Month: November 2019

2019-11-06T07:23:00

(BPT) – Cough and cold season is bad enough on its own, with the constant sneezing, nagging cough and fatigue. The aches and pains from the season of sickness don’t stop there, though, as mental and emotional stressors can also take a toll on the body. From the anxiety of missing work to the guilt of falling behind on responsibilities at home, a recent study from Robitussin, conducted online by OnePoll, revealed that Americans are stressed about getting sick and feel more than physical symptoms of sickness. They encounter emotional side effects, too.

According to nationally recognized psychologist Dr. Susan Bartell, the “stress of sick” can oftentimes make illness even worse. When trying to physically recover, the feelings of worry when calling out of work sick or fear of sharing germs with loved ones can lead to restless nights, hindering the body’s ability to get the rest it needs to recuperate.

“Getting sick is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong, so ignoring symptoms and staying up late stressing is the opposite of what you need,” says Bartell. “The emotional toll it takes can make it even harder to function during the day when you’re not feeling well, which can impact your family, friends and coworkers, so it’s important to recognize the physical and emotional symptoms.”

So what are these stressors causing an emotional roller coaster of sickness? Recent survey results reveal how Americans really feel about the stress of getting sick, and Dr. Bartell weighs in with how to alleviate that stress to get through the sick season.

Recovering from the sick of being sick

According to the survey, 75 percent of respondents said that being sick is among the things they dislike most, outranking traffic (60 percent), filing taxes (53 percent) and grocery shopping (45 percent).

As an adult, being sick can mean missing important work meetings and assignments, leaving an angry boss or annoyed coworkers to pick up the slack. More so, the guilt and worry about being gone often means returning to work too soon, which can not only make it harder to recover, but can also cause coworkers to feel nervous about catching any lingering illnesses, leading to tension in the office.

This bad habit of over-extending can take a toll both physically and mentally, which is why one-third (37 percent) of respondents said that they would be willing to give up vacation time for a whole year if it meant they could have a year without coming down with a cough or cold.

Instead of rushing back to your routine, take time off from responsibilities to give the body and mind the time it needs to recoup and recover from both stress and sickness. Skipping a work meeting may sound stressful, but the body will appreciate a day on the couch with a cozy blanket and good book.

Keeping calm through the cough

Nobody wants to experience a coughing fit, especially when out in public. In fact, more than half (52 percent) of survey respondents said that coughing in a quiet place was more embarrassing than getting an answer wrong in front of their boss (42 percent), passing gas in public (41 percent) or forgetting someone’s name (40 percent).

To help aid a bothersome cough and keep other symptoms at bay, Robitussin offers maximum strength relief with Robitussin Honey Cough & Chest Congestion DM Max, which combines 19.2 percent True Source Certified, natural grade A honey to provide the soothing benefit of honey with the powerful cough relief that’s needed.

Powering through

Americans are feeling the burden of a constant “go go go” culture. The pressure to juggle work, family responsibilities and a social life implies the expectation to power through each day, regardless of how they’re feeling physically and emotionally. Those with children are still running from school pickup to practice, leaving little room for their own recovery and a lot of room for stress.

When it comes to working, nearly one half (49 percent) said they were afraid their boss would think less of them if they called in sick, and the implication doesn’t end at the office. Many admit they are still likely to attend a family party (73 percent), an outing with friends (63 percent) and even a child’s birthday party (65 percent) despite sickness. Situations like this can cause stress not only to the one feeling sick, but their family and friends around them.

While stress in daily life is inevitable, stress in sickness can be maintained. Dr. Bartell recommends taking the appropriate time needed for the body to rest and recover — even if it means missing that party or skipping out on the work meeting. It will help not only your body recover, but will give you and all those you’d encounter while sick some peace of mind.

2019-11-06T11:13:00

(BPT) – The end of daylight saving time marks the start of longer, darker nights. That means many of us will spend more time over the next few months driving in the dark, relying on our headlights to light the way. Are your headlights up to the task?

If you have older halogen headlight bulbs, they may not be. That’s a safety concern. Sylvania Automotive’s Headlight Savings Time campaign highlights headlight safety.

Halogen headlight bulbs actually dim over time — up to 20-30%. As halogen bulbs age, the glass walls haze, blocking some of the light. Also, the filaments become faceted and thin in some places, leading to irregular light distribution.

Unfortunately, most drivers are unaware of this fact, not realizing they need to replace bulbs before they wear out. Or, drivers will only replace one bulb, even though the other bulb is most likely the same age and already worn, creating an uneven field of vision. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t remember the last time you replaced your headlights, it’s probably time.

“As the leading headlight manufacturer in North America, educating drivers about headlight safety is important to us. Tires, brakes, and wipers are synonymous with driver safety, but headlights and headlight replacement need to be part of the safety conversation,” said Joe Verbanic, managing director of Sylvania Automotive. “Your headlights are the most important safety device when driving at night. If you can’t see what’s on the road ahead of you, your tires and brakes can’t be used effectively.”

Verbanic added, “During the day, your vision is limited by just your eyesight. But at night, your headlights define your field of vision. You can’t react to what you don’t see, which means better headlights lead to safer driving.”

A 20-30% dimming of your headlights means less light on the road and makes a huge difference at night, especially when traveling on dark roads with minimal overhead lighting. A recent AAA study found that over 80% of the vehicles on the road have halogen headlights, and that these lights may fail to safely illuminate dark roads at speeds as low as 40 mph.

When it comes to replacing your headlight bulbs, you have options. Not all halogen headlight bulbs are created equal. Most halogen headlights that come with new cars are basic level bulbs. They’re OK. They meet minimum requirements. Upgraded bulbs go far beyond basic bulbs to offer brighter, whiter light, and farther downroad visibility.

So, with the end of daylight saving time, it’s time to think about your headlights. Headlights are your first line of defense. To stay safe, make sure yours are providing the best protection. For more information, visit https://headlightsavingstime.com.

2019-11-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – The most common gesture toward veterans and service members this time of the year is a ‘Thank you for your service’ at the coffee shop or grocery store, or maybe flying a flag to show your support. But has the phrase ‘Thank you for your service’ become so common that it has begun to feel empty? Cohen Veterans Network was interested to dive deeper into honoring veterans and asked veterans themselves how they feel about the phrase ‘Thank You For Your Service’ and what civilians can do and say to honor all who have served.

2019-11-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Holiday travel, endless parties and hours waiting in long shopping lines can take a toll on your health. As the season ramps up, it’s a great time to take some steps to support your immune system for extra protection. These common-sense health tips can go a long way toward keeping yourself healthy this holiday season.

Wash (and watch) your hands

Something as simple as hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs. Hands — especially when they are used to muffle a sneeze or a cough — can spread germs to people and things.

A good wash requires at least twenty seconds of vigorous rubbing, using soap and warm water. If you can’t get to a sink, a backup is hand sanitizer with alcohol in it. It’s also best to keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Emphasize healthy habits

Drink plenty of water and get your sleep and exercise. Studies show that all of these activities help prevent our bodies from getting run down. And when you’re run down, you are more susceptible to illness. Make time to:

• Stay hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of fluid — preferably water — daily.
• Getting enough sleep is crucial to a healthy body and immune system. For most adults, eight hours of sleep is considered the norm. You’ll need all the rest you can get in between ugly sweater parties.
• Exercise regularly. Pop into that new spin studio, stream a yoga workout from your living room or take a brisk walk. Research shows a link between moderate, regular exercise and a strong immune system.

Add supplements to your routine

For an extra level of protection year-round, supplement your diet with a personalized vitamin regimen.

“Most people don’t eat right 100 percent of the time, which makes it hard to get the nutrition they need. Supplementation can help you fill those nutrient gaps,” said Kerry Grann, principal research scientist, Amway Research & Development.

Nutrilite developed individual MyPack supplement packets to provide the optimal blend of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They offer a personalized, simple and convenient experience to help you fill nutrient gaps with men’s and women’s packs or address specific needs, such as immunity, focus and energy. The Immunity Pack is especially helpful this time of year.

Use these tips to help you stay healthy this season so you can enjoy the holidays — and try making it a New Year’s resolution to keep these healthy habits all year.

2019-11-06T02:01:00

(BPT) – For holiday entertaining, there’s so much advice out there — but the truth is, some rules about how to pair food with wine may not be as hard and fast as it may seem. A lot depends on the exact wine you’re serving, as well as the kinds of herbs and spices used in cooking.

For example, the commonplace assertion that a stronger, more full-bodied wine must always be served with heavier, fattier meats does not mean you can’t pair red wine with your Thanksgiving meal. If you love a good cabernet sauvignon, your holiday meal can be enhanced with some flavorful additions and exciting new recipes.

What can you do to ensure that your favorite wine will be the best match for your holiday dinner? Here are some ideas:

Don’t just focus on the bird

Turkey with a fuller-bodied red wine is a challenging Thanksgiving wine pairing. However, you can make a Thanksgiving turkey more cabernet-friendly by adding a few ingredients.

• Bring out cabernet sauvignon’s earthy notes by sprinkling the turkey with porcini powder during the last hour of roasting.
• Turkey stuffed with a cabernet-friendly dressing (see tip below), also brings savory, complex flavors to the delicate white meat, helping it stand up better to a fuller-bodied red wine.

Boost herbs, smoky and meaty flavors in the dressing

A handful of ingredients can turn your favorite Thanksgiving dressing into a beautiful cabernet sauvignon pairing.

• Add fresh chopped rosemary, thyme and basil — which all elevate the dried herb notes in an elegant cabernet.
• Grilled or sauteed onions are a great bridging element for pairing with cabernet. When you caramelize onions, the flavors transition from sweet to umami — and that savory taste helps the food stand up to the tannin in the wine.
• Black olives are another secret weapon for cabernet sauvignon food pairing. Salt-cured olives soften the perceived astringency of red wine’s tannins.
• Add raw, smoky bacon to the dressing before baking, as the bacon complements the toasted oak notes in red wine.

Add bridge ingredients to sides

An extra ingredient or two added to your sides can enhance a wine pairing, whether you’re serving a chardonnay or cabernet.

• Add Meyer lemon to your mashed potatoes, as the zest brings out the citrus notes in chardonnay and makes the potatoes taste lighter.
• Add toasted hazelnuts, which elevate a wine’s barrel-aged nuances — whatever the varietal.
• Incorporate creamy butternut squash to mashed potatoes, which enhances the mouthfeel of a round, barrel-aged chardonnay.
• Cabernet lovers can add ingredients like mushrooms and grilled shallots to mashed potatoes, to play off the red wine’s earthy notes.
• Brown gravy made with beef broth is a better match for cabernet sauvignon. Adding sauteed mushrooms to brown gravy further elevates this Thanksgiving wine pairing.

Choose a more tart recipe for your cranberry sauce

A traditionally sweet cranberry sauce over-accentuates the alcohol and tannin in the wine, making it taste hot and unbalanced.

Try Epicurious’ Shallot and Dried Cherry Compote Cranberry Sauce, a recipe where the flavors are balanced and not too sweet. It’s got great acidity, which complements the acid in the wine. The dried cherries elevate the fruit in medium- to fuller-bodied red wines like cabernet sauvignon. Younger cabs pair best here, such as a 2013 or 2014 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon.

Serve less sweet, more fruit-based desserts

Making cabernet or chardonnay shine with pumpkin pie is no cakewalk, as the sweetness and spices overwhelm these oak-aged wines. Instead, focus on fruit, especially berries that are less sweet, like blackberries, raspberries or cranberries.

• With fruit-based pie or cobbler, use around a third less sugar than the recipe suggests. A strong berry dessert with some tartness will stand up to a cabernet sauvignon because the sugar won’t overpower the berries.
• Highlight the fruit — when the fruit is the star of your dessert, it elevates the fruit in the wine. You want the natural sweetness of the berries to shine through and complement cabernet’s dark fruits.

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be difficult when it comes to choosing wines. Focus on the flavors you’re creating with your dishes, because boosting those flavors will help make the most of the wine you serve your guests. Pairing those flavors well adds just one more reason to be thankful and celebrate this season.

2019-11-05T12:02:22

(BPT) – When North Carolina native and licensed practical nurse Shannon Lanier found herself caught in Hurricane Florence, more than two feet of rain arrived in her hometown of Wilmington.

Lanier had listened to all the warnings and knew this had the potential to be a big one. But she’d never evacuated before. Her plan was to wait out the hurricane in her 30-year-old house at the end of a cul-de-sac near the Cape Fear River.

A few hours after Florence made landfall, rising water levels forced Lanier, her roommate and their 140-pound Great Dane to seek shelter on their home’s second floor. Through Facebook, Lanier discovered that the United Cajun Navy was rescuing people in her neighborhood. She used the flashlight on her phone to signal for help and waded through four feet of water on her home’s first floor to reach the boat.

Volunteers assisted the trio into a boat and began paddling against the current up the street. As they did, the boat capsized, forcing everyone to swim to safety with only one lifejacket available. They were fortunate to make it out of the water and were then transported to an evacuation shelter.

“All we had were the clothes on our backs,” Lanier said. “The shelter was packed and supplies were dwindling. We were so grateful to even be given a few paper towels to use to dry off.”

Lanier has worked for DaVita Sedc Wilmington Dialysis Center for 18 years. Her patients with chronic kidney disease require life-sustaining dialysis treatment three times per week for four hours a day. Lanier considers them family.

“After Florence, my heart hurt because I knew I couldn’t be there for my patients,” Lanier said. “I was always the one who would jump in to help find patients and make sure they could receive dialysis somewhere after a storm. But I wasn’t able to do that this time.”

Instead, hundreds of her teammates stepped in to help. They waded through thigh-high waters to guide patients to safety and treatment. They trucked in fuel, stationed generators where power had been lost and set up a dedicated support line to connect Lanier and others to resources. One-time donations were also given to teammates in need who were impacted by Florence. Six months after the hurricane, Lanier finally returned to her home.

“I wouldn’t have made it through this without DaVita,” Lanier said. “Churches, shelters, everyone was there for me. When things like this happen, people come together. The power in this story is how everyone came through for me. I knew I wasn’t alone.”

When a disaster strikes, it’s important to have a plan in place. Here are some items to consider when creating a disaster plan:

1. Make sure all insurance policies are up to date.

2. Know the evacuation routes out of your city. Be sure to note all types of emergency alerts and warnings in advance.

3. Identify an emergency point of contact. Consolidate emergency phone numbers for doctors and medical centers.

4. Develop a list of medicines and dosage amounts. If an emergency occurs, you’ll want to have at least three days’ worth of any medications on hand.

5. Put together a basic home emergency kit with enough water and food for each person for at least three days, paper and plastic ware, a manual can and bottle opener, first aid supplies, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Store the kit in a place that’s easily accessible and waterproof.

As hurricane season continues, look for more preparedness tips at ready.gov. Emergency preparedness recommendations for people living with kidney disease are available at www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/emergency-preparedness-for-people-with-kidney-disease.

2019-11-05T12:49:31

(BPT) – Did you know tires could be green?

Tires can help keep the planet a bit greener, when they’re built and used with sustainability in mind.

Here’s how.

1) Low rolling resistance saves energy and lowers emissions

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, between 4 and 11% of a car’s fuel is used providing the energy required to propel your tires along the road. It’s known as rolling resistance. Premium tires that are properly inflated require less energy to operate — less rolling resistance — which makes cars more fuel-efficient.

Lower rolling resistance also helps lower carbon dioxide emissions. For example, since 2013 Nokian Tyres has reduced the rolling resistance of its products by an average of 8% compared to 2013, resulting in a reduction of 128 million kg of CO2.

2) Keep your tires inflated at the right level

Several companies make tires that minimize rolling resistance, but you can play a role in that, too. The key: keeping your tires inflated at their proper level. Underinflated tires generate more friction and are less fuel-efficient. They’re also more prone to blowouts and wear down more quickly.

So, if you’re serious about going green, make sure you’ve filled your tires to the recommended inflation pressure. You can usually find that on a sticker inside your driver’s-side door or in your car’s owner manual. Keep in mind that as temperatures drop this fall and winter, so will your tire pressure: The colder it gets, the more your tires will deflate. As the thermometer drops, check your tires’ inflation level more often than usual.

Greener tires through better materials and processes

You can affect how full your tires are, but there’s plenty that happens before those tires are on your car. Eighty-five percent of a tire’s carbon footprint is generated during its use, but the other 15% comes from the way tires are sourced and manufactured. If going green is important to you, do some research about those processes before you buy your next set of tires.

Nokian Tyres was the first tire company to eliminate the use of harmful oils in its tire compounds. It only uses purified oils in tire production — no toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. The Scandinavian company is also achieving new levels of sustainability in its production process. From 2013 to 2018, it decreased CO2 emissions from its production process by 38%.

Consider some of these ways tires impact the planet as you pick tires that are right for you and good for the environment. For more information about how you can promote sustainability when you buy your next set of tires, visit NokianTires.com.

2019-11-05T14:29:00

(BPT) – Routine maintenance: two words that likely evoke eye rolls, exasperated sighs and dread for most homeowners who read, hear or even think about them. However, they’re also a homeowner’s best line of defense when it comes to protecting their most important investment — their home.

“Many homeowners insurance policyholders are choosing higher deductibles because it lowers their insurance costs,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance vice president of property claims. “This means, however, that if they need to make a claim then their out-of-pocket costs will be higher. So, the best claim is the one you don’t have to make, because you’ve taken the time to ensure your property is properly maintained. And the good news is that it generally costs much less than paying a deductible.”

So, with that in mind, here are three inexpensive projects that could save you a lot of money in the long run.

1. Inspect plumbing connections, appliance hoses and pipes for leaks.

Refrigerators with icemakers or water dispensers, dishwashers and washing machines all have hoses that connect to your water supply. If these hoses wear out, blister or crack, or the connections loosen, they can cause leaks that can cause a lot of damage to your home and appliances. Replace these hoses with steel-braided hoses because they are less likely to fail and can be purchased at your local hardware store for around $20. Consult your owner’s manual for hose specifications and recommended replacement intervals.

Periodically inspect the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks for leaks. Also, if there’s a bathroom in your home that’s seldom used, turn the faucets on and off, and flush the toilet once a week to ensure water continues flowing through the pipes properly.

“Oftentimes, people will notice a brown spot on the ceiling, bulge in the wall or swelling cabinets — all indicators of water build-up or leaks — and most homeowners policies don’t cover long-term leaks,” said O’Rourke. “It’s important to address these things as soon as possible because they can create extensive damage if left untreated.”

If you suspect you may have a leak, but the source isn’t easily accessible, time is of the essence. The average cost to hire a plumber is about $300, which is less than the potential amount of damage an untreated leak might cause.

2. Clean dryer ducts and vents.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to 15,050 home fires involving clothes dryers and washing machines in 2014, which is the most recent data available.

It’s important to empty your dryer’s lint filter after each use because lint is highly flammable. Combined with the high heat given off during a tumble cycle, this is a recipe for disaster. Lint also accumulates in dryer ducts and vents. While they take a bit more effort and know-how to clean, it’s just as important to do this at least once a year.

Unfortunately, one Mercury policyholder learned this the hard way.

“Our insured’s dryer was about 12 years old and its vents had never been cleaned,” said O’Rourke. “The resulting fire caused $300,000 in damage to her home, which she was forced to leave for 10 months. Insurance helps cover material losses, but you can’t put a price on lost memories or having your life turned upside down.”

The average cost of a professional dryer vent cleaning is less than $200.

3. Visually inspect your home’s exterior.

Make a point of walking the perimeter of your home to look for cracks, chips or holes in the façade and loose shingles on the roof. Imperfections like these can be access points for unwanted water to enter the home, which can cause rot, mold or structural damage.

If your exterior walls are coated with built-up dirt and debris, wash them first to make it easier to detect potential problem areas. You can do this by attaching a cleaning tool to your garden hose or renting a pressure washer. Costs will vary depending on which option you choose, but start as low as $20.

Windows are another potential danger zone for leaks, so be sure to check the condition of your weather stripping, as well as look for chips and cracks.

Consult a professional to determine next steps if you find damages to your home’s exterior.

O’Rourke also recommends speaking with your insurance agent to learn more about where to clean, what to replace and when to consult a professional before it’s too late. “Another suggestion is to consider hiring an inspector to help identify areas of risk. Most people only do this before buying or selling a home, but you don’t want to wait until it’s too late,” said O’Rourke.

Taking care of your property now with these simple maintenance tips could save you time and money in the long run.