Month: June 2021

2021-06-17T09:31:00

(BPT) – As people across America continue to spend more time at home, the backyard has become an extended outdoor living area and a happy place that provides a retreat from the busyness of everyday life. A place where you can relax, take a deep breath and enjoy special moments with family and friends. Moments like these are precious and should be enjoyed without interruptions. Mosquitos can offset the mood and take your evening from carefree to chaos.

“Creating a space in the backyard where people can forget about the pressures of their day is a must,” said TIKI Brand Sr. Product Manager, Jeremy Yingst. “Part of that experience includes creating a relaxing ambiance while keeping mosquitos away. That’s why we designed lights with proven mosquito repellency. The string lights feature three diffusers with replaceable repellent pods that last 200 hours and provide a protection zone of 330 square feet.”

Three main features allow you to surround yourself with ambiance, not mosquitos:

1. Keep the moments lasting longer: Each strand is 36 feet, including 12 LED bulbs and three repellent pods that provide one season of mosquito repellency (assumes season as 90 days/average of 2.4 hours per day) and create a zone of protection. Replacement Pods are available for multiple seasons. For best results, hang no higher than 10 feet from the ground and let the mosquito repellent run for 15 minutes to establish protection.
2. Repel mosquitos at the flip of a switch: The TIKI Brand BiteFighter LED String Lights work when you want them to, day or night. To use for lighting and mosquito repellency, set the repellent on/off switch to ON. To use for lighting only, set the repellent on/off switch to OFF.
3. Customize your space: The string lights are delivered to your door with free shipping and can be hung in a variety of configurations to fit your patio, deck or yard. Border your space about 10 feet above the ground; combine multiple strings for unique configurations.

Visit www.tikibrand.com/BiteFighter-LED-String-Lights for more information.

2021-06-17T02:01:01

(BPT) – You’re probably ready to get outside and soak up some sun this summer. Like most things in life, though, the sun can be both rejuvenating and harmful. One primary example is when you get a sunburn, and according to a Department of Health and Human Services report, more than one out of every three Americans report getting sunburned every year.

Don’t let the fear of getting burned stop you from enjoying the outdoors this summer. You can reduce the effects of sunburn by treating it immediately, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

How summertime outdoor fun can affect your skin

The sun can bring out the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to your skin. Here’s a look at what can happen:

High altitudes can lead to higher UV exposure

Being active can be good for your skin. So what better way to work up a good sweat than a scenic hike in the woods? Hiking increases the circulation in your body and can help make your skin glow, keeping your skin from becoming dry.

However, even if you’re shaded by trees, hiking can still lead to a sunburn, especially if terrain varies. That’s because UV exposure tends to increase at high altitudes. For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, your UV exposure risk can increase by about 4%.

Getting burned on the trail can be painful, especially if you have to trek back to your car or tent. Fortunately, SunBurnt Plus After Sun Lotion combines pure aloe vera with calendula and 45 Lidocaine, for relief from pain and itching. Make sure to add one to your backpack before heading out on the trail.

Ocean water can regenerate your skin

Swimming in the ocean and playing in the sand are some of the best ways to relax on vacation. Feeling the ocean water on your skin can calm irritation and reduce inflammation. Plus, the salt water can help soak up any excess skin oil, which can create a regenerative effect.

But at the same time, the hot sun and tropical climate can dry out your skin and cause sunburns. Ignoring your sunburn is easy when you’re at the beach having fun, especially if you’re apprehensive about using chemical-based sun care products.

SunBurnt’s After Sun Gel combines pure aloe vera with nourishing and natural ingredients like calendula, echinacea and catharsis, which can hydrate and soothe your skin minus any stickiness. Combined with SunBurnt After Sun Lotion, you’re helping your skin with the best nature has to offer.

“We make our entire family of products with natural ingredients because we believe that while Mother Nature might put us to the test sometimes, she can also heal us with all of the natural resources she provides,” says John Romanow, director of marketing at Quest Products, Inc. makers of SunBurnt.

A little too much sun can dry out your skin

Sometimes, finding shade on a hot summer day isn’t an option, like when you’re out on a boat. Unfortunately, this can leave you and your loved ones more exposed to intense UV rays. If it’s both sunny and windy, the outer layer of skin can dry and weaken, which can increase your chances of getting a sunburn. And like hiking, that exposure risk can increase if you’re at a higher altitude.

If you’re out on the boat in a swimsuit, make sure you cover yourself with sunscreen and then reapply when needed. Sunburn can still happen even if you’re wearing clothes, a hat and sunglasses.

Getting outdoors has its rewards

There is no doubt that nature is good for the soul and doesn’t have to be hard on the skin. Summer is a great time to hang out with friends and find your inner wanderlust. With travel season here, why not enter to win a trip giveaway for some fun in the sun? SunBurnt is giving away an outdoor escape. It includes an $800 gift card to HipCamp which hosts various outdoor adventures across the United States and a $700 gift card for American Airlines. Check out SunBurnt on Facebook @SunBurnt and on Instagram @muchmorethanaloe to learn how to win. Visit www.sunburnt.com for all of the details.

2021-06-17T02:01:01

(BPT) – Summertime is full of fun activities like grilling, hanging out by the firepit, July 4 fireworks and just enjoying the sunshine and warm weather. But with those activities come hazards as well — mostly from painful burns.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, children under 5 accounted for an average of 2,000 (or 39% of) contact-type burns each year. These burns typically happened when someone bumped into, touched or fell on a grill or hot coals. On top of that, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that an average of 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries during the month around the July 4 holiday.

In addition to burn accidents, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that more than 1 out of every 3 Americans get sunburned each year.

“Being aware of common types of burns is the first step to prevention,” said registered nurse Laura Gardon. “If a burn does occur, you need to act quickly, especially with young children.”

Take steps before a holiday event or summer get-together to help prevent burns. Then, if you or a family member suffers from any kind of minor burn or sunburn, make sure you know what to do.

Using matches or lighters

Even adults can accidentally burn their fingers or hands when trying to ignite a grill, a firepit or fireworks. Take extra care and precautions when handling matches and lighters.

• Try to shelter from the wind while you are lighting anything, and be aware of which way the wind is blowing.
• Use longer wooden matches or long-reach butane lighters to help prevent burns to hands and fingers.
• Always keep matches and lighters up and away from children.
• Teach children to keep their distance from outdoor grills and firepits.

Prolonged sun exposure

Especially during long holiday weekends, it’s easy to overindulge outdoors when you’re having fun in the sun. But exposed skin can burn quickly, especially if you don’t use sunscreen or forget to reapply it after hours in the sun or swimming.

“Sunburn often doesn’t start hurting until after the damage has been done,” said Gardon. “So don’t assume you’re not getting sunburn just because you don’t feel it yet.”

What can you do to help prevent sunburn?

• Use sunscreen, even on cloudy days
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming
• Wear a hat
• Take breaks in the shade
• Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest
• Wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun, such as sun sleeves or UV protective clothing and sunshades

Get help for a burn

Whether it’s from an accident or sunburn, first make sure the burn isn’t serious. Fortunately, a new Ask Alocane Burn Hotline will be staffed by nurses for the Fourth of July weekend.

• The hotline’s toll-free number will be available July 3-5, Saturday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST, at 1-866-256-2263 (ALOCANE).
• A live chat is also available seven days a week through July 31, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. CST, at www.alocane.com/hotline.

Nurses on the Ask Alocane Burn Hotline can help you determine the severity of the burn and let you know if further medical intervention is needed. They can also help you with advice on how to treat sunburn and burns from outdoor cooking, grilling, firepits and even sparklers.

“The nurses on the hotline can help you differentiate between first-degree and second-degree burns,” said Gardon. “And they can talk you out of trying home ‘remedies’ that may actually make the burn worse, like applying butter.”

In the case of serious burn emergencies, you should always call 911.

Cool the burn

According to the Mayo Clinic, using cool running water or a cool compress (not ice) right away can help take the heat out of a minor burn or sunburn.

For treating pain from minor burns, Alocane is recommended by physicians and pharmacists. Its complete product line offers relief and healing for all types of minor burns, from sunburns to chemical burns. It is appropriate for use by adults and on children age 2 and up. By utilizing 4% Lidocaine for maximum pain relief, plus the soothing qualities of aloe vera, Alocane helps relieve the pain from burns.

Visit www.alocane.com to learn more.

2021-06-16T18:52:54

(BPT) – After a devastating pandemic kept people in their homes for over a year, wanderlust is at an all-time high and more Americans are starting to get back out there. In fact, 92% of Americans will travel, or already have, in 2021, with more than half (52%) going as soon as this summer, according to the Priceline Work-Life Balance report.

With that in mind, Priceline looked at how travel has changed and what trends are emerging for the summer peak travel season.

1. Escapism is top of mind

When it comes to air travel, hotel stays and car rentals, Americans are prioritizing warm, tropical and entertainment-focused destinations, such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico and Orlando. Florida, in particular, is a traveler favorite right now. The Sunshine State dominates the top 10 destinations across all three categories with at least four cities on each list.

2. Local exploration matters more than ever

When the pandemic took hold, flights came to an almost screeching halt. According to round-trip flight bookings on Priceline, travelers flew four billion miles fewer in 2020 than they did in 2019. Not only did people fly less often, but they also did not travel as far: The average distance dropped by 20% in 2020 (1,307 miles), compared to the same period in 2019 (1,654 miles). Instead, Americans are opting to explore locally, with 70% of car rentals used for road trips within their own state and driving an average of 184 miles. Likewise, today’s travelers are booking hotel stays within their own states 10% more than prior years.

3. Wallet-friendly stays abound in the South and West

Travel deals are more important than ever. This year, the average hotel stay costs under $125 a night in Las Vegas; the Black Hills, South Dakota; Denver and Orlando, which means you can enjoy a great getaway without blowing your budget.

Explore the outdoors at South Dakota’s majestic Black Hills, home to Mount Rushmore, or Pigeon Forge, a 25-minute drive from Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

4. Package deals enable workcations

The blurring of work-life boundaries gave rise to the “bleisure” trip or workcation, a hybrid of business and leisure travel. As flexible work schedules become a long-term possibility for many, these extended leisure-first trips, which incorporate remote work as part of the experience, will continue to drive booking preferences. Because of this, Priceline is seeing increased interest in bundled or package trips, which are conveniently booked together and offer savings.

As domestic tourism ramps up, expect to see continued preference for beach getaways and entertainment, alongside an ongoing appreciation for the local surroundings and an increased willingness to blend vacations with work.

For the complete list of trends and details on how Americans are traveling today, visit press.priceline.com.

2021-06-16T19:10:37

(BPT) – Prescription medications have many benefits, including managing pain, regulating chronic conditions, preventing disease and more. Despite numerous positives, medications can be dangerous to others in your household, especially kids.

As routines have changed and people are spending more time at home, parents may be unintentionally leaving medications out and accessible to children. Babies and toddlers may rattle medicine bottles like a toy. Curious kids may think the contents inside are candy. Child-resistant caps aren’t enough, as many children can open them easily.

Every eight minutes a child goes to an emergency room for medicine poisoning, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, and three out of four ER visits for medicine poisoning are due to kids getting into parents’ or grandparents’ medicine. Unintentional injuries including poisoning are the leading cause of mortality among infants and children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Research from the American Association of Poison Control Centers shows the vast majority (90%) of poisonings occur at home. That’s why it’s important to look at how you use medications in your household and adopt safer practices that include:

1) Never leave medications out: When busy multitasking, you may leave your medication out on a counter or toss it in your purse or backpack. Leaving it out even for a minute could be enough time for a child to access and open it. Don’t leave medications where kids can see them or where they can easily be found, such as in drawers, on nightstands or in bags. If the medication is for your child when they are sick, never leave it in their bedroom.

2) Store medicines out of reach: Choose one storage location for all medication that is out of reach of children. This can be anywhere throughout the home that is high and out of sight. Get in the habit of putting medication back in its safe storage location every time.

3) Use a locking container: Even though most prescription containers have child-resistant caps, children can find ways to open them. Consider using Safe Rx Locking Pill Bottles to secure medications. The convenient portable containers require a four-digit code aligned from bottom to top to open. When you are done, you simply replace the cap and mix the numbers to lock the bottle securely.

4) Talk with your children: Be honest with kids about the dangers of taking prescriptions. Adjust your conversation based on your child’s age, stressing that medications are only meant for the person the doctor prescribed them for and can be harmful to anyone else. Tell them to never take a medication without checking with you first and if they find any pills or bottles to bring them to you right away.

5) Dispose of unneeded medication properly: Check if your community has a drug disposal program for unneeded medications. Many pharmacies offer take-back programs as well to properly dispose of unused prescriptions. If nothing is available near you, dispose of medications at home by mixing the pills or capsules in a container with an unappealing substance like dirt or cat litter before placing in the trash.

These steps will help significantly reduce the chances your child will access your medication. In case of emergency, call poison control immediately. Program the poison control center at 800-222-1222 into your home and cell phones. You may want to add this number on a sticky note or other label in your medicine storage space as well.

2021-06-16T12:01:00

(BPT) – The desire to have a personal retreat within a home transcends generations, which is why man caves continue to be popular with guys of all ages and personality types, especially during the past year. While there’s something special about having a space to call your own, not all man caves are created equal. There are a few ways you can elevate the space to make a man cave that’s the envy of all your friends.

Whether you’re a recent college grad setting up your space for the first time, a dad who’s perfecting his man cave or anything in between, here are top features to consider for creating your ultimate in-home retreat.

Decide on design

To start, what separates a man cave from just a spare room, or the basement, is a cohesive design. The good news is you can create the space to be anything you want to perfectly reflect your personality. Incorporate your interests to customize the design, so if you’re into sports, gaming or the outdoors, add art and accent pieces that reflect these interests and really make the space one of a kind.

Upgrade your screen

Entertainment is the focal point of any man cave worthy of the name. If you really want to take that cave to the ultimate level, consider adding an LG OLED TV, such as the LG C1. The C1 screen is capable of producing perfect blacks, intense colors and high contrasts that bring each vivid picture to life. The LG C1 is the perfect TV for everything from the big game to the latest fast-action movies, and with the largest range of available sizing options, it’s a versatile option for any size room — or man cave.

Up your game

If gaming is your main focus, try a top-notch monitor for an immersive experience that will bring you right into the game, such as the award-winning LG UltraGear monitors. Gaming-focused features like NVIDIA^® G-SYNC^® compatibility, 1 millisecond GTG response times, pro-level customization and fast, vivid IPS panels will all give you an edge in your gaming.

Add amazing audio

Another flexible technology to add to your man cave is an excellent portable speaker. Whether you’re streaming the game or rocking to top hits, LG’s XBOOM Go is your go-to. Paired with Meridian’s advanced audio technology, this powerful portable speaker delivers premium quality sound. Rich treble, clear vocals and deep bass are all driven by the Dual Action Bass, which uses passive radiators to pump out dynamic bass and bold beats you can feel and hear.

Get the right seating

Function and comfort reign when selecting furniture for a man cave. Many people opt for open formats and flexible seating so they can change the space as needed. Bar stools, comfortable couches for watching TV and special chairs for gaming are all good choices to ensure no matter what you do in your man cave, you and your friends can relax. Multifunctional pieces are worth considering as well for their versatility and space-saving benefits, such as an ottoman with a top that flips to become a table.

Plan for sips and snacks

When hunger strikes, you want to be ready. Any good man cave will have some element of an eatery within, so you don’t have to scurry to the kitchen to scrounge up snacks. A full bar fits the bill, but if you don’t have the budget or space, consider alternatives to keep you and the guys hydrated and fueled. A mini fridge keeps drinks on hand and chilled to perfection, and by dedicating a few cabinets to stocking your favorite snacks, you’re ready to satisfy sweet and salty cravings.

By making a space of your own and elevating a few select elements, you can turn an average man cave into an incredible one. Consider these additions and customizations to create a space you’ll truly love.

2021-06-16T08:49:00

(BPT) – The country may be turning a corner on the pandemic, but the fallout could take some time to work through. Americans have health concerns beyond COVID-19 that have compounded in the past year: postponed care for wellness issues, changed sleep patterns, undesired weight changes and increased stress. While no silver bullet can solve all these issues, making small dietary changes can help. Simply including sweet Northwest cherries in your daily fruit intake can provide important nutrients and bioactive compounds that have a variety of benefits.

Sweet Northwest cherries are easy to incorporate into your diet — snack on them fresh, toss them in a smoothie, sprinkle them on salads, mix them into a salsa or stir them into a sauce. Besides their great taste, sweet cherries have loads of health advantages. Here are just four reasons why you should grab a generous handful every day:

1. Fight chronic diseases.

Sweet cherries contain anthocyanins, which appear to work in a similar manner to ibuprofen and naproxen in shutting down enzymes that cause tissue inflammation. Increased inflammation is an underlying cause for many chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins are a type of polyphenolic compound — what gives sweet cherries (and other dark fruits and vegetables) their deep, red color. Research has shown that phenolics have a role in anti-cancer and anti-invasive activities, fighting the proliferation of certain types of cancer, including colon and breast cancers.

2. Satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing diet (and exercise) plans.

Sweet cherries boast a lower glycemic index than almost any other fruit. They release glucose slowly and evenly, helping blood sugar levels stay steady longer and making them the perfect treat to satisfy a sweet craving without the sugar spike. Plus, if exercise is part of your wellness routine for 2021, you can feel good about enjoying a daily serving after a workout: The anti-inflammatory properties of sweet cherries can help muscles recover more quickly so you can keep moving.

3. Get better sleep.

Sweet cherries are one of the few plant sources of melatonin, and they are also a natural source of serotonin and tryptophan. Together, these compounds appear to aid in improving the quantity and quality of sleep. For the best results, try eating a serving of cherries about an hour before bedtime to stabilize and regulate your sleep patterns.

4. Reduce your stress levels.

With so many stressors in the world, what you’re eating doesn’t have to be among them. Cherries check many dietary boxes if you’re trying to be more intentional about what you put in your body: Vegan or plant-based? Check. Gluten-free? Check. High fiber? Check. Low fat? Check. Low calorie? Check. Sweet cherries are a stress-free, nutritious choice for just about any diet plan, and they have one more superpower: serotonin. In studies, serotonin has been shown to be an important factor in reducing stress and improving mood.

Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet is just one easy way to boost health and improve well-being. If you’re standing in the fruit aisle and unsure about what to choose, let sweet cherries be your start. To learn more about the health benefits of cherries, visit nwcherries.com/sweethealth.

2021-06-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – Chances are you’re ready to get out to see friends and enjoy the sunshine this summer. However, it’s probably been awhile since you’ve had plans where you’re outside all day. While sunshine and socialization are good for you, you’re probably not eating full meals at every single outing, so having a healthy and refreshing snack on hand is important.

According to MedlinePlus, snacking can have a bad image, but eating healthy snacks can decrease your hunger and keep you from overeating during mealtimes. Here are some common summer activities and ideas for healthy snacks to keep you fueled:

1. Picnics

Picnics are a great way to socialize and get outside. At the same time, some common picnic foods like cold-cut lunch meat and other salty foods can dehydrate you, especially if you’re out in the sun for a long time.

While there is nothing wrong with salty foods, you may want to consider adding some color to your plate by adding fruits like watermelon, apples, strawberries and cantaloupe.

Some fruits can be difficult to bring because of their size, but Rockit Apples™ can fit perfectly in any picnic basket. They may be small, but Rockit Apples are packed with flavor and can pair well with numerous picnic food favorites

2. Bike rides

Biking is a cherished summer pastime for many. Not only can it boost your mood and burn calories, it’s also a great way to get around. If you’re a dedicated cyclist, chances are you’re not just going for a casual ride around the neighborhood. According to cycling health website QuickSoul, novice cyclists can ride up to 20 miles per day, while more seasoned cyclists can ride up to 60 miles per day.

If you’re riding that far, chances are you’re going to get hungry and eventually need a snack. Rockit Apples can be a sweet and refreshing treat to keep you moving, no matter how far you ride. With their convenient size and long shelf life, Rockit Apples are great for any cycling adventure.

3. Boating

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open water. A day on the boat with family and friends is a great way to relax and soak up some sun. However, similar to picnicking, the foods you bring on the boat aren’t always refreshing.

To keep yourself and everyone else healthy and hydrated, why not bring some Rockit Apples for everyone to share?

Rockit Apples not only taste good, they’re good for you. They’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium and are a great source of fiber.

4. Barbecues

Backyard BBQs combine all of the sweet and savory flavors of summer, like ribs, burgers, brats, coleslaw, ice cream and lemonade.

However, foods with too much salt or too much sugar can leave you feeling sleepy and lethargic if you indulge, so it’s good to balance them out with healthy snacks too.

If you plan on having a BBQ this summer, Rockit Apples can make a delicious addition to any get-together. Since they come in 3 lb. shuttles, they’re a fantastic party favor to share. Plus, Rockit Apples are great for putting in different recipes due to their size.

5. Kid sporting events

There’s nothing better than watching your kids play baseball or soccer. However, once you get into tournament season, you may be sitting at the field for longer than you anticipate, so it’s crucial to have the right snacks on hand.

Rockit Apples are one of the best snacks you can have, whether they’re for your star player or the other parents. Plus, Rockit Apple containers are 100% recyclable so you don’t have to worry about creating more waste when you buy them.

Enjoy your summer activities with the right treats

If you’re ready to get out, enjoy the sun and rock it this summer, you need a delicious, nutritious and portable snack. Check for Rockit Apples in the produce aisle at your local grocery store today.