Month: October 2022

2022-10-25T10:31:01

(BPT) – Pumpkin spice, the color orange and candy corn galore — cheers to Halloween, your kids’ favorite annual holiday. This year, spook smarter and not harder with these fail-proof smart home technologies and turn your house into a ghostly den for frighteningly fun festivities. And thanks to smart home providers like LG and its LG ThinQ app, all these tips and tricks are available on your phone.

Serve Up Ghoulishly Good Party Treats

What better way to scare your friends and family this October than throwing a Halloween bash? Trick and treat your kids to a Halloween party they’ll never forget.

When preparing Halloween dishes, remember to mix it up with both sweet and savory treats since it’s the one day you can let your children indulge their sweet tooth. The LG ThinQ app has partnered with SideChef to provide sure-fire recipes for confectionary delights, complete with side-by-side instructions that are easily found on your phone by applying “Halloween” to the “Occasions” search filter in the ThinQ Recipe tab. If someone’s allergic to peanuts or is a vegetarian, no worries — use the “Allergies” and “Preferences” filters to navigate through recipes and discover the perfect Halloween treat.

Cooking during Halloween can be a special family occasion, especially for the kids. As to eliminate the guesswork from cooking and ensure that your precious time is spent with the family instead of the oven, try the LG ThinQ app’s Scan-to-Cook feature. Simply scan the ready-to-cook meal code on the app to send cooking directions, such as time and temperature, straight to your connected smart oven. With the LG ThinQ app acting as your smart sous-chef, all that’s left for you to do is cook up some warm memories in the kitchen.

Dress Up to Scare Up the Halloween Fun

If you’ve been too busy to pick up a costume for the kids, don’t panic as these last-minute dress-up ideas are here to save you.

One tip is to go with onesies or overalls — less clothing, much less fuss. For instance, dress your kids in a white onesie and pop on some rabbit ears to transform them into bunnies, or go with denim overalls over a plain yellow t-shirt for a mischievous Minions get-up. Alternatively, all-whites and all-blacks invent endless costume possibilities. Dress your little one in black slacks and a black shirt and add lipstick and eyeshadow to give them a vampire makeover.

Once your kids are finished trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, it’s time to head home and tend to the laundry. It’s easy for costumes to get dirty as they’re shown off to everyone, but luckily for you, smart home providers like LG provide the latest laundry solutions to minimize your troubles. For the most delicate fabrics and hard-to-clean stains, the LG ThinQ app provides a wide variety of cycles that you can download and activate on your smart washer. Plus, the ThinQ Care feature, designed to keep appliances running smoothly with proactive maintenance, sends alerts when your washer tub needs cleaning as well as helpful usage reports — no laundry emergencies on Halloween day.

Settle Down for a Spooky Movie Marathon

Before tucking your kids into bed, why not finish the perfect Halloween night off with a spooky film-fest at home?

If you’re looking for the quickest way to pick the perfect horror, streaming apps — the most popular found on smart TV platforms like LG WebOS — are your best shot as they offer special features and curations for Halloween each year. But if the movie of your choice is only accessible on your phone, simply mirror it to the biggest screen in the house using the LG ThinQ app’s content sharing feature.[1]

When watching a movie, especially a scary one, making sure nothing breaks your immersion is vital — so when your remote control goes missing, don’t go digging around. With the LG ThinQ app at your side, you can control the volume, change channels and turn the TV on and off with ease. If you’d like to skip manual control and perform the simplest commands with the simple call of your voice, you can do so as well by activating the “TV” card on the ThinQ app.

Smart home tech does the trick on so many occasions — and this Halloween, you’ll quickly learn just how well it puts the “trick” in trick-or-treating. Download the LG ThinQ app now and find out how — you can learn more about LG’s smart home technology and LG ThinQ here.

2022-10-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – You may not know it, but chances are you have received care from an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) at some point in your life. Whether you’ve been attended to by a nurse practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), nurse-midwife or clinical nurse specialist, they’ve provided you with compassionate care.

As of 2020, more than 233,000 advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) treated Medicare patients and approximately 40% of Medicare beneficiaries received care from an APRN. APRNs have been trained at the master’s or doctoral level to:

• Treat and diagnose illnesses
• Advise the public on health issues
• Manage chronic disease
• Deliver anesthesia and provide other pain management care
• Provide care during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period
• Order and interpret diagnostic tests
• Prescribe medication and non-pharmacologic treatments

They treat patients of all ages and backgrounds in all settings. And, if given a chance, they can play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare. Indeed, more than 40% of Medicare beneficiaries could receive safe and effective APRN care, if harmful regulatory barriers were removed.

The Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act — recently introduced to the House by Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and David Joyce (R-OH) — is a critical piece of legislation that removes barriers to care and increases access to services provided by APRNs under Medicare and Medicaid.

Should this act pass, it will help ensure access to healthcare for millions of Americans by removing costly and unnecessary barriers to high-quality healthcare services. This bill is especially important regarding the role of CRNAs in healthcare nationwide, as these are often the only anesthesia providers available in rural and underserved communities.

The critical role of CRNAs

CRNAs, as advanced practice registered nurses, are members of one of the most trusted professions, according to Gallup. Their expertise in anesthesia delivery, airway management and care of critically ill patients have made them highly sought-after healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

“CRNAs play an important role in maintaining critical access in communities across the country,” said Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). “They’re often the only anesthesia providers in most rural hospitals and the predominant providers in underserved communities.”

Despite their importance, CRNAs are hampered by current restrictions that require physician supervision of CRNAs. This federal requirement creates a barrier to expanding care and exacerbates the current provider shortage, especially in underserved communities.

How ICAN can remove barriers and improve access to care

Communities across the country are facing a shortage of healthcare providers. To help ensure that everyone can access high-quality care, legislators need to remove barriers that do nothing to improve patient safety and hinder APRNs such as CRNAs from practicing to the top of their skills and education. The ICAN bill will remove these barriers in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Eliminating redundant supervision requirements for CRNAs will facilitate lower healthcare costs and ensure that CRNAs are reimbursed for services. In short, this legislation will increase access to and improve healthcare quality for all Americans.

“For more than two years, we have seen practice barriers removed at the federal level, allowing nurses to step up on the front lines of multiple global health challenges,” said Mund. “We have seen how much nurses can do when we allow them to reach the full potential of their education and scope of practice.”

To learn more about the ICAN Act and how you can urge your representative to support this life-saving legislation, visit AnesthesiaFacts.com.

2022-10-20T06:05:00

(BPT) – Special foods and flavors enhance the holiday experience, including beverages from classic to contemporary. Capresso presents festive recipes and the tools that make them fast and easy to create.

Celebrate with an Eggnog Latte. First, whip up a mixture of eggnog and milk in the Capresso froth TS automatic milk frother, using the Hot Froth setting. The froth TS offers simple one-button operation and a nonstick coated aluminum milk pitcher with stay-cool handle. Pour the frothed eggnog mixture into 2 oz. of freshly brewed espresso, and garnish with whipped cream and nutmeg.

Use the Cold Froth setting of the froth TS to create a refreshing Iced Mint Cooler with almond milk, mint extract and maple syrup. Serve over ice, garnished with fresh mint. Patented frothing technology delivers rich milk froth at the touch of a button. This versatile appliance has three settings: Cold Froth, Hot Froth and Hot Chocolate.

Explore the world of chocolate in a cup with the Capresso froth Select, which can incorporate chocolate chips, syrup or powder into frothed milk. It features one-button operation, illuminated control, removable stainless steel pitcher and more. Multiple recipe options including Halva Hot Chocolate, with almond milk, chocolate chips, halva and cinnamon — or Vegan Hot Chocolate, with oat milk, coconut cream, dairy-free chocolate chips and brown sugar.

For those who like their tea spiked, try a Tea-Infused Hot Toddy, made with the Capresso H2O Glass Select Rapid-Boil Kettle. Perfectly brewed English Breakfast Tea is mixed with dark rum, maple syrup, star anise, nutmeg and lemon. The H2O Select comes with five temperature presets from 110° to 212° F, including the 195° F setting that brings out the best for this relaxing drink.

For more beverage recipe inspiration, visit CapressoBlog.com.

2022-10-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Pop-Tarts x Tajín have teamed up for a flavor-intensifying experience. The unique blend of chili peppers, lime and sea salt from Tajín coupled with the warm, fruit-flavored filling of Pop-Tarts make the sweet and spicy flavor pairing options endless. Check out a few of our ‘Crazy Bueno’ suggestions!

2022-10-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – –

The annual Conference of the Parties, or COP, kicks off next month in Egypt. While this annual gathering of climate leaders is a critical decision maker in addressing climate change, many are still unaware of the conference and its implications. Ahead of the 27th Conference of the Parties next month, we’re breaking down 27 things you should know about COP, why it matters, and what the conference signifies for Cool Effect in particular.

1. At the Paris Conference of Parties (COP) in 2015, 196 nations around the world signed an agreement to reduce emissions in their country by specified amounts.
2. Only registered representatives of Parties, observer states, and admitted observer organizations can attend in-person sessions for COP. Conferences are not open to the general public.
3. The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
4. Each year, COP assesses progress on combating climate change.
5. COPs are used to review what Parties have achieved, and measure progress.
6. COP is also where negotiations take place for the next round of emissions reductions and ensuring we collectively reach the goals of the Paris Agreement.
7. The very first COP occurred in Berlin, Germany in 1995. It established the Berlin Mandate, which declared portions of the 1992 Rio Convention “inadequate.” COP1 emphasized the importance of setting specified time frames, and acknowledged that developed nations must play a larger role.
8. The Berlin Mandate led to the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, adopted at COP3. The Kyoto Protocol focused on reducing emissions and increasing contributions from wealthier nations, setting a goal of overall emissions reductions of 5 percent below 1990 by 2012.
9. The “parties” refers to the 197 nations that agreed to a new environmental pact to stabilize greenhouse gas emissions and avoid dangerous climate change, the UNFCCC, at a meeting in 1992.
10. COP brings together governments, business leaders, activists, and other groups.
11. COP is the annual UN Climate Change Conference that takes place in a different host city each year.
12. The Paris Agreement, a legally binding treaty adopted by 196 countries, was signed at COP21 (the climate change conference in Paris in 2015) and established a goal to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. The Paris Agreement also included countries offering financial assistance to poorer countries to reduce emissions.
13. COP21 is also a significant moment in time for Cool Effect as it represents where it all started: Cool Effect officially launched at COP21 in 2015, with the team on the ground in Paris.
14. The Paris Agreement was a landmark deal in the multilateral climate change process because it represented the first time a binding agreement was put in place to bring all nations together under a common cause, unifying the planet to not only combat climate change, but adapt to its effects.
15. The treaty is assessed every five years, which means COP26 was the first time the treaty was revisited and that countries needed to show how they had met their national targets (NDCs).
16. COP26 occurred in 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland, and was attended by over 38,000 delegates, making it the largest in history.
17. The talks culminated in the Glasgow Climate Pact, which committed to maintain the 1.5°C goal identified in the Paris Agreement, and for the first time in the history of the UNFCCC, the COP decision called upon Parties to accelerate the phasing down of “unabated coal and inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels.”
18. At COP26, an agreement was reached regarding Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, establishing a framework for countries to trade mitigation outcomes to achieve their national targets (NDCs), using market mechanisms to incentivize cost-effective reductions or removals of greenhouse gas emissions. Importantly, as a result of COP26 in Glasgow, countries can now authorize the use of emissions reductions in the voluntary carbon market.
19. All nations agreed to submit enhanced emission-cutting pledges ahead of COP27.
20. The 27th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) is occurring from Nov. 6 – 18, 2022.
21. COP27 will take place in Sharm el-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt.
22. Over 15,000 people are expected to visit Egypt to attend COP27.
23. “Together for implementation” is the COP27 tagline.
24. Since first launching at COP21, Cool Effect has built a community of 500,000+ supporters spanning individuals, organizations and businesses.
25. As a result of the collective action of those supporters, Cool Effect has retired over five million tonnes of carbon emissions, resulting in over $36 million being directed to the developing world since launching at COP21.
26. Each year, COP is a crucial part of avoiding dangerous climate change. There’s simply no time to waste — if the world is going to rise up to the standards set in 2015, we need to collectively halve emissions within the next decade and become a net zero world by 2050.
27. COP reminds us that even when the climate outlook seems grim, there is a huge community of governments, business leaders, activists, and more taking action to protect the planet and the place we call home.

Learn more about Cool Effect and join us in the fight against climate change at cooleffect.org.

2022-10-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – Businesses of all types and sizes are increasingly recognizing how the presence of their furry friends in the work environment can contribute to their employees’ engagement, commitment and overall culture. As a result, many have introduced bring-your-pet-to-work programs that have been very positive for employee morale.

To learn more, leading pet care company Purina recently co-sponsored a study with the U.K.’s University of Lincoln on worker perceptions and how dogs are impacting today’s workplaces. Among their findings:

Dogs can improve our performance. Employees who frequently take their dogs to work report more energetic performances and higher-than-average engagement, including stronger dedication to and greater absorption in their work.

Dogs can boost our quality of work life. Those who bring their dogs to work rank themselves higher in terms of general well-being, home-work interface, job/career satisfaction, sense of control at work and overall working conditions.

Dogs make us less likely to leave our jobs. We’re significantly less likely to look elsewhere if we can be with our dogs at work.

Dogs can help reduce our anxiety. Employees who bring pets to work demonstrate fewer signs of stress. For many people, that’s partly because we don’t need to worry how our pets are faring without us.

Pets help us socialize. Because they add another layer of interaction between co-workers, they improve our workplace friendships. Often, otherwise quiet employees become more engaged when talking to co-workers about their pets.

Other Purina studies have determined:

We want our pets with us. Almost two of three employees agree pets should be allowed in the workplace if most workers are in favor.

We’re willing to foster change. More than half of employees who want pet-friendly office policies are willing to spearhead such efforts.

Purina is a forerunner in encouraging employees to bring their dogs to work after recognizing early how pets can be a source of comfort and stability in the office. In fact, it’s taken the concept of pets in the workplace a step further by partnering with St. Louis-based nonprofit Duo Dogs to launch an employee-led Touch Therapy dog program. Initially, eight Purina associates and their family pets will train to become certified Duo Touch Therapy teams so they may visit youth organizations, schools, hospitals, treatment centers, day programs, nursing homes and other locations, providing comfort, affection and love to others. A growing body of research demonstrates the benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to support the mental well-being of those struggling with physical and mental health challenges.

“Our employees understand better than anyone how impactful pet interactions can be,” notes Purina Chief Human Resources Officer Steve Degnan. “And we’re so grateful this group of associates, and their pets, are stepping up and helping a valued partner like Duo Dogs deliver healing pet interactions to those who need it most.”

To learn more about how to implement pet-friendly policies in your own workplace, check out Purina’s employer and employee toolkits for everything you need.

2022-10-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Authored and Sponsored by Amgen

Susan Fuschino, an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania, experienced early menopause and, at 47 years old, was forced into early retirement after suffering from extreme back pain. She initially attributed the back pain to being on her feet every day while teaching, however, the pain was excruciating to the point that Fuschino couldn’t walk. She was ultimately diagnosed with compression fractures caused by osteoporosis and became dependent on her daughter to handle daily tasks.

“There are so many things I can’t do on my own anymore,” said Fuschino. “Emptying the dishwasher, doing laundry, picking up items off the floor, really any activity that causes pain or puts me at risk of falling.”

Despite being a major public health problem for women worldwide,¹ Fuschino had never heard of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) before her injury. Many people mistakenly assume that osteoporosis (OP) symptoms, like low back pain and fractures, are typical signs of aging and first learn they have OP after breaking a bone.^2,3 “You may not know that you even have osteoporosis until it’s too late. Until you have a break or two,” Fuschino explains. Many women are unaware that bone loss begins at menopause and you don’t have to be in your 70s or 80s to get osteoporosis.

An unmet need

OP is a common and serious disease and about half of women 50 years and older will sustain an osteoporotic fracture, according to the Mayo Clinic.^4,5 The clinic also found that for U.S. women 55 years and older, the hospitalization burden of osteoporotic fractures is greater than that of many other serious diseases combined.⁵

Even after a bone break, many women are not appropriately diagnosed and about 80% of women are still not treated for OP, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.⁴ Unfortunately, many health care systems lack a systematic approach to identifying or treating patients for their OP-related issues.⁶

Don’t wait to treat

Decreasing the risk of osteoporotic fractures is important.⁷ Some things women can do to beef up brittle bones include:

• Ensure calcium and vitamin D are incorporated into your daily diet to maintain bone mass⁷
• Participate in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to strengthen bones⁷
• Talk with a doctor about getting a bone density test to learn about personal risk for OP and discuss if OP treatment might be right for you⁷

If you’ve already suffered an osteoporotic fracture, you may be five times more likely to fracture again within a year, according to a study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases.⁸ Given this information, it’s clear that treatments for primary and subsequent fractures related to OP are needed.

Treatment options bring hope

OP is a serious condition, but there is hope with appropriate treatment, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.⁷ Now 51 years old, Fuschino, with the help of specialists, found treatment options that helped her improve bone density. She continues to share her story to raise awareness in hopes to help other women impacted by this disease.

If you or a loved one have osteoporosis and are at high risk of fracture or have already suffered an osteoporotic fracture, you should speak with your doctor about possible treatment plans. Visit UnderstandOP.com to learn about a treatment option, find resources, and learn how to start a conversation with your doctor.

References:

1. Sözen, T., Özisik, L., & Basaran, N. Ç. (2017)., 4(1), 46–56.
2. Department of Health. The Facts About Osteoporosis. (n.d.). Retrieved September 26, 2022, from https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2047/#:~:text=Is%20osteoporosis%20a%20normal%20part,is%20easily%20diagnosed%20and%20treated.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, May 20). Does osteoporosis run in your family? Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/genomics/disease/osteoporosis.htm#:~:text=It%20affects%20almost%2020%25%20(1,decrease%20the%20effects%20of%20osteoporosis.
4. International Osteoporosis Foundation. Epidemiology Of Osteoporosis And Fragility Fractures [Fact Sheet].
5. Singer A, et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;91(1):53-62.
6. 8 assessing the risk of bone disease and fracture – NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45525/.
7. Bone Health and Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis Fast Facts. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from http://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Osteoporosis-Fast-Facts.pdf.
8. van Geel, T. A., et al. Annals of the rheumatic disease. 2009; 68(1): 99–102.

USA-785-82032

2022-10-05T08:00:00

(BPT) – The weather is beginning to cool, leaves are changing, and soon children will be carving pumpkins and picking out their Halloween costumes. However, fall also usually brings flu season, a time when kids are more likely to get sick with flu. That’s why it’s important to get children a flu vaccine and help them fight flu, so they can do what they do — like having fun with friends!

Is your family ready to fight flu? Which of the statements are true about protecting your children during flu season?

1. Flu illness is more dangerous than the common cold. Millions of children get sick with flu every year and thousands will be hospitalized as a result. Flu can lead to serious complications, like inflammation of the heart and brain. While most children recover from flu within two weeks, some children can develop more serious illnesses like pneumonia.
2. Vaccination is the best way to protect children against flu. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, ideally by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated after October can still provide children with important protection during most flu seasons. Some children 6 months through 8 years of age may need two doses for the best protection.
3. Flu vaccines are updated every year to keep up with changing flu viruses. This season’s flu vaccines were updated from last season to better match the viruses currently circulating, which change year to year. Seasonal flu vaccines are designed to protect against the four flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season.
4. Children still need to be vaccinated against flu even if they received a COVID-19 vaccine. While both flu and COVID-19 are potentially serious contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by two different viruses. It is important to stay up-to-date on both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to provide the best protection for children this winter.

All answers are true! Flu vaccines are safe, reduce your risk from flu, and are important to keep your child healthy.

It’s important for parents to make sure their children are vaccinated against flu (ideally before Halloween), so kids are ready to fight flu this season. Learn more about flu and how to best protect children so they can enjoy all the season has to offer.

2022-10-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re an astronomy buff or want a unique vacation experience, head to Arkansas for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse April 8, 2024. Two-thirds of the state, from southwest to northeast corners, will be located within the path of totality, which — in locations closest to the center line of the path — will last for more than four minutes. The remainder of the state will experience a partial eclipse lasting more than 2.5 hours.

This is a historic event for Arkansas, which hasn’t been in the full path of a solar eclipse since 1918. The Natural State is expected to welcome more than a million visitors on the day of the eclipse and during the time leading up to and after the event.

While the eclipse will only last a few minutes, you can turn this once-in-a-lifetime event into an unforgettable vacation with friends and family. Come early and stay late so you can take in the full experience of what Arkansas has to offer. To get started, check out these three places in Arkansas where you can enjoy the eclipse and other attractions the state has to offer.

1. Hot Springs, AR

Hot Springs, Arkansas, may be best known for hosting several annual music and film festivals and as a popular vacation resort destination. However, it’s also home to the smallest and oldest of the parks in the National Park Service.

Hot Springs National Park is the first federally protected area in the nation’s history. The park was created to protect the 47 naturally flowing thermal springs on the southwestern slope of Hot Springs Mountain. Head to a campground or get out on the water to see the total eclipse for an unobstructed view of the sky.

You can also enjoy outdoor activities — like hiking, mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, fishing, digging for quartz crystals and water sports —before and after the eclipse at other Hot Springs natural destinations around the area known as the Diamond Lakes Region.

Don’t forget to check out the Gangster Museum of America and the Mid-America Science Museum for indoor educational entertainment.

2. Little Rock, AR

Take a trip to Little Rock, Arkansas, the state’s largest city. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Pulaski County in the center of the state, the city is a dream destination for cyclists, with several trails and loops in and around the city.

Consider bringing your bike or renting one so you can enjoy the solar eclipse while on the trail. Before and after the eclipse, take a self-guided cycling tour of the city to discover its rich history and enjoy Little Rock’s food scene in the River Market District.

Downtown, you can visit restaurants, shops, art galleries, museums, the main library, bars and a seasonal farmers market. For foodies, check out Lassis Inn, one of the state’s oldest restaurants and recipient of America’s Classics Award by the James Beard Foundation. If you’re into beer, head to Lost Forty Brewing, one of the largest breweries in the state, and enjoy a bite and cold beer after a day outdoors.

3. Buffalo National River

If you want to experience the eclipse with as little artificial light as possible, plan to visit Buffalo River National River. This park is the state’s first and only International Dark Sky Park, meaning people can view the eclipse minus any artificial lighting obstructions. Visit before or after the eclipse to see stars, planets and constellations under a natural night sky.

For horse lovers, the park also has more than 75 miles of designated equestrian trails and 100 miles of maintained trails within the river park. Some trails offer breathtaking views from the top of the limestone bluffs. Whether you want to sleep under the stars in the primitive backpacking campgrounds, stay in a rustic cabin or enjoy a resort just outside the park, Buffalo National River has plenty to offer visitors on the day of the eclipse and year-round.

Start planning your 2024 trip to the Great North American Eclipse today. Whether you visit one of these three destinations or other towns and cities in the path of totality, you’re sure to have an optimal view of this rare event. To learn more about attractions and accommodations in Arkansas, visit Arkansas.com.

2022-10-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – As the year winds down, it is a great time for you to knock things off your checklist, such as annual doctor visits, gift lists and travel plans, so that you can enjoy the holiday season. One crucial doctor’s appointment that many put off is an annual eye exam. Annual eye exams can help you stay current with your prescription, give you an opportunity to discuss contact lens options if you feel discomfort in your current lens and help your eye doctor detect any eye diseases or vision problems. Maintaining your annual check-up with your eye doctor is vital for your overall health, but another good reason to visit your eye doctor is so that you can take advantage of any remaining funds in your flexible spending account (FSA) to help cover the costs of your annual exam and/or contact lenses.

How to safeguard your eye health and comfort

No matter your age, it’s important to have a complete eye exam every year, and to take care of your vision by protecting your eyes from common stressors and hazards.

Here are some ways to ensure your eyes stay healthy and feel their best.

1. Schedule your annual eye exam

If it’s been over a year since you’ve seen an eye care provider, make an appointment for an eye exam. Your eye care provider not only checks your vision, but they can assess other issues of eye health such as dry eye and glaucoma, which can affect people of any age (though both are more likely to affect older adults).

2. Consider a contact lens upgrade

If you need corrective lenses, ask your eye care provider about the TOTAL family of products, which use proprietary Water Gradient Technology for ultimate comfort. The lens material features a gradual increase in water content, approaching 100% water at the surface, so nothing touches your eye but a gentle cushion of moisture.

“Many patients who wear contact lenses think it’s normal to experience a little discomfort or dryness and may hesitate to bring it up during their annual eye exams, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” says optometrist Melanie Denton Dombrowski. “My patients who switch to the Alcon TOTAL family of products tell me they are pleased to experience exceptional comfort. I’m very happy I can now offer the same level of comfort to everyone, even my patients with astigmatism.”

Available options include:

• Dailies TOTAL1^®, Dailies TOTAL1^® for Astigmatism and Dailies TOTAL1^® Multifocal are the first and only Water Gradient, daily disposable contact lenses that are designed so that nothing touches your eye but a gentle cushion of moisture, providing exceptional comfort.
• TOTAL30^® is the only Water Gradient monthly replacement lens and is clinically shown to feel like nothing, even on day 30. The advanced technology of TOTAL30^® is durable and remains intact during a full month of wear with daily cleaning, disinfecting and storing.

“Contact lens options differ by length of time they’re intended to be worn, and the type of vision correction needed,” says Dr. Denton Dombrowski. “Your eye doctor can help determine your vision correction needs and which lens is right for you.”

To learn more about the TOTAL family of contact lens options, visit TotalContactLenses.com.

3. Practice good eye care

A few simple habits can help reduce eye strain and protect against common irritations. This is crucial for those who work long hours in front of computers or spend time outdoors in the elements.

• Don’t rub your eyes — The surface of your eye scratches easily, and even gentle rubbing may cause debris to damage your cornea. If your eyes feel gritty, try a premium lubricant eye drop, like Systane.
• Take breaks — Whether you spend the day in front of a screen or out in the wind and sun, rest your eyes occasionally by closing them briefly, or looking away from the screen or the sun for a while. Optometrists recommend computer users follow the 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes spent staring at a screen, look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.
• Use protection — Spending time outdoors? A UV-shielding pair of sunglasses can help protect your eyes from several eye health risks and discomfort. It’s also a good idea to avoid looking directly at the sun.
• Practice good hygiene — Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses or other eye products, and make sure the tip of an eye drop bottle never touches your eye or anything else directly.

If you’re looking for ways to use up the last of your FSA funds, think about making a visit to your eye doctor to discuss comfortable lens options. Use these tips to safeguard your eyes, and learn more about contact lenses and other products to help care for your eyes at TotalContactLenses.com.

Rx only. Ask your eye care provider for complete wear, care and safety information.