Month: August 2023

2023-08-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – What would you do if your power went out? An hour or two may be fine for most people, but a day, week or more can have a significant effect on your livelihood. And not only are power outages inconvenient, but they can be dangerous, especially for people with medical devices that require a power source.

As hurricane season advances, homeowners across the country are thinking about the real possibility of power loss. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting 12 to 17 total named storms in 2023, with five to nine becoming hurricanes.

In addition to strong storms, wildfires are another threat that’s top of mind for homeowners. Pair both storms and fires with an aging power grid in many portions of the country, and it makes sense why so many people are exploring their options for backup power.

Protection from power outages

Power outages can happen at any time. How can you protect your home and keep your appliances and devices functioning? One of the most reliable options is a home backup generator.

A home backup generator is permanently installed outside your house (like an AC unit) and comes on automatically when the power is out — whether you’re home or away. This makes them ideal for your primary residence as well as vacation properties.

When the power goes out, the automatic transfer switch — the ATS — transfers power from the utility to your generator. And when utility power is restored, the ATS turns off your generator and returns your home’s power to the grid.

A home backup generator connects to your home’s natural gas or liquid propane system, so there are no extension cords and no refueling with gasoline. They are simple, safe, effective and provide peace of mind.

What size is right for your home?

Not all generators are created equal, and not all sizes are appropriate for a home’s energy needs. Your best option is to work with an expert or use the online sizing tool provided by Kohler Energy to find the right fit for your home’s size. With the online tool, you can explore options on the utilities or appliances you would want to power during an outage.

You’ll find a variety of different size standby generators, including the new 26 kW (26RCA) air-cooled home standby generator, which is ultra-quiet, powerful and durable — with a 20-year life expectancy.

Plus, you can choose the style of generator that is right for you, whether you want it to blend in or stand out. Select Kohler generators are now available in 10 exclusive colors, with rich options like royal plum and canyon blue, or more subtle options like dover gray. Plus, Kohler is the first and only generator brand to offer the well-known Mossy Oak camo pattern.

Power up to keep costs down

Severe weather is the single leading cause of power outages in the United States. The amount and severity of these outages has spiked dramatically over the past decade, a shift associated with climate change. By being proactive and installing a reliable standby generator in your home, you’ll help protect your property and the people that matter most. Learn more at KohlerEnergy.com.

2023-08-28T10:31:00

(BPT) – Hurricane season is here. Are you and your home ready?

The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season goes from June 1 to Nov. 30. After several particularly active hurricane seasons, the need to be prepared is top of mind.

These powerful storms can unleash devastating winds, torrential rains, storm surges and tornadoes — all causing extensive damage. There are important actions you can take now to help protect your family and property in case you’re impacted by these powerful forces of nature.

Preparing your home for a hurricane

Here are hurricane preparedness actions you can take to help protect your property, and possibly even save your life:

Step 1: Start by walking through your home and taking inventory of possessions. Written lists or videos are good options in case you need to make a loss claim.

Step 2: Fill containers, buckets or tubs so that you can flush your toilets and wash your hands in the event you are allowed to stay home and your water supply is cut off. It can also be helpful to have sealable, frozen bags of water to help keep frozen items cold should you lose power.

Step 3: An emergency backup generator, whether a home standby or portable, can help keep some appliances running during a power outage — which could take days or even months before power is restored.

Step 4: If you have time, some home upgrades help strengthen your home to help prevent wind and water damage. Here are some things to consider:

• Hurricane-proof doors and windows
• Impact-resistant permanent shutters
• Patio doors made of tempered glass
• Functional sump pump with a backup power plan
• Hurricane garage door reinforcement
• Hurricane roof protection
• Caulk/fill cracks or holes in the foundation
• Replace landscape rock with mulch

Step 5: You should also consider flood insurance because a standard home insurance policy doesn’t cover damage caused by a flood. Flood insurance is available through the U.S. Government’s National Flood Insurance Program and can be purchased in participating communities. Insurance agents like those at State Farm that are enrolled in the NFIP Direct Program can write and service flood insurance coverage directly through the federal government. There is generally a 30-day waiting period for the policy to go into effect, so act now.

Hurricane evacuation tips

Some storms may require you to evacuate your property. You usually only have a day or two, so a hurricane evacuation plan can help. Your plan should include:

• A meeting place: If your family isn’t together when the evacuation order is given, plan a meeting place to reconnect, like a church, school or even a location in a nearby town.
• A designated out-of-state friend or relative as a family contact: This one person can update everyone in case your family is separated.
• Emergency cards: These cards can contain the meeting places in priority order along with important phone numbers and addresses, including that of your designated contact.
• An identified shelter or safe area for your location: Let friends and relatives know the shelter’s location in advance.
• Evacuation routes: The first route to your public evacuation shelter should be the fastest route from your home, workplace or meeting location, but consider some alternate routes as well.
• Pet care: Some shelters might not allow pets. Review your city or county’s evacuation plan to learn what local agencies or facilities might be able to house your pet during a hurricane.
• Car safety: You should make sure your gas tanks are full and that you have a hurricane evacuation kit ready to go in your vehicle.
• Time-to-go bags: Make sure you know who will grab the necessary bags and lock all the doors and windows.

After the storm: Hurricane cleanup

Despite taking proper precautions to prepare your home for a hurricane, damage happens. After the storm has passed, you can begin the cleanup process. Remember to wear proper safety gear, such as goggles, hard hats, masks, heavy-duty gloves and waterproof boots.

Before you begin, contact your insurance agent, as they may be able to provide assistance or help you in reporting your claim. Also, don’t discard or repair anything prior to reporting the claim. Learn more at StateFarm.com^®.

2023-08-28T12:15:00

(BPT) – If you have kids in school plus parents who need more help as they’re aging, you may be part of the population called the “sandwich generation.” Basically, your days are overflowing with tasks like making lunches, chauffeuring kids to activities and homework help — while also taking care of parents or other elderly relatives. While it can be rewarding to know you’re making a difference in the lives of those you love, it can also be a lot to manage. When it comes to older relatives who rely on you, it’s important to prioritize their healthcare and medical needs.

Here are practical tips to help you support your parents.

Stay connected with their healthcare providers

Whether your loved one has few medical needs or many, it’s vital to understand their health conditions and to ensure that you’re alerted whenever anything changes. Take these important steps to get organized:

• Ask your parents to designate you as an approved contact with their healthcare providers, so their doctors can inform you of their medical issues.
• Help your parents complete a healthcare directive. This designates who would make decisions about their health if they were unable to do so.
• List your parents’ prescription medications. Create a list of their drugs and confirm that they understand their medications and dosages.
• Set up a calendar for you and your parents to track appointments easily.

Assess their living situation

If your parents still live in their home, check on them regularly to ensure there are no areas of concern. Look for tripping hazards (like small rugs and items on stairs) and signs your parents have trouble caring for themselves, such as the house being less tidy or their appearance seeming unkempt.

If you recognize issues around the house like a messy kitchen or dirty laundry piling up, you don’t have to do everything yourself. It’s important to know there is help, such as home aides for cleaning, cooking and personal care. Ask their healthcare provider about options for occupational therapy, physical therapy, home healthcare, if needed, or other assistance that may even be covered by Medicare.

Help your parents understand the ABCs of Medicare

Because Medicare can be confusing, it’s important to help them get coverage that suits their needs and budget. The first step is understanding the basics of Medicare:

Parts A and B (Original Medicare) provide basic healthcare coverage. Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home healthcare. Part B helps cover services from doctors and other providers, outpatient care, some medical equipment (like walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds), and preventive services (screenings, vaccines and annual wellness visits). Parts A and B do not cover prescription drug costs, and you’ll likely have out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company to help pay for additional services, and may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare Parts A and B. You will need to use doctors in your chosen plan’s network. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits including hearing, vision and dental services, so it’s important to consider what benefits are important to your parents.

Part D refers to prescription drug coverage, which may be included as part of your Medicare Advantage plan. But you must get a Part D plan or your loved ones will risk penalty charges for not having one.

The plan that’s best for your parents may depend on how often they see doctors, how many prescriptions they have — and their budget. It can be helpful to talk to a knowledgeable Medicare agent to explore your parents’ Medicare options and to compare plans.

For example, ClearMatch Medicare provides assistance by first asking what’s important to your parents in a Medicare plan, then learning about your parents’ prescriptions and doctors to make sure they’re included in their plan. They’ll review available plans in the area to compare the costs and benefits so you and your parents can make an informed decision. Your parents can then enroll in the Medicare plan of their choosing right on their site.

Need assistance? Free help is just a phone call away. ClearMatch Medicare is dedicated to making Medicare easier to understand so your parents can choose the plan that’s right for them. Their highly trained and licensed insurance agents are patient and helpful, and if they find your parents are already in a great plan, they’ll say so.

Call 1-888-441-6962 (TTY:711) for a free Medicare review, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (ET) or visit ClearMatchMedicare.com, open 24-7.

2023-08-28T12:55:00

(BPT) – This time of year offers the best opportunity for getting outside — whether that’s right in your backyard or checking an outdoor adventure off of your bucket list. Across the country you can experience the perks of the seasons changing — the last glimpses of summer, changing leaves and the crispness that comes with shorter days.

If you’re looking for more ways to get outside, consider checking out one of over 40,000 miles of multiuse trails across the country — pathways that are separated from traffic where you can walk, bike, scoot, skate and more. Many of these pathways are rail-trails, created from corridors that were once used for railroad travel. You can find trails like this in every single state, creating so many opportunities to unlock new experiences and adventures!

Find your perfect trail on TrailLink™, the free trail-finder website and mobile app from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Need some inspiration? Here are some ideas for exploring the nation’s trails.

1. A chance to hit the beach

Soak in endless summer with a beach trip via the Golden State’s iconic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which hugs the Los Angeles County coastline for most of its 22 miles. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk to watch pick-up games of beach volleyball and breathe in the ocean air. If you can’t get to California, you can take in the magic of the water in many other coastal states — not to mention lakes and other waterways. Use keywords “beach” or “swimming” to search the TrailLink site for plenty of other great waterfront trails.

2. Feed your inner foodie

Harvest time is the best season for enjoying the land’s bounty, so let your taste buds lead you to spots like farmers markets and trailside fruit stands. In Texas, Brownsville Farmers Market, located along the Historic Battlefield Trail, hosts over 30 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, eggs, herbs and more. The market also hosts artisans and crafters in collaboration with the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, plus free children’s activities, gardening classes and yoga. Find markets, orchards and gardens using this searchable food directory from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, then get there by trail using TrailLink.

3. Enjoy tunnel vision

Many of the country’s rail-trails were created by blasting through rock, creating tunnels that are an amazing sight to see. Use keyword “tunnel” on TrailLink to find more than 150 to explore. You can be awed by the enormous tunnels along Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Trail, one of the granddaddies of the rail-trail movement, or Idaho’s Route of the Hiawatha, where you’ll travel through 10 tunnels — including the 1.66-mile-long St. Paul Tunnel.

4. Camp or glamp it up

Whether you like bikepacking, glamping or RVing, this is a great time of year to sleep under the stars. Family camping doesn’t get much easier — or more beautiful — than in and around Oregon’s Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Just west of Portland, this rail-trail offers 22 miles of smooth pavement through gorgeous woodlands and pastoral land, with over a dozen picturesque bridges. Find a full-service campground with tent sites, rustic cabins and hot showers in Buxton at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, or tent camping and RV sites in Anderson Park. Campsites nationwide can be found on Recreation.gov, then searched on TrailLink for nearby trails.

5. Just around the riverbend

If your ideal vacation includes a paddle in your hands, you’re in luck. Because many rail-trails follow river corridors, you’ll find no shortage of paddle destinations on TrailLink. For example, Maryland’s Anacostia River Trail follows the riverfront, and trailside Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers canoe and kayak rentals, riverboat tours, a fishing pier and boat ramp.

6. Seek a sweet treat

Love ice cream? Western Michigan’s Hart-Montague Trail State Park leads you by a not-to-miss stop: Country Dairy, a family-owned dairy farm and ice cream shop offering funky homemade flavors. Visitors can pet calves, watch cows being milked and tour a bottling plant. Another route offering the perfect pairing of ice cream and trail time is the C&O Canal Towpath, with a whole web page devoted to creameries and cafes along a 185-mile route between Washington, D.C., and Cumberland, Maryland.

7. Go the distance

A long-distance trail trip is a vacation like no other, packed with memorable moments: wildlife sightings, vistas that take your breath away, seeing inspiring public art, learning local history through interpretive signage and meeting new people from all walks of life. What better way to experience America’s amazingly diverse landscapes and communities up close than by foot or bicycle?

When it’s completed, the Great American Rail-Trail^® will span 3,700 miles across 12 states and the District of Columbia, but fortunately, over half of the route is ready to enjoy now. You and your family can walk, hike or bike your way along the trails of your choice to enjoy the beauty of these American treasures.

2023-08-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – There is no better season to travel than fall, especially to Rapid City, South Dakota. The heart of the Black Hills, Rapid City is most well-known for places like Mount Rushmore and the world’s largest reptile zoo, Reptile Gardens. But there’s so much more to see and do in Rapid beyond its national icons.

This fall, plan a long weekend to South Dakota and soak up all it has to offer with fewer people and pleasant temperatures. From discovering dinosaurs to paddleboarding and fishing in a mid-town park, here are five reasons Rapid City should be on your must-visit list for autumn.

1. Wide-open spaces + roads to yourself

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota, but small compared to many of the nation’s other cities with only 75,000 people. The hub of the Black Hills, it’s within easy reach of the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, making it easy to find space to breathe and take in the sweeping landscapes of western South Dakota. It might even feel like you have the roads, monuments and attractions all to yourself.

2. Downtown Rapid City

If it’s been a minute since you’ve been to Rapid City ­­— or if this is your first time visiting — downtown is going to surprise you in all the best ways. From an alley covered in art to bronze statues of America’s presidents, plan to spend time strolling the downtown core. Highlights include Art Alley, Presidential Pawn (a museum and pawn shop in one) and Prairie Edge Trading Company. Be sure to dig into local grub at Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe, Tally’s Silver Spoon or Bokujo Ramen.

Time your stay to coincide with a fall event like Pumpkin Festival and the Cruiser Car Show. Want more events? Check out visitrapidcity.com/blog.

3. Take a tour

There are two types of tours to easily explore Rapid and the region: a trolley tour or sightseeing tour packages. Get easily acquainted with Rapid City highlights by jumping on the City View Trolley, with tours offered Thursdays-Mondays through Sept. 30. Tickets are $15/adult and include 10 points of interest in Rapid.

For an immersive tour of the region, take a Mount Rushmore sightseeing tour or explore the region with one of Rapid’s local tour companies. Various tours are available throughout fall, with package options that include Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial™ and more.

4. Fall break family weekends

If you’re in need of a destination for fall break, Rapid City is filled with loads of kid activities, including Cosmos Mystery Area where the laws of nature don’t properly exist. If you’re a fan of reptiles, visit Reptile Gardens where you’ll discover snakes, Aldabra Tortoises, gators, flowers, big bugs and more. Additional kid-friendly adventures include Old MacDonald’s Farm, Dinosaur Park, The Journey Museum & Learning Center and the Museum of Geology. Plus, Rapid is home to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark, the biggest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas. Your whole family will have fun in the 30,000 square feet of swimming pools and waterslides.

5. Treasures hidden in plain site

Near the middle of town, discover some of the best-kept secrets of Rapid City — Canyon Lake Park and Chapel in the Hills. One of the oldest city parks in Rapid, Canyon Lake Park has 29 lush acres that are home to picnic areas, playgrounds, a fishing bridge and pedal boat opportunities at Canyon Lake Resort. A short drive from the park will take you to Chapel in the Hills, an exact replication of the Borgund Stavkirke of Laerdal Norwegian chapel.

Want more trip inspiration? Learn more at VisitRapidCity.com or follow us on Instagram.

2023-08-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – You might be shocked to find out your dog isn’t peeing inside because they’re behaving badly—but because they’re experiencing a medical condition. Canine urinary incontinence (UI) due to urethral sphincter hypotonus may be to blame for your pooch’s puddles. Thankfully, PROIN ER™ (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a safe, once-daily pill that can treat UI. Check out the infographic below for insights into possible reasons your dog is having accidents. Then talk to your veterinarian about how to get you and your dog back to drier days together.

2023-08-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season can be an incredibly hectic time, and the last thing parents need on their plate (pun intended) is the pressure of packing the “perfect” school lunch. That’s why registered dietitian Amanda Blechman, Director of Health and Scientific Affairs at Danone North America, is telling parents they don’t have to stress — all it takes to give your kids a happy, healthy lunchtime experience are a few simple tips (and they don’t all have to do with nutrition!).

“When I think about what makes the “perfect” lunchbox, it’s not about the exact combination of nutrients or how socially shareable it looks,” said Blechman. “To me, the perfect lunch is one that’s perfect for you and your individual family — so something that’s easy for you to pack, that your kids will happily eat and that you can feel good about giving them.”

Blechman also emphasizes the importance of modeling a healthy relationship with food for your kids, pointing out that removing some of the stress that often accompanies the pressure to feed them “perfectly” with every single meal can help avoid creating an emotional burden tied to mealtime for them, too — something that will be incredibly helpful as they age.

Here are her five simple tips to make the lunch-packing process a little less stressful and a lot more fun:

1. Get your kids involved. They’re more likely to want to eat the foods in their lunchbox if they had a role in picking them out. Have them help with the weekly grocery list or choose from a variety of (parent-approved) foods to pack the night before. (Do they feel like the carrot sticks and hummus tomorrow or ants on a log?) This gives them a sense of independence and ownership over their choices and gets them in the habit of tuning in to what kind of fuel their body is telling them it wants. You might be surprised to see that they naturally choose a variety of nutritious options!
2. Include familiar foods. With so much changing for kids this time of year (new school, new routines, new friends), their lunchbox might not be the best place to try the latest and greatest TikTok trend. Packing foods you know they love vs. completely switching things up, especially at the beginning of a new school year, can add a welcome sense of familiarity to their day. “While I love a trending recipe as much as the next mom, too much newness can be overwhelming,” said Blechman. “I know my kids love smoothies, for example, so I’ll throw something like a nutritious, delicious Danimals Strawberry Smoothie in their lunchbox. It takes zero effort on my end, and I know my kids will be excited to see something they know and love when they sit down to eat.”
3. Keep it simple. Don’t be afraid to turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunchbox meal, pack fruit that isn’t cut into cute shapes (chances are your kids will still eat it!) or reach for pre-packaged foods. “Nutrition doesn’t need to be as complicated as it’s often made out to be,” said Blechman. “Packaged foods can be just as nutritious as homemade and are a lifesaver when you’re strapped for time. I’m a big fan of a fruit and veggie pouch such as Happy Family Love My Veggies as an easy way to get my kids a full serving of organic veggies in their lunch or on the go.”
4. Shoot for variety. When you pack a variety of different, nutritious foods, the odds are high that you’ll have a balanced lunch in the end. “I like my kids’ lunches to include five things,” said Blechman. “A protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate, fruits, vegetables and dairy. It’s a simple framework you can use to guide the packing process.” One example she shared of this formula at work is a turkey roll-up made with a whole wheat tortilla to check both the protein and fiber-rich carbohydrate boxes plus some unsweetened applesauce for the fruit, carrot sticks for the veggie and a box of shelf-stable milk, like Horizon Organic Lowfat Milk or a plant-based option such as Silk Single Serve Vanilla Almond Milk (she likes the unsweetened variety) as the dairy option.
5. Pack a positive note and even a little treat to put a smile on their face as they enjoy their lunch! At the end of the day, food should be fun, and a little added sugar isn’t the end of the world as long as it’s balanced in the context of overall nutrition. In fact, serving “dessert” foods alongside the rest of your child’s meal helps teach them about a balanced lifestyle and develop a healthy relationship with sweets that they can take into adulthood. The most important thing for kids to know is that their lunchbox was packed with love!

For more nutrition tips this back-to-school season check out Blechman’s Instagram, and to learn more about the products mentioned above visit Danonenorthamerica.com.