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Find peace during pandemic uncertainty with Kundalini yoga and meditation

2020-07-27T09:59:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has made the world far more uncertain. It’s impacted our work and finances, our relationships, and of course, our physical and mental health. Finding the sense of surety we all crave is almost impossible, which leads to stress, anxiety and powerlessness that drains us emotionally. These feelings of helplessness can be traumatic, putting our body and mind in a constant “flight or fight” state. Staying in this tense state for too long not only hurts our quality of life but makes our immune systems more vulnerable.

It’s important to recognize that this stress is a natural response to what’s happening in the world. After being gentle with ourselves, we also need to find a self-care routine that treats both the body and the mind, helping us to break the cycle of endless “what-ifs” about tomorrow’s challenges.

There are plenty of ways to cope with anxiety from uncertainty. Exercise, meditation and breathing techniques have all been proven to mitigate stress. Recently, however, health care professionals, researchers and practitioners are finding consensus around an activity that combines these three techniques into a powerful tool for regulating emotions and managing stress — Kundalini Yoga.

How Kundalini Yoga can help

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient practice that incorporates movement, dynamic breathing techniques, meditation and mantras to channel your body’s energy. While most forms of exercise produce the endorphins that make you feel better, Kundalini Yoga also releases the tension and anxiety that builds up over time in your body’s glands and nerves. It resets your stress response so that you can achieve an internal biochemistry of calm, balance and depth of self.

This is supported by a growing body of evidence indicating that contemplative practices such as yoga and meditation are effective at treating anxiety. In one recent study, researchers from Harvard Medical School, Boston University and the Sundari Satnam Kundalini Yoga Center compared Kundalini Yoga with common cognitive treatments in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Those who were treated with yoga had lower relative levels of anxiety and had a decrease in physical symptoms compared to traditional treatments.

Start your practice at home

One of the many beautiful aspects of yoga is that it requires no special equipment — though a yoga mat is helpful — so there’s nothing to stop you from practicing Kundalini Yoga in your living room. Training with a qualified Kundalini instructor will eventually be necessary to learn proper form, but there are plenty of techniques you can easily perform on your own that will help you to cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Try this Kundalini mediation at home whenever you feel worried or anxious. Choose a peaceful surrounding, inside or outside. You can have soft music playing to enhance your sense of peace.

  1. Sit in Easy Pose.
    • Sit on the floor. You can use a pillow or cushion for comfort.
    • Cross your legs in front of you in a comfortable and relaxed way.
    • If you are uncomfortable sitting on floor you can sit in a chair with your legs uncrossed and your feet flat on the ground.
    • Place your hands on your knees, palms down, close your eyes and observe the sensations of your body and mind.
  1. Place your hands on the center of your chest at heart level.
    • Begin by resting the back of your left hand in the palm of your right hand.
    • Gently grab your left hand with your right, so that your right thumb is nestled in your left palm.
    • Cross your left thumb over your right.
    • Curve the fingers of your right hand around the outside of your left hand and hold it gently with the four fingers of the left hand remaining straight.
    • Bring your hands to your heart center, resting them against your chest.
  2. With eyes closed, inhale deeply and relax. Breathe slowly for 10–30 minutes.
    • In daily life we typically breathe 15 times a minute. Try slowing down to 4 breaths per minute by inhaling to the count of 10 and exhaling to the count of 10. A slow breath will slow your heartbeat, reduce your stress response, and give you a peaceful, secure feeling.
    • Your mind will begin with a lot of “chatter” and anxiety. That is normal! Don’t try to suppress your thoughts, let them come and go until your mind is peaceful. If you have a particularly persistent thought, try naming it. Say to yourself, “This is my worry about my son,” for example. And let it go.
    • It is difficult at first, but if you do this breathing technique regularly you will find that your mind will welcome the silence and will start to relax. Soon, you will build the habit and the capacity to keep your mind calm in challenging environments.

For more ways to reduce stress through Kundalini Yoga, visit: https://www.3ho.org/ and https://kundaliniresearchinstitute.org/.


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Cooking rut? These 10 easy ideas inspire instant creativity in the kitchen

2020-07-27T09:01:01

(BPT) – Due to quarantine and social distancing measures, Americans have found themselves cooking more at home than ever before. However, after creating some of the same meals week after week, many are starting to lack inspiration and hitting a home-cooking rut. To shake things up in the kitchen, consider these 10 ways that will add excitement and creativity to your future dishes.

Explore cultural dishes: Look to other cultures for food inspiration. Whether inspired by a book you read, a movie you watched, or a place you have visited (or want to visit), there are a lot of dishes that can open your eyes to the way people all around the world eat and enjoy food.

Use a new ingredient: “Try a new ingredient you’ve never cooked with before to expand your palate,” says Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur Jordan Andino. “Experimenting with a new ingredient like SPAM® Classic is great because the product is flavorful, versatile, quick to cook, and when added to a dish, it can give your favorite recipe a whole new twist.”

Host a virtual theme night: Invite friends for a virtual dinner party where everyone shows off their homemade creations. To add a little excitement to the virtual party, pick a different theme to create a meal around — a luau, a crawfish boil or decades night are a few examples. Don’t forget to add some fun decor to make the virtual mealtime extra special.

Get inspired online: With cooking classes going virtual across countless social media platforms, look to some of your favorite foodie influencers and celebrity chefs for inspiration in the kitchen. Your favorite cooking brands, restaurants and chefs are probably hosting online cooking classes where you can learn some new tips and simple tricks to make a tasty new dish.

Get the gadgets and tools: Turn your culinary world upside down with a new kitchen gadget. Try out a vegetable spiralizer that’ll help you make zoodles (zucchini noodles) or a dressing mixer to create homemade dressings, marinades and sauces. Pick up a sushi kit for a fun family dinner activity.

Try trending recipes: Try your hand at one of the latest food trends for more motivation in the kitchen. A few recipes that are gaining popularity include bread making, cooking flavored gnocchi or eating the iconic Hawaiian snack SPAM® Musubi.

Add new spices: An easy way to enhance any dish is by adding spices. Try a new spice or make your own blend. Whether you’re going for some heat or want to add a savory element, a spice you’ve never had before may do the trick. Furthermore, a new spice might even inspire new dishes you’ll love.

Embrace backwards day: Try shaking things up and eat breakfast for dinner and dinner for breakfast. Flipping around the traditional awakens palates and is a simple way to keep meals interesting. Plus, what kid doesn’t love waffles or egg bakes for dinner?

Share a favorite, find a favorite: Organize a virtual or old-fashioned recipe swap with friends and family. Discover new meal options and walk away with a pile of fresh recipes to cook at home.

Make your own bowls: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, make a “build your own bowl bar,” where your family can choose their own base and toppings for their custom creations. For example, try a smoothie bowl by pairing yogurt, fresh fruit and extras like grains and nuts for a nutrient-filled breakfast. For dinner, try a rice bowls that can be customized to your liking, such as a bibimbap bowl.


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5 Tips for parents to be the best backyard coaches possible

2020-07-27T17:01:01

(BPT) – With so many youth leagues cancelled this year, families across the country are missing the time spent together during the athletic season. Fortunately, even though the official season may not have happened, you can still inspire your children to enjoy the benefits of the game.

While on-field activities may have been called off, families across the country continue to rise to the challenge, hitting the backyard and connecting over their shared love of baseball and softball. This provides numerous benefits, from physical exercise and improved coordination to bonding time with loved ones and the opportunity for children to learn valuable life lessons.

As the Official Snack of Little League® Baseball and Softball for the last eight years, Lance® is recognizing parents across the country and their role as backyard coaches. With the help of our friends from the Positive Coaching Alliance, Lance is working to inspire parents to keep up the valuable work by providing tips for how to make the best of baseball and softball experiences from the comfort of their homes, and ways to continue to embrace the role of backyard coach to help their children thrive on and off the field.

1. Stay positive and have fun

Nobody can control the current circumstances, so dwelling on the negative doesn’t help anything. Rather, focus on making backyard activities fun and always keep a positive attitude. While teaching skills, remember that praise is powerful. When your child tries a new skill or does something correctly, celebrate the win, even if it’s small. Praise is more effective than criticism, plus it keeps the activity focused on fun.

2. Be specific with feedback

As the Positive Coaching Alliance recommends, try to be specific with your praise when taking on the role of backyard coach rather than the standard “good job.” If you’re practicing batting, instead of saying “nice hit” be specific with feedback by saying something like “way to keep your eye on the ball.” When working on catching pop flies, rather than saying “great catch,” you can say, “great hustle and nice job calling the ball.”

3. Emulate the sideline experience

So much of what children learn from and enjoy about sports is the “sideline experience” with their team. In between drills, take a moment to re-create this bonding moment by pausing for a sideline snack like Lance sandwich crackers. Made with fresh baked crackers and ingredients like real peanut butter or real cheese, it is the perfect snack to continue fueling your busy family’s backyard fun. Keep that fun going by teaching your little one your favorite sideline cheers or developing a secret handshake that they can pass along to their teammates in the future!

4. Go beyond the game

Playing ball is full of opportunities to teach life lessons, so make sure to relate what your child is learning in the backyard to skills they can use throughout life. This includes bravery to try something new, perseverance to keep trying, the ability to deal with success and failures, listening and taking direction, exhibiting good sportsmanship and so much more.

5. Express admiration and joy

When kids see you having fun and enjoying yourself, they’re more likely to do so themselves. Laugh, play together, share stories and bond over the love of the game. Whether it’s with a youngster taking her first swing on a hitting tee or a seasoned ball player practicing his drills in hopes of keeping skills sharp, this is quality time spent together.

You can celebrate the bonding and connections families share throughout the season and the lifelong lessons children can take away from the Little League experience — no matter if it’s in a huge stadium or on the grass out back. For further ideas on how to be the best backyard coach possible, check out the free resources from the Positive Coaching Alliance at positivecoach.org.


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2020: The Year of the “Distant Learner”

2020-07-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – The 2020 calendar year has brought forth uncertainty and unprecedented circumstances that impact every aspect of life, particularly education. In March, many schools made a dramatic shift to distance learning — for some, in a matter of days.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced school buildings to close, many districts that had already been doing blended learning were more prepared to go fully remote for the remainder of the school year. Data from leading education technology provider PowerSchool shows some of the most active customers using Schoology (a learning management system that makes distance learning possible) had student participation up to 95% or more during distance learning. Those that were not already familiar with remote, distance or blended learning were not prepared to keep the learning going.

In fact, research shows:

  • A total of 67% of educators didn’t feel prepared for online instruction, according to research from Educators for Excellence.
  • Only 1 in 3 districts required teachers to deliver instruction based on research from the Center on Reinventing Public Education.
  • According to research from Education Week, nearly 20% of K-12 students were considered “absent” during closures.

After several months of students learning from home, many are still waiting to see what the 2020-2021 school year will bring as districts finalize plans for returning to school. During these challenging times, it is crucial that students, educators and families remain connected. PowerSchool has outlined three ways it is helping unite teachers, parents and students to ensure the learning keeps going, whether it’s in the classroom, at home or both.

Using analytics to assess where students are academically

As a parent, you may be worried about what knowledge gaps your child has after learning from home for many months. For example, students heading into fourth grade may not be as up-to-speed on multiplication than fourth graders in a “typical” year, causing them to be behind in math and impacting learning in the new year. PowerSchool recently launched its new analytics tool, PowerSchool Unified Insights Student Learning, to help teachers and administrators easily visualize student actions within Schoology Learning to quickly identify gaps in equity and access. Using analytics tools like Unified Insights Student will help educators meet students where they are at when they reenter the school year this fall. It will also drive staff development to help ensure instructors are continuing to improve when it comes to delivering personalized learning in a blended and/or distance learning environment.

Unified Insights Student Learning was created based on PowerSchool’s discussions with school leaders and teachers across the nation regarding concerns around learning gaps and access to virtual instruction. This new tool builds on the work PowerSchool has done to help districts across the country make the sudden shift to distance learning and use data to make better, more informed decisions.

With this first-of-its-kind tool, educators will have a holistic view into data to help ensure learning continues both in person and at home.

Leveraging data to identify social and emotional barriers

Teachers can also use PowerSchool’s Performance Matters Assessment and Analytics, a data assessment and analytics tool, along with Kickboard (one of PowerSchool’s partners that specializes in behavior management) to identify where students are both academically and emotionally. This helps educators not only identify specific standards-based instructional gaps that require attention such as the “COVID Slide” from missed instructional time last spring, but also empowers educators to easily discover and address any social emotional challenges that may have arisen, which could certainly be impacting learning as students adapt to hybrid or entirely remote learning this fall.

“Schoology helps students feel like they’re at school even when they’re not. School is not just the building. It’s the people,” said William Beeler, educator at Florida’s West Elementary School.

Supporting flexible, hybrid schedules

As schools plan for online, in-person or both in the coming year, the ability to quickly pivot between schedules will be crucial. Tools like Schoology Learning supports both online-only and hybrid schedules, which keeps students more engaged and connected regardless of where they are.

“Schoology Learning is the all-encompassing umbrella for our teachers, admin, support staff, paraprofessionals, secretaries, psychologists and everyone involved in the school,” said Tara Amsterdam, instructional tech coach at Colonial ISD in Delaware.

Using tools like Schoology Learning can make communication and collaboration easy. The platform allows students to collaborate, post updates, share resources and engage in discussions outside of “scheduled” courses, which ultimately saves both students and educators valuable time. Teachers benefit from using assessment and analytics capabilities that make it easier to manage the classroom, assess learning and view student performance trends to ensure students continue learning.

“Nothing can replace being together in a classroom, but educators have shown what’s possible as schools are now prioritizing and accelerating their readiness for blended learning,” said Hardeep Gulati, CEO of PowerSchool. “We’re here to help schools move into this new way of learning this school year and beyond.”

To help parents, students and educators this fall, PowerSchool launched a new Back to School web page that features the tools schools need to operate in this new hybrid environment, bringing everything together so districts can keep the learning going in these new times.


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3 ways families can better prepare for the school year

2020-07-24T07:07:00

(BPT) – The beginning of a new school year always means change, but this back-to-school season will look a bit different. Whether students are taught virtually or in a classroom environment, it will create challenges for teachers, families and kids alike. Kleenex® brand child wellness expert and board-certified attending family physician, Deborah Gilboa, M.D., weighs in with her top tips for families to help prepare for the upcoming school year.

Identify the right resources

One thing in high demand for teachers this year is support from communities. It’s important to ensure teachers have the resources they need to lead student learning for both online and in-person settings. Everything from basic supplies to materials that promote learning and overall well-being can help kids manage stress, but teachers often need help acquiring those supplies. That’s why Kleenex® brand is donating up to $1.2 million in 2020 to fund requests from teachers on the education nonprofit crowdfunding site DonorsChoose.

“When students have the resources they need to learn and stay well, achievement can thrive,” said Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose. “This upcoming school year holds many unknowns for educators, and we’re grateful for this support from Kleenex® brand, which has helped equip over 2,500 teachers and 176,500 students with materials they need to continue learning.”

Prepare for a new routine

A big part of going back to school is getting into a new routine as a family and being flexible knowing things will continue to change. Gilboa recommends introducing a similar school schedule weeks before school starts, so parents are able to help children adjust and make changes as needed.

“Having kids practice what is expected of them with these new guidelines will help them feel more prepared when it’s time for school to start,” says Gilboa. “Whether it’s packing their backpack or starting the morning with structured activities such as reading or coloring, having this routine will help kids transition better into the school year.”

Don’t underestimate a child’s stress

Research shows that most elementary school children report some symptoms of nerves or anxiety around returning to school each year. In these unprecedented times, those numbers are expected to rise dramatically. According to Gilboa, the biggest signs of stress to look out for in kids include behavior, sleep and appetite changes, difficulty with normal communication, or not enjoying things they normally do.

“Kids will pick up on their parents’ stress leading up to the school year, so it’s important to remember to manage your stress and reactions appropriately,” said Gilboa. “To help understand your kids’ true feelings, ask questions to encourage them to share good and bad experiences. This way, when your child is going through something stressful, they have the practice and expectation that they can talk about it with their parents.”

Parents can start by encouraging kids to share a couple of good things that happened in the day, and also a challenge. Questions could include “what moment made you smile today” or “tell me about a moment you wish you could erase.”

The upcoming school year will feel overwhelming but taking extra time to understand and communicate with kids and their teachers will help everyone feel more in control and prepared for the school year. To join Kleenex® brand in funding the resources needed for students and teachers this year, please visit DonorsChoose.org/Kleenex.


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How to take charge of your health: 9 tips to try

2020-07-24T16:24:20

(BPT) – Women have the power to proactively take control of their feminine health during all stages of life from the first period through post-partum, during perimenopause and beyond.

Maria Sophocles, MD, OB/GYN, the Medical Director of Women’s Healthcare of Princeton, offers these tips to help change your health for the better.

Tips to keep healthy include:

  1. Eat right: Drink one less soda a day and lose 15 pounds in a year, and replace the “white” foods with “brown” like brown rice and whole wheat bread. Take fast food out of your diet completely – it’s full of sugar and trans fats that clog your cell walls and contains toxins that are bad for the heart and arteries. Most fast food also contains chemicals like MSG that should be avoided.
  2. Freshen up by balancing pH: Vaginal pH can be offset by menstruation, sex and hormone fluctuations during menopause and pregnancy. An imbalance in pH can often lead to a UTI or other infection like bacterial vaginosis, causing uncomfortable itching, burning and smell. A pH-balancing gel like RepHresh normalizes pH and eliminates odor. Many women mistake BV for yeast infections and are prescribed antibiotics, which can throw off the normal pH.
  3. Optimize vitamin D levels: Safe sun exposure is a powerful and inexpensive intervention that can have profound benefits on your health. Enjoy 10-15 minutes of exposure to natural sunlight daily for good nutrition, mental health and bone density. Supplement a balanced diet with essential nutrients to promote healthy teeth and bones, support the immune system and benefit cardiovascular health.
  4. Consider a vaginal probiotic: Millions of women suffer from recurrent vaginal infections. Sex and antibiotics can be the reason why. RepHresh Pro-B provides two strains of vaginal lactobacilli to maintain vaginal health by keeping yeast and bacteria balanced every day.
  5. Fast fix to eliminate painful sex: Stress and decreased estrogen levels during menopause can cause uncomfortable dryness and irritation. Replens Vaginal Moisturizer provides relief from internal dryness for three days and Replens Silky Smooth is a preservative-free silicone lube that should be used just before sex to avoid abrasion and increase comfort.
  6. Exercise: Regular exercise decreases chances of developing cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. Try ending the day with a personal dance party, watch YouTube videos or get a subscription to a virtual exercise class.
  7. Track your menstrual cycle: Stress and other factors can affect the menstrual cycle, so it’s important to stay on top of your cycle whether or not you’re planning on getting pregnant. Make sure to have a pregnancy test like First Response on hand to find out six days sooner than your missed period. If you are trying to conceive, make sure to use a personal lubricant that won’t harm sperm, like Pre-Seed.
  8. Decrease stress: Don’t feel guilty taking time to clear your mind. Plan quiet times and activities like reading a book, starting a garden or even meditating. Listening to relaxing music or taking a bath helps to slow heart rate and breathing. The better you feel mentally can improve how you feel physically.
  9. Prioritize sleep: Sleep is like a reset button for the body and mind. Prioritize getting at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep and try to stay off technology at least an hour before bed to avoid blue light keeping you awake. If you have trouble sleeping, try a vitafusion Max Strength Melatonin gummy before bed.

There’s no better time than now to change your health for the better. Eat right, prioritize health, fitness, etc. and remember, you are your biggest health advocate.


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The pandemic’s financial (and emotional) toll on Americans

2020-07-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Unfortunately, no matter how hard some people work to be financially responsible, obstacles outside their control can sometimes prevent a person’s ability to keep up. In fact, Prudential’s 2020 Financial Wellness Census found that both before and during the pandemic, nearly half of Americans perceived their financial mobility as fixed. This means many don’t feel it’s within their power to improve their financial future, even in promising times.

Now that the pandemic has thrown the country into an economic tailspin, discouragement and anxiety are running high. Amanda Clayman, Prudential’s Financial Wellness Advocate, says that despite these unusual times when so many forces can seem to be outside your control, there are actions and mindsets you can put in place to help you feel mentally well and still hopeful.

Clayman offers the following tips:

1) Practice self-care: The pandemic has created a perfect storm for burnout, endangering financial futures and threatening personal health. This stress can diminish your ability to think soundly. “We’re impulsive, tired and discouraged,” Amanda says. “The mental reserves meant for self-discipline are gone, affecting how we think and act.” Making room for self-care can revive your decision-making skills and provide the clarity needed to de-stress. Clayman encourages everyone to “Take care of yourself physically, mentally … however, you need to avoid burnout. Take a walk, a bath or just give yourself a moment to breathe.”

2) Stay connected: Despite being apart physically or perhaps because of it, you still can lean on your personal communities for support. Begin by considering which communities fill an emotional need, and recognize that these needs may have changed since the pandemic. For example, if you are living alone, you may be craving more interactions featuring lively discussion than usual. Then get creative with methods of staying connected and strengthening bonds. Clayman says, “Zoom calls, FaceTimes and conversations across the street may not be the same as a hug and conversation over coffee, but it’s still vital and rejuvenating human contact, even if it’s unconventional.”

3) Act with purpose: Cultivating a sense of purpose can help you internalize that your actions matter. Systemic economic and societal challenges are dominating the news cycle, adding to a feeling of helplessness. It may seem counter-intuitive but this may be the best time to be self-centered. You may not have the power to fix the outside world but you can still reflect on what gives your life meaning and put purpose at the center of how you allocate your time and money. According to Clayman, “When so many external things seem to be holding us down, our purpose reminds us that we still have our own power to have a positive impact on the world, the people around us, and our own future.”

4) Set attainable goals: When you start to feel empowered to move forward, you can set some simple, achievable goals to tackle. It is important to remind yourself what is and is not in your control before setting expectations. Clayman advises to “realize that you don’t need to solve your challenges overnight. Find the things that you can do and do them one at a time.”

Prudential’s Financial Wellness Census sheds light on a sobering fact: Too many people are feeling that financial mobility is not within their control, whether in good times or bad. This sense of stagnation, or in some cases, regression can lead to feelings of hopelessness. Conversely, focusing on what can be controlled — however small a task — can have the opposite effect of making you feel resilient and empowered. You can work to prevent burnout by controlling how you care for yourself, connecting to your personal communities for support, cultivating a sense of purpose and setting some achievable goals. By owning your power over these aspects of life, you can find a path toward resilience and hope for the future.


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5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Cheese Board

2020-07-23T11:31:00

(BPT) – If you have a love for the art of cheese boards, you’re certainly not alone. But if you sometimes find yourself stuck in a rut making the same old spread, well you’re not alone there either. This Saturday, July 25, is National Wine and Cheese Day, and to celebrate, Pretzel Crisps® is helping snack lovers take their next wine and cheese masterpiece up a notch.

Here are some top tips to turn your traditional cheese board into a work of art you’ll want to make again and again.

Mix Sweet and Salty

Why choose one or the other? Satisfy both your sweet and salty side! When it comes to creating a spread, you’ll start with your foundations — a favorite cheese and a delicious base, like Original Pretzel Crisps. Then for your toppings, it’s common to gravitate toward classic salty snacks like olives or dried meats. To really spruce up your board, mix it up with delectably sweet flavors, like fresh berries for a refreshing twist, or even morsels of chocolate to delight those taste buds. Fun hack: Check out Pretzel Crisps Drizzlers for a little of both!
Raid Your Pantry

Get creative with what you already have on hand — after all, a cheese board doesn’t have to be filled with extravagant or exotic treats. Head to your pantry and choose a snack time favorite, like Buffalo Wing Pretzel Crisps. Next, venture to your refrigerator to see what fresh ingredients you have — maybe a hunk of white cheddar or baby mozzarella. But not to worry if you’re in between shopping trips — Only have string cheese on hand? Have a bag of trail mix you brought on that hike last weekend? Not a problem — this is a great time to get creative!

Go Back to the “Base-ics”

Fruit, cheese and meat play a crucial role in the ultimate cheese board, but you can’t enjoy these delicious snacks without a satisfying, yet sturdy base. To get a wide variety of sweet and savory options, check out the Pretzel Crisps line-up for delectable flavors such as Garlic Parmesan and Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper. So, go ahead and pile on the cheese, meat, veggies and dips — the sky’s the limit!
Complement the Wine Flavor Profile

A great place to start when constructing a cheese board is with the wine selection. Red wines such as cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir go great with hard cheeses and cured meats. Pair the bold flavors of cabernet sauvignon with that of an aged cheddar for a burst of flavor. Craving a crisp white wine? Grab a bottle of sauvignon blanc and spread some creamy goat cheese on Original or Everything Pretzel Crisps for a flavor palate that’s both light and nutty.

Make it Visually Engaging

Finally, don’t limit yourself to the same old cheese board. After all, the presentation is where you can get really creative and show your artistic side! Play with different shapes and colors to make your board visually appetizing. Here’s a pro-tip: Use cookie cutters to cut your meats and cheeses into unique shapes like hearts and stars or try adding serving bowls in a variety of colors and sizes for your nuts or fruit. Let your imagination run wild!

To learn about Pretzel Crisps or to find more recipes and inspiration, visit www.pretzelcrisps.com.


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What every parent needs to know about myopia

2020-07-23T15:01:01

(BPT) – Did you know school vision exams can miss up to 75% of children’s vision problems such as myopia, or nearsightedness? Even vision tests given by your child’s pediatrician are not as comprehensive as an exam by an eye doctor, and can miss crucial early signs of eye disease.

Myopia, a condition where someone has difficulty seeing objects at a distance, has been growing at a rapid rate in children for years — doubling since the 1990s. It is estimated that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050. Myopia dramatically increases a child’s risk for serious eye diseases in adulthood, some of which can even lead to blindness. Currently, one in three children are myopic.

In a recent study by the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC), one-third of parents were unfamiliar with myopia, and only 27% took their children to an eye doctor in 2019. Even if your child is not experiencing vision problems, identifying issues early — especially between ages 8-13 — can make a real impact on their future. Prompt treatment of conditions such as myopia may slow the risk of a child’s vision getting worse over time.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, heavy reliance on screens for entertainment, communication, work and remote learning has put a strain on everyone’s eyes. According to the GMAC survey, 61% of parents said their children’s use of video games has increased, and 44% said their children spend four hours or more on electronic devices each day — including television or handheld devices, completing schoolwork on a computer or playing video games. This increased screen time means a greater risk of developing conditions such as myopia.

What can parents do?

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time and want to prevent eye problems, here are some actions you can take.

See an eye doctor

An eye doctor can help determine if your child is having vision problems or showing early signs of eye disease. Many optometrists today will arrange in-person and/or virtual visits, depending on the circumstances. Contact them ahead of time to learn about their safety protocols for in-person visits. If your child does have myopia, ask your eye doctor about new treatment options beyond traditional eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Limit screen time

As difficult as it is when everyone’s social lives, work and study have moved online, try to limit screen time as appropriate for your child’s age. Ask your optometrist for recommendations for your child’s screen time. It helps to keep electronic devices out of children’s bedrooms.

Take breaks

Schedule regular breaks away from devices. Encourage your child to engage in different types of activities during their breaks, including physical activity. The upside? Frequent breaks actually improve focus and productivity when you do go back to work or study.

Get outside

Take some breaks and get outdoors. Spending more time outside can be healthier for everyone’s eyes, as well as their entire bodies. Need to keep children entertained? Create obstacle courses, set up relay races or scavenger hunts to keep kids outdoors longer. Aim to have children spend two hours a day outdoors.

Get creative

A new social media campaign has recruited gaming and parenting influencers to spread awareness about myopia and finding balance between time on-screen and off. Under the #GameOverMyopia hashtag, gamers and parents have shared messages about myopia on social media. Many of them shared creative ways they brought their kids’ favorite video games to life — by recreating aspects of them in their homes or backyards.

“While much of the country has been sheltering in place this year, parents have been doing the best they can, often helping children with schoolwork on digital devices,” said Matt Oerding, co-founder and CEO of Treehouse Eyes and GMAC board chairman. “In fact, 67% of the parents we surveyed said their kids are spending more time accessing e-learning tools, and since they’re likely using the same devices to chat with friends or play video games, it is all about balance when it comes to screen time.”