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Impressive design gets the word out

2020-06-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – First impressions matter now more than ever. If you can create a visually impactful, emotional connection with your branding, customers will respond. In today’s world, eye-catching design can be the difference between winning the sale or losing a potential client.

Customers are bombarded by advertising every second of the day. Well-designed business collateral like brochures and posters can help a business break through the clutter and have meaningful connections right from the start of the user experience.

Design tips to create unforgettable marketing

Great design can be hard, but these simple tips can help your designs become that much more engaging.

  • Eye-catching color

Color makes everything more enticing. Grab customers’ attention and build excitement with beautiful pops of color that represent your brand.

  • Impactful imagery

A picture is worth 1,000 words. Choose relevant, high-quality photography to make food look delicious, products come to life and your space look inviting.

  • Striking fonts

It’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Choosing a font that is easy to read, aesthetically pleasing and on brand can help carry your message a long way.

  • Beautiful simplicity

Less can be more. It’s easy to go overboard with design by adding in too many distracting prints and patterns. Keep it simple by steering clear of unnecessary copy, colors and font variations.

With so many companies and brands competing for attention, design is one of the best tools to utilize to separate yourself from the crowd.

Introducing the new FedEx Office design tool

As a business owner, your time is valuable and often limited. Between running your business and managing you team, finance, HR, operations and customer service, you may be short on time to develop and design marketing collateral.

FedEx Office’s new design tool makes it easier for business owners to create the professionally printed materials they need to reach and connect with their customers.

Easy to use

  • Drag and drop functionality
  • No need to learn complicated software
  • Access to thousands of stock images, templates and fonts

Flexible options

  • Design and print posters, menus, flyers and more
  • Explore custom templates tailored to your needs
  • Save functionality to tweak designs or reprint favorites

Refreshingly convenient

  • Design and print from anywhere, anytime
  • Get professional-quality design without spending designer prices
  • Fully integrated into the FedEx Office print network for end-to-end design, production and delivery

With access to millions of images and illustrations, an extensive library of templates, and a simple drag-and-drop interface, you can design virtually anything and print at more than 2,000 FedEx Office locations across the U.S. Ready to take your designs to the next level?


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Creative Ways to a Backyard Paradise

2020-06-23T11:23:00

Photo courtesy The Sater Design Collection, Inc.

(BPT) – Looking to add pizzazz to your home’s patio or lanai? Join the many homeowners who are working with design experts to create chic, yet practical outdoor living areas. They’re using natural materials like cypress. And you can too! Here are five suggestions on how to create your own backyard paradise.

Photo courtesy The Sater Design Collection, Inc.

Plan Ahead

Luxury homebuilder Dan Sater of The Sater Design Collection in Bonita Springs, Florida, says building an inviting, exciting, and relaxing outdoor space starts with smart design. “The first step is to determine what features are needed — anything from kitchen and bar areas to a fireplace and TV wall,” he says. “Then, make the space flow from the interior to the exterior by using building products that are not just rich and warm, but also low-maintenance and durable. Cypress is one of my favorite materials to work with. It can evoke a formal feel or a rustic vibe, especially as a ceiling treatment.”

Photo courtesy Ron Rosenzweig @ronsprophoto

Choose Wisely

Building material options abound, but for interior designer Joy R. Dabill of Jupiter, Florida, one material stands out. “When I’m evaluating building products and making recommendations to clients, I gravitate toward cypress,” she says, “because in our area along the Florida Atlantic Coast, we rely heavily on products that hold up to salt water, humidity, and warm air. That’s why I love using cypress for lanai ceilings, rafter tails, and other outdoor applications. It holds up so well to moisture; it gives a cozier feeling, and it’s locally available.”

Photo courtesy Adam Dooms Media

Furnish with Confidence

Tired of replacing run-of-the-mill patio furniture every few years? Dabill suggests exploring custom-made options. “Cypress is great for furniture,” she explains. “Not only is it beautiful, it sands perfectly. I often work with a local woodworker to fabricate custom cypress outdoor dining and cocktail tables. They are sized to fit a space and are absolute show pieces.”

Photo courtesy Jackson Cabinetry, LLC

Don’t Forget Storage

A well-designed outdoor living space should include all the creature comforts typically found indoors. And as Patrick Fulton of Jackson Cabinetry in Covington, Louisiana, reminds us, that includes storage. “When it comes to our cabinetry, what’s available for outdoor areas is just as high-quality as what you would find inside your home,” he says. “Our custom outdoor cabinetry is built with durable, weather-resistant materials. Cypress — especially antique or sinker cypress — is our species of choice, and it’s wonderful because it has natural protective oils.”

Photo courtesy Ron Rosenzweig @ronsprophoto

Finish it Off

Finishes play a major role in keeping wood looking good and performing well in the elements. For outdoor cypress cabinets, Fulton recommends applying marine-grade finishes. And for cypress ceilings, Dabill offers these tips. “Match the stain to the color of the indoor floor,” she says. “And use semi-transparent, oil-based stains. They work best and enhance cypress’ natural beauty and character.”

For more ideas on how to add pizzazz to your backyard paradise, visit CypressInfo.org.


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If you’re taking blood thinners and fear bleeding risks, staying educated and talking to your doctor can help

2020-06-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – For many people today, anticoagulants or blood thinners are a normal part of everyday life. In fact, it’s estimated that more than eight million people in the U.S. use these medications daily to prevent dangerous blood clots.1 Blood thinners are life-saving medications, but as with any medication, they also carry some risks, including potentially serious bleeding incidents.

Since blood thinners slow the rate at which a person’s blood will clot, unwanted and sometimes dangerous bleeding can occur with their use. Most times, this bleeding isn’t life-threatening, and might just involve a minor cut or scrape, but some injuries, like those caused by a fall or head injury, can result in more serious consequences.2

While many people who take blood thinners understand this potential risk for serious bleeding, and are taking steps to minimize their bleeding risks, the results of a recent survey conducted by the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA) demonstrate that they still remain fearful of major bleeding.

Specifically, of the respondents aged 18 and older currently prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), 42 percent say the risk of a major bleed has discouraged them from trying new activities. Of the 55 percent who said they fear major bleeding, nearly three-quarters (72 percent) say this concern has impacted their quality of life. Nearly 3 in 5 respondents (59 percent) said they were more cautious about participating in leisure activities – from gardening (62 percent), to traveling (39 percent) and playing with children or grandchildren (36 percent) – after having been prescribed blood thinners.

This is unfortunate, given that life expectancy has nearly doubled in recent decades3, with people today living fuller, longer lives and expressing a heightened interest and enthusiasm for traveling and new experiences.4

“What we want, of course, is for people who are prescribed blood thinners to be living their best life – traveling, exercising, playing with their grandchildren,” says Michael B. Streiff, M.D., FACP, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. “To address the fear people taking blood thinners might have about bleeding risks, it’s important for them to have a good dialogue with their healthcare providers so they understand fully how those risks can be managed, particularly if serious bleeding does occur.”

The good news is this dialogue is taking place: Almost all (95 percent) of the people surveyed report that they have discussed the risks associated with blood thinners with their healthcare provider, and most (89 percent) of the respondents who said they are more cautious about travelling also said they would be more likely to travel if they knew there were hospitals nearby that had medicines to stop or reverse a severe bleeding incident.

Patients may need to balance their concerns with information that will help them be prepared. They should discuss all of their questions and concerns with their medical team to understand how serious bleeding can be managed, should it occur, including how other therapies may be used in an emergency or hospital setting to help reverse their blood thinner medication in the event of a serious bleeding incident.

Not sure where to start? Visit www.stoptheclot.org/guide to learn more, and to download a free discussion guide to help inform your next conversation with your healthcare provider.

1 IBM Truven Health Analytics, 12 months ending December 31, 2018 for Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid patients (October 24, 2019)

2 The National Blood Clot Alliance. Accessed February 4, 2020. https://www.stoptheclot.org/about-clots/managing-anticoagulants/

3 The National Institute on Aging. Accessed February 4, 2020. https://www.nia.nih.gov/living-long-well-21st-century-strategic-directions- research-aging/introduction.

4 Lane, Lea. “Percentage of Americans Who Never Traveled Beyond The State Where They Were Born? A Surprise.” Accessed February 4, 2020. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lealane/2019/05/02/percentage-of-americans-who-never-traveled-beyond-the-state-where-they-were-born-a- surprise/

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Putting Your Home to Work: 5 Things to Know About Solar Panels

2020-06-23T16:01:00

(BPT) – As people have been spending more time at home and watching their utility bills increase, solar energy is becoming a topic of interest. In fact, even with more constrained purchasing practices in many households in the current environment, a recent Harris Poll research study revealed a 13 percent increase in consumer interest in solar energy since mid-March.

That’s not surprising, given that the installation of solar panels can save homeowners hundreds of dollars in monthly utility bills, boost the value of their homes and provide peace of mind about helping the environment. Thankfully, making solar energy part of your daily life has never been easier.

If you are among the millions of American homeowners considering making the logical step to solar energy, here are some facts from renewable energy experts.

Solar works all day, year-round, in any weather

Your solar energy system gathers the most energy from full sun, but it can still work at 10 to 25 percent capacity on overcast days. What about snowy days? Your system will still gather some energy even if it’s partially covered, and high-quality solar panels are designed both to withstand significant amounts of accumulated snow and to help melt it away.

It’s easier than ever to go solar

There are new tools to walk you through the technology and financing you would need to get started with a solar installation or conversion. One such personal solar advisor is called “Solar Concierge.” This program from LG Solar takes a consultative approach, without high-pressure sales tactics, helping you determine whether solar meets your objectives and sets you up with an installer if you’re interested.

Solar panels pay for themselves

By offsetting what you pay for electricity, solar panels can pay for themselves. The payoff date depends on the size and cost of your system, the amount of energy you use and the rebates and incentives you employ. Generally, for the first eight years or so, your annual investment in solar power will likely equal the amount you would otherwise pay to power your home in other ways. After that time, your solar power will essentially be free and should continue to work efficiently for many more years.

Not all panels are created equal

Because solar panels can vary so much, you’ll want to conduct research before finalizing your purchase. Check reputable buyer’s guides and seek a company that has a long history of high-quality design innovation, testing and manufacturing, looking for evidence of both cutting-edge solar technologies and global sustainability. Find a brand you can trust with a 25-year warranty. When choosing products, note that some of today’s high-efficiency panels generate nearly 20 percent more energy than conventional panels of the same size. With higher-efficiency panels, you may even have surplus green energy to sell back to your local utility provider.

Solar systems can be designed to work with most roofs

These days, a number of options are available for securely connecting your panels regardless of the limited space your roof might have or what it’s made of. A solar installer can assess your roof’s maximum weight load and your city’s building code before designing a solar system that works for your home. Homeowners can choose from a range of designs, including sleek and premium panels that deliver a modern aesthetic.

To find more information about the solar power system that’s ideal for your home, please visit lg.com.


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Social Sessions & Meals Missed Most During Social Distancing [Infographic]

2020-06-23T09:43:00

(BPT) – Inspired by how social distancing has driven Americans to find new ways to stay connected with loved ones and their desires to keep mealtime exciting, Cacique, Inc. — one of the country’s top authentic Mexican food brands — recently uncovered the meals and social events Americans are most anticipating enjoying in-person again once restrictions are lifted.

Using these findings, Cacique introduced its Season the Day social media series, which features recipe tutorials and contests for lucky winners to join top Mexican cuisine chefs for exclusive virtual meal experiences that mirror the social occasions Americans are missing most, including Brunch and Date Night. Follow the Cacique Instagram for updates.


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Mental health on the farm: Don’t let pride stand in the way of getting help

2020-06-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – American farm life is often portrayed with images of a happy family, healthy animals, sunshine and green fields. Working in agriculture is a source of pride for many people, but reality is not as perfect as the commercials and storybooks.

In fact, depression and anxiety on the farm are pressing problems that have long simmered beneath the surface with little attention or open discussion. Shelby Watson-Hampton knows this too well; her older brother, Russ, who almost always appeared outgoing and energetic, silently battled depression and anxiety. Suicide claimed his life in 2003. Watson-Hampton farms on their fourth-generation family farm, Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, located in Maryland.

“Suicide was very stigmatized then. It just wasn’t talked about,” she says. “So I think we did what a lot of farm families do: We just shut down a little bit.”

Anxiety and depression are widespread in agriculture, yet it’s something people often struggle with silently. Farmers and farmworkers say financial issues (91%), farm or business problems (88%) and fear of losing the farm (87%) impact their mental health, according to a 2019 poll sponsored by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“Rural people take pride in taking care of themselves and handling situations,” says Ted Matthews, director of Minnesota Rural Mental Health. “That positive thing can become a negative when they need help and they have too much pride to ask for it.”

Warning signs of depression

When it comes to warning signs of depression and anxiety — whether in yourself or someone else — Dr. David Merrell says one of the main things to look for is a loss of enjoyment.

“You stop doing the things that you enjoy doing, the activities, the fishing, whatever it is,” says Merrell, the on-site medical doctor for Syngenta in Greensboro, North Carolina. “Individuals who are starting to face depression and anxiety find there’s a mounting weight on them that makes those activities no longer enjoyable.”

Weight gain or weight loss can be another sign, as is increased emotionality, such as becoming tearful over simple interactions. “Maybe deadlines are being missed where they never used to be missed, fields aren’t getting planted when they used to,” Merrell says.

Additional signs indicating that a person might need help include:

  • Decline in care of crops, animals and farm
  • Deterioration of personal appearance
  • Marriage issues
  • Opioid abuse
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Buying more life insurance
  • Increase in physical complaints, difficulty sleeping
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Comments like: “I have nothing to live for,” and “My family would be better off without me.”

Giving and getting help

Many experts suggest that listening nonjudgmentally, with care and concern, is often the most effective way people can help someone facing anxiety or depression. If someone in your life needs to talk, be sure to listen and don’t blame, Matthews says.

“All of us in rural communities are in this together,” says Matthews. “If people don’t know what to do, they do nothing. More medical doctors and psychologists would be helpful. But without community involvement, little progress will be made.”

For the person suffering from depression, proactively finding that kind of support system is crucial, Merrell says. “This I cannot stress enough: Find somebody you can confide in to say, ‘I’m having a hard time,'” he says. “That person might be a friend, a spouse, a clergy member or a mental health professional who will be able to give you tools and say, ‘Hey, next time this comes up, here’s what you’ve got to do.'”

These conversations don’t always require going into an office. “There are a lot of telehealth opportunities so you can seek help from professionals over the phone,” Merrell notes.

Today, there are more outlets for help than ever before. “Major land grant universities, extension agencies, commodity groups, agribusinesses — they’re all looking at it now. It comes up at almost every ag conference I’ve gone to in the last year or two, which is a huge change,” says Watson-Hampton. “There are farm crisis centers and farm resources like Farm Town Strong, which is a collaboration of the Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union to combat opioid addiction.”

Additional mental health resources

To get mental health counseling or to learn more about mental health issues, contact these organizations:

To learn more about Syngenta and read more stories about trending agriculture topics, visit www.syngentathrive.com.


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A New Age of Design: Top 5 Trends to Watch

2020-06-23T02:01:00

(BPT) – In 2020, there have been some lifestyle changes that have impacted the way we all are using our home spaces. With more time spent at home, many have gained new perspective when it comes to their immediate needs and surroundings. Not surprisingly, consumers are now rethinking their home designs and about the ways they can make their dwellings more functional as well as enjoyable. From dual-purpose designs, to self-care spaces, here are five top trends to watch in this new age.

1. Color is taking center stage.

Homeowners are looking for simple swaps to update their spaces and a colorful addition is the perfect project. While years past have harnessed hues of the neutral and earth tone variety, more showstopping shades are now taking over as people look to add fun to their spaces. While soft pastels such as greens, pinks and steely grays are still a fixture, one bold color in particular has emerged as the leader of the pack when it comes to popular picks — and is kicking off the new decade with its own major moment: blue. Not only is Classic Blue the Pantone Color of the Year in 2020, but the chic pigment is also popping up more and more in designs — from custom cabinetry, to stylish accessories in the form of range knobs and cookware. If this triumphant takeover is any indication, this dynamic color choice is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.

2. Make room for multi-functional style.

No matter the size of your space, multi-functional design elements are making waves. With more time indoors, the need for rooms that serve more than one purpose is even greater. From kitchens that double as homeschooling stations with newly hung chalkboards detailing daily schedules, to bonus rooms that have been transformed for both work and play with bookcases and toy organizers, the interest in versatile design is only growing — and extends to products, too. Convertible chairs and sleeper sofas are just a few of the dual-purpose items that will be topping the must-have furniture list this year, appealing to consumers due to its usefulness factor.

3. Extra is the new essential.

If anything has become clear when it comes to design in 2020, it is this: Features that were once considered nice to have are now becoming essential. This year, homeowners are discovering what they can’t live without and are taking the steps to update their homes accordingly due to their new lifestyles. Perhaps the most critical? Home offices. An increasing trend for the past few years, 2020 cemented this one-time perk as a must-have area of the home. Whether transforming a bonus room or building out a garage, homeowners are looking to create work-from-home destinations that fit multiple work-space needs — especially as many couples are finding themselves sharing areas that need to be flexible enough for both parties. To ensure that spaces are truly quiet for those daily calls and meetings, acoustic insulation is another feature we can expect to see in emerging home designs. For an added perk, custom, compact appliances such as built-in coffee machines are even being incorporated, providing the perfect morning jolt or afternoon pick-me-up to get those who are hard at work through their day.

4. Self-care spaces are all the rage.

Now more than ever, homeowners are looking to create customized rooms for self-care and weekly workouts. Whether that is a space to apply a facemask while enjoying a glass of wine, or an area for online exercise classes, a room to retreat to has become essential. For the homeowner who cherishes her weekly sweat sessions, a mini yoga studio may be the perfection addition to her home — and the design possibilities are endless. From installing stylish weight racks, to a custom vanity equipped with a Thermador 24-Inch Under-Counter Double Drawer Refrigerator, it’s the ultimate escape room. Outfitted with cold eucalyptus towels, fresh bottles of matcha and temperature-sensitive face creams and serums, the Under-Counter refrigerator keeps items organized and neatly tucked into place thanks to removable and customizable dividers. Alternatively, for the wine lover supreme, a sleek 18-inch Wine Column stocked with a variety of reds and whites can complete a sacred space for relaxing and rejuvenating for the next day. Any way you slice it, an area to reset in — whether you are waking up or winding down — is a trend that is picking up much more steam.

5. Storage solutions are seeing a serious spike.

While it is not a new concept to have an extra pantry or additional storage area for nonperishable food items, innovative storage solutions are seeing a huge spike. Depending on their individual needs, homeowners are looking to maximize their existing spaces. Whether that entails reimagining pantry layouts with extra bins and shelving or making use of an empty nook by adding auxiliary refrigerators and freezers, consumers want to ensure that they have more than enough space for their essential ingredients. Many are also exploring entirely new design possibilities to create spaces that are better suited to staying home for the long haul. From incorporating sleek refrigeration columns handcrafted from authentic stainless steel to house fresh and frozen stockpiles, to adding a wall of see-through storage bins that allow for easy access to snacks and canned goods, homeowners are looking for inventive ways to store more without sacrificing square footage.


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How to get paid sick leave if you fear you have COVID-19

2020-06-22T16:19:00

(BPT) – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, workers everywhere have struggled with what to do about their jobs if they have symptoms they fear may be due to the coronavirus.

For essential workers, and for those whose workplaces are beginning to open up again, this is a very real dilemma. If you’ve got symptoms similar to a cold, flu or even allergies — and worry you may have COVID-19 — you might be concerned about exposing others, while also wanting to be sure you’ll be covered if you can’t go to work.

Steps to take if you’re feeling sick

First consider the most typical symptoms seen with COVID-19 cases, according to the CDC:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you have any of these symptoms, have had recent contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and/or live in an area that has seen a flare-up of cases, you may have reason to be concerned.

Protect yourself and others by staying home

The recently passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights is a law requiring certain employers to provide employees two weeks’ paid sick leave if the employee can’t work “because the employee is quarantined … and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and seeking a medical diagnosis.”

This law helps ensure you can be paid for your time at home, even if you have little or no PTO offered at your workplace — and your employer is reimbursed by the government for providing that pay.

Staying home from work when you’re sick is the best way to prevent possible exposure to others, helping stop the spread of the virus.

Hurdles to getting medical treatment

If you need medical advice regarding your symptoms before returning to work, you may have obstacles preventing you from seeing a doctor, such as:

  • Being uninsured or underinsured
  • Feeling fearful of in-person medical visits due to potential exposure
  • Being low on funds to pay for a doctor visit copay
  • Lacking high-speed internet access for a telehealth visit
  • Not having time to schedule and keep a doctor visit

A solution to getting a medical assessment

There’s a quick, easy and affordable alternative to help anyone get the doctor’s note they need, either for their employer, and/or to request a COVID-19 test in an area that requires a medical referral: DrNote.com.

For only $19, you fill out a confidential, online smart questionnaire that is designed based on the CDC list of common COVID-19 symptoms and high risk factors. Your questionnaire is reviewed within hours by a doctor licensed in all 50 states.

Once your responses are evaluated by the physician, you’ll receive an email that same day with instructions, best practices and the doctor’s note itself, which can be printed or forwarded to employers, allowing you time for a two-week quarantine. You’ll also receive helpful quarantine guidelines.

So far, over 60,000 doctor’s notes have been issued by the company in Germany, France and the United States combined, offering the only technology worldwide that can provide the quantity of doctor’s notes that need to be issued during this global emergency.

This service, which can help protect you, your co-workers and the public, is now available in 39 states (not available in Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota).

“With the help of DrNote.com, Americans can quickly obtain the appropriate documentation to help them to access the benefits of the Families First Coronavirus Act,” says Dr. Can Ansay, founder. “The online process helps reduce stress on healthcare workers while keeping patients and others safe from further spread of the virus.”


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Smart seasonal cleaning: 3 steps to healthier foods in a tidier kitchen

2020-06-22T12:15:00

(BPT) – Perhaps this year more than any other, seasonal clean-ups and clean-outs have become important to many of us. So, as you tidy-up closets, basements and garages and refresh your spaces, make sure you don’t overlook the heart of the home: the kitchen. Now is a great time to purge the back-of-the-pantry and rid your refrigerator of crusty-topped condiment jars with an eye toward restocking with nutritious choices.

Not only will cleaning out your fridge and pantry keep your kitchen more organized, but it also brings the added bonus of eating a bit healthier. Here are three steps to help guide you:

Step 1: Swap in low-fat condiments

Your refrigerator shelves are probably lined with partially filled bottles of salad dressing, last summer’s ketchup and maybe even a jar of specialty herb mayonnaise that you’ve long forgotten about. Check expiration dates and toss out any past-due items, or items that you don’t use anymore — they’re taking up space. Make sure you recycle containers where you can or, better yet, reuse glass jars to store new homemade sauces and blends.

For those condiments that you keep, make sure you check the nutrition label for fat content. It’s a great time to try swapping out higher fat items — like bottled marinades — with better-for-you alternatives. For instance, a simple balsamic vinegar-based dressing whisked with olive oil and spices can add a lower-fat splash of flavor to meals.

Step 2: Front of the package makes healthy choices easier

While shopping for groceries, paying attention to what’s on the front of the package can help us more quickly find foods that are better for us, including looking for emblems like the iconic American Heart Association Heart-Check mark. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Original with soybean oil carries the Heart-Check mark, which means it meets the nutritional requirements of the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check certification program as a heart-healthy food. It’s made with simple ingredients including soybean oil, which studies suggest may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease*, purified water and a pinch of salt.

A good source of Omega-3 ALA (295mg per tablespoon serving (18% of the 1.6g daily value)), I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Original also contains 70% less saturated fat and 40% fewer calories than dairy butter. And while that’s great news for your heart, your taste buds will be equally pleased. You can cook and spread in all the ways that are tasty, satisfying and better for you than butter. Visit www.icantbelieveitsnotbutter.com to learn more and get inspired by delicious, easy recipes.

Step 3: Organize your herbs and spices

It’s easy to accumulate two, or even three, bottles of the same spice in our cabinets, especially if they aren’t used often. Take time to organize your shelves and spices in a way that reflects your search intuition and culinary impulses — you may find separating spices for desserts and baking from those generally used for main courses makes it easier for your prep. And, if you’re consolidating duplicates of the same spice, remember that dried herbs generally don’t go bad, but they do lose their potency over time and may be less flavorful.

Keep in mind that while ready-made spice blends, rubs and mixes are a short-cut to flavorful food, they generally contain a lot of salt. Create your own custom blends and experiment with new flavors and less sodium. Better yet, plant an herb garden. You can keep your dry herb mixtures stored in an airtight jar for year-round use or stir your fresh blends right into your weeknight dinners.

With these three steps, you’ll find tidying up your pantry and refrigerator, and keeping them stocked with healthy options, has never been easier. Lastly, don’t forget to look for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® Original packages that carry the iconic American Heart Association Heart-­Check mark on the front package label to help make a simple and healthy choice.

* Supportive but not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1 ½ tablespoons (20.5g) daily of soybean oil, which contains unsaturated fat, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. To achieve this possible benefit, soybean oil is to replace saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. One tablespoon serving of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!® contains 5g of soybean oil.


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Feeling stressed? Here are 6 ways running can address today’s anxiety

2020-06-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve ever experienced that almost Zen sense of calm just after a workout, you understand the positive effects exercise can have on your mental health.

By now, most people know about the physical health benefits achievable through running and other fitness activities. But in these mentally and emotionally taxing times, it’s more important than ever to understand how exercise can help control the stress and anxiety we feel in response.

“It may seem counterintuitive that exercise, a form of physical stress, can help the body manage general stress levels,” notes the American Psychological Association. “But the right kind of stress can actually make the body more resilient. Many experts believe routine exercise is as powerful in treating anxiety and mood disorders as antidepressants.”

Licensed psychologist and coach for women’s running program Moms on the Run Anshan Moore Eckard stresses the importance of channeling our stress into healthy avenues when life starts to seem overwhelming.

“It is really important to focus on the things we can control,” she says. “Right now, that is what we do in our own lives and in our own homes, continuing to do the things we know work (exercise, healthy eating habits, good quality and adequate sleep, staying connected with friends and loved ones), and letting go of the things that don’t. I encourage people to focus on what opportunities may lie during this time.”

Because running is easy to do, requires no specialized equipment and can be done inside or out, it can be one of the most efficient and effective methods of protecting ourselves from stress and anxiety. Here are key facts to know about running and stress relief.

1. Running releases endorphins. The feel-good neurotransmitters interact with your brain to reduce perceived pain and trigger positive feelings that can mimic the effects of morphine.

2. Group running can promote social wellness. Positive interactions with others can help us feel better about ourselves and ward off depression. That’s one advantage of supportive group running programs like Moms on the Run, which bring together like-minded women who want to initiate or improve running skills while having fun at the same time. MOTR members often use their workout time to catch up on each other’s lives, vent about their daily challenges and support each other’s fitness journeys. Others prefer to run safely and quietly with their groups while listening to music or inspirational podcasts, concentrating on moving, breathing and sweating as a way of releasing the day’s concerns.

3. Running need not be time-consuming. Most people can obtain significant relief from anxiety by running five times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time. Frequent runs are more important to your mental health than long runs, though both can be beneficial.

4. Running teaches our bodies to handle stress. Because strenuous activity mimics the bodily responses produced by anxiety, it shows our bodies how to manage anxiety without getting overwhelmed, according to the APA report.

5. Running can improve our sleep. Studies suggest running and other regular exercise can help produce healthier, more restful sleep and reduce insomnia, leaving you more able to cope with life demands in the daytime.

6. Running provides a sense of accomplishment. The discipline and routine of running can act as a form of self-care by raising our confidence and giving us a sense of control in an uncertain world. “Prioritizing self-care practices like exercise can result in a cascade effect of other healthy habits, like eating nutritiously, socializing with others and getting a good night’s sleep,” reports the APA. “All that can improve depression symptoms.”

Ask the fitness specialists at Moms on the Run how a structured running program can help reduce your stress and anxiety. The nationally franchised program for women of all ages and abilities — not just moms — offers year-round training formats, including virtual services during COVID.