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5 key benefits of radiant heating systems

2022-01-25T17:30:45

(BPT) – As people look to make their homes healthier and more comfortable, interest in radiant heating systems has increased. A top home-improvement trend for 2022, these comfortable, energy-efficient heating systems have a variety of installation methods for new and existing homes.

Hydronic radiant heating systems work when warm water flows through flexible crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipes that can be installed under any floor covering, including carpet, tile, wood and linoleum. The radiant system heats spaces from the floor up, providing comfort, efficiency and improved indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Some benefits of radiant heat include:

  • Even temperature in spaces, with no hot or cold spots
  • Warmth remains at your feet instead of rising to the ceiling
  • Ability to zone the heating system throughout a home to maintain different temperatures, depending on room usage
  • Elimination of fans that circulate dust, pollen, odors and viruses for improved air quality
  • Quiet systems that enhance sound quality for a more peaceful home

Radiant heating systems can be used throughout a home for efficient temperature control. In gathering spaces like the living room, they can provide comfort even when relaxing on the floor. They make functional spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms cozier, and they remove the chill often associated with rooms such as basements or rec rooms.

Different options have modular components and accessories that allow systems to be installed easily and quickly no matter the circumstances of the home. Uponor is a provider of radiant heating systems with installation options that work for new-home construction or remodeling situations.

Radiant heat systems in new homes

In new homes, the staple-down method is a common installation practice. Installers use a special radiant piping stapler tool to fasten the flexible PEX piping to the surface. The staples go around the outside of the pipe to adhere it to the surface. After the pipe is completely fastened, a lightweight gypsum concrete is poured over the piping to create a smooth, solid surface for the flooring.

Another popular option for new homes that saves time is knobbed mats, like Fast Trak. The underside adhesive keeps the mats in place as the pipe is pressed between the knobs, by hand or foot, in the desired pattern. Finally, just like with the staple-down method, gypsum concrete is poured to create a smooth surface.

Radiant heat in remodels

If you’re interested in adding radiant heat to an existing home, there are alternative options that don’t require extensive flooring replacement or pouring concrete. For example, with a typical thickness of only a half-inch, wood-based radiant panels are a solution for residential remodel and retrofit applications.

How does this work? The wood panels feature a groove down the center for piping placement with an aluminum sheet on the bottom to transfer heat effectively. These panels fasten to the plywood subfloor for a minimal increase in floor height, plus there’s no moisture from concrete overpours.

Another option for existing homes or vacation properties is joist heating with aluminum panels called Joist Trak. These extruded aluminum panels install from underneath in the joist bays of the floor. It is an application for homes that have an exposed ceiling, such as an unfinished basement. This allows you to add radiant heat to the floor above without tearing up any floor coverings.

From increased comfort to a healthier home, energy efficiency and more, there are many reasons why radiant heating systems are a top home-improvement project. For more information on radiant heat and installation options for new and existing homes, visit uponor.com.

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Helping kids develop confidence and become more resilient

2022-01-25T15:01:00

(BPT) – While the past two years have been tough on everyone, they’ve been especially hard for children living with challenging family circumstances or in communities hit hardest by health and economic difficulties. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association recently declared children’s mental health a national emergency due to the serious toll COVID-19 has taken on families. According to the CDC, between March and October 2020, the percentage of emergency department visits for children with mental health emergencies grew by 24% for children ages 5-11. The pandemic also caused a decline in children receiving primary care and behavioral health services, which can negatively impact their well-being.

What can adults do to help children cope?

Supporting children facing unprecedented changes and challenges is key to helping them develop emotional skills — like resilience — that will last a lifetime, according to Dr. Arethusa Stevens Kirk, national senior medical director at UnitedHealthcare.

Children and adolescents have faced unprecedented stressors in their environments: quarantines, illness in families and other disruptions. The pandemic has affected the stability and structure of families, with over 140,000 U.S. children experiencing the death of a parent or grandparent from COVID-19, according to the AAP. According to AAP research, children of racial and ethnic minority families are at 4.5 times greater risk of losing a caregiver.

“I grew up in and out of foster care starting at age 4, so I understand how important it is to help children remain resilient in the face of challenging environments. Knowing how to talk with children and demonstrate compassion helps reduce stress in their lives,” said Kirk. “As a pediatrician, I see how vital it is that we teach them skills like resilience, flexibility, confidence and persistence.”

Resources to support children’s mental health and development

To help children develop critical life skills, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the children’s program “Sesame Street” has introduced new resources to help children build resilience. Made possible by UnitedHealthcare, the new content includes three online storybooks and an online course for providers. The content helps teach confidence and how to encourage practicing persistence and dealing with change — all key ingredients to resilience.

For providers: The “Roads to Resilience” online course is designed to help providers including healthcare workers, educators, and housing and social service providers use the new resources, along with tools and new ideas to foster professional development.

For children: Three storybooks feature the “Sesame Street” Muppets Karli, Lily and Alex.

  • “The Monster Dash: A Story about Resilience and Flexibility” explores dealing with change. Because of her mom’s struggle with addiction, Karli has spent time in foster care, living with a lack of predictability and control. But caring adults have given her tools to build resilience. Being flexible and pivoting when circumstances change is a big part of resilience.
  • “Looking for Special: A Story about Resilience and Confidence” teaches children about confidence. Lily and her family haven’t always had enough food, and for a while they didn’t have a home of their own — but they’ve endured hard times and are stronger for it.
  • “Bounce Back: A Story about Resilience and Persistence” shows Alex practicing persistence. When Alex’s father was incarcerated, Alex and his family faced big challenges, and he had to cope with hard feelings like fear and anger. Persistence is another part of resilience and, like everyone, Alex needs to find ways to manage his frustration and practice patience.

“Resources and skills like these help children cope with difficulties. Anyone involved in a child’s care holds power, and they can use that power to help children feel safe, seen — and hopeful,” added Kirk. “By working together, we can improve children’s overall health and well-being.”

For over 10 years, UnitedHealthcare and Sesame Workshop have worked together to improve the well-being of children and families — especially those most vulnerable — by providing tools to build a strong foundation for lifelong healthy habits. This partnership includes the “Growing Every Day, Every Way” program, which provides families and caregivers with resources to address topics including food insecurity, physical activity, developmental milestones and healthy habits, to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

These resources are available in English and Spanish for parents and providers to access and download at SesameStreetInCommunities.org.

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Prudential celebrates the ‘rocks’ in our lives and moving forward, together

2022-01-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – The new year is often a catalyst for setting goals and making life changes — from switching jobs to moving to a new home to making lifestyle changes. Yet, as the global pandemic stretches into a third year, nearly nine out of 10 people who want to hit a reset still face at least one barrier to making a significant change in their lives, according to a recent Prudential Financial survey*.

With 75% of Americans considering a major change, it can be challenging to stick to a resolution, start something new or overcome an obstacle.

Lack of money (35%), discomfort with uncertainty (22%), fear of the unknown and lack of confidence (both 21%) are among the top barriers preventing people from reaching a goal. A strong foundation of support could make the difference in achieving personal goals and changes. Among those considering a change, 63% say that support from friends and family would help them move forward to make the change. People find that lift and source of confidence through the “rocks” in people’s lives, who encourage them to take that leap, root for them when they face their fears, and give them confidence to achieve their dreams.

These themes and sentiments are reflected in Prudential’s new commercial, “Rock Moments,” which celebrates the small, yet pivotal, moments when the strength and reassurance of the “rocks” in people’s lives propel them to become unstoppable. Rocks provide a strong foundation of support — whether a friend, loved one or mentor — to empower people to do great things, big and small.

The new commercial underscores the importance of optimism and forward momentum. It mirrors how so many of us are feeling right now during these challenging times — ready for a reset, ready to take a leap — but we need a friend, a mentor, a family member to cheer us on.

*The survey was conducted on YouGov Direct; 1,200 U.S. adults 18+ were surveyed on Nov. 16, 2021, between 2:49 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Data is weighted on age, gender, education level, political affiliation and ethnicity to be nationally representative of adults 18+ in the United States. The margin of error is approximately 2.8% for the overall sample.

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How to improve your credit score in the New Year [Infographic]

2022-01-24T10:41:00

(BPT) – It’s difficult to change what you don’t track. Fortunately, it’s easy to make the necessary changes before your next major financial decision by tracking your credit score using free monitoring services, like Chase Credit Journey. According to new research from Chase, consumers are already taking advantage of credit monitoring services.

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Got a case of winter doldrums? Yoga and meditation can help.

2022-01-21T15:11:00

(BPT) – Suffering from a case of “the blahs”?

The holidays are over. Our get-up-and-go is more of a sit-there-and-stay. Those resolutions? Maybe not working out so much. The days are shorter. We’re not getting as much sun. We’re isolated, we’re cold, we’re crabby.

Now what?

Recent studies have shown that Kundalini Yoga and meditation reduce stress and anxiety, helping to combat doldrums, blues, dumps, lows, and bummers.

Here’s the best part: It’s easy enough that anyone can do it, anywhere, any time. Which, when you’re feeling unmotivated, can be crucial.

3HO, an organization that promotes Kundalini Yoga and meditation worldwide, has instructions for dozens of “kriyas,” which are sets of practices — mainly simple breath control techniques and gentle postures — that are practiced to achieve a specific outcome.

The meditation described below is designed to lift your spirits by lowering the cortisol overproduced by your body when you’re under stress. According to Harvard Health Publishing, within just a week or two of regular meditation, you should see a noticeable change in your mood and stress level.

Start here.

Posture: Sit in a comfortable position with a straight spine. Lace your fingers together so that your fingertips find the space between the fingers of your opposite hand. Now extend your index fingers, press them together, and straighten them. Your thumbs should cross each other comfortably. Hold your hands at chest level.

Focus: Keep your eyes open. Focus on the tip of your nose.

Mantra: Chant Wahe Guru Wahe Jio. Don’t stress about the pronunciation. Imagine the word Wha coming from your bellybutton; the word Hey coming from your chest; and the word Guru coming from your lips. Follow the same sequence and rhythm for Wahe Jio.

Time: Continue for 3 minutes. (You can work up to 31 minutes, if you want to.)

End: Inhale and hold. Focus on the sound of the mantra. Exhale. Inhale, hold, and allow yourself to feel the source of your sadness. Exhale, and let it go.

Inhale, hold, and feel the preciousness of life.

Exhale, and let it go. Relax. That’s it!

It’s not hard to be kind to ourselves.

We should all do it more often.

For more information on Kundalini Yoga and other kriyas, visit 3HO.org. The winter blues should not be confused with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you think you may be suffering from SAD, please talk to a medical professional for advice. If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts or feelings, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-784-2433.

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3 Ways to Become a Better Person for Yourself and Others this New Year

2022-01-21T00:01:00

(BPT) – If self-growth is on your mind, what better time to start off than the dawn of a new year? Here are three tips to help you discover the best version of yourself, for your own good and the good of others.

1. Express Gratitude We tend to focus on the things we don’t have, often passing over the bright spots in our life. Giving thanks for positive experiences, relationships and everyday happenings helps us acknowledge and appreciate the goodness that already exists in our lives.

Reach Out More. Take a moment to fully understand what your loved ones do for you unconditionally. And when there’s a heartfelt thanks to be given, give them a call to let them know you care or sit down to write a brief but sincere note or email. Send it, or better yet, read it aloud to let them know it comes from the heart.

Spot the Silver Lining. When a challenge stops you in your tracks, remember that with every trial comes a golden opportunity to grow as a person, build your resilience or gain a new focus in life. To avoid jumping on the negative train, try writing a gratitude journal. Jot down the things you’re grateful for, whether that be a daily occurrence, like the beautiful sunset that greets you almost every morning, or a special one-off event, like a promotion you’ve been working toward for months or years.

Check your Privileges. Recognizing, and being grateful for, your privileges is the first step toward having empathy for those who are not on the same grounds. While you may be accustomed to the everyday life that comes easily with your age, gender, race and ability, realize that circumstances may be different for another — for instance, while you can easily control your home appliances, some differently-abled users may need the help of assistive technology from LG, such as braille overlay and audio instructions, to fully access and control household gadgets.

2. Give as much as you Receive Empathy lets us be the best version of ourselves for the well-being of others. Make it your goal to perform a selfless or random act of kindness and explore your inner compassion. You’ll quickly learn how and when to put one’s interests aside for the good of another.

Be Kind to Thy Neighbor. Lend a hand to a neighbor in need. If you have a flair for cooking, why not put those skills to good use and deliver a home-cooked meal or two for those less fortunate? If you’re living in a family neighborhood, carpooling works better for everyone — and the planet.

Donate Used Goods. If you’re hoping to declutter the home or make way for new clothes, consider giving away your once-prized possessions rather than banishing them to the local landfill. Items, especially garments, can be recycled and reborn as new for someone else to love — and there’s a great deal of references and recycling programs provided by local governments, communities and companies to make it incredibly easy and hassle-free to do so. For instance, LG’s Second Life campaign receives used clothing donations and gives them a new life, ensuring that every closet cleanout can be of value to someone in need.

3. Be Kind to the Planet Don’t limit your kindness to human beings; take it a step further by joining the worldwide effort to protect Mother Earth. Every small action taken to improve the well-being of the environment will come back to benefit yourself, your family, your friends and everyone who calls the planet home in the future.

Start a Community Project. Get members of your local community involved, so that everyone can work together to help this planet flourish. Start growing vegetables in your garden or plant some trees in an area where others can enjoy them and take part as well — with the landowner’s permission of course. If you have time to spare, try organizing litter-picking events and invite your neighbors and friends to lend a helping hand.

Be a Conscious Consumer. Support and buy from companies committing to environmental conservation for a healthier planet. Choosing from providers who are exclusively adopting eco-packaging and eco-friendly materials — like LG and its lineup of soundbars and OLED TVs — means that by consuming their products, you’re effectively lessening the harm being done to our one-of-a-kind Earth.

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How to refresh your remote work routine for the new year

2022-01-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

Working and learning at home can be a challenge even in the best of times, and while many of us have been making do with our temporary home offices, now is the perfect time to review your current office set-up and routine to help become more focused, refreshed and ready for whatever comes your way.

Here are some ideas to help you refresh and renew your remote work environment for 2022.

1. Feel better while you work

You’ve probably heard that sitting all day is bad for you, but have you explored alternative options? It’s not hard to set up a more active workspace to improve your workday. Standing or varying your work position throughout the day can improve productivity and energy levels.

Try some of these options to promote a healthier work environment:

  • Active Workstations, like exercise bikes that double as desks, can help bring light exercise to your workday, all while you’re accomplishing daily tasks.
  • Standing desks or standing desk converters will move you from sitting slouched at your desk to a more upright position. Challenge yourself to stand at your desk several times each day.
  • Active seating, like balance ball chairs, can help you stabilize and strengthen your core.
  • Anti-fatigue mats provide added comfort while standing.

Check out more active workplace furniture solutions at OfficeDepot.com.

2. Update antivirus and utilities software

Remote work makes it even more important to keep your antivirus and security software up to date. To make sure you have enough protection for your computer or add protection to smartphones and tablets, Office Depot carries a wide range of antivirus, antispyware and internet security suite software so you can find the right choice for your needs.

While you’re at it, help your computers operate at their best by installing applicable computer updates. For example, consider upgrading eligible Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11.

Pro tip: Finding your home computer screen difficult to work with? Consider an extra monitor to maximize productivity and visibility.

3. Master time management

Use available time management tools to stay on top of appointments and to-dos as well as short-term and long-term goal planning. Block out time for uninterrupted periods for work that requires more focus, and be more intentional about how to use short time blocks before and after meetings.

Office Depot carries convenient tools like monthly desk pads so you can check your schedule at a glance and weekly/monthly planners to help you make the most of your time and stay organized.

Pro tip: Schedule regular breaks to focus on your personal wellness to help prevent burnout. By setting regular appointments to get up and move, stretch or relax, the rest of your workday will feel even better.

4. Improve connections with colleagues

If you don’t have regular times to connect with people in-person or virtually already arranged as part of your workday, consider creating small and large group meetings with team members, plus one-on-one meetings to touch base and help build trust and camaraderie within your team. These can be informal, short “lunch get-togethers” or “virtual happy hours” to just enjoy each other’s company with no set agenda.

5. Reduce distractions

Remove items unrelated to work from your office area, so you can keep home and family life separate from work. If you don’t have a separate room for your home office, consider using a portable partition or curtain to help visually divide the space. You can also create a “Do Not Disturb” sign to let family or roommates know when you’re in meetings, to minimize interruptions using print services available at Office Depot.

Pro tip: House too noisy? Invest in good quality noise-cancelling headphones to help you stay focused if you don’t have a separate office or quiet space.

6. Consolidate errands

Whether you need to stop by the post office, pick up office supplies or run other errands, consolidate trips as much as possible to save time. To help with this, find sources that offer quick and easy services like online ordering or home delivery. Whether you need to order supplies or have something printed, packed or shipped, Office Depot can help you get it all done quickly with same-day delivery, free 20-minute in-store or curbside pickup, free next-day business day delivery on qualifying $45 orders and more.

Use these tips and ideas to help make this year your most refreshed, focused and productive year ever, no matter where your office is located.

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Kitchen Surface Trends: Sophisticated, Sustainable Surfaces to Steal the Spotlight in 2022

2022-01-20T12:31:00

(BPT) – After a year full of unpredictability, many of us gained a newfound appreciation for our kitchens and the many purposes they serve. The heart of the home is getting the attention it deserves as homeowners realize the importance of having a multi-faceted kitchen and are ready to invest in new solutions for the way we now live. According to a recent U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, homeowners are likely to focus on upgrades such as countertops, backsplashes and other surface refreshes like island bases and cabinet fronts. These relatively easy updates can be transformative and deliver a dramatic new look in days.

If you’re ready to set out on a kitchen surface overhaul, here are four design elements expected to dominate kitchen surface trends in 2022:

1. Nature-Inspired Designs

As we all continue to spend more time at home, there has been a renewed sense of wanting to bring the outdoors in through nature-inspired design elements. We’ve never needed the healing powers of nature more than we do now, so it’s no surprise that biophilic design — the practice of creating a closer connection to nature through building, design and landscaping considerations — is set to be one of the top design trends this year.

For kitchen surfaces, homeowners are seeking natural-looking materials that are also durable and easy to maintain. Stone-inspired looks, like marbles and granites, are highly sought after for countertops, backsplashes and islands, and can be found in new colors and patterns in engineered quartz, solid surface and even in high pressure laminate (HPL) for more budget-conscious consumers. Natural textures are also in high demand. From the continued love of stones to the growing popularity of natural woven materials and exotic woodgrain looks, a textured finish can provide a whole new look and feel to a space.

Wilsonart® Home can help homeowners achieve these looks with designs inspired by the world around us. The collection of engineered surfaces keeps the whole design space in mind and is versatile enough to be used anywhere — on countertops, cabinets, walls and everything in between.

2. Resi-mercial

Fueled by the decline in travel during the pandemic, homeowners are looking to replicate the sophisticated style and comforts of an upscale hotel or luxury resort in their homes — further blurring the lines between residential and commercial design.

White marbles, especially Carrara marble, continue to be one of the most sought-after looks to achieve this sophisticated, resi-mercial style and looks beautiful when incorporating a waterfall edge. Thanks to engineered materials like ultra-durable acrylic solid surface, homeowners can achieve the luxurious look of marble without the price tag and maintenance of natural stone.

Industrial design is another staple in this trend that continues to evolve as a modern standard. Evoking a minimalist style, this look is softer and more delicate in direction and illustrated through sleek and sometimes darker surface selections perfect for modern spaces.

3. Sustainable and Sanitary

More and more homeowners are showing interest in sustainable alternatives to natural products; alternative materials like laminate, solid surface and quartz mimic the best of Mother Nature without impacting the environment, offering appealing options for eco-conscious consumers.

The pandemic has also led to a focus on cleanliness and regular sanitation of high-touch surfaces like drawers and cabinets, yet not all surfaces are built to handle this challenge. Homeowners prioritizing this are seeking specific features like non-porous, high-performance materials. HPL is a great choice for homeowners looking for a sustainable and sanitary surface option — plus, Wilsonart® HD® Laminate is also available with antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew to keep the surface looking and smelling better, longer.

4. Multi-Functional Formats

Our new hybrid schedules have created the need for “zoning” and creating spaces within our homes for each activity. More than any other space, the kitchen has taken on a multi-purpose role and the need for flexible design has become essential for today’s homeowners.

From cooking and homework to Zoom calls and entertaining, having a countertop material with an on-trend look that can withstand the wear and tear from near-constant use and cleaning is a high priority. Wilsonart® Home offers beautiful, on-trend options for virtually every surface in the home with performance features and price points to suit any lifestyle and budget.

But multi-functionality isn’t the only element in high demand. Homeowners are also seeking more elbow room, requesting larger islands and even double islands for added space to accommodate the range of activities.

5. High-Style, Low Maintenance

Our new home-centric lifestyles mean our homes need to perform as never before. Homeowners are increasingly seeking high-style surfaces that will live up to the rigors of everyday life, but which don’t require a lot of work to maintain. While granite, marble and other natural stones typically top homeowners’ wish lists for their aesthetics, not everyone desires the cost and ongoing maintenance that comes with such materials.

Also emerging from this low maintenance trend, traditional tile is out, and large-format slab backsplashes are in, made from countertop slabs that wrap around the back wall for a bold, grout-free statement. Besides being easy to clean, this look creates a natural design flow from countertop to wall for a clean, modern look that ties the entire room together.

For those looking for kitchen design inspiration to give their homes a fresh look for the new year, visit www.wilsonart.com.

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Ask HR: How to make the most of the current job market

2022-01-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you look at the numbers, the past few months have been a great time to search for a new job.

In the U.S., the number of available jobs in 2021 topped 10 million, which is a record high, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite so many open opportunities, 6.3 million Americans were still unemployed as of December 2021.

To help you understand how to navigate this unique, rapidly changing job market, Rob Mundell, senior vice president of Talent Solutions at Charles Schwab, shared his advice for people navigating the job market at every stage of their careers.

“Now is a great time to think about how to make the most of your career, but not everyone knows where to start. One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is helping people along that journey,” says Mundell. “I’m grateful to work at a company also committed to doing just that, whether that means a well-deserved pay raise for employees, hiring for thousands of new roles, fostering a culture of continuous development, or offering robust reskilling programs for people who want a change.”

Entering the workforce: Scale up your networking

There is no doubt this is an unprecedented time to start a career. Today’s remote work environment has flipped hiring norms on its head — making it easier for candidates to land their dream job with fewer applicants applying to open roles. Those looking for a new role should be engaging with their network regularly to help uncover positions that could be their dream role.

Think about it, remote work has made it far easier to schedule a 30-minute video call than it is to meet for coffee, and networkers are likely to find more luck today convincing people to take the time to chat in a virtual setting. Reach out and ask for informational interviews. Virtual career events, which are available through schools or professional organizations, have become increasingly common.

Never stop networking, even after you land a job.

Rejoining the workforce after a break: Tell your story

Over the past two years, job loss has been an unfortunate reality for many Americans — 25% of adults said they or someone in their household had lost their jobs due to COVID-19.

A critical skill many individuals in the job market have had to display is the ability to practice perseverance. The good news is that experiencing an employment gap is less of a deal-breaker than job seekers may think, and most companies are sympathetic to the challenges job seekers have faced.

In this environment, storytelling is critical. For example, if you had to take time off work to care for family members or prioritize yourself, these are relevant attributes for an employer to consider. Now more than ever, companies are looking for resiliency, work ethic and passion, so don’t undersell your story.

“One of my favorite aspects of the interview process is getting to know who candidates really are,” says Mundell. “Authenticity is always key for me. The better I am able to understand what motivates and inspires them, the more easily I can see how they’d contribute to a role and add to our culture.”

Switching roles: Consider a change internally

For workers, the pandemic has sparked both introspection and transformation. Pandemic epiphanies, as they have been called, have resulted in many people pursuing career paths that align with personal passions and interests. This has been one of the driving forces of “The Great Reset,” in which half of America’s working population is actively searching for jobs or watching for new opportunities.

But being part of The Great Reset does not always require leaving your current employer — in fact, as employers work to retain talent, more are willing to accommodate internal career moves. In particular, large organizations often encourage talent mobility and are willing to let employees shift roles if it means being able to keep them on board. And, as companies bring new talent into their ranks from outside their businesses, many are actively considering talent with transferrable skills who may bring different perspectives to open roles while coming from backgrounds in unrelated industries or job functions.

When making a job switch internally, it is important to advocate for yourself, be vocal about what type of work motivates you and express where you see yourself contributing within the company. Regardless of what position you’re interested in, leverage your experience. Don’t underestimate the unique perspective you bring from your knowledge and time within the company.

To view the thousands of new, open roles at Charles Schwab or learn about a career in financial services, tech or more, visit https://jobs.schwabjobs.com/.

0122-26UL

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How adults can help the children in their lives become more resilient

2022-01-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – While the past two years have been tough on everyone, they’ve been especially hard for children living with challenging family circumstances or in communities hit hardest by health and economic difficulties. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Children’s Hospital Association recently declared children’s mental health a national emergency due to the serious toll COVID-19 has taken on families. According to the CDC, between March and October 2020, the percentage of emergency department visits for children with mental health emergencies grew by 24% for children ages 5-11. The pandemic also caused a decline in children receiving primary care and behavioral health services, which can negatively impact their well-being.

What can adults do to help children cope?

Supporting children facing unprecedented changes and challenges is key to helping them develop emotional skills — like resilience — that will last a lifetime, according to Dr. Arethusa Stevens Kirk, national senior medical director at UnitedHealthcare.

Children and adolescents have faced unprecedented stressors in their environments: quarantines, illness in families and other disruptions. The pandemic has affected the stability and structure of families, with over 140,000 U.S. children experiencing the death of a parent or grandparent from COVID-19, according to the AAP. According to AAP research, children of racial and ethnic minority families are at 4.5 times greater risk of losing a caregiver.

“I grew up in and out of foster care starting at age 4, so I understand how important it is to help children remain resilient in the face of challenging environments. Knowing how to talk with children and demonstrate compassion helps reduce stress in their lives,” said Kirk. “As a pediatrician, I see how vital it is that we teach them skills like resilience, flexibility, confidence and persistence.”

Resources to support children’s mental health and development

To help children develop critical life skills, Sesame Workshop, the non-profit organization behind the children’s program “Sesame Street” has introduced new resources to help children build resilience. Made possible by UnitedHealthcare, the new content includes three online storybooks and an online course for providers. The content helps teach confidence and how to encourage practicing persistence and dealing with change — all key ingredients to resilience.

For providers: The “Roads to Resilience” online course is designed to help providers including healthcare workers, educators, and housing and social service providers use the new resources, along with tools and new ideas to foster professional development.

For children: Three storybooks feature the “Sesame Street” Muppets Karli, Lily and Alex.

  • “The Monster Dash: A Story about Resilience and Flexibility” explores dealing with change. Because of her mom’s struggle with addiction, Karli has spent time in foster care, living with a lack of predictability and control. But caring adults have given her tools to build resilience. Being flexible and pivoting when circumstances change is a big part of resilience.
  • “Looking for Special: A Story about Resilience and Confidence” teaches children about confidence. Lily and her family haven’t always had enough food, and for a while they didn’t have a home of their own — but they’ve endured hard times and are stronger for it.
  • “Bounce Back: A Story about Resilience and Persistence” shows Alex practicing persistence. When Alex’s father was incarcerated, Alex and his family faced big challenges, and he had to cope with hard feelings like fear and anger. Persistence is another part of resilience and, like everyone, Alex needs to find ways to manage his frustration and practice patience.

“Resources and skills like these help children cope with difficulties. Anyone involved in a child’s care holds power, and they can use that power to help children feel safe, seen — and hopeful,” added Kirk. “By working together, we can improve children’s overall health and well-being.”

For over 10 years, UnitedHealthcare and Sesame Workshop have worked together to improve the well-being of children and families — especially those most vulnerable — by providing tools to build a strong foundation for lifelong healthy habits. This partnership includes the “Growing Every Day, Every Way” program, which provides families and caregivers with resources to address topics including food insecurity, physical activity, developmental milestones and healthy habits, to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

These resources are available in English and Spanish for parents and providers to access and download at SesameStreetInCommunities.org.