Month: April 2022

2022-04-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – World Liver Day on April 19 serves two purposes. For patients and health care professionals that have been touched by liver diseases like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it’s a moment in time to reflect on the severity of these diseases and highlight the importance of self-awareness on a health issue that often goes unnoticed. The day encourages people who may be at risk of liver disease to engage in conversation with their physicians and close circles about staying vigilant in preventing liver cancer.

John, a 70-year-old man from Nevada living with stage IV cirrhosis, is one of those many advocates who is actively engaged in preventing the progression of his disease. As someone living with an increased risk of liver cancer, he believes “surveillance is the most important thing I can do,” and he encourages others to take the same proactive approach in managing their liver health. Check out these tips on keeping a healthy liver.

1. Know your personal risk level

The liver is referred to as the “silent organ” because the beginning stages of liver disease often show no noticeable symptoms. But according to the American Cancer Society, more than 800,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer each year and many more remain at risk due to underlying chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and Hepatitis B or C. If you suffer from these conditions or consume alcohol or tobacco excessively, you may be at higher risk for developing liver cancer.

2. Make a liver care plan

A healthier liver means a healthier you. Eating a balanced diet and making balanced choices can go a long way toward keeping your liver healthy. Avoiding alcohol, exercising regularly and following a consistent schedule with your medications can all be helpful in lowering your overall risk. However, it is still important to keep tabs on what that risk level is; routine cancer surveillance testing can make a difference for your liver and your life.

3. Pay attention to your liver – test early, and often

Finding cancer early can be a key factor in defeating it. In fact, according to Cancer Research UK, the 10-year survival rate for some cancers is more than 90% for those diagnosed with stage I, compared with 5% for those diagnosed with stage IV. Unfortunately, less than half of all liver cancers in the U.S. are diagnosed early while the disease is still localized.

That’s why John is a regular when it comes to cancer surveillance. He knows that “if you catch liver cancer early, there’s a better chance of getting it cured.” After all, John’s reasons for keeping his liver healthy extend beyond his physical health. For him, managing his liver health means he can continue to be a caretaker for his wife, who’s fighting her own health issues. By making liver surveillance a part of his healthcare routine, he can be more present for his family when they need him most.

4. Be your own advocate and prioritize your healthcare

Advocating for yourself can be daunting — especially when it comes to proactively monitoring your liver. Start by preparing a list of questions or concerns you may have about your overall and liver health. By making the most of your regular doctor appointments with clear and confident communication, you and your healthcare team can effectively create a customized plan that works for you.

Additionally, liver surveillance is recommended every six months, which means prioritizing your health starts with making it to the appointment first. For some people, scheduling and taking time to attend ultrasounds, the current method of liver disease surveillance, can be burdensome to complete regularly. Discuss testing options with your doctor that may be more effective and convenient for you.

5. Talk to your doctor about surveillance options

For those at high risk of developing liver cancer, simple blood tests such as HelioLiver may be an option for routine surveillance. The non-invasive test, conducted during a standard check-up, uses AI-enabled technology to provide a highly sensitive analysis of a patient’s blood sample — no fasting, specialty appointment or long wait time required. According to a recent clinical trial, HelioLiver can detect the presence of cancer earlier than other clinically available tests.

The saying goes, “the early bird gets the worm,” and being proactive about your liver health may mean the difference of saving a life. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, you may have an urgent need for routine surveillance. When testing for liver cancer can be as easy as a simple blood draw, the question becomes, “Why not?” rather than “Why me?” Talk to your doctor to see if routine surveillance for liver cancer is right for you, and learn more at HelioLiver.com.

2022-04-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Many people are looking forward to the warmer months ahead, but spring means allergies for many Americans. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans experience various types of allergy symptoms every year including:

• Sneezing
• Itchy eyes
• A runny nose
• A scratchy throat
• Coughing

“Spring allergy season comes earlier, lasts longer and gets worse due to a combination of factors, which means it’s time to identify your allergy triggers and make a plan to manage any allergy symptoms,” said Dr. Tania Elliott, a board-certified allergist and immunologist. “Taking a proactive approach to your allergy symptoms will allow you to enjoy outdoor spring activities and help reduce or provide relief to allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, itchy nose or throat.”

If you have or suspect you have seasonal allergies, there are many ways you can address your symptoms. Take stock of your environment and learn how to relieve indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms.

Below are six tips to help you manage your spring allergy triggers.

1. Wear protective clothing

When you spend time outdoors, make sure to wear protective clothing to minimize your exposure to pollen and other allergens. Pants, long-sleeve shirts and hats help keep pollen off your skin and out of your hair. Make sure to wear a pair of sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. Finally, when you’re ready to go back indoors, take off your shoes to minimize outdoor allergens coming into your home.

2. Use an antihistamine

Allergy medications like over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines can help relieve allergy symptoms. While there are many allergy medications, a 24-hour antihistamine taken once daily can be incredibly effective in managing allergies during the day, especially if you spend lots of time outdoors.

Xyzal is a branded OTC oral antihistamine, offering prescription-strength 24-hour allergy relief that works while you sleep so you wake refreshed and ready for the next day. Xyzal is taken at night to provide full-strength allergy relief in the morning when pollen is at its worst. It starts working in one hour to provide relief of indoor and outdoor allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat.

3. Shower

Showering, or at the very least rinsing off after spending time outside, can help manage allergens. Even with protective clothing, pollen and other allergens can get stuck on your hair and skin. Rinsing off any pollen can also reduce the number of outdoor allergens that make it indoors.

4. Change your clothes and stay on top of your laundry

Once you finish showering or rinsing off, make sure to change into a fresh pair of clothes. Avoid putting clothes you’ve just worn outside back in the closet and try to do laundry at least twice a week. When doing laundry, make sure to use products free of fragrances and dyes. When your laundry is dry, clean the dryer lint trap after every load to eliminate any lingering allergens.

5. Use a nasal spray

If you are in need of 24-hour continuous relief from nasal allergy congestion, Nasacort is a non-drowsy nasal spray with no scent or harsh taste. Nasacort works at the source to relieve nasal allergy symptoms including congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose. Stop worrying about spring allergies getting the best of you and experience the power of Breathing is Believing with Nasacort, the#1 doctor recommended type of medicine for nasal allergy congestion.

6. Use an air purifier

Any remaining pollen that may have snuck into the home will stay suspended in the air. Using an air purifier can remove airborne pollen, dust and other irritants from your indoor air so you can breathe easily at home. Keep an eye on the filter and regularly clean it of any trapped allergens.

While there is no one-size-fits-all for allergy relief, these six tips are an excellent place to start. By using these tips, you can reduce your exposure to allergens and manage your allergies so you can enjoy spring to the fullest.

2022-04-19T08:15:01

(BPT) – In Norway, the municipality of Sykkylven lies on the west coast surrounded by mystic fjords and scenic mountains. It is home to Ekornes, a renowned Norwegian furniture maker, and today, the largest furniture producer in Norway. Founded in 1934 by Jens E. Ekornes — out of creativity, innovation and somewhat out of necessity. Ekornes laid the foundation of the region’s furniture industry and paved the way for the development of a new type of recliner. A first of its kind. Fifty years later, Sykkylven is still at the forefront of functional style.

This forward-thinking led to the development of a new type of furniture that would revolutionize the way we enjoy the art of resting. In 1971, Stressless was born. With the growing popularity of the television set, the moment was right for a new way to spend time in front of it, with the maximum of comfort possible. The original recliner offered technologies like no other, and the continuous introduction of new features has helped to drive the evolution of comfort ever since.

After 50 years of ongoing innovation, here are five reasons to recline in style:

Innovation with purpose — Enjoy convenient comfort

Furniture created on the principles of industrial production to ensure an unprecedented high level of precision, supplemented by human experience, insight and craftsmanship is one thing. Developing furniture designed with purpose and innovated for maximum durability is the secret ingredient for sustained comfort.

Have you ever experienced sitting down, leaning back to relax and watching TV only to forget that the remote is out of reach on the coffee table? With a recliner that incorporates a patented sliding system, shifting smoothly in one movement without having to get back up, this experience became obsolete. The patented Glide-system attracted a great deal of attention and is still a unique feature, making the revolutionary recliner at the time the first real TV chair for modern society.

Comfort is timeless — Embrace it

Nordic design has an important part to play in the American lifestyle. Clarity, simplicity and good craftsmanship are the hallmarks of the Nordic way of creating furniture, and this approach to design continues to gain ground in the U.S. High-quality materials and specially designed features create a unique look and feel — embrace it!

Balance the cortisol — You deserve it

Stress has become a worldwide phenomenon, and in our effort to keep up, we all risk forgetting to reserve precious time for ourselves to just live and breathe. This is more important than ever, which is why you need furniture that helps you balance out those cortisol levels.

Leverage the power of technology — Take control

Motorized recliners represent personal comfort at their finest. With built-in motors operating the headrest, lumbar + back and footrest they ensure a perfect individual fit. With the touch of a master control button, you can adjust back, leg, lumbar and head support in one synchronized movement. You can also make independent adjustments for that just-right spot that feels best to you. Lumbar support is automatically adjusted when you change the position of the backrest, so your lower back is always supported ergonomically. Powered recliners provide unlimited control to reach your favorite position.

Find harmony and balance — Do good while resting

Scandinavia is known for its progressive thinking, happy people and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Norway is not an outlier and neither is the Norwegian approach to designing furniture.

Sustainability is an important aspect of Norwegian design. Fulfill your desire to bring earth-friendly products to your home when designing your happy place. Stressless is committed to a sustainable future with a production process based on natural materials and renewable energy.

2022-04-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – It starts in your 40s: Suddenly you’re having trouble reading smaller print on the computer, electronic devices and books. You feel frustrated holding a menu farther from your face to make out blurry letters. You may even get headaches as you strain to read print that just seems smaller than it used to be. The good news is, you’re not alone. This is a normal condition called “presbyopia” that affects 128 million Americans in their 40s and beyond — and there are positive steps you can take to avoid the eyestrain and headaches that come with it.

If this sounds familiar, here are things you can do to alleviate your vision problems.

Make it larger

This may sound simple, but with computers and devices, it’s easy to make the print larger. With so many working from home, enlarging what’s on the screen is a commonplace solution. There are different ways to increase font size or images on any device. With touch-screen devices, your fingers can enlarge print you’re trying to read. On computers, you can use a zoom-in feature to make fonts larger. For PCs, use the “CTRL” button with the plus sign (on a Mac, use the Command button with the plus sign). Additional options to make all images larger are found in Settings (or System Preferences on a Mac).

With print, your only option is to seek out large-print publications.

Use reading glasses

Another option is getting over-the-counter reading glasses, which can help you read small print wherever you encounter it. You can find them at pharmacies, retailer shops and even online stores, but choosing just the right ones can be hard and time-consuming.

If you don’t know the magnification strength you need, you’ll stand at the array of readers at the store trying on pair after pair, trying to figure out which one works. You’ll try the “self-tests” offered at these locations, which are unscientific and hard to follow. Additionally, the store conditions do not replicate what you experience while reading a book or working on the computer at home. It’s common to choose an overly strong magnification that looks clear at the store but may provide too much magnification — creating another problem.

“When you wear a pair of glasses that have more magnification than you need, you’re forcing your brain to work with that correction,” says Phoebe Yu, vice president of marketing, EyeQue. “It may work for a while, but if you continue wearing the glasses, you’ll develop ocular headaches or migraines.”

Discover what strength readers you need

Fortunately, there’s a new app that tests your vision from the comfort of your home. All you need is an iPhone X or newer model, and the EyeQue MyReaderNumber app from Apple’s App Store to determine what strength reading glasses you need. MyReaderNumber is a first-of-its-kind solution that delivers personalized measurements for near-reading distance and mid-distance (computer use), customized based on your age and distance preference. You simply capture two distances using your iPhone’s front-facing camera and augmented reality technology, and see the results instantly. You will likely need a different pair of glasses for reading books versus working on a computer, depending on your preferences. You can then purchase reading glasses through local retailers or online stores, and you can share your Near-Vision Reading Add (NV-ADD) results with an eye doctor, or the app with your friends.

“Many people struggle to find the right readers for their personal use. The MyReaderNumber app offers people the freedom to see clearly and pursue what’s important in their lives,” says John Serri, PhD, co-founder and CEO of EyeQue. “This technology is delightfully easy to use and was developed using tried-and-tested optometry principles that deliver personalized results customized to the individual.”

While the app provides useful information about the strength of readers you need, this vision test is not a substitute for a complete eye exam, and cannot provide information about medical conditions such as glaucoma.

Learn more at EyeQue.com.

Get an eye exam

With any changes in your vision, and especially as you get older, getting regular eye health exams is recommended, even if you don’t need glasses or contact lenses.

With these solutions in hand, you’ll be able to read and work with clear vision — no matter what your vision needs are.

2022-04-12T06:01:00

(BPT) – The weather is warming and now is the best time to plan your spring and summer vacation in the beautiful outdoors of The Natural State — Arkansas.

While Arkansas offers an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities on dry land and in the water, one of the premiere locations is Buffalo National River, which winds through the majestic Ozark Mountains.

This year marks the Buffalo National River’s 50th anniversary as a unit of the National Park Service, becoming America’s first “national river.”

The crystal-clear waters of the Buffalo National River extend for 135 miles cutting through limestone basins. The limestone is responsible for the beautiful turquoise color. The river chemically breaks down the limestone sediment, which is transported downstream. When hit by the sunlight, the sediment reflects the turquoise hue for which the Buffalo is well-known.

Whether visitors stay for a day or for a week, there is plenty to see and experience at Buffalo National River. It starts with spending time on the river itself. Bring your own canoe or rent one from the various nearby private outfitters and enjoy a variety of river experiences ranging from an exhilarating paddle to a relaxing and peaceful float. As you do, you will marvel at the tall limestone and sandstone bluffs that border the river.

Wildlife comprises an important part of the Buffalo National River ecosystem. While black bears are native to the area, visitors often travel many miles to Buffalo National River to see some of the nearly 100 Rocky Mountain Elk, which call the Boxley Valley area near the river home. There are also approximately 200 species of birds that depend on the river for at least some part of the year, including Bald Eagles.

After a few hours of floating Buffalo National River, visitors can change out of water shoes and slip on a pair of hiking boots for a glimpse at undisturbed and protected landscapes. There are over 100 miles of maintained trails throughout the Park. The trails will lead you to one of many picturesque waterfalls and to scenic overlooks that cascade several hundreds of feet to the river below.

Nighttime is especially magical at Buffalo National River. There you will see some of the darkest skies in North America. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, visitors will marvel at the beautiful starlit skies, which are unlike any you’ll see in the city.

While at Buffalo National River, visitors can pitch a tent or park their RV at one of the 11 designated campgrounds located within the park. There are also several private lodging options near the river.

Take a year away from amusement parks and city life and return to nature. Introduce your family to an experience they’ll never forget and one to which they will long return.

Go to www.nps.gov/buff for more information on the Buffalo National River. And book your Arkansas vacation at www.arkansas.com.

2022-04-18T23:01:00

(BPT) – After limiting travel for the past two years, people are now ready to satisfy their wanderlust. Whether it’s travel by air, sea or land, the journey to the destination can be part of the adventure, and it’s important to pack delicious foods to fuel you during your travels.

“Part of successfully traveling either alone or with kids means having the right foods to keep everyone satisfied and well-nourished,” said registered dietitian Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S.

It can be a challenge avoiding unhealthy foods that make you feel sluggish or cause a sugar crash when there are convenience stores and vending machines everywhere. That’s why packing your own snacks helps to keep your travel crew satisfied while ensuring everyone is eating nutrient-packed foods.

According to Kirkpatrick, travel snacks should be:

1: Beneficial Nutrient Profile

The most important factor is the nutrient profile of your snack. Opting for traditional car and plane foods like candies and chips can leave people unsatisfied and hungry for more, making it hard to control portions. You want to opt for snacks that have protein and fiber.

2: Satisfying

When most people think of typical travel snacks, foods that are crunchy, salty or sweet come to mind. The satisfying snacks you choose should meet these criteria as long as they give you bang for your nutritional buck as well to help keep you full and energized.

3: Portable

While a salad is great, it can be messy and not travel-friendly. Instead, go for options that are prepackaged and don’t require kitchen cutlery or excess containers. Hard boiled eggs and string cheese sticks are also some great grab-and-go options to top your salad.

4: Family-friendly

There is limited room in travel bags and coolers when traveling with family, so choose foods that everyone can enjoy. Snacks you pack should be able to feed multiple people and conquer hunger pangs.

Smart travel snack ideas

It can be challenging to find travel-friendly snacks that meet these criteria. To help guide you, Kirkpatrick shares her favorite travel snacks.

Mini protein bars: Quest Protein Bars Minis are a favorite to keep stashed in the car or tucked in a backpack. They have 80 calories, 8 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of sugar and 2 grams net carbs.

“Quest has something tasty for everyone. The Quest minis come in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cookies and Cream, and both provide delicious protein to help keep you going,” Kirkpatrick said.

Apples and nut butters: The healthy fats and fiber keep people satisfied which can help balance energy and mood. Make sure to choose options with no added sugar and keep the skin on those apples to get insoluble fiber as well!

“I cut my apples ahead of time and sprinkle some lemon juice to prevent browning,” said Kirkpatrick. “Then I pair it with no-added-sugar peanut or almond butter for dipping.”

String cheese and popcorn: These portable and satisfying snacks are great when traveling with kids.

“These snacks can easily be stored in a small cooler, but if traveling by plane, freeze the string cheese ahead of time or just pack popcorn. For a crunchy alternative, try Quest Protein Chips to get that crunchy, savory taste, without a ton of net carbs,” said Kirkpatrick.

It’s time to start making travel memories again. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or vacation overseas, these smart snack ideas will ensure everyone is satisfied on their journey. For more Quest snack products, as well as delicious recipes and more, visit QuestNutrition.com.

2022-04-11T19:12:44

(BPT) – Warm sand between your toes, a cool drink in your hand, the sun setting over the beautiful ocean … these are the dreams of an ideal vacation. It’s time for that much-needed tropical getaway where bare feet, hammocks under palm trees and swim-up bars are just what you need to make new memories.

With an all-inclusive resort, planning is minimal so you can focus on enjoying what matters most — your vacation. The best resorts have something for everyone: mom relaxing at the spa, dad having a cocktail poolside, kids playing all day and adventurous friends seeking beachfront activities and entertainment.

And while today’s all-inclusive resorts deliver elevated experiences and offerings for every age and interest, not all are alike. For example, some all-inclusive resorts offer enhanced food and beverage options such as ceviche and handmade empanadas alfresco served in a seaside lounge, while others may offer mojito and tequila lounges or unforgettable views with customized drinks prepared by expert mixologists. But not all resorts offer this level of service. Before you book your all-inclusive vacation, make sure your resort has the following five items:

1. Look for a variety of cuisine, and then some
A vacation means a break from cooking and meal planning, so when looking to book an all-inclusive resort, make sure they offer multiple onsite restaurants to remove the hassle of deciding where to eat with your group, while giving a chance to try various cuisines. Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort, offers numerous restaurants and dining experiences. For example, you can savor the rich traditions of Mexican cuisine at Maxal, while Auma, the experiential restaurant, prepares meals with theater in full view of fire and flame.

2. Find all the fun in the sun
Second to plentiful food and drink at hand, the best thing about an all-inclusive resort is all the activities included in your stay. Be sure to find a resort that offers everything you want.

Most Mexican and Caribbean resorts have pools and beaches. But if you need adventure, seek resorts that also include water sports equipment for snorkeling and kayaking. The fun should continue when the sun goes down. Look for resorts offering live music, dazzling shows and dancing.

3. Privacy by the sea
Hilton’s All-Inclusive Resorts offer a range of breathtaking beachfront resorts in coveted locales for families with kids of all ages, and couples. If your vacation is a romantic getaway, you’ll want seclusion and serenity. All-inclusive hotels often cater to couples’ needs by offering privacy options including adult pools, private swim-out suites and jetted tubs, plus romantic restaurants, world-class spas and casinos. Or, choose an all-inclusive resort with a kids’ club, which offers supervised and fun programs for children while giving mom and dad some space to hit the links or enjoy a quiet meal.

4. Education destination via culture
The best all-inclusive resorts integrate local culture into food and beverages, activities and hotel design. According to a recent travel trends report travelers are “looking for unique experiences to immerse themselves in, seeking meaningful ways to connect with the different cultures and destinations whilst discovering something new.” Learning about and enjoying new cultures stimulates the mind and satisfies the curious soul, without leaving the resort. Great all-inclusive resorts integrate the local culture with engaging programs, classes and experiences that will enhance your vacation, such as salsa and merengue lessons, tequila tastings and local crafts.

5. Above and beyond hospitality
You want a place that spoils you yet feels like home. The right all-inclusive resort will have more than beachfront accommodations. Seek world-class spas, personalized concierge, friendly team members and high-end offerings. While looking to experience new places and cultures, you also want the trust and reliability that comes from a well-respected company. The best brands offer loyalty programs with earned points to help book that special vacation.

Once you have selected your resort, book, pay and go. All you need to do is have fun. The all-inclusive resort handles the rest.

2022-04-13T08:27:00

(BPT) – The big blooms, adorable baby animals and sunshine-filled days are worthy of celebration this spring. Stock up on must-have treats so you’re ready to host gatherings with loved ones, stuff colorful eggs for an egg hunt or create the tastiest Easter basket ever.

These five sweet treats will bring smiles to any occasion this spring season:

Sweets for gifting and hosting

Made with smooth milk chocolate and crunchy hazelnut pieces, each Ferrero Rocher is an indulgent treat worth savoring. Available for a limited time, the Ferrero Rocher Bunny Gift Box features 13 fine Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates and is the perfect centerpiece to display while hosting Easter guests, or give as a thoughtful gift, if you’re attending a gathering and want to show your appreciation.

Wow with eye-catching basket treats

Celebrate Easter in a big way with Keebler’s new Keebler Bunny Cookie, featuring the brand’s iconic shortbread recipe baked into a fun 6-inch bunny shape and dipped in Keebler Fudge. Available only for a limited time, Keebler’s Bunny Cookie, dipped in fudge adds a fun twist to Easter centerpieces and unique bunny baskets for kids.

Two treats in one

Kinder Joy is the perfect way to dial up the fun of a traditional egg hunt this Easter! One half of each egg contains two layers of milky sweet cream topped with two crispy cocoa wafer bites. The other half of the egg contains an exciting surprise toy. In addition to being sold in singles, the eggs are available in a Kinder Joy 4 Pack, perfect for gifting, as well as a Kinder Joy 6 pack, which is great to use for egg hunts.

Cookies in adorable spring animal shapes

Fun, fully frosted and ready for spring, Mother’s Springtime Circus Animal Cookies are shaped like chicks, bunnies, butterflies and duckies. Available for a limited time, each sugar cookie is sprinkled with rainbow nonpareils. Baked with care, these crunchy cookies offer the irresistible taste of sweet frosting and sprinkles. They make a tasty snack at work, an afternoon pick-me-up at school or a late-night treat.

Creamy mints in pretty pastels

Breathtakingly delicious, Fannie May^® Mint Meltaways^® have been a fan favorite since they were introduced in 1963. The Spring Mint Meltaways are all dressed up for the season, featuring green, pink and yellow creamy pastel wrapped around a delicious mint chocolate center. Gift to loved ones and keep a box for yourself to celebrate every beautiful day of spring.

2022-04-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – Purchasing gifts can be the best and worst part of every holiday; particularly when you’re buying for someone as special as Mom. The woman that likely asks for nothing … but deserves everything.

Is it OK to buy her earrings two years in a row? Does she already have that sweater in a similar color? Are slippers a boring gift? The pressure is real.

Luckily, there is one simple solution for every woman — every person! — in your life. Books.

Inspiring and educational, affordable and thoughtful, a good book can appeal to people of all ages, with a wide range of interests, hobbies and passions.

From nature lovers and adventurers to crafters and entertainers, National Geographic offers a gorgeous selection of books that will honor whatever makes Mom uniquely your mom. All you need to do is pick the one that’s right for her:

1. Artists and crafting queens: 1001 Ways to Be Creative

Show your mother you celebrate her inner artist with this interactive “list book” to help her unleash her inner genius. Hundreds of ideas — that might take a few minutes or hours — reveal ways she can find the time and energy to play, dream, imagine and explore. Packed with practical tips and suggestions for creative outlets and new activities, plus thought-provoking quotes and interactive prompts, this energizing, beautifully illustrated book will help inspire your mother’s next art project, storytelling venture, innovative thinking and more. You could accompany the book with an assortment of supplies for her favorite art or craft.

2. Mothers who love all things beautiful: Simply Beautiful Photographs

This book is a spectacular visual journey capturing amazing photographs from portraits and animals to landscapes, seascapes, nature and more from National Geographic’s renowned image collection. Award-winning photographer Annie Griffiths culled these images to reflect variations on the universal theme of beauty. Now in a mini easy-to-hold edition, the chapters are organized around aesthetic concepts that create beauty in photography: Light, Composition, Moment (Gesture and Emotion), Motion, Palette and Wonder. Your mother will enjoy exploring the concepts through brief essays and spectacular photographs that speak for themselves.

3. Entertainment mavens: The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia

If your mother enjoys food, wine and all things entertaining, she’ll be entranced by this fully updated 800-page edition of Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia. Beautifully illustrated with over 400 images and 100 brand-new National Geographic maps, this definitive guide is arranged geographically to highlight regions and climates that produce the best vintages, reflecting trends in the dynamic world of wine and written by experts around the globe. From Europe to the Mediterranean, each page is packed with information about flavor notes, vineyards, tasting room guides, grape know-how and special information on unique varietals — plus top wines organized by maker and year. It also includes a taste chart, food pairings, expert sommelier tips and thousands of recommendations for the latest and greatest reds, whites and rosés. This is a fabulous gift to pair with a special bottle of wine to share with your mom as you look through the book together.

4. Nature enthusiasts: Backyard Guide to Birds of North America

Geared to entertain and educate casual and experienced birdwatchers alike, this completely revised guide explores 150 of the most common and interesting birds in North America, along with information about tools your Mom would need to attract them wherever she lives. The comprehensive and beloved guide is clearly organized by family and offers helpful identification tips, behavior, vocal descriptions and more. The new edition features a “Backyard Basics” section from the world’s most prolific birdwatcher, Noah Strycker, with tips on attracting and feeding your mom’s favorite birds and creating bird-friendly landscapes. You could even pair this book with a new bird feeder or bird bath for her yard.

5. Weekend wanderers: 1000 Perfect Weekends

Is your mother always looking for her next adventure, or does she dream of a getaway but seems unsure where to go? Either way, this guide is packed with innovative ideas and amazing photos featuring 1,000 dream weekend escapes — from sunny beach retreats and lush mountain idylls to exotic city sojourns around the world. This practical, inspiring book will help your mom plan her next quick escape (with or without your father), with unique itineraries illustrated with dramatic National Geographic photos. Divided by theme and interest including nature parks, country weekends, mountain retreats, traveling with pets and more, this fun-packed guide offers adventures your mother can experience in 36-72 hours. Examples include: camping with wild horses on Maryland’s Assateague Island, driving through Italy’s “Chocolate Valley,” skating the world’s largest ice rink at Ottawa’s winter festival and an R&R weekend at a renowned Napa Valley spa. She’ll also find over 50 top-10 lists, including the best places to go antiquing, the most relaxing spas and the top museums in the world.

Select the book you know will spark your mother’s interest and excitement the most to inspire her next project, passion or adventure. If you’re lucky, she may just want to bring you along.