Month: January 2020

2020-01-24T10:45:00

(BPT) – Avoiding weather woes this winter? It doesn’t mean you need to give up on your fitness goals. Being indoors provides ample opportunity to stay fit, whether you’re doing so due to the weather or simply by choice. Check out some of the top trends for indoor fitness in 2020 and challenge yourself to try something new to make yourself happier and healthier.

Indoor simulators

Missing the greens? If you like to golf, consider heading to an indoor golf simulator that lets you practice your swing without having to pay greens fees or worry about weather. But that’s not all indoor simulation can do for fun and fitness lovers. For example, people of all ages and skill levels enjoy playing simulation games at Kohler Swing Studio & Golf Shop. The Topgolf Swing Suite experience boasts a variety of virtual games including the Topgolf target game, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey Shots, Baseball Pitching Carnival Classic and more.

Customized classes

Indoor fitness classes are always a good idea for getting exercise despite the weather, but today’s offerings have evolved so that there’s something for everyone, no matter your interest or fitness level. Crave upbeat and energetic? Cycling classes challenge you to keep the pace in a supportive group setting, such as the ones offered at Bold Cycle. Prefer a peaceful way to find your fitness and inner Zen? Explore yoga in a variety of different settings, such as the classes offered at Yoga on the Lake.

Technology-enhanced fitness

Technology-connected exercise machines are trending in 2020, offering people the ability to take live classes at any time from the comfort of their home. For a more affordable option, people are finding their favorite fitness channels online and accessing classes at home. From yoga and dance to circuit training and more, you’ll find plentiful options on the internet. Finally, wearable fitness continues to evolve, offering people keen insight into their wellness no matter what indoor fitness activity you choose.

Wellness-focused travel

Indoor fitness opportunities are flourishing at resorts across the country, meaning you don’t need to travel to a warm climate for an incredible wellness retreat. As a guest of The American Club Carriage House at Destination Kohler, you’ll revel in wellness choices any time of year thanks to the Unlimited Wellness program for Carriage House Guests. From complimentary access to yoga, indoor cycling and fitness to cold-pressed juices and Wellness Concierges, you’ll enjoy every minute, mind, body and soul.

Group and family fitness

Adopting a fitness lifestyle is more than just an individual endeavor. In 2020 look for more partners and families to participate in indoor fitness activities together. Whether it’s taking a multigenerational class or helping each other work out at home, family fitness is a wonderful way to bond, get healthy and keep everyone accountable. Sign up for that intro class as a couple, make a weekend date for the entire family to exercise together at home or try a fitness vacation together over the next break from school.

Indoor fitness is poised to flourish throughout 2020. Consider taking advantage of these top trends and you’ll enjoying getting active and increasing your wellness.

2020-01-22T17:01:50

(BPT) – Approximately 30 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many require insulin to manage their condition, but due to rising costs, more and more people are struggling to get the medication they need.

According to a recent survey of diabetes educators who help people living with diabetes, people struggling to afford their medications are rationing and avoiding filling prescriptions due to cost. This is particularly true for those who are uninsured. Previously, the greatest challenge diabetes educators faced in helping patients was related to exercise and healthy lifestyle, as well as frequent glucose testing. Today, those challenges have been eclipsed by affordability concerns.

Nearly two-thirds of educators report that their patients ration their medications through actions like cutting tablets or decreasing their insulin dosage on their own, according to the survey conducted at the American Association of Diabetes Educators Annual Conference by Inside Rx. Perhaps worse, 57% of educators reported their patients don’t take their medications at all.

Taking diabetes medication as prescribed is important for managing the condition and staying healthy. Complications from not using medication appropriately may lead to kidney damage and the need for expensive dialysis treatments, eye damage and potential blindness, as well as an increased risk for heart disease or stroke.

If you or a loved one is living with diabetes, you are likely familiar with the expense associated with the medications needed to manage the condition. Consider the following tips to reduce your prescription costs:

1) Ask your health care team: Ask your doctor about your options. There may be samples you can have to fill a short-term need, or your doctor may be able to switch you to a different medication that is more affordable.

2) Ask the pharmacist: See what suggestions your pharmacist might have. They may offer insight as well as information about generic alternatives. You can also do some comparison shopping for the best price in your area as some pharmacies may charge less than others for the same medication.

3) Use a free Rx discount card: Inside Rx, for example, offers a card that gives you an average savings of 40% off on brand-name medications, such as insulins, and 80% off generic products. This can help curb costs when purchasing the medications at over 50,000 participating pharmacies or via home delivery through Express Scripts. There’s no registration, and you can download the card at insiderx.com.

4) Explore financial aid opportunities: Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs for people who qualify to receive discounted or free diabetes medication and supplies. According to the American Diabetes Association, the following three insulin manufacturers offer assistance programs:

• Lilly Diabetes Solution Center: 833-808-1234
• Novo Nordisk Diabetes Care: 800-727-6500
• Sanofi Patient Assistance Program: 888-847-4877

To best manage your diabetes and stay as healthy as possible, medical providers and diabetes educators recommend taking all medications on time as prescribed. If you struggle with the cost of insulin and other diabetes supplies, these tips can help you curb expenses so you can live healthier and stay on budget.

2020-01-22T07:03:00

(BPT) – If you suffer from frequent acne breakouts, you’ve likely been through several skincare products and have considered talking to a dermatologist to help you find the right solutions to improve your skin’s condition.

But if you haven’t seen a dermatologist, or if you haven’t yet found an acne solution that works well for you, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein is clearing up breakout myths and sharing insights about acne and what approaches can help to treat and prevent breakouts.

1. Breakout myth: Moisturizing clogs pores and triggers breakouts

Those with acne-prone skin may shy away from using too many skincare products in fear of clogging pores and triggering breakouts. However, many of the ingredients used in effective acne treatments can be drying for your skin, so moisturizing is essential and should not be skipped.

“Acne sufferers tend to be hesitant to moisturize their skin because they don’t want to clog their pores,” says Marchbein. “Yet, moisturizing is a key step in breaking the acne cycle and achieving healthy skin, so it’s important to incorporate hydrating products into a skincare regimen.”

She recommends looking for lightweight, gentle moisturizers that are non-comedogenic and can be used twice daily, morning and night. Start the day with a gentle moisturizer that includes SPF and at night, thoroughly remove makeup, dirt, oil and residue by cleansing before applying a nighttime moisturizer to allow skin to hydrate while you sleep.

2. Breakout myth: All acne treatments are drying to skin

One struggle acne-suffers face with many treatments is that they contain high levels of active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and salicylic acid. While these ingredients are effective in treating acne, Marchbein says they can leave skin feeling dry and in some cases, irritated or uncomfortable. However, there are products that contain these effective ingredients to help treat acne with less irritation.

Additionally, acneic skin has been shown to have reduced levels of ceramides, which are essential lipids in the skin barrier that help seal in the skin’s natural moisture and protect it against irritants and impurities. To effectively treat acne while also hydrating the skin, look for products with ceramides.

Dr. Marchbein recommends using products like CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, which was developed with dermatologists and contains 4% benzoyl peroxide to help clear acne pimples and blackheads, while also helping prevent new blemishes from forming and allowing skin to heal. Additionally, the cleanser’s formula contains ceramides to help restore the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and niacinamide to calm the skin, leaving your skin feeling soft and looking healthier with less irritation after treatment.

3. Breakout myth: Post-acne marks are permanent

Even after breakouts have passed and acne has been cleared, skin is often left with unwanted reminders of the vicious acne cycle, which can have an impact on self-esteem and how people who overcome acne feel about their skin health. From post-acne marks to discoloration and spots, the effects of acne are felt long after pimples are gone.

Marchbein reassures those who have cleared breakouts that by following a regular skincare regimen with products that contain effective ingredients like retinol, which can help resurface skin, these reminders of acne can be diminished. The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum improves skin smoothness and visibly reduces the appearance of post-acne marks and pores.

Following an effective skincare routine daily is an important step towards achieving your best, healthiest skin. For more information and help in finding your unique skincare solutions, visit Cerave.com.

2020-01-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – We’re often told when we can’t make a decision, we should trust our gut. And there’s a healthy reason to do so.

Gut health is about more than just healthy digestion. It’s linked to your immunity and overall well-being.

That’s because below your belt lies a sophisticated system of organs powered by a community of beneficial bacteria called the microbiome. Your stomach, pancreas and liver, driven by the mighty microbiome, aids in digestion as it breaks down food, absorbs nutrients and extracts energy that fuels us every day.

Maintaining the right balance of microbes in your gut not only helps digestion, it can be a powerful ally in keeping those New Year wellness resolutions.

Support a healthy gut with these simple tips.

1. Keep moving

Regular exercise can stimulate your digestive, metabolic and immune systems, arming your body with the protection it needs to fight off bad bacteria.

2. Fiber up

Add dietary fiber, complex carbs, and plant proteins to your diet by increasing your intake of whole fruits, vegetables, and grains like oatmeal. These foods deliver nutrients that work naturally with your body to keep your digestive system in balance.

3. Pack a probiotic

Probiotics are composed of helpful bacteria to help support immunity and healthy digestion. We usually think of bacteria as something that can cause disease, but probiotics are the good bacteria that can be very effective in keeping your gut healthy.

Nutrilite™ Balance Within™ Probiotic is a once-a-day foundational supplement. It fills the nutritional gaps in your diet with probiotics you need to support gut health on-the-go.

“With convenient packaging, designed to be quickly sprinkled on the tongue, on cold food or in a cold beverage, this probiotic helps your body maintain a balance of good bacteria in the gut while promoting immunity and aiding your body’s natural defenses,” said Kristin Morris, a senior research scientist with Nutrilite, the world’s #1 selling vitamin, supplement and minerals brand.

4. Do a gut check

How can you be sure your probiotics product is delivering the benefits you need? According to Morris, what matters most is knowing what strains are included in the product and that there’s clinical support for those digestive and immune benefits.

“It’s less about the actual quantity of probiotics than having the right level of probiotics,” she said. “Nutrilite Balance Within Probiotic was designed with the right balance of the right strains at the right levels for digestion and immune health.”

Nutrilite Balance Within Probiotic goes through an extensive traceability process to ensure the product’s safety, purity and effectiveness. Check out Nutrilite’s traceability website to see how the full process works.

2020-01-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – A new year always brings predictions about what trends will rise to popularity, and when it comes to food, there are plenty of trends already underway that will no doubt continue to surge over the next several months. The good news is both your taste buds and your health will likely benefit from the latest trends in eating and cooking.

1. A celebration of global flavors

2020 is an exciting time to explore new flavors from around the world.

A rich array of tantalizing ingredients and dishes from Latin America, the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East and Asia can now be found in restaurants and even grocery stores almost everywhere — and if you can’t find it in store, you can most certainly find what you’re looking for online.

Thanks to the internet, recipes showcasing global cultures are also easy to access. Americans are more interested in expanding their palates than ever before, unveiling a whole new world of culinary experiences at the click of a button.

2. A bumper crop of plant-based foods

A growing concern for environmentally sustainable diets — alongside the piqued interest in a healthy approach to eating — has combined to create an increased demand for plant-based foods.

This trend goes beyond traditional salads and fruit into a world of deeply creative cooking, using a wide array of vegetables in all sorts of innovative ways. This also means incorporating more plant-based protein sources like beans and legumes in dishes, using non-dairy milk substitutes like almond and oat milk, finding meatless protein substitutions and cooking with natural plant-based sweeteners like agave syrup.

3. Customization is all the rage

Noodles & Company is a great example of a fast-casual restaurant that showcases all these 2020 food trends, including allowing customers to make personalized substitutions. You can dine in or conveniently order for pickup or delivery via the NoodlesRewards app. Menu options range from classic favorite Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to new global delights like the Grilled Orange Chicken Lo Mein, available in restaurants nationwide beginning January 22. This worldly dish boasts authentic Asian flavors in a slightly sweet and tangy orange sauce, complemented by traditional Lo Mein noodles sauteed with fresh broccoli, carrots, snap peas, Napa and red cabbage, then finished with grilled chicken, green onions, black sesame seeds and cilantro.

You can even customize any dish on the menu to suit your taste or diet. Eating more plant-based foods in 2020? Swap out Lo Mein for zucchini noodles (Zoodles) or the cauliflower-infused Caulifloodles while packing extra veggies and nutrients into your diet. Going vegan? Simply remove the chicken!

No matter how it’s ordered, there are never any artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or preservatives, so clean eating in the new year is convenient and easily customizable to any dietary preference or need.

4. Conscious eating

Clean eating means eating foods without additives and artificial ingredients. Today’s diners and home cooks demand transparency about ingredients and preparation. People interested in clean eating want to see respect for the ingredients. In other words, they want to be able to recognize everything that’s on the plate. They want their food to be less processed, with as few additives as possible — resulting in big, bold natural flavors.

5. Seasonings with added health benefits

Seeking more flavorful food can also provide health benefits. Certain herbs and spices are trending not just due to their unique, strong flavors, but also because they have been shown to boost the body’s immune system, provide anti-inflammatory effects and contain antioxidants. Ginger, turmeric, garlic, cayenne and cinnamon are just some of the latest spices touted as being especially good for you.

Keep up with the latest food trends and check out all the easy ways to make clean eating easy and delicious at more than 450 Noodles & Company restaurants nationwide at noodles.com.

2020-01-21T10:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to the biggest football day of the year, it’s no secret that food takes center field. In fact, while people look forward to the game itself, most fans say they attend Big Game gatherings as much for the food as they do for the game, according to a new survey conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Farm Rich. But depending on your guests and party style, what to serve and how to keep friends entertained can be a toss-up.

That’s where this helpful party playbook comes in … check out these five popular football Sunday ideas to see which style is most like your own.

1. The Team Potluck

The most popular of themes, this is the party that makes life easy. Call it a team sport type of gathering! Since you’ll be calling on guests to show up with their favorite football dish, you’ll have a little extra time to make a special one of your own … Try a new twist that pairs two of the most popular game day snacks together into one incredible cheesy masterpiece: Mozzarella Stick and Pepperoni Pizza Puff Dippers! You can even award prizes for guest dishes such as High-Scoring Snack, Fan Favorite, The Classic, Most Creative Play, Most Original and the Champion Dish, also known as the MVP.

2. Kids’ Zone

All ages are welcome at these G-rated get-togethers, from kids to adults. There’ll be a variety of fun foods for every age and taste. Kids call the plays here, so think about snacks with broad appeal. Mozzarella Sticks with Cheesy Tomato Dip is a winner across the board, elevating this fan favorite snack even more! Keep everyone engaged with football bingo or create a game day play sheet where kids can fill in their favorite plays of the game and predictions. And you can never fall short with a photo booth, equipped with a football background and silly, game day inspired props to capture the spirit of the day.

3. Dudes n’ Foods

Bro out, talk stats, eat snacks. This kind of party is for die-hard guys who are dead serious about their football. They want food and drinks that measure up to the day, with no hassle and no fuss. For this type of party, Farm Rich Loaded Potato Skins made with real Idaho potatoes stuffed with cheddar cheese and bacon, will keep folks fueled up down to the last thrilling minute. Be sure to grab a few boxes or the Party Size because this appetizer goes quick! Tip — have a bucket of ice right next to the TV full of water, beer, soda and other beverages to ensure no refill interruptions, along with a mini bar nearby.

4. Gal Gatherings

The ladies can play by their own rules when it comes to a gals-only gathering. A beautiful football-themed grazing board will get guests in the spirit and feature lots of tasty bites to nosh on. Consider a crafted platter tastefully filled with simple-to-make snacks like Mozzarella Bites, meatballs, fruits and veggies, along with accompaniments like relishes, compote and dips. Add a feature drink such as a Beer-A-Rita — limeade concentrate, tequila and ginger beer or lemon-lime soda. You could even wow guests with a mini mani-pedi session prior to kickoff where everyone paints their nails in team colors.

5. Pinterest Perfect

We all have that one friend who entertains like no other. And when it comes to party planning, Pinterest dominates the playing field. The Pinterest Perfect party is an over-the-top affair made to impress, and if you’re not up for the fierce competition don’t even try to get in the game! Begin with unique decor, such as green turf coasters and bottle koozies. Then, put together a spread that will be talked about for days … Jalapeño Peppers with festive football toothpicks is a great place to start!

Elizabeth Heiskell, author of the “Southern Living Party Cookbook” and the forthcoming cookbook “Come On Over,” adds, “Entertaining for the Big Game should be all fun and no stress! No matter your style, plan ahead with your own game plan and create a day that family and friends will rave about — and one where you’ll have some fun too.”

For more game day inspiration, visit FarmRich.com.

2020-01-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – Just like many decide to cut ties with unhealthy habits for their New Year’s resolutions, cutting the cord is also becoming increasingly popular. “Cord-cutting” refers to the act of canceling cable TV subscriptions, and opting instead for streaming options like Netflix, HBO Go, or YouTube TV — and it can mean significant cost savings.

This trend has been catching on quickly over the past few years. In fact, according to eMarketer, it’s predicted that 44.3 million US households will have canceled their TV or cable subscriptions in 2020. Here are some reasons many are choosing to cut the cord, and simple tips to learn how to say goodbye to cable in the new year.

Choice, cost, commercials

According to Statista, cable customers choosing to leave cable behind are most motivated to save money, citing their cable subscription as “too expensive.” Research has shown that streaming services are more affordable than cable bundles, and cord-cutters can even save an average of more than $1,000 a year. This cost-cutting factor is a primary concern for cable cutters. When replacing traditional TV, many are also slashing monthly bills by choosing new kinds of internet companies that offer more affordable pricing, like local provider Common Networks, which helps reduce the cost of high-speed home internet.

Another big reason many take the leap into streaming is the wider choice of content. Now, consumers get to decide what channels they subscribe to, shows they watch, episodes they pause, and so on. While cable services often provide widely assorted channels, streaming can feel more personalized.

Commercial breaks are also a main consideration when it comes to streaming. While some free streaming services might have the occasional commercial, the skip-able nature of paid streaming makes it so users don’t have to sit through commercial breaks that cable commands.

Step one: Choosing your bandwidth

If you do decide to cut the cable cord, the first step in doing so will be checking your bandwidth. The term “bandwidth” means the amount of data transferred at one time — or the speed of your connection. It’s measured in “Mbps.” The higher Mbps you have, the more you can transfer on the internet at one time.

Generally speaking, streaming an HD movie or TV show will use 5-8 Mbps. However, considering the following factors will also help you determine the right home internet plan for you:

Household members: The number of people playing videos on their devices at the same time will affect your bandwidth needs. If you live with multiple people, you’ll want to factor in enough bandwidth for multiple streams (doubling or tripling the 5-8 Mbps guideline).

Downloads: If you plan on downloading shows, you’ll want to make sure you choose a higher bandwidth option. To frequently download videos, you will want 50 Mbps and up.

4K TVs: Streaming on new 4K TVs uses more bandwidth. It’s recommended to use 25 Mbps per simultaneous 4K stream.

Step two: Connecting to a device

Once you have the proper bandwidth, the next step is to make sure you have a connected TV device to stream media on. If you already have a Smart TV, you may not need a separate device. Smart TVs can install streaming apps, and if you’ve purchased a brand-new TV in the last 5 years, chances are that it’s a Smart TV. But if your TV doesn’t have built-in streaming apps, or if you prefer the wider selection of content offered on a separate device, a streaming device is a worthwhile investment. Examples of streaming devices include Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Firestick.

Step three: Choose your streaming service(s)

Once you’re connected with the right bandwidth and device, you’re able to begin thinking about the choice that cord-cutting provides. As mentioned above, cable isn’t just being replaced by one single entity. There are more options every year, and the options can be overwhelming. When deciding what kind of streaming service to use, there are two kinds:

Live TV: If you want to be able to watch live TV, multi-channel streaming services like YouTube TV, Sling and PlayStation Vue are the way to go. With them, you’ll have access to many familiar channels, including ESPN, ABC, CNN and more. Costs range from $25 to $50 a month.

On-demand content: If you prefer to watch your favorite shows on your own schedule (or binge them all at once), you can skip the live TV services and instead subscribe just to the content you want to access. Netflix and Hulu are now household names in the streaming business, but more options are launching every year, with Disney, HBO, NBC and Apple all having released new or updated services with their own original content in recent months.

This new year, when deciding on the best way to consume media, it’s important to consider the factors above. With a more detailed view of the cord-cutting landscape, you’ll be able to make an informed decision tailored to your viewing preferences.