Month: February 2020

2020-02-02T23:01:00

(BPT) – The pressure is on — with the big day approaching, you may feel like you’re not ready. Thanks to the latest technology, deciding on the perfect gift and making sure it gets to your special someone is easier than ever.

Here are some of the problems you may be facing, and great solutions to help you deliver smiles in time for Valentine’s Day.

Problem: You have no idea what the flowers you’re ordering look like

Solution: 3D augmented visual reality

Thanks to a new 3D and augmented reality feature on 1-800-Flowers.com, you can use your mobile device to preview top-selling Valentine’s Day arrangements before you purchase them.

Problem: You’re in a time crunch

Solution: Streamlined shopping experiences

Shopping online via your desktop, laptop or mobile device is easier than ever on 1-800-Flowers.com. The revamped checkout process makes online shopping quick and easy.

You can also send complimentary e-cards to sweethearts and “galentines” via their desktop homepage. Choose from a wide variety of themed layouts and craft your own personalized message.

Using the app to shop on-the-go, the new “Trending Gifts” section has a speedy one-tap buying experience that brings you directly to checkout.

Problem: You need gift inspiration — now!

Solution: Gift finder and SmartGift

The popular Gift finder tool from 1-800-Flowers.com is now available via their mobile app. You just input information such as the recipient, occasion and location for tailored gift recommendations.

Feeling unsure of your gift choice? You can try SmartGift to get the gift just right. You simply choose a gift online and the gift link is sent to the gift recipient. They can then decide to swap out the gift for one that’s more their style, at an equal or lower price, and decide on the delivery date and address.

There’s something available for everyone, from classic flower arrangements and chocolates to gift baskets, teddy bears, wine and jewelry — plus a wide choice of personalized gift ideas.

Problem: I want to send something exciting and different this year

Solution: New, exclusive options for the perfect Valentine’s gift

How about flowers that represent your enduring love? You can order a beautiful container of specially preserved roses, selected for their size and perfection. These Magnificent Roses are gorgeous symbols of true romance.

Make a unique statement with Conversation Roses, one dozen beautiful red roses, half embossed with “I Love You” and the other half with an interlocking heart design. This gift will speak volumes about your love.

Give sweets to your sweetheart with a delicious variety of Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Your special someone may just find them — and you — irresistible.

Enjoy the day, knowing that you’ve chosen a meaningful way to express your feelings and connect with the most important people in your life.

2020-01-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – The ability to see the people, places and things in front of you is one of life’s most precious gifts. Imagine a life without the ability to see these things clearly — what steps would you then take to protect your vision? Life with Age-related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, can potentially lead to vision loss or blindness. While an AMD diagnosis can be a scary thought, there are things people can do to help reduce the risk of progression of the disease. Here’s what you need to know.

What is AMD?

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people age 50 and older, and an estimated 16 million Americans are living with AMD. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that supports sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly. The condition is progressive, which means that central vision can ultimately become impaired, which may cause difficulty keeping up with daily activities like driving, reading or recognizing the faces of loved ones. While there is no cure for AMD, there are steps patients can take to help reduce the risk of progression.

Tips for taking action

• Early detection of AMD is imperative. While early-stage AMD often does not present any symptoms or changes in vision, patients should get a comprehensive dilated eye exam once a year, so they may catch the condition early on. This is the best method to receive a proper diagnosis of AMD, as the dilation allows the doctor to see the back of the eye where this issue occurs.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle. People with AMD should make sure they are eating a diet that consists of eye-healthy nutrients, like green leafy vegetables and fatty fish; exercising regularly and not smoking.

In addition, people diagnosed with AMD should talk to their doctor about taking a vitamin based on the AREDS2 study. PreserVision^® AREDS 2 formula vitamins contain the exact nutrient formula recommended by the National Eye Institute to help reduce the risk of moderate to advanced AMD progression.

Get the facts and find support

Patients are often learning about AMD for the first time as they’re being diagnosed, which can be overwhelming. While the Internet is a great resource for patients, medical literature about AMD is often dense and difficult to follow. That’s why Bausch + Lomb developed SightMatters.com, an online resource to provide AMD patients with personalized tips and tools, along with a support system and network, to help each patient better navigate their life living with AMD no matter where they are on that journey.

SightMatters.com aims to help patients understand what AMD is, and how they can manage it. It also allows patients the opportunity to create a personalized action plan, which they can use to discuss with their doctor so they can start taking charge of their condition and continue to see what they love each day. Visit SightMatters.com to begin taking action today.

PreserVision is a trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

AREDS2 is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

© 2020 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.

PV2.0015.USA.20

2020-01-31T14:31:01

(BPT) – In the winter, there’s no avoiding it — no matter how much hand-washing you and your kids do, or other healthy habits you follow — someone’s going to get sick.

Katie Stauffer, viral Instagram mom of adorable twins Emma and Mila, says, “As a parent, you never want to see your child sick. You only want them to be happy and healthy.” Emma and Mila share their thoughts on what happens when they get sick in their recent YouTube video, “The Pros and Cons of Being Sick.”

Stauffer offers six of her top tips for getting your kids — and yourself — through the sniffles, sneezes and coughs during cold and flu season.

1. Stay home

While some parents worry about their children missing school when they’re sick, Stauffer advises letting kids get the rest they need, which is more important.

“Relax,” she says. “Missing a day or two won’t be a big deal in the long run. It’s better to take good care of them at home so they’ll get better quicker. Plus, other parents at school will thank you.”

2. Encourage quiet activities

With some kids, it’s hard to get them to relax when they’re sick. If you have trouble getting your children to rest and nap when they need to, Stauffer suggests introducing quiet pastimes that are less stimulating than TV, videos or computer games.

Activities like coloring and drawing, reading books or doing puzzles can keep kids occupied without revving them up. If they’re old enough, introduce a craft that they can do while resting on the couch.

3. Try fast and effective over-the-counter cough and cold medicines free of artificial dyes and flavors, high fructose corn syrup and alcohol

“Vicks is a brand we always used growing up, so when I found out they have Vicks Children’s Cough & Congestion, it was a no brainer! It’s made for kids and provides fast, effective symptom relief, and free of the junk I don’t want in my kids’ medicine, like artificial dyes and flavors, high fructose corn syrup and alcohol,” says Stauffer. “It’s a staple in my medicine cabinet! You should always use it as directed, and keep it out of reach of children.”

Vicks Children’s comes in three great-tasting options, pending needs:

• Multi-Symptom Cold (Orange Flavor) for kids 6+
• Non-Drowsy Cough & Congestion (Strawberry Flavor) for kids 4+
• Nighttime Cough & Congestion (Grape Flavor) for kids 6+

4. Keep them hydrated

Find creative ways to keep your children drinking plenty of liquids — water, natural fruit juice, herbal tea and electrolyte-replacement drinks made for kids are all good choices, as is good old-fashioned chicken soup and ice pops made from real fruit and fruit juice.

If they’re reluctant to drink much, especially with a sore throat, Stauffer recommends making it part of a game, like arranging a doll’s tea party using your child’s favorite healthy beverage. Just make sure your child drinks more “tea” than the dolls!

5. Follow up with your doctor

If your child’s symptoms are not improving, it’s always a good idea to check with your health care practitioner to rule out something more serious than the common cold.

“As a parent, you know your child best,” Stauffer says, “And it’s OK to reach out to your doctor just to ask if they think you need to bring your child in for a visit.”

Parenting isn’t always easy, especially when your little ones are sick, but sticking to a routine of hydration, rest and cold medicine can help with your kids’ recovery so they can get back to their daily activities. For more information, visit Vicks.com.

2020-01-31T12:10:40

(BPT) – As time and technology reshape the workforce, most professionals are not in the position to stick with one career until retirement. Nursing offers relevant, future-focused opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels, from those re-entering the workforce or making a career change, to registered nurses pursuing further education. Below, you’ll find four reasons students are pursuing licensure or a degree in nursing (from RN to BSN and beyond), shared by Dr. Bonnie Stegman of Maryville University.

1. Satisfaction

If you are interested in making a direct impact on the lives of individuals and communities, consider nursing. It’s a rewarding career, according to nurses themselves. Nurses provide personal contact and engagement with patients, which has only become more important in today’s often-hectic healthcare environment. At the same time, nursing is an exciting and expanding field with new areas of focus. You have more options than ever to pursue your interests and work at the cutting edge of healthcare.

2. Wide-ranging opportunities

Nursing often is associated with foundational healthcare settings such as primary care practices, hospitals or nursing homes. However, nursing offers many paths to develop the track that’s right for you. Specialties include areas relevant to our aging population, such as gerontology (focused on elderly patients) and genetics (patients with or at risk of hereditary diseases). You also can specialize in public health, working in nonprofit organizations, community health centers or governmental agencies. And you can build on your experience caring for patients and transition into other areas, serving as an administrator or educator, for example.

3. Flexibility

The opportunities available within nursing let you pick what best fits your needs and preferences. For example, if family responsibilities mean you need to keep a 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule, some primary care or specialty practices can accommodate that. Through telehealth, you can provide patient care and education remotely, potentially creating opportunities across geographic areas and time zones. If you’re open to moving around, you might find work as a traveling nurse to be an interesting — and usually well paid — choice. This flexibility means you can adapt and shift your focus as you move through stages and phases of life.

4. Demand and compensation

Nurses are in high demand nationwide, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. That means you can expect competitive salaries and benefits. You’ll find that employers are getting creative in how they recruit and incentivize new hires. Mercy Children’s Hospital in St. Louis recently tested a seasonal staffing option, where nurses could opt to work a full-time schedule from September to June, then take time off in the summer while retaining their benefits — and a guaranteed job in the fall. Such initiatives represent a valuable offering for anyone with childcare considerations. Other employers are providing financial incentives such as signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement.

Make it happen

Once you decide to pursue your licensure or earn a nursing degree, you have a variety of options. It starts with finding a program that offers a realistic path for your existing schedule and responsibilities.

Online programs typically are designed for flexibility. The online nursing offerings at Maryville University include an RN to BSN program with multiple start dates throughout the year that can be completed 100% online to help students balance work and school. You also can find flexible options in on-campus programs. In addition to programs for full-time and transfer students, Maryville’s on-campus pre-licensure nursing options include a part-time evening and weekend program designed for working adults.

As our population ages, career options in healthcare are predicted to expand. Nursing is a resilient and wide-ranging career field with significant opportunities, now and in the future.

2020-01-31T12:02:30

(BPT) – While we love getting together with our loved ones, the thought of coming up with a meal that pleases everyone can be a bit intimidating. But with a little prep work, planning and new healthy takes on cooking and baking staples, making meals that satisfy everyone is now a lot easier.

Make everyone happy

The not-so-secret ingredient that brings a rich, creamy taste to any dish — is butter, of course. But when your not-eating-dairy-this-week cousin and more-butter-the-better sister are both coming to dinner, you need to come up with the one dish that makes them both happy. Try swapping out dairy butter for Country Crock^® Plant Butter. It tastes like butter, but is dairy-free, plant-based and has less saturated fat than dairy butter. Now everyone’s happy — including you!

Twist-up a classic

Mashed potatoes without heaps of butter? Never! Create a dinner-time indulgence all your guests can enjoy by adding an extra dollop (or two) of dairy-free Plant Butter. To sneak in some extra veggies, try a twist on the classic, with garlic mashed cauliflower and potatoes.

Veggies are not just for vegans

Giving your grandmother’s timeless (but let’s be honest — sometimes tasteless) green bean casserole a dairy-free edge for your vegan guests is great, but who says veggies are for vegans only? Add more shine to your table with a veggie side dish such as roasted Brussels sprouts with a maple balsamic glaze.

Dairy-free dessert

Face it, desserts are the true stars of the table, and where there is a traditional cake, cookie or pie recipe, there’s butter. Sticks of Country Crock® Plant Butter taste, cook and bake like butter, meaning baking just got easier because you can swap it one-to-one for dairy butter in any recipe. Now you don’t need to give up that time-tested, family favorite recipe in search of a dairy-free dessert! A dairy-free apple cranberry crostata is great for everyone to enjoy after a delicious meal.

Whip up these delicious dishes to make meals that all your loved ones can enjoy. Whether keeping up time-honored traditions or starting new ones, with a little planning and preparation, it’s easy to manage the dietary needs and desires of everyone.

Find these recipes and more ideas at countrycrock.com/recipes.