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Safety Tips for Tackling Home Improvement Projects

2020-10-23T10:01:01

(BPT) – As we continue to grapple with COVID-19, people spending more time at home are tackling more and more home improvement projects. Home Depot and Lowe’s have reported historically large rises in quarterly revenues as housebound Americans take on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for their inside and outside spaces.

However, each year, thousands of people end up in emergency rooms from accidents that occur while working on DIY tasks. “Safety should be a top priority in any home improvement project, especially when it comes to protecting your head and spine,” said Craig Hospital’s Gary Maerz, MD, MBA, who specializes in treating people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or brain injury.

Falls cause about 31% of spinal cord injuries and 48% of traumatic brain injury-related emergency department visits. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths and the top cause of nonfatal injuries.

Dr. Maerz says that homeowners should think twice about cleaning out their gutters or getting on the roof to decorate for the holidays. “Sometimes it is best to just call a pro. And it isn’t just the obvious activities; keep in mind that a fall can also happen simply from reaching a high cabinet or replacing a bulb in a ceiling fixture.”

Before starting a home improvement project keep in mind the following safety tips:

Secure Your Work Zone

Be aware of your surroundings, especially if others are entering the area, and make sure to keep young children and pets out of the work zone. Pick up sharp objects and keep the area clean of debris.

Use the Buddy System

If you are working on a project that requires more than one person, don’t attempt to do it alone. For projects that you can tackle solo, make sure another adult in the home or a neighbor knows your whereabouts.

Wear Protective Gear

Be practical and sensible about your attire. Put away the sandals and flip flops, and wear closed-toe shoes instead. Avoid wearing jewelry or clothes that may potentially get caught in any equipment. Wear goggles to protect your eyes and earplugs to protect your hearing.

Ladder Safety

Only use a ladder or stepladder after you have inspected it. Before climbing on, place the ladder in a safe environment free of clutter on a firm, level base. Maintain three points of contact (hands or feet) and step up one rung at a time. Don’t overreach or allow more than one person at a time on the ladder. Stay near the middle and don’t use the top two steps on either a ladder or a stepladder.

Power Tool Safety

Never leave a power tool unattended. If you have to leave the work zone, make sure to unplug all power tools and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Before you use a power tool, check the cord and/or extension cord for any cracks. If you find any frayed wires, replace the cord. You can become electricity’s path to the ground if you are touching water that touches electricity. Never run any cord through water, including puddles.

First-Aid Kits

A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. Check your first-aid kit(s) regularly to be sure flashlight batteries work, and replace supplies that have expired or been used up.

Following some simple precautions can help ensure a DIY project goes smoothly. “Remember, it only takes a second to experience an accident — and it only takes a moment of preparation to help keep yourself and others safe,” said Dr. Maerz.


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What to know about higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) [Infographic]

2020-10-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Takeda Oncology

MDS is a rare cancer that is not commonly discussed, and is often referred to as a disorder or condition.

In recognition of MDS World Awareness Day, here are three key things to know about MDS:

  1. What is MDS?

MDS is a rare form of bone marrow cancer.1 There are 14,000 cases of MDS reported every year in the U.S., ranging in prognosis from very low- to very high-risk.2 Approximately 43% of new cases are higher-risk, meaning patients are at an increased risk for poor outcomes.3

  1. Why is it important that MDS should be widely considered a cancer?

MDS can be difficult to identify because symptoms are often vague, and patients are typically 70 years or older.4 MDS can be classified as higher-risk disease, which is often fatal. HR-MDS can transform into another aggressive cancer, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which also has extremely poor survival outcomes.1 Greater recognition of MDS as a cancer could lead to greater urgency to treat patients.

  1. Are there any treatment options available for HR-MDS?

Stem cell transplants are the only potential curative option, but the vast majority of people are too frail or sick to undergo transplant.5 A specific type of chemotherapy — hypomethylating agents (HMAs) — is approved to treat HR-MDS, but, alone, provides limited benefit.6 There have been no novel advances in treatment for HR-MDS in over 10 years.7-8

References

1 American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/myelodysplastic-syndrome/about/what-is-mds.html. Accessed August 27, 2020.

2 National Cancer Institute. https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2016/browse_csr.php?sectionSEL=30&pageSEL=sect_30_table.02. Accessed August 27, 2020.

3 Greenberg, P. L., Tuechler, H., Schanz, J., Sanz, G., Garcia-Manero, G., Solé, F., … Haase, D. (2012). Blood, 120(12), 2454–2465. doi.org/10.1182/blood-2012-03-420489. Accessed August 27, 2020.

4 American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/myelodysplastic-syndrome/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html. Accessed August 27, 2020.

5 American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/myelodysplastic-syndrome/treating/general-approach.html. Accessed June 8, 2020.

6 Gil-Perez, A., Montalban-Bravo, G. (2019). Therapeutic Advances in Hematology, 10, 2040620719847059. doi.org/10.1177/2040620719847059. Accessed August 27, 2020.

7 Gotza, K.S., Muller-Thomas, C., Peschel, C. (2009). Cancer Management and Research, 1, 119-130. doi.org/10.2147/cmr.s4721. Accessed August 27, 2020.

8 National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/patients/guidelines/content/PDF/mds-patient.pdf. Accessed August 27, 2020.


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DIY projects that will have you falling for outdoor living

2020-10-23T12:03:01

(BPT) – Never before has a home’s outdoor space been more cherished or vital. It’s not surprising then that nearly two-thirds of American homeowners have either recently undertaken or are in the process of upgrading their home’s exterior, according to Porch.com. For those of you still in the planning phase, professional designer and TV personality Alison Victoria, host of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab,” suggests four DIY-friendly projects to undertake this fall to turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis.

Deck it out. A great deck space can add valuable square footage to a home for al fresco dining, outdoor fun or just a refreshing retreat between Zoom meetings. The first thing to remember when planning a deck build is that materials matter. Consider building with composite decking, like Trex, which features a beautiful wood-grain pattern without the constant upkeep of wood. This high-performance, low-maintenance option won’t ever need sanding or staining, and only requires soap and water cleanings to retain its color and appearance for years to come.

“Trex is built to withstand the test of time, which is one of the many reasons I chose to use it in my own backyard,” says Victoria. “You can’t beat minimal maintenance on a deck that will still look like new after harsh winters like we have in Chicago. As a bonus, I love that it’s eco-friendly and made from 95% recycled materials.”

Go green. Put your green thumb to use by starting a vegetable garden or sprucing up your backyard with new plants and seasonal flowers. If you’re looking to create privacy, a popular and eco-friendly solution is to build a living wall that can shield you from neighbors while surrounding your outdoor space with flowers and fresh herbs. Planter boxes for a vertical wall are relatively easy to build. If your skills are more advanced, consider adding a drip irrigation system so you don’t have to worry about watering.

Liven with lattice. For a clever — and easy — design trick that adds both personal style and functionality to any outdoor space, consider incorporating lattice. Perfect for enhancing privacy or hiding unsightly views such as garbage cans and lawn equipment, lattice is durable, lightweight and easy to install. The Trex® LatticeWorks™ collection offers exclusive styles ranging from traditional to art deco in panels that can be applied to structures such as arbors, trellises and gazebos, or used as wainscoting or deck skirting.

Create an outdoor room. Just like the inside of your home, you can establish separate outdoor areas for relaxing, cooking, dining and socializing. A pergola is perfect for creating the look and feel of an “outdoor room,” serving to frame a space while adding a distinct, architectural element. Incorporate traditionally interior accents like plush furnishings, accent pillows, throw blankets and an area rug — all weather-resistant, of course — to create an inviting and comfortable outdoor haven.

“When it comes to backyard design, pergolas remain on-trend due to their versatility and limitless design possibilities,” adds Victoria. “They are great for adding definition — and drama — to any deck.”

For more DIY ideas and outdoor living inspiration, visit www.Trex.com.


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Grieving mom urges parents to promise to get flu vaccinations

2020-10-23T09:01:01

(BPT) – Two-year-old Reese Pena was an energetic, healthy toddler loved dearly by her entire family when her life was tragically cut short by the flu. Now, her mom is urging other parents to make a promise to vaccinate their families this year and every year.

Reese became ill with what her family assumed was a cold, but turned out to be Influenza B. She seemed like she was doing well, even getting back to eating and playing, but the flu infection attacked her heart and Reese died in her sleep.

Reese’s mom RoxxAnn says, “I did not know the flu could take her from us. The flu is dangerous, especially to children — and a flu vaccine could have prevented her death. I want every parent to make the Families Fighting Flu Vaccination Promise to protect their loved ones this year.”

Make the Families Fighting Flu Vaccination Promise

The Families Fighting Flu Vaccination Promise will help make sure annual flu vaccination doesn’t fall off your list of things to do. Go to FamiliesFightingFlu.org/promise and make the promise to get vaccinated, and you will be sent a reminder to get your flu shot. Protect yourself, your family and your community, and promise to take other family members to get vaccinated as well.

Why you should get a flu vaccine — especially this year

Nearly everyone 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated to help protect themselves and their community against the dangers of the flu. Making a plan to get a flu vaccine is even more crucial this year to keep everyone in your family and community healthy — and to help to prevent your local health system from becoming overburdened when both the flu and COVID-19 cases are on the rise.

Unlike COVID-19, there is a vaccine to help prevent the flu. In cases when the vaccine does not completely prevent you from contracting the flu, it can make your flu symptoms much less severe, reducing the risk of hospitalization and death for those who get vaccinated. The flu vaccination helps reduce the need for ICU treatment by 82% in adults and 74% in children.

How can you tell if someone has the flu or COVID-19?

According to the CDC, the flu and COVID-19 have many of the same symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience these common symptoms:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
  • Some may have vomiting and diarrhea, but it’s more common in children than adults

What are the main differences in symptoms?

The key difference in symptoms between the flu and COVID-19 is that people with COVID-19 sometimes experience a change in or a loss of taste and/or smell.

The flu and COVID-19 also affect children differently. The flu is often more deadly to children, which makes it all the more important to get kids — and their family members — vaccinated as early in the season as possible.

To honor Reese, her entire family gets vaccinated against the flu every year. They hope Reese’s story will help other families learn how to prevent the same tragedy from happening to them. For more information on preventing the flu, visit FamiliesFightingFlu.org.


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Is this the right time to switch careers? Many people are discovering passions during the pandemic

2020-10-22T23:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people in countless ways. From quarantine and social distancing to remote working, furlough and job loss, many people are reassessing how they spend their time and make money. Turning proverbial lemons into lemonade, people of all ages and backgrounds have decided to pivot their careers to do something that they truly enjoy.

Time provides the gift of insight

With extra time at home, people are taking stock of their jobs and what paths might make most sense for the future. They also have time to explore hobbies and passions that may have been put on hold previously. Finding enjoyment in these activities and realizing strengths and talents, this can be the inspiration for a new chapter. Here are a few examples:

  • Limited restaurant hours and options paired with ample time to spend in the kitchen has inspired foodies to flex their culinary muscles. Some have started showing off their creations on social media and even recording how-to videos to share with friends and family. Live cooking videos may have been a fun way to connect socially with others from a distance.
  • Having last-minute needs for household supplies, such as desks for the whole family, DIYers started working on projects in garages and sheds, realizing they have a maker mindset and handy capabilities. Talking with others and sharing images of finished projects, they’ve discovered their talents are in high demand, and others are interested in their creations.
  • Unexpected changes due to hour reduction, job loss and more have financial consequences for many families. Number-minded people rise to the challenge, creating agile budgets that help their family thrive in uncertain times. These people may even share their budgeting tips with others and find joy in helping people discover financial security.

The silver lining of the pandemic is it has given the gift of time for reflection and self-discovery. However, it’s one thing to enjoy a talent or passion; it’s another to figure out how to monetize it.

Desire inspires the need for change

Being your own boss is appealing to many people. If you’ve discovered a talent and you want to make it a career, it’s important to explore options that can help set you up for success. Taking orders for custom-made desks can be a rewarding side gig or even full-time career, if you have the space, the right tools and organization skills. Passionate cooks can explore culinary school and consider hosting online cooking classes to help garner some money and grow their reputation.

For people with a knack for finances, there’s no better time to explore the possibilities for a bright, vibrant new career as a financial professional. Organizations such as The Guardian Life Insurance Company provide paid training on how to build your career and find clients. They partner you with mentors in a team setting so that you can learn from peers as you help clients reach financial confidence. They even provide proprietary software that will help you build plans for clients so they can visualize their future success.

“I chose to become a software engineer because I saw tech companies innovating and helping people. After about four years, I realized sitting at a desk all day and not meeting the people that I was serving was not providing me the fulfillment I was looking for. I spoke with my uncle who is a financial representative and he introduced me to a local firm. I love being able to make an impact on my clients’ lives and building real relationships with them. There is no greater feeling in the world than there is to empower people to live their lives to their fullest!” says Tyler Wilmot, Financial Representative, New York, New York.

Financial representatives are in high demand

Becoming a financial representative can be ideal for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit. A financial representative is someone who owns their own business and makes their own hours. You can decide areas of specialty and what you’re most passionate about.

Helping others feel confident in their financial wellness now and in the future is a source of pride. For people with a desire to help people address financial challenges, it’s a wonderful job opportunity with high-growth potential. Financial representatives come from all backgrounds and exploring this career doesn’t require previous experience. There is a growing need in the industry to have people from diverse groups become financial representatives in order to best represent a diverse group of clientele.

The first step is learning more at https://www.guardianlife.com and then filling out a free application. The Guardian Network can provide the knowledge and support for you to be as successful as you are driven to be.

Is it time you changed your future?

Many people have been reassessing their life path during the pandemic and desire to make a change so they can spend their time doing something they love while making an honest living. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, there’s no better time to consider options and opportunities.


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When it comes to chainsaws, put safety first

2020-10-22T15:01:00

(BPT) – Unfortunately, 2020 has seen more than the usual number of natural disasters. With unprecedented floods, hurricanes and wildfires, nature has unleashed destruction from coast to coast. That means homeowners nationwide have been facing necessary cleanup, often requiring heavy-duty power equipment like chainsaws, which can create even more hazards if used improperly.

Before tackling outdoor cleanup projects, make sure you have the right tools for the job, along with safety gear, and that you know the right procedures for using them. In recognition of National Chainsaw Safety Month, the experts at Husqvarna offer recommendations for safely operating your equipment.

Protective gear is everything

Before operating a chainsaw — or any power tool — make sure you have proper gear to safeguard life and limb (plus vision and hearing).

Equip yourself with:

  • Protective pants, trousers or chaps
  • A forestry jacket
  • Anti-slip boots
  • Saw protection gloves
  • Helmet with earmuffs, visor and protective glasses

Also, avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing when running any heavy-duty power tools.

You can find all the protective gear you need at Husqvarna.com.

Before you begin work

Have your equipment inspected, especially if it hasn’t been used in a while. Review safety protocols, tips and safety videos on Husqvarna’s Chainsaw Academy to be prepared.

Proper techniques

If you’re new to using chainsaws, it’s best to take a course. But even if you’ve used this equipment before, a safety refresher is always wise before handling heavy-duty power tools like chainsaws.

Important tips to remember:

1. Don’t fell a tree on your own property. If a storm or another disaster damages a tree in your yard, contact a professional, like emergency responders, to handle it. Issues such as power lines and nearby homes can make this job more difficult — and a lot more dangerous.

2. Don’t work alone. Whether you’re in your backyard or further afield, it’s always smart to have a buddy nearby — but at least 10 feet away while you’re working, and not in the potential path of a falling tree or branch. If you absolutely must work on your own, be sure others know where you are, and keep a cell phone handy.

Buddy tip: Don’t startle your friend while they’re using power tools — make sure they see you coming, as they may be unable to hear you.

3. Clean up first. Make sure the area is clean before you cut. Removing excess debris, rocks and nails ensures you have a safer cutting area.

4. Watch that kickback zone. When the chain grips the wood, it can throw the saw and blade back and upward from the force of the rotating chain. When you saw with the upper part of the nose of the guide bar, there is significant risk for kickback. Kickback can be very hazardous, and may occur at any time if the saw is not handled properly.

To safeguard against kickback, always:

  • Use a chainsaw with a functioning chain brake.
  • Wrap thumbs and fingers completely around the handle.
  • Keep your left thumb under the front handle. This can help you catch the saw safely if kickback occurs.

All Husqvarna chainsaws include an inertia-activated chain brake. If kickback occurs and the tip of the bar is forced upwards, the inertia of the front guard should activate the chain brake instantly to stop the chain.

5. Know how to hold your chainsaw — And never climb or stand on a tree while using a chainsaw.

  • Wrap your thumbs and fingers completely around the handle, holding your front hand under the front handle to reduce kickback.
  • Hold the saw close to your body for better balance.
  • Place your left foot in front of your right and bend with your knees, not your back.
  • Make sure the chain has stopped rotating before moving to another spot.

Care for your equipment.

Clean your chainsaw before storing:

  • Clear debris from the saw, including the body and guide bar.
  • Loosen the chain bar, allow the chain to cool, then place the scabbard over the saw.
  • When the chainsaw is cool, clean the chain break band, then remove the chain to clean the inside track.
  • Check the air filter and tighten any loose screws.

Following these important guidelines will help you weather this stormy year more safely.


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Halloween week is here! How to celebrate in a safe and fun way

2020-10-22T11:59:00

(BPT) – Every year, you count down the days until Halloween. You love selecting costumes for your whole family, indulging in all your favorite treats and celebrating with friends. But this year is different — while you long to celebrate the holiday to the fullest, you also want to make choices to keep your family and your community safe. Like many Halloween enthusiasts, rather than forgoing beloved traditions altogether, you are coming up with creative, out-of-the-box ways to celebrate safely and keep everyone healthy this season, but you still need some guidance.

The Halloween and Costume Association, The Hershey Company and other partner organizations have joined forces to provide guidance on how best to celebrate Halloween safely this year. The Halloween Safety guidelines — available on Halloween2020.org — are consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Holiday Celebrations Guidelines and include a color-coded COVID risk level map, provided by the Harvard Global Health Institute.

“Families and policy-makers need clear and consistent information when it comes to COVID-19 risks to inform decision-making, including how to participate safely in the upcoming Halloween holiday and trick-or-treating activities associated with it,” said Dr. Ingrid Katz, Infectious Diseases Expert, and Associate Faculty Director at the Harvard Global Health Institute. “Through our interactive COVID risk level map, we hope to provide parents a reliable source to help them celebrate the Halloween holiday in the most safe, fun way possible according to the risk level in their community.”

With most of the country in the moderate risk category, it’s likely that many communities and families will find new ways to celebrate this year, including neighborhood trick-or-treat drive-ups, reverse trick-or-treating and neighborhood or backyard candy hunts. These creative celebration ideas allow for fun and safety to remain a top priority.

“Halloween is more important than ever this year as we navigate the new normal together and are seeking opportunities to celebrate safely. We’re inspired by the public-private partnerships and groups coming together that all have a shared value of celebrating Halloween safely,” says Chuck Raup, president, U.S., The Hershey Company.

The takeaway: There are many fun and safe ways to celebrate this Halloween season, from carving pumpkins to having Halloween-themed movie nights with your favorite Halloween treats like Hershey’s, Reese’s and Kit Kat.

Here are some tips and ideas for celebrating safely based on your risk zone color:

Yellow zones

Focus on trick-or-treat safety. A Halloween neighborhood parade is a good option for yellow zones. Organize a neighborhood costume parade where the route is predetermined and marked to maintain safe distances between participants. Stay safe by incorporating sanitization stations, yellow caution tape, 6-foot sidewalk stickers/tape and age group signs. Or, do the reverse and have kids decked out in their costumes in the front yard as neighbors walk or drive by and deliver candy from a safe distance.

Orange zones

For orange-zone communities, let the treats come to you. Trick-or-treat in reverse by having kids wear their costumes in the front yard as neighbors walk or drive by and deliver candy. Another option is a trick-or-treat drive-by where you wear costumes and then drive to visit friends and family in costume and deliver some treats! Honk, text or shout upon arrival and deliver some treats or tricks in costume to your favorite folks!

Red zones

At-home celebrations are safest for red zones. Consider planning a Halloween movie night or a virtual costume party. You can also make this a special time with a scavenger hunt throughout your home. Create different themed rooms throughout the house and send the kids on a scavenger hunt for fun swag. Hide candy, toys and prizes or even make some gift certificates to stay up late, choose the movie or eat an extra piece of candy. Keep the big kids engaged with trickier clues and fun age-appropriate rewards.

Even with the extra precautions and adjustments needed to ensure a safe celebration, Halloween 2020 still promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In fact, a Halloween such as this won’t happen again for at least another 152 years. Not only does Halloween 2020 fall on a Saturday, it also happens to be a full moon and daylight saving time. Additionally, the day occurs during a blue moon this year, the second full moon of October.

For more information, visit HersheyHappiness.com.


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Tips and tricks to embrace election season

2020-10-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – From debates and town halls to non-stop news coverage, election season can be fraught with conflict and commotion. Whether you’re an avid political junkie or just a concerned citizen, you’re probably looking for positive, upbeat ways to survive — and even embrace — election season.

Here are just a few ways you can make the most of the season.

1. Learn about the Founding Fathers

You may hear candidates and pundits give shout outs to the Founding Fathers, but how much do you really know about them? Apart from anything you learned back in school and maybe while watching Hamilton, chances are your knowledge base could use a refresh.

This election season, why not spend a little time reading about the Founding Fathers to learn about their attitudes, philosophies and accomplishments? Or maybe you could just watch Hamilton again.

2. Host an election night get-together

Whether you host a virtual get-together or just a small gathering with your household or “quaranteam,” why not celebrate the workings of democracy — and enjoy some wines created with patriotism in mind to go with it?

Vote for bold flavor in 2020! Distinctly American, Federalist wines are wrought with as much character and independent spirit as the figures that are pictured on every bottle, offering voters that uncompromising flavor they have come to know and love.

“As much as I love a good cocktail, I’m also a big fan of just opening up a great bottle of wine to enjoy through the night. The Federalist wines are bold, unique, full-bodied wines with character that anyone can enjoy,” says Elliott Clark, founder and personality of ApartmentBartender.com. “Whether you prefer reds or whites, you can find a wine you’ll love from this collection. For me, the red blend has become my go-to.”

Serve a simple cheese and fruit plate or concoct a spectacular charcuterie board for your soiree, along with one or two of these great choices:

  • 2017 Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon was created to honor the man many call the first American: Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and campaigned for colonial unity during the American Revolution. This revolutionary wine has delicious aromas of berries, tart cherry, sweet oak and cinnamon.
  • 2017 Federalist Honest Red Blend celebrates one of the most highly regarded American presidents of all time — Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln’s accomplishments were numerous, although he is probably best known for ending slavery, preserving the union and sadly being assassinated in office. His legacy, while not tied directly to the Federalists, is worthy of our respect, honestly. This wine is remarkable for its dark fruity and spicy taste.
  • 2017 Federalist Mendocino Chardonnay pays homage to the work of the Federalist Founding Fathers who fought for the country’s liberty. The Statue of Liberty on the label is the symbol of their accomplishment. This full-bodied, golden yellow Mendocino Chardonnay features the aromas of lemon, pear and a touch of cinnamon.

3. Do your civic duty

Get involved in the democratic process. Make sure to vote, and help others you know get to the polls if they need a ride. Research candidates and learn more about voting from non-partisan resources like Vote411, Ballotpedia or Rock the Vote. Volunteer to help out with a cause or campaign you believe in, or sign up to be an election judge or poll worker if you can.

Democracy works best when everyone participates!

Find all the libations you need to get you through the election season at www.wine.com/VoteFederalistWines.


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Navigating a new normal: Health and safety tips for kids in sports

2020-10-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – This year when it comes to youth sports, seasons have shifted, practices may look different and competitions may be postponed, all of which have been difficult for kids who simply want to enjoy their time on and off the field, court, rink, mat or pool deck. As parents navigate this new normal for their kids in sports, it’s more important than ever to support their kids’ athletic pursuits while also keeping safety in mind.

“In addition to performance, right now safety in youth sports is so important,” says author and sports nutrition expert Leslie Bonci, nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs. “Parents want their children to thrive in athletics — whatever that might look like this year — but also want to keep their health and safety in mind, so it’s important to take some proactive steps.”

To help guide parents, Bonci shares her top tips for maintaining a safe and healthy lifestyle for your child no matter their athletic interest:

Prioritize safety steps at home and away

As kids come together in youth sports settings, health and safety are of the utmost importance. Remind them to always wash hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom, blowing their nose, coughing or sneezing. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. In sports settings, discourage sharing bottles, clean and sanitize them daily with water and liquid household chlorine bleach and eliminate any bulk food or beverages during practice and games, using individually packaged items instead. When they get home from practice, get them in the habit of washing hands again before settling in.

Stay hydrated to fuel the body and focus the mind

Proper hydration is important both on and off the field of play. Rethink their drink and increase electrolyte intake with drinks such as Gatorade Juiced, a juice-based sports drink with a blend of fruit juices and electrolytes for hydration before, during and after physical exertion. It’s the only juice-based sports drink made with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners or flavors, no colors from artificial sources and adequate electrolytes, as recommended by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, to help replace what athletes lose in sweat.

Create balanced plates and customized meals

A well-balanced diet is essential for growing athletes to maintain proper growth and optimize performance in athletic endeavors. Create a great plate by personalizing your child’s meals based on their individual needs and strategizing to ensure the quality and quantity of their food intake. An ideal diet comprises 45% to 65% carbohydrates, 10% to 30% protein and 25% to 35% fat. For example, brown rice topped with baked chicken breast and a side of roasted carrots would be a wholesome meal. A good dessert could be a vanilla yogurt parfait with berries and granola.

Promote smart snack and drink choices

Stock your fridge and pantry with wholesome choices for growing bodies so kids make smart choices even when you’re not around. Cheese sticks and nut butters are excellent protein sources. Whole-grain crackers can provide a high-quality carbohydrate. Nuts and trail mixes are easy on-the-go options that satisfy hungry bellies. Fluids, like Gatorade Juiced, are very important for maintaining hydration and should be consumed before, during and after athletic events to help kids stay properly hydrated. Stock individual bottles and packages of snacks for easy access and to discourage sharing which can cause cross-contamination.

“Things are certainly different now in youth sports, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t continue to do the things they love in mindful ways,” says Bonci. “A few smart steps to support wellness can help your young athlete be the best no matter the environment.”


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Home cleaning: Tips for tackling your mess nemesis

2020-10-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – You know it has to get done, but you just don’t want to. It’s been on the to-do list for far too long. You may try to ignore it, dodge it or even cover it up. It’s your mess nemesis — your least-favorite cleaning task — and you’re dreading having to tackle it.

Not all cleaning is equal

While some people enjoy cleaning more than others, everyone can agree that not all cleaning tasks are created equal. In fact, 88% of American adults have a least-favorite cleaning task, according to a new survey from the makers of the home cleaning brand CLR® (pronounced “CLeaR”). When asked to liken their least-favorite cleaning task to a person, 33% of Americans said it’s like a scam caller. When asked to choose between activities, almost half (43%) would rather go to the dentist than handle their least-favorite cleaning task.

Cleaning during quarantine

Considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the extra time people are spending at home, messes are more frequent and can quickly become bothersome. The frequency of cleaning has increased for most Americans over the past several months, but Americans are, understandably, split on their level of cleaning productivity during this time: 53% have tackled a cleaning task they’ve been avoiding for years during the pandemic and 42% have avoided at least one cleaning task during the pandemic.

Tips for conquering a mess nemesis

Whether it’s soap scum, mildew, rust, stinks, stains or spills, it’s time to show your mess nemesis you mean business. Follow these tips to get the job done right:

Set a date: It’s easy to keep avoiding tasks you loathe, so set a time for when you plan to focus on cleaning and be specific. For example, 10 a.m. Saturday you’re finally giving the boot to that lime and calcium buildup on the shower door. Put on some cleaning clothes, play some motivational music and focus on getting the job done once and for all.

Stock ample supplies: Stock necessities such as sponges, scrubbers and rags before diving into any cleaning mission. Having the right supplies for the specific job makes tasks simpler. Use proper cleaning formulations for your task, such as the CLR line that has products designed to get rid of the grime in virtually every area of the home, from the kitchen and bathroom to the patio, garage and beyond.

Follow directions and use safer products: Always follow the directions on any product to ensure you get the results you want without making the mess worse or damaging the items. What’s more, use products that clean effectively without unnecessary use of harsh chemicals. Many of the CLR products are approved by the EPA Safer Choice Program, meaning they’re recognized as a safer alternative to traditional cleaning options that rely on the use of harsh chemicals to be effective, such as bleach. Look for the EPA Safer Choice label on the front of the product.

Rally the troops: Whether it’s a big mess that requires multiple sets of hands or a tough mess that requires a few people strategizing, help can make a big difference. Even if you need to focus on the mess nemesis while other people handle regular household chores, this can keep things moving forward thanks to teamwork. Get your partner, spouse, kids or roommates in on the action.