Month: December 2019

2019-12-16T15:01:00

(BPT) – An employer-sponsored Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a convenient option for saving on health care. You put pre-tax dollars into the account to spend throughout the year on health care related expenses. The downside? Most of your FSA funds expire at the end of the year.

If you have an FSA, you have a limited amount of time to spend the cash before potentially losing it.

As we near the end of the year, if you have extra dollars to spend, here are some creative ways to spend your FSA money.

Stock up on skincare

Many skincare products like acne treatments, anti-aging treatments, toner, moisturizers — and even lip balm — are FSA-eligible. And don’t forget the sunscreen. Before you take a trip to the drugstore, make sure you’re utilizing your FSA dollars on your skincare needs. It’s an easy way to save money on items you use every day.

Better your health

It’s easier than ever to better understand your health from home and on the go. LetsGetChecked offers a wide range of at-home laboratory tests that provide accurate health insights and save the time, cost and hassle of going to the doctor’s office or lab. The tests cover men’s health, women’s health, general wellness, and sexual health. Once your results are ready, a member of the medical team will offer a one-to-one complementary consultation over the phone, before releasing your results to your online personalized dashboard. LetsGetChecked empowers you to monitor and manage your health now and in the future.

Relax and revive

Acupuncture has been known to help with chronic pain, arthritis and even mental health issues. And massage can be a powerful tool for wellness, soothing stress and anxiety. If you’ve always wanted to try acupuncture or massage, extra FSA money provides a great opportunity.

Get new glasses

Head to your optometrist to update your eye prescription. You can buy prescription glasses, contact lenses and solution with your FSA money. You can also buy reading glasses without a prescription.

Fill your first aid kit

If your first aid kit and medicine cabinet are looking a little empty, stock up on over-the-counter essentials. Pain relievers, headache medicine, antacids, heartburn medicines, bandages, ice packs, thermometers and so much more can be covered by your FSA account.

Invest in sleep

If you have trouble sleeping, your FSA account may cover more than you know. Prescription sleep aids are eligible, as well as sleep masks and other sleep-related products.

Take care of your teeth

Co-pays and fees associated with cleanings, X-rays, fillings and orthodontics may be covered by your FSA account, along with over-the-counter items like mouth guards and cleaning solutions for dentures or retainers. However, toothpaste and cosmetic dental procedures are not eligible.

Use your FSA the smart way. Follow these tips to save money and get the healthcare essentials you need.

2019-12-16T09:05:00

(BPT) – Wine connoisseurs know something even more important than facts about vintages and varietals: It makes a big difference how your wine is served. From the correct temperature to the glass you drink from, how any wine is presented can change the entire experience.

And it’s not just about aesthetics — although a beautiful glass may enhance your visual experience, the size and shape of a wine glass can alter any wine’s aroma and taste, for better or worse. The size and shape of the glass affects not just how the wine responds to its environment (exposure to oxygen and temperature, for example), but how we drink it. The way you hold the glass, how you tilt your head (forward or back — consider a martini glass versus a wine glass), where your nose is centered as you sip and where on your tongue and palate the wine first hits can all impact your experience of the wine.

What do you need to know so your guests will experience your wine at its very best? Here are some guidelines.

Red wines

In general, the best glasses to enhance the bigger and bolder flavors of most red wines should be taller and have a larger bowl than glasses meant for serving lighter or more delicate wines. Larger glasses allow a wine to breathe more and permit the wine’s flavors and aromas to develop more fully.

For this reason, it’s also best to fill each glass only about one third full when serving red wines, to encourage more aeration.

White wines

The ideal glass for most white wines will be U-shaped, with a smaller bowl than when serving red wines. One of the reasons is that it helps prevent the wine from warming up too quickly, as whites are best served somewhat chilled. The more upright shape of the glass also allows aromas to be released sufficiently — without losing any aroma — for these lighter wines.

Even within the many varietals of reds or whites, however, there can be great differences that specially designed stemware is often created to enhance a specific wine that may not be at its best in any other glass.

For example, Terlato Vineyards searched for the perfect glass to bring out the best in their fourth-generation family company’s Friuli Colli Orientali Pinot Grigio 2018. This Pinot Grigio is known for exceptional balance, complex, layered aromas and flavors with notes of ripe peach, apricot and pear, and a crisp, mineral finish. Because its special qualities were not brought out in just any wine glass, Bill Terlato and his daughter, Elise teamed up with Maximilian and Georg Riedel of the 300-year-old crystal company to develop a unique glass to optimize the flavors and aromas of their Pinot Grigio.

In the eyes of the Riedel company, wine glasses are not just about aesthetics, but are tools to help bring out the best in any wine. For Terlato Vineyard’s Pinot Grigio, they created a glass with a distinctly elongated bowl to heighten the mineral and fruity flavors of the wine. The narrower opening of the glass also helps the wine land in the mouth mid-palate, where taste buds are more complex.

This specially designed glass helps the wine taster “pick up on those little nuances,” observed Elise Terlato. “The mouth of the glass enhances the texture and layered complexities of the wine.”

Sparkling wines

When serving champagne, prosecco or other sparkling wines to your guests, flutes or a tulip shaped glass are recommended. These glass shapes allow the chilled wine to stay cooler longer. Whereas a wider glass would offer too much surface area, letting the delightful bubbles fizzle out more quickly. A narrower glass helps to preserve the carbonation of your sparkling wine longer.

For wine aficionados interested in obtaining the specially designed Riedel Pinot Grigio glasses, you can purchase a bottle of Terlato Vineyard’s Friuli Colli Orientali Pinot Grigio 2018 from an independent retailer, or order the wine at a participating bar or restaurant — and then use a mail-in rebate to get two of the glasses mailed to you, free of charge.

2019-12-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Having a friend or loved one with a chronic and progressive condition teaches you many things: patience, understanding and adapting to lifestyle changes after diagnosis. But for Mary, supporting her friend, Barbara, living with a serious lung condition called nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease taught her the importance of listening.

While taking weekly walks together, Mary first noticed Barbara was experiencing respiratory symptoms, such as coughing fits and getting tired very easily. Barbara’s symptoms continued for two years, and Mary later found out that Barbara was living with NTM lung disease — a serious and progressive condition caused by bacteria that can lead to lung damage and respiratory symptoms.

From speaking with Barbara, she realized that while Barbara was relieved to have an explanation for her symptoms, she also felt overwhelmed and scared by her new diagnosis.

Mary recalls, “As her friend, I was upset that she had to face this health issue and wanted to know how I could help. I realized the best way I could show Barbara my support was to ‘walk with her’ and let her know she wasn’t alone.”

About NTM Lung Disease

NTM bacteria are common in the environment and can be found in tap water, showerheads, steam from hot tubs, and soil from parks and gardens. While everyone comes into contact with NTM bacteria during their daily lives, most people do not develop NTM lung disease because their lungs are healthy enough to clear the bacteria. However, people with a history of lung conditions, like bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, are more likely to develop NTM lung disease because the damage from these conditions can make it easier for NTM to infect their lungs.

NTM lung disease is considered rare, but cases are growing 8 percent each year. In 2018, it is estimated that 75,000–105,000 patients were diagnosed with NTM lung disease in the U.S. Since awareness of NTM lung disease is limited and the symptoms of NTM lung disease, like chronic coughing, feeling tired often and shortness of breath, are similar to other lung conditions, many people who have it may not even know it for months or sometimes years.

Providing Encouragement and Understanding

Following an NTM lung disease diagnosis, patients may have a hard time coping with the impact the disease can have on their lifestyle. Emotional support from family and friends is crucial to help patients navigate these new challenges.

After learning about Barbara’s diagnosis, Mary encouraged her to speak about the tests she was undergoing and treatment she was taking as well as how she was feeling. Mary was also there to support Barbara through some of the lifestyle changes that she was making to help manage her condition — whether it was hearing about the adjustments she made when traveling or ways to help limit her exposure to NTM bacteria at home.

Mary also understood that keeping up weekly walks helped Barbara physically and emotionally. She made sure that they stuck to their routine and made adjustments whenever necessary, such as walking for shorter distances or slowing down their pace based on how Barbara was feeling.

“Barbara’s diagnosis made our friendship stronger because she knew she could confide in me and receive the support and reassurance she needed — even if that just meant listening,” Mary shares. “While everyone’s experience with NTM lung disease is different, sometimes knowing there is someone willing to listen to what you’re going through can make a world of difference.”

Staying Informed

Like many other loved ones of NTM lung disease patients, Mary had never heard about the condition before Barbara’s diagnosis. She let Barbara be her teacher and learned a lot about the condition through her experience. Today, she’s more informed about NTM lung disease and can be a better source of guidance and support for Barbara.

There are also several online patient resources available to learn more about NTM lung disease, such as the Voices of NTM Lung Disease eMagazine on AboutNTM.com, which provides information on living with and managing NTM lung disease through first-person stories from different members of the community, like Barbara and Mary. On AboutNTM.com, you can also access more information on how to join support groups to connect with others who have NTM lung disease, and how to sign up to receive helpful resources.

Sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

2019-12-16T09:01:02

(BPT) – For many people, dropping temperatures mean it’s time to bundle up and head outdoors for their favorite winter activities. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast hitting the ski slope, a casual skater heading to the local rink or a parent ready to tackle the nearby sledding hill with your child, great times and memories await. However, it’s important to make sure your fun winter day isn’t spoiled by an accident or injury.

“Winter sports and recreational activities have great health and cardiovascular benefits,” says Joseph Bosco, M.D., FAAOS, orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine and first vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “However, it’s important not to underestimate the risks that cold weather can bring. Hospitals and health care clinics across the country see an increase of bone and joint injuries related to winter activities, and many could be prevented with the right planning and preparation.”

Injuries can happen to anyone at any time, whether you’re on the ice or on the slopes. You don’t have to be an extreme athlete to experience the risks. Common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures, but more traumatic injuries to the head and spine can also occur. Consider these tips from Dr. Bosco and the experts at the AAOS.

Be prepared: Keep in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities. What’s more, on the day of your activity, warm up thoroughly before playing outdoors. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are vulnerable to injury. Finally, have ample supplies ready, including water for before, during and after activities.

Dress correctly: Always wear well-fitting protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding. Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Finally, proper footwear that provides warmth, dryness and ankle support is key.

Know the rules: Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating. If you’re new or need a refresher, consider taking lessons from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning rules of the hill and skills like falling correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.

Watch the weather: Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if anyone is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.

Use common sense: Never participate in an outdoor sport or activity alone. If you become injured, you need someone to help you and respond appropriately so you can get necessary medical care. What’s more, if you become exhausted or start to feel pain, stop the activity for the day to avoid injury.

“Don’t let winter sports injuries freeze your fun,” adds Dr. Bosco. “By keeping in good physical condition, staying alert and stopping when you’re tired or in pain, you can enjoy the best of winter and reduce your risk of injury.”

To learn more about winter sports safety and ways to prevent injuries, visit OrthoInfo.org.

2019-12-16T02:01:00

(BPT) – –

2019-12-12T11:16:00

2019-12-13T12:01:01

(BPT) – With the early arrival of winter, the grip of cold temperatures and snowfall that landed along with it, now is a good time to start thinking about keeping your home warm and cozy all season long.

This winter, consider the strategies below to keep your house warm, even during the most frigid days of the year.

1. Help your HVAC system work more efficiently

No matter what kind of heating system you have, you can take steps to keep it working at its best.

• Schedule annual heating tune-ups
• Change the furnace filter frequently
• Make sure ductwork dampers are open
• Check air vents — are they open? Are any blocked by furniture?
• If you have a home with radiators, make sure they aren’t blocked
• Avoid wild temperature swings — set your thermostat for reasonable highs and lows at night and during the day, since extremely low temps could result in freezing pipes, and your system has to work extra hard to aim for higher temps than it can handle

2. Consider upgrading your HVAC system

If you have an older system that just can’t keep up or you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, consider upgrading to a new high-efficiency heating system. It may save you money and energy in the long run, while increasing your comfort level.

Thanks to advances in technology, today’s HVAC equipment can provide more consistent air flow and better maintain a constant temperature in every room. In the middle of winter, all of that adds up to a more comfortable and cozy home without the enormous utility bill.

For the latest and greatest in comfort technology for your winter upgrade, consider a duct-free split system equipped with LG’s newest heating technology, the compact and powerful LGRED° (Reliable to Extreme Degrees), designed for even the coldest of climates. With continuous heating capabilities down to -13° Fahrenheit, LGRED° technology provides superior heating performance that will keep you warm all winter long. This increased performance not only delivers heat when traditional HVAC systems are unable, but operates with top notch efficiency, cutting energy costs and increasing savings.

Pair this technology with sleek indoor units, like the LG Art Cool^TM lineup, for comfort without sacrificing style. An added plus is that LG systems can make one or many rooms perfectly toasty without tearing up walls or altering the home’s appearance.

3. Block the leaks

If you have drafts or leaks in your home, you’re losing valuable heated air and letting in the cold. Start by checking doors and windows for any drafts.

• Improve your doors’ weather stripping and use a draft blocker to further keep cold air out
• For windows, an insulation kit and heavy drapes can help you prevent leaks
• If you have an unused fireplace, install a fireplace plug to keep warm air from heading up the chimney
• Cover up mail slots or pet door flaps that may be leaking air, especially at night
• Close vents and shut doors to rooms that are seldom used, so more warm air can be redirected to rooms in use
• Schedule an energy audit from your energy company to identify areas for improvement
• Attic insulation is also recommended, since heat rises

4. Reverse ceiling fans

As heat does rise, ceiling fans set on low and adjusted to turn clockwise will help pull up cold air and draw down and circulate warm air that’s hanging out near the ceiling.

5. Warm your floors

When heat rises, don’t leave your floors out in the cold.

• If you’re interested in remodeling, radiant floor heating can help warm up a room, and has become especially popular for bathrooms
• Invest in thick, plush rugs to help rooms feel warmer to your feet

Following just a few of these tips will make a big difference in helping your house feel cozy and warm, even during the most extreme cold temperatures of winter. To learn more about ways to easily improve your home’s warmth this winter, visit LGHVAC.com.

2019-12-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – For most, the joy of holiday festivities is intertwined with the stress of packed schedules, flight delays, last-minute gift shopping, or the daunting task of hosting friends and family for a holiday meal. Stress and anxiety can turn what should be an opportunity to spend quality time in the company of loved ones into stressful situations. Many of the stressors that plague us during the holiday season can be handled or eliminated altogether if dealt with proactively. To help alleviate some of this holiday season’s strain, clinical staff across the country have provided some tips on how to combat stress and keep you in the holiday spirit.

2019-12-13T15:15:00

(BPT) – For many, the holiday season means get-togethers with friends and family, traveling and buying gifts, which can also bring an increase in spending. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s important to remember what the season is all about — connecting with loved ones. With the help of your smartphone and the right wireless service, you can keep the holiday cheer alive without overspending. Here are four tips to conquer the holiday season for less:

1. Multitasking is key: Grab your friend or family member and head to a local coffee shop so you can spend quality time while scoring great online holiday deals together using your hotspot. With Straight Talk Wireless’ $55 Ultimate Unlimited plan with unlimited talk, text and data — now with 10GB of hotspot data — you can maximize your time this busy holiday season and not be tempted by those in-store knickknacks.
2. Plan ahead: From decorating to browsing for gifts to hosting seasonal gatherings, a strong game plan goes a long way to make the most of your time, and can help you save in the long run. Lean on your smartphone to help you stay ahead and organized by bookmarking the best sales, tracking your expenses via a budgeting app, or keeping track of your to-dos in the notes app. Being organized ahead of time means more time to enjoy your company when the event arrives.
3. Travel smarter: If you’re traveling this season, lean on your smartphone to handle the heavy lifting. Whether you’re going on a holiday road trip or taking a warm-weather getaway, your smartphone can help you track down the best deals on transportation and lodging, as well as scoping out the hidden gems and hotspot attractions at your destination. Once you’re there, don’t forget to capture photos as keepsakes and share those memories with loved ones.
4. Find new ways to connect: It’s great to be around loved ones, especially this time of year, but factors such as weather or distance can easily get in the way. Whether it’s shooting a text, calling or video chatting, there are easy ways to keep in touch and feel close, no matter the distance. With the latest smartphones, as well as nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE† networks from Straight Talk Wireless, you’ll never have to worry about staying connected.

No matter where the holidays take you, Straight Talk Wireless helps you stay connected for less with no contracts, no credit checks and no mystery fees — so you can focus on what really matters this season. For more information, visit StraightTalk.com.

At 60GB, we reserve the right to review your account for usage in violation of Straight Talk’s Terms and Conditions.

† Actual availability, coverage and speed may vary. LTE is a trademark of ETSI.

2019-12-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – It’s officially that time of year when everyone is stressed out, exhausted and overall in desperate need of some R&R. Whether your idea of restoration involves tearing up the ski slopes or drinking wine by a roaring fireplace, now is the time to prep and plan your exciting winter getaway! Where you go is ultimately up to you, but we’re here to help with your packing list.

Preparation is key, because packing is stressful — especially during the chaotic holiday season. Packing in advance and consolidating your luggage will make for a more enjoyable (and relaxing) travel experience.

Follow these simple packing tips to help you feel organized and prepared as you venture off to find rest and relaxation!

Choose the right luggage

The less baggage you have, the less stressful your travel will be. Carefully select what is necessary and try to fit it into a carry-on if you’re flying, because baggage claim during the holidays isn’t the most relaxing place to be. A great hack is to roll up your clothing, instead of folding it, to maximize luggage space. The key to great packing is remembering to utilize all the space.

Remember your skin

Skin is especially dry in the cold weather, so moisturization and protection are key. Don’t let dark winter days fool you into thinking you don’t need SPF. The sun’s harmful rays go through clouds and can damage skin (especially the face), even when it’s overcast.

Save room in your toiletry bag by packing a two-in-one moisturizer and sunscreen that is not only travel-friendly but moisturizes and protects. With the help of Neoglucosamine, Neutrogena Bright Boost Moisturizer with SPF 30 will rejuvenate dull winter skin by nourishing it with powerful antioxidants, Moringa Seed Oil and Vitamins C & E. Lightweight and sheer, this moisturizer protects skin against dry winter weather and the sun with broad spectrum SPF 30, while visibly improving tone, texture and brightness.

Pack light and layer up!

It’s cold, and probably snowing, so it’s tempting to reach for your heavy-duty gear when planning a cold-weather wardrobe. But bringing lots of lighter items is usually the smarter choice. Not only can you still create that cozy feeling by layering up, but you’ll have more options to mix and match outfits so you can stay fashionable and style your look based on your mood. Our tip: limit your color palette and it will make styling simple!