3 easy projects that instantly transform a bathroom

2020-02-25T09:05:00

(BPT) – Updating the bathroom with the latest trends is something many homeowners desire, but the thought of a complete remodel can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many easy and accessible upgrades that you can make that will transform your bathroom and add value to your home.

Consider these three easy bathroom projects that reflect today’s hottest trends while adhering to any style home:

Update an existing vanity

If you have a dated vanity that has good bones, there’s no need to replace it. You can take charge with some DIY elbow grease and update it instead. For example, if you have a honey oak vanity that you want to update to a more current style, start by removing all hardware and cover to protect floors and vanity top. Then sand the surface and paint with primer so it’s ready for your choice of color and finishes.

Next, paint the entire vanity in the color of your choice. Gray vanities are currently popular and will project a contemporary feeling while white is timeless and conveys cleanliness. Another trend is to feature color on the bathroom vanity, such as blue or green, which adds visual interest to the space. Depending on your preference you might finish with a gloss for a modern look or distress the edges for a farmhouse style. Complete the upgrade with new hardware and you’ll have an entirely new look in your bathroom.

Add subway tile bath surrounds

Custom tile bath projects are complex and costly, but the new Traverse bath and shower solution from Sterling Plumbing makes it simple to update your space with style and functionality. The uniquely designed four-piece wall set is easy to move and install, with a clean, contemporary style featuring a glossy subway tile facade that is manufactured out of proprietary Vikrell material that provides strength, durability and beauty.

Installing a Traverse is easy because it has smaller components for trouble-free transportation around corners and up and down stairways that lead to the bathroom. The self-guiding alignment and tongue-and-groove joints make installation straightforward and minimizes future maintenance. Additionally, Sterling’s patented Dry-Block seal and water containment channels form watertight seams for a caulk-free installation. Learn more at www.sterlingplumbing.com.

Upgrade flooring for custom style

It’s simple to put a fresh coat of paint on the ceiling so when you look up, your bathroom appears clean and updated. But what about when you look down? If the floors have seen better days, it’s time to replace them. You may long for marble tile or exotic wood floors, but these projects are expensive and can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are many affordable modern vinyl options that are humidity safe, slip resistant and durable, making them ideal for use in the bathroom.

Today’s vinyl has come a long way from the cheap-looking sheets from decades ago. With a little research you can discover modern vinyl options made to look like myriad materials including mosaic tile, natural stone, wood planks and more. Often you can use the existing floor as the sub-floor, so there’s no need to remove it. Always research the manufacturer’s recommendations, but typically modern vinyl flooring is easy to install with features that snap together and are simple to cut to size.

Today’s top bathroom trends are easily within reach when you research projects and products that help streamline your efforts. Whether you choose to do one of these projects or all three, you’ll be amazed how these changes can impact the overall appearance of the bathroom.


How to keep your car on the road longer

2020-02-24T15:26:06

(BPT) – Did you know that one in four Americans keep their cars for an average of seven years or more? Nearly another third (29%) say they typically own their car for three to four years. With Americans keeping their vehicles on the road for the better part of a decade, it’s important to implement consistent maintenance habits to ensure a smooth ride.

Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey examined how long drivers keep their cars. The following are tips for drivers looking to keep their cars cruising well into the 2020s:

1. Keep it on the calendar

Whether consistency comes based on a mileage amount or a specific date on the calendar, setting and keeping regular tune-up appointments is a simple way to keep your car healthy. Regular maintenance inspections can be a great time to evaluate other parts of your car, not just what’s beneath the hood. For example, most drivers (78%) also use their maintenance routine as a chance to check their tires. And, be sure to examine your windshield wipers and headlights to see if they need to be replaced.

2. Adjust for the seasons

Hankook also found that over two-thirds of Americans (69%) say all-season tires are interchangeable with winter tires. In some cases, that might be true, but if you live in a climate with drastic weather swings as the seasons change, that can be like saying your favorite T-shirt is suitable for a frigid winter storm. Winterizing your vehicle when the temperatures drop can help it last not only through the colder months, but also avoid potentially bigger problems down the road. Consider swapping the all-seasons for a set of winter wheels.

3. Repair and replace (when needed)

Sometimes, a routine oil change will shed light on a maintenance issue that requires more attention. In that event, consider your repair vs. replace decisions carefully — is the option you’re choosing a temporary bandage, or will it help lengthen the life of your vehicle in the long run? For many, this depends on what needs replacing, and whether that part is considered “essential.” For example, only 30% of drivers will replace their tire pressure monitoring system sensors if they were to break. However, these sensors can offer vital information about the pressure in your tires, which has a lasting impact on your driving experience.

4. Clean it up

Keeping your car clean is about more than appearances — it can also help keep it running smoothly for much longer because dirt and grime can cause corrosion to the paint and even more, especially if it gets into the mechanics of the car. For those driving over salted winter roads, regular car washes become an even more significant step to extending your vehicle’s lifespan, as winter road salt can be particularly corrosive.

No matter if your vehicle is brand new, or you’re looking to hold on to an old-timer a little longer, these tips from Hankook tire can keep you steering straight into the next year, decade and perhaps even beyond.


Tips for living your best life with hand tremor

2020-02-24T08:01:01

(BPT) – Imagine how your life would change if you were unable to bring a cup to your mouth without spilling, if you couldn’t do the buttons on your clothes or even brush your teeth without difficulty. If you are one of the 7 million Americans living with essential tremor (ET), you already know what that’s like.

ET causes one or both hands to tremble while trying to perform routine tasks like eating or getting dressed. Sometimes the head or other parts of the body are affected as well.

Although both are neurological disorders, ET is actually eight times more common than Parkinson’s disease and affects people differently. Unlike Parkinson’s, people with ET experience shaking during goal-oriented activity, while Parkinson’s patients experience trembling while at rest.

Although far more likely to occur later in life, ET can also affect younger people and even children. It is a progressive disease, so tremors usually increase in frequency and/or severity over time. Tremors are not part of the aging process; this is a big misconception.

Unfortunately, due to embarrassment about their tremors those affected by ET may shun activities they used to enjoy, becoming increasingly isolated. People who once enjoyed tennis or golf, crafts or card games might give up those hobbies, leaving them with little opportunity to socialize with others who share common interests.

“The best thing you can do is learn more about the condition and treatment options,” says Dr. Dhira Khosla, Personal Care Neurology, Oakland, CA. She also recommends being open not just with your doctor, but also with friends, family and coworkers — to increase awareness, reduce isolation and make asking for help easier.

Here are Dr. Khosla’s tips for coping with ET.

Get enough rest and reduce stress, since fatigue and tension can worsen tremors.

  • Learn breathing or meditation techniques to help you relax
  • Get enough sleep and eat regularly
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can affect your nervous system and interfere with medications
  • Before starting a detailed task, avoid heavy lifting or other strenuous activity

Anticipate difficult issues.

  • Ask for glasses or mugs to be filled half full when eating out
  • Bring along your own metal straws to make drinking easier
  • Order finger foods when dining out
  • Use weighted pens and heavier utensils with large handles
  • Use an electronic toothbrush

Let technology help you.

  • Use speed dial and voice-activated controls on your phone
  • Record notes on your phone instead of writing things down
  • Use a voice recognition app or software for writing tasks
  • Shop with a credit card or payment app instead of signing checks

Treatment options

Some patients are prescribed medications to treat symptoms of ET. However, these medications are not effective for everyone, and there can be unpleasant side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, including supplements, you are already taking to avoid potential negative drug interactions. Some patients may be eligible for a surgical procedure called deep brain surgery. While there is no cure for ET currently, advances are being made in terms of treatment options.

New, non-invasive treatment for ET

Cala Health has developed an effective, non­-invasive, on-demand therapy for ET that patients wear on their wrist, like a wristwatch. The wearable device, called Cala Trio, is calibrated to each patient’s individual hand tremor. When activated by the patient, it delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the nerves in the wrist. These nerves connect to the central brain network responsible for hand tremors.

The largest study ever conducted in ET found that 54% of patients experienced a 50% reduction in their tremor. Patients control the device, and can use it throughout the day to help reduce hand tremors with 40-minute stimulation sessions. In the study, patients benefiting from therapy reported an average of one and a half hours of meaningful benefit following therapy sessions. Cala Trio has been cleared by the FDA and is currently available in the US by prescription. For more information, visit CalaTrio.com/patients/.

This March, learn more about ET and support those who have ET during National Essential Tremor Awareness Month.


Retirement experts share 6 steps to help you make saving a priority

2020-02-24T05:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re like most people, you worry about finances. In fact, nearly six in 10 American workers say that financial matters are the source of more stress than anything else in their lives. The best way to reduce this worry and gain confidence in your financial future is by taking proactive steps today.

In honor of America Saves Week, the experts at Prudential Retirement share six steps to make saving a priority in 2020 and beyond.

Save automatically

One of the best ways to build long-term savings is doing it automatically and letting the balance accumulate over time. Employer-sponsored retirement plans can help make saving easier by automatically deducting a regular amount from your paycheck before taxes.

Save with a plan

Did you know that one in five Americans aren’t saving any money for retirement or other financial goals? Consider enrolling in your workplace retirement plan if you aren’t already. You can save automatically and start with any amount you’re comfortable saving (even just 1%). But remember: many employers offer a company match, so it’s wise to contribute enough to receive it. If not, you’re leaving free money on the table.

Save for the unexpected

More than half of Americans struggle to meet basic financial obligations, and four out of 10 have trouble paying an unexpected $400 bill. That’s why it’s important to have an emergency savings account. Employers recognize this is a growing challenge for their workers, and many companies offer tools and resources to help their employees save for the short-term. Ask your HR department about what kinds of solutions they may have to help you.

Save to retire

Whether you start small or contribute the maximum allowed, the sooner you save for retirement the better. Once you start saving, plan to increase your contribution as your paycheck grows by at least 1% per year. What’s more, diversifying your investments, staying invested for the long-term and avoiding hardship withdrawals from your retirement account can help your savings grow over time.

Save by reducing debt

Household debt climbed to almost $14 trillion in 2019, and it’s impacting the average person’s ability to save. Small efforts done regularly, such as paying more than the minimum due, can have a big impact on reducing your debt. Additionally, if you’re struggling with debt and daily expenses, talk to your employer or a financial advisor. There are tools that can help put you on a better path to financial wellness, including budget coaching and debt management services.

Save as a family

As caregivers, it’s important to talk to your children about saving. Discussing saving with young children and throughout their growing years builds confidence and can help them develop good savings habits that will last a lifetime. Set goals as a family and work toward them together. Remember, you are your child’s best role model, so if you make saving a priority, they are more likely to follow your lead.

This is being provided for informational and educational purposes. Since individual circumstances vary, contact a financial professional to address your personal circumstances.

© 2020 The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ.

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Singles Guide to Dating Smarter, Not Harder

2020-02-21T16:01:00

(BPT) – The odds are if you didn’t meet your partner in high school or college, you’ll likely meet them online. In fact, nearly 40% of American couples first meet online. Despite its convenience, it’s not easy to keep up with the ever-changing rules of digital dating. With endless options at your fingertips, how do you make the best of it?

Dating in 2019 left behind a generation suffering from disappointment and swiping fatigue, and now is the time to swipe smarter, not harder. After all, hindsight is 2020. Here’s a go-to guide for taking a fresh approach to dating in the new year:

1. Upgrade and Update Your Profile

You’re constantly growing, and your dating profile should reflect that! In order to attract your person, it’s important to present yourself as accurately as possible. Translation: No Snapchat filters or photos over a year old.

2. Explore Your Options

If you’ve been on the same dating app for two years and have no ring (or great stories) to show for it, it’s time to try something new. Dating apps are like partners … explore your options. There’s no need to be in a committed relationship with the big three anymore (i.e., Bumble, Hinge and Tinder).

3. Don’t Reel in a Catfish

Dating in the 21st century calls for security that most apps somehow still haven’t caught up to. Just because there are plenty of fish in the sea doesn’t mean you have to settle for a catfish. Instead, use apps, like Iris Dating, with fraud detection to make you less vulnerable to scammers. Iris, a new dating app that predicts mutual attraction through artificial intelligence, uses an intensive verification process to filter out potential frauds. So once you train the app, sit back and let it do the matchmaking for you without worrying about catching any catfish — Iris has you covered! (Iris is currently available to New York City singles and will be rolling out in new cities across the country soon.)

4. The Social Media Factor

Social media is out there for you to use — if someone is sharing information about themselves online, it’s fair game to look through their profile. Pro tip: Check their tagged photos to see what they look like in photos posted by their friends!

5. You Can’t Change Him … Be Picky

Dating tips always suggest open mindedness, which is great advice — until it isn’t. Trying to make something work when you know it’s not the right fit just wastes both you and your date’s time. Invest the time to be choosy from the start and you’ll likely increase the odds of a second date.


What’s next in outdoor living? Top trends for 2020

2020-02-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – The appeal of all things al fresco has never been higher with homeowners across the country investing more time and money than ever before into their outdoor spaces. Based on insights from decking contractors, retailers and home design experts, industry leader Trex Company has compiled its annual outdoor living forecast, predicting the top design trends for 2020 and beyond.

“It’s always fascinating to compare the trends reported by our customers with those projected by the industry at large,” said Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing for Trex. “This year, we also engaged celebrity designer Alison Victoria to take our forecast to a whole new level.”

According to the latest report, the following five top trends will influence outdoor living in the new decade:

1. Mixed materials

2020 is the year to mix it up. Add visual interest to an outdoor space by juxtaposing materials such as concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone. Integrate nature-inspired materials that maintain cohesion with the natural surroundings, and infuse color and pattern with pillows, cushions, furnishings and decorative accents.

2. Sizzling kitchens

As the foodie phenomenon continues to thrive, outdoor kitchens will continue to evolve. Picture fully appointed culinary centers complete with specialty appliances such as smokers, pizza ovens and integrated refrigerated storage — all housed in stylish all-weather cabinetry. Capturing this trend is the new Trex Outdoor Kitchens collection, featuring stainless steel cabinetry solutions in color and style options that allow homeowners to create functional spaces that rival interior spaces.

“A good kitchen is essential — whether indoors or out,” emphasized Victoria, host of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab” and DIY’s “Kitchen Crashers.” “A well-designed and well-appointed kitchen becomes the heart of any space. It’s where people gather. It’s where memories are made. So, make it memorable!”

3. Industrial inspiration

There is a growing shift toward sleek, contemporary designs and materials for interior and exterior spaces as homeowners are increasingly finding inspiration in commercial settings like hotels and restaurants. Outdoors, this trend is manifesting in more industrial aluminum railing styles with sleek profiles and contemporary rod, mesh or glass inserts designed to optimize sightlines and deliver a modern flair.

4. Fire and water

“Fire and water are all the rage right now for outdoor spaces,” Victoria noted. “These elements not only take a space to the next level; they connect it to the natural surroundings. Even in an urban setting, these elements add a sense of tranquility that can make you feel like you’re a million miles away.”

Fire pots, such as those in the new Trex Outdoor Fire & Water collection, can be positioned almost anywhere to create a cozy gathering spot — or combined in a series to provide an ambient boundary for larger outdoor areas. For even greater visual impact, a fire table can serve as a focal point and elevate the luxury and comfort of an outdoor space. Likewise, the soothing sound of trickling water from integrated spillways, bowls or other features can instantly conjure calm and set a relaxed tone and atmosphere.

5. Bonus space

If you have a raised deck, there is undoubtedly some open space underneath. While, historically, this space has been used for storage, the design trend for 2020 is to turn it into bonus living space by installing a deck drainage system. Designed to divert water away from a deck, systems like RainEscape create a dry space that can be outfitted with everything from furniture and accessories to lighting fixtures, ceiling fans and entertainment components.

For more outdoor living ideas and inspiration, visit Trex.com.


Start meal planning with simple tips from the pros

2020-02-21T08:47:00

(BPT) – Have you heard about meal planning and thought it sounded like a great idea, but think it’s just too complicated for you to tackle? The truth is it’s easier than you think if you know a few tips and tricks from the experts.

“Meal planning saves money, cuts stress, reduces food waste and encourages family time, all while putting nutritious foods on the table,” says registered dietitian Sally Kuzemchak. “It can seem overwhelming to start, but if you follow a few simple strategies, you’ll be meal planning like a pro in no time and enjoying all the benefits.”

Kuzemchak is currently helping with Mission for Nutrition by philanthropically-based organization Produce for Kids. This effort encourages healthy eating habits for everyone, including nutritious foods for families of all shapes and sizes. She offers these simple meal planning tips so you can get started today:

Start slow: When you first try meal planning, start with one step you’re comfortable with and grow from there as you gain confidence. For example, try chopping up a week’s worth of produce so you’re ready for snacking and cooking. Or, buy bulk chicken and cook it all up so it’s ready for quick meals such as tacos or topping a salad.

Focus on the effective: Is there one meal you struggle with more than others? Maybe breakfasts are consistently chaotic or you know you work late every Tuesday and it’s tough to get dinner on the table. Select a meal you can make ahead for those times to feel the immediate benefits of meal planning. You’ll be proud your family is fed a nutritious meal and enjoy less stress.

Simplify shopping: To avoid overbuying as well as food spoiling, think about your meal planning before you head to the grocery store. Focus recipe selections on in-season ingredients to get the best flavor at the lowest prices.

Double favorites: No need to try complicated new recipes when beginning to meal prep. If you know your family loves a recipe, double it and eat one that day and freeze one for next week. As you expand your cooking, keep a list of family favorites that you can easily double for future meal rotations.

Use time-saving tools: Appliances like a slow cooker and food processor are great for whipping up dishes in no time. Having plenty of storage containers is key as well. From freezer bags and glassware to plastic containers with separate sections, these tools will save you time and make meal planning simpler.

Freeze smart: For freezer meals, use resealable freezer-friendly plastic bags for sauces and raw ingredients that can be thawed and used later. Aluminum pans are good for freezing whole meals like casseroles. Remember to always label and date items and keep a running list of what is in the freezer for easy reference.

Make it family fun: Kids love to help cook, and when they assist in the preparing of foods, they are more likely to try new flavors. Invite kids into the kitchen to help meal prep to hone their cooking skills. Youngsters can help wash produce and stir mixes while older kids can assist in reading recipes and measuring ingredients.

Looking for recipe inspiration to kick off your meal planning efforts? With just a few minutes of preparation, this delicious meal cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a tasty meal the whole family will love. For more recipe ideas and meal planning insight, visit www.produceforkids.com/mission-for-nutrition.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 small RealSweet sweet onions, sliced
1 pint Nature Fresh Farms TOMZ cherry tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package Eat Smart sweet kale salad

Directions:

Place chicken, onions and tomatoes in slow cooker.

Whisk garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil and pepper in small bowl. Pour over chicken.

Cover slow cooker and cook on high 4 hours or low 6-8 hours.

Once done cooking, you can shred the chicken or leave as-is. It’s great to serve over rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice for a delicious dinner. To add a little more flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon over top!

Serve with salad.


Tech trends transforming education today

2020-02-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – Teachers know that when technology is used well, it saves time by organizing material and automating routine tasks. Technology can also engage students actively, create a more equitable classroom and personalize learning.

In a study conducted by PowerSchool, “The State of Digital Learning,” the vast majority of the teachers and administrators surveyed agreed that digital learning positively impacts both students and teachers.

Because technology changes rapidly, the biggest challenge for teachers is keeping up with the latest trends and using them to their best advantage. Here are just a few of the latest, top tech trends for teachers to be aware of:

Leveraging technology to create a more equitable classroom

Making sure every student has access to learning tools and technology levels the playing field. According to the State of Digital Learning study, the greatest digital learning challenge was the fact that not all students have access to technology at home.

One answer to that challenge is for schools to provide devices students could take home. Over 40% of schools surveyed provide students with devices to use in class and take home. This trend will likely increase. While some institutions reported being able to provide devices students could only use at school, giving all students access to those tools — especially at home — is key to achieving equity.

Creating differentiated, personalized learning experiences

The State of Digital Learning study also reported the majority of instructors surveyed used a combination of differentiated learning, plus personalized or individualized learning approaches, to achieve the best learning outcomes for all students. These approaches included blended/hybrid learning, which combines online and offline tools to offer students a richer educational experience. Tailoring learning to students of all abilities and learning differences furthers equity and inclusion in the classroom.

In order to create a personalized learning strategy, teachers need the ability to continually assess student progress. And one of the best tools for achieving that is an effective Learning Management System (LMS).

For many schools, the LMS is the hub of all educational activity — where all learning, communication, collaboration and analysis happens. In the study, 86% of respondents reported that the LMS positively impacted the teaching and learning process, boosting student achievement.

For example, Schoology, part of PowerSchool’s Unified Classroom, monitors student progress, manages assessment tasks and helps develop curriculum. It connects teachers with students, parents, other faculty and administrators. All of these tools combined save teachers valuable time that was previously spent on paperwork, entering data multiple times and duplicating efforts across the board.

“When Schoology and PowerSchool are sharing data, it allows teachers that extra minute or two to make one final connection with a student that may have been struggling,” says Steven Esche, general music teacher and choral director at Howell Township Public School District. “And those extra two minutes are valuable, and that may be all that student needs to feel like they’ve accomplished something at the end of your class.”

Using an LMS empowers teachers to create more interactive, engaging and effective learning experiences. It also expands opportunities for professional development. Best yet, streamlining essential tasks through an LMS gives teachers more time for what they care about most — their students.

With time saved, teachers not only build enlightening lesson plans, but can also spend more one-to-one time with their students. Solutions like Unified Classroom offer tools that help carve out more time for teachers by reducing repetitive tasks, allowing teachers the time and space to take care of their students, as well as themselves.

Increase in interactive tools

Educators agree hands-on learning is key to keeping students actively engaged — and today’s tech innovations must provide highly interactive experiences to continue keeping students interested.

Interactive whiteboards combine images, text and video, allowing teachers and students to manipulate content, move images or write text on images. Visual learners understand and retain more information presented with this technology. The flexibility of interactive whiteboards also saves teachers time, creating vivid presentations and developing innovative curriculum at the click of a button.

Augmented and virtual reality are among the most exciting tools for providing immersive learning experiences. For example, virtual field trip apps allow teachers to “take” students anywhere in the world — or even outer space. For example, students learning Spanish can visit Madrid, using their language skills to describe a 360-degree view of the city. The range of historical sites, natural wonders and more are worth exploring for any curriculum. You may not have time to visit a museum every term, but with technology your class can visit four museums in one week.

Technology is a highly effective tool teachers can use to improve student outcomes. Staying on top of tech trends is just one way teachers can refresh and reinvigorate their efforts, keeping students as their focus.


Spring cleaning for spring allergies: 6 steps from the experts

2020-02-20T13:41:00

(BPT) – As days grow longer and new blooms appear, it can only mean one thing: Spring is here and with it comes the task of spring cleaning. For people with allergies, spring cleaning does more than spruce up a home. When done correctly, it removes dust, mold, dander and other allergy triggers so you can feel your best.

“There are specific things you can do while cleaning that can dramatically improve allergy symptoms,” says Dr. J. Allen Meadows, allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “When you spring clean to remove allergens, you can breathe easier plus enjoy a sparkling home.”

Meadows and the experts at ACAAI recommend these steps when cleaning for allergies. Before you begin, keep in mind that when you clean you come in contact with many allergens. You may want to take allergy medication beforehand and if your allergy is severe, consider wearing an N95 filter mask while dusting or scrubbing.

Step 1: Dust thoroughly

Dust all surfaces in your home with a damp rag or microfiber cloth made for cleaning. Avoid using any kind of duster that simply kicks dust into the air. Additionally, clean vents and return registers to limit dust recirculating and finish by wet mopping tile and other hard flooring. Don’t neglect the area under the beds, which can get dusty and should be cleaned often. Eliminating dust helps your home shine and also removes some of the most notorious indoor allergy triggers.

Step 2: Clean carpets

Start by moving all furniture off the carpet. Then vacuum well with a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Meadows does not advise shampooing carpet, because it can cause dust mite eggs to hatch. If you are using diluted bleach and water solution for spot treatments or to kill mold, make sure someone other than the allergy sufferer does the cleaning because bleach can trigger asthma.

Step 3: Clean window treatments

Window treatments like curtains and valances can be a magnet for dust and pollen yet are often ignored when it comes to cleaning. This spring, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and wash or dry clean window treatments. Remember, opening windows allows pollen and other allergens into your home, so during peak allergy season keep them closed, and whenever possible, use air conditioning in your car and home.

Step 4: Wash bedding

Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water that is at least 130 degrees F. This temperature kills dust mites and effectively removes allergens. If bedding can’t be washed at this hot temperature, place items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at 130 degrees or above. For children with allergies, do the same with their stuffed animals.

Step 5: Replace air filters

At the start of every season change the air filter in your furnace. This helps the HVAC system run efficiently while also filtering out air particles —including allergens — to keep your home’s air as clean as possible. Consider setting an alarm for every three months as a reminder and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. This is also a good time to clean the drip pans in appliances like the refrigerator.

Step 6. Control humidity

Bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces are prone to mold, so spring is a good time to deep clean. A bleach cleaner works well to eliminate mold or make your own by mixing borax and water. Next, help prevent mold from developing through moisture control. Always run bathroom fans when bathing or showering, clean up any standing water immediately and use a dehumidifier if needed to keep humidity below 60%.

“Spring cleaning is a great step in allergy control,” says Meadows. “However, if you continue to suffer from allergy or asthma symptoms, see a board-certified allergist to help you control your symptoms and live the life you want. You can find an allergist near you at acaai.org/locate-an-allergist.”


Unexpected duos: From food to fashion, the crazy pairings America loves

2020-02-19T14:01:00

(BPT) –

bag of potato chips on table with lettuce and tomatoes

Sometimes unexpected pairings just make sense. Whether it’s an unusual food duo that ends up incredibly delicious, a quirky blend of fashion that works surprisingly well or an opposites-attract couple that actually balance each other out perfectly, these unexpected pairings can make a lasting impression.

This month, Cape Cod® Potato Chips is adding the original unexpected duo, Sour Cream & Onion, to its flavor lineup. In celebration, the brand unveiled the most unexpected, yet iconic duos across food, pop culture and fashion, and the results might come as a surprise:

Breakfast for dinner brings unexpected delight

Like pairing Sour Cream & Onion, breaking the mold can be terrific for taste buds. It’s when we try something new and experiment that unexpected pairings become popular staples.

In addition to Sour Cream & Onion, some of the top unexpected food duos are: breakfast for dinner (53%), chicken and waffles (32%), pineapple and pizza (31%), and peanut butter and marshmallow fluff (13%). Which of these tasty duos have you tried and enjoy?

Sour Cream & Onion: The potato chip champion

Nearly half (47%) of respondents agreed Sour Cream & Onion is an all-time favorite potato chip flavor, with 41% giving it the title of “iconic duo.” With new Cape Cod Sour Cream & Onion flavor, potato chip lovers everywhere get the perfect combination of creamy, tangy sour cream and a savory hint of onion with that famous Cape Cod crunch.

Pop culture proves opposites attract

The classic saying “opposites attract” has been debated for years, however Americans have spoken and 74% agree, opposites do indeed attract! Nowhere is this more apparent than in some of the world’s most unexpected, yet iconic duos throughout pop culture including: #1) Tom and Jerry, #2) Beauty and The Beast, #3) Miss Piggy and Kermit, #4) Danny and Sandy from Grease and #5) Rachel and Ross from Friends.

Blazers and jeans win in unexpected fashion duos

There is a fine line between fun and funky when it comes to unexpected fashion choices. However, some odd matches become classic go-to favorites that stand the test of time. Blazers and jeans came out as the top unexpected fashion duo that actually complement each other, with 43% of respondents rocking this look. Denim on denim and band T-shirts and skirts tied at #2, with the more eclectic duos cowboy boots and formal wear and sunglasses and indoors rounding out the list.

Are you game? Explore the unexpected

Some of these unexpected pairings may already be on your list of favorites. Others you might want to try! No matter if you are a fan of the unexpected or just starting out, the new Cape Cod Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips are the perfect way to celebrate those perfectly unexpected pairings. Learn more at www.CapeCodChips.com.

Methodology: This online survey was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Cape Cod potato chips between January 28-29, 2020 among 1,000+ U.S. respondents 18+.