Month: August 2022

2022-08-24T23:59:00

(BPT) – Anyone facing a medical challenge experiences many difficulties — and the journey that patients, families and even healthcare providers go through is not just physical, but emotional. To help those affected by illness or surgery, internationally renowned heart surgeon Dr. Ehsan Natour draws from years of experience in his book, “When Life Comes to a Standstill: The Surgeon Who Touches the Hearts of His Patients.”

“My book is a step-by-step guide,” says Natour. “It takes the reader through what happens if you become a patient needing heart surgery — from diagnosis to the operation to rehab. It is intended as a companion for these patients, and for their relatives and friends who will be their support team during illness and recovery.”

Natour offers practical advice for patients, family and healthcare professionals for coping with any kind of trauma, including these tips.

1. For patients

After any serious illness or surgery, you will discover things are not as they once were, and recovery may not be quick, easy — or complete. But you may discover benefits, like a slower pace of life or increased ability to appreciate the moment.

• Prepare to adapt to a new normal. “You will find a new normal more quickly if you don’t try to hold on to the old one,” advises Natour. “There is a better and much healthier way: to adapt courageously and flexibly to the challenges of the new situation.”
• Embrace your life now. “I remember numerous executives, people who identified with their work completely and learned from their illness that there is a life outside their job,” writes Natour. “If you have mastered a crisis, you have achieved something big. You have a future again, even if it may look different from what you imagined.”
• Accept help. Many have difficulty accepting support, but don’t be afraid of asking for help from family members, friends, support groups and/or therapists.

2. For family

Helping a loved one through a medical crisis or illness is also hard on family and friends. With those not used to seeing their loved one incapacitated, the sudden role change can be jarring, causing many to push the patient to “get better” too quickly.

Here’s how you can help:

• Reduce stress. Natour says it’s important to help your loved one be “bubble-wrapped in a stress-free space.”
• Stay connected. “What we need most during a crisis is closeness to others,” observes Natour.
• Be their advocate. Someone coping with a difficult diagnosis may not process information well. Attend appointments with them, take notes and ask questions.

3. For healthcare providers

A major goal for Natour is to foster better doctor-patient relationships. Unfortunately, the modern healthcare system allows doctors minimal time with patients, but taking time to build a sense of trust makes a huge difference for all concerned.

“When you talk with someone you get to know each other, and this may lead to a better diagnosis,” says Natour. “The more relaxed patients are, the better they feel, and the more trust they have in their medical environment, the greater are their chances of healing.”

To create better relationships with patients as they confront illness or surgery, focus on:

• Making a connection. Beyond explaining information clearly, encourage patients to ask questions. “In my opinion, good communication is one of the most important tasks of a doctor — but it is the most difficult for many,” Natour explains. “Some young health professionals are not even aware that good contact with their patients is an essential tool of their profession.”
• Listening. For effective communication, listening is even more important than talking. “Listening is hard work; one must attend to the patient thoroughly,” writes Natour. “To listen to a patient means that in this moment they are the most important thing.”

To further support those affected by any sort of crisis or trauma, including for medical professionals, Natour has also founded Stichting Stilgezet, an organization in the Netherlands working closely with scientific research to understand the emotional and social context of this significant phase of life.

“This is why I became a doctor: to heal human beings, not just sections of them,” explains Natour. “As medical professionals, we can shape the encounters with our patients. We will experience that the good that we do will come back to us.”

Learn more about Dr. Natour’s book at DrNatour.com, and his organization at Stilgezet.nl/en.

2022-08-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – As gas prices soar this summer, travelers and commuters are looking for ways to safeguard their wallets and drive as efficiently as possible. By changing their driving practices and choosing the right tires, drivers can save significant amounts of fuel and help reduce emissions from their vehicles.

In fact, making a few simple changes to driving style and car maintenance can help drivers save as much as half a gallon of gas per fill-up, or two-thirds of a gallon for every 300 miles (half a liter for every 100 kilometers) driven. These adjustments can also help minimize harmful CO2 emissions.

Lower the resistance

The first step toward sustainable, efficient driving is to choose the right tires in the first place. Tires with low rolling resistance — the energy required for the tires to propel a car along the road — use less fuel and help cars lighten their carbon footprints.

“Rolling resistance has a huge impact on fuel consumption,” says Nokian Tyres Technical Customer Service Manager Matti Morri. “A tire with correct pressures and a low rolling resistance classification can save up to two-thirds of a gallon for every 300 miles (half a liter of fuel per 100 kilometers) when compared to the lowest-performing tires.”

To learn which tires have low rolling resistance, Morri recommends that drivers ask their tire dealer.

Tweak car prep and driving style

Avoiding idling, utilizing engine breaking, predicting traffic and preheating vehicles in cold weather can lower fuel consumption by up to 20%, according to experts. Even a factor as trivial as steering angles can make a difference — drivers should avoid sudden sharp turns when possible.

Maintaining correct tire pressure is also vital. Tires that aren’t inflated to their recommended pressure levels are less energy-efficient and more prone to blowouts and uneven wear. Morri recommends that drivers check their tire pressures at least once each month, and more frequently during seasons with fluctuating temperatures.

Efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand

Tiremakers who prioritize eco-friendly products are also likely to help drivers save on fuel costs, since rolling resistance and low emissions are closely linked. Drivers should look up the environmental records of the company that produced their tires. That will give a hint as to the efficiency — and environmental impact — of their tires.

Nokian Tyres was the first tire company to remove harmful high-aromatic oils from its tire compounds, and it crafts tires at the only LEED v4 Silver-certified tire factory in the world. At the company’s North American factory in Dayton, Tennessee, solar energy helps power efficient production of tires that are built to help save energy themselves.

For more tire safety tips, visit NokianTires.com/ShopTalk. For more information about the company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and products, visit NokianTires.com/Sustainability.

2022-08-24T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you make vacation plans around well-known restaurants and tasty regional favorites? If so, you’ll want to explore the amazing array of culinary delights in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. With an eclectic mix of options from iconic Carolina Coastal Cuisine, to bold international flavors including Jamaican, Thai, Latin American, Italian and German/Austrian, The Beach provides everything your foodie heart desires — along with surprises you may not expect. Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand boast over 2,000 restaurants, making The Beach a truly memorable culinary destination with tastes to please every palate.

Home of Carolina Coastal Cuisine

Whether you seek recipes with rich local history handed down from the Gullah community or crave fresh seafood, you can find it in Myrtle Beach. A revolution in cooking over the last decade in Myrtle Beach inspired many professional chefs to create “Carolina Coastal Cuisine,” putting their modern spin on traditional Lowcountry dishes.

Carolina Coastal derives from the wide array of regionally fished and grown foods. Chefs use local ingredients like Carolina rice, stone-ground grits, shrimp, blue crab, grouper, country ham, peaches and more in traditional recipes from the Gullah community. The Gullah people are African Americans descended from slaves brought to the southern colonies in the early 18th century for their ability to cultivate rice. Most traditional Gullah foods are stewed, grilled or roasted, with very little fried. So if the idea of fresh, locally grown (and caught) food gets your mouth watering, look for restaurants designated “fresh on the menu” by the South Carolina Hospitality Alliance. To qualify for this designation, at least 25% of their ingredients have to be locally grown.

Here are some highlights of Carolina Coastal restaurants along the Grand Strand or in Murrells Inlet — the seafood capital of South Carolina — to put on your culinary itinerary:

Drunken Jack’s — If you crave fresh local seafood or hushpuppies with honey butter, this is the perfect spot for you. Enjoy crab cakes or clam chowder, followed by steak, shrimp or sea scallops created by Chef Casey Blake as you dine on the waterfront overlooking the beautiful MarshWalk and marina.

Cypress Room — Chef Mike McKinnon offers French-inspired New American cuisine with a devotion to using the finest fresh ingredients. You can also enjoy Lowcountry favorites like she-crab soup and jumbo lump crab cakes — with a floor-to-ceiling view of the ocean.

Aspen Grille — Enjoy the creations of Chef Curry Martin, including golden fried calamari or fried gulf oysters, followed by entrees like prime beef or filet mignon with lobster tail, in an elegant fine dining atmosphere.

Wicked Tuna — Two locations, in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, offer “hook to plate” dining. Maryland native Chef Dylan Foster offers fresh seafood dishes from mussels and Lowcountry shrimp and grits, to grilled salmon and more.

Explore the world at The Beach

If international flavors are what you desire, you won’t be disappointed with the variety of global cuisine at Myrtle Beach. This is a small sampling of locations to discover:

Ciao! is one of the Grand Strand’s best restaurants, with Chef Eugene Geni Hysa cooking up authentic Italian cuisine using the freshest ingredients, made in-house. Popular favorites include lasagna, lobster ravioli and linguine with clam sauce.

Sol Cocina Mexicana is a high-end authentic Mexican restaurant consistently mentioned by local chefs as a favorite place to go when they eat out. Chef Armando Cobian recreates traditional Mexican cuisine and family recipes his mother taught him, from pulled chicken enchiladas with fire-roasted green tomatillo salsa and oaxaca cheese, to Carne Asada made with prime ribeye steak and traditional Chiles Rellenos.

Blue Elephant Thai offers authentic Thai food using fresh ingredients and seafood sourced from locals in Murrells Inlet. You can find Thai favorites like Pad Thai and drunken noodles plus a Thai Elephant Seafood platter with fresh shrimp, scallops, calamari, salmon and mussels.

Café Old Vienna gives you a taste of old Germany and Austria at its popular restaurant and beer garden, with cuisine prepared by Chef Werner Horvath including schnitzel, bratwurst, sauerkraut, pierogis and more.

Sound tasty? For your next vacation, put your appetite and culinary cravings front and center with a trip to The Beach. Check out all the delicious possibilities at VisitMyrtleBeach.com/restaurants.

2022-08-23T11:06:33

(BPT) – Small business owners are expert planners, which means they’ve already started thinking about fall travel. Business travel has been steadily on the rise, with corporate travel spend projected to reach 55% of 2019 levels by the end of this year, with further growth into 2023.

Planning ahead with the right tools, like credit cards designed for small business owners (ex. the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card*) or integrative planning apps, is key to smarter travel. Whether you have a packed conference schedule through end-of-year or are looking to book meetings with an out-of-state client, below are must-know trends for fall business travel to help set you up for success.

Live conferences are back in full swing. Book in advance to save your spot (and your money).

The return to in-person conferences was widespread this past year. Popular events like SXSW transitioned back to a live format in 2022 and others, like TechCrunch’s Disrupt, have already announced plans to return to in-person this fall. In fact, earlier this year a whopping 96% of planners reported they’re organizing events throughout 2022, which means there’s plenty of events on the horizon. With this in mind, the earlier you plan ahead for booking conference travel, the better. Many events offer “early bird” specials, with decreased pricing on tickets when purchased in advance. Plus, booking earlier ensures you secure your ideal flight and hotel itinerary before they start to sell out. Consider downloading an integrative planning tool, like Any.do or Todoist, so you can set reminders for these key dates in advance.

Look into credit cards specifically designed for small business owners to earn points on existing expenses towards future travel. For example, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card* has an adaptive accelerator which helps small business owners earn two Bonus Points total per dollar in their top three of eight spending categories each calendar quarter through 2023 (recently extended from 2022), then top two of eight categories in 2024 and beyond. These categories include common business expenses like shipping, dining, advertising and social media, and gas station purchases, making it easier than ever to accumulate and there’s is no cap on the Bonus Points that can be earned. By understanding your existing budget and using tools to maximize your spend, you can make room for more travel.

“Hybrid” business trips are back on the rise.

The popular trend combining business and leisure travel (or “bleisure”) is reemerging. Small business owners are constantly on the go, so tacking on a few days for exploring, visiting friends or relaxing in a new location can be an ideal way to maximize existing business trips and still prioritize self-care.

Sometimes “bleisure” can be as simple as splurging on a luxe hotel (like one of 45 Park Hyatt hotels globally) or a hotel spa treatment. Even better, some credit cards like the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card* offer significant plus-ups so you can travel more luxuriously, even if it’s just for business. For example, new cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 60,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points (equivalent to up to 12 free nights at a category 1 Hyatt hotel or 2 free nights at a category 7 Hyatt hotel or resort) after spending $5,000 within the first three months from account opening. Plus, if you apply by October 6, 2022, and get the card you can receive two Tier-Qualifying Night Credits per eligible night from August 23, 2022 through December 31, 2022, providing a head start towards World of Hyatt elite status and more. When you’re a busy small business owner on the go, even minor travel pleasures can make a huge difference and the right credit card can help keep those luxuries in your budget.

“Digital nomads” are turning travel into a lifestyle.

Workplace norms have shifted majorly in the past year — for small and large businesses alike. More and more business owners are making the world their office, which means they’re traveling regularly for long- or short-term stays and have the ability to work from anywhere. While this lifestyle isn’t for everyone, more individuals are adopting this work style, and sometimes with higher cost savings.

For those who use credit cards like the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card* to book their rooms, Hyatt hotel stays can earn them up to 9X Points total per eligible dollar spent for Hyatt stays and experiences. This includes 4 Bonus Points earned per dollar spent with your card at Hyatt hotels, including participating restaurants and spas, plus 5 Base Points per eligible dollar you can earn from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member. When using the right credit cards, the more you travel, the more you earn towards future travel.

We’re anticipating an exciting fall for business travelers, thanks to more in-person events and flexible work environments. Planning ahead with smart tools can set you up for success (and more travel!) in the months ahead.

*Accounts subject to credit approval. Restrictions and limitations apply. Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

2022-08-23T06:01:00

(BPT) – During menopause, levels of the female sex hormone estrogen decline dramatically, and this can affect everything from your hair, heart, and bones to your skin — especially your skin down there.

While hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause, over 50% of women experience vaginal thinning and dryness during or after menopause,^[1] and about 90% of women who experience these symptoms don’t seek medical help.^[1] “This can make sex painful, increase the risk for bladder infections and take a heavy toll on a woman’s quality of life,” says Carolyn DeLucia, MD, a board-certified gynecologist specializing in intimate wellness in New York City.

What can women do for relief?

Dr. DeLucia recommends starting with lifestyle changes, like staying cool and reducing stress to manage hot flashes. “Regular sexual activity can help prevent some of the bothersome symptoms of menopause. I also recommend using a water-soluble vaginal lubricant to help soothe mild cases during intercourse,” she says.

For years, hormone replacement therapy was considered the solution for all the physical woes that accompany menopause. This all changed when the landmark Women’s Health Initiative Study^[2] in 2002 showed that taking estrogen and progestin after menopause may increase a woman’s risk for stroke, heart disease, blood clots, and breast cancer. Estrogen helps with menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and progestin is added to protect against uterine cancer in women who still have a uterus.

Many women are reluctant to take estrogen due to a personal or family history of breast cancer or other health concerns, Dr. DeLucia explains. This has led to more of a troubleshooting approach to menopausal symptoms. For example, some topical lubricants may be used to effectively treat bothersome vaginal dryness.

“I recommend VagiVital^® Aktivgel. It is a hormone-free, water-based vaginal gel that relieves and treats symptoms of vaginal atrophy such as dryness, irritation or itching, and discomfort during sex or when urinating,” says Dr. DeLucia.

VagiVital is a transparent gel that releases water over time to restore pH balance and encourage cell growth in the vaginal wall. “When your pH level rises, skin — including skin in intimate areas — can become red, dry, and painful. When left untreated, it can affect a woman’s quality of life,” she says.

According to gynecologist Dr. Rebecka Kaplan Sturk of the Karolinska Institute and Sophiahemmet University in Stockholm, Sweden, “The VagiVital range is safe with no side effects. The products are the perfect care for women’s intimate parts. The Intimate V Cleanser gently washes while maintaining pH balance, while the VagiVital Aktivgel intensively moisturizes and soothes the sensitive intimate area.”

The improvement in symptoms from VagiVital are on par with what can be seen with topical hormonal therapy. “Women in a clinical study who applied the gel once daily for 12 weeks experienced less vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, vaginal pain and itching, and pain during urination^[3],” she shares.

The new VagiVital cleanser is totally soap- and fragrance-free and can clean, moisturize and restore the pH balance of your vagina. “I finally have something I can offer women that doesn’t come with a long list of side effects and contraindications, and that actually works,” says Dr. Kaplan Sturk.

For more information visit https://us.vagivital.com/

VagiVital is also available on Amazon – Gel and Cleanser.

2022-08-22T11:27:00

(BPT) – If you own a swimming pool, you probably already know that you need to close your pool each year in preparation for the colder winter months, especially if you live in an area that sees freezing temperatures. But did you know you could be leaving your pool vulnerable to costly freeze damage if you don’t properly winterize your pool and equipment? Fortunately, there are steps you can follow that will help ensure your pool is correctly and safely closed for the winter — making your pool opening next spring much easier.

Follow these tips to help the entire process go more smoothly:

1. Don’t close too early

Instead of using a firm date on the calendar to determine when to start closing your pool, watch the outside temperatures. Closing your pool when it’s still too warm outside could lead to excess algae growth under the pool cover — which you’ll have to deal with come springtime. Once the ambient temps are consistently below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you can go ahead and begin the closing process.

2. Prepare the pool water for closing

If you’re doing all the prep work yourself, consider getting a convenient pool closing kit, which will contain all of the essential winterizing chemicals you’ll need for closing your pool correctly. Even easier, you can order a winter kit online at InTheSwim.com. Their winter chemical kits include stain and scale prevention, algaecide and chlorine-free shock, all of which you’ll need to close the pool the right way. Some kits also include a phosphate remover and natural enzymes.

Pool closing kits from In the Swim are packaged according to pool size. For best results, these kits can be upgraded to include an AquaPill WinterPill, an all-in-one solution made from an all-natural formula that prevents stains, inhibits algae growth and maintains water clarity over the winter months.

Here are the steps for preparing your pool’s water:

• Add phosphate remover a week before closing the pool.
• Clean the pool thoroughly with a skimmer net, brush and vacuum.
• Add winterizing chemicals, such as algaecide and stain and scale prevention.
• Test and balance the water.
• Shock the pool to ensure proper chlorine levels.
• Run the pump for one full cycle.
• Clean the filter.

3. Prep pool plumbing and equipment

Once your water is ready, you can start prepping the pool’s plumbing for closing:

• Turn off power to all pool equipment.
• Lower water levels 4–6 inches below the skimmer, unless directed otherwise by your pool manufacturer.
• Remove drain plugs from equipment.
• Blow out plumbing or drain water from pool lines.
• Add winterizing plugs to the returns.
• Use non-toxic pool antifreeze in the lines for extra protection.
• Protect the skimmer against freeze expansion with a Gizzmo or skimmer guard.

If you’re unclear about how to proceed with any of the above steps, visit the In The Swim blog for more detailed descriptions of each process.

4. Finish closing your pool

Before you’re ready to cover the pool for winter, you’ll want to remove and store non-permanent fixtures and accessories from the pool, including ladders, handrails or anything else that will come in contact with the pool cover. Don’t forget to check for items such as toys, floats and pool cleaners left in the pool, and store them for winter.

Next, clean off the entire pool deck, and prep cover accessories you’ll be using, such as air pillows, cover cables, water bags or safety cover hardware.

5. Install the winter cover or safety cover on the pool

Making sure your pool is safely and properly covered for the winter serves a few different purposes. The most important reason is the cover will prevent debris, such as leaves, from ending up in your pool, which can make the pool tougher to clean out in the spring. Covers also block sunlight, which can help inhibit algae growth. If using a safety cover, you’ll have added peace of mind against pool entry accidents.

Now that you know these steps, you’ll know how to keep your pool safe and snug over the winter months — while waiting for next year’s fun.

You can find useful products to help you maintain and close your pool at InTheSwim.com.

2022-08-22T13:45:00

(BPT) – By Ken Latus, Vice President of Risk Products, Northwestern Mutual

If there is one universal truth, it’s that parenting is hard. As the father of two boys, we’ve navigated oftentimes sensitive yet important topics across the realms of school, grades, friends and family. And of course, we’ve also had “the talk.”

Whether your parents sat you down alone, or with your siblings for a discussion about the birds and the bees, or it was brought up while watching a movie that was a bit more grown-up than they realized, it’s a moment we likely all recall (and possibly count amongst the most cringe-worthy).

According to Northwestern Mutual’s Planning & Progress Study, Americans would rather talk about the birds and the bees than finances. Which is why I want to point out the importance of the other talk — the one about planning for your future. The future where you are old.

Just like that birds and bees conversation, sitting down with your kids to talk about how you see yourself aging is best handled with some forethought, and an upfront understanding that it might be a little uncomfortable for both of you.

But it’s so important that you do talk about it. And it should also be an open and ongoing dialogue as you age. So here are three steps to help everyone get on board and feeling more prepared about what lies ahead.

1. Decide when and how to open a dialogue

Depending on your age and health, the age of your child(ren) and your family history, the urgency of this first conversation may vary. Are your children watching as you care for your own parents? Is dementia lurking in your family tree? Do you want to preempt a conversation before something serious happens with your health? Have you discussed the basics of your financial situation with your children?

These factors help guide the timing of this initial discussion. Once you’ve established that, you can gather your thoughts around key topics, including:

• Where would you like to be as you age? In your home? In the same city as your children?
• Who are you expecting to care for you?
• How will the costs of your care be covered?

Keep in mind your situation and preferences may change as you get older, so talk to your kids about how you will keep them updated.

2. Provide a heads-up and pick a comfortable setting

If reading this makes you recoil a little, you’re not alone. Our 2019 CARE Study found that, despite their own experience, 72% of caregivers have not planned for their own long-term care needs. Still, it’s important to face the initial discomfort to help build a future where desired choices are available for you and your family.

First up — don’t ambush anyone. Let your kids know ahead of time what you want to talk about. It shouldn’t feel like some sort of family intervention.

Then, ease mutual discomfort by having the conversation in a relaxed environment. Maybe, it’s at your favorite beach hangout with a cup of coffee, walking the dogs at the park, or during a Sunday morning round of golf where you talk about the proverbial “back nine” of your life. The right environment can put everyone at ease and remove some of the pretense and stress from a difficult topic of conversation.

3. Keep the lines of communication open

It’s tough to talk about aging and long-term care, but what’s even harder is when parents and kids don’t talk about it and then find themselves trying to handle the realities of caregiving with no roadmap.

Use the moment as an opportunity to open the door to continuing conversations about what you hope for as you age, what would make you happy and the preferences that would make you most comfortable. Health and finances are fluid, so the conversation should be, too. If you start these conversations early enough and check in often, there will be plenty of time for in-game adjustments.

Long-term care is a not just an aging issue, or a financial issue … it’s a family issue. It’s never too late to have the other talk. And it’s a good excuse to spend quality time with your family while you can all appreciate and embrace it. Most importantly, your children will be grateful you helped them navigate this stage in family life, the same way you led them through so many of life’s other big moments.

2022-08-22T03:01:00

(BPT) – It’s time for football and that means one thing — tailgating season. As a quarterback, Tony Romo knew all of the plays on the field. Now, Romo has a new way to beef up the game as he offers up his top go-to recipes and tips to make any tailgate a winner.

1. Mexican Style Beef Nachos

It’s not a party without nachos, and these flavorful Mexican-style beef sausage nachos will pack a crunch and a punch. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding some of your own favorite ingredients or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. If you start your meal prepping at home, keep cooked ingredients separate until you combine them on-site to keep nachos crispy, or prep the whole recipe on-site.

“It’s always important to make sure that if you’re cooking on-site, the food remains safe,” Romo recommends. “Always keep raw meat in a well-insulated cooler, separated from other ingredients. Another tip is to use ice blocks instead of cubes, as they’ll melt slower.”

2. Easy Roast Beef Potluck Rolls

These easy-to-prep sandwiches that deliciously combine sweet Hawaiian rolls, mild and tangy provolone cheese plus thinly-sliced deli roast beef are not only tasty, but they travel super well and are the perfect hand-held meal for your parking lot or backyard tailgate party.

“I like to keep things simple with a tailgate,” says Romo. “People want to hang out and chat about the game while eating, so having food that’s portable or handheld is always a good call.”

3. Cheesehead Sliders

What could be better than the taste combination of juicy beef and cheddar cheese? Then there’s a special secret ingredient: one-half cup of beer, to help create rich flavor and add moisture to enhance your beef patties for these easy-to-eat, handheld favorites.

“You don’t need to be a cheesehead fan to love these sliders,” says Romo. “You just need to be a fan of good food.”

4. One Skillet Beefy 7-Layer Dip

For a real crowd-pleaser, this recipe gives you one layer of flavor for each point in a converted touchdown — what better tailgate food is there than this? Beef sausage, Mexican blend cheese, mild chilies and jalapenos add up to a winning combo.

“When you’re tailgating, the food has to be a crowd-pleaser so I always serve tried-and-true classics like beef,” Romo adds. “If I’m making something new, I like to make it beforehand to make sure it will be a hit. I can’t show up to a tailgate and not deliver.”

5. Cheesy Bourbon Hot Brown Skillet Dip

This is a really simple recipe to prep that uses deli roast beef, three different cheeses and of course bourbon for a surprisingly satisfying depth of flavor. It’s not only easy to prep and delicious, it’s also perfect for colder games. The cast iron skillet can go straight from the oven to serving and keeps the dip warm until it’s gone.

“I always check the weather to make sure that what I’m bringing suits the temp. If it’s going to be cool outside, what better to bring than something hot to warm you up?” Romo adds, “I like to cook my food at home before going to the tailgate and keep foil over it to keep it warm while in transport. But if I’m going to prep the food on-site, it’s always a good idea to measure out your ingredients beforehand and pack them in labeled zip top bags to save time.” Premade seasonings and sauces in their own bags can also help save a ton of time and space.

Romo says there’s no better way to fuel up for the big game and that’s why he’s partnered with Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., a contractor to the Beef Checkoff.

To see these and plenty more delicious tailgating recipes to wow your friends and family, check out Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.