Month: July 2023

2023-07-25T11:37:00

(BPT) –

The holidays are a magical time of year for families, but for parents, there’s a lot to do to get ready. Prepping early is key, but where to start?

Carter’s, the most trusted brand of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, has the essentials you need to ease the pressure of the season so that you can spend even more time creating memories with your family.

If you’re looking to start checking off your holiday to-do list early or just want to celebrate Christmas in July, check out these top tips from Carter’s and internet sensation Brunch with Babs to help families get a head start on holiday prep.

Hiding in Plain Sight

Purchasing holiday gifts early is always a great way to relieve some stress during the busy season, but many parents fear this means a higher risk of their little ones finding them. According to Babs, the best way to keep your gifts hidden until it’s time to open is to hide them in places your little ones will rarely look, like an old suitcase.

When it comes to making sure you know which gift is for which child, you can also try choosing one style of wrapping paper per person in your family to avoid mix-ups!

Always Have a Matching Moment Ready

Carter’s family matching pajamas are a holiday season staple no matter the occasion. Whether you are wearing them to take a family photo, watch holiday movies on the couch, or for some good old family bonding, your family will never want to take them off.

HOT TIP: For parents who want to snag the best prints and patterns before they are sold out, Carter’s is having a Christmas in July sale! July 25 through July 26 (two days only!), you can shop pajamas like the Elf Cotton & Fleece Pajamas and Plaid Coat-Style Pajamas on sale to wear all season long. Getting in front of the holidays by taking advantage of the limited-time sale pricing is a big win for the season.

Planning for Pictures

Everyone loves making memories, but don’t forget about capturing them! While often forgotten or pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, holiday cards and photos are something you will cherish forever. To avoid missing out on another year of family portraits, Babs recommends getting your PJs early this year and snapping some pics before the holiday season begins!

“Don’t wait for the holiday rush — if you shop Carter’s holiday PJs now, you can save by snagging the styles on sale and wear them all season long,” she says.

Take a few tips from someone who knows best and make this holiday season the best one yet. Your future self will thank you!

2023-07-25T09:01:00

(BPT) – Firing up the grill is synonymous with summer. In fact, July is the peak month for grill fires, and 64% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

While the warm weather and gatherings with friends and family draw us outdoors, it’s important to take safety precautions. Check out these five grilling safety tips before putting on your apron.

Grill outside and away from structures. An average of 10,600 home fires are started by grills, hibachis or barbeques each year according to the NFPA. Make sure to place your grill outside and position it a safe distance away from anything that can catch fire — like siding, deck railings and overhanging branches. Always set it on an even surface in an open, well-ventilated area.

Clean and inspect your grill. Before igniting the grill, remove all grease buildup from the grills and the catch trays below them. If your grill uses charcoal, make sure it has cooled down completely before you dispose of it. Before and after each use, inspect all parts of the grill for any needed maintenance or cracks.

Create a safe zone. You should never leave a lit grill unattended. For an extra level of protection, keep kids and pets at least three feet away from the grill to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Keep flames in the fire pit. If your summer evening plans call for a backyard “campfire” or gathering around the fire pit, make sure to keep fire pits at least three feet away from the house and anything else that can catch fire. Closely supervise children when using the fire pit and ensure the fire is put out before leaving the backyard.

Be prepared in the event of a fire. Even if you’re following safe grilling practices, you should always keep a fire extinguishing device nearby, like the First Alert EZ Fire Spray. It is easy to use — just point and spray — and clean up after use is also quick and easy. The device is compact and can easily be stored, making it a convenient and practical option to have next to your grill or campfire.

To learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com.

2023-07-25T00:01:00

(BPT) – You probably know what’s coming: Along with changing leaves and dropping temps this fall will come the sniffles, stuffy nose and itchy eyes from allergies to certain plants like ragweed. Unfortunately, climate change has increased the intensity of symptoms and the length of time that many people cope with their autumn allergies.

If fall is a time when you’re hit hard by allergies, you are better off acting now — instead of after you’re already experiencing symptoms.

“Don’t let the changing seasons catch you by surprise,” says Kathleen May, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Planning ahead can help make this year’s fall allergy season a lot more manageable, no matter what’s happening in the environment where you live.”

Whether you’ve had allergies for years or you suspect that they may be the cause of your recent unpleasant symptoms, here are tips from ACAAI to help you prepare for autumn allergies before they strike — so you can reduce itching, sneezing and wheezing and enjoy everything the season has to offer.

Stay in the know

Keep an eye on your local pollen and mold counts. When they are high, it’s best to avoid spending too much time outdoors. Keep the AC running in your car and home to help filter out allergens (rather than leaving the windows open).

You can also protect yourself when you need to be outdoors on higher pollen count days by wearing an N95 mask to help filter out pollen, and wearing a hat and sunglasses to help keep pollen out of your eyes.

Don’t wait to medicate

If you already take allergy medication each fall, make sure not to wait until after your symptoms start. Instead, plan to begin taking your medication about two weeks before your symptoms usually begin for full effectiveness — and keep taking the medication two weeks after the first frost, as your symptoms may linger after most of the pollen is gone.

Unsure exactly when to start taking your medication? Talk to your allergist for advice on a treatment plan that’s proactive rather than reactive. Then take a simple step like adding a medication reminder to your calendar so you won’t forget.

Adjust some household habits

Making a few minor changes to your household routine in the fall — or even year-round — can have an impact on your exposure to allergens while you’re at home. Here are some recommendations:

• Change your HVAC filter every three months — and choose a high-quality filter such as those with a MERV rating of 11-13 for the best filtration of pollen and mold.
• Leave shoes at the door — and wash clothes immediately after spending time outdoors.
• Shower or bathe at night to avoid bringing allergens into your bed.
• Don’t hang clothes or bedding outside to dry after washing.

See an allergist

Because the environmental conditions that create allergens and your body’s response to them can change over time, it’s a good idea to see your allergist for an updated, personalized treatment plan that can best help you manage your symptoms, no matter the season. Allergists are specially trained to help diagnose and treat your specific allergy and/or asthma symptoms, using the latest testing and treatments to help you get back to enjoying your life.

If you are — or think you might be — one of the over 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, you can find an allergist in your area by visiting ACAAI.org/find-an-allergist.

2023-07-24T12:45:00

(BPT) – Grilling in the summer is a great way to leisurely prepare a meal and enjoy the outdoors while spending time with the ones you love. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or a tailgate before a concert or sports game, grilling is a can’t miss.

According to a survey conducted by Atomik Research in 2023 on behalf of Tyson^® Brand, 93% of U.S. adults believe that food brings people together. With such overwhelming consensus, there’s no better way to forge memories with friends and family than by planning an unforgettable cookout. Whether it’s a casual cookout in your backyard, an electrifying tailgating event before the big game or a cozy fall bonfire, congregating over a delicious meal has the potential to create unforgettable memories and deepen bonds. Before you send out the invites and buy your supplies, brushing up on the grilling basics is a good idea. Check out these five tips that will have you grilling like a pro in no time.

1. Prep your grill

Before you can start cooking, you’ll need to prepare the star of the show! Make sure to clean the inside of the grill and the grates thoroughly. Use a grill brush or scraper to remove any stuck food, grease or debris left over from the last time the grill was used.

If you have cast-iron or stainless-steel grates, take the time to season them. Warm up the grill, coat the grates with cooking oil and let it burn off. Repeat this process several times to create a nonstick surface perfect for grilling.

2. Collect your tools

Every grill master needs the proper tools to get their grill on. For example, if you have a charcoal grill, you can easily and quickly light a large quantity of charcoal with a chimney so you can start grilling as soon as possible.

Other must-have grilling tools include long grilling tongs, grill gloves, an instant-read thermometer, skewers, basting brushes, and a grill basket. All these items will make it easy to grill all kinds of meats, fish, and vegetables, especially when cooking for a party.

3. Pick a crowd-pleasing protein

No meal is complete without protein. That’s why it’s important to pick one that even the pickiest eater will like. When in doubt, opt for chicken.

Chicken is a versatile, convenient, and popular protein that most U.S. adults say is a crowd-pleaser the whole family enjoys, according to a recent 2023 Atomik Reasearch survey. Also, more than half said the benefit of grilling out is that even their picky kids will eat chicken.

Chicken pairs well with various flavors and side dishes, and 86% of survey respondents feel that chicken is a “better-for-you” meal option. Whether paired with a marinade, dipped in BBQ sauce or made into a fajita feast, chicken is a popular choice for grilling.

When picking chicken for your backyard cookout, pick up a few packs of Tyson^® Fresh Trimmed & Ready^® Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts. This 100% all-natural, minimally processed protein comes from high quality, farm-raised chicken and contains no artificial ingredients. Best of all, the chicken is trimmed and ready to cook, so you can skip the prep and toss them right into the pan or on the grill. Pick up a pack in the refrigerator section at your local retailer and visit Tyson.com for more information.

4. Don’t forget the marinade

Make sure to carve out time in advance for marinating your chicken. The survey found that nearly 2 in 3 adults (64%) always or often marinate their protein before grilling, and it’s easy to see why. Marinating chicken and other proteins enhances the taste, helps the meat retain moisture during grilling and tenderizes the protein so every bite is flavorful, tender, and juicy.

Choose a few marinades, so you’ll have a variety of flavor options, even if you use the same protein. Purchase or prepare a BBQ sauce, garlic and herb, brown sugar or teriyaki marinade. Toss marinade and meat in a sturdy container, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes before cooking. You can even prepare and marinate meat overnight so it’s ready for your cookout.

5. Enjoy!

Beyond an excuse to eat a delicious meal, grilling is a great way to create a memorable event for friends and family to enjoy, including the grill master. Once you’re done preparing food for everyone else, make a plate for yourself, sit down and enjoy a gorgeous day with great food and even better company.

Don’t let sunny days pass you by without hosting a backyard bash or tailgate to remember. Using these five tips, you’ll be prepared to fire up the grill and create a meal your guests won’t soon forget.

2023-07-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Recent studies show that charitable donations are declining. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Dunham+Company and outlined in Chronicle of Philanthropy (A Fourth of Donors Plan to Give Less in 2023. Here’s How to Keep Them in the Fold), nearly a quarter of those surveyed who had previously given $20 or more said they plan to give less in the future.

While the statistics can be discouraging, three unstoppable students are proving that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, especially with a lifesaving mission in mind.

Each year, thousands of relentless high school students across the U.S. commit to ending blood cancer by participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) philanthropic competition, Student Visionaries of the Year.

The 2023 National Student Visionaries of the Year winning team, “Chipping Away at Cancer,” broke a new fundraising record, raising over $1.1 million to help LLS in funding lifesaving research, support services for patients, and critical advocacy efforts. The winning team is composed of co-candidates, 16-year-old Mary Stewart Efird, 16-year-old Danny Horgan, and 16-year-old Evan Coverdale of the Charlotte, North Carolina, metro area.

Knowing firsthand the devastation a cancer diagnosis brings upon a family, the team “Chipping Away at Cancer” knew they wanted to do something to support others impacted by this terrible disease diagnosed every 180 seconds across the U.S.

Efird nearly lost her beloved cousin, Lila, to acute myeloid leukemia two years ago. She is now cancer-free because of an LLS-funded clinical trial. Similarly, Horgan’s grandfather is a survivor of blood cancer and participated in his honor.

From hosting innovative community events to working around the clock to develop creative pitch decks, it’s safe to say their relentless efforts to raise funds for LLS paid off.

All three million-dollar fundraising superstars were asked what their biggest piece of advice is for anyone determined to raise funds for a cause close to their heart. Here’s what they had to say:

“As a young person, fundraising can seem extremely intimidating and challenging. I have found that you just have to commit to the first step — making an ask. A personal ask can transform your fundraising efforts as you share your story with those willing to listen.

“Whatever the result, this personal ask opens the door to a meaningful connection that strengthens your community and grows your cause!” — Mary Stewart Efird

“I found that the best way to fundraise was to ask as many people as possible to donate, no matter who they may be. The amount of times I was told yes were significantly more than no. Especially in cancer fundraising, almost everyone you talk to has somehow been affected, either personally, in the family, or a friend; even I saw cancer firsthand through my grandfather.

“With this being said, I believe that people were attracted to donate to the cause because they know how much cancer has impacted the world. Although this might not be the same in other types of fundraising, I would still say that to have the most impact, don’t be afraid to ask.” — Danny Horgan

“Throughout this campaign, I faced a lot of adversity. The main one I faced was nervousness and anxiety. Before this campaign, I was not much of a social person and would become uncomfortable when in the spotlight. That being said, my main piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you can accomplish amazing things.

“I thought doing these meetings and asking important people for donations would be a large leap out of my comfort zone but I quickly realized I was only making a small step instead. My first few meetings, the people I met with were so kind and generous and were more than happy to donate to this incredible cause so my worry soon faded into ambitiousness.

“So, I urge you, if you are anything like me, go out and just try to make a difference and you will see the amazing things you can do as well as your comfort zone expanding.” — Evan Coverdale

LLS’s signature fundraisers have helped invest more than $1.6 billion in cutting-edge research worldwide, fueling nearly every critical advancement in blood cancer treatment that spans the most promising cancer research.

2023-07-24T08:31:00

(BPT) – By Ginger Chambless, Head of Research, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking

Halfway through 2023, views on whether a recession is likely to occur before year-end are mixed. JPMorgan Chase’s 2023 Midyear Business Leaders Outlook survey found that 45% of business leaders anticipate a recession in 2023 or believe the economy is currently in one, down from 65% at the beginning of the year. However, 36% don’t expect a recession to happen, and 20% are unsure.

JPMorgan Chase recently surveyed U.S. midsize business leaders to understand their economic outlook and business challenges heading into the second half of the year, as well as how they plan to navigate the evolving landscape.

While stronger-than-expected economic growth to start the year may have impacted business leaders’ conviction of a recession, they continue to face ongoing macroeconomic challenges — including persistent labor shortages, inflation and increased competition — posing headwinds to their companies.

Preparing for uncertainty is never far from the minds of business leaders. The Midyear Business Leaders Outlook survey uncovered three ways they are positioning their companies for success.

1. Increasing Efficiencies

Particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, business leaders have sought out greater efficiencies by investing in software and modernizing business processes to better facilitate collaboration and streamline operations. The rise of new and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly moved onto business leaders’ radars.

The survey found that nearly 4 in 10 business leaders (38%) are already using or considering using AI tools, such as generative AI and language processing software. For businesses that have adopted or are considering adopting AI tools, more than half (53%) are integrating them into business operations, and 46% are tapping them for internal and/or external communications.

2. Adapting to Inflationary Pressures

U.S. inflation surged to a 40-year high of more than 9%, measured by the Consumer Price Index, at the midway point of 2022. This measure of inflation has moderated to 3% year-over-year as of June, marking a new two-year low. Still, rising wages and higher interest rates continue to pose challenges for business leaders. Labor markets remain tight and borrowing costs have risen sharply over the past year amid the fastest Fed hiking cycle in decades. Nearly 7 in 10 business leaders (68%) think the Fed has done enough to tighten monetary policy and should pause rate hikes in the current economic landscape.

While inflation is slowing, most business leaders aren’t yet seeing lower prices. In fact, nearly 8 in 10 business leaders (79%) say their costs of doing business have risen in the past six months.

While that is down compared with 91% at the beginning of 2023, inflation remains the single greatest factor in pricing decisions that ultimately influence the bottom line. As a result, businesses are passing higher costs on to consumers, as three-quarters of respondents (75%) say they’re likely to continue raising prices for goods and services.

3. Preparing for the Unexpected

Business leaders have demonstrated impressive resilience and adaptability despite new and ongoing challenges. The majority are confident in their company’s performance in the year ahead; yet, their confidence in the global and national economy remains tempered — just 15% of respondents are optimistic about the global economy, and fewer than 3 in 10 respondents (29%) are bullish on the national economy, though up from 22% at the start of the year.

As business leaders focus inward to shore up their own performance, many are planning to introduce new products and services (53%) and prioritize their most profitable products (42%) over the next 12 months. Other considerations for enhancing a company’s stability include maintaining strong liquidity and adequate cash balances.

Visit jpmorgan.com/midyear-outlook for more information on the 2023 Midyear Business Leaders Outlook survey.

2023-07-21T12:03:00

(BPT) – Generative AI is creating an extraordinary amount of buzz, and it’s catching the interest of people wondering how to take advantage of what it has to offer. If you’re a small-business owner, you’re likely curious about how it can help you grow and succeed, especially as your business becomes more complex.

Beyond the initial start-up phase, there are some clear indicators that your business is beginning to scale. For example, you may be expanding your online sales channels or in-person locations, hiring more employees, and increasing your inventory — all of which demand more of your time. It’s critical to prepare yourself with the best tools and technology for continued success.

Turning to AI tools that are in products like Intuit QuickBooks can help automate tasks that would otherwise need to be done manually — freeing up your time to focus on what really matters to you.

Work smarter, not harder

Almost all small-business owners note that they are turning to AI to help them automate low-level tasks, according to a recent Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Survey. They plan to adopt AI to help with marketing and content creation, analyzing customer trends and behaviors, and customer service support. Another 28% plan to adopt AI tools for managing cash flow and 24% say they want to use AI to automate low-level tasks.

“The number one question I’m asked by our customers is ‘How do I ensure the success of my business?’” said Kelly Vincent, a VP of the Small Business Group at Intuit. “The short answer is, know where to invest. If ever there was a time to tune in and understand how AI and technology can help your business, it’s now. AI can help reduce the operational burden and automate low-level tasks, leveling the playing field for businesses by giving owners more time and resources to focus on what really matters.”

Saving time and streamlining tasks are top reasons why small-business owners adopt AI. Wondering where to start? Here are three examples of how small-business owners are using AI to their advantage:

1. Inventory management

Making sure you have enough inventory at the right time is challenging and time consuming. AI can help analyze your inventory and make recommendations including how often to restock popular items, what items to put on sale to move more product, which items may be worth eliminating and much more.

2. Bookkeeping

Financial management is essential to a business’s success. However, most small-business owners don’t have a background in accounting or the resources to hire a dedicated accountant. In fact, 47% of small businesses wish they could automate financial reports. Fortunately, the AI features in QuickBooks can automate several accounting and bookkeeping data entry tasks as well as generate reports to inform important business decisions.

3. Marketing

A business can’t succeed without customers. Getting and growing customers is equally important to the product or service you offer. Nearly 30% of business owners would like to automate customer engagement and communications, like email marketing and customer support. Intuit Mailchimp has rolled out generative AI capabilities that help small businesses design on-brand marketing content faster, get copy ideas and inspiration, and test variants to deliver more personalized and engaging content to their customers.

The future is bright

AI helps small-business owners save time so they can focus energy on other key areas of your business like developing more products and services or finding new ways to reach customers. Services like QuickBooks Online Advanced leverages AI to help streamline operations and provide financial management and helpful insights to drive your business forward.

For more than a decade, Intuit has been driving AI innovation to help its customers solve their most important financial problems and drive durable growth for small businesses. To learn more about how the company is empowering small businesses with enterprise AI, visit the blog at Intuit.com.

2023-07-21T10:53:00

(BPT) – Strength is an important aspect of overall wellness, but many people can have a difficult time making it an integral part of their fitness routine. In fact, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, six in 10 American adults don’t do any muscle-strengthening activities on a regular basis. Strength training or building lean muscle is important to protect your health long term. Increasing lean muscle mass can also help to reduce the risk of injury to ligaments and tendons, and can also improve your posture, through core strength and back muscles. If you’re curious about starting strength training or want to make bigger strides with your current workout efforts, there are certain steps you can take to help you reach your goals.

What can you do to position yourself for success? Registered Dietitian, Michelle Ricker, RDN, CPT-ACSM, CPT-NASM, and director of Worldwide Health Education and Training at Herbalife, shares her expert insight.

Step 1: Go bigger for fewer reps

When you’re training for endurance, the goal is to go as long as you can in whatever activity you’re doing. Strength training is different. You want to challenge your body with weight and focus on targeted reps that have a specific impact.

“If you are looking to build strength, instead of endurance, your workouts should be focused on lifting heavier weights and keeping the reps between 6-12,” said Ricker. “By increasing the weight and lowering the reps, you will be able to increase strength over time.”

You want to choose a weight that you can lift comfortably, while still being challenged. Ricker said the goal is to work the muscles to a perceived exhaustion, which helps build lean muscle mass and therefore strength.

Step 2: Prep and use proper form

One essential part of strength training is making sure you’re doing it the right way. Proper form matters to ensure you’re exercising muscles correctly to encourage growth and make gains.

Proper form also matters because it helps prevent injury. If you’re not sure you’re doing resistance training or strength exercises correctly, consider taking a class or hiring a trainer to help. There are also many fitness communities you can join to get peer support.

Incorporating Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) 15 minutes prior to lifting weights or during your strength training, can also help improve lean muscle mass. BCAA is a general term for the essential amino acids valine, leucine, and isoleucine that are metabolized by the body and used as sources of muscle energy. They have been shown to aid in muscle growth and ease muscle soreness.

Step 3: Make diet matter

It’s important to fuel your muscles with proper nutrition when focusing on strength. You may need to increase calorie intake and/or focus on getting in those critical macronutrients (protein and carbohydrates specifically) both pre- and post-workout. Muscle protein synthesis can only occur with the appropriate amino acids and carbs to bring the protein into the muscles, said Ricker.

“The biggest thing I see that people do wrong when trying to build strength is boosting protein too high and not incorporating carbs,” she said. “People are still afraid of carbs, because they’ve been trained to think they lead to extra weight gain, but the truth is that carbohydrates are a very important fuel for an athlete. They supply energy, while protein facilitates muscle building and recovery, which is why eating a carbohydrate food paired with protein can maximize lean muscle strength and size.”

Step 4: Take supplements to power your work-outs

“To build body muscle, we need to apply stress to our muscles through progressive resistance or strength training. This process requires energy, and creatine supplies a primary source of energy for this process. Therefore, ensuring we are consuming an adequate amount of creatine is essential if we want to see progress in our strength,” Ricker said.

To get adequate creatine and amino acids through the diet, she also suggests consuming red meat, an excellent source of creatine, protein, vitamins and minerals, to your strength-building meal plan. Eating pumpkin seeds, nuts, sesame seeds and cooked quinoa, which help our bodies produce more creatine naturally for those who follow a plant-based diet.

To simplify the process of getting high-quality creatine, many people opt to use a supplement such as Herbalife24 Prepare, which contains 2mg of creatine per serving. It’s an easy way to boost your pre-workout routine and helps boost your performance by providing 100mg caffeine for energy, mental focus, and performance*, as well as nutrients to support movement and blood flow*.

Step 5: Plan rest days

Resting your muscles is an essential part of a good strength training program. A good strategy is to rotate muscle groups on different days so different sessions are focused on certain parts of the body, providing a ‘rest day’ for those muscle groups worked.

For example, Monday you work your legs. Tuesdays you work your arms and shoulders. Wednesday you work your back and core. This rotation helps work muscles consistently but also provides adequate time for rest, recovery and muscle growth. From a nutrition standpoint, having a post-workout protein shake with high quality protein and the correct protein to carb ratio, like Herbalife24 Rebuild Strength, will also help repair and support muscle growth*.

Strong muscles are important at every age. If you are interested in increasing your strength through exercise and proper nutrition, these steps can help you make progress you can feel proud of.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.