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You can act now to keep your concrete surfaces looking great all year

2024-12-21T17:01:00

(BPT) – With the weather turning colder, you may think there’s not much more you can do to protect your outdoor surfaces from damage caused by the elements. The good news is, it’s not too late to ensure that any unprotected patios, driveways, pool decks, paths, sidewalks or other exterior concrete surfaces on your property are safe from flaking, cracking, spalling or staining. Depending on the current climate conditions where you live, there still may be plenty of time for you to tackle this crucial outdoor project before the worst winter weather.

Why is concrete vulnerable to damage?

While you may think of concrete as a hard surface, it’s actually more like a rigid sponge. If it’s not properly sealed and waterproofed, concrete can become saturated from the moisture in rain, snow and ice. Then when temperatures drop under freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit), the water that’s saturating the concrete also freezes — and then can thaw and refreeze as temps fluctuate, causing visible damage.

Unprotected concrete surfaces on your property that looked so clean and smooth when first installed can become cracked and flake, as well as become stained and discolored by salt, leaves, dirt, oil and debris that accumulate over time.

How to protect your exterior surfaces

You can take simple steps to keep your outdoor concrete surfaces in top condition using QUIKRETE® Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer, as long as the current air and surface temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and rain or heavy dew are not expected within 24 hours.

QUIKRETE Concrete & Masonry High Gloss Sealer is a water-based, acrylic clear sealer that’s designed to waterproof, seal and enhance the color of decorative or standard gray concrete, pavers, masonry, brick or natural stone surfaces. It also repels oil, grease, acids, household chemicals, food stains and ultraviolet rays to further protect your surfaces.

Follow these steps to seal your concrete surfaces:

  • Before starting: Always wear eye protection and impervious gloves, such as nitrile gloves, before using the product.
  • For new concrete surfaces: Allow concrete to cure at least 30 days before applying the sealer.
  • For existing concrete surfaces: Repair any damage, cracking or flaking first, then clean thoroughly and allow to dry 24 hours before sealing. To eliminate oil, grease and other unwanted tough stains, use a solvent-free, low odor and low VOC cleaner, etcher and degreaser before sealing.
  • For previously sealed surfaces: Clean concrete thoroughly before applying.
  • When the concrete surface is ready: Simply apply sealer with a roller, brush or garden sprayer according to product instructions. Depending on the porosity of the concrete, one gallon of sealer uniformly applied should cover 200 to 400 square feet. A second coat of sealer can be applied after two hours. For best results, the second coat should be applied perpendicular to the first coat.

Looking for a less glossy, more natural-looking concrete surface? You can use QUIKRETE® Concrete & Masonry Waterproofing Sealer, following the same basic directions.

For more tips and information on repairing, sealing and protecting your home’s concrete surfaces, visit Quikrete.com. You can also find a wide variety of products and helpful videos that are perfect for helping you with tackling indoor DIY projects during the colder winter months — or planning for next spring’s projects.

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COVID-19 is Not the Same Disease for Everyone

2024-12-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – The summer spike in COVID-19 infections, triggered in part by a rise in new variants of the virus, was an unpleasant reminder that COVID-19 is here to stay. As we brace for an anticipated larger wave of COVID-19 cases during the fall and winter respiratory season, healthcare professionals want to remind the public that the virus does not affect everyone equally; some people, because of their age or overall health, may be at greater risk for severe illness.1,2

Age and other risk factors for severe COVID-19

Age is a major risk factor for severe COVID-19.2 As people get older their immune system weakens and they have a harder time fighting off infections, putting them at higher risk for severe outcomes from viruses like COVID-19.2 People with severe outcomes from COVID-19 who are at higher risk may need to go to the hospital emergency room (ER) for care; some may need to be admitted to the hospital or even to the intensive care unit (ICU).3 Once admitted, it becomes important to treat them quickly according to COVID-19 treatment guidelines and avoid waiting to see if their symptoms worsen.4 Data show that in the U.S. from October 2023 to April 2024, more than 70% of COVID-19-related hospitalizations occurred in people aged 65 and older; this age group also represents more than 81% of COVID-19-related deaths.2,5

Like the elderly, people who are immunocompromised or are taking medicines that weaken their immune system (such as some cancer treatments) have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.2 People with certain health conditions, such as chronic lung or heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and kidney or liver disease, may also be more likely to get very sick from COVID-19.4,6 In a recent study, 80% of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 from October 2023 to April 2024 had at least two other medical conditions.5

With this understanding of how COVID-19 risk factors might affect different people, a team at Gilead Sciences was keen to understand if there were other ways COVID-19 affects people differently. In partnership with The Harris Poll, the team conducted a survey in the U.S. among 3,000 non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic adults aged 18 years and older who were diagnosed with COVID-19 or long COVID in the past year.7

Survey uncovers racial and ethnic differences in COVID-19

Results of the Harris Poll survey, conducted from March 12 to April 1, 2024, suggest that COVID-19 is not just one disease.7

Black and Hispanic people who developed COVID-19 or long COVID (a condition in which symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years after a COVID-19 infection) were more likely to experience certain symptoms than White people, such as chronic chest pain or pressure, but less likely to have other associated symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, and headache.7 The researchers also assessed the severity of symptoms and found that Hispanic people were more likely than White people to have reported either somewhat or very severe symptoms at the start of their illness.7

Gaps in access to healthcare

The survey highlighted disparities in accessing healthcare and its impact on both the severity of COVID-19 and long COVID and how it is treated by healthcare providers.7,8,9 Hispanic people who developed COVID-19 or long COVID reported having more difficulty accessing care, and both Black and Hispanic people were more likely to receive special medications and early oxygen support, compared with White people.7

When asked what factors influenced their care, Black and Hispanic people were about five times and four times more likely, respectively, to report receiving different healthcare based on their race or ethnicity, and about three and two times more likely, respectively, to perceive racial or ethnic discrimination during their medical care, compared with White people.7

“Minorities often face cultural, economic, and geographical barriers that may make it harder to obtain healthcare for COVID-19 or long COVID. Delays in receiving needed medical care may worsen a person’s existing condition and put them at higher risk of severe illness,” said Dr. Anu Osinusi, Vice President, Clinical Research for Hepatitis, Respiratory and Emerging Viruses at Gilead. “Understanding the root causes of racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 is crucial for improving care and reducing the high burden of the disease among minority populations.”

To address these inequities, it is important to continue working with communities and influential leaders within these communities to provide the most recent information about COVID-19 and how the disease impacts its members. Gilead’s focus is to evaluate and communicate barriers to healthcare access and equity. The company works with organizations around the world to improve access to care, particularly in communities who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and other diseases.

The bottom line

  • Know your risk for getting very sick, and potentially hospitalized, from COVID-19 and consider testing if you are showing symptoms
  • Do not delay — seek medical care immediately if your COVID-19 symptoms worsen. Treatments are available that can help reduce your risk of hospitalization and/or death from COVID-19.5

For more information, please visit Springer Nature.

References

  1. “Covid-19 Can Surge throughout the Year.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/covid-19-can-surge-throughout-the-year.html. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
  2. “People with Certain Medical Conditions and COVID-19 Risk Factors.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
  3. “Covid-19 – Know When to Go to the ER.” COVID-19 – Know When to Go to the ER, www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/covid19/covid-19-know-when-to-go. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
  4. “Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Fclinical-care%2Funderlyingconditions.html. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.
  5. “Covid-19–Associated Hospitalizations among U.S. Adults Aged ≥18 Years – Covid-Net, 12 States, October 2023–April 2024.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Oct. 2024, www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7339a2.htm#:~:text=Among%20this%20sample%20of%20adults,and%206.9%25%20died%20during%20hospitalization.
  6. “COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines.” National Institutes of Health. Available at https://www.covid19treatmentguidelines.nih.gov/. Updated February 29, 2024.
  7. Oppelt, T.F., Polsonetti, B., Caron, M.F. et al. Patient Perceptions of their COVID-19 Inpatient Hospital Experience: a Survey Exploring Inequities in Healthcare Delivery. J. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 10, 2775–2782 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-022-01454-9
  8. Zhang, Jin-Jin et al. “Risk and Protective Factors for COVID-19 Morbidity, Severity, and Mortality.” Clinical reviews in allergy & immunology vol. 64,1 (2023): 90-107. doi:10.1007/s12016-022-08921-5
  9. “Long Covid Basics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

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Older adults at higher risk of confusion, memory problems after surgery: anesthesiologists and patients should partner to protect brain health

2024-12-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – The “silver tsunami” of people 65 and older combined with the uptick in surgeries during the winter months is creating the perfect storm for a sometimes-overlooked issue — postoperative delirium. More common in older people, postoperative delirium can cause symptoms such as confusion, memory problems or agitation that are usually temporary, but can lead to longer hospital stays and is associated with postoperative cognitive decline. However, if you or a loved one are 65 or older and having surgery, there are ways to reduce the risk, starting with talking to your anesthesiologist before the procedure.

Various factors can increase the risk of postoperative delirium, including the body’s response to surgery, frailty and underlying medical conditions. This condition is a growing problem, considering the aging population and older adults account for more than 40% of surgeries. It affects anywhere from 5% to 52% of older adults, depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s age, and the rate increases steadily with age, nearly doubling every 15 years.

“Anesthesiologists play a key role in bringing awareness to postoperative delirium and discovering ways to reduce it,” said Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “Partnering with your anesthesiologist to let them know if you have health issues or other concerns is an important first step to reducing your risk.”

ASA is dedicated to safeguarding patients from delirium after procedures requiring anesthesia, through its Perioperative Brain Health Initiative and by providing evidence-based strategies for health professionals and recommendations for patients.

Anesthesiologists Lead the Way in the Prevention of Postoperative Delirium

As the physician leaders in your care before, during and after surgery, anesthesiologists play a crucial role in preventing postoperative delirium. Launched by ASA in 2015, the Perioperative Brain Health Initiative focuses on improving care for older adults with memory or thinking problems by supporting better brain recovery after surgery. It offers best practices, guidelines, a frailty toolkit for care teams, and patient education on postoperative delirium, including suggestions for talking to your anesthesiologist and advice for preparing for surgery.

Additionally, ASA’s journal, Anesthesiology, recently published new evidence-based recommendations for strategies that health care professionals may consider, including:

  • Expanding preoperative evaluation. Older adults scheduled for inpatient surgery may benefit from preoperative evaluation to assess for frailty or cognitive impairment. At-risk patients can receive care in advance of the surgery from a multidisciplinary care team, visits from a geriatric doctor or nurse and education on postoperative delirium.
  • Choosing the type of anesthesia. Anesthesiologists and patients should work together to determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for that patient based on the surgery they’re having.
  • Prescribing medication to reduce risk. Anesthesiologists may consider prescribing the sedative dexmedetomidine to older patients having inpatient procedures, because it’s less likely to cause postoperative delirium than other commonly used sedatives.
  • Minimizing the use of other medications. Anesthesiologists should evaluate the risks and benefits of medications for anxiety, mental health issues and pain that may cause central nervous system effects in older adults, since they may increase the likelihood of postoperative delirium.

Patients Can Help Reduce Their Risk Too

While anesthesiologists are factoring in those strategies, you can reduce the risk that you (or your loved one) will have postoperative delirium by:

  • Partnering with your anesthesiologist. When meeting with your anesthesiologist before surgery, be sure to discuss the following, which will help them create the best care plan for you:
    • Any health problems or pre-existing conditions should be communicated to the anesthesia care team.
    • The medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal supplements or those for anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms or sleep, which can affect your nervous system.
    • If you have cognitive issues such as memory or thinking problems, including if you have ever experienced these issues after anesthesia.
  • Undergoing a pre-surgery cognitive test. Ask the doctor to conduct a pre-surgery cognitive test, which can be used to determine your risks for developing ongoing cognitive problems after surgery.
  • Having a recovery pal. A family member or friend should stay with you during recovery to help orient you and report any signs of postoperative delirium to your doctor right away.
  • Making the recovery environment as familiar as possible. Ask that your hearing aids or glasses be given to you as soon as you are in recovery. If you are staying overnight in the hospital, bring a family photo or favorite item to help you feel more connected as you recover.

Learn more about how age can affect surgery and anesthesia, and how you can reduce your risk.

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Cutting expenses in the new year? Here are 6 painless ways to do it

2024-12-20T14:37:00

(BPT) – The new year is dawning. Are your resolutions in line? It’s the same every year, right? You set lofty goals — get up an hour earlier to exercise, eat healthier, organize your life, save money, whatever it may be. And by the end of January, those high-minded goals have slipped away. Sound familiar? Time magazine reports that a mere 8% of people who set New Year’s resolutions actually follow through on them.

Why? Maybe we set the bar too high. It’s too big of a change. Getting up an hour earlier every morning? Consider shooting for one day each week instead. Eating better at every meal? Why not just breakfast? Those are easy goals that people can sustain without too much pain. And that’s the key. It’s got to be relatively painless and give a good reward.

According to Statista, saving money was the most common resolution for 2024. Is there a way to cut your monthly budget and save money that’s painless enough to stick to it? Here are six suggestions.

Look at your cell phone plan. Are you paying too much? Is it time for a switch? Make a resolution to save on your wireless bill in 2025. Now through January 16, Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers can activate a new line and get up to $830 off a flagship Apple, Samsung, Google or Motorola phone with eligible trade-in. New customers considering switching providers can get up to $500 to pay off their device.

Your coverage may expand too, even as you’re paying less for it. Did you know that 90% of smartphone traffic travels over WiFi, not cellular? With access to 23 million WiFi hotspots crisscrossing the nation, Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers stay connected wherever they are. Bundling internet and mobile plans can lead to significant savings so it’s worth evaluating all your plans as you enter into 2025.

Reduce your subscriptions. Designate an afternoon to sit down and go through your subscriptions, especially the ones that come out of your account automatically every month. Many people don’t even remember signing up for some of them. Do you really need all of those news sites? What about that expensive weather app? How about all of your streaming services? You can easily save money by cutting content you don’t actually use. Or, get started with Xfinity StreamSaver that combines Netflix, Peacock and Apple TV+ for just $15 a month.

Track your expenses. There are many apps out there designed to help you track your spending. Your bank may even have one on its mobile app. Throughout the month, pay attention to what you’re spending. By being mindful, you’ll identify areas to cut back. Some of what you’re spending might surprise you. $500 on restaurant meals last month? $200 on lattes? Just cutting out your daily coffee shop run can make a dent.

Evaluate transportation costs. After housing, transportation makes up the largest share of an average person’s monthly expenses. That’s taking into consideration a car payment, gas, car maintenance and everything else associated with getting from point A to point B. You can’t do anything about fixed costs like your payment, and you can’t do anything about gas prices. But you might consider cutting down on how much you drive. Can you work at home a few days each week? Is it possible to use public transportation more?

Vow to reduce impulse buying. Do you scroll in the middle of the night and come upon something you simply must have? Vow to sleep on it. Ditto for impulse buys at the grocery store or retailer. If you walk into the grocery store for half-and-half (for the coffee you’re making at home instead of buying at the coffee shop) and come out with a cart filled with gourmet cheeses, a pomegranate and seven avocados, it’s time to reduce those impulses.

Create a budget. With your savings and new habits in place, it’s time to think about a monthly budget. Start with your fixed expenses like housing and transportation, utilities, cell phone and internet and credit card payments. Now move on to your extras, like entertainment, groceries and clothes. How much are you saving each month with your new habits?

To find out more about saving by switching to Comcast’s Xfinity Mobile or Comcast Business Mobile, visit www.xfinity.com/mobiletimetoswitch to learn more.

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5 tips for staying safe during a winter power outage

2024-12-20T11:01:00

(BPT) – Winter is in full swing. It’s a beautiful season, but as the temperature drops and the snow, ice and cold approach, there’s always the possibility of a power outage. When it’s cold outside and your home is plunged into darkness, it can be more than just an inconvenience. It can mean not being able to keep your family warm, to work if your power is out, even to get water if your pipes freeze.

The best way to get through a winter power outage? Be prepared. A little forethought can save a lot of headaches later. Here are some tips for handling a winter power outage from Anker SOLIX, the experts in whole-home backup power solutions.

Assemble an emergency kit. Make sure you have all the things on hand that your family needs to get through a power outage. You’ll be home, so you’ve already got warm blankets and clothes covered. You’ll also want several gallons of bottled water and food that doesn’t have to be heated up like granola bars, fruit and nuts. Pop some new batteries into your flashlights before you need them, and get a weather radio if you don’t already have one. Also think about getting solar chargers for your phones, some battery-powered candles and hand warmers.

Invest in backup power. When the lights and heat go out, you need backup. The Anker SOLIX F3800 Portable Power Station is an accessible whole-home power backup. It’s the first power station to feature AC coupling and support home solar power cycling when paired with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel. Easy installation only takes a few hours by a professional electrician, and with a cost-effective price point, the F3800 is the most accessible home power solution available on the market.

The F3800 can provide back-up power for the entire home. It offers 6000W AC power output and 120V/240V dual voltage output, enabling it to simultaneously power high-energy devices. The AC output power can even be elevated up to 12,000W when two F3800s are combined. At the same time, it boasts a massive 3.84kWh internal battery for extended backup power. With its expandable form factor, users can customize their power storage needs with up to 53.76kWh when combining two F3800s and up to 12 additional batteries, providing up to a week of home backup power. You can also charge your EVs!

For a more compact solution, the Anker SOLIX C300 DC, is a new compact-but-mighty power station. It can power seven devices at once, a space heater and more for shorter periods of time. It recharges via solar energy, so you can power it up again and again. And it comes with a built-in light, which is handy during those dark nights when power goes out.

Make sure the pipes don’t freeze. When the power goes out, open the cabinet doors under your kitchen and bathroom sinks and turn on the faucets, just a trickle. That will help ensure the pipes don’t freeze in the cold.

Keep your refrigerator door closed. This will help keep the cold air in, preserving your food. General safety guidelines say your fridge will keep food cold for four hours during an outage. If the outage lasts longer than that, it’s best to throw away things like dairy, meats, eggs and leftovers.

Don’t be tempted to heat with your gas stove. This can cause a backup of carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly.

Thinking about investing in backup power? Contact Anker SOLIX at https://www.anker.com/.

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How to transform your kitchen in 2025 with 4 top trends

2024-12-20T15:29:00

(BPT) – The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where you gather with loved ones for meals and conversations and make memories and traditions. To achieve these connections (while still making delicious meals), warmth and welcome are key.

If you’re worried about being out of step with the modern and minimalist design trends of the past few years, consider this: experts have seen a desire among clients for cozier and warmer designs.

Are you interested in changing your kitchen and staying in style? Here are four 2025 upcoming trends from design experts across the country who can help you step into the new year on trend.

1. Luxury through personalization

While homeowners are seeking a luxury feel for their kitchens, they don’t want them to be exactly like that of their neighbors, friends and family members. Instead, there is a desire among clients for personalization while still maintaining a luxe style.

“I am seeing a shift toward extremely personal customization,” said Jennifer Hutton, Creative Director and Principal Designer at Grau Design Studio. “That’s anything from bespoke storage options to specialized cabinet interiors to an emphasis on personal hobbies like creating craft cocktails, baking or even using certain types of cooking equipment.”

Andrea Harvey, founder of ASH Interiors and Design, has also noted that homeowners want to add personal lifestyle details to their kitchen design.

“As always, luxury is about personalization,” said Harvey. “Luxury clients want their spaces to be uniquely theirs. They want details that are all about how they live. They would prefer to be ‘the only one’ than feel they are copying their neighbor or friend.”

2. A return to color and warmth

Gone are the days of bright whites and cold neutrals. More and more clients are seeking to infuse color and warmth into their kitchen space.

“No more gray!” said Ariana Lovato, Founder + Principal Designer of Honeycomb Home Design. “Warm tones and oak finishes will still prevail next year, but people are not shying away from color when it comes to an island or perimeter cabinetry.”

Hutton has also had clients ask for a darker, warmer aesthetic with textural and colorful interest.

“I see luxury kitchen trends taking a turn to a deeper, moodier style, a far cry from the bright white, pristine kitchens from a few years ago,” said Hutton. “My clients are looking for unique marbles, lots of texture, organic materials and rich colors.”

3. Multiple zones

Recent home kitchen designs have mimicked the style and function of professional kitchens that have all you need in one place. However, homes are already departing from this modern trend.

“We anticipate our luxury clients’ desire for ‘multiple zones’ to continue to strongly impact 2025 kitchen design,” said Linda Engler, founder of Engler Studio. “By multiple zones, I mean specific function areas beyond a primary kitchen: coffee and beverage stations, prep kitchens, sculleries and baking centers.”

Engler goes on to say that the multiple-zone approach uses a variation of materials and finishes to visually distinguish these stations from the primary kitchen. Because of these zones, designers and clients should expect an increase in appliances, as each zone will require its own package.

Another aspect of multiple zones is that homeowners are rediscovering the kitchen as a gathering place.

“It’s an exciting time in kitchen design because we’re starting to see a shift from the super sterile modern kitchen,” said Lovato. “Clients want islands that have wrap-around seating for casual conversations and built-in seating options like a nook or a custom banquette attached to the back of an island.”

4. Transitional design

Are you stuck between designing a modern or traditional kitchen? You can have the best of both worlds by aiming for a transitional design aesthetic.

The term “transitional design” can be difficult to nail down, but you can generally think of it as a style that incorporates modern elements like clean, sleek lines with traditional details that are homey and welcoming.

“I view transitional design as the bridge that connects traditional and modern,” said Engler. “It’s the middle ground between two extremes.”

A simple yet effective way to combine modern and traditional kitchen design is through careful hardware and appliance choices.

“Things like faucet style, hardware and light fixtures are examples of elements that can read as transitional and can be switched out over time if needed,” said Hutton. “Appliance style also plays a role here. Very professional, grand pieces tone down the modern style and add an ‘old school’ flair which can neutralize the ultramodern aesthetic.”

Appliances from luxury brand Signature Kitchen Suite’s new Transitional Series are perfect for homeowners seeking clean lines with timeless charm. The series includes wall ovens, induction cooktops, insert hoods, traditional and undercabinet refrigerators, dishwashers and built-in wine columns.

These panel-ready units feature satin stainless steel panel and handle kits as well as leading-edge True to Food technology. Not only do they look good, but they allow home chefs to show others their passion for the culinary arts.

Opening your home’s heart to style and comfort

Using these four trends, you can say goodbye to a purely clean and functional aesthetic and hello to a cozy kitchen you and your loved ones will want to spend time in. To learn about more design trends and how you can achieve them in the new year, visit SignatureKitchenSuite.com.

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Ultimate skincare guide for the winter holidays

2024-12-20T13:47:01

(BPT) – While this may be the most wonderful time of the year in many ways, it’s not ideal for your skin. Between frigid temps, brisk wind outside and ultra-dry, overheated air inside — not to mention holiday busyness and stress — your face may not be glowing along with the season.

Here are practical tips to help you care for your skin, so you can look and feel your best as you celebrate with friends and family.

1. Empower your shower

While not everyone can improve their hard water with a water softening system, it’s not hard to install a showerhead filter. Especially if you have dry, itchy or sensitive skin, a showerhead filter can make a huge difference. Good showerhead filters will remove impurities such as chemicals and minerals that could be irritating your skin on a daily basis, improving how your hair and skin look and feel. You can find plenty of options available, as well as videos online showing how to install them.

2. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Yes, you’ve heard it before, but it’s even more true during these challenging winter months. It may seem like an uphill battle, but if you approach moisturizing from a few different angles, you’ll notice the difference.

Your environment: Moisturize the air where you spend the most time. Whether that’s a whole-home humidifier or portable humidifiers in your home office or bedroom, keeping the air around you from getting too dry will pay dividends.

Your body: Skin care specialists and nutritionists alike will tell you staying hydrated on the inside helps keep your skin from getting too dried out, so this may be a great resolution to start ahead of the new year! Fill up that water bottle and keep it handy. Don’t love plain water? Flavor with a little lemon or lime or sip sparkling water throughout the day.

Your skin: How you moisturize your skin from the outside is crucial. Here’s where quality products stand out.

Maintain your holiday glow by prioritizing effective skincare during the busy season — a little self-care goes a long way. The Neocutis Bio Cream Firm smoothing and tightening cream includes proprietary peptides to help support collagen and elastin production, addressing signs of aging including uneven tone and texture and wrinkles. The Neocutis Lumière® Firm illuminating and tightening eye cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, crow’s feet, puffiness and under-eye darkness.

Miami Board-certified Dermatologist Dr. Roberta Del Campo recommends these during the holiday season, noting “holidays can be particularly challenging for your skin with all the travel and festive gatherings. To keep your skin healthy and radiant, I recommend using intensive moisturizing products that support collagen and elastin production, like the Neocutis Bio Cream Firm for an instant glow. In addition to this, I recommend using a rich illuminating eye cream that will vanish any trace of a dark circle, such as the Neocutis Lumière® Firm.”

You can also give your skin an additional hydration boost with the Neocutis Hyalis®+, an intensive hydrating serum that is oil-free and includes a deeply moisturizing formulation with multiple types of pure Sodium Hyaluronate, plus key ingredients to help promote smooth, soft and supple skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

All these products are non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested, free of color additives and fragrances. Visit store.neocutis.com to shop and learn more.

3. Double cleanse to remove heavy party makeup

After a fun time celebrating, you’ll want to be sure that you’ve removed every trace of makeup from your skin before calling it a night.

Once you’ve gently removed all of your eye and face makeup, it’s recommended to protect the delicate skin around your eyes with high-quality illuminating eye cream like the Neocutis Lumière® Firm Riche Eye Cream to help with your post-party or travel recovery.

Multiple bottles of Lumiere Firm Riche

4. Upgrade your pillowcase

Sleeping on a clean pillowcase can help you maintain your ideal skincare routine. Many dermatologists recommend using a silk pillowcase, because silk is less absorbent than other fabrics like cotton, so it’s less likely to soak up facial products you’re applying before bedtime. Some users also find it less irritating to sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness and itchiness.

Be sure to wash silk pillowcases according to recommended manufacturer’s instructions. You may want to consider having a few available so you can switch them out frequently to keep your skin cleaner overnight.

5. Protect from the sun — even in winter

While you may not be sunbathing when it’s chilly outside, any time spent out in the sun can potentially damage your skin. Whether you’re into winter sports or just going for a wintry walk, don’t forget to protect your skin with sunscreen just as you would during the summertime.

Following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your skin looking and feeling wonderful, so you can relax and enjoy the holiday season.

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Become an expert gift-giver with this holiday tech guide

2024-12-20T15:07:00

(BPT) – Finding the perfect gift for all your loved ones can be daunting. However, choosing a thoughtful present that matches each person’s hobbies and interests doesn’t have to be difficult. Check out this curated list of tech gifts that will make the movie lovers, jetsetters, holiday hosts, gamers and students in your life feel the spirit of the season this winter and beyond.

Cinema buffs

Movie buffs and entertainment lovers need the latest and greatest tech to enjoy and share their favorite media, including new and classic holiday movies. Gift them the ultimate entertainment experience with the LG OLED evo G4. Powered by LG’s latest Alpha 11 AI processor, it brings holiday scenes to life with breathtaking realism.

Another option for a memorable gift for the cinema buffs in your life is the LG OLED B4. With stunning 4K resolution and Dolby Vision™, beloved scenes from holiday classics come to life in vivid colors and sharp details.

You can seamlessly sync either TV with the LG S95TR soundbar to take your home theater sound to a new level. This impressive nine-channel soundbar features five up-firing speakers. Combined with a powerful subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, you’ve set the stage for an immersive surround sound experience for all your holiday movie favorites.

Help your loved one transform their space into a movie theater with the LG CineBeam Q, a premium 4K Projector. Don’t let the compact and light design fool you. Despite its small size, the CineBeam Q is a powerful performer equipped with smart features for the ultimate viewing experience.

Frequent flyers

The best gift for frequent travelers is LG’s TONE Free® T80 Dolby Atmos® True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds. With a lightweight design, medical-grade ear gels and up to 36 hours of battery life, you can enhance your entertainment and enjoy 3D sound at home, in the gym, on the road and in the sky.

For a luxurious holiday movie experience on the go, gift the LG StanbyME Go. This lifestyle screen in an easy-to-carry case delivers a premium entertainment experience. Its built-in battery and wireless capabilities will ensure your loved one is always ready for a holiday movie marathon.

For those who travel for work, help them get the best of both worlds with the LG gram Pro 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop. As the world’s lightest 16-inch 2-in-1 laptop, the LG gram Pro is the ultimate tool for productivity and portability. Featuring a vibrant 16-inch OLED touch-screen display, this laptop brings rich color and deep blacks to work or shopping sessions.

Holiday hosts

For those who love to entertain, give them the LG StanbyME. This rollable smart touch screen is the ultimate kitchen companion, allowing home chefs to effortlessly follow recipes or catch up on their favorite shows on the fully adjustable 27-inch lifestyle screen.

During holiday get-togethers, the practical yet powerful LG XO2 speaker offers hosts and guests immersive 360-degree sound. Whether placed in the center of the dining or coffee table or taken outdoors to the patio, everyone can enjoy deep bass and crisp vocals, enhanced by customizable mood lighting, for a complete sensory experience.

If your buddy regularly hosts sports viewing events, make sure they have the LG QNED90 4K MiniLED TV. With breathtaking visuals and immersive audio, you’ll feel like you’re cheering on your team from the sidelines. You can even stay updated on your favorite teams with Sports Alert.

Daily gamers

The gamers in your life will appreciate the LG OLED evo C4 Smart TV. Its crisp, smooth imagery with fast response times and improved gaming quality with NVIDIA G-Sync can keep up with the fastest games for a seamless gaming experience. Paired with the LG SC9S soundbar, your loved one can enjoy every game with a breathtaking, lag-free audio-visual experience.

For desktop gamers, the LG UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor 32GS95UE-B makes the perfect holiday gift. This 32-inch OLED monitor is ideal for intense, fast-paced gaming, delivering a stunning 4K experience at up to 240Hz or in Full HD at an ultra-fast 480Hz. With a lightning-quick 0.03ms response time and support for G-SYNC® and FreeSync™ Premium Pro, the monitor ensures tear-free, responsive gameplay for an immersive, unbeatable gaming experience.

Young scholars

Students will appreciate the vibrant 4K display of the LG MyView 32-inch Smart Monitor. Thanks to LG webOS, they can enjoy high-quality streaming and seamless connectivity for laptops and consoles. Smart features like ThinQ and AirPlay make this the perfect device for college students to go from studying to streaming holiday classics.

Whether going home, visiting friends or heading to outdoor adventures during winter break, make sure the students in your life bring along the LG XG2 speaker. This compact, ultra-portable speaker is designed with military-grade durability. It’s built to withstand extreme temps, rain and sand, while IP67 water and dust resistance makes it perfect for snowy strolls and holiday hikes.

To learn more about these and other must-have holiday tech gifts, visit LG.com.

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5 New Year’s credit card resolutions

2024-12-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re just starting out and don’t have much credit history, the holiday season maxed out your current credit card, or unforeseen circumstances lowered your credit score, this is the perfect time to make New Year’s resolutions to improve your credit rating. Learning how to obtain and use credit cards wisely can make a difference in your lifestyle and future goals.

Here are some practical credit card tips to help you boost your credit score in 2025.

If You Have Little or No Credit History, Consider a Secured Credit Card

Potential creditors want you to have a positive credit history, but you can’t build a credit history without credit. So, how do you get around this catch-22?

One option is to open a secured credit card. Because it’s secured by a cash deposit, a secured credit card is less risky to card issuers and typically easier to get than an unsecured credit card, which is what most credit cards are. Should you default on a secured credit card, the card issuer can use the cash deposit to cover or minimize any losses.

Other than requiring an initial deposit, a secured card works pretty much the same as an unsecured credit card, including typically reporting your card activity to one or all three of the major credit bureaus. If you’re using a secured credit card to build a credit history, it’s important to verify that the card issuer does indeed report account activity before applying. There are some secured cards out there that don’t.

If you are set on an unsecured card, apply for one meant for people with an average or little credit history that can help you begin to build credit, like the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa. These cards typically come with a lower credit limit, but can, with smart usage, help build your credit history without requiring a deposit.

Apply for New Credit Sparingly

Every time you apply for credit, it typically generates a hard inquiry, which could lower your credit score by as much as 10 points. Say you apply for four credit cards in one week — that’s a potential 40 points your credit score could drop in seven days.

To avoid taking too many hard-inquiry hits, try seeing if you pre-qualify for credit cards on the company’s website. Doing this allows you to get a good idea of whether you’re likely to be approved without generating a hard inquiry. Just understand that pre-qualifying for a credit card does not guarantee you will be approved for it. To get a definitive thumbs-up or -down, you have to formally apply for the card.

Choose Credit Cards Wisely — and Make the Most of Them

Which cards you use makes a difference, especially when you want to get the most from the benefits or rewards they offer. The Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa is available to people with average-to-excellent credit who want to maximize their rewards earnings*. The Platinum X5 Visa gives cash back on every purchase, with premium reward opportunities on everyday categories like gas and groceries. Cash back rewards accumulate over time and can be used to lower your account balance, or to purchase merchandise and gift cards. In addition, X5 cardmembers can optimize cashback rewards by making purchases in categories with the highest reward levels — including necessities you spend money on every day*.

Pay Your Credit Card Bills on Time, Every Time

Payment history is the number one factor in calculating credit scores in the two most popular consumer credit scoring models. It accounts for 35% of your FICO® Score and 40% of your VantageScore®. If you want to positively influence your credit score, consistently pay your bills by their due date.

You don’t have to pay your outstanding balance in full each month to accrue a positive payment history — although, doing so should help save you money in interest and contribute toward making your debt more manageable. But you do have to pay at least the minimum amount due, and it must be received by the creditor by the payment due date for your payment not to be considered late or missed.

Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio

Your credit utilization ratio is a mathematical expression of how much of your available revolving credit you’re using, and it’s another important factor in calculating consumer credit scores. To be safe, try to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%, which means your outstanding balances should remain below 30% of your overall available credit. For example, if your credit card has a $1,000 limit, your outstanding balance should be no more than $300.

Learning to use credit cards wisely can take time, but it’s well worth the effort. Identifying financial goals and taking steps toward achieving them could be the most important resolution you make this year.

*Terms Apply. Visit creditonebank.com for more details.

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Top 2025 outdoor design trends

2024-12-20T01:01:00

(BPT) – Americans are spending more time in their outdoor spaces — and want to maximize those spaces. Studies show that nearly 90% of homeowners consider their outdoor areas to be important to their health and well-being. Design trends reflect that people are showing more interest in connecting with nature in their own backyard and enjoying the comforts of indoor living while gathering outdoors. This means creating environments that are comfortable, multifunctional and cost-effective.

The outdoor design experts at Belgard®, the trusted leader in hardscape solutions from pavers to retaining walls, share exclusive insights into 2025 outdoor design trends to help homeowners plan their dream outdoor spaces.

Privacy and spaces of solitude

As property footprints continue to shrink year over year, homeowners are looking for aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate more privacy from neighbors or their surroundings. Decorative screen panels, pergolas, built-in planters and other structures can add elements of both beauty and functionality that provide a sense of solitude, even in urban environments.

Sound gardens and water features can further enhance a feeling of solitude by adding audible privacy from neighbors or street traffic. For example, even a simple fountain or water bowl can enhance the ambiance and help muffle sound.

Back yard privacy fence with pergola, patio, outdoor kitchen and bar area.

Shifting back to classic style

While minimalism remains a popular trend, there’s also been a shift back to a more classic style in indoor and outdoor home design. Mixed materials and warm colors such as beige and sepia are re-emerging, which lend themselves to a more traditional aesthetic.

With modular options from Belgard, a mix of different materials with multiple textures and sizes can create limitless possibilities while keeping with a classic design aesthetic. Because they’re available in many styles, shapes, and sizes designed to work together, a variety of paver patterns can be combined seamlessly to achieve any desired overall look.

Convenience in design

As outdoor spaces are now a must-have for homeowners, they must be convenient to access and offer the same amenities as the home’s indoor spaces. Homeowners are looking for their outdoor space to transition easily from the house to the built environment while offering the same modern conveniences of lighting, eating, Wi-Fi, quality furnishing and accessories.

Health and wellness

Using outdoor spaces to improve your well-being is a top focus for many people today. Americans are looking to be more balanced and in harmony with their environment, favoring the use of native plants and sustainable materials like permeable pavers, which promote better water drainage and reduce environmental impact.

Gardening is also a popular hobby that helps improve people’s feeling of well-being, so enthusiasts can opt for raised garden beds or planters to pursue their growing goals in their outdoor spaces. For example, Belgard offers options to create built-in planters as part of your overall hardscape design with its Belgard Artforms modular outdoor panel system. You can use the panels, which are sized in modular shapes, to quickly and efficiently construct planters, seating, outdoor kitchens, fire features and more.

By designing outdoor environments that support their health and wellness, individuals can cultivate spaces that provide a retreat in their own backyard to improve their quality of life.

Woman praticing yoga on her back yard patio, in front of her pool, living wall and outdoor kitchen area.

Value-added features

In every metro area, property sizes are smaller than ever. With this shift plus budget considerations, homeowners want to maximize small spaces through modular components that serve multiple purposes, like built-in seat walls, fire features, water features and planters that seamlessly blend into a living space — offering both functionality and visual appeal.

Homeowners can get creative with outdoor spaces with the right hardscape materials. For example, a small space can be transformed into a lush oasis by adding a vertical garden, or underutilized spaces like side or front yards can become cozy sitting areas. Even a small patio can serve as an al fresco dining space, and it doesn’t take a lot to add an outdoor workstation with the right tools and tech. Patio pavers and wall units help define spaces, making them serve more than one purpose for any household.

These strategic investments not only increase the functionality and enjoyment of outdoor areas but also significantly boost curb appeal and the home’s property value, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to maximize their limited spaces.

Textured paver patio with sitting wall, beautiful potted plants, and a patio table with umbrella.

To find inspiration for any outdoor space, visit Belgard.com.