Month: June 2021

2021-06-03T11:01:00

(BPT) – Being a teacher always comes with challenges, but through the uncertainties of the pandemic, it quickly became one of the toughest jobs in the country. Tasked with keeping students calm, engaged and learning — whether in school, at home or hybrid (not to mention added safety protocols) — was a big ask. Yet, as they always do, teachers rose to the challenge and helped keep students learning while providing a much-needed sense of normalcy.

This was no small feat, requiring extra effort from educators. According to a study by the RAND Corporation, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated what were already high stress levels pre-pandemic by forcing teachers to work more hours and navigate an unfamiliar remote environment. The majority of teachers (85%) are feeling some combination of exhaustion, stress or burnout, at the close of the 2020-2021 school year, found a Staples survey, and 50% even describe themselves as overwhelmed.

As educators attempt to rest and refuel for next school year, summer is a great time to show you care and appreciate all they do. Here are five simple ways to give a little love back to the teachers that work so hard for students:

Volunteer

Leverage your talents and interests to help out at local schools. Ask about what your family can do over the summer months to help the community and build school pride. Ask about maintaining the school garden or grounds, see if the library needs help sorting books, offer your time to assist teachers cleaning their rooms, or sign up to volunteer during back-to-school days. There are many ways to help and show you care; contact the teacher or principal to get ideas for how your family can make a difference.

Thank a teacher

Nominate a teacher who has gone above and beyond through Staples’ third annual #ThankATeacher contest. Twenty stand-out teachers and their schools will be awarded a $5,000 Staples Gift Card to stock up on classroom essentials, and the teachers will receive $2,000 to help them recharge ahead of the upcoming school year. Post a photo or video with a caption describing why your teacher deserves to win on Twitter or Instagram using #ThankATeacher, #Contest and @StaplesStores or by filling out the form on staplesconnect.com/thankateacher through June 30, 2021.

Prevent summer learning loss

During summer break, kids can lose valuable knowledge in reading and math — a phenomenon commonly referred to by educators as the “summer slide.” You can help prevent it by making learning a regular part of your child’s summer break by weaving in short activities throughout the day. Make your way through fun workbooks and try to read 20 minutes a day. Explore your local community by visiting a museum, growing a garden or visiting a park. Embrace STEAM and try building DaVinci’s Bridge with pencils or creating bookmarks from duct tape and craft supplies. Experiential learning is great for the summer months.

Spread the good word

During difficult times, words of encouragement and appreciation mean the world. Write a handwritten letter to the principal and share your appreciation for a specific teacher who made an impact on you this year. Go online and post positive reviews on educational websites. Encourage your child to speak positively about school by leading the way yourself — kids adopt and reflect your attitude, so show appreciation for teachers and a high value of education, and your children will do the same.

Buy extra supplies

According to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 94% of teachers reported spending their own money on classroom supplies without reimbursement. Consider hosting a supply drive at work or get the kids involved with a lemonade stand to raise money to benefit the school. Buy extra supplies for the classroom when school shopping and shop at Staples Stores where it benefits teachers directly: Starting July 1 through September 30, teachers earn 20% back in rewards on every purchase parents make when they sign up for Classroom Rewards. Teachers can register and parents can sign up at Staplesconnect.com/classroomrewards.

Teachers do so much for children and have been a pillar of hope and stability during the pandemic. These simple ideas will have a big impact while conveying your gratitude.

KRC Research conducted the Staples Teachers study using an online survey of n=500 U.S. adults ages 18 and over who are currently employed as a K-12 teacher. The study fielded between May 18-26, 2021.

2021-06-03T12:31:00

(BPT) – Whether kids are running around in the yard, playing on a community sports team or going to the local pool, there’s nothing better than summer fun outdoors. However, the heat paired with activity means it’s extra important to make sure your kids are drinking enough water. Water makes up 60% of your body, making it a vital nutrient for your well-being. Not only can it help protect your organs and regulate your body temperature, water is also key for avoiding dehydration.

“Our bodies lose water in more ways than you’d think,” says Julie Harrington, a registered dietitian and culinary nutrition chef. “It can leave our bodies through sweat, tears or going to the bathroom. Water can also evaporate from the vapor of our breath when we breathe.”

Harrington says kids should be drinking about 6 to 8 cups of water per day. While getting some kids to drink the right amount of water can be challenging, there are a few different strategies you can try:

Make water easily accessible at home

When it comes to your kids, if it’s out of sight, it’s often out of mind. So, if you’re trying to get them to drink more water at home, making water more visible and easily accessible is half the battle. Keep water in multiple places around the house, like on an eye-level shelf in the fridge, in a see-through cooler in the backyard or on their nightstand.

Infuse water with a variety of healthy flavors

Some kids may think that water tastes bland, but that’s something you can change. In fact, you can add a lot of flavor to water without compromising its nutritional benefits by adding natural fruits and herbs. Infused water is easy to make. All you need is some fresh produce, a container and water. Here are a few different infusion combinations that are both healthy and tasty:

• Strawberry with lemon and basil
• Pineapple and mango
• Strawberry, kiwi and lime
• Cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon

Make drinking water fun

Drinking water for the sake of drinking water can be boring for some kids. Since kids associate things with positive or negative memories, why not associate water with fun activities? Have your kids help you make shaped ice cubes or fun summer-themed flavored water. You can even make snacks like healthy ice pops, too.

Keep the water cold

Water can help your kids feel refreshed and energized, especially if it’s chilled. So if you want your kids to drink water regularly, keep it cold by keeping a pitcher in a cooler or the refrigerator. If it’s lukewarm, add ice cubes and let it sit for a few minutes.

Be a good role model

Whether you realize it or not, your children watch and mimic a lot of what you do. If they see you drinking water regularly throughout the day, they may be more likely to copy that habit. Drink water at mealtimes or when you’re doing an activity with them unrelated to food.

“Children mimic what you do, especially when it comes to eating and drinking,” says Harrington, “so use it as a force for good.”

Keep your kids healthy and hydrated this summer

Ensuring your kids get enough water can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. When your kids stay hydrated during the summer, they can make the most of everything they do and lower their risk for getting exhausted or sick in the process.

Next time you’re at the grocery store make sure you look for the Produce for Kids logo. The logo can help guide you to healthy food options. Did you know that Produce for Kids can also help you serve your community? Check out healthyfamilyproject.com to learn how the food you buy can help you give back to local food banks.

2021-06-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Life at home has been harder on your hair than you might realize. If you have found yourself stretching the time between hair washes, wearing a perpetual ponytail in a hair elastic, or twisting and twirling strands with your fingertips on virtual office calls, your hair is ready for a reset. Plus, with more opportunities to safely get out and socialize, there has never been a better time for gorgeous, healthy-looking hair to take center stage.

Luckily, getting hair back in tip-top shape does not need to require a salon visit. Justine Marjan is the Global Stylist for TRESemmé and shares her six tips on how to help hair start a fresh chapter this summer.

1. Swap in a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner

Something as simple as extended exposure to indoor heating systems can zap hair of much-needed moisture. Help reset hair with a moisture-boosting shampoo and conditioner option like TRESemmé Pro Pure Damage Recovery. “With 0% sulfates, parabens and mineral oils, this duo doesn’t compromise on performance while being a cleaner way to care for your hair,” says Marjan.

2. Consider a beauty multivitamin

Look for a hair, skin and nail-strengthening multivitamin that can help boost hair health from the inside. While these vitamin-and nutrient-packed supplements are easy to add into your daily routine and available at the same stores that stock hair wash and care essentials, be sure to check with your doctor before incorporating.

3. Prep curls to beat the heat

Whether you have naturally curly hair or are looking to create a curled hairstyle, the right wash and care products are an important first step. Marjan recommends TRESemmé Pro Care Curls Shampoo and Conditioner. “This duo locks in moisture, smells amazing and has a sulfate-free system that helps protect curls from humidity.” She continues, “Post-shower, give your blow-dryer a break and wrap hair in a soft T-shirt or microfiber towel to help curls maintain their definition.”

4. Try a DIY hair mask

For hair that needs a little extra TLC, consider either leaving conditioner on for a few extra minutes while hair is wrapped in a shower cap (the steam will help lock in the product’s conditioning benefits) or create an at-home hair mask with ingredients such as avocado, honey, coconut oil or apple cider vinegar to help give hair an extra dose of nourishment.

5. Accessorize “in-between” hair styles

If you have had to postpone your standing haircut, look to fashion-forward hair accessories like trendy knot headbands, enamel barrettes or even ’90s-inspired mini claw clips to help hide bangs that may be growing out or style hair that’s in between lengths. Even hair that has gone a couple of days in between washes will look fresh with the right adornments.

6. Sport a new style

Many of us have fallen into a hair rut with the same styles on rotation. As we safely begin to schedule time with colleagues, family and friends, be sure to try new styles to add that boost of confidence to your reunion. Whether returning to the office or an outdoor dinner date, the “Get the Look” portion of TRESemmé.com has the step-by-step breakdowns to recreate today’s trending hair styles.

2021-06-02T09:07:01

(BPT) – People are spending more time in their homes, and there are devices everywhere, like remotes, key fobs and thermometers that may include small lithium coin batteries that can be a hidden danger. While lithium coin batteries are important for providing the power necessary for certain devices to function properly, many people don’t realize these batteries, if ingested, can be dangerous to young children.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 20mm lithium coin batteries are associated with serious injuries because they are about the same size as a child’s esophagus and as a result can get lodged in their throat and burn through the surrounding tissue. Lithium coin batteries can lead to serious damage of a child’s esophagus in a short period of time and can burn a hole through the tissue in as little as two hours.

Young children are curious by nature, and part of their exploration of the world around them can include putting things in their mouths. To children, the small lithium coin batteries, which are about the size of a nickel, can look like money, candy, or a toy and can be easily swallowed.

Even the most child-proofed homes can still have hidden dangers, Duracell encourages consumers to practice the following hands-on prevention steps:

Keep items out of reach of children

Many common household devices use lithium coin batteries and should be kept up high or out of reach. For example, don’t leave remotes easily accessible on end tables or in drawers where children can play with them, and instead place them high on shelves or other places where they will be out of reach of children.

Personal devices that use lithium coin batteries, such as thermometers, should also be stored securely while not in use, like in a medicine cabinet or inaccessible closet space. Be sure to also lock up any unused or loose batteries and dispose of any old batteries according to local regulations. The key is preparation to make sure kids can’t get to devices that use lithium coin batteries.

Take an inventory and ensure seals are tight

Take inventory of your home and all of the devices that are powered by lithium coin batteries. You may be surprised just how many items use this type of battery. Make sure to completely secure the compartment where the battery is located. This means if there is an opening that turns, be sure to make it tight until it doesn’t turn anymore. If there are screws, replace and turn each one completely. If screws are missing, replace the screws or add an extra layer of seal such as with strong tape. For any compartments that are not secured, seal with tape. Periodically check these items and tighten or secure as needed.

Educate yourself and your kids

Duracell and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have teamed up to help educate parents and caregivers about the importance of lithium coin battery safety to help prevent accidental lithium coin battery ingestions. It is important to acknowledge that lithium coin batteries are in many devices, but they can be dangerous if ingested.

Additionally, make sure you have the most up-to-date information on lithium coin battery safety. Talk to your pediatrician about the latest in lithium coin battery safety and help keep your children safe. Parents can also find more information at Duracell.com and HealthyChildren.org.

Another line of defense

Some lithium coin batteries come with additional safety features, like the Duracell lithium coin battery with bitter coating, which is designed to help discourage a child from swallowing it and comes in child-secure packaging.

Get help immediately

If you suspect that a child in your care has swallowed a lithium coin battery you need to act quickly. Bring your child to the nearest emergency room immediately. If you have questions, call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 800-498-8666 or Poison Control at 800-222-1222.

2021-06-02T10:59:00

(BPT) – Looking for ways to recharge and escape stress this summer? Get away from it all and “Get On Board” for a relaxing summer on the water. With most Americans (78%) citing COVID-19 as a significant source of stress in their lives according to a recent Harris poll, millions of people are seeking solace outdoors. One of the best ways to restore your mental health is to spend time with family and friends on the water.

Boating and fishing have become ideal options to enjoy the outdoors and recreate responsibly. Studies show being on the water promotes wellness by improving emotional health, relaxation and creativity. Boating triggers a restful state of mind and provides an opportunity to get outside of daily routines, allowing our brains to reset.

“People from all walks of life are recognizing that boating and fishing not only offer restorative health and wellness benefits but being on a boat is a ‘vacation on demand’ that you can enjoy close to home,” said Ellen Bradley, Discover Boating Senior Vice President. “Boating uniquely provides the freedom to explore and escape the stress on land, while allowing you to relax and connect with loved ones in a way that can only be experienced on the water.”

Getting started in boating and fishing is more accessible than you think. In fact, more than 100 million Americans go boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Whether you already own a boat, you’re just getting started or simply want to test out the boating lifestyle, Discover Boating offers easy ways to get on the water and experience the restorative power of boating and fishing.

Find your dream boat. Chart your own course to boat ownership by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you’ll find a boat finder and loan calculator tool to help determine your budget and identify the different types of boats that fit your lifestyle and interests.

Join a boat club. Find a boat club near you to access a variety of boats. You’ll pay a monthly fee and be able to book your time on the water online. Most boat clubs take care of docking, cleaning, maintenance and boat training courses.

Rent or share a boat. Rental options are available on most waterways and provide hourly, daily or weekly access to a variety of boat types. Another rental option is peer-to-peer boat rentals that connect you with the boat owner, gather outing details and then hit the water. Most arrangements for boat sharing are made on an app or via computer, minimizing personal contact and eliminating the need to enter an office.

Go fish. There are thousands of bodies of water where you can cast a line. Find Places to Fish and Boat near you, courtesy of TakeMeFishing.org, a dedicated fishing resource where you can also purchase your fishing license on the site, check out how-to guides and more.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for resources, tips and how-to’s for getting on the water, boat shopping, safety and more. Planning to “Get On Board” this summer? Use the social media hashtag #TheWaterIsOpen to share your boating and fishing moments.

2021-06-02T08:01:01

(BPT) – More people than ever are seeking to direct their purchasing dollars toward purpose-driven brands with eco-friendly products. The problem is the term “green” is so common in marketing efforts, it’s become hollow to consumers. People understandably want proof an organization is making worthwhile change, rather than just taking them by their word.

Research shows 68% of Americans try to make environmentally-conscious decisions in their day-to-day lives, with 64% working toward that mission by trying to purchase eco-friendly products, according to the “Meaning of Green” survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of bottled water manufacturer CG Roxane. Underscoring the desire for change, the survey found 61% of Americans believe that “companies should serve a greater purpose than just their bottom line” and 74% would rather buy products from a company actively improving the lives of the communities it serves.

While motivation is evident, research also shows consumers are jaded toward oversaturated marketing messages that lack real change: 71% of Americans believe companies claim to be sustainable even when their actions aren’t. In fact, results found 71% believe the term “green” is used so often it’s become meaningless. Over half (58%) said they struggle to find companies who live up to their “green” claims, and 66% said it can be too difficult to understand whether a company is truly eco-friendly.

Being a positive contributor to a circular economy

“There is a disconnect between what companies say and what they are doing,” said Shawn Fitzpatrick, vice president of Marketing at CG Roxane. “Consumers are done with feeling deceived and want real action to support sustainability. Being a positive contributor to a circular economy is top of mind for many people.”

Much of today’s economy and manufacturing practices focus on a linear consumption of create, purchase, toss and repeat. A circular economy is an alternative framework that focuses on eliminating waste. Rather than ongoing consumption of finite resources, sustainable efforts such as recycling, eliminating pollution and protecting the natural environment are key.

More people than ever are aware of the negative impact of human consumption on the planet and want to be a part of the solution. In addition to trying to support companies making true change, consumers are willing to pay more for products from companies that take action to make the world a better place. In fact, the average survey respondent would be willing to spend 21% more than retail for a product if they could guarantee what they were buying was actually eco-friendly.

Companies taking real action toward a greener future

The bottled water industry is a great example of an opportunity for companies to make a positive impact with critical actions through manufacturing and recycling opportunities. Polyethylene terephthalate, or “PET,” is a plastic material, approved by the FDA and is used by many food and beverage companies because it’s safe, recyclable and durable. Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) is a more sustainable, planet-friendly version of PET, one that has much less of an environmental impact on the planet. Since recycled PET comes from previously manufactured PET bottles, bottles are prevented from going into the trash and landfills.

2021-06-02T09:01:00

(BPT) – No art form engages all five senses the way cuisine can. We hear it being prepared, we smell it and see it as our anticipation builds, we feel it on the lips and in the mouth, and of course taste its delicious flavors. All five senses come together to complete an immersive sensory experience that only few creators can master.

Sean Brock is one such artist — a James Beard award-winning chef, founder of the renowned Husk restaurants in the Southeast, former partner and chef at McCrady’s Charleston, and owner of The Continental and Audrey in Nashville. He has written two New York Times best-selling cookbooks and been featured in television cooking programs like Chef’s Table and Mind of a Chef. His innovative, original dishes using authentic Southern ingredients with West African influence have garnered national praise.

Chef Brock knows how the sensory experience of food can affect the body and the mind. He also understands what can happen when the mind, the body and the senses are overloaded to the point that they stop functioning properly.

Feeling the burden

Prioritizing self-care is a practice that did not come easy for Sean — and was born out of necessity. His rapid rise to success was a result of intense drive and passion. He was a self-proclaimed workaholic and found a sense of pride in the burns on his hands and arms, a mark of glory for a chef.

Eventually, his fast-paced lifestyle was joined by mysterious symptoms. Sean began to experience double vision and other sight impairments, and exhaustion that intensified by the day. Visit after visit to doctors — different specialists, invasive procedures and surgeries, and multiple misdiagnoses — left him with no answers. Over time, he even experienced trouble controlling his hands. These symptoms made it nearly impossible to do his job. After two years of dashed hopes and frustration, he was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG) in 2016. Sean recalls, “I remember thinking to myself, I wasn’t a chef anymore, I was a patient … and that was terrifying.”

MG is a rare, chronic autoimmune disorder that can be difficult to diagnose due to the waxing and waning of symptoms and rarity of the disease.^1-3 MG causes a person’s immune system to attack the junction where the nerve meets the muscle, often leading to debilitating and potentially life-threatening muscle weakness and fatigue.^1-2,4 People with MG often have trouble performing daily tasks like speaking, chewing or swallowing food, moving one’s eyes and even breathing.^1-2

Once he received a confirmed diagnosis, Sean learned that high levels of stress made his MG symptoms significantly worse. He could not keep working as he had before — on his feet in fast-paced, high-intensity kitchens for 16 hours a day. He had to make a major lifestyle change.

Hearing their stories

Sean’s experience with MG has opened his eyes to a new community: the widespread, and usually overlooked, community of people living with rare diseases. “I’ve gotten to know some pretty amazing people and I’ve actually helped others reach a diagnosis,” he says. He aims to continue connecting with people who have their own experience with the disease and raise awareness of the challenges they face.

Sensing the need

In light of these efforts, Sean has teamed up with argenx, a global immunology company, to create a cookbook centered around recipes specifically tailored to people living with MG. Cooking Together is available on MG.United.com, a resource site for the MG community.

Cooking Together aims to take some of the difficulty out of challenging tasks like cooking for MG patients. “We think of preparing food as a common experience — anyone can cook. But the reality is, for people with rare diseases, there are challenges that can make it seem out of reach,” says Sean.

Packed with mouthwatering dishes and flavors, he’s personally created three recipes with foods meant to be easy to chew and swallow — a major lifestyle obstacle that MG patients often face.^1-2,5 Cooking Together also includes tips from a nutritionist, crafted for MG patients, to help manage an inflammatory condition, and recipes submitted by people throughout the MG community — practical, insightful, and delicious ideas from people who have found their own techniques for coping with their disease.

Feeding a passion

Having faced the prospect of losing the career and art form that he loves, Sean is more driven than ever to use the uniting power of a shared love of food to open hearts and minds to the realities that people living with MG face.

To learn more about Sean’s MG experience and to download the cookbook, please visit www.MG-United.com.

References:

1. Myasthenia Gravis. National Organization for Rare Disorders. 2017. https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/myasthenia-gravis/. Accessed April 30, 2021.
2. Myasthenia Gravis Fact Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. March 202. NIH Publication No. 20-768.
3. Gilhus et al. Myasthenia Gravis. Nature Reviews Disease Primers. 2019. ID: (2019) 5:30
4. Gilhus N. Myasthenia Gravis. N Engl J Med. 2016. 375:2570-81. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1602678
5. Howard, J. Clinical Overview of MG. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. 2015. https://myasthenia.org/For-Professionals/Clinical-Overview-of-MG. Accessed April 30, 2021.

2021-06-02T09:30:00

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