Month: August 2020

2020-08-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – You’re more likely to be a gamer than you think! Do you match gems, launch birds, farm gold for virtual gear, or create words with your friends? You’re a gamer — one of the estimated 2.5 billion in the world! Streaming gaming content is now nearly as popular as binge watching your favorite series.

Enter the rise of competitive gaming (esports) where glory and cash prizes are at stake.

Players are recruited to teams, rise up the ranks, and develop their own global fandoms just like professional athletes. As the popularity of esports grows, people are taking gaming more seriously — and even considering how they can break through into the major leagues.

Every esports star has something in common: they started honing their talent at home — working their way through online matches with friends and climbing to the top of the high score rankings to become superstars.

One team at the top of their game is the Call of Duty League’s Chicago Huntsmen, currently competing with teams from across Europe and North America in huge matches broadcast on YouTube that would look right at home on ESPN. The team — Seth “Scump” Abner; Matthew “FormaL” Piper; Preston “Prestinni” Sanderson; Dylan “Envoy” Hannon; and Alec “Arcitys” Sanderson — are currently nearing the end of their bid to become victors of the Call of Duty League 2020.

The Huntsmen have joined up with Zippo — who have launched their first gaming performance product, the Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer — to give aspiring esports superstars their top tips to reaching the upper echelons.

Get Streaming

If you’ve watched someone streaming their gameplay on Twitch, Facebook or YouTube, you’ll have noticed they often have pretty impressive setups; but that’s not what makes you a good streamer. It’s practice and research.

Your first stop? Not hours at the library — YouTube videos. It’s research that’s already been done for you — so start there with “best affordable streaming setup” and you’re already on your way. Pull together your essential list and purchase what is within your means. No matter what your setup is, no matter what’s missing, always take a picture of your first-ever setup — because more often than not, it will improve and you will want to see where you started!

When you start streaming, set out a schedule. As you start to build an audience, your followers will want to know when to catch you.

Get Noticed

To get better, you’re going to be playing anyway, so why not stream it? Even if your audience is small, it’s practice, practice, practice. If you’ve just been playing with friends casually, you’ll want to play ‘ranked’ games and build your standing within the game. Nothing builds confidence more than failing repeatedly and wanting to be better. It may sound like a strange approach, but it’s a driving force. Once you know what it feels like to fail, it will fuel you to try and improve every day. It fuels us!

Don’t be afraid to network — it may seem daunting, but it’s worth it. Look at the other top amateurs in your game and watch their broadcasts. Interact with them and get to know them. Be the first in line for their ‘community nights’ where they play along with their followers. It’s a great opportunity to learn and raise your profile.

Online tournaments are also a must. You can work your way onto a team in the amateur tournaments that run alongside the pro tournaments. Most players who are scouted are found in these amateur leagues. As you put in the hours, always remember: this is supposed to be fun and the struggle is part of the game. Enjoy every aspect of it.

Become The Best

When it comes to esports, games are won and lost in a matter of milliseconds. Warm hands can be the difference between victory and defeat (just imagine how hard it would be to play with cold digits!). Enter the Zippo HeatBank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer, which combines dependable and long-lasting warmth (up to nine hours of heat) with the convenient utility of a USB-compatible power bank, so gamers can focus on their performance and not their battery life.

Get your hands on the merch drop from Zippo and Chicago Huntsmen — a limited-edition collection of HeatBank 9s — available exclusively at www.zippo.com, as well as through each of the players’ Twitch pages, for $59.95.

2020-08-19T08:35:01

(BPT) – With just a few more weeks of summer, families are looking for ways to squeeze in a late season adventure, but it’s challenging to find the right activity that is fun and responsible given the times. Road trips are a great way to have a family adventure while maintaining social distancing and other health and safety guidelines and still have a great time. To help, Cooper Tire asked some of their sponsored athletes and friends, who are expert drivers and veteran road trippers, to share their suggestions for late summer travel across the U.S. Here are their top four recommendations for vehicle-friendly destinations, as well as some tips to make sure your tires are road-ready as you embark on your own (safe and fun) outdoor adventures.

1. Venture to the Blue Waters of Lake Metonga, Wisconsin

A visit to the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Lake Metonga is the most ideal getaway for my family and me. You can enjoy unwinding by the crystal-clear water of this Wisconsin lake. If you can, spend a weekend here — the lake offers water sports like kayaking, and watching the sun set on the mirror-like lake is a must. When it comes to planning a trip to Lake Metonga — or anywhere — it’s important to consider the road conditions you might face and ensure you have the right tires to take you where you need to go — tires are the last thing between ‘in control’ and ‘not in control’ when you’re on the road. I always make sure to inspect my Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT™ tires and check the pressure before traveling to my racing championships or loading my family in the car to hit the road for some rest and relaxation at Lake Metonga.

2. Witness the Magnificent Mountains in Idaho

If you’re looking for a scenic and secluded place to travel to on your road trip, my home state, Idaho, is a fitting location. Idaho is home to some beautiful mountains and is a great place for outdoor activities, such as biking. Give yourself a few days to explore — the great part about taking a road trip is that you can take your vehicle places that you can’t easily travel to by plane or on foot. My number one tip — always be prepared for the unexpected on a long road trip. As a young female race car driver, I believe it is so important for everyone to know how to change a tire, or be able to fix any other issues that may come your way, especially while navigating mountain roads! I always check the pressure on my Cooper^® tires and recommend that drivers keep a tire pressure gauge in their glove box as proper tire pressure is important for performance, safety and fuel economy.

3. Discover the Countless Wonders of Montana

Anyone looking for a memorable road trip should visit my home state of Montana. There’s a lot to do, and the state is best enjoyed with patience, loose plans and a laid-back frame of mind. Driving across the state on I-90, there’s a lot you can see, and more hiking trails than can be counted. I’d recommend checking out the historic town of Livingston and then taking the scenic drive up Paradise Valley to the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. You can also fly fish, white water raft or check out Bozeman, which can keep you busy for a week! The various terrain in Montana can sometimes be tricky to handle, which is why I rely on my Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT™ tires. They are perfect for any condition that can change quickly — one minute you could go from driving on gravel and bumpy roads to trying to handle a snowstorm in the middle of June!

4. Escape to the Outdoors in Idaho

Similar to my daughter, I also enjoy spending time back home in Idaho. The best part about visiting Idaho is that you only need a few days to do and see a good number of things. For an outdoor enthusiast, there’s a lot to do — I recommend hiking, mountain biking and fishing. One thing visitors need to be aware of, though, is animals on the road — Idaho has lots of open roads and wildlife. Another important tip for staying safe on the road is to make sure you monitor your tread depth and watch out for irregular wear to ensure your tires have the best grip to help avoid animals on the road. Luckily, my Cooper^® tires never let me down while road tripping to Idaho in the summer and year-round.

Before deciding to hit the road to these destinations, or other places around the country, be sure to check local and state regulations regarding information about traveling outside of your local community during this time: Considerations for Travelers—Coronavirus in the US.

For additional information on how to make sure your tires are safe and road-trip ready, visit coopertire.com.

2020-08-18T06:57:00

(BPT) – By Dr. Bela Sood, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist and senior mental health policy professor at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

This pandemic is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, so how can we help our children cope, especially when we’re also feeling anxious? The key lies in acknowledging our own fears and concerns, while understanding how each individual child handles emotional challenges.

Parenting is hard. Parenting during a pandemic can feel especially challenging as you balance changes in work, home and school. Here’s how you can provide support and reassurance, whatever your child’s stage of development.

Start with yourself

Even infants pick up on their parents’ moods, so your emotional state will affect how your children cope.

As instructed on airplanes, during turbulence you should put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. The same is true of turbulent times: Take care of yourself first.

Reflect on how you feel: Are you angry about disrupted routines? Worried about the future? Missing loved ones? When you’re stressed, practice self-care: Exercise, meditate or talk with a friend. This will help you feel more “centered” so you can model calm, positive attitudes and behavior.

Limit media exposure

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by negative news. Stay with your children during news reports and encourage them to ask questions. Limit your own exposure too, as it can affect your mood.

Consider your child’s stage of development

Babies and toddlers won’t understand what’s happening, but they respond to emotional cues. Though it’s not always easy, if you can stay calm and positive, they’re more likely to relax.

Maintain routines, as all children thrive on predictable schedules. Knowing when to expect meals, playtime and bedtime helps them feel more safe and secure.

Preschoolers have many questions about everything, but keep your explanations simple. Discuss the virus as being like a very bad cold or flu when explaining why everyone is wearing masks or why they can’t go on play dates.

Validate your child’s feelings by saying, “I understand you’re upset right now,” or “It’s okay to miss grandma. I miss her too.”

Let your children connect with others safely. Make video calls to relatives or socialize with a small group of neighbors outdoors while practicing social distancing. Help your child write letters to friends.

School-aged children are more peer-oriented, but they still appreciate spending time with parents. It’s a great opportunity to start new hobbies together, while also letting them pursue their own interests.

If your children appear anxious, angry or sad, encourage them to talk about it. Share how you’re feeling, too. Establish a weekly “check-in” dinner where everyone has a turn to express their feelings.

Include children in chores and activities that give them a feeling of control. Let them assume responsibilities like folding laundry or cleaning, offering choices about what activities they prefer.

Teenagers are beginning to separate psychologically from their parents, so being forced to be together all day can be tough on them, as well as on parents! Older teens are missing out on significant milestones, like homecoming, sports or performing arts, which may be important parts of their identities.

Put yourself in your teen’s shoes. This period is hardest for teens who derive energy from peer interactions. Show empathy by saying, “This must be so disappointing for you.” Help them find creative ways to make this time memorable and connect with peers who practice social distancing. The weekly family dinner may be the perfect time to listen to your teen and problem-solve together.

Warning signs

It’s normal for kids to occasionally seem sad, anxious or angry. Encourage them to voice their feelings and acknowledge that it’s okay for them to feel that way.

If your child becomes increasingly withdrawn, disconnected or obsessed with video games or other self-isolating activities, it may be a signal that they’re preoccupied with worries about the future or other topics. Try drawing them out to determine whether you should seek their pediatrician’s advice. It’s challenging to keep children entertained at home 24/7, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Offer additional social support from close friends and relatives.

If you think it would help them to get counseling and they’re reluctant, tell them that when you’re in trouble, you seek help. Let them choose whether to participate or not. If your child is unwilling to talk to a counselor, you may find it helpful to see a therapist to share observations of your child, get a better understanding of what may be happening and develop strategies to support them.

For the latest on COVID-19 and resources to support your family’s mental health, visit chrichmond.org/covid-resources.

2020-08-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – For a child with autism, an early diagnosis is one of the most important steps to help them achieve their brightest possible future. That’s why, even in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s vital for families to look out for the signs of autism in young children and seek diagnosis and intervention.

While one in 54 children is diagnosed with autism in the U.S. today, that number is significantly higher among white children than in Hispanic children, indicating potential missed or delayed diagnoses, which may lead to a later age of diagnosis for Hispanic children. That’s why groups like Autism Speaks are providing information in both English and Spanish to help parents learn about autism and its early signs — and where to get help — even during these challenging times.

Early indicators of autism can include little or no functional words, sensitivity to sound or light, or delays in speech and developmental milestones. Parents who think they may see signs in their child are encouraged to visit ScreenForAutism.org or DeteccionDeAutismo.org to take the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) screening questionnaire. This first step can help indicate if further evaluation may be needed. Parents can also contact their child’s doctor and ask about autism at their next in-person or telehealth visit.

One Family’s Story

Berlina Felipe’s son Alex was diagnosed with autism after she noticed delays in his speech at a young age. Since English was Felipe’s second language, a local university’s center for autism and neurodevelopmental disorders offered the Felipe family several important autism resources and materials translated into Spanish to help them navigate the autism journey.

“I am extremely grateful for Alex’s diagnosis, especially so early on in his life. It made such a difference that I was able to seek resources and get Alex the services and support he needed starting with speech, occupational and behavioral therapies. It meant that we had what we needed as a family to prepare him for his everyday life,” she added.

Thanks to Alex’s early diagnosis, his family can help support his healthy development, improve his communication skills and work to reduce his challenging behaviors in whatever circumstances life might throw their way — which has become more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Coronavirus has impacted my family in many ways,” Felipe explains. “Alex does not cope well with change, so being quarantined was a challenge on its own. It took us a while before we could find a good routine for him to adapt to. We found a good rhythm for virtual learning and Alex ended up getting three awards on his last trimester of school.”

Felipe credits an early autism diagnosis for making this unique period of their lives less challenging.

Guidelines for Early Detection

Because autism can be diagnosed as early as 18 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends every child have an autism screening at their 18- and 24-month well-child visits. But according to a 2019 survey by the Ad Council and Autism Speaks, only 35 percent of parents say their child has been screened for autism. Most children still aren’t diagnosed until the age of four or five, and even later for low-income and minority children.

If you see potential signs of autism in your child, Autism Speaks offers resources for parents as they move along each step of the diagnosis journey. You can reach the Autism Response Team at 1-888-AUTISM2 (1-888-288-4762), en español at 1-888-772-9050 or via email at help@autismspeaks.org for more information.

For more information about the signs of autism, help finding local service providers and support for before, during and after an autism diagnosis, visit ScreenForAutism.org or DeteccionDeAutismo.org.

2020-08-17T12:31:00

(BPT) – Debunking the facts vs. fiction for optimal ways to boost immunity!

2020-08-17T12:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past several months, families have been helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and keeping their loved ones safe by staying home as much as possible. As communities across the country begin to reopen, you can help your child stay healthy by keeping any scheduled appointments for well-child visits and rescheduling appointments that may have been missed.

At these essential appointments, you have an opportunity to:

• Track your child’s growth and developmental milestones
• Discuss any concerns about your child’s health
• Get your child vaccinated to protect them from 14 serious diseases

In recent years, some of these diseases — particularly measles and whooping cough — have caused outbreaks. These contagious illnesses can pose serious risks and complications for infants and young children. For this reason, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that every child continue to receive routine vaccinations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Here are some answers to questions you may have about well-visits during this time:

Can I take my child to the doctor safely?

Talk to your child’s doctor to see what measures they have in place during the COVID-19 outbreak. Offices and clinics across the country are taking proactive, protective measures to help you and your child stay safe during your visit. These steps may include scheduling sick visits and well-child visits at different times and in different locations, and reducing crowds in waiting rooms by asking patients to wait outside until called.

Which vaccines does my child need?

Check out CDC’s easy-to-read childhood immunization schedule to see the vaccines recommended for each age and the diseases they prevent.

What if I can’t pay for my child’s vaccines?

The Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines for children who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native. If you need help paying for vaccines, ask your child’s doctor for more information about the program.

During these challenging times, remember that you have the power to keep your child healthy by seeing their doctor and getting routine vaccines.

2020-08-17T09:07:01

(BPT) – As many regions approach peak hurricane season — and others face dangerous wildfire and flooding periods of the year — it’s imperative to take proactive steps to ensure loved ones and irreplaceable assets stay protected, even in the most unexpected circumstances. “Preparedness” has taken on a new meaning this year amid a global pandemic and a recovering economy, making it more important than ever to plan ahead and invest in dependable solutions.

“In our line of work, we have to be prepared for disasters every day,” said Brandon Schmidt, chief of Rainbow Volunteer Fire Company, located in White Oak, Pennsylvania. RVFC was one of the 1,000 recipients that received a complimentary Bluetooth^® lock box as part of Master Lock’s latest donation initiative benefiting healthcare workers, first responders and small business owners in May 2020. “Part of being prepared is using products you know you can trust in case of an unexpected emergency, which is especially important during these uncertain times.”

Recent extreme weather events have already led many experts to forecast more potentially dangerous storms on a more frequent basis. In April alone, 351 tornadoes were recorded throughout the country, many of the worst being in Tennessee. Additionally, a recent NOAA study predicted more tropical storms throughout 2020 as a result of the Atlantic Ocean’s warmer-than-normal temps and record-setting heat — something the East Coast has already experienced with the recent Hurricane Isaias.

With National Preparedness Month in September, The Master Lock Company is sharing the following advice to help people prepare for such disasters, while safeguarding everything worth protecting.

1. Plan to plan ahead. Think through what your family and household may need in an emergency, and be proactive in preparing food, water and medical supplies. Importantly, dedicate extra time to the process of gathering supplies, as access to resources is often limited in advance of a storm, as seen with some retailers recently struggling to keep up with product demand during the pandemic. If shopping in-store is your only option, take proper sanitary precautions when running essential errands.

2. Invest in a lock box. A lock box can be a reliable household security option should friends or family need access into the home during an emergency or if wellness checks need to be conducted for a loved one. To help securely manage home access and minimize physical contact with the device, consider battery-powered options like the Master Lock^® Portable Bluetooth^® Lock Box or the Master Lock^® Wall-Mount Bluetooth^® Lock Box, which function via smartphone or a personal code.

3. Secure valuable and irreplaceable belongings. Keeping your most important documents, photos, valuables and even PPE in a protected location can become critical during a disaster, especially if you must quickly evacuate during a flood or fire. Consider preparing an emergency “go kit” containing crucial items that can be permanently stored in a portable fire- and water-protected safe like the Sentry^®Safe Fire/Water Chest. The Sentry^®Safe Combination Fire/Water Safe is also a great option for securing any non-essential items you may not be able to take with you in an emergency, but still have immense monetary or sentimental value.

4. Brace your home. Ensure trees are properly trimmed and that you’re maintaining adequate outdoor storage to secure lawn furniture and other loose items. For added security, consider locking sheds using Master Lock’s Weather Resistant Padlocks. Homeowners living in vulnerable coastal areas should also consider installing hurricane windows or shutters to protect windows against high winds and storm debris.

5. Consider investing in secure storage. Move expensive artwork, antiques, wine, cars and/or other possessions to a temperature-controlled, generator-protected storage facility built for that purpose. These spaces are best secured with a durable, cut-resistant padlock.

In today’s environment, it’s become critical to incorporate disaster precautions into your regular preparedness plans. By understanding what kind of disasters are common in your area, and by having emergency plans to ensure the protection of loved ones and belongings, families can gain peace of mind even in times of uncertainty.

No matter the disaster, families can count on The Master Lock Company for durable and reliable solutions for everything worth protecting. For more information about The Master Lock Company’s disaster preparedness security products, visit www.masterlock.com/prepared.