Month: January 2021

2021-01-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Picking the right phone and wireless service can feel like you’re a contestant on the world’s most complicated game show. So how do smart Americans evaluate these questions — and which wireless service is the just plain smart option?

2021-01-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – What do you do with uncertainty? Much less a year of it or more? The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with challenges, hardships and instability of every kind — important events canceled, travel put on hold, businesses striving to stay open, kids and parents adjusting to virtual learning and work. Above all, the threat of a loved one falling ill has remained ever present.

The only thing certain is that this past year has required a critical skill: resiliency. But as with any skill, resiliency doesn’t always come naturally — becoming more resilient takes work. Something military families know well.

For servicemembers, resiliency is part of their training. The U.S. Department of Defense Master Resilience Training Course teaches them to master energy management, emotion awareness and regulation, impulse control, de-catastrophizing and more to prepare for the challenges they may face. But for military spouses, resiliency is a skill gained through their lived experience managing life at home while their husbands and wives are deployed. “If you embrace the need for resilience, you also embrace the fact that life is full of highs and lows,” says American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters’ Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Program Manager Chrystal Daulton, whose husband has been stationed away from home for half of their 24-year marriage. “When you’re flying high and everything is great, resilience helps you navigate the inevitable bumps in the road with grace.”

The military spouses at American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters supply advice they like to share with others about navigating times of uncertainty and the unexpected. Here are some of their key tips:

Keep going. Don’t focus on the obstacle; think about the next step you can take. Maybe you’re reeling from disappointment or feeling like life is a little unfair these days, but the reality is, dwelling rarely does us any good. Try to turn your initial reaction into an action. And if you need a little help on your way, call your doctor to talk about breathing or calming techniques that may help you process and move past those initial feelings.

Make your bed every morning. Small tasks like this one can have a big impact on your day — providing a sense of control over your circumstances and a sense of accomplishment. No matter what else may have gotten in the way of your day, when you climb into a well-made bed, you’ll know you conquered something.

Look on the bright side. Always try to find a positive in every negative, no matter how hard that can be. Does your world feel like it’s crashing down? Maybe the weather forecast is saying otherwise — maybe get outside for some fresh air and fresh perspective. Your child has a cold that just won’t go away, and you’re feeling exhausted? Think of this as extra snuggle time with your little one; they won’t stay that way forever. Finding the silver lining is a creative exercise you can do for any issue.

Connect with friends and family. If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s how difficult it is to be isolated from those we love. While getting together in person may remain a challenge, there are always video calls, phone calls or even classic letter-writing to stay in touch. Be sure to reach out and talk to others; don’t wait for them to reach out to you. If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, call a friend and commiserate, complain, share support and remind yourselves that you’re not alone. Staying connected to others is one of the most important steps in resiliency.

Have a plan. Even though things can change, make goals and hone new skills that make you feel more confident and capable. Whether you’re planning a far-off event or discovering a new passion, working on a plan can be an ideal way to stay occupied and take your mind off of anything stressful.

Memorize a mantra. A prayer, a favorite quote or an expression that you come up with all on your own — having a mantra to recite can be a useful calming technique and a way to recenter when you feel yourself losing your cool. “The Serenity Prayer” is an example of a step toward resiliency: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.”

Take a break from the outside world. Unplug from your devices for a while and find another low-fi way to occupy your time, hands or mind. A good book, a puzzle, a long walk. In a world where we’re inundated with new information and stories, it can feel overwhelming, sometimes without us even realizing it. Let your family know you’ll be turning on your “Do Not Disturb” and disconnect for a bit. After all, it’s not just our devices that need power; you need to “recharge” too.

Don’t be everything to everybody. With all of the incredible responsibilities you can feel as an employee, friend and family member, it can be hard to remember to take care of yourself first. Take time for you and treat yourself to things you enjoy, whether soaking in a hot bubble bath or bundling up with a cozy blanket and binge-watching your favorite TV show. Allowing yourself to unwind is not only gratifying, it also ensures you’re able to be more giving in other facets of your life.

Volunteer and become involved in your community. Acting in service to others is one of the best ways to feel like you’re making a difference in challenging times. Look for volunteer opportunities in your community. A great place to start is by contacting your local American Legion Auxiliary unit. Ask about ways you can volunteer or if you are eligible to become a member. You can also visit www.ALAforVeterans.org to find out more. You’re sure to see the positive impact of that volunteer work in your own life, as well as the lives of others.

Take it from those who know best — resiliency is the key to managing uncertainty and change. By employing these small, simple actions, you can build a significant new skill that will serve you well through this challenging time and beyond.

2021-01-18T14:17:00

(BPT) – If you’ve heard of ghee, you might know of its recent, growing popularity as part of many wellness habits this time of year. Or, perhaps from its roots in the Ayurvedic health approach, which originated over 3,000 years ago and is still in use today.

But what is ghee? How do you use it, and what are its possible benefits?

Here are facts about ghee that may just make you interested in trying it yourself, or turn it into your new pantry staple.

1. Ghee is lactose free

Ghee is originally derived from dairy, and is essentially butter that has been clarified — meaning it’s cooked giving it added depth of flavor and richness.

For example, Organic Valley Ghee starts as organic butter made from pasture-raised milk, containing more omega-3s and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than conventional milk, but with no antibiotics, synthetic hormones, pesticides or GMOs. It is slowly simmered to remove excess water. During the simmering process, lactose and milk solids caramelize slightly, imparting a nutty flavor to the oil. Then the lactose and milk solids are filtered out, so ghee can be used by people who are lactose intolerant.

2. Ghee works in many wellness plans

From a nutritional perspective, ghee has no casein (a protein found in milk and other dairy products), no lactose, no salt. Because the lactose and milk solids are removed, ghee is accepted as part of many wellness plans, including Keto, Whole 30, Paleo and Ayurvedic. So if you’re looking to replace other cooking oils and fats, ghee is a great option. And, it’s a good way to add omega-3 to your day.

3. You can use ghee just like butter or your favorite oil

It might be surprising, but you can use ghee just as you would butter or any other cooking oil. You can cook and bake savory or sweet dishes, and you can even spread it on bread. Ghee tastes great on popcorn, or use to turn your favorite tea into a tea latte.

However, unlike butter, ghee does not need refrigeration. Store in a cool, dry, dark place for optimal flavor and a long shelf-life.

4. Enjoy high-heat cooking? Ghee is the perfect choice

More highly refined fats like ghee have a higher smoke point, as the process of making it removes impurities that can cause it to smoke during the cooking process. Ghee’s high smoke point means it works well with stir fry, high heat sauteing, roasting or baking. If you use oil with a low smoke point when cooking at high heat, you may be adding a burnt flavor to your food — and reducing some beneficial nutrients of the oil you’re using.

Ghee adds depth and richness to foods, providing hints of sweetness and roasted nuts to your favorite dishes.

5. Ghee creates delicious recipes

Try this tasty and comforting winter drink, then sign up to receive a free e-book with more recipes using Organic Valley Ghee.

Golden Milk

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Organic Valley Ghee
2 cups whole or 2% milk
4 teaspoons grated fresh turmeric or 1 teaspoon dried turmeric
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Pinch black pepper
Honey or other sweetener (optional)

Directions

Place ghee in small saucepan over medium heat
Once ghee is melted, add milk and stir gently until combined
Add turmeric, ginger and black pepper.
Continue stirring until mixture is warm, but not boiling.
Remove from heat, add honey or sweetener of choice to taste, and enjoy!

Looking for ghee?

Find organic ghee with cooking oils, in the natural foods section or in the butter fridge. Find Organic Valley Ghee at retailers nationwide or online, click here to find ghee in your area.

2021-01-18T08:01:04

(BPT) – The beginning of a new year always inspires and encourages new attitudes and ideas for taking care of yourself. But too often, strategies recommended for being healthier are centered around sacrifice and not letting yourself enjoy what you normally love.

Why not look for new ways to stay well and enjoy yourself at the same time? Feeling good shouldn’t be about making life more difficult or less fun, and the good news is that it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to improve your well-being while still savoring what you love most about life.

1. Move happy

Yes, you know exercise is good for you. But that doesn’t have to equal hours on the treadmill. Find ways to move you really enjoy, like walking or biking in nature, trying a new sport you can enjoy outdoors (how about snowshoeing or ice skating?) or even throwing a dance party to music you love in your own living room.

Being active outdoors also gives you a dose of vitamin D, which can boost your mood and support your overall well-being. Finding fun ways to enjoy movement just takes a little imagination — and a spirit of adventure.

2. Focus on flavor

Eating healthier is possible while still satisfying your craving for flavor. Fresh herbs like basil and chives, along with aromatics like ginger, chilis and garlic, are healthy options that can take your meal to the next level. Flavor boosters like these will help you enjoy healthy veggies, whole grains and lean protein even more.

Craving something tasty and crunchy? If you love snacking (and who doesn’t?), there are great new alternatives to traditional chips. For example, PÖRQ artisanal fried pork rinds offer tons of flavor, with zero carbs and zero trans fats — making them the perfect choice for a quick go-to snack, especially for those following the keto plan.

This gluten-free snack comes in three bold flavors:

• BBQ and Zesty Chipotle
• Smoky Black Pepper and Sea Salt
• Fine Herbs and Vinaigrette

PÖRQ also offers eight or more grams of protein per half-ounce serving, so you’ll feel fuller longer. Find them near you at PorqSnacks.com.

3. Relax to recharge

During stressful times, it’s more important than ever to find ways to reduce tension and feel more centered. Turn off the guilt (and the to-do list) and be your own best friend. If your BFF was barreling toward burnout, what advice would you give? Follow it!

Experiment to find what works for you, and make time for relaxation every day — even if it’s just 15 minutes:

• Reconnect with a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Listen to music that lifts your mood.
• Drink a cup of herbal tea — or if tea isn’t your thing, try hot apple cider or warm milk with nutmeg.
• Calm your mind by calming your body. Pay attention to where you hold your muscles tightly and relax them one by one.

4. Get enough z’s

If you’re not getting enough sleep, you probably already know it. Instead of reaching for more and more caffeine to get through the day, see if you can reorganize your schedule to get to bed earlier or sleep in a little later.

Try doing one of the activities in the previous step shortly before bed to make it easier to fall asleep, and be sure to shut down your gadgets an hour before bedtime.

5. Make time for you

Well-being is not just about pounds on a scale or what foods you consume. It’s about enjoying life — even while you’re just hanging out at home. Make space and time for hobbies and activities that bring you happiness. Explore new interests and stay connected with friends as part of your weekly routine, and you’ll soon notice a difference in your outlook.

Shifting your focus to what genuinely makes you feel better and helps you enjoy life is one of the best ways you can improve your wellness, no matter where you are on the journey.

2021-01-15T14:47:00

(BPT) – Last year was a difficult year as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through our country, impacting families and communities nationwide. The health challenges of the pandemic also provided a crucial reminder about the importance of health care.

For many Americans, new health plan benefits began in January. If this is your situation, now is the perfect time to learn how to maximize this year’s health benefits, which may help improve your health — and possibly save money too.

Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare, provides the following tips to help you take charge of your health and get the most out of your plan in 2021:

• Understand health insurance concepts. Review common health insurance terms like premium, deductible and copay. This may help you better understand your plan and how your costs are calculated. Insurance plans differ depending on the providers you see and how much you pay for services. Remember, in-network providers are contracted with your health insurer to provide services at a lower cost, so consider checking whether your current health care providers are in your network before making an appointment. Out-of-network providers may cost more and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for you.
• Schedule preventive services. Be proactive by taking advantage of preventive services that are often covered by your insurance, like an annual physical, mental health screening or flu shot. Scheduling these appointments with your primary care doctor may help prevent health problems before they arise.
• Check your behavioral health coverage. Some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer behavioral health care programs that can range from treatment for substance use, eating disorders, anxiety and stress, with a goal of helping to improve your overall well-being. For example, an on-demand emotional support mobile app called Sanvello^® is available to help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
• Take advantage of telehealth visits. A popular health care choice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been telehealth or virtual visits, which enable people to connect 24/7 with a health care provider via a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. They may be an easier, more affordable way to talk to a doctor about common health issues. Log in to your health plan’s member portal to check availability.
• Explore your options for wellness programs. Many health plans now offer discounts and other incentives for working out, walking, signing up for an online health coaching program, lowering your cholesterol, or avoiding nicotine. Incentive-based wellness programs are designed to reward people for making healthier choices. Check with your insurer or employer to see what programs are available to you.
• Review your prescription coverage. Check to see what’s covered under your prescription drug plan by logging into your health plan’s member portal or by calling the phone number on your ID card. Your plan will show medication costs and coverage and help you locate a network pharmacy. It also helps to ask about generic medication options. In many cases, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, and they may save you money.
• Apply for a child medical grant. Some charitable organizations, such as the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF), provide child medical grants to middle- and low-income families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child) and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible.

  Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded more than 25,000 grants valued at over $54 million to children and their families across the United States. Families can read eligibility criteria and complete an online application at www.uhccf.org.

Becoming familiar with your new health plan — especially at the start of a new year — is one way to help you be proactive when it comes to your health. For more health and wellness information, visit UHC.com.

2021-01-15T14:47:00

(BPT) – Last year was a difficult year as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through our country, impacting families and communities nationwide. The health challenges of the pandemic also provided a crucial reminder about the importance of health care.

For many Americans, new health plan benefits began in January. If this is your situation, now is the perfect time to learn how to maximize this year’s health benefits, which may help improve your health — and possibly save money too.

Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health strategies at UnitedHealthcare, provides the following tips to help you take charge of your health and get the most out of your plan in 2021:

• Understand health insurance concepts. Review common health insurance terms like premium, deductible and copay. This may help you better understand your plan and how your costs are calculated. Insurance plans differ depending on the providers you see and how much you pay for services. Remember, in-network providers are contracted with your health insurer to provide services at a lower cost, so consider checking whether your current health care providers are in your network before making an appointment. Out-of-network providers may cost more and lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for you.
• Schedule preventive services. Be proactive by taking advantage of preventive services that are often covered by your insurance, like an annual physical, mental health screening or flu shot. Scheduling these appointments with your primary care doctor may help prevent health problems before they arise.
• Check your behavioral health coverage. Some insurers, such as UnitedHealthcare, offer behavioral health care programs that can range from treatment for substance use, eating disorders, anxiety and stress, with a goal of helping to improve your overall well-being. For example, an on-demand emotional support mobile app called Sanvello^® is available to help you cope with stress, anxiety and depression.
• Take advantage of telehealth visits. A popular health care choice, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been telehealth or virtual visits, which enable people to connect 24/7 with a health care provider via a smartphone, tablet or personal computer. They may be an easier, more affordable way to talk to a doctor about common health issues. Log in to your health plan’s member portal to check availability.
• Explore your options for wellness programs. Many health plans now offer discounts and other incentives for working out, walking, signing up for an online health coaching program, lowering your cholesterol, or avoiding nicotine. Incentive-based wellness programs are designed to reward people for making healthier choices. Check with your insurer or employer to see what programs are available to you.
• Review your prescription coverage. Check to see what’s covered under your prescription drug plan by logging into your health plan’s member portal or by calling the phone number on your ID card. Your plan will show medication costs and coverage and help you locate a network pharmacy. It also helps to ask about generic medication options. In many cases, generic medications contain the same active ingredients as their brand-name counterparts, and they may save you money.
• Apply for a child medical grant. Some charitable organizations, such as the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF), provide child medical grants to middle- and low-income families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. Families can receive up to $5,000 annually per child ($10,000 lifetime maximum per child) and do not need to have insurance through UnitedHealthcare to be eligible.

  Since 2007, UHCCF has awarded more than 25,000 grants valued at over $54 million to children and their families across the United States. Families can read eligibility criteria and complete an online application at www.uhccf.org.

Becoming familiar with your new health plan — especially at the start of a new year — is one way to help you be proactive when it comes to your health. For more health and wellness information, visit UHC.com.

2021-01-15T11:25:00

(BPT) – Amid the nation’s ongoing youth vaping epidemic, health organizations are stepping in to help teens kick nicotine out of their lives. According to the latest CDC data, one in five high school students use e-cigarettes with nearly 40% of users doing so on a regular basis.

Youth vaping prevention and education curriculum

Truth Initiative, the organization behind the youth smoking and vaping prevention national truth campaign that helped drive down youth smoking to historic lows, and Kaiser Permanente as part of its Thriving Schools initiative, recently launched a free national curriculum called Vaping: Know the truth. In addition to encouraging students to live vape-free lives, the course educates about the health dangers of e-cigarettes and provides essential resources to help young people to quit vaping or never start in the first place. The curriculum is available directly to schools by leading social impact education innovator, EVERFI and the American Heart Association is promoting the availability of the course as part of its Tobacco-Free Toolkit.

Vaping: Know the truth is a self-paced interactive course with peer-to-peer, digital instruction geared to high school students and available to teachers across grade levels. The course curriculum is comprised of four learning modules and through real-world scenarios, students will learn about the risks of vaping nicotine, the marketing efforts used by the tobacco industry that target young consumers and the dangers of addiction to help empower them to make healthier, more informed choices.

Given that millions of youth are already vaping, this digital course directly links to Truth Initiative’s first-of-its-kind, free and anonymous text message quit vaping resource for teens and young adults: This is Quitting. The program has already helped more than 240,000 young people on their journey to quit vaping since it launched in 2019. Data published about the program show that more than half of participants (60.8%) reported that they had reduced or stopped using e-cigarettes after just two weeks of using This is Quitting. By directly linking to the proven-effective quitting resource designed specifically for young people, Vaping: Know the truth helps youth get access to the support they need to quit.

According to EVERFI, vaping education is consistently one of the most requested health content curriculums by educators. Teachers nationwide have already started implementing the curriculum and are responding positively. One teacher from Maine shared: “I have taught for 15 years and everywhere, kids are vaping. Of all the worthy courses, this vaping one may be the most relevant, immediate and important one.”

Educators can measure the program’s success and track learners through their experience by measuring their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs through embedded assessments and surveys.

High rates of youth tobacco use

Youth tobacco use is at its highest rate in nearly 20 years. Data published in December 2020 in JAMA Pediatrics show that 22% of 10th and 12th graders report using e-cigarettes in the last 30 days, essentially unchanged from 22.5% in 2019. These data are consistent with those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that showed nearly 20% of high school students and 4.7% of middle schoolers use e-cigarettes. Compounding the issue further, nearly 40% of high school students who vape do so regularly. These data underscore that youth tobacco use remains at epidemic levels and much more needs to be done.

Youth exposure to nicotine is particularly dangerous since it has been shown to harm brain development, alter nerve cell functioning and make adolescent brains more susceptible to other addictive drugs. The youth e-cigarette epidemic also reverses years of progress in youth tobacco prevention, with Truth Initiative research showing that young people who ever vaped are up to seven times more likely to start using deadly cigarettes.

“Today’s teenagers are smart and discerning,” said Robin Koval, Truth Initiative CEO and president. “Giving direct access to the facts about vaping and providing resources to quit designed specifically for them empowers young people to make positive choices when it comes to vaping and their health. This is especially urgent amidst new research that links youth vaping with an increased risk of testing positive for COVID-19. This curriculum is a continuation of our national truth campaign to support young people in taking a stand against e-cigarettes and the tobacco industry, which aggressively seeks to recruit a new generation of tobacco users. We’re grateful for our partners who are helping us reach more students, parents and educators with Vaping: Know the truth in a joint effort to end the pervasive youth vaping epidemic.”

Vaping and lung health

Growing evidence suggests that vaping harms lung health. Youth vaping is especially worrisome following the 2019 outbreak of vaping use-associated lung disease (EVALI) and now during the COVID-19 pandemic. New research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health showed that teens and young adults who vape are up to five times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 than their non-vaping peers.

Meanwhile, teens are becoming increasingly health conscious. According to a Truth Initiative survey, 62% of young vapers between 15 and 24 years old reported that they are more interested in quitting vaping now compared to before the pandemic. Nearly half (48%) responded that the pandemic has prompted them to look for information about quitting or talk to someone about quitting.

Learn more about Vaping: Know the truth