Month: June 2021

2021-06-24T13:01:00

(BPT) – There is so much to look forward to when welcoming a new baby, but there is also a lot of planning and coordination that goes along with it. One of the exciting parts of preparing for a baby is getting their nursery and all of the essential items set up, including the baby’s first wardrobe. From adorable little outfits to tiny accessories and all the basics you need, buying clothes for your baby is fun, but it can also be overwhelming.

Luckily, Carter’s, the most trusted brand in baby and children’s apparel, has existing parents and parents-to-be covered with their new My First Love collection, a curated assortment of everything your baby needs for the first year. Beginning with coming home from the hospital to playtime, meals and more, Carter’s has thought of everything.

Jade Roper Tolbert, The Bachelor alum and mom of three, said, “Just like any wardrobe, little ones need us to stock their closets and drawers with all the go-to basics. Carter’s has everything you need for starting and building your babies, toddlers and kids wardrobes.”

There are items expecting parents know they need, like bodysuits and sleep and plays. However, they might not know how important other essentials are but will be happy to have them once their adventure together begins. Here are five smart tips for building the foundation of your little one’s wardrobe:

Stock up on the basics

When it comes to babies, outfit changes are frequent. From messy feedings to spit up, teething and unexpected diaper accidents, you need plenty of backup outfits. Bodysuits are not only great for changing in and out of, but they offer the perfect layering piece. Carter’s multi-packs are a must-have and pair well with the adorable two-packs of pants for plenty of outfit options.

Make changing time easy

Both new and seasoned parents would agree that time-saving hacks are key when it comes to little ones. Make changing time quick and efficient with cute yet functional outfit choices from Carter’s. Their 2-Way Zip Sleep & Plays feature a convenient zipper from ankle to chin and are perfect for playtime, naptime and tummy time. For those late night changes, Sleeper Gowns featuring cinched hems are essential.

Dress to impress

There’s nothing sweeter than a little baby in an adorable outfit, and Carter’s makes it easy to pick out the perfect ensemble. Sets feature multiple items for one easy look and range from comfortable jumpsuits with a coordinating bib or headband to little cardigans paired with pants or dresses and even take-me-home outfits. With so many styles to choose from, it’s simple to dress your baby to impress.

Add in the extras

You can’t forget to stock up on all the little accessories for baby to keep tiny toes warm, help during feedings and beyond. Carter’s My First Love collection features two-packs of caps, four packs of burp cloths, sets of teething bibs, three-packs of mittens and receiving blankets.

Gift it for others

What do new parents really need? Essential items that are helpful to them AND their baby, which is why the Carter’s My First Love collection is so ideal. Gift friends and loved ones thoughtful and beautiful bundles of coordinating sets in complementary colors, prints and patterns. According to Jade, “The outfit sets are not only perfect gifts, but they take the guesswork out of piecing together coordinating outfits.”

Head to Carters.com/live to check out Jade’s tips for building baby’s wardrobe and some of her must-have items from the collection.

2021-06-24T08:01:01

(BPT) – After spending more time than normal in our houses this past year, a home décor refresh can be both tempting and daunting. Simple and quick DIY solves — such as a quick paint swap or small appliance changes — have the ability to transform a space without the cost and time commitment of a full renovation.

Refresh a space with new paint

Replace cold, bright colors with warm greys, whites and beiges that complement the surrounding space.

Textured paint finishes like metallic stripes, sandstone, mixed-shaped rectangles or brushed suede can draw the eye to various focal points of a room for added flair. A fresh coat of paint on a trim or accent wall can transform a dated space into a fresh living area.

Accessorize with DIY materials

Decorating a space does not have to be dependent on finding statement furniture to fill a room. Small accent pieces can work together for a cohesive look. An empty wall provides a blank canvas to tell a story and an opportunity to showcase one’s personality. Design a gallery wall that features personal photography or DIY art, hung in different frames and sizes to add dimension.

Or, install refurbished wood shelves to offer a heightened holding place for plants to flourish. Create a uniform look with matching pots, or mix it up with a combination of clay, baskets and ceramics.

Update fixtures

The kitchen remains the heart of all homes and thus sustains the most wear and tear. Simple do-it-yourself upgrades ensure the space is able to withstand time while adapting to various culinary needs. Installing new fixtures, like those within the Peerless^® Precept^® Kitchen Collection, can turn a humdrum area into a modern space, filled with style and functionality.

Replace a rundown kitchen faucet with an affordable, on-trend Precept Commercial Kitchen Faucet by Peerless^®. The updated design and pull-down sprayer offer beauty and efficiency, while POWERinse™ technology delivers an extra blast of cleaning power. This simple swap customizes the kitchen to work best for the needs of a home, without sacrificing style.

Creating a spa at home

Establishing a sanctuary in the home can be as easy as remodeling the bath space to feel like an at-home spa. Introducing the Peerless^® Precept^® Slide Bar with Hand Shower into an existing shower system provides homeowners with the ability to use a showerhead and hand shower at the same time — proving that a luxurious shower experience is possible at an affordable cost.

Installing soft lighting, such as a dimmer switch or updated lighting fixtures, sets a spa-like ambience. Accessories like a fluffy bath mat, your favorite candle and a luscious plant like eucalyptus help to achieve a DIY, serene bath.

Giving new life to a space doesn’t have to include costly renovations or a large time investment. A fresh coat of paint or the addition of trendy accessories can make the old feel new again.

2021-06-24T08:21:00

(BPT) – One day you can breathe easy and enjoy long walks outdoors and fresh breezes through open windows. The next day you’re hit with headaches, sneezing, an itchy throat, watery eyes and a nose that’s running and congested. Fall allergies can be challenging, but experts agree a proactive approach makes a difference.

“Ragweed pollen comes from 17 species of plants and typically peaks mid-September,” explained Dr. Luz Fonacier, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “This type of pollen can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, which affects up to 23 million children and adults in the United States. Taking action now to create a management plan for fall allergies can help you manage symptoms.”

Last year during fall allergy season, many people were working and studying at home due to the pandemic. They had more flexibility controlling allergy triggers because they could stay indoors more often and use a mask when out and about. As restrictions lift and people go back to work and school, it’s important to prepare for seasonal allergies ahead of time.

The experts at ACAAI recommend three important steps to prepare yourself for fall allergy season:

1. Meet with an allergist

It’s smart to schedule an appointment with your allergist before peak pollen levels hit. This helps ensure you have a plan that works for your needs before you start feeling symptoms. For kids heading back to school, meeting with an allergist before school starts ensures prescriptions are up to date and asthma is controlled, and these plans can be relayed to school administrators and nurses.

“Allergists are the best trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma,” Fonacier said. “They are among the only specialists who don’t treat just one part of the body. They treat your immune system, including nasal passages, skin, eyes, stomach and more.”

2. Make a plan

Talk with your allergist about preparations for fall allergies. In general, ragweed allergies can be treated with antihistamines and other allergy medications. Ask your allergist about getting ahead of any allergies by starting your medication two weeks before you expect symptoms to be at their worst.

If you have more severe allergies, treatments that start much sooner may be required. One option is immunotherapy shots to help your body build resistance. Another option is prescription tablets that dissolve under your tongue, which are started 12 weeks before the beginning of ragweed season.

Visit acaai.org to learn more about ragweed allergies and other seasonal allergies you may have. It’s important to know which pollens you are sensitive to and then check pollen counts regularly by searching online.

During ragweed season in late summer and early fall, pollen levels are often highest in the morning. Keep your windows closed at all times, both at home and in the car. Remember that pollen can be tracked into your home on your clothes, shoes and hair, so change after being outside and shower before going to bed.

“It’s necessary to stay ahead of allergies by thinking about treatment and other proactive measures in advance,” said Fonacier. “Act now and you’ll help yourself feel your best when pollen levels climb.”

2021-06-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many people have reexamined their finances since the pandemic. While some are itching to dine out and travel again, others are looking to invest in their future. According to a recent survey, Americans’ top financial goals include boosting their savings, planning for retirement and paying off debt.

To reach these and other goals, people often look for an advisor to help manage their money. However, there are many different types of financial professionals to choose from, so it’s important to know what makes the right financial professional stand out.

“Americans often share more with their financial advisors than they do their doctors,” says Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). “So, it’s important they have someone they can trust and who will always put their best interests first.”

Qualities to look for in a financial advisor

Selecting an advisor is one of the most important life decisions you’ll make. When looking for the right qualities, you want your advisor to be:

1. A Fee-Only financial advisor

When selecting a financial advisor, it’s important to understand how they are compensated. Fee-Only, fiduciary financial advisors are paid directly by their clients for advice. The advisor does not receive commissions or remuneration from third parties, meaning they’re not going to sell you financial products that can rack up expensive fees and make you lose money. Instead, their compensation is based on an hourly rate, a percent of assets under management, a flat fee or a retainer.

Commission-based financial professionals, on the other hand, may recommend investments with higher fees, riskier features and lower returns because they earn more money for the advisor, even if those investments are not the best choice for their clients. Because of the conflicts of interest inherent in these transactions, these advisors may have difficulty putting their client’s interest above their own.

“Before you select a financial advisor, always ask them how they’re compensated to help you understand the nature of the relationship. If they give you anything other than a straight answer, you should continue your search,” says Brown.

2. A fiduciary

“Fiduciary” is one of the key attributes you should look for when searching for an advisor. Financial advisors held to a fiduciary standard are required to act within your best interest, meaning they must:

• Disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to their clients before and during the advisory engagement
• Adopt a code of ethics
• Explain their fee structure

While finding an advisor that adheres to a fiduciary standard is important, some use the term loosely, which can make it hard to decipher who is a legitimate fiduciary. NAPFA has a tool that can help you research and find Fee-Only, fiduciary advisors that are a good fit for you. “As consumers of financial services, we all owe it to ourselves to remain diligent – to understand our options and the standards our financial professionals are held to,” says Brown.

3. Confident and proactive

Managing your finances can be stressful and time-consuming. That’s why having an experienced advisor is important. You can use educational background – such as an undergraduate and/or graduate degree in financial planning – or financial services designations including the Certified Financial Planner™ certification – to gauge expertise. In addition, you want someone who has a broad view of your assets and takes the time to learn about your goals and your worries. You also want to feel good about the recommendations your advisor gives you and know they will work hard to keep your goals on track.

4. Holistic in their approach

When you work with a financial advisor, you want to ensure the person is looking at areas beyond your investments. Unlike a broker who is focused on selling specific products and investments, a holistic financial advisor will help you review your retirement, taxes, estate planning, education funding, insurance needs and overall budgeting. A Fee-Only, fiduciary financial advisor can provide practical guidance and planning around your long-term financial goals and factor them into developing your overall financial plan.

Finding the right financial advisor for you

Choosing to work with a financial advisor can be one of the best life decisions you make. Knowing what qualities make a transparent, reliable and objective advisor will allow you to find a professional who can help you achieve your financial goals.

For more information on selecting the right advisor for you, visit www.napfa.org/financial-planning/consumer-resources.

2021-06-23T15:09:00

(BPT) – The classroom environment changed tremendously throughout the pandemic, with many children studying at home full- or part-time. This meant additional gear for many, such as tablets and workbooks, while some items like backpacks went unused while studying remotely. As millions of students head back to the classroom for the start of the 2021/22 school year, backpacks will be a necessity again, and experts have some advice to ensure a safer start to the school year.

“With a focus on getting back in the classroom and returning to ‘normal,’ it’s easy to overlook possible injuries caused by everyday school supplies,” said American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons spokesperson Emily Dodwell, MD, MPH, FAAOS, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. “Backpacks might not seem that high on the list of safety hazards for children, but if too heavy or worn improperly, they can cause pain or injury to muscles and joints. Some potential problems could include wearing the backpack on only one shoulder, or a small child carrying heavy objects like a textbook, tablet or computer.”

As part of its “Prevent Injuries America™” campaign, the AAOS is spreading the word that backpacks that are too heavy or are worn incorrectly can cause numerous problems. Improperly used backpacks may injure or overuse muscles and joints. This can lead to back, neck and shoulder pain, as well as posture problems. This is especially concerning for students in hybrid learning environments because they may need to carry more items back and forth to school and home throughout the week.

Tips for selecting and using school backpacks

Shopping for a backpack is a fun part of preparing to go back to school, but many kids will prioritize fashion over function. Caregivers can help guide children to choose a backpack they like that also benefits their well-being.

AAOS recommends backpacks that are lightweight with a waist or chest strap and two shoulder straps that are wide and padded. Rolling backpacks are a good option as well. If your child resists using a traditional two-strap backpack, a well-structured crossbody bag may be a reasonable compromise.

After you have a well-designed, high-quality backpack, the next step is to use it correctly. To prevent injury when using a backpack, encourage kids to:

1. Always use both shoulder straps when carrying the backpack. The correct use of both of the wide, well-padded shoulder straps will help distribute the weight of the backpack across the back.

2. Ensure the straps are snug to keep the load closer to the back. Backpacks should not be too low and bouncing around while walking.

3. Organize the items inside so that heavier items are low and toward the center of the backpack.

4. Pack light, removing items if the backpack is too heavy. Carry only those items that are required for the day and, if possible, leave unnecessary books at home or school.

5. Lift properly by bending at the knees when picking up a backpack.

What if your child experiences pain?

In addition to helping your student select a good backpack, continue to watch how they use it throughout the school year. If it’s a struggle to put on and take off, you may need to step in.

“If a child complains that his or her bag is too heavy or is hurting his or her back, it is a good idea to lighten the load or consider a wheeled backpack,” said Dodwell.

Whether your child returns to school full time or is on a hybrid schedule, remind them not to carry more than they need at one time. If your student has a locker, encourage them to visit it when time permits throughout the day to swap supplies.

In addition to back pain, watch out for numbness, tingling or discomfort in the arms or legs, symptoms which may also indicate poor backpack fit or too much weight being carried. Don’t ignore any back pain in a child or teenager and reach out to your physician for evaluation. To learn more, visit www.OrthoInfo.org.

2021-06-23T06:05:00

(BPT) – For most households, food is the third biggest expense after housing and transportation, and over a third of food expense is eating out, according to the USDA. Save money every day by cooking and baking at home, brewing your own coffee, cooking in quantity and freezing meal-sized packets, and taking advantage of fresh seasonal bounty.

Get inspired to spiralize with the Betty Bossi Midi Spiralizer. It makes it easy to create ribbons or “zoodles” of your favorite vegetables and fruits, including carrots, sweet potatoes, zucchini, apples and more. It stands out for ease of use, versatility and compact space-saving design.

Portion control saves money and promotes healthy eating. Measure portions and ingredients with the CDN NSF Digital Glass Scale (SD1502). Designed for simplicity and style, this ultra-thin scale features an easy-to-read backlit LCD display with selectable units, tare, data hold and battery status. An attractive tempered glass top is easy to clean.

The aspirational choice in stand mixers, the Ankarsrum has a unique design for better kneading, with a rotating bowl instead of something rotating in a bowl. This creates a special treatment of dough that simulates kneading by hand, and the large capacity open bowl adds to its ease of use. Made in Sweden, it stands out for its powerful motor, reliability and long service life.

Fissler reimagines the fry pan with new Levital Comfort. Its exceptionally high-performing non-stick coating, inspired by nature, requires little or no fat for cooking. Made in Germany to uncompromising quality standards, it provides superior heat transfer and cooking performance, with an extra-large frying surface and high pan body optimized for frying or sautéing.

Brewing at home can save hundreds of dollars per year versus buying beverages at the coffee shop. The JURA E6 can brew 7 different specialties, always freshly ground, not capsuled. It features a color display for intuitive operation. The Aroma G3 grinder is twice as fast, and Pulse Extraction Process (P.E.P.^®) guarantees ultimate coffee quality. JURA’s Fine Foam Frother delivers perfect milk foam every time.

For frothy hot chocolate and more, the Capresso froth Select offers simple one-button operation and four settings: cold froth, hot froth, hot milk or hot chocolate. The special hot chocolate function lets you add chocolate chips or chunks directly into the pitcher. Large capacity, with removable stainless steel milk pitcher with stay-cool handle.

2021-06-23T06:01:00

(BPT) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted an Emergency Use Authorization allowing adolescents ages 12-15 to get the COVID vaccine — another giant leap forward in the fight against this coronavirus.

Your 12-year-old is eligible for the COVID vaccine! Here’s what a pediatric epidemiologist wants you to know.

“We’re elated to be able to protect more people from COVID-19 through vaccination. We understand that parents may have questions before signing their kids up for the vaccine and we’re always happy to answer those questions and arm families with the information they need to feel comfortable. The biggest things I want parents to know are that this vaccine is safe, effective and our best shot at beating COVID-19,” said Dr. Emily Godbout, epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU.

Dr. Godbout answers some of the most common questions parents have about the COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents.

Which vaccine is available for kids ages 12+?

The FDA’s most recent EUA is specifically for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 12-15 years old. This is currently the only COVID vaccine authorized for people under 18.

How do we know it’s safe?

Before the FDA grants an EUA, vaccines go through a rigorous series of trials. Children’s immune systems are different from adults’ and they can even vary at different ages. Vaccines are fully tested on specific age groups for their unique stages of development. EUAs are granted for age groups only once the vaccines have proved to be safe and effective. Multiple federal partners are working together to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as possible.

The COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly not because corners were cut, but because they were a top priority and, thankfully, research on a COVID-19 vaccine didn’t have to start from scratch. Scientists have significant prior experience working with other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine impact fertility?

There is no evidence that any COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility problems. In fact, many professional organizations support and encourage women who are interested in becoming pregnant to get a COVID-19 vaccine since it offers great protection.

Is the COVID vaccine dose for adolescents the same as for adults?

Yes. For the groups approved thus far, the same dose is given no matter the person’s age or size. This is really because the vaccine impacts the immune system, rather than muscles, bones or fat, which are what influence a person’s weight. As studies continue on younger children, we may find that smaller doses are recommended based on the needs and responses of their immune systems.

Are side effects the same in kids and adults?

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine trials showed that side effects observed in the 12-15 age group were generally consistent with those in the 16-25-year-olds. Mild side effects — such as arm pain, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, chills and fever — are a sign the body is building protection. While they can be annoying, they should go away in a couple days.

How much does the COVID vaccine cost?

There is no out-of-pocket cost for the COVID vaccine, no matter where you receive it. Vaccine administration fees are covered by insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or the federal government for individuals without insurance.

Where can kids 12 and up get the COVID vaccine?

Many health care providers and pharmacies are providing the COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider for information about availability, or register with your state’s health department to be notified when it’s their turn for the vaccine.

Will the COVID vaccine be required for school in the fall?

This decision will be up to the individual school districts. For the upcoming school year, it will likely be encouraged rather than required for the authorized age groups. Some colleges and universities, on the other hand, have implemented a COVID vaccine requirement for the 2021-22 academic year. This is certainly something to watch closely as kids and teens prepare for the new school year.

Keep up with the latest COVID vaccine information for kids and teens from Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU at chrichmond.org.

2021-06-22T18:31:00

(BPT) – Over half of all men over the age of 50 will experience frequent urination.^[1] While this condition may be an entirely normal part of aging, it can leave many feeling frustrated.

Many men talk about the “prostate curse”: having to wake up multiple times per night to use the bathroom, leading to sleepless nights.

This can come in addition to other uncomfortable issues. Urologist Dr. Daniel Brison explains, “common concerns include having less control over when you can go, constant or sudden urges to urinate, and a weak, lagging urinary stream.”

To find support for their urinary and prostate health, many men turn to naturally derived supplements. These formulas include big promises of improving prostate health. But do they work?

The answer turns out to be more complicated than a simple yes or no. That’s because the most popular ingredient used to back up these claims is a relatively unknown cousin of the palm tree named saw palmetto.

A berry plant native to Florida, saw palmetto has been used for generations by local Native American peoples to aid in urinary health. But it wasn’t until 40 years ago that Western scientists began conducting clinical studies on this mysterious plant.

The saw palmetto berry is unique in that it contains specific nutrients — a “lipid profile” — that can provide the body with effective urinary support. In recent years, this research has gone global. Currently, the largest market for saw palmetto is in Europe.^[2] This is because the European Union’s foremost medical agency, the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, has recognized saw palmetto for its effectiveness in treating the most common form of enlarged prostates, Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).

In the United States, this situation is much different. Saw palmetto is not held to the same standard as prescription medications, and so consumers are often left with no way of knowing whether a prostate supplement actually contains this ingredient.

In fact, an investigation by the New York Attorney General’s Office even found that up to 79% of all supplements (including saw palmetto) could be adulterated — or completely fake.^[3]

Margaret H. Dohnalek, PhD and Chief Scientific Officer at Valensa International, has seen the problem of adulterated saw palmetto in her industry firsthand. “The dangers of using a generic saw palmetto is you have no idea what you’re getting,” Dohnalek says. “Products are labeled as saw palmetto that are really nothing but fillers, maybe largely only vegetable oils.”

To make matters worse, it turns out saw palmetto is a particularly delicate berry. If it’s not harvested at its peak ripeness, it won’t contain the right nutrients needed to see real results. Because of its short growing season, much saw palmetto is harvested before given the chance to ripen.

In response to this growing issue, the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) began looking for a solution. The USP is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure that consumers receive the supplement ingredients they purchase.

The USP developed a brilliant new method to analyze the purity of saw palmetto. Through a rigorous process, they are now able to identify pure, ripe saw palmetto by testing the exact lipid profile in each supplement.

Right now, there’s only one type of USP-verified saw palmetto extract in the entire United States. It’s called USPlus, and it’s currently being used by only a handful of supplement brands.

Dr. Daniel Brison, board-certified urologist and former head of surgery at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Los Angeles, designed 1MD’s men’s health supplement, ProstateMD, with USPlus saw palmetto in mind.

“With USPlus, we’ve been able to help thousands of men support their prostate health with the same amount of effective care that’s provided in Europe,” Brison explains. “With the addition of USPlus to our ProstateMD formula, men are experiencing for themselves just how effective a pure, naturally derived supplement can be.”

Though the market continues to be filled with adulterated saw palmetto products, American consumers can look for the USPlus label to ensure quality prostate support and men can finally rest better at night knowing that there is hope to support their urinary and prostate health.