resistance questions and answers. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/about/antibiotic-resistance-faqs.html. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be antibiotics aware: smart use, best care. https://www.cdc.gov/features/antibioticuse/index.html. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

8 National Rosacea Society. All about rosacea. https://www.rosacea.org/patients/all-about-rosacea. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

9 National Rosacea Society. What is rosacea? https://www.rosacea.org/. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

10 Oracea (doxycycline) capsules for oral use. Prescribing information. 2014.

11 Valentin, Sheila, et al. Safety and efficacy of doxycycline in the treatment of rosacea. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology: CCID 2 (2009): 129.

12 Rosacea: Beyond the visible online report, BMJ Hosted Website. http://hosted.bmj.com/rosaceabeyondthevisible. Accessed October 14, 2019.

13 Walker C, Bradshaw M. The effect of oral doxycycline 100 mg once-daily for 14 days on the nasopharyngeal flora of healthy volunteers: a preliminary analysis. Presented at: Fall Clinical Dermatology; October 18-21, 2007; Las Vegas, NV.

14 University of California Berkley. Antibiotic resistance: delaying the inevitable. https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/0_0_0/medicine_03. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

15 Consumer Reports. The dangers of left over antibiotics. https://www.consumerreports.org/antibiotics/the-danger-of-leftover-antibiotics/. Accessed on October 14, 2019.

USMP/ORA/0067/1019


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Actress shares tips to shine bright this holiday season

2019-11-18T13:55:00

(BPT) – The holidays can challenge just about anyone to stick to healthy habits and keep up with the busy season. Despite her hectic schedule, actress, producer, entrepreneur and mother Sarah Michelle Gellar has learned how to juggle family and career all while maintaining her daily routine.

Gellar shares top tips and tried and true products that really work for maintaining her daily routine throughout the most festive — and busiest — time of year.

1. Keep skin glowing

Healthy skin is not just achieved through regular use of high-quality cleansers or makeup products, Gellar says, but is nurtured from the inside out. The harsh winter months can be tough on skin, especially when everyone is running around during the busy holiday season. Going in and out of cold outdoor air and dry, overheated indoor air can dehydrate your skin.

“The key to healthy looking skin is a combination of using topical products and what I put in my body — I drink tons of water,” explains Gellar. “Most importantly, washing my face is a major step in keeping my skin fresh. Not only at night, but before and after flights and in between sets to let my face breathe and look fresher.”

2. Apply sunscreen daily, year-round

Sunscreen is not just for the beach anymore. Sun damage can happen at any time of year, even during the winter months, so Gellar recommends protecting your skin at all times to look your best.

“Not many people I know use sunscreen as a foundation for makeup, but I use a lightweight moisturizer that includes SPF for a foundation that will make your makeup dewy and flawless. Not just on sunny days,” Gellar insists, “but every day to keep my skin moist and glowing all year long.”

3. Use products that really work

Gellar stresses the importance of finding — and sticking with — health and beauty products that get visible results, like Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact Toothpaste, which deeply whitens for 4 shades visibly whiter teeth when used twice daily for 6 weeks. She says there’s nothing like a bright, white smile when greeting guests and socializing all throughout the holidays.

“I really don’t have time for products that don’t work, and the key for me is consistency. I have some products that I’ve been using for years, and one of them is my toothpaste — Colgate Optic White Platinum High Impact. It isn’t ordinary whitening toothpaste,” she continues. “It has hydrogen peroxide — a key ingredient that goes below the surface to deeply whiten teeth. I’ve been using it for years, and it is whitening that works. I love it!”

4. A healthy diet leads to a healthy lifestyle

What you eat every day has a huge impact on your overall health, no matter how much or how little you’re able to exercise on a daily or weekly basis. She recommends eating the freshest food possible, because it provides both nutrition and great flavor, helping you avoid the temptation of too many holiday treats. And sticking to a healthier diet can help motivate you to work out more, too.

“I eat fresh, organic and local,” Gellar says. “While some may think this is an expensive lifestyle, there are ways to make fresh food at an affordable price. This truly is a passion of mine, which is why I started Foodstirs in 2015 to bring families together in the kitchen and start baking healthier. Fitness also plays a large role in keeping me on a healthy track. I don’t work out as much as I used to, but Pilates is still a passion of mine that I do from time to time.”

Following these four tips can help anyone look and feel their best, regardless of their busy schedule and the many demands of work and home. Enjoy the holidays and shine brightly by choosing the most effective products and following the healthiest practices you can for yourself and your family.


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Gut Check: Why Women with Chronic Constipation Feel Stuck [Infographic]

2019-11-18T16:27:00

(BPT) – We all have to go when nature calls, but for approximately 35 million American adults living with a condition called chronic idiopathic constipation, or CIC, that isn’t always easy. Idiopathic means the cause of the constipation is unknown. People with CIC experience symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating over a long period of time. A national survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Shire, now part of Takeda, assessed the impact of CIC on patients’ daily lives, and unmet needs related to its management — revealing how and why many women with CIC feel stuck, and what many GIs believe may be an important approach to managing the condition.


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Tips for Growing Your Small Business This Holiday Season

2019-11-18T12:47:01

(BPT) – Small businesses have a major impact on their communities: 67 cents of every dollar spent on small businesses stays in the local economy. But when it comes to growing their businesses, nearly one in four small business owners say marketing is one of their biggest challenges. As small businesses prepare for the holiday rush and Small Business Saturday on November 30, it’s important that they invest in digital marketing to reach new customers and stand out online.

Below are a few easy, effective ways to grow your business during this busy time of year from Kim Spalding, global product director for small business ads, Google:

1. Be discovered on Google and build a website

People are increasingly searching for small businesses. In 2019, search interest in “mom and pop shops” hit a three-year high.

To make sure holiday shoppers are finding your business, Google My Business is a free and easy way to help businesses show up in Google Search and Maps. Businesses can attract customers by creating a profile where they can update their store information (like their holiday hours), create free posts that promote a special holiday offer or event and reply to reviews. Platforms like Wix and WordPress also offer free accounts that help small business owners build mobile-optimized and budget-friendly websites.

Once you have a website, adding a basic map or store locator can help customers more easily find your store by showing them your store’s location on a map and giving directions.

2. Make it easier to sell online

Ensuring customers’ online holiday shopping experience is easy and seamless is critical. Shopify is a complete commerce platform that lets you start, grow and manage a business. Shopify enables you to sell in multiple places including web, mobile, social media, online, marketplaces, brick-and-mortar locations and pop-up shops.

3. Reach more customers

Small business owners have a lot on their plates — especially during the holiday months — and finding the time to create engaging content can feel impossible. Hiring a copywriter from services like Fiverr frees up time for small business owners to focus on running their businesses while expert freelancers draft copy to attract customers.

A simple way to reach customers quickly, Google’s Smart Campaigns, created specifically for small business owners, takes 15 minutes to set up, and can help small businesses create and optimize ads to attract customers to their website or Google Maps. Smart Campaigns saves small business owners time by optimizing their budget across Google Ads to deliver the results they crave.

Expanded Local Campaigns can help businesses increase foot traffic by surfacing Promoted Pins that appear on the map when users are getting directions and planning their route to a destination.

4. Get a customized online business plan

Even though most business owners know their customers are on the web, 80 percent still aren’t making the most of digital tools that can help them reach more customers and work more efficiently.

Google for Small Business is a free, one-stop shop to help small businesses simplify how they select and use the online tools that can help them reach more holiday customers and work more efficiently. First, business owners input their business name, answer a few questions about their business and select a goal. Then, they receive a step-by-step, personalized plan of recommended products to help them stand out online.

Growth for small businesses isn’t always about doing more, it’s about getting things done in less time, with less complication and less worry. This holiday season, these tools can help businesses thrive by providing the support needed to connect with more customers and meet goals.


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5 easy ways to save during the holiday season

2019-11-18T13:19:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time of family, friends and … spending. In the process of hosting and attending large or intimate holiday gatherings, the inevitable costs of travel, presents, decorations and food tend to stack up. With thousands of Americans celebrating holidays in November and December, it is no surprise that according to the National Retail Confederation the holiday season is the largest consumer spending time of the year. So, instead of starting the New Year with a nasty credit card bill, here are five simple tips to protect your finances during the holiday season:

  1. DIY festive wrapping paper: Use the brown paper from grocery store bags when wrapping gifts by cutting the bag at its corners and removing the handles to become a flat piece of paper. If you feel the minimalist kraft paper look is too plain for your liking, decorate the paper using markers or cotton swabs dipped in paint. For a more festive touch, try stringing a pinecone or stick of cinnamon to the package using twine.
  2. Use the NEW Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ app: Before making the trek to your holiday gathering, download the new Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app to start earning points on your journey over the river and through the woods. By paying through the new app, you avoid having to battle the elements at the pump and from now to February 2020, you can earn 5 cents per gallon when you pay through the app to be used at later fill-ups. If you are an existing Exxon Mobil Rewards+ member with Premium Status, you can earn up to 10 cents per gallon!
  3. Shop holiday décor at a thrift store: Over the past few years there has been an uptick in online thrift stores, such as LetGo or The RealReal, that sell high-end secondhand items. Score vintage pieces for your next holiday party or decor to style your home for the season.
  4. Book holiday travel smart: The holidays are one of the most expensive times to fly, but if your holiday feast is waiting for you a plane ride away don’t fret, as there are still ways to save on travel. While there is speculation around savings on the day you book, it is true the day you fly can drastically change the price tag. According to CheapAir’s 5th annual Airfare study, you can save if you fly in or out on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Apps like Hopper monitor and track trends in flights prices, with helpful notifications of when the best time to buy is.
  5. Make your Friendsgiving a potluck: Instead of catering or cooking your Friendsgiving feast, invite your pals to participate in the fun. Potluck dinners take out the pain of hours of preparation, giving you the chance as the host to spend more time with your guests. You can even make it themed by having each person bring a dish they grew up eating around the holidays, which can spark interesting conversations about family history and sentimental story telling.


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The perfect holiday gift solutions for small business owners

2019-11-18T09:15:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax

As a small business owner, the holiday season is often your most profitable — and busiest — time of the year. With a third of all retailers making 50 percent of their profits during the holidays1, keeping up with the customer demand alone can be a challenge. Now add that to going to holiday parties, finding gifts for family, friends, clients and colleagues and taking time off to actually relax and enjoy the seasonal festivities — “the most wonderful time of the year” quickly becomes “the most stressful time of the year.”

So, what’s the solution when looking to take advantage of the busy shopping season AND trying to enjoy some time with your friends and family? The answer is to combine small business and personal holiday tasks as much as you can.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy this time of year with less stress, thanks to the services and products at Office Depot and OfficeMax.

1. Do as much one-stop shopping as you can

Time is valuable. Find places to shop that carry a variety of items that not only make great gifts for family and friends, but also for clients, bosses and co-workers.

At Office Depot, you can find essential supplies and services, and great gifts for everyone on your list, including yourself. One example is the TUL® Wireless Charging Notebook. A perfect gift for a student, business pro or busy mom on-the-go, this professional-looking leather-discbound notebook now has a built-in wireless charging spot on the cover that is compatible with any Qi-certified Android or Apple smart phone. This notebook can also be tailored to meet your unique style and functionality needs. Punch in business cards and photos or accessorize with a variety of add-ons like a task pad or ruler — you can make it yours. Complete the gift with the TUL® Fine Writing Solid Metal Barrel Ballpoint Pens, which are precision engineered and beautifully crafted, with a professional and luxurious look.

2. Tap into the latest technology

With a hectic holiday season and new year ahead, invest in some new tech for your business. Buy products that are multi-functional and long-lasting to keep you and your business efficient at all times.

The HP Pavilion Convertible 2-In-1 Laptop is a great example. You can take both work and play to the next level with this 2-in-1 laptop, which allows you to touch, tap and glide through its intuitive interface while enjoying versatile typing and viewing positions thanks to the 360-degree hinge. You can surf the Internet with ease with this laptop, and its superior solid-state drive holds plenty of songs, photos, documents and other files. The HP Wide Vision HD webcam allows you to video conference with crisp, clear audio performance, and the dual speakers with HP Audio Boost help bring music and video to life.

3. Get practical

Give the gift of an improved, ergonomic work station. If you’re like most people, you’ve tried everything to make your daily work position more comfortable. The VARIDESK (TM) ProPlus Manual Standing Desk Converter does just that. The sturdy base sits on top of an existing desk, and the upper deck acts as the display surface for monitors. The easily adjustable design offers 11 different height settings, so you can experiment with different levels to find optimal comfort, and to vary your posture while working.

So, you have the desk, now what? No one wants to waste time during the holidays putting furniture together. Office Depot and OfficeMax offer a complete service solution that’s equipped to handle customers’ business and home office furniture needs.

Your friends, family, business partners and colleagues — especially fellow small business owners — will all appreciate the practical gift solutions and services you can find either online or in-store at Office Depot and OfficeMax. This holiday season, you can even take advantage of free next business-day shipping on qualifying orders of $45 or more. Don’t let the holidays stress you out this year. By shopping smart, small business owners can take advantage of a profitable holiday season and conquer their to-do lists so that this holiday season can be the best one yet.

1 October 2018 QuickBooks Self-Employed Survey (http://quickbooks.intuit.com/self-employed)


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Love dogs? Here’s how to turn that passion into a successful side gig

2019-11-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Most people would like to follow their life’s passions when exploring ways to supplement their incomes, but it can be hard to find those meaningful outlets — and earn any income at the same time. For one dog lover in Stratford, Connecticut, her tremendous love and affection for the dogs in her life led her to a side job she hadn’t anticipated.

Five years ago, Monica Kolbusz was coping with the anxiety, distress and considerable expense of caring for her beloved Pomeranian, Sheila. Her dog was battling lung cancer, Lyme disease and a tumor on her paw. They were in and out of the vet’s office for countless appointments, surgeries, a special prescription diet and medication. While the vet bills piled up and she continued to spend more time and energy providing the love and attention her aging furry family member needed, her friend came up with a great suggestion. She said that maybe Kolbusz could use her years of experience caring for dogs to become a dog sitter, to earn some cash to help pay for Sheila’s mounting medical expenses.

Kolbusz decided it was a great idea to use her love for and experience with special needs dogs to work part-time, on her own schedule. She signed up to become a dog sitter on Rover.com, a network of over 300,000 dog walkers and sitters across 32,000 U.S. cities for both dogs and cats. Before long, she became sought after by clients for her ability to care for dogs who needed special attention, including senior dogs, dogs with medical needs and even puppies — because they demand a lot from their humans, including plenty of attention and exercise. Some clients needed help with boarding pets while they were away on vacation, while others wanted someone to come into their home to provide daily walks, short visits for feeding and attention, or hours of care per day. For busy people who can’t always give their furry companions as much attention as they would like, Rover is a trusted solution that helps match pet parents with experienced and dedicated walkers or sitters in their area. And for Kolbusz, it meant setting her own flexible schedule as well as her own rates. The extra income Kolbusz receives by providing services on Rover allows her to financially be able to adopt rescue dogs that have medical needs or require a special diet without having the stress of not being able to care for them.

Before long, Kolbusz realized that being a dog sitter was very satisfying, since she was able to use her genuine love for dogs in a way that really helped their human families. She began to expand her home-based work to include volunteering at a rescue agency, so she could foster dogs along with her own canine companions and the Rover clients’ dogs that she was caring for — which provided a bonus she didn’t expect.

Caring for clients’ dogs in her home, along with her current rescued Pomeranians named Jimmy Choo and Misiu, also helped to socialize the rescue dogs she was fostering. Having the experience of being around other dogs as they were receiving expert care and attention from Kolbusz helped the entire household learn how to get along well. This work continues to build her own confidence in the skill, talent and passion she has for helping senior and special needs dogs to thrive. One of the unexpected benefits she found through her work as a dog sitter was rescuing dogs, like her current Pomeranian, which is something she plans to continue to do as she gets future furry family members.

Sitters on Rover include a wide range of individuals who love dogs and cats, ranging from college students and stay-at-home parents to retirees and more. Many, like Kolbusz, specialize in a particular area or type of care clients may need for their pets.

If you want to explore a part-time opportunity where you can share your love of animals, check out Rover.com/become-a-sitter/.


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Inspiration and tips from the 2019 ‘Whole Home Concept House’

2019-11-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s home builders, designers and innovators are working to create interiors and living experiences that take into account consumer trends toward seeking a more healthful environment, inside and out. This year’s “Whole Home Concept House,” by leading design magazine House Beautiful, places focus on design elements and appliances created to promote health, livability and sustainability, reflecting the increasing desire of American consumers for an approach to interior design that goes well beyond aesthetics.

“At House Beautiful we believe our homes should be a refuge that helps you recharge and unplug from our busy external lives — and that if you design it well, you will live a happier and healthier life,” said House Beautiful’s market director Carisha Swanson. “The Whole Home Concept House is the culmination of our year-long wellness initiative. We’ve built out a real home that embodies and showcases ideas and innovations that feed happiness and drive well-being in every facet of our lives.”

Here are some of the 2019 Whole Home Concept House’s top features that consumers can adopt in their own home designs and renovations to improve livability and enhance their home environment.

1. Make it easy to clean.

Especially for homes with children, choosing fabrics and other materials that are tough enough to withstand dirt and stains for flooring, walls and furniture makes it easier for parents who don’t want to spend every moment cleaning. For the Whole Home Concept House, Atlanta-based designer Vern Yip used heavy-duty, stain-resistant fabrics in the foyer and living room, along with wipe-able wallpaper that’s easy to keep clean. Swanson emphasizes that this approach gives families more time to do the things that they really want to do in life.

2. Fight allergens where they live.

The latest technology for the laundry room now keeps clothes and linens as free from allergens as possible. Choose appliances certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for the best results, such as LG’s TurboWash 360 front-loading washing machine. The washer’s proprietary Allergiene cycle removes 95 percent of pet dander and dust mites. All LG products in the home are equipped with smart technology, enabling users to control key features from anywhere with the ThinQ mobile app or using voice commands via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

3. Avoid chemicals.

For refreshing clothes and removing light wrinkles in under 20 minutes, the LG Styler steam closet helps extend the life of clothing between laundering. There is no plumbing required, so the unit can be used in any room. It reduces the need for dry cleaning, cutting down on potentially harmful chemicals in your wardrobe, as well as removes 99% of allergens and bacteria from clothing, pillows and even children’s stuffed animals with the gentle power of steam.

4. Keep food fresh longer.

To store and prepare healthy, fresh food effectively, the Whole Home Concept House featured the latest in food storage and preservation technology from luxury kitchen appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite. Their integrated refrigerators and freezers are engineered to provide the largest capacities in their respective classes, while also minimizing temperature fluctuations to help maintain optimal food freshness longer, reducing food waste.

5. Cook like a chef.

For cooking your healthiest, most delicious meals, the Signature Kitchen Suite 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range provides home chefs with all the tools available to professionals, such as the first-of-its-kind pro-range with built-in sous vide modality, along with induction and gas, all on the cooktop. The sous vide cooking technique uses precise temperature control to deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results that preserve the true flavors, vitamins and nutrients of the food, needing little or no added salt or fats.

To learn more about the 2019 Whole Home Concept House, visit Housebeautiful.com/wholehome or see the November issue of House Beautiful.


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How to prepare for surgery and get back on your feet

2019-11-18T06:01:01

(BPT) – In the U.S., the number of surgical procedures is increasing, with more than 30 million performed annually according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No matter what kind of surgery you may be having, preparing for one can raise a lot of questions and concerns.

One of the most often asked questions is — to eat or not to eat? There was a long-held belief that patients should fast before surgery. Luckily, complete fasting before surgery may not always be a requirement. Today, scientific evidence and surgical guidelines recognize the benefits of perioperative nutrition. In fact, preparing for surgery is much like training for a marathon, taking a major physical and mental toll. That’s why many believe that it’s crucial to prepare by giving your body the strength and energy it needs to handle the stress of the operation and recovery.

Undergoing surgery can trigger inflammation and weight and muscle loss, which may lead to unwanted complications such as poor wound healing and infections. However, prepping your body with proper nutrition to support the immune system is associated with improved outcomes, such as reduced wound or infectious complications after surgery.

“It’s time to rethink nutrition before and after surgery so that people have the best chance of a successful recovery and can get back to living life,” says Dr. Paul Wischmeyer, professor of Anesthesiology & Surgery at Duke University. “Given the evidence and guidelines we have today, several organizations like the American Society for Enhanced Recovery now recommend specific nutrition prior to, the day of, and after a procedure to improve surgery outcomes.”

So, what’s the right way to go about it? Talk to your doctor and have a perioperative nutrition plan for before and after an operation. Here are a few proactive options to make sure you are set for the road to recovery.

  • Carb-loading: This isn’t just for runners. Research shows that carb-loading with physician-approved nutrition up to two hours before surgery is associated with reduced hunger, thirst, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and even length of hospital stay.

    Talk to your physician about whether nutritional drinks will work for you, such as Abbott’s Ensure® Pre-Surgery Clear Carbohydrate Drink. It is specially designed to help improve outcomes.

  • Immunonutrition: Research shows that the use of immunonutrition — a blend of key nutrients — to support recovery before and after surgery is associated with reduced post-surgical infectious complications and a decrease in length of hospital stay.

    Immune-enhancing nutrients include arginine (an amino acid found in most protein-rich foods, including poultry, fish and dairy products) and omega-3 fatty acids (found in a variety of fish and fish oils). Ask your doctor if Abbott’s Ensure Surgery Immunonutrition Shake is right for your recovery — it contains both of these ingredients to support immune health and recovery from surgery.

“In addition to focusing on your nutrition, another priority after surgery is to get moving, once you’re given the green light from your doctor,” says Abby Sauer, MPH, RD, a registered dietitian with Abbott. “It’s also critical to get adequate nutrition, especially protein, before and after surgery to help protect your muscles and support your recovery.”

Make sure to ask your physician about what’s right for you and come up with a game plan for both before and after surgery, so you can get back on your feet. Recommended nutritional and recovery plans may differ depending on your operation. Learn more online about Abbott’s Ensure Surgery Bundle.


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8 simple ideas to prevent home break-ins

2019-11-18T00:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know most burglaries are home break-ins? Keeping your home secure is vital to the safety of yourself, your family and your belongings. Here are several simple ideas to increase your personal safety.

1. Install a home security system.

Security systems offer perhaps the most powerful protection for your home. Even a simple alarm system and a few well-placed signs in your yard and on your windows can greatly diminish the likelihood of home break-ins. If you can afford it, motion sensors on doors and windows, along with 24-hour monitoring, delivers even greater protection. Check for discounts on your home insurance for a monitored security system.

2. Check out smart home technology.

Consider investing in security cameras and other smart home technology, such as video doorbells and keylocks. These systems are much easier to install now using wireless devices and can help you monitor your home and alert you to potential activity. They also provide a great way to check in on pets when you’re away from home.

3. Don’t hide keys outside the house.

For convenience, many people hide a spare key outside near the front door. It might be under the welcome mat, in a planter or on a ledge. If a key is easy for your family or friends to find, it’s also easy for thieves to find. Instead, consider leaving a key with a neighbor you trust.

4. Keep those bushes trimmed.

High, full bushes and shrubs around your home are ideal places for thieves to hide while they work on opening your window. By keeping bushes trimmed and lower to the ground, you’re making it harder for would-be burglars to gain access to your house.

5. Make it look like you’re home.

Most thieves want to strike while you’re away. With some good sense and creativity, you can fool them into thinking you’re home even when you’re not. Consider purchasing timers that turn your lamps and TV on and off at different hours of the evening. You might also consider a timer for your front porch light. If it’s lit during the day, it could be a telltale sign that you’re away for an extended period. Along that line, don’t let the mail or newspapers pile up when you’re on vacation. Either suspend service or ask a neighbor to pick them up for you. Check into newer technology lighting that allows you to control lights remotely using your smart device.

6. Install outdoor lighting.

Darkness is a burglar’s best friend. When thieves approach your home and bright lights in their faces suddenly confront them, it can be a strong motivation to move on. Motion-activated lighting systems are inexpensive, easy to install and a great way to put thieves in the spotlight. Plus, when you come home at night, these lights will switch on and illuminate the path to your door.

7. Make friends with your neighbors.

Chances are, the neighbors surrounding your home are just as interested in home security as you are. Together, you can create a network of eyes that’s always on the lookout for suspicious behavior. If you’re going out of town, let your neighbors know in advance so they can be extra vigilant. When they go on vacation, you can do the same for them. Exchange phone numbers and emails with your neighbors, so you can contact them when an emergency arises. Consider joining neighborhood watch groups or online forums to keep informed about things going on in your neighborhood and local area.

8. Keep windows and doors locked.

This tip may seem obvious, but unlocked doors and windows are the cause of many successful burglaries. When the weather’s nice, you may open a window and then forget to close it at night or when you run an errand, offering a tempting target for burglars. In addition, don’t leave valuable items, such as purses, laptops or credit cards, in plain view through your windows. Thieves may take this opportunity to quickly break the glass and grab your valuables.

For additional information on protecting your home visit USAA.com/homeowners.