Month: February 2023

2023-02-27T10:41:00

(BPT) – Life after 50 is a huge milestone worth celebrating. It’s also a great time to shift your mindset and reflect on how your body is changing and what you’ll do to stay ahead of potential health challenges.

As you enter this next stage in your life, focus on how you can thrive now and in the years to come. THRIVE@50+ is a national public health campaign that aims to raise awareness among people age 50+ about their risk for shingles due to the natural aging of the immune system, and about the impact the disease can have on everyday life. To help you make the most of your 50s, check out these five tips to keep you thriving now and beyond.

1. Be a lifelong learner

An excellent and exciting way to invest in your cognitive, mental and social health is to continue learning new subjects and skills as you age. According to a 2021 study published in the Delaware Journal of Public Health, lifelong learning opportunities help to fight cognitive decline like dementia by increasing mental stimulation and social interaction.¹

There are many ways you can be a lifelong learner. Whether you want to study an academic subject, learn another language, acquire a new practical skill or try a new sport, you’re investing in your health as you age.

Some examples of lifelong learning opportunities include:

• Learning to play guitar or another instrument
• Taking a culinary or wine-tasting class
• Enrolling in a medieval history course
• Taking on a new hobby like pottery
• Learning a new language
• Learning and practicing meditation

Check out your local university, community college or recreational center, as they offer classes through continuing education departments and other learning opportunities for nontraditional students.

2. Proactively protect your health

A critical aspect of thriving at 50 and beyond is to be proactive about your health. Proactively protecting your health means having regular checkups and getting ahead of health conditions before they become a problem. This is especially important as you age. Your body changes as you age, including your immune system, increasing the likelihood of experiencing certain conditions like shingles.²

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a disease that usually takes the form of a painful rash on one side of the body or face. A majority of people who develop shingles rashes describe aching or burning sensations.³ This debilitating disease has the potential to keep you from living your everyday life for several weeks. People may also experience long-term effects following shingles, including long-lasting pain, called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).³ The pain from PHN can be debilitating, persistent and may disrupt daily life, including your ability to participate in activities including work, hobbies, sleep and social interactions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles over the course of their lifetime.⁴ If you’re one of the approximately 99% of adults over 50 years old who has had chickenpox, that same virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.⁴

Feb. 27-March 3 is Shingles Awareness Week, a great time to remember that in order to keep thriving, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your risk of shingles and vaccination.

3. Make time to travel

Travel isn’t just a leisure activity. It’s also a way to relax and invest in your health as you age. According to Forbes, people who travel frequently are more satisfied with their health and well-being. Vacationing can also boost creativity and productivity.⁵

When you think of travel, you may picture a tour of Europe, but there are plenty of travel opportunities not far from where you live. Visit a nearby town or state and check out what they have to offer. It may end up becoming a frequent day trip or weekend getaway you can easily take. Whether you drive to a nearby city or fly to another state or country, you can create new experiences and maybe even make lifelong friends.

4. Try new physical activities

Staying active is critical to thriving at any age and has many benefits as you get older. According to the CDC, physical activity can help you⁶:

• Maintain your independence
• Reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones
• Reduce blood pressure
• Improve stamina and muscle strength
• Control joint swelling and the pain of arthritis
• Improve mood and feelings of well-being

Staying physically active isn’t as challenging as it may seem. Simple activities like walking, gardening and yardwork are easy ways to get movement into your day.

Whether you join a bowling league, get back into swimming, try yoga or learn squash, you can incorporate physical activity into your life, and you may make new friends along the way.

5. Expand your palate

It’s easy to stick with foods we know and love. However, trying new dishes and cuisines can be exciting and expand your palate. According to Cleveland Clinic, diversifying your foods can lead to many health benefits.⁷

If you’re a home cook, look up a new recipe to try each week and see if you and your family enjoy it. If so, you’ll have a new meal to add to your rotation. You can even look for dishes from other cultures. Find out how to make them and do a little research about the ingredients and history of the recipe. Not only will you have a new meal to try, but you’ll also have fodder for dinner conversations. If you enjoy eating out, take time to research restaurants in your area that are new or ones that you’ve never thought to try before.

Using these five tips, you’ll be on your way to enjoying your 50s by investing in your health, rediscovering who you are and gaining a new perspective on life. To learn more and join others across the U.S. who are committed to thriving at 50+, visit Facebook.com/Thriveat50.

References

1. National Library of Medicine. Delaware Journal of Public Health. Reviewed September 2021. Accessed February 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8482992/#:~:text=Learning%20Lifelong%20Can%20Reduce%20the,their%20risk%20for%20cognitive%20decline.
2. CDC. Shingles (Herpes Zoster). Clinical Overview. Reviewed October 5, 2020. Accessed February 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview.html
3. CDC. Shingles (Herpes Zoster). Signs & Symptoms. Reviewed July 1, 2019. Accessed February 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/symptoms.html
4. CDC. About Shingles (Herpes Zoster. Reviewed June 26, 2019. Accessed February 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html
5. Forbes. Why Traveling Is Good For Your Health. Reviewed August 7, 2018. Accessed February 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestravelguide/2018/08/07/why-traveling-is-good-for-your-health/?sh=dd0c7b6371dc
6. CDC. Physical Activity and Health. Reviewed November 17, 1999. Accessed February 8, 2023. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm
7. Cleveland Clinic. Health Essentials. 4 Exciting Reasons to Rotate Your Foods. Reviewed January 6, 2021. Accessed February 10, 2023. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/eating-the-same-thing-every-day-4-reasons-to-increase-variety/

2023-02-27T07:43:00

(BPT) – Reading opens the door to a lifelong love of learning, imagination and adventure. When parents instill a love of reading in their children from an early age, it increases their oral language skills and vocabulary knowledge, which helps to build a solid foundation for later reading ability.

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress’ recent 2022 Nation’s Report Card, reading scores for students across the country are down following years of disrupted learning during the pandemic. Research indicates early literacy skills in the critical years from birth to age five are predictive of a child’s literacy skills through fifth grade and beyond.

Focusing on literacy during early childhood can help provide children with the skills needed to be a successful reader throughout their life. In addition, focusing on key early literacy skills during the preschool years can help parents and teachers identify potential indicators of learning challenges so early intervention can be provided. Beyond developing early language and literacy skills, reading may also increase a child’s ability to understand the emotions of others — a critical life skill that leads to empathy and compassion.

Dr. Maria Shaheen, senior director of early childhood education at Primrose Schools^®, The Leader in Early Education and Care^®, provides five tips to help parents encourage a lasting love of reading in their children during National Reading Month and all year long:

1) Introduce language as early as possible – even before birth. Oral language is the foundation of all other early literacy skills and helps build a child’s vocabulary. Speaking and reading to your baby during pregnancy establishes voice recognition and promotes cognitive development. The more words parents introduce their child to, the better. Parents should talk about the meanings of words and use them in everyday conversation to ensure children understand them.

2) Make reading a regular part of bedtime routine. Reading books should be a favorite bedtime activity. With daily “tuck-in” stories and snuggling together at bedtime, infants and young children begin to associate reading with comfort, warmth and security. During the first year of life, sturdy board books with bright illustrations are easiest to handle and invite participation. Books with familiar subjects, such as babies and animals, resonate since babies respond to faces and eyes before other stimuli.

3) Offer a wide variety of stories. This can include nursery rhymes, poetry, nonfiction and fiction from many genres, as well as books that celebrate a wide range of cultures and diverse characters. Parents can ask lots of questions, act silly and try out different character voices to make reading dramatic and engaging. Vivid illustrations, along with rhyming and repetitive text, will encourage lively dialogue.

4) Help children discover the magic of books for themselves. Books can help young children understand their own feelings when characters face similar life events, so parents should pick topics their children may be curious about. In the first five years of life, children form their self-identity, which makes it important that they see themselves reflected in the world around them, including the books at home and in their classrooms. One example found in Primrose classrooms is, “I’m Like You, You’re Like Me: A Book About Understanding and Appreciating Each Other” by Cindy Gainer.

5) Make reading a fun learning experience. Parents can reinforce stories through related activities. Preschool children can create books with their own stories about things they do with their families. Parents can encourage their children to write a card to a family member or special friend and have them read it aloud. Many children memorize their favorite texts and pretend to read, which is a wonderful sign that they are identifying their favorite books and building confidence. Parents can also play silly word games that help children play with sounds, such as rhyming games or tongue twisters.

“Reading now pays dividends later. Starting a reading routine throughout daily life models for children the importance of reading as a way to gain information and valuable life skills, complete everyday activities, explore new worlds, encourage imagination and have fun,” Dr. Shaheen says.

To learn more about how parents can nurture a love of reading for their children, visit PrimroseSchools.com.

2023-02-24T11:47:00

(BPT) – The new year is a common time to set new goals and establish new habits to create growth and change over the next 12 months. In addition to your physical, financial and social resolutions, taking stock of your cyber habits and making healthy changes to protect yourself and your family online is a good idea.

According to Comcast’s Xfinity Cyber Health Report, 78% of Americans engage in risky online behaviors that leave them vulnerable to cyber threats. For example, many share or reuse passwords and ignore software updates, which gives bad actors plenty of opportunities to hack your personal and financial information.

Start 2023 off right by reviewing the following five cyber health tips that can protect your family from potential scams and security breaches.

1. Beef up your passwords

Do you reuse passwords? You’re not the only one. According to Comcast’s Xfinity Cyber Health Report, 56% of Americans reused passwords across two or more platforms. Also, 18% used preset passwords for a new device instead of creating one during setup. While having a few passwords or variations can make it easier to log in to your devices and accounts, you’re leaving yourself open to network and device breaches.

Make sure you’re using strong, unique passwords. Avoid using generic passwords like “qwerty12345” that hackers can easily guess. Also, avoid using passwords that use your personal information that hackers can guess by searching social media. For example, don’t include your name, pet’s name, birth date, favorite sports team or the city where you were born in your passwords.

The strongest passwords are long and use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Passphrases — passwords made up of phrases or sentences (e.g., Penguins are the cutest animals at the zoo) — are a great way to enhance password security. Don’t forget to change your passwords regularly so any compromised credentials are useless to scammers.

2. Take advantage of multi-factor authentication

Many accounts and devices now use multi-factor authentication (MFA), an extra step that requires you to confirm your identity using two or three different factors. Typically, MFA will ask you something you know (a password or challenge question), something you have (like a unique, time-sensitive code sent to your mobile phone or email) or something you are (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition).

When available, always enable MFA. It can provide an added layer of protection that makes it that much harder for bad actors to invade your digital life.

3. Keep your devices up to date

Do you dread the “system update required” message that pops up on your devices from time to time? They always seem to come at the worst possible time, like when you’re in the middle of a work assignment, helping your kids with online schoolwork or paying bills.

Don’t ignore these notifications and leave them for another day. Firmware and system updates often include new security features or patches that are essential for device and network security.

An easy way to protect your devices is to enable the auto-update setting, which is available on many devices. By allowing your new and existing devices to update automatically, you can ensure you always have the latest security updates and firmware running.

4. Review your connected devices

On average, Xfinity households have 15 connected devices, with power users averaging as many as 35. With so many connected devices, it can be difficult to keep track. More often than not, your family bought new devices, connected them to the home network, and neglected to disconnect the old ones. However, just because you’re not using your older devices regularly (or at all) doesn’t mean they aren’t security threats.

To secure your home network and accounts, it’s a good idea to take an inventory of all your devices regularly. You can easily use your internet provider’s apps and tools to check which devices are currently connected in your home. Find the devices you no longer use and erase any personal information they may have before recycling them.

5. Read up on phishing

Like G.I. Joe said, “Knowing is half the battle.” By educating yourself and your family on common phishing tactics, you can protect yourself from potential scams.

You may think you can easily spot a phishing scam, but according to the Xfinity report, only 39% of respondents said they could confidently explain what phishing is. Without knowing what it is and common tactics, you’re unlikely to be able to protect your household from scams. Also, many cybercriminals will impersonate a friend or family member or organizations like banks or schools to get you to divulge sensitive information.

Phishing emails can be very convincing, but there are some common ways to suss them out. Telltale signs of phishing include spelling errors in the subject line or email body, suspicious links or attachments within the email, tones of misplaced urgency, unfamiliar senders or slightly misspelled company names in the sender’s email address. If you have any doubts, reach out to the family, friend or organization the email is from to inquire about its legitimacy.

You have the power to protect your family online. Using these five tips, you can safeguard your devices and personal information in 2023.

2023-02-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s Wave Season, or the time of year when cruise lines offer a range of promotions for travelers eager to shake the cold weather blues. Whether looking to book a solo trip, romantic couple’s getaway or a voyage for the whole family, there are many ways to secure good deals when hitting the high seas. For AARP members, a wide range of benefits and discounts can help you plan a cruise of a lifetime to a new or favorite travel destination.

“Recent research from Expedia Group shows that Americans’ desire to travel continues to increase in 2023, and going on a cruise is a great option for folks who want to visit multiple destinations without having to unpack every time. When booking during Wave Season, you can find special deals and offerings that may not be available during other times of the year,” said AARP Director of Travel Matthew Phillips.

There are many factors to consider when booking a cruise, including type, trip length, destination(s), and more. Regardless of your preferences, here are four ways you can keep your finances afloat as you plan to set sail:

Book a Multi-Stop Journey in One Place. When outside transportation is required to reach a preferred departure port, consider building your trip through a verified third-party site. Using a travel website to book your trip can make planning simpler by making multiple reservations at the same time, with the same travel company. When members book their trip through the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia, a one-stop shop where you can book the best cruise for your budget, they can also add any additional flights, hotels or rental cars you need. AARP members can earn a $50 Visa^® Prepaid Card when they book a flight vacation package and receive up to $100 in extra onboard credits on select cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and more.

A River Cruise to See More for Less. In the mood for a different type of voyage? A leisurely river cruise allows travelers to see a variety of sites and even multiple countries through one guided route. When AARP members book a trip to see some of the world’s most famous rivers through Collette Cruise Tours, they can save $50 per person. AARP members can always save $100 per member with Grand European Travel when booking a luxury, all-inclusive voyage to over 30 spectacular destinations in Europe, Egypt and Asia. And for a limited time, that savings goes up to an amazing $1,500 per person on a wide selection of river cruises.

A Land and Water Combo. For adventurers interested in traversing both the land and sea, a combined railway and cruise tour to a national park or historic city may be just the ticket. AARP Members can save 5% when booking a trip through Vacations By Rail, which offers more than 40 rail and cruise vacations ranging from the Rhine and Danube Rivers, France’s famous waterways, Alaska’s Inside Passage and trans-Atlantic crossings.

Stay Connected While Traveling. While one of the benefits of going on a cruise is to disconnect from life on land, it is important to still have access to those in your network back at home. When traveling abroad it’s important to choose a cell phone plan that is available in a variety of destinations without all the fees that might come with it. Members who sign up for the AT&T Unlimited Premium^SM Plan enjoy unlimited talk, text and data in and between the U.S., Mexico and Canada; as well as unlimited talk, text and high-speed data in 19 Latin American countries at no extra cost. Plus, with the Unlimited Premium plan, you can save $10 per line per month as well as receive up to $50 in waived activation and upgrade fees.

Regardless of where you go on vacation and how you get there, don’t forget to optimize your next trip by taking advantage of the benefits and savings available to AARP members. And if you’re ready to book that cruise getaway, learn more about discounts available to members by visiting aarp.org/membership/benefits/campaigns/cruise/.

2023-02-23T08:15:00

(BPT) – If you’re going meatless on Fridays or you just want fun, convenient ways to add flavorful seafood to your meal plans, you’re in luck. You can create effortless, affordable dinners and snacks featuring these delicious SeaPak selections: Popcorn Shrimp, Butterfly Shrimp and Shrimp Scampi. From flatbread pizzas and tortilla shrimp bowls to one-pot creamy shrimp scampi, SeaPak is at the center of fast, delicious meals and appetizers that can be prepared in a traditional oven, toaster oven or air fryer. Here are three easy-to-prep, creative recipes that taste great and are a perfect choice throughout Lent and beyond.

Popcorn Shrimp:

A fan favorite the whole family will love, this option is great for snacking, weekend get-togethers or weeknight meals. Ever try popcorn shrimp on a pizza? Combine them in this crispy flatbread pizza topped with popcorn shrimp, along with a fresh salad, for an ideal combo.

Popcorn Shrimp Flatbread Pizza
10 minutes prep time, 30 minutes cook time; 4-6 servings.

Ingredients

1 (18-ounce) package SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp
3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound fresh or thawed frozen pizza dough, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
5 ounces fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup pitted and chopped green olives
1 cup arugula
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Flaky sea salt
Coarsely ground black pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 500F. Pour 3 tablespoons oil onto baking sheet and brush to coat bottom and sides. Stretch dough to evenly cover baking sheet. If dough resists, let rest a few minutes and try again.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning over dough. Dollop ricotta around dough. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute evenly over dough.
Line second baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick baking spray. Spread popcorn shrimp evenly on baking sheet. Bake flatbread pizza dough on bottom rack of oven 15 minutes. Remove pizza from oven and top with olives.
Reduce oven temperature to 450F. Return pizza to oven for 5 minutes. At the same time, bake shrimp 10-12 minutes. Top pizza with cooked shrimp and serve.

Butterfly Shrimp:

America’s favorite for a reason, everyone loves the taste of juicy butterflied shrimp in a crispy coating. It’s perfect for dinner or a party, and even better dipped in queso. Enjoy Mexican flavors like fresh cilantro, avocado and queso fresco with this popular shrimp dish.

Mexican Tortilla Shrimp Bowls
15 minutes prep time, 18 minutes cook time; 4 servings.

Ingredients

1 package SeaPak Butterfly Shrimp (9 ounces)
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 can black beans (15.5 ounces), drained and rinsed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 avocados, sliced
1 cup crumbled queso fresco
Tortilla chips

Directions

Bring 2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in medium saucepan. Add rice and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. Stir in lime zest, lime juice and cilantro.
While rice cooks, bake butterfly shrimp according to package directions.
Meanwhile, combine black beans, garlic, chicken broth, cumin and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in small saucepan. Simmer 10 minutes.
Divide rice evenly between 4 bowls. Top with shrimp, black beans, avocado and queso fresco. Serve with tortilla chips.

Shrimp Scampi:

America’s #1 frozen shrimp scampi never disappoints! This whole tail-off shrimp scampi is expertly seasoned in delicious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red bell pepper and herbs for extra flavor. Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? This one-pot dinner couldn’t be easier — or tastier — with its velvety sauce, earthy spinach and succulent shrimp.

One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi
5 minutes prep time, 25 minutes cook time; 4 servings.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
1 1/4 cups half-and-half (can substitute milk)
1 1/4 cups chicken stock
6 cups fresh spinach
8 ounces linguine noodles
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 lemon wedges

Directions

In large, high-sided saute pan, add shrimp scampi and cook according to package directions. Remove shrimp to bowl and keep warm.
In same pan with scampi sauce, stir in half-and-half and stock. Bring to a low boil. Add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente (8-10 minutes).
Stir in spinach and cook just until it begins to wilt. Stir reserved shrimp into the pan.
To serve, divide between 4 bowls and top with grated Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges.

Find these and other amazing recipes at seapak.com.

2023-02-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – Spring isn’t just the start to a new season. It signals sunshine, longer days and the chance to renew your plates with fresh flavors — like the juicy goodness of seasonal citrus.

Whether you’re enjoying a spring holiday or simply embracing the opportunities that the new air brings, food remains the centerpiece. And with citrus, each moment can be a celebration. From baking to cooking to snacking, you name it, citrus has got you covered.

Because Sunkist^® believes the endless possibilities of citrus are worth celebrating, National Sunkist^® Citrus Day on March 1 celebrates the 130th anniversary of the multi-generation growers who remain at the heart of their sweet legacy. The grower-owned cooperative offers nearly 40 different citrus varieties — from oranges to lemons, grapefruit, mandarins and tangelos — grown in California and Arizona.

When it comes to spring, citrus know their way around the season. Here are three easy tips to stay fresh when we spring forward:

1. Get your vitamin C: Oranges are a popular citrus, with many varieties ripe for spring picking. Impress any guest with a super sweet, seedless Cara Cara orange, which is pink on the inside (thanks to the antioxidant lycopene) and has 100% of your daily recommended vitamin C. Or opt for the iconic Blood orange, with ruby red flesh and a bold, berry flavor. Yes, this orange is both eye-catching and complementary to the flavors of many meals.
2. Freeze your citrus: Citrus doesn’t just go far on your plates; it can liven up leftovers and last for weeks with the right tips and tricks. Freeze lemon peels to use in soups or broths, store citrus in the fridge for a snack that lasts and keep juice in the freezer to toss into a Sunday sauce. The season is already looking brighter. See where you can find these in-season citruses at Sunkist.com/Where-To-Buy.
3. Add zest to your routine: From zest to juice to a bright aroma, lemons are the best way to freshen things up in time for spring. Try their zest in desserts, a squeeze onto main courses, a garnish for cocktails or fresh, healthy dressings for salads. Plus, if you’re looking to lower sodium intake, fresh juice makes lemons the supreme s’alternative.

To help ring in spring and celebrate the possibilities of citrus, Sunkist^® has new seasonal recipes, including a standout Lemon Loaf starring Sunkist^® lemon juice and zest, ideal for brunch, dessert or an afternoon treat. Find more citrus recipes at Sunkist.com/Recipes.

Sunkist^® Lemon Loaf

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Loaf

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs, room temperature

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups cake flour

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Zest from 2 Sunkist^® lemons

Glaze

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Zest from 1 Sunkist^® lemon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F and line your 8 x 4” loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add in your eggs one at a time and vanilla extract. Into a smaller bowl mix together your flour, salt and baking soda. Alternate adding your dry ingredients with your sour cream. Fold in fresh lemon juice and zest and mix until well combined. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
3. Bake in oven about 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Meanwhile, prepare glaze by mixing powdered sugar, lemon juice and lemon zest together until smooth.
4. Remove loaf from oven and let cool completely before topping with glaze.