Month: November 2021

2021-11-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – A lot can happen in a year, especially if it includes major life changes such as retirement or a new career. In particular, your health status and finances can shift a lot over the course of 12 months. Fortunately, the Open Enrollment period is a good time to review your healthcare coverage and learn about options that meet your current health needs.

The 2022 Open Enrollment Period began November 1, 2021 and, this year, individuals have until January 15 — an extra 30 days from previous years — to review coverage options and make any adjustments. Some states have longer Open Enrollment periods, and employer-sponsored insurance may have a different timetable, so you may want to confirm timing based on your current coverage.

Knowing where to start to research information on healthcare insurance options and how to make a change might feel overwhelming, but fortunately, there are several resources available to AARP members to help navigate the complex decision-making process.

If you’re content with your current coverage, and your health and financial status have not changed significantly, you may not need to take any action during the Open Enrollment period. However, if your financial situation has changed, you don’t have the coverage or flexibility you need for your current life stage, or if you anticipate additional medical care in the year ahead, it’s a good idea to review the available options.

Not sure if you need to make a change? Here are a few questions to help you determine whether you should take action.

Has your financial situation changed?

If you are now living on a fixed income, you may want to research coverage options with copays, coinsurance and deductibles that fit within your budget. Conversely, if there has been a shift in your expenses and you can now afford more coverage, it might also be a good idea to explore your options to better protect yourself or your loved ones.

If an insurance change impacts your medication coverage, now is a great time to explore prescription discount programs. While you don’t have to wait until the Open Enrollment Period, it’s helpful to know it is an available option to supplement your selected insurance. AARP members have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx^® that can be used to save on FDA-approved medications. While anyone can take advantage of this benefit, AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.

Has your health status changed?

Perhaps you suffered an injury or illness that will require additional medical care. Or perhaps a chronic ailment has been corrected that may no longer warrant such frequent medical attention. In either case, you may want to find ways to adjust your plan accordingly.

If you’re currently in good health, maintaining a focus on your health may help you avoid chronic health issues down the road. For example, as with many health conditions, hearing problems that are ignored or untreated can get worse. Frustrations associated with hearing loss can lead to depression as individuals withdraw from others, and in turn, accelerate the decline of cognitive abilities. Seeing a physician for a hearing test and assistance with hearing aids, medication or even surgery may have a significant impact on your general well-being. To prepare for associated costs, you can explore hearing care options such as the AARP^® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA that provides savings on check-ups, hearing aids, batteries, fittings and more.

Are there coverage options you don’t currently have but would like?

If you’re happy with your healthcare coverage but have decided you would benefit from learning more about vision or dental insurance options, take advantage of resources to understand those that work best for you and your loved ones.

Some dental options include coverage for regular visits and any special procedures or treatments that may arise. For instance, AARP^® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company offers individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures.

Regular eye exams can help you monitor and even potentially prevent more serious, and costly, health issues. As most eye conditions can be treated if found early, you may want to look for vision coverage information that includes vision care for regular eye exams. Additionally, the AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed also provide savings on eyeglasses, sunglasses and more.

Are you content with your current situation?

Expenses and coverage are very important when planning your healthcare options, but if you are dissatisfied with the customer service your current plan provides, find it difficult to access important information, or are unhappy with the providers available to you, it may be a good idea to explore other options. Your satisfaction is important to make the most out of your coverage.

To learn more about healthcare options, visit https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/healthcare/.

Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers.

2021-11-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past 18 months, you may have spent more time at home than ever before, and your pets have become accustomed to it. Between extra treats and more frequent play, walk and cuddle times, your pet has probably loved having you around. But if your office is gearing up to welcome employees back soon, it’s time to prep your pets now, to lessen their stress and anxiety when you need to be gone each day.

Review your current schedule

Most pets are pretty well tuned into your daily schedule, whether you know it or not. Take a look at your usual routine, including waking and sleeping times, when you feed your pet, times you go for walks, and what part of the day you spend the most time cuddling or playing with your pet.

Then compare that schedule with your expected return-to-office routine and ask:

• Will you wake up earlier and go to bed earlier?
• Will you have to feed your pet at different times, possibly fewer times than when you’re home all day?
• How long will your pet be left home alone?
• Do you need to set up a dog walker to make sure your pup can get outside?

Once you’ve compared the two schedules, here are tips to help ease the transition.

1. Make the change gradual

As soon as possible, start adjusting your schedule gradually until it matches what it will be when you return to work. This will help your pet — and you — make the switch, instead of suddenly shifting everything over. It may also help to make your weekend schedule more closely resemble your workday routine, even if that’s a bit painful.

2. Start leaving home for short periods

There’s one primary thing you need to get your pet used to: your absence. Take walks or drives without your pet for short periods each day, gradually making your errands or trips longer, so they’ll get used to the idea that you may leave, but you’ll always come back. This will be especially important for pets adopted during the pandemic, who haven’t experienced you leaving the house much.

3. Use tech solutions to reduce pet stress

Thanks to innovative technology from eufy Pet, you can see and actively engage with your dog using their Dog Camera D605. The camera has a 170-degree wide-angle lens that lets you see your dog clearly — even at night — via the eufy Pet app. Even better, the Dog Camera comes with a 3-distance, 270-degree rotatable treat-tossing feature, so you can play with your four-legged friend in a fun, engaging way to brighten their day. The device’s pet detection feature identifies your dog, and smart motion tracking follows them. If your dog barks, you’ll get an instant notification. With 2-way audio, you can tell your dog to stop before the neighbors start complaining. Daily interactions with your dog, and a view of their activity while you’re gone, will help your pet transition to the new routine and give you peace of mind.

“At eufy Pet, we believe every animal deserves a happy life, and with our new pet products, we’re dedicated to filling you and your bundle of fur’s life with more love, fun and convenience,” said eufy Pet’s general manager, Frank Zhu. “With the eufy Pet Dog Camera, dog parents can play more and worry less.”

4. Get a little help

You could also enlist the help of friends, family, a pet sitter and/or dog walker to visit your pet during the day, especially while you’re transitioning to the new schedule. Try to set up visits for the same time each day, so your pet will know what to expect. Another option is bringing your dog to a doggy daycare, which provides not only trained supervision, but also fun interaction with other pups.

5. Give them plenty of love

As you start heading back to the office, make sure to give your furry friend plenty of attention when you’re home. As long as they know you’re there for them every day, the transition should go smoothly.

2021-11-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever put butter on Pop-Tarts^®? While this may be a head-scratcher for some, for many others, it’s their go-to way to enjoy their favorite toaster pastry. So, Pop-Tarts^® is challenging fans to take the flavor experience to the next level by pairing three classic toaster pastries with six unique butter blends from Banner Butter.

2021-11-17T10:01:00

(BPT) – Many people associate healthy eating with bland, flavorless, unexciting foods. This mindset limits exploring new dishes and desserts that offer ample taste as well as nutrition. Even classic cravings — like salty, savory or sweet — can be satisfied with a few simple food swaps and a mindful approach.

By changing out a few foods in your diet, you can transform your eating habits while enjoying the flavors you love. Here are five ideas to help you start:

Flavored popcorn or nuts instead of chips

When you get the craving for something salty and crunchy, it’s easy to reach for your favorite bag of chips. Those fried little morsels are delicious, but definitely not healthy. Instead, stock up on nuts, like almonds and pistachios, when these hunger pangs strike. Making popcorn yourself is a good option as well.

As for flavoring, go easy on the salt or skip it altogether. Try dried herbs and seasoning, such as cumin, chili powder, curry or ginger. Explore mixes such as Italian herb blends or customize your own. Nutritional yeast is another healthier topping that is trending with health-conscious folks for its unique umami flavor.

Healthier chocolate options

Melt-in-your mouth chocolate is a decadent indulgence often packed with sugar and calories. What if you could get the same great taste and texture without all the extras? Chocolate lovers rejoice because an exciting new chocolate has arrived. New GATSBY Chocolate delivers a rich, premium chocolate at only 60-70 calories and 4-6 grams of sugar per serving.

Created by the co-founder of Halo Top ice cream, this is the lowest calorie chocolate bar available with half the calories and a quarter of the sugar of traditional chocolate. Best yet, that’s without sacrificing decadent taste or creamy texture. GATSBY Chocolate is currently available in stores nationwide in two delicious flavors: Classic Milk Chocolate Style and Almond Dark Chocolate Style varieties. You can learn more at GatsbyChocolate.com.

Cooked apples in, sugar-laden desserts out

Cookies, pies, cakes and tarts — desserts that are decadent but come with a whopping amount of sugar. From the dough and the batter to the icing and sprinkles on top, sugar leads the ingredient list. If you want a satisfying dessert without excess sugar, explore the versatility of baked apples.

There are many ways to bake apples, including the oven, microwave and slow cooker. Apples are a good source of vitamin C, plus when you leave on the skins you get a fiber boost. Instead of butter and sugar, many healthier baked apple recipes use cinnamon, honey or maple syrup, and some oats to create a crumble or crust.

Root vegetables instead of fruit

It’s true that fruit is nature’s candy and enjoying some fresh or baked fruit can be a wonderful way to satisfy a sweet tooth and get vital nutrients. However, eating is about balance, and too much fruit can be bad for your teeth and detract from your nutrition goals.

For example, if you want a side item with a hint of sweetness, skip the fruit and try baking vegetables with sweet undertones. Beets are naturally sweet when roasted, much like other root vegetables like carrots and yams. Turnips, parsnips and rutabagas are subtly sweet options worth trying as well.

Natural sugars versus refined sugars

A spoonful in your coffee, a dash on your oatmeal, a sprinkle with cinnamon on toast — refined sugar is frequently used by Americans every day. A healthier option is to seek out natural sweeteners in what you use at home and what foods you purchase.

Using a natural sweetener, like allulose — an ingredient found naturally in fruits like figs and raisins — can tastefully transform your dish without all the sugar. Look for allulose on the ingredient list on the side or back of packaging, or you can even purchase it for use in your home. Other natural sweeteners to consider include honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. Additionally, when baking, research simple swaps for sugar and oil, such as mashed ripe banana or applesauce.

Satisfying your cravings doesn’t mean sacrificing your nutrition. These delicious swaps for favorite foods are equally delectable and you can feel good when you eat them.

2021-11-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless tasks you need to get done. A simple, helpful tip is to start early this year. Planning your celebrations and shopping for gifts in advance can help relieve some of that holiday stress. Beyond that, what can you do to make this year’s festivities stand out from the rest? There’s nothing better than finding new and surprising ways to spruce up your home’s seasonal decorations, enhance your giftwrapping skills and add more sweetness to all of your family’s celebrations. This year, you can turn to a beloved classic treat to help make the holiday season a lot more fun, and tastier, too!

Here are some festive tips to help get you in the holiday mood — and share it with others.

1. Fill stockings with a fun and tasty surprise

Brand new this holiday season, the HARIBO Goldbear Filled Cane is an amazing stocking stuffer, and it will look perfect peeking over the top of anyone’s stocking. The canes are so festive that you can even decorate your home or tree, too. Each delightful cane is filled with HARIBO Goldbears in the five original fruity flavors: Strawberry, Orange, Lemon, Pineapple and Raspberry.

2. Decorate your gifts with a unique flair

You can also use the HARIBO Goldbear Filled Cane as a fun accent piece — and an extra bonus present — to stand out atop a beautifully wrapped gift by affixing to your gifts with a seasonal holiday ribbon. For those with a sweet tooth, include a bag of HARIBO Candy Cane Gummies in any gift for some extra special sweets in a classic red and green theme.

3. Set the mood with music

Before any holiday get-together, take the time to curate the perfect playlist, with a mix of your favorite classic holiday songs, as well as current pop hits to keep the energy going. This can be a great task to delegate to a few family members while you’re busy prepping for your festive occasions. An added bonus, ask a range of family members from grandparents to nieces and nephews to help create a fun mix that everyone will enjoy.

4. Make your “gummi charcuterie board” the star of the party

Take a sweet twist on the trendy charcuterie boards by creating a lively, colorful “gummi board” using a selection of delectable HARIBO treats. Your gummi board can feature a range of seasonal favorites like HARIBO Holiday Edition Goldbears or iconic favorites like Twin Snakes and Starmix. This fun and festive spin on dessert is sure to be a winner across the board.

5. Breathe in the sweet scents of the season

Fill your home with the enticing smell of pine trees during the entire holiday season to keep the happy mood going all season long. Your local tree farm often has spare pine tree branches you can repurpose to create decorative wreaths, stunning seasonal mantles or Christmas dinner centerpieces that look as good as they smell. No pine trees? No problem. Pine-scented candles or essential oils can easily create the seasonal ambience we all hope to achieve.

Check out all of the delicious options for holiday treats, stocking stuffers and tasty gifts at HARIBO.com to make this year’s celebrations sweeter than ever.

2021-11-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – From making snow angels to cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, there’s no shortage of pleasures to pursue this winter. But to make the most of these festivities, it’s best to be prepared for the chilly weather — so here are 4 tips to help you stay warm and energized during wintertime and feeling mighty festive every single day.

1. Optimize Home Heating.

After a day out in the snow, it’s nice to come home to a warm, cozy house. But before relying completely on your heating system, try fully insulating your home to avoid any cracks or openings that blow a draft of cold outside air indoors. Keep your windows and doors tightly shut and double-check the ducts in your attic or basement for leaks. Making just a few tweaks to your home not only creates a more comfortable living environment, but also saves you a pretty penny on electricity bills.

Energy bills still too high for your liking? Try using the latest heaters, like most of LG’s DUALCOOL models, to keep tabs on how much energy you’re using. After pairing these smart devices with the LG ThinQ app, you can monitor exactly how much energy you’re consuming on a daily basis right on your phone. Plus, the app also shows weekly and monthly statistics as well, giving you long-term insights into your energy consumption.

2. Find Alternatives to Stay Warm.

While central heating is the ultimate go-to for beating the cold weather, it helps to bundle up your home for those especially icy-cold days. Switch your bedding for sheets made from fleece and flannel. Thick carpets and rugs are also a good buy, as they’ll keep your feet nice and toasty. If changing the home furnishing alone won’t do, bundle up yourself. Wearing multiple layers of clothing means you can keep warm even after turning down the thermostat a notch or two.

All these different fabrics, of course, means there’s more laundry to be done — which can be daunting with winter garments requiring extra care. Instead of puzzling over the best washing cycle for your down jacket or wool scarf, leave the job to smart washers like LG’s ThinQ-enabled models. Just activate the handwash and delicates cycle on the ThinQ app and wait a short time for your outfits to look as good as new. The app even sends you a notification when the laundry’s all done so you know when it’s time to move them to the dryer.

3. Boost Your Immune System with Superfoods.

Fill up on nourishing food to give your body the nutrients it needs to fight off the cold. Fresh vitamin C-rich citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits should boost your immune system to help ward off the flu. Another key immunity-boosting ingredient is zinc, so always add nuts and whole grains to your grocery list before heading to the store, as they’re packed with zinc and plentiful during the cold months.

Once your fridge and pantry are stocked full with those winter superfoods, it’s equally important to ensure they’re still crisp and juicy when you eat them. Keeping track of your freezer food is easy with a little help from a smart refrigerator like LG’s WiFi-enabled models. Just connect the fridge to the ThinQ app and set expiration dates for your perishable food items. With smart notifications that remind you when your foods need eating by, you’ll be able to relish every bite of your fresh produce as if they’ve come straight from the farm.

4. Break the Cycle of the Sore Throat.

Along with the flu, a sore throat is another enemy we face seemingly every winter. But this is no coincidence, since the cold air can dry out your throat making you feel dehydrated, so make sure to keep the liquids flowing by sipping on some warm chamomile tea or sitting down to a hearty bowl of hot chicken soup. On a day when a sore throat feels particularly rough and scratchy and really dampens your mood, take a small teaspoon of honey or, ironically, a cold treat like a popsicle or ice cubes.

Dust is another major contributor to a sore throat. Always remember to air out your furniture and bedding, and beware of the dust hiding in the nooks and crannies of your home. Running the vacuum should be part of your daily cleaning routine — a cinch if you have a robot vacuum cleaner combined with a smart app by providers like LG. By activating the controls on the ThinQ app, the robot vacuum does all the cleaning before you get home, so say goodbye to those dust bunnies, and of course, to your runny nose and itchy throat.

While winter approaches with all its seasonal delights, the cold weather can be a real turn-off. But with the help of these smart solutions, you’ll find it’s never been easier to feel warm, happy and vitalized throughout the festive season.

2021-11-16T07:01:00

(BPT) – As you age, your health needs change. Staying on top of senior wellness activities is important, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Creating a list of health and wellness to-do’s can help you stay organized, so you look and feel your best.

“Aging well is living well and it all starts with a combination of activities that can improve our mental and physical well-being,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, chief executive officer of Determined Health, member of the Tivity Health Healthy Aging Coalition and a physician specializing in geriatric medicine. “Although health and wellness may seem to get increasingly complicated with age, it doesn’t have to be a struggle. A few simple — and fun — steps can keep us on the healthy aging path. By taking a proactive approach and prioritizing health, seniors can live their best life.”

Dr. Kaiser shares a simple senior-health checklist to help keep you or a loved one focused on wellness:

Annual physical: Everyone’s health is different. Even if you see specialists for certain conditions, it’s typically recommended to get an annual physical with your primary physician. This is an opportunity for important health screenings that may include tests to evaluate blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, bone density and more. It’s also a good time for you to ask any questions and discuss concerns.

Vaccinations: Staying current on recommended vaccinations can help you stay healthy and limit the spread of disease. Cold and flu season has arrived, so now is the time to ask your doctor about getting an influenza vaccine if you haven’t already. The risk of severe illness from COVID also increases with age. COVID vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness and you can help protect yourself and the people around you by getting vaccinated.

Physical activity: The Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period (AEP) is now through Dec. 7, 2021. All seniors eligible for Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement or group retiree plan may be eligible to join SilverSneakers at no additional cost and have access to live and on-demand virtual workouts, including nearly 2,000 activities and classes per week in a variety of lengths and formats. Check eligibility at SilverSneakers.com.

Social connection: Maintaining friendships and connecting with others is an important component to supporting physical, mental and emotional wellness. Set up coffee with friends. Join community groups. Check out social engagement opportunities through programs like SilverSneakers where working out with a group of peers can build friendships and community.

Mental health: Although prioritizing mental health is now more widely accepted, it still can be a challenge for older adults to admit they need help. Talk with your doctor about how you feel and mental health concerns you may have. There are many ways to help with a variety of mental health concerns, including learning mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety, seeing a therapist and medication.

Mental enrichment: Cognitive decline can occur as you age, so it’s important to be proactive to help support brain health through mental stimulation. Read books. Join a weekly game group. Check out GetSetUp, new for SilverSneakers members in participating health plans. This program provides an online learning platform designed specifically for seniors with a wide range of live video classes — over 2,000 hours per week on more than 1,800 topics — to support mental enrichment.

Nutrition: What you eat fuels your body and mind, so it’s important to pack your pantry and refrigerator with wholesome foods. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. Then explore recipes you can try to experience new flavors and keep mealtime exciting. If you need help or have strict dietary concerns, consider working with a nutritionist for additional guidance.

Doesn’t it feel good to check a few things off your list? For more ideas on how seniors can stay active and connected, visit SilverSneakers.com.

2021-11-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Keeping your house clean is a daunting task on the best of days, especially if you have pets. With the holidays approaching, you’ll want your space to be tidy and inviting for guests. Instead of doing a deep clean of your house from top to bottom before guests arrive, pet owners can employ a few proactive strategies to reduce cleaning. Doing so will free up your time so you can add more decorations to the house, put the finishing touch on dessert or dress your furry family member in a festive collar or vest.

Groom regularly

Shedding can be challenging for pet owners to manage. Pet hair can end up on the floor, furniture and clothing, and cleaning it all is time-consuming. By brushing pets a couple of times a week, you can reduce the amount of hair your cat or dog sheds, which means less cleanup. As a bonus, it keeps your pet’s coat shiny, soft and clean. Try grooming them out in the patio or backyard, so you don’t have to sweep up later.

If you don’t have the time to groom every day, regular trips to the groomers can also cut down on the fur and dirt your pets leave around the house.

Let robots do the work for you

It can seem overwhelming to clean the house after a long week of work, errands and extracurricular activities. Luckily, one home appliance can help you stay on top of cleaning and make it easier to get the house ready before a holiday get-together. A robot vacuum can clean the house on a schedule while you’re at work, the kids are at school or you’re all enjoying an afternoon at the dog park. Let a robot vacuum like the eufy RoboVac X8 do the last-minute cleaning so you’ll have more time to focus on what’s really important.

The eufy RoboVac X8 is a pet hair magnet that uses UltraPack dust compression and twin turbines to clean up to 57.6% more pet hair than single-turbine models. According to Rick Du, general manager of eufy’s Appliances division, the Twin-Turbine technology “makes it almost impossible for dirt, debris or pet hair to be left behind.” It also features iPath™ laser navigation AI. Map 2.0 technology to memorize your house’s layout and create an efficient cleaning route.

Another helpful tool that complements your robot vacuum is a handheld model like the HomeVac H30. This easy-to-carry, all-in-one stick vacuum weighs less than 2 pounds and is strong enough to pick up dust, pet hair and particles. It also features a removable battery that provides more than 20 minutes of nonstop cleaning. Together with your robot vacuum, you’ll have the perfect cleaning pair to tackle last-minute spot cleaning in your living room and dining room.

For more information, visit us.eufylife.com.

Make a nap spot

Pet hair and odors quickly accumulate on sofas, chairs and other furniture. Why not make a specific nap spot for your furry friends to relax, and contain the mess to one place? For example, if your cat likes to nap on the back of an armchair, throw a blanket over the spot that you can easily wash and dry before company comes.

You can also buy dog or cat beds with removable, washable covers and place them on or near furniture. Make sure to leave their favorite toys or treats on the pet beds to build a positive association. By making them a nap spot, you’ll make your pets feel special and lessen the amount of cleaning before a holiday dinner.

Choose pet-friendly fabrics

The fabrics you choose make a difference in keeping your furniture in good condition and your common areas clean.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you should avoid loosely woven fabrics that tend to trap pet hair and dander. These fabrics are challenging to clean and your cat’s claws or dog’s nails can easily get snagged in them. Leather upholstery is durable and easy to wipe down with a damp microfiber cloth. Fabrics with a tight weave and low pile like velvet are less likely to hold on to odors and fur can be easily brushed off. Other easy-to-clean and pet-wear resistant fabrics include microfiber, canvas and outdoor upholstery.

Follow these tips to make it easier to keep up with household chores and take some of the stress out of getting holiday-ready. More importantly, less time cleaning means more time spent with family and friends, including your four-legged ones.

2021-11-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – In honor of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, female-founded brand Stacy’s Pita Chips inspires female entrepreneurs with empowering advice from winners of this year’s Stacy’s Rise Project. Check out these 10 tips for entrepreneurs.