Month: April 2020

2020-04-27T10:01:00

(BPT) – Spending more time in the kitchen means learning the importance of not only keeping food fresh for weeks at a time, but also minimizing waste for fewer trips to the grocery store. Food waste also impacts our wallets. In fact, a recent Bosch home appliances survey conducted by OnePoll found that the average American tosses $2,798 in spoiled food a year.

Whether aiming to reduce waste, save money or just find new ways get creative in the kitchen, these five tips will help you make the most out of your ingredients while saving all kinds of dough.

1. Take inventory and get organized

Seventy-seven percent of Americans attribute tossed food to forgetting they are in the refrigerator or losing them amongst the clutter. Further, 65 percent agree waste is due to lack of organization or space in the fridge, with one in four admitting their refrigerator is unorganized. When it comes to refrigerator and pantry organization, being able to see your items is half the battle.

The first step when organizing your pantry is to remove items, wipe surfaces clean and take inventory. Then, use clear, stackable containers to repack loose items or tough-to-store packages, such as oatmeal, condiment packets, nuts or grains.

When it comes to the refrigerator, use the first in, first out method as well as organizational features like split or adjustable shelving to your advantage. Bosch’s latest refrigeration collection has a clever innovation called the FlexBar that is specifically designed to keep items in view, so eggs and small jars don’t get lost or buried in the back. The collection also features thoughtful organization solutions like the option to have a dedicated VitaFreshPro middle drawer that balances temperature and humidity at the touch of a button, a three-tiered freezer system and more to make it easier to see and store foods.

2. Shop for a variety

To avoid overstocking, start by making a list. In addition to fresh fruit, vegetables and other necessities, add versatile non-perishables, proteins and starches. Fermented and pickled foods like kimchi, sauerkraut and tempeh boost your immune system, while also lasting months and adding a flavorful punch to dishes. Beans, seeds, alternative milks and oats, plus a range of spices can also help add variety to your meals.

3. Use the “stem to peel” method

The average American wastes 103 pounds of spoiled food from their refrigerator per year. One way to maximize produce is to repurpose commonly discarded parts. Peels can be left on almost all organic veggies for added flavor, texture and a boost of fiber. Citrus peels can be used in anything from baked goods to cocktails for added acidity and spice. Stems and veggie ends can be boiled down into a stock for use in other recipes, while leaves from fresh radishes, beets and carrots can be sautéed for a healthy side dish or to freshen up a pasta dish.

Beyond getting creative with every inch of your ingredients, home appliance manufacturers like Bosch have developed technologies like the FarmFresh System in its new French door bottom mount refrigerator collection to keep food fresh for longer, so your favorite perishables will be optimally stored for less waste.

4. Be creative with what you have

Now is the perfect time to experiment with new recipes, but maximizing ingredients means starting with what you have. Prioritize items that are going to spoil soon and build a recipe from there. The Home Connect app is a great way to find recipe inspiration. Partners like Chefling can even provide pantry management and helpful meal suggestions based on what you have with the simple scan of a grocery receipt.

Instead of running to the store for an ingredient, search your inventory for replacements. For example, if you are baking and run out of butter, replace it with coconut oil or apple sauce. You can substitute unsweetened yogurt for mayo, sour cream or crème fraiche. As well, lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar and white wine are interchangeable in recipes.

5. Get friendly with your freezer

Fifty-two percent of Americans agree they toss out food because it will spoil before they have a chance to eat it. Freezing foods is a great way to preserve ingredients at peak freshness and get more value when buying in bulk. When freezing meat, which will last three to four months in the freezer, wrap singular portions in plastic before placing in a resealable bag. Meat will thaw faster, and you will avoid cooking more than you need.

Blanching vegetables before freezing helps maintain color and flavor. Frozen veggies, berries and cooked grains keep for two to three months in the freezer, while soup and bread will last three to six months. Just be sure to label all items with the date and prioritize the first in, first out rule.

From the pantry to the refrigerator and freezer, these tips will help you maximize all your ingredients for less food wasted while also getting more creative and organized in the kitchen than ever.

2020-04-23T14:31:00

(BPT) – It can be easy to dismiss head pain as a regular headache, but in fact there is no such thing. More than 300 types of headache exist and the likelihood you’ll experience one in your lifetime is high. Worldwide nearly 40 million people have some form of headache disease.

“Each headache comes with its own set of symptoms and a different approach to treatment,” says Vincent Martin, MD, president of the National Headache Foundation and professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “A physician trained in headache medicine is the best person to diagnose the type of headache you’re experiencing but since symptoms usually come on gradually, you should record your symptoms and triggers over a few weeks.”

June is National Headache and Migraine Awareness Month and the National Headache Foundation is sharing information on the four most common types of headache and the best treatments for relief.

1. Tension

What is it: Typically these originate in the neck or back of the head with muscle tension and creep forward. Tension headache can be triggered by poor posture, lack of movement, eye strain, stress and hunger. They can be chronic or infrequent.

Treatment: The occasional tension headache can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as stretching and regular exercise. Chronic forms can be treated with amitriptyline or regular non-medication treatments including relaxation, developing coping strategies, acupuncture, massage therapy and physical therapy.

2. Sinus

What is it: Common when you are sick or suffer from allergies, this type of headache is caused by inflammation in the sinus passage with pain usually presenting in the forehead, browbone, cheeks, eyes and nose. They are often accompanied by nasal congestion, sinus drainage or fever.

Treatment: Monitoring your allergies can play a major part in avoiding a sinus headache. When allergens are high, you can take an antihistamine. NSAIDs can also help relieve pressure by reducing the inflammation in your sinuses. If you’re sick and suffering from a sinus headache, NSAIDs plus a decongestant can often be your best option. You may need your health care practitioner to prescribe an antibiotic if the sinus infection is caused by bacteria.

3. Cluster

What is it: People with cluster headache often describe the pain as relentless stabbing sensations and experience attacks several times throughout a day for weeks at a time. During a cluster headache series, the pain is always on the same side, usually around the eye, and can include nasal congestion, sinus drainage or a drooping eyelid. Research indicates cluster headache series can be more active in the spring and fall due to the changes in daylight and disruption in the sleep cycle with the time change. Unfortunately, some people will experience chronic cluster headache.

Treatment: Preventive treatments are available for cluster headache once a person is in an attack series. During an acute attack, inhaling pure oxygen by mask is helpful.

4. Migraine

What is it: Migraine disease is believed to be due to a hypersensitive nervous system that results in debilitating and recurring attacks of pain that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness or sensitivity to light and sound. Some migraine attacks are preceded by disturbance in vision or smell, known as an aura. For some, other symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours before the attack and can range from dizziness and fatigue to mood swings or extreme hunger. Known triggers of migraine include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods (cheeses, chocolate, preservatives), and beverages (caffeine, alcohol).

Treatment: Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, not skipping meals, and hydration can help prevent migraine attacks. Keeping a record of triggers can help you and your health care practitioner correctly diagnose and treat your migraine disease with lifestyle changes, prescription and over-the-counter medications, and non-drug therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback training, and relaxation therapy.

“The next time your head pain strikes make note of the pain location, any potential triggers and have an honest conversation with your health care practitioner so they can help you get back to living your life,” concluded Martin.

For more information about headache disease or to find help, visit: www.headaches.org.

2020-04-23T09:57:33

(BPT) – When was the last time you treated yourself so that you could feel good inside and out? Now is the perfect time to show some serious TLC to your skin, nails and hair to give yourself the ultimate full-body pampering session.

Try these ideas for enhancing your self-care routine:

Get that glow

While there are a suite of serums and creams on the market that give your face a gorgeous glow, what about your body? Whether you want to show off smooth legs or just want soft, healthy skin to slip into your silk PJs, try making your own homemade body scrub. All you need is one cup of brown sugar and half a cup of coconut oil for an exfoliating, yet soothing scrub that will leave your body feeling smoother than ever. You can add a drop of your favorite essential oil to your scrub that will offer aromatherapy and make your shower smell like a high-end spa.

Cleanse your way

To feel fresh from head to toe, use a wash that you can trust to gently cleanse even your most intimate areas. Summer’s Eve(R) Cleansing Wash is essential while taking a relaxing shower. Clinically and gynecologist tested, it refreshes by removing odor-causing bacteria, is designed to match your natural pH level, and is free from dyes and parabens. The cleansing washes feature an array of Clinically Tested Safe Scents(TM) or even Fragrance Free.

On days where you may not have time for a shower, grab a Summer’s Eve(R) Cleansing Cloth — perfect post workout or just for a fresh pick-me-up!

Instagram-worthy manicure

Give yourself a mani at home. With nail design inspiration on social feeds, creating a fresh and trendy nail look at home is easier than ever. A new favorite design of nail aficionados is the minimalist negative space manicure that focuses on painting only the mid-to-top portion of the nail with a color and leaving the lower nail bed area bare. Keep it simple and finish the design with a topcoat or add in a nail jewel or sticker for a bit of extra glam.

Luscious locks

Infuse your hair with moisture and softness by creating a natural oil mask with ingredients you can find in your own kitchen. Rich oils like extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil or avocado oil are perfect for getting strands moisturized. Give hair a quench of hydration by working in a small amount of oil from your scalp through the ends of your hair, then wrap your hair in a warm damp towel and relax for 10-20 minutes. Shampoo your hair thoroughly and condition as usual. Whether you give yourself a blowout or air-dry hair naturally, you’ll notice how soft to the touch your locks will be.

Set the mood for a night in

As you enjoy your self-care prep for a cozy movie night or date night, don’t forget to set the mood at your place. First, make sure you use your favorite delivery app to order wine and snacks from your favorite local shops. Next, hit play on your favorite playlist.

Self-care shouldn’t be limited to a special occasion. Put regular dates for at-home wellness sessions in your calendar. Treating yourself is always worth doing.

2020-04-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – While everyone is discovering their inner chef by cooking at home, it’s a good time to explore ingredients that boost flavor and nutrition and add value to all your kitchen creations. One ingredient is fast becoming the hero of many home-cooked meals: fresh mushrooms.

Grocery stores today feature a variety of fresh mushrooms that help make your meals more interesting and nutritious. Here are four reasons to make sure mushrooms are at the top of your shopping list:

1. Versatility

Mushrooms can be used in multiple ways. Slice them raw for salads or cook in soups, pizzas, casseroles and more. Larger mushrooms can be stuffed with many different fillings.

Vegans and vegetarians love mushrooms because their texture and flavor make a great substitute in classic dishes that normally call for meat. Get creative and try grilling a portobello mushroom like you would a steak or beef patty.

Tip: Salt mushrooms later in the cooking process to help retain moisture.

2. Flavor

Mushrooms bring an umami flavor we all know and love. “Umami” is a fifth basic taste that people consider savory, brothy, rich or meaty in flavor. Try this simple weeknight recipe to enjoy mushrooms’ umami with the support of a few pantry staples:

Blended Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound of your favorite mushroom variety – finely chopped
• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• One 24-ounce jar store-bought marinara sauce
• Pasta of choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pan over medium heat, add oil and cook onion, stirring occasionally, until just soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add chopped mushrooms to onions and cook for 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are soft and reduced in size.

Add ground beef, Italian seasoning and salt to mushroom mixture and cook until totally browned, about 6 minutes stirring and breaking up any lumps. Skim off fat leaving about 2 tablespoons.

Stir in marinara sauce and reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. While the sauce is cooking, cook pasta according to package directions.

Serve over pasta of choice, season with salt and pepper and top with grated Parmesan.

3. Meal-stretching

Adding mushrooms to recipes can help stretch your grocery budget farther and create a more filling, satisfying meal.

Chopped mushrooms blended with any kind of ground meat in dishes like meatloaf, tacos, lasagna or burgers helps extend your meat while boosting flavor. Since mushrooms hold moisture well, they’ll also help keep the meat juicy as well as tasty.

4. Nutrition

Mushrooms can play a positive role in supporting a healthy immune system. Their antioxidants, vitamins and minerals can boost overall health and wellness.

Many mushroom varieties offer several nutrients important to good health, including selenium, plus vitamins D and B6. Click here to learn how mushrooms can help feed your immune system.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral, meaning your body must get this mineral from the food you eat. Selenium helps your body make special proteins, called antioxidant enzymes. These play a role in preventing cell damage. Crimini mushrooms are an excellent source of selenium. Just four criminis have 20.8 mcg., or 38% of RDA.

Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones by helping the body absorb calcium. Vitamin D is available via diet, supplements and sunlight, which is why it is also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin.” White button mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin D when exposed to UV light (as white button mushrooms only contain 1 percent vitamin D naturally). Five medium white button mushrooms exposed to UV light have 23.6 mcg., or 118% of RDA.

For more mushroom recipes, nutrition information and storage tips, visit MushroomCouncil.com.

2020-04-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you are among the millions of adults in the U.S. who do not know they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the past few months of social distancing have been a particularly steep battle. Our country was instructed to “sit still,” a command children with ADHD hear every day in the classroom and at the dinner table. This can be much harder for some than for others. For adults with undiagnosed ADHD, one silver lining to come from social distancing has been the rare opportunity to slow down and realize how easily they can be distracted and how difficult it is to stay on task.

It is a common misperception that ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, only affects children. In fact, research shows that nearly 11 million adults have ADHD. Only one is five is properly diagnosed. Symptoms are influenced by age and developmental level. For example, adults experience less hyperactivity and more executive functioning issues in comparison to children.

Raising much-needed awareness about ADHD by sharing information and resources can significantly enhance quality of life for millions of adults who were not diagnosed during childhood. It is important to note that 74% of ADHD diagnoses are linked to genetics, so if your child has ADHD, there is a good chance you might, too.

How do I know if I should be evaluated?

Adults with ADHD typically experience substantial challenges in one or more areas of daily living:

• Inconsistent performance in jobs or careers; losing or quitting jobs frequently
• History of academic and/or career underachievement
• Poor ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities, such as completing household chores, maintenance tasks, paying bills or organizing
• Relationship problems due to not completing tasks
• Forgetting important things
• Becoming easily upset over minor things
• Chronic stress and worry caused by failure to accomplish goals and meet responsibilities
• Chronic and intense feelings of frustration, guilt or blame

How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?

While ADHD begins in childhood, certain individuals are able to compensate for their symptoms and do not experience issues until high school, college, in pursuit of career aspirations or even in retirement. In some cases, parents may have provided a highly protective and structured environment, minimizing the impact of ADHD symptoms in children. Proper diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional who can thoroughly assess signs and symptoms, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of coexisting conditions. ADHD is often misdiagnosed because it can mimic numerous other conditions, including anxiety, depression, learning disorders, sleep difficulties, side effects from medications and more. Seek out a professional with specific experience in ADHD.

Where do I turn if I think I have ADHD?

If you have ADHD or think you might, the nonprofit organization CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can help. CHADD provides support, training, education and advocacy for children and adults with ADHD, their families, educators and healthcare professionals. As home to the National Resource Center on ADHD, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CHADD is the most trusted source of reliable, science-based information, and offers comprehensive programming and support at both the national and local levels. Call the hotline at 1-866-200-8098 or visit CHADD.org to access a multitude of available resources, including how to find a specialist where you live. And rest assured that ADHD is highly manageable with proper identification, diagnosis and treatment.

2020-04-22T12:11:00

(BPT) – Since the first Earth Day was observed 50 years ago, the day’s message has only grown in importance. For anyone wondering how they can contribute to a better tomorrow, a good place to get started is right in your home with smart, energy-saving home appliances and tools. Even small changes can ultimately make a big difference.

1. Get Your Home Connected

Many of us are guilty of forgetting to turn off the lights, air conditioning or heating before leaving the house — wasting resources and money. Thankfully, there are easy-to-use smart tools that can easily be controlled and monitored from anywhere with your smartphone.

Smart thermostats such as Nest and smart lighting like Philips Hue enable you to control the indoor temperature and lighting using only a smartphone from anywhere or set up automated schedules.

Smart appliances — from room air conditioners to laundry — can also be monitored and controlled more efficiently than ever through a simple, central app — like the ThinQ app from LG. The app makes it easy to check if the TV has been left on or to adjust settings on the air conditioner to avoid wasting power, or download specialized cycles for the washer to minimize water usage.

2. Keep Your Appliances in Tip-top Shape

The environment wins when large home appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators and more are kept in tip-top shape for optimal performance. Features like “Proactive Customer Care” can help do just that, improving performance efficiency and durability of the products by reminding LG appliance users when to perform regular maintenance tasks, and offering tips on preventative care.

For example, if Proactive Customer Care detects that your LG dryer is experiencing reduced air flow in the vent, it alerts the user with the steps to take to fix the problem and restore optimum drying capability while saving energy. If you used too much detergent, it will send you an alert and instructions to avoid overworking your washer, which often runs an extra rinse cycle when there’s too much soap.

3. Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances

Buying energy saving appliances is one of the best ways to make your home greener. The growing availability of products earning the Energy Star label makes it easier than ever to help save the planet — and save on monthly energy and water bills at the same time.

For clean, bright lighting in the home, LIFX’s smart LED bulbs are an excellent choice, lasting an incredibly long time and using less energy than conventional bulbs. Then there’s smart plugs and smart power outlets like those from ZigBee Plug-In, which can make all manner of devices ‘smart,’ meaning less energy consumption and convenient energy tracking.

Smart washing machines like the TurboWash 360 can help to lower household water consumption. Equipped with LG’s AI Direct Drive™, this advanced Energy Star washer gets clothes cleaner while intelligently reducing fabric damages.

Energy is also saved in smart air conditioners. For example, the LG Dual Inverter Compressor™ Air Conditioners deliver impressively fast cooling without sacrificing an ounce of efficiency.

Switching to smart appliances not only makes your life easier, it also goes some way toward protecting the planet and conserving our natural resources.

4. Join the Club

Now in its 50th year, Earth Day has evolved with the times and commemorates convenient ways to connect with current environmental initiatives online.

You can join the Earth Day Network’s Earth Challenge 2020 through the mobile app, which lets you learn about environmental issues impacting your area, record your own thoughts and observations to share with others, and take advantage of environment-focused lesson plans and guided activities.

As part of Digital Earth Day, online toolkits are available to find out more about important environmental issues facing the world today. Individual cleanups are also an option for anyone wanting to take action now (while complying with local safety and social distancing measures).

Although it is indeed a special day, and certainly one worth celebrating, Earth Day is ultimately a call to action; our annual reminder that we all need to do our part every day to make the world a better place. Consider taking the Energy Star Pledge at www.energystar.gov. Starting with small changes at home, we can help to shift the balance and preserve the splendor of our planet for future generations.

It was once said that, “The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved.” Learn how smart home appliances can contribute to this effort at https://www.lg.com/us/lg-thinq.

2020-04-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret that pets provide love, loyalty and affection. This is even more apparent now that you’re spending more time at home with them. In fact, according to the 2020 Purina Pet Ownership Survey, 94% of pet owners rely on their pet for emotional support, which is particularly important during times of uncertainty.

You may be tempted to spend your time snuggling with your furry friend, but there are a lot of fun new things you can do to engage your pet mentally and physically while you are at home together. Now is a great time to integrate enrichment activities that will keep both of you healthy, happy and engaged.

“Setting and keeping a daily pet care routine to feed and walk your pet is important in alleviating stress for your pet. But scheduling play and incorporating enrichment activities into your pet’s day can also do wonders in keeping them happy and healthy,” says Alex Johnson, senior designer & pet enrichment specialist at Purina.

Johnson shares her favorite at-home pet enrichment tips and ideas:

Making it new: It is important to expand your pet’s world by providing opportunities for exploration. Try creating temporary indoor spaces to explore with boxes and paper bags or closing off a bedroom for a week to give your pet a space to rediscover. Hide some treats or favorite toys in the room before reopening it. Remember to keep toys in rotation to help create newness.

Treat time: While at home all day, it can become difficult to track when your pet gets a snack, so try adding a treat time to your schedule. Keep in mind, pets should get no more than 10% of their daily calories from treats. If you have kids, let them earn the reward of treating the pet that day by cleaning their room or finishing homework early.

One-on-one time: Having everyone constantly at home together can be stressful for pets. Provide opportunities for pets to have time on their own in addition to one-on-one time with family members. Spending 15 minutes together in a quiet space with no distractions can allow you to focus on engaging and bonding with your pet.

Exercise: When stuck inside, it’s important to find indoor activities to help pets burn energy. Try tug toys, laser pointer play, or playing tag or hide and seek. If you live in an apartment building, try throwing toys up or down steps in the stairwells or down hallways (if your landlord permits). If you’re spending more time watching TV, consider keeping a drawer or basket close by with some of your pet’s favorite toys, feather wands, tug-toys, balls, lasers, cat dancers, mechanical toys and stuffed animals. These toys allow you to interact with your pet from the comfort of the couch.

Box of invisibility: Providing pets with safe spaces is a great way to give them some downtime while still being close to everyone. For example, set out a box or sign in the family room, and when the cat is in the box or the dog is in the designated area, have the whole family pretend you can’t ‘see’ them, as if they were invisible. If the rule is followed, your pet will learn they can enjoy downtime in these spaces.

Sensory spot: If you have a cat, you know they love exploring textures and smells. Try getting a box or basket just as big as your cat loosely curled up, and place it in an out-of-the-way area, preferably near a safe heat source, vent or sunny window. Each week, try putting in a new material such as a worn T-shirt, packaging paper or bits of textured fabric for them to explore.

To learn more about how to keep pets happy and healthy during quarantine, visit www.purina.com/homewithpets.

2020-04-21T13:25:00

(BPT) – With everyone hunkering down, many of us are thinking about how to maximize what’s already in our homes. What many don’t know is that the benefits and efficiencies of a smart home might already be at their fingertips. With a little research and time spent with your appliances and technology, you can start enjoying the convenience of the smart home features you never knew you had — with added benefits like tips and alerts that will help you take care of your appliances to avoid service issues.

1. Reacquaint yourself with your tech

Start online by doing a search of the make and model of your TVs, speakers and appliances to determine if your items have smart capabilities. If they do, you can easily locate online instructions for setup and user-friendly tutorials on how to use them to their full advantage. Have you recently purchased a premium new TV or appliance? If you have, there’s a good chance that it’s smart-enabled.

2. Start exploring your smart app

After selecting a smart-enabled appliance or TV that you’d like to focus on, download the accompanying smart app to your smartphone or tablet. Many brands have one central app for their appliances and electronics to make this even easier. For example, LG’s is called ThinQ. A central app is the easiest way to keep yourself organized.

3. Get notifications directly to your phone

Apps like ThinQ allow you to track the status of appliances like your Wi-Fi-enabled washing machine. Download unique wash cycles on the ThinQ app like the Waterproof cycle, which washes waterproof material like mattress covers and rain jackets. Through the app you can receive notifications to your phone when cycles are completed, and start and stop your machine. If you have a ThinQ-enabled LG TV, you can even receive these notifications directly on the screen — making sure you don’t miss any binge-worthy television.

4. Avoid service calls

You may be surprised just how advanced some of these features get; LG now offers customer support technology that alerts smart appliance owners to potential problems before they occur, which is more important than ever these days. For example, if you used too much detergent in an LG washing machine, “Proactive Customer Care” will send you an alert followed by specific care instructions to fix the problem. It can even tell you if your dryer vent needs cleaning or your fridge is not cooling properly, providing guidance for how to take the right action to avoid a problem.

5. Hands-free is carefree

Most smart appliances and devices can be connected to the Google Assistant and/or Amazon Alexa. Some smart TVs like those from LG have both built in. This feature lets you use voice commands to control your enabled appliances or devices so you don’t have to lift a finger!

If you recently bought a new appliance or TV, your home may be smarter than you thought. Interested in learning more about what smart appliances and smart TVs have to offer? Visit LG.com and take a look around.