Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-03-11T11:27:00

(BPT) – Did you know nearly 8 in 10 Americans are trying to improve their sleep this year? In a recent survey, nearly half ranked this goal as their number one priority. If getting better sleep is at the top of your list to improve your health, you may want to review habits which could be preventing you from getting a full night of deep, restorative sleep. This is even more crucial when your schedule changes, such as during spring break or when you have to move clocks forward for daylight saving time.

A survey conducted by One Poll on behalf of Herbalife examined sleep habits of 5,000 Americans, split evenly by state, to reveal who’s getting the best sleep, how many hours per night they’re sleeping, plus typical habits around this often-overlooked aspect of health and well-being.

Discoveries from the survey include the fact that respondents in California appear to get the best sleep, South Carolina coming in second and New York coming in third, with Maryland and New Jersey tied at fourth place. However, while experts recommend adults sleep for 7-9 hours per night, respondents in California report getting just over 6 1/2 hours of sleep per night.

Regardless of where they live, over half of respondents (55%) can’t remember the last time they had a “perfect night” of sleep, and 78% can’t recall when they last had a “perfect week” of sleep. While “perfect” sleep might be unattainable, less than half (48%) said yes when asked whether they know how to get a good night’s sleep — and 66% of respondents admit that within two hours before bed, they watch TV or scroll through their phone for extended periods of time, which are not recommended as activities conducive to good sleep.

“Getting good quality sleep is essential for everyone,” said John Heiss, Ph.D., and vice president of Global Product Innovation, Herbalife. “Sleep supports important functions including metabolism and brain health and can have an impact on conditions including heart disease, obesity and depression.”

How to get better sleep every night

To help you sleep longer and more deeply, try incorporating these habits into your daily routine.

Don’t overeat near bedtime: Eating lighter, low-fat meals at dinner eases digestion, and healthy carbohydrates (think whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes) help stimulate production of brain chemicals that can help you relax and get to sleep. Experts also advise limiting food intake within three hours of bedtime.

Lessen caffeine and alcohol intake: Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your normal sleep patterns. You may be able to fall asleep, but it could be harder to stay asleep, preventing you from reaching the deepest and most restful stage of sleep.

Boost exercise: Evidence suggests getting at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity during each day can help improve your sleep quality.

Keep a regular schedule: Experts also recommend going to sleep and waking the same time each day, even on weekends and holidays. This creates a predictable sleep rhythm your body will begin to anticipate. You can prepare for changes in your routine, including when you must “spring forward” your clock, by gradually adjusting your schedule.

Try stress-reduction techniques: Extensive research on the benefits of relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises and reading show they can all help reduce stress. These practices can help reduce insomnia if you do them regularly, especially before bedtime.

Develop a bedtime routine: To help prepare for sleep, dim house lights in the evening and follow a digital detox rule of no computers or digital devices at least one hour before bedtime — including TV watching.

“Blue light from TVs, phones and other digital devices can impair the quality of your sleep. Even if you can fall asleep, the quality of sleep is reduced, and your brain biology is disrupted,” said Heiss. “Blue light can disrupt your circadian rhythm, which controls mood, organ function and metabolism. Blue light may also be the culprit if you’re experiencing food cravings.”

Which of these recommended steps are Americans currently following?

• Making bedtime and/or morning routine more consistent — 44%
• Taking time away from screens before bed — 39%
• Eating less in the evening/before bed — 30%
• Making time for quiet hobbies before bed (reading, yoga, etc.) — 30%
• Changing diet — 23%

Changing your habits during the day, and especially right before bed, could make all the difference when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.

Find more tips to help you follow a healthy and active lifestyle and support better sleep hygiene at Herbalife.com or to connect with an Herbalife independent distributor, call +1 866-866-4744.

2024-03-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – If your small business doesn’t have an online presence, you’re getting in the way of your own success. According to a new survey by small business services platform GoDaddy, 89% of consumers say it is important for a small business to have a website, yet nearly a quarter of small businesses (24%) don’t.

Maybe you’ve considered building a website or creating social media accounts for your small business, but lack the time or experience to do so. It’s not surprising. Venture Forward, a small business research initiative, surveyed 6,000 entrepreneurs in the U.S. and U.K. and found that 42% of them cite difficulty marketing their businesses as a top challenge.

Artificial intelligence, however, is changing the game for small businesses. Emerging generative AI tools can instantly and inexpensively provide customized help to small businesses. GoDaddy survey respondents indicated they believe AI can save them more than $4,000 and 300 hours of work per year.

Here’s how generative AI can help you create, build and grow your business’s online presence, even with limited tech skills and tight time constraints.

1. Create your brand

Whether starting a business from scratch or taking your brick-and-mortar business online, you’ll need some help creating your digital identity. For example, you may have a business name but no clue how to turn that into a memorable domain name. AI can help you get started on that journey instantly.

Even if you only have an inkling of an idea, a solution like GoDaddy Airo™ can recommend catchy domain names with just a quick description of your business. This may seem like a small step, but once you have a domain that resonates with your vision, all you have to do is register it, and your small business has officially gone digital.

2. Build your online presence

Now that you’re online, it’s time to build your business’s presence. Plenty of platforms offer to do the heavy lifting when it comes to building a website. However, you’ll still need to design graphics and draft content to populate your site, taking more time away from running your business. Plus, that work doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

Instead of contracting with someone to develop your website, AI can be your web creator. AI solutions go as far as generating a fully built website with imagery and content to help you engage current and potential customers. From creating logos to professional email accounts to auto-generated product descriptions, there’s a lot you can do with AI — even register your business as an LLC.

3. Grow your customer base

Once you’ve established your website, it’s time to turn your attention to growing your business by capturing new customers. In the modern world, that means expanding the places your business shows up online.

This is not a one-and-done task. It takes continuous — weekly if not daily — attention.

Instead of taking on these tasks yourself, use AI to build email campaigns, a social media calendar and low-cost ads to draw traffic to your website. These simple activities are essential to the longevity of your business.

Are you ready to let AI work for you? GoDaddy Airo™ makes leveraging the power of AI easy for anyone wanting to start a business or take their existing one to the next level. Visit GoDaddy.com/ai to see everything generative AI can do for you.

2024-03-07T12:00:00

(BPT) – Tax season can be a stressful and challenging time for many Americans. In fact, according to the second-annual “Straight Talk Wireless™ Tax Stress Index,” 1 in 5 people want to throw their phone due to frustration over taxes.

That’s not all Straight Talk uncovered. Below are three key findings from Straight Talk’s annual survey that shed light on American attitudes about taxes and their refunds.

1. Shrinking Refunds

A common fear among tax filers in 2024 is the possibility of smaller returns. 49 percent are worried their tax refund this year won’t be as high as last year.

While no one likes receiving less money than expected, a smaller refund could make life harder for some. The survey found that 60 percent of Americans are in more debt than last year and many of them are counting on their refunds to secure financial stability – 34 percent plan to use their refund to pay off debt.

2. Financial Management

Aside from debt, many Americans have earmarked their refunds for other financial goals. According to the survey, 37 percent plan to save their refund and 34 percent will use it for household expenses.

“Finances remain top of mind for tax filers,” said Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, personal finance expert and bestselling author of the new book Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience. “Inflation anxiety and rising debt continue to plague Americans. It’s not surprising that instead of paying for a vacation or buying luxury items, people are using their refunds as part of their financial management strategy.”

3. Upgrades

While extravagant spending may not be in the cards, many tax filers do plan to spend their refunds on practical expenses. Nearly half, about 44 percent of Americans, say they plan to upgrade their phone using their tax refund.

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your phone, tax season may be your best bet. Not only will you have extra cash, but you’re also likely to find deals. For example, with Straight Talk, you’ll find great deals on service plans with a wide selection of smartphones at affordable prices. Right now, Straight Talk is offering a Samsung Galaxy A14 5G for free with the purchase of the Extended Silver Unlimited plan.* To learn more, visit StraightTalk.com or a Walmart store near you.

With prepaid, no-contract plans, you can embrace benefits like flexibility and savings all year long – but especially during tax season.

*Offer valid through 6/9/24 while supplies last. At participating stores. Must purchase a Straight Talk Extended Silver Unlimited Plan to qualify (90-Day, 180-Day or Annual Plan). In-Store activation required at Walmart. Limit of two phones per customer. Taxes and fees apply. ©2024 TRACFONE.

Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Straight Talk Wireless between January 16 and January 21, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll.

2024-03-07T07:15:00

(BPT) – Spring is just around the corner, bringing with it blooming flowers, greener grass and, unfortunately, the return of seasonal allergies for more than 81 million people. But you don’t have to spend the sunny season suffering from stuffy noses, scratchy throats or sneezing fits — oh my! Incorporating healthy foods into your diet is a simple but effective way to naturally support the immune system and provide relief from annoying allergy symptoms all season long.

We spoke with Registered Dietitian Kelly Springer about her five favorite staple foods with natural allergy-busting and wellness-boosting properties to prevent hay fever and high pollen counts from interfering with your life. To buzz with vitality all spring, consider stocking your pantry with the following:

Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is a premium, nutrient-rich food produced from special Manuka bushes in New Zealand and considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being. An authentic Manuka honey, like this raw Manuka honey from Wedderspoon, is chock full of enzymes, amino acids, B vitamins, C vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are great for keeping your immune system in top shape.

Manuka honey is a pantry staple all year long, and some of the tastiest and easiest ways to incorporate it into meals include adding to smoothies, drizzling on toast with nut butter, adding it to an acai or yogurt bowl with granola, or right off the teaspoon for a daily boost. For pesky symptoms related to allergy season, however, Wedderspoon’s Throat Drops are my go-to for quick, natural relief. They are so tasty and feature naturally-occurring wellness ingredients — like organic Manuka honey, echinacea and bee propolis — to soothe sore throats and quiet coughs. Even better, they come in a variety of flavors including my personal favorite, lemon, and you can now also find them at your local Costco. I find myself adding them to my cart every time I do a grocery stop so I never run out.

Bee Propolis

Bee products have been used in therapeutic remedies since ancient times but have been growing in popularity due to their multitasking superfood properties. Another of my most-reached-for products for allergy symptom relief is bee propolis — a natural resinous substance that honey bees collect from the different parts of plants, buds, and exudates. Like Manuka honey, bee propolis is one of nature’s most potent defenders against germs and free radicals in the body as it is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. Propolis can hinder histamine release — and the watery eyes and stuffy noses that come with it — and help bolster cell health against oxidative damage and chronic inflammation. I love that Wedderspoon’s lemon-flavored drops have both Manuka honey and bee propolis for a truly holistic approach to combating allergy season.

Herbal Teas

I can’t say enough about herbal teas for seasonal allergy relief. They’re a soothing and simple way to keep symptoms at bay — and a warm cup of tea pairs perfectly with the previously mentioned Manuka honey for an even more powerful homeopathic remedy. I’m never without green or chamomile tea in the spring, both of which are natural antihistamines containing powerful antioxidants that have been shown to be able to block histamine production and reduce inflammation related to seasonal allergies. The calming effect of chamomile tea is also great for helping get a better night’s rest if hay fever symptoms make it impossible to fall and stay asleep.

Turmeric

Turmeric is such a unique spice. Not only does it bring a world of flavor to many dishes, it’s also loaded with numerous health benefits and therapeutic qualities, including serving as a defense against seasonal allergies. Turmeric is made up of a compound called curcumin, which is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial and has been shown to effectively block and reduce allergy-causing congestion and other bothersome rhinitis symptoms. It’s super easy to incorporate into your allergy-busting routine as you can use it to spice up your meals — it’s a flavorful seasoning when roasting veggies — or you can take it in pill form.

Apples

Everyone knows the old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. The same can be said for allergies. Apples are a powerhouse fruit containing fiber, vitamin C and quercetin, all of which play a key role in remedying symptoms associated with hay fever. Fiber acts like a prebiotic that nourishes gut flora to maintain a healthy balance while vitamin C helps strengthen the immune response to lessen the severity of symptoms when allergy triggers enter the body. Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid which acts like a natural antihistamine to decrease inflammation. Because of this, apples are a must for surviving allergy season.

With allergy season fast approaching, it’s never too early to start stocking up on foods with wellness properties so you can eat to nourish your body, strengthen immunity and reduce responses to allergy triggers, regardless of what the forecast may hold. This year, try a holistic approach to allergy season so you can enjoy the May flowers that April showers bring.

2024-03-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – In these inflationary times, the cost of owning a car seems to increase on a daily basis. The price of buying a car is growing, and so is the cost of operating one. We all want personal transportation and the joy of car ownership, but the statistics are challenging.

Simply purchasing a car is more costly than ever. The prices of new and used vehicles skyrocketed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to J.D. Power, new-vehicle transaction prices shot up 13% in 2021 and then surged up another 13% in 2022. The increases moderated a bit last year, but prices haven’t fallen.

The prices of used vehicles have escalated even more rapidly over the last several years as consumers who couldn’t find an affordable new car have turned to the used car market. Again, the prices have moderated in 2023, but used vehicle prices are up at least 20% versus their level in 2021.

At the same time, the cost of maintenance and replacement parts has also zoomed up. So has the hourly rate of auto repair labor. Though fuel prices have dropped from their all-time high of a couple of years ago, they are still inflated versus their level when the decade began.

The economic news regarding transportation costs is challenging. Still, the auto experts at Mercury Insurance have a suggestion that could change the way you look at these costs. The suggestion is to treat your vehicle as an investment, not an expense.

“Many personal finance experts define automobiles as expense items,” said Justin Yoshizawa, director, Product Management State. “While that is generally true, viewing your vehicle as a long-term asset just might change the way you purchase and maintain your cars. And it will probably save you money.”

Viewing your vehicle as a long-term asset implies that you will purchase it differently, finance it differently and maintain it differently. Rather than seeing your vehicle as a piece of equipment that needs to be replaced frequently, like a cellphone, for example, it may be smarter to treat your car as a long-term asset that you can feel comfortable owning and driving for years, which could save you thousands of dollars.

Mercury offers these suggestions for viewing your car as an investment:

• Buy the right car. Choose a vehicle appropriate for your long-term needs with the expectation that you will drive it for the next 10 years. With that in mind, the car you purchase should offer a low cost to own based on good dependability and reliability, low maintenance and repair costs, good fuel economy, and low cost to insure. (Mercury Insurance offers advice on the least expensive sedans, trucks and SUVs, and electric vehicles to insure)
• Consider a used vehicle. Smart shoppers will find that two- to three-year-old used cars, trucks, SUVs and vans are much less expensive to purchase than the equivalent new vehicles. The savings could easily reach $10,000 or more for a premium-brand SUV. Buyers who might be afraid of “getting a lemon” when they buy a used car should consider certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles. These vehicles are hand-picked and meticulously inspected prior to being sold, and they are backed with a warranty very similar to a new-car warranty.
• Finance responsibly. The absolute best financing is buying the vehicle with cash. When you do that, you immediately acquire complete ownership of the asset (the car), and you never face financing expenses or monthly car payments. In this era of high interest rates, that is a giant advantage. If you can’t purchase an appropriate car with cash and you need a car immediately, then borrow as little money as possible for as short a term as possible. This will save you hundreds of dollars in interest payments versus the typical car loan that is now stretching toward six years in length.
• Keep the vehicle. The key to gaining financial advantage from viewing your car as an asset is owning it for a long period of time. While the average car on the road today is over 11 years old, typically, cars that age have had several owners. Instead, your goal should be to maintain your vehicle so it is useful to you for at least a decade. This implies preventative maintenance and, yes, some repairs over time. But while repairing a vehicle is more expensive than it used to be, it is still far cheaper than replacing the vehicle with a new car, truck or SUV.

“The days when new vehicles would rust out and wear out in just a few years are over,” Yoshizawa said. “Today’s new and late-model used vehicles have long, useful lives ahead of them. Buying the right vehicle and continuing to maintain and repair it as needed is the best way to assure yourself the lowest personal transportation costs.”

2024-03-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Article is sponsored and developed by BioLineRx USA, Inc.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. There is a lot to learn while navigating numerous emotions. It’s always important to educate yourself about the disease as well as new research advances or therapies that might be right for you.

One cancer with recent treatment developments is multiple myeloma. This cancer is a hematologic malignancy, meaning it begins in blood-forming tissues like bone marrow. Multiple myeloma is the second most-common hematologic malignancy, occurring most commonly in people ages 65-74.^1,2 It was estimated that more than 35,000 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023.²

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are found in the bone marrow and are an important part of the immune system, according to the American Cancer Society.³ In general, when plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control, this is multiple myeloma.

Treatment for multiple myeloma

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is an important part of treatment for multiple myeloma. In the U.S., as many as 8,000 ASCTs are performed each year in patients with multiple myeloma.⁴ Patients with multiple myeloma should speak with their doctor or transplant team to learn about ASCT and if it’s the right treatment approach for them.

“An increasing number of patients are candidates for ASCT which, when successful, has shown progression-free survival in people with multiple myeloma,” said Dr. Henry Fung, MD, FACP, FRCPE, Chair, Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies, Fox Chase Cancer Center.

The ASCT process starts by taking the patient’s own stem cells including blood or bone marrow which are removed or harvested through a procedure called apheresis. Stem cells are early cells that can develop into different types of blood cells, including plasma cells. Stem cells are collected, frozen and stored. The patient typically undergoes conditioning chemo, and the stem cells are then thawed and returned (transplanted) back into the patient.⁵ The stem cells travel to the bone marrow, engraft, and then start making new, normal blood cells.

Challenges and unmet needs

The success of ASCT depends on adequate mobilization of stem cells during the treatment process. Poor mobilization can be attributed to a variety of risk factors including increased age, evolving induction regimens, previous treatment, and previous radiation therapy among other risk factors.^6-8

Prior to apheresis, patients go through induction therapy to reduce the amount of cancer cells in the blood. Depending on induction regimens and mobilization strategies, up to 47% of patients have had challenges collecting target numbers of hematopoietic stem cells for ASCT after one apheresis session.^6,9 Due to the unpredictability in treatment and the possible need for multiple apheresis sessions, there’s the potential for significant burden on patients, care partners and apheresis centers.¹⁰

Understanding your treatment options

There have been advancements in the treatment approach in multiple myeloma, including in induction regimens and stem cell mobilization, and it is important for patients to understand their options.

“Patients have, for example, the ability to seek information on ways to reach target collection goals with the fewest numbers of apheresis sessions,” continued Dr. Fung. “Fewer apheresis sessions may mean giving patients time back to spend in ways they enjoy.”

If you or a loved one has multiple myeloma, talk with your doctor about current treatment options which may be best for you. For more information about multiple myeloma and ASCT, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org, the HealthTree Foundation at healthtree.org/myeloma or the International Myeloma Foundation at myeloma.org. To learn more about the company sponsoring this article visit: biolinerx.com.

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1. Kazandjian D. Semin Oncol. 2016 Dec;43(6):676-681
2. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Myeloma. National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/mulmy.html
3. American Cancer Society. What is Multiple Myeloma?. Atlanta, Ga. American Cancer Society; 2023.
4. Auletta JJ, et al. Current use and outcome of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: CIBMTR US summary slides. 2021.
5. American Cancer Society. Types of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants. Atlanta, Ga. American Cancer Society; 2023.
6. Edmisson J, et al. Poster presented at: 64th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition; December 10-13, 2022; New Orleans, LA.
7. Hulin C, et al. Haematologica. 2021;106(8):2257-2260. doi:10.3324/haematol.2020.261842
8. Chhabra S, et al. Transplant Cell ­Ther. 2023;29(3):174.e1-174.e10. doi:10.1016/j.jtct.2022.11.029
9. DiPersio JF, et al. Blood. 2009; 113(23):5720-6.
10. Shaughnessy P, et al. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant, 2013;19(9)1301-1309. doi:10.1016/j.bbmt.2013.05.008

2024-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that every 33 seconds in the U.S., one person dies from heart disease? This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also reports that while affecting people of all ethnic backgrounds, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly one-fourth (22.6%) of deaths among African Americans. Heart and heart vessel disease can lead to serious health events including heart attacks and strokes.

To make a difference when it comes to heart health in honor of Heart Health Month, learn how you, your family, and your community can support your well-being — and consider opportunities for pursuing a career in healthcare.

Impact of heart disease for African Americans

Data published by the American Heart Association in 2022 found that around 60% of Black men and women had cardiovascular disease, making the mortality rate due to heart disease among the highest in Black Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

“While many factors such as lifestyle and family health history contribute to the high rate of heart disease for African Americans, it has also been found that inequities within the health care system and unequal access to quality health care create serious obstacles,” said Dr. Tony Anno, core faculty in the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program at Walden University.

Social determinants of health such as having safe housing, adequate income, access to healthy food and clean water, plus education and job opportunities, are all part of the environment impacting the overall health of an individual, their family and entire communities. These factors are real burdens when it comes to people being able to be proactive about their own wellness.

“Concerns ranging from lack of insurance or being underinsured, to insufficient transportation and the inability to take off work to get checkups can all keep people from taking care of their health,” said Dr. Anno. “For nurses and others working in the field of public health, we try to bridge those gaps by providing information about access to screenings and lifestyle changes people may find helpful to support their heart health.”

Heart health tips to practice and share with others

To help reduce your own risk of heart disease, here are some lifestyle tips recommended by the CDC.

Get moving: Regular physical activity can help you maintain a healthier weight, while also potentially lowering your blood pressure, blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. Whether you walk, play a sport, go to the gym, dance, swim or cycle — any activity is better than no activity. Always consult your health care provider before starting an exercise program.

Eat food that fuels your body: Choosing fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins will provide more nutrients your body needs than foods containing too much sugar, salt or saturated and trans fats.

See your doctor at least once a year: Annual wellness checks provide opportunities for important screenings that can detect risk factors for heart disease, such as your blood pressure, plus cholesterol and glucose levels. This can help you and your health care team take action to support your health.

Reduce smoking and alcohol intake: If you smoke, now is a great time to quit. Ask your health care provider for assistance to quit smoking. Reducing drinking to one per day for women and two per day for men can also help improve your blood pressure.

Consider a career in healthcare

If you want to help communities understand the risks of heart disease and how to take steps for a healthier heart, you might be interested in advancing your nursing education at Walden University. For example, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can prepare you to define your path, find your voice, and play a bigger role in healthcare.

Gain the knowledge and leadership skills to address health and access issues for populations in underserved communities, and focus on key health issues that may otherwise be overlooked. In this program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from practicing healthcare professionals, like Dr. Tony Anno, who hold doctoral degrees.

Learn more about this and other online degree programs at WaldenU.edu.

2024-03-04T14:19:00

(BPT) – OpenGov and Cox Enterprises are bringing the cloud to your city, county, and state

By Claudia Arriaga, SVP of Customer Success and Support, OpenGov

One of the long-term — but somewhat hidden — effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the way it fundamentally changed how cities and counties serve their residents. As public servants swiftly shifted to remote work and led the charge on safety protocols like physical distancing, many city halls were closed to visitors. This meant that they had to figure out how to deliver essential services in a new way — moving many of them online. Instead of going to the clerk’s office to file a permit, contractors could do it through their community’s website. Instead of calling someone sitting at a desk in the public works office, residents could go online to share a photo of a pothole that needed attention.

THE PERFECT STORM

Now, four years later, a wave of modernization ripples through our government, expanding these digital services. What’s driving it: a perfect storm of increasing retirements, labor shortages, cybersecurity attacks, aging legacy software systems, and more.

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

Going digital enables cities and counties to meet the increasing needs of the public efficiently and equitably. That’s why Cox Enterprises invested $1.8B in cloud software provider OpenGov to accelerate the effort to bring the cloud to government. It’s an important signal to our nation’s public servants that they’re heading in the right direction as they strive to operate more efficiently, adapt to change, and strengthen public trust.

Nearly 1,900 local and state governments in America already use OpenGov to run the budgeting and finance office, procurement processes, and operational workflows in public works, community development, and more. From Los Angeles preparing for the 2028 Olympics to Cocoa Beach keeping pace with economic development, cities and counties of all sizes are leveraging the cloud to engage residents, run meetings online, and digitize so people can get more done faster.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

To find out if your community is among them, visit your city or county website to check which services are available online. Start by looking for links in the following three areas:

1. Permit applications

Fewer than 1 in 5 public servants say that residents are satisfied with their permitting and licensing process, according to OpenGov’s 2024 State of Local Government Report. This is due to limited hours at the clerk’s office, the inability to apply online, and the lack of visibility into where their application stands in the approval process. With 24/7 permitting and online payments, these barriers are gone.

2. Resident service requests

If contacting your public works department makes you want to pull your hair out, this one’s for you. Check your community’s website for a link to submit service requests, sometimes called 311. You’ll see a way to efficiently communicate your concern, and then sign up for notifications via email or text if you want to stay informed about the progress of your request — from receipt to resolution.

3. Budget books

Many taxpayers wonder what is happening with their city or county budget. A quarter of community leaders cite improving transparency as a top priority this year, but struggle to follow through on that promise. Check your community’s website for an online budget book that highlights spending by category in a way that’s easy to understand and aligned with the priorities in your community.

The good news: there is now more funding available to local governments than we’ve seen in generations. Now is the time for local administrators to future-proof their communities by modernizing each of their digital infrastructures.

2024-03-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – International Women’s Day is around the corner, and for women around the globe, the data is clear: period stigma still exists, and more needs to be done to make the world a comfortable place for us all. Kotex breaks down the numbers to show what #ProgressFeelsLike.

2024-03-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Face it — even if you enjoy cooking, weeknight meal prep can be stressful after a long day. If you’re looking to elevate your meals without sacrificing more time and effort, check out these tips and tools to meal prep with ease.

1. Plan for weeknight delight

List favorite dinners to create weekly menus. Identify the most time-consuming part of each dish, then do advance prep on weekends to help save time later.

Consider cooking some protein ahead, as cooked chicken or turkey can last up to five days in the fridge. Chop veggies you’ll need and store in the fridge. Measure ingredients like dried herbs and spices to save on prep later. Label each container by meal and day so you’ll be ready to create your family faves in no time — even on busy weeknights.

2. Store ingredients thoughtfully

Be sure that your prepped ingredients are stored carefully. Wash and dry greens, then store in reusable, airtight containers lined with paper towels. If using resealable plastic bags, push out air to reduce oxidation. Group each meal’s items together in your fridge so they’re easy to find.

3. Use time-saving tools

Today’s kitchen gadgets can save time and help you cook consistently high-quality food. For example, the new KitchenAid^® Grain and Rice Cooker takes care of measuring and monitoring for you by automatically sensing how much grain has been added, dispensing the right amount of water and simmering it to perfection, every time. You can even use it for a wide variety of grains and beans including rice, beans, oats, couscous, quinoa, barley, farro and more.

Need to plan ahead? With the KitchenAid^® Grain and Rice Cooker you can schedule cooking up to 24 hours in advance, and once the cooking is done, it will automatically keep grains at serving temperature for up to six hours. You can use the Steam Cooking Mode for veggies, eggs, fish and more, using an included steamer basket that fits above the cooking pot to steam those other ingredients while the grains cook below. Tools like this can save tons of time, taking the guesswork out of cooking, and you don’t have to babysit a pot.

Learn more about the KitchenAid^® Grain and Rice Cooker at KitchenAid.com.

4. Embrace globally-inspired recipes

Add variety and boost flavor with easy-to-prep recipes like this Kimchi Brown Fried Rice. Consider doubling the recipe so you’ll have plenty for later in the week.

Kimchi Brown Fried Rice

95 minutes; 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup long grain brown rice (uncooked)

3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil (divided)

2 large garlic cloves (crushed)

8 ounces enoki or cremini mushrooms (ends trimmed)

2 teaspoons gochujang (paste)

1 1/2 cups kimchi (cabbage)

2 tablespoons kimchi juice

3 green onions (thinly sliced)

3 tablespoons dried seaweed (gim or nori, crumbled)

Fried eggs (optional topping/add-in)

Spam (sliced, optional topping/add-in)

Directions

1. Using the KitchenAid^® Grain and Rice Cooker, select “Long Grain Brown Rice” menu option and set cooking liquid to water. Choose “regular” to confirm texture setting and allow rice to cook. When rice is cooked, remove bowl from cooker and let cool uncovered 10 minutes, fluffing occasionally to release heat and steam.

2. While rice is cooling, heat 5 quart saute pan on medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, then add mushrooms and toss to fully coat in oil. Saute 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Thinly slice garlic, then mash with fork until crushed. Add garlic and gochujang to mushrooms, stir, and continue to saute mixture another minute. Use wooden spatula to scrape pan and move mushroom mixture to the side.

4. Swirl remaining sesame oil in pan, then add cooked rice to the oil. Use spatula to turn rice in oil to coat, then pull mushroom mixture on top of rice and spread rice flat into the full bottom of the pan. Allow rice to fry one minute, undisturbed, then fry another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping pan as you fry.

5. Add chopped kimchi and kimchi juice over rice, stir to fully incorporate, then press rice into flat layer in the pan. Fry, undisturbed, for another minute. Turn off heat, top with sliced green onions and crumbled seaweed, stir, then serve.

5. Create intentional leftovers

Cooking up big batches of rice or beans in your rice cooker for one meal provides plenty of leftovers to use later that week. By doubling up these components, you’ll have a head start on another night’s meal.

Using these tips, you can relax and enjoy creating tasty meals with less hassle, any night of the week.