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Don’t skip these 13 important homeowner to-dos for the warmer months

2023-06-12T17:14:08

(BPT) – After a wild weather ride across the country, everyone is ready to welcome the beautiful summer months. Is your home and yard ready, too? If not, there’s no better time than the present to create a to-do list and get things done so you’re ready to enjoy your best life in your best home.

In warmer months, consider this top 13 list of important tasks for homeowners from the experts at Neighborly® — the world’s largest home services company with more than 30 brands and 5,000 franchises that collectively serve more than 12 million customers.

Clean your air conditioner: Start by looking over your outdoor condenser unit and clearing away external debris, such as leaves and dead branches. Special brushes and cloths are required to clean the coils on your air conditioner’s condenser unit to ensure safe and effective debris removal. Attempting to do this yourself could result in damage, so instead schedule a tune-up from a company like Aire Serv® so you know the job will be done right and you’ll be ready when the temperatures climb.

Repair garage door springs: Is your garage door getting noisier or something seems off? Garage door torsion springs are under tension and may require repair or replacement. While it can be tempting, doing this yourself can be dangerous to you and may damage your home. Contact a local Precision Door Service® professional who can inspect the situation, and if needed, use the correct tools and processes to fix any issues or replace the garage door.

Clean your dryer vents: Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of hiring someone to clean or repair dryer vents. Unkempt dryer vents can lead to fires or the buildup of toxins, mold and bacteria. You can protect your family and home by getting a professional inspection of your venting system and scheduling yearly cleanings from a company like Dryer Vent Wizard®.

Introduce a new shade of paint: A fresh hue can add a new look and feel to any space, indoors and out. Painting kitchen cabinets, interior walls or exterior trim are some examples. Some people enjoy painting and have the knowledge and time to do it themselves, but remember, painting the right way is a multistep process that requires expertise for things like picking the right paint, brushes, finish, coverage, primer and other details. If you’re unsure, call the painting professionals from Five Star Painting® for results you’re guaranteed to love.

Get creative with new storage solutions: Organization is an important part of spring cleaning that can make your home more streamlined. Creating highly organized spaces in your home is important, but to make them more useful you need to go beyond the basics. Consider working with professional designers from ShelfGenie® who can create custom solutions for every room in your house, leaving a lasting impact on the efficiency and value of your home.

Think green when you clean: Cleaning can be green and health-conscious with green tips from Molly Maid®. Creating your own all-purpose cleaner with essential oils, vinegar and baking soda can help reduce toxicity in your home. Being mindful of water use while doing laundry, scrubbing floors and doing dishes can also help keep water usage down. Microfiber dusting cloths can help you use less water and fewer paper towels — an earth-friendly win!

Revitalize lawn and update landscaping: Is your yard looking a bit drab? Consider completing tasks like trimming overgrowth, fertilizing grass and installing landscaping. Preventative measures are also important, such as adding weed barriers and treatments. Need assistance with any of these tasks? The Grounds Guys® can help make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.

Clean windows and your home’s exterior: Your home’s windows are your eyes to the outside world, but they can get dirty over time along with your home’s exterior. While cleaning the inside of your windows may be easily accessible, the outside of the windows can be more difficult, not to mention that cleaning different types of siding can be complex. Consider hiring Window Genie® to do the job for you and make your house shine.

Have your yard sprayed: No one wants their outdoor event to turn into a flurry of swatting or slapping away bugs. If you’re looking for an effective way to keep insects from ruining your outdoor fun, the experts at Mosquito Joe® will spray your yard in specific areas where mosquitoes like to hide and breed to help make your outdoor event more enjoyable.

Deck repairs and installation: Spring is the ideal time to inspect your deck for loose or rotting boards and other damage that can happen over time. You can opt to make repairs or perhaps you’ll decide to build a new deck. Either way, a deck is an important investment in a home’s value, and you want it to be attractive and safe, so it’s best to work with a professional. Mr. Handyman® is an expert at framing, decking, railing, staining and other areas of the project.

Make wiring upgrades: Want to add some new lighting to your deck or patio? Or, maybe you’ve noticed some existing wiring that’s frayed and in need of repair? Modifying or replacing electrical wiring can be extremely dangerous and lead to injury or fire damage. Stay safe and ask a qualifed electrician from Mr. Electric® to upgrade or replace your home’s wiring.

Repair your oven or stove: DIY oven or stove repairs can have serious consequences like gas leaks and fires. This is especially common with gas appliances, so if you have these units, it’s best to let expert service technicians provide an effective, long-lasting repair while keeping your home safe. Check out Mr. Appliance® for help with oven and stove repair.

Bonus tip for your vehicle: Many new vehicles have an Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, a feature that reduces the likelihood of your vehicle running into the car in front of you. Be aware that even a minor crack can degrade the level of clarity the system needs to operate effectively to help prevent accidents. If your windshield is damaged or broken, trust the auto glass specialists at Glass Doctor® to repair your windshield and calibrate your systems.

Remember, everyone is different in their desire and abilities to do these tasks. That’s why expert help is available if you need it. Through Neighborly.com and the Neighborly mobile app, you can find trusted local service providers that meet rigorous franchisor standards so you can feel confident no matter which job you need to be completed.

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Traveling near or far: Add safety to your packing list

2023-06-12T13:59:00

(BPT) – While it might not be the first item on your packing list, safety while traveling is just as important as it is at home. Whether heading to the beach or a cool mountain retreat, staying in a hotel or enjoying the campground, simple precautions can help you enjoy your vacation safely from departure to return or check-in to check-out.

One consideration that may slip through the cracks for many travelers is the threat of carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, invisible and poisonous gas. CO can be emitted by fuel-burning appliances such as water heaters, stoves, furnaces, grills and more, and it can only be detected by a CO alarm. Organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommend travelers pack a carbon monoxide alarm, as recent tragic news stories have reported on travelers exposed to deadly levels of this dangerous gas.

First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety*, now of Resideo Technologies, Inc., offers the following tips to incorporate CO safety into your next trip, no matter the accommodations you choose.

1. Hotel Rooms

Once arriving at your hotel room, regardless of the length of your stay, check to see if your room has a CO alarm. Not all states and cities require CO alarms in hotel guest rooms. Even if your room does have one, it may not be clear when it was last checked or replaced. Bringing your own CO alarm may give you added peace of mind.

2. Rented Homes/Rooms

Booking accommodation through private rental companies and individuals is a great way to experience a different side of your destination — but there can be a lot of variables when booking a private space. Given the uncertainty of available safety amenities that can come with this type of travel, it’s best to pack your own CO alarm for added safety. The First Alert 10-Year Battery Carbon Monoxide Alarm makes an ideal travel companion. Its compact design makes it easy to pack, and it requires no installation — you simply place it on a tabletop.

3. Staying with Friends or Family

It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re in a familiar place. If you notice your hosts don’t have smoke and/or CO alarms in their home, share the benefits of having reliable protection and consider an alarm as a host gift.

4. Recreational Vehicles

Recreational vehicles (RVs) offer the best of both worlds: transportation and accommodation. However, having a full kitchen and bathroom on wheels often means a reliance on propane. While it’s important to regularly check propane-burning appliances like refrigerators, hot water heaters and stoves/ovens for leaks, having a CO alarm is also essential. When you purchase a CO alarm for your motor home or campervan, ensure it is RV certified.

5. Cruise Ships

Although cruise ships typically have safety measures in place, such as well-maintained ventilation systems, accidents or malfunctions can still occur. A travel CO alarm provides an additional layer of protection, alerting you to any CO leaks in your cabin or nearby areas. Check with your cruise line to determine if devices with lithium-ion batteries are permitted onboard. Many other alarm options with standard AA or 9V batteries are available, too, so you can sail the high seas with greater peace of mind.

For more information about CO safety, please visit firstalert.com.

*2023 First Alert Brand Trust Survey

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How a university commencement celebrates student resilience and tenacity

2023-06-12T10:31:00

(BPT) – Every commencement ceremony celebrates student achievement. But the celebration is even more profound when students overcome obstacles to get to school, then strive to continue learning while working, raising families, and other personal obligations. For students who are first in their family to attend college, the celebration is even sweeter.

That’s the case for many students at DeVry University, which held commencement ceremonies on June 11 in Rosemont, Illinois, and virtually for students unable to attend in person. DeVry also hosted a day-long event for grads to engage in sessions to prepare for their lives post-graduation. The alumni reception and award ceremony celebrated alums who have excelled in their professions and their communities while welcoming new graduates into DeVry’s Alumni Association.

“We are proud of our graduates’ hard work, perseverance and determination to reach this milestone,” said Tom Monahan, president and CEO of DeVry University. “However, our commitment doesn’t end at commencement. DeVry’s mission is different than what some people consider to be higher education — to help learners at any stage of their journey create thriving careers in an economy transformed by technology.”

DeVry’s Career Compact is a unique benefits program that supports alumni beyond graduation. Graduates have access to personalized career advising, online career tools, tuition savings, and lifelong learning resources which can empower their future learning and professional pursuits.

A keynote speaker embodying DeVry’s values

Students from a wide variety of backgrounds who overcome obstacles and break barriers to achieve their dreams are a big part of what makes DeVry unique. Highlighting this kind of perseverance was their keynote speaker: entrepreneur and author of “Empowered to Prosper” Natalie Fikes, founder and CEO of Code Next Generation.

“We were fortunate to have Natalie as our keynote speaker. Her story undoubtedly inspired our graduates as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives,” Monahan said.

Fikes began life in Kingston, Jamaica, during civil unrest. Her family came to New York to seek safety, only to face new difficulties as immigrants. Raised primarily by her mother, Fikes left home at 16, beginning a journey of self-discovery after graduating from high school and finding initial success as a sales representative.

Because Fikes believed deeply in her ability to overcome her circumstances, she founded Code Next Generation (now Teen Vocal), a youth organization that helps teens find, develop and use their voices to make a difference in their homes, schools and communities as they navigate life, career and the successful transition to adulthood. In 2015 she was named one of John Maxwell’s Top 100 Leaders, with participants of her program receiving White House recognition from President Barack Obama for exceptional community service.

“It was a privilege to be invited to speak at this year’s commencement,” added Fikes. “My hope is to inspire DeVry University graduates to use their success to make the world a better place.”

Combatting obstacles, mastering new skills: One student’s journey

Eager to achieve new things and break into the traditionally male-dominated field of technology, Chicago native Corinthia Wheeler graduated with an associate degree in Information Technology and Networking with a specialization in Automation and Electronic Systems — and is one of the first in her family to graduate from college. Wheeler had to continue working while attending school, which meant many long nights and early mornings.

“Trust me, it gets really hard, but I never gave up, and DeVry was definitely supportive,” said Wheeler. “Even when I had to take time off, they always reached out and checked in, gave me advice and support resources to help me out.”

Wheeler hopes more women enter the tech field. “Once you try it, you’re going to love it,” she observed. “This is what most women do all the time. We’re moms, sisters, daughters — we play so many roles. Just like systems, we connect to everything and everyone. If you like that and do that naturally, this is the field to study, because this is all you’re doing: connecting.”

Beyond her technology career, Wheeler has goals including working on elections, shadowing someone in local office to learn about running for alderman — and creating a community center.

“I really want to bring a community center back to my community,” Wheeler said. “When I was growing up we had those, but now they’re kind of obsolete. I want to focus on the youth in my community because I want to show them that your environment doesn’t have to make you who you are — you can grow beyond your environment.”

Wheeler’s advice to other students? “Once you have the focus within yourself that this is something you want to do, just keep on,” she said. “Pace yourself. You don’t have to put too much on yourself at once. But don’t give up.”

Discover your possibilities at DeVry.edu.

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5 tips to help your student prepare for college dorm life

2023-06-12T14:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot

Moving your child into their very first college dorm is one of life’s most exciting new adventures. From meeting new people, to exploring new surroundings, preparing for classes and a new place to live, your college student’s life will undoubtedly get very busy, quickly. To help minimize the stress that can come along with prepping for dorm life, consider these five tips to help set your child up for success.

1. Don’t procrastinate on your packing list.

College students’ schedules are often jam-packed at the start of the year, leaving little time for shopping and organizing. Create a shopping list now with your child and get a head start on purchasing the items they will need. Preparing in advance can help your student avoid scrambling to shop for college supplies at the last minute when their selection might be more limited. Additionally, you may forget important items if you wait until just before the school year begins. Start getting what’s needed now and get it packed so there’s one less thing to worry about when it’s time to move.

The school should be able to give you a list of what’s available in the dorm as well as what you’re allowed — or not allowed — to have. Office Depot has a huge selection of backpacks, technology and more to suit your college student’s style, plus desks, chairs and dorm decor to help them feel at home, while they’re away from home. In addition, you can find expanded product assortments for college students in select Office Depot and OfficeMax stores across the country, including bedding and storage solutions from DormCo. Check out Office Depot’s Ultimate College Packing List for more ideas.

2. Be strategic for extra space.

For many students, the biggest challenge is fitting all their dorm room essentials into a limited space — which they often share with a roommate (or two). Smart, space-saving strategies can help to alleviate this issue. For example, raising a bed off the ground with bed risers creates a lot of room for storage below, and convenient storage carts make organization easy.

Get in touch with roommates ahead of time to make sure you don’t duplicate items that can clutter up a room. And that luggage that was used to pack clothes and other essentials in? Consider storing things in there you won’t need as often, like out-of-season coats and boots or extra towels. The luggage can then be stowed under your bed or on the floor of your closet, so it’s out of sight but easily accessible. Click here for more college dorm space-saving suggestions.

3. Create a budget and stick to it.

Tuition, books, housing — college comes with a lot of expenses. You may want to prepare a budget ahead of time to get the most bang for your buck on purchases of school supplies and dorm decor. Do your research to find deals and other ways to save to help stay on track.

And there’s no need to wait until the last minute. Office Depot is helping parents and students get a jump-start on their shopping now. Buy any backpack, including JanSport®, at an Office Depot or OfficeMax store and save 25% on qualifying school supplies like notebooks, binders, pens and more, now through July 1. You can also save on thousands of items from PCs, laptops and tech accessories to furniture and chairs during the company’s Sizzling Summer Blowout Sale in stores and online.

Enrolling in free loyalty or rewards programs can also help you stretch your dollars. With a free Office Depot® OfficeMax® Rewards program membership, members earn 2% back in rewards on supplies, furniture, technology and more, both in stores and online at OfficeDepot.com, plus take advantage of special promotions, instant pricing discounts and more.

4. Parents, send a care package (or more).

No matter how much planning is done ahead of time, things will likely be forgotten. That’s where care packages from parents come into play.

The perfect care package for a college student includes a mix of necessities (snacks, toothpaste, pens), personal effects (photos, clothes) and gift cards to help support them throughout the semester. And you can shop, pack and ship all in one trip at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores with FedEx® and USPS® shipping and mailing services.

5. Savor the moment

With so much change happening, it’s easy to let the stress of it all take over. But remember, sending your child off to college and moving them into their first college dorm is a moment to be remembered. Stop packing and take some photos. Go out and enjoy a meal together and reflect on how far you’ve both come.

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Pet expert reveals do’s and don’ts of playing with cats

2023-06-12T09:35:00

(BPT) – Play is instrumental for pets’ overall health and physical wellbeing. However, many cat lovers may not realize that there are positive and negative ways to engage cats in play.

“Positive play can lower pets’ cortisol levels, influence brain development and help them gather information to understand boundaries and different ways of communicating,” said Purina Animal Enrichment Specialist Alex Johnson.

If you’re craving new ways to interact with your cat, Johnson shares additional insights about the value of play, plus do’s and don’ts to maximize your time together.

DO create routines — Cats anticipate what will happen at certain times of day. Try giving your cat 15 minutes of undivided attention at the same time every day, focusing on your cat’s cues. Pet your cat and speak in a calm voice. Connection is the goal, but some cats prefer just hearing your voice as they sit nearby.

DO reinforce positive behavior — Johnson recommends praising good behavior with treats like new Friskies Playfuls, uniquely shaped to roll so cats can have fun with their treats. For example, if they like to scratch furniture, redirect the behavior by giving them a toy or object that’s acceptable to scratch.

DO provide mental stimulation — If your cat seems bored, Johnson suggests rotating toys or introducing new activities:

  • Copycat: Mirror your cat’s actions like you’re playing Simon Says, batting Friskies Playfuls with them like you’re playing catch. Seeing things from their perspective fuels interactive play, creating new ways to connect with your cat.
  • Obstacle fetch: Set up items like scrunched-up paper, paper bags or boxes, then toss a treat among the items to encourage cats to seek out the treat. This activity uses their hunting skills, encouraging mental stimulation by providing obstacles they must maneuver around to get their reward.
  • Lost marbles: Cut holes a bit bigger than your cat’s arm on the top and sides of a box. Cut 2-3 holes at floor level, as this will be where the treats come out. Place a few Friskies Playfuls treats and other movable objects inside (balled-up paper, toys, ping-pong balls), letting your cat bat them around to push the treat out of one of the bottom holes. This problem-solving activity gets your cat thinking and activates trial and error.

DON’T forget to encourage their instincts: Cats love exploring, so making blanket forts or repurposing boxes can be great ways to engage with them. They also love exploring textures and smells, so adding different materials like an old T-shirt or packaging paper in the box or blanket fort each week can help keep them entertained.

DON’T betray your cat’s trust: Cats’ relationships are built around trust, which is vital for their sense of safety. Some social media trends prompt cat owners to seek reactions from cats as a means for entertainment, but this could be damaging to the bonds cats have with their owners.

“A great test to check if you’re crossing a line with your cat is to ask yourself if you would do this to a child or a baby,” Johnson says. “If an adult plays pranks, deliberately annoys, hurts or frightens a child — that can cause confusion, stress and feelings of betrayal, and the same concept applies to cats.”

DON’T overstimulate: Watch for signs of agitation: whipping their tail back and forth, biting, hissing or flattening their ears. If you see these signs, give them space. Avoid raising your voice or punishing your cat for being aggressive. While this may seem a logical way to teach your cat to ‘behave,’ it increases your cat’s stress in an already stressful situation — and could increase aggressive behavior.

Following these guidelines, you’ll learn what works best for encouraging active, positive play with your cat, and you’ll likely have just as much fun as they do!

Learn more about Friskies Playfuls on Purina.com/friskies/cat-treats.

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Unlocking hidden potential: 5 ways to elevate your laundry room

2023-06-11T23:01:00

(BPT) – When you’re seeking ways to optimize your home, it’s easy to overlook the humble laundry room. But there are many ways to improve your experience of this room, making it more functional and attractive. A beautifully appointed laundry room is a sight to behold, helping to transform ordinary tasks into enjoyable routines.

If you’re ready to turn your laundry room into a space you love, consider these upgrades.

1. Shed some light on the subject

Is your laundry room too dark? Improving the room’s lighting will make daily chores easier to do while also making the room feel more bright and cheerful. You may need to add several recessed lights to really see well, especially if there’s no window, and cooler-colored LED lights can help you sort colors better.

Consider adding a window if possible, or enlarging an existing window to boost natural light. Applying a fresh coat of light-colored or white paint can also make any space feel open and airy.

2. Make it functional and multi-purpose

Every good laundry room needs a utility sink deep enough to soak soiled clothing. How about a sink you can also use to bathe your dog? You can create the perfect pet beauty parlor with a 12″ deep Cairn Utility Sink from KOHLER. It offers a generous workspace, along with a stainless steel utility sink and accompanying wash bin. Both slide on the ledge in the sink, so you can tailor it to suit your needs. The offset drain increases the sink’s workspace as well as potential for storage underneath. Its soft curves and matte finish add beauty to any room, and you can choose one of six colors to suit your design: White, Black, Taupe, Grey, Graphite, Brown and Black Plum. The sink is made of KOHLER Neoroc composite material that’s extremely durable and will resist scratches and stains.

To make it easier to use your new sink for washing your pet or anything else, choose a handshower or faucet that functions well and looks even better. KOHLER’s Awaken four-function handshower provides advanced spray performance with three distinct sprays — wide coverage, intense drenching or targeted — with the smooth rotation of a thumb tab.

Or consider the Crue touchless pull-down sink faucet with a three-function sprayhead. The Crue faucet collection represents a true high point in user-focused, sophisticated plumbing design. The contemporary silhouette — a simple arched spout and single lever handle — offers a straightforward style that adapts to nearly any room design, and the touchless functionality makes tasks simpler.

3. Get organized

Increasing shelving and/or cupboard space is always smart for a laundry room upgrade. If you select open shelving, use matching baskets, boxes or trays to create a unified look. Make sure to include a large drying rack to hang delicates and other items that need to be air dried.

One idea that’s seriously trending is combining the laundry area with the mudroom, which helps contain the mess coming in from outside. When designing your mudroom/laundry room, make sure to provide sturdy benches for sitting and removing boots — ideally with space inside for added storage.

Not just for kitchens anymore, installing an island in your laundry room is a great way to provide the perfect folding space — and another opportunity to add more storage underneath. Limited space? Consider using a rolling kitchen cart.

4. Elevate the situation

One way to truly elevate your laundry room is to put your machines up on pedestals. This option not only makes maintenance and cleaning a lot easier, but is also much gentler on your back — you’ll do a lot less leaning and bending over every laundry day.

5. Flaunt your style

There’s no reason your laundry room can’t also be pretty. Consider bright paint colors or whimsical wallpaper when you’re giving the room a makeover. Fun art accents and even a whiteboard or chalkboard for laundry instructions (or playful notes!) may encourage more family members to join the laundry routine.

Even achieving a couple of these upgrades can make a big difference in how you use and perceive the humble laundry room. Following through with all of them might just make it your favorite room in the house.

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Tips for Selecting the Right Railing for Your Deck

2023-06-09T14:35:00

(BPT) – When you look at a deck, what is the first thing you see? Odds are it’s the railings that catch your eye before anything else. While railings provide an obvious and necessary safety function, they also serve an important aesthetic role by creating a decorative frame for an outdoor space and defining the setting’s personality and style. Following are some expert tips for selecting the right railing look for your outdoor oasis:

Think ahead

While railing may be installed toward the end of a decking project, it is a key design element that should be considered from the outset. Ideally, decking and railing decisions should be made simultaneously — as a purposeful pairing.

Consider views and privacy

If you want to enjoy the view beyond your deck, look for railings that you will easily be able to see through. The Trex Signature® railing collection offers glass panels or infill with thin balusters finished in black that tend to blend into the environment, putting more visual emphasis on the natural surroundings. Conversely, if you have neighbors who live close enough to see onto your deck, you may want to consider railings with thicker posts or more tightly spaced balusters to enhance privacy.

Aim high and low

When choosing railing, look for high-performance and low-maintenance materials so that you’ll be able to spend more time enjoying your deck rather than maintaining it. Although a classic option, wood railing requires frequent staining and sealing and is prone to rot and decay. Aluminum and composite offer durable, attractive and versatile options that are easy to work with and maintain.

Showcase your style

Selecting railing color and style should be fun, but it can also be overwhelming considering the myriad available options. To simplify things, use one of the following approaches:

  • Coordinate – Choose railing in the same shade as your decking for a well-coordinated look.
  • Contrast – Create visual impact by pairing your decking with railing in a contrasting but complementary color.
  • Customize – Mix colors and materials, such as combining dark aluminum railing and balusters with white composite posts, for a dramatic, distinctive design.

For perfect pairings, Trex® offers a Decking & Railing Duos tool on its website, which features designer-curated decking and railing combinations.

Factor in function

One of the most popular trends right now — especially among homeowners who like to entertain outdoors — is “cocktail railing.” This design approach uses a deck board as a top rail to create a flat surface ledge at just the right height for holding drinks and plates. By using boards that match the decking, you can achieve a look that perfectly complements your home’s deck while making great use of the space.

Light it up

Enhance the beauty of your railing and lengthen the time you can spend enjoying your deck by adding lighting to railing posts and caps. This added illumination will amp up the ambiance, along with its safety and security. Consider LED dimmer options to maximize energy efficiency. For ultimate convenience, choose a system with a WiFi controller so you can control your lights from anywhere, anytime.

As one of the most visible elements of a deck, the railing you choose will have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. For more tips and outdoor living inspiration, visit Trex.com.

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Want to avoid costly clogs? 5 tips on how to flush smart every day

2023-06-09T17:39:00

(BPT) – July 1 is Flush Smart Day, a nationwide initiative to educate and encourage everyone to practice smart flushing habits all year long. All too often, products that weren’t designed to be flushed down the toilet end up in pipes and sewer systems, causing damage to a home’s sewer system and beyond.

According to the Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA), more than 90% of wipes sold are not designed to be flushed. That’s because non-flushable wipes are made from long synthetic fibers, making them durable for their intended purpose. However, these durable fibers also make these items a danger to your plumbing.

This Flush Smart Day, the Responsible Flushing Alliance wants to help you learn how to flush smart today and beyond. Here are some simple tips to help avoid costly plumbing issues at home and protect the environment by reducing sewer blockages.

1. Know what you can’t flush

Your toilet is not a trashcan. Just because something is small enough to pass through the toilet pipe doesn’t mean it should be flushed. Non-flushable items can cause a lot of damage to homes, schools, businesses, sewers, wastewater treatment facilities, and the environment when flushed. Here’s a list of some commonly flushed items that should never be flushed:

  • Baby wipes
  • Period products
  • Hard surface or cleaning wipes
  • Makeup removing wipes
  • Cotton balls, pads or swabs
  • Sheet masks
  • Dental floss, teeth whitening strips, contact lenses
  • Hair or hair weaves
  • Paper towels or rags
  • Trash, cat litter
  • Medicine, syringes

2. Educate family and houseguests

If you don’t know what you can’t flush, chances are your household and guests won’t either. Help them (and yourself) out by posting a sign on or near the toilet with a list of non-flushable items as a reminder.

Make sure there’s a small trash can next to the toilet to make it easy to dispose of non-flushable items. You can also keep disposable bags near the trashcan to wrap up diapers, baby wipes, and period products.

3. Properly dispose of FOGs

Fats, oils and greases (FOGs) can cause just as much damage as solid non-flushable items. Don’t flush FOGs down the toilet or pour them down the sink. Otherwise, you may be helping create a fatberg. When FOGs and non-flushable items collect in pipes, they can create a large, rock-like mass of waste matter in the sewer system. These fatbergs can grow and eventually destroy pipes and homes if left unchecked. You can find instructions on how to make your own FOG can at FlushSmart.org.

4. Look for the “Do Not Flush” symbol

Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine if an item, like wipes, can be flushed. You can double-check if an item is not flushable by looking for the “Do Not Flush” symbol on the packaging. If you see the symbol on the wipes packaging, do not flush the wipes down the toilet!

5. When in doubt, throw it out!

If you’re not 100% sure an item can be flushed, err on the side of caution. Throw it out and don’t risk your plumbing, home, and the environment by flushing something that isn’t meant to be flushed.

This July and beyond, flush smart and avoid costly clogs and other consequences. By doing your part and flushing responsibly, you can help protect your home plumbing, local sewers, water treatment plants, and environment. For more tips, information, and resources, visit FlushSmart.org and follow @FlushSmart on Twitter and Facebook.

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Radiant and resilient: Nourish your skin this summer with top dermatologist tips

2023-06-09T10:23:00

(BPT) – As the sun’s warm embrace calls people outdoors, the beauty of summer weather is undeniable. While there are near endless possibilities for outdoor activities, this season can also have a big impact on skin health. Scorching temps, changing humidity and harmful UV rays can take a toll, so it’s important to be mindful and proactive in your approach to skincare from head to toe.

“While summer activities make for a great time, they can also stress your skin and cause it to lose moisture,” said Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Alexis Stephens. “Your body care routine should cleanse and nourish your skin to help it stay hydrated throughout the day. Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, you’re constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers but things like chlorine and changes in humidity can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks. The best solution to strengthening the skin barrier is to repair the holes in the bucket.”

Dr. Stephens provides four simple tips to maintain healthy, hydrated skin this summer:

1. Block the burn

It’s always critical to apply sunscreen daily. Sunscreen helps protect skin by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water resistant and has broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays). Remember to apply to all skin exposed to the sun — not just your face, and reapply approximately every two hours when outdoors.

2. Cleanse and nourish

You may shower more frequently during the summer months, so it’s important to use a hydrating body wash that doesn’t strip the skin. A great option is the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash that is formulated with premium skin care ingredients like Vitamin B3 Complex that help renew thirsty skin from within, resulting in long-lasting hydration and healthier-looking skin.

3. Seal the deal

After you shower with a hydrating body wash, lock in that moisture with a nourishing body lotion. Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion is nutrient-rich, fast-absorbing, and lightweight, making this lotion ideal for summer. The moisturizing ingredients penetrate 10 surface layers deep and hydrate to begin the process of surface cell turnover. Use with Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash to boost effects of Vitamin B3 Complex and moisturizing ingredients.

4. Get that H2O glow

Water intake is essential to look and feel your best any time of year, but it’s especially important during warm weather. As temperatures rise and you’re active outdoors, your body dehydrates faster. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to make up for this loss and strengthen cell membranes, including those in the skin, helping to maintain skin health and overall wellness.

“We’re all eager to bask in the summer excitement, but we should first remember to take care of our skin,” said Dr. Stephens. Renew your routine (and your skin!) with these tips for radiant, resilient skin all summer long!

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Little heroes, big impact: How a new campaign is empowering kids to make a difference

2023-06-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – The world is changing fast and in ways it never has before, and although kids remain optimistic about their futures, research shows they don’t know how they can actively be participants in positive changemaking.

According to a 2022 survey by Nickelodeon, 46% of children felt that they didn’t have the power to change today’s issues. This isn’t necessarily because of a lack of confidence. The survey also found that 69% of kids said they didn’t know how to get involved in their communities. What it boils down to is that kids need to gain the skills to deal with the change around them. Even though they can’t vote, kids have a voice and can positively impact the world locally and globally.

To give kids a platform and avenues to effect change in their neighborhoods, Nickelodeon has launched the Our World campaign. This global initiative aims to inspire kids and provide the necessary tools so they can make a difference in their communities through actions big and small.

The campaign underscores that kids can exercise their individual and collective agency to address pressing issues in their neighborhoods. Through strategic partnerships, including Ashoka and Aspen Institute, Nickelodeon provides kids access to age-appropriate opportunities to be the change they want to see.

Pathways to participation

In partnership with ChangeX, a fundraising platform, Nickelodeon has set up the Our World US Community Fund to provide resources and support to community projects that would otherwise go unfunded. From the arts to STEM to environmental sustainability, funded projects will be actively led by kids — with the guidance of a grown-up co-leader, to shape their communities for the better.

Nickelodeon and ChangeX have provided project ideas for kids to get started, such as recycling, composting, coding, environmental cleanups and community food pantries and gardens. However, children aren’t limited to these ideas. They can apply for funding of an original or existing project for consideration.

Funded projects will receive a free resource pack, mentorship and technology tools to get started. There are also opportunities for additional impact funding. In funding these projects, the Our World campaign hopes to help children realize their agency and become the changemakers their communities, and the world, needs.

Another Our World partnership is with 4-H — America’s largest youth development organization — which offers kids opportunities to improve the world around them. Children can join a local 4-H chapter and find like-minded peers and mentors while participating in hands-on service activities like an environmental cleanup of a park or highway, collecting and distributing essential items to those in need, planting and tending a community garden or reading to younger kids after school.

Creating a culture of kindness

Beyond working together on local initiatives, Our World also encourages children to take simple actions in their daily lives that can profoundly impact the people they meet and, by extension, their community. For example, an easy way to create change is to be kind to those around you. According to research by Nickelodeon, kids of all ages and demographics believe that kindness is one of the most important factors that help someone make a difference.

For example, at school, kids can look for peers sitting alone at lunch and ask them to join their table. During a sports game, they can compliment their teammates on their skills or offer to play with them after practice to improve. These small actions can have a big impact on someone’s day and foster a positive and inclusive community. Also, acts of kindness may inspire others to be kind, too, creating a culture of kindness at their school and beyond.

Getting started is easy

Nickelodeon believes that through actions big and small, kids of all ages have the power to make a positive impact on the world and wants to help them unlock their potential. The Our World campaign will be rolling out more ideas and opportunities to support and encourage children’s civic engagement locally and globally. To learn more and get started, kids can visit OurWorld.com today.