Month: April 2022

2022-04-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Technology can do so much, but perhaps one of its most exciting qualities for everyday living is its capacity for convenience — especially when it comes to healthcare. Patients can see a specialist who lives hundreds of miles away or attend an appointment without leaving home, and providers can monitor patients’ health remotely.

Prior to the pandemic, though, many older individuals who might benefit from these technological advancements hadn’t given them a try. During the pandemic, as providers adopted remote technologies to safely provide appointments, patients enjoyed new opportunities to try telehealth and other digital offerings.

Ultimately, many found that they liked the access and opportunities technology could provide. Telehealth visits increased 63-fold and older adults are now eager to incorporate technology into their lives, buying more smartphones, wearable technologies, home assistant technology and tablets. More importantly, they are in fact using them — 69% of those 70-plus said they use their tablets daily.

As older adults are diving into all that technology can offer, here are some digital benefits available to AARP members that make it easier to focus on health and well-being.

Check your hearing.

Has it been awhile since your last hearing test? You’re not alone. Only 23% of older adults reported having a hearing test by a healthcare professional in the past two years. Taking this simple test now helps avoid issues down the road, including worsening cognition, reduced quality of life and loss of independence. Fortunately, the AARP^® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA makes it easier than ever to get tested. The program offers a free online hearing test, and if results show that your hearing could use a boost, AARP members can access 20% off the retail price of hearing aids, a free fitting, a free demonstration of the latest hearing aid technology and more.

Schedule eye exams and access online discounts.

Vison problems and eye disease become more prevalent with age, but most eye conditions can be treated if found early, making it important to see an eye care professional regularly. AARP members have vision care options that make it easy to schedule a comprehensive eye exam online.

Additionally, with AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, members and their families receive exclusive discounts at participating retailers and independent provider locations nationwide, as well as online. They can save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Stay active.

Screens are sometimes associated with more sedentary habits, but they can be great motivators. Online fitness offerings have surged during the pandemic, which is great news, since physical fitness can improve memory and brain function, prevent chronic disease, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and more. Classes can be taken live or accessed on-demand, and include everything from yoga, spinning and strength, to workouts on the go. Some classes are completely free, while others can be enjoyed for zero dollars out of pocket as a benefit in your health plan.

See your provider.

Even if you’re feeling well, it’s important to maintain regular visits with your primary care provider to ensure everything is in working order. Now, though, you can keep those appointments even while traveling, as many primary care providers continue to offer telehealth services.

Manage your prescriptions.

With technology, what once took days can be accessed in mere seconds, such as a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx^®. Anyone with an internet connection can download the card to save on FDA-approved medications in over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide, and AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents and more. Setting up prescription delivery online is quick, easy and shortens your to-do list. The site also allows users to compare prescription prices across various pharmacy locations.

Be Social.

Socializing not only staves off feelings of loneliness, but it also helps sharpen memory and cognitive skills and may even help you live longer. With video chats, we can connect with friends and family whenever we’d like from anywhere in the world, and GrandPad Powered by Consumer Cellular makes it easier than ever. GrandPad’s essential apps enable video chats, photo sharing, emails and access to the news, and AARP members save 5% on a monthly subscription, which includes unlimited service on a secure, private network.

While there are many factors to consider when it comes to staying healthy and maintaining good habits, especially as we age, technology can help make it a little easier and a lot more fun. To help guide you through any issues as you get comfortable tapping into technology, Norton Ultimate Help Desk offers everything from first-time setup to ongoing maintenance and as-needed troubleshooting for computers, laptops and mobile devices. AARP members save up to 15% on either one-time help or an ongoing subscription.

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

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. AARP nor its affiliates is the insurer.

2022-04-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Robert Tompkins, Group VP and General Merchandise Manager for Health & Wellness, Walgreens

Call me an optimist, but I’d like to believe — even in the midst of the division and tension in this country — that there are more of us committed to empathy, compassion and care than you think. We must stay dedicated to causes that uplift, strengthen and encourage those who need it most.

Our mission at Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) is to help people live more joyful lives through better health. Notice that I said “joyful lives” instead of “happy lives.” Happiness is fleeting and is dependent on circumstances. Joy is deeper and reflects an overall sense of wellness and peace. But not everyone has that, especially when faced with health challenges.

The Centers for Disease Control defines health equity as the opportunity to be as healthy as possible through equal access to care and distribution of healthcare resources. When policies, programs and systems that support health are equitable, poor health outcomes can be reduced, health disparities can be prevented, and the whole of society benefits. That’s why WBA is committed to engaging with local communities to improve societal health and well-being. We have set up programs and campaigns to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare and awareness about critical health issues. We are listening, learning and taking decisive action with, and for, our communities to realize our vision of health equity and inclusion for all. We need to combat health care disparities and improve outcomes in these communities.

That’s why in 2013, Walgreens began its partnership with Vitamin Angels, an organization that has always had a profound effect on me because of the vital work they do. Vitamin Angels is a global public health nonprofit organization distributing vitamins and minerals to underserved pregnant women and children in the U.S. and around the world.

Through our eight-year partnership with Vitamin Angels, we have helped to improve the lives of more than 300 million women and children. We are reaching women and children in 65 countries, every U.S. state and Puerto Rico. Walgreens Boots Alliance and our suppliers have donated one percent of select vitamin and supplement retail sales to support Vitamin Angels’ outreach efforts to communities in need across the U.S. and globally. In 2021, that amounted to $12.4 million donated.

We are also helping locally. In our home city of Chicago, we are partnering with more than 35 community-based organizations to distribute vouchers for free prenatal vitamins for pregnant women in need. Vouchers may be redeemed at 16 stores located on the West and South Sides of Chicago. To date, over 2,200 vouchers have been distributed.

Together with Vitamin Angels we are proud to keep pushing toward our new goal to reach 500 million women and children by the end of fiscal 2025. None of this work could get done without the dedication and compassion of our customers. They have helped us provide life-changing vitamins to children and expectant mothers at-risk for malnutrition around the world. I am excited about the next major milestone that we will hit with Vitamin Angels.

We will continue to fight and do all we can so that anyone we touch, in our stores and through our partnerships, has the potential of a healthy future. I encourage others to become involved to make a difference. By simply shopping for multivitamins, sleep aids, and joint health products, you’re helping to provide for those in need. Together, we can better the lives of women and children at home and around the world.

For more information about our work with Vitamin Angels, download WBA’s fiscal 2021 ESG Report.

2022-04-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you want a bathroom update that will be stylish and functional for many years to come? More homeowners than ever are renovating using universal design principles that allow these spaces to serve people of varying ages and abilities. This provides numerous important benefits, including higher levels of safety and increased property value.

Universal design basics

Universal design creates an environment that is accessible to all people to the greatest extent possible. That means a bathroom will function as well for a child as it does for a senior. Basic principles of universal design focus on functionality, and in the bathroom that might mean adding strategic lighting, slip-resistant flooring and features like grab bars.

Keep in mind, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics to achieve the functional goals of universal design. More options than ever are available for enhancing the bathroom’s safety and functionality while adding luxurious upgrades that are as useful as they are eye-catching.

When function and fashion blend like this in home improvements, it can add significant value to your property. Consider one of the year’s top bathroom design trends: curbless showers with linear drains. This creates a barrier-free experience that is visually appealing, making it ideal for the universal design home.

Curbless shower features

A curbless walk-in shower eliminates hazards like curbs or thresholds that can cause people to slip or trip. It’s easier to use whether you walk or utilize a device for assistance, such as a shower wheelchair. Curbless showers also provide an open feel, which makes the space feel larger because visual lines are not disrupted.

Curbless showers are enhanced by linear drains that are installed flush to the flooring, further reducing trip hazards while adding a sleek appearance to the space. With no barrier to cross, the floor more easily accommodates a freestanding bench, a walker or other mobility aids.

An added benefit is that linear drains generally avoid looking institutional, like some wheelchair-friendly bathrooms can. An excellent example of this counter-institutional trend is QuickDrain’s WallDrain, which practically disappears into the wall, offering an ultra-clean and contemporary look.

A curbless shower is achievable with various drainage points, therefore offering versatility in terms of design. A curbless shower also provides flexibility regarding its location in the room, since the designer and contractor are not tied to placing the drain in a specific spot. Learn more at LRBrands.com/QuickDrain.

Deciding on shower doors is another important aspect of universal design. Glass doors work well for curbless walk-in showers because they open the space and let in light. Another option is to design the space to be completely open as a wet room. Glass dividers are a hybrid option that provide a partition without a door, but can be easily removed if you want to potentially open the space in the future.

Universal design is important in bathrooms because these spaces are used every day. Whether your goal is to age in place or you want to make home improvements to improve your property value for a future home, bathrooms with stylish universal design will help you meet your goals.

2022-04-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Since 1965, Medicare has provided health care coverage to millions of Americans. Almost 64 million people in the United States were enrolled in Medicare as of October 2021, with more people becoming eligible and enrolling each year. Anyone on Medicare is at risk of Medicare-related fraud, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to warn people to watch out for scammers who steal Medicare Numbers and other personal information to exploit beneficiaries’ benefits.

Broadly speaking, Medicare fraud occurs when someone makes false claims for health care services, procedures and equipment to obtain Medicare payments. Medicare fraud costs taxpayers billions of dollars and puts the health and welfare of beneficiaries at risk. The impact of these losses and risks is expanding as Medicare continues to serve a growing number of beneficiaries.

“Medicare fraud is a serious issue that has affected millions of people in our country,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Anyone on Medicare is at risk of being a target of Medicare fraud, so you should use the CMS fraud tips to stay alert to protect yourself. By being aware of potential scams and reporting any you come across, you can do your part to protect yourself and others from Medicare fraud.”

How to spot Medicare scams

There are many types of Medicare scams, taking the form of unsolicited emails, phone calls, text messages, social media posts and phony websites. Scammers often claim to be from the Medicare office, an insurance company or a government office. They’ll ask for your personal and financial information, such as your Medicare or Social Security Number, so that they can submit false claims for payment.

Remember that Medicare will never call, text, email or contact you through social media asking for your Medicare Number.

Some common Medicare scams to watch out for include:

• Offers of “free” genetic testing
• Calls or emails about free medical equipment, such as a knee brace, walker or cane
• Solicitations for other services, such as offers of “paid” clinical research trials

While this is not a comprehensive list, these examples give you an idea of how to spot potential Medicare fraud. Scammers will do their best to present these services and products as genuine in exchange for your Medicare Number.

How to protect yourself

Now that you know how to spot Medicare fraud, you’ll need to know how to protect yourself from potential fraudsters. Remember to:

• Guard your Medicare Number just like your Social Security card and credit card
• Share your Medicare Number only with trusted health care providers
• Review your Medicare statements, watch for services billed that look suspicious, and ask questions if something looks wrong

How to report scammers

Reporting Medicare fraud protects you and millions of other people with Medicare and those with disabilities. If you or someone you know have experienced Medicare fraud or suspect an offer you’ve received is a scam, report it as soon as possible. You will never be in trouble for reporting fraud.

To learn more about Medicare fraud, visit Medicare.gov/fraud. To report potential Medicare fraud, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

2022-04-11T14:55:30

(BPT) – It’s never been more important for parents to ensure their children are safe and staying productive online. With so many popular apps, websites and streaming services, keeping track of what your children are exposed to can be difficult. Even the most cautious kids can become victims of cybercrimes, especially child identity theft.

Children 18 years old and younger are often targets of identity theft because their unmarked credit scores and Social Security numbers are rarely monitored. According to a report by Javelin Research, child identity fraud costs families in the U.S. almost $1 billion a year and requires much time for parents to resolve. The report also found that:

• 1.25 million children were victims of identity theft in 2021
• 1 in 50 children became an ID fraud victim in 2021

These statistics are frightening, but that doesn’t mean that parents need to live in fear. By taking proactive steps to protect your children online, you can empower them to use technology responsibly while keeping them safe from potential online threats.

Child internet safety: A national concern

Child internet safety is not a new topic, but it’s become even more relevant to the public thanks to the rapidly growing number of social media platforms and other digital sites and apps. The issue is so prevalent that it’s caught the attention of lawmakers. Introduced to the U.S. Senate in February, the Kids Online Safety Act is a bipartisan bill that would create new rules and safeguards to protect children from stalking, exploitation, addiction and dangerous materials online.

“The internet can open up a world of experiences for children, but it can also expose them and the whole family to digital crime,” said Kelly Merryman, President and COO of Aura, an all-in-one digital safety platform. “Parental controls are a powerful tool that allows your children to safely explore the internet while giving you much-needed peace of mind.”

Keep your kids safe with parental controls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that kids as young as eight years old spend an average of six hours per day looking at screens, and that number only goes up as kids get older. While you can’t monitor every minute your kids spend online, you can use parental controls to protect them as they enjoy the latest trends, games and shows.

Aura, an all-in-one digital safety app, recently acquired Circle Parental Controls, the creator of the leading parental control and screen time management solution for families. Aura is now offering a bundled family plan that will include all of its digital safety features — identity, device, account and financial protection — with Circle Parental Controls. With this solution, parents can:

• Manage all mobile devices wherever kids go
• Filter content by age and interests
• Create individual profiles with limited or restricted access to apps, websites and streaming services
• Set screen time limits for kids’ profiles
• Keep tabs on your kids’ internet usage

With these tools, families can foster healthy internet habits in kids as well as protect them (and you) from potential cybercrimes. To learn more about parental controls and access a free trial of Aura’s family plan, visit Aura’s website.

2022-04-11T19:30:32

(BPT) – With summer break and (hopefully) a post-pandemic life on the horizon, it’s important that parents make pediatric health a priority this summer.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry is seeing an uptick in “COVID cavities,” and according to the ADA, nearly 40% of dentists reported an increase in cavities and periodontal disease in patients. This is consistent with what many pediatric dentists across the U.S. are seeing: more plaque, more cavities, longer cleaning times as well as missed routine dental appointments.

There are a few simple steps to take during vacations and summer break, to minimize damage to your children’s teeth and gums and ensure the mouth monsters (a.k.a. tooth decay) don’t take away from your favorite activities. Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, shares her top teeth tips to help your family enjoy vacations and still have a cavity-free smile for family photos.

1) Schedule (or reschedule) those dental appointments over breaks: Like many other medical appointments, pediatric dental check-ups have been pushed off during the pandemic, causing cavity-prone kids. Beauchamp has noticed an increase in cavities, tooth decay and longer cleaning times in patients. Preventive dental appointments not only catch compromised teeth but offer children educational reinforcement on proper dental cleaning and habits. Leaving cavities untreated can result in larger, lasting health issues. Consider scheduling your children’s dental check-ups when kids are off school and have more downtime.

2) Avoid constant snacking: It’s important to limit in-between meal snacking to prevent unwanted wear and tear on teeth that can cause the tooth enamel to weaken and lead to tooth decay or cavities. Beauchamp also warned, many children might have fallen into a pattern of grazing throughout the day and encourages families to set boundaries when snacking.

3) Keep a routine: During hectic times it’s easy for routines to become difficult to follow — make brushing and flossing a priority and ensure kids brush thoroughly for two minutes at least twice a day. Keeping a routine means preventive dental appoints as well, said Beauchamp. With regular pediatric dental appointments, there are fewer dental emergencies and the need to seek care in hospital settings, which can pose other limitations, is less likely.

4) Water, water, water: Drinking water in between meals encourages saliva, washes away bacteria and food debris, and neutralizes plaque acids. This includes drinking fluoridated water, proven to keep teeth strong and reduce cavities.

With a bit of extra attention, your children’s smiles will make it through the season unscathed. For more information about children’s oral health or to find a pediatric dentist in your area, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

2022-04-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Severe back pain dominated Letha Baines’ life for seven years, making everyday tasks like standing, climbing stairs and gardening difficult. Despite medications and even surgery, the pain persisted. And Letha is not alone. A new survey commissioned by Medtronic, a global leader in healthcare technology, and conducted by public opinion research firm The Harris Poll, finds people living with chronic back or leg pain often suffer for years without effective treatment or awareness of the options available to them — a problem that has only been exacerbated by care delays caused by the pandemic.

“Standing for more than 10 minutes would be painful,” said Letha, a nurse and long-term services coordinator for an insurance company in Texas. “The pain would start in my back and go down my legs to my feet. Even just standing at the sink and washing dishes was painful. I would have to pull up a chair and sit down to wash them.”

According to the survey*, “Painful Pandemic: How a Healthcare System Under Strain Impacts Chronic Pain Patients,” pain significantly affects nearly every aspect of life for those living with it. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say they feel like they can never get a good night’s sleep. More than 60% believe their pain has negatively impacted their mental health, while 62% find it harder to enjoy time with family. Respondents also report feeling frustrated, annoyed, exhausted and depressed. Most believe their pain is not being managed effectively, while three-quarters want alternatives to medications.

Even so, only half of people living with chronic back pain have seen a physician who specialized in Pain Management to evaluate their pain and understand available treatment options. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, according to the survey. Nearly 9 in 10 say their pain has worsened or is unimproved since the pandemic began, and half say they have experienced care delays, including canceled and postponed appointments and procedures.

For Letha, even simple tasks like bending or walking upstairs became incredibly difficult. Perhaps most upsetting was the fact that the pain made her give up favorite activities like gardening. After medications and surgery failed to relieve her pain, Letha was referred to Dr. Candice Burnette, a pain management specialist at Modern Pain Management in Houston, TX.

“While the pandemic has delayed care for many people living with chronic pain, patients shouldn’t lose hope,” Dr. Burnette said. “When conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy fail, there are other options patients can consider for lasting relief.”

Typical treatments for chronic pain vary depending on the patient, type and location of pain. Oral medications such as opioids remain the most common treatment for chronic pain. Physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture and radiofrequency ablation, a procedure that utilizes electric currents to destroy nerve fibers carrying pain signals, are also sometimes used. However, 89% of survey respondents say they wish they could find a better solution to address their chronic back or leg pain.

Despite a multi-decade history of treating patients with chronic pain, device-based therapies such as targeted drug delivery (TDD) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are relatively unfamiliar to many people living with chronic pain, according to the survey. TDD, involves an implanted pump that delivers pain medication directly to the spine. SCS uses a small, implanted stimulator, much like a pacemaker, to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord and mask pain signals before they reach the brain.

Dr. Burnette determined that Letha was a strong candidate for spinal cord stimulation therapy.

“Many patients didn’t know just how much pain they were in until they tried SCS and felt relief,” Dr. Burnette said. After receiving her SCS implant, Letha experienced significantly less pain and started to enjoy her life again, including getting back out into the garden.

“I want everyone living with back pain to know that they don’t have to continue suffering,” Letha said. “Talk with your doctor and find out whether there are options to relieve your pain.”

Not every patient is a candidate for these treatments, and these decisions should be made in consultation with a doctor such as a Pain Management physician. Spinal cord stimulation involves risks including infection, lead movement, pain at the implant site, and loss of therapy effectiveness. To learn more about the survey and chronic pain treatment options, visit www.medtronic.com/us-en/c/pain-therapies/pain-study-results.html.

*Medtronic data on file.

About this survey
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Medtronic among 810 U.S. adults ages 18+ who currently experience chronic back or leg pain. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

2022-04-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – The pandemic caused massive disruptions in health care, from cancellation of elective surgeries to patients putting off critical screenings and procedures, including colonoscopies, mammograms, knee or hip replacement surgeries, and even in some cases more urgent heart procedures. As a consequence, many preventable health problems may show an alarming increase in the near future. Anesthesiologists who provide anesthesia or sedation for many of these procedures urge patients to get back on track and schedule your test, screening or surgery as soon as possible, especially because some hospitals and health systems are experiencing a backlog.

Nearly one in four people experienced a disruption to their plans to have a procedure or test during the past year. Of those, 16% said they are planning to reschedule, but haven’t yet, and 10% aren’t planning to reschedule at all, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging. Nearly 10 million cancer screenings were missed during the pandemic, according to cancer researchers.

“With safety measures in place and COVID-19 numbers decreasing, it is vital for everyone to resume their lifesaving and life-changing screenings and procedures,” said Randall M. Clark, M.D., FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Your health and well-being may depend on it.”

If you are scheduling a long-delayed screening or procedure that requires anesthesia or sedation, ASA recommends seven ways to ensure you are prepared and as healthy as possible.

Practice healthy behaviors

Adjusting your diet to include healthier choices in the weeks leading up to your surgery or procedure can help you become stronger and recover quicker. Exercise can also help reduce complications and hospital stays, so if you are active, keep it up, and if not, consider working with your doctor to increase activity levels in the weeks before surgery. Losing weight can help too, as excess weight can make it more challenging to administer anesthesia safely.

Stop smoking

Smoking increases the risk of anesthesia-related problems such as wound infections, pneumonia and heart attacks. Quit smoking as soon as possible before the procedure — preferably a week or more before — and for as long as possible afterward. Quitting even the day before surgery helps.

Connect with your anesthesia care team

Be sure your anesthesia care is led by an anesthesiologist, a medical doctor who has 12-14 years of education and clinical training to deliver safe, high-quality care. Whether you have an appointment with your anesthesiologist in advance of your procedure or meet them immediately before, be sure to share details about your overall health, medications you are taking, use of recreational drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol, your previous experience with anesthesia, your fears and any questions you have. If you have concerns, reach out to schedule a call or meeting with the anesthesiologist in advance.

Understand COVID-19 testing

You likely will be tested for COVID-19 a day or two before your surgery. If you have had COVID-19 recently, your surgery may be delayed for your own safety. Unvaccinated patients may need to wait seven weeks after a COVID-19 infection before having a procedure, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Know what — and when — to eat and drink

When your surgery is planned, your anesthesia care team will let you know when to stop eating or drinking prior to the procedure. The answer may vary depending on factors such as the type of anesthesia you are having and the time of day your procedure is scheduled. In many cases you will be told to stop eating eight hours before the surgery, but you may be able to drink clear fluids such as coffee, water or pulp-free juice up to two hours before.

Don’t assume you should stop your medications

In most cases, you should continue taking your medications before the procedure because they are important to your health. There are exceptions, so be sure your surgeon and anesthesiologist know which medications — both prescription and over the counter — you are taking, as well as any vitamins and supplements, so they can direct you.

Learn about your pain management options

Many people assume opioids are the only drugs that will relieve postsurgical pain. In fact, there are many pain management alternatives that don’t carry the same risk of misuse, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Your anesthesiologist will work with you to develop a safe and effective plan to help you manage your pain.

Advance preparation can help ensure you are ready for a procedure, but it’s important to take that first step by scheduling your important test or surgery without delay. Download ASA’s “The Path to Safe Surgery” fact sheet for more information.

2022-04-12T23:01:00

(BPT) – Days are getting longer, temps are warming up, and you have lots of plans — but do you lack the energy to make them happen? After spending winter mostly indoors, it can be tough to transition to the change in seasons. Fortunately, simple meal and snack swaps, plus new approaches to your exercise routine, can help get you moving again.

Here are easy tips to follow to help you feel ready for just about anything this season.

Choose energy-boosting foods

“You can find more effective — and longer-lasting — energy boosters than reaching for additional cups of coffee or a sugary snack,” says Colette Heimowitz, vice president of Nutrition and Education at Simply Good Foods Company. “You’ll notice a big difference in your mood and energy levels just from swapping out high-glycemic carbs with added sugars and refined grains for higher quality, energy-boosting choices like colorful vegetables, low-glycemic fruits and high-fiber whole grains.”

For better long-term energy and nutrition, try:

• Apples — Apples provide filling fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants. Pair an apple with peanut butter or cheese to lessen the glycemic impact.
• Avocados — These are a great source of heart-friendly monounsaturated fat, plus oleic acid, folate and vitamin E. Have half an avocado as a snack on toasted sprouted bread, or add slices to tossed salad or scrambled eggs. An avocado a day combined with a healthy diet may lower LDL cholesterol.
• Nuts — Most nuts combine protein, healthy fats and fiber that help you feel full, so you’re less likely to experience energy dips. Aim for up to two one-ounce nut snacks per day, such as topping a serving of full-fat Greek yogurt in the morning or for an afternoon snack.
• Leafy green vegetables — Spinach is one example, full of nutrients like fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamins A, C, E and K — plus energy-boosting iron. Add spinach to any egg dish, soup or salad.
• Fatty fish — Salmon is popular for good reason, as it’s flavorful plus full of protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids to fill you up and minimize blood sugar swings.
• Atkins Iced Chai Protein Shake — For a quick pick-me-up, this ready-to-drink creamy shake is made with real tea and spiced chai flavor. It contains as much caffeine as a cup of tea while delivering protein and fiber, offering a non-coffee alternative for those seeking more protein and energy.

Try this recipe for a protein boost:

Chai Latte Overnight Oats

Ingredients

2 tablespoons quick cooking oats, raw
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
2 tablespoons chia seeds
2 tablespoons coconut, unsweetened, shredded
1 Atkins Iced Chai Protein Shake
1 tablespoon pine nuts, roasted
1 teaspoon coconut, unsweetened, shredded
2 pinches ground cinnamon

Directions

In each of 2 6-ounce jars with lids, mix 1 tablespoon oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon hemp hearts and 1 tablespoon coconut shreds until evenly combined. Add half the shake (5.5 fluid ounces) to each jar and mix until very well combined. Cover with lids and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.

Before serving, lightly toast pine nuts in a 400-degree oven for 3 minutes, shaking once halfway through. Top each jar with 1/2 tablespoon roasted pine nuts, 1/2 teaspoon coconut shreds and a pinch cinnamon. Makes 2 servings.

Visit Atkins.com for more low-carb nutrition ideas.

Springtime is the best time to get moving

Spring weather is perfect for getting outside and enjoying a dose of immune-boosting vitamin D, whether walking with friends, running or biking. Exercise helps:

• Preserve and build lean body mass
• Improve mood and decrease depression
• Maintain weight loss or lose weight
• Prevent heart disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and more
• Improve sleep
• Boost energy

Level up your usual routine or try something new

Even if you exercise regularly, your body gets used to your current level of exercise and may no longer feel challenged. You may need a refresh. Do you enjoy walking on a treadmill or biking indoors? Take it outside or increase your pace. Plateaued in your strength routine? Add more reps or weight.

Challenge your body with a new activity. Ever try pickleball or badminton? How about salsa or line dancing? Or stream new workouts, from yoga to jump roping. Find something that adds excitement to your routine, that you look forward to doing.

Following these tips, you’ll find yourself bursting with energy as you welcome the longer, warmer spring days.

2022-04-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Most Americans don’t often think about where their water comes from and how it gets to their taps. When you turn on a faucet, wash clothes or start the shower, you expect water to be there when you need it. However, this is only possible thanks to water utility workers maintaining an aging and complex water infrastructure system to support daily demands.

There are several misconceptions about our nation’s water infrastructure, highlighted by a recent survey titled “Infrastructure, Investment and Resiliency” from American Water. Some of the most common fallacies include:

Misconception: There are thousands of miles of quality pipes in the U.S. water infrastructure.

Reality: Half of Americans underestimate the miles of underground pipes in the U.S. by a million or more. The water infrastructure system in the U.S. is comprised of 2.2 million miles of underground pipes. Americans are largely unaware of just how much work goes into maintaining this complex system that they rely upon every day.

Misconception: The U.S. water infrastructure system needs only minor updates with minimal cost.

Reality: A majority of Americans (56%) estimate the cost of improving the nation’s water infrastructure at $1 billion or less. In reality, the projected cost is $129 billion.

The American Society of Civil Engineers gave the U.S. drinking water infrastructure a C- grade in 2021, highlighting the growing need for improvement to the nation’s system. To address this, the recently passed federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will invest $55 billion into U.S. water infrastructure. American Water alone has committed an investment of $28 to $32 billion in capital over the next 10 years.

Misconception: Water main breaks are rare.

Realty: Half (53%) of Americans estimate that a water main break occurs every couple of hours or less. In reality, water main breaks occur every few minutes. It’s estimated that this frequency of water main breaks and pipe leaks, due to aging water infrastructure, causes the U.S. to lose approximately 6 billion gallons of treated drinking water every day.

Misconception: Underground pipes have a short lifespan.

Reality: Americans, on average, estimate the lifespan of underground pipes is 48 years. In fact, most pipes that deliver water to homes and businesses across the country have an average lifespan of 75 to 100 years. American Water is committed to replacing infrastructure in their systems much more quickly than the current water utility industry standard, with plans to increase resiliency across the 52,500 miles of pipeline it maintains and operates.

Misconception: Water infrastructure is safe from cybersecurity attacks and supply chain disruption.

Reality: Over three in five Americans are unaware that water infrastructure may be susceptible to cyberattacks and supply chain disruptions (64% and 62%, respectively). Because technology is used in various aspects of water management, cyberattacks are a concern. That’s why American Water has a dedicated team of certified professionals who help maintain the overarching security of informational and operational technology systems; safeguard the physical security of the staff, facilities and assets; and provide emergency response and are ready to adapt if business continuity plans need to be activated.

Misconception: Flushing wipes and cotton products down your toilet and pouring oil or grease down your drain is OK.

Reality: Over two in five Americans don’t know that flushing wipes and cotton products can damage water infrastructure (45% and 43%, respectively). Moreover, 38% of Americans don’t know that flushing cooking fats, oils and grease down the drain negatively impacts the condition of underground pipes and water mains.

Americans can help protect our critical water infrastructure through simple measures such as watching what they put down their sinks and flush down their toilets. By not flushing wipes, paper towels or other items, Americans can help prevent pipe clogs, sewage overflows and damage to infrastructure.

Everyone should be able to enjoy the conveniences of having safe, clean water from their tap when they need it. That’s why it’s important to know the facts about America’s water infrastructure and the actions and investments American Water is taking and making to improve its water and wastewater systems. To learn more, visit amwater.com.