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Looking for summer activities? Try these 5 fun DIY projects with your family

2023-06-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – When summer rolls around, it can be challenging to keep all of your family members busy doing fun activities together, getting everyone away from screens and learning new skills. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy projects you can try that will not only be creative and interesting, but can enhance your outdoor living space for many summers to come.

Here are just a few projects you can do with your kids, courtesy of the DIY experts at Arrow Fastener, the leader in manual, electric and cordless fastening tools, and manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50®.

1. Encourage green thumbs with this simple DIY Pallet Garden Wall

Want to add a pop of color with bright flowers, or create a mini kitchen garden with tasty herbs? All you need to make this project is a wooden pallet, landscaping fabric, potting soil, whatever plants you want to use, plus some extra wood scraps — along with your handy Arrow T50 Staple Gun — and you can create a mini garden wall to grace your outdoor space. This is an easy project for beginning DIYers, and you can let kids of any age help choose what to grow, and learn how to water and care for the plants all summer long.

2. Spruce up your picnic table with colorful Picnic Table Cushioned Seats

If you have an old wooden picnic table or other wooden benches that can be hard to sit on, consider creating these cushioned seats to add a touch of style as well as comfort. Using the T50DCD Cordless Staple Gun, a pretty vinyl or plastic tablecloth and some outdoor-approved foam, you can quickly and easily transform an old picnic table into a pleasant outdoor eating experience.

3. Safeguard your herbs, veggies or flowers with a Raised Garden Bed

You can help protect whatever you want to grow from many nibbling marauders, while at the same time making it easier to tend to your plants by making a raised bed with a fence. This is a little more advanced project, using the Arrow T50 Staple Gun and their PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer. The instructions are set to build a 4′ x 4′ x 2′ bed, but you can alter the directions to a size that better fits your outdoor space.

4. Add curb appeal with this Outdoor Flower Box

Could the outside of your home use a pop of color? Learn how to build an outdoor flower box using the Arrow PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer and the Arrow T50HS Staple Gun for an easy way to add some curb appeal to your home’s exterior. This flower box can also hang off a deck rail or be placed on a garden wall. While grownups or older kids may have to do the majority of the construction, even young children can help with painting and/or planting the flowers once the project is completed.

5. Invite feathered friends to visit with this pretty Birdhouse

Bird lovers everywhere will enjoy creating this home for your favorite winged friends. You’ll need an Arrow GT30Li cordless glue gun, a cedar board and some fun dollhouse trim to create this eye-catching birdhouse. Younger children can paint and decorate the birdhouse, and will enjoy keeping an eye out for its new inhabitants. You can hang your birdhouse using eye bolts with a length of small chain or wire, or attach a birdhouse hanger bracket to the back so you can securely mount it to a fence or tree. Be sure to place your birdhouse somewhere everyone can easily see it, such as in the garden or on a tree outside your kitchen window.

Ready to get started? Visit ArrowFastener.com/projects for these and many more easy DIY projects to try with your family this summer.

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5 products to get the most out of your truck while ‘Out in the Real’

2023-06-20T14:46:34

(BPT) – Summer is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and live out all of life’s adventures on the open road. From camping, fishing and kayaking to mountain biking and hiking, there is really nothing like enjoying the great outdoors and getting back to the basics with family and friends, or solo this season. For truck enthusiasts, it’s important to gear up for your home away from home. Here are our top five recommendations for truck accessories to make the most out of summer 2023.

N-Fab HVM Bull Bar

The newly released N-FAB HVM Bull Bar’s ferocious design adds essential front-end protection and an aggressive look which creates a unique visual aesthetic for your truck. It features a custom tight fit to the bumper with a matte black powder coat finish that complements the factory trim. The steel frame is anchored by fully integrated dual recovery hooks. With forged aluminum construction, these massive shackle mounts prepare you to handle all kinds of outdoor, trail-worthy adventures.

N-Fab Universal Roof Rack

The N-FAB Universal Roof Rack adds essential overhead cargo capacity and works with most OEM and aftermarket crossbars. Its sleek, low-profile design will unleash your ability to explore “Out in the Real” this season by giving you additional storage space for all your summer toys. The rack is spacious and sturdy, holding up to 180 lbs. of cargo, secured with built-in anchor points. Another unique feature of the N-Fab Universal Roof Rack is that it has integrated front and rear multi-mount light systems, providing the capability to add auxiliary lighting to illuminate the campsite or those late nights on the trail.

Solid Fold ALX Tonneau Cover

The Extang Solid Fold ALX Tonneau Cover is packed with features that are anything but average. Its sturdy makeup resists dents, scratches and fading from various weather conditions. While the cover appears to be lightweight, it’s deceptively strong and can support up to 600 lbs. of evenly distributed weight. Installing this product on your truck bed will allow you to keep camping, fishing and hiking gear clean and dry, as well as give you support to add additional equipment on top of the cover. It’s ideal for traveling with all your outside summer essentials.

The Rampage TrailView Fastback Soft Top

The Rampage TrailView Fastback Soft Top combines unbeatable styling and functionality with all the great features you look for in a replacement top. It fits 2021-present Ford Bronco two- and four-door models. The cover is easy to install and provides a snug, uniform fit. It has larger side windows than most covers which improves overall visibility. The TrailView Fastback Soft Top is two tops in one — a full soft top and an open-air safari top that can be easily opened from inside the vehicle. This combo top is the perfect option for summer, because you can ride with the top down and enjoy the summer breeze while traveling offroad, but can quickly get coverage if harsh conditions appear.

Husky Liners X-Act Contour Liners

Husky Liners X-Act Contour Liners are an easy and practical addition to your truck, van or SUV that’ll keep your interior clean. Venture out on dirt or mud, and don’t sweat getting your shoes wet while trying to snag your next big catch. These liners repel it all and fit like a glove with no edge curls or gaps, ensuring protection. They are easy to install and provide rock-solid stability for any adventure.

Summer is meant to be spent Out in the Real, so grab your gear and get out there!

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3 tips to help you make a difference in the recycling process

2023-06-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Can you recognize the symbol appearing on plastic products denoting they are recyclable? If not, you’re not alone. While many Americans are concerned about recycling, a recent study conducted on behalf of CG Roxane reveals that more education around recycling is still needed. Nearly one-third of Americans (32%) were unable to correctly identify the universal recycling symbol, and only 29% said they try to recycle when they can.

While many companies today are making an effort to contribute to the recycling ecosystem, including using more post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, the study reveals that crucial components are missing in the recycling process: adequate consumer knowledge and participation, and perceived absence of local recycling services. This is partly due to a lack of information and understanding of how easily people can contribute to the recycling effort, and just how vital consumer participation is for the overall process to be successful.

In the study, over half of the respondents (51%) were unaware of initiatives many companies are working on when it comes to post-consumer recycled resin or PCR plastic, which is unsurprising, as 66% did not know what PCR plastic means. Once informed that it is plastic produced from post-consumer recycled resin and used to create new packaging to reduce the impact on landfill waste, 56% noted that purchasing PCR plastic products was important to them.

This summer, CG Roxane reached its goal of producing Crystal Geyser® Alpine Spring Water® bottles nationally using a minimum of 50% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) plastic. CG Roxane also uses an “EZ-Open Cap” on 8-ounce bottles, offering Californian consumers easy, one-click convenience while saving plastic. It also ensures the cap will never be lost, and helps to make recycling the bottle and cap simpler while also reducing potential harm to wildlife.

What you can do

Here are simple things you can do to play your part in increasing the success of recycling programs nationwide.

1. Choose products packaged in recyclable and PCR-produced containers

Buying containers created from at least some recycled material — and material that can be recycled again — goes a long way toward ensuring less ends up in landfills. For example, CG Roxane was the first U.S. beverage company to incorporate an in-house recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) program, which allows them to bottle their Crystal Geyser® Alpine Spring Water® with a minimum of 50% rPET plastic nationwide between their San Bernardino, CA, and Benton, TN, plants.

By producing Crystal Geyser® Alpine Spring Water® bottles manufactured with no less than 50% recycled PET content, it will save nearly 11 thousand metric tons of CO2 per year, or the equivalent of removing 2,510 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the roads.

2. Familiarize yourself with the recycling symbol

If you see the symbol on a plastic bottle or packaging, you’ll know it’s possible to recycle that plastic. Items without that symbol are unlikely to be recyclable. Take a good look at the small number within the symbol, as those also have meanings. Additionally the numbers within the symbol indicate the type of plastic from which the container or packaging is made. While plastics labeled #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) are the most commonly recycled plastics everywhere, not all other numbers are collected in every recycling program.

3. Learn about your local recycling programs

Every city, county or municipality has its own rules and procedures regarding recycling. Go to your local government website to learn what recycling options are available where you live, and how you can participate. Guidelines may include which recycling numbers are accepted, as well as basic rules you may find everywhere, such as making sure plastic containers are clean, rinsed and dry before collecting for recycling.

Beyond bottling at the source and its increased commitment to using recycled materials and making packaging and delivery processes as efficient as possible, family-owned and operated CG Roxane actively participates in supporting its communities through partnerships with American Forests and the California Coastal Commission.

Learn more about CG Roxane’s efforts and how you can make a difference at CrystalGeyserPlease.com.

*Source: EPA.gov.

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Scrub-a-dub-dub: 5 tips for making bath time easy and enjoyable

2023-06-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Bath time can sometimes feel like a daunting experience, especially for first-time parents. But bath time with your little ones is so much more than just another chore on the list. It provides parents the opportunity to bond with their child while making sure they’re happy and clean.

With some expert advice you can turn bath time into a happy, developmental activity for the whole family. Bath time expert Ashley Sousa, registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and Baby Magic ambassador, shares her top five tips to help create a fun and relaxing bath time experience for babies and parents.

1. Choose the right bath time

Routine is essential to baby’s health. A daily routine helps baby transition into a rhythm, which in turn, helps them to feel comfortable and secure. You can help your baby expect bath time by selecting a time in the day when they’re most relaxed and happy. An ideal bath time might be after a long day of play or a delicious (but messy) meal. Once you find a time that works best for your family, do your best to stick to it.

2. Create a bath time ritual

Establishing a bath time ritual creates cues that let your little one know it’s time to relax while you bathe them. As the tub fills, begin play time with your baby so they associate bath time with fun time. After a bath, dress them in their pajamas and enjoy some cuddle time so your little one feels calm and relaxed before you tuck them in.

“My husband has started a new nightly routine with our daughter,” said Sousa. “Every night before bed he uses the Baby Magic Vanilla & Oat Creamy Whipped Butter to massage our daughter’s legs and feet and talk about their days. They giggle and bond while locking moisture in on skin.”

3. Integrate bath toys

Babies love playing with toys, especially in the bathtub. Toys like rubber ducks, squirt toys or water scoops can make bath time fun and stimulating for baby. Having dedicated bath toys builds positive association with bath time so that your baby looks forward to getting squeaky clean.

Be sure to pick out age-appropriate toys that are safe for your baby to use in water. Offer them a variety of toys to choose from so that bath time is always new and interesting. Changing up bath toys from time to time can help keep them engaged during a bath.

4. Soothe fears with bubbles

Water can be a scary element for babies. The sound, temperature and sense of floating can startle them, making them feel unsettled or scared. Help soothe your little one’s fears by adding a playful element like bubbles.

“Sometimes babies can be afraid of bath time. A good way to help with the fear is by adding Baby Magic Soothing Hair & Body Wash to the water for some extra bubbles. Making sure the water is shallow is another great way to slowly introduce bath time,” said Sousa.

5. Sing, talk and bond

Bath time is the perfect opportunity to bond with your little one. Talking and singing to them while they bathe can help them feel secure, entertained and loved.

Try singing nursery rhymes, telling stories or simply talking to your baby. Your presence and voice will help them relax and make the time a more enjoyable experience. The sound of your voice will help you and your baby bond and create cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Exercising these five tips can make bath time a fun part of your daily routine with your baby. When bathing your child, make sure to use wholesome products like Baby Magic’s Soothing Hair & Body Wash and Whipped Butter to cleanse and moisturize hair and skin. The Soothing Collection is specially formulated for sensitive skin with nourishing colloidal oat to leave skin feeling soft and comforted. Best of all, they can be used by the whole family! To learn more visit BabyMagic.com.

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Think you don’t need life insurance? Here’s how it helps protect your family.

2023-06-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – While many people put off getting life insurance, more people in recent years are beginning to understand the importance of getting enough coverage. A 2023 Insurance Barometer Study conducted by Limra revealed that 101 million U.S. adults currently need life insurance but don’t have any. However, 41% of respondents said they need life insurance or need to get more, revealing the awareness of how important this coverage is for many Americans.

The good news is, being covered by permanent life insurance, such as a whole life policy, can give you and your family better peace of mind.

If you’ve been delaying getting enough life insurance to help protect your family due to misperceptions about coverage, here are the myths — and the facts — to help you understand how important it is.

Misconceptions about life insurance

According to an analysis by Limra’s 2021 Life Insurance Barometer Study, there are many common misperceptions about life insurance. Have you put off buying coverage due to one of these myths?

  • It’s too expensive. Over half of Americans overestimate the cost of coverage, sometimes by as much as three times.
  • The coverage I already have is enough. Whatever coverage you may have purchased in the past, it’s vital to do an annual benefits review to make sure your coverage is still sufficient. Life changes including marriage, expanding your family and more can all have an impact on your needs.
  • Buying it is too difficult. Nearly half of Americans (46%) have delayed buying coverage they know they need. Buying life insurance may seem intimidating, but the process has been greatly simplified over the last few years.
  • I don’t need it because I’m young. If you don’t yet have a partner or dependents, you may think you can put it off. However, coverage is much less expensive for young, healthy people to purchase, and life insurance helps protect your loved ones’ financial future.

No matter your age or family size, you can find a whole life insurance policy that offers permanent protection for your family, giving you a sense of security.

What is whole life insurance?

Whole life insurance is one type of permanent life insurance. Here are some of the most important benefits of this kind of insurance:

  • It lasts for the lifetime of the insured person — providing protection against financial loss caused by the death of the person who is insured. Usually, it is paid out in a lump sum, sometimes known as a death benefit, directly to a designated beneficiary in the event of the insured person’s death.
  • Whole life insurance can build cash value for your family’s future (unlike term life insurance), which may be available for you to withdraw or borrow against in case of an emergency.
  • Protection is affordable and flexible. You can choose the amount of insurance that makes sense for you and your family, and that you can afford.
  • Coverage options are available for you, as well as for your spouse, your children and your grandchildren. However, if you are currently single with no dependents, the flexibility of their whole life plan also allows you to expand the coverage later, to meet any future responsibilities you may have.
  • Your monthly cost and benefits are guaranteed for the life of your policy — so the cost does not increase as you get older. As long as you pay your premiums, the cost of your life insurance policy can never go up. And if you happen to change jobs or retire, you can even take your coverage with you, at the same rate.

Whole life insurance gives you reassurance that your family will be protected. In the event of your death, your beneficiaries will receive the policy’s death benefits amount, minus any outstanding loans you may have taken out against the policy.

To learn about protecting your loved ones’ financial future, visit BostonMutual.com or contact your company’s benefits coordinator or HR department. For information on benefits available outside workplace offerings, or if your workplace benefits currently aren’t an option, visit BostonMutual.com/LearnMore.

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Perfecting the Customer Experience Through Design

2023-06-19T20:29:00

(BPT) – By Hwang Sung-gyul, head of the Design Management Center at LG Electronics

The physical design or look of a product is extremely important in creating a good first impression with consumers. Equally vital to the reception and enduring appeal of a product is another kind of design called customer experience (CX) design. An innovator in both areas, LG is known for delivering lifestyle solutions that provide pleasing aesthetics and memorable customer experiences.

For LG, the CX journey begins with research into all aspects of user-product interactions — work that is conducted at the Design Management Center. The company’s commitment to ‘customer-centered thinking’ informs the Center’s approach to constructing and curating the CX, which has emerged as arguably the most critical component of industrial design.

In the past, designers’ only focus during the product development process was on product packaging and the appearance of the product itself. Today, however, designers are often heavily involved in multiple aspects of the operation, right from the very beginning of planning. Designers can provide much-needed visual references for core concepts and design elements, providing clarity of direction and helping to get every member of the development team on the same page.

The experts at the Design Management Center keep the target customer in mind from the outset, establishing a clear methodology for aligning their decisions and choices with this people-first approach. LG’s designers also act as a liaison between the engineers — who address the technological requirements to make a product work — and the customer; giving a voice to the customer perspective to help guide the CX to exactly where it needs to be.

In some respects, consumers have become more sophisticated than the designers, developers and businesses responsible for the products and services they buy or subscribe to. Influencers, bloggers and YouTubers dig into products with an unprecedented level of expertise, pushing brand designers to up their game and further their understanding of the CX.

This starts with undertaking in-depth research into all aspects of how consumers experience the products they use. Once these ‘aspects’ have been identified, they can then be reverse-engineered and ultimately incorporated into the product and CX design. How a product is received, or whether it is viewed as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ depends on the designers’ ability to address both the seen and the unseen — the things consumers recognize that they want as well as the things they want, but aren’t aware of.

While the impact of the ‘first impression’ is important for a product, lasting fandom is built through a well-considered and optimally delivered CX. Thus, it is very important for designers to consider the intricacies of the CX during the initial development stage. Doing so makes it possible to create innovation that genuinely adds value and enjoyment to users’ daily lives.

Created to strengthen design at LG, the Design Management Center is central to the company’s success in crafting solutions for a better life. The Center also takes the lead on product quality, leveraging its six internal research institutes to determine whether there are any deviations or inconsistencies within a given product line that could detract from or compromise the intended CX.

Over the years, the definition of design has expanded from a single function to a broad scope of activities and initiatives. Companies pursuing innovation tend to prioritize the concept of ‘design thinking,’ which encompasses the discovery and analysis of new problems and the finding of suitable solutions. Not just a useful tool for designers, design thinking is now being employed by various departments at LG to solve a wide range of problems.

LG believes that home appliances should last for a long time and be able to harmonize with a consumer’s living environment and lifestyle. As such, it is essential to the design process to think about the impact or effect an appliance will have on a consumer’s space and daily life. This is why LG endeavors to bring ‘calmness’ to its products — because it has considered and understands that creating a sense of calm can benefit users’ emotional state and well-being. Calm is also associated with ‘warmth,’ an element that has long been a key part of LG’s brand identity.

LG also offers an array of non-hardware products, such as the webOS and ThinQ platforms. In terms of software, ‘good design’ means smoothly integrating customer feedback into each successive version to remedy any pain points and drive greater enjoyment and convenience. Further to this, it is ‘good design’ to analyze the complexity of one’s customers, as this can lead to the targeted improvement of product-consumer interaction, and make any services delivered more convenient (even those that don’t require the customer to control them directly).

Another way that LG is adding convenience to its home appliances is through applying artificial intelligence (AI). Its washer with AI, for example, can consider current weather conditions and advise users in advance when it would be optimal to unload the laundry from the washer. This helpful reminder can prevent clothes from staying in the washer too long after a cycle, especially in hot and humid weather, saving users the hassle — and water and energy costs — of having to rewash them. The ‘intelligence’ that makes AI so useful is built through data gathered from user research, which is often conducted on the design side of product development.

A major area of focus for LG is designing experiences that appeal to Millennials and Generation Z — referred to collectively as Generation MZ in South Korea. One of the challenges of this is that members of ‘MZ’ represent a plethora of characteristics, tastes and ideals. This makes it even more crucial to closely study the different backgrounds and values of MZers, as this can give a brand the insight necessary to relate to younger consumers and meet their continuously evolving needs. By having a comprehensive understanding of new and emerging consumption trends, designers can contribute to the creation of products and services that resonate with Generation MZ.

Another area of emphasis for the Design Management Center is the vehicle component business. Here, it is the Center’s role to help LG’s auto industry clients visualize the possibilities enabled by the vehicle component business’s innovative technologies. Design plays a big role in the business realm, where it is utilized not only to help customers or potential partners comprehend a specific technology, but to illuminate the uses and value of that technology. Also, with new cars released yearly, design plays a significant part in the updating and upgrading of in-vehicle content.

Design that reflects a careful consideration of what consumers want and need will typically enhance a product’s charm, convenience, and the depth and desirability of the CX it offers. LG’s Design Management Center is sincere in bringing the customer’s perspective to the development process. Whether through its devices, platforms or services, LG will continue to offer experiences that provide a sense of comfort and warmth, honoring the trust that it has earned through decades of always putting the customer first.

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Managing Type 1 Diabetes Can Feel Like a Constant Math Problem. This New Technology Makes It Easier

2023-06-19T07:31:00

(BPT) – Meal Detection™ Technology* provides real-time insulin adjustments and corrections to help cover undercounted carbs and occasionally missed meal doses

Isabel (Izzi), a ninth-grade student and active teenager, is passionate about playing the violin in her school orchestra, as well as guitar and participating in several musical groups. In addition, she and her family enjoy outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. But unlike other teens, Izzi faces the challenge of managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) since her diagnosis in 2020.

“I remember it being Friday the 13th,” says her mom, Liz. “I knew the signs to look for because my mom, sister, and several aunts and uncles also had type 1. It’s a relentless disease. I lost my mom, an aunt, and two uncles to complications from type 1 diabetes, and I was determined not to let this happen to Izzi. I wanted her to be healthy, and more than that, I wanted her to continue to be a teenager — one that was not constantly worrying about her health.”

Approximately 1.6 million Americans, including Izzi, live with type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that impairs the body’s ability to produce insulin, the hormone needed for glucose to enter cells and produce energy. Without daily management of blood sugars, hypoglycemia (low blood sugars) can be life-threatening and hyperglycemia (high blood sugars) can be dangerous over an extended period of time and lead to complications like kidney damage, heart problems, and cognitive decline.[i]

On average, someone living with diabetes makes up to 180 diabetes-related decisions a day, including counting their carbohydrate intake before snacks and meals and then determining how much insulin to give themselves to cover for those carbs. It can feel like a constant math problem, and it’s cited as the biggest pain point for most. Nearly 50% of people consider carb counting the most burdensome aspect of diabetes care.[ii] When tested on carb-counting accuracy, people with T1D underestimate carbs 63% of the time[iii] and many forget or even skip them intentionally. This has an adverse impact on clinical outcomes and can lead to frequent highs.

Izzi needed a solution that would allow her to think less about her diabetes and just be a kid. Fortunately, she had the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial studying the MiniMed™ 780G system with Meal Detection™ Technology. The pump automates the delivery of insulin every five minutes and even covers for the times Izzi occasionally skips a meal bolus or underestimates her carbs.**

“As a mom, there’s nothing more I can ask for than a system that watches over her without us constantly needing to worry about whether she is going high or low — especially at night when the fear of her not waking up can feel incredibly stressful. It gave Izzi more independence and it really pushed her diabetes into the background,” says Liz. “It was a godsend.”

The clinical outcomes were the best they’d experienced, with Izzi spending over 90% of her time in her target glucose range. “With other technology, my highs and lows were much more severe, and we all lost a lot of sleep,” shared Izzi. “It was stressful for our whole family and my parents were even nervous about letting me drive eventually, because they didn’t think it would be safe. Now they’re not worried about that.”

Dr. Greg Forlenza, Associate Professor, Pediatrics-Barbara Davis Center, University of Colorado, and also Izzi’s doctor, says that mealtimes can be difficult. “Clinical outcomes are historically worst in adolescents — particularly when it comes to meal management and forgetting to bolus, but the MiniMed™ 780G system can bring them back into range quickly and safely.” Dr. Forlenza continues, “If you make a mistake, it’s okay because the system auto corrects in real-time. It also cuts down on potential conflicts between kids and their parents when they forget to bolus, and also ultimately allows parents to ease up a bit and give them more independence.”

With the MiniMed™ 780G system now approved in the U.S., Izzi is eager to get back on the system and is excited about her next big adventure: obtaining her learner’s permit!

“The MiniMed™ 780G system just makes life easier. I set my glucose target, and the pump does most of the work,” Izzi said. “Instead of spending time managing my glucose numbers, I can now focus on the things that I love! The best part is that my parents don’t have to worry about me as much.”

For more information about the MiniMed™ 780G, please visit www.medtronicdiabetes.com/780G.

Important safety information: MiniMed™ 780G system with SmartGuard™ technology with Guardian™ 4 sensor

The MiniMed™ 780G system is intended for continuous delivery of basal insulin at selectable rates, and the administration of insulin boluses at selectable amounts for the management of type 1 diabetes mellitus in persons seven years of age and older requiring insulin as well as for the continuous monitoring and trending of glucose levels in the fluid under the skin. The MiniMed™ 780G system includes SmartGuard™ technology, which can be programmed to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor glucose values and can suspend delivery of insulin when the sensor glucose (SG) value falls below or is predicted to fall below predefined threshold values.

The Medtronic MiniMed™ 780G system consists of the following devices: MiniMed™ 780G insulin pump, the Guardian™ 4 transmitter, the Guardian™ 4 sensor, One-press serter, the Accu-Chek™ Guide Link blood glucose meter, and the Accu-Chek™ Guide test strips. The system requires a prescription from a healthcare professional.

The Guardian™ 4 sensor is intended for use with the MiniMed™ 780G system and the Guardian 4 transmitter to monitor glucose levels for the management of diabetes. The sensor is intended for single use and requires a prescription. The Guardian™ 4 sensor is indicated for up to seven days of continuous use.

The Guardian™ 4 sensor is not intended to be used directly to make therapy adjustments while the MiniMed™ 780G is operating in manual mode. All therapy adjustments in manual mode should be based on measurements obtained using a blood glucose meter and not on values provided by the Guardian™ 4 sensor. The Guardian™ 4 sensor has been studied and is approved for use in patients ages 7 years and older and in the arm insertion site only. Do not use the Guardian™ 4 sensor in the abdomen or other body sites including the buttocks, due to unknown or different performance that could result in hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

WARNING: Do not use the SmartGuard™ feature for people who require less than 8 units or more than 250 units of total daily insulin per day. A total daily dose of at least 8 units, but no more than 250 units, is required to operate in the SmartGuard™ feature.

WARNING: Do not use the MiniMed™ 780G system until appropriate training has been received from a healthcare professional. Training is essential to ensure the safe use of the MiniMed™ 780G system.

WARNING: Do not use SG values to make treatment decisions, including delivering a bolus, while the pump is in Manual Mode. When the SmartGuard™ feature is active and you are no longer in Manual Mode, the pump uses an SG value, when available, to calculate a bolus amount. However, if your symptoms do not match the SG value, use a BG meter to confirm the SG value. Failure to confirm glucose levels when your symptoms do not match the SG value can result in the infusion of too much or too little insulin, which may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Pump therapy is not recommended for people whose vision or hearing does not allow for the recognition of pump signals, alerts, or alarms. The safety of the MiniMed™ 780G system has not been studied in pregnant women, persons with type 2 diabetes, or in persons using other anti-hyperglycemic therapies that do not include insulin. For complete details of the system, including product and important safety information such as indications, contraindications, warnings and precautions associated with system and its components, please consult https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/important-safety-information#minimed-780g and the appropriate user guide at https://www.medtronicdiabetes.com/download-library


* Taking a bolus 15 – 20 minutes before a meal helps to keep blood sugar levels under control after eating.

**Refers to SmartGuard™ feature. Individual results may vary.

[i] Mauras N, Buckingham B, White NH, Tsalikian E, Weinzimer SA, Jo B, Cato A, Fox LA, Aye T, Arbelaez AM, Hershey T, Tansey M, Tamborlane W, Foland-Ross LC, Shen H, Englert K, Mazaika P, Marzelli M, Reiss AL; Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet). Impact of Type 1 Diabetes in the Developing Brain in Children: A Longitudinal Study. Diabetes Care. 2021 Apr;44(4):983-992. doi: 10.2337/dc20-2125. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33568403; PMCID: PMC7985430.

[ii] Medtronic data on file. 25-minute survey, N= 498 T1D individuals in Germany, Japan, US, Brazil, August 2019.

[iii] Sarah C. Westen, Jennifer L. Warnick, Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, et al. Objectively Measured Adherence in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes on Multiple Daily Injections and Insulin Pump.

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5 tips to help keep your home and packages secure while you’re on summer vacation

2023-06-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – Ready to take that long-awaited summer vacay? Before heading out for fun in the sun, make sure you’ll be able to fully relax and enjoy your break by taking a few steps to help keep your home secure — including deliveries that might be made while you’re gone.

Here are some tips and tools to help increase your peace of mind while you’re away from home.

1. Alert your neighbors — but not social media

Before your trip, chat with trusted neighbors to let them know you’ll be on vacation. Those extra eyes on your home can help you feel better about taking off. Just don’t post about your trip on social media — there’s no need to let the world know you’ll be out of your house.

2. Help make your deliveries safe

Instead of worrying about a package arriving while you’re gone, use Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery, a convenient, secure way to receive Amazon packages and groceries. With In-Garage Delivery, drivers scan your package to receive one-time access to deliver inside the garage. No need to give out garage codes or let the driver in yourself. Porch pirates don’t stand a chance and it also helps protect from weather damage, so you can keep any packages secure until you’re home.

Amazon Key is free for Prime members and easy to set up. Plus, it gives you more flexibility and control over your Amazon deliveries by allowing you to select a preferred delivery method and choosing when and where you want your packages delivered — inside your garage or to your doorstep. At checkout, just select In-Garage Delivery and Amazon Key will take care of the rest. You’ll receive real-time notifications every step of the way, and by adding a Ring Camera (sold separately), you can even watch your packages be safely delivered in real-time.

3. Monitor your home while you’re away

You can set up Motion Alerts to notify you when there’s activity at your front door with a Ring Video Doorbell or near one of your Ring security cameras. You’ll be able to see what’s happening in real-time and choose to use Two-Way Talk as needed to chat with someone on your property. For additional whole home protection, the Ring Alarm Security Kit works on any house, condo or apartment. You’ll have peace of mind that your home is always protected, so you can just relax and enjoy whatever you’re doing, wherever you are.

“With services like Amazon Key-In Garage Delivery and the Package Detection feature on Ring Video Doorbells, you can worry less about deliveries going missing while you’re away,” said Paul-David Shrader, Head of Amazon Key for Consumer. “Many customers say just the sight of a video doorbell or camera is enough of a deterrent in getting trespassers to leave their properties.”

4. Set timers for lighting

Another important tactic while vacationing is to use lighting to make it appear someone is home. You can connect smart lights to your home security cameras to have lights turn on/off, or set up light schedules with Alexa to turn lights on and off at certain times each night. Even if you just set one lamp near a front window, it will look like someone is home.

5. Pre-set your HVAC

Completely turning your HVAC off to save money can be a bad idea. Not only will it look like nobody’s home if your AC unit isn’t running while it’s sweltering, but you could also damage internal structures of the house due to excessive humidity. On top of that, your AC unit will have to work non-stop to get the temperature back down when you return, eliminating cost savings you hoped for by shutting it off completely. A good rule of thumb is to raise the temperature about 5 degrees from your usual setting when you leave town. To be able to adjust the temperature while you’re away, consider installing a smart thermostat that you can control remotely.

Following these few simple steps, you can ensure your home and packages will be safe and secure, whether you’re on the road or on the beach.

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Does your formula have this key ingredient to help give your baby the best start?

2023-06-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – New parents who either currently use or are looking to start using formula are faced with a multitude of options these days, making it hard to feel confident in choosing the right one for their baby. The research feels endless and so many formulas provide the same, if not similar, ingredients and benefits, making it difficult to land on your choice. Look for formulas that go beyond the basics to provide your child with important nutrients during a critical growth period in their lives.

Infant formulas have vitamins and minerals to support baby’s wellness — like calcium, iron and vitamin A. DHA and probiotics are also important for supporting brain development and immune health. But only one leading formula brand has lactoferrin (added as an ingredient), a key ingredient in Enspire Optimum™, making it Enfamil’s closest formula to breast milk.

What is lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is an important protein found in breast milk and colostrum, the very early breast milk that is dense in nutrients. Lactoferrin helps support digestive and immune health for newborns during the first year of life.

What does lactoferrin do?

Clinical studies have shown lactoferrin’s ability to support immune and respiratory health for infants and toddlers, which gives parents peace of mind. It also supports gut health.

What makes Enspire Optimum special?

Through the maker of Enfamil® formulas’ extensive research of human milk, they are able to better understand not only the nutrients in breast milk, but also the benefits of these nutrients for infants. Enfamil was able to identify a key component in breast milk that was largely absent from other formulas. Because Enfamil believes this component will help support an infant’s start in life, they created Enspire Optimum, the only leading formula with lactoferrin added as an ingredient.

This attention to detail means parents who choose to feed their child Enspire Optimum can feel confident they’re supporting their baby’s best start in life from a brand they can trust.

In addition to lactoferrin, Enspire Optimum also has a global expert-recommended amount of brain-building omega-3 DHA to support brain development and HMOs to support immune health. If you are interested in learning more about Enspire Optimum, by Enfamil, the No. 1 trusted infant formula brand by pediatricians and parents, visit Enfamil.com/enfamil-enspire/.

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Tired of the same old lunch? 3 ways to switch up your meal options

2023-06-16T16:45:00

(BPT) – Lunch is an important part of your daily routine, but you may not always look forward to what you’ve packed in your lunchbox. You’re not alone. According to the Galileo Sandwich Report, over 55% of Americans feel bored with their lunch options, and over 52% are looking for lunch recipe inspiration.

Don’t settle for a boring, uninspiring lunch. Check out these three tips on switching things up and taking your midday meal to the next level.

1. Don’t skimp on sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic lunch meal for a reason! They’re quick, easy to make, and convenient to pack and eat anywhere your day takes you. Also, sandwiches remain a popular meal choice, with 72% of Americans saying they enjoy sandwiches, according to the Sandwich Report. However, it’s easy to get into a rut if you make the same sandwich again and again.

Add variety to your lunch by experimenting with breads, fillings and condiments. If you usually use white sandwich bread, pick up ciabatta rolls, a croissant or a loaf of sourdough bread during your next grocery run. If you enjoy mayo and mustard, look for different flavors of your favorite condiments to spice things up. Search the deli aisle for cheeses that you have yet to try. No matter what you pick, make sure they’re ingredients that you enjoy!

Of course, no meal is complete without a solid protein. When looking for lunch meats, try adding Galileo® brand cured meats like salame to your sandwiches. Galileo Salame is made using quality ingredients and timeless methods so you can enjoy high-quality pork flavored with a unique blend of herbs and spices. Use it to make a savory Italian classico sandwich or a light and fluffy salame and cheese croissant sandwich! You can also add the Galileo sliced pepperoni to make a truly decadent sandwich. For more recipe inspiration, visit GalileoSalame.com.

2. Step up your salad game

While leafy greens like romaine or iceberg lettuce are the base of many popular salads, you can experiment with different ingredients and dressings. Just about anything can go into a salad. You can combine crunchy vegetables, fruits, nuts, cheese and any of your favorite proteins to create a salad you’ll look forward to eating.

The next time you pack a lunch, grab some baby spinach and top it with strawberries, walnuts, goat cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette to create a refreshing and sweet meal. If you want a twist on a classic, try a La Scala chopped salad, which features thin strips of Galileo salame and/or pepperoni, shredded parmesan or pecorino cheese, romaine lettuce and a mustard dressing.

Another way to play around with salad recipes is to choose foods with different textures. For example, you can combine diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a crunchy and filling salad to get you through the midday slump.

Keep trying new recipes and combinations. You’ll soon find that you have a few favorites you can make and customize to keep lunch interesting.

3. Get creative with a charcuterie board

Turn a snack pack into a meal by making a charcuterie board for lunch! While you may think of a charcuterie board as a happy hour snack or dinner appetizer, it’s a delightful and satisfying lunch choice. Best of all, you can make as many combinations as you want, so you’ll never get bored with this lunch option.

Start by selecting cured meats like pepperoni and Galileo salame, cheeses, vegetables like carrots or pickles, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, bread and crackers. Portion them out into small containers or sandwich bags so you can easily arrange them on a plate. You can also bring some jam, butter or hummus for added flavor and variety.

Make sure to put your lunchbox in the fridge when you arrive at work and put any leftovers away as soon as you finish eating. You can also make a charcuterie board as lunch on weekends when you’re not sure what to eat or want a bit of everything!

Whether your lunchtime routine is at home, in the office or on the go, you can make and take interesting, nutritious and delicious lunches to help you power through the rest of your day. Let these three lunch options inspire you to get creative and make every lunch a meal to look forward to.