Month: September 2024

2024-09-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Natural green spaces provide a vital space for recreation, relaxation and social interaction, according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals. In urban cities especially, they serve as a critical outlet for kids to get outside and play. Organized youth sports programs ensure that kids are taking advantage of the physiological and psychological benefits provided by natural green spaces.

But, many children from lower-income areas don’t always have easy access to green spaces or the extra household funds to join a sports team or organized outdoor activity.

That’s why Scotts has kicked off a multi-year partnership with Every Kid Sports, a national nonprofit organization, to financially support income-restricted families by funding youth sports registration fees through The Every Kid Sports Pass, with the goal to provide expanded access to natural green spaces. Scotts has already funded registration fees for more than 400 youths this year alone.

“Here at Scotts we understand the immense power of natural green spaces and the role they play in helping kids and their families to play, thrive, learn and grow,” said John Sass, Vice President, Chief Creative Officer of ScottsMiracle-Gro. “This has been a passion of ours for the past decade and something that we think about within our own families, so we’re proud to be partnering with Every Kid Sports to help more kids enjoy youth sports and reap all of the benefits of natural green spaces at the same time.”

To further this mission, Scotts is leveraging scientific research and qualified experts to educate and inform the public about the variety of benefits that natural green spaces, especially natural turfgrass sports fields, offer to kids, families, communities and professional athletes alike.

Is natural turfgrass safer than artificial turf?

There’s ongoing debate over natural turfgrass versus artificial turf, specifically for playgrounds and sports fields. As a leader in lawn care, Scotts is an advocate for healthy and safe green spaces as they offer numerous physical, mental and environmental benefits.

A study from the Journal of Environmental Quality states that natural green spaces can improve mental health, increase productivity and lead to an overall better quality of life, especially in densely populated urban areas. Furthermore, environmental benefits of natural turfgrass include the removal of carbon dioxide, dirt and dust from the atmosphere as well as natural heat dissipation, according to the Department of Local Government, Sports and Cultural Industries.

Despite these benefits, the National Recreation and Park Association states that there are approximately 13,000 synthetic turf sports fields in the U.S. alone with around 1,500 new installations each year. For many, the argument is that artificial turf is easier to upkeep and longer-lasting, but the use of artificial turf presents many risks.

Artificial turf can contain harmful chemical substances perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, known as PFAS, and spread microplastic pollution. Brigham Young University research explains crumb rubber infill amongst synthetic “grass” blades is a microplastic that migrates beyond sports fields, polluting surrounding environments. Artificial turf has also been shown to exacerbate heat problems and many athletes can attest to feeling the intense heat in their cleats when playing on artificial turf.

Artificial turf is also not as physically safe for athletes, no matter their age or skill level. According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, artificial turf fields can significantly increase the likelihood of non-contact injuries. Play tends to be faster on artificial turf, leading to harder falls due to its less absorbent nature. The NFL Players Association agrees on its preference for natural grass fields, urging the league to swap all fields to grass.

As the debate around natural turfgrass versus artificial turf continues, evidence supporting the benefits of natural turfgrass grows clearer. These spaces are not just areas for play; they are vital components of our communities that offer safe environments for children and adults alike.

Through its partnership with Every Kid Sports, Scotts is making a concerted effort to ensure that more children, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the benefits of natural green spaces. The commitment to green spaces is not just about maintaining lawns — it’s about cultivating healthier, happier and more resilient communities.

2024-09-04T08:31:00

(BPT) – As digital wallets and contactless payments become more popular, 52% of Americans say cash is king, and nearly a third carry it every day (27%), according to new Empower research.

Key takeaways

• 49% of Americans feel safer holding cash versus other investments.
• 42% of people say market uncertainty and the threat of a recession is the top reason for holding money in cash.
• Gen Z is the generation most likely to use cryptocurrency instead of cash (34%).
• 2 in 5 Americans say they never pay with a check.
• 41% of Gen Zers use digital payment platforms more often than cash, compared to 27% overall.
• Nearly a third of Americans (29%) are cashing in on using rewards program points every month as a form of payment.

Cash in the balance

According to more than half of Americans (52%), “cash is king” — a significant increase from the 17% who reported the same last year. Another 27% carry cash with them every day. This trend is particularly strong among older generations, with Baby Boomers (42%) and Gen Xers (31%) more likely than Millennials (23%) and Gen Zers (24%) to carry cash daily. Nearly a third of Americans (32%) generally keep at least $100 in cash on hand.

Half of Americans (49%) also feel safer holding cash versus other investments. Gen Xers (57%) are the most likely to feel this way, compared with 41% of Gen Zers. Market uncertainty and the threat of a recession are the top reasons people stash money in cash, as noted by 44% of Gen Xers, 42% of Millennials, and 39% of both Gen Zers and Baby Boomers.

About a third of Americans (31%) say cash will reign supreme indefinitely vs. other forms of payment, though not everyone has the same idea of what “cash” means. People define it in the following ways:

• Bills and coins (98%)
• Traditional savings accounts (24%)
• High-yield cash accounts (18%)
• Checks (13%)
• Money market accounts (13%)

Cashing in

In addition to market volatility or fear of a recession, nearly a third cited regional bank failures as a key motivator for keeping more cash on hand, while over a quarter noted cybersecurity concerns (26%).

According to Empower Personal Dashboard™ data as of July 2024, here are the average cash allocations for financial portfolios by decade:

The median cash balance for users of the Empower Personal Dashboard™ as of July 2024 is $71,255, making up more than 27% of users’ overall portfolio allocation. That’s an increase of 15% in cash holdings over the same time period last year ($65,563 in 2023). While 48% of respondents prefer to invest in the stock market, 29% say they prefer to keep all their money in cash.

New money moves

Most generations are exploring other payment, savings and investment vehicles. Gen Z, in particular, stands out in its adoption of cryptocurrencies, with 34% using them (the highest among all age groups).

While traditional payment methods like debit and credit cards are the most common, digital payment platforms are gaining traction. Overall, 1 in 4 Americans (26%) say they are using digital payments weekly. The method is particularly popular among younger users: 41% of Gen Zers use digital payment platforms more often than cash, compared to 27% overall.

Nearly a third of Americans (29%) are cashing in on using rewards program points every month and a quarter swipe their credit card daily to pay for something (24%).

High-yield savings accounts, stocks, and bonds are top savings vehicles across all age groups. When selecting a savings account, Americans prioritize the following features:

• Low or no fees (72%)
• Interest rate (62%)
• Ease of online and mobile access (56%)
• Account security (52%)

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “Counting on cash.“

Methodology: Empower commissioned a survey of 1,009 American adults on July 3, 2024.

RO3758173-0824

2024-09-04T01:01:00

(BPT) – There are no two ways about it, this summer has been a hot one for the entire country. Everyone is experiencing record high temperatures. But that doesn’t mean you need to retreat inside and spend the summer cooped up to beat the heat. You can still enjoy the outdoors by making a few changes to your backyard space so you can enjoy it no matter the temperature.

Here are some tips for creating your perfect backyard oasis, from the experts at Belgard.

Cool off with shading. Is your back patio in the direct sun and your table umbrella not quite cutting it? It’s time for a pergola. These beautiful, decorative features come in many styles, from simple wooden frames to more elaborate metal elements. Pergolas don’t typically have roofs so how do they block the sun? The secret is installing linen or muslin curtains. They block the sun and add a breezy, Mediterranean flair.

Create functional outdoor living spaces. Think of your backyard as an outdoor room. Now, imagine how and when you will use it. Designate specific areas for dining, lounging and entertaining. Think about where the sun hits your backyard at certain times of the day. Shady in one part of the yard around dinner time? That’s where to put your grill and patio table. Sunny spot in the afternoons? Arrange your furniture there under your pergola. Get creative and be thoughtful of your space to increase its functionality. Take inspiration from Belgard Rooms to explore pre-designed outdoor spaces or get an expert’s opinion.

Install an outdoor kitchen. Do you have a grillmaster in your life who loves making meals outdoors? Go beyond the grill and create a complete outdoor kitchen. Belgard’s Elements line of outdoor essentials has everything you need for a truly functional, convenient outdoor cooking space — no more running inside for items you forgot to haul from your indoor kitchen. The line features grills, side burners, ovens, storage, a compact fridge (yes, you can!), bars and sinks, and every grilling accessory you need to whip up your culinary masterpieces al fresco.

Enhance with water features. Nothing says “oasis” like flowing, bubbling water. It adds an element of peace and tranquility to your outdoor experience. Incorporate a water feature like a fountain, pond or waterfall to soothe, cool and calm. Imagine sitting in a comfy outdoor armchair next to a bubbling fountain with a good book on a lazy summer afternoon. You can just feel the stress of the day melt away.

Incorporate greenery and landscaping. Trees, shrubs, flowers and plants add a lush sense of beauty to your backyard oasis, but they also provide natural cooling. A beautiful way to do this is by using a retaining wall like Belgard’s Melville Wall, which is designed to incorporate shrubs and plants. Or try Artforms, a modular panel system that can quickly and efficiently construct raised beds to include native plants and shrubs.

Think about biophilic design. What’s that? Biophilic design is the notion that humans have an inherent need to connect with nature, so permanent design elements like walls and patios should weave in elements of nature. It’s good for your mental and physical health.

By creating a perfect outdoor living space, you can enjoy your backyard all year round.

2024-09-04T08:15:00

(BPT) – There’s something special about fall: The refreshing coolness in the air, changing colors and cozy nights with your family all create wonderful opportunities to share moments of carefree joy together. Whether it’s a beautiful day to get outside or a chilly day you’d rather spend indoors, you can find plenty of ways to enjoy the season with your family.

Here are some tips to get you started on your fall adventures and experiences this year.

1. Warm up the evening

Now’s the perfect time to get your fireplace ready for those chilly nights ahead so you can all sit around the fire enjoying hot cocoa or catching up on the day. A homey fire adds warmth and a special touch to family evenings, turning ordinary nights into memorable moments.

Enhance the warmth of these cozy nights by the fire with delicious treats the whole family will enjoy. Try warming up a few soft and fluffy Hostess^® Meltamors^™ cakes that feature a melting center of chocolate or caramel that flows like ‘lava’ after just a few seconds in the microwave. Inspired by warm restaurant desserts, these snacks help create unforgettable special moments with your family.

2. Embrace family game night

Shorter days with more time spent indoors offer the perfect opportunity to start a game night tradition or restore a previous tradition that may have fallen by the wayside over the summer. You can include board games, card games or jigsaw puzzles in the mix. Rotate which family member chooses the activity each week, so everyone gets a say in what you play, and choose a night that doesn’t conflict with kids’ sports or other activities.

3. Find kid-friendly fall experiences near you

Wherever you live, explore local family-friendly events and venues like apple orchards where you can pick your own apples, select fall pumpkins at a pumpkin patch, navigate a corn maze or go on a hayride. The season goes by in a flash, so make sure to put at least one of these fun activities on your calendar right away for a memorable experience together.

Bring along some individually wrapped Hostess Meltamors chocolate cakes to make your autumn adventure even more special. Visit HostessCakes.com/where-to-buy to find out where to buy Meltamors and other Hostess snacks near you.

4. Turn nature walks into crafting opportunities

Go on nature walks with your kids to look for beautiful leaves, bringing along bags to collect them. You can get a flower press to dry and flatten the leaves or place them inside a large book between sheets of wax paper (and pile on more books to help them flatten better).

After a couple of days, get out the art supplies and let your kids get creative, using the leaves to make pictures and decorations. Kids can glue or paste leaves to tissue paper or wax paper in a pattern to hang in the window, trace or create rubbings or prints using paints, chalk or crayons, or glue them on paper and draw a scene around them — let their imaginations go wild!

Tip: To dry out leaves quickly without a flower press, put them between paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds. Check the leaves and heat again if they aren’t as dry as you’d like.

4. Get creative with pumpkin decorating

Trade in the carving knives for paintbrushes and try decorating your pumpkins with paint, glitter or other fun craft supplies. This is a great family activity and is a lot less messy than carving. Display your decorated pumpkins on the porch or around the house to add some seasonal joy to your home.

5. Make the most of outdoor play

Fall isn’t fall until you’ve raked up a giant pile of leaves in the yard. Let your kids help out, and make sure they have a chance to jump in the pile and/or build a “fort” with the leaves.

After the leaves are cleared, you’ll have open space on the lawn so you can all play a game of flag football, tag — or whatever yard games they enjoy most.

With these ideas as inspiration, you can create your own special family memories by doing things you love this fall. Remember, the most important thing is the time you spend together as a family.

2024-09-03T08:31:01

(BPT) – Sponsored by GSK

Every five minutes, someone’s life changes with a gynecologic cancer diagnosis[i],[ii]. This Gynecologic and Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, GSK is encouraging spending five minutes to learn more about the risks, symptoms and importance of spreading awareness of gynecologic cancers.

By reading and having conversations around the below five facts around gynecologic cancers, you can help yourself and others to feel more empowered in making important health decisions.

1. What are the main gynecologic cancer types?

Gynecologic cancers affect female reproductive organs. The five main types of gynecologic cancer are: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. (A sixth type of gynecologic cancer is the rare fallopian tube cancer.)[iii]

The two most common types of gynecologic cancer are uterine[iv] (endometrial being the most common type of uterine cancer)[v] and ovarian.[vi]

2. What symptoms are associated with endometrial and ovarian cancers?

Because early diagnosis is key, and because there are no standard screenings for ovarian or endometrial cancers, it is important to recognize the signs of gynecologic cancer. This can be difficult because some of these symptoms are similar to other common health conditions. Therefore, it is always important to listen to your body and note any persistent irregularities that may arise.

The most common endometrial cancer symptoms include[vii]:

• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina (bleeding between periods, bleeding after menopause or abnormal vaginal discharge). While non-cancer problems can also cause abnormal bleeding, about 90% of those with endometrial cancer have abnormal bleeding from the vagina.
• Non-bloody vaginal discharge
• Pain in the pelvis
• Feeling a mass (tumor) in the pelvic area
• Sudden weight loss

The most common ovarian cancer symptoms include[viii]:

• Bloating
• Pelvic/abdominal pain or pressure
• Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)

It is important for anyone who experiences these or other unexplained symptoms to talk to their doctor.

3. Who is most at risk for developing endometrial and ovarian cancers?

While anyone with female reproductive organs is at risk of developing gynecologic cancer, endometrial cancer is more prevalent among Black women[ix], while ovarian cancer is more common among White women[x]. There are certain risk factors that increase or decrease the likelihood that a person will develop gynecologic cancer.

Factors that increase risk of endometrial cancer include[xi]:

• Obesity and lack of physical activity
• The use of postmenopausal estrogen alone (without progestin)
• Premature or early start of menstrual cycle/late menopause
• A history of a disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• A history of a disorder called endometrial hyperplasia (an abnormal thickening of the uterus lining)
• Use of tamoxifen, a drug used to treat/prevent breast cancer
• An inherited condition called Lynch Syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes
• Family history of endometrial cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter)

Factors that increase risk of ovarian cancer include[xii]:

• Family history of ovarian cancer in immediate family members
• Family or personal history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer with either a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
• Lynch syndrome
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
• Use of estrogen and hormone therapy
• Use of fertility drug(s)
• Advanced age (entering and post menopause)
• Obesity (a body mass index ≥30)

4. What are biomarkers and how do they help determine risk/treatment?

Genetic characteristics, also known as biomarkers, can help you understand how your body’s cells, or genes, are programmed and your risk for certain diseases, such as gynecologic cancer.[xiii] Genetic testing and Genomic testing can be used to assess the potential risk of developing cancers, and for those already diagnosed, may help determine eligible treatment options. Talk to your doctor to see if genetic or genomic testing is right for you.

5. Knowing that biomarkers can help doctors be more targeted in their gynecologic treatment plans, what are some related questions one can ask?

• What are my treatment options?
• Are there tests that may determine a different treatment course for me (i.e. genetic testing)?
• How can biomarkers play a role in determining what treatment option might be best for me?
• What biomarkers should I be aware of?

Looking for more information on gynecologic cancers? Learn more, here: us.gsk.com/5for5.

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

Intended for US audiences only

©2024 GSK or licensor.

September 2024

Produced in USA

2024-09-02T23:01:00

(BPT) – When you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s normal to worry about their well-being. However, adults with these conditions can continue living positive, fulfilling lives, especially in the familiar environment of their own homes. Research suggests living at home as long as possible is associated with a better quality of life for anyone with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and it’s estimated nearly 13 million will be diagnosed with the condition over the next 25-30 years. For families of those affected, that can mean many years of caring for their loved one. While caregiving can be challenging, there are also silver linings.

“Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s at home often falls to adult children, spouses and other family members,” said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and spokesperson for Comfort Keepers. “Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with memory loss, behavioral changes, physical and communication issues, caregiving can be challenging and sometimes exhausting. Family members need resources and professional help to meet their loved one’s changing needs, so they can focus more on quality time and creating joyful moments with their loved one.”

Here are tips from Snelling to help you make the most of time with your loved one — and to bring more joy into your lives.

1. Consider safety first

To help improve safety and reduce your worry, these steps can make their home environment safer.

Keep the home well-lit: Hallways, stairs, bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms benefit from nightlights for seniors who are more active at night.

Identify tripping hazards: Excess furniture, throw rugs and other tripping hazards should be removed.

Lock outer doors/secure hazardous materials: Areas of the home containing anything hazardous should be kept locked, and locks on exterior doors can help prevent nighttime wandering.

Provide handrails: Bathrooms, showers, hallways and stairs are safer with rails or grab bars at an appropriate height.

2. Offer opportunities for joyful connections

Alzheimer’s adults can continue to live happy, fulfilling lives. Maximize your time together by engaging their senses and exploring memories from their amazing lives.

For example, provide visual reminders of beloved people and places through framed pictures, photo albums, videos and artwork, listen to favorite music, explore comforting textures through hobbies like crafting, and enjoy tastes and smells they love through home-cooked meals and baked goods.

Focusing social interactions around these sensory activities with family members, friends, neighbors and empathetic caregivers also helps boost the joy in your daily lives.

3. Encourage reliable routines

Maintaining a schedule is crucial. It reassures your loved one that days are predictable rather than confusing, helps you know what to expect on a daily basis so you can be there when needed, and also assists others, including professional caregivers, to know when their help is needed or anticipated.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Many people in your family and social circle may want to help, but may not know how. Ask for specific assistance with well-defined limits. For example, ask a neighbor to pick up certain grocery items, or call a family member to visit for an hour at a given time.

You can also benefit from well-trained, empathetic and experienced assistance from Comfort Keepers caregivers, who understand the struggles you may face caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia at home. Their caregivers engage seniors in intellectual, physical and emotional interactions complementing their medical treatment and improving their quality of life.

The caregivers at Comfort Keepers believe everyone should experience connection, purpose and uplifting moments, no matter their age or level of care they need. The support families receive from Comfort Keepers includes:

• Specially trained caregivers
• Family education to better understand dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Tasks geared to your loved one’s interests to engage them physically, mentally and emotionally
• In-home services including personal care, companionship, medication reminders and family respite care
• In-home safety technologies including medical alert systems and motion detectors

“We know you’d rather spend time as your loved one’s spouse, daughter, son or other family member,” said Chief Happiness Officer at Comfort Keepers Saudia Gajadhar. “We create individualized care plans focusing on your loved one’s physical and mental needs and goals, elevating the human spirit by supporting their happiness, dignity and purpose with positivity.”

In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month this September, visit ComfortKeepers.com to learn how you can be supported in the joyful care of the senior who means so much to you.