Month: March 2021

2021-03-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know your body repairs itself while you sleep? This is just as true for your body’s skin as it is for your brain and your muscles. How much quality sleep you get each night, and how you prepare yourself for sleep, can make a difference in the look and feel of your body’s skin.

“While many people have developed healthy routines to care for the skin on their face, it’s just as important to develop a nighttime body care routine too,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang. “And it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are simple steps you can follow that will have you covered, from head to toe.”

Farhang offers tips on how you can help your skin be at its best — while you’re getting your beauty sleep.

1. Practice good sleep hygiene

To give your skin’s cells optimal renewal time each night, make sure you get the best quality sleep you can — and enough of it. Want to be sure you’re getting the seven to eight hours minimum zzz’s most adults need each night? Try the following:

Be consistent about sleep and wake times, even on weekends and days off. Your body gets used to a rhythm, and it can be thrown off by changes — even just springing that clock forward.

Sleep in a dark, cool room to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep.

Minimize noise with a white noise machine or fan if you wake frequently during the night.

Practice a soothing bedtime routine, like turning off gadgets early and enjoying a warm, relaxing shower.

2. Use products that work overnight

Choose products that work overnight to moisturize to revitalize skin, renew your skin’s surface, and restore dry skin while you sleep. “If your skin sounds squeaky or feels tight after a shower, it has likely been stripped of its natural moisture,” said Farhang.

She recommends Olay Body Wash with Retinol. Supercharged with Retinol and Vitamin B3 Complex, this body wash supports your skin’s natural pH and deeply hydrates to replenish skin’s moisture barrier. It moisturizes to improve skin 3X better than the leading body wash to transform skin from dry and dull to bright and smooth!

3. Elevate your nighttime body care routine with a rinse-off body conditioner

Simply applying lotion after you shower may provide only temporary relief, leaving you reapplying frequently. Instead, Farhang recommends a proactive approach.

“You condition your hair, so why not condition your skin?” asked Farhang. “Consider adding an in-shower moisturizer such as Olay’s Rinse-Off Body Conditioner with Retinol for an added dose of moisture to help stop dry skin before it starts.”

Like the companion body wash, this body conditioner is made with Retinol and Vitamin B3 Complex. Using it every night can help you wake up to renewed and radiant skin.

4. Moisturize inside and out

“Hydration is key!” added Farhang. “In addition to using products with formulas supercharged with high quality skincare ingredients like Retinol, it’s also important to make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day.”

Most health care professionals recommend drinking at least eight glasses (eight ounces each) of water per day.

5. Moisturize your environment

Especially if you live in a dry climate, or if you are heating your home with dry air while the outside temps are still chilly, consider an in-home humidifier to help keep the air in your home more skin-friendly. Humidifiers are available in many different sizes, including portable units that can be moved from room to room. Using a humidifier will help keep the air from drying out whether you’re just relaxing, working from home — or sleeping.

Following these dermatologist recommendations will contribute to a good night’s sleep and help your body’s skin stay healthy year round.

2021-03-18T10:37:00

(BPT) – Face it, the pandemic has taken its toll on everyone over the past year. Due to the challenges of working (and everything else) at home to limiting activities that previously helped you relieve tension, people everywhere are seeking new ways to enhance their daily wellness. But there’s one surprisingly effective tool you may not know about that could already be in your desk or your purse: chewing gum.

Did you know that natural chewing gum has been around for thousands of years? According to the Mars Wrigley historical archives, gum has actually been around in one form or another for millennia. People in ancient cultures chewed on various plant substances to enjoy their refreshing benefits. These include the gum-like resin of the mastic tree in Greece to the resin from sapodilla or spruce trees in the Americas. Pine-scented gum was the first commercially available chewing gum seen in early 1800s general stores in the U.S., and sweetened paraffin was used as gum during the Civil War.

Then in 1893, a young William Wrigley made chewing-gum history by introducing Spearmint and Juicy Fruit at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Gum was touted as helping to improve workers’ productivity in the 1940s, and was one of the most sought-after rations for soldiers during World War II. Mars Wrigley’s 130th anniversary this year is a testament to the popularity and staying power of chewing gum.

Flash forward to today, during a time when so many are struggling with staying focused and alert while working at home, gum has begun to serve another purpose outside of simply freshening breath. For World Oral Health Day this year, Mars Wrigley is helping to globally spotlight not only the mouth health benefits of chewing sugar-free gum like EXTRA^® or ORBIT^®, as supported by the FDI World Dental Federation, but also to drive awareness of additional wellness and self-care benefits that come with choosing to chew gum.

In honor of World Oral Health Day, here’s how chewing gum can become a vital part of your daily self-care routine:

• Oral health: For World Oral Health Day, it’s good to know that chewing sugar-free gum — particularly options such as EXTRA^®, ORBIT^® or 5 GUM™ — can benefit your overall oral health. Beyond freshening your breath and removing food particles from between your teeth, chewing sugar-free gum can also aid your mouth’s defenses against potentially harmful bacteria and reduce incidence of cavities.
• Focus and alertness: Chewing gum can boost your mood, enhancing your ability to stay focused and alert throughout your day — no matter how many Zoom meetings you have scheduled. Find flavors you like best, such as mint, that can leave you feeling refreshed and energized, increasing your mental attention. Chew a piece of gum, and you may soon discover that you are better able to conquer distractions and concentrate on the tasks at hand.
• Tension relief and overall wellness: Many people find the simple act of chewing gum to be calming. Chewing can also help to relieve the tension that can build up in your jaw area, where many feel the impact of the day’s stresses. Research conducted throughout the years has demonstrated that chewing gum helps release both mental and physical tension, making people feel more relaxed as they work, resulting in higher productivity.

When life’s challenges start to loom large, it’s nice to know that something as simply pleasurable as gum chewing can also be good for your well-being. So the next time you’re stopping at a store or ordering groceries online, be sure to include some of your favorite gum varieties in your shopping list as part of your overall wellness routine and enjoy a better moment and more smiles.

2021-03-18T12:01:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people think about healthcare. Interacting with your doctor has never been more critical, but now some or all those interactions might occur online. The ability to make appointments online and see your physician without leaving home has benefits. In fact, Chilmark Research estimates that by 2025, 15 to 25 percent of all primary care visits will be conducted virtually in the United States. As telehealth use grows and patients have come to expect more online services from their doctors, it’s important to ask your doctor about available tools to help you stay connected and save time.

Explore the new age of ambulatory care

One company leading the evolution in patient engagement technologies is NextGen Healthcare. The NextGen^® Patient Experience Platform saves time for healthcare teams and boosts convenience for patients.

NextGen Healthcare experts suggest you ask your doctor about:

• Online patient access: How does their patient portal work, and what features does it offer? Can you easily send a message to your doctor, request a prescription refill, access your personal health records, and view lab results online?
• Online appointments: Can you schedule your own appointments online? Can you view your appointment history and/or modify existing appointments?
• Virtual visits: Do they offer virtual video visits (aka telehealth) for situations that don’t require an in-person office visit (e.g., refill requests, lab results, or follow-up appointments)? Are they using a secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth system? (HIPAA is a law that protects the privacy and confidentiality of patient health records and information.)
• Online bill pay: Can you see your balance and pay a bill electronically without having to call or send payment in the mail?

The future of the doctor-patient relationship

People are comfortable shopping online from their smartphones, tablets or computers. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, video chats with friends and family skyrocketed in every age category. Software platforms enable us to do almost anything from the comfort of home, and the same expectation now applies to healthcare. There’s no doubt that the patient experience will continue to evolve beyond the confines of a traditional office setting. This growth of consumerism also means you have more choices for where and how you receive healthcare, and this will likely impact how you choose a doctor in the future.

Your health is your top possession. Stay connected to your doctor and take an active role in your own health by ensuring your doctor’s practice offers digital patient engagement tools that make it easy for you to stay on top of your healthcare. Through technology, doctors and patients can be more aligned for even better overall health outcomes. NextGen Healthcare’s award-winning ambulatory software platforms enables a more seamless and efficient experience that helps improve the provider-patient relationship. Learn more at www.nextgen.com.

2021-03-17T17:54:23

(BPT) – If you’re looking to put health first, who better to turn to than a registered dietitian?

“When you’re figuring out what health or lifestyle changes you want to make, write out the pro’s and con’s of each change,” said Registered Dietitian Kelli McGrane, M.S. (@HealthyToast_RD). “Once you know why you’re choosing these goals, tape that list on your fridge or keep it on your phone for a boost of motivation anytime you need it.”

McGrane offers tips for boosting your health through a positive approach to food and exercise that supports your progress year-round:

1. Be mindful of what you eat

People are home more than ever and it’s easy to graze mindlessly through the kitchen. And as a result, the calories can add up quickly.

A simple way to monitor your calories is the Lose It! app — an easy, helpful way to track what you’re eating and get inspired with healthy recipes. Since 2008, over 40 million Lose It! users have lost a collective 100 million pounds — that’s 350 billion calories lost.

“The app is a great way to help track calories and it also gives you information on the quality of your diet overall,” said McGrane. “You can even use it to track your water intake and activity throughout the day.”

2. Prep your kitchen

More time at home means more time near the kitchen. To avoid temptation, consider moving unhealthy snacks to the back of the refrigerator so you see the healthier choices first.

Also, stock up on colorful vegetables and fruits, choose whole grains and keep lean proteins on hand for snacks. When temptation strikes, try a handful of nuts or a hard-boiled egg, as protein is more likely than highly processed foods to boost your energy.

3. Find a support system

Whether it’s a friend with similar health goals, a group you can Zoom with or an online community, a support system is invaluable when working toward lasting changes. Not only can they cheer you on, but they may even join your efforts to get and stay healthy.

While everyone has limited their in-person interactions, there are also many digital resources to help you reach your goals.

4. Figure out what moves you

Everyone’s routines have been upended this year, and fitness is no exception. Now is the time to get creative and find an activity you love. Dancing to music, walking outdoors or using a stationary bike are all great ways to keep active.

“Not only can getting in some form of physical activity help burn calories, but it can also boost your mood,” said McGrane. “Even housework can be a fun workout if you turn up your favorite music while you’re cleaning.”

If you enjoy the outdoors during winter, try skating, skiing or snowshoeing. If you don’t like the cold, online exercise classes or active video games are great options for those without exercise equipment.

5. Get enough rest

People often forget that sleep is a critical part of weight loss and health. In fact, a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that when people were starved of sleep, late night snacking increased.

“Being well-rested is important for having enough energy to exercise and make healthy food choices,” said McGrane. “And often people look to food for energy when what they really need is sleep.”

If you aren’t getting seven to nine hours of sleep a night, notice what’s keeping you from going to bed. Can you turn off the gadgets an hour earlier? A quiet activity like reading or meditation can help you wind down and get to sleep easier.

Staying healthy and fit is as easy as following these simple tips. For more information on meeting your health and weight-loss goals, download the Lose It! app.

2021-03-17T17:31:00

(BPT) – Adolescence isn’t easy on anyone. The physical, psychological, social and emotional changes are difficult for young people since many do not have the tools to deal with the whirlwind of feelings that come with growing up. That’s why parents and educators are increasingly focused on teaching emotional regulation. These are the skills that help us to manage emotions and behavior despite negative circumstances. Children who understand and self-regulate their emotions are better able to control impulses, be flexible when things change unexpectedly, and manage behavior when feeling angry or upset.

Emotional regulation is especially important for today’s kids. Everything from social media pressures to distance learning during a pandemic has added complexity and uncertainty to adolescence. Young people in low socioeconomic circumstances often face additional stressors such as abuse, neighborhood violence, hunger or housing insecurity. Given how psychologically vulnerable kids are at this age, schools are redoubling their efforts to build these skills in their students.

Any parent will tell you that this is easier said than done. However, a growing body of research indicates that mindful practices like yoga help children develop the tools to better manage their emotions. More and more studies indicate that yoga promotes and improves emotional self-regulation along with other positive psychological outcomes in adolescents.

The latest of these studies was published in February in the Journal of Child and Family Studies by a team of researchers from Duke University, University of North Carolina and Harvard Medical School. They examined the psychological impact of the Kundalini Yoga-based Y.O.G.A. for Youth after-school program on students in North Carolina’s Chapel Hill-Carrboro public school system. Since its inception in 1998, Y.O.G.A. for Youth has provided schools, juvenile detention centers and other youth-oriented organizations with customized yoga programming tailored to address the behavioral, emotional and physical needs of children. Y.O.G.A. for Youth programs are designed to foster confident, healthy, emotionally stable individuals with higher levels of scholastic aptitude and expanded behavioral management skills.

Students with academic or behavioral challenges were offered an after-school program free of charge, either the Y.O.G.A. for Youth program or an alternative activity. The students who chose yoga participated in 12 40-minute classes over a period of six weeks. Each class consisted of the mindfulness practices found in Kundalini Yoga: mantras, breath practice, physical warm-ups, a kriya (a specific sequence of physical postures that incorporate specific breath patterns, eye focus and hand positions), meditation and relaxation.

Both the yoga group and the comparison group completed written surveys before and after the six-week study period that measured emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, stress and mindfulness. Students who participated in yoga also completed a short mood measure survey before and after each class. Researchers analyzed the results and found that students in the yoga program reported a significant improvement in emotion regulation across the six-week program. They also found that students reported significant decreases in anger, depression and fatigue after one single Y.O.G.A. for Youth class session.

There is still more research to be done, but these results have important implications for the positive impact of school-based yoga programs. The initial evidence suggests that the emotional self-regulation and mind-body awareness skills provided by yoga in education settings can help adolescents cope with life’s challenges more effectively and help them grow into healthy adults. It offers additional support for integrating yoga into daily routines to give students the critical emotional skills they’ll use the rest of their lives.

Not every school system has yoga available as an after-school program, so it’s important to note there are other ways to help your children or students benefit from yoga and mindfulness practices. For ideas on how to incorporate Kundalini Yoga practices at home, visit 3HO.org or yogaforyouth.org.

2021-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Each year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from the U.S. military to civilian life.¹ It can be a dramatic life change with financial implications that many people don’t realize or plan for. Much attention is given to accessing healthcare, transitioning careers and pursuing educational opportunities, but the adjustments to your personal finance situation may be overlooked.

To help prepare U.S. service members for their next mission, it’s helpful to think about a “transition plan” about three years before your anticipated discharge date. This gives you time to research, ask questions and create a plan to help achieve the civilian life you want.

“Like most things in life, having a plan to get you from where you are to where you want to go is a key to success,” said Russell Simmons, Certified Financial Planner^® at Charles Schwab and Army Reservist. “A military transition plan is no different.”

Simmons suggests taking time to think about and plan for these five key personal finance matters to help you find solid financial footing going into your new career:

1. Determine your profession: Will you stay in your current profession or look for a job in a different field? Start learning and networking now so you have a foundation from which to start your job search. Research salaries in the areas where you want to live. There are a number of online tools available, as well as resources available through the VA to help you create a resume, write a cover letter and find career opportunities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers special programs for veterans interested in starting a new business.
2. Calculate income: Military vs. civilian pay are very different. According to a Charles Schwab survey, only 37% of current servicemembers say they know enough about how much money they should save each month. In order to budget accordingly, it’s crucial to understand the differences between military and civilian pay. With civilian pay, there are more taxes and deductions that you likely didn’t have to pay in the military, and there are not the allowances and incentives that you may be accustomed to with military pay. To help you figure out how much money you need to make in a civilian job, add up all your allowances, incentives and base salary to get a full view of your military compensation. Consider negotiating these items with your future employer.
3. Consider supplemental income: Once you’ve calculated your estimated civilian income, you may find you have a gap to fill. Going from active duty to Reservist or National Guard may be a good option to consider. By remaining committed to the military in a different capacity, you can maintain certain low-cost benefits and reduce your time commitment so you have time to focus on your civilian career. Continuing to serve may also include eligibility for more affordable life insurance options.
4. Prepare for potential changes in healthcare benefits: Similar to income, health benefits can also change when you leave the military. A Schwab survey found that more than half of veterans say they’ve felt unprepared to handle a financial emergency like unexpected medical expenses because they live paycheck to paycheck, so it’s important to understand how your benefits might change to safeguard against this. TRICARE is a low-deductible plan, meaning you do not have many out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Many companies offer high-deductible health insurance plans with a Health Savings Account (HSA). That generally means your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher than they had been with TRICARE, but you can help plan for that by contributing to an HSA, which is a triple tax-advantaged savings account that can be used in the future for healthcare expenses, including healthcare deductibles. Health insurance through employer plans, Medicare and policies through the Affordable Care Act typically have specific enrollment periods, so research those dates. It is critical to make sure there are no gaps in coverage for you and your family.
5. Prepare for changes in location: Housing costs are one of the biggest expenses for most people. Whether you stay in place, move off base, rent or buy a new home, make sure you have a plan in place. Run the numbers to see if it makes more sense to rent or buy, and consider lifestyle factors such as school districts and commute time.

“The transition to civilian life is a disruption to life in many ways,” Schwab’s Simmons said. “But taking the time now to prepare for the life that you want in the future can help you make smart financial decisions that will have both immediate and long-term benefits.”

About the 2020 Financial Literacy Survey

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Charles Schwab from June 4-8, 2020, among 2,046 U.S. adults age 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner, or investment manager. Charles Schwab & Co., Inc, Member SIPC.

1. U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 2019, “Transitioning Service Members: Information on Military Employment Assistance Centers.”

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2021-03-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – For 100 years, Hot Springs National Park has provided a peaceful and enjoyable getaway for millions of Americans. Originally established in 1832 as Hot Springs Reservation, it is the oldest federally protected site in the national park system. And as Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas celebrates its centennial year, there’s no better way to celebrate the anniversary than to visit, take in the sights and sounds, and reflect on its legacy.

Where history and nature cross paths

As its name implies, the park is known for its thermal springs, breathtaking mountain views and an abundance of hiking and biking trails. It’s no wonder nearly 1.3 million people visited in 2020.

The spring water that flows on the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain is formed by rain that takes about 4,400 years to travel roughly 6,000 feet into the Earth before reemerging at more than 40 hot springs. Most of the springs are capped to prevent contamination and are the only such springs that are managed for both public health and consumptive use. However, there are plenty of places to interact with the natural flowing water, like in the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row.

While the hot springs are the main attraction, here are a few things you may not know about the park and the town:

• The springs produce thousands of gallons of water: There are several locations throughout the park at which consumers can bottle their own water directly from the springs. Between 600,000 and 800,000 gallons of water is produced each day, emerging at an average temperature of 143 degrees F/62 C.
• Hot Springs is also a town of lakes: A trio of lakes surround the Hot Springs area. Lakes Ouachita, Hamilton and Catherine share the same water but are separated by dams. These clear waters offer thousands of acres of recreational fun to fish, swim, float, sail and enjoy time on a party barge. The shorelines offer beautiful space for camping and for picnics.
• It was the first location for MLB spring training: Before Major League Baseball retreated to Florida and Arizona for spring training, the greatest players in the game prepared for their seasons at Hot Springs. For much of the last century baseball legends like Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Honus Wagner and Satchel Paige trained there and “boiled out the alcoholic microbes of winter” in the local thermal baths believing in the healing powers of the water. The Hot Springs Baseball Trail will take you to important locations in the town’s rich history with America’s pastime.
• It was a hotbed for illegal gambling: At one point in its history, Hot Springs had the largest illegal gambling operation in the country. While those days ended in 1967, you can now treat Hot Springs like a small-town Las Vegas at the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Today, Oaklawn continues to be one of the nation’s leading Thoroughbred racing facilities and has a world-class casino.
• It was neutral territory for gangsters: Gangsters didn’t just hang out in Chicago and New York. Many came to Hot Springs to take advantage of the bathhouses. Al Capone even had a suite in the Arlington Hotel, which is located near Hot Springs National Park. If you want to learn more about the history of gangsters in this area, you can visit the Gangster Museum of America.

Looking at the next century

Times have changed a lot since Hot Springs National Park was established 100 years ago. Many are looking forward to what the next century holds and both the park and the city hope to expand and preserve their legacies for future generations.

2021-03-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – Which area has the worst roads in North America? It’s a dubious honor with many contenders.

According to a March report from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 43 percent of roads in the United States are in poor or mediocre condition. That costs drivers more than $130 billion each year in repairs and other expenses.

But which city’s roads are the most pockmarked with potholes, blistered with bumps and haunted by hazards? Tiremaker Nokian Tyres is exploring the issue as part of a pothole awareness campaign and asking drivers to submit their own arguments for a chance to win a free set of pothole-resistant tires.

Here are four cities with particularly challenging road surfaces.

Boston

One of the first cities founded in the U.S. ranks among the worst when it comes to road quality. The Global Traffic Scorecard from transportation firm INRIX claims that Boston residents spent more time in traffic than people in any other city — an average of 149 hours (four work weeks!) in 2019.

Why? In part because of poor road quality. A report from MoneyGeek asserts that Massachusetts has the sixth-roughest roads in the United States.

Montreal

Quebec’s largest city is a cosmopolitan cultural hub. But its reputation for refinement doesn’t extend to its travel corridors.

CAA rates Boulevard Gouin Est in Montreal as the worst road in Quebec due to its large number of potholes, and the stretch of Highway 40 heading into Montreal is one of the nation’s worst bottlenecks, according to CAA.

And it’s not just a Montreal problem: Fewer than half of Quebec’s roadways are in good conditions, according to a 2020 report from the provincial government. Statistics Canada reports that 18 percent of those roads are in poor or very poor shape.

Detroit

Ironically, the Motor City presents some major challenges to motorists as freezing roads thaw and create potholes. More than 44 percent of Detroit roads are in poor condition, according to recent data from the Federal Highway Administration.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gives Michigan’s roads a D-minus grade and claims that 39 percent of the state’s roads are in bad condition — that’s more than 46,000 miles of roadway. It’s no wonder MoneyGeek labels the Wolverine State’s roads the ninth-roughest in the U.S.

Portland

Drivers in the Rose City don’t always have a rosy time on the road. More than 60 percent of Portland’s roads are in poor or fair condition, according to a local government report.

Research from Texas A&M University relays that Portland residents spend more than $1,200 per year as a result of travel time delays and extra fuel consumption tied to gridlock in the city. That’s the 11th highest cost per driver in the United States, enough to put Portland on the short list of worst roads on the continent.

Voting for the worst roads

Which of these areas has the worst roads in North America? Or does another city deserve the dubious recognition? Nokian Tyres is inviting drivers to vote on its Facebook or Instagram pages at the handle @NokianTyresNA, or to make their arguments on a campaign website, NokianTires.com/Potholes.

This time of year, potholes make roads more dangerous nationwide. It’s one reason Nokian Tyres just introduced the Nokian Tyres One, its first passenger tire to be reinforced with puncture-resistant Aramid fibers to help protect against potholes and other road hazards. Aramid is the same sturdy material used in bulletproof vests.

The company is so confident in the strength of the Nokian Tyres One that it is offering a Pothole Protection program. If the tire is damaged beyond repair by a pothole or other road hazard, Nokian Tyres will replace the tire for free (terms and conditions apply). Campaign participants can learn more about the puncture-resistant product at NokianTires.com/Potholes.