How to combat isolation and loneliness among older adults

2020-11-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Feeling a sense of connection and belonging with others is a basic human need. But unfortunately for many older adults, social isolation and loneliness are on the rise, especially because of the necessary social distancing since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The good news is, there are concrete strategies that caregivers and family members alike can take to bring more joy and a sense of play to the lives of the older adults they care about — especially for those who may be coping with cognitive decline, dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Many older people could benefit from a focus for their affection, such as a pet, but are no longer capable of caring for one due to the often-strenuous daily responsibilities or costs associated. Whether you live near or far, providing your loved one with the gift of companionship can make all the difference in their lives.

Pets with purpose

To help alleviate loneliness and feelings of isolation, Ageless Innovation created the award-winning line of Joy for All Companion Pets — life-like animatronic animals that help aging adults foster essential social connections, improve their emotional health and well-being and bring joy into their lives.

Recent research conducted by UnitedHealthcare, AARP Services, and more shows that the introduction of robotic companion pets is helping to improve the quality of life for older adults as it relates to depression, loneliness, social isolation and all forms of dementia. Nearly a dozen studies showed that the Joy for All Companion Pets had meaningful positive impact on recipients.

Key findings of these studies reveal:

  • Use of robotic companion pets enhance the well-being and quality of life of individuals with dementia
  • Companion pets showed a significant reduction in agitation and social isolation, improving quality of life for both patients and family members
  • Robotic pets may be a feasible way to mitigate behavioral disturbances in patients experiencing ICU delirium
  • Companion pets are beneficial to decreasing feelings of loneliness

How companion pets make a difference

One insight from the research was that older adults wanted interactive, two-way companionship, so the need for pets that could give love and receive it influenced the design of these companion pets.

Built-in sensors allow them to respond to touch, allowing them to react to their environment. The Companion Pet Cat features VibraPurr technology, mimicking the feeling and sound of a realistic cat purr; and the Companion Pet Pup features built-in BarkBack technology that responds to voices with playful puppy-like sounds.

The real impact of Companion Pets

Patti LaFleur (@MissPatticake on Instagram) gave a Joy for All Companion Pet Pup to her mother Linda, who suffers from dementia, to help ease her feelings of isolation when she couldn’t be there. Her mother named her new companion pup “Popcorn.”

“I gave Mom someone to talk with and love on and care for,” explained LaFleur. “My mom was always a nurturer, but in her dementia world she wasn’t able to care for others in the same way. But with Popcorn she could. She could love, cuddle, nurture and support her.”

LaFleur’s Instagram posts include lots of pictures of her smiling mother with her beloved companion pet.

Bringing joy and a vital sense of play into aging adults’ lives

Finding ways to improve the lives of older adults through play and a sense of connection is vital to their overall well-being. Using approaches ranging from games, crafts and activities to exploring ways to connect virtually can all help to enrich the lives of aging adults who may be feeling isolated right now.

Providing a life-like animal companion is another highly meaningful way to add joy to an older adult’s life.

“Developed with extensive input from older adults, Joy for All Companion pets look, sound and feel like real pets, but without the responsibilities of pet ownership,” said Ted Fischer, CEO and co-founder of Ageless Innovation. “Giving a Companion Pet Cat or Pet Pup can add a lot of fun and a sense of companionship to your loved one’s life.”

For the holidays this year, or in recognition of National Caregivers Month, look for a Companion Pet for your loved one at JoyForAll.com and Amazon.


4 questions to ask before getting a new pet

2020-11-24T08:23:33

(BPT) – One good thing about 2020? More people are fostering and adopting pets who need homes. And during the holidays, pet adoption increases even more because families have more time away from work and school.

Before you foster or adopt — and especially when considering a pet as a gift — it’s best to make sure you’re ready not just for the fun and companionship pets can bring, but also for the responsibilities. Preparing thoughtfully in advance will ensure you and your new pet are happy and comfortable at home.

“This year has been so unexpected, but one constant is that animals always bring positivity and comfort,” says veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder and CEO of Fear Free, in partnership with BISSELL. “If you’re preparing to adopt or foster a pet, it’s important to ease their transition into your home.”

Here are questions to ask before bringing a new furry friend home.

1. Does your living situation allow pets?

If you live in a rental, there are likely animal rules. Even if pets are allowed, additional fees might be added to help pay for possible damage or cleaning. Be sure to identify any such limitations before adopting or fostering a pet.

Also, make sure there’s room for your pet to have their own space. “One immediate change you can make in your home is to create a dedicated space for your new pet with bedding, food, water and toys to help them feel safe,” recommends Becker.

2. Do you have everything you need?

With pets come supplies: food and dishes, toys, bedding, litter boxes (for cats), leashes (for dogs), plus cleaning supplies. Make sure you’re prepared with enough funds to support the ongoing needs of your four-legged pal.

One crucial way to prepare your home for a new pet is to have effective cleaning tools on hand so you can spend less time cleaning and more time with your pet! Getting a BISSELL® CrossWave® Cordless Max multi-surface wet/dry vac is a great first step — it vacuums and washes sealed hard floors at the same time, making it easier and quicker to keep floors clean. Especially during this season, there are a variety of formulas you can use in this wet/dry vacuum that adapt to your cleaning needs, including sanitizing hard floors, cleaning your delicate wood floors, or cleaning multi-surfaces, like sealed hard floors and refreshing your area rugs.

The BISSELL® CrossWave® Cordless Max gives you cordless freedom, and its rechargeable battery provides up to 30 minutes of cleaning power, depending on mode and usage. The machine’s self-cleaning cycle cleans the brush roll after each use, so all you have to do is dump and rinse the dirty water tank.

BISSELL also proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets, and when you buy one of their products, you help save pets, too.

3. Will you have time to spend with your pet?

Now it may feel like you have plenty of time to take walks, play with pets and cuddle, especially while family members are working and learning at home. However, since we might not always be remote, it’s important to plan for changes in schedules down the road.

Will there be time in your family’s schedule in the future, so your pet will have all of their needs met — including companionship and attention? Consider adding special comfy beds or leaving a radio on to help your pet adjust to being home alone. Get them gradually used to being on their own by taking short outings without them — leading up to the time when family members need to return to the workplace.

4. Can you create a relationship with a veterinarian?

If you don’t already have a veterinarian in mind, start looking for one in your area. Ask pet-loving friends, neighbors and family for recommendations. Neighborhood social media groups often have great suggestions, too. Once you find a vet, call ahead to inquire about wellness visits, and establish a relationship so you’re prepared.

Becker offers tips during this time when vet offices are not allowing pet parents to enter with pets: “As you’re preparing for any of those first veterinarian appointments, I recommend bringing a comforting toy or blanket from home to help reduce anxiety.”

For help finding a vet, prepping for vet visits and other advice, visit FearFreeHappyHomes.com.

Spending time preparing now will create more time to relax and play with your new best friend later. Being a pet parent is a rewarding gift — especially now — because it offers opportunities to increase your capacity for responsibility, compassion and play. And if you’re fostering, you’ll have the special opportunity to prepare a pet for their future forever home.


Tax season 2020 will look different: Here’s how to prepare

2020-11-24T10:31:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret that 2020 has been a tumultuous year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans found themselves out of work — at least temporarily — and received unemployment benefits. Others may have experienced employment changes, like working from home or taking on multiple jobs. All of these factors will have even more of an impact come time to file income taxes on tax day, April 15, 2021.

“For many, the 2020 tax season will likely look different,” says Mark Steber, Chief Tax Information Officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. “The pandemic brought unexpected, overwhelming changes.”

To help you prepare and get the maximum tax refund you deserve, Steber offers the following tax tips.

1. Understand how unemployment benefits work

If you received unemployment benefits this year, it may have been for the first time. Make sure you’re aware of how they affect your taxes.

Unemployment benefits are taxable and must be reported to the IRS on your tax return. Taxable benefits also include any special compensation authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act earlier this year. That means if you did not withhold enough taxes from your unemployment benefits, you could see a big tax bill or a much smaller tax refund than you normally receive.

Unemployment benefits can affect tax credits. Unemployment is considered unearned income, so it won’t count toward certain credits. For example, you must have earned income to qualify for the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit. Additionally, your adjusted gross income must be below certain levels to get certain credits.

2. Set money aside to cover unexpected taxes

If you received unemployment benefits and did not withhold any federal or state income tax, you’ll need to pay tax on that money. To prepare, consider setting money aside now to cover those taxes on your 2020 return and brace yourself for a much smaller refund or no refund at all this tax season.

3. Take advantage of possible deductions

Every taxpayer will get a charitable donation deduction for 2020. Make a list of any IRS-approved donations you made this year and locate any receipts. Whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction, under the CARES Act, all taxpayers are eligible to deduct up to $300 worth of monetary donations to qualified organizations.

And while many Americans have been working at home for months, a home office deduction is not guaranteed. The home office deduction is only available to those who are self-employed.

4. Consider major life changes

Life goes on, even during a pandemic, and life changes can bring sizeable tax implications. Some changes that cause the biggest impact include getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting a child, buying or selling property, retiring, or starting a business. If you experienced any of these events in 2020, know that your return will look different.

5. Keep track of important documents

Even if your taxes won’t be affected by unemployment, make sure you gather all your documents, such as W-2 forms and 1099s for interest dividends and even retirement distributions. Remember to include the Notice 1444 you received with your stimulus check for your 2020 tax records. Collect your charitable contribution totals, mortgage interest, property taxes you’ve paid, and any additional state and local income taxes paid for the year. If you were furloughed and able to pick up a temporary job, gather your W-2s for each job you worked. If you worked a side gig, make sure to keep a record of your income, the miles you drove, and any additional expenses. And if you’re not filing single, be on the lookout for family members that may have been impacted to make your tax return more complicated.

No matter your 2020 situation, follow these tips to prepare for any unexpected tax implications. For more information and help during the 2020 tax season, visit jacksonhewitt.com.


5 quick tips for improving the airflow in your home this Thanksgiving

2020-11-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – With COVID-19 cases up in most parts of the country families are weighing the pros and cons of gathering for Thanksgiving. Experts encourage maintaining a steady flow of fresh, quality air within your home to help slow the transmission of coronavirus.

Proper air circulation is crucial in any home, because airflow regulates temperature and creates a more pleasant and safe breathing environment. By contrast, poor air circulation can actually endanger your health. In fact, the levels of indoor air pollutants are often two to five times higher than outdoor levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Here’s how to improve the airflow in your home.

Open your windows

Only 57% percent of homeowners open their windows in the winter, according to a study conducted by Pella Windows and Doors. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments agree — opening your windows is a simple way to help to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

“Opening windows is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to encourage air flow and limit the spread of germs, and potentially COVID-19, within your home,” said Nicolle Picray, brand communications and public relations manager at Pella Windows & Doors.

The company says the simple act of opening windows for 15-20 minutes a day, even in the winter months, can not only help to slow the transmission of COVID-19, but it can deliver a powerful lift to physical and mental health, as well as help clear homes of indoor pollutants and odors.

Turn on ceiling fans

Whenever possible, keep fresh air circulating in your home. Turning on ceiling fans can keep air moving, and combined with opening windows, can help cross-ventilation.

Check your air filter

A dirty air filter will reduce clean airflow from your home’s heating and cooling system. This makes your home less comfortable, raises your energy bills and can lead to costly heating and air conditioning repairs.

Add houseplants

Put that green thumb to work. The benefits of adding houseplants to your home decor go far beyond aesthetics. Houseplants are natural air filters that purify your home. And, research shows that greenery reduces stress and creates a more tranquil and relaxed environment.

Rearrange your furniture

Create a direct pathway through and around the rooms of your home, especially gathering spaces like the dining room. Make sure there isn’t anything blocking air flow from the windows or covering any of the vents on your floors, walls or ceilings.

By making simple adjustments you can improve the air circulation and ventilation in your home, ensuring you — and your guests — breathe clean air.


Holiday shopping online? 5 ways to protect yourself from cybercrime

2020-11-24T11:31:01

(BPT) – If you’re planning to do most of your holiday shopping online this year, you’re far from alone. In light of COVID-19, many people are erring on the side of safety and staying out of stores.

In a recent McAfee survey entitled “Holiday Season: State of Today’s Digital e-Shopper,” 49% of U.S. respondents reported that they’ve ramped up their online shopping since the pandemic began. And a full 36% say they’ll continue that pattern over the holidays.

“While more than 124 million consumers visited retail stores over the holiday season in 2019, this new survey reveals more people plan to connect and shop online this year — for both themselves and family/friends,” the study reports.

That makes perfect sense. The problem is that cybercriminals are seizing that opportunity to create new (and often clever) schemes for stealing personal information and money from online shoppers. Not surprisingly, McAfee recorded 419 such threats per minute in Q2 2020 — a boost of nearly 12% from the previous quarter.

In response to such issues, here are suggestions for protecting yourself as you engage in the joys of online holiday shopping this year.

Install effective antivirus software. As criminals get more and more sophisticated, traditional antivirus software may not be enough to protect you and your family from their schemes. Fortunately, comprehensive security system McAfee Total Protection is designed to ward off the most intense malware, phishing attacks and other cyberthreats, and McAfee’s WebAdvisor is able to keep you up to date on all malicious websites discovered.

Double-check deals offered via email or text. Criminals often pretend to be major retailers to trick you into buying. Instead of clicking on the links presented and/or automatically providing your financial information, verify the offer with the primary source before buying.

Be savvy when buying gift cards. The McAfee report shows 35% of consumers plan to buy more online gift cards this year, but shoppers are urged to check their authenticity via multi-factor authentication before paying for them. Phony gift cards are trending this season, but the survey found only 25% of respondents check their legitimacy before buying.

Install apps selectively. McAfee advises shoppers to be wary of providing too much personal information to secure an app, since cybercriminals target popular consumer apps to try to collect data for nefarious purposes.

Avoid reusing passwords. Yes, it can be inconvenient to keep track of multiple passwords. Do it anyway to prevent thieves from accessing multiple accounts if they succeed in hacking your information.

As cybercriminals get more and more clever, consumers must be vigilant year-round about protecting themselves. To find more information about guarding yourself from their activity, talk to the experts at McAfee.

“Cybercriminals continue to adapt and innovate their activity online in order to scam more victims — and the holidays are a peak time for them,” the study reports. “As individuals, families and friends navigate the ‘new normal’ this holiday season — and turn to online channels to shop, share cheer and celebrate with one another — it’s critical they too are aware of the increased risks they face online.”


6 tips: Create your own festive moments at home between the holiday rush

2020-11-24T14:01:00

(BPT) – During this unique holiday season, many people plan to spend more time at home surrounded by a few select family members and friends, or they may even connect with loved ones virtually from afar. But that doesn’t mean their gatherings and time spent together need to be any less special.

Sometimes, the simple but intimate moments in between the holiday rush can be the most meaningful and memorable.

“A gathering doesn’t always have to be a blow-out extravaganza,” notes tastemaker Patrick Janelle. “It can be as simple as afternoon drinks with friends or a cozy game night at home. But being prepared ahead of time can make it super easy to host a casual yet elevated gathering.”

In that spirit, here are suggestions for turning this year’s intimate holiday gatherings into occasions to be savored.

Create comfort. Set the stage so your few guests can fully relax, forget their cares and enjoy the warm camaraderie that comes from being around loved ones. Create a welcoming ambiance by offering plenty of comfortable seating, lighting the fire, setting out fragrant candles and keeping food and drink easily accessible. And there’s no reason to leave out the decorations. “For an easy and inexpensive tablescape, I love using colorful, festive fruit,” Janelle advises. “A bowl of pomegranates is a great option. And any holiday table is enhanced with taper candles. Get vintage brass candlesticks on eBay, or fill glasses with cranberries for simple DIY candlesticks.”

Curate delicious cocktails. Offer your guests specially selected drinks that take your event to the next level. Serving a classic cocktail is a sure way to impress, and Mount Gay Rum makes that easy through its Mount Gay Moments x Cocktail Courier Collection, a series of limited-edition kits curated by tastemakers such as Janelle, to elevate occasions at home, whether you are hanging out “In the Kitchen,” gathering “Around the Table” or cozying up “By the Fire.” The premium kits feature the essential ingredients that can help you craft delicious Mount Gay cocktails, along with artisanal accessories for intimate gatherings. For Janelle’s Around the Table kit, complementary items include a chic candle, cheese board, coasters and a deck of cards.

One delectable cocktail option? The Old Fashioned with Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, topped off with an orange peel garnish. As the original rum distillery, Mount Gay from the island of Barbados leverages its 300 years of expertise and craftsmanship to create a range of well-balanced, distinctive rums. Black Barrel, so named as it finishes aging in bourbon barrels, makes the perfect alternative to whiskey for this classic cocktail.

Add tempting snacks. Think beyond the ordinary to find unique selections aimed at pleasing your guests. Janelle likes to pair three key items with cocktails: Green, mild and earthy Castelvetrano olives, a bowl of shelled pistachios and a bag of pre-popped popcorn.

Stage entertainment. Good conversation is always a staple, but your guests may also appreciate amusing distractions such as games, cards or activities like holiday crafts or baking projects. You may even want to round up and show old footage or old photos of past holiday celebrations. “Choose a theme to set the tone for the evening,” Janelle recommends. “Plan a lively game night with your favorite card game, or a casual catch up with friends over a special meal.”

Prepare great music. Keep the mood relaxed and festive by making your playlist well ahead of time, focusing on the tunes that will mean the most to your guests — and/or bring back happy memories from the past. “A jazz playlist can be used anytime during the holidays,” notes Janelle. “It feels festive without hitting you over the head with holiday tunes.”

Share with distant others. This season, many friends and family members will reconnect with each other through video conferencing rather than in-person meetings. Why not schedule a group Zoom call to include loved ones who can’t attend your small gathering? You may even wish to gift everyone with Mount Gay Rum x Cocktail Courier Kits ahead of time so you can individually craft delicious drinks and toast each other from afar. “Mixing cocktails is a thoughtful and interactive way to elevate a small gathering … and it doesn’t have to be difficult,” Janelle points out.

Your holiday gatherings this year may be different than ever before, but with a little planning you can still make your guests feel special and full of holiday cheer. Learn more about selecting the perfect cocktails to serve at MountGayRum.com.


Tips to help you shop safely amid COVID-19 this holiday season

2020-11-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s a shopping season like no other. Fifty-seven percent of shoppers surveyed report that they are likely to change their gifting habits this holiday season because of COVID-19[1]. As a result, shoppers are relying on a long-time favorite — gift cards — as a gift that can lessen the headache of 2020. This year’s most requested gift allows consumers to shop online or load gifts into mobile wallets, making shopping simpler and safer.

“Gift cards have been the most requested gift for fourteen years in a row[2],” said Megan Flanagan, executive director of the of the non-profit Retail Gift Card Association. “And they couldn’t be easier to buy. Most people are still visiting grocery stores during the pandemic, where you can find gift card malls that offer plenty of options for everyone on your list. Some grocers even offer curbside pickup of gift cards.”

Most gift cards also come in digital form, called eGifts, which can be completely contactless: bought, given and spent digitally. However, physical gift cards can be spent online, too.

“So, whether you give gift cards or eGifts, your recipients don’t have to worry about using them in person or shopping in crowded malls if they don’t want to,” continued Flanagan. “And, when your recipients get to buy what they want, where they want, they never have to worry about returning a gift they can’t use.”

As gift cards continue to grow in popularity, and the social landscape is changing due to the pandemic, gift cards are increasingly being used to connect people through shared experiences, virtually.

“With people spending more time at home, we’ve seen food delivery, streaming and gaming, and home improvement gift cards increasing in popularity,” said Shelley Hunter, the Gift Card Girlfriend at GiftCards.com and gifting expert. “Shoppers are looking for creative ways to celebrate, like choosing gift cards that create an at-home experience. For instance: a Grubhub gift card paired with a new jigsaw puzzle, or gaming and streaming gift cards given with a cozy blanket.”

Another gift card trend this year is multi-store cards featuring an assortment of retailers, restaurants and entertainment options on a single card, giving recipients more freedom to choose where to spend their gift. Some popular options include:

  • Happy Cards®: a universally giftable line of multi-store cards coupled together for various themes, including two great holiday options, called Happy® Holidays and Holiday Favorites.
  • Giving Good™: 88% of the US shoppers surveyed plan to make charitable donations this year[1], and Giving Good cards are the perfect way to give gifts that people love and also support the community. Giving Good cards benefit some of America’s top charitable causes.
  • Choice Cards: bring together higher-end retailers and restaurants all on one card.
  • Spafinder: turns someone’s every day into a spa day. A Spafinder gift card unlocks services and products to pamper yourself from thousands of participating spas, salons and studios.

You can check out an array of holiday gift card options at the gift card mall in your local grocer or retailer, or online at GiftCards.com.



[1] The “2020 BrandedPay™ Holiday Shopping Preview” report is based on the findings in the Holiday Gifting 2020 study, an internet-based survey conducted by Leger on behalf of Blackhawk Network between August 24–31, 2020. The sample size included 1,500 respondents. Gift card category findings are based on 2018–2020 sales data from Blackhawk Network from over 50,000 merchant locations across the U.S.

[2] “Holiday 2020 By The Numbers,” National Retail Federation, October 2020.


End 2020 on a high note with these holiday hacks!

2020-11-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – While 2020 has been a rollercoaster of emotions for all of us, this year’s holiday season doesn’t have to be. These hacks will help you navigate the new norm this holiday shopping season — and make sure 2020 ends on a stress-free note.

Channel your inner Clark Griswold.

Go all out with holiday decorating and make your home extra festive this year since everyone will be spending more time at home this holiday season. Missing family members who can’t visit this year? Incorporate their photos into your holiday decorations to invoke family memories and to feel closer during this time when so many of us are spending the holidays apart. Cheery decor can improve your entire vibe — so whether you deck the halls with extra string lights in every room or spice up your bar cart with festive beverages, bring the holiday festivities into your own space and embrace the at-home life.

Shop smarter and protect your packages with in-garage delivery.

If you’re planning to do most of your holiday shopping online this year like the majority of Americans, it’s even more important than ever to be prepared with a secure and contactless delivery solution like Key by Amazon In-Garage Delivery. Amazon recently expanded the service to millions more Prime members in more than 4,000 cities across the United States. Ensure your gifts, decorations and everything else you need to have a safe and happy celebration are protected against damage, theft and weather. All you need is a myQ smart garage door opener linked to Key by Amazon app to have packages delivered directly into your garage. myQ technology can be added to all leading brands of garage door openers in minutes via a myQ Smart Garage Hub, which practically pays for itself thanks to a special $30 Amazon credit after your first in-garage delivery with promo code KEY30 (Terms and conditions apply. Find them at amazon.com/keypromo to learn more.).

Start a new family tradition.

With the holidays looking a bit different this year, our annual traditions may also have a new feel. Since life is slowed down and everyone is snuggled in at home, consider making the most of the situation and putting some extra thought into starting a new family tradition. Try ordering matching holiday jammies, experimenting with new delicious family recipes (perhaps spark some friendly competition with a bakeoff over Zoom?) or maybe even try building an ice-skating rink on your lawn. 2020 has been an unforgettable year, so add some happy memories to the mix.

If you’re entertaining and need extra space to spread out, consider your garage.

Your garage is an extension of your home and can be a great place this year to remain socially distant. If you’re entertaining and need extra space to spread out, why not utilize your garage? The indoor/outdoor space lets in fresh air and creates additional room for hosting loved ones over the holiday season. Add space heaters, twinkling lights, some festive music and pour the hot cocoa!


Cooking fires increase over the holidays: How to keep your kitchen safe

2020-11-23T17:39:55

(BPT) – According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries — and the second leading cause of home fire deaths. Cooking fires increase during the holiday season. The type of cooking appliances used makes a difference; people using electric ranges showed a higher risk of cooking fires (and associated losses) than those using gas ranges.

The good news? Technology mixed with safe cooking behavior can make a big difference. Here are some tips for protecting people and property from stove fires.

6 ways to guard against kitchen fires

1. Install the right technology. Anyone cooking on an electric coil stove top can make it significantly safer by replacing the coils with SmartBurner. Unlike traditional electric stove coils that can get dangerously hot very quickly, SmartBurners are designed with temperature limiting control technology that helps keep them from reaching the high temperatures that can cause most cooking oils to auto-ignite. By controlling the temperature, the burner lets you cook your food as usual, but with peace of mind.

2. Check the area for fire dangers. Before turning on your stovetop, move anything that can catch fire away from the heat source. This includes mail, towels, napkins, paper plates, pizza boxes or even cleaning supplies. Wipe up spilled grease so it won’t catch fire.

3. Dress for success. Loose sleeves and clothing can catch fire. Instead, wear clothes with short sleeves, or roll them up. In the NFPA study, clothes catching fire was a key factor in 14% of deaths caused by home cooking fires.

4. Be ready to act fast. When you cook, keep a cookie sheet or large pan lid nearby. If there is a pan fire, you can quickly cover the pan and put out the flames. Then turn off the heat and leave the pan covered until it cools. Never try to move a burning pan, as that can spread the flames.

5. Create a kid-free zone. Aim to keep children at least three feet away from any area where you’re cooking. And never hold a child while you’re cooking or moving around hot liquids or foods. Be especially careful during the holidays. The NFPA reports that the peak days for home cooking fires last year were Thanksgiving and Christmas — times when family tends to gather around the kitchen.

6. Don’t leave. This one sounds obvious, but unattended cooking was cited as the leading cause of cooking fires and injuries in the NFPA study. Stay in the kitchen and keep an eye on what you fry, broil and grill. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn the stove top OFF. When you are roasting, simmering or baking food, stay at home and check it often. Set a timer to remind you to check the food while it is cooking.

By following these tips for fire safety in the kitchen, you can help save people and property from the leading cause of home fires — cooking. For more information, visit PioneeringTech.com.


Families face holiday humbug due to high medical costs

2020-11-23T14:49:00

(BPT) – Many Americans look to the holiday season as a time of carefree family fun and rest — especially in a year as tumultuous as 2020. But recent studies suggest some families’ budgets may be facing lumps of coal in their stockings this holiday season.

The National Retail Federation recently reported that consumers plan to spend around $1,000 this holiday season, roughly 5% lower than 2019. Another factor may lower this amount even more — the expenses health insurance doesn’t cover.

In the past two years, 71% of families with children under 18 in their household had to make some type of sacrifice or hard decision during the holiday season because of medical cost concerns, according to the 2020 Health Care Issues Survey from insurer Aflac.

The national survey highlights how over the past two years, medical cost concerns have forced 28% of families to rely on a credit card, 23% of families to spend less on holiday gifts or go without giving them altogether, and 21% to cancel plans to see family or friends during the holidays.

“Parents have navigated turbulent waters this year, including balancing their children’s education and their own day-to-day jobs all from home,” said Aflac’s Stephanie Shields, who is also a mother of three. “Unfortunately, the high cost of medical care in the U.S. is another factor families must navigate. Parents want to treat their families during the holidays, and if this season is anything like the last two, that may mean making more difficult financial choices.”

At a time when many Americans struggle financially due to the pandemic, unexpected out-of-pocket expenses stemming from just one hospital visit could subdue families’ budgets and holiday plans.

And the rising price of health care shows no signs of slowing down.

Among families who visited the hospital in the past two years, 70% faced significant out-of-pocket medical expenses beyond a copay or deductible during their most recent hospital visit. Of those, 64% said they spent $500 or more, up from 58% in 2019, and 45% said they spent $1,000 or more, up from 37% last year.

“Amid mounting uncertainty and rising health care costs, one option to help people take better control of their finances is supplemental insurance,” added Shields. “By getting help with the expenses health insurance doesn’t cover, individuals and families can focus on recovery, enjoy the holiday season, and look forward to the new year and beyond.”