Author: admin

2024-06-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you experience eye discomfort, fatigue or dryness after working on a computer or spending time on your smartphone? It could be digital eye strain, which can be felt after as few as two hours of digital device use and has become a common problem. According to a new survey by contact lens manufacturer CooperVision, seven in 10 people report experiencing symptoms associated with digital eye strain, with more than half of those saying they notice it multiple times per week.

It’s no wonder. Digital devices are everywhere — smartphones, computers, tablets, e-readers, even the television. Between work, home and entertainment, it can be hard to find a time during any given day when you’re not looking at a screen. The survey found half of respondents said they average six or more hours a day on digital devices, while one in four said they spend nine or more hours each day glued to their screens. Not surprisingly, most of that time is spent on a smartphone, with additional time on TVs, laptops, gaming devices, desktop PCs, tablets, smartwatches and e-readers.

What does all that screen time do to your eyes? In addition to discomfort, fatigue and dryness, other symptoms of digital eye strain include burning, soreness, teary or watery eyes, text moving or floating, blurred or double vision, and headaches. More and more people are making the connection between these symptoms and their device use.

“The data shows that screen time only continues to rise,” says Dr. Michele Andrews, an optometrist who is Vice President, Marketing and Professional and Academic Affairs for CooperVision. “People are aware of the connection between digital device use and eye discomfort, and are interested in solutions to combat these symptoms.”

Considering the fact people aren’t going to be putting down their smartphones anytime soon, what are the best ways to address this problem? Here are some tips to help.

Stay hydrated. Another reason to down those eight glasses of water each day. When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t produce enough tears, which are essential for lubricating the eye.

Blink regularly. Focusing continually on a screen can create a sort of zombie effect where we forget to blink. This alone can contribute to dry eyes. When you’re using screens, be conscious of this and remember to blink often.

Contact lenses designed to help. Many people don’t know this option even exists. It’s a new innovation by CooperVision designed specifically to help with eye tiredness and dryness associated with digital device use. The lenses come in daily disposable (MyDay Energys) and monthly replacement (Biofinity Energys) versions that use a single vision aspheric lens design called DigitalBoost Technology, which may help ease strain on eye muscles so the wearer can shift focus from on screen to off with less effort. They also feature Aquaform Technology, which retains water from core to surface without the need for surface coating or added wetting agents. It can make eyes feel less dry, even during times of reduced blinking such as when on digital screens.

20-20-20 rule. Haven’t heard of this? It’s a simple way to bring your eyes some relief. When you’re using a screen, take a short break every 20 minutes and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It helps give your eyes a reset, relaxes eye muscles and lets you refocus on your tasks.

Blue light glasses or screen filters. Blue light emitted by screens has been said to cause eye strain and even sleep disruptions when you spend time scrolling before bed. Whether they need corrective lenses or not, many people are opting for glasses that filter out blue light. While not proven to be effective, these glasses can be worn while using any device and may help reduce digital eye strain. As another option, there are blue-light-filtering overlays designed to be affixed to the screens of many devices.

Adjust your screen settings. A too-bright screen in a low-light environment can stress your eyes. Many devices automatically adjust brightness depending on time of day or night, but if yours doesn’t, make sure the screen brightness isn’t too harsh.

Reduce glare. Check your overhead lights, natural sunlight streaming in from windows or any sort of external brightness that can cause you to squint at the screen to see what’s there.

Use lubricant eye drops. These can moisten your eyes and alleviate dryness.

Maintain good posture. Sound weird? Good posture does actually help with eye strain by positioning your body in such a way that it’s easier to look at the screen.

Talk to your eye doctor. Of course, your eye doctor is the best resource for help with addressing symptoms of digital eye strain. Be sure to ask for their recommendations at your next appointment.

By following these simple tips, you can help ease the eye strain that can result from all of that screen time.

2024-06-27T13:57:00

(BPT) – National Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month presents an opportunity not only to shine a spotlight on cognitive issues but also to check on progress toward wellness goals. Simple dietary adjustments can help keep goals on track, and savvy shopping and easy ingredient swaps can improve overall health while boosting cognitive health — and olive oil is a key component.

Olive oil has long been known as a heart-healthy oil, and it claims a central role in the Mediterranean diet, which many studies also suggest may be associated with better brain health.

Olive oil shows promise

Research indicates that regular intake of olive oil may improve cognitive functioning and reduce cognitive decline when incorporated into a healthy diet. At the same time, findings show potential for olive oil to lower an individual’s susceptibility, over time, to degenerative cognitive conditions or dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Worldwide, more than 55 million people live with dementia, which impacts memory, reasoning and, eventually, the ability to care for oneself. This age-related illness has no cure, and limited treatments are available to help symptoms and progression.

The National Institute on Aging notes that Alzheimer’s disease can be caused by “a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors,” resulting in a complex disease that will likely require treatments aimed at multiple causes. Plus, changes in the brain often occur well before symptoms become fully apparent, which suggests that early intervention and prevention could be critical to slowing onset or progression of disease.

One comprehensive literature review of studies that analyze the role of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in Alzheimer’s disease “advocates incorporating EVOO and its derivatives into diets as a proactive measure for neurological health.” Olive oil’s natural antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to have protective effects on cells at risk of oxidative damage. As inflammation and cellular damage are often among the underlying causes of disease, the biological properties of olive oil may give the body — and the brain — a natural boost in its defense.

Making a simple swap

Consumers can take better control of their health by incorporating olive oil as part of a healthy diet, and it takes just one quick and simple swap at the grocery store and at home. Studies have shown that when consumed raw, olive oil benefits heart health in a way other oils may not. Olive oil can also be substituted for other cooking oils and fats, like butter, in virtually any preparation. Its stability at higher temperatures makes it ideal for sauteing, frying, roasting, grilling and baking, but its health benefits shine through most in fresher applications, such as in dressings, dipping sauces and even smoothies.

Further, high-quality olive oils are readily available at supermarkets from coast to coast. Filippo Berio, for instance, offers a full range of EVOO, including organic, sustainable and different flavor varietals.

This year, Filippo Berio has entered into an exclusive partnership with the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation, making a meaningful difference in the lives of millions affected by Alzheimer’s. This collaboration seeks to educate the public on the benefits of lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, that can positively impact brain health, empowering consumers to make informed choices.

Small changes can make big impacts to overall well-being, including cognitive health, and it’s never too late to start.

2024-06-27T06:53:00

(BPT) – Military veterans embody the strength of our nation. And while the overwhelming majority of those who have served our country are thriving, we must confront the fact that more than 125,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001, driven by a veteran suicide rate that is nearly twice that of the general population.

Veteran suicide is a major, yet misunderstood issue that needs greater attention and resources. This complex challenge is influenced by multiple factors such as financial insecurity, trouble finding or keeping a job, alcohol or drug abuse, mental health conditions, social isolation and struggles associated with transitioning from military to civilian life.

The good news is that there are interventions proven effective at reducing veteran suicide risk and driving positive outcomes — and progress has been made through research and advocacy done by public health agencies and organizations like the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

However, in recent years, it has become clear that there is a need for a movement to activate and energize private organizations to do more in raising awareness and resources to address this critical issue. Enter: Face the Fight™.

“Suicide prevention is complex — it’s a national crisis — and no single organization can take it on alone,” said Lindsey O’Neill, chief communications and corporate responsibility officer at USAA, which founded Face the Fight. “At USAA, our members and our employees see veteran suicide as the No. 1 cause to raise our hand in support and advocacy — to do as much as we can to join forces with diverse and knowledgeable organizations who are equally committed to making a positive impact on our military community and their families.”

Since its launch in June 2023, Face the Fight has attracted more than 175 organizations across the country to join its coalition with the goal of making a collective impact and supporting every veteran, regardless of their unique needs or challenges.

“USAA came to us with a vision and a strong desire to help address veteran suicide and really drive awareness that it’s not an inevitable outcome,” said Katy Dondanville, a clinical psychologist at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. “Together we came up with a plan and with the leadership at USAA, Reach Resilience and the Humana Foundation, we launched this multi-year initiative focused on actionable solutions like expanding suicide prevention in communities to better identify and support those at risk and strengthening access to equitable and effective clinical care for suicide in community-based organizations.”

Face the Fight has seen solid growth in its first year because of a strong foundation, actionable objectives and a clear future-focused strategy. To date, more than $85 million has been pledged from USAA, Reach Resilience, the Humana Foundation, as well as private donations and other organizations. Through initial grants provided to nonprofits, more than 15,000 veterans have been screened for suicide risk and over 5,000 veterans have received suicide-specific interventions. Additionally, nearly 300 mental health clinicians and peers have been trained to deliver suicide-specific treatments and trained to talk to veterans about voluntary, safe and secure storage of firearms at times of distress.

“Our veterans selflessly answered the call to serve — and now it’s our turn,” said Sonya Medina Williams, president and CEO of Reach Resilience. “As a founding partner, we believe fully in the purpose and power of Face the Fight and recognize the tremendous ability — and responsibility — of corporations, foundations and other sectors to step up and help save our veterans from suicide.”

The small seed of an idea is forming into a powerful force with major organizations and corporations across the country joining in to lend their voice and their resources. The power of Face the Fight can be seen in the collaboration and the outlook that the shared team envisions.

“It’s with our partners — who all share the same passion to help our veterans — that we can work to destigmatize asking for help, raise awareness around veteran suicide prevention and deploy philanthropic grants that support programs that can change and save lives,” said O’Neill.

To learn more about how you can join the fight or get help, visit www.wefacethefight.org.

2024-06-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it be a day spent by the pool, a barbecue or a highly anticipated firework show, the Fourth of July is all about celebrating the peak of summer. For those hosting their family and friends this year, Gallo has created a guide to help make your gathering one to remember! No matter the occasion, this roundup will not only match the playful vibes of summer, but it’ll complement any favorite bite being served up.

Pop open La Marca and liven up your sips with a little sparkle

With its balanced and lively taste, this effortless Italian sparkling wine is perfect for toasting to the nation’s birthday. Born in Treviso, Italy’s Prosecco capital, La Marca will bring a touch of sparkle to every moment as you raise a glass to the red, white and blue this year.

With its crisp and refreshing style, America’s favorite sparkling wine has a delicate floral palate with fruity aromas of green apple, juicy peach and ripe lemon. So, if you’re grilling up salmon for the main course or breaking out a masterful charcuterie board for guests to snack on, La Marca provides the perfect balance. You can even pair a bottle with a fruit salad or dessert before the fireworks kick off. Visit LamarcaProsecco.com/FindNearMe to find a bottle near you.

Mimic the exuberance of summer with Barefoot

If you’re looking for a wine that’ll suit any occasion, look no further than Barefoot — America’s favorite wine brand[1]. With its playful energy and ability to welcome more new wine drinkers to the category than any other brand[2], Barefoot will bring just the vibes you’re looking for this Fourth of July. Plus, it’ll go with just about anything you’re serving up, from chef-inspired meals to poolside bites.

Barefoot’s Pinot Grigio is specifically a light-bodied classic with flavors of tart green apples and fresh white peaches. Its citrus aroma makes it the perfect pour for a dinner of grilled chicken or light seafood dishes. It also pairs well with a side of pasta salad or even fun snacks — including those iconic holiday-themed ice pops! Find your nearest Barefoot options at BarefootWine.com/FindNearMe.

Set sail and embrace authenticity with Whitehaven

Born in the sunny vineyards of New Zealand, there’s no better choice than Whitehaven’s Sauvignon Blanc to match the sweltering heat only the Fourth of July can bring. The bright and infectious vibrancy of just one bottle, will remind you of what summer is all about and bring the energy to any Fourth of July celebration.

With vibrant tropical notes and a crisp herbaceous edge, this wine’s bright character will also complement the flavors of grilled fish, light meats, a festive summer salad or vegetable-forward dishes. Locate your nearest Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc at WhitehavenWine.com/FindNearMe.

Put a modern twist on tradition with Franciscan

With deep roots in California, Franciscan is known for its rich history. However, while it offers a sense of tradition, the brand also displays forward-thinking and has been able to bring its own modern spin to the region. “Letting the fruit speak for itself,” Franciscan is guaranteed to deliver on a bold burst of flavor this Fourth of July.

Franciscan’s Chardonnay is specifically a bright, approachable white wine with hints of pineapple and lemon flower along with notes of juicy pear and apple, making it the perfect wine to complement whatever’s on your grill this Fourth of July, especially poultry dishes like pineapple chicken. You can also pair it with light seafood, pasta and a variety of tasty cheeses. Visit Franciscan.com/FindNearMe to explore Franciscan wines in your area.

Make the most of your Fourth of July celebrations this year with Gallo’s standout pairing guide. From the sparkle of La Marca and the playful energy of Barefoot to the vibrancy of Whitehaven and modernity of Franciscan, Gallo has the perfect brands for just about any bite you might be serving up or any party you might be throwing.

Disclaimer: Ages 21+. Drink responsibly.

[1] Circana BWS. Latest 52 Weeks Ending 10-01-23. Dollar Sales.

[2] Circana National Consumer Panel. Total All U.S. Outlets. Latest 52 Weeks Ending 10-08-23. Popular Wines. Total Buyers. Total Repeat Buyers. New Buyers.

2024-06-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Summer’s in and school’s out! Now that your kids are out of school or back from college for the summer, your Wi-Fi network could be getting a workout. When everyone in the house is trying to stream movies and shows, game online or take video calls from home across a ton of connected devices, the demand on your network has never been greater.

Plus, with your kids home from school, you can’t keep on top of everything they’re browsing online. Not only is it tough to curb the temptation of all-day screen time and have quality family time together, but it can be difficult to prevent your younger children from accessing inappropriate content online.

This summer, don’t settle for a slow connection. Use these top five tips to keep up with your family’s internet needs.

1. Invest in a mesh Wi-Fi system

Say goodbye to dead zones! If you want fast, reliable and consistent connectivity throughout your entire home, then it’s time to invest in a quality mesh Wi-Fi system.

By using multiple access points around the house as opposed to a single router, mesh Wi-Fi networks can provide coverage throughout your home regardless of its shape or size. You can place an eero in your bedroom, living room, garage and more to get reliable connectivity anywhere in your home.

When purchasing a mesh Wi-Fi system, look for products known for performance, advanced features and security, like the eero Pro 6E, eero 6+, and eero Max 7. They’re simple to set up and use, so you can seamlessly connect 75-200 devices at once!

2. Use content filters and parental controls

You can’t monitor your kids’ internet use 24/7, but you can use parental controls like content filters to help keep them safe from content you deem inappropriate. Your router and mesh system may already offer features like these, so keep an eye out.

Once you find these monitoring tools, you can set up filters to block specific websites. Think beyond blocking inappropriate content. You can also block shopping, social media and messaging platforms. Configuring filters and controls allows you to easily create a safer online experience for kids of all ages. Content filters are offered to eero Plus subscribers and are a great way for parents to help keep browsing safer for their family.

3. Set aside internet breaks

During summer breaks, it’s important to carve out quality time with your kids and rein in their screen time. Sometimes, the best way to do that is to schedule breaks from the internet, such as in the evening when it’s time to wind down or when family is in town. Keep an eye out for routers that offer advanced features like creating Wi-Fi schedules.

eero allows you to set up individual profiles for each family member and create schedules for pausing the internet. That means you can set quiet hours during family dinners to encourage healthy screen habits for the whole family!

4. Have an internet backup just in case

An internet outage when your kids are home can be disastrous! But don’t worry, a good internet backup can help keep your kids online and happy while you’re working from home during an outage.

There are a few options for setting up an internet backup. For example, you can purchase a portable hotspot device and a power supply to keep your internet up and running during an outage. However, you may already have an internet backup built into your mesh Wi-Fi system.

If you own an eero device and are an eero Plus subscriber, you already have a great option! eero Internet Backup allows you to back up your network to a local hotspot, allowing your kids (and you) to enjoy video streaming, video conferencing, music streaming or online gaming with a capable hotspot, even during an internet blackout.

5. Explore connectivity possibilities

If you have a mesh Wi-Fi system, take the time to explore other advanced features you may have missed during the initial setup. For example, if you have an Echo Dot (5th Gen) in the bedroom for music, you can also use it as an eero mesh Wi-Fi extender with eero Built-in so you can reliably watch shows, stream music and more.

You can also sign up for a subscription service like eero Plus for an even better internet experience. The service offers ad blocking, advanced online security features, VPN, anti-malware software and more for your eero mesh Wi-Fi system!

With the right tools, you can ensure you can optimize and help safeguard your home internet no matter how many devices your kids bring home. Follow these five tips to enjoy safe and reliable Wi-Fi this summer and beyond!

2024-06-26T15:25:00

(BPT) – When it comes to your social media feed, do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a bad place? Do you even dread opening up your feed sometimes because of all the negativity you might find there? Whatever happened to those funny memes, animal videos, positive interactions with friends and family, even informational DIYs and hacks?

Sometimes, it can feel like social media algorithms are not generating the mix of content needed to live a well-balanced life.

Algorithms can be a mystery to people who aren’t data analysts, but they play a significant role in what we see on social media. While designed to make our feeds more interesting and relevant, recent research has shown that these algorithms can send us down niche rabbit holes and promote negative conversations that can directly impact mental health.

Sure, some negative content on your feeds is expected, especially because world events are an important element of a diverse social media diet. But algorithms could be pushing down the feel-good content to encourage more doomscrolling. It happens more than you think.

But can you do anything about it? It turns out, you can.

LG Electronics recently commissioned a new global survey, in keeping with their mission to spread the ethos of Life’s Good, to understand how social media platforms affect users’ well-being. It found what many of us experience every day — social media is a source of anxiety and stress, but also a place where we turn to be entertained. More than half of survey respondents reported their social media feeds consist of an equal or greater amount of negative content vs. positive content, with nearly a quarter saying that negative content on their social media feeds has increased their anxiety and made them unhappy.

Sound familiar? Here’s what can you do to bring that happy feeling back to your social media feed.

1. Proactively search for the content you like. From funny cat videos to food hacks to motivational speeches, the content is out there if you look for it.
2. Encourage your favorite creators to keep making content that you enjoy.
3. Engage with posts you like and disengage with content you don’t. This sounds obvious, but people don’t often think about it.
4. When engaging with content you enjoy, keep in mind, there are real humans with emotions behind the screens. Like or comment something positive on uplifting content and the algorithm will continue to feed you more of the same.

A great example of this is LG’s new “Optimism Your Feed” campaign, which gives social media users a head start on shaping the content they want to consume by creating a positive playlist of TikTok and YouTube content. The playlist features feel-good content from popular creators and aims to help those who want to retrain their algorithm to bring more optimism to their feed by inviting them to proactively engage with positive content.

Here’s how it works:

1. Search for @lg_lifesgood on TikTok, or go to LG’s channel on YouTube.
2. Find Optimism Your Feed and start scrolling!
3. Engage with content you like by tapping, liking, commenting or sharing.

This isn’t just about getting people to interact with fun videos. It’s about using that positive content to give people the power to change the algorithms on their feeds. By interacting with this content, it will, in turn, draw in even more positive content from other sources.

Social media can be both good for us and bad for us at the same time, so it’s important to remember there are ways we can try to proactively take more control of our social media experience. By being more conscious about what we choose to engage with, we can bring stronger balance, inspiration and happiness to our lives.

If we focus on optimism, we will be better equipped to deal with life’s challenges and build a happier life.

And who doesn’t need that, right?