Month: October 2021

2021-10-11T10:48:46

(BPT) – The pandemic has brought new focus to home enhancements that not only add value, but also support wellness. Today’s homeowners are investing in thoughtful improvements that prioritize safety and well-being, helping to substantially increase the home’s health quotient.

Here are three, big-impact home improvement trends that support health and safety:

1) Upgrade your home’s water

From drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning, water is in constant use in a home. Essential to life, high-quality water that helps your family live healthier is vitally important. However, many homes are plagued with poor water sources that may contain toxins or contamination. A good first step is to get your water tested — many communities and organizations offer free testing — and then determine necessary upgrades.

If taste or water quality is a concern, a filtered water system can help provide safe drinking water at the tap. If you have hard water, you may want to research systems that condition the water such as a water softener. These systems remove excess minerals and produce water that helps appliances run more efficiently and is easier on the skin and hair while bathing.

Older homes may require upgraded plumbing systems to replace aging and deteriorating pipes. One solution for repiping homes is using Uponor AquaPEX, a flexible polymer piping material that resists corrosion, pitting and scale buildup. Flexible pipe like this lasts longer, bends around corners and fits into tight spaces without the need for large holes in drywall.

2) Install a snow and ice melting system

Much of the nation faces seasonal snow and ice, which presents many challenges for homeowners. As winter weather begins, slip hazards increase, not to mention the risk of injury during snow removal. Hydronic radiant snow-removal and ice-melting systems are smart solutions that melt snow and ice quickly, eliminating the need to shovel and plow, as well as the use of toxic ice melt chemicals that are harmful to the environment.

Installed by a professional, Uponor residential snow and ice melting systems use PEX tubing buried in concrete, asphalt or a sand bed to circulate a warm water and glycol solution that heats the surface until it is warm enough to melt snow and ice. A simple manual switch can control the system, or it can be fully automatic, sensing when melting is needed.

These systems improve the health and safety of a home by eliminating slippery ice and snow, which in turn reduces the likelihood of injuries, as well as the associated liability and lawsuits. The system adds value and helps meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations if a home is opting to follow those standards.

3) Elevate air quality

When you heat or cool your home, conventional forced-air systems push treated air through ductwork in the walls and ceilings, which often circulates pollutants as well as dust and allergens that lower overall indoor air quality. This is a concern because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, where the concentrations of some pollutants are two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.

A whole-home air filter system is worth considering for ongoing air treatment as well as other steps that reduce reliance on these systems. For example, hydronic radiant heating works by warming water at a heat source and circulating it through piping installed beneath the floor. There is no fan to circulate dust, allergens and odors, so you can breathe easier while enjoying warmth and comfort.

In addition to improving your home’s heating and air conditioning methods, it’s important to take steps to limit new pollution in a home. When doing home projects, be mindful of using supplies and materials with high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can infiltrate the air you inhale. VOCs can be found in various home-building products, including paint, plywood, fabric, carpet and foam.

It may cost more to purchase items with low VOCs, but people are increasingly willing to make this investment to support home air quality.

2021-10-11T12:12:31

(BPT) – From exercise and travel to self-care and beyond, there are many activities that will help better your health and wellness physically and mentally. However, sometimes the most well-meaning activities can have unintentional effects on your body, including causing pain, discomfort and even uncomfortable backside itching or burning.

The good news? Back there issues are common and there are solutions to help manage and treat the irritation. To help you get to the bottom of why your backside may be feeling a bit off, consider the following triggers that might be causing discomfort.

1) Working the glutes

Moving your body is one of the best ways to maintain your overall health and wellness. However, strenuous weightlifting or exercises that increase pressure on your rear, such as bike riding, can lead to some unwanted backside issues. To help prevent that discomfort from leaving the gym with you, make sure to practice good form and warm up properly to reduce the risk of over-exertion, straining or injury.

2) Planes, trains and automobiles

Change in routine that inevitably comes with traveling often impacts our bodies more than we may realize. Particularly, extended time spent sitting on planes, trains or in the car coupled with not-so-ideal bathroom scenarios can lead to uncomfortable back there pains. As you plan out your travels, map out your route to give yourself breaks from sitting and find accessible bathroom options to ensure you can avoid “holding it in.” Additionally, find room in your suitcase for products to help you feel comfortable along the way, like Preparation H Soothing Relief Cooling Spray. The spray soothes and cools for fast, targeted relief of burning and itching in an easy-to-use, no-touch form to help keep you feeling fresh and comfortable.

3) Stressing out

Experiencing stress on a regular basis not only has a negative impact on mental well-being, but it can also have an impact on your body. In fact, prolonged stress can be linked to digestive issues, such as upset stomachs, loss of appetite and even constipation. Common coping mechanisms, like unhealthy snacking or alcohol, can create a negative impact on digestive health as well. Try incorporating stress-relieving activities into your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation or even chatting with a friend or loved one. Your belly and backside will thank you.

4) Favorite fragrances

Practicing good hygiene is an important part of taking care of your body; however, utilizing too many fragrance-focused products to keep clean may cause irritation or dryness to the skin, especially in the down-there region. Additionally, over-scrubbing sensitive areas when washing may also cause broken skin. Try simplifying your wash routine and use one gentle product instead. Less is more.

5) Wardrobe malfunction

A secret culprit of backside discomfort is wearing tight clothing. Restrictive fashion or lacy undergarments, especially when items are made of synthetic fabrics like polyester, can cause skin friction and even trap excess moisture, which could create a damp and irritating environment for your behind. Try incorporating looser fitting clothing options into your wardrobe, as well as pieces that are made of more breathable materials, like cotton.

Sometimes the sneaky culprits of backside discomfort can be common day-to-day activities. Taking a little extra effort to find solutions that work best for you will help prevent backside pains and help you stay comfortable all day long.

For more information, visit www.preparationh.com.

2021-10-11T12:57:28

(BPT) – Pets nationwide are considered beloved members of the family. Pet ownership throughout the U.S. has skyrocketed, with approximately 12.6 million Americans opening their home to a new pet since March 2020, according to a study by the American Pet Products Association.

Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a pet pro, it’s important to consider your furry family members when preparing for the unexpected. First Alert offers the following tips to help families be prepared in case of a fire or carbon monoxide (CO) incident.

1) Prevent a fire. While candles add ambiance, it’s important to never burn them unattended. Wagging tails and pawing kitties can haphazardly knock over candles, which can potentially cause a fire. Additionally, avoid electrical fires by securing loose wires and running long cords behind couches or other out-of-reach locations to prevent them from being chewed.

2) Protect against the silent killer. Due to their smaller size, your pet may be affected by CO poisoning before you. Signs of CO poisoning can include weakness, sudden vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures and even loss of consciousness. The only way to detect CO poisoning is by equipping your home with working CO alarms. For premium protection against fire and CO, install combination alarms with 2-in-1 protection, such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm, which eliminates battery replacements for a decade. Once installed, maintenance is key. Remember to test your alarms regularly and replace smoke alarms every 10 years and CO alarms every five to 10 years, depending on the model.

3) Improve their safety when home alone. To help ensure your pet is safe even while you’re not home, use a pet gate to keep your animals in the main living area for easy rescue in case of an emergency. Place pet alert stickers on windows near each entrance to inform firefighters of the presence of pets in your house.

4) Have an emergency escape plan. When planning your emergency escape route, don’t forget to include your pets. Know which family members will be responsible for each pet and note their hiding spots for a faster evacuation. Have leashes and collars stored near the main entrance of your home and, if possible, near other potential exits during an emergency, so you can grab them on your way out the door. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, including crating your pets. And, remind your family to never delay escape or go back inside to rescue your pet. If a pet is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call and the responders when they arrive.

Learn more home safety tips at www.firstalert.com.

2021-10-11T09:01:01

(BPT) – Did you know if you or a loved one are living with certain chronic health conditions like heart disease, asthma, diabetes or kidney disease, you are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, which can lead to hospitalization or even death? Many people are unaware that their chronic health condition places them at higher risk for flu complications, even if their condition is well-managed. This is why getting vaccinated against flu every year is so crucial; it is the most important and first step in being protected from flu.

If you or someone you care about lives with certain chronic health conditions, make sure you know these five flu truths:

Truth #1: CDC is preparing for a resurgence of flu this season.

Most years, flu is associated with millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. While flu activity last season was historically low, flu remains a significant health concern this fall and winter.

With many places relaxing strict COVID-19 preventive measures, like school and business closures, masking and social distancing, we are seeing the return of other respiratory viruses. CDC is preparing for flu to follow. Because there was so little flu last season, and population immunity may be reduced, we may see more flu illness this upcoming season and it could be severe.

For this reason, vaccination is very important — especially for people at higher risk of serious flu complications, including those with certain chronic health conditions. Getting a flu vaccine is your best shot at protecting yourself and those around you against flu as the world safely returns to work, travel and other in-person activities.

Truth #2: People with certain underlying health conditions are more likely to get seriously sick with flu.

People with certain underlying health conditions experience serious complications from flu more often. During previous seasons, 9 out of 10 flu hospitalizations reported to CDC were in people who had one or more underlying health conditions. These can include:

• Asthma
• Autoimmune disease
• Heart disease
• Chronic lung disease
• Gastrointestinal (GI)/liver disease
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Immune suppression
• Metabolic disease
• Neurologic disease
• Obesity
• Renal or kidney disease

For more information on who is at higher risk of developing serious flu complications visit CDC’s People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications webpage.

Truth #3: Yearly flu vaccines protect against serious flu illness.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, and multiple flu viruses can circulate at the same time during any given flu season. Because of this, flu vaccines are updated each year — in fact, two of the viruses included in this year’s vaccine were updated from last year to better match flu viruses that are expected to spread in the U.S. this season. Getting an annual flu vaccine is recommended and the best way to help protect against the flu viruses expected to spread each year.

Also, although no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing all illnesses, flu vaccines offer important protection against flu illness, hospitalization and death. In fact, several studies show flu vaccination reduces the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick, including reducing the risk of hospitalization and death. Flu vaccines can reduce the risk of cardiac events among people with heart disease, flu-related worsening of chronic lung disease and diabetes-related hospitalization.

Truth #4: Flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses often have similar symptoms.

Flu, COVID-19, the common cold and other respiratory illnesses are all caused by different viruses. However, some of the symptoms of these illnesses are similar, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help tell if you are sick with flu, COVID-19 or another respiratory illness.

Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly and can include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches and fatigue (tiredness)

Truth #5: CDC recommends COVID-19 AND flu vaccination this season.

COVID-19 vaccines can be given with other vaccines, including flu vaccine, on the same day or at any other time interval. While limited data exist on giving COVID-19 vaccines with others, experience with giving different vaccines together shows our bodies develop protection, and we experience possible side effects, in a similar way whether vaccines are given alone or with others.

By being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu, you can help protect yourself from two potentially serious respiratory illnesses that CDC expects will spread this fall and winter. If you haven’t gotten your currently recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine, get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, and ideally get a flu vaccine by the end of October.

Get vaccinated now to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from flu.

We can all fight flu. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information about your flu risk and to learn more about how you can prevent flu.

2021-10-11T10:01:00

(BPT) – Addressing student debt. Dismantling inequity. Creating thriving communities. If making real change to real problems is what inspires you or someone you know, you may be a Prudential Emerging Visionary.

Applications are now open for Prudential Emerging Visionaries, a program that celebrates young people bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to pressing financial and societal challenges in their communities.

The program builds on the legacy and momentum of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, the country’s largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Since 1995, more than 150,000 young people across the United States have been honored through these awards. Inspired by the impressive vision of these young leaders, Prudential has reimagined the program.

Emerging Visionaries now puts the spotlight on financial wellness as a foundation on which to build a solid future, championing projects that will help people improve their financial well-being and create thriving communities.

“To fulfill our purpose of making lives better by solving the financial challenges of our changing world, we take a fully inclusive approach, because we believe the best solutions can come from anywhere,” said Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey. “During more than 26 years of celebrating young people around the country, we’ve been inspired by their creative and selfless work. With the Emerging Visionaries program, we’re excited to celebrate and support remarkable young leaders who are driving progress, and to create a community of change.”

In April 2022, 20 U.S. students ages 14-18 will be awarded for their solutions to social issues, and five for their solutions to financial barriers. Each winner will be awarded $5,000 plus an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, for a recognition event.

During this event, the five honorees in the financial solutions category will pitch their ideas to Prudential leaders and one grand prize winner will receive $15,000. Winners will also have the opportunity to consult with company leaders about strategies to advance their work, and to participate in a coaching program with employees to refine their projects.

Prudential is partnering with Ashoka, a leading organization in the social impact sector, who will help develop winners’ skills through ongoing workshops and online courses with advisory support from the Financial Health Network, a leading authority on financial health.

The new direction is lauded by 20-year-old Joshua Williams, a 2013 Prudential honoree and Ashoka Young Changemaker who runs Joshua’s Heart Foundation, which has distributed more than 3 million pounds of food to impoverished families around the world.

“It’s wonderful to see the program evolving and adapting,” said Williams. “The U.S. is in a critical time where youth leaders are going to be needed more than ever to guide us into the future, and I know firsthand that they are key to creating lasting change to societal and financial issues.”

For more information about Prudential Emerging Visionaries, including how to apply, visit Prudential.com/EmergingVisionaries.

2021-10-11T11:34:00

(BPT) – Did you know 85 million Americans avoid buying foods with the top nine allergens because of allergies of someone in their household? According to Food Allergy Research and Education, $19 billion is spent annually to avoid specific proteins or allergens in their food. For parents especially, you know packing nutritious lunches your kids will actually eat is a struggle — but it’s even more challenging for those with food allergies or sensitivities. Fortunately, more companies and products are available today to make this a little easier.

“Creating lunches that are appealing both in how they look and taste, especially for particular dietary needs, is not as hard as it used to be,” said Gina Fontana, certified health coach and founder of the blog Healthy Little Vittles. “We can still enjoy our favorite meals by replacing problematic ingredients with alternatives that won’t cause us to experience unwanted symptoms.”

For consumers trying to avoid the most frequent allergy culprits, or who just want to follow a more plant-based lifestyle, here are tips for creating tasty lunches that kids and adults alike will be happy to find in their lunchboxes.

What are the top 9 allergens?

Food Allergy Research and Education lists the top food allergens as:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Soy
• Sesame

For many with severe allergies, brief contact with even a trace amount can cause a serious allergic reaction.

How can you replace the sandwich?

Sandwiches are probably the number one lunchbox staple in the U.S. but choosing bread that’s delicious and appealing to the eye while not containing gluten or wheat can be difficult.

Fortunately, Little Northern Bakehouse creates entirely allergy-friendly and gluten-free bread. For parents, using their bread can help keep kids’ minds at ease as they head back to school with sandwiches just like their classmates have. Kids will never know the difference between this gluten-free bread and the real thing, because the size, taste and texture are like a typical slice of bread. Its Whole Grain Wide Slice is a good-sized gluten-free bread, differing from others that tend to be smaller.

“The size of this bread makes it easy to fill, wrap and get creative with whatever you pack inside,” said Fontana.

Fontana created this recipe for using the bread to make a tasty lunch whether for the lunchbox or as a delicious weekend on-the-go option:

Veggie Sushi Sandwich Rollups

Ingredients

1 loaf Little Northern Bakehouse Whole Grain Wide Slice Bread
Vegan cream cheese
2 nori sheets
1 avocado
1 cucumber
Shredded carrots
Everything bagel spice for garnishing

Instructions

Peel and slice cucumber into thin strips. Spoon avocado into bowl and smash with fork.
Cut crusts off each bread slice. Microwave one slice of bread at a time 12-15 seconds, then gently roll slice of bread flat with a rolling pin, making sure to flatten ends well.
Spread thin layer of vegan cream cheese over slice, then add piece of nori (cut to fit the slice of bread) on top of cream cheese.
Spread thin layer of smashed avocado over nori, then add slice of cucumber and some shredded carrots toward lower third of the bread slice.
Roll slice from the bottom up, then place rolled slice onto a plate, seam side down. Then repeat the process for all the bread slices.
You can slice the rolls like sushi or just eat as rollups! Sprinkle with everything bagel spice before enjoying.
Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Replacing the classic PB&J

Now you’ve got a bread option, but how can you replace the peanut butter in the perennial kid favorite, PB&J? Try one of these ideas to replace peanut butter:

• Hummus
• Sunflower seed butter
• Vegan cream cheese

With one of these options, you can pack an alternative PB&J. Pair with apple slices, carrot sticks and raisins, and let your child enjoy the freedom to be a regular kid with your average kid’s lunch.

Find creative ways to pack

One great tool for lunches is the bento box, originating from Japan, but now available everywhere. With these containers you can include several bite-sized lunch items including a variety of fruits, veggies, dipping sauce, vegan string cheese and other items. They are also washable and reusable, which helps cut down on excess packaging.

Visit LittleNorthernBakehouse.com for recipes, tips for gluten-free living and more.

2021-10-11T12:01:00

(BPT) – Washing your hands. Covering your cough and sneeze. Staying home when sick. These actions help limit the spread of common respiratory illness like colds, influenza, and coronavirus. To help keep yourself and your communities well, there is another potentially life-threatening virus that should be on your radar. Respiratory syncytial virus — commonly referred to as RSV — is a growing concern, especially for infants, older adults, and the immunocompromised.

“RSV is a common cause of acute respiratory illness,” said Dr. Bill Gruber, MD, senior vice president of Pfizer Vaccine Clinical Research and Development. “Symptoms can be similar to a common cold for some people, but for the elderly and the immunocompromised, infection can be serious, even deadly.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

1. RSV is highly contagious and affects the lungs and airways.
2. RSV affects children younger than 6 months of age or children with lung or heart disease.
3. The risk of serious RSV infection also increases in older adults and for those with chronic heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.
4. Each year, approximately 58,000 children under 5 years of age are hospitalized with RSV and more than 177,000 older adults are hospitalized and 15,000 of them die in the United States due to RSV.

RSV infections occur in people of all ages. The virus can spread in many ways, including through coughs or sneezes from an infected person, virus droplets getting in the eyes, nose or mouth, touching a surface with the virus on it, and direct contact with the virus, such as kissing someone infected, according to the CDC.

“RSV symptoms mimic the common cold but can worsen in some people. Common symptoms include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing,” said Gruber. “Although RSV is discussed frequently in pediatric care, the risks are not as frequently discussed for people ages 65 and older. No matter your age, if you feel ill, contact your doctor. The best way to know if you have RSV or another type of respiratory illness is an evaluation through your health care provider.”

Currently, there is no cure or vaccine for RSV. Health care providers are limited to offering supportive care, such as oxygen and fluids, for those impacted by the illness, according to the Virus Research journal. The best ways to prevent the spread of RSV are to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and to stay home if you feel sick, recommends Gruber.

For more information about RSV, visit http://www.pfizer.com/RSVcommitment.

“We believe there is a clear and urgent global need to develop a safe and effective vaccine to help reduce the incidence and severity of RSV infections,” said Gruber. “A vaccine for RSV has been an elusive goal for over half a century due to scientific hurdles, but Pfizer is committed to developing a potential vaccine for vaccination of adults, as well as pregnant women to help protect their infants from RSV disease.”

2021-10-11T10:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past 18 months, Americans coping with the upheaval of the pandemic retreated to the great outdoors in record numbers. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 7.1 million more Americans enjoyed outdoor recreation in 2020 than in the year before — and an all-time record of 53% of Americans aged six and up participated in outdoor recreation at least once. The best part is that spending time outdoors not only provides a way to reconnect with friends more safely, but also helps people improve their physical and mental health during trying times.

As more people head outside, it’s increasingly important to preserve and protect the great outdoor spaces of the American Heartland. We must all do our part to follow simple, yet important guidelines to ensure these areas will remain pristine for future generations to enjoy.

Next time you escape to nature, remember these few tips to keep our outdoor spaces as beautiful as they can be:

1. Do some research

Learn about the places you visit before venturing out, so you have a plan to safely enjoy the outdoors while protecting it. If you’re visiting a state or national park, check out their websites and blogs ahead of your trip to explore the flora and fauna you’ll see. You’ll also be able to look up specific trails to follow and view the natural wonders you’ll want to discover. You can also prepare in advance by becoming well-versed in important information about park passes, waste collection, rules and camping permits, plus inclement weather warnings and fire safety tips.

2. Leave no trace

Tread lightly and respectfully through nature and make sure to carry out what you carry in. Bring along at least two reusable trash bags to collect all waste and recyclables to take back out with you and dispose of properly. Take the initiative to pick up trash or items left behind by others so you can leave the area even better than you found it.

3. Do not disturb

Respect wildlife habitats. Feel free to observe beautiful animals from afar, but do not approach or follow them. Avoid feeding wild animals, as this can cause health issues for them. Research about that area’s wildlife to learn whether your visit coincides with a special time like nesting or mating for certain animals. If so, it might be best to reschedule your trip.

4. Stay on trails

After you make a plan, don’t wander off existing trails. When you stray even slightly off a trail, your foot traffic can cause significant damage. This can create a domino effect — other visitors behind you will likely see the squashed flora and follow suit, unfortunately causing even more harm to the habitat by widening the newly created “trail.” Over time, this can cause washouts and result in multiple trails covering the backcountry, endangering the existing flora and fauna.

5. Get involved

Community organizations across the U.S. have faced funding and volunteer participation challenges due to the ongoing pandemic. It’s more important than ever to help local nonprofit organizations make a difference.

The MTN DEW Outdoor Grants program is contributing $200,000 to nonprofits that champion the great outdoors through conservation, participation, and outdoor access/infrastructure initiatives — and you can take part. Apply at DewOutdoorGrants.com on behalf of an organization or nominate your favorite outdoor-focused nonprofit for the chance to be awarded one of forty $5,000 MTN DEW Outdoor Grants. This effort is part of a long-term commitment to help more Heartlanders access nature. The application period closes at 11:59pm CT on November 8, 2021.

Together, MTN DEW and country superstar Chase Rice have produced a rendition of “America the Beautiful” as an ode to the natural beauty of the Heartland as well as the community organizations that preserve and protect it. The video also spotlights MTN DEW Outdoor Grants winners from last year’s inaugural program. You can watch the performance on YouTube.

Together, you and your local nonprofit organizations can make a real difference to keep the beauty of nature thriving and well.

2021-10-10T23:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning how you’ll be celebrating this season – from how you’ll decorate your home to what you’ll serve on your table to what gifts you’ll give your loved ones. No matter what you’re preparing this season, one thing is for sure: you’ll have to do some shopping to get everything you need.

No matter when or where you plan to do your holiday shopping, here are five shopping tips to help you stay on budget and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list so you can have the happiest holiday season.

1. Plan ahead

Like most things in life, before you can truly get started you need a plan. Map out your who, what, when, where, and how. Take time to compile who you’re shopping for (don’t forget to include yourself!), what items you need on hand for hosting and attending holiday festivities, when you need to purchase things, where you can get everything on your list, and how you plan to afford it. Staying organized in the beginning will save you time and money in the end.

2. Shop early and save

Take advantage of early holiday deals so you can stress less later in the season and spend more time enjoying your favorite holiday traditions. There is no need to wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping and score the best deals, especially when retailers are offering deals already. In fact, Amazon kicked off its holiday season earlier than ever with Black Friday-worthy deals that you can shop now, with incredible holiday savings across every category. Customers can start scoring deals today at amazon.com/epicdeals.

3. Enlist a guide

If you need a little extra inspiration this season, checking out holiday gift guides is a great way to find the perfect present for everyone on your list. To help make holiday shopping easier, Amazon unveiled its biggest-ever selection of holiday gift guides including the popular Holiday Toy List, Stocking Stuffer Picks, Customers’ Most-Loved Gifts, among others, as well as its new Holiday Prep Shop, which has everything to help you prepare for the holidays.

4. Unlock membership savings and perks

Signing up for a store’s loyalty or membership program is a great way to unlock extra savings and perks during the holiday season. Membership programs like Amazon Prime offer customers extra ways to save and enjoy the holidays. With Prime, members can get the best of shopping, savings, and entertainment to make the holiday season more fun and convenient. Perks like fast, free delivery, 30-minute Prime Early Access to Lightning Deals on Amazon.com, unlimited access to award-winning movies and TV episodes with Prime Video, and more make Prime a great resource during the holidays.

5. Make it easy for others to shop for you and your family

New this year, Amazon unveiled its all-new Holiday Gift List which helps gift-givers and gift recipients to focus on the joy of the holiday season by taking the guesswork out of gift-giving. With Holiday Gift List, you can easily create and share one list of gift ideas for everyone in your household, conveniently organized by recipient at amazon.com/registries/holiday.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be more than ready for an epic holiday season. Once your shopping is all wrapped up, you can sit back, relax, and truly enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer.