Month: April 2020

2020-04-21T08:01:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by AbbVie

2020-04-21T08:01:01

(BPT) – With more time spent in the comfort of our home, spring-cleaning can take on an entirely new meaning this year. Consider the following hacks to make your household clean-up routine as efficient and thorough as possible.

Conquer kitchen crevices with lemon and baking soda

Crumbs, food residue and dirt can hide in kitchen crannies. Dedicate time to deep clean these commonly overlooked areas. In the microwave, chop a lemon into several chunks and add to three cups of water in a glass bowl. Microwave for about five minutes and keep the door shut after the timer to allow the steam to do its magic. Then, wipe down the interior with a microfiber cloth. The benefits of the lemon slices don’t end here. If your garbage disposal is starting to smell, carefully insert slices into the disposal and run. The acidity will combat clogs and leave your sink with a citrus scent.

In the refrigerator, sort through drawers and shelves and toss expired items. Use baking soda to remove caked on food and spills. Shake some baking soda on the spots, dampen with a few drops of water and let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing off residue. This method will leave your fridge spotless and scentless — an important but often forgotten consideration, as you do not want foods to absorb the smell of cleaning products. Lastly, while dishes may be washed daily, germs often thrive in your wet sponge. Microwave your damp sponge for 90 seconds to eliminate bacteria.

“Suds-idize” the shower

While dedicated to get you clean, a shower can build up bacteria if the moisture-filled environment is not treated properly. Tackling the shower is labor intensive and easy to move to the bottom of the chore list. To simplify the process, choose a cleaning product that is both safe and effective on the surface, whether your shower is made of tile, ceramic or plastic. Conduct an initial spot test, but — generally speaking — the more versatile the cleaner, the better.

To scrub and wipe away suds in one quick gesture, consider the multipurpose Peerless SideKick Shower System, which you can easily install yourself. This shower head not only provides a drenching shower experience but also comes with a cleaning attachment where water flows through the pad, allowing you to scrub tile, wash away cleaning product and ultimately reduce cleaning time.

Implement closet methodology

A closet cleanout can be both daunting and, let’s be honest, emotional. For items you’re not willing to part with just yet, hang all clothes backward on the rack. Once you have worn an item, hang forward facing on the rack. After a few months, donate items that remain backward, as they haven’t been touched and aren’t getting any use.

When reorganizing clothes in drawers or bins, fold and insert items upright without stacking. This is the best use of space and allows for a quick view of your wardrobe options, eliminating the need to sift through drawers and make a mess.

Organize easily ignored areas

We all have areas of the home that seem to stockpile goods and are only cleaned out once in a blue moon: the medicine cabinet, junk drawer, storage room, linen closet, craft area, garage and laundry room, to name a few. First, completely clear out these spaces. Use bins and buckets to create a system of organization and implement labels, as needed. When you add items back in, place the most-used items at the front and only reintroduce essential items. Finally tackling these areas will give you a sense of comfort and relief.

With these hacks, your spring-cleaning checklist will be complete in no time, with long-lasting results.

2020-04-20T11:25:00

(BPT) – Did you know you can use canned beans for every meal of the day, plus tasty snacks?

Chances are you currently have cans of beans in your pantry, and you may be wondering what to do with them. Perhaps someone in your household hasn’t tried beans, or you need a new recipe to entice your family. Fortunately, canned beans are not just a great source of protein, fiber and other nutrients, but they’re also incredibly versatile.

Unlike dried beans, canned beans are so convenient — there’s no need to soak them. They contain zero trans or saturated fat, and you can choose low-sodium varieties or simply drain and rinse regular canned beans to reduce sodium by 40% and still get all the great health benefits.

Looking for family-friendly canned bean recipes that bring taste and nutrition to your table? Start with these creative new ways to use beans.

1. Beans for breakfast? Absolutely!

This recipe for White Bean Protein Pancakes combines mineral-rich white beans with the natural sweetness of bananas for a hearty, delicious breakfast everyone will love. Adding beans is a sneaky way to boost protein in this breakfast favorite. Top with berries, honey or maple syrup.

No bananas? Substitute 1/2 cup of applesauce for one banana.
Egg shortage? Increase banana or applesauce by 1/4 cup per missing egg, plus 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to help them rise.

2. Mid-morning pick-me up

This protein-packed smoothie can be served any time of day for an energy-boosting treat so tasty nobody would even guess you’ve added healthy white beans.

Berry Bean Smoothie

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups orange juice
1 (15 ounce) can S&W White Beans (drained, rinsed)
2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen (slightly thawed)
1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
6-8 ice cubes (omit if using frozen berries)

Directions

In blender, combine ingredients. Cover; blend 20-30 seconds or until completely smooth. Pour into glasses. Will keep in refrigerator up to 24 hours.

• 2 (5.3 ounce) individual tubs of nonfat plain Greek yogurt will work in place of 1 cup.
• Substitute your favorite fruit juice for orange juice.
• Instead of ice, try frozen banana chunks.

3. Fresh and tangy lunch salad

Adding nuts, fruit and S&W Garbanzos to a bed of baby salad greens creates a refreshing Garbanzo Summer Salad that’s full of flavor — plus plenty of vitamins, nutrients and protein. Garbanzo beans transform this light salad into a hearty meal.

• Toast pecans on a sheet pan in the oven (instead of skillet) if preferred.
• Substitute or add other nuts, fruits or greens as needed/desired.

4. Upgrade a cheesy family favorite

Kids and grownups alike will love this creative take on mac and cheese. Cheesy Macaroni and White Beans is so good, your kids won’t even notice it’s packed with a bunch of extra nutrients. S&W White Beans make your mac and cheese hearty enough for dinner.

• No cheddar or Muenster? Try Monterey Jack, Gouda or cream cheese.
• Add a crispy topping using breadcrumbs or French fried onions — or crushed chips or crackers — toasted in the oven.

5. Healthy bean-based snacks

There’s no reason snacks can’t be good for you! Garbanzo beans, oats and honey combine for a nutritious snack you’ll feel good about serving your family any time of day. This recipe for Garbanzo Granola Bars is very versatile — swap out any nuts, seeds or dried fruits for whatever you’ve got, and choose chocolate chips instead of peanut butter chips if desired.

6. Help build strong bodies at dinnertime

Black beans offer nutrients like calcium, iron and potassium, which are crucial for growing bodies — along with rich flavor and texture that combines easily with ground meat. Adding beans is a smart way to stretch your grocery dollar without sacrificing taste. In this recipe for Black Bean and Beef Meatloaf, choose the level of heat your family prefers with your choice of taco sauce, or add more spice with cayenne or cumin.

Combine or replace ground beef with pork or turkey if preferred.

7. Beans for dessert? Why not?

Pinto Banana Bread also makes a great breakfast or snack. The mild flavor of S&W Pinto Beans blends well with bananas for a treat your kids won’t suspect is chock full of healthy minerals and fiber.

• No pecans? Use walnuts or almonds.
• Add raisins, dried cranberries or chocolate chips for more sweetness.

For more recipe inspiration using canned beans, visit SWBeans.com.

2020-04-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Can’t sleep? You’re not alone. Only 11% of Americans say they get excellent sleep on a regular basis, while 18% report poor or not good sleep quality, and the rest are somewhere in between.*

With all of the stress today, your bedroom should be a sanctuary you can retreat to — a place where you can rest and relax before drifting off to sleep. Here are a few things to consider when creating your own bedroom oasis that’s optimal for sleep.

Bed and bedding – There’s nothing like a comfortable mattress, soft sheets, plush pillows and a cozy blanket to calm you. Another way to enhance relaxation is adding a weighted blanket, like Tranquility, while resting or sleeping. Weighted blankets are designed to help you relax, fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up rested by applying deep touch pressure that can help reduce stress and promote a feeling of calm.

Lighting – Lighting is just as important. Opt for lamps with soft-white bulbs instead of overhead lights for a more soothing glow. Overhead lights can be harsh and uninviting.

Décor – From shag rugs and furniture to accent pillows, artwork and wall paint, keep the color scheme of your room light and airy. It’s soothing on the eyes and makes for a more tranquil atmosphere.

Aromatherapy – Scientific studies have proven that some scents, like lavender and jasmine, have a calming, relaxing effect and can be great in the bedroom to help soothe you before bedtime. Consider adding a diffuser and essential oils.

Decluttering and eliminating “noise” – Did you know clutter can actually magnify emotions of stress, anger or exhaustion? Clutter can be considered “visual noise” and a huge distractor when settling down to relax and recharge. Try clearing items off your dresser, nightstands and other surfaces by using organizers or containers.

Experts also recommend cooling temperatures and cutting back on electronics in the bedroom.

“Creating an optimal sleep environment is the key to falling asleep faster and staying asleep throughout the night,” says lifestyle expert Jenn Falik. “I find keeping my bedroom a cool 65 degrees, eliminating electronics in the room and having cozy bedding and my Tranquility weighted blanket, sets me up for the best night’s sleep possible.”

*Survey methodology: An omnibus survey of American adults 18+ conducted online by Finn Partners Research between May 15 and May 18, 2019, on behalf of Tranquility/American Textile Company.

2020-04-20T00:01:00

(BPT) – As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to mount, many Americans may be considering where to go for care if they develop potential symptoms. One important — yet potentially overlooked — resource is telehealth, which may enable people to connect 24/7 with a health care provider via a digital device and avoid potential exposure risks associated with in-person trips to health care facilities.

“Telehealth may be especially helpful as an initial option for medical advice related to COVID-19 and to help evaluate other possible health issues, as well as to assist people who live in rural areas,” said Dr. Anne Docimo, Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare.

To help people more effectively take advantage of this technology during the evolving COVID-19 situation, here are three tips to consider:

1. Identify available resources: To find telehealth resources, check with your care provider group, health benefit plan or employer. According to a recent Mercer study, nearly nine out of 10 employers offer telehealth visits to their employees, as do many Medicare and Medicaid health plans (in some cases by telephone). Meanwhile, 76% of hospitals connect patients and care providers using video or other technology, according to the American Hospital Association. In some cases, people can currently access telehealth visits without cost sharing. Since the outbreak emerged, some health plans are now encouraging patients to use telephone or live videoconferencing (if available) to connect people with local network medical providers, currently waiving cost sharing for COVID-19 related visits and treatments. Docimo points out this is especially important for people with certain complex conditions, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, as it may enable them to “see” their own physician for acute or follow-up care related to their condition and help avoid potential exposure to the coronavirus during an in-person visit.

2. Understand likely next steps: During a telehealth visit, care providers can give general medical advice to evaluate possible COVID-19 symptoms (fever, dry cough or difficulty breathing). While diagnostic testing services are not available through a telehealth visit to help confirm a diagnosis for COVID-19 (if needed), care providers can help guide patients to a local care provider or public health authority for testing and follow-up care. Making these connections may help people take the appropriate steps in advance of an in-person test, which may help reduce the risk of your exposure and possible exposure to other patients and health care providers. For other illnesses (not COVID-19 related) that are treatable with medications, telehealth care providers can write prescriptions and discuss how to obtain them safely, such as using medication home delivery or drive-thru pickup at a local pharmacy. Due to the COVID-19 situation, it is important to note that people may anticipate potential wait times, as some care providers offering telehealth may be currently experiencing a surge in appointments.

3. Access other health services: While elective health care procedures may be delayed to help enable care providers to focus on COVID-19 cases, telehealth may help people more effectively manage other health issues without the need to go out and risk potential exposure to the virus. Telehealth can help address myriad medical issues, including allergies, pinkeye, fevers, rashes and the regular flu. In addition, so much time at home can also contribute to behavioral health issues, so people should consider telehealth as a resource to connect with a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist. Importantly, people who experience a significant or serious medical issue should go to the emergency room (ER).

By considering these tips, people across the country may be able to more effectively use telehealth resources to help stay safe during these challenging times. For more information about the COVID-19 situation, go to www.uhc.com/coronavirus.

2020-04-17T14:31:00

(BPT) – Spring cleaning is a tradition that often includes dusting, mopping, decluttering and organizing homes for a fresh start. Many families may be cooking more while home right now, so this is a great opportunity to refresh your kitchen staples by filling the fridge with foods that support a healthy diet.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her top five fridge essentials to boost overall health and wellness:

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are a powerhouse of nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and iron. They’re great for soothing chronic inflammation and increasing energy levels naturally. Some tasty and versatile leafy greens to add to your grocery list include spinach, arugula, kale, chard and watercress. You can use these as a salad base, add to sandwiches or wraps, create tasty side dishes or incorporate a handful to your favorite meal to add supercharged nutrition.

Eggs

Eggs are an important source of essential vitamins and nutrients, but not all eggs are created equal. Eggland’s Best (EB) eggs offer superior nutrition compared to ordinary eggs at the grocery store, such as 25% less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E and six times more vitamin D. EB eggs also contain more than double the vitamin B12 compared to other eggs, which may help maintain energy levels while giving your house a spring makeover. By simply incorporating EB eggs into your family recipes, you can easily boost the nutrition of your favorite meals.

Greek yogurt

Yogurt is a trending health food, but some yogurts offer greater health benefits than others. Reach for plain Greek yogurt on your next trip down the dairy aisle, because it has twice the protein and less sugar than regular yogurt. Not to mention, its thick, creamy consistency may help you feel fuller longer, reducing the likelihood of extra snacking. Create your own parfait by choosing plain yogurt and add natural sweetness with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. Plain yogurt also makes a great base for healthier dressings and other tasty recipes.

Oats

Fiber is an essential part of any diet because it fills you up, helping you to feel more satisfied throughout the day. Although not technically stored in the fridge, oats are a fiber superstar and a must-have for every kitchen because they offer an affordable and accessible way to get a healthy dose of daily fiber. For example, when eaten as part of a balanced breakfast, oats help curb cravings and keep you feeling satisfied until lunch time. For a simple breakfast on-the-go, blend oats into your favorite smoothie.

Berries

All berries are rich with antioxidants that keep your heart healthy and your brain sharp. Berries add great flavor to breakfast foods, salads and more, not to mention snacking on a few throughout the day is a great way to naturally satisfy a sweet tooth. Frozen berries are a wonderful alternative when fresh aren’t available, providing similar health benefits. You can mix into a smoothie, yogurt, or thaw for baking!

To celebrate your fridge makeover, explore new recipes featuring these nutritious ingredients, such as this Eggland’s Best recipe for Sweet Potato Bowls.

Sweet Potato Bowl

Ingredients:

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large), poached

1 large sweet potato

2 teaspoons olive oil, separated

salt and pepper

1 cup ground sausage

1/2 cup salsa

1 avocado, diced

Directions:

Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a medium pan over med/high heat and brown the ground sausage.

While the sausage cooks, fill a large pot with a few inches of water and place over medium/high heat until it just starts to simmer.

Crack eggs individually into a ramekin or cup and create a gentle whirlpool in the water.

Slowly pour the eggs one by one into the water and leave to cook for three minutes.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel.

While the eggs poach, spiralize the sweet potato using a spiralizer.

Heat the other teaspoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add in the sweet potato noodles and cook until they just begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer the cooked sweet potato noodles into a large bowl.

Drain the ground sausage and add to the sweet potato noodles.

Toss with 1/2 cup of the salsa.

Divide the noodles and sausage between two bowls, top each with diced avocado and a poached egg!