Month: June 2020

2020-06-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – Women’s health can be complex, and every woman has unique considerations and needs. Well-women exams are an important time to bring up these needs and take proactive steps to protect your health, including important testing for things like cervical cancer.

Results from a new survey conducted by the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) and HealthyWomen evaluated behaviors and attitudes among healthcare providers and women related to cervical cancer screening. Top findings underscore important cervical health considerations every woman should know:

Co-testing using both the Pap and HPV tests together is the most effective testing option

The Pap test and HPV test together is an important testing option to ask about during a well-woman appointment. Each test has a role to play. The Pap test looks for cellular changes that could be precursors to cancer, and the HPV test screens for the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer. Women receive the benefits of two tests with just one sample. The survey found that co-testing using the Pap test and HPV test together has increased over the past five years, helping to screen for cervical cancer in a more comprehensive manner.

In fact, 89% of healthcare providers believe co-testing is essential for women’s health and 95% see the value of the Pap test in screening for cervical cancer. Additionally, 90% of women say they understand the value of the Pap test.

“During your visit, ask your healthcare provider about co-testing using both the Pap test and HPV test for a more comprehensive cervical cancer screening,” says Dr. DaCarla Albright, member of HealthyWomen’s Women’s Health Advisory Council. “Both tests together provide the best way to protect women’s health and well-being, helping to detect cancer so it can be treated effectively.”

Your doctor or nurse practitioner can help determine how frequently you need to get tested

Should you go every year for a well-woman exam and be screened for cervical cancer, or do you only need to be tested every five years? Current guidelines recommend that women ages 21-29 get tested with the Pap test every three years, and women ages 30-65 should get co-tested no longer than every five years.

However, the right testing frequency can still seem confusing, and women are unsure how often they should be tested. This is reflected in the survey, as healthcare providers’ recommendations and reality differ widely.

For example, 43% of healthcare providers recommend that women 30-65 who’ve been tested get retested every five years, yet only 23% follow this recommendation. The majority of women opt to get tested more frequently, with 1% tested every four years, 31% tested every three years, 14% every two years, 27% every year and 1% every six months.

“The best way to determine your optimum frequency of testing is to talk with your healthcare provider,” said Aimee Chism Holland, DNP, WHN-BC, FNP-C, FAANP, past-chair of the board of directors for the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health. “He or she can give you a tailored recommendation based on your age, cervical cancer screening history and other factors.”

Discussing cervical cancer with your doctor or nurse practitioner helps ensure the best protection

The survey found a disconnect between the conversations healthcare providers and women believe they are having regarding cervical cancer. This critical conversation is important to ensure regular screening. Cervical cancer survival rates increase significantly the earlier the cancer is detected and treated.

While 76% of healthcare providers claim to discuss cervical cancer and HPV frequently as part of their routine exams, women’s perception is that they don’t discuss these conditions as frequently, with only 27% saying they talk about it with their healthcare provider most or all of the time and a quarter of women saying they never discuss cervical cancer with their healthcare provider.

Women and healthcare providers should prioritize having an honest conversation about cervical cancer risks and testing to empower every woman to take the correct steps to protect her health. To learn more about the Cervical Cancer Today survey, visit npwh.org or healthywomen.org/cervicalcancerscreening.

2020-06-22T08:03:00

(BPT) – With summer upon us and travel plans likely on hold, it’s time to figure out what’s on your family’s summer bucket list. Whether it’s learning a new language, reading one book a week or exploring your culinary skills, there are many different ways a smart home with Amazon Alexa can make this summer your best one yet. From enabling Skills to setting up Routines, here are seven different ways Amazon Devices and Alexa can help:

1. Rise and shine

Although many of us think of summer as the time to sleep in, try setting a consistent routine this season. Start the day off right by setting a Routine through your Alexa app. Alexa can wake you at the same time each day with a friendly “good morning,” play your favorite song or even turn on your bedside lamp with an Amazon Smart Plug.

2. Practice self-care

Make yourself a priority this summer. Whether that includes working out, doing yoga, or taking a moment to slow down and meditate, Alexa can help you stay on track. With the Fire TV Stick 4K, ask Alexa to start a 7-minute workout for a quick sweat or open your favorite workout with the Peloton app.

3. Get work done

A productive work environment can help increase your daily performance. Upgrade your home Wi-Fi with an eero mesh wi-fi router for reliable signal and an Echo Dot to stay on top of tasks with your calendar and to-do lists. In addition to being able to control your schedule, you also have full control over your voice recordings and more with Alexa. Alexa and Echo devices are built with multiple layers of privacy — from microphone and camera controls to the ability to review and delete your voice recordings. It’s easy to manage your recordings by simply saying, “Alexa, delete what I just said” or “Alexa, delete everything I said today.” You can also use the Alexa app or Alexa Privacy Settings for full control over your voice recordings and more.

4. Learn new skills

Take this summer to expand your knowledge and learn new skills. With Amazon Devices, you can start learning a new language with the Rosetta Stone skill or read new books with the Fire HD 8 Tablet or Kindle Paperwhite. Learn new skills in the kitchen by trying recipes with the Food Network Kitchen skill on the Echo Show.

5. Plan for the week

Staying organized will help keep your summer stress-free. Easily plan your week by asking Alexa to create a to-do list and set reminders for important tasks. With Alexa Voice Shopping, you can easily order items such as paper towels or a new set of grilling tools for your weekend backyard barbecue.

6. Spend time with family and friends

While you may not physically be with friends and family, it’s easy to stay in touch with the Echo Show. For extra face to face time, enable Drop-In and ask Alexa to connect you with your contacts directly.

7. Wind down for the day

When it’s time to wind down, use the Fire TV Cube to watch your favorite shows or movies on streaming platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. You can also set up a “Good Night” Routine that uses your smart lights to automatically dim brightness to 50% and play relaxing music to quiet your mind.

These devices make it easier to stick to a routine this summer that works for both you and your family. Taking a few minutes to set up a Routine will save you time down the road — and make home life simpler and smarter. Discover everything Alexa and Amazon Devices can do for you at Amazon.com/devices.

2020-06-18T13:01:01

(BPT) – With all its many styles, variations and forms, the martini continues to be a mainstay among Americans. In fact, the wildly popular martini is the second best-selling cocktail nationwide, according to Nielsen.

While the exact origin may be disputed, it is believed that the first martini was created with gin in Martinez, California, during the Gold Rush. Since then the martini has earned a place of honor in pop culture, marked as James Bond’s cocktail of choice (“shaken, not stirred”) and lauded as “so cool and clean” in Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms.”

Though some may think of the martini as a drink that’s difficult to master on your own due to the many variations and styles, you need not travel to your local bar to satisfy your desire for a cool, crisp martini. In reality, the classic cocktail is easy to make and just as effortless to customize to your taste preferences and personal palate.

Find the perfect foundation

The classic 50/50 Martini is actually quite simple to create. The Perfect Martini has only three ingredients: gin, dry vermouth and orange bitters. The base is the star of the cocktail and focal point for flavor, so it is important to be selective. Made with 22 hand-foraged botanicals, The Botanist Gin has a beautifully balanced flavor profile with notes of citrus and florals and a smooth finish, providing a highly distinctive and complex taste perfect for sipping neat and as the foundation for numerous cocktails. Expect a taste sensation that’s smooth and cool on entry then warmer and more complex as it reaches the back palate.

Craft the perfect or 50/50 Martini in four simple steps:

1. Add 1.50 ounces of The Botanist Gin, 1.50 ounces of dry vermouth and two dashes of orange bitters into a mixing glass.
2. Add ice and stir the mixture.
3. Strain the cocktail into a chilled glass, whether a martini, coupe or Nick & Nora.
4. Garnish the cocktail with a lemon peel. For added flavor and scent, try “expressing” the lemon peel above the cocktail, which is simply twisting the peel above the glass, so the oils are released and dusts the rim.

Make it your own

Classic, dry, wet, dirty, with a twist, shaken or stirred — there are hundreds of martini variations that The Botanist Gin complements by offering a balanced base for the exploration of flavor profiles. You may experience notes of sweet, delicate menthol, apple mint, spring woodlands, juniper, coriander with aniseed undertones, lemon and orange peel, a bouquet of flowers, honey from thistle, coconut from gorse, water mint and/or summer meadows. Creative mixologists can play with that range of flavors to customize their cocktails, adjusting the ratio of gin to other key ingredients and experimenting with infusions, garnishes and twists. For example, try a citrus zest with a fresh lemon or orange peel. Select from a chilled martini, coupe or Nick & Nora glass to beautifully present your creations.

Recipes to get started

There are so many recipes to choose from, but you can get started with these unique and refreshing takes on the classic 50/50 martini courtesy of The Botanist Gin:

1. Breakfast Martini: Combine 2 ounces of The Botanist Gin with .75 ounce of Cointreau, .75 ounce of fresh lemon juice and 2 spoonfuls of peach marmalade or jam in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Fine strain the mixture into a chilled glass and serve for a delightfully sweet and fruity twist on the standard classic.
2. The Heirloom: Add 1.5 ounces of The Botanist Gin, .5 ounce dry vermouth, 1 ounce of tomato water (the juice of a blended ripe tomato strained through cheesecloth) and a pinch of sea salt into a mixing glass. Add ice and stir. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon peel for a savory treat for morning, afternoon or night.

Visit thebotanist.com and @thebotanistgin for more recipes and further inspiration. To purchase The Botanist Gin, head to Drizly.com.

2020-06-18T12:31:00

(BPT) – With summer comes plenty of sunshine, and with it lots of heat — sometimes more than you enjoy. Are you lacking central air conditioning in your place? Don’t sweat it. There are many easy things you can do to help keep yourself and your whole family cool as the summer starts to heat up.

Here are a few tips to feel as comfortable as you can in your home or apartment, no matter how hot the temperatures get outside.

Stay hydrated.

Wherever you’re spending time over the summer, when the thermometer starts to climb, you need to keep everyone adequately hydrated. Keeping plenty of cold drinks handy will not only help you feel better, but will aid in regulating your body temperature. Stick with options like water, lemonade, juice and sports drinks, as less caffeinated choices will provide the most effective hydration. And don’t skimp on the ice!

Enjoy the shade.

Use window coverings like blinds, shades or curtains to help block out harsh sunlight, especially during the peak hottest hours of the day. This will help your whole living space — and everyone in it — feel much cooler.

Cool your air smartly.

Choose an efficient and quiet window air conditioner like LG DUAL Inverter Window Air Conditioners from LG Electronics that cools you down and saves you money. They provide exceptional cooling power to keep you and your family feeling comfortable, all summer long. They’re compatible with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can change your air conditioning settings easily, using simple voice commands. Through the LG ThinQ mobile app, you can access and program your cooling preferences effortlessly — from anywhere, even when you’re on the go. The ENERGY STAR certified unit’s Dual Inverter Compressor also offers up to 40% more energy savings.

Keep the cool air moving.

Use portable area fans and/or ceiling fans to help keep that cool air moving around your home for maximum comfort. If you have ceiling fans, be sure that you’ve adjusted the setting on the fan to turn the blades counterclockwise during the summertime. This helps push more air downwards, to help everyone inside stay cooler.

Don’t heat up your kitchen.

Avoid cooking meals that require firing up the oven, as that can leave your whole house feeling hotter for hours after the meal is over. Stick with salads and sandwiches on the hottest days, or if needed, cook quick meals on the stovetop or even use an outdoor grill if you have one.

Dress for the heat.

Opt for cooler materials, both for yourself and for your bedding as well, to enjoy a better night’s sleep in the heat. Choose fabrics like cotton, rayon and linen that are light and breathable, allowing heat to escape from your body.

For more solutions to keep your home comfortable, visit LG.com/us/air-conditioners.

2020-06-18T13:31:00

(BPT) – With more of us spending time at home over the last few months, you’re probably noticing every bit of dust, pet hair and dirt accumulating on the floor and in nooks and crannies. And it’s harder than ever to keep up with regular cleaning while the whole family is together inside.

What are the best ways to focus your cleaning efforts, and how can you tackle tidying tasks with everyone underfoot?

Here are some tools and tips to keep your house — and home office, and home school — looking and feeling great.

1. Set regular cleaning times

Review everyone’s schedules and block out times for cleaning chores each week that are predictable. Enlist older kids to help out, or arrange for teens or your partner to involve younger kids in a backyard activity while you get to work indoors.

Make sure to leave enough time to get your tasks completed so you don’t feel rushed.

2. Find easy-to-use tools that get the job done

For a quick and easy deep clean of floors, plus removal of pet hair and dust from chairs, sofas and even mattresses, check out the new LG CordZero Cordless Stick Vacuum with Kompressor. It delivers powerful suction that’s easy to maneuver — plus it compresses the collected dirt, dust and pet hair in the bin so you don’t need to empty it as often. You can also empty the bin with less scattered dust, and its five-step HEPA filtration system helps reduce allergens in your home.

Turn on and change settings easily with a single touch (unlike other vacuums that require you to hold down the on button) and the adjustable wand length reduces strain for a more comfortable clean. Plus, LG’s CordZero vacuum’s portable charging stand lets you store and charge anywhere, without drilling holes into your wall. The vacuum has two quick-release batteries for up to 120 minutes of run time.

3. Look out to cleaner pastures

Nothing makes your outlook brighter than sparkling clean windows. For a fresh and natural approach, try a blend of equal amounts distilled vinegar and hot water to wash the windows, using a squeegee to dry with no streaking.

For hard-to-reach exterior windows, consider hiring out. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes when you have clean windows both inside and out.

4. Consider rearranging the furniture

Sometimes your furniture is arranged the way it is because, well, hasn’t it always been that way? Clearing out bulky, little-used furniture or finding a better arrangement can really breathe new life into any room.

Before beginning the hard work of moving furniture around, however, first make a plan. Talk with family members to gather their input. Sketch out the room on paper or use an online room-arranging template to explore alternatives. This is the fun part that kids may enjoy. Let everyone brainstorm and don’t dismiss any ideas out of hand — they might actually work!

Consider the flow of traffic in and out of the room, if you have a focal point (like a picture window, TV or piano) and how you actually want to use the room. Get rid of pieces that serve no purpose and don’t look good in the room. Sometimes less really is more.

5. Launder or deep clean fabrics

If it’s been a while since you’ve done a deep clean, launder fabrics that are machine washable (like sofa covers or lightweight curtains) and use a steam cleaner for carpet and upholstery. Steam cleaning equipment can be rented if necessary.

Refreshing your home regularly not only helps improve your health by reducing allergens, but can also really lift your mood and outlook. Spending more time at home will be much more pleasant and enjoyable when you know your whole environment is fresh and clean.

For more tools to make your home life even better, check out www.lg.com.

2020-06-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – The coronavirus inspired shoppers to load their carts until they overflowed with toilet paper. However, the shopping frenzy and the shortage of supplies also inspired many to take a fresh look at a bathroom appliance they long ignored: the bidet seat.

Until then, most people had no idea that WASHLET-driven innovations like dryers, jets of warm water and heated seats existed, let alone could transform their lives. For those who are new to bidet seats and how they’ve evolved into a necessary luxury, here’s a brief history of how they came to be.

The traditional French solution: Bidets started appearing in the late 1600s to early 1700s in the palaces and chateaus of the French nobility as a more civilized method to clean up after using the chamber pot. Fast forward to the middle of the 20th century, and bidets earned a place as an essential fixture in bathrooms across Europe, South America and parts of Asia.

The U.S. stands alone: Despite its global reputation for modernization and redefining culture, the U.S stood alone as a bidet holdout. Americans didn’t have the space or the budgets to accommodate another bathroom fixture that required plumbing. Even if they encountered one on their travels, it didn’t win many converts. Jets of cold water, the inability to customize spray position and water pressure, and the challenge of drying off, all added up to an experience they found unpleasant. For these reasons, we stuck to good old toilet tissue.

Introducing Japanese innovation: WASHLET, developed by the Japanese plumbing company TOTO in 1980, combined the toilet seat and high-end bidet into a single appliance and added a number of unheard-of luxurious additions. First and foremost, they made it possible to get access to warm water to cleanse. Then, engineers worked tirelessly on the details. For example, they conducted many rounds of product testing to find the ideal angle at which water should spray from the wand, which extends from beneath the seat. (In case you wondered, it’s 43 degrees.) They added a heating element in the seat, and warm air to dry. These transformed the bidet from an unwieldy European relic to a sought-after luxury item, quickly catching on in Japan and other bidet-friendly nations. In fact, Japan’s Cabinet Office started tracking electronic bidet seat penetration as a way to gauge consumer confidence. In 2020, ownership reached 80.2%.

Unstoppable progress: Though Americans stuck to their standard toilet paper, which stayed relatively unchanged and may even seem primitive, WASHLET, introduced to U.S. consumers in 1989, cultivated its reputation of creating the ultimate, best-in-class experience by focusing on four major areas: cleanliness, comfort, convenience and ecology. For starters, TOTO pioneered an eco-friendly way to cleanse with Air-In Wonder Wave. The air-rich water droplets not only create a more pleasant washing experience, but water consumption is reduced by 30%. During use, the pulsating and oscillating cleansing massage gave people a way to personalize their cleansing ritual. In between uses, TOTO engineers also developed ways to reduce toilet scrubbing time, as PREMIST sprays the bowl before each use and EWATER+ continuously cleans both the wand and bowl automatically before and afterwards.

One of the downsides of innovation is that it inevitably inspires imitators, and it’s no different for WASHLET. When it comes time to choose, TOTO is the trusted, most durable brand that stands by its high-quality products with superior after-sales service. If you need help, simply reach out to a technical support team member either by phone or chat. To learn more, visit WASHLET.com.