Category: Brandpoint Health

2018-02-06T09:59:01

(BPT) – Bipolar I disorder is a condition that equally affects men and women, regardless of age, race, or ethnicity.¹ Approximately 1.5 million adults in America are living with this disease, yet it’s a condition that’s still chronically misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.² In fact, people with bipolar disorder may struggle an average of 10 years before they receive an accurate diagnosis.¹ That’s why knowing and understanding the symptoms is so important.

“One of the biggest difficulties with diagnosis is the wide variety of ways in which the disorder can manifest itself,” said Gary Sachs, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. “Although every person with bipolar I disorder can experience it differently, these experiences do include features that fall into specific categories of identifiable symptoms.”

Whether you’re someone who has a history of mental illness or are concerned about a loved one who is struggling with their mental health, Dr. Sachs sheds light on bipolar I disorder and answers some important questions to help you better understand this condition.

What is bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar I disorder is a brain and behavioral disorder that causes unusual changes in mood, activity levels, energy, and judgment, impacting a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.³ Everyone has typical ups and downs, but in bipolar I disorder these can be more extreme. People diagnosed with bipolar I disorder have periods called “mood episodes,” which can be either manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed.³ Every patient experiences episodes differently, but it’s important to note that bipolar I patients have had at least one manic or mixed episode. When managing their condition, patients should keep an open dialogue with their healthcare providers.⁴

Can you tell me more about what it means to experience mania?

Many people know what it means to be depressed, but fewer understand mania. Someone experiencing manic symptoms of bipolar I disorder may have periods of unusually elevated feelings like extreme happiness, energy, or irritability. Some symptoms of manic episodes may include³:

• Feeling unusually happy, excited, or energetic
• Feeling restless, irritable, wired, or overreactive
• Having racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating
• Poor judgment with risk taking, indulging in impulsive behaviors, and having a heightened sense of self-importance

What does it mean to experience a mixed episode? Is it common?

Someone with bipolar I disorder can have a mixed episode when experiencing symptoms of mania and depression at the same time. Mixed episodes are more common than you may think. In fact, 40% of people living with bipolar I disorder have experienced a mixed episode, sometimes called a “mixed state.”⁵ Some of these symptoms include³:

• Feeling overly energized, while feeling very hopeless
• Feeling agitated, while having extreme changes in appetite, and having suicidal thoughts
• Having racing thoughts, while feeling “slowed down” or experiencing a loss of interest in something once enjoyed

Can you treat bipolar I disorder?

There is no known cure for bipolar I disorder, but symptoms may be managed through treatment. It is important for patients to partner with their healthcare providers, so that, together, they can determine an appropriate treatment plan. This may include counseling, support groups, and medicine. In fact, recently approved atypical antipsychotics have provided additional options to help people living with bipolar I disorder.

VRAYLAR^® (cariprazine) is a once-a-day prescription medicine that’s FDA-approved in adults for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder.⁶ In clinical studies, VRAYLAR^® was proven to help manage manic symptoms in adults with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. VRAYLAR^® showed significant improvement in overall manic symptoms compared to those who took a placebo (sugar pill). VRAYLAR^® was not studied to measure symptoms individually, and is not approved to treat hypomania, depression, or depressive symptoms.

Every patient experiences symptoms differently and not all patients respond to treatment in the same way. That’s why it’s important for patients suffering from bipolar I disorder to actively engage with their healthcare provider to determine which treatment path is appropriate for them.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about VRAYLAR?

VRAYLAR may cause serious side effects, including:

• Stroke (which can be fatal) in elderly people with dementia
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Call your healthcare provider right away if you have high fever; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, or blood pressure; or sweating. These can be symptoms of a rare but potentially fatal side effect called NMS. VRAYLAR should be stopped if you have NMS
• Tardive dyskinesia (TD): Tell your healthcare provider if you cannot control the movements of your face, tongue, or other body parts. These could be signs of a serious and sometimes permanent side effect called TD. Risk of developing TD and the chance that it will become permanent are thought to increase the longer a person takes the medicine and the more medicine a person takes over time. TD can develop even after a person has been taking the medicine for a short time at low doses. TD may partially or completely go away if you stop taking VRAYLAR. TD may also start after you stop taking VRAYLAR
• Late-occurring side effects: VRAYLAR stays in the body for several weeks, even after you stop taking it, which could affect the timing of when you may experience side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you have side effects (eg, uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, or feelings of restlessness) as these may occur several weeks after starting or increasing dose of VRAYLAR
• Problems with your metabolism, such as:
  • High blood sugar and diabetes: If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (eg, being overweight or family history of diabetes), your blood sugar should be tested before you start VRAYLAR and regularly during treatment. Complications of diabetes can be serious and even life threatening. Tell your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as feeling very thirsty or very hungry, urinating more than usual, or feeling weak
  • Increased blood cholesterol or triglycerides: Your healthcare provider should check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels before and during treatment
  • Weight gain: Weight gain has been reported with VRAYLAR. Your healthcare provider should check your weight before and regularly during treatment
• Low white blood cell count: Low white blood cell counts have been reported with antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR. This may increase your risk of infection. Very low white blood cell counts, which can be fatal, have been reported with other antipsychotics
• Decreased blood pressure: You may feel lightheaded or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position
• Falls: VRAYLAR may increase risk of falls, which could cause fractures or other injuries
• Seizures
• Impaired judgment, thinking, and motor skills: Do NOT drive or use dangerous machinery until you know how VRAYLAR affects you. VRAYLAR may make you drowsy
• Increased body temperature: VRAYLAR may make you more sensitive to heat. You may have trouble cooling off. Be careful when exercising or when doing things likely to cause dehydration or make you warm
• Difficulty swallowing: VRAYLAR and medicines like it have been associated with difficulty swallowing

Who should not take VRAYLAR?

Do not take VRAYLAR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Get emergency medical help if you are having an allergic reaction (eg, rash, itching, hives, swelling of the tongue, lip, face or throat).

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking VRAYLAR?

Tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions and if you have or have had:

• Diabetes or high blood sugar in you or your family
• High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, or LDL-cholesterol; or low levels of HDL-cholesterol
• Seizures or conditions that increase your risk for seizures
• Low or high blood pressure
• Low white blood cell count

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, or if you plan to become pregnant. Using VRAYLAR in the third trimester may cause uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, or feelings of restlessness and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies. A special program (National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics) collects information on the safety of antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR, during pregnancy. For information, contact the program at 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. VRAYLAR may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VRAYLAR works.

What are the most common side effects of VRAYLAR?

• The most common side effects were uncontrolled movements of the body and face, muscle stiffness, vomiting, indigestion, sleepiness, and restlessness.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all possible side effects of VRAYLAR.

Please also see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, which are also available at www.vraylar.com and https://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/vraylar_pi.

References

1. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Bipolar Disorder Statistics. Available at: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_statistics_bipolar_disorder. Accessed January 31, 2018.
2. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder Among Adults. Available at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/bipolar-disorder-among-adults.shtml. Accessed January 31, 2018.
3. National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml. Accessed January 31, 2018.
4. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.
5. Muneer, A. Mixed States in Bipolar Disorder: Etiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment. Chonnam Medical Journal. 2017 Jan; 53(1): 1–13. doi: 10.4068/cmj.2017.53.1.1.
6. VRAYLAR^® (cariprazine) [package insert]. Irvine, CA: Allergan USA, Inc.; 2017.

Allergan^® and its design are trademarks of Allergan, Inc.

VRAYLAR^® and its design are registered trademarks of Forest Laboratories Holdings Ltd., an Allergan affiliate.

Licensed from Gedeon Richter Plc.

© 2018 Allergan. All rights reserved.

VRA112771_v2 02/18

2018-02-15T06:01:01

(BPT) – Despite our best intentions, 80 percent of us have given up on our New Year’s resolutions by mid-February. Determined to make this year different? If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you might be surprised to learn that your benefits could give you an edge in your quest to stay motivated and on track to attaining your goals for the year ahead.

Read on to learn how maximizing your Medicare benefits could help you achieve some of the most common New Year’s resolutions.

Resolution No. 1: Lose weight and get fit.

Exercise is a key part of the equation if you want to finally get out of those elastic-waist pants and back into your jeans. Only problem is, most of us can come up with a whole host of excuses for not making exercise part of our daily routine, with the expense of a gym membership one that’s frequently cited by people living on a fixed income.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement plan, you might not be able to use that excuse anymore. Many plans include a gym membership as part of their plan benefits, giving their members access to fitness centers in their area at either no extra cost or a discounted rate.

“Regular exercise can help you lose some weight after over-indulging during the holiday season, but it’s important all year round to help improve your well-being and maintain your independence,” said Efrem Castillo, M.D., chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “Taking advantage of your plan’s fitness benefits could have you well on your way to a trimmer and more energized you by spring.”

Resolution No. 2: Make 2018 your healthiest year yet.

Medicare is designed to make it as affordable as possible to get the preventive care you need. And that can make a huge difference to your health and well-being by catching health issues early, when they’re usually easier to treat.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers an annual wellness visit as well as some preventive screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Your annual wellness visit is a good opportunity to sit down with your doctor and develop a plan to help you achieve your best health in the year ahead. In addition to services covered under Original Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, such as a full annual physical as well as dental, hearing and vision coverage.

Resolution No. 3: Save more money/Get out of debt.

All those gifts you bought over the holidays may have left your credit card statements extra-lengthy. And life can get expensive any time of year, particularly as our health care costs creep up as we get older. Fortunately most people can save money on health care in a variety of ways.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, keep the following tips in mind:

* Take advantage of cost savings on prescription drugs. Many plans offer home delivery pharmacy benefits that can be a great way to save money — not to mention trips to the pharmacy. And if your doctor prescribes a high-cost medication, ask if a cheaper alternative is available that could work just as well, such as a generic or a drug on a lower tier of your plan’s formulary (the list of covered drugs).

* Choose doctors and hospitals that have a relationship with your plan. Staying in-network when you need care is one of the best things you can do to manage your health care costs.

* Look for extra plan discounts on everyday health care items and services such as vitamins, hearing aids and alternative medicine services like acupuncture.

Resolution No. 4: Less stress. More happiness.

More and more Medicare Advantage plans are taking a keen interest in helping their members manage their emotional well-being given the direct correlation between our mental health and our physical health. Check to see if your plan offers any resources to help members manage their stress.

Resolution No. 5: Kick the habit.

If you smoke, you know you should quit. Make 2018 your year! Medicare covers up to eight face-to-face visits per year with a doctor or other health care practitioner who can provide counseling to help you make cigarette and other tobacco use part of your past. That personalized, one-on-one attention can make a big difference. So if you’ve tried to quit on your own in the past but struggled, consider taking advantage of these free counseling sessions.

The secret to sticking to your New Year’s resolutions may just lie in your Medicare benefits. So rather than rely on sheer willpower alone, put those benefits to use to help you stay on track toward your goals. When you close out 2018 as a thinner, happier and healthier version of yourself, you’ll probably wonder why you waited so long to make Medicare your secret weapon in conquering your resolutions once and for all.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

2018-02-23T08:25:00

(BPT) – There are few foods that span a variety of diverse culinary styles more than fresh pork. Fresh pork is known by both leading chefs and home cooks as a flavorful, versatile solution for any night of the week.

Smithfield Fresh Pork is proud to partner with the National Pork Board and 20 award-winning chefs at this year’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF). These chefs will create high-quality pork dishes for attendees featuring Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork, an all-natural premium line of fresh pork. Each recipe will showcase the superior quality and versatility of the Smithfield Prime collection and inspire consumers to cook with only the best ingredients at home. Event-goers will have the opportunity to experience these recipes at the following NPB-sponsored events: Tacos After Dark on Thursday, February 22; Burger Bash on Friday, February 23; Spanish Dinner on Saturday, February 23; Swine, Wine & Spirits and Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ, both on Sunday, February 25.

Chef Jose Garces, one of Smithfield’s Chef Partners, will host two pork-centric events at SOBEWFF. Garces, a James Beard award winner and Iron Chef, prefers to cook with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork due its high quality and flavor.

“As a chef, there is nothing more important to me than the quality of the ingredients I choose for my dishes,” said Garces. “That is why I love to work with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. They understand that quality leads to flavor and flavorful dishes create the best experiences and memories.”

The most discerning chefs, championship pitmasters and home cooks alike seek quality, flavorful fresh pork, and that is why they trust Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork is a line of premium, all-natural fresh pork that is certifiably 20 percent more tender than other leading brands of all-natural pork. The Smithfield Prime collection is hand-trimmed and sourced from America’s most trusted farms, using a specialty breed of Duroc hogs and some of the most stringent quality standards in the industry. Thus, Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork products naturally have exceptional color, increased marbling and enhanced flavor, creating an elevated eating experience.

You can catch Chef Garces in action at the Spanish Dinner event taking place Saturday, February 24; and at the Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ on Sunday, February 25. For those who want to take a page out of Chef Garces’ book and try their hand at cooking up one of his signature dishes, below is a recipe he crafted specially for Smithfield.

Grilled pork chops with cognac butter, mustard aioli and mushrooms

For the pork chops:

4 Smithfield(R) Prime Bone-In Pork Chops (1-inch thick)

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup finely chopped garlic

Directions:

Mix oil, thyme, rosemary and garlic in large mixing bowl. Add pork chops and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Heat grill to medium using hickory wood charcoal. Remove chops from marinade and grill 7 to 9 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F to 160 F. Remove from heat and immediately brush with cognac butter. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.

For the cognac butter:

1 cup good-quality cognac

1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots

1 cup butter, room temperature

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Combine cognac and shallots in a small saucepan. Simmer until cognac is reduced by two-thirds. Strain and let cool. Mix together with butter and parsley; let stand at room temperature until ready to use.

For the mustard aioli:

3 eggs

1 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup whole grain mustard

3 cups vegetable oil

Directions:

Combine eggs, Dijon mustard and lemon juice in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil, while food processor is running, until emulsified. Remove from processor and fold in whole grain mustard. Season to taste.

For the mushrooms:

2 lbs. mixed fresh wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, hen of the woods, porcini and morel)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Toss together mushrooms and olive oil. Place in grill basket and grill until tender and cooked through, turning occasionally. Remove from heat and toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields four servings; total prep time is 25 minutes (plus two hours marinade time), and total cook time is expected at 35 minutes.

Visit SaborSmithfield.com for more of Chef Garces’ recipes and inspiration for your next meal and to learn more about Smithfield’s quality and freshness. And visit sobewff.org for more details on the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. For more information about National Pork Board, visit porkteinspira.com.

2018-02-22T13:03:00

(BPT) – Winter maintenance practices often lead to debates over different methods and materials used to keep roads clear. One often-heard argument is that road authorities should go back to using sand or abrasives for winter maintenance, instead of using salt.

But how does sand compare to salt?

Sand alone does not melt any snow or ice. Any time melting has been associated with sand, it is because a small amount of salt (about 10 percent or less) is typically included in the stockpile to stop the sand from freezing. It is sometimes said that some melting occurs because the color of the sand creates excess solar heating, but that is minimal compared to the normal solar heating occurring on roads.

Sand does provide a temporary increase in friction. However, to supply that increase in friction, it must be located between the tires of the vehicles on the road and the snow or ice on the road. Studies have found that the friction increase due to sand disappears after 10 to 20 vehicles have driven over it at highway speeds. So, the benefits of sand in terms of increasing friction can be fleeting in high-speed and high-traffic situations.

In addition, to get the friction benefits of sand, it must be applied at higher rates than salt. This means that trucks must be refilled more often, and when a truck is in the yard being refilled, it is not out on the road system plowing and applying materials.

Some believe that there is no environmental impact from the use of sand, but when abrasives like sand settle in river beds, they choke off access of aquatic species’ eggs to oxygen, reducing their value as spawning grounds, potentially putting the breeding of certain fish species at risk.

The other danger is to air quality. As cars drive over the sand and other abrasives, these get ground up and become dust. The cities of Denver, Colorado, and Washoe County, Nevada, where air pollution is a concern, require that abrasives used be vacuumed up no more than 72 hours after the end of the storm. This cleanup adds to the cost of using abrasives.

This debate matters because we need roads to be free of snow and ice in the winter. A study by Global Insights indicated that when roads are impassable because of snow or ice, a state can lose between $300 million and $700 million in economic activity per day. A study from Marquette University has shown that a safe and sustainable snowfighting program that uses road salt in an appropriate manner will reduce accidents by up to 88 percent.

When properly applied at the right place, at the right time and in the right amount, road salt has been shown to be the most effective, economic and environmental way to keep roads passable and people safe in the winter.

2018-02-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – There is no disputing that digital health technology and connected devices can produce massive amounts of data. But that data, on its own, is not always particularly useful.

The real value comes from translating that data into personalized and actionable information and putting it into the hands of people, in real time, whose health might depend on those facts and figures.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members with Type 2 diabetes may be eligible to utilize new wearable technology to help monitor their glucose levels 24/7 via the convenience of a cell phone. They can also connect directly with a health coach to seek individual support, share information and make behavior changes to improve their health.

Announced in mid-January with DexCom, Inc., the leader in continuous glucose monitoring, at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, this innovative pairing — high-tech, real-time wearable monitors with direct access to diabetes coaches — will be available to eligible plan participants across multiple regions throughout this year.

Here’s how the blend of high-tech and high-touch care supports people managing Type 2 diabetes:

1. Dexcom’s Mobile Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGM) technology consists of a sensor — usually worn on the abdomen — that continuously reads glucose levels just beneath the skin.

2. A transmitter sends the data to a smartphone, which processes and displays updated data every five minutes and can reveal relationships between eating, exercise and blood sugar that are difficult to observe with only test strips and a glucose meter.

3. Diabetes coaches help participants interpret the transmitted data and give guidance on how to change behavior pertaining to nutrition and exercise to help keep glucose levels in a safe range.

4. Participants also receive an activity tracker to help them understand and act upon data gathered by the wearable device.

5. Glucose data summaries can be shared with participants and their primary care providers to help foster better care coordination, which ideally may result in increased glucose control, reductions in medications and an empowered approach to managing diabetes.

“With more than 27 million people nationwide living with Type 2 diabetes, there is urgent need to address this epidemic in new ways,” said Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “Continuous glucose monitoring can be a game changer for people enrolled in our Medicare Advantage plans, as the data can be translated into personalized information that can be acted upon in real time.”

To learn more about UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, visit UHCMedicarePlans.com.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

Y0066_180216_124040 Accepted

2018-03-05T10:01:01

(BPT) – Every day, consumers are bombarded with buzzwords when selecting groceries — natural, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and so on. Coupled with news headlines about the environmental impacts of growing, raising and catching food, it’s no wonder many of us are becoming more confused about which choices are right for our diets, our budgets and the environment. And nowhere is this issue more confounding, perhaps, than in the seafood section.

Fish and seafood are flavorful sources of protein, and the variety and versatility of the ocean’s bounty is no mystery. What may be considered a mystery is whether all the options in front of us are sustainably sourced. Some are labeled wild, others farm-raised, but questions remain given the limited information provided and the fact that mislabeling can occur (an independent study of the open global market found an average mislabeling rate of 30 percent for all fish and seafood).

With the world’s growing demand for seafood, ocean environments are increasingly strained. The livelihoods of approximately 10 percent of the global population are supported by the oceans through artisanal and commercial fishing careers. Overfishing — when too few adult fish remain to breed for a healthy population — has been an issue for some species, and it can decimate fish stocks and habitats as well as the fishing communities and economies that rely on a healthy supply.

Illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing continues to occur around the world and can exacerbate overfishing problems. IUU fishing generally disregards quotas and the environment, as does destructive fishing, which may expose delicate ecosystems to explosives or chemicals.

Fortunately, industry groups have developed standards and certifications to help us navigate the murky waters and find some clarity. For 20 years, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), for instance, has been refining its science-based standards for certifying sustainable fisheries and introducing traceability in its efforts to keep the oceans wild and teeming with life for generations to come. And, seafood that has been determined to meet the MSC’s stringent standards is marked with an easily identifiable blue fish label.

By looking for the trusted blue fish label, seafood shoppers can be assured that their purchase:

* Represents only wild fish or seafood from fisheries assessed by an independent third party to meet strict science-based criteria.

* Supports sustainable fishery practices and good management that adapts to changes in the environment.

* Traces back to a certified sustainable fishery and is kept separate from non-certified fish and seafood.

* Features correct labeling, providing peace of mind while selecting food for the dinner table.

Of course, not all certification labels are the same. To make a truly informed choice, you might consider doing a little homework before deciding which label to seek and support with your shopping and dining-out dollars. Several well-regarded international organizations maintain best practices for food production, sustainability and traceability, providing recognition of certification and ecolabeling programs that meet them. Organizations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), ISEAL Alliance (the global memberships association for sustainability standards) and the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) are all considered reputable sources for more information.

With a little research, you can gather information that helps ensure the seafood you put on the table can be traced to its source and verified as wild and sustainable. At the same time, its enjoyment can be guilt-free: each purchase provides incentive for more fisheries, retailers and restaurants to join the movement to support transparency, traceability and sustainability in our food system. By speaking with their wallets, consumers have the power to track their seafood from ocean to plate and keep it wild.

2018-03-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-02-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – What was your favorite childhood book? Chances are, you can come up with a title right away. That’s because books create powerful memories of stories and characters that inspire kids’ imaginations and will be treasured for a lifetime.

Unfortunately, some children grow up with limited access to books, meaning they’re unable to create those memories so many people take for granted. A lack of books in the home is also linked to lower reading scores and less success in school, according to research by the Family and Community Engagement Research Compendium. Even more concerning, an Annie E. Casey Foundation report found students who can’t read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma than proficient readers.

Society as a whole pays a high price for low literacy. It costs the U.S. at least $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment, according to the National Council for Adult Learning.

Here’s the good news: this problem does have a solution. Having books in the home has been proven to improve children’s reading performance, cause them to read more frequently and for longer lengths of time, and improve overall attitudes toward learning.

It’s clear that promoting literacy in your home and in your community are worthwhile investments of your time and money. Wondering where to start?

Build reading into the routine: When the kids are small, it’s easy for many parents to create the nightly ritual of story time. Don’t stop just because they’ve started school and are reading on their own. Commit to sitting down every night to read together. Or, make reading into an event the whole family can enjoy by reading a chapter book out loud. When the kids see you reading books too, you set a great example.

Ask questions: Asking children questions while you read together helps them develop critical thinking skills. For example, you might ask, “How is the family in this book like our family?” or “The girl in this book likes to swim. What do you like to do?”

Give books as gifts: The next time you celebrate a holiday or child’s birthday, consider giving the gift of a book — especially a title or two that you loved growing up. Be sure to make time to read at least one of them together. It’s a great way to bond.

Share, share, share: One way to spread literacy is to help make books more available in your community. Every year or so, go through your book collection with the kids and decide which titles should be given a new home. They can be donated to schools and public libraries, or given to other groups that make books available for free or little cost to young readers. Even better, when you buy a book, purchase a second copy to donate or give away.

Support literacy causes: Between Feb. 26 and April 15, there’s an easy — and delicious — way you can promote literacy. Add a “topping of literacy” to your next Pizza Hut order and your contribution will go directly to the company’s fundraising campaign “The Literacy Project,” which benefits recognized nonprofit, social sector leader First Book.

You can also inspire others to read by entering a Pizza Hut sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip that will bring your favorite book to life. Go to Instagram or Twitter and share the title of your favorite book, and why it touched your life. Be sure to tag @PizzaHut in your post and use the hashtag #HelpStartANewChapter #sweepstakes to enter.

2018-02-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you have a new baby, toddler, big kid or teen, life is busy when you have kids. From play dates to playoffs, busy moms need to stay fueled to feel their best. However, being so busy can mean forgetting about healthy snacking. Fortunately with a few tips and tricks, eating right on the go doesn’t have to be difficult.

The first step is to be prepared before hunger strikes. Stock up on plastic or stainless steel containers that are easy to tote in purses or backpacks. Then, make a shopping list so your fridge and cupboards are full of wholesome snacks. By removing temptation of junk food, you make it easy to snack well.

Here are six easy (and tasty!) snack ideas for busy moms. No matter where your day takes you, you’ll be ready with nutrient-rich snacks easy for eating on the go.

1. Cheese

To feel full fast, reach for snacking cheese. Wisconsin-made Great Midwest Cheese has Mild Cheddar, Colby Jack and Pepper Jack Cheeses available in snack-sized cubes, perfect for on-the-go fuel. Every cheese is hand-crafted in small batches, using only the purest, certified hormone-free milk for a smooth, natural, consistent flavor sure to satisfy.

2. Edamame

You probably munch on edamame when visiting your favorite sushi restaurant, but these pods are perfect for travel, too. Packed with protein but low on carbs, they are a great healthy alternative to chips when you have a hankering for something salty. You can buy frozen varieties to pack and they’ll thaw in your container of choice so you’re ready when hunger pangs strike.

3. Fruit

Packed with vitamins and minerals, fresh produce is always a smart choice. Bananas may be an easy choice, but they can bruise quickly in a bag. Instead, consider portable options less likely to bruise such as apples or easy-to-peel tangerines. Try pairing fruit with individually-wrapped snack portions of Great Midwest Gouda or Mild Cheddar Cheese and you’ll feel full for hours.

4. Nuts and seeds

Raw, unsalted nuts are high in protein and healthy fats. Stock up on mixed varieties or just your favorites, such as almonds, walnuts or cashews. Seeds are another easy go-to for snacks. Sunflower seeds are full of vitamin E and come in a variety of flavors (just keep an eye on salt levels in the ingredient lists and consider opting for low-sodium varieties).

5. Jerky

For your carnivorous cravings with a protein punch, consider packing jerky for snacking. Beef and turkey jerky aren’t just for weight lifters. These shelf-stable snacks last for a long time and are easy to pack in a purse and grab on the go. If you want to control the ingredients and experiment with flavors, consider making your own at home!

6. Cereal

Moms everywhere pack up containers of cereal for their babies and toddlers for a quick and easy snack. But what about for yourself? Your favorite cereal can serve as a snack throughout the day when you pack a container and bring it in your tote. Opt for high-fiber, low-sugar varieties to keep you fueled and full without the sugar crash later.

2018-02-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – With new so-called “healthy” food trends popping up all the time, it’s hard to keep track of what’s actually good for your health and what’s just a fad. Luckily, new research continually shows consumers which fads to ditch and which kitchen staples stand the test of time and should be kept in our diets. For example, did you know that coconut oil, a recent consumer favorite in health and beauty circles, has been found in a new study to actually increase cholesterol?

If you are looking for simple changes that have a big impact on nutritional health, consider clearing some unhealthy eating habits from your diet. Here are a few health fads that aren’t as nutritious as you may have heard, and helpful swaps that can benefit your health.

Cooking with coconut oil

Over the last few years, coconut oil has gained prominence on grocery store shelves, in the news and on social media. Long considered a multipurpose beauty oil, coconut oil began to make its way into recipes, and consumers hoped its health benefits extended to the kitchen. However, a recent study has found that coconut oil increases cholesterol. Adding corn oil to one’s diet, on the other hand, was found by the study to result in better cholesterol levels compared with coconut oil. Similarly, a previous study published in The Journal of Clinical Lipidology found that corn oil can help lower cholesterol two times more than extra virgin olive oil. With a high smoke point, versatile usage and a neutral flavor, corn oil makes a great staple for any pantry.

Juice diets and cleanses

While it’s important to include fruits and vegetables in your diet, “cleansing” your body with a diet limited to cold-pressed juices won’t provide enough essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy diet. According to research by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is no real evidence that juice cleanses work. The human body is great at keeping the good stuff in and filtering out the bad, and a varied diet is important for maintaining energy throughout the day. Plus, according to Vive Nutrition, juice diets tend to make people feel hungrier and lead to overeating. If cold-pressed juices are something you enjoy, go ahead and include them in addition to your meals.

Skipping dessert

Everything in moderation! Indulging every once in a while is an important part of a balanced diet. Harsh dietary restrictions, especially on the foods you love, may lead to short-term results, but aren’t sustainable in the long run, according to research by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Rather than cutting sugar completely, avoid binges by allowing yourself a treat every once in a while on a cheat day to maintain balance in your diet.

Snacking on granola bars

Packed with whole grains, granola bars seem like the perfect healthy snack, but many contain an unhealthy amount of added sugar, which creates a caloric and less-than-nutritious food choice. In fact, according to a survey in the New York Times, less than 30 percent of nutritionists would call granola a healthy food. Replacing granola bars with healthier options like whole nuts will greatly benefit your health. This snack choice is less sugary, more filling and full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

With contradicting information about health coming out daily, it’s important to research the facts to learn which tips are fads and which are truly good for you. By making these diet swaps that benefit your body, you can start the year as your healthiest self ever.