Month: March 2021

2021-03-26T06:01:00

(BPT) – According to a new survey, routine activities are making people feel unsafe, including walking through a parking lot or garage or even taking a run. Conducted by SABRE, the #1 personal safety brand worldwide, via Ipsos.Digital, this new survey revealed that over the past three years more than 80% of Americans have, at some point, felt unsafe in everyday situations.

Polling a nationally representative random sample of 1,000 people nationwide on their personal safety habits and attitudes, the survey provided several startling insights including just how common it is for Americans to feel unsafe and how people try to protect themselves. A few of the most notable findings include:

Unsafe in daily routines

An overwhelming four in every five Americans admitted to feeling unsafe in everyday situations over the past three years. Beyond this, many also shared they have been uncomfortable as they go about common day-to-day activities. A staggering 42% of people confessed that walking through an area that is not well lit made them feel unsafe.

And these anxieties are not limited to dimly lit areas, as 32% of people stated feeling unsafe walking through a parking lot or garage, while nearly a quarter of those surveyed (22%) experienced similar feelings while in the stairwell of a building.

Uneasy during recreational activities

To many, spending time exploring a local forest preserve or running solo on a trail can be a way to relax and escape everyday stress, but for a large percentage of people, these types of activities and experiences have often left them feeling uncomfortable. Most notably, two-thirds of all women surveyed expressed that when spending time running, walking or hiking in isolated areas, they have felt uncomfortable at some point over the past three years.

Ineffective protection methods

Unsurprisingly, when presented with situations they felt were unsafe, an overwhelming majority (90%) admitted to taking steps to protect themselves. However, with only a split second to react, many of the cautionary measures being taken have been proven to be ineffective.

Among the most popular means of protection include 36% of people who have put keys between their fingers, while 30% stated they have pretended to be on a phone call to protect themselves. These forms of protection may be instinctual to further defend yourself but are extremely ineffective and can provide a false sense of security. According to Gabrielle Rubin, founder of self-defense course Female Awareness, the real problem with holding keys between your fingers is that your attacker is already too close. The ideal safety protection tools can protect you from a distance while requiring minimal engagement and force.

Increased confidence with effective tools

Ultimately, however, the majority of those surveyed (64%) stated they do already own a personal safety device, and of those, the bulk (86%) admitted that carrying it with them provides an increased sense of confidence and security. Some of the most popular forms of protection are self-defense products such as pepper spray (30%) and personal alarms (17%).

Given the increased sense of confidence and security that effective personal safety tools can provide, it is essential to explore the options to find what device works best for your needs.

A tool such as SABRE’s SMART Pepper Spray is the perfect solution for everyday use. Connected to your phone via Bluetooth, the SMART Pepper Spray can share your GPS location whenever pepper spray is deployed, allowing loved ones to know your exact whereabouts the moment the product is used.

Meanwhile, a product like the SABRE Runner Pepper Gel may be a better fit for those searching for on-the-go safety devices to bring along as they are out preparing for a 5K and hoping for some added confidence as they begin their running regiment this spring.

Ideally the right safety tools provide an added level of confidence for users, enabling them to continue to do everything from routine daily activities to adventurous travel excursions with assurance and ease.

2021-03-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone knows that TOSTITOS^® is the perfect snack to complement almost anything you do with friends. As a brand that’s all about togetherness, we’re able to help you find the perfect chip and dip combination to enjoy with friends.

2021-03-25T13:01:00

(BPT) – The change of seasons is a cue for more than just cleaning your home. Spring — nature’s time of renewal — is also a great time to refocus on self-care.

With the additional stresses of the ongoing pandemic, self-care has never been more important. However, life can be busy and too often one of the first things to go is your personal wellness routine. Now is the ideal time to shift your mindset, explore positive routine updates and revamp eating habits with wholesome foods such as potatoes you truly enjoy.

Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD, is an intuitive eating and non-diet registered dietitian and a nationally recognized food and nutrition expert who believes that a self-care routine should be centered around activities and foods you enjoy. She offers these tips to help guide you as you spring clean your self-care routine.

Explore accessible, enjoyable ways to exercise

Moving your body is important, but this doesn’t require an expensive gym membership or fitness equipment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, which can be broken up however you prefer. Maybe that’s about 10 minutes every day in the morning and afternoon or 30 minutes for five days a week.

“Exercise is important for physical, mental and emotional health. Take advantage of the warmer weather by scheduling a short walk into your day. Even 15 minutes gives your brain and body a boost,” said Harbstreet.

Want to try something new? Look online for free exercise videos so you can sample a new activity from the comfort and safety of your home. From yoga and stretching to dancing and strength training, there are so many free resources online thanks to technology.

No matter if you’re walking or gearing up for an at-home or gym workout, be sure to fuel up and recover with a pre- or post-exercise meal or snack. Harbstreet says her go-to food when she needs to refocus her routine or fuel her self-care is often potatoes. “Potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable offering 26 grams of good carbs for energy, potassium (they’re a good source, providing 15% of the daily value and more than a medium-sized banana) and vitamin C (they’re an excellent source, providing 30% of the daily value) that you need to fuel your day and set you up for success. They also offer 3 grams of plant-based protein,” Harbstreet added.

Take a fresh approach to snacking

Snacking isn’t a bad thing. In fact, if you’re hungry, it’s your body trying to communicate with you. What you choose is what makes a difference, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with foods you dislike.

“Be sure to listen to your hunger cues and eat snacks you actually enjoy. Snacks can also serve a functional purpose in fueling your brain and energizing your body with nutrients,” Harbstreet said.

For example, potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s built for tasty snacking. Creating snacks with potatoes is a simple step you can take to shake up your snacking routine.

Try easy, simple, homemade snacks, such as roasted petite yellow potatoes: perfect portable fuel for a hike or a bike ride. Or make Russet potato toast with guacamole or hummus for added nutrition. For more ideas, visit PotatoGoodness.com.

Organize your home and your calendar

Research has found a cluttered home contributes to stress and anxiety. As you spring clean the visible spaces in your home, don’t forget to open drawers, update closets and go through your pantry. If these tasks seem daunting, choose one to do a day and slowly but surely make your way through the to-do list so you can feel your best.

“Spring cleaning applies to your closet and your pantry. Take stock of what you have, donate what you don’t need and make a grocery list full of shelf-stable, nutrient-dense staples to have on hand as you refocus on self-care. Potatoes are a great option because they last — and they’re nutritious, affordable and extremely versatile. I always keep a bag in my pantry. Remember, all forms of fruits and vegetables count toward total daily servings, including fresh, frozen and canned, so stock up to simplify meal prep while enjoying great taste and nutrition.”

In addition to cleaning and taking inventory in your home, consider home management, too. Whether it’s a calendar on the wall or a digital app, make changes to relieve stress and streamline your routine. Additionally, always add in time for you. Whether that’s a break from work to take a walk, time after dinner for a hobby, or space before bed to read and meditate, putting something on the calendar makes it a priority and you’re more likely to stick to your preferred self-care activities.

“Overall, make sure you are prioritizing YOU on your to-do list,” said Harbstreet. “Whether you need energy for spring cleaning and organization, or a new exercise routine, potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable that have the energy, potassium and vitamin C you need to fuel your body and your brain!”

2021-03-25T18:01:00

(BPT) – Remote work, virtual education, quarantine, social distancing — COVID-19 is causing people to spend more time at home. If you’re like many people you’ve been spending some of the extra time indulging in favorite hobbies such as gaming. Should you feel guilty? Probably not.

Studies show that video games can have numerous positive effects for children and adults. While specific benefits will vary depending on the game being played, video games can help keep you mentally sharp and socially connected, which is especially important during the pandemic. Whether you play them by yourself, partner up with your child or plan a date night with your spouse, gaming is a fun activity with loads of benefits, beyond laughs and a good time.

Benefits of video gaming

More than 214 million people in the United States today play video games one hour or more per week, according to the Entertainment Software Association, and 75% of all U.S. households have at least one person who plays. In total, 64% of U.S. adults and 70% of those under 18 regularly play video games. These may be games played on the computer or numerous popular consoles available today.

Potential benefits of video gaming are plentiful. Rather than stereotyping video gaming as an isolating activity, many are proving to have the opposite impact. Collaboration and in-game socialization is connecting people virtually in meaningful ways, which is beneficial from a social standpoint because people are unable to see their friends and family in-person like they did previously.

Additionally, Psychology Today points to a variety of studies that demonstrate video games have many health benefits including improved spatial attention (ability to locate a target stimulus in a field of distractors), reduced impulsiveness, increased mental flexibility and improved multitasking and problem-solving abilities. Video games can even have a positive impact for older people, providing a reduction of cognitive decline that’s often associated with aging.

Video games and skill building

You can explore history, science, math, languages, cultures, critical thinking, logical reasoning and so much more in video games. You’re learning important skills all while having fun! Here are four must-try games that focus on strategy, problem-solving, critical thinking, management and leadership.

Title: Spacebase Startopia
Genre: Management simulator

Spacebase Startopia is a galactic new take on a fan-favorite space base-management game. Work together with up to four players and go solo managing a melting pot of different lifeforms, each with their own individual — and sometimes contradictory — needs and desires. Build rooms across different decks to cater to the needs of visiting aliens and also produce and trade resources to turn a profit while running sabotage missions against your competitors. Release date March 26, 2021.

Title: Filament
Genre: Puzzle

Where’s the crew of The Alabaster? When you play Filament you’ll try to discover the answer by working through more than 300 challenging puzzles. Each step of your exploration uncovers interesting tidbits about the crew and what happened as you uncover crew logs, hidden messages, important records and personal items that all slowly paint a picture of the truth behind the ship’s empty state. Available now.

Title: Rise of Industry
Genre: Management simulator

From small-town business to corporate tycoon, Rise of Industry will put your entrepreneurial skills to the test. You’ll have to think strategically and work hard to build your business from the ground up. As an early 20th-century industrialist, you have a lot to learn. Will you be able to adapt to change and the unexpected, or will your business flop? You need to make wise decisions balancing growth and the bottom line. Available now.

Title: Railway Empire
Genre: Management simulator

It’s 1830 and railways are the future of America. You want a piece of the action and are building a rail network that will help the communities you serve to thrive. Choose from over 40 different trains modeled in historic detail, build a railway station, create tourist attractions and more to keep you making money and growing your business faster than the competition. Railway Empire is available now.

The next time you want to have fun and exercise your brain, try out one of these games. As research shows, gaming can be good, no matter your age.

2021-03-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – Food insecurity, a serious global public health issue, has risen significantly in the United States since the start of the pandemic. Entire families, especially children, are currently experiencing the detrimental effects of this crisis which the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines as “a lack of financial resources for food for all members of the home.”

“Access to affordable healthy food should be the norm for every person but, tragically, we find ourselves in a global crisis that needs our attention with more than 820 million people around the world living in hunger, a crisis that has been compounded by the pandemic,” said Dr. Kent Bradley, Chief Health and Nutrition Officer at Herbalife Nutrition.

In a survey conducted by Herbalife Nutrition, along with Feed the Children, a nonprofit organization focused on alleviating childhood hunger, six in 10 Americans have faced food insecurity at some point in their lives, and of those, 73% experienced it for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The survey included over 9,000 respondents from 21 countries and revealed that globally, the effect of the pandemic on food insecurity was less severe than in the U.S. Of those 9,000 respondents, 2,000 were Americans with an annual household income under $100K.

Of those surveyed, their concern isn’t only for themselves: 58% of respondents globally are parents, and for those who have experienced food insecurity, 88% are worried their child will have lasting health effects as a result of food insecurity during the pandemic. Therefore, 70% are worried their child is not getting all the nutrients they need — as a result of not having access to school meals while they are distance learning.

“In the U.S. one in four children are living in a food insecure household,” said Travis Arnold, President and CEO of Feed the Children. “Many children who are no longer attending childcare centers or in-person school have limited access to school meals — a source of nutritious meals for millions of students across the country.”

Still, even during a normal, in-person school year, school meals aren’t as accessible as some respondents would like. In fact, the survey found that 78% of American respondents believe school meals should be available free of charge — and the same number believe “meal debt” from schools should be eliminated.

However, results found that school meals are only one piece of healthy eating. Sixty percent of global respondents said they struggle to eat a diet that aligns with their country’s national dietary guidelines. Part of the problem might be that respondents are unaware of their country’s national dietary guidelines. In the U.S., 45% of respondents believed the current nutritional guidelines were represented by a pyramid that is out of date.

Current guidelines use a circle, or a “food plate.” But even when shown a photo of the food plate, American respondents (36%) still struggled to identify which section represented each food group. They were most likely to correctly place vegetables (29%) on the food plate, and least likely to correctly identify where fruits belonged (6%).

“Understanding the guidelines for a healthy balanced diet is important and we need, as a human race, to ensure that people all over the world have access to affordable healthy foods,” added Bradley.

American respondents reported other struggles with eating according to their country’s national guidelines, beyond not knowing what those recommendations were. For those respondents, they reported having a harder time storing fresh foods during the pandemic, due to less frequent trips to the grocery store (56%).

That’s in addition to healthy food being too expensive for many to afford (47%), not being sure which foods fall into each of those categories (40%) — and healthy food not being available in their area (34%).

Bradley points out that with a few simple tips, families can improve their healthy eating habits:

• Get a healthy start – Ensure that children start the day with a balanced breakfast and eat plenty of healthy protein throughout the day for a positive impact on their health.
• Make food fun – Involve children in the food preparation process by having them play an active role in their nutrition. Examples include preparing the grocery list or cooking together.
• Eat together – When possible, eat meals as a family and encourage dialogue about the importance of healthy eating. This can help reinforce healthy eating habits for the entire family.

Feed the Children is a partner of Herbalife Nutrition’s “Nutrition for Zero Hunger” initiative, helping find solutions to eradicate world hunger.

2021-03-24T09:31:01

(BPT) – Searching for a great, educational road trip that also helps you and your family learn about the rich history of African Americans? Look no further than Virginia Beach. You may already know the destination as the site of the original Jamestown settlement in 1607, at First Landing State Park. But there are countless stories about the area revealing more history you may not know. The history of African Americans throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia is a critical piece of the story of how America came to be. That story dates to 1619, when the first documented Africans arrived at what is now Old Point Comfort in Hampton, Virginia.

To create your 2- to 3-hour road trip, check out the new self-guided tour commissioned by the Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Virginia African American Cultural Center. The tour showcases over a dozen landmarks and locations offering a fascinating window into the African American experience in Virginia Beach. Whether you’re a history buff or just want a deeper understanding of the African American story, this tour highlights the resilient nature of the people who settled into Virginia Beach and developed social institutions vital to adapting to their new way of life.

Here are a few stops along this fascinating tour of Virginia Beach:

First Landing State Park

The park commemorating the original Jamestown settlement was built after the Great Depression, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the Civilian Conservation Corps to provide work for millions of young men, including 250,000 African Americans. Company 1371, an all African American regiment, constructed trails and built cabins for First Landing State Park.

Although Black workers built the park, they were not actually allowed to use it until 1965. A lawsuit was filed by a group of local African Americans in 1951 against the Virginia Conservation Commission for being denied entrance to the park. The suit wasn’t heard until 1955, and officials closed the park that year rather than integrating it. The park reopened its trails in 1961 and campgrounds in 1962.

Seaview Beach and Amusement Park

Between 1945 and 1965, Seaview Beach and Amusement Park was a vibrant, popular place where African Americans socialized, dined and danced during segregation. While no longer in operation, Seaview also had an amusement park with rides and a midway, and featured shows by artists like musical icons Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong. WRAP DJ “Big Daddy Jack” Holmes coined the catchy slogan, “See you at Seaview!”

Nimmo United Methodist Church

Established in 1791, the Nimmo United Methodist Church building included a slave balcony that still exists today. By 1829, a small group of white members and people of color formed a separate congregation together. A parcel of land across the road from Nimmo was acquired by the new congregation’s trustees and a church was built there, later known as Olive Branch Methodist Church. The group reunited with Nimmo in 1894.

L & J Gardens, Seatack Community

In 1954, this neighborhood was created by Black businessman and college graduate Walter H. “Crow” Riddick for middle-class Blacks during racial segregation. The picture-windowed, split-level, pillared ranch colonials on meticulously tended lawns showcased a mid-20th-century community personifying the American Dream.

In December 2019, the Virginia State Review Board determined L & J Gardens’ eligibility for listing as an Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The City of Virginia Beach received an Underrepresented Communities grant from the National Park Service’s Historic Preservation Fund, so the process to nominate the neighborhood to the NRHP is underway. Members of the Riddick family and other prominent professional Black families live there today.

Virginia African American Cultural Center

This site features “Portraits from a Place of Grace,” an art installation by nationally renowned artist Rich Hollant, commissioned by the Virginia Beach Office of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Virginia African American Cultural Center. The portraits celebrate residents from each of the 14 historically Black neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, reflecting the dignity, resilience and hope of several generations.

Want to learn more? Check out VisitVirginiaBeach.com for the full list of sites.

2021-03-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – Despite falling rates of COVID-19 cases, seeking in-person healthcare is still a concern for many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 41% of U.S. adults had delayed or avoided medical care because of concerns about COVID-19. Nationally, emergency department visits declined from 2.1 million emergency department visits per week during the early COVID-19 pandemic, to 1.2 million after shelter-in-place orders went into effect. Children had more than a 70% reduction in emergency department visits. Additionally, emergency departments saw a 36% reduction in diagnoses classified as emergent, such as stroke and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

“These statistics point to an alarming trend,” said Dr. Maureen Bell, emergency department medical director for Vituity and chair of emergency medicine at Howard University College of Medicine. “As an emergency department physician, I understand patient concerns. However, it’s critical for everyone to seek the care they need when they need it — for COVID-19 related symptoms or anything else. Hospitals, urgent care facilities and outpatient clinics are taking extra safety precautions to keep patients and staff safe from COVID-19 transmission.”

Signs and symptoms that require immediate action

Although we are in the midst of a pandemic, medical emergencies and chronic conditions remain existent and critical. Emergent and routine care should still be a priority. Bell explains that in many emergency situations, minutes — even seconds — matter. By delaying care, your condition can worsen and have long-term impacts. In worst-case scenarios, delaying care may cause death.

“I have seen a number of patients with strokes and myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) delay coming to the emergency department out of fear of COVID-19, and as a result, they end up with worse outcomes because we’ve lost that valuable time for available interventions,” she said. “Just last week, I had a patient come in after experiencing right-side weakness for three days. Imaging confirmed this patient had a stroke, and due to the delayed presentation missed the window for optimal intervention. This delay in seeking care will unfortunately result in a long-lasting disability.”

Bell, and the health care experts at Vituity, recommend seeking medical care as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Chest pain or discomfort in the upper body
• Head injuries
• Weakness or drooping on one side of the body
• Fainting or ongoing dizziness
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing or ongoing shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Paralysis or significant weakness
• Significant or uncontrolled bleeding
• Sudden numbness
• Seizures
• Major trauma such as a bad car accident, fall or wound
• Irregular heartbeat
• Compound fractures (bone that protrudes through the skin)
• Severe allergic reactions

If you’re unsure if you require emergency care, call your doctor right away. If you need immediate medical assistance, call 911 for emergencies.

“I want everyone to know that emergency departments and urgent care centers across the country are prepared to help keep everyone safe,” said Bell. “Your health and safety is our top priority so if you or a loved one need care, please seek it.”

2021-03-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, grocery shopping can be time-consuming and costly. And some foods and beverages can expire quickly, wasting money and sending you back to the store for more.

But some foods and beverages can be the superhero of your pantry — shelf-stable products! Many shelf-stable products like milk or dairy alternatives use special aseptic packaging to extend shelf life and keep them tasting great without the need for refrigeration or preservatives. Shelf-stable cartons, like those made by Tetra Pak, help reduce food waste and prevent grocery dollars from being flushed down the garbage disposal. Since these products can stay on the shelf without refrigeration before opening, you can stock up, saving you the hassle of constant grocery runs and making it easy to keep an emergency stock of staples like milk, broth or even pet food!

What is aseptic packaging?

Pioneered by Tetra Pak in the 1950s, aseptic processing and packaging uses special technology and packaging materials that ensure the contents stay safe and tasty at room temperature. First, products go through a UHT process, which means they’re heated to an ultra-high temperature for about four to six seconds to kill any harmful bacteria. Then the food or beverage is immediately cooled down to room temperature. This rapid cooling helps maintain taste, quality and nutritional value.

Once this process is done, the food is packed into aseptic packaging, which plays an important role in keeping the product safe to store on the shelf. In the case of Tetra Pak cartons, which can be used for a wide variety of shelf-stable foods, six layers of material protect the product from air and sunlight exposure that could degrade the taste and nutritional value. This unique processing and packaging method allows your foods and beverages to last for months unopened on the shelf without the need for additives or preservatives.

Aseptic products have many benefits, including reducing food waste, adding convenience and protecting food during shipping.

Reducing food waste

Did you know that one third of food produced for human consumption goes to waste, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization? Recovering just half of that would be enough to feed the world.

Food waste occurs at home when food spoils before it can be consumed. Foods and beverages in aseptic packaging last for months unopened in your pantry, giving you more time to consume them and decreasing the chances they will become food waste.

Searching out shelf-stable foods that last longer can also help stretch your grocery budget and ensure every dollar spent is worthwhile.

Adding convenience

Thanks to the extended shelf life of aseptic products, you can easily stock up on household staples and avoid “quick trips” to the grocery store for “just one thing.” And since these products can be stored in the pantry or cupboard until opened, you’re not eating up valuable fridge space when you stock up.

If your pantry is short on space, foods and beverages in aseptic cartons come in square and rectangular shapes that are stackable to make the most of every inch. And, when you’ve finished the product inside, cartons can be recycled through most curbside recycling programs across the U.S. and Canada.

Shopping for shipping

Not all aseptic packaging is created equal. When items are shipped in a box, you want a robust package that arrives intact. Foods packaged in aseptic cartons are ideal for online shopping and shipping. In fact, cartons are about 60% lighter than cans. This translates to reduced carbon emissions during shipping, making cartons a more sustainable choice. And because aseptic products are perfectly fine at room temperature, you don’t need to worry about that ice pack melting during shipping.

So, the next time you grocery shop, take a closer look at foods and beverages in aseptic carton packaging. These products will not only save you valuable time and money, but they will also stay nutritious and flavorful while safely stored in your pantry, without the need for refrigeration or preservatives. When you choose to purchase foods and beverages in shelf-stable cartons, you are choosing to minimize unnecessary trips to the grocery store and to decrease food waste.