Embrace Your Inner Goddess: How Moms Can Stay Centered, Healthy and Stress-free Through the Holiday Season with Kundalini Yoga

2021-11-15T02:01:00

(BPT) – Preparing for the holidays is a breeze. Especially if you have kids. There’s nothing more relaxing than managing menus, cleaning up after guests, decorating the house, buying gifts, making travel arrangements, navigating family drama, and hosting social gatherings, especially during a global pandemic.

No, wait.

The opposite.

It’s exhausting! And like much of the stress of the pandemic, many of these activities and organizational responsibilities fall on moms.

There’s no avoiding the holidays — they are coming, ready or not. But there are things we can do to take care of ourselves so that we can get through the next few months with our health and sanity.

Remember this:

You Are a Goddess.

Write it down on a Post-it note and put it on your bathroom mirror. Write it on your hand with a Sharpie if you have to. You are strong and fierce and wise.

Awaken your Kundalini through meditation.

“Kundalini” describes the divine feminine energy that is inherent in all beings. It’s often portrayed as being a coiled snake, lying dormant at the base of the spine. (If you’re a mom, you might relate, because what more does a mom want than to unwind?)

Accessing the Kundalini energy daily can deliver the strength you need to get through the stress of the holiday season. It can bring peace to your actions and help you understand that you are not alone — we are all in this together.

Here’s how.

Find somewhere you can be alone. (Moms will appreciate this already.) Kundalini Yoga can be practiced in a bedroom and no one will care how messy it is. It can be practiced in an office with a closed door. It can be practiced in a park. Everyone can find a place for this simple daily practice from 3HO, an organization dedicated to sharing the teachings of Kundalini Yoga:

Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine — chin-in and chest lifted.

Rest your hands comfortably on your knees or in your lap. Try the Gyan Mudra hand gesture, touching your first finger and your thumb together like you would to signal “OK.”

Close your eyes and be aware of your breath.

Inhale through the nose in 8 equal strokes. Exhale through the nose in one deep and powerful stroke.

Continue for 11 minutes, or as long as feels comfortable.

Inhale deeply and hold the breath 5-10 seconds. Exhale. Inhale deeply and hold the breath 15-20 seconds and roll your shoulders. Exhale powerfully. Inhale deeply and hold the breath 15-20 seconds and roll the shoulders as fast as you can. Exhale and relax.

Now what?

This part is easy. Believe in yourself. Because you’ve got this.

Kundalini Yoga is a scientifically proven source of self-care. A study involving women with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) found that just eight weeks of Kundalini Yoga can reduce anxiety levels to those seen following eight weeks of standard cognitive therapy.

For more information on Kundalini Yoga and how it can benefit your health and wellness, visit 3HO.org.

Don’t Click That Link! How Remote Workers are Putting Their Companies at Risk (and What You Can Do About It)

2021-11-15T05:01:00

(BPT) – Americans are more concerned about cybersecurity than ever before, according to a new survey conducted by Unisys Corporation. In fact, concerns around internet security rose by 16 percent in 2020, the highest it’s been in the 15-year history of the Unisys Security Index™. Despite these heightened concerns, many working Americans are disregarding their company security processes.

Downloading unauthorized apps or software

Nearly 60% of those surveyed are bypassing their IT department to download unauthorized apps or software to improve their productivity, communication, and collaboration at work. Many of these employees feel that the apps and tools they downloaded are better than the tools provided by their company — or that their company simply doesn’t offer any helpful tools.

“With the hybrid workforce here to stay, these findings shine a light on the need to balance productivity and collaboration tools with security,” said Leon Gilbert, senior vice president for Digital Workplace Solutions at Unisys. “Most people probably don’t understand the security risks of what they’re doing when they go around their IT department, but it shows how important it is for organizations to provide a good digital experience – giving your employees access to the software, apps and collaboration platforms they need to do their jobs, regardless of where they are working.”

To combat the security risks this causes, companies need to focus on providing their employees with the tools they need to strike the right balance between productivity and security. This starts with listening and learning about how your employees prefer to work, especially in hybrid and remote work environments.

Throwing cybersecurity caution to the wind

The survey identified a widespread lack of consumer awareness on avoiding and addressing online threats. More than half of Americans are not wary of clicking on suspicious links in email or text, despite phishing attacks accounting for more than 80% of reported security incidents.

With remote and hybrid work changing the threat landscape, employers can no longer rely on the closed environment of the office workspace or a once-a-year security training to effectively guard against cybersecurity threats. As a result, a robust, continual training program is now more important than ever, and it should be personal to the employee and his or her family.

Lack of cyber threat awareness

Part of the reason people are downloading unauthorized software or clicking on suspicious links may be because they are not familiar with the cyber risks. For example, 62% of survey respondents said they are not familiar with the threat of SMS phishing, which is when a scammer texts someone to ask for personal or financial information, and more than 70% do not know where to report a cyberattack if victimized.

Even though cyberattacks are constantly in the headlines, the average user is likely experiencing fatigue from hearing about such data breaches. People are more likely to stop taking security risks seriously and this puts businesses at greater risk. Without the proper network defenses, one click from an employee could cause major damage to a company’s network — putting all its data and assets at risk.

It’s important for organizations to embrace a holistic security strategy that provides greater visibility across IT and cloud environments. A proactive approach is also needed to address any gaps, while the right security controls can help further protect your data from the risk of human error or worse, from hackers. For more information about the survey findings, or how you can better protect your company, visit unisyssecurityindex.com.

How vitamin C can help boost your skin’s health and appearance

2021-11-12T15:06:48

(BPT) – Are you always on the lookout for better, more effective — and affordable — ways to help boost your skin’s health and appearance? If so, you’ve probably noticed that vitamin C has become a staple when it comes to ingredients in the best skincare products. You’ve also probably heard dermatologists recommending the topical application of vitamin C as a crucial part of their patients’ everyday skincare routines. But why? And when should you use it?

What vitamin C can do for your skin

New York City Dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner explains some of the reasons why this vitamin should be at the top of your skincare regimen to-do list.

“Vitamin C, technically known as ascorbic acid, has become so popular because it is the best-studied topical antioxidant on the market to treat the skin. It neutralizes free radical damage to help repair and protect your skin at the cellular level. It also helps even out skin tone and brighten dark spots,” said Zeichner. “Adding a skincare product with vitamin C to your routine can give the skin a glowing, radiant appearance.”

With many skincare products on the market now featuring vitamin C, it’s important to find the right products, as well as a skincare regimen that’s best for you.

“I recommend looking for products that have been clinically tested and approved by dermatologists,” said Zeichner. “Vitamin C can be used in the morning along with sunscreen to help protect the skin. It can also be used in the evening along with your nighttime moisturizing cream to help repair it.”

Here’s an easy and affordable 2-step routine that can help you bring the power of vitamin C into your daily skincare regimen.

Step 1: RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Daily Serum

After gently cleansing your skin, apply this potent, lightweight serum, which is supercharged with a daily dose of vitamin C. One hundred percent of testers experienced brighter and tighter skin in just 4 weeks, along with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles — and 94% had a more even skin tone.

The serum contains a 10% active vitamin C antioxidant blend that includes peptides and advanced hydrators to visibly brighten skin, improve elasticity and reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

Step 2: RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cream

For your second step after applying the serum, this gel cream has a potent vitamin C blend that’s great for supporting your skin’s health. In clinical tests, 97% of testers instantly saw more luminous, plumper-looking skin, and 100% experienced brighter skin and improved elasticity in just four weeks.

Both products are clinically proven, dermatologist-tested and both paraben- and sulfate-free.

“One important note is that vitamin C and retinol should not be mixed. If you use retinol products at night, then use the vitamin C products only in the morning,” added Zeichner.

To find these products, visit a Walmart near you or shop online at Walmart.com.

5 things you need to know about healthcare coverage during open enrollment

2021-11-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again — open enrollment for healthcare coverage. While finding the right plan may seem confusing, there are more resources and ways to find reduced-cost coverage than ever before. If you’re currently uninsured or your coverage doesn’t meet your needs, now is a good time to explore available options to save money and reduce stress about your healthcare.

Here are 5 things you need to know to help you find the best healthcare coverage for you.

1. Healthcare exchange subsidies can help pay for coverage

The health insurance exchanges (sometimes referred to as the healthcare marketplace) provide access to enroll in health plans for individuals and families.

Millions of Americans are eligible for advance premium tax credits that allow them to purchase coverage with no premium, or lower premiums than they currently pay, depending on their income. In fact, 4 out of 5 people who enroll in reduced-cost coverage through the health insurance exchange can find a plan for $10 or less per month[1].

On certain plans, some people may also qualify for another form of subsidy called Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs), depending on income, which reduce how much you have to pay out-of-pocket toward deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

2. There are various, affordable coverage options

More people qualify for reduced-cost coverage through the health insurance exchange than ever before. To be eligible for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, you must live in the U.S., be a U.S. citizen or national, and cannot be incarcerated. If you are offered healthcare coverage through your employer, it is up to you to decide between that coverage or plans offered on the exchange. You can compare them to see which is better for your situation. Keep in mind that, if you qualify for affordable coverage through your employer, you will not be eligible for financial assistance to purchase a plan on the exchange. Also, if you qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, those options may be a better fit for you.

3. The open enrollment period is November 1 through January 15

You’ll have more time to shop for 2022 health coverage with an extended open enrollment period, which began November 1, 2021 and ends January 15, 2022, in most states. However, enrollments need to be completed by December 15, 2021 to have coverage begin on January 1, 2022. Enrollments completed between December 16 and January 15 will have coverage effective from February 1, 2022.

If you experience a life change such as unemployment, you may be eligible to enroll for coverage outside this open enrollment period.

4. You can find multiple options through UnitedHealthcare

Healthcare is a personal decision, and your needs may change over time. The best way to choose a plan is to review the last couple of years, and ask yourself:

  • Did you have many prescriptions and doctor visits?
  • What did you pay for medications and medical services?
  • What physicians and hospitals are in your area’s network?

Many plans (including UnitedHealthcare Individual and Family plans) offer 24/7 virtual visits for urgent, primary and specialty care at no additional cost, plus wellness and other value-added benefits. UnitedHealthcare is offering new benefits for the 2022 plan year, which may include $0 primary care, dental and vision coverage, prescriptions as low as $3 and complimentary digital fitness classes on some plans.

“We’re including a number of benefits this year to meet the needs of all individuals,” said Marcus Robinson, national vice president, UnitedHealthcare. “Whether you’re looking for low-cost prescriptions, wanting no-cost access to fitness classes, managing a chronic condition or searching for a more convenient way to connect with a provider, we’ve got you covered.”

5. It’s easy to get started

Most areas have experts and licensed agents available that speak multiple languages to help you enroll in the best plan for you and your family’s needs. Learn more about coverage options at UHCExchange.com, or call 1-800-806-0451 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed agent about UnitedHealthcare plans in your area.

Medical plan coverage offered by UnitedHealthcare of Arizona, Inc. in AZ, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization, Incorporated in CO, UnitedHealthcare of Florida, Inc. in FL, UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, Inc. in GA, UnitedHealthcare of Illinois, Inc. in IL, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in LA, TN and AL, Optimum Choice, Inc. in VA and MD, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Inc. in MI, UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina, Inc. in NC, UnitedHealthcare of Oklahoma, Inc. in OK, UnitedHealthcare of Texas, Inc. in TX and UnitedHealthcare of Oregon, Inc. in WA. Administrative Services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates.

Some plans may require copayments, deductibles and/or coinsurance for these benefits. This policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, review your plan documents, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable. By responding to this offer, you agree that a representative may contact you.


[1] https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/10/25/preview-plans-now-open-enrollment-starts-november-1.html

Gear up for holiday cooking

2021-11-12T05:15:00

(BPT) – Give the gift of togetherness by hosting a special holiday meal, tapping into a joyful tradition beloved for generations. Experiences are the gift of choice for many, creating lasting memories and appreciation. The right tools make a big difference in preparing stand-out dishes and drinks, so here are ways to gear up your kitchen to celebrate the holidays foodie-style.

Greet guests with frothy hot chocolate made with the Capresso froth Select. It whips up hot chocolate made with chocolate chips, chunks, powder or syrup. With 4 settings — cold froth, hot froth, hot milk and hot chocolate — it is also the choice for cappuccinos, lattes, flavored steamers, hot apple cider, iced fruit lattes and more.

The Tramontina Gourmet 10-Piece Hard Anodized Aluminum Cookware Set includes everything needed to braise, sauté, simmer or sear. It stands out for its heavy-duty aluminum construction and reinforced nonstick interior made without PFOA, lead or cadmium. Its durable hard anodized exterior and stainless steel accents provide for a premium look. The shatter-proof glass lids help reduce splatters.

The aspirational choice in stand mixers, the Ankarsrum takes baking to a new level. Unlike other mixers, this powerful appliance has a rotating bowl instead of something rotating in a bowl, to simulate kneading by hand. The large bowl handles up to 12-15 pounds of dough, and is open at the top, making it easier to add ingredients. Baking is just the beginning for this multifunctional appliance.

Because nothing says holiday like cookies baking in the oven, Betty Bossi presents an innovative Cookie Press for two-tone cookies in six different shapes: stars, flowers, clovers, wreaths, checkerboards and “S.” Just choose the mold and add dough — in one or two colors — then fill the pan with perfectly shaped cookies. One click, one cookie — the Cookie Press makes it easy with simple, one-handed use.

A world first for hot and cold brew specialties, the JURA Z10 doubles the range of specialty coffees that can be brewed at home. It prepares the full range of hot drinks at the touch of a button — from intense espresso to trendy flat white — and, it opens a new dimension in coffee enjoyment with cold brew specialties. This masterpiece of Swiss engineering stands out for technology and innovation, with an ultra-fast automatic grinder, eighth-generation brewing unit, and Cold Extraction Process for a refreshing genuine cold brew experience with a balanced aroma.

How Hispanic foods make an impact, from barbacoa to birria

2021-11-11T19:30:47

(BPT) – Hispanic contributions to the U.S., including the unique art, music, talent, innovation — and food, have enriched the American experience.

These vital cultural influences come from regions spanning Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Spain itself. Possibly the most impactful influence from Hispanic culture centers on food. American food culture is invigorated by these exciting inspirations.

Hispanic foods make an impact, from barbacoa to birria

Traditional foods with Hispanic roots are as diverse and varied as the people themselves, with many dishes adapted from place to place to showcase local ingredients — or reflect cultural and regional differences.

To raise awareness of Hispanic culinary contributions, Rumba Meats, a brand focused on delivering authentic Hispanic meat products, is partnering with Latino food and lifestyle influencers to share their recipes and stories behind the flavors Hispanic culture has contributed to the U.S.

Barbacoa

A favorite of Instagram influencer Saraa Franco, this traditional dish dates back to pre-Hispanic times. The Mayans developed this technique of cooking meat wrapped in agave leaves in a hole in the ground. Spanish explorers brought barbacoa north from the Caribbean into the present-day U.S. in the 16th and 17th centuries, and “barbecue,” as it’s known, has only gotten more popular in the last 500 years.

“There are lots of places in the U.S. where you can find really good barbacoa tacos,” said Franco. “Or you can learn how to make barbacoa yourself.”

Franco makes barbacoa using Rumba Meats beef cheek. “There’s something so special about food that reminds me of my childhood,” said Franco. “Waking up in my grandfather’s rancho, the smell of coffee, homemade tortillas — and barbacoa being prepared so we could all have breakfast as a family.”

Birria

Birria is easily one of the greatest, most widely appreciated foods that Hispanic culture has contributed to America. This traditional Mexican stew originated in Jalisco, Mexico, where it was made with goat meat. Today, in the U.S., birria is made with other meats. Lifestyle influencer Petia Mitchell uses Rumba Meats beef cheek in her birria recipe. Teresa Barajas, whose grandfather had a birria stand in Jalisco, uses hind shank and marrow bones.

In fact, birria has undergone lots of popular adaptations. It’s having a moment in the U.S. as Quesabirria, a taco variation on the dish, became a social media hit.

However you make it, birria is a savory, satisfying, time-honored treasure that fosters inventiveness and experimentation.

Birria recipe from Petia Mitchell

Servings: 4 (stew) or 10 (tacos); Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 11 hours

Ingredients

1 package (about 2 pounds) Rumba Meats Beef Cheekmeat
2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
3 cups water
2 bay leaves

Chile Sauce

5 dried California chiles
6 dried Morita chiles (or chipotle peppers in sauce)
4 cloves garlic
1/3 cup oil
2 cups water, reserve 1 cup
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
1/3 teaspoon Mexican cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon ground clove
6-8 peppercorns
2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into slow cooker and cook on low overnight. Remove beef from broth. Strain broth and reserve.
2. Meanwhile, make Chile Sauce. Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Add chiles, garlic and oil to small saucepan and heat on medium/low. Once chiles begin to soften in oil, add 1 cup water. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. In blender add chiles, garlic, 1 cup water and 1 cup cooking liquid from meat. Add remaining ingredients listed for sauce. Blend on high 30 seconds. Strain sauce through mesh strainer, removing large pieces.
4. Add strained chili sauce and one tablespoon oil to large saucepan, then simmer 5 minutes. Add beef broth from slow cooker plus 1 more cup of beef broth. Cook 15 minutes.
5. Add beef cheekmeat to simmering saucepan and cook another 20-30 minutes.
Enjoy with rice or in tortillas. Top with onions, cilantro and lime juice.

How to learn more

To inspire a new generation of Hispanic leaders, Rumba Meats is partnering with the U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI), providing scholarships to U.S. Hispanic high school seniors.

For stories about Hispanic contributions, ways to celebrate and recipe inspiration, visit RumbaMeats.com.

Need extra holiday cash? Here are 5 simple ways

2021-11-11T19:31:00

(BPT) – Is your gift list larger than your budget? Would you like a little year-end cash to help you through the holidays? Or are you just looking for ways to save a little more? Here are some of the best bets for putting cash in your pocket.

1. Sell your stuff. Your old stuff can be somebody else’s new treasure. Many of us have musical instruments, clothes, kitchen appliances or electronics we’re no longer using. So, consider selling on eBay or Craigslist or one of the dozens of resale sites on the web.

2. Join the gig economy. Consider a second job or gig. From working retail to tutoring, driving, running errands, or editing — there’s something for everyone. Check out sites like FlexJobs, which lists the best resources of gig jobs.

3. Try a sweepstakes or contest. At any given time, there are dozens listed online. One such sweepstakes, “TextFree’s 10-Day Gratitude Giveaway Sweepstakes,” will be awarding $10,500 in prizes between Nov. 15 and Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, and no purchase is required. Just visit www.textfree.us/gratitude-giveaway for details. And there are hundreds of contests of all sizes and shapes. Many are free and easy to enter. You can find lists of them at contest aggregators, such as Contest Frenzy (www.contestfrenzy.com).

4. Renegotiate your cable or mobile phone bill. You won’t get money back right away, but you will have monthly cost savings through 2022, and that could free up your holiday budget. Keep in mind, many cable companies offer special packages that can reduce your bill, and services like TextFree allow you to text and call for free.

5. Spend less on holidays. Consider alternatives to pricey gifts, or organize a gift exchange, so you’re buying for fewer people. Talk it over with your friends and family to find creative ways to enjoy the season and leave your wallet intact.

4 Ways to Give Back While You Shop This Holiday Season

2021-11-11T14:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season has arrived, and with it the hunt to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. The holidays are also a great time to give back to local communities and to those in need. From supporting small businesses and charitable organizations to shopping sustainably, here are four convenient ways to give back while you shop on Amazon this season.

Support charitable organizations. Help deliver smiles and holiday cheer to those in need by shopping at smile.amazon.com. AmazonSmile offers the same products and the same low prices, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the purchase price of eligible products to a charity of your choice. You can also donate directly to charities by purchasing requested items from the thousands of AmazonSmile Charity Lists available, which are managed directly by the charities themselves.

Support small businesses. Support small businesses this holiday by shopping Amazon’s Small Business Gift Guide, which includes woman-owned, military family-owned, and Black-owned businesses, and top gift picks from celebrities Gabrielle Union, Drew Barrymore, and Billy Porter. You can also discover one-of-a-kind handcrafted goods and unique gifts by local Makers on Amazon Handmade.

Gift (RED). For the fifth consecutive year, (RED) and Amazon are teaming up to provide customers a destination to shop gifts that give back. Every purchase on the Amazon (RED) storefront supports the fight against global health emergencies like COVID and AIDS and funds life-saving programs in communities most in need. In addition to customer favorites like the (PRODUCT)RED Theragun mini and Apple Watch Series 7 (PRODUCT)RED, this year’s selection includes a new collection of (ANOVA)RED Precision Cookers, LARQ Bottles (PRODUCT)RED, (VAHDAM)RED teas, and more.

Shop sustainable. Reduce environmental impact this season by recycling old items, composting holiday food waste, and shopping sustainably on Amazon by searching for Climate Pledge Friendly products. The Climate Pledge Friendly label recognizes products with improvements in at least one aspect of sustainability. Eligible products are certified by sustainability certifications, including Amazon’s Compact by Design certification, as part of Amazon’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and become net zero carbon by 2040.

To find more ways to shop and give back this holiday season, visit amazon.com.

5 ways to manage painful diabetes complications

2021-11-11T09:01:00

(BPT) – Technology has come a long way in reducing the impact of diabetes on people’s lives. Long gone are the days of daily urine testing and sharpening needles. Newer technologies like smart blood glucose meters, insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors have given people better tools to self-manage their condition, a key to living healthier lives and avoiding diabetes complications. However, while the rates of diabetes-related heart disease and stroke have decreased over the last 20 years, complications still impact millions of people with diabetes. Even those who receive excellent medical care and do their best to manage their condition can still develop complications such as heart disease, eye disease or a type of nerve damage called painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Fortunately, there is hope, as many of these conditions can be managed.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a painful complication of diabetes, here are 5 tips to help you on your journey.

1. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan.

Communicate openly and honestly with your healthcare team. Even if your diabetes may be under control, painful complications can still drastically impact your quality of life and should be discussed with your care provider. Work together to develop a treatment plan designed for you. Talk about work and family responsibilities, the impact of your pain on these activities, what motivates or demotivates you, and achievable steps to support both your physical and emotional health. If the pain is impacting your daily life, consider talking to your primary doctor about adding a pain specialist in your area to your team.

2. Focus on keeping your blood glucose in range.

Complications can happen to anyone: it’s not a reflection of how well you’re managing your diabetes. Try not to let the frustration of developing a complication cause you to give up on your blood glucose (BG) control goals. Spending more time with your blood glucose between 70 and 180 mg/dL will help you feel better on a daily basis, prevent future complications and, in some cases, even slow the progression of a complication after onset. Frequently monitor your glucose with a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor and manage your carbohydrate intake to help you stay in range. If you require insulin, work with your healthcare team to balance your carbohydrate intake and insulin dosages, and learn how to promptly address the highs and lows that are bound to occur in a body that no longer produces enough of its own insulin.

3. Embrace new technologies.

In recent years, there has been an explosion of diabetes innovation — from apps to help you count carbs and plan meals to better tools for managing complications. For example, the FDA recently approved HFX™ for PDN, a Senza spinal cord stimulation system that uses 10kHz Therapy to treat pain from diabetic neuropathy. The device uses mild electrical pulses to the nerves to interrupt pain signals to the brain, relieving the burning, pins-and-needles pain associated with PDN. Talk to your doctor about your biggest diabetes challenges and what technologies might be best for you.

4. Find your support system.

Managing diabetes is a challenge, but you don’t have to travel the journey alone. Find others who share similar experiences online or offline. Look for groups who can provide understanding, encouragement and education to support you where you are. Alternatively, you may benefit from hearing other people with the complication share how they have overcome their pain to live healthier lives.

5. Stay optimistic but realistic.

Developing a diabetes complication is not a sign of failure nor a reason to despair. You can still live a full and happy life. It is important to take the condition seriously and you’ll likely need to make adjustments to your routine, based on discussions with your healthcare team. But a positive outlook will help you adapt and stay motivated.

November is American Diabetes Month, and the American Diabetes Association is asking people with diabetes to take The Big Step Up and take their health into their own hands. If you’re living with painful diabetic neuropathy and want to see if HFX for PDN can help you take The Big Step Up to thriving with diabetes, visit HFXforPDN.com.

Enjoy baking better-for-you treats this holiday season

2021-11-10T23:01:00

(BPT) – Outdoor temps are cooling down, leaves are falling and the holiday season is fast approaching — inspiring baking with festive, craveable flavors like pumpkin, cinnamon, chocolate and peppermint. The good news is, you can indulge those cravings by using healthier alternatives to create better-for-you treats that the whole family will love.

“There’s no reason you can’t enjoy holiday goodies and still receive nutritional benefits, with the right choices,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S. “Look for foods that provide more protein and fiber content than sugar, so you can get those flavors you crave while also fueling your body with the nutrients it needs.”

For example, with Quest Nutrition’s Limited Edition Seasonal protein bars, you can indulge in the taste of the holidays with 20 grams of energizing protein, plus plenty of fiber that your body needs.*

  • Quest Pumpkin Pie Protein Bars feature delicious pumpkin flavor mixed with hints of warm spices — like a slice of pumpkin pie without a ton of net carbs and sugar.
  • Peppermint Bark Quest Protein Bars are a delicious and smart choice for holiday cravings, with crunchy bits of peppermint-flavored, chocolaty pieces that remind your taste buds of the holiday season.

Even better, use these tasty bars in these fun, family-friendly recipes, so you can enjoy every single bite.

*See individual product for nutrition information, including calories, total fat and saturated fat content.

Pumpkin Streusel Sweet Potato Boats

This sweet and savory side is a perfect addition to your holiday table, everyday dinner or as a satisfying snack on a chilly evening.

Ingredients
4 sweet potatoes, small
1 and 1/2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons Swerve brown sugar
1 scoop Quest Multipurpose Protein Powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
1 Quest Pumpkin Pie Bar

Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Use fork to stab potatoes and place them on a plate. Microwave 4-5 minutes until softened.
Once cooked through, let cool.
Cut potatoes in half, lengthwise, and scoop out filling.
In mixing bowl, stir together sweet potato filling, butter, brown sugar, protein powder, cinnamon, salt and bacon pieces until combined. Fill skins with mixture and bake 20-25 minutes.
Meanwhile, chop Quest bar into small pieces, place into food processor and blend until small crumbles form.
Sprinkle crumbles over boats immediately after removing from oven.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve. Makes 8 servings (or “boats”).

Peppermint Bark Mini Cupcakes

For a party, family get-together or weekday dessert, enjoy the iconic holiday flavor combo — chocolate and peppermint.

Ingredients
1/3 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons coconut flour
1 scoop Quest Chocolate Milkshake Protein Powder
2 tablespoons zero calorie sweetener
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch salt
1 Peppermint Bark Quest Bar, chopped
1/2 cup almond milk
1 egg
1 egg white
1 tablespoon melted butter

Frosting
1 cup low fat ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons powdered zero calorie sweetener
1 scoop chocolate milkshake protein powder
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1-2 tablespoons almond milk

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare two cupcake tins with 14 mini liners.
In bowl, stir together almond flour, coconut flour, protein powder, sweetener, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, then set aside.
In microwave safe bowl, add chopped bar and almond milk and cook on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth.
Let cool 5 minutes before whisking in eggs and melted butter.
Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until batter forms.
Distribute batter between liners and bake cupcakes 12-14 minutes. Let cool.
For frosting, use handheld mixer to beat ricotta, powdered sweetener, protein and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add almond milk 1 tablespoon at a time for smoother consistency.
Transfer frosting to piping bag and add dollop of frosting onto each cupcake and smooth with knife. Top with sprinkles if desired. Makes 14 mini cupcakes.

No time to bake? No problem. You can get your holiday flavor fix by enjoying these bars just the way they are. Visit QuestNutrition.com to explore these products and more.