Posted on

Learn how to save up to $5,000 a year on prescription drugs

2023-10-16T06:01:01

(BPT) – If you take a prescription medication, have you ever skipped a dose or refill due to cost? If so, you’re not alone. Taking medication as prescribed is essential to your health, but it’s difficult to choose between your own well-being and your financial well-being. One potential solution to this dilemma: personal prescription importation.

Prescription medications used to treat chronic or long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are a part of everyday life in many American households. In the past 12 months, 57% of adults aged 18 to 64 took prescription drugs at some time, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, 37% or 123 million Americans have skipped filling a prescription due to costs, according to a poll released this year by YouGov America. Inflation and economic uncertainty have put even more pressure on Americans’ budgets recently.

Now new survey and price comparison data from the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI) reveals that if you want to save money on your prescription medications, you may want to consider getting your prescriptions from a licensed pharmacy in Canada.

Canadian pharmacies offer potential savings

Americans choosing to import their prescription medications from licensed Canadian pharmacies report saving an average of $4,920 a year and an average of four times or 400% the savings compared to U.S. pharmacies, according to the CPPI survey.

The survey results reveal a trend of increasing savings for patients importing medications from Canada year over year for the last five years. Americans importing their prescription medications from Canada reported saving an average of $410 per month, compared to U.S. costs. Additionally, 99% of respondents in the report would recommend importation to their friends and family members.

“I have a heart condition where my insurance does not cover the cost of the $650 prescription. I’m able to buy my medication at close to cost from a Canadian pharmacy, saving me $600 a month,” said Jordan Chiappetta of Illinois.

Mary Libby, a registered nurse in Maine, had a similar experience. “Prior to being able to order my medication from Canada I was paying over $300 per month for cholesterol medication, which has no generic in the United States. I am able to get a 3-month supply from Canada for $85 which includes shipping,” she said.

How to find a safe pharmacy

If you’re considering prescription importation, it’s important to only work with licensed pharmacies in Canada. All pharmacies must be licensed to be approved by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. CIPA has a long history of oversight of online pharmacy businesses, conducts periodic inspections of all dispensing facilities and has robust safety and privacy protocols to ensure patient safety.

Websites accredited by CIPA will always meet these requirements that help you feel confident you’re working with a safe, reputable pharmacy:

  • Require a valid prescription before dispensing medications
  • Obtain demographic and medical information and maintain a health profile with medication history to avoid adverse drug interactions
  • Have a licensed pharmacist on staff to supervise dispensing of medications and provide consultation upon request
  • Protect the privacy and confidentiality of your personal records and contact information
  • Publish contact information for customer service
  • Sell quantities of approximately a 3-month supply at a time
  • Disclose pharmacy location prior to purchase

Visit PersonalImportation.org to learn more and find a licensed Canadian pharmacy. Learn more about how much you can save so that your health and your finances can both be a priority.

Posted on

Joy to the world: 5 ways your family can give back this holiday season

2023-10-15T23:01:00

(BPT) – During the holiday season, it’s hard not to feel joyful. Coming together to celebrate with friends and family is a time to feel grateful for all you have. Holidays are also an opportunity to spread joy to others and teach your children that it is truly better to give than to receive.

Grace Harry, music industry executive and author of The Joy Strategist, says the holiday season is a great time to teach kids about empathy.

The commercialization of the holiday season has trained kids to make lists and feel entitled to get, get, get. To balance the materialistic messages they may receive, you can use the holidays to show your kids how they can support others and give back to their communities. Check out Harry’s five suggestions on how your family can spread joy to others this winter.

1. Make a meal

One of the highlights of the holidays is getting together with loved ones for meals. Set aside time during or between holidays to volunteer at a soup kitchen. Under the guidance of the staff, your family can cook and serve a nutritious meal to those in need. This activity will help nurture a spirit of compassion in your kids and allow you all to share a meaningful moment together as a family.

2. Act as Santa’s little helpers

Help out Santa by acting as his elves this holiday season. Many United States Postal Service locations offer the Operation Santa program, which allows people to adopt a letter written to Santa and fulfill the letter writer’s wish. The concept is simple. As a family, pick one (or a few!) letters written to Santa, purchase the gifts and mail them. There may also be other local programs with a similar mission that allow you to purchase and deliver gifts personally to children in need. Witnessing the joy and excitement when these children receive their surprise gifts is a gift unto itself.

3. Volunteer while you vacation

Traveling for the holidays is a privilege that not everyone experiences. This season, plan to travel with intention and give back to the places you visit. “When I travel to other countries, even if I’m at a resort, I always make a day, either at the beginning of the trip or the end, to do something in service, like reading to children in local schools,” says Harry.

There are plenty of organizations (and even travel planners) that offer opportunities to build homes, bridges, and other structures in underserved communities. By offering your time and skills, you can leave a lasting impact on the places you visit and create family memories centered on giving to others.

4. Participate in a community drive

Research local toy, clothing, and food drives in your community that collect essential items for those who can’t afford them. Often, these drives provide a list of items to take the guesswork out of donating and ensure that the donations received actually meet the needs of the community. Set time aside for your family to review the list and find gently used toys, clothing, and other items you can donate this season. Encourage your friends and neighbors to take part, too!

5. Give the gift of time

While the holidays are known as a time to gather with loved ones, not everyone has people they can spend the holidays with. Your time and presence are some of the most precious gifts you can give during the holidays. For example, your family can volunteer to sing carols at nursing homes or spend time talking and playing board games or cards with residents. These simple but heartfelt interactions can easily brighten someone’s day and fill their hearts with joy.

This holiday season, spread joy wherever you are and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Using these five tips, you can create moments with your family that you’ll cherish forever and spread the spirit of kindness and generosity that mark this time of year.

For more of these tips and to learn how to bring joy into your life, check out Grace Harry’s The Joy Strategist, available wherever books are sold.

Posted on

How research and outreach are improving mental health management for farmers

2023-10-15T11:59:00

(BPT) – It’s no secret that farming is a physically demanding job, but the mental and emotional toll of the profession is often stigmatized or ignored. Fortunately, the mental health impact of running a farm is being increasingly studied and, as a result, better understood.

For example, Josie Rudolphi, Ph.D. — an assistant professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Illinois and co-director of the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center — researches farm stress and mental health, agricultural safety and health and child agricultural injury prevention.

“We know that farmers experience really unique work-related stressors,” said Rudolphi. “These include the unpredictable nature of commodity prices and environmental conditions, which can tremendously impact their bottom line.”

According to Rudolphi, farm finances are a leading source of stress, regardless of what’s happening in the economy, and research shows financial and environmental stress are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Perhaps this is why the number of people in the agricultural community who experience clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression exceeds those who experience similar symptoms in society at large.

A survey by Rudolphi and her team found that nearly 60% of young farmers met the criteria for depression, and even more met the criteria for anxiety. For the general population, it’s closer to 20%-30%. Given the prevalence of these mental health struggles, it’s critical that farmers have access to mental health care.

Barriers to care

Farmers seeking access to mental health care run into many barriers to care, one of which is simply finding services. In many places in rural America, there aren’t enough providers to meet the community’s mental health care needs.

Another challenge farm families face is cost. Because most farmers are independent producers who may operate on very thin margins, mental health care is often considered a luxury or an unnecessary expense.

While the lack of mental health resources and the ability to afford them may be discouraging, raising awareness of mental health issues in farming communities is crucial for removing barriers to care.

Recognize the signs of mental health issues

When communities know the signs of mental health issues, it can help decrease the stigma for those dealing with these struggles. For example, a change in behavior is one of the main warning signs of anxiety and depression.

“When people begin to behave differently, for whatever reason, it’s important to understand why,” said David Merrell, M.D., a regional physician with Syngenta Health Services and the on-site medical doctor for Syngenta in Greensboro, North Carolina. “Don’t wait. If you see a behavioral change, raise the question.”

Approaching someone experiencing behaviors outside of the norm gives them an opening to talk about their emotional health, stresses and worries. When approaching people struggling with mental health issues, patience is important. On average, people experiencing mental health issues take more than 10 years to speak up. That can be especially true for the rural community.

“Farmers and farm families are typically very self-reliant and can be reluctant to seek help,” said Merrell. “Recognize that everything is therapy. Hobbies, self-reflection and sharing your concerns with others are all forms of therapy. The question is, what kind of therapy do you want? Engaging a mental health professional can provide access to a better, higher quality of care.”

Help is here

To address the lack of mental health resources for farmers, the USDA has funded four regional farm and ranch assistance networks. They are:

Each network has a dedicated website and links to mental health resources and support for farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers. This regional approach is important to meeting the unique needs of each farming community. For example, in the North Central region, Rudolphi and her team are working to deliver mental health literacy programs for agricultural producers and those who work with them, including bankers, retailers, seed dealers and others who know farmers professionally and personally.

“We are training these people to be mental health allies,” said Rudolphi. “That includes when it’s necessary to intervene and how to talk about mental health. We still see stigmatization around mental health in these communities, but I think that’s starting to change. Hopefully, through education, increased awareness and shifting attitudes, farmers and their families will be encouraged and empowered to take the steps necessary to enhance their emotional well-being.”

To learn more, visit www.SyngentaThrive.com.

Posted on

5 easy ways to upgrade your outdoor space this fall

2023-10-14T05:01:00

(BPT) – As the temperatures cool but it’s still pleasant outside, now is the perfect time to improve your backyard. Fortunately, there are many affordable projects that can make your outdoor area more attractive and enjoyable this autumn — and for many seasons to come.

Here are five simple upgrades you can make to enhance your outdoor space.

1. Create a warm focal point

Fall is a delightful time to gather around a fire to chat, toast marshmallows and enjoy the season. You can find many affordable options to add a simple fire pit, such as simply purchasing a low-cost free-standing fire pit.

You could also build your own fire pit, using stones or cinder blocks. An online search will lead you to dozens of ideas. Be sure to follow safety instructions such as keeping your fire pit at least 10-25 feet from your home or other structure and away from overhanging trees, and creating a non-flammable base.

Note: Check with your local municipality for regulations around fire pits, as many areas require permits.

2. Light it up

Today’s choices for outdoor lighting are numerous, from solar lights to LED lights, and include string lights, path lights or downlighting installed on your home’s exterior. Improving your outdoor lighting not only makes your space more attractive and extends outdoor entertaining into the evening hours, but also provides additional safety and security for your home.

3. Have it made in the shade

Building a simple pergola is one great way to add a little shade, define an area of your outdoor space and create visual interest. You can find many free building templates for pergolas in a variety of sizes and styles on the internet. Adding climbing plants or flowering vines to your pergola makes it even better — improving shade and making the space feel like a natural sanctuary.

4. Embrace your favorite tree

Another fun DIY project is to create a wooden bench that goes around a favorite tree in your yard. This creates a cozy spot for reading or hanging out that kids especially will enjoy. Most templates online are hexagonal (6-sided) in shape and not difficult to construct. You can then make or buy cushions or pillows so it’s extra comfy.

5. Lead them down the garden path

Although paths made from materials like brick and stone are attractive and durable, they can also be expensive and challenging to install. An easy and affordable alternative is building a path yourself, using plastic forms and pre­mixed packaged concrete like Quikrete® Crack Resistant Concrete. You can also add Quikrete Liquid Cement Color to easily customize the color and style of your path so it’s exactly how you want it.

Using Quikrete Walkmaker forms, select the style of path you want, including natural-looking Country Stone Pattern, Running Bond Brick, European Brick Block or Basket Weave Brick pattern. The forms are 2 feet by 2 feet and require one 80­-pound bag of concrete, so you can work on your path at your own pace, one form at a time. You can customize your path further by incorporating liquid colors, stains and/or embedding gravel or other small aggregates into the concrete.

Steps for laying a concrete path:

  • Remove sod and soil to the desired width, shape and length of your path, keeping the ground as flat and level as possible.
    Thoroughly mix concrete and water in a wheelbarrow with a garden hoe or shovel, or in concrete mixer, according to the directions on the bag.
  • Lay the form at the beginning of your path and fill with the concrete mix, pressing the concrete firmly into corners with your trowel.
  • Promptly remove the form and smooth the edges of the path with your trowel before the concrete mix hardens. For a nonslip finish, brush the surface with a stiff broom.
  • Continue by rotating the form a quarter turn and placing it against a completed section of path. Then fill with concrete mix, remove the form and smooth the surface. Repeat this process until your path is complete.
  • To create a curved walkway, after removing the form from a freshly poured section of path, reposition the form in the direction of the curve and press down to slice off the corner. Use a trowel to consolidate and smooth cut-off edges.

Note: When working with cement products, always wear eye protection and gloves.

For more tips on laying a concrete path, including step-by-step how-to videos for this and other home projects, visit Quikrete.com or their Facebook page.

Using some of these tips this fall, you can transform your outdoor space into an even more attractive oasis for entertainment, enjoyment and relaxation.

Posted on

“My Life Was Put on Pause:” What One Grandfather Learned About RSV and How to Help Prevent It

2023-10-13T08:31:00

(BPT) – Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common contagious virus affecting the lungs and breathing passages. For most, an RSV infection comes with mild symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, or coughing. However, RSV can develop into a lung infection and may lead to hospitalization.

Tom, a GSK patient advocate and 70-year-old grandfather who had RSV in 2022, recounted, “My doctor explained that, because of my age, RSV could affect me worse than someone who was younger. I found out the hard way that this is true. My experience with RSV caused me to put my life on hold. I could not do the things I loved to do each day, like take my grandkids to school.”

Tom isn’t alone. RSV often spreads during the fall and winter months in most of the U.S. Older adults, including those with certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk. RSV causes ~177,000 hospitalizations in U.S. adults 65 and older each year.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself for this fall and winter RSV season, which include:

  • Talking to your doctor or pharmacist about RSV vaccination if you are 60 years or older
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20+ seconds/using an alcohol-based sanitizer
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoiding close contact with people who have cold-like symptoms
  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

This is the first RSV season where vaccinations are available. AREXVY (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine, Adjuvanted) is one of the available vaccines for older adults and was the first to be approved by the FDA for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by RSV in those 60 years and older. It is now widely available at all major U.S. retail pharmacies. Patients should ask their doctor or pharmacist if AREXVY is covered by their insurance.

What Is AREXVY?

AREXVY is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused by respiratory syncytial virus in people 60 years of age and older.

Important Safety Information for AREXVY

  • You should not receive AREXVY if you are allergic to any of its ingredients
  • Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including AREXVY. Precautions should be taken to avoid injury due to fainting
  • Some people with weakened immune systems may have reduced immune responses to AREXVY
  • The most common side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and joint pain
  • Vaccination with AREXVY may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of AREXVY. Only a healthcare provider can decide if AREXVY is right for you

AREXVY is a single-dose shot that can be given at the same time as a quadrivalent influenza vaccine. The CDC recommends that adults 60 years of age and older may receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, based on a discussion between the healthcare provider and patient. Visit www.AREXVY.com to learn more.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

©2023 GSK or licensor.

RSAADVR230009 September 2023

Produced in USA.

Posted on

College Student 101: Help Take Care of Your Eyes with These 5 Tips

2023-10-13T11:31:00

(BPT) – While college is often a positive experience, it can also take a take a toll on students’ eyes. From intense screen time to late study sessions and nights out with friends, prioritizing eye health may not always be top of mind. While parents may not be there to oversee their children when they’re away at college, they can still share important tips to set them up for success.

Whether you are a student or a parent, Dr. Heidi Pham Murphy from Visions Optometry in Sacramento, CA, has a few ideas, as she regularly meets with college students in her practice and offers proper eye care tips.

“Often I see college aged patients come to my office who don’t realize how important it is to prioritize their eye health,” said Dr. Pham Murphy. “Missteps like not properly cleaning your contact lenses could have long-term consequences. There are a number of tips college students can follow to ensure they’re set up for success as they head back to campus.”

Parents, share these 5 eye health tips with your college kids:

1. Give your eyes a contact lens that delivers exceptional visual clarity

80% of classroom learning is done visually and it’s no surprise that college students spend most of their learning time looking at digital screens. Blue-violet light is everywhere, coming from screens, fluorescent light and the sun and scatters more which may result in decreased visual clarity.*

If your student wears contacts, consider ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day which filters about 60% of blue-violet light.*

2. Follow the 20-20-20 rule

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A great time to do this is on the walk between classes as it will give your eyes a break and prevent you from walking into someone else which can happen if you’re looking down at your phone.

When looking at a digital screen, you blink 60% less, which may lead to feelings of dryness and tired eyes. ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-DAY contact lenses are designed to provide visual clarity and all-day comfort, which is especially helpful when enduring those long days of college life!

Another great option is 1-DAY ACUVUE® MOIST contact lenses, which create a long-lasting cushion of moisture for 20 hours or more.

3. Simplify your busy schedule

College students live busy lives. They juggle academic and other activities ranging from class, studying, part-time jobs, and socializing with friends. The last thing college students want to worry about is the maintenance involved with cleaning their contacts each night.

For busy college students, daily disposable lenses are a great option. Each morning, pop on a new pair of contacts and take them off and toss in the trash at the end of the day. Replacing lenses each day decreases the incidence of adverse events associated with contact lens overwear. Make your parents proud. Spend less time worrying about your contacts and more time studying!

4. Prioritize your eyes day and night

College students’ schedules are constantly changing. Whether they are on their way to class, ready to hit the gym or off to the library for a study session, daily disposables such as ACUVUE® OASYS MAX 1-Day provide exceptionally clear, comfortable vision across a wide range of lighting conditions. This lens provides UV blocking with 100% UVB and 99.9% UVA protection on top of the highest blue-violet light filtering at 60%.*,†,‡,§ So, whether your student is indoors, outdoors or late-night studying, this lens has them covered!

5. Invest in your eye health

Many young college students think they’re invincible (as parents we can all reflect on those years when we felt we were invincible too) and don’t spend much time or effort focusing on their eye health. Make it a point each year to visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam and consider quality lenses to have clear, comfortable vision day after day. Invest in your eyes now when you’re young. Your older self will thank yourself later for having done so.

To find an eye doctor near your home or college, visit the ACUVUE® eye doctor locator here.

Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers

ACUVUE® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional and ask for a Patient Instruction Guide, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guide.

________

* Filtering of HEV light by contact lenses has not been demonstrated to confer any health benefit to the user, including but not limited to retinal protection, protection from cataract progression, reduced eye strain, improved contrast, improved acuity, reduced glare, improved low light vision, or improved circadian rhythm/sleep cycle. The Eye Care Professional should be consulted for more information.

† Helps protect against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea & into the eye.

‡ WARNING: UV-absorbing contact lenses are the NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV-absorbing eyewear as directed. NOTE: Long-term exposure to UV radiation is one of the risk factors associated with cataracts. Exposure is based on a number of factors such as environmental conditions (altitude, geography, cloud cover) and personal factors (extent and nature of outdoor activities). UV-blocking contact lenses help provide protection against harmful UV radiation. However, clinical studies have not been done to demonstrate that wearing UV-blocking contact lenses reduces the risk of developing cataracts or other eye disorders. Consult your eye care practitioner for more information.

§ Versus publicly available information for standard daily use contact lenses as of June 2023.

PP2023AMB6420

Posted on

Making Appliances Accessible for Everyone: LG Universal UP Kit

2023-10-12T20:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine if every individual, regardless of their physical abilities, age or gender, could enjoy an effortless experience when using their home appliances. LG’s Universal UP Kit, unveiled at IFA this year, makes this inclusive vision a reality, providing innovative home appliance accessories and add-ons that leverage universal design to enhance accessibility and usability.

To develop the Universal UP Kit, an initiative that forms part of LG’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) management strategy, the company brought together several teams, who collaborated closely to create solutions embracing the “Design for All” ethos. Read on to learn more about how the groundbreaking Universal UP Kit came into existence.

The journey began when LG product designers and developers held meetings with a wide spectrum of customers, including those with physical limitations. Feedback from these invaluable sessions highlighted the considerable need for physical tools or accessories — distinct from the Braille stickers the company previously introduced — that could make appliances easy to use for a broader range of people.

“We wanted to develop a kit offering practical solutions for improving the usability and accessibility of LG appliances, without necessitating any structural changes or the purchase of brand-new appliances,” remarked Ha Young-soo, lead of the H&A Design Lab New Experience Design Task.

The teams involved in the project set about translating the feedback from the meetings into tangible solutions. Prototypes were crafted using paper or wood, and then plastic samples were made on 3D printers, enabling the team members to get a better sense of the viability of their ‘outside-the-square’ designs.

During the development of each Universal UP Kit solution, LG focused on three key aspects of design: functionality, aesthetics and safety. Functionality and safety were the priorities, but the company also considered color and shape to ensure that every accessory harmonized seamlessly with the relevant appliances.

“This project’s strength lies in the initial emphasis we placed on design, and has resulted in products that are not only functional and convenient, but are also aesthetically pleasing,” explained Park Se-ra, a specialist at the LG H&A customer experience innovation planning team. “Taking this approach, we were able to accommodate the diverse needs of both disabled and non-disabled individuals and achieve a level of innovation that may not have been possible if we’d focused solely on safety and functionality.”

The Moving Drawer is a prime example of the Universal UP Kit designers’ concern for the safety of users, particularly those with physical limitations. Made for use with LG microwave ovens, the convenient Moving Drawer ensures a safer user experience by helping to minimize the risk of injury when taking hot food out of the microwave.

“Given the relatively long lifespan of home appliances, the Kit represents a useful solution for both previously purchased and brand-new appliances,” commented Lee Jae-kul, a senior specialist at LG’s CSO ESG strategy team. “We think there is an opportunity here for continuous development and refinement through customer feedback and accessibility evaluations.”

In addition to the Universal UP Kit introduced at IFA, LG is actively developing and testing new Universal UP Kits that can be easily adapted for various product ranges. LG’s ultimate goal is to provide all LG appliance owners with a convenient and genuinely accessible user experience, ensuring a better life for all.

Posted on

The Art of Gifting: Four Things to Consider That Will Guarantee a ‘Wow’-Worthy Holiday Present

2023-10-12T16:19:00

(BPT) – Are you hunting for the perfect gift this holiday season? Choosing a personal or corporate gift that will delight your dearest friends or show appreciation to colleagues and customers can be challenging.

However, there is one gift that many agree they’d enjoy receiving: Food. In a recent consumer survey, 73% of Americans would rather receive a food gift during the holidays than a material object. They believe that food gifts are more heartfelt and enjoyable at holiday time. We totally agree with that!

Greyston Bakery understands that gifting a sweet treat during the holidays is a great way to delight your recipients and show how much you care. Check out these four reasons why a food gift should be your go-to present this holiday season.

1. A Gift With Meaning

Do you have a special holiday treat that makes you nostalgic and reminds you of warm family gatherings? Gifting food has the power to evoke long-lasting memories and strengthen personal connections.

Whether you choose a basket of gourmet goodies, a homemade dessert, or a selection of artisanal brownies, a food gift shows thoughtfulness and adds a warm touch. It can also help ease holiday meal preparation for those who are hosting. Instead of having to bake or buy a dessert, they can focus on dinner, knowing your gift will be a special addition to the festivities.

2. The Joy of a Shareable Gift

The holiday season is all about gathering around the table to enjoy a meal with people we love and cherish. And there’s no better way to end a good meal than with a warm, decadent, fudgy brownie or a moist, buttery blondie.

If you’re buying brownie gifts for yourself to share with family and friends or sending to someone that you care about near or far away, food gifts like Greyston Bakery brownies and blondies make it easy to gather and celebrate the best of tidings. Best of all, a sweet treat that gives back embodies the spirit of the year-end celebrations.

3. Varieties to Meet Your Needs (and those receiving your gift, of course!)

Greyston Bakery brownies and blondies are available in a range of truly delicious flavors. Whether you’re buying for chocolate fudge lovers, vegan goers, blondie enthusiasts, cinnamon aficionados or birthday cake devotees, you can rest assured that these sweets will be a crowd pleaser for all to enjoy. After all, this is the same company that makes the fudgy brownies that go into Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Can’t beat that!

Check out the bakery’s website to see all the available delectable bundle combinations. Variety is the spice of life and their selection will not disappoint. Not to mention, they’re certified kosher, made with non-GMO, ethically sourced ingredients with no artificial preservatives. All the good stuff that you want in a delicious gift.

4. A Gift That Does Good

As the saying goes, ’tis better to give than to receive, and giving a gift that gives back is as top-of-the-line gift giving as you can get. When you give a gift that contributes to a worthy cause, you demonstrate a commitment to positive social impact. Perhaps, in turn, your gift can inspire others to do the same.

Making decadent treats that taste good and do good is part of Greyston Bakery’s mission. They don’t hire people to bake brownies. They bake brownies to hire people. The bakery’s Open Hiring® policy puts its worthwhile mission into action and provides meaningful jobs to those who have experienced barriers to employment. Every handcrafted Greyston Bakery gift you send gives another person an opportunity to live a productive life for themselves and their families. That’s why all their packages say, “Eat Brownies. Change Lives.”

Win at gift giving this holiday season (and year-round) by choosing a delicious brownie and blondie gift that is meaningful and shareable, with an assortment of flavors from a mission-based bakery that promotes positive social impact. To learn more about how you can send a corporate gift to colleagues, or a personal gift to friends and family, or order for yourself to bring to holiday gatherings, visit GreystonBakery.com.

Posted on

Upgrade your bathroom into a self-care oasis with these simple steps

2023-10-12T12:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for yourself and prioritizing self-care has become more important than ever. During life’s busiest moments, finding ways to escape for calm and personal care is vital.

The solution: Transform your bathroom into a self-care sanctuary within your home.

The modern home has transformed into a place where work, play, and all aspects of life collide. For many, the bathroom is the only space to enjoy a truly private escape from life, kids, work, and the world. It is also where we take care of essential tasks that prepare us to face the day and unwind at night.

By making a few simple DIY bathroom upgrades, you can create a personal space to indulge your senses, escape the world’s stresses, and turn your daily bathroom routine into a rejuvenating experience focused on health and wellness.

Creating a Calming Space

Adding color and texture to your bathroom can contribute to creating a serene and calming space. Take cues from spas that use visual aesthetics to reinforce a peaceful, comforting environment.

Consider painting the walls in soothing tones such as blues or greens or adding wallpaper with a subtle pattern to create a visually pleasing environment. Including plants and natural elements can also bring a sense of tranquility to your bathroom, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Make the bathroom a sanctuary by clearing chaotic noises and opting for sounds that enhance your mood. Invest in a wireless waterproof speaker to stream music while in the shower or going through your daily routine. Instrumentals or nature sounds help you relax, upbeat tunes can energize you, and white noise is perfect to clear your head for a moment to yourself.

Another way to enhance your well-being while in the bathroom is to incorporate scents that create a spa-like ambiance. Use essential oils, scented candles, or reed diffusers to fill the air with calming fragrances such as lavender or eucalyptus. The power of aromatherapy can positively impact your mood, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Confidently Clean Routine

When you think of self-care, don’t forget the toilet, where so much of our time in the bathroom is spent. Ditch the scratchy toilet paper and cold toilet seat and opt for a more relaxing, cleaner, and spa-like bathroom experience.

In less than 30 minutes, you can replace your toilet seat with one of TOTO’s line of WASHLET bidet seats, which provides a welcoming heated seat, warm-water personal cleansing, and warm-air drying with adjustable temperature and pressure controls and self-cleaning options.

You’ll enjoy comfort and warmth with a personal cleansing experience that’s much cleaner than using toilet paper — and much more eco-friendly.

Not only do bidet seats enhance your self-care routine with a superior clean, they also contribute to overall health and well-being. Gentle warm-water cleansing and warm-air drying are ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or suffering from certain medical conditions and can provide a more independent life for people with mobility issues. Heated seats provide soothing warmth and relief for stiff joints.

Additionally, TOTO bidet seats have a built-in deodorizer that eliminates unpleasant odors and self-cleaning features that use electrolyzed EWATER+ to clean the bidet wand, inside and out before and after every use, and toilet bowl, helping keep the toilet fresh at all times.

The Wonder of Water

Whether you want a refreshing start to the day or a calming end, look no further than the shower to relax and invigorate. Swap out your old showerhead for one with different spray patterns and water pressure options. Some even come with filters to remove impurities from the water, promoting healthier skin and hair.

With the right showerhead, you can enjoy a luxurious shower that leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

TOTO’s two-mode round showerhead delivers large, air-infused drops of water with just the right amount of stimulation. Bathers feel encased in far more water than they are using, resulting in a pleasurable shower experience while reducing water consumption. TOTO’s round hand-shower has Active Wave water technology that offers a vigorous shower experience, ideal for relaxing tired muscles.

A refreshing shower can be a time for reflection where you can add a mindful moment to the beginning or end of your day, find space to spark creativity and relax or unwind.

Transforming your bathroom into a self-care oasis doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By replacing your traditional toilet seat with a bidet seat, upgrading your showerhead, adding color and texture, and incorporating pleasant scents and sounds, you can create a space that promotes health, wellness, and relaxation.

Posted on

5 surprising facts about the world’s strongest material

2023-10-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Can you name the world’s strongest material? If you guessed diamond or steel, you’d be wrong. Graphene — a basic building block of graphite, the material commonly found in pencils — is a lightweight, flexible and incredibly strong material used in various industries and has the potential for even more applications. Read on to learn five surprising facts about the world’s strongest material.

1. Nobel Prize-winning

While the use of graphene is fairly recent, it’s not completely unknown to the scientific community. For over a century, scientists have studied the substance’s atomic structure and examined how to extract and use it.

However, it wasn’t until 2004 when scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov of the University of Manchester finally isolated graphene. The pair won the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics for their revolutionary discovery. More importantly, their work has opened up a world of possibilities for the potential uses of graphene.

2. Harder and stronger than the rest

Graphene is incredibly tough. In fact, it’s harder than diamonds and 200 times stronger than steel. To pierce a single sheet of graphene as thick as plastic wrap, you’d need the weight of a car balanced on top of a pencil! It’s because of this strength that graphene has been used to make stronger aircraft wings and durable body armor.

3. Industry-leading material

The potential application of graphene is only limited by human creativity. Currently, the substance is used in the aerospace, aviation, military, professional sports and electric vehicle industries.

More recently, graphene has entered the commercial space, and many businesses are finding ways to incorporate this innovative material into their products. For example, ZAGG uses graphene to create incredibly tough yet sleek phone cases. By integrating graphene into their products, ZAGG can deliver the same drop protection as bulkier cases in a much slimmer design, proving that bulky doesn’t equal protective.

4. Incredibly conductive

Graphene isn’t just strong. It’s also one of the most electrically conductive human-made materials on earth. In fact, graphene is a million times more conductive than copper. Because of its high electrical conductivity, graphene has the potential to be used in medical devices, electronics and more!

5. Light and flexible

Graphene is incredibly light, and it’s even more elastic than rubber. Because of these properties, it can provide the same protection as thicker materials and can be molded into just about anything. ZAGG’s graphene cases, including its Milan Snap, London Snap and Crystal Palace Snap cases, offer drop protection up to 15 feet in a slim, lightweight design that fits easily in your pocket and comfortably in your hand.

These are just a few of the many amazing properties of graphene. As technology advances and scientists continue to study and improve upon the substance, you’ll likely see more products made from or incorporating graphene. The applications are endless, from the phone in your pocket to the International Space Station.