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Pet expert reveals do’s and don’ts of playing with cats

2023-06-12T09:35:00

(BPT) – Play is instrumental for pets’ overall health and physical wellbeing. However, many cat lovers may not realize that there are positive and negative ways to engage cats in play.

“Positive play can lower pets’ cortisol levels, influence brain development and help them gather information to understand boundaries and different ways of communicating,” said Purina Animal Enrichment Specialist Alex Johnson.

If you’re craving new ways to interact with your cat, Johnson shares additional insights about the value of play, plus do’s and don’ts to maximize your time together.

DO create routines — Cats anticipate what will happen at certain times of day. Try giving your cat 15 minutes of undivided attention at the same time every day, focusing on your cat’s cues. Pet your cat and speak in a calm voice. Connection is the goal, but some cats prefer just hearing your voice as they sit nearby.

DO reinforce positive behavior — Johnson recommends praising good behavior with treats like new Friskies Playfuls, uniquely shaped to roll so cats can have fun with their treats. For example, if they like to scratch furniture, redirect the behavior by giving them a toy or object that’s acceptable to scratch.

DO provide mental stimulation — If your cat seems bored, Johnson suggests rotating toys or introducing new activities:

  • Copycat: Mirror your cat’s actions like you’re playing Simon Says, batting Friskies Playfuls with them like you’re playing catch. Seeing things from their perspective fuels interactive play, creating new ways to connect with your cat.
  • Obstacle fetch: Set up items like scrunched-up paper, paper bags or boxes, then toss a treat among the items to encourage cats to seek out the treat. This activity uses their hunting skills, encouraging mental stimulation by providing obstacles they must maneuver around to get their reward.
  • Lost marbles: Cut holes a bit bigger than your cat’s arm on the top and sides of a box. Cut 2-3 holes at floor level, as this will be where the treats come out. Place a few Friskies Playfuls treats and other movable objects inside (balled-up paper, toys, ping-pong balls), letting your cat bat them around to push the treat out of one of the bottom holes. This problem-solving activity gets your cat thinking and activates trial and error.

DON’T forget to encourage their instincts: Cats love exploring, so making blanket forts or repurposing boxes can be great ways to engage with them. They also love exploring textures and smells, so adding different materials like an old T-shirt or packaging paper in the box or blanket fort each week can help keep them entertained.

DON’T betray your cat’s trust: Cats’ relationships are built around trust, which is vital for their sense of safety. Some social media trends prompt cat owners to seek reactions from cats as a means for entertainment, but this could be damaging to the bonds cats have with their owners.

“A great test to check if you’re crossing a line with your cat is to ask yourself if you would do this to a child or a baby,” Johnson says. “If an adult plays pranks, deliberately annoys, hurts or frightens a child — that can cause confusion, stress and feelings of betrayal, and the same concept applies to cats.”

DON’T overstimulate: Watch for signs of agitation: whipping their tail back and forth, biting, hissing or flattening their ears. If you see these signs, give them space. Avoid raising your voice or punishing your cat for being aggressive. While this may seem a logical way to teach your cat to ‘behave,’ it increases your cat’s stress in an already stressful situation — and could increase aggressive behavior.

Following these guidelines, you’ll learn what works best for encouraging active, positive play with your cat, and you’ll likely have just as much fun as they do!

Learn more about Friskies Playfuls on Purina.com/friskies/cat-treats.

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Unlocking hidden potential: 5 ways to elevate your laundry room

2023-06-11T23:01:00

(BPT) – When you’re seeking ways to optimize your home, it’s easy to overlook the humble laundry room. But there are many ways to improve your experience of this room, making it more functional and attractive. A beautifully appointed laundry room is a sight to behold, helping to transform ordinary tasks into enjoyable routines.

If you’re ready to turn your laundry room into a space you love, consider these upgrades.

1. Shed some light on the subject

Is your laundry room too dark? Improving the room’s lighting will make daily chores easier to do while also making the room feel more bright and cheerful. You may need to add several recessed lights to really see well, especially if there’s no window, and cooler-colored LED lights can help you sort colors better.

Consider adding a window if possible, or enlarging an existing window to boost natural light. Applying a fresh coat of light-colored or white paint can also make any space feel open and airy.

2. Make it functional and multi-purpose

Every good laundry room needs a utility sink deep enough to soak soiled clothing. How about a sink you can also use to bathe your dog? You can create the perfect pet beauty parlor with a 12″ deep Cairn Utility Sink from KOHLER. It offers a generous workspace, along with a stainless steel utility sink and accompanying wash bin. Both slide on the ledge in the sink, so you can tailor it to suit your needs. The offset drain increases the sink’s workspace as well as potential for storage underneath. Its soft curves and matte finish add beauty to any room, and you can choose one of six colors to suit your design: White, Black, Taupe, Grey, Graphite, Brown and Black Plum. The sink is made of KOHLER Neoroc composite material that’s extremely durable and will resist scratches and stains.

To make it easier to use your new sink for washing your pet or anything else, choose a handshower or faucet that functions well and looks even better. KOHLER’s Awaken four-function handshower provides advanced spray performance with three distinct sprays — wide coverage, intense drenching or targeted — with the smooth rotation of a thumb tab.

Or consider the Crue touchless pull-down sink faucet with a three-function sprayhead. The Crue faucet collection represents a true high point in user-focused, sophisticated plumbing design. The contemporary silhouette — a simple arched spout and single lever handle — offers a straightforward style that adapts to nearly any room design, and the touchless functionality makes tasks simpler.

3. Get organized

Increasing shelving and/or cupboard space is always smart for a laundry room upgrade. If you select open shelving, use matching baskets, boxes or trays to create a unified look. Make sure to include a large drying rack to hang delicates and other items that need to be air dried.

One idea that’s seriously trending is combining the laundry area with the mudroom, which helps contain the mess coming in from outside. When designing your mudroom/laundry room, make sure to provide sturdy benches for sitting and removing boots — ideally with space inside for added storage.

Not just for kitchens anymore, installing an island in your laundry room is a great way to provide the perfect folding space — and another opportunity to add more storage underneath. Limited space? Consider using a rolling kitchen cart.

4. Elevate the situation

One way to truly elevate your laundry room is to put your machines up on pedestals. This option not only makes maintenance and cleaning a lot easier, but is also much gentler on your back — you’ll do a lot less leaning and bending over every laundry day.

5. Flaunt your style

There’s no reason your laundry room can’t also be pretty. Consider bright paint colors or whimsical wallpaper when you’re giving the room a makeover. Fun art accents and even a whiteboard or chalkboard for laundry instructions (or playful notes!) may encourage more family members to join the laundry routine.

Even achieving a couple of these upgrades can make a big difference in how you use and perceive the humble laundry room. Following through with all of them might just make it your favorite room in the house.

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Tips for Selecting the Right Railing for Your Deck

2023-06-09T14:35:00

(BPT) – When you look at a deck, what is the first thing you see? Odds are it’s the railings that catch your eye before anything else. While railings provide an obvious and necessary safety function, they also serve an important aesthetic role by creating a decorative frame for an outdoor space and defining the setting’s personality and style. Following are some expert tips for selecting the right railing look for your outdoor oasis:

Think ahead

While railing may be installed toward the end of a decking project, it is a key design element that should be considered from the outset. Ideally, decking and railing decisions should be made simultaneously — as a purposeful pairing.

Consider views and privacy

If you want to enjoy the view beyond your deck, look for railings that you will easily be able to see through. The Trex Signature® railing collection offers glass panels or infill with thin balusters finished in black that tend to blend into the environment, putting more visual emphasis on the natural surroundings. Conversely, if you have neighbors who live close enough to see onto your deck, you may want to consider railings with thicker posts or more tightly spaced balusters to enhance privacy.

Aim high and low

When choosing railing, look for high-performance and low-maintenance materials so that you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your deck rather than maintaining it. Although a classic option, wood railing requires frequent staining and sealing and is prone to rot and decay. Aluminum and composite offer durable, attractive and versatile options that are easy to work with and maintain.

Showcase your style

Selecting railing color and style should be fun, but it can also be overwhelming considering the myriad available options. To simplify things, use one of the following approaches:

  • Coordinate – Choose railing in the same shade as your decking for a well-coordinated look.
  • Contrast – Create visual impact by pairing your decking with railing in a contrasting but complementary color.
  • Customize – Mix colors and materials, such as combining dark aluminum railing and balusters with white composite posts, for a dramatic, distinctive design.

For perfect pairings, Trex® offers a Decking & Railing Duos tool on its website, which features designer-curated decking and railing combinations.

Factor in function

One of the most popular trends right now — especially among homeowners who like to entertain outdoors — is “cocktail railing.” This design approach uses a deck board as a top rail to create a flat surface ledge at just the right height for holding drinks and plates. By using boards that match the decking, you can achieve a look that perfectly complements your home’s deck while making great use of the space.

Light it up

Enhance the beauty of your railing and lengthen the time you can spend enjoying your deck by adding lighting to railing posts and caps. This added illumination will amp up the ambiance, along with its safety and security. Consider LED dimmer options to maximize energy efficiency. For ultimate convenience, choose a system with a WiFi controller so you can control your lights from anywhere, anytime.

As one of the most visible elements of a deck, the railing you choose will have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. For more tips and outdoor living inspiration, visit Trex.com.

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Want to avoid costly clogs? 5 tips on how to flush smart every day

2023-06-09T17:39:00

(BPT) – July 1 is Flush Smart Day, a nationwide initiative to educate and encourage everyone to practice smart flushing habits all year long. All too often, products that weren’t designed to be flushed down the toilet end up in pipes and sewer systems, causing damage to a home’s sewer system and beyond.

According to the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), more than 90% of wipes sold are not designed to be flushed. That’s because non-flushable wipes are made from long synthetic fibers, making them durable for their intended purpose. However, these durable fibers also make these items a danger to your plumbing.

This Flush Smart Day, the Responsible Flushing Alliance wants to help you learn how to flush smart today and beyond. Here are some simple tips to help avoid costly plumbing issues at home and protect the environment by reducing sewer blockages.

1. Know what you can’t flush

Your toilet is not a trashcan. Just because something is small enough to pass through the toilet pipe doesn’t mean it should be flushed. Non-flushable items can cause a lot of damage to homes, schools, businesses, sewers, wastewater treatment facilities, and the environment when flushed. Here’s a list of some commonly flushed items that should never be flushed:

  • Baby wipes
  • Period products
  • Hard surface or cleaning wipes
  • Makeup removing wipes
  • Cotton balls, pads or swabs
  • Sheet masks
  • Dental floss, teeth whitening strips, contact lenses
  • Hair or hair weaves
  • Paper towels or rags
  • Trash, cat litter
  • Medicine, syringes

2. Educate family and houseguests

If you don’t know what you can’t flush, chances are your household and guests won’t either. Help them (and yourself) out by posting a sign on or near the toilet with a list of non-flushable items as a reminder.

Make sure there’s a small trash can next to the toilet to make it easy to dispose of non-flushable items. You can also keep disposable bags near the trashcan to wrap up diapers, baby wipes, and period products.

3. Properly dispose of FOGs

Fats, oils and greases (FOGs) can cause just as much damage as solid non-flushable items. Don’t flush FOGs down the toilet or pour them down the sink. Otherwise, you may be helping create a fatberg. When FOGs and non-flushable items collect in pipes, they can create a large, rock-like mass of waste matter in the sewer system. These fatbergs can grow and eventually destroy pipes and homes if left unchecked. You can find instructions on how to make your own FOG can at FlushSmart.org.

4. Look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol

Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if an item, like wipes, can be flushed. You can double-check if an item is not flushable by looking for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the packaging. If you see the symbol on the wipes packaging, do not flush the wipes down the toilet!

5. When in doubt, throw it out!

If you’re not 100% sure an item can be flushed, err on the side of caution. Throw it out and don’t risk your plumbing, home, and the environment by flushing something that isn’t meant to be flushed.

This July and beyond, flush smart and avoid costly clogs and other consequences. By doing your part and flushing responsibly, you can help protect your home plumbing, local sewers, water treatment plants, and environment. For more tips, information, and resources, visit FlushSmart.org and follow @FlushSmart on Twitter and Facebook.

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Radiant and resilient: Nourish your skin this summer with top dermatologist tips

2023-06-09T10:23:00

(BPT) – As the sun’s warm embrace calls people outdoors, the beauty of summer weather is undeniable. While there are near endless possibilities for outdoor activities, this season can also have a big impact on skin health. Scorching temps, changing humidity and harmful UV rays can take a toll, so it’s important to be mindful and proactive in your approach to skincare from head to toe.

“While summer activities make for a great time, they can also stress your skin and cause it to lose moisture,” said Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens. “Your body care routine should cleanse and nourish your skin to help it stay hydrated throughout the day. Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, you’re constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers but things like chlorine and changes in humidity can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks. The best solution to strengthening the skin barrier is to repair the holes in the bucket.”

Dr. Stephens provides four simple tips to maintain healthy, hydrated skin this summer:

1. Block the burn

It’s always critical to apply sunscreen daily. Sunscreen helps protect skin by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and has broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays). Remember to apply to all skin exposed to the sun — not just your face, and reapply approximately every two hours when outdoors.

2. Cleanse and nourish

You may shower more frequently during the summer months, so it’s important to use a hydrating body wash that doesn’t strip the skin. A great option is the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash that is formulated with premium skin care ingredients like Vitamin B3 Complex that help renew thirsty skin from within, resulting in long-lasting hydration and healthier-looking skin.

3. Seal the deal

After you shower with a hydrating body wash, lock in that moisture with a nourishing body lotion. Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion is nutrient-rich, fast-absorbing, and lightweight, making this lotion ideal for summer. The moisturizing ingredients penetrate 10 surface layers deep and hydrate to begin the process of surface cell turnover. Use with Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash to boost effects of Vitamin B3 Complex and moisturizing ingredients.

4. Get that H2O glow

Water intake is essential to look and feel your best any time of year, but it’s especially important during warm weather. As temperatures rise and you’re active outdoors, your body dehydrates faster. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to make up for this loss and strengthen cell membranes, including those in the skin, helping to maintain skin health and overall wellness.

“We’re all eager to bask in the summer excitement, but we should first remember to take care of our skin,” said Dr. Stephens. Renew your routine (and your skin!) with these tips for radiant, resilient skin all summer long!

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Little heroes, big impact: How a new campaign is empowering kids to make a difference

2023-06-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – The world is changing fast and in ways it never has before, and although kids remain optimistic about their futures, research shows they don’t know how they can actively be participants in positive changemaking.

According to a 2022 survey by Nickelodeon, 46% of children felt that they didn’t have the power to change today’s issues. This isn’t necessarily because of a lack of confidence. The survey also found that 69% of kids said they didn’t know how to get involved in their communities. What it boils down to is that kids need to gain the skills to deal with the change around them. Even though they can’t vote, kids have a voice and can positively impact the world locally and globally.

To give kids a platform and avenues to effect change in their neighborhoods, Nickelodeon has launched the Our World campaign. This global initiative aims to inspire kids and provide the necessary tools so they can make a difference in their communities through actions big and small.

The campaign underscores that kids can exercise their individual and collective agency to address pressing issues in their neighborhoods. Through strategic partnerships, including Ashoka and Aspen Institute, Nickelodeon provides kids access to age-appropriate opportunities to be the change they want to see.

Pathways to participation

In partnership with ChangeX, a fundraising platform, Nickelodeon has set up the Our World US Community Fund to provide resources and support to community projects that would otherwise go unfunded. From the arts to STEM to environmental sustainability, funded projects will be actively led by kids — with the guidance of a grown-up co-leader, to shape their communities for the better.

Nickelodeon and ChangeX have provided project ideas for kids to get started, such as recycling, composting, coding, environmental cleanups and community food pantries and gardens. However, children aren’t limited to these ideas. They can apply for funding of an original or existing project for consideration.

Funded projects will receive a free resource pack, mentorship and technology tools to get started. There are also opportunities for additional impact funding. In funding these projects, the Our World campaign hopes to help children realize their agency and become the changemakers their communities, and the world, needs.

Another Our World partnership is with 4-H — America’s largest youth development organization — which offers kids opportunities to improve the world around them. Children can join a local 4-H chapter and find like-minded peers and mentors while participating in hands-on service activities like an environmental cleanup of a park or highway, collecting and distributing essential items to those in need, planting and tending a community garden or reading to younger kids after school.

Creating a culture of kindness

Beyond working together on local initiatives, Our World also encourages children to take simple actions in their daily lives that can profoundly impact the people they meet and, by extension, their community. For example, an easy way to create change is to be kind to those around you. According to research by Nickelodeon, kids of all ages and demographics believe that kindness is one of the most important factors that help someone make a difference.

For example, at school, kids can look for peers sitting alone at lunch and ask them to join their table. During a sports game, they can compliment their teammates on their skills or offer to play with them after practice to improve. These small actions can have a big impact on someone’s day and foster a positive and inclusive community. Also, acts of kindness may inspire others to be kind, too, creating a culture of kindness at their school and beyond.

Getting started is easy

Nickelodeon believes that through actions big and small, kids of all ages have the power to make a positive impact on the world and wants to help them unlock their potential. The Our World campaign will be rolling out more ideas and opportunities to support and encourage children’s civic engagement locally and globally. To learn more and get started, kids can visit OurWorld.com today.

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Refresh for wellness: Luxe bathroom upgrades breathe new life into dull, outdated spaces

2023-06-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – Are you looking for a way to update your home that will make a positive change to your daily routine? Despite being the most highly trafficked area in the house and one that can greatly impact a home’s value, bathrooms are often left outdated. However, with high mortgage rates keeping homeowners in their current homes and remodeling combined with a new pandemic-fueled focus on hygiene in the home, the bathroom is emerging as a priority home refresh project.

A bathroom is a place people spend time doing daily self-care, but recently bathrooms have also become personal escapes from the world’s distractions. Common ways to refresh your bathroom include repainting walls in a fresh hue, adding modern lighting, replacing outdated faucets, and swapping out lackluster showerheads. Homeowners can elevate their bathroom into a space of comfort and wellness with upgrades that blend the latest in design, technology and eco-friendly features. Which is why it is important not to forget the toilet.

Updates that elevate.

Many toilets are in desperate need of a replacement to increase water efficiency and functionality. Others simply need a modern update. But most people do not realize how much their toilet can level up their own hygiene and self-care. Bidets are incredibly popular overseas in Europe and Asia and are found in the best hotels, restaurants and spas across the globe. It is no wonder why, according to design experts, bidets are one of the top bathroom trends for 2023 here in the U.S.

There are several bidet options based on your needs, space and budget. Adding a toilet with a bidet or bidet seat is an impactful way to add luxury and wellness to tired bathrooms without a complete renovation. In fact, replacing the toilet with a new model is a simple task that can often be done without a plumber, and adding a bidet seat to your toilet is an easy DIY project that can be finished in less than an hour.

Bidet benefits

Self-care and cleanliness are important for people of all ages, especially as the world emerges from the pandemic. Bidet technologies allow you to create a personalized cleansing experience in your home. Noteworthy bidets and smart toilets have advanced features like touchless technology and self-cleaning capabilities that reduce the spread of germs passed from flushing and wiping.

When the cleansing cycle is activated, a streamlined wand extends from beneath the seat to provide an adjustable flow of clean, warm aerated water for an exceptionally comfortable cleansing experience. The bidet then dries you with warm air, which nearly eliminates the need for toilet paper. Built-in deodorizers neutralize odors through a carbonized air filter, ensuring a fresh experience for everyone in your home and minimizing the spread of germs. Additional features that automatically raise the toilet seat and provide a night light add safety and convenience. These are especially useful for children or people with mobility issues.

Bidet seats like the WASHLET S550e also include comfort-first features found on TOTO smart toilets, like a heated seat and wireless remote for adjusting water temperature and pressure. They are also easy to install on most existing toilets. If you are looking to completely replace your old commode, look for a combined unit like the Drake WASHLET+ C5, a high-efficiency toilet with a WASHLET bidet seat, or the modern-styled silhouette of the NEOREST line of smart toilets, which deliver the latest tech with a sleek style that accentuates any bathroom aesthetic.

High-efficiency toilets from TOTO with bidets have pre-cleaning and advanced flushing features that cut down the need for harsh chemicals in cleaning the bathroom and reduce the need for toilet paper by 75%, making them a healthier, eco-friendly choice. The WASHLET, WASHLET+ and NEOREST clean themselves following each use with TOTO’s EWATER+ (electrolyzed water), which mists and cleans the wand and bowl after every use.

Bathroom refresh inspiration

Updating your toilet with a bidet is a worthwhile investment for people choosing to stay in their current home and improve their most in-demand space to keep their loved ones clean and comfortable. Whether you want an all-in-one smart toilet or a bidet seat that fits on your existing toilet, there is a bidet option that will help you create a cleaner, more luxurious experience in time for summer. Learn more at TOTOUSA.com.

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5 easy, fun ways to keep your cool this summer

2023-06-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – You know they’re coming — those “dog days” of summer when you’d think you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. While some parts of summer are nothing but fun, it’s important to find ways to stay cool so you can keep on enjoying the sunshine.

Here are some tips to help you keep yourself — and your whole family — nice and cool, whatever you’re doing this summer.

1. Have it made in the shade

Especially when you’re being active outdoors, staying out of the bright sun during the peak midday hours can help take the heat down a notch. Take advantage of natural shade like leafy trees or use whatever shade is available where you are. Another option is to bring along a large umbrella to help you get a reprieve from the full sunlight. Even a wide-brimmed hat can help you enjoy a bit of shade. Remind kids to take a break in the shade, too — it’s easy to forget when you’re out playing with your friends.

2. Learn to pace yourself

When you or the kids are exerting a lot of energy doing outdoor chores, exercising or playing sports, it’s important to recognize when you might be overdoing it — before that happens. Remind yourself to take more than your usual breaks from exertion when it’s hot outside, even when you’re having a lot of fun.

3. Enjoy a cold, tasty treat

Nothing tastes better and cools you off quicker on a hot day than a stop at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Churned fresh every morning and throughout the day in each restaurant, a fresh batch of their delicious Frozen Custard always awaits you. It’s slowly churned to create a rich, creamy treat the whole family will enjoy. You can order online or via their app for pickup, drive-through, delivery or to eat in at one of their many locations on Freddys.com/order. Choose vanilla, chocolate or half and half, plus up to 5 of their 26 tasty toppings, from fresh strawberries and pecans to sweet treats like cheesecake pieces, Heath toffee and hot caramel. Freddy’s frozen custard can be topped in a sundae, blended into concrete or mixed into a shake or malt — it’s up to you. Need a whole meal? Enjoy one of their famous Steakburgers made with 100% premium beef and hand-crafted right when you order to ensure freshness. The patties have thin, crispy edges and a thicker, juicy middle. Visit Freddys.com to learn more.

4. Hydrate often

Take frequent sips from your water bottle, no matter what you’re doing in the heat. Be sure to pack extra water bottles if you’re going to be outside for a while, and include ice inside the bottles to help your water stay nice and cool. Kids also need reminders to take frequent drinks while they’re playing.

5. Let water cool you down

Being in and around any form of water is one of the best — and most fun — ways to stay cool, whether you’re swimming, dangling your feet in the water or just splashing around. Try using a portable misting fan to help you stay comfortable in the heat. Or if you’re bringing along a cooler, pack a few damp washcloths along with your cold pack that you can place on your face or neck for a quick cooldown. When all else fails, go ahead and run through the sprinkler! You’re never too old to enjoy that refreshing feeling.

These easy tips will help you beat the heat all summer long, so you can have a blast with your friends and family.

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From burnout to balance: 5 ways to prioritize self-care when caring for a loved one

2023-06-07T05:01:01

(BPT) – In honor of World Caring Day, a global celebration of compassion and support, we delve into the vital role of caregivers and the significance of self-care in their lives.

Whether you’re a parent, spouse, sibling, grandparent or other relative or friend caring for a loved one, you play a vital role in their well-being. Caring Bridge — a nonprofit that provides no-cost dedicated, private, ad-free space for communication, support and connection for a loved one’s health journey — is bringing awareness to the role of family caregivers and how they can care for themselves. Read on to learn about the three signs that you may be in a caring role and tips on nurturing yourself today and beyond.

Do you care for a loved one?

Often, family carers don’t realize they’re in a caregiving situation. For example, a husband may temporarily take care of his wife, who’s broken her leg and help with activities and tasks she can’t do independently because of her injury. Or perhaps an adult child finds that their mother increasingly relies on them for care after a dementia diagnosis.

Whether a medical condition is temporary or permanent, many family members become care participants in their loved ones’ lives without knowing it or meaning to. Here are three signs that you may have transitioned into a care role.

  • You have increased responsibilities for the well-being and care of a loved one. This may include providing emotional support, managing medical appointments, assisting with daily activities or coordinating care services.
  • You’ve had lifestyle adjustments, such as changes in routines, living arrangements or career choices, to care for your loved one.
  • Your relationship with the person who receives your care and others in your life has changed. You may feel stronger bonds with the person you care about and experience strain or tension in your relationships because of your responsibilities.

Not all of these signs may apply to everyone. Family care participants have a variety of experiences. Whether they identify as a caregiver, carer, care participant, care partner or avoid labels altogether, they provide invaluable support to their loved ones.

However, to care for others, it’s critical that you also care for yourself. Your well-being should also be as much of a priority as that of your loved one. Here are five ways you can care for yourself while participating in care for others.

1. Practice stress management

The extra responsibilities of being a care partner can be stressful, especially if you have no or minimal help and support. It’s important to take breaks from caring and focus on your needs.

Consider engaging in activities that can help reduce stress to maintain your well-being. Some healthy ways to manage stress include deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, walking, running, spending time with friends or any activity you enjoy.

2. Care for yourself

You work hard, and it’s important to remember that you deserve care too. Set time aside every day to take care of you! Take a walk, read a book, watch a movie, paint or write. Anything that makes you feel happy and relaxed is worth doing so you can prioritize yourself while still helping others.

If your financial situation allows, enjoy a spa day, get a manicure and pedicure or book a massage. These forms of self-care can get you out of the house and allow you space and time to focus on nourishing yourself.

Don’t wait until you feel burnt out to enjoy some self-care. If your schedule and budget allow, set regular weekly or monthly appointments that you can look forward to and know that you can also receive care.

3. Prioritize your health

It’s easy for carers to ignore their health when they’re busy helping others with daily tasks. However, you can’t neglect your health. Just like airplane safety videos remind you, it’s important to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.

Take stock of your health. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a preventative care visit or need another medical appointment, it’s a good idea to book now so you can work it into your schedule. You can also care for your physical and mental health by eating a balanced diet, exercising, journaling and sleeping well.

4. Maintain relationships

Many people who care for their loved ones say they feel overwhelmed, isolated and lonely as they support their family member’s health journey. These feelings aren’t just emotional burdens.

According to findings by the U.S. Surgeon General, prolonged loneliness is akin to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Also, poor social relationships, social isolation and loneliness can increase your risk of heart disease by 29% and stroke by 32%.

To improve your stress response and minimize the negative health effects of stress, it’s important that you stay socially connected. Schedule regular get-togethers with friends, pursue hobbies or interests with others and reach out for help when needed.

5. Find community

Not everyone understands what you’re going through in your specific caring situations. Still, many people provide care to family members just like you. You can feel less alone, ask for advice and find community with other family caregivers through support groups.

One way you can share your experiences, build connections, find comfort and receive valuable insight from others who understand is by visiting CaringBridge.com. Here, you’ll find resources and a community that can help you feel less alone and overwhelmed in your role as a carer.

You can also create a CaringBridge site to easily communicate health updates to a group of loved ones. The nonprofit solution is no cost, easy to use and designed to share your family member’s health journeys all on a private communication platform with no ads. To learn more or make a donation, visit CaringBridge.org.

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Say Goodbye to Stretch Marks and Hello to Smoother-Looking Skin

2023-06-07T05:01:01

(BPT) – Stretch marks — you know them as those annoying long, narrow streaks, stripes or lines that can develop on your skin. They tend to pop up when your skin becomes stretched out or starts to sag, especially during periods of rapid growth, weight gain or loss, or pregnancy.

Anyone can develop stretch marks, but they are most common in women. They can show up on your stomach, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms and lower back. Additionally, genetics play a role in determining who is more prone to developing stretch marks, meaning you might have your parents to thank for this unique feature.

Unfortunately, until now the most common ways to improve stretch marks have been to apply Vitamin E, cocoa butter and skincare products with glycolic acid, but it can take a long time to see any significant improvement with these topical products. Recent advancements in technology have brought about a new solution for reducing the appearance of stretch marks, especially the hottest trend right now, microneedling. But how can you boost an already great treatment? Enter Secret® PRO from Cutera®, the secret weapon for reducing the appearance of stretch marks and signs of aging.*

Secret PRO takes a unique approach to skin revitalization by combining two powerful technologies — fractional CO2 laser and radiofrequency microneedling. These two modalities work safely and effectively to treat the deepest layers of your skin where stretch marks turn up. While the CO2 laser targets the outermost layers of the skin, Secret PRO’s effective RF energy can reach down to the deeper layers of your skin to stimulate collagen remodeling and brighten and smooth the skin for a revitalized appearance overall.*

According to Facial Plastic Surgeon Prem Tripathi, MD, MPH of Silhouette Aesthetics in Livermore, CA, “The Secret PRO delivers amazing results. We can customize a treatment program for each individual patient to achieve the best possible results for a wide range of skin concerns. One of the areas where this innovative dual technology is very effective is for patients who are concerned about stretch marks.”

“This treatment utilizes microneedles to deliver RF energy into varying skin levels, allowing us to tailor treatments to each patient’s concerns. For example, radiofrequency with the Secret PRO is an ideal treatment for any area you are bothered by from aging, weight gain and loss, as well as childbirth. We can reduce the effects of sun damage, improve skin texture and tone, and promote collagen production to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, and fine lines and wrinkles with fractional skin resurfacing,” says Dr. Tripathi.*

Dr. Tammy Chen of Central Park Laser Aesthetics in New York City uses the Secret PRO to address her patients’ face, neck, chest, as well as surgical scars and stretch marks for men and women.* “The results we can achieve are incredible. I call it a non-surgical lift without the downtime associated with more invasive options. There is minimal swelling and downtime for most of our patients so they can get back to their busy lives very quickly.”

“Since Secret PRO treatments are non-invasive, there is no need to undergo anesthesia. We use a topical anesthetic to keep patients comfortable and the treatment typically takes about 30-40 minutes. They just lay back, relax and watch TV or chat with me while I do the treatment. The procedure is well tolerated, and patients are excited to come back for more treatments.”†

“It is very safe and the results we can achieve are more natural looking than many other invasive treatments. Patients can achieve the visible results they are looking for with little to no downtime. We can use the Secret PRO safely for all skin types, from very fair to light brown skin that tans easily,” says Dr. Chen.‡

Want to find out if you are a candidate for Secret PRO? Find a Secret PRO practice near you.

*By way of resurfacing and hemostasis and coagulation.

†Patient results may vary.

‡CO2 can only be used for Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1-4.