Month: November 2019

2019-11-15T13:45:00

(BPT) – As 2019 comes to an end, it marks a time of new possibilities and change. While some might get the itch to tackle a new challenge or hobby, many adults use this time to reflect on their current job and what might be next for their career path.

The good news is that with today’s competitive job market and new educational models, now may be the perfect time to go back to school to advance your career.

This article, presented by Capella University, lists five key reasons why:

1. We’re experiencing a strong, competitive job market.

The fall season is typically the final hiring period of the year and, therefore, the last opportunity to fill any remaining positions, as well as to create positions for the new year. This presents the perfect time for you to explore new opportunities.

If you are already at an organization, open positions may present an opportunity for you to step up and fill a new role in your current organization. Show your employer that you are capable to take on new responsibilities and are well deserving of a promotion.

2. Flexible learning options are growing.

Don’t let the fear of student loans or your busy schedule stop you from advancing your career. Not only do many institutions provide professionally aligned online degree programs, but some design different learning models that benefit working adults.

For example, in addition to the traditional model available at most colleges, Capella University offers a flexible format called FlexPath that allows students to set their own deadlines and move through course work at their own pace, saving time and tuition dollars. This model makes a lot of sense for educators looking to go back for their master’s in education. When students have the ability to adapt their courses to meet their busy schedule, they’re able to complete their studies on their time. Capella’s MEd FlexPath students have also expressed that programs like these meet them where they are, so they can continue learning and improving their craft.

3. Trainings and degree programs have an impact on earning potential and employability.

Workforce training and new credentials at any stage in your career can build your experience and impact your salary. Even polishing up soft skills can improve your employability. A study conducted in 2016 found that soft skills training can boost productivity and deliver higher employee retention. Today’s employers have recognized that these traits, like interpersonal communication, time management, and problem solving, are essential qualities and something they look for when hiring and promoting.

4. Many employers are supporting their employees’ continued education.

Right now, organizations across all sectors are looking for new ways to train their employees. Amazon recently expanded its postsecondary training programs to retrain 100,000 of its employees for jobs they hold and for their future.

Additionally, organizations are partnering with higher education providers to bring the best training to their employees. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) offers an opportunity to its dealership employees to earn a customized degree through the Degrees@Work program at no cost. With these programs on the rise, don’t be afraid to ask your HR manager about what kinds of tuition assistance and other on-the-job training benefits are available to you.

5. It will bring you more happiness and fulfillment.

In the most recent Deloitte Shift Index on worker passion, only 13 percent of respondents exhibited all three attributes of worker passion: commitment to domain, questing, and connecting dispositions. All workers deserve better, and focusing on learning and development can help turn that around. The World Happiness Report found that people who have experienced longer years of education often experience increased employability, job security and faster promotion, all of these factors being conductive to higher happiness.

If you’re on the fence about advancing your career or pursuing a new training or degree, consider all the benefits that it could bring you. Don’t let another day pass you by. As the leaves change, so can you.

2019-11-15T13:15:00

(BPT) – The holidays are full of family, friends — and lots and lots of food. And while we love getting together with all our loved ones, the thought of coming up with a meal that pleases everyone can be a bit frightful. But with a little prep work, planning, and new healthy takes on cooking and baking staples, making meals that satisfy everyone is now joyfully easier.

Make Everyone Happy

The not-so-secret ingredient that brings a rich, creamy taste to any dish — is butter, of course. But when your not-eating-dairy-this-week cousin and more-butter-the-better sister are both coming to dinner, you need to come up with the one dish that makes them both happy. Give yourself a gift by swapping out dairy butter for Country Crock^® Plant Butter. It tastes like butter, but is dairy-free, plant-based and has less saturated fat than dairy butter. Now everyone’s happy — including you!

Twist-up A Classic

Mashed potatoes without heaps of butter? Never! Here’s to holiday indulgence all your dinner guests can enjoy by adding an extra dollop (or two) of dairy-free Plant Butter. To sneak in some extra veggies, try this delicious twist on the holiday classic, garlic mashed cauliflower and potatoes.

Veggies Not Just for Vegans

Giving your grandmother’s timeless (but let’s be honest — sometimes tasteless) green bean casserole a dairy-free edge for your vegan guests is great, but who says veggies are for vegans only? Add more holiday shine to your table with a veggie side dish such as roasted Brussels sprouts with a maple balsamic glaze. It’s made with Plant Butter that features oils from olives, avocados and almonds so everyone gets to enjoy flavorful, rich, and nutritious veggies.

Dairy-free Dessert

Face it, desserts are the true stars of the holidays, and where there is a traditional cake, cookie, or pie recipe, there’s butter. Sticks of Country Crock® Plant Butter taste, cook and bake like butter, meaning holiday baking just got easier because you can swap it one-to-one for dairy butter in any recipe! Now you don’t need to give up that time-tested, family favorite recipe in search of a dairy-free dessert! This dairy-free apple cranberry crostata is great for everyone to enjoy after a delicious holiday meal.

Holidays are a wonderful time of the year to make everyone at the table happy. Whip up these delicious, dishes to make meals that all your loved ones can enjoy. Whether keeping up time honored traditions or starting new ones, with a little planning and preparation, it’s easy to manage the dietary needs and desires of everyone — and that’s the best gift of all.

2019-11-15T15:25:00

(BPT) – This Thanksgiving is gearing up to be one of the busiest travel seasons since 2005, according to travel organization AAA, with Wednesday, Nov. 27, expected to be the worst travel period nationally.

While it is well known that the day before Thanksgiving is always a hectic time to travel, most people don’t know that the Wednesday the week before Thanksgiving is just as bad for business travelers. While Americans are gearing up to see family and friends, business travelers are racing against the clock to wrap up their work before the holiday, which means stress is at an all-time high. In fact, according to SAP Concur, nearly 60% more business travelers are on the road that Wednesday than the average weekday, making Wednesday, Nov. 20, the busiest business travel day this year.

As stress continues to become a major factor facing today’s workforce, many are turning to pet therapy as a solution. It’s becoming more common for companies to welcome pets in office settings to help reduce stress for employees, and the power of puppy love has extended well beyond office settings. Pet therapy dogs from national nonprofit Pet Partners were even present at the first round of public impeachment hearings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to help ease stress for congressional staffers, and the San Francisco 49ers recently introduced their emotional support dog, Zoë, a French bulldog who was adopted to help the team manage players’ stress levels and mental health.

Hotel brands like La Quinta by Wyndham are making it easier for business travelers who may not be in an office setting to experience the power that dogs have to relieve stress. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, La Quinta by Wyndham is unveiling its Take a Paws Project, a program offering stress-relieving amenities at select hotels on the busiest business travel day of the year, including therapy dogs from Pet Partners in the lobby, weighted blankets, eye masks, fitness classes, sound machines and more to help frazzled guests de-stress while on the road. According to the brand’s recent “La Quinta Means Business” survey from Wakefield Research, 86% of business travelers agree that petting a dog while on a business trip would be one of the best ways to de-stress, and as one of the most pet-friendly hotel brands in the business, La Quinta is encouraging its guests to really stop and take a “paws.”

No one understands the power of the uplifting connection between humans and animals better than Dr. Evan Antin, a veterinarian who also has five pets of his own. “As an entrepreneur, I’ve experienced firsthand what it takes to be a true road warrior,” says Antin. “That’s why I’m excited to partner on the Take a Paws Project with La Quinta by Wyndham, a brand that understands the stress business travelers face — particularly during some of the most stressful times of the year — and provides just what we need to put our best foot (or paw) forward.”

As travelers gear up for a busy Thanksgiving travel season, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of pups and the beneficial impact they can have on human stress levels.

2019-11-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – No matter what holiday shoppers are looking for this season, there are two things on everyone’s list: saving time and saving money. Whether you’re making memories with friends and family, or enjoying some JOMO (joy of missing out) cozied up with a holiday flick and treat, we all wish we had more time over the holidays. Picking out the perfect gift for everyone on your list can also be a drain on your free time — and your wallet — with The National Retail Federation predicting that holiday spending will increase approximately 4% this year. This holiday season, simplify your shopping with these six easy tips so you can save both time and money and get back to enjoying “the most wonderful time of the year” with family and friends.

1. Set a budget — and stick to it. With shoppers expected to spend more this year, setting a budget will be as important as ever, and a great first step in managing holiday spending. Sticking to your budget can be difficult, but there are plenty of ways to save. For many, purchasing in cash adds a level of accountability and is a key way to keep holiday spending on track. Try paying with cash even when shopping online, with helpful resources like Amazon Cash and Amazon PayCode.
2. Shop online — but know where to shop to get the best prices. This year, according to PwC’s 2019 Holiday Outlook, more than half of customers (54%) will shop online. Save time and money by shopping with a one-stop location. A recent report by Profitero stated that Amazon is set to beat U.S. online retailers on pricing throughout the holiday season by 20% on average across key consumer shopping categories.
3. Shop with Prime. ‘Tis the season of busy schedules and eleventh-hour needs. Whether you’re looking for last-minute ingredients or the best playlist for a holiday gathering, Prime can help you save time and get everything you need this holiday season. In addition to getting the best of shopping and entertainment, Prime members have access to exclusive perks to help navigate the holiday season — from free ultrafast grocery delivery when you need something in a pinch, to early access on the hottest holiday deals.
4. Look out for deals. Everyone wants to score deals on products they love — but comparing prices during the holidays can feel like an extra job. Luckily, you can track the best deals without spending much time or energy this season. Customize your gift search, or, simply sign up for “Watch a Deal” alerts and receive alerts when items you’ve had an eye on drop in price. Also, thrifty shoppers can check out Bargains to find savings on a vast selection all in one place.
5. Don’t stress over gifting. Finding the perfect gift can be overwhelming! Eliminate the stress by starting with curated gift guides on top categories like Toys, Electronics, Books and Luxury Beauty. They’re a great way to see what’s popular this season and get gift ideas for anyone on your list. Plus, you can even sort by price, making it easy to stay on budget by finding gifts at the right price point. Still can’t find the perfect gift? A gift card will allow you to set the budget you want, and everyone can find something they love from a wide selection of products.
6. Delivery your way. Once lists are checked twice and shopping is complete, select convenient shipping and delivery options that work best for your holiday schedule. Amazon Day gives Prime members peace of mind knowing that their purchases will conveniently arrive on the day of their choice, and are consolidated into fewer boxes whenever possible. In addition to other flexible delivery options like Amazon Key, shoppers can make use of secure pickup options as well. Eliminate the worry of ruining a surprise or transporting packages by using self-service Amazon Lockers, staffed Amazon Locker+ pickup and return locations or visiting a staffed Counter location.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of saving time and money so you can spend the holidays doing more of what you love with the people you love most.

2019-11-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Caring for a loved one with a chronic illness is something millions of Americans do every day. Whether it is a parent, spouse, extended family member or friend, the stress of caring for another adult can take a toll.

“I have to do absolutely everything for her,” explains Anthony Cowels, whose 71-year-old wife, Florence, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986. As he watched her disease progress, his caregiver responsibilities grew. What’s more, for some of the years Cowels also cared for his elderly parents, compounding his responsibilities.

“It has been a long journey of caregiving,” says Cowels, 70. “I try not to let it overwhelm me. I always look for ways to do better.” Cowels learned to care for both himself and his wife better through useful tools, education and friendship and by joining a caregiver support group. He says he can “interact with others who identify with my situation.”

Family caregiving: A growing trend

Cowels represents a growing number of Americans who care for older or aging loved ones. About 41 million family caregivers in the United States provided an estimated 34 billion hours of care to an adult with limitations in daily activities in 2017, notes the AARP report Valuing the Invaluable: 2019 Update. What’s more, as the population ages, caregiving demands are increasing while the pool of potential caregivers is decreasing.

As the Valuing report states, “Americans will have more older relatives or close friends to potentially care for than children in about 15 years. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that, by the year 2035, adults ages 65 and older will outnumber children under the age of 18 for the first time in U.S. history. This fundamental demographic shift is the result of the aging of the U.S. population, increasing longevity, and a declining birth rate. “

Caring for yourself

In addition to helping with self-care activities like bathing, dressing and going to the bathroom, family caregivers today often perform complex medical tasks, including wound care, giving injections and handling medical equipment. The tasks that were once provided in hospitals and health care clinics are increasingly the responsibility of family and friends, who are often given little training or support.

While many family caregivers often report positive feelings in their role such as a sense of purpose or connection with their loved one, it often comes with feelings of being overwhelmed. Exhaustion, worry, loneliness and financial stress are common challenges caregivers face. If you also work a full-time job, it can be even more difficult to balance your needs and responsibilities.

While you may not achieve perfect balance, it is important to prioritize your physical and mental wellbeing, so you can be there for the person you care for. These first steps can help you find some balance as you navigate your caregiver journey:

• Join a support group. Ask your health care provider about local options. Community centers are another good resource. If you live in a remote area or have difficulties commuting, online support groups are another useful way to connect with others in similar situations.
• Make time for yourself. When you care for another person and have your own life demands, it can feel as though there is little time left in the day for yourself. Even if it is just 15 minutes, make time to do something you enjoy, such as walking or reading.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one person can do it all. It takes a team to care for someone, especially those with complex medical conditions. You can start by asking your provider about local health care resources and reach out to family and friends for assistance.

It is important for family caregivers to stay mentally and physically healthy so they can provide the best care possible to the growing number of people who need support. For helpful tips and caregiver resources, visit www.aarp.org/caregiving.

2019-11-15T10:01:00

(BPT) – What if everyone spent a little more time and energy celebrating everyday moments, tiny victories and micro-achievements? Rather than focusing on the negative, directing your attention toward what you are grateful for, and making a special occasion out of those things, is the secret to a happier life — according to many psychologists, writers and self-help experts.

So what can you do, right now, to add a little more sparkle to your life, to celebrate those little occasions that actually make the difference between a bad day and a great one?

1. Tune up your tablescape

Whether you just made it through a grueling day of meetings at work, you managed to take the car in for an oil change or you got through the holidays unscathed, it’s worth celebrating!

So roll out a tablecloth and light a few candles for dinner tonight — even if it’s takeout or delivered. Turn off your phone and relish the moment!

2. Dress to impress

Going out to dinner with your significant other for the first time in ages? Or maybe you’re staying in for a night with friends?

What’s stopping you from dressing up as if it was your first date or as if you’re headed to a cocktail party? Toss on that little black dress or a fun, festive outfit just because. Add some sparkly accessories or makeup and enjoy the reaction when you show up looking like a million bucks!

3. Drink something sparkly

For those everyday moments that you want to celebrate, fill a glass with a delicious sparkling wine, like Riondo Prosecco Spago Nero, or use it to create a tasty cocktail. Riondo Prosecco has a light effervescence and fresh notes of apple and pear that make any ordinary occasion seem extra special.

Follow the lead of media personality, author, entrepreneur and restaurateur Giuliana Rancic by embracing the authentic flavor of Italy while you enjoy Giuliana Prosecco. Elevate your everyday dinner as you savor the fruity and elegant prosecco — or serve it to guests at your next awards show viewing party!

Or for a bigger occasion, make a statement with another great prosecco worthy of New Year’s Eve, a wedding or an anniversary. Nino Franco Rustico Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG will impress your guests or fellow revelers with its crisp, bright, refreshing and fruity taste.

4. Celebrate someone you love

Stop at a party store and pick up banners, glitter, confetti or other decorations to celebrate someone you care about. Surprise them by decorating their doorway with a sign that says “Congratulations” or “Welcome Home” — even if they’ve just been at work all day.

Bring flowers, cupcakes or other special treats to celebrate being together and whatever mini-accomplishment your loved one may have achieved recently — or simply for being there for you when you needed them.

Show that person how much you love that they are a part of your life, and have a mini-party, just the two of you.

5. Crank up the music

Instead of the drone of the TV or talk radio, play your favorite upbeat tunes on the way home from a long day at work. Crank up songs you love at home while you do your household chores to put some pep in your step.

Make a “victory playlist” to celebrate finishing a tedious appointment or completing a project. Then set your favorite song as your ringtone.

Let each day be an opportunity to enjoy everything life has to offer, and to celebrate being a part of it. By adding just a little extra sparkle, everyday moments can become special occasions.

2019-11-15T05:01:00

(BPT) – People living with diabetes are two times more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, heart failure, heart attack and stroke.ⁱ And, nearly 70 percent of people aged 65 or older with diabetes die from some form of heart disease.ⁱ

Diabetes can lead to many complications, including having a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. There are many reasons for this. For example, people with diabetes often have high blood pressure and high cholesterol which increases the chances of having heart disease or a stroke.ⁱⁱ Furthermore, over time, high levels of glucose and fats (such as triglycerides) in the blood from diabetes can damage your nerves.ⁱⁱⁱ People with diabetes-related nerve damage may not notice any chest pain, one of the warning signs of a heart attack, which can lead to delays in seeking treatment.ⁱⁱ Sadly, an adult with diabetes in the United States is hospitalized for heart disease every 80 seconds, and an adult with diabetes is hospitalized for stroke every two minutes.^iv

Despite the known link between diabetes and heart disease, a 2018 Harris Poll survey examined people aged 45 and older with type 2 diabetes and found that only half of them recognized their risk or had discussed their risk for cardiovascular disease with their healthcare team.^v But that can change: if you have diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can better manage your disease and protect your heart. Do not delay, because the longer you have diabetes, the higher the chances are that you will develop heart disease.ⁱⁱ

The American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association recommend a few tips to care for your heart when you have type 2 diabetes:^vi

• Check in with your doctor regularly and ask specifically about your heart health
• Maintain healthy eating habits like adding fruits and veggies to your diet
• Keep exercising and moving
• Perform self-care to help lower stress
• Quit smoking
• Monitor blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight
• Take medication(s) as prescribed

The link between diabetes and heart disease does not need to be twice as scary. When you manage your diabetes, you are also taking care of your heart.

2019-11-14T11:01:00

(BPT) – Entrepreneurs love a challenge. But when starting a small business, there’s one challenge that can prove especially difficult: technology. Savvy business owners know they need the right technology to compete in today’s market. But the price can be prohibitive, and many business owners just aren’t familiar with all the different infrastructure, systems and software they need to be successful. Thankfully, having deep pockets isn’t the only solution to your tech problems. Here are some of the most common technology challenges small businesses face and how you can overcome them.

Poor data organization

Data is now the lifeblood of any business. But small business owners often fail to take advantage of all the valuable data at their fingertips. They may have issues with how they collect and store data, or they may lack the tools to analyze and make sense of data. In either case, it’s a problem. But by upgrading your data storage systems, you can use data to craft better sales strategies, improve customer relations and maximize profitability.

If data storage and databases feel like a foreign language, consider partnering with a technology expert. Dell Small Business advisors can help you audit your system and identify opportunities for improvements, so you always get the most out of your technology assets.

Integration problems

When building a technology environment, you want to integrate your systems so that everything works together in harmony. Unfortunately, this is often a major challenge for small businesses. The reason is that cash-strapped companies often purchase system upgrades piecemeal when the funds become available. This disjointed buying process can prevent systems from working together properly, creating redundant data entry and visibility gaps that hinder your operations.

For example, if your sales software doesn’t integrate with your inventory systems, you could be missing an opportunity to improve sales strategies, cash flow and inventory management. Simply aligning these two systems could enhance multiple areas of your business.

To avoid these problems, try to maintain continuity with your vendors when upgrading systems. This will help ensure that everything continues to work together as your technology matures.

Security risks

Many small business owners think, “Data breaches only happen to major corporations, not small businesses, right?” Wrong. In fact, 58% of data breaches occur at small businesses, according to a report from Verizon. To protect your business, you need to have robust cybersecurity systems in place. You can improve your cybersecurity by implementing firewalls, monitoring and other security systems. Just be sure those systems are always updated to the latest version so you’re protected against the newest cybersecurity threats.

Not enough training

If you’re implementing new software, you need to give your employees adequate training time. Business owners often think that because their teams are small and employees will be using the software frequently, they’ll naturally become experts. But smaller operations often need more training, not less, because there are fewer support resources when issues arise. This can cause frustration for employees and it ultimately means you’re not getting maximum value from your new technology. To avoid these problems, consider investing in a professional training session when implementing new software.

Lack of system maintenance

While most cloud-based systems are regularly updated by the software developer, you can’t assume your technology is on autopilot. Like any other piece of equipment, your technology needs regular maintenance to perform its best and avoid major issues. Consider partnering with a managed services firm to continually monitor and maintain your systems for maximum performance.

Technology should be an asset, not a barrier. By avoiding these common problems and leveraging your technology resources effectively, you can increase efficiency and drive results for your small business.