Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-02-06T07:01:00

(BPT) – Winter may not be over, but now is the time to prepare for spring allergies. As temperatures rise, pollen and other allergens will fill the air, leaving you sneezing and wheezing instead of enjoying sunnier days.

“To prepare for spring allergies, consider starting your medication at least two weeks before symptoms start,” says allergist Gailen Marshall, M.D., Ph.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “For many people, mid-February, around Valentine’s Day, is the ideal time to start your allergy medication routine.”

The member allergists of ACAAI want to help you stay ahead of allergy symptoms this spring. Check out the organization’s top seven tips to help you protect yourself from allergens and reduce allergy symptoms.

1. Close your windows

Although your house may feel a bit stuffy after being closed up all winter, resist the urge to throw open your windows for a breath of fresh air. Leaving your windows open invites allergens like pollen into your home. Instead, keep them closed and run air conditioning to improve airflow and generate a little breeze.

2. Use filters

Even if you’re careful to keep windows and doors closed, allergens can still sneak into your home. Invest in High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters for an air cleaner for a single room. Check to see that the filter has a CADR (clean air delivery rate) that matches the size of the room where it will be used. If your home has a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you can turn it into a “whole house” filtration system by installing a better permanent or disposable air filter. Remember to check and change filters regularly so you can continue breathing easily at home.

3. Change your clothes

Changing into comfortable clothes when you get home can be relaxing and help you manage your allergies. Pollen and other allergens can stick to your clothing, shoes, hats and other accessories. As soon as you get home, ditch your outside clothes for a clean, pollen-free outfit. Also, make it a habit to set these clothes in the laundry room to wash as soon as possible.

4. Add a shower to your evening routine

If you don’t shower at night, it may be time to consider a switch. Rinsing off before bed can wash away allergens that cling to your hair, face and body throughout the day. It will also prevent you transferring pollen to your pillow. Best of all, a warm shower before bed can be incredibly relaxing. So, add a shower to your evening routine and wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.

5. Know your allergy triggers

Do you know your allergy triggers? The causes of your specific allergies can vary. Whether you have pollen allergies or suffer from pet allergens or dust mites, it’s a good idea to get tested by a board-certified allergist. They can help take the guesswork out of allergy management so you can better avoid allergy triggers. Also, be aware of when allergy season starts in your region. In southern climates, spring allergy season often begins as early as mid-February and can be in full swing before the first of March. It may be mid- to late March before pollen season starts in colder climates. Check the internet for the specifics of pollen levels near you.

6. Find the right medication

Is your medication effective in managing your allergy symptoms? If not, you might not have found the right match. For example, if antihistamines aren’t working, it may be time to give nasal sprays a chance. You may even consider allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, which can be extremely effective for treating grass and pollen allergies and can help control asthma.

7. Talk to a professional

While there are many steps you can take on your own to keep allergy symptoms at bay, it’s always a good idea to talk to an expert. Allergists are the best-trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma. They can help you manage allergy challenges, so you’re better equipped to deal with them and feel better this spring and beyond.

Using these seven simple tips, you can get ahead and stay ahead of allergies. To learn more about allergies, find an allergist and find more tips to manage your allergies at ACAAI.org.

2024-02-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you looking for options that can help you choose more wholesome, better-for-you snacks for you and your family to enjoy as you begin the new year?

This can be a busy time for everyone, with school and work back in full swing, in addition to new sports, events and extracurricular activities starting up. You may also still be playing catch-up on tasks and errands long after the holiday season has been in the rear-view mirror. Overloaded schedules during this season can make it even harder to come up with new ideas for lunch time and snack time.

When life is hectic and it seems like everyone is on the go every day of the week, you often need to find options that are convenient and delicious, yet made from ingredients that you can feel good about — like whole grains and real fruit.

Challenges with snacks for families

Planning, shopping for and prepping a variety of wholesome snacks and lunch items for your families every day can be time-consuming and inconvenient — and it can be even more frustrating when you find that many of the foods you have packed for your kids are going bad in their lunchboxes or backpacks.

One option many families are turning to these days is the bento-box approach, which lets you fill a reusable box that has multiple compartments with various items of your choice, helping to keep them both separate and fresh for kids. The hardest part is still choosing items with ingredients you can get behind and that your kids will actually eat and enjoy.

Try new lunch and snacktime solutions

You can increase the likelihood your children will eat more of their lunches and snacks by involving them in the process. Offer them a few choices that you approve ahead of time, and let them pack their own snack bags and lunchboxes once you feel they are old enough to participate. Being involved in the decision-making process may make kids feel more empowered — and they can even have fun at the same time.

Another way to revamp your snacking routine this time of year is by trying new products created with busy families in mind. Nature’s Bakery recently launched their new Fig Bar Minis — a 100-calorie single-pack version of their family favorite twin-pack snacks in tasty Raspberry and Blueberry flavors that everyone in your household is bound to love.

Made with delicious real fruit and hearty whole grains, Fig Bar Minis are perfectly portioned and convenient for all those moments when adults and kids alike need a quick pick-me-up for every commute, lunch break and coffee break.

Fig Bar Minis are also plant-based, nut-free and Non-GMO certified, making them a great choice for your family’s school or activity snacks.

With convenient new options from Nature’s Bakery, you’ll stress less when it comes to snacking in the new year. Find Fig Bar Minis and many more delicious snack-time essentials at NaturesBakery.com.

2024-02-05T09:31:00

2024-02-05T10:21:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, which is an excellent time to make sure you’re supporting your heart health by incorporating walnuts into your everyday meals or snacks. Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.¹ However, leading health experts associated with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans note that following a healthy dietary pattern, which includes nuts like walnuts, can help people achieve and maintain well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease.²

Three decades of studies have demonstrated that walnuts can support cardiovascular health. Their nutritional profile makes them a delicious and convenient option for supporting heart health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved walnuts as one of the first qualified health claims for a whole food 20 years ago and the world-renowned Mayo Clinic also supports walnuts as a heart health-supporting food, confirming that eating nuts, particularly walnuts, is beneficial for your heart.³ Research suggests that regularly eating a healthy diet that includes nuts may reduce the risk of early death due to heart disease.

Why are walnuts good for your heart, and how should you incorporate them into your diet? Here are some fast walnut facts from California Walnuts, including more reasons to eat a handful of walnuts every day and ways to make it easier to do so.

• Since 1993, published research has been investigating how eating walnuts affects various heart health markers such as LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and plaque formation.
• The American Heart Association certifies California Walnuts with their Heart-Check mark⁴ — a distinction that easily identifies foods that meet the nutritional standards set by the American Heart Association.
  
• One ounce of walnuts includes important nutrients for optimal health including 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat and 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid. Walnuts are the only nut with an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3 ALA, an essential fatty acid that may play a role in heart health.^5,6
  
• Walnuts are versatile, making a great grab-and-go snack or delicious addition to a meal.
• Here’s an easy way to estimate how much is the right daily serving of walnuts: Grab a handful (~1 oz.) and you’ve got it right.
• Keep walnuts in the fridge to keep them fresh. A great home for them is in a sealed container in your deli drawer.

To inspire you to include walnuts in your next meal, here’s a delicious side dish that has earned the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check mark for meeting their criteria for a heart-healthy recipe. It’s a perfect example of how walnuts can elevate the taste and nutritional value of your meals.

Roasted Vegetables with Walnuts, Basil and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Brighten up your dinner table and help your heart with this colorful dish!

Ingredients

• 1/2 small red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 small orange bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch cubes, separated
• 4 ounces baby Portobello mushrooms, halved
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 cup sugar snap peas
• 1 small zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 small yellow summer squash, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, snipped (may substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil, added with olive oil)
• 1/2 cup California walnuts, coarsely chopped

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place peppers, onion and mushrooms in a large bowl and toss with olive oil and salt (and dried basil, if using). Place in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure not to crowd the vegetables. Bake for 10 minutes.
2. Add snap peas, zucchini, yellow squash and garlic, stir slightly. Top with walnuts and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more or until all vegetables are crisp-tender and walnuts are toasted.
3. Drizzle with balsamic and toss well. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve!

For more information, or to find more delicious recipes, visit walnuts.org/american-heart-month.

References:

1. Tsao, C. et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93–e621. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001123

2. U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.

3. One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13 g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5 grams of alpha linolenic acid, the plant based omega-3; 2g of fiber; 4g of protein. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces per day of walnuts, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

4. California walnuts are certified by the American Heart Association per one ounce serving. Heart-Check Certification does not apply to scientific research by an organization other than the American Heart Association, unless expressly stated.

5. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. Fdc.nal.usda.gov.

6. Sala-Vila A, Fleming J, Kris-Etherton P, Ros E. Impact of α-Linolenic Acid, the Vegetable ω-3 Fatty Acid, on Cardiovascular Disease and Cognition. Adv Nutr. 2022 Oct 2;13(5):1584-1602. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmac016. PMID: 35170723; PMCID: PMC9526859.

2024-02-05T09:11:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking for a fun way to dine in with your sweetheart, friends or family this Valentine’s Day, how about adding a flavorful twist to brunch favorites that are easy to make at home? You can mix up your favorite cocktail or mocktail to complement a variety of tasty, restaurant-quality offerings from SeaPak. Better yet, anything you choose from SeaPak can be prepared in a conventional oven or air fryer — from freezer to table in just minutes.

To help light the Valentine’s Day spark this year, try one of these sweet and savory shrimp entrees or mouth-watering recipes that are sure to impress your sweetheart.

Jumbo Coconut Shrimp

This seafood classic provides hand-breaded shrimp with a crisp coconut-flake coating — along with a delicious marmalade dipping sauce — for a simple, tasty addition to your favorite brunch or dinner recipes. Swap this item in for a fun spin on Chicken & Waffles, a new take on a classic dish.

Hot Honey Coconut Shrimp and Waffles

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 18 minutes; 4 servings

Enjoy this Southern favorite that’s made even more flavorful with sweet coconut shrimp and hot honey lime sauce.

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) package SeaPak Jumbo Coconut Shrimp
1 (12.3-ounce/10-count) package breakfast homestyle frozen waffles
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili powder (more if you like it hotter)
4 tablespoons butter
1 lime, zested and cut into wedges

Directions

Heat oven to 425 F. Place SeaPak Jumbo Coconut Shrimp on half of a large foil-lined baking sheet and bake 12 minutes. In last 6 minutes of baking, place 4-8 waffles on the other side of the baking sheet.
While shrimp and waffles are baking, make hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, stir together honey, chili powder, butter and half the lime zest.
Serve crispy waffles topped with shrimp and drizzled with the hot honey sauce. Garnish with the remaining lime zest, and serve lime wedges alongside.

Shrimp Scampi

America’s No. 1 frozen shrimp scampi never disappoints! You and your date (or your family) will love this whole tail-off shrimp scampi, perfectly seasoned in a delicious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red bell pepper and herbs for extra flavor. Try this new and unique way to serve shrimp scampi for lunch or brunch on Valentine’s Day — or any day!

Mini Shrimp Scampi and Spinach Quiches

Prep time: 12 minutes; Cook time: 13 minutes; 12-15 servings (30 mini quiches)

Infused with traditional scampi flavors of lemon and garlic, these mini quiches are a welcome addition to any brunch table.

Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) package SeaPak Shrimp Scampi
2 (1.9-ounce) packages frozen mini phyllo cups
1/2 (5-ounce) package fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Directions

Heat oven to 375 F. Arrange phyllo cups in mini muffin tins coated with cooking spray. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add SeaPak Shrimp Scampi and cook 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 minute. Set aside a few whole shrimp to garnish the top; keep warm. Cut remaining shrimp into smaller pieces. Use a slotted spoon to divide shrimp mixture evenly among phyllo shells.
Whisk together eggs, cream, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Pour egg mixture carefully into shells. Bake 12-15 minutes or until eggs are set.
Garnish the top of a few of the mini quiches with reserved shrimp. Drizzle quiches with additional pan sauce before serving, if desired.

Dynamite Shrimp

SeaPak’s newest offering brings you the popcorn shrimp you know and love, with a kick, tossed in a creamy chili sauce. This restaurant-inspired popcorn shrimp with a bite taps into the growing popularity of Asian-style snacks and foods — and is bound to be on every spicy food lover’s grocery list.

After cooking shrimp in a conventional oven or air fryer, you can use the separately packed chili sauce to “sauce and toss” the shrimp in a bowl, or to dip individual shrimp directly in the sauce, depending on how much flavor and spice you prefer.

Stock up your freezer with all these appetizing seafood options so you’ll be ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day, to observe Lent — or just enjoy a quick and easy way to add flavor to any weeknight meal, any time of year.

Find more recipe inspiration and products at SeaPak.com.

2024-02-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – While COVID-19 activity is still below the levels seen last year at this time, COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising quickly. There is still time to get yourself and your loved ones vaccinated. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to stay protected against serious illness from COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination also lowers your risk of getting long COVID — a wide range of health problems that can last weeks, months or even years after COVID-19 infection.

Most adults can get a free updated COVID-19 vaccine through their private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid plans. However, some health insurance plans don’t fully cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine, and an estimated 25-30 million people living in the U.S. don’t have health insurance. To address this concern, CDC’s Bridge Access Program is offering adults who are uninsured or whose insurance doesn’t fully cover COVID-19 vaccination a free, updated COVID-19 vaccine. This program will end by Dec. 31, 2024. To date, more than a million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been provided through the program.

Bridge Access Program

There is no enrollment process or application to qualify, and you don’t need to provide identification or proof of insurance to get a vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. If you are 18 years or older and don’t have health insurance, or your plan doesn’t fully cover an updated COVID-19 vaccine, the Bridge Access Program can provide one for free at participating CVS, Walgreens and eTrueNorth-partnering pharmacies, local health centers and health providers.

How to find a vaccine through the Bridge Access Program

Follow these steps to find pharmacies and health care providers participating in the Bridge Access Program near you:

1. Visit Vaccines.gov.
2. Select “Find COVID-19 Vaccines.”
3. Enter your 5-digit ZIP code in the search bar and select which vaccine option(s) you’re interested in finding.
4. Select “Search for COVID-19 Vaccines.”
5. Select the option “Bridge Access Program Participant” to show participating providers and pharmacies.

When you find a convenient location, call ahead to confirm that they can provide you with a free updated COVID-19 vaccine through the Bridge Access Program. If you can’t find a participating pharmacy or provider near you, check back later because new locations are still being added.

Why get vaccinated now?

Viruses constantly change through mutation and sometimes these mutations result in a new strain (or variant) of the virus. It’s important to know that the updated COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against the variants spreading throughout our communities right now.

The cold winter months are a time when people spend more time in crowded indoor settings, where respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, may be more readily transmitted. Getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from serious illness.

Don’t let cost stop you from getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine this year. Free COVID-19 vaccines are still available. If you are uninsured or your plan won’t fully cover it, visit Vaccines.gov today to find a Bridge Access Program provider near you.

2024-02-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – In recent years, Gen Z has emerged as a pivotal force in the climate industry, significantly influencing the way climate change is addressed in our local and regional communities across the United States. This generation is not only actively participating in the climate conversation but also reshaping it with a diverse and inclusive perspective.

The Tom’s of Maine Incubator

One example is the Tom’s of Maine Incubator, which is designed to resource the next generation of leaders from underrepresented communities who are driving environmental solutions. The program provides funding, mentorship, amplification, and support to early-career changemakers to empower them to Do Good. For Real. The program was first introduced in 2023, and a second cohort of Gen Z leaders has been identified to address climate change in the year ahead:

Brittney Portes, Founder of Gardens of Sol based in Montclair, NJ. Brittney uses her business to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture and farming in her local community.

Danielle Lee, Content Creator of Battery Girlie based in San Francisco, CA. Danielle uses her platform to help Gen Z build impactful careers fighting climate change.

Diamond Spratling, Founder and Executive Director of Girl+Environment based in Atlanta, GA. Diamond created Girl+Environment to empower Black and Brown women to stand up for environmental justice.

Jasmine Lamb, Chair of the Sipayik Resilience Committee based in Orono, ME. Jasmine is committed to improving community resilience against climate change and elevating Native American voices in the climate movement.

Zanagee Artis, Founder of Zero Hour based in Washington, D.C. Zanagee founded his organization with the goal of elevating the voices of young people of color and people on the front lines of the climate crisis.

Representation in the Climate Movement

In the United States, Gen Z’s influence is particularly evident at the local and regional levels, as seen with this year’s Incubator Members. They are not just participants in climate discussions; they are initiators and leaders of grassroots movements, community projects, and policy advocacy. For instance, the Incubator Members are working with local governments to develop climate action plans, advocating for renewable energy projects, and raising awareness about sustainable practices within their communities. Their hands-on approach ensures that climate action is not just centered around certain individuals but speaks to the wider population, ensuring those most impacted by climate change are included in finding solutions.

Tom’s of Maine believes that addressing climate change is crucial for several reasons. First, it’s about preserving the planet for future generations. Climate change poses significant risks to our environment, health, and economy. By taking action now, you can help mitigate these risks and ensure a sustainable future. Secondly, addressing climate change is essential for social equity, as its impacts often disproportionately affect marginalized communities. As climate change continues, the increased risk from hurricanes is likely to disproportionately affect Black communities, according to McKinsey & Co.

The Power of Gen Z

Gen Z understands the challenges impacting marginalized communities and they are changing this narrative by bringing diverse voices to the forefront. They recognize that the impacts of climate change are not uniform and that solutions must be equitable and inclusive. By diversifying the climate movement, Gen Z leaders like those in the Tom’s of Maine Incubator ensure that the conversation reflects a broader range of experiences and perspectives, leading to more sustainable solutions.

As Gen Z continues to shape the conversation, you can take action at the local and regional level to address climate change in your community. You can help support and amplify the efforts of the Tom’s of Maine Incubator members, volunteer in climate change activities near you, and make a small difference for the health of our planet.

2024-02-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – This fall, students participating in the EcoCAR EV Challenge returned to their garages to kick off the second year of the four-year collegiate competition. The EcoCAR EV Challenge, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), General Motors (GM) and MathWorks, prepares college students to meet the changing demands of the automotive industry by providing them with hands-on training and knowledge of electric vehicles (EVs), connected auto technologies and autonomous vehicle systems.

Following the first year of the competition, which was primarily focused on student teams conceptualizing their vehicle designs, GM provided each team with a 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ which the students are reengineering to add new energy efficient and automated features.

This year, EcoCAR students get the full experience of designing, developing and deploying their own automated vehicle systems. Teams will explore these features with a unique focus on minimizing energy consumption through making energy-mindful decisions, integrating eco-driving control strategies and deploying connected vehicle technologies.

With an all-electric future on the horizon and autonomous mobility continuing to advance, the automotive industry is currently undergoing a once-in-a-century technological revolution and is grappling with massive shifts in technology, workforce, supply chains and its manufacturing base as a result. Vehicles with automated driving features are growing in popularity, with the capability and refinement of these features progressing rapidly year over year as automakers look to Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) features to improve vehicle safety and driver experience.

As the development of EVs and new CAV technologies continues to advance, programs such as the EcoCAR EV Challenge are critical for helping to bridge the current skills gap and build the talent pipeline needed to meet the industry’s future needs through cutting-edge automotive engineering education and practical application. The competition is uniquely designed to support the workforce pipeline needed to produce the next generation of EVs, enabling participating students to graduate with the skills and experience to immediately contribute to the development of EVs and CAV systems and drive new auto innovations.

Working closely with mobility and government leaders on a curriculum specifically tailored to align with future industry needs, programs such as EcoCAR and other Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions (AVTCs) managed by Argonne National Laboratory help address the toughest mobility challenges facing our nation, while building a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of North America. They help prepare the auto industry leaders of the future by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skillsets to secure high-paying, highly desired roles post-graduation and pave the way for tomorrow’s auto industry advances.

To learn more about the EcoCAR EV Challenge and to follow along on each team’s journey, visit avtcseries.org and like, follow and subscribe to the competition’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.

2024-02-01T12:01:01

(BPT) – In honor of American Heart Month this February, you can make positive changes to your well-being by evaluating how your everyday lifestyle affects your heart health. To get started, take steps to understand your risk, then consider making healthier choices to help lower your chances of heart disease.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few of her tips to help you live a heart-healthy lifestyle, starting with your routine wellness visits.

1. Know your risk

Getting regular health screenings as part of your annual exam is crucial to understanding your risk for heart disease. By consulting with your primary healthcare provider on a regular basis, you can ask questions and get advice on practical steps you could take to improve your well-being.

“Regular wellness visits are a crucial part of staying healthier,” Blatner advises. “And it’s always recommended to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine or nutrition program.”

2. Stay active

Try to fit 30-60 minutes of physical activity into your day, which can include walking, gardening or household chores as well as swimming, dancing, playing a sport or taking a fitness class. Various aerobic activities that get your heart rate up, strength exercises to build muscle, plus yoga or stretching for flexibility are usually a good mix.

Make it easier to exercise enough each day by breaking up activity into smaller chunks rather than doing it all at once.

3. Reduce stress

The good news is that many of the activities you can do to keep physically active have the added benefit of reducing your stress levels. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can improve your mood, reduce tension and help you focus throughout your day.

Apart from exercise, you can try meditation, breathing exercises and any other relaxing activities that help you feel calm and reduce anxiety.

4. Focus on foods that boost wellness

Eat a variety of nutritious foods to help improve your blood pressure and cholesterol, including veggies and fruits, whole grains, healthy fats like avocado, lean meats and eggs.

“When it comes to eggs, I always recommend Eggland’s Best,” Blatner adds. “Eggland’s Best eggs have more than double the Omega-3’s compared to ordinary eggs, which support heart health in a variety of important ways such as boosting good cholesterol, lowering triglycerides, and promoting healthy blood pressure.”

In addition, Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps support healthier blood cholesterol levels and overall heart health. Eggland’s Best eggs also have more than double the amount of Vitamin B12, ten times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D.

To help you include more eggs in your daily diet, Blatner shares this recipe from the American Heart Association and Eggland’s Best for easy-to-make egg tostadas that are a delicious and hearty snack or breakfast.

Eggland’s Best is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative. To learn more, visit EgglandsBest.com.

POACHED EGG TOSTADAS WITH AVOCADO-TOMATILLO SALSA

Prep time 10 minutes; cook time 20 minutes.

Ingredients

· 4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· Cooking spray

· Four 6-inch corn tortillas

· 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Salsa Ingredients

· 1 medium avocado (diced)

· 1 medium Anaheim pepper (seeds and ribs discarded, diced)

· 1 medium tomatillo (papery husk discarded, diced)

· 1/2 medium tomato (diced)

· 1/4 cup diced red onion

· 1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro

· 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

· 1 medium garlic clove (minced)

· 1/8 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the tortillas in a single layer on the foil. Lightly spray the tortillas with cooking spray. Using a fork, pierce the tortillas a few times to prevent them from filling with air. Bake for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to serving plates.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, bring the water and vinegar to a boil over high heat.
4. In a medium bowl, gently stir together all the salsa ingredients. Set aside.
5. Once the water has come to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer. Break an egg into a cup and then carefully slip the egg into the simmering water. Repeat with the remaining eggs, placing them in the water so they don’t touch. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the whites are completely set and the yolks are beginning to set, but aren’t hard. Using a slotted spoon, drain the eggs well. Place each egg on a tostada. Serve with the salsa.

2024-02-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – Pet Dental Health Month (February) marks the perfect time to prioritize your pet’s wellbeing and kick-start a dental care routine. A staggering 80% of dogs, particularly small breeds and seniors, face the risk of dental disease, with 70% of cats experiencing dental issues in their lifetime.

Supporting your pet’s dental health starts with annual veterinarian visits and consistent daily at-home dental care. When done together, pet parents contribute not only to their pet’s dental health but also to their overall wellbeing, because there are many ways the two are tied together that some pet parents may not even consider.

The following are five additional health benefits your pet may experience when you prioritize their dental health:

1. Optimal nutrition and digestion

Proper digestion starts in the mouth, and healthy teeth allow pets to chew their food effectively, breaking it down into smaller, easily digestible pieces. This not only promotes improved digestion but also enhances optimal nutrient absorption. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet contributes to a pet’s overall health and immune system, promoting an active, joyful life while reducing susceptibility to illness.

2. Emotional wellbeing

Supporting your dog’s dental health with a dental chew offers multiple benefits: It helps clean teeth, exercises jaw muscles and provides mental stimulation. Wellness^® WHIMZEES^® Natural* Dental Treats for dogs acts like a chew, which helps to release endorphins (“feel-good hormones”) promoting pleasure and relaxation to help reduce pain and stress.

For cats, boost chewing with Wellness^® WHIMZEES^® Natural Dental Treats to help address the key areas vets check most: plaque, gums, tartar and breath. These daily cat treats have a crunchy, porous texture that mimics a toothbrush with an added benefit of encouraging bonding time with cat parents while treating.

3. Gut and microbiome health

Strong dental health can support a happy microbiome in the gut and safeguard against potential health risks. Neglected oral care may lead to untreated dental infections, allowing harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and potentially cause systemic infections in the heart, liver or kidneys. This imbalance can influence digestion, behavior, immune function and various other aspects of your pet’s health.

4. Reduced tooth loss and better breath

Preserving your pets’ wellbeing involves addressing the risk of tooth loss, a crucial aspect of their ongoing health. Like children, kittens and puppies naturally lose baby teeth, but adulthood should not bring tooth loss from unattended dental issues. Such tooth loss can impair a pet’s ability to eat, play and interact normally, evolving into a health concern.

Taking proactive daily measures to support dental health, such as reducing plaque and tartar buildup, can effectively minimize the risk of teeth loss due to advanced dental disease. This ensures that pets maintain vitality and enjoy various activities as they age, while also contributing to fresher breath and enjoyable interactions.

5. Positive behavior and comfort

Dental discomfort can influence a pet’s behavior, resulting in reduced food intake, irritability or mild changes in mood. Pain from dental problems may lead to avoidance of eating or difficulty with regular food consumption. Consider the last time you had a toothache — addressing it likely improved your behavior and energy levels. The same applies to our pets.

Investing in your pet’s dental health is not just an act of care; it’s a supportive move toward ensuring their physical health, comfort and overall wellbeing. Dental chews and treats are a simple way to maintain dental health at home. To learn more and find Wellness^® WHIMZEES^® near you, visit https://www.whimzees.com/.

*With added vitamins, minerals & taurine