Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-04-02T06:01:00

(BPT) – At this time of year, kids are itching to shake off winter’s cabin fever and get outside. Spring sports are in session, and kids are heading off to summer camp, riding their bikes with friends, or just exploring the great outdoors.

Along with the fun and adventure, every parent knows this is also the season of skinned knees, bumps and bruises. Some parents will say that it’s not summer without a trip to the ER, and most households have a first aid kit stocked with bandages and antiseptic spray. A little TLC after a minor mishap and your child is good to go.

There is one childhood injury that calls for a different treatment process than parents might be accustomed to — a child’s tooth getting knocked out. The image of your child walking, dazed, into the kitchen, carrying his or her tooth, perhaps bleeding, can strike fear into parents. A skinned knee is one thing, but the loss of a tooth can seem much more serious.

The first thing to do, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, is take a deep breath. Stay calm. You’ve got this, and the big authority on little teeth has got you. Here’s what Dr. Scott Cashion, President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says to do when your child’s tooth gets knocked out:

For baby teeth:

If it’s a baby tooth, give your child some TLC. This isn’t an emergency situation.

Have your child rinse out their mouth with cool water. No need to put the tooth back in the socket; in fact, that can damage the growing permanent tooth. Wrap it up for the tooth fairy or toss it.

For permanent teeth:

This requires quick, careful action, says Dr. Cashion. The goal here is to save the tooth. But don’t worry. Your pediatric dentist is trained for emergencies like this. Until you get to their office, here’s what to do:

Control any bleeding. Ensure your child is positioned so he or she will not choke. Place a wet cloth into the mouth to control the bleeding and apply gentle pressure.

Locate the tooth. If you can’t find it, it might be pushed up into the gum.

Don’t handle the tooth by its roots. If you have rubber or medical gloves in your first aid kit, this is the time to put them on.

Rinse the tooth gently with water. Don’t scrub it or use antiseptic.

Put the tooth in a small plastic bag with some milk. Yes, milk. Not water! Milk enzymes can help preserve the root and keep it “alive.” Place the bag into a cup of ice.

Call your dentist and let them know you have an emergency and are on your way. If it’s after hours or on the weekend, contact an emergency dentist in your area. It’s wise to have the number of an after-hours or emergency pediatric dentist handy on your fridge, before you need it.

If you aren’t sure whether it’s a baby tooth or permanent tooth, follow the steps above for permanent teeth, and place it in milk rather than reinserting.

Ideally, try to get your child into the dentist’s chair within 30 minutes of the accident. If this isn’t possible, get there as soon as you can. Your dentist knows what to do. For more information or to find a pediatric dentist near you, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

2024-04-02T04:01:00

(BPT) – It’s National Brunch Month, the perfect time to experience the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail! With over 40 stops along the way, the trail offers a self-guided tour of restaurants that serve brunch’s favorite cocktail (usually a combo of juice and sparkling wine) along with a wide array of breakfast cuisine.

“The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail gives visitors and locals alike a new way to explore all the delicious brunch beverages that our region has to offer,” said Tom Loftus, vice president of marketing at Richmond Region Tourism. “We believe the Richmond Region is the first and only destination in the country to offer a mimosa trail, and our trail will always be special because it comes with the unique Richmond Region experience.”

Here are 5 ways to make the most of the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail:

Celebrate a Special Occasion

Don’t wait until dinner — celebrate anniversaries, birthdays or engagements at brunch instead. For a truly memorable experience, consider dining at a rooftop venue like Kabana, with picturesque views of the city. Or in cooler months, cozy up in historic restaurants like Martha’s Kitchen or Liberty Public House. Book your stay at The Commonwealth where you can enjoy a Blood Orange “Moon-Mosa,” crafted with Richmond’s own Belle Isle Moonshine (35 percent ABV), at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Rueger’s.

Enjoy a Unique Experience

For an entertaining day date or an out-of-the-ordinary gathering of friends, the Richmond Region Mimosa Trail has just the thing. Play a round of mini-golf at Hotel Greene, tour historic Hanover Tavern, or enjoy a world-famous Drag Brunch performance at Godfreys, with a side of bubbly. Relax and revive after your lively brunch with spa treatments and a few splendid nights at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump.

Make it a Memorable Meal

When it’s Mimosa time, it’s also time for the most important meal of the day. The Richmond Region has countless options for morning munchies to accompany your tasty beverages. Order the Devil’s Mess alongside a Manmosa at Millie’s Diner, or indulge in a red velvet waffle with tropical mimosas at Lulu’s. For organic, natural ingredients and mimosa carafes, The Daily Kitchen & Bar offers two locations to meet your needs. Treat yourself to luxury and tradition with a stay at The Jefferson Hotel, which offers a decadent Champagne Sunday Brunch and memorable fine dining in its restaurant, Lemaire.

Go All Out for Girls’ Weekend

Gather your besties and raise those glasses for an unforgettable girls’ trip to celebrate friendship or a bachelorette bash. A get-together of gal pals calls for a grouping of the best bubbly, so choose from mimosa flights at Kregger’s Tap and Table, Cooper’s Tavern or Napa Kitchen and Wine, just to name a few. Think pink for your overnight accommodations with a stay at the Quirk Richmond, a light, airy, art-inspired boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Richmond — with a restaurant that serves mimosas, of course.

Just Because

Sometimes, the best reason to treat yourself is no reason at all. Toast to the weekend with a traditional mimosa from Capitol Waffle Shop or Joe’s Inn or sample a new flavor from ML Steak or Les Crepes. Keep some extra cash for the trail when you book your stay at one of the area’s newest and highly rated hotels for mid-budget travelers, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chester.

What Are You Waiting For?

Make plans now for your Richmond Region Mimosa Trail adventure with friends and family. No matter the occasion, there’s a stop (or a few) on the trail to start your day in a refreshing, bubbly way!

The Richmond Region Mimosa Trail is presented by Visit Richmond VA. Learn more at www.richmondmimosatrail.com.

Please drink responsibly. Remember to bring along a designated driver or use a ride service for transportation. Find more information at responsibility.org.

2024-04-01T05:01:00

(BPT) – If visions of sunny days, blooming flowers, and warm breezes get you excited to go to new places and do fun things, you may want to shake off the winter blahs by planning a spring getaway or event with family and friends. To help with your spring vacation planning, National Geographic offers books with something for everyone.

Here’s a look at the vacation inspiration you’ll find inside these fun books.

1. Visit a national park

Did you know April 20–28 is National Park Week? To celebrate the occasion, entrance fees to National Parks are waived on April 20, so plan ahead to take advantage of the free admission.

National Parks are an American treasure that could take a lifetime to fully explore. Why not start now? Three helpful books, Complete National Parks, Atlas of the National Parks, and Yellowstone National Park Trail Map, provide valuable information about parks near you and throughout the country—just waiting for you to visit.

2. Plan a unique vacation

A vacation along the road less traveled may be just what you need this spring. If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to go to the same places that every other tourist visits, and you love uncovering hidden gems in the U.S. and around the world, Here Not There is the ideal book for you.

You’ll appreciate travel guidance that finds you lesser known locales to discover—which can also help you avoid excessive crowds and costs. For example, you may choose to visit San Antonio, Texas, instead of Venice, Italy, for a city full of colonnades, canals, and carnivals. You could discover that Cleveland, Ohio, offers theater performances rivaling what you can find on Broadway, or that a water-filled excursion through New York’s Thousand Islands offers beauty to match Germany’s Rhine River.

3. Get your pedals turning with ultimate cycling experiences

Geared for everyone from casual enthusiasts to expert riders, this vibrant book offers a wide variety of routes that are suitable for every type of cyclist. In 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime you’ll discover quick jaunts in your own neighborhood, challenges that belong on every cyclist’s bucket list and more.

This handy guide also provides essential information such as the best times to ride, great spots to refuel, cultural highlights along each route, where to stay, and how to relax post-ride.

4. Try a tasty new treat in every state

Ever wanted to eat your way across the country? Now you can, with help from 50 States 1,000 Eats. You’ll find must-have diner breakfasts and food trucks to can’t-miss farm-to-table dinners and apple farms with the best cider—with flavors and food experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you just love going on road trips or you’re an avid foodie, you can explore the best dishes in every state, check out expert advice on where to find top meals at local eateries, learn how to schedule your trips around popular food festivals and read about inspiring activities to pair with your favorite dishes.

5. Optimize your staycation with incredible barbecue

Staying at home for your next vacation? Gather friends and family for some good eats with the help of Big Moe’s Big Book of BBQ. Learn about the best kinds of wood, premium grills, and how to concoct the tastiest rubs and sauces. Pitmaster Moe Cason, winner of over 250 barbecue competitions, shares 75 family-favorite recipes for perfect barbecue classics.

Ready to make your spring plans? Find all these books and more at Books.Disney.com.

2024-04-01T12:01:00

(BPT) – Refreshing your home in the spring is about more than organizing closets and cleaning floors. As winter melts away and warmer weather returns, proactively checking your home’s systems will help keep it running efficiently while remaining a comfortable and safe space for you and your loved ones.

Upgrade fire and CO safety solutions.

While you’re ticking through your list of spring maintenance to-do’s, don’t forget about the smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. Proper smoke and CO alarm placement, regular maintenance and alarm replacement are essential to keeping your family safe. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that alarms be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Alarms should be tested regularly, and if the device is battery-powered, batteries should be changed at least every six months.

To make maintaining your smoke and CO alarms easier, upgrade to a 2-in-1 smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, such as the First Alert 10-Year Battery Combination Alarm. This 10-year sealed battery alarm eliminates battery replacement and late-night battery chirps for a decade. Easy to install, 10-year alarms come equipped with a mounting bracket and installation kit — making safety simple for you and your family.

Check for winter wear and tear.

Winter’s extreme temperatures can take a toll on the outside of your home and its appliances. Examine the outside of your house and roof to check for fallen branches or debris that could block gutters or downspouts and cause a drainage problem. Inspect the driveway and sidewalks for new potholes or cracks that may have developed in the cold, and ensure all exterior lights are working properly.

Tune-up your cooling system.

When the weather gets milder, schedule a professional maintenance service to ensure that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are operating optimally and won’t quit after the first heat wave. If you don’t already have one, upgrade to a smart thermostat, like a Honeywell Home Smart Thermostat, which allows you to adjust your temperature from anywhere and set different temperature schedules for various times of the day. ENERGY STAR certified thermostats can provide comfort when you’re home, and energy savings when away.

Change your air filters.

Over a long winter, your heating system’s air filters naturally accumulate dust and other airborne particles, which can clog your air filter, impact indoor air quality and affect system performance. Regularly replacing your air filters is a great way to help maintain indoor air quality and support a comfortable environment for your family. Clean air filters also allow for better air flow, reducing the stress on your home’s HVAC system and promoting energy efficiency.

Secure windows and doors.

Warmer weather often breeds more home break-ins as burglars like when windows are open at night or garage doors are open during yardwork. But you can help lower the threat by hardening the target. Walk around outside of your home to inspect doors and windows for working locks and be mindful not to leave valuables in sight. If you have cars parked in your driveway, keep them locked and garage door openers should be tucked away.

To help protect what matters most and learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com. For assistance with HVAC or home security assessments, contact your local professional service.

2024-03-28T23:01:00

(BPT) – Many pregnant people are focused on protecting the health of themselves and their babies by seeking out trusted healthcare providers and activating support networks of friends and family. One important protection pregnant people can consider for themselves and their little ones is getting recommended vaccinations. Getting recommended vaccinations during pregnancy can be an important — and empowering — way to help protect the health of both pregnant people and their babies. It is important for pregnant people and their support networks to revisit the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy. Here are three reasons to consider:

1. About two weeks after a pregnant person gets a vaccination, their body creates antibodies (proteins that fight off diseases), and those antibodies can be passed on to babies. These antibodies increase protection, for both the pregnant person and their baby, against severe illness and complications caused by some infectious diseases, like whooping cough.
2. Pregnant people are at higher risk for having severe complications from infectious diseases (like flu) than people who are not pregnant. This may be due to changes in pregnant people’s immune system and heart and lung functions. Vaccination helps increase protection for pregnant people.
3. Newborns do not have fully developed immune systems when they are born. Vaccination during pregnancy increases protection for newborns until they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations.

Vaccination during pregnancy is one of many important parts of prenatal care. Healthcare providers can answer important questions pregnant people may have about which vaccines are recommended for them and why. Healthcare providers can also help pregnant people consider how vaccination fits into their overall prenatal care plan by discussing when vaccinations are recommended throughout their pregnancy.

Talk to a trusted healthcare provider about vaccination during pregnancy. Learn more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pregnancy/vacc-during-after.html.

2024-03-28T10:01:01

(BPT) – How do you discover new tech? Social media advertisements? Recommendations from friends and family? If you’re always searching for the latest and greatest tech, it’s time to check out crowdfunded products.

Crowdfunding is a powerful tool connecting creators with potential backers, revolutionizing how new products are brought to market. When you back a crowdfunded product, you’re supporting new and cutting-edge technologies that have real potential to improve your life.

Ready to discover new and exciting technology? Check out these three Kickstarter products that will change how you work, clean and sleep.

1. A speakerphone that supercharges hybrid work

Enhance your hybrid work experience with the AnkerWork S600 Speakerphone, the world’s first speakerphone equipped with local real-time voiceprint recognition technology.

AnkerWork S600 Speakerphone integrates a Qi2 magnetic wireless charger, 70° adjustable phone stand, 4-Mics and 360° sound speaker with real-time voiceprint technology into one device. This is not just a speakerphone for calls. It’s a multi-role conference and entertainment center, an all-in-one sleek device.

The S600 accurately recognizes and verifies your voice, even in the noisiest environment, based on your unique vocal characteristics. The speakerphone also stores your voiceprint locally, providing unparalleled security and privacy.

You’ll never run out of charge, even during the longest meetings. The S600 also serves as a 15W Qi 2.0 magnetic charging station, providing fast, efficient, worry-free wireless charging without wires, plugs and ports. While docked, use the speakerphone’s unique pivot design for landscape and portrait orientation, perfect for video conferencing and multimedia viewing.

2. Cleaning is a breeze with a smart vacuum cleaner

Are you ready for easy cleaning and maintenance? On March 28, you can back the Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni S1 Pro. The real-time self-cleaning mop, clean water tank and roller mop technology ensure unmatched floor cleanliness.

Don’t worry about switching from mop to vacuum mode. When the Omni S1 Pro detects it is over the carpet, it will lift the roller mop completely into the robot’s body and easily pick up dust and debris over any carpeting. The Omni S1 Pro can also clean its roller mop as it cleans floors for extra cleanliness.

The Omni S1 Pro’s sleek design allows the robot to clean under low furniture and other tight spaces. Combined with the RGB camera with active binocular technology and Hidden Lidar tower, the smart robot maps your home and avoids obstacles for truly efficient performance.

The smart robot docks at the full-functioning station for hands-free maintenance. Once docked, the smart robot can self-empty, auto-mop hyperclean, heat air dry, refill clean water, collect dirty water, generate ozone-sterilized water and automatically mix detergent.

3. Fall asleep in comfort with these ergonomic earbuds

Enjoy all-night peace and quiet with the Soundcore Sleep A20 earbuds. Your snoring partner, a garbage truck, loud neighbors and other nighttime disturbances are no match for these earbuds. The earbuds’ Twin-Seal ear tips offer advanced noise masking with three times better noise rejection than single-layer ear tips.

The Sleep A20s are ideal for side sleepers. The ergonomic curved design and ultra-soft silicone material conform to your ears for a pressure-free experience. Unlike traditional earbud models, the Sleep A20 earbuds let you lay your head on the pillow without the earbud protruding from your ear and causing pressure.

Just because these earbuds are designed for sleep doesn’t mean you can’t use them during the day! They’re great for commuting, whether heading to the office or flying to see a client. Effortlessly and comfortably doze off to your music, podcasts and audiobooks from your favorite apps via your mobile device.

You’ll never have to worry about running out of juice. The earbuds’ long battery life lets you listen to 10 hours of playtime with 55 hours in the charging case when connected to Bluetooth. Or switch your earbuds into sleep mode for 14 hours of playtime and 80 hours in the case.

Other fun features include repeatable alarms, a sound library and automatic sleep monitoring with sleep position tracking. In the unlikely event that an earbud falls out in the middle of the night, the Sleep A20 will allow you to find the earbuds using an audible alert through the Soundcore app.

You can pre-purchase the Soundcore Sleep A20 via Kickstarter with discounts of up to 40% off for the first backers starting April 16.

These are just three examples of progressive technology that you can find online. Check out Kickstarter to see how you can fund these and other products that can enhance your life one technological advance at a time.

2024-03-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – Living with lupus for over 15 years has meant dealing with some very uncomfortable moments for Grammy award-winning singer Toni Braxton. But according to Toni, the discomfort is worth it to manage her kidney health and prevent life-threatening complications from lupus.

“Getting routine tests is not my favorite thing,” Toni acknowledges. “Peeing in a cup and getting poked with needles can be uncomfortable, but I’ve learned to embrace these uncomfortable moments because I know they could save my life.”

Lupus can affect many parts of the body including the joints, skin, brain, heart, lungs and kidneys. But when it causes inflammation of the kidneys, it’s known as lupus nephritis. It’s estimated that up to 50% of people with lupus may develop lupus nephritis which can lead to kidney failure, increased blood pressure and cardiovascular complications like heart attack and stroke.

Toni is encouraging anyone living with lupus to prioritize their kidneys by going to the doctor for routine testing — something she wishes she had done sooner. After being diagnosed with lupus, Toni began experiencing new symptoms but didn’t open up to her doctors right away. She told herself it was just because she was stressed, tired and working too hard.

“The scariest part is that lupus can come with complications that can be life threatening, and the symptoms are often silent,” Toni says. “Many people with lupus don’t realize they are having issues with their kidneys until the damage is already done — which could mean dialysis or even a kidney transplant.”

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with lupus, you’ve been living with lupus for years or you have a loved one living with lupus, it is important to understand the health of your kidneys to detect lupus nephritis early. Early diagnosis and treatment may help prevent irreversible kidney damage and other serious complications. Here are four steps you can take to protect your kidneys:

1. Know the risks:

About 1 in 2 people with lupus may go on to develop lupus nephritis. Women of color have an increased risk for developing lupus nephritis. Black and Asian women are four times more likely to develop lupus nephritis and Hispanic women are twice as likely compared to non-Hispanic white women. Additionally, people are often diagnosed with lupus nephritis when they are in their 20s, at a time when they may be in school, launching their career or starting a family.

2. Know the symptoms:

Lupus nephritis can be silent, but it is serious. Just because you don’t always notice the symptoms doesn’t mean they aren’t there. You can keep an eye out for signs like:

1. Swelling in the feet or ankles
2. Increased blood pressure
3. Frothy or sudsy urine, and/or the need to frequently urinate

3. Know the importance of routine testing:

Symptoms of kidney involvement with lupus can be subtle, inconsistent and hard to recognize. You may not notice the signs of kidney damage, but with routine urine or blood tests, your doctor can. Guidelines recommend that people living with lupus complete routine testing at every visit. Hear from kidney health experts on how routine testing helps them monitor your kidney health.

4. Know the right questions to ask your care team:

It is critical to stay up to date with your doctor’s appointments and to have open and honest conversations about lupus and your kidney health. Before your next appointment, make sure to complete routine testing and write down any symptoms you’ve experienced over time, and note any changes to your symptoms between appointments. Be your own health advocate and ask any questions you have.

Visit GetUncomfortable.com to learn more about how you can take steps now to prioritize your kidney health and to schedule an appointment with a specialist in your area.

2024-03-27T15:11:00

(BPT) – Inflation and rising prices have the majority of Americans (70%) feeling uneasy about their financial outlook, according to new research from Empower, a financial services company. While some Americans are bracing for a recession (42%), nearly a third (29%) are hoping for a soft landing and 20% are holding steady, saying they feel the same way about the market as they did a year ago.

More than half (51%) say they plan to hold off on making major financial commitments like homeownership, with Gen Z (57%) pushing back major money moves the most: 37% are waiting for relief in the market. Two-thirds of savers believe the economy will impact their ability to retire (65%).

Despite these concerns, Americans have aspirations for securing a brighter financial future in 2024, especially when it comes to increasing their net worth (73%) or asking for a raise at work (34%).

Working on it

One in 5 Americans are anxious about job security, and that concern rises to 25% for Gen Zers. In the current economic environment, 61% of Americans value job stability over job flexibility. Workers in some industries feel more stressed, most notably in marketing (36%), food and hospitality (33%) and technology (24%).

More than a third of Americans (34%) plan to seek a raise at work and Millennials are the most proactive, with 39% intending to ask for a salary hike. For more than 2 in 5 Americans (44%), a salary bump is expected, regardless of if they have a money talk with their boss or not.

Other ways people plan to boost their bottom line? A quarter of Americans (overall; 33% Gen Z) intend to work a second job, and nearly as many (24%) will start a side hustle. Over a quarter of Gen Zers intend to further their education (26%) as a pathway to higher earnings.

Investments on the rise

The majority of Americans are planning to make investments in the year ahead (80%) and asset reallocation ranks at the top of the list for nearly two-thirds (64%).

Americans plan to put money in stocks (44%), employer-sponsored retirement plans (37%), and high-yield savings accounts (34%) more than other types of investments. Many (64%) are also looking to change their portfolio mix: 38% plan to do so by increasing their investment in stocks and equities, while 16% are leaning toward bonds and fixed income.

Among investment opportunities, bonds are viewed favorably, with 47% of Americans considering them a reliable investment. Just 18% plan to invest in cryptocurrency. Gen Z shows the most aversion to risk, with 26% saying they may pull their investment funds to keep more cash on hand.

Despite these challenges, Americans are taking steps to improve their finances by putting more money into their employer-sponsored retirement plans (37%). Additionally, 22% of Gen Zers are hoping for a little luck along the way, like winning the lottery or receiving an inheritance, to help pay their bills.

Making the most of it

While economic uncertainty continues to weigh on people’s minds, Americans are setting goals and planning ahead to help set themselves up for financial success.

Methodology

Empower commissioned a survey of 1,008 Americans on January 23, 2024 to explore their financial outlooks and priorities in the year ahead.

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2024-03-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – The teenage years are a critical period of development to prepare young people to be at their best and thrive in multiple facets of their lives. Getting enough quality sleep plays a big part in teens’ health, but teens have unique sleep needs that are different from both children and adults. Teens’ body clocks go through natural changes that affect their sleep patterns. Plus, school, social, or work activities can influence if they get enough of the quality sleep they need. In fact, the average American teenager is not their Best Slept Self^®. Current sleep health statistics aren’t looking great for teens, and that’s cause for alarm because of the strong relationship between sleep health and mental health, among other things. The good news is there are small steps for teens to take that can help with both.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) is dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. NSF’s 2024 Sleep in America^® Poll, the premier annual review of public attitudes and behaviors about current sleep topics, sought to explore the important connection between sleep health and depressive symptoms among U.S. teens (i.e., people aged 13 to 17).

According to new data from NSF on teen sleep health, 8 out of 10 American teens don’t get enough sleep and over 1 in 3 also get an ‘F’ for practicing healthy sleep behaviors.

Too Much To Do, Too Little Sleep: Link between Teens’ Sleep and Mental Health

The mental health of American teens has stepped into the forefront as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Office of the Surgeon General have declared a “mental health” crisis among American youth. A new NSF survey revealed 1 in 3 teens in America report having mild or greater depressive symptoms. This high number can be linked to numerous contributors, including high stress, social demands, school demands, and even poor sleep health.

Many of the teens polled in NSF’s survey believe their sleep and mental health are connected. Nearly 75% said they feel their emotional well-being is negatively impacted when they get less sleep than usual, and nearly 70% of teens who are dissatisfied with their sleep report mild or greater depressive symptoms, as well as loneliness. The report also found that teens who have trouble falling or staying asleep two or more nights a week have significantly more depressive symptoms.

School demands appear to be a particularly important factor for both sleep and mental health in teens. NSF data show 7 out of 10 students start the school day before the NSF-recommended start at 8:30 AM, and that these teens report higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to those who start school later.

Better Sleep Health and Better Mental Health Travel Together in Teens

The good news: NSF’s survey on teen sleep and mental health showed a link between getting the NSF-recommended amount of sleep (typically 8-10 hours) on school nights and significantly lower depressive symptoms. The survey also found that nearly 80% of teens who earn a ‘B’ or higher practicing healthy sleep behaviors are also free of significant depressive symptoms. Together, households, schools, and communities must recognize the positive connection between sleep and a teenager’s mental well-being, and the implications for performance in school. Doing so will unlock opportunities for education and a sleep health culture, plus promote the benefits of healthy sleep behaviors.

Tips for Being Your Best Slept Self^®

The NSF suggests six small steps for healthy sleep. During the day, it is important to: get bright light, especially in the morning; exercise daily; and eat meals at consistent times day after day. In the evening, it is important to: avoid things like heavy meals, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol before bed; prioritize sleep with a consistent and relaxing wind-down routine while maintaining a regular sleep schedule; and maintain a sleep-friendly environment — one that is dark, quiet, and cool.

For most teens, the NSF recommended amount of sleep is 8-10 hours with the same sleep and wake times.

Sometimes, even after including healthy sleep behaviors into our routine, we still don’t feel like we’re getting enough of the quality sleep we need. If you have specific symptoms or continue to be concerned about your sleep after consistently taking some basic steps, it may be a good idea to seek help from a healthcare professional.

For more sleep health information, visit www.theNSF.org.

If you or a loved one are having challenges in mood or feelings of depression, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.

There’s only one National Sleep Foundation (NSF). NSF is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving health and well-being through sleep education and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research and practice.

National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Awareness Week^® is an annual campaign supported by a range of sponsors and collaborators who help NSF share important and positive sleep health messages. Founded in 1990, the NSF is committed to advancing excellence in sleep health theory, research, and practice.

TheNSF.org ¦ SleepHealthJournal.org

2024-03-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – There’s something so invigorating and refreshing about springtime. The new season can bring out your best, motivating you to implement changes to your daily routine that will put a smile on your face, boost your energy levels and make many of your ordinary tasks seem easier.

If you’re looking for new ideas for this spring’s refresh, check out these tips from Colette Heimowitz, vice president of Nutrition and Education at Simply Good Foods Company.

Make over your meals.

Take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather by grilling your steaks, poultry, fish, and veggies outdoors! An impromptu barbecue may be just what you need to make weeknight meals special, even if it’s just you and your family enjoying it. As you let go of heavier comfort food from the colder months, try lightening up your meals with fresh salads and healthful soups.

Feeling stuck and need some inspiration to help keep your weekly meal plans exciting? Atkins has an array of low-carb recipes to help inspire your spring menus.

Put a spring in your snacks.

It’s time to upgrade your pantry and add a few new snacking options. The new Atkins Crunchy Protein Cookies are the perfect bite-sized, portable treats to crush your sweet tooth, any day, anytime. With 8 grams of protein and less than 1 gram of sugar, these are the perfect treats to bring with you on-the-go, or to enjoy at home on a rainy spring day.

While you’re at it, consider revamping your refrigerator options with tasty, in-season fruits and veggies. Check out your local farmers market to find the fresh options at their peak. You can elevate your fresh produce in a variety of ways: dip veggies in ranch dressing or hummus, sprinkle berries on cottage cheese, or layer bell pepper slices with your favorite cheese and a few olives.

Get moving outside. Or anywhere.

Now that the weather is getting warmer and daylight is stretching out longer, it’s time to get out and get moving again. If you’re new to exercise or haven’t been active in a while, start slowly. Take the dog for a walk, hit the park with your kids, skip the elevator in favor of the stairs or park a little farther from your destination.

Find an exercise routine that excites and inspires you. Try out a new workout class, start a walking club with friends or even try a new sport like tennis or pickleball.

Clean your space.

Spring cleaning may sound boring, but the results are well worth it as it’ll boost your mood and energy. Having a clean space can be just as important for leading a healthy lifestyle as eating right or getting some exercise. Start small and choose one drawer, one closet, or one room at a time. Put on your favorite tunes or podcast and get to work!

When you’re done cleaning, you can let in a little fresh air, light some spring-scented candles and kick off the season in your newly clean and cozy home.

You can find more healthy lifestyle tips, recipes and low-carb products for your spring refresh at Atkins.com.