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Know a military child? Here’s how to honor them and keep connections strong

2020-03-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – Men and women in the United States armed forces give a lot for their country, but it’s not just those enlisted that sacrifice. Estimates show there are more than a million military children of active duty members worldwide. These children are the nation’s youngest heroes, often dealing with frequent moves and parents who work irregular schedules, including demands that may keep them deployed for months or even years.

The Month of the Military Child honors these children. However, they deserve gratitude all year long for the sacrifices their families make. If you know a military child, you can show your support in many ways. Here are some ideas for honoring military children and helping them feel appreciated and connected to their family near and far:

Celebrate young heroes

Encourage military children to share their story through the inaugural ‘Hunt Little Heroes’ program, which celebrates the special moments that make our military families and their children heroes. Children of military families can share their “Hero Story” of what they think it takes to be a hero and how they have been a positive influence in their community. Submissions can be via a 300-word essay, a drawing or a video. The Hunt Little Heroes program is open to all children of military families, not only those living within HMC housing communities. Winners will be selected and recognized in their community with a special “coining” ceremony as well as a monetary prize of $1,000 to the first place “Little Hero,” $500 to second place, and $300 to the third place. Half of each monetary prize will be donated to a charitable organization of the Little Hero’s choosing. All applicants will receive a special hero cape, mask and a letter of appreciation for sharing their hero story or drawing. Submissions are open through April 20, 2020. Learn more at huntlittleheroes.org.

Share stories

Sharing stories is an important part of the human experience. Military children long to know more about their family members, particularly those who are deployed or must work away from the home. If you have stories about their loved ones, take time to share them. It might be a funny story of their dad as a child or maybe when their mom graduated from military academy. If you can’t see children in person, call or schedule a video chat. If possible, share pictures that help bring color to any story. Even flipping through old photographs can be a wondrous experience for children who want to learn more about their loved ones, especially those they miss. What’s more, write letters to children and send them in the mail. Every child loves to get mail, and your letter sharing special stories might become a cherished keepsake. Encourage them to write back and you might find a blossoming pen-pal relationship that you both can enjoy.

Wear purple and convey gratitude

Purple is an important color because it symbolizes all branches of the military. When you wear purple, you are honoring all people in the military, including families. Organize a day your family all wears purple and take a picture to share on social media. You might even plan a day when your neighborhood or school all dresses in purple. Take time to thank military members for their service, including children. Kids endure unique hardships of a military lifestyle, and recognizing them with gratitude is important. They want to feel noticed and appreciated, and showing gratitude directly is sure to be encouraging. Tell them thank you and explain how you think they are a hero for being part of a military family. A moment of your time can mean so much to a child who struggles with moving or having a parent far away.

These three ideas can help you honor children in military families and help them stay connected to loved ones. Your efforts will be appreciated by the nation’s smallest heroes.


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Know a military child? Here’s how to honor them and keep connections strong

2020-03-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – Men and women in the United States armed forces give a lot for their country, but it’s not just those enlisted that sacrifice. Estimates show there are more than a million military children of active duty members worldwide. These children are the nation’s youngest heroes, often dealing with frequent moves and parents who work irregular schedules, including demands that may keep them deployed for months or even years.

The Month of the Military Child honors these children. However, they deserve gratitude all year long for the sacrifices their families make. If you know a military child, you can show your support in many ways. Here are some ideas for honoring military children and helping them feel appreciated and connected to their family near and far:

Celebrate young heroes

Encourage military children to share their story through the inaugural ‘Hunt Little Heroes’ program, which celebrates the special moments that make our military families and their children heroes. Children of military families can share their “Hero Story” of what they think it takes to be a hero and how they have been a positive influence in their community. Submissions can be via a 300-word essay, a drawing or a video. The Hunt Little Heroes program is open to all children of military families, not only those living within HMC housing communities. Winners will be selected and recognized in their community with a special “coining” ceremony as well as a monetary prize of $1,000 to the first place “Little Hero,” $500 to second place, and $300 to the third place. Half of each monetary prize will be donated to a charitable organization of the Little Hero’s choosing. All applicants will receive a special hero cape, mask and a letter of appreciation for sharing their hero story or drawing. Submissions are open through April 20, 2020. Learn more at huntlittleheroes.org.

Share stories

Sharing stories is an important part of the human experience. Military children long to know more about their family members, particularly those who are deployed or must work away from the home. If you have stories about their loved ones, take time to share them. It might be a funny story of their dad as a child or maybe when their mom graduated from military academy. If you can’t see children in person, call or schedule a video chat. If possible, share pictures that help bring color to any story. Even flipping through old photographs can be a wondrous experience for children who want to learn more about their loved ones, especially those they miss. What’s more, write letters to children and send them in the mail. Every child loves to get mail, and your letter sharing special stories might become a cherished keepsake. Encourage them to write back and you might find a blossoming pen-pal relationship that you both can enjoy.

Wear purple and convey gratitude

Purple is an important color because it symbolizes all branches of the military. When you wear purple, you are honoring all people in the military, including families. Organize a day your family all wears purple and take a picture to share on social media. You might even plan a day when your neighborhood or school all dresses in purple. Take time to thank military members for their service, including children. Kids endure unique hardships of a military lifestyle, and recognizing them with gratitude is important. They want to feel noticed and appreciated, and showing gratitude directly is sure to be encouraging. Tell them thank you and explain how you think they are a hero for being part of a military family. A moment of your time can mean so much to a child who struggles with moving or having a parent far away.

These three ideas can help you honor children in military families and help them stay connected to loved ones. Your efforts will be appreciated by the nation’s smallest heroes.


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Tips for launching a career in agriculture

2020-03-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re in high school or college, here’s some big news — there are many more opportunities in the agriculture industry today than you may even be aware of. And the demand for skilled, educated professionals throughout the industry far exceeds the number of qualified candidates.

Before deciding what field to pursue, here are tips to help you launch your career.

Research the field

The best thing you can do to plan your career is to get informed. According to CareerAddict.com, the highest paying jobs in agriculture today are:

  • Agricultural Lawyer
  • Agricultural Economist
  • Biochemist
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Bioinformatics Scientist
  • Agronomy Sales Manager
  • Agricultural Engineer
  • Food Scientist
  • Animal Geneticist
  • Agricultural Operations Manager

And that’s just a sample of possible positions. Technology is rapidly changing agriculture, creating jobs that didn’t exist a short time ago. Future Farmers of America says the greatest growth careers in 2020 include:

  • Drone Technologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Agriculture Communicator
  • Food Scientist
  • Precision Agriculture Technologist

How can you choose the right job for you? In addition to researching these positions online, the most informative way is to meet people in those careers.

According to Robin Thomas, commercial college recruitment lead for Syngenta, if students are interested in a position, “They should job shadow someone who does what they think they want to do. If job shadowing isn’t available, interviewing a professional about the job provides a lot of insight into what the role entails and if it interests them.”

Select the right school

Apply to schools offering the best education in fields that interest you. If you’re already in college, you could consider transferring to a school with a better program for your field.

Here are the top 10 schools in agriculture, according to Niche.com:

  • Cornell University
  • University of Florida
  • University of Georgia, Athens
  • Texas A&M University, College Station
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • Kansas State University
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • North Carolina State University, Raleigh
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • University of California, Davis

Expand your experience

Beyond getting good grades and taking classes relevant to your field, what also matters to recruiters is how you spend your time outside class.

If you’re in high school, Thomas recommends joining groups such as the 4-H Club and the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America). Being active in organizations shows your interest in the field and helps you develop soft skills like communication, teamwork and leadership.

Part-time jobs, summer jobs, internships or positions in co-op programs also provide valuable experience, help build your resume and offer opportunities to make connections with people in the industry.

Start networking

While “networking” may sound intimidating, it just means getting to know people in your field. This can happen naturally as you participate in organizations or do internships, but it’s more effective to be proactive.

Join on-campus groups such as Agriculture Future of America. Keep track of people you meet at events or career fairs. Introduce yourself to peers and guest speakers, ask for their card or suggest connecting on LinkedIn. Write notes about that person on the back of the card or on your phone so you’ll remember them.

How do you make an impression on someone you’ve just met? Ask questions — and listen respectfully. Your questions show that you’re interested, so don’t be afraid to ask them.

All these relationships — from your classmates and instructors to leaders in the field — may help you someday, so stay in touch occasionally. One easy way is to follow people in your network on social media, offering periodic comments or questions on their posts.

Use campus career resources

On-campus career service centers offer help with everything from resume prep to interview practice, and much more. Attend career fairs and events to meet recruiters and practice presenting yourself in a professional manner, even if you’re just starting your education.

“I can’t emphasize enough how much of an impact it makes when college freshmen come to career fairs or other student events and introduce themselves, hand me a resume and tell me what they would like to do upon graduation,” Thomas says.

Use all the resources you can to seek opportunities and plan your next career move.

To learn more about careers in the agriculture field, visit SyngentaThrive.com.


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Simple steps for a stunning and affordable DIY backsplash

2020-03-30T09:59:00

(BPT) – The kitchen is the heart of the home for many good reasons. It serves as a central location for people to cook and catch up. It’s the ideal place for entertaining and visiting. From birthday celebrations to baking adventures, it’s the location of countless memories. Additionally, the kitchen is one of the most popular rooms in a home to renovate and upgrade.

Installing a new backsplash with glass, ceramic or mosaic tile is one of the fastest, easiest, most affordable options for kitchen improvements. What’s more, with some new tips and tools, a backsplash becomes an easy DIY project that can be completed in as little as one weekend. Pairing a new backsplash with a paint job and simple cabinet hardware changes can dramatically transform the entire look of your kitchen, all at a modest price. For example, the cost of a 20-square-foot backsplash is under $100 in installation materials plus the tile.

Installing a backsplash yourself might seem difficult, but with some smart products, DIYers of all abilities can complete this transformative project. For example, instead of messy mixes for adhering tile, use no-mix SimpleSet, a premixed thin-set mortar that spreads quickly and easily. This is recommended to bond porcelain, stone, marble, granite and ceramic tile up to 15 inches, so you can easily create the tile backsplash of your dreams.

Another option that simplifies backsplash creation and eliminates messy mortars and mastics for bonding tile to wall is SimpleMat, which is available at Home Depot. This no-mix, no-mess alternative to traditional mastic installation products simplifies your project and helps ensure success. The easy-to-apply adhesive mat instantly bonds with the tile and retains bond strength for an extended time, so you can grout whenever you’re ready.

One final trick to simplify a DIY backsplash is to use a pre-mixed grout like SimpleGrout. Because it’s ready to go with no mixing, it’s easy to use for the DIYer without the mess typically associated with grouting. Additionally, the sanded and crack-resistant formula resists stains for a long-lasting finish, so you’ll enjoy your work now and for many years to come.

DIY kitchen backsplash steps

Are you ready to enhance your kitchen with a new backsplash? Follow these simple steps to make the project easier and faster, with great results you’ll love to show off. Remember to put safety first when working on home projects by following manufacturer recommendations and wearing eye protection and gloves as needed.

Step 1: Measure your backsplash to determine the amount of tile, setting mat and grout needed for the project.

Step 2: If necessary, remove any wallpaper, tile or other existing coverings on the wall where the backsplash will be installed. In addition, make repairs to any damage to the wall to create a flat, smooth, stable surface for the bonding mat and the tile.

Step 3: Wipe the wall clean to remove surface dust or contaminants.

Step 4: Cut the two-sided adhesive mat to size, peel off the back to expose the wall-side adhesive and apply to the wall, overlapping sheets according to the instructions.

Step 5: Lay out and cut your tile in desired sizes and shapes. Remove the release liner to expose the adhesive ridges on the front of the mat. You do not need mortar. Set the tile in place on the wall and then firmly push the tile into the mat using your hand or a flat surface like a grout float to lock the tile into position. Mosaic tiles often come on 12” x 12” sheets that are already spaced for even easier application, or use grout spacers.

Step 6: Be sure to grout the tile with SimpleGrout within 24 hours after setting the tile into the adhesive. Apply the grout according to the directions, spread the grout using a grout float held at a 45-degree angle and make sure that grout fills every joint between the tiles.

Step 7: Remove excess grout and then wipe clean on a diagonal with a lightly damp sponge and microfiber towel using clean rinse water.

Step 8: Repeat the process until all of the tile has been grouted and cleaned.

With the wide variety of tile materials, shapes and designs, a backsplash is an easy way to update your kitchen to reflect your personality and modern style. Once your project is complete, you’ll be ready to enjoy your new kitchen, whether it’s taking a few extra moments to reflect while drinking your morning coffee or hosting a large celebration welcoming family and friends who will marvel at your DIY skills.

For more information visit www.thesimplemat.com and www.custombuildingproducts.com.


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How to build a women’s health toolkit during the COVID-19 crisis

2020-03-30T11:01:00

(BPT) – Want an appointment for your vaginal health issues? Many doctors’ offices are shutting down for anything other than emergency care or diagnosing and treating people for COVID-19. This leaves many women with lack of access to their doctors when experiencing non-urgent, but highly uncomfortable issues.

Lauren Streicher, MD, OB/GYN at Northwestern University, encourages patients experiencing gynecologic issues during COVID restrictions to contact their health care provider if they have a gynecologic concern. Many clinicians can connect by phone or video and give recommendations and call in prescriptions. However, if medical care for non-urgent issues is not readily available, she suggests women prepare to care for their common health issues at home.

“Even with mandates to ‘shelter in place,’ women can safely and effectively take care of many common health issues right at home,” says Streicher. “But still, it is important to know when something does require immediate medical attention.”

Streicher offers the following tips to help women prepare their own at-home feminine health toolkit to address common issues and help stay healthy:

Prescriptions: If possible, get a 3-month supply of prescriptions such as birth control pills.

Safe sex: Stock up on condoms and keep emergency contraception on hand. In the U.S., there are two FDA-approved over-the-counter forms of emergency contraception, and the sooner you take emergency contraception, the more effectively it works.

UTI: If possible, have antibiotics on hand if you get a UTI. Additionally, studies show that if you increase your daily fluid intake of water to 2-3 liters on a regular basis, you can flush out bad bacteria. An oral vaginal probiotic like Pro-B may keep yeast and bacteria balanced every day by increasing vaginal lactobacilli and preventing the colonization of vaginal E.coli finding its way into the urinary tract.

Vaginal discharge and odor: Know how to determine if it is yeast or bacterial vaginosis so you know which product to use. For example, keep pH-balancing RepHresh Gel on hand for after sex and menstruation.

Pelvic floor PT: If you are going to stick to kegel exercises, make sure you are doing them correctly. Also, there are over-the-counter, at-home devices like Attain developed in conjunction with pelvic floor physical therapists that are FDA cleared for the treatment of both urinary and fecal incontinence.

Painful sex: Stock up on Replens Moisturizer to help eliminate vaginal dryness and painful sex, especially for women who are breastfeeding, in cancer treatment or in menopause. Additionally, remember to have a good silicone lube on hand to use for intercourse.

Vitamins: Stock up on vitamin D because it facilitates the absorption of calcium that can decrease bone loss and reduce your risk of breaking a bone. They are easy to take, especially a gummy vitamin like vitafusion.

Pregnancy pain: This could be due to an ectopic pregnancy, which is potentially life-threatening and demands attention. Call your health care provider immediately.

“Check out my website at DrStreicher.com. It is the go-to women’s health site for reliable, up-to-date information about what to do in almost every circumstance when you are stuck at home and can’t reach your own doctor,” adds Dr. Streicher.


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Soak up some sunshine to fight cabin fever

2020-03-27T12:09:00

(BPT) – All of your entertainment activities have been canceled, your kids are home from school and your favorite hot spots are closed due to social distancing. Feeling stuck indoors? Now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy spring in a safe way!

While staying inside is a good way to protect yourself and others from spreading the coronavirus, it may make you stir crazy and affect your mental health. Licensed landscape contractor, author, TV personality and STIHL spokesperson Sara Bendrick offers safe ways to fight cabin fever and get outdoors.

1. Get some vitamin D and exercise.

A lack of exposure to sunlight can cause you psychological distress due to your body’s need for vitamin D. According to the Cleveland Clinic, getting exposure “about 15-20 minutes three days per week is usually sufficient.” A modest amount of exercise can help boost your overall mood too! Help fight the feeling of going stir crazy by moving your exercise routine outside.

2. Do something for others.

Many seniors are at home with no social interaction or way to get chores done. Give them a call, or Facetime with them if they are tech-savvy. Find out if they have any chores or projects in the yard you can help with. Now is the perfect time to get a head start on outdoor spring chores.

3. Turn yardwork into a family affair.

With spring upon us, yard work can start to become overwhelming. Lessen the burden by getting the family to pitch in to weed, especially before they set seeds, plant and fertilize. Don’t forget to trim hedges and shrubs. Early-spring flowering shrubs can be trimmed right after they bloom. Some summer-flowering plants can be clipped in early spring too.

4. Start composting.

Take the clippings from tree and hedge trimmings, grass cuttings, leaves and withered flowers from your yard work and compost them. Composting is a great way to put garden refuse to use. Mulch and compost contain several valuable raw materials that supply your garden soil with important nutrients in a completely natural way. Here are some tips on how to build a worm composting bin to recycle your garden waste into homemade fertilizer.

5. Connect with nature.

Getting outdoors is a great way to engage in activities that will increase endorphins to reduce stress while practicing social distancing. Go for a stroll in the neighborhood, a hike in the woods or throw a family picnic in your backyard.


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Expert Series: Financial Spring Cleaning: It’s Time to Care for Your Financial Health

2020-03-27T09:01:01

(BPT) – By Cetera Financial Group

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has become the norm. While everyone is doing their part to minimize the transmission of the novel coronavirus and sticking close to home, many are also revisiting their finances, either to navigate the market volatility or to conduct an annual spring cleaning of their finances.

Cetera asked its network of over 8,000 financial professionals what steps investors can take now to manage through the shifting economic reality.

Revisit your investment portfolio

The markets have been in turmoil given the far-reaching implications of COVID-19, and investors are rightfully concerned about the economy and the prospects for a host of industries. While volatility on the current scale is unprecedented in our professional lifetimes, it is something that financial advisors have considered and prepared for to some degree. This may be the time to step back and consider if your portfolio is still structured for your long-term goals, or if adjustments should be made.

According to Pete Bush, CEO at Horizon Financial Group, “Volatility is no stranger to seasoned financial professionals who have coached and guided clients through previous market downturns like this one. They can help you analyze the impact that it’s having on your portfolio, help you make adjustments while staying the course, and prepare you for taking advantage of opportunities as things settle in and the market eventually rebounds. They will also help you understand how much risk you’re taking with your money and provide you with both timely and timeless perspectives, so you have confidence in your current and future cash flow. I tell my clients that it requires discipline to stay focused on long-term goals when current events tug on us to focus only on today and this week. But investing should not be viewed as a short-term gamble; rather, think long-term and make smart calculated moves guided by licensed professionals.”

Increase savings or pay off debt

With restaurants, retailers and entertainment venues closing to help contain the coronavirus, and with kids home from school and day care, some Americans may find that this enforced period of social distancing has resulted in more cash on hand. Plus, there may be an additional influx with the federal stimulus package. For those who can, it may be time to consider how to put funds to work, whether in building savings or in paying off debt, and a financial advisor can help determine a course of action.

“If you find yourself in the enviable position of having extra cash available during this downturn, talk to your financial advisor to see how you can make it work for you. It’s an excellent time for dollar-cost strategy and systematic investing,” said Fanci Worthington, VP and branch manager at Cetera Investors. “If you’ve been trying to get out from credit card or student debt, you may be able to use this time to make some headway. If you want to bolster savings, an advisor can help identify some vehicles that can still provide the safety you’re looking for.”

Get tax filing information in order

On March 20, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury announced the tax filing deadline for Americans has been extended to July 15, 2020. Patty Ahren, director of advisor relations at Cetera, recommends seeking guidance from a professional tax preparer if you have specific questions or concerns. Further clarification and relief guidance can also be found on websites such as irs.gov and your local government’s department of revenue site.

In speaking with the certified public accountants and tax professionals at Cetera, Patty says, “The consensus is that with the situation changing rapidly, consider your options prior to filing. Experts advise having your paperwork and filing information in order so when it comes time to file, you’re prepared. Prior to filing, individuals and business owners should be certain to research state-specific relief guidance.”

Evaluate making a big purchase

The Federal Reserve made an emergency cut to interest rates on March 15, slashing the federal funds rate to nearly zero. This move may indirectly push mortgage rates lower, but there are some key considerations to evaluate before making a big purchase like a new home. Ryan Marshall, certified financial planner and partner at ELA Financial Group, recommends, “Evaluate how the recent market drop has impacted your assets before investing for a short-term goal, like buying a house. If you’re no longer confident with your finances, delaying while things settle will prevent a lot of undue stress.”

Marshall adds, “While you might hear the advice that ‘now is a good time to buy,’ it’s more important to invest on a consistent basis than to try to get a deal.” In addition to a mortgage loan officer who may be incentivized to reach lending goals, talk to a financial planner for holistic guidance, and also, be certain you have sufficient emergency savings set aside. The same thought processes may apply to other big purchases you may be considering, like a new car.

Reach out to professionals for perspective and guidance

Many consumers are rightfully worried about their finances, but hesitant to seek help from a financial professional. Matt Logan, certified financial planner of Matt Logan Inc., notes, “We’ve recently experienced the worst market drop since 1987. We understand these are stressful times, but remain calm and stick to your long-term plan.” For those who haven’t developed a long-term plan, this may be the time to establish one.

“While it’s hard to know where to go and where to start, begin by asking your personal network for a referral to a financial professional,” suggests Logan. “Then, research their website to ensure they offer the services you’re seeking and schedule an appointment. A good financial advisor will help you develop a plan and strategy so you can work towards achieving your financial goals and they’ll be able to guide you through these rough times.”

Learn more about financial spring cleaning and other COVID-19 guidance so you can emerge from the current situation with confidence, by visiting www.cetera.com.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), Cetera Financial Specialists.

LLC, and First Allied Securities, Inc. All firms are members FINRA/SIPC. Cetera Financial Group is located at 200 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 1200, El Segundo, CA 90245-5670.


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Five Tips to Help You Get Better Sleep Now

2020-03-27T14:28:02

(BPT) – The fact is, most people don’t get enough sleep. Getting the optimal amount of sleep each night not only leaves you feeling rested but has a profound impact on your overall health — affecting immunity, mental sharpness, weight management and much more†.

If you find you’re struggling to get to sleep, consider supplementing with melatonin, a sleep aid that helps you get better sleep† — enabling you to get the healthy rest you need. Read on to learn five things you can do to prepare for a good night’s sleep so that you and your family can feel rested, focused and ready for the day ahead.

1. Exercise

No matter your age, physical activity has been proven to help you sleep better at night. Exercising in the morning can help reset your body’s clock so you’re sleepier at bedtime. However, keep in mind that strenuous exercise right before bedtime can make it harder to settle down for a good night’s rest.

2. Wind down early

When your mind, body and bedtime are out of synch, you need to give yourself more time to slow down and get ready for sleep. Screens flood your brain with the same serotonin-inducing light as the sun that wakes you up in the morning. Turn them off at least 30 minutes before bedtime so your brain can start creating melatonin and get your body ready for sleep.

Consider replacing those gadgets with a book, or destress with soothing music, meditation, a warm bath, or any other activity you find relaxing. This is especially important for children, who can be easily overstimulated by electronic entertainment, so avoid leaving them in the bedroom too.

3. Put a cork in it!

Alcohol makes you drowsy, but it can degrade the quality of your sleep. Skip that glass of wine. Instead try to eat sleep-friendly foods such as sweet potatoes, turkey and broccoli.

4. Create an ideal bedroom environment

For the best night’s sleep, most people need cool, quiet rooms that are as dark as possible. A sound machine can help soothe you to sleep and drown out outside noises. The longer days delay the natural production of melatonin. Blackout shades can help.

5. Consider taking a melatonin supplement

If you or your child are having trouble sleeping, consider a low-dose melatonin supplement such as Natrol Melatonin and Kids Melatonin.

Melatonin can help you overcome sleep disruptions by resetting your sleep-wake cycle.† It is pediatrician-recommended* and 100 percent drug-free. To find Natrol Melatonin in a store near you, visit Natrol.com.

Whether you’re coping with symptoms of jet lag from a trip, or just have occasional difficulty relaxing and getting to sleep, remember all of these tips can help you get the rest you need to feel and be your best this summer.

FDA Disclaimer:

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

*Recommended by The Canadian Paediatric Society


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Say ‘salut’ with your next home meal

2020-03-27T15:35:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re taking out, ordering delivery or creating a tasty homemade meal, you can enhance the flavor — and the occasion — by finding a delicious wine that perfectly complements your dinner. An effective way to support “brand Italy” right now is to choose one of the many outstanding Italian wines highlighted for you below.

Here is a handy guide for pairing Italian wines with all kinds of different meals that you can enjoy at home.

Spicy Asian takeout

As you set the table for your take-out Kung Pao Chicken or spicy Pad Thai, pop open a bottle of Nino Franco Prosecco Rustico. This bright, crisp and fruity prosecco balances spicy as well as fried foods. You can also enjoy this effervescent sparkling wine to add more zest to your fun movie night — along with salty snacks like potato chips, nuts and popcorn.

Classic Roast Chicken

When you’re making a classic roast chicken, you’ll want to look for a white wine that is great on its own, but that won’t overwhelm the simple flavors. Terlato Friuli Pinot Grigio is a full-bodied, fruity, creamy-textured wine with crisp acidity that can enhance any homemade meal.

Savory, herbaceous dinners

For those who love cooking with aromatics like garlic, herbs and lemon, Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina is the right choice for your next white wine. The vines are from a region near Mount Vesuvius, and its grapes provide a more delicate aroma, offering a taste of light almond and hints of spice. This white wine can be served with appetizers, fresh cheeses or vegetable and fish dishes.

Fire up the grill

If you’re planning on enjoying a grilled steak for dinner, look for a robust red wine like Il Poggione Rosso, a smooth, well-structured red with long-lasting flavor. The Sangiovese grapes used to make this wine give it an intense ruby-red color, plus a fruity aroma with red berry notes which provides a delightful complement to grilled meats — and any pasta dish with meat sauce.

Dining Sicilian style

Sumptuous Italian cuisine deserves to be served with an outstanding Italian wine. If you’re enjoying pasta with marinara or Bolognese sauce, for example, a perfect pairing would be Alta Mora Rosso. The grapes used to make this vibrant, intense red wine are grown in the dark fertile soil on the slopes of the active volcano, Mount Etna, in Sicily. Its bold flavor will also taste wonderful with any spicy meat dish like well-seasoned steak, Mongolian or Szechuan beef, Korean-style barbecue or Mexican cuisine.

Hearty meals

Ca’Marcanda Promis is a fresh and juicy red blend that brings out the best in boldly seasoned lamb, beef or pork dinners, or charcuterie plates featuring hard cheeses. This blend of Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese grapes contains notes of red and black fruits like raspberry, strawberry and mulberry — plus a smoky and spicy character that can hold its own with stronger flavors like barbecue.

Rich meals

If you enjoy earthy flavors and rich textures such as those found in dishes like risotto with mushrooms, beef dishes and aged cheeses, you’ll want a fruity yet spicy red wine that can hold its own. GAJA Sito Moresco is a red blend combining Nebbiolo, Merlot, Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine with smooth tannins and bright acidity that complements food with a depth of flavor. The pheasants featured on the label pay tribute to the beautiful birds inhabiting the forests adjacent to GAJA’s vineyards.

Choosing good-tasting wines to complement any kind of meal does not have to be complicated. There’s a great Italian wine out there for whatever food you’re enjoying at home tonight. Looking for these or other wine choices to order online? Visit Wine.com/DrinkItaly to explore all your options.


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Top Tips to Deep Clean this Spring

2020-03-27T09:01:01

(BPT) – This year spring cleaning is more than ever about the deep clean. Spring typically inspires a little more time dedicated to cleaning, in fact, a recent survey commissioned by Bona and conducted by Harris Poll found that more than half of U.S. adults say that the start of spring triggers extra cleaning in the household. While in the past it might have been more about simply dusting hard-to-reach corners and cleaning out the fridge, this year it’s also about deep cleaning and disinfecting for health and safety.

Here are a few tips to deep clean this spring for anyone tackling the task.

Focus on high-use areas first

It may not be realistic to deep clean your whole home in one weekend so consider targeting busy areas of your home first. Bedrooms, bathrooms, family room, kitchen and entry areas likely get the most foot traffic, so start there and leave lesser used areas of the home for later. Gather some helpers and set a timeframe to establish a clear goal and end time. Consider a second round of cleaning if you’re unable to complete the task.

Clear out the clutter

Create a system that works for you to clear out the clutter and make space to deep clean. Set up boxes or bags clearly labeled “Trash,” “Recycle,” “Donate,” and “Belongs elsewhere.” Go through each target room, putting anything that shouldn’t be there in one of the labeled containers.

Be sure to get these boxes or bags where they belong to avoid additional house clutter (we’ve all been guilty of moving a pile from one room to another!). You’ll feel lighter and happier just seeing those boxes and bags head out the door. Consider tasking a family member with trash or donation drop-off.

Prioritize large surface areas

Once you’ve cleared the excess clutter, wipe down the room from top to bottom. Clean the dust accumulated on top of bookshelves or ceiling fans first, then wipe down walls from top to bottom to remove dust and grime, using a microfiber mop or cloth. Prioritize large surfaces like countertops and tables as well as potential germ hotspots like the kitchen sink. Finish up with the floors by vacuuming carpet or by using a cleaner tailored for your hardwood or hard-surface floors.

Disinfect

At every opportunity look for areas that can be disinfected. Focus on high-use items and areas like remote controls, doorknobs, drawer pulls, and keypads. Consider using products that use hydrogen peroxide, a proven, healthier way to kill germs. Many traditional antibacterial cleaners use quaternary ammonium compounds or “quats.” This specific class of chemicals is linked to skin irritation and respiratory problems and use of quats is contributing to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance.

For example, Bona PowerPlus® Antibacterial Hard-Surface Floor Cleaner is a new, hydrogen peroxide powered cleaning solution specifically designed to clean and disinfect hard, non-porous flooring surfaces. This ready-to-use antibacterial cleaner is formulated to clean and remove stubborn stains while killing 99.9% of household germs* with the power of hydrogen peroxide when used as directed. It also leaves your home smelling fresh and clean with no residue left behind.

Finishing touches

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned and refreshed your rooms, brainstorm other ways to improve your living space:

· Donate excess, little-used furniture to create more space

· Identify tasks best left to professionals, like exterior window cleaning or hardwood floor refinishing

· Display brightly colored artwork to renew your walls

· Set out a vase or two of colorful flower arrangements

Let your deep cleaning this spring bring a little renewal and brightness to your home. A clean home is also a healthy home for family, pets and friends.

*Kills 99.9% of Influenza A H1N1 Virus, Rhinovirus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], and Trichophyton mentagrophytes on hard, non-porous surfaces in 10 minutes.