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How to ‘fight dirty’ with a pressure washer

2021-02-18T10:23:00

(BPT) – As you’ve been spending more time at home lately, you’ve probably found things around your house and yard that aren’t as clean as they used to be. Depending on where you live, you may be eyeing many of these cleaning projects and putting them on your to-do list as spring approaches, or you may be itching to get at them right away.

Unfortunately, some of these areas are really difficult to clean, and some of the problem spots are very tough to reach, too — which may explain why they’ve gotten in such rough shape.

Solutions for outdoor tough spots

While you survey your property to look for ways to improve its appearance, take note of the hardest-to-reach and toughest-to-clean spots, such as:

  • Exterior siding and brick
  • Fences
  • Windows
  • Decks, patios and porches
  • Sidewalks and driveways
  • Cars and trucks
  • Lawn equipment and grills

If any of these items look like they could use a good scrub, don’t get out the soap, sponge and brushes just yet — a pressure washer may be just what you need.

“For tackling big or small jobs, the Powerhorse 3200 PSI Pressure Washer can make your outdoor cleaning easier, faster and a much more effective to blast away the dirt,” said Jonathan Green, senior regional parts and service manager at Northern Tool + Equipment. “Most importantly, it’s easy to use and will save you a great deal of time so you can take care of any job without the elbow grease.”

The Powerhorse 3200 PSI Pressure Washer is an effective tool, with all the power and accessories you need to tackle countless projects around your home or your business. It features a maintenance-free direct drive axial pump, along with adjustable pressure — making it versatile enough to handle delicate jobs or blast away years’ worth of grime. The push-down style cart features a sturdy steel tube frame, and its ten-inch flat-free tires make it easy to move from job to job while you’re improving your home, yard or business.

Maintaining your pressure washer

Once you’ve got your pressure washer, Green recommends the following tips for keeping it in top shape:

  • Always remove your tips and clean them out after every use on your pressure washer gun as well as your surface cleaner. This keeps the tips from calcifying.
  • Whenever you change the engine oil in your pressure washer, change the pump oil as well. This way they stay in the same cycle.
  • Always use a fuel treatment and stabilizer in your fuel, unless using premium ethanol-free fuel. The stabilizer assists in keeping the unit running smoothly and limits carburetor cleaning and repairs.
  • Flush the pump before extended storage, especially if stored in a freezing climate.

If you’ve put off investing in a pressure washer before, this could be the best year for getting those tough-to-tackle jobs done. This pressure washer has a built-in nozzle holder, so the right nozzle is within reach at all times. In addition, the onboard soap tank adds efficiency, eliminating the mess and hassle of using a siphon tube and separate container. You simply add detergent to the onboard tank and you’re ready to clean.

You can look forward to enjoying a brighter, cleaner spring and summer at home when you’ve got your house and yard looking fresh and clean.

To learn more about what a pressure washer can do for you, visit Northerntool.com.

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Bedroom design trends: 3 tips to cozy up your space

2021-02-18T17:03:00

(BPT) – You put a lot of care into curating your bedroom, but these days, it may look more like a gym or an office than your sleep sanctuary. In fact, Stanford News points to several nationwide surveys, which found that more than half of Americans now working from home are doing so from their bedrooms.

To help reclaim your bedroom as a place designed for sleep, Joy Cho and Corey Damen Jenkins, interior design experts who work with Stearns & Foster — a luxury mattress company known for handcrafted style and comfort — have identified the following design tips and trends to inspire your bedroom design and help you get the sleep sanctuary of your dreams.

Relax with color

For a fun and easy weekend project, Cho — founder and creative director of the lifestyle brand and design studio, Oh Joy! — recommends adding a fresh coat of paint to give new life to your bedroom space. Consider painting an accent wall behind your bed, choosing a color that ties into other areas of the room using accessories, throw pillows or art.

Often, people assume they need to start from scratch and then feel overwhelmed while making their bedroom seem more inviting and cozy. Instead, Cho encourages thinking about color like layers — adding pops of a varying shade in small areas or using easily changeable items. Start with a limited color palette and utilize patterns to add depth to your space.

“The proper color palette is essential for creating the best sleeping sanctuary,” states Corey Damen Jenkins, the nationally acclaimed interior designer behind Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates. “Certain color combinations may seem amazing in theory, but in application, disrupt sleeping patterns. Everyone is different, so it’s important to know what works for you.”

Make it personal

Decorate using objects with stories to tell, such as heirlooms passed down between generations and items picked up from travel or found at a vintage market. “Pieces that are collected and well-worn add meaning and therefore end up looking much more intentional and thoughtful,” affirms Cho.

“Nightstands will always be both in vogue and in need for the bedroom,” says Damen Jenkins. There are countless options to match your personal style and he encourages people to “think beyond the box,” especially in smaller spaces, as unusual alternatives such as a martini table can sometimes fit a space better than a traditional nightstand.

Cozy up in bed

While the right décor is important for creating a cozy and inviting space while you are awake, both Damen Jenkins and Cho encourage their clients to invest in top-quality bedding and mattresses to make the biggest difference to your sleep and comfort.

Both recommend high end, handcrafted mattresses for an upgraded sleep experience. The certified Master Craftsmen at Stearns & Foster design and handcraft every mattress using plush memory foam and patented, supportive coils — all wrapped in a navy blue velvet border to provide the most luxurious night’s sleep for years to come.

Additionally, Cho recommends soft textures for every layer — from your mattress to your duvet cover, comforter and sheets. Cozy bedding looks and feels luxurious, and when paired with a high-quality mattress, is both classic and made to stand the test of time.

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At-home self-care practices to elevate your day

2021-02-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Daily life has been pretty busy — especially in 2021. Between working from home, remote learning with kids, virtual friend meetups or just trying to stick to a daily routine, there has been little time and space for self-care to revitalize our mood and help us feel our best emotionally, physically and mentally.

But, in the midst of busy days, what if there were easy and convenient ways to treat yourself and your body when a day at the salon or relaxing evening in a warm bath isn’t in the cards? When self-care falls to the bottom of your to-do list, there are a handful of easy practices you can try throughout the day to keep yourself in balance.

Power up your morning routine: Turn yourself into a morning person with a quick dose of calm and relaxation. Set your alarm 15 to 20 minutes earlier to decompress before starting the day — listen to your favorite music, stretch, give yourself a face massage with your favorite serum — whatever helps to kick off your a.m. routine with peace and positivity. To give your morning an aromatic boost, energize your bathroom routine with fresh natural scents — such as rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and anything in citrus — that can be dropped into a small portable diffuser to invigorate the senses and relax the body.

Stay cool and fresh post-workout: With many of us spending more time at home, being able to squeeze in a quick workout can help reduce stress and anxiety — as well as get our bodies ready for a more restful night’s sleep. When you’re working out or even working up a sweat while running errands, you’ll want to have a few items handy to keep you feeling cool and fresh, especially if you lack time for a shower. Keep a jade roller in the fridge, and after your sweat session, simply apply to the face to soothe away redness and make your complexion glow. To freshen up in a hurry when you don’t have time to shower, stash away a few Summer’s Eve Active Cleansing Cloths so you can be ready for whatever, whenever! They are pH-balanced and they’ll get rid of sweat and odor-causing bacteria.

Take screen breaks: When busy workdays keep your gaze glued to the screen, it can leave you feeling achy and irritated. Be sure to sneak in some much-needed self-care during a long day. After the virtual meeting, slip on an invigorating face mask. When you’re feeling groggy, get up from your chair and do some gentle yoga stretches to get the blood flowing and relieve tension. Finally, a quick session of “daylight therapy” is good for a serotonin boost and a pop of alertness. Seek out a sunny nook to sip your matcha tea or head outside for a brisk walk around the block.

Feel your best for date night: Date nights may look a little different this year, but getting in some quality time with your partner is a great way to unwind and brighten up your mood — whether you’re ordering takeout or cooking a homemade dinner! Whatever you and your loved one have planned, be ready with essentials that can help you look good and feel good for a date night in. Use a softening hand cream or cuticle oil to soften rough skin and nails that get extra dry from sanitizer and handwashing. Always be prepared and show intimate skin some love when in the shower by using a gentle, pH-balanced wash like Summer’s Eve Date Night Cleansing Wash, which features one of the brand’s clinically tested Safe Scents, Alluring Evening.

Get your beauty rest: Let’s talk about getting your best sleep! An hour or so before bedtime, make sleepy-time self-care a priority. Put away the screens and cultivate a peaceful state of mind. A brief meditation session lowers the heart rate and stress level, so you can turn in with a blissful state of calm. If you’re a beginner to meditation, start by setting a timer for five minutes and just use the time to do nothing but focus the mind on your breath. Breathe in, hold for a beat, then release. Keep a dream journal at your bedside table, so you can be sure you’re getting adequate deep REM sleep, which is needed to optimize your mood, learning and memory.

Whether you opt for a quick refresh post workout to get you ready to take on the day or slip on a soothing face mask post virtual meeting, these are just a few ways you can sneak in some much-needed self-care during a long day.

Learn more about additional offerings from Summer’s Eve that leave you feeling fresh and confident on summerseve.com.

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5 tips to get you back on your feet after a cough or cold this season

2021-02-18T07:27:00

(BPT) – While there may be no “cure” for the common cold, there are certainly a number of ways you can help you or your family feel more comfortable while battling a cold. There are a plethora of tips and advice for coping with cold symptoms, but following a few tried-and-true methods to overcome the coughs and sniffles of a cold can make a big difference.

Here are 5 tips for getting through your next cold:

1. Rest up

Taking time off from work or school when suffering from a cold not only helps prevent spreading illness to others, but it also gives your body time to take some much-needed rest. The CDC recommends1 getting lots of rest to help you feel better, so grab a blanket and tackle that reading list or enjoy a binge session of your favorite television show.

2. Use an effective over-the-counter cold medicine

When resting is made difficult due to sneezing, coughing and congestion, a trusted over-the-counter (OTC) medication can make all the difference.

For example, Robitussin Maximum Strength Cough + Chest Congestion DM comes in both a daytime and nighttime formula (for adults and children 12 years and older) to help tackle cold symptoms. The non-drowsy daytime product thins and loosens mucus, while the nighttime formula helps to relieve your runny nose and sneezing and temporarily relieves your cough to help you get to sleep. Both formulas use dextromethorphan, an active cough suppressant ingredient for fast cough relief, providing strong, soothing Robitussin relief from your congestion, mucus, cough and cold symptoms.2

3. Drink plenty of fluids

Staying hydrated is important not just for the healing process when you’re sick, but to keep your throat and nose moistened, which can help relieve the most miserable symptoms of your cold. WebMD recommends3 drinking plenty of fluids, cold or hot, that help you feel better when you are suffering from a cold. From water or sports drinks to herbal teas and fruit juices, there are a variety of options to ensure you are staying hydrated.

WebMD4 also recommends gargling with warm salt water or tea and honey to help provide temporary relief for a scratchy or sore throat.

4. Moisturize the air

Colds are often experienced when the weather is cold outside and thus, the thermostat is higher than usual inside, causing dry heat and air. However, restoring moisture in the air can help ease your symptoms. Try a room humidifier or take a steamy shower or bath to help moisturize your throat and nasal passages, further easing cold symptoms like sore throat, stuffiness and coughing.

5. Eat well to help fight your cold

As the old saying goes: feed a cold and starve a fever. While “feeding” your cold does not make it go away, it is a good idea to incorporate more healthy foods to support your overall well-being as you fight off cold symptoms. Healthy foods can include fresh fruits, vegetables and other good sources of vitamins and nutrients. And yes, that certainly includes the time-honored chicken soup.

If you have concerns about any of your cold symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for their advice on care and treatment.

Visit www.Robitussin.com for more information on products to help relieve your common cough and cold symptoms.

1The CDC: Common Colds: Protect Yourself and Others

2Always read and keep the cartons for complete warnings and dosing information on Robitussin products, and use as directed.

3WebMD: Home Remedies for Colds

4WebMD: Remedies for Sore Throat

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Navigate the tax impacts of small business stimulus relief in 3 easy steps

2021-02-17T17:05:00

(BPT) – Even during the best of times, managing a small business is a daunting undertaking, let alone doing so during a pandemic. If your business has survived COVID-19, it’s likely you’re still struggling just to make ends meet and don’t need the added stress of figuring out complicated taxes. You started your business to pursue a passion, not to think through the tax implications of PPP, EIDL and myriad other confusing programs (and acronyms) surrounding stimulus-related relief. However, in three easy steps, you can set yourself up for tax-time success.

Step 1: Get organized

To avoid unwelcome surprises, it’s important to get organized ahead of the April 15 tax-filing deadline. But during a pandemic — when so much is uncertain — it’s even more critical.

If you took a PPP loan in 2020 and you have not already done so, now’s the time to gather the necessary paperwork to apply for PPP loan forgiveness. This may include bank account statements, payroll documents, proof of paying employment taxes, mortgage statements (or rent/lease agreements), utility bills and any other documentation that shows you meet the requirements for loan forgiveness. See the next section for additional expenses that qualify for forgiveness.

Next, you’ll need to contact your lender and complete the correct loan forgiveness application. Your lender can help you identify and provide you the correct form to use.

Step 2: Get smart about your taxes

If taxes intimidate you, there are still a few key things to know heading into this tax season. First, money received from your forgivable PPP loan will not be included in your gross income at the federal level (but check with your state to see if the loan is taxable on your state return).

Also, expenses covered by your PPP loan are still tax deductible, so it’s a “double-dip” tax benefit. Qualifying expenses include payroll, rent or lease payments, mortgage interest and utilities, and have recently been expanded to include:

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and costs for adapting your business for health and safety compliance
  • Essential supplier costs to keep your business open
  • Property damage due to public disturbances, provided it wasn’t covered by insurance
  • Operational expenses for payments on software and other accounting or HR services

You may also be eligible for other small business tax breaks, including the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), which is a refundable tax credit aimed at helping small business owners keep employees on their payroll, even if business has slowed down considerably or your finances took a significant hit from the pandemic. Recent legislation extended the ERTC through June 30, 2021. Unlike loans, you don’t have to apply for the ERTC — it’s a credit on a business’ employment tax returns (Form 941 or 944 for most employers).

Without becoming a tax expert overnight, how can you be sure you’re getting all the tax credits, deductions and deferrals you’re entitled to?

Step 3: Get help

Complicated times can make for complicated taxes. When your finances are involved, it’s generally a good idea to get expert help. Connect with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to help you make sense of the tax impacts of COVID-19.

“H&R Block has helped millions of small business owners do more of what they love by doing what we do best,” said Ian Hardman, General Manager and Vice President of small business at H&R Block. “We know small business owners are confused about how stimulus-related aid will impact their taxes this year, but they don’t have to go it alone. Our tax pros have an average 12 years of experience and can help small business owners get every credit, deduction and deferral they deserve.”

Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com.

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KBIS 2021: Top design kitchen and bath design trends to watch

2021-02-17T13:53:00

(BPT) – Do you want to know what’s popular for kitchen and bath spaces for 2021? There’s no better barometer for the biggest trends than the annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, where top designers and brands gather to hobnob about the year’s leading innovations and trends.

Although KBIS was virtual this year, there are plenty of exciting trends that homeowners will want to see as they plan their home improvement and interior design projects:

Purposeful designs: Today’s designs can’t just look good; they need to stand up to the high demands of busy households. For example, luxury kitchen brand Signature Kitchen Suite blends innovation and high-end design with a brand new — and highly customizable — undercounter convertible drawer refrigerator. Precise temperatures make this the perfect way to maintain the freshness and integrity of foods, with six temperature zones — pantry, fridge, bar, seafood, meat or freezer settings — flexing from -7 to 50 degrees independently in each drawer.

Hands-free options for cleaner spaces: With a focus on cleanliness, touchless options are being seen in countless products. If it can be hands-free, it’s in demand in 2021. Hands-free options are more user-friendly than ever before, with motion-control lights and smart home features that make living easy and limit the spread of germs. Even self-closing lids are becoming common, making it easier to live well and minimize contact.

Space-saving appliances: With more time being spent at home, space is at a premium. Bulky appliances have given way to space-saving counterparts that don’t skimp on performance. For example, the LG STUDIO WashTower’s single-unit, vertical design makes the most of space efficiency while tackling ultra-large loads to deliver a complete clean in under 30 minutes — all with a sleek, streamlined design. Plus, the convenient center control panel is positioned with both washer and dryer controls in the middle so it’s easy to reach.

Built-in intelligence: From precision-baking ovens to intelligent, fabric-detecting washers, homes are getting smarter than ever. The new LG STUDIO WashTower has built-in intelligence that uses sensors to detect fabric texture and load size, and then automatically selects the right wash motions, temperatures and more for precision fabric care. With Smart Pairing, the washer can even tell the dryer the right compatible drying cycle.

Growth of the healthy home: With health and wellness centerstage, home upgrades that support well-being are particularly popular. From advanced home air filters to bacteria-resistant surfaces, cleanliness is integrated into virtually everything. Families suffering from allergies should look for laundry appliances that are certified “asthma & allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. LG offers an expansive portfolio of certified laundry products, from laundry appliances to vacuums and air purifiers.

Rich metals and clean lines: Clean lines continue to be integrated into designs to elevate spaces in a modern way, while making them accessible to transitional style homes that want to blend traditional with contemporary. Matte finishes are gaining popularity from faucets to cabinetry. Black and steel offer a fresh way to upgrade hardware and appliances for a sleek, eye-catching look that stands out from everyone else on the block.

Focal-point faucets: The Tone collection from Kohler offers five configurations including a Semi-Pro, a standard single-handle pull-down with upgrades for touchless and voice-control functionality. The pull-down models feature a three-function spray head and a new two-tone finish: an interesting take on color blocking using matte black and brushed modern brass or matte black and chrome.

As homeowners plan their annual improvement projects, these trends can help guide them in making wise investments and smart decisions that support their lifestyle.

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Love and Life Inspire Success for Two Black Women Entrepreneurs

2021-02-17T16:45:00

(BPT) – Two rising, women entrepreneurs — Jena Holliday and Kalilah Wright — have found their voice and are using it to spread Black joy, solidify Black representation in retail and shine a spotlight on what success looks like. With the help of Target, Holliday and Wright’s stories are being told via the retailer’s Black History Month campaign, celebrating the creators building Black economic vitality and leaving a strong legacy for future generations.

With just a bit of faith, illustrator and author Jena Holliday walked away from her mainstream marketing job to embrace her passion for art. What started as a hobby eventually evolved into a full-time commitment of spreading kindness and hope through her drawings depicting Black women. That commitment blossomed into a blog, aptly named Spoonful of Faith, and has thus become not only a successful business but a cultural beacon.

“Authenticity is the most valuable quality to me,” said Holliday. “Portraying Black women as raw and honest is what I know how to do, and I feel it shows other aspiring creators to lean into who they uniquely are. We are all unique and not meant to be like everyone else.” Holliday’s parents taught her that from a young age, which she feels freed her creative spirit and drives her to positively impact the Black community.

Holliday wants her journey and her illustrations to motivate others, especially young Black women, to face fear and find their voice. “Your voice matters, your culture matters, your background and experience matter,” she said. “You matter because you are here.”

Her business, started in 2014, took time to emerge into what it is today. For those looking to emulate Holliday’s journey, her sage advice satisfies both the emotional and professional ambition it requires to take that leap of faith and start paving a new path.

  • Start small: “A start is a start. Remember to accept and work with what you have and create the best version of you and your talent that you can right now. A spoonful is all you need to start.”
  • Be honest: “If you understand yourself 100%, including what you can and cannot carry, you’ll produce great work. And, be honest with your support team and let them know where you need help.”
  • Trust your uniqueness: “Believe you are creative and listen to your heart. Creativity shows up in so many ways, so don’t be afraid to try things that fall out of your wheelhouse.”
  • Live life: “Try new creative outlets to help nurture your personal spirit. Read books, watch movies, draw, write poetry, dance, sing, laugh or listen. Find the joy in living by nourishing your soul.”

Unafraid to use her words to send a message, activist and apparel designer Kalilah Wright bottles authentic and unapologetic phrases about being Black in every clear canister from her company Mess in a Bottle. Printed proudly across the front of her tops, declarations like, “A Black Woman Created This” and “There Are Those Who Will Change History, And Those Who Will Be Sad They Didn’t Try” give a voice to the voiceless and allow people to express themselves without having to say anything at all.

“My messages are about love, life, career and current events — they are depictions of my life and things going on around me as a Black woman in the Black community,” said Wright. “I want people to be able to walk past each other and stand in solidarity with each other, that’s why I chose apparel.”

Like her clothing, Wright offers no-nonsense insight for others striving for Black success.

  • Find your authenticity: “Success looks different for everyone, so march to the beat of your own drum — people will listen.”
  • Embrace the courage to keep going: “Fear can handicap you but only if you let it; always be moving forward.”
  • Utilize the tools you have: “Resources and money don’t have to be abundant but be resourceful and budget concise every step of the way.”
  • Stay business minded: “Keep focused on business first and know that if the business succeeds, then you will have another platform from which you can speak your truth.”

Holliday and Wright credit much of their success to strong Black female mentorship. With guidance and support, Black voices can rise up. Both Holliday, a middle child of seven with four sisters plus a mom always telling her to “go for it” and Wright, mentored by savvy businesswoman Cici Gunn, understand that being part of Target’s Black History Month gives them the opportunity to uplift other Black women.

Holliday and Wright are two examples of the many success stories of Black entrepreneurs and products Target is highlighting during Black History Month and all year round. Visit Target’s Black Beyond Measure Shop for more information.

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How to choose the best face mask

2021-02-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, you have probably wondered what kind of face mask provides the most effective protection but is also easy and comfortable. You have probably also heard that double masking provides better protection against the more easily transmissible variants of COVID-19 that have been spreading recently. So how can you know what kind of mask to use?

The main purpose of masks is to help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets from you to others, in case you might be infected with COVID-19 but not exhibiting any symptoms (asymptomatic) or if you are not yet exhibiting symptoms (pre-symptomatic).

What can help reduce your risk (and risk for others) is keeping physically distant (the CDC recommending 6 feet or more), and wearing a tightly woven mask that has multiple layers, and fits tightly around the face.

Here is a quick guide to masks available today, and the level of protection and comfort they offer.

Homemade masks

Many people have relied on homemade cloth masks, as well as face covers such as bandanas and neck gaiters. But how effective are they?

Because respiratory droplets and the airborne coronavirus particles they might contain are extremely small, it is still possible for someone wearing a cloth mask to be exposed to COVID-19 if they are close to someone who is infected. Loose-fitting cloth masks, single-layer masks, or wearing them incorrectly (such as exposing your nose) are far less effective in offering any protection from COVID-19 or other viruses. For these reasons, bandanas and neck gaiters are examples of some of the least protective cloth masks.

If you prefer homemade cloth masks, creating masks with several layers (including insertable filters, such as from a HEPA vacuum cleaner bag) offers better protection than a makeshift bandana or other cloth. You should also wash masks frequently in soap and water to keep them as clean as possible.

Surgical masks

Surgical masks are meant to be single-use only and are disposable, and they are not tight-fitting. While they offer some protection for those people around the wearer, surgical masks are of limited use for protecting the wearer from airborne particles. They can be most effective when they are worn underneath an additional, tighter-fitting cloth mask.

N95 respiratory masks

Worn by healthcare professionals in contact with infected patients, N95 respiratory masks are designed to catch particles as small as 0.3 microns when properly fitted to form an airtight seal covering the wearer’s nose and mouth. While many assume (incorrectly) that N95 masks operate like strainers, allowing only particles small enough to pass through, these masks actually operate more like a spider’s web, using electrostatic force to “trap” particles.

While N95 masks prevent coronavirus particles from being inhaled, these particles then remain on the mask itself — and can be transferred to the wearer’s mouth and nose if not careful. It is crucial that wearers know how to correctly use them. These masks are primarily needed by first responders and healthcare providers and the general public should avoid wearing them to prevent shortages.

Medicevo Graphene Masks

After months of research, the medical manufacturer Medicevo has created a reusable face mask using graphene technology, making masks that combine cutting-edge technology with comfort. The Medicevo Graphene Mask features an internal graphene netting, along with three other layers. The graphene netting inside the mask creates microscopic sharp edges that slice through the cellular walls of viruses like COVID-19 and H1N1. This netting can be compared to a thorny rosebush through which the coronavirus, in the form of water balloons, are thrown.

The mask’s outer layer is made of high-quality antibacterial, non-woven fabric that has strong air permeability but isolates droplets and large particles. Next is the graphene layer and patented plating technology. Because Medicevo Graphene Masks feature 4 layers of protection for the wearer, including the inner graphene netting, you would not need to wear an additional mask. The mask fits tightly but comfortably, with adjustable ear loops. It is reusable for up to 15 days, which means you do not have to wash the mask or use a new one after every single use.

Want to learn more? Visit Medicevo.com.

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As technology habits evolve, it’s more important than ever to keep your family safe from cyber threats

2021-02-17T11:01:02

(BPT) – If you’re like most Americans, how you use technology today is likely vastly different than just a year ago. As COVID-19 began to impact society, many aspects of daily life went virtual, and everything from office work, to doctor’s appointments, grocery shopping, and even our kids’ classrooms came home to us.

Although the shift to a digital-first life was brought on by the global pandemic, people have no plans to look back. In fact, the majority of U.S. adults intend to keep the digital shift in their normal routine post-COVID, particularly in online banking (61%), social engagements (56%) and personal shopping (52%), according to the 2021 Consumer Security Mindset Research by McAfee.

Increase in online activity means increased risk

With the increase in activities online, the potential to be exposed to cyber threats increases as well. As people continue to adapt to and embrace their new digital worlds, cybercriminals are taking note and looking to take advantage. The more time people spend online interacting with various applications and services, the greater their exposure is to potential risks (such as third-party breaches) and threats (such as phishing attacks or fraud).

Notably, two out of three people in the survey say they’re concerned about today’s cyber risks, with one in three admitting they are not confident in their ability to prevent a cyberattack. Further proof this is a big concern: 71% of U.S. respondents admitted to being most concerned about their financial data being stolen and 68% were concerned that their personal information, such as birthday or address, could get hacked.

“The first step in protecting ourselves is realizing that there’s a lot we can do to stay safe online and to preserve our digital wellness,” said Terry Hicks, EVP of McAfee’s Consumer Business. “It’s better to prevent a problem than be in the position of having to fix it.”

McAfee’s uncovers vulnerability impacting popular consumer apps

These security concerns come to life a bit as McAfee’s Advanced Threat Research (ATR) team recently found a new vulnerability, which allows hackers to spy on live video and audio calls on a variety of popular social apps. The security flaw exists in a video conferencing software used by eHarmony, Plenty of Fish, MeetMe and Skout — as well as healthcare apps such as Talkspace and Practo. A significant concern for consumers as McAfee found that since the onset of the pandemic, over half of consumers (51%) increased online doctors’ appointments, while 32% increased online therapy and 27% increased dating.

A digital mindset requires a safety-first approach

To facilitate comfort and connection from home, many people purchased new digital devices in 2020. However, only 50% took action by purchasing security software, and only one in four admitted they actually check if their security software is up to date, found the survey.

As people are becoming more comfortable with sharing information online the risk grows — especially as services often ask for multiple contact points. Keep in mind, hackers are always looking for ways to exploit others for money, and a person’s identity is valuable and can be resold for surprisingly large sums.

Being proactive is the best approach to keep yourself and your family safe as the shift in digital lifestyles is here to stay. Some ways you can protect yourself and loved ones include:

  • Use multi-factor authentication to double-check the authenticity of digital users and add an additional layer of security to protect personal data and information.
  • Connect with caution. If you have to conduct transactions on a public Wi-Fi connection use a virtual private network (VPN) like McAfee® Safe Connect to help keep you safe while you’re online.
  • Browse with added security using a tool like McAfee WebAdvisor to block malware and phishing sites if you click on a malicious link.
  • Protect your identity and important personal information by using McAfee Identity Theft Protection, which also helps you recover your information if your identity is compromised.

“We can always work on our own safe online habits — from the apps we install, to the websites we click on, to the emails we open,” says Hicks. “Making this shift in our mindset and behaviors is a necessity in protecting what we value most — our privacy and identity — giving us all much needed peace of mind.”