Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-09-24T08:31:00

(BPT) – One in three (31%) Americans say they owe the job they have now — and the salary they make (29%) — to their personal network, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. For Millennials, that number rises to 40% on both dimensions.

Six in 10 Americans believe that the strength of their connections is key to success, from career advancement to pay and promotions. Half of people (50%) say it would be naive not to take advantage of personal connections. Some 75% say it’s important to use your network to help others, and half of Americans say they’ve actively helped others get a job (53% overall, 61% Millennials).

“The ‘Network Effect’ is real, and your dream salary may be one connection away. Many Americans see the power of personal connections as a key to unlocking moneymaking opportunities,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. “People view the investment of time or money as a means of paying it forward — an investment that pays back.”

People are also turning to their inner circles for financial help. A third of Americans (32%) say they have not saved enough and need to rely on their network to make ends meet (41% Gen Z, Millennials). One quarter receive an average of $390 per month ($4,680 annually) in financial support from relatives or personal connections. Nearly a third admit to receiving financial assistance from their parents after the age of 18 (30%) — and 45% of parents say they provide financial support to their adult children. Additionally, 28% of people have received help with living expenses such as groceries, rent, or mortgage payments.

Still, 50% feel embarrassed about having to rely on others for help with money, as the majority (79%) of Americans believe it is important to be financially independent and many (57%) are doing everything they can to achieve it. Some 61% say rising prices and inflation are preventing them from getting ahead financially.

The power of personal connections extends to giving back, too: 66% say paying it forward to others in this way increases their happiness. Six in 10 Americans have paid it forward to strangers in small ways, too, like paying for the person behind them in the drive thru.

More findings:

• Generational hardships: 40% overall say their generation needs financial help because they are at a disadvantage compared to other generations (54% Gen Z, 55% Millennials, 36% Gen X, 23% Boomers).
• Keeping up with the Joneses: A quarter say they spend more than they make trying to keep up with others (23% overall, 33% Gen Zers); Men are more likely than women to agree (27% men, 19% women).
• Diploma dilemma: More than 1 in 5 (21%) have received financial help for education from their network. Though, nearly a third say that due to their career choices (e.g., lack of a degree, low-paying jobs) they need to financially rely on others (27% overall, 38% Gen Z, Millennials). Just 7% say they received a legacy admission to a college of choice due to personal connections.
• Opening doors: Some 25% of Americans say they’ve received career support from their parents, including connections, advice, introductions, and professional development. One in 5 Millennials have gotten freelance opportunities due to their personal connections.
• Picking up the bill: One in 4 admit to having daily discretionary expenses like eating out and getting coffee covered by others. 17% of people have enjoyed a fully paid vacation courtesy of their relatives, friends, or personal connections (20% Gen Z and 22% Millennials).
• Family ties: 58% believe that family members and close friends need to help each other financially; 35% prefer to live at home with family or roommates to save money.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Network Effect.”

*ABOUT THE STUDY

Empower’s “The Network Effect” study is based on online survey responses from 2,200 Americans ages 18+ fielded by Morning Consult between August 5-7, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

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2024-09-23T12:01:00

(BPT) – The facts around colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, are too staggering to ignore. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States.¹

Yet despite recommendations, less than half (49%) of eligible Hispanic adults — there are currently over 17 million Hispanic people in the U.S. over the age of 45 — undergo recommended screening.^2,3 Barriers to screening include language and cultural differences as well as lack of access, but the biggest reason may be that people don’t realize that colon cancer screening should start at age 45.

To help increase awareness around colon cancer screening, Exact Sciences has launched its first-ever Spanish-language campaign tailored to the Hispanic community timed to Hispanic Heritage Month. The campaign, which will appear on television, radio and social media, includes important information about the Cologuard^® test — a non-invasive, effective and affordable at-home colon cancer screening test.

Early detection of colon cancer before a person has symptoms arise can significantly improve treatment options and survival rates.⁴ The American Cancer Society recommends that anyone at average risk and aged 45+ get screened.⁴ When found at an early stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is close to 90%. However, if the cancer is not caught before it spreads to distant parts of the body, that survival rate drops to around 14%.⁵

“Education and early screening are vital in catching this disease early and improving outcomes,” said Veronica Descotte, Chief Strategy Officer at Exact Sciences. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone, particularly in the Hispanic community, has access to the information and resources they need.”

One Patient’s Story

Colon cancer survivor and advocate, Marielle, noticed troubling health symptoms back in 2017. It started with blood in her stool, then stomach pain, and, eventually, sudden weight loss of 20 pounds in just a few weeks. Despite her concerns, the medical advice she received didn’t lead to answers. It wasn’t until she pushed her doctor for further testing that the 36-year-old Latina discovered she had colon cancer.

“I think many people in my community would be surprised to know that colon cancer can be fully cured in early stages and even prevented through the removal of growths called polyps,” said Marielle, Director of Programs & Advocacy at a national peer support organization. “The reality is that it’s not always possible to take time off from work to get into the doctor’s office. Having convenient and non-invasive options for testing that can be done in the privacy of your own home is a game changer.”

A Call to Action

As we look to the future, the efforts of organizations like Exact Sciences and advocates like Marielle aim to create a world where colon cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately prevented.

If you’re 45 or older, talk to your doctor about available colon cancer screening options that are right for you. Learn more by visiting www.cologuard.com.

The Cologuard test is intended to screen adults 45 years of age and older who are at average risk for colorectal cancer by detecting certain DNA markers and blood in the stool. Do not use if you have had adenomas, have inflammatory bowel disease and certain hereditary syndromes, or a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. A Cologuard test is not a replacement for colonoscopy in high-risk patients. Cologuard test performance in adults ages 45-49 is estimated based on a large clinical study of patients 50 and older.

The Cologuard test result should be interpreted with caution. A positive test result does not confirm the presence of cancer. Patients with a positive test result should be referred for colonoscopy. A negative test result does not confirm the absence of cancer. Patients with a negative test result should discuss with their doctor when they need to be tested again. False positives and false negative results can occur. In a clinical study, 13% of people without cancer received a positive result (false positive) and 8% of people with cancer received a negative result (false negative). Rx only.

Top photo courtesy Exact Sciences

REFERENCES

1. National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Common Cancer Sites. 2024.
2. American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2021-2023. 2021.
3. U.S. Census. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population by Sex, Age, Race, and Hispanic Origin of the United States: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023. 2020.
4. American Cancer Society. Colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults: 2018 guideline update from the American Cancer Society. 2018.
5. Colon Cancer Coalition. Get the Facts About Colon Cancer. 2024.

2024-09-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – With the school year and busy fall schedules well underway, there are many tasks to complete, errands to run and household chores to tackle. From the morning get-ready-for-school routine to after-school activities, dinnertime, bathtime and bedtime, kitchens and bathrooms see a lot of dirt, grime and germs. To make your fall routine a little easier — and cleaner — Delta Faucet offers innovative, simple and effective solutions to help you minimize the messiness of life.

Here are easy ways to keep key rooms in your home just a little cleaner this season.

Bathroom solutions that make a difference

Feel like your bathroom and shower are always dirty? Help is on the way. The Delta^® ProClean™ Hand Shower includes a wide fan, high pressure ProClean™ spray, which cleans shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays by powering off stubborn soap scum, hair and shower messes — even in those hard-to-reach places — without having to step foot into the shower.

Touch-Clean^® spray holes allow you to easily wipe away calcium and lime buildup from the spray face of your shower head and hand shower with the touch of a finger — no need for the aid of chemical cleaners.

Hate water spots? Delta^® Lumicoat^® Finishes easily wipe clean without the need for cleaners or chemicals and are guaranteed to resist mineral buildup and hard water stains. The ultra-sleek surface repels liquids so your bath faucet and shower stay clean longer.

Making this simple upgrade helps you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying the fall season.

Clean faucet, clean kitchen

Can you name the most frequently touched spots in your kitchen? For most homes, the sink faucet is typically a high-touch area, along with the refrigerator door handle. But unlike the fridge door, most of the hands approaching the faucet are already sticky and grimy — full of food particles, dirt, art project materials or who knows what else. How can you keep this mess contained? With a touchless kitchen faucet from Delta Faucet.

No contact with the faucet is needed to activate a touchless faucet, so whether your hands are full of cookie dough, soap suds or full of veggies needed to be washed, you can turn on the water without making a mess. You’ll also breathe easier knowing you’re helping to reduce the spread of germs in your home and minimizing cross-contamination when you’re handling raw meat or washing produce.

Faucets like the sleek, elegant Delta^® Trinsic^® Touch₂O^® Kitchen Faucet with Touchless Technology gives you versatility with three ways to access water. You can either place your hand near the faucet, tap the faucet surface with a hand (or wrist, or elbow …) or just use the handle to turn it on. Whichever option you choose, this faucet is easy for dirty hands, full hands or little hands to use, because washing the mess off your hands shouldn’t involve making a mess of your faucet.

Even better, the integrated TempSense™ LED light shows the water temperature as the temperature increases, to eliminate any possible surprise or discomfort from water that’s colder or hotter than you expected.

Delta^® Touchless faucets are available in an array of styles and finishes to complement any kitchen design style. For example, if you prefer a more traditional, timeless look, you can opt for the classic style of the Delta^® Leland^® Touch₂O^® Kitchen Faucet with Touchless Technology.

Easy kitchen and bath upgrades like these can help your home’s most used spaces look their best, while also helping to save time in your regular cleaning routines. With less mess and more convenience, everyday moments will center more on what you love about your home — creating memories with loved ones.

2024-09-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

As a parent, it’s not uncommon to arrive at your child’s annual wellness doctor’s appointment with a laundry list of questions for their doctor. From overcoming picky eating habits, to ensuring your child is hitting important developmental milestones, these visits present the perfect opportunity for parents to get direct feedback on a wide range of topics pertaining to health and wellness. While every child is unique — with their own specific needs and challenges — there is one crucial discussion that is often overlooked from these conversations: asking about getting your child screened for type 1 diabetes-related autoantibodies.

Every year, there are an estimated 27,000 newly diagnosed youth cases of type 1 diabetes in the United States alone. Despite this, there isn’t yet an established protocol for proactive early screening for type 1 diabetes. Instead, parents often find out their child has type 1 diabetes after they may already be experiencing symptoms, which can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases, rather than finding out in advance as part of an annual wellness visit at the doctor.

There’s no time to waste when it comes to type 1 diabetes, which is why prioritizing early screening for your child is so important. If you don’t know where to start, below are some key facts to keep in mind about the impact type 1 diabetes may have on your child’s health — and you can learn even more by talking to your doctor about screening for type 1 diabetes or by visiting The1Pledge.com, which has resources about how to schedule a telehealth visit and other screening options which you can discuss with your doctor, including at-home testing.

Understand your child’s unique risk factors

Family history, certain other autoimmune conditions, and viruses can all impact a child’s risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Thinking about the following questions might be a helpful first step for parents:

• Does anyone in your family have type 1 diabetes?
• Does your child or anyone in your family have another autoimmune condition, such as celiac disease or Hashimoto’s disease?
• Has your child ever had certain types of viruses, such as coxsackievirus B, rotavirus, mumps, or cytomegalovirus?

While knowing the answers to these questions related to common risk factors is important, it’s key to also keep in mind that many of the risk factors for type 1 diabetes are unknown. For instance, while family history is a risk factor, approximately 90% of people diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have no family history of type 1 diabetes at all. With facts like these in mind, it’s best to err on the side of caution and make early screening a priority, no matter your child’s unique background. If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor if you think your child might be at risk and ask about screening for type 1 diabetes.

Learn the early warning signs – but don’t wait for them

Understanding the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and exhaustion, is important. However, what’s even more important is understanding that finding out earlier, before symptoms appear, about a potential type 1 diabetes diagnosis is possible through screening. Screening and monitoring may even help reduce the risk of a child getting seriously ill at the time of diagnosis.

Early screening can also give an entire family more time to get familiar with type 1 diabetes and prepare for a new normal, which might include learning about blood sugar monitoring or securing a care team, including an endocrinologist — a specialist who cares for people with diabetes — close to home, who you can build trust with and rely on for continuity of care.

Until there are established national protocols for type 1 diabetes screening, the onus falls on parents to get their children screened for type 1 diabetes. Consider the impact an unexpected type 1 diabetes diagnosis could have on your child’s health and talk to their pediatrician about screening.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

2024-09-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Cold and flu season typically runs from October to May, but with summer colds, COVID outbreaks, RSV and allergies, it’s a pretty safe bet that you and your family may be dealing with a variety of symptoms of one kind or another, no matter the season.

Given this year-round battle against illness, the ever-rising costs of medications can put a strain on your wallet and cause confusion as to how best to guard against all of those various bugs out there.

“It’s vital for families to get reliable information on how to prevent illnesses, especially during cold and flu season when many bugs are at their worst, and what to do if they do come down with something,” said Preeti Parikh, Executive Medical Director at GoodRx, the leading prescription savings platform in the U.S. “This includes information about how to get the best price on any medications they need.”

That’s where GoodRx comes in. It is an online platform that does double duty. GoodRx can save you up to 80% off retail prices of medications, plus it offers trusted information on the myriad health conditions that families deal with. GoodRx’s articles, written by a team of doctors, pharmacists, health economists and public health experts, provide you with authoritative and trustworthy answers to your most pressing health questions so you can make better decisions for your family’s health.

When it comes to navigating cold and flu season, Dr. Parikh offers the following tips to prevent illness and manage treatment if you do become sick.

• Get vaccinated. Everyone should get their flu shot and COVID booster by the end of October, and these shots can be done at the same time. It’s the most important thing you can do to prevent illness, not only for yourself, but for vulnerable people in your community, such as children, the elderly and people with chronic conditions.
• Older Americans should investigate the RSV vaccine. All Americans aged 75 and older should receive one dose of the RSV vaccine. Adults aged 60 to 74 with serious chronic conditions, pregnant women, and young babies may also need to get vaccinated. Work with your healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is best for you.
• Wash your hands. Everyone should practice good disease prevention! Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Protect others. If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t go to the office or out shopping or dining. If you must go out, wear a mask to help avoid passing those bugs around.
• If you do become sick, GoodRx can help you save on treatments, including antibiotics that can treat your infection, cold medications to help with symptoms, and antivirals, which can shorten the duration or alleviate the symptoms of your illness. On average, GoodRx users save $34 on cold and flu treatment medications.

So, how do the savings work? It’s actually very easy. Just go to GoodRx.com or the mobile app and type in the name of the medications you have been prescribed. You’ll get a listing of local pharmacies and their prices. Choose the lowest one, and a coupon will pop up. Bring your phone with you to the pharmacy and show the coupon to your pharmacist to get the lowest possible price on your medications.

To arm yourself with information about how to battle the bugs, and ways to save at the pharmacy, visit GoodRx.com/go/fluseason.

2024-09-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – The beginning of fall is an excellent time to update your home’s aesthetic! Whether you plan to purchase new furnishings or complete small home improvement projects, these changes — big and small — can go a long way in revamping your home decor for a cozier and updated look and feel.

No matter what furniture you choose, it’s always a good idea to shop with safety in mind. Check out these three safety tips that can help you create a beautiful and safer home.

Secure your furniture

Some pieces of furniture, especially clothing storage items, can easily tip over if not secured. To help eliminate this risk, make sure to anchor your furniture and purchase furnishings with tip-over safety features that meet the current standard for safety.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), tip-overs have long been the furnishing industry’s most serious safety issue. In light of the problem, policymakers, safety advocates and furniture industry innovators took action to drive change and establish safety regulations. As a result, the Federal Stability Standard was born.

The federal mandate requires all newly manufactured clothing storage units to meet the new safety standards outlined in the Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth (STURDY) Act.

Over the past year, furniture retailers across the country have worked hard to design clothing storage furniture that meets more rigorous testing standards, helping consumers create safer homes.

One example of a manufacturer that is driving innovation in furniture safety is IKEA. The company was the first retailer to announce full compliance with the Federal Stability Standard.

IKEA has designed furniture with stability features like Anchor and Unlock. The company also offers free wall anchoring hardware kits as well as information on how to wall anchor furniture to help prevent tip-over accidents and promote a safer life at home.

“The work that goes into creating safer homes will never be over,” said Brett Horn, the founder of Charlie’s House based in Kansas City, Missouri.

Charlie’s House is a 501(c)3 dedicated to preventing accidents and injuries to children in and around the home through increased safety awareness, public education, and the distribution of safety devices.

“We see progress through strong collaboration within the industry, including furniture retailers, and the passing of much needed legislation like the STURDY Act. Step by step, together, we are creating a safer life at home for all,” said Brett.

Choose your window coverings wisely

If you’re looking to update your window coverings, consider switching to cordless blinds. Traditional blinds are operated with cords. Not only are corded window coverings unsightly, but they also pose a significant risk to families with young children.

The CPSC identified corded window coverings as one of the top hidden hazards in the home. Young children, especially those under 5 years of age, can become entangled in the cords, leading to strangulation.

Luckily, you can buy yourself peace of mind by installing cordless blinds. They’re easy to operate, come in a variety of colors and materials and — most importantly — help create a safer home for your family.

Beware of recalls

Buying furniture secondhand is a great way to save money! But recalled products can end up on the secondhand market and can pose a risk to the buyer. Each year, the CPSC recalls many household items that pose a hidden danger to consumers, including home furniture.

To help mitigate these risks, check and see if the used furniture items have been recalled before you purchase. Just a little bit of research can help keep your home safer. You can search for the latest recalls on the CPSC’s website.

Another steadfast solution to keep your home safer when buying secondhand, backed by parents, is wall anchoring.

“While it may seem simple, taking the critical step to anchor your furniture will go a long way in keeping your home safe,” said Brett. “No matter where you buy your furniture, wall anchoring is always the best way to help reduce the risk of tip-over accidents.”

Shop with joy and confidence

As you redecorate your home this autumn, be mindful of where you shop for new furniture. To find more safety information and other resources, visit CPSC.gov.

2024-09-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for three months or longer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 100 million Americans live with chronic pain, highlighting the widespread nature of this condition.

“We see many kinds of chronic pain in our offices,” said Dr. Steven Knauf, Vice President of Chiropractic and Compliance at The Joint Chiropractic. “Chronic pain is often an indication of an underlying condition that doctors of chiropractic may help identify and treat. In addition, a doctor of chiropractic may help patients understand how to prevent pain in the future and keep their bodies strong.”

In honor of Pain Awareness Month this September, learn more about how to best cope with and reduce the chronic pain you may be living with.

Some of the most common causes of chronic pain include:

• Injuries: Various injuries often lead to chronic pain, which can include everything from sports injuries and accidents to overuse injuries that can occur due to repetitive motions.
• Osteoarthritis: This condition causes inflammation and pain in the joints that worsens over time, and may occur in older adults and those with a family history of osteoarthritis.
• Headaches: While they may have many causes depending on the type of headache (such as migraines versus tension headaches), headaches are a type of chronic pain that can impede your everyday functioning.
• Spinal stenosis: Mechanical issues in the spine can cause narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord passes through, leading to ongoing pain.

Tips to help manage and prevent pain

Whatever type of chronic pain you’re experiencing, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider to help determine the underlying causes and practices that can help eliminate your pain. For example, chiropractors often recommend that exercise can help stave off back pain. As your body sits sedentary, tension can build, causing great pain over time. Chiropractors insist that exercise is the most beneficial way to improve your ability to manage pain throughout your body.

“In many cases, being active is one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent chronic pain, but pain itself can keep people from moving,” said Knauf. “Unfortunately, this can lead to a downward spiral of inactivity and more pain.”

The good news is, as little as 30 minutes of exercise each day can help release tension in your body to help manage chronic pain, as well as other regular practices.

Here are tips to help you prevent and better cope with many types of chronic pain:

• Deep breathing: Taking deliberate, deep breaths can relax tension and release muscles, which also promotes better rest and sleep so your body can recover from and relieve pain. You may want to try a breathing or relaxation app for exercises to get you started.
• Stretching: Prevent muscles from becoming too tense and sore by trying some gentle stretching in your daily routine. It’s recommended to warm up muscles a little first to avoid injury. Consult a healthcare professional or experienced trainer for the best ways to stretch safely, given your current condition.

Handling pain relief on the job:

• For physically demanding jobs it’s important to stretch periodically, and equally important to find time to get off your feet when possible. Allowing yourself little breaks from standing is a good way to help eliminate stress and tension from the joints at the spine. Even if your job is demanding, there’s always time for a 10- to 15-minute break. Chiropractors suggest taking a break every couple of hours to best benefit your back. Take advantage of your breaks to put your feet up and rest.
• Desk jobs can create the opposite problem from too much sitting. Try to take frequent breaks to get up and stretch or walk around your desk. Move your legs and arms to reduce stiffness, or leave your desk for a little while so your muscles and joints have a chance to exercise and move. Pay attention to your posture while you’re sitting throughout the day, as well. Ensure your back is straight so you’re not leaning forward or straining your neck. Arrange your keyboard and computer at a comfortable distance that does not create back problems.

Commit to routine chiropractic care

Getting regular chiropractic care is another great tip to try that may help you find relief from your chronic pain. Chiropractors work with the vertebrae of the spine and surrounding joints to improve quality of life by restoring the ability to move and improve the body’s ability to handle physical stress.

To find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com.

Using these tips, you can help to better manage and prevent your chronic pain so you can feel your best whether you’re at work, at rest or at play.

2024-09-19T07:01:00

(BPT) – The beginning of the school year can be a challenging time for families. The transition from the carefree summer days to a structured school routine is rough on students and parents alike. For busy parents juggling work, school schedules and extracurricular activities, it can be challenging to keep your home tidy and organized.

A clean and tidy home is important to maintain all year-round, but especially during the academic year. By maintaining a peaceful and clutter-free environment, your kids can feel more relaxed when they get home from school and after-school activities and focus on homework and projects.

To make the transition from summer to school easier for your family, follow these few simple hacks to maintain a tidy home even during the busiest times.

1. Designate homework and play zones

Your home has different spaces for different uses, and maintaining these divisions is one of the best ways to keep your home organized during the school week. If you haven’t already, designate homework and play zones for your children.

By creating specific areas for specific tasks and activities, your kids will have an easier time concentrating on their work. More importantly, it can help contain clutter and keep toys and school supplies from taking over the entire house.

Within these designated zones, you can set up organizational storage so everything has its place. Having a place for specific items makes it easier for your family to quickly tidy up an area.

2. Involve your kids in housekeeping

You can teach your kids the importance of cleanliness and organization by involving them in household chores. Not only does this take some chores off your plate, but it helps children develop skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

Start by assigning age-appropriate chores and responsibilities. For example, younger children may only be responsible for tidying their bedroom and playroom, while older children may take on additional tasks like taking out the trash and cleaning the bathroom. Consider using a chore wheel and rewards system to make cleaning fun and fulfilling.

3. Establish a morning and evening cleanup routine

A morning and evening cleanup routine can help your family stay ahead of household mess during the school year. Encourage your kids to spend a few minutes each morning and evening tidying up common areas and putting away their belongings.

In the morning, this may involve making beds and taking breakfast dishes to the sink. An evening routine can include preparing their backpacks for the next day, cleaning designated areas and tidying their rooms.

Consistency is key. While these cleanup sessions are only a few minutes, getting your family into the habit can go a long way in maintaining a clean and tidy home.

4. Choose the right tools for the job

Having the right tools for cleaning can make a world of difference. Make sure to have cleaning supplies and household appliances that are efficient and easy to use. One indispensable tool that can help you quickly clean any area in your home is a cordless vacuum. They’re easy to use and carry, so even your kids can use them.

When choosing a cordless vacuum, opt for a convenient and powerful model like the LG CordZero™ All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum (A949KTMS). LG — America’s most reliable line of home appliances and now the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. — designed the CordZero to help parents combat the everyday mess that comes with the back-to-school season.

Key features like the Dual Floor Max Nozzle incorporate both a soft roller and a carpet agitator to powerfully clean carpets and hard floors with ease. The vacuum also has a Power Mop Pro attachment so you can spray mop hard floors without having to use (or store) two different appliances.

The CordZero vacuum is LG’s most powerful stick vacuum and provides excellent performance. Enjoy up to 200 minutes of uninterrupted use thanks to two rechargeable, quick-release batteries.

Start this school year with less stress and mess.

Embrace the back-to-school season with open arms and a clean house. Using these four simple hacks, an organized and stress-free home during the academic year won’t be a dream but a reality.

2024-09-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – Multigenerational households are on the rise. According to the Pew Research Center, the number of Americans living in a multigenerational family household is four times larger than in the 1970s. For some, multigenerational living has become necessary to care for aging parents. However, the center found that almost a quarter of younger adults ages 25-34 now live in multigenerational homes due to financial issues.

Whether born of an economic necessity or a desire to keep parents close in their golden years, multigenerational housing is here to stay, and creative solutions are needed for these households.

Inflation, mortgage rates and a lack of housing are causing headaches for many would-be homeowners. For those with multiple generations living in one home, finding an affordable option to comfortably and affordably house several loved ones can be difficult. Luckily, the housing industry is adapting to multigenerational housing with a trend of its own: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

What is an ADU?

You may not have heard of ADUs, but you’re likely familiar with the concept. Think of granny flats, in-law apartments and mother-in-law suites and you’ve pictured an ADU. This innovative housing solution is growing in popularity because it can more easily house multiple generations and provides a lower-cost housing alternative.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of ADUs: Attached and detached. Attached ADUs are connected to the primary house in some way, whether as an addition to the existing building or as a converted garage or basement. Detached ADUs are stand-alone, independent structures like a converted detached garage or a tiny home on the property.

Whether attached or detached, ADUs are usually smaller than your typical home, ranging from 600-1,200 square feet, so floor space is at a premium. Also, depending on the type of ADU and what fixtures will be installed, plumbing can become challenging for homeowners.

Most ADUs will feature a full bathroom (shower, toilet, sink) and kitchen. With so many fixtures and tight quarters, it’s essential to choose products that maximize space and offer reliability and cost-effectiveness. You could use traditional (below-ground) plumbing systems, but they’re often complex and costly. However, there is another solution that is less costly, messy and time-consuming than below-ground plumbing.

Above-floor plumbing: A cost-effective and simple solution for ADUs

While not as popular in the U.S., above-floor plumbing has been a common drainage solution in Europe. For homeowners considering adding an ADU to their property, this plumbing solution can overcome potential plumbing issues.

There are many different types of above-floor plumbing solutions, and which ADU you choose to build will determine which solution you’ll need.

For example, if you need to build a complete bathroom in an attached ADU, you’ll need a macerating pump system like Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3 for light-traffic areas or Sanibest Pro for high-traffic areas. While these products are incredibly effective at safely discharging toilet waste, they can also handle gray water from a sink, bathtub or shower.

The Saniaccess 3 was perfect for Joe O’Neill’s project: Converting a detached two-car garage into a one-bedroom apartment. The garage sits next to O’Neill’s Cape May, New Jersey, vacation home which he rents out. Converting the garage will allow him to continue to visit the beach at his leisure.

Because of the home’s proximity to the ocean, conventional plumbing would have been unadvisable. However, the Saniaccess 3 macerating system allowed O’Neill to hook up three bathroom fixtures and a washing machine!

If you need a complete apartment solution for an attached or detached ADU, you’ll need a more powerful above-floor plumbing and drainage system like the Sanicubic 1. The pre-assembled simplex grinder system can discharge wastewater from three or more fixtures. This means you can connect a complete bathroom, kitchen and laundry to one product that handles high volumes of waste and water.

If you need a heavy-duty solution for your ADU, you should opt for the Sanicubic 1 VX, which handles 2-inch solids, including rigid solids like sanitary products. It’s also the most useful solution for ADUs that have multiple bathrooms.

Above-floor plumbing may seem foreign, and you may feel that installation will be complex. However, above-floor plumbing allows homeowners to avoid the cost of floor excavation and below-ground drainage installation. Also, above-floor models are generally quicker to set up than their traditional counterparts.

Build the ADU for your family with minimal cost, mess and headaches

By embracing above-floor plumbing technology, you can create functional and cost-effective living spaces for your family. From the youngest to the oldest, everyone can have enough space and plumbing to live comfortably. To learn more about above-floor plumbing solutions, visit Saniflo.com/US.

2024-09-17T11:01:00

(BPT) – As a parent or educator, you know how technology has changed the educational landscape. It would be nearly impossible for students to complete assignments and, in some cases, even attend classes without the right tech tools. So, as back-to-school season approaches, it’s a smart idea to think about the laptops you would buy or recommend to students.

A laptop isn’t just another electronic device. A student’s laptop should empower students to learn, create and relax throughout the school year. To ensure your student can do it all, look for a laptop powered by Snapdragon to enable groundbreaking AI experiences. For example, laptops built with the Snapdragon X Elite Platform allow students to navigate demanding multi-tasking workloads, without sacrificing efficient battery life.

Each Snapdragon X Elite-powered laptop brings something different to the table, just like each student. If you need help finding the perfect laptop for different learners with diverse needs, check out this roundup of five laptops with AI infused.

1. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x

For the artists in your life, help them unlock their creativity with the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x. This powerful creative sidekick knows what your student needs before they do! Thanks to its built-in AI, your student can streamline their creative tasks. The 14-inch laptop weighs just under 3 pounds, so your artist can create on the fly anywhere they go!

The Snapdragon X Elite processor allows the Yoga Slim to give top-tier performance while cutting power consumption by 68%. A single charge keeps the battery powered for 27 hours, so students will never have to worry about plugging in their laptop during class. Instead, they can focus on finishing their notes so they can let their creative juices flow after class for multiple days without a break.

2. HP OmniBook X

Does your student find it difficult to focus on everyday tasks? Steer them toward the HP OmniBook X. As they use their laptop, the AI assistants can help reduce churn by surfacing relevant files, summarizing class notes, and creating imaginative thought starters for a truly personalized experience. This personalization cuts down on distractions to increase focus and productivity in and outside of class.

The OmniBook X, powered by Snapdragon X Elite processor is also perfect for distance learning and digital collaboration. Windows Studio Effects and Copilot+ collaboration tools facilitate crisp and clear conversations. Auto-adjust lighting, creative filters, eye contact enhancement, voice focus and a 5MP (16:10) camera ensure students can showcase their ideas to the classroom, collaborators and the world.

After class, when your student is ready to relax with a movie or game, Qualcomm Adreno GPU allows them to enjoy high-performance graphics and rich user experiences.

3. Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16

For students who switch between phone and laptop, have them check out the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge 16. It offers students the ultimate connected experience, backed with Wi-Fi 72 readiness for quick and seamless cross-device connectivity.

Thanks to its hybrid approach, students can control their Galaxy AI phone from the convenience of their PC. They can call, text, set reminders and more, so they can stay in contact with family and friends and stay organized while they work.

Does your student need to watch an international webinar or chat with others overseas? With Automatic Life Captions, language barriers will be a thing of the past. The laptop offers accurate real-time English subtitles translated from 44 languages.

4. Dell XPS 13

For well-rounded students who want to use one tech product for school, work, art and play, they need the Dell XPS 13. This all-terrain vehicle of laptops makes it easier to shop for books, clothing and dorm decorations online, plan their spring break and kick-start research for a class project in a matter of minutes. Paired with 4K streaming & lossless audio your student can watch, share and create from anywhere.

The Snapdragon X Elite processor provides cutting-edge responsiveness and unmatched speed so students can easily navigate a demanding multitasking workload. Snapdragon’s processing power allows for effortless switching between tasks, whether using browsers, video conferencing collaboration or multimedia.

5. MSFT Surface Pro 11

Students who want the best of both worlds should opt for the MSFT Surface Pro 11. This flexible and powerful 2-in-1 laptop/tablet features a detachable keyboard that can be used when attached or detached. Whether they’re taking notes in class, typing up a term paper or taking a break with a digital sketchbook, the Surface Pro adapts to their life, however and wherever they use it.

Like the other Snapdragon X Elite powered laptops in this lineup, students can enjoy AI-accelerated power and lightning-fast speed that keeps up with them all day long.

Help your student level up next semester with the right laptop that meets their unique needs. You can purchase any of these laptops direct from the manufacturer or online and in person at your local Best Buy.

Battery life varies significantly based on device, settings, usage, and other factors.