Long COVID patients need connection and social support

2021-06-30T17:55:46

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has had more impact on the world than could have been imagined. One unexpected impact is the long-term symptoms some people experience for weeks or months after recovering from the disease, a syndrome called long COVID. Researchers estimate 10% to 30% of people who contract COVID-19 develop long COVID after recovering from the disease, with more women reporting lasting symptoms, according to JAMANetwork.com.

Those suffering from long COVID experience ongoing combinations of symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, body aches, coughing, joint pain, chest pain, intermittent fever, difficulty concentrating, headaches and even continued loss of taste and smell. Others also report the mental impacts of prolonged symptoms, which include depression, anxiety, changes to their mood and sleep, and a mental “brain fog” that won’t lift. In all, people suffering with long COVID can have up to 200 symptoms.

Dr. Archelle Georgiou, an author and expert in consumer healthcare, said that minimizing symptoms and the people who are experiencing long COVID is another unfortunate stage in this pandemic. Understanding that long COVID is a real syndrome, should be treated by experts, and is not imagined may be a relief for some who are suffering with the ongoing effects of the virus.

While the number of infected people who will develop long-lasting symptoms is unclear, what is true is those with long COVID can be old, young, healthy or those with chronic conditions. Although many experiencing prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 do not require hospitalization, the ongoing symptoms still have a major impact on their daily lives, livelihood and, of course, health. A recent COVID Symptom Study of more than 3,700 people with long COVID in 56 countries found that more than half were not able to work full time because of their ongoing symptoms. With symptoms varying from day to day, individuals can feel isolated — alone on an unpredictable journey.

The pandemic has revealed how truly important connecting and seeking social support from your family and friends is as you go through challenging times. Suffering from ongoing symptoms of COVID-19, like any other health journey, can be difficult to endure alone. Access to information and support is a critical factor in the path to healing for those experiencing long COVID-19. There are many resources to read online, however having support from others and a sense of community are also very important. Among the places that provide resources, CaringBridge understands the importance of helping people connect with family and friends during personal health journeys and has developed a new Long COVID Support Center, to keep people up to date with the latest medical research studies, links to support groups, information on finding and accessing post COVID care centers, and advice and opportunities to connect with other users experiencing ongoing COVID-19 symptoms.

Connecting with other long COVID patients in a virtual community is an important way to stay abreast of new health information and a way to get emotional support as you navigate your health journey. Finding social support and connection is important considering those who are experiencing long COVID or long-lasting symptoms are reporting a rise in sense of isolation, according to a 2020 study.

“Research has shown listening to other people’s stories can improve both mental and physical health. Sharing your story is empowering and liberating and helps not only yourself but others through creating empathic connections and supportive audiences,” said Georgiou.

In the presence of the unknown of long COVID, love and support can be a lifeline. According to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, social support is by far the most important factor for population health outcomes, with 40% of population health outcomes being determined by social support. The power of meaningful connections is real, and the support of a community is crucial as long COVID patients continue through their health journey.

Take Care of Your Health at Every Age: A Guide for Your 50s, 60s and 70s

2021-06-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – While many people already practice tenets of good health — maintaining an active lifestyle, eating well, addressing mental health and visiting healthcare providers regularly — there are additional considerations as we age. You can prepare for long-term wellness and minimize costs for future healthcare expenses, either by avoiding costly procedures or by having the coverage in place to protect your savings.

Though any time is a good time to take action, here are some considerations to protect your health and your pocketbook at each stage of life.

Looking Forward in Your Fifties

Fifty and feeling fine? That’s great news! Now is the time to focus on preventive measures to minimize potential health issues and costs down the road.

As you look toward your future, start with your eyes. They can be early indicators of other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, anemia and cancer. Frequent changes in how clearly you can see, for example, may be a sign of diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Even if you’ve never worn glasses, vison problems and eye disease become more prevalent with age, such as worsening of near vision, dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts and more. Most eye conditions can be treated if found early, making an annual exam with your ophthalmologist or optometrist a smart choice.

Check whether your health coverage includes vision benefits, which can include coverage for eye exams and discounts on reading or prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses.

Even with the best eyesight, unfortunately, none of us can see into the future. In your 50s, when you’re active and independent, assisted living may not be in your plans, but the future is unknown. Ultimately, about 60 percent of people at some point in their lives will need short-term assistance with things like getting dressed, driving to appointments or making meals, either at home or within an assisted living or long-term nursing care facility. It may be helpful to consider options to ensure that you have the right coverage for potential long-term care needs.

The median cost of one year of care in a private room at a nursing home facility is $105,850, while the median cost of a private, one-bedroom room in an assisted living facility is $51,600 per year. With long-term care insurance, you can protect yourself from these expenses. Long-term care insurance reimburses you for the services needed to maintain your lifestyle if age, injury, illness or cognitive impairment make it challenging for you to care for yourself, providing you with the support you need while keeping your savings intact.

Secure and Smiling in Your Sixties

Your 60s are a great time to think about healthcare coverage and overall financial security as you head toward retirement.

For most, eligibility for Medicare coverage starts at age 65, and you can apply during the initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which lasts for seven months and includes the three months prior to turning 65, your birthday month and the three months following your birthday month. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) can help pay for hospital costs, inpatient and outpatient care and doctor visits, but it does not cover all costs. So, you may want to explore additional Medicare-related options that allow you to find coverage that fits your individual needs. These options can help ensure you have the right coverage for your lifestyle and financial situation.

Confidence in health coverage is one more reason to smile, but don’t forget to take care of those teeth. Oral health can deteriorate with age, and over time, teeth can become more brittle and susceptible to decay, infection and gum disease. Dry mouth (xerostomia) is another common condition that affects 30 percent of patients older than 65, and it is primarily an adverse reaction to medication, though it can also result from hormonal changes or comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.

Regular dental care can monitor and prevent disease, so twice-yearly visits to the dentist are recommended. Dental insurance provides coverage for these visits and any special procedures or treatments that may arise (implants, dentures, etc.) to help keep out-of-pocket costs down.

The Sound of Savings in Your Seventies

Have you heard? Age-related hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. Nearly half of all people older than 75 have difficulty hearing, and the frustrations associated with this difficulty can lead to depression as individuals withdraw from others, and in turn, accelerate the decline of cognitive abilities.

As with many health conditions, hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. Seeing a physician for a hearing test and assistance with hearing aids, medication, or even surgery may have a significant impact on your general well-being. To prepare for associated costs, you can explore hearing care programs that provide savings on check-ups, hearing aids, batteries and more.

Another place for cost savings is with prescription drugs. Data shows that nearly 90 percent of adults aged 65 and older used at least one prescription drug in the last 30 days, while more than half used at least three. As prescription costs continue to rise, this can become a significant investment.

The good news is prescription discount programs are available to help you save at thousands of pharmacies nationwide. Some of these programs are free to enroll, making it an easy way to limit your out-of-pocket costs.

Pursuing Good Health Today and Tomorrow

Looking ahead and planning for the unexpected is hard, even overwhelming, but if you break down priorities as you age, you can better focus on what’s available to you for a healthier future.

Prepare for the unknown, take care of yourself and learn more about your healthcare options by visiting https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/healthcare.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. AARP does not employ or endorse agents, producers or brokers.

Whole grains are good for you, but what about the other grains?

2021-06-30T10:28:26

(BPT) – As most Americans have heard by now, whole grains are good for us — dietary guidance tells us to “make half our grains whole,” cereal boxes and bread bags tout their whole grain goodness, and news headlines repeat the message.

Whole grains do provide health benefits — for example, the dietary fiber that they deliver supports a healthy heart, gut and even weight by helping you feel full between meals.

But if whole grains are so good for us, what about the other half, the non-whole grains? Enriched refined grains not only deliver vital nutrients but also offer the versatility and affordability that allows you to satisfy the entire family easily and affordably.

1. Foods made with refined grains, which are often mislabeled as something to limit or avoid, are also an essential part of a healthy diet.

Millers enrich these grains by replacing nutrients that are lost during the milling process, and sometimes adding nutrients that weren’t even there before — so enriched refined grains have essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, folic acid, and yes, even dietary fiber.

Each of these nutrients is key to living a healthy life at all ages, and recent scientific research shows that eating grain foods made with both whole grains and enriched refined grains — everything from cereal and bread to pretzels and crackers — helps us get enough of them. In fact, almost 40% of our dietary fiber comes from refined grain foods.

“Americans need to know the many benefits of including both whole grain and refined grain staple foods in their diets,” says Dr. Glenn Gaesser, a researcher with the Grain Foods Foundation. “Make-half-your-grains-whole dietary guidance is sound, but the rare research that studies staple refined grain foods, like bread and cereal, shows that they are far from being the ‘bad guy.’ And as everyone will be glad to hear, there’s even room for ‘indulgent’ grain foods, like cookies and cakes, in a healthy diet as long as you enjoy them in moderation.”

2. You can’t beat grain foods when it comes to value.

“It can be tough to prepare nutritious meals every day when you’re on a tight budget, but staple grain foods are one of the most affordable sources of high-quality calories and nutrients,” says Sylvia Melendez-Klinger, Founder of Hispanic Food Communications. “Plus, you can find them almost anywhere, from convenience stores to dollar stores, and feel good knowing that you’ll always be getting great nutritional bang for your buck.”

3. You don’t need to worry about satisfying picky eaters because grain foods are incredibly versatile, serving as a plant-based part of every breakfast, lunch and dinner.

To get some inspiration for a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious, try the recipe below — whatever grain food and fillings (or toppings) you choose, it’s the perfect way to start your day.

Build-a-Better Breakfast

This easy, nutrition-packed breakfast flatbread recipe features protein, fruits, vegetables — and of course, grains.

Ingredients

  • One slice flatbread
  • 1/2 cup canned nonfat refried beans
  • 2 large eggs or 2/3 cup egg substitute, scrambled
  • 1/2 medium tomato
  • 3-4 avocado slices

Not only is it delicious and nutritious, but it offers limitless options for simple swaps to satisfy yourself and your family:

  • Rather than flatbread, layer ingredients onto a bagel, toast or wrap.
  • Swap the tomatoes for your favorite salsa.
  • Substitute the beans and avocado for spinach and cheese.
  • Not a fan of refried beans? Black beans also provide a protein punch.

To learn more about grain foods’ role in a healthful diet and see more recipes, visit GrainFacts.com.

5 tips for living your best life with your new pet

2021-06-30T13:07:00

(BPT) – Over the past year, pet adoptions have surged with many welcoming new dogs and cats into their homes for the first time. Adopting a pet brings lots of enjoyment, love and a very special bond between humans and their four-legged friends.

New pets also bring new responsibilities and country star, Chris Lane, has experienced this firsthand. His two rescue pups were originally supposed to be fosters but, after some convincing from his wife, Lauren Bushnell Lane, Cooper and Chloe were welcomed into their forever home. Lane and his wife have another new addition to their household — a baby boy, Dutton Walker Lane. Through all these changes, the bond between Lane and his pups has only gotten stronger.

“My dogs, Cooper and Chloe, are truly my best friends,” said Lane. “Since we adopted them, they have brought Lauren and me so much happiness and laughter, and endless amounts of love.”

Lane has learned a thing or two about caring for a new pet and has shared a few tips to help anyone who has recently welcomed a new furry friend into their forever home.

1. Create routines

Animal companions — especially dogs — thrive on predictable routines. Regular times for meals, walks and playtime help animals feel secure. Dogs come to expect certain events and even look forward to them.

“My favorite part of the day is the moment we get home,” said Lane. “Seeing Cooper in the window howling always makes us smile because he’s so happy in that moment.”

2. Prepare pets for change

Change is inevitable, and you should prepare your pet for it to come. Whether it’s a new baby or returning to the office after a year at home, start getting them used to you being away. Leave for short periods, gradually increasing how long you’re gone, so your pet becomes accustomed to you being away and understands that you will return.

3. Caring for your pets

Keeping your furry friends healthy and protecting them from harm is the foundation of a happy relationship with your pet. Good nutrition, exercise and providing regular wellness visits to the veterinarian all get you off to a great start.

One important way Lane shows his love for his dogs is by using vet-recommended Seresto to protect Cooper and Chloe from fleas and ticks. Whether they’re playing in the backyard or joining him on tour, Seresto provides eight months of continuous protection from fleas and ticks so Lane has one less thing to worry about and can spend more time having fun with his dogs.

“With the new baby, the tour and everything in between, we’ve never been busier,” said Lane. “We rely on Seresto to protect our dogs from fleas and ticks so we can focus on enjoying our time together.”

4. Learn your pet’s love language

Every relationship has its own language for giving and receiving love — including our pets. Whether it’s playtime outside, getting treats or snuggling up for a belly rub, pets show us every day how they want to be loved. And they pick up on our cues too. Paying attention to those signals will continue to strengthen the bond we have with our pets and make room for even more unconditional love.

“Chloe’s favorite ways to be shown love are food and affection. She loves to eat, and wants to cuddle 24/7,” observed Lane. “But, for Cooper, it’s play time. We love playing hide and seek in the house and that gives him more joy than anything.”

5. Offer patience and love

Last, but not least, taking care of a pet requires plenty of patience and love. Showing affection and taking the time to understand their needs helps create a happy home for everyone.

“You can love your pet way better when you know what they need to be happy,” noted Lane. “You want to give them the best life possible and you’re happier when they’re happy.”

Pets bring so much joy into our lives and, the truth is, we need them as much as they need us. Learning how to care for your pet will mean endless amounts of love to go around.

Learn more about protecting your pet from fleas and ticks at Seresto.com.

Back-to-work blues: Anxious about returning to your cubicle?

2021-06-30T14:01:01

(BPT) – While everyone’s lives were upended this past year, they’re about to be turned upside-down again. Vaccinations are underway, and companies nationwide are making plans to bring employees back to the office.

Some workers may welcome the change after spending over a year at home, but many now prefer working in their “COVID caves.” Some employees have found they are more productive at home, and better able to find a work-life balance. For many, the idea of having to leave home and return to their cubicles is evoking feelings of genuine dread, anxiety — or even panic.

A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that nearly half (49%) of adults are uneasy about the return to in-person interactions, and even 48% of those who are already vaccinated still feel uncomfortable about interacting with others.

While one person may be excited and enthusiastic about returning to the workplace, another may feel nervous. Some miss the social scene, but others don’t enjoy water cooler chitchat or after-work happy hours. These differences can be attributed to numerous factors:

  1. Environment (your work conditions)
  2. Lifestyle (your personal challenges and needs)
  3. Past experiences
  4. Genetic makeup

If you’re suffering from anxiety or stress about returning to the office, this is a good time to be proactive about your own mental health. Fortunately, there are positive steps you can take to support your physical and mental well-being throughout these challenging times.

Here are tips for anyone struggling right now:

1. Prioritize basic needs

  • Eat well — Don’t skip meals or rely on less healthy options when stressed.
  • Get some exercise — Find ways to move every day, even just for a walk around the block.
  • Get enough sleep — Turn off gadgets to unwind before bed.

2. Do a personal inventory to discover your predispositions

Genetics plays a big role in your feelings and attitudes toward work. Using a groundbreaking test called the Genomind® Mental Health Map™, you can find out if you are predisposed toward certain mental health traits. These results can provide insights into understanding your thoughts and feelings about going into the office, as well as other aspects of your life.

The Genomind Mental Health Map provides an expert starting point, empowering you to take action toward better mental health and wellness. The test provides 7 extensive online reports containing numerous new insights and resources for sustaining and improving your mental wellness. Your results will include a robust action plan based on your genetics, plus tools and recommendations from advocacy groups including the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health America, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, the American Lung Association and others.

This cheek swab DNA test, which you can get without a prescription, helps you learn how you are predisposed to feel and behave across 7 Core Genetic Mental Health Capabilities™:

  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Mood
  • Focus and Memory
  • Sleep
  • Eating Behavior
  • Social Behavior
  • Habits and Substance Use

One of the predispositions identified is a heightened stress response. Individuals with that predisposition may have a more pronounced elevation of stress hormones. If this is true for you, it may explain why you experience heightened anxiety about going back into the office.

“Learning about your own genetic predispositions can be a positive step toward understanding yourself and taking control over your own mental health,” says long-time Genomind clinician Debra Bjork, DO, Palmetto Counseling Associates. “Discovering how you are likely to respond to stressful or challenging circumstances can help you determine a course of action to support your own mental health.”

Interested in learning more about your genetic predispositions? Visit MentalHealthMap.com.

3. Seek professional help

If you’re feeling especially anxious or down, it may be a good idea to make an appointment to talk to a mental health professional.

4. If you take medications, but are still struggling with mental health issues, consider talking to your provider about pharmacogenetic testing

Psychiatric medication is often prescribed on a trial-and-error basis, with practitioners monitoring each patient’s response before adjusting medications or doses. This process often leads to patient frustration and makes the condition worse before finding the optimal treatment.

The Genomind® Professional PGx Express™, however, combines the science of pharmacology and genomics (i.e., pharmacogenetics) to help your healthcare provider personalize your treatment plan.

This advanced pharmacogenetic test looks at 24 genes related to mental health treatment across 130+ mental health medications and 10+ conditions. This can help your provider understand:

  • Medication Efficacy or Risk — Identify medications and supplements that may be more or less risky
  • Dosage — Personalize dosing based on the individual metabolism profile
  • Gene-Drug Interaction Guidance — Identify potentially harmful interactions based on your patient’s genes or other medications they may be taking

“Because of pharmacogenomic testing I can make good decisions not only for better medication choices but can recommend lifestyle changes and supplements that will help,” says Dr. Debra Bjork, DO. “Pharmacogenomics gives me a unique perspective that I would not have otherwise. I have an intimate knowledge of the patient that helps form the therapeutic relationship necessary for recovery.”

This test requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. Get started today.

Celebrate safely with these fireworks safety tips

2021-06-30T11:01:01

(BPT) – Summer is here, and this Fourth of July, families and friends are gathering for celebrations after more than a year of social distancing due to the pandemic. Although the table may be filled with everyone’s favorite potluck dish, there is another summertime staple that Americans need to be cautious about — using fireworks at home. These fun, bright bursts can make barbecues and parades more exciting, but they can also be extremely dangerous without taking the proper precautions.

With so much time at home in 2020, the U.S. saw a 50% increase in deaths and injuries related to fireworks, compared to 2019. An estimated 15,600 people were treated for fireworks injuries in 2020, and sadly, at least 18 people died from fireworks-related incidents in home settings.

“The number of deaths and injuries are reminders of just how dangerous fireworks can be,” said Robert Adler, acting chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Protect yourself and your family by leaving powerful fireworks to the professionals and being extra vigilant when using consumer-type fireworks.”

This summer, take a safer approach to fireworks, and follow these important tips for using fireworks.

1. Only adults should handle fireworks.

Never allow young children to play with, or ignite, fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals. It is never safe for young children to handle fireworks. Let a relative hold the sparkler, and let the children admire sparklers from a safe distance.

Any person who has consumed alcohol or drugs should not use fireworks. Of the 18 related deaths in 2020, eight individuals (44 percent) had used alcohol or drugs before the incident.

2. Keep water handy.

Make sure to have a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby before lighting fireworks. If there is a fire or a mishap, make sure there is easy access to water to help extinguish the flames quickly.

3. Light fireworks one at a time.

Although you may be tempted, never light more than one firework at a time. Just light one, then quickly move away, to watch the firework from a safe distance.

4. Never handle malfunctioning fireworks.

If a firework does not seem to be working correctly, or it won’t hold a flame, do not try to fix it or re-light it. Place any malfunctioning fireworks in your bucket of water to soak, and then throw them away.

5. Keep a safe distance when lighting the fuse.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device. Hold your arm far away from your body while you light the fuse, then immediately move away. Hands and fingers are the most common body parts injured by fireworks.

6. Do not throw fireworks.

Fireworks are always dangerous, even before they are lit. Never point or throw fireworks, including sparklers, at anyone. Always be careful when transporting them.

7. Soak spent or complete fireworks in water

When finished burning your fireworks, douse the spent devices with plenty of water from a bucket or hose. This will prevent any fire dangers when the fireworks are discarded in the trash.

8. Celebrate legally.

Before purchasing fireworks or planning a celebration, make sure it is legal to have and use fireworks in your area. Be sure to purchase fireworks that are labeled for consumer use only — not professional use.

It’s time to celebrate the birthday of our nation, and we hope you will do so safely. Enjoy the beauty of fireworks, and remember these tips to keep you and your family safe this summer.

For more information and additional fireworks safety tips visit www.cpsc.gov/fireworks.

8 great ways to plan your next vacation adventure

2021-06-30T13:01:00

(BPT) – You may be eager to explore the world again, but the question is: Where should you go? There’s nothing like a good guide to the treasures that are the U.S. National Parks so you can plan your trips together, as a family.

Check out these National Geographic guides to help discover what’s out there waiting for you.

1. Celebrate the National Parks’ birthday with your kids

Happy 100th Birthday, National Parks! Join the celebration by reading about America’s greatest treasures in the National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition from National Geographic Kids. Filled with gorgeous color photos, wildlife information, fun facts and cool things to do, this guide will get your kids excited about planning your next outdoor adventure.

2. Explore the riches of the U.S. National Parks

America’s 62 National Parks are featured in this all-new 9th edition of the Guide to National Parks of the United States. You’ll find expert travel advice, hiking and wildlife spotting tips, detailed maps and up-to-date information from park rangers and National Geographic’s acclaimed travel writers. Read about the newest additions to the U.S. park system: Indiana Dunes, White Sands and Gateway Arch National Parks. This edition also features week-long regional road trip itineraries for visiting multiple parks on one vacation.

3. Discover the parks — in cities, too

Filled with helpful travel tips and beautiful photography, 100 Parks, 5,000 Ideas showcases top experiences in national, state and city parks throughout North America. Each entry provides travel advice, insider knowledge and tips for hiking, biking and camping in the U.S. and Canada. You can even find natural beauty in New York’s Central Park and Boston Commons, along with day-trips to nearby neighbors.

4. Take the road less traveled

The majority of National Park visitors stick to the most famous locations, missing a world of stunning scenery in the process. In Secrets of the National Parks, park rangers and local guides uncover hidden gems in 32 National Parks. Leave the crowds behind and discover sites like Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley and the Everglades’ Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail.

5. Take a hike — around the world

If you love hiking, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Scenic Trails is your ultimate bucket list, with 100 treks for all levels, from the Appalachian Trail to Micronesia’s Six Waterfalls Hike. Explore short day hikes like California’s Sierra High Route, multi-day excursions like Tanzania’s Mount Meru or multi-week treks including Australia’s Bibbulum Track. Filled with beautiful photography and wisdom from expert hikers like Andrew Skurka, this guide offers the planet’s best hiking experiences.

6. Satisfy the history buffs

If someone in your family obsesses about history, Complete National Parks of the United States: 400+ Parks, Monuments, Battlefields, Historic Sites, Scenic Trails, Recreation Areas, and Seashores is for you. Beyond covering significant historic sites, this comprehensive guide offers plenty of other recreation ideas, along with best times to visit and top-rated activities.

7. Take a visual journey through the parks

Atlas of the National Parks uses photographs, maps and graphics to showcase America’s park system coast to coast, from the white sand beaches of the Dry Tortugas to the snowy peaks of Denali. Former ranger and author Jonathan Waterman introduces the country’s scenic reserves, highlighting magnificent landmarks, ecosystems and wildlife, plus fascinating histories for an up-close look at what makes these lands special — and uniquely American.

8. Enjoy the night sky, wherever you are

Whether you’re on vacation or staycation, you can explore the cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly Backyard Guide to the Night Sky. “Night Sky Guy” Andrew Fazekas takes an easygoing approach to delight your family’s would-be astronomers. Start with easy constellations, then “star-hop” across the night sky to find others. Hands-on tips for observing with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope help you make the most of your viewings. Revised to make skywatching easier for the whole family, this guide shines a light on the night sky — truly one of the greatest shows on Earth!

“These colorful, informative guides are great resources for families seeking a memorable adventure,” said Allyson Johnson, senior editor at National Geographic. “Kids and adults alike can be inspired to plan future explorations of the great outdoors.”

How an easy-to-use razor helped a shave brand lead the way in social media accessibility

2021-06-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – For anyone living with visual impairment, routine tasks that might pose a challenge can be made easier with the right tools, making daily life less stressful and allowing everyone to live their lives to the fullest. Digital Content Creator Molly Burke, a YouTuber, motivational speaker, author, and commercial model who is blind, partnered with Schick Intuition to help get the word out about using more accessible and inclusive approaches to social media content.

The partnership with Burke came about when Schick discovered that their Intuition Sensitive Care Razor was viewed as a useful tool by blind or visually impaired women, who have found that the 2-in-1 razor is easy to use. Since the razor lathers and shaves in one easy step — removing the need for shaving cream, soap or body wash — it’s easier to shave by touch, making it much easier to use. Burke has also created Instagram videos on everything from fashion, beauty and lifestyle tips to her latest video, which helps viewers understand better online accessibility and inclusion for people with visual disabilities.

After learning that their product serves this purpose for women who are blind or have low vision, Schick Intuition sought ways to ensure that all their consumers were able to easily engage with the brand. They turned to Burke for tips on how to make their social media content accessible and thought these tips could help anyone looking to make their social media more inclusive.

Here are some of Burke’s tips for making your social media content more inclusive and accessible for the visually impaired:

  • Use alt text: Always include alt text or an accessibility description on still images. For readers of your content who use a screen reader (software programs that read aloud or provide braille output for digital text and image content), alt text provides a brief description of the photo or other image from your post or article that they may not be able to see, allowing people who are blind or have low vision to understand your content more fully. On Instagram, you can find this setting by going through the process of uploading a photo, and right before you hit “Share”, scroll down to “Advanced Settings” and scroll down to “Accessibility”. From there you can choose to “Write Alt Text.”
  • Caption or narrate video: Use proper captions and video descriptions for Instagram Story and video content. In addition, for any video content, adding descriptive narration where needed can help anyone with a visual disability understand your video content better.
  • Use CamelCase: This refers to the capitalization of each word in a compound word such as a hashtag. Using CamelCase capitalization for hashtags makes it easier for these software programs to read the words correctly. Screen readers often cannot identify the individual words in a hashtag without it.
  • Choose fonts with care: Ensure readability of the fonts that are chosen for any online content. Sans serif fonts (like Arial or Calibri) are much easier to read than serif fonts (like Times New Roman). Be mindful of color contrast as well as the size of text overlays on images and videos to make them as readable as possible.

Schick Intuition is making a commitment to follow all of the above accessibility strategies on its social channels, including Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. The company is also working with the American Foundation for the Blind to further develop these guidelines, and will work closely with them on all of their future programming to ensure inclusion and accessibility moving forward.

Learn more about Molly Burke’s tips for making social media content accessible from her Instagram video.

Be the star of the summer picnic with tasty, healthy hazelnut recipes

2021-06-30T05:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is officially underway, and it’s time for road trips and picnics in the park. The great thing about picnicking is that you can do it practically anywhere you can throw a blanket down — and it’s the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous weather and, of course, eat lots of tasty food. And tasty doesn’t have to mean unhealthy, especially if you decide to pack homegrown Oregon hazelnuts in your picnic basket.

Oregon hazelnuts are loaded with vitamins B-1 and E; rich in unsaturated fats (mostly oleic acid); and an excellent source of protein, magnesium and folate. Plus, hazelnuts are good for your heart and may help reduce the risk of cancer, as well as aiding in muscle, skin, bone, joint and digestive health. Hazelnuts are one of the best natural sources of antioxidants, which mop up free radicals in the bloodstream that can eventually lead to serious diseases.

You can enjoy the health benefits of hazelnuts whether you’re eating them a handful at a time, blending them in a smoothie, chopping them up for a salad or even mixing them into a spread — whatever your picnic calls for.

Following are a couple of quick-and-easy recipes that are sure to be summer hits for any outdoor gathering or event.

Roasted Hazelnuts

Roasting Oregon hazelnuts intensifies their unique flavor and develops their color. And they can be included in a wide variety of dishes or meals, both sweet and savory. Best results can be achieved using a low temperature and longer time.

Directions:

  • Spread whole, raw Oregon Orchard hazelnut kernels in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes. (Take care, as nuts can scorch quickly.)
  • To remove the skins, wrap the warm hazelnuts in a dish towel and let them sit for 5-10 minutes before rubbing them vigorously in the towel.
  • If you’re not going to use all the nuts right away, you can freeze them (whole or chopped) in an airtight container for up to a year.

Red Quinoa and Kale Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts and Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

This hearty, healthy salad is loaded with crunchy hazelnuts, whole grain quinoa and tender kale. The combination of sweet dried cherries and a tangy honey balsamic dressing complements the nutty, savory flavors of the grains and greens.

Ingredients (serves 4-6):

  • 1/2 cup dry red quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 cups thinly sliced kale leaves
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup toasted Oregon Orchard hazelnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries
  • 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

  • To cook the quinoa, add it to a medium saucepot and pour in the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, partially covered, for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Transfer to a colander and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  • Add the kale to a medium bowl and pour in the 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle with the 1/4 teaspoon salt. Use clean or gloved hands to squeeze the kale, massaging the oil and salt into the greens. Massage for about 30 seconds. The kale will look slightly wilted. Set aside.
  • Transfer the cooled quinoa to the bowl with the kale. Add the hazelnuts, cherries and feta.
  • To make the dressing, whisk together the shallot, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl until all ingredients are combined into a dark dressing. Stir in the salt and the pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients well. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Find out more

Hazelnuts are a great, wholesome ingredient that can make any summer salad, recipe or charcuterie board the star of the picnic. For more recipes, visit OregonHazelnuts.org/Recipe/. To find out where to buy Oregon hazelnuts, visit Oregon Orchard at Oregonorchard.com.