Month: December 2019

2019-12-17T08:01:01

(BPT) – No matter how much you work out, chances are you want more — either in terms of your experience or results. It’s not just the time you put in, however. A great workout is all about targeting the right muscle groups, and finding the most efficient exercises to optimize your time and energy.

Here are some tips for boosting your workout — and results.

1. Make it convenient

Everyone’s busy, and if it’s hard to get to the gym, most people skip days — or weeks — when life is hectic. If your workout is convenient, preferably right in your own home, you have fewer excuses to skip a day. Make it easier to keep a consistent exercise regimen and you’ll be happier with your results. Find equipment for your home that provides the kind of workout you want, whether it’s for overall cardiovascular health and fitness, maintaining your body shape or training for upcoming adventures like hiking and climbing.

2. Work the right muscle groups

The muscle groups you target will depend on your fitness level and health goals. And working particular muscles can also help prevent injuries. Stair climbing is a popular and effective workout, as it activates your “glutes,” or the gluteal muscles: gluteus minimus, gluteus medius and gluteus maximus, the largest muscle involved in hip extension. Studies show that stair climbing activates this muscle 50% more than treadmill walking.

To exercise the all-important glutes in the comfort of your home, the C50 ClimbMill by Matrix provides a calorie-burning workout for your lower body muscles and cardiovascular system that’s easier on joints than jogging. This equipment also strengthens your lower leg muscles, helping to prevent injuries to the ankle, which is one of the body’s most vulnerable joints. By targeting both the glutes and ankle-stabilizing muscles, ClimbMill offers an excellent option for building strength using a low-impact movement pattern.

3. Work smarter, not harder

As advocates of interval training will tell you, short intense bursts of exercise get better results than long, less intense exercise sessions. This is especially true when it comes to stair climbing. Recent studies have shown that short, high-intensity stair climbing intervals performed even just a few times per week resulted in fitness gains that were measurably better than long sessions of steady exercise performed on a flat surface.

The conclusion? Intense stair climbing, even in small doses, can be a much more efficient way to get to the fitness level you want than hours of biking or treadmill walking.

4. Keep it interesting

Any indoor exercise can get tedious over time. Some ways to keep your workout interesting include using upbeat music to motivate you, exercising with others or using visual stimulation. The Landmarks program on the C50 ClimbMill, for example, challenges you to climb to the top of famous structures and global landmarks, taking you to exotic locales while you work out. With the touchscreen consoles of the ClimbMill, you can also access Netflix, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and more while exercising.

5. Track your progress

Another way to keep yourself motivated is by setting concrete goals, tracking your progress and monitoring your results. Matrix cardio equipment features the ViaFit connectivity system so you can track and share your workout data with a variety of fitness apps. Knowing how much you’re boosting your health and increasing your fitness levels helps keep you going, to meet or even exceed your goals.

Finding an exercise routine that’s highly effective is extremely satisfying, especially when you can do it in your own home, any time. And harnessing the latest technology in home exercise equipment is the first step toward achieving your fitness goals.

For more information on how to get club-quality workouts at home, visit matrixclimbill.com.

2019-12-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Being proactive in supporting your immune health gives you a much better chance of staying healthy this winter season and beyond. Tieraona Low Dog, M.D., Chief Medical Advisor at MegaFood, a leading maker of premium supplements made with real food and added nutrients, identifies several tips to ensure you’re giving your immune system a fighting chance this season:

1. Eat a Nutrient-Dense Diet

A nutrient-rich diet is important all year round, but as we head into the winter season it’s important to start introducing immune-boosting foods, such as garlic and onions, to give your body some extra protection. Consider adding probiotic-rich foods like Greek yogurt, miso, sauerkraut and kimchi to your diet as well, as probiotics have been shown to help support your immune response. Staying well-hydrated is also important. In the cooler months, the air becomes drier and humidity levels fall. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and other healthy drinks (adults should aim to drink at least 48oz of liquid every day) for optimal hydration.

2. Sleep Well

Getting a restful night’s sleep (7-9 hours is recommended) is one of the very best ways to ensure your body is ready to take on the challenges of everyday stress, as well as support basic immune functions. Sleep allows your immune system to rest and recharge — an important daily defense against those viruses and bacteria floating around our shared spaces. If you’re not able to fall or stay asleep, try instituting “sleep hygiene” into your regular bedtime routine; turn off screens, make the room cool and dark, and take a warm shower or bath with several drops of essential oil (like lavender) before bedtime. There are numerous apps that create white noise, can tell you a bedtime story, or play soothing music that can also be very useful for those struggling with falling asleep. Dawn simulation devices that mimic the sunrise can be very useful for helping to regulate sleep during the long, dark winter.

3. Supplement

For centuries, herbs have been used to help support the health of our immune system, and research has now shown that these herbal remedies can give your body a boost. One of my favorite herbs, elderberry, has been used for hundreds of years to support optimal immune health; the dark purple berries are a great source of anthocyanins — a type of flavonoid also found in other deeply pigmented fruits such as blueberries and raspberries. Consider a supplement like MegaFood Immune Defense* that blends black elderberry, vitamin C and zinc with bitter and phytonutrient-rich herbs, echinacea and andrographis, to power the immune system.*

Vitamin D3 should also be in your medicine cabinet as it plays a powerful role in the health of our immune system and overall sense of well-being.* I recommend most individuals to supplement with 1,000-2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day to promote healthy immune function.*

4. Keep Moving

With weather changes and shorter days, our motivation to get out and about may take a dip, but it’s important to keep moving. Regular exercise has been shown to support a healthy immune response and overall health and wellness.* If poor weather prevents you from getting outside, try exploring newer activities like stretching, yoga or an indoor group sport. Activities that can help keep the mind-body connection active during these slower, darker months can be beneficial to your overall health and mood.* Bonus, exercise is known to help you sleep better at night.

5. Wash Those Hands

Last, but certainly not least, hand washing is an important yet simple step in preventing the spread of viruses and bacteria. With soap and warm water, wash for 20-30 seconds to get the most out of this super-easy preventative measure.

In addition to these tips, don’t forget to make space for yourself this season. Even with busy schedules, practicing self-care is always important and can help support your overall health and well-being. This season is a time to rest and wind down, allowing the body and mind to regenerate and recharge.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

2019-12-17T08:01:01

(BPT) – Born in 1988, The Original Cosmopolitan with Cointreau is a cultural icon. Delicious to drink and easy to make, The Original Cosmopolitan should be everybody’s drink of choice this holiday season.

2019-12-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – “One of my favorite things to do is get together with friends for a cozy Sunday brunch,” says mother, actress and chef Haylie Duff. “It’s the best way to spend some quality time together before jumping into the busy week ahead. Plus, kicking off the morning with a nutritious meal is an added bonus!”

Duff has a few expert tips and tricks to make your brunch even better:

1. Bring on the sparkle

From table settings to sparkling wine, water or cider, let your feast bring joy to everyone invited. Keep the decor simple — like filling a couple of empty wine bottles with decorative bottle lights. Our family loves to play board games and card games, which add so much extra fun!

2. Make keepsake place cards

Use small brightly colored envelopes as place cards. Write guests’ names using gold or silver markers on the envelopes and put on each plate. You can also write a personal note to each guest inside, sharing a special memory or telling them how much they mean to you.

3. Serve a hearty meal

Quiche is a classic choice — it’s easy to make ahead, which is essential for me, being a mother of two! Great quiche recipes use fresh, nutritious ingredients that pack in the flavor. When I’m shopping at the grocery store, I look for Eggland’s Best eggs with the bright red EB stamp — they have superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs! Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat and more than double the vitamin B12, which can help boost energy levels and keep you fueled throughout the day. On top of that, they have double the omega-3s, ten times more vitamin E and six times more vitamin D — that’s why Eggland’s Best is the only egg I buy for my family!

For a brunch recipe that’s sure to impress your guests, try the Hash Brown & Chive Goat Cheese Quiche from Eggland’s Best:

Hash Brown & Chive Goat Cheese Quiche
Prep time 30 minutes, Cook time 50 minutes — Serves 8

Ingredients
1 16-ounce package shredded hash browns (squeeze moisture out with cheesecloth or paper towels)
4 tablespoons softened butter
1 large Eggland’s Best egg
1 teaspoon coarse Himalayan sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Spanish Smoked Paprika
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 and 1/2 cups whole milk Greek yogurt
1 4-5 ounce package room temperature goat cheese
1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
11 large Eggland’s Best eggs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350. Using 10-inch springform pan, butter bottom and sides. Line only sides with parchment paper, then butter the paper.
In bowl, mix dry hash browns, butter, egg, salt, pepper, paprika and chives.
Pat into bottom and sides of springform, making sure bottom crust is not too thick.
Place on rimmed baking sheet and bake 20 minutes or until crispy and browned.
In large bowl, beat softened goat cheese, yogurt, salt and pepper. Slowly beat in all 11 eggs until mixed.
When crust comes out of oven, pour egg mixture into crust and bake approximately 45-50 minutes. Sides will be firm and center almost firm.
Take springform side off, peel off parchment paper and serve.

4. Brighten up your sides

Boost the freshness of your meal with a colorful veggie or fruit salad — or both! The kids love fresh seasonal fruit and veggies, and sometimes we serve them with some fresh whipping cream or flavored yogurt.

Remember — for an amazing brunch, entertain with your own special style and flair. Everyone will love the fun new traditions you create!

2019-12-16T17:19:00

(BPT) – With all the distractions on today’s roads, parents are feeling increasingly anxious about keeping their children safe while driving. According to a new study, more than six in ten American parents believe roads today are more dangerous than ever, and are actively seeking guidance on how to properly protect their loved ones when they’re on the go.

To help parents overcome their anxiety around child safety on the road, Volvo Car USA and Britax worked together to curate helpful tips to keep children protected from harm and give peace of mind to parents.

Parents are overwhelmed when researching child safety products.

Parents have never had more options or information available to help them make decisions, yet for nearly two-thirds of parents, this is causing more confusion and stress. Almost all new parents (97%) find it overwhelming to research products — with 58% citing car seats specifically as a product they are seeking more guidance on how to install and use properly.

Tip 1: Keep children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible.

In some states, children are required by law to sit rear-facing until a certain age. However, that does not mean they should move to a forward-facing seat immediately when they reach that age. Safety experts recommend children remain rear-facing until reaching the maximum height or weight restrictions for that seat. Rear-facing seats spread crash forces more evenly across the back of the car seat.

Besides keeping children rear-facing as long as possible, make sure you’ve installed the safety seat correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly three in five (59%) car seats are installed incorrectly. Additional resources and information about car seat installation can be found at nhtsa.gov.

Tip 2: Install harnessed seats using either the LATCH system or the safety belt.

One of the most common misconceptions in car seat installation is that utilizing the LATCH system and safety belt together adds a layer of protection, when in fact, it’s not recommended by most car seat and vehicle manufacturers. Read both the seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual to determine the best way to install the car seat and ensure the seat does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path once installed.

Parents are distracted when driving with children.

Two-thirds of parents surveyed said they often feel distracted while driving with children. About one in three parents reported children throwing a tantrum or getting sick while they were driving, leading them to shift their focus away from the road. As a result, one in four new parents said they unintentionally ran over a curb while driving with children, while one in five admitted to getting into a fender bender with their child in the car.

Tip 3: Avoid reaching into the back seat while driving.

Whether you’re reaching for an item, consoling a child or breaking up an argument, it’s safer to pull over and address the issue than to take your eyes off the road, even when stopped behind stalled traffic, at a stop sign or traffic signal. Better to arrive at your destination late than to end up in an accident. Parents also said they’ve experienced children throwing a toy (22%) or food (18%) at them from the backseat while they were driving.

Tip 4: Secure items inside the car.

Limiting the number of items accessible to children in the back seat not only to makes it less likely to have an unexpected item hurled at the driver, but also prevents the possibility of items becoming projectiles that could harm passengers in the event of a crash.

To read the full report from Volvo USA and The Harris Poll, visit volvocars.com.

2019-12-06T12:16:00

(BPT) – The technology market for older users is booming. With the world’s 65-plus population poised to hit one billion by 2030, manufacturers are scrambling to find new ways to put digital products into the hands of this lucrative market.

But while they may be purchasing laptops, smartphones and tablets, many older users say they still don’t feel confident about using them. Researchers at the University of California at San Diego Health Sciences department found that many times frustration with new technology made older adults unsure of their ability to use it, leaving them unmotivated to even try.

The result is a significant shift in design philosophy for tech companies. The UCSD study stressed the need to “educate technology creators about older adults … through pragmatic exercises that involve partnering with older adults to design future technologies.” Many have responded by shifting from a traditional “top down” model focused on technical development toward one that engages users in the design process to anticipate and overcome potential barriers.

Making technology easy

One of the first to hit that sweet spot between technological innovation and user convenience is GrandPad, a unique tablet from wireless carrier Consumer Cellular designed specifically for users over age 75. Utilizing large icons and intuitive touchscreen technology on a customized Android platform, it provides easy access to video messaging, internet browsing, music streaming, games and other essential functions. It also offers caretakers and family members opportunities to interact with the user online or by using a companion smartphone app.

“Modern wireless technology offers really effective remedies for isolation and loneliness, which can debilitate our loved ones as they age,” noted Consumer Cellular CEO and co-founder John Marick. “But to get there, we have to recognize that standard technology design won’t always fit the bill. It requires a new way of looking at things.”

A booming market

GrandPad’s development model is slowly being mirrored by a wide range of other products designed to aid aging in place, allowing older adults to stay in their own homes longer. “Technologies, including internet of things (IoT), Ambient/Active Assisted Living (AAL) robots and other artificial intelligence (AI), can support independent living,” the authors of the UC San Diego study wrote.

The key is finding ways to make this technology user-friendly and accessible so both consumers and caretakers derive maximum benefit. For example, to aid its developers, GrandPad employs a chief gerontologist who offers critical insights during the design process to keep development focused on the needs and challenges of older adults. It’s a practice being more widely deployed as products like wearable devices, home monitoring systems, automated medication dispensers and other in-home aids gain popularity in the marketplace.

The best of both worlds

As more and more people enter their 60s and beyond in the coming decades, technology companies will be forced to consider the needs as well as perspectives of this growing population if they hope to succeed.

It’s an evolution that, with products like GrandPad, is already well underway.

“Using technology to connect families doesn’t have to be complicated, and shouldn’t be,” says Marick. “Sometimes, from a technological perspective, it’s easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles. But the more essential function is to make sure the product delivers benefits that people can actually use, and do so with relative ease. That’s really the best of both worlds.”

2019-12-16T12:07:01

(BPT) – When the holidays roll around, it can be easy to over-schedule, over-complicate and over-stress — especially when it’s your turn to be the party host. But if you look back on your favorite holiday memories, you probably don’t remember the centerpiece, the table settings or the menu. You just remember the people who were there and the fun you had spending that time together.

This year, give yourself permission to simplify your holiday entertaining plans and celebrate with less fuss. We guarantee a great time will still be had by all, including you. Here’s a streamlined approach to pulling it off.

1. Give yourself time to get organized

Block out space on the calendar for planning your holiday gathering and straightening up the place before the date arrives. Plus, add plenty of time for grocery shopping and food prep. It’s easy to think you can “stop at the store on the way home from work,” but that usually takes up more time than expected. Don’t be shy about enlisting friends and family for help — you’ll have more fun and less stress if you share the load.

2. Streamline the decorations

After clearing all the household clutter out of the way, add just a few pops of cheery, seasonal color to welcome your guests to the festivities:

• Display holiday cards you’ve received, so everyone can enjoy them.
• Hang red bows or sprigs of greenery near your front door.
• For your centerpieces, fill a couple of large glass or ceramic bowls with colorful ornaments.
• Wrap your party favors in bright, shiny wrapping paper and display them on a table or mantel. Let each guest choose a package to take home at the end of the party.

3. Opt for easy appetizers

It’s not difficult to come up with delicious appetizers that take little time to prepare, that are easy to pass around, and that everyone will love. SeaPak recently introduced its own Calamari Rings, which are crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. You could put the calamari on a serving tray and the tomato Romano sauce that comes with them in a bowl on the side. And don’t forget toothpicks for serving!

You also can turn to everyone’s favorite, jumbo butterfly shrimp, and whip up some Prosciutto-Wrapped Party Shrimp, a classic holiday appetizer that’s great for entertaining. If you’re expecting more guests, simply double or triple the recipe.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Party Shrimp

Ingredients:

1 9-ounce package SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp
12 1″ pieces of roasted red pepper
12 1″ x 4″ strips of prosciutto
12 small basil leaves

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
While shrimp is still frozen, place one piece of roasted red pepper onto each piece of shrimp.
Wrap one prosciutto strip around each shrimp-and-pepper unit and place on the baking sheet (with the prosciutto ends facing down).
Bake according to package directions for 14 to 17 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through.
Serve hot, garnished with the basil leaves.

4. Think beyond the “ugly sweater” theme

Nobody wants to worry about what to wear — or about coming up with the ugliest holiday sweater they can find. To keep everything relaxed, think about making the evening a pajama party or a “come as you are” gathering, with the dress code totally casual. Or you could suggest a “wear something red” theme, to liven things up and put everyone in the holiday spirit.

Keeping your party easy to plan and effortless to put on lets you focus on what’s important — spending moments with the people you love and having a good time together.

2019-12-16T12:15:01

(BPT) – As the prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the home grows, so too does the amount of helpful features available to make daily tasks much easier. While the abundance of smart home technology (powered by AI) can seem overwhelming, the more you know, the better these functions can impact your life positively. Through a true understanding of these innovative breakthroughs, you can easily expand the usage of AI in your home and take advantage of its benefits.

This vision of life made better through AI was highlighted at the recent 2019 AI Summit | New York at which key speaker Dr. Nandhu Nandhakumar, Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology at the LG Technology Center of America in Silicon Valley, discussed the company’s AI innovations on improving the quality of life as well as the need for a clear direction of AI in the home in the future. LG’s vision is manifested in LG ThinQ^®, LG’s brand for products and services incorporating advanced AI technologies. It aims to deliver easy, personalized, proactive and efficient solutions, bringing new intelligence to connected living.

Here are some benefits of AI you may be overlooking:

Be more secure

Some of the newest home security systems, including video doorbells, use aspects of AI to help protect your home and family more effectively.

Security systems using AI can analyze input like video surveillance to determine when something is an actual threat, since false alarms are frequent problems with many security systems, or they can activate facial recognition software to help identify someone approaching your home.

Save water

With AI, such places like your bathrooms and lawn can use smart technology to evaluate how much water is being used and avoid waste. Smart sprinklers can not only be controlled remotely, but will even monitor the weather to avoid over-watering. The latest in-home smart water systems can detect leaks and turn off the water supply to prevent flooding inside your home.

Save energy

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of AI today is in energy savings, which can be not only cost effective, but also helpful for the environment.

For example, LG ThinQ^®, LG Electronics’ brand that incorporates advanced AI technologies, brings new intelligence to connected living through its smart, AI-powered appliances and electronics. On its popular line of dual inverter room air conditioners, you can seamlessly control the unit from anywhere via its smartphone application to turn off or lower the temperature before leaving the house to make any changes. You can even put your home’s HVAC system on “vacation mode” to lower costs while you are away.

This convenient and energy-saving connectivity works for a variety of the brand’s smart home appliances, including laundry machines and refrigerators.

Save money

LG ThinQ^® also analyzes your family’s habits and preferences when using connected machines and devices. For example, it can adjust the cooling power of your refrigerator just before the most active time of use each day (such as after school/work and while dinner is being prepared). This leads to a more efficient home and positively impacts your bottom line.

It can also let you look inside your refrigerator to see what you need to shop for or how soon your milk expires. Using this kind of smart technology will lead to less spoiled food, saving money on grocery costs.

Save time

Through LG’s Proactive Customer Care, a service that uses artificial intelligence to deliver the most advanced customer service related to product maintenance, consumers are alerted to potential issues before they happen. It can also expedite repairs and offer useful maintenance tips, saving users time and money while keeping appliances performing at their best.

For added time saving convenience, enabled smart TVs can help you save time through bringing a higher intelligence and convenience to your living room. With the installed Google Assistant and Alexa, you can enjoy personalized entertainment and even enjoy online shopping straight from the TV. They are also ready to control your entire connected home from changing the light settings of your living space or adjusting the room temperature.

The AI platform for LG TVs is constantly evolving through its deep learning engine, and this helps the TVs learn how to properly respond to users based on voice command data. The ultimate goal of LG’s AI platform isn’t just to create a smart device that responds to users’ requests, but to analyze user behavior to offer personalized recommendations and optimal settings for unique tastes and specific environments.

Through meaningful innovations, AI intends to make daily routines simpler and more enjoyable. By better understanding users — recognizing patterns and preferences — it can anticipate user needs and proactively take action on their behalf. The more consumers use it, the better it works for them.

Such features need to be clearly communicated to users to aid in their understanding of the technology. When used well, AI enables consumers to live fully and seamlessly connected to a wide range of products in the home, all working together to make life easier. “We, as an industry, need to do a better job of educating consumers on the advantages of AI as it can be overwhelming. To do this, a clear direction in which AI needs to be headed is a must,” emphasized Dr. Nandhu.

To learn how AI can improve your daily life, visit LG.com/us/lg-thinq.