Month: January 2020

2020-01-28T10:25:00

(BPT) – Ahead of the big game, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a safety warning to families nationwide.

An estimated 100 million Americans will watch the upcoming football game, and wildly cheer on their team or watch for the commercials and half-time show. However, the big game also brings a hidden danger that many families with young children do not realize is in their homes: a TV or furniture tip-over incident.

In the time it takes to watch a football game — about four hours — five to six children will be rushed to the emergency room due to injuries sustained from tipped furniture or falling TVs.

The two weeks ahead of the game are a popular time to buy new TVs, as retailers offer deep discounts. With so many new TVs coming into the home, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Anchor It! campaign is urging consumers to prevent tip-overs by safely mounting or placing their TV on the correct type of furniture.

CPSC’s 2019 research shows that on average every 43 minutes a child in the U.S. is injured from a TV or furniture tip-over incident. Ahead of any watch parties, families should make sure their TVs are secure. Below is the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s game-winning three-step plan for protecting small children from tipping furniture or falling TVs on football Sunday:

1. Anchor TVs and other furniture to the wall

If you are one of the many Americans who plan on buying a new TV for the big game, be sure to Anchor It! Also, consider recycling your old TVs. If you plan to move your older TV to another room, be sure it is anchored properly to the wall.

It is easy to anchor TVs and furniture by installing low-cost anchoring devices from your local big-box retailer or hardware store. Wall anchors can cost as low as $5 to purchase and typically take only a few minutes to install.

If anchoring is not possible, be sure to place your TVs on a sturdy, low base and push the TV as far back as possible.

2. Remove temptations for children

Avoid displaying or keeping items, such as toys, games, and remotes, in places where kids might be tempted to climb up to reach for them. You should also hide cable cords so young children cannot pull on or play with them.

3. Learn more about tip-over prevention and help your community

Now that you know about this dangerous hidden home hazard, you can create your own Anchor It! safety team by sharing this life-saving information with other parents and caregivers in your community.

In football terms, you need an extremely powerful defensive line to go toe-to-toe with a several-thousand-pound offensive line, but to help stop a TV from falling with thousands of pounds of force, you can follow these steps and get involved with the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Anchor It! Campaign.

To learn more and join CPSC’s team of advocates and community leaders dedicated to preventing tip-over incidents, please visit: anchorit.gov/get-involved/.

We hope you enjoy your watch party, safely!

2020-01-28T08:25:00

(BPT) – The Big Game is right around the corner! Instead of the same beef or chicken game day fare, add more variety to the watch party menu for all of your guests. Swap out your lineup for Pure Farmland’s collection of protein-packed plant-based products to score big amongst meat-lovers, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike.

Try these simple swaps for traditional game day favorites, and for more recipe inspiration, visit pure-farmland.com.

2020-01-28T08:35:00

(BPT) – Your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. It provides your body with the necessary oxygen and nutrients vital for daily survival. If you want to improve your overall health and protect your heart, simple changes in your lifestyle and diet can make a big impact.

For these changes to stick, focus on adding more healthful foods, rather than just taking things out of your daily diet and routine.

1. Add more seafood

Seafood is not only a good source of protein, but also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The Seafood Nutrition Partnership, citing the American Heart Association, advises eating at least two servings of seafood per week for enough omega-3s and nutrients to show improved health. In particular, fatty fish such as salmon, trout, pollock, barramundi, mackerel, herring, sardines and albacore tuna have the highest amounts of the heart-healthy nutrients that help prevent cardiovascular disease.

To incorporate more fish into your diet, start with the recipe for Easy Lemon Pepper Salmon from The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

When selecting fish, whether fresh, frozen or canned, look for the MSC blue fish label to know you’re choosing sustainable seafood that’s good for you and good for the ocean. The MSC is a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting wild seafood for generations to come. By taking the simple step to look for the MSC label when purchasing seafood, you can help protect oceans from overfishing, support fishermen and fishing communities, and promote traceability — from the ocean to your delicious seafood dish.

2. Seek healthy fats

Not all fats are created equal. With all the fad diets that come and go, the Mediterranean diet continues to top media and nutritionists’ lists of best plans for healthy eating. It’s also been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The most commonly used fat in the Mediterranean diet is olive oil, which is great for cooking, salad dressings and more. Other healthy fats come from the foods themselves, like the unsaturated fats found in fish, nuts, seeds or avocados.

The Mediterranean approach is also plant-based, adding proteins like fish, lean meat, poultry and dairy (in moderation).

3. Opt for whole grains

Also featured in the Mediterranean plan are whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat bread, oats and quinoa. Less-processed grains are healthier because they have both higher nutritional value and better fiber content.

The nutrients in many whole grains — including potassium, iron, phosphorus and more — help boost your heart health. The higher fiber in whole grains aids digestion and can help you keep your weight down, which can also improve your heart’s function.

4. Focus on plants

You’ve probably heard a lot about plant-based eating recently. That’s because of the growing awareness of both the health and the environmental benefits of focusing a larger portion of your diet on plants. Including a wider range of differently colored fruits and vegetables — plus nuts, seeds, beans and legumes — will give you the greatest nutritional benefits.

Plants offer tons of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber — and many contain more protein than you might expect. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that eating more plant-based proteins is associated with lower heart disease risk in middle-aged adults.

5. Amp up your movement

Another vital ingredient in a heart-healthy lifestyle is exercise. Adding more daily movement helps you look and feel better, inside and out. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, plus muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week. It’s always best to consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise plan.

Choosing whole foods over processed foods will improve your heart health. Using herbs and spices can also make your meal plan easier to stick to. Not only do some seasonings — like ginger, garlic and turmeric — offer positive health benefits, but they can also reduce unhealthy cravings by satisfying your taste buds.

What’s good for your heart also can be good for the environment. When you make looking for sustainably-sourced, heart-healthy products part of your routine, you create a win-win for your health and for the health of the planet.

2020-01-27T14:51:00

(BPT) – With over 30 million small businesses in the U.S., it’s tough to stand out from the crowd. Successful small businesses turn first-time customers into repeat business, building momentum and growing sales.

How can you achieve this? Marketing. Finding effective, easy-to-execute marketing strategies can boost your business by helping you engage your customers while attracting new ones. Here are some proven ideas to help your business thrive:

Engage first-time customers

Show new shoppers that they matter. Send welcome emails and recommend products to complement what they bought. Offer special deals to keep them coming back.

Utilize positive customer reviews

Did you know over 60% of consumers read reviews before buying? Reviews can include ratings, testimonials, photos, videos and more.

Treat reviews as marketing gold, sharing them with customers and prospects to build trust and increase sales. You can generate and integrate them into your website, on social media and other marketing efforts.

Turn shopping carts into opportunities

Let’s face it, plenty of potential customers add items to their online shopping carts and never check out. While these “abandoned carts” seem challenging, they’re an opportunity.

An effective way to convert abandoned carts into sales is by drawing on the power of customer reviews. Adii Pienaar, vice president of commerce product strategy for the email marketing platform CM Commerce, says small businesses can change their fortunes with this approach.

“Our most successful small business customers don’t just send a reminder email to shoppers about items left in their carts,” said Pienaar. “They take it a step further and include positive reviews and ratings about that product with the follow-up, knowing how much importance buyers place on others’ experiences. By featuring personalized product reviews for abandoned cart items, there can be a recovery rate of 5-10%.”

Spark interest with special offers

Entice new and returning business by offering discounts, encouraging shoppers to give your business a try.

Also, if you don’t have one already, create a loyalty program for frequent shoppers, or a referral special for those inviting friends to your website or social media.

Personalization matters

Shoppers don’t want mass emails treating them like just another number. Small businesses that tailor emails based on each customer’s shopping experiences and interests are far more successful in driving sales.

Creating customized content may sound complex, but it all comes down to how you organize your customer list. For example, segment your customers by which products they’ve purchased, then use this information to inform them how to best use their products or remind them when it’s time to re-order.

Personalization really pays off when you incorporate dynamic content — information that changes based on a person’s interests — in promotional emails. Use a customer’s previous purchases and shopping interests to generate ideas on products to complement items they already bought. For example, recommend a similar flavor of cupcakes to ones they ordered before.

Get started

These proven marketing approaches can springboard your business to success. But, how do you get started?

Marketing has greatly evolved, with many new, easy-to-use tools. You don’t need to be a marketing expert, technical whiz or creative designer to use them.

For example, CM Commerce is an email marketing platform designed for small ecommerce businesses. It can easily create professional email campaigns to enhance and grow your business.

To help small business owners, CM Commerce features pre-built email marketing recipes for everything from welcome emails and newsletters to abandoned cart reminders and more. Business owners can follow these guidelines and put their email marketing plans in place with a single click.

“I always recommend small business owners invest in email marketing,” said Pienaar. “It’s a cost-effective way to establish your brand and regularly reach your customers and prospects. Most importantly, email marketing has the potential for huge returns and can truly make your business stand out.”

For more tips and ideas to grow your business, visit The Marketing Resources Hub.

2020-01-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – Every day nearly 200 people die from an overdose of drugs or from alcohol poisoning, with opioids responsible for the majority. Recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond to medical emergencies, including carrying and administering naloxone in cases of opioid overdose, can save lives, says the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“The tragic increase in overdose deaths is an alarming and devastating issue that touches so many of us,” said ASA President Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., MSHCA, FACHE, FASA. “If you can identify an overdose or alcohol poisoning, you are more likely to react quickly, making the difference between life and death for a family member, friend or stranger.”

Physician anesthesiologists have a critical role in fighting against overdoses, starting with managing patients’ pain after surgery or chronic pain in responsible ways. During Physician Anesthesiologists Week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, ASA is joining forces with U.S. Surgeon General VADM, Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H., to empower everyone to recognize the following signs of an overdose or alcohol poisoning:

• Shallow, slow or irregular breathing (less than eight breaths a minute or a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
• Extreme sleepiness or unconsciousness (e.g., “passed out”)
• Inability to talk
• Blue or gray skin color, with dark lips and fingernails
• Snoring or gurgling sounds
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Low body temperature

Any one of these signs should prompt a call to 911 for emergency medical care. Never leave an unconscious person alone, as they may be at risk of dying, including by choking on his or her own vomit. If an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone should be administered immediately, if available. Naloxone is administered by injection or nasal spray and access to it is expanding on a state-by-state basis. It can be prescribed by a physician and often is carried by police officers and emergency medical responders. Additionally, it’s increasingly available over the counter at some pharmacies.

“To stem the tide of the opioid overdose epidemic, we need everyone to consider themselves a first responder. We need to encourage everyone in our communities to carry naloxone and know how to use it,” said U.S. Surgeon General, VADM, Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., a physician anesthesiologist who issued a Surgeon’s General’s advisory in 2018 calling for increased awareness and use of the medication. “When on hand, naloxone may mean the difference between life and death, and can be a first step to getting someone onto the pathway of recovery.”

Anyone who takes opioids to manage their pain may be at-risk for an overdose. In recent years, opioids were the go-to pain reliever for everything from backaches and injuries to post-surgical and chronic pain. In 2017, more than 190 million prescriptions were written for opioids. While they can be effective for short-term pain, chronic use can lead to abuse. Every day 130 people die from opioid overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“ASA strongly agrees with the Surgeon General and supports policies that promote access to naloxone and safe and effective pain management care,” said Dr. Peterson. “All of our members have a significant interest in reducing misuse, abuse and diversion of opioids that have led to unintended deaths.”

To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play before, during and after surgery, visit asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount. ASA also offers an opioid overdose resuscitation guide that provides guidance on symptoms of an overdose and how to help.

2020-01-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – It’s the height of football season, and you’re looking forward to hosting the big game this year. No matter which team you’re cheering for, it’s all about prepping your home for the big event. But there’s no need to stress. Here are a few simple tips to make sure your party is the talk of the town.

Have fun with the commercials

The big game is one of the only times people enjoy watching ads on TV, so make the most of it. After each commercial, have everyone rate it on a scale of one to ten. Tally up the scores, and at the end of the game announce the best and worst ad, according to your group. You could also make up a bingo game — creating a board with spaces for each company name.

Go for the big screen

It’s not just any game — it’s the big game. Make sure you and your guests are watching on the highest quality TV. With intense color display and over eight million pixels that can be individually controlled, the LG OLED B9 Series is one of your best options. Now at its lowest price ever, easily control your LG smart TV with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant using just your voice while never taking your eye off the game! Immerse yourself in the game with available 55- or 65-inch models.

No matter which team you’re rooting for, follow these tips to help you plan the party of all parties. Find out about more viewing options at lg.com and you’ll bring the big game action to life for all your friends and family.

Do some strategic dusting

Once you have the top technology in place, be sure to keep it clean. During the game, everyone’s eyes will be glued to the screen, and you won’t want any dust or smudges to affect their view. Before your guests arrive, wipe down your screen with a microfiber cloth and remove any buildup on your speakers or sound bar.

Don’t skimp on snacks

Great food is one of the most important parts of an epic big game party. Go all out with game-day football favorites like wings, sliders, pizza, chili and more. Make it easier on yourself by declaring your party a potluck. Tell your guests to each bring their specialty or favorite dish to share. Just make sure you know what friends are bringing ahead of time, so you don’t end up with too many pots of chili or trays of wings!

Make space for your crowd

The big game is known to bring out the rowdiness in people, so make sure you have plenty of space for your friends to cheer. Do some decluttering and remove any extra furniture. Consider adding extra seats to your living room or wherever you plan to watch the game. And don’t forget to pack away any breakable items, just in case your crowd gets a little too excited.

No matter which team you’re rooting for, follow these tips to help you plan the party of all parties. Find out about more viewing options and tips at lg.com.

2020-01-24T13:38:16

(BPT) – Movement is crucial to a person’s health, quality of life and independence. For some people, pain makes movement a challenge. Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek health care. A physical therapist can help people move better and safely manage their pain.

Who are physical therapists?

PTs are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education. They treat people of all ages and abilities and empower them to actively take part in their own care.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work with patients under the direction of a PT and teach and demonstrate exercises that help improve mobility, strength and coordination.

To ensure the best possible care, physical therapists often work with other members of a patient’s health care team. After performing an evaluation, they create personalized plans of care that can help you:

• Improve mobility and function
• Manage pain and chronic conditions
• Avoid surgery
• Reduce the use of opioids and other prescription drugs
• Recover from injury
• Prevent future injury and chronic disease

Here are three tips to manage pain:

Tip 1: Work with your PT to understand your pain. They offer valuable patient education, including setting realistic expectations for recovery with or without opioids. This allows you to take a proactive approach to pain management.

Tip 2: Keep moving. An active lifestyle that is appropriate for your condition can help manage symptoms and decrease or eliminate pain. The body was built to move and doing so regularly can help improve quality of life. PTs prescribe exercise specific to your condition, needs and goals.

Tip 3: If you experience an injury or develop the onset of pain, seeing a PT early on can help address and manage your symptoms.

When and where do you see a physical therapist?

Pain management is just one reason to work with a PT. They can also help you prevent future injury or chronic conditions. You do not need a physician’s referral to make an appointment with a PT for an evaluation.

PTs can specialize in a variety of areas, including geriatrics, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pediatrics, sports and women’s health. They provide treatments in:

• Hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices
• Inpatient rehabilitation facilities
• Skilled nursing, extended care or subacute facilities
• Schools, education or research centers
• Fitness centers and sports training facilities
• Hospice settings
• Your workplace
• Your home

How can you take the next step?

For more information and to find a PT near you, visit ChoosePT.com.

2020-01-24T14:37:00

(BPT) – Crazy about the movies? Love inviting friends over to watch the awards shows every year? Or maybe thinking about throwing an awards-watching party for the first time? Thrill your friends with a party worthy of the stars, with a focus on fun.

You can win “best producer” for throwing an unforgettable party for your friends, using some of these tips.

Dress the part

Get out your best outfit and encourage all your guests to glam it up for the big night, too. For those who don’t have formal wear and aren’t inclined to rent, you could suggest they dress up as one of their favorite movie characters instead.

Make it sparkle

Look for glittery gold and silver decorations, tableware and party props for your soiree. Otherwise keep the color palette for your party decorations simple and elegant, like black and white with red accents.

Usher them in with style

Consider renting a red carpet for your porch or foyer or create a “walk of stars” on the floor — cut out stars from gold craft paper and write your guests’ names on each one. Place them along the floor of your front hall or entrance.

Treat them like VIPs

Awards shows are long, so make sure you have plenty of food to keep your guests happy! You don’t need a sit-down meal, but if you like to cook, conjure up some fancy hors d’oeuvres to share. Or you can create a large charcuterie board for your guests to sample a variety of meats and cheeses, sliced bread or crackers and colorful olives and veggies. Follow up with snacks like movie-theater type popcorn and candy.

Limited space? Create a “canape cart” to present your snacks for an extra elegant touch.

Pour the champagne of the stars

Nothing says “awards night” like a great bottle of bubbly. Drink what the stars enjoy by pouring Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut, the sole champagne of Hollywood’s most famous red carpet event for the last six years. At this year’s awards it’ll be served in a limited-edition magnum offering a special tribute to cinema in the Roaring Twenties: a replica of their label from the Prohibition era, which began 100 years ago.

Piper-Heidsieck has long been connected with the movies. In 1933, one of their bottles made its film debut in Laurel and Hardy’s “Sons of the Desert.” And in 1964, the champagne celebrated Rex Harrison’s award for “My Fair Lady” with a tailor-made 48-liter bottle that was as tall as the 5-foot-10 actor himself. Learn more about the rich cinematic history of this unique champagne at Piper-Heidsieck.com.

That’s entertainment

Make the night memorable by turning it into an extra-special event, especially during breaks or when the action slows down.

• Set up a “red carpet” selfie spot with a special backdrop curtain where guests can pose and post pics on social media.
• Create games like awards show bingo, with squares for things like when a winner thanks their agent or a presenter flubs a name.
• Provide ballots for everyone to vote for the winners, giving fun prizes for winners — including “fewest correct predictions.”
• Invite guests to offer their best (or worst!) movie star impressions and guess who they’re impersonating.
• Play “name that film” using movie soundtrack music.

Thank them for the memories

Give your guests “swag bags” as they’re leaving, complete with treats, a movie-themed game, DVD or other fun mementos — like their star from your “walk of fame” or a snap of their best selfie pose. They’re bound to ask you for an invite to the next awards show party!