Month: April 2021

2021-04-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – Dinner menus, smartphones and computer screens are all things you encounter daily. But have you noticed that since turning 40, you’re having issues seeing them clearly? If you’ve found yourself holding the menu at arm’s distance, increasing your phone’s font size to read text messages, or taking more frequent breaks from the computer screen during the work day, you might be among millions of Americans with presbyopia.¹

Now, you may say presby-what? It’s a complicated name for a common eye condition that means you have trouble focusing on things up-close. This condition is a natural part of aging and is much more common than you think — if you look around, you’ll likely notice it’s also happening to lots of your friends and family members.²

Like many people, you may not completely understand what’s happening with your vision at this age, but rest assured there’s help. Dr. Susan Resnick*, a New York-based optometrist, shares some information that can help you bring your eyesight back into focus after 40.

“For many, your vision might be the first thing to change once you reach 40,” said Resnick. “I often see patients who come into my practice in a panic because they notice they suddenly can’t read their phone or a book. Even if a patient has never had a vision issue before or if your vision has worsened in a short amount of time, presbyopia is a normal part of aging. There are options that can correct your vision and help you see clearly near and far.”

If you have presbyopia, you are not alone

More than 111 million Americans struggle to read or see up close after the age of 40, which is when presbyopia typically strikes.¹ The bad news is that you can’t prevent presbyopia.¹ The good news — you don’t have to accept blurry up-close vision or reading glasses as a fact of life. Advancements in eye care can provide solutions that fit your lifestyle, including Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1^® Multifocal contact lenses, which can help you see seamlessly and clearly, up close and far away.^3,4

You should read up on readers

Like most people, you might think the only option to address presbyopia is purchasing cheap reading glasses from the drugstore. However, while readers can be great in a pinch, they can also be cumbersome as a long-term solution to presbyopia. They often get lost, can break and are inconvenient to constantly put on and take off as you switch from seeing up close and looking further away. What’s more annoying than having to wear your readers on a chain around your neck, or getting them stuck in your hair as you flip them on top of your head?

Also, many people believe wearing readers can even make you feel older. In fact, an Alcon survey of people in their 40s and early 50s found that one-in-four adults think reading glasses can make someone look 10 years older. And, nearly 50 percent of those surveyed would avoid wearing readers if they knew it made them look older.⁵

Find freedom with contact lenses

Whether taking selfies, doing your favorite exercise or whipping up a recipe in the kitchen, multifocal contact lenses can free you from putting on and taking off your reading glasses, and give you the flexibility to see clearly at any distance.

“I usually recommend multifocal contact lenses, including Alcon DAILIES TOTAL1^® Multifocal contact lenses, to my patients with presbyopia because they are designed to help you comfortably and seamlessly see near, far and everywhere in between. Most importantly, these contact lenses give you the freedom to lose your reading glasses,” explains Resnick.

The takeaway here? When it comes to seeing clearly up close, don’t be tethered to readers or let presbyopia make you give up on your fun and the activities you love.

To learn more about multifocal contact lenses, visit SeeNearAndFar.com.

Ask your eye care professional for complete wear, care and safety information. Rx only.

*Dr. Resnick is a paid consultant for Alcon.

References

[1] Market Scope, Global Presbyopia-Correcting Surgery Market Report, April 2012.

[2] American Optometric Association. Presbyopia. https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/eye-and-vision-problems/glossary-of-eye-and-vision-conditions/presbyopia. Accessed August 2018.

[3] All About Vision. Presbyopia. https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/presbyopia.htm. Accessed August 2018.

[4] Alcon Data on File, 2016.

[5] Alcon Age Perception Impact Survey. 2015.

2021-04-28T10:47:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing like the arrival of warmer weather to get you energized to pick up some home improvement projects.

If you’re feeling a bounce in motivation for a bath update, you’re in good company. Nearly one-third of adults (31%) said their home renovation in 2021 would be focused on the bath, according to a recent marketing survey.

To achieve that spring refresh, adding a bidet may be just the update you seek. It couldn’t be simpler, and yet, it offers more than a cosmetic update. Choose the right model, and a bidet offers luxury, style and elevates your self-care routine. As you shop for the perfect model, there are a couple of options sure to fit your needs and your budget.

Bidet seat: This can be a quick and approachable investment for the bathroom. It can be installed on a standard toilet and ready to operate within a single evening, so you can start enjoying the benefits right away.

Bidet toilet: This is a serious upgrade for the home that delivers more spa-like experiences and self-cleaning features to recharge your daily routine.

To help you find the right bidet to make your spring rejuvenation project complete, here’s a look at how this upgrade can bring that spring transformation to your bath space.

Enhance your wellness routine: There’s no shortage of options when it comes to finding a bidet. The key to a high-quality bidet seat are the advanced personal cleansing technologies that support superior self-care.

Simplify your search by going to the source. TOTO is the Japanese company that transformed the bidet into a tech-forward home luxury. Their latest, the WASHLET C5, lets you have that in your home without breaking the bank.

After a simple installation that connects the bidet seat to the home’s fresh water supply, it’s ready to deliver a soothing warm flow of aerated water that’s always clean and pure. Use the water temperature and volume controls to personalize the experience.

Once the cleansing cycle is completed, you can activate the drying cycle, which uses warm air to gently dry. Not only will this bidet seat take self-care to the next level in the bathroom, but it also protects the environment by reducing the need for toilet tissue.

Maintain a healthier home: A high-end bidet is a true investment for the home. Not only does it have additional spa-like features, such as a night light and a heated seat, but it also offers touchless technology. The Aquia IV Arc WASHLET+ S550e by TOTO has sensing technology that opens and closes the lid, and has an auto-flush option. Going touchless reduces the spread of germs and promotes hygiene.

Thoughtful design: When you’re making this kind of investment in the bath, you’ll want to evaluate how the bidet contributes to the overall design of the bath. Ideally, your bidet should add a modern touch that instantly elevates the space. Look for a skirted design, with a smooth base that hides the trapway. High-end bidet toilets offer a seamless integration of the supply line and power cord, which eliminates unwanted visual clutter.

Start fresh this spring with superior products and technologies that will leave you and your home feeling cleansed and refreshed. Find these at TOTOUSA.com.

2021-04-26T11:17:00

(BPT) – –

New York City is one of the top tourist destinations for Americans year after year, and it’s no surprise why. The thriving art, entertainment and cultural scenes, the endless variety of international foods and a beautiful skyline make New York City an iconic and one-of-a-kind destination. Whether you’re there for a day or a week, you’ll never be bored in the City That Never Sleeps.

However, major cities like NYC have felt the brunt of the pandemic’s dampening effect on travel and tourism over the past year. Fortunately, as vaccinations continue to roll out, traveling to New York City, or anywhere for that matter, is once again within reach for travelers eager to get back out there. And as it turns out, there are a lot of great reasons to put NYC back at the top of your list for a trip this summer.

1. There are fewer tourists out and about

When the pandemic hit and travel came to a halt, New Yorkers experienced their city without tourists for the first time in recent history. While travel within the U.S. is bouncing back, NYC is typically filled with tourists from all over the globe. With travel restrictions still in place in many countries where vaccine rollout hasn’t been as fast, the city will still be somewhat quiet this summer. Enjoy the museums, Times Square, shopping, restaurants, the Statue of Liberty, with few crowds — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

2. It’s one of the most diverse cities on the planet

Did you spend your days in quarantine daydreaming about a trip to Italy, China, Australia or Peru? Until borders are fully open again, NYC is the perfect domestic destination to satisfy all of your international culture desires. With close to 800 languages spoken, New York is one of the most diverse cities in the United States.

3. There are countless opportunities for outdoor dining

New Yorkers took to the streets quite literally when the pandemic hit. The city launched its “Open Restaurant Program” to maintain social distancing while keeping its beloved restaurants afloat. This program allows many restaurants to add seating to the sidewalk or curb lane adjacent to the restaurant. The program was so successful that Mayor de Blasio made the program permanent — here to stay beyond the pandemic. With added seating in typically small NYC restaurant spaces, this means even more opportunity for that hard-to-get dinner reservation during your trip.

4. There are a ton of cool museums

MoMA, The Museum of Natural History, the 9/11 Memorial, the Brooklyn Museum — the list goes on. Come to NYC to explore the museums, and while you’re here, don’t miss the best views of Central Park from the rooftop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka the Met). Each summer the museum curates a rooftop exhibition and this year’s is aesthetically pleasing for the whole family: the Alex Da Corte installation features Sesame Street’s Big Bird.

5. Central Park (Need we say more?)

Parks across all five boroughs became a gathering point for New Yorkers craving open space. This makes them not only great for experiencing nature in the heart of America’s largest metro but great for people watching as well. Most people tend to think of Central Park, which is a must-see. But make sure to visit Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, Prospect Park in Brooklyn for its botanical gardens and McCarren Park in Williamsburg to get even more of a glimpse of life as a New Yorker.

6. Brooklyn has a lot to offer

Either stay at one of Brooklyn’s cool hotels, or walk the Brooklyn Bridge, take the subway or ferry over for a day trip while you’re in Manhattan. With some of the city’s best restaurants, bars and waterfront parks, it’s well worth it. Fun fact: Many of the brownstones you see in T.V. and film based in NYC are located in Brooklyn! Stroll some of the most picturesque neighborhoods NYC offers, such as Fort Greene, Park Slope and Dumbo.

7. Chinatown is a hidden gem

NYC’s Chinatown is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in the western hemisphere. Chinatown has something for everyone, and now more than ever, make sure you show your support while you’re here! Get some dim sum, head to a tea parlor or get a treat at Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

8. There are great places for shopping

It’s time to get out of those sweatpants and level up your wardrobe for post-pandemic living. Hit Fifth Avenue for every shopping option you can imagine or the boutiques in Brooklyn for something uniquely New York while you’re here.

Book your trip to NYC today!

If you’ve ever had an urge to check out NYC, now is the time to go. Many people worry about how expensive the flights are when they’re planning their trips. Fortunately, you can save a lot on round-trip flights to NYC and other destinations when you book with Expedia. Check out their website for more information on flight details and more.

2021-04-26T13:01:01

(BPT) – Millions of people still find themselves confronting financial hardship and uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those finding it challenging to keep up with timely rental payments, resources and relief options are available including financial counseling, help communicating with landlords, state and local tenant protections, and even emergency rental assistance.

To help renters navigate these resources, Fannie Mae — a leading provider of home loan and multifamily housing financing — provides real-time information at KnowYourOptions.com.

“We want to ensure anyone struggling to pay their rent understands their options,” said Michele Evans, Executive Vice President and Head of Multifamily, Fannie Mae. “A number of protections are in place for renters, and financial support is available.”

Funds for rental assistance

At KnowYourOptions.com, renters can access information on a number of topics, including information on state and local assistance programs.

“Even if you checked last year and weren’t able to find help, now is a good time to explore these programs again,” according to Evans. “The American Rescue Plan Act recently allocated approximately $22 billion in emergency rental assistance for eligible renters to cover rent, missed rent payments, utilities, home energy costs and other housing-related expenses.” This is in addition to $25 billion in federal assistance passed in December 2020, which state and local governments are responsible for distributing.

Personalized help for renters who need it

For those who need additional help, KnowYourOptions.com provides access to the Renters Resource Finder, which will identify if you live in a building that is financed by Fannie Mae. Those who do can access U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-approved counselors at the Disaster Response Network. Counselors can provide:

• Free financial assistance to create an action plan and receive budgeting support and coaching from experts.

• Guidance on a variety of relief options, including unemployment benefits, nutritional assistance and other programs.

• Explanation of available federal rental assistance options that are available at the state and local level and help managing the application processes.

• Nonlegal support communicating with landlords to help reach a mutual understanding.

In addition to resources for renters, property owners with a building financed by Fannie Mae may be eligible for forbearance, which temporarily suspends or reduces their mortgage payment until the hardship is over. By taking advantage of this option, the property owner agrees to provide payment flexibility to their renters who may be experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

The multifamily COVID-19 forbearance program requires property owners with a forbearance plan related to the pandemic to suspend all evictions for renters unable to pay rent during the forbearance period. A property owner participating in the program also must allow tenants flexibility to repay back rent over time and not in a lump sum; and not charge late fees or penalties for non-payment of rent.

“As COVID-19 persists, Fannie Mae remains steadfast in our commitment to helping renters stay in their homes,” said Evans. “We encourage renters facing financial challenges to visit KnowYourOptions.com to find reliable information and resources on rental relief options that are available nationwide.”

2021-04-26T13:11:00

(BPT) – While becoming a new mom brings a variety of joyful new experiences, it can also be a challenging adjustment. Paired with an ongoing pandemic, balancing parenthood on top of work and other responsibilities has left many women feeling overwhelmed.

In fact, a recent survey conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Store Brand Infant Formula revealed that 68% of moms stated 2020 was the most stressful year they have ever experienced. Money is at the heart of this stress, as 64% of moms admitted to making sacrifices because of financial reasons, with nearly two in three (65%) cutting costs just to feed their family. Three in 10 moms said the ability to afford enough food for the family was causing the most financial stress, and 30% revealed they have skipped meals so their children could eat.

Fortunately, financial expert and founder of Clever Girl Finance, Bola Sokunbi, has a few tips on ways parents can save while feeding their families, safely.

“Now is the time to re-assess our budgets and de-stress our households,” Sokunbi said “There’s no better way to relieve stress than by getting control of your finances. Having twins myself, I know the difficulty of balancing a budget and providing children what they need to be healthy. However, there are simple ways that parents can save to stretch the family paycheck.”

Shop sales

Maximize your budget by shopping sales and using coupons. This is especially great for shelf-stable items such as canned baby food, cereal and infant formula that can be stored safely for future use. For fresh foods, shop items that are in season because they are usually cheaper and fresher.

Choose store brands

“I always recommend shopping for store brands since they are very similar to the name brands but cost less. For example, infant formula can be expensive for families and many don’t realize that Store Brand Infant Formulas provide the same complete nutrition and meet the same FDA standards as the big-name brands but cost up to 50% less. That’s an average of $64 a month! Plus, Store Brand Infant Formulas were recently featured as top picks in ‘The Best Baby Formula,’ guide by the New York Times!” Sokunbi said. Parents can learn more about the benefits of switching to generic options at www.storebrandformula.com.

Maximize SNAP dollars and other federal assistance support

Families can turn to a patchwork of resources for help, such as the local food bank or charity, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Forty percent of moms surveyed applied for WIC or SNAP to help support their family within the last year. While WIC and SNAP are amazing programs that help millions of families across the country, benefits can run out before the end of the month. It is so important for families to understand their options and make informed financial decisions so they don’t resort to unsafe practices. There are a variety of ways to maximize these supplemental benefits. For example, when using SNAP dollars to buy Store Brand Infant Formula instead of the nationally advertised brands, you can get twice as many days of safe, complete nutrition. That means you can buy more of the other nutritious foods you need to feed your whole family.

Swap meat for plant-based proteins

When considering your options for protein, it is cheaper to go plant-based since meat is one of the most expensive things you can add to your cart. To save money, stock up on plant-based dry goods like beans, grains and whatever is in season. Pay attention to when plant-based proteins go on sale at your market or check out the aisle that has all the bulk beans, nuts, seeds, lentils or grains.

“The pandemic has hit moms hard, leaving many struggling to make ends meet,” added Sokunbi. “Just know there are some simple steps new moms can take to relieve stress and support their families. From shopping sales to opting for store brands, there are a variety of ways to give your family what they need to grow and flourish.”

2021-04-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sustainable ingredient sourcing and traceability are driving factors for many of our buying decisions, whether it’s what we eat, how we furnish our homes, what we wear, and now even what we feed our pets.

According to a new survey from Purina, 92 percent of pet owners are interested in learning where their pets’ food is sourced. In fact, many consumers ranked ingredient sourcing and traceability just as high as life stage, breed and activity level when considering what food to purchase. This is especially true of younger generations, with 68 percent of Gen Z pet owners saying they care more about how their pet’s food is sourced than they do their own.

So, the next time you go to the pet store, here are some considerations for finding responsibly sourced and traceable pet food for your four-legged friend. Not only will your pet benefit from a high-quality, nutritious meal, but you will also help support a more sustainable ingredient supply chain and have the peace of mind knowing what your pet is eating and where it came from — it’s a win-win.

1. Keep an eye on environmental impact.

As many pet food consumers are adopting an environmentally-conscious mindset, they can be confident that responsible ingredient sourcing is a significant priority for Purina. When buying your pet’s food, consider companies that dedicate resources to minimize their overall environmental impact.

For example, fish are a very popular ingredient in many cat foods — yet overfishing is one of the most significant issues affecting ocean health. Fortunately, there are many pet food suppliers, like those Purina works with, who have committed to working with responsible fisheries to ensure they’re doing their part in protecting the world’s oceans. Purina works with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership to determine if our fish sources are sustainable, responsibly sourced and continually improving. Also, through Marine Stewardship Council certifications, industry collaboration and value-added projects, Purina uses a multifaceted approach to ensure the health of the ocean. Greater awareness of these issues can help pet owners make more informed food decisions for their pets — and the planet.

2. Look for locally grown and close to home.

When choosing pet food, 78 percent of pet owners specifically seek options made with U.S.-sourced ingredients. This is in line with evolving consumer preferences for buying locally or domestically made products. Domestically sourced pet food ingredients indirectly support family farms across the country and help build stronger, more economically stable communities. The vast majority of the ingredients Purina uses are agricultural materials sourced from U.S. farms.

All Purina suppliers are thoroughly assessed before becoming an approved partner, ensuring that each meets the company’s standards for food safety, business integrity and environmental stewardship.

3. Transparency occurs from ingredient source to bowl.

If you’re someone who wants to dive deeper beyond the list of ingredients on the back of the bag, some pet food companies make traceability and transparency even more accessible. Knowing where our food comes from is important, and Purina’s Interactive traceability map highlights many of its top ingredients by volume, providing pet owners an added layer of confidence knowing where the ingredients are sourced for the nutritious food in their pet’s bowl.

Give your pet the quality life he or she deserves.

Pets and people are better together. By feeding your pets the nutritious and properly sourced ingredients they deserve, you can ensure you are doing what you can to positively impact their health and quality of life.

2021-04-26T05:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are woefully underserved by traditional financial institutions. In fact, a J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study found that nearly 63% of microentrepreneurs believe their bank does not appreciate their business — and only 32% think their bank even understands what they do.

Businesses with fewer than five employees make up a staggering 92% of U.S. businesses, yet smaller businesses (and especially service-based businesses) don’t get the same level of attention as bigger businesses when it comes to fintech. Big banks instead direct their investments toward large businesses, where there is potential for greater returns.

Evolving financial software for the modern entrepreneur

Most entrepreneurs went into business because they wanted to follow their dream — only to find administrative and managerial tasks, like bookkeeping, payroll and tax filing, getting in the way of that dream. Fintech software can assist small-business owners in this regard — particularly helpful as many small businesses continue to struggle during the global coronavirus pandemic.

Wave, for example, offers an all-in-one money management solution which helps entrepreneurs remove the pain points of running the financial side of their business and was developed specifically using language, workflows and features a small-business owner with no accounting or finance experience can easily understand.

Fintech solutions can also help small-business owners:

* Track income and expenses
* Understand their profitability
* Be prepared for tax time

Transitioning from an outdated way of small-business banking

Traditional banks are expensive, archaic and offer little more than a safer place to store money than under your mattress. The needs of small businesses are changing, but the response from traditional banks is not. This is especially true for service-based businesses, which make up the vast majority of microbusinesses.

Small businesses pay an average of $450 in bank fees every year. To big banks, that’s nothing. But for small businesses, those fees could make the difference between hiring employees, paying bills and even continuing to operate.

Fintech companies are beginning to understand that small businesses need tailored solutions.

Microentrepreneurs now have banking options, like Wave Money, which does not require a minimum account balance, has no monthly fees and offers fast access to funds, which can help improve cash flow.

Sustaining small-business success after the pandemic

It’s not easy to start a business. From dealing with government policy to navigating bookkeeping, payroll and tax, many of the steps to becoming an entrepreneur are daunting.

Entrepreneurs need all the support they can get, especially since the pandemic has taken a toll on so many. As such, it’s even more important for entrepreneurs to look for solutions that deliver on their unique needs.

Tech companies continue to evolve their products and services to accommodate these challenges and opportunities for small businesses, and as many begin to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic, entrepreneurs should consider financial tech solutions that include:

* Powerful invoicing software that allows you to send out professional invoices, track payments, and automatically send friendly reminders to your customers who don’t pay on time.

* An integrated payments option, so customers can pay electronically with one click of a button. Wave has found that business owners who accept payments electronically get paid on average three times faster than those who don’t.

* A no-fee business bank account. Solutions like Wave Money, a no-fee small business bank account, not only speed up access to funds, but also automate bookkeeping and create records ready for tax time, so business owners can spend less time worrying about back-office tasks, and more time running their business.

Starting a business is never easy, but the right fintech software can help manage your business’ financial life in meaningful ways. That way you’re ready when tax time approaches — and you can continue focusing on growing the business you love.

2021-04-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – What makes a family? Ask people across the country and one answer stands out: Love. This single word is what it means to be a mother. From care and compassion to encouragement and support, every family grows stronger through the endless love a mother provides.

A mom can be anyone who loves without bounds. This Mother’s Day, remember all the moms in your life — birth mom, adopted mom, step mom, grandma, aunt— who stepped in and stepped up. That includes the supermoms doing it all, especially this past year. Here are some ideas that are sure to touch her heart and make her smile:

Colorful flowers

Just like she brightens your day, you can do the same with colorful Mother’s Day flowers from 1-800-Flowers.com. If you know her favorite kind of flower, choose an arrangement featuring that variety to really show you are listening and care about her interests. To make the gift extra special, check out their One-of-a-Kind Bouquets, specially created by local florists to create luxurious, hand-curated designs that will surely impress.

Gratitude collection

Want a fun project that the whole family can do together? Cut colorful construction paper into 1-inch strips and write down different things you love about Mom or why you’re thankful for her. Then either loop and tape each piece together to make a decorative chain or fold into a jar so she can pull out each compliment one by one.

Sweet & savory treats

Whether she craves chocolate-dipped strawberries, fresh fruit or meat and cheese pairings, there are indulgent food gift baskets to fit any personality. Give her a reason to enjoy something she loves without the task of purchasing and preparing it!

Perfect plants

For the mom who loves all things green or blooming, consider sending a plant. Succulent gardens are on trend and low-maintenance, so it’s easy for Mom to enjoy them month after month. Lilies and lavender are other popular picks, but feel free to get what you think she’d enjoy most. Trends aside, you know her best.

Creative cards

It might sound simple, but a card is a small gesture with meaningful impact. This is especially true if you take time to write a heartfelt note. Share a favorite memory and tell her why she’s so special.

There’s no better time to celebrate moms everywhere. Because there are #NoLimitsonLove, make sure you show every mother figure in your life you care this Mother’s Day.