Month: May 2021

2021-05-24T23:01:00

(BPT) – It’s inevitable — even in the spring when everything feels new, life happens. You may still feel a tickle in your throat, or experience minor cuts, scrapes and burns when your family is getting back to outdoor activities. But savvy people know it helps to be ready for life’s little hiccups by having some useful tools on hand. Betadine, the antiseptic brand used in hospitals for over 50 years, also offers Betadine First Aid Antiseptic for at-home first aid of minor cuts, scrapes and burns, as well as their newest product, Betadine Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle for temporary relief of occasional sore throat.

Sick days are never convenient

A sore throat can happen any time of year, making it harder to get through the day. It can be even more tricky to take a day off if you are taking care of others. Life’s responsibilities require you to keep going, even if you’re not feeling 100%.

The moment you feel a sore throat coming on, start using Betadine^® Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle to treat and relieve sore throat symptoms. While some sore throat products numb the throat, Betadine^® Antiseptic Sore Throat Gargle uses antiseptic action to temporarily relieve sore throat symptoms.

Follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Use Betadine Sore Throat Gargle only with the provided dosing cup.
2. Gargle with 10 milliliters at full strength for 30 seconds.
3. Spit out, do not swallow. Use up to 4 times daily.

Be ready for minor cuts, scrapes and burns

Springtime often means the family heads back outdoors. We all try to be careful, but accidents are a part of life, especially when kids are being kids. You can’t stop minor cuts and scrapes from happening, but you can be ready for them.

Start with infection prevention: The minute your child gets a minor cut or scrape, treatment including a topical antiseptic like Betadine^® Antiseptic Solution is the first line of defense to help protect against a broad range of germs, prevent infection and get your child back to their adventures.

Minor wound care starts with these 3 simple steps:

1. Gently clean the affected area.
2. Treat with a topical antiseptic like Betadine to help prevent infection.
3. Protect the wound with a bandage if needed or desired.

Kids wear their cuts and scrapes with pride. When you treat their cuts and scrapes with Betadine First Aid Antiseptic products, you can feel assured by the signature golden-brown spot that Betadine is working to help protect your child from infection. Kids will be fascinated by the unique color and excited to show off their “badge of honor.”

While all antiseptics prevent infection, there are some differences between them. Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can sting when they’re applied to broken skin, and their drying effect can delay wound healing. Betadine does not contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide and has a “no-sting promise.” It has been a trusted antiseptic in hospitals for over 50 years.

Take the opportunity to stock up your medicine cabinet and first aid kits

Spring is also a good time to take inventory of your medicine cabinet and first aid kits. If products are past their expiration date safely dispose of them and get replacements. Make sure you have a fresh supply of all the products you might need right away.

It helps to keep a checklist of the products you rely on most, so you remember to check them frequently.

With everyone’s busy lives today, you may make purchasing decisions for stocking your medicine cabinet on autopilot, but when it comes to your health, it’s important to make sure you choose the brands you trust for yourself and your family.

With just a little preparation, you can be ready for when life happens. Learn more about these and other helpful products at Betadine.com. Always read the full product labels for complete information and use the products as directed.

2021-05-24T09:33:00

(BPT) – May is National Water Safety Month, and as we gear up for an unforgettable summer and head out to the pool, safety should remain top of mind for families. According to a recent consumer survey from Leslie’s, the world’s largest pool and spa retailer, almost half (47%) of respondents underestimate how many drownings take place each year — an average of about 10 unintentional drowning deaths occurring per day, according to the CDC. However, pool owners and parents can play a key role in protecting their family and friends this year in and around the pool. Familiarize yourself with the following pool safety tips to prioritize everyone’s well-being this summer.

1. Invest in Swim Lessons. It’s Never Too Early or Late

Learning to swim through consistent, formal lessons reduces the risk of drowning by 88% for children 1 to 4 years old. It’s never too early or late to learn how to swim, with infants able to begin lessons as young as 4 months old. According to the same survey from Leslie’s, 22% of respondents ages 18+ do not know how to swim or do not feel they are a strong swimmer.

It’s critical to prioritize swim education for everyone in your family while also having readily available swim aids, life jackets and safety rings near the pool at all times. However, these products should be used in addition to lessons. “While these products are designed to help introduce kids to water and help them learn how to swim, these do not take the place of formal lessons, which should be considered at every age,” says Tracy Dick, Leslie’s Vice President of Brand Marketing.

2. Set Rules and Always Supervise

Every pool should have a set of basic rules to follow, which can be posted throughout the area with safety signs. When enjoying the pool with children or hosting family, clearly communicate the ground rules, including no running, dunking or horseplay. Most importantly, designate an adult to keep their eyes solely focused on the swimmers in the water at all times, regardless of any swim aids those individuals may have on, as drownings happen quickly and silently. “According to our recent survey, 67% of respondents believe most child drownings occur when children are unsupervised; however, most drownings occur when an adult is present,” says Dick.

3. Get the Right Safety Equipment

In addition to focusing on swim education and knowledge this summer, ensure your pool has proper safety features. “Consider enhancing the safety of your pool area with secure equipment and technology to protect young children, older adults, pets, animals and your community at-large,” says Dick. Three core safety products to consider:

• Fences and locks: Most communities require pool fencing at least 4 feet high to enclose the pool. There are a variety of fencing options available for every pool and home. The gates of the fence should be self-closing and self-locking, ensuring that they can’t be mistakenly left open.
• Pool alarms: A pool alarm offers an extra level of security and can be added to a gate to sound when opened, or installed in the pool to detect disturbances in the water.
• Pool safety cover: Pool safety covers are made of tightly woven material. They are rigid enough to keep kids and pets from falling into the water.

4. Keep Your Water Healthy

Sanitary pool water is so important to maintaining pool safety, and a properly balanced pool will help keep swimmers from becoming ill. “Follow a regular treatment plan with primary sanitizer and weekly shock, and monitor chlorine levels with water testing. It’s easy to use an at-home water test kit or test strips, or take advantage of Leslie’s free in-store AccuBlue^® water testing so you can get precise, comprehensive results immediately, as well as a tailored plan for how to fix any identified issues,” says Dick.

Finally, prioritize proper filtration to mitigate dirt and bacteria. Not only do filter pumps remove debris from the water, they also help distribute the chemicals needed to destroy germs.

With more than 930 Leslie’s stores around the country, it’s easy to find everything you need to help maintain a safe and secure pool this summer. Remember to prioritize swim lessons and continually supervise children in the water with undivided attention. Take the time to follow these guidelines to help enjoy a healthy, safe and memorable summer.

2021-05-24T15:45:18

(BPT) – There’s no need to go out and buy all new furniture and décor or undertake a major renovation to give your current interior a fresh look and feel — small tweaks can make just as big of an impact.

Spruce up interior spaces with these five simple do-it-yourself projects that can be tackled over a weekend.

1) Restore and reorganize décor

An easy way to give your living space a mini makeover is to reinvigorate existing décor. Start by repairing any damaged or broken decorative pieces such as frames, vases or display items using DAP RapidFuse Gel Control Applicator. Providing a precise, clean and controlled application on a variety of materials including plastics, wood, rubber, metal, ceramics and more, this gel adhesive is perfect for uneven or vertical applications and sets in just 30 seconds for a completely mess-free repair. Finish up by finding new homes for your prized décor pieces for a completely new look.

2) Update bathroom hardware

Nothing dates a bathroom more than an outdated faucet. Give your vanity a facelift by swapping out old fixtures with updated designs to help revitalize the sink. But don’t stop there — replacing stained or worn-down caulk can give the entire bathroom a fresh look while preventing future moisture damage. Make sure to use a siliconized sealant, such as DAP’s Kwik Seal Ultra.

3) Brighten interior walls

Whether you want your space to feel more spacious, a bit brighter or even more soothing, a new paint color can do the trick. Everything from earthy, jewel tones to natural, more neutral aesthetics are trending this year. When selecting your color, sticking within the shade family of one of your longtime favorite colors will help guarantee the color brings you joy for years to come. Looking to ease in? Give an accent wall a shot!

4) Repair holes in the drywall

Before you start painting a room, make sure you take the time to repair any nicks, dents or holes in the drywall for a polished and professional finished result. Whether the damage is small from a picture frame nail or anchor, or as large as doorknob damage, new Eclipse Rapid Wall Repair Patches come in three sizes and make repairing holes in drywall fast and easy. Just apply and paint for a completely mess-free repair in minutes.

5) Upgrade lighting

If your ceiling is still sporting a decades-old light fixture, revitalize it with something a little more modern. The same goes for lampshades and light fixtures. Swapping these out with new, upgraded looks is a simple and budget-friendly way to update any room in an afternoon. To complete your lighting update, consider replacing your current light bulbs with LED bulbs, which will provide a cooler light while helping reduce your energy bill.

For more tips to help tackle your home improvement projects, visit DAP.com.

2021-05-24T15:31:37

(BPT) – You check your alarms regularly and practice your emergency escape plan — but are you overlooking an essential component of home safety? Having fire extinguishers — and knowing how to use them — is important to help ensure your home and family are prepared for the unexpected.

“A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds in the U.S. — and the rapid protection offered by fire extinguishers can make the difference between minor, insignificant damage and greater tragedy,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety. “Fire extinguishers are an important first line of defense in home safety, therefore it is important to know how to use one should a fire break out.”

To practice whole home safety and help ensure your family is prepared in case of fire, follow these tips on fire extinguishers in the home:

1) Keep it within reach

Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NPFA). When seconds count, having an extinguisher within reach is crucial for quick response. Place fire extinguishers on every level of your home, plus the common places like the kitchen and garage. The NFPA recommends installing fire extinguishers close to room exits so that you can discharge them and quickly escape if the fire cannot be controlled. In addition, make sure that every responsible member of your household (including house sitters and babysitters) knows where each fire extinguisher is placed.

2) Know how to use it

Fire extinguishers generally include instructions on proper usage, but a simple way to remember the steps is with the acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin on the extinguisher
• Aim the nozzle low toward the base of the fire
• Squeeze the trigger
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side

Frequently repeat the acronym when practicing your family escape plan so that, if a fire occurs, the response will be automatic.

3) Compare features

When it comes to fire extinguishers, there are a variety of types to choose from — from home and kitchen to commercial applications. When selecting a home fire extinguisher, two of the most important features are size and intended use.

Select a home fire extinguisher that weighs three pounds or less for easy handling. For home fire extinguishers, other features to look for include a metal valve and trigger, which offer the durability of a commercial grade extinguisher, as well as an easy-to-read color-coded gauge for accurate measurement. Remember, a fire extinguisher that has been discharged is no longer effective, so consider rechargeable extinguishers, which can be recharged by a certified professional if the unit is used.

4) Know your ABCs

While they may look similar, fire extinguishers have very specific ratings that indicate what kind of fire they are designed to extinguish. Extinguishers with a Class A rating can put out fires caused by wood, paper, trash and other common materials, while Class B rated extinguishers are intended for gasoline and flammable liquids. Class C rated extinguishers are meant for fires caused by electrical equipment, such as frayed cords. For trusted reliable protection, it’s best to select a multi-rated extinguisher, such as the First Alert Rechargeable Home Fire Extinguisher, which is capable of handling most types of household fires, including wood, paper, fabric, flammable liquid and electrical fires.

To learn more about fire safety, visit FirstAlert.com.

2021-05-24T15:59:13

(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 personal safety brand via Ipsos.Digital, a 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 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:

1) Unsafe in daily routines

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. Forty-two percent 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 they felt unsafe walking through a parking lot or garage, nearly a quarter of those surveyed (22%) experienced similar feelings while in the stairwell of a building.

2) 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.

3) Ineffective protection methods

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 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.

4) Increased confidence with effective tools

Ultimately, however, the majority of those surveyed (64%) stated they 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 a good idea to explore the options to find what device works best for your needs.

A tool such as Smart Pepper Spray is one solution for everyday use. Connected to your phone via Bluetooth, this product 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 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.

2021-05-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – While there are many health complications surrounding pregnancy and giving birth, those related to cardiovascular disease are some of the most common — and the number one killer of new moms in the U.S. According to The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Movement, heart disease and stroke account for more than 25 percent of the roughly 700 deaths in the U.S. each year due to pregnancy complications.

Pregnancy puts stress on your heart and circulatory system, and it’s important for women to pay attention to the risk factors. “Adverse pregnancy outcomes are linked to hypertension, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol and cardiovascular disease events, including heart attack and stroke, long after their pregnancies,” says Dr. Nisha I. Parikh, Chair of the American Heart Association’s scientific statement writing committee and associate professor of medicine in the cardiovascular division at the University of California at San Francisco.

“Preventing or treating risk factors early can prevent cardiovascular disease, therefore, adverse pregnancy outcomes can be a powerful window into cardiovascular disease prevention if women and their health care professionals harness the knowledge and use it for health improvement.”

Parikh discusses the risk factors and information you need to know about heart health during and after pregnancy.

What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

Race, age, weight and blood pressure all play a role in determining your risk for cardiovascular disease, especially during and after pregnancy. There are many disparities when it comes to race, as Black, American Indian and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related cause. Experts believe many factors help explain these disparities, including insurance coverage, access to care and structural racism.

Women 35 and older are at higher risk of having or developing conditions that make pregnancy complications more likely. Such conditions include chronic high blood pressure, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. High blood pressure during pregnancy also greatly increases risk of heart attack and heart failure.

What should I do if I have high blood pressure and plan to get pregnant?

Hypertension during pregnancy greatly increases risk of heart attack and heart failure, so it’s important to work with your health care team to lower your blood pressure before getting pregnant. Some blood pressure drugs are not advised during pregnancy, so be sure to discuss different treatment options with your physician. Discuss short-term health risks if you’ve had fertility treatment and tell your team if you are taking any supplements, including high-dose folic acid supplements, as some evidence suggests that high doses of prenatal supplements may increase risk of a dangerous form of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

What can I do to ensure a safer pregnancy and prevent complications?

While all women need specialized care to ensure their individual needs and health concerns are being addressed, there are many steps most women can take to improve wellness. This includes adopting a heart-healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress and anxiety, and increasing your physical activity. These lifestyle interventions should start during pregnancy and continue in postpartum and through the rest of the patient’s lifespan to decrease risk of heart disease.

In addition to making healthy lifestyle choices, it is vital that women attend their prenatal care visits and have ongoing communication with their health care providers to ensure the health of the mother and baby. Some women, including those with existing heart disease, may need specialized care or monitoring, which can last from before conception until after childbirth as pregnancy can worsen some conditions and be dangerous for both a woman and her developing baby.

What can I do after pregnancy to protect against heart disease risk?

Follow-up care after pregnancy is crucial for your health. Your “fourth trimester” — the three months after childbirth — is a critical time window to screen for heart disease risk factors and improve your health trajectory. Additionally, lactation and breastfeeding may lower your risk of heart disease and metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, later in life.

It’s also just as important to prioritize your wellness after pregnancy as it is during. Continue to make your health a priority by eating nutritious foods, monitoring your mental health, being active and having healthy sleep patterns. You should also continue to receive medical care and attend any necessary follow-up appointments after delivery.

“If you have any adverse pregnancy outcomes, including hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery or pregnancy loss, consider close blood pressure monitoring, type 2 diabetes and lipid screening and talk to your doctor about other risk factor modifications you can implement and CVD prevention recommendations,” Parikh says.

There is a strong connection between heart health and a healthy pregnancy. To learn more or get involved with the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women initiative, visit goredforwomen.org/pregnancy. You can also sign up to participate in lifesaving research studies through Research Goes Red to help researchers better understand the complicated intersection between cardiovascular disease and pregnancy.

2021-05-21T09:24:58

(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% 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 stories.

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 condition, according to a 2020 report from the provincial government. Statistics Canada reports that 18% of those roads are in poor or very poor shape.

Detroit

The Motor City presents some major challenges to motorists as freezing roads thaw and create potholes. More than 44% 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% 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% 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 due to 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.

This time of year, potholes make roads more dangerous nationwide. It’s one reason the company 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.

With the tire’s Pothole Protection program, if it is damaged beyond repair by a pothole or other road hazard, the company will replace it for free (terms and conditions apply). Learn more about the puncture-resistant product at NokianTires.com/Potholes.