Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-11-15T16:11:00

(BPT) – As the holiday season approaches, many of us are already thinking about how we can maximize holiday cheer while minimizing the impact on our wallets. Travel, decorations, parties, gifts — the expenses can add up quickly this time of year, and it’s no wonder that according to Bank of America data, 67% of people anticipate financial strain this holiday season.

Along those lines, many are prioritizing frugality throughout the coming months, as nearly three-quarters of shoppers plan to implement cost-saving strategies this holiday season. Here are four holiday spending tips to help you make the most of the season — without needing to scrounge for cash once the new year rolls around:

1. Get ahead of the game.

Bank of America data shows that by late August, 62% of people had already started preparing for the holidays this year in one way or another, whether it was saving for expenses, buying gifts, updating budgets or making travel plans.

Putting money aside for big-ticket items can also prevent you from depleting your accounts during the holidays. Adjusting your budget now to account for more savings during the holidays is a great way to roll into the season well-prepared, but if you’re not among the 38% who upped their savings game months ago, don’t worry. It’s not too late.

2. Stick to a budget and consolidate gift-giving.

Once you have your holiday savings accounted for, create a budget that outlines who you’ll purchase gifts for and how much you’ll spend for each recipient. And remember, there’s no shame in purchasing fewer gifts this year if that’s what’s best for your family or your finances. In fact, of the 72% of people who plan to implement cost-saving strategies during this holiday season, 55% plan to reduce the number of gifts they buy.

One great way to give presents that people can appreciate, while still purchasing fewer of them altogether, is by considering gifts that families or friend groups can use together. An ice cream or bread maker, for example, is something everyone in the family could enjoy. National Park passes and games are other options that multiple people can experience and appreciate.

3. Use a credit card that rewards you for holiday shopping.

Now that your budget is set, think about shopping with a credit card that will reward you as you check items off your holiday list. Among shoppers actively seeking ways to offset costs this holiday season, 32% reported planning to use credit card rewards to help pay for gifts during the 2023 holiday season. If you’re not one of those people, consider using a flexible rewards credit card to make your money go further — not only over these next couple months but into the new year as well.

For example, the Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice each month, including online shopping (which can come in handy as you prepare for the holidays). It also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store and wholesale club purchases each quarter), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

As you use your card and see your cash rewards add up, you can redeem them as a statement to your credit card or deposit them directly into your Bank of America^® checking or savings account. If you don’t have a rewards card yet, applying for one now and using it to pay for holiday expenses could be a great way to kick-start your rewards earnings for next year’s holiday season.

4. Take advantage of online sales and loyalty programs.

With big sales days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, November is the perfect time to seek out deals on gifts or other holiday expenses. As you consider the best deals, be sure to layer your rewards and loyalty programs to maximize your rewards potential as you shop. First, sign up for loyalty programs at your favorite stores so you can easily determine which holiday deals and discounts you want to take advantage of. Then, consider enrolling in a banking rewards program from your financial institution. For instance, the Bank of America Preferred Rewards^® program provides members with a 25% to 75% rewards bonus on purchases on eligible Bank of America credit cards, which can boost your cash back earnings even higher during the holidays.

If you’re feeling the pressure from tightened purse strings as the holiday season continues, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this. There are ways to safeguard your spending and enjoy a memorable holiday season.

2023-11-15T12:45:00

(BPT) – Wish-cycling (v.) – the well-intentioned but unfounded belief that something is recyclable when it is not.

Most consumers have the best intentions when it comes to recycling. In recent years, there’s been a strong push for a more circular economy, where old materials are repeatedly reused, recycled or repurposed. While recycling rates continue to rise, some bad habits continue to hinder significant growth. In comes “wish-cycling,” when non-recyclable items are put into the recycling bin in hopes that they can or will be recycled.

The term wish-cycling was first used in 2018 when China launched tighter restrictions (Operation National Sword) on the allowable level of contamination in bales of recyclables. Wish-cycling negatively impacts the recoverability of true recyclables.

There are several reasons why one might be a wish-cycler. One is the infamous “recycling” symbol. The “chasing arrows” symbol is often linked to recycling, but the symbol is not always indicative of an object’s recyclability. For example, expanded polystyrene — or Styrofoam — often has the chasing arrows triangle on it, but is not readily recyclable. This symbol indicates the type of plastic something is made from and is called a Resin Identification Code.

Another reason is confusion between reuse and recycling. While items such as household appliances, electronics and toys could find a second life if given to a charity or secondhand store, they will cause problems if placed in your recycling bin.

For example, recycling centers across the nation are experiencing a significant increase in fires as a result of improperly recycled electronics, which should never be placed in your recycling bin.

Cordless electronics are one of the leading causes of fires in the recycling stream due to the volatility of their lithium-ion batteries. These batteries can cause fires if subjected to adverse conditions, punctured or smashed. All rechargeable electronic devices must be returned to participating retail stores or dropped off at electronics collection drives for recycling.

The reality of wish-cycling doesn’t lie solely on the consumer. It may also be due to varying recycling rules at the state or county level, or what materials individual recycling service providers may accept.

While there isn’t a standardized guide for recycling, Republic Services’ Recycling Simplified Guide highlights several materials that are accepted everywhere. Paper, cardboard, metal cans and plastic bottles or jugs labeled #1 and #2 are always recyclable. If consumers focus on these “fundamental recyclables,” the impact of recycling these materials is far greater than most realize. For example, a study by the Aluminum Association confirmed that 92% of an aluminum can is remade into a new can.

Proper recycling, no matter how small, can make a positive difference, and recycling doesn’t require much effort if consumers remember a few simple rules. Even if intentions are right, wish-cycling can negatively impact the recycling process and cause valuable recyclables to be sent to the landfill.

If you’re unsure whether something can be recycled, it’s best to remember, “When in doubt, throw it out.” Or better yet, “When in doubt, find out!” Check with your local service provider for specific recycling information for your area. Following a few simple rules can lead to less waste and a more sustainable world.

2023-11-15T09:55:00

(BPT) – Buying presents for all the little ones in your life can be challenging and expensive. How can you make sure you’re getting them the most popular toys that will leave them wowed this holiday season?

Walmart is here to help. Each year, the company compiles a list of the year’s top toys that provide festive fun for kids of all ages, including a section of 25 toys under $25. Check out some of the standout presents for this season that will help you win at gift giving this year without breaking the bank.

1. The Super Mario Bros. Movie Action Figure with Pull Back Racer

Pick out your kid’s favorite Super Mario Bros Movie characters! These 2.5-inch figures come with a pullback racer that runs on kid power. No batteries needed! Wave 1 characters include Mario, Peach, Toad and Koopa Troopa. Help your little racer collect them all!

2. Fingerlings Interactive Baby Monkey

Meet Charli, a jokester baby monkey who loves to laugh with 70+ sounds and reactions. This all-new Fingerling interactive friend will have your kids going bananas this holiday season. The redesigned Fingerlings now have fuzzy fur on their heads, a new look and new voices and personalities. They respond to touch, so you can feed them, kiss them, pet them and more. Just slip Charli on your finger and watch his heart glow.

3. Magic Mixes Pixlings Dolls

This holiday, your children can create magic potions and reveal the magical Pixling Flitta, whose power potion is “Luck & Fortune.” To create this magic potion, simply combine water with the included magical ingredients in the potion bottle and say the magic words, “Magicus Mixus,” while turning and then pressing the Crystal Gem. Before your very eyes, the deep dark blue potion will become clear, magically revealing a new Pixling. Once you remove and dry the doll, your child will be spellbound by their enchanting new friend.

4. Trolls 3 Band Together Hair Pops

Your child will be wowed when they open their presents and find a DreamWorks Trolls Hair Pops small doll. With just a pinch, the vibrant plush hairpieces pop out for an instant makeover, so they’re ready for any adventure your little ones take them on. Each doll features two Hair Pops, 6 removable fashions, shoes and accessories inspired by the movie, and a bonus surprise gift hidden inside. Best of all, all accessories easily store within the doll for easy cleanup and travel.

5. PAW Patrol Skye Premium Plush

Give the PAW Patrol fan in your life their very own cuddly pup with a premium PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Skye plush toy! They can team up with Skye and race from one exciting rescue adventure to the next! Dressed in her genuine pink Mighty Pups team uniform, Skye looks just like she does on the big screen and is a must-have for fans and collectors of PAW Patrol toys. Best of all, this can help your toddler explore their imagination while developing their motor skills.

6. 13″ Talking Bluey Plushie

Bring the fun and imaginative play of Bluey home with the Talking Bluey 13″ Plush! Press Bluey’s tummy to hear 9 fun phrases from the TV show. You can even sing along with her to the Bluey theme song. Made with deluxe fabrics and featuring embroidered details, this super-soft plush is the perfect size for cuddle time, showtime or story time! Collect all of Bluey’s plush friends and create your own adventures.

7. LEGO Speed Champions 2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R

This buildable LEGO Speed Champions Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34) replica model car building kit, inspired by the iconic car from the explosive 2 Fast 2 Furious movie, will win over car lovers and fans of the popular movie franchise. Kids ages 9 and up can experience a rewarding build before proudly displaying this collectible toy car or recreating fast-paced street racing scenes. There is also a Brian O’Conner minifigure to place in the driver’s seat so car fans can enjoy all-action role-play. Using the LEGO Builder app to zoom in, rotate and visualize the model, builders can bring their race car toy to life on a tablet or smartphone, giving them a rewarding sense of achievement.

8. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Half Pipe Remote Control Figures

Pick your loved one’s favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles character and watch it play and perform like a real skater on a fully functioning 2.4 GHz remote-controlled vehicle. Each vehicle is built to skate smoothly and perform tricks on any surface and features a design inspired by the new TMNT movie. The toy even comes with a skateboard-shaped controller to navigate, control speed and shift! Buy one (or all four!) for the TMNT fans in your life.

9. Nerf Elite Junior Flyer

Nerf Elite Jr easy-play toy foam Nerf blasters are designed for kids who are blasting into Nerf battles for the first time. The blasters are easy to hold, sized to fit comfortably in small hands, and lightweight for easy carrying in children’s indoor and outdoor games. The front-loading design makes inserting darts a simple step and the handles have the lowest pull force of any Nerf dart blasters for ease of use. All these features let kids get into fast-moving action, and they can show off their blasting skills in no time!

10. Monster High Clawdeen Wolf Fashion Doll

For your fashion-forward little monster, gift them the Clawdeen Wolf Fashion Doll. Clawdeen struts down the Monster High hallways in a clawsome fashion featuring an animal-print jumper, boo-tiful long-sleeve top, creeperific sneakers, a black purse and glam, golden glasses and jewelry. Not to mention, the doll also comes with her own creepy-cute pet cat, Crescent!

Any of these 10 toys make for an exciting and affordable gift any child would be happy to receive. To find more toys to delight your little ones this holiday season, visit Walmart.com.

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Protecting your digital identity is more important than ever before. According to the Telesign Trust Index, 30% of consumers surveyed reported they were victims of fraud in the past three years. Given the recent spike in online activity, with e-commerce spending surging by $200 billion in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to McKinsey & Company that number will climb as new forms of digital fraud emerge. And that fraud can have long-lasting effects on your pocketbook. Of consumers who were fraud victims, 61% reported financial losses.

You’re not alone if you haven’t considered protecting your digital identity. According to the report, consumers perceive fraud as an immediate threat, but 45% don’t actively protect themselves against cybercrime.

You can generally remedy your situation if your identity has been compromised. Still, it’s better to protect your identity now and prevent future damage. In honor of International Fraud Awareness Week, Telesign offers five expert tips that can help you protect your digital identity.

1. Set up two-factor authentication on all accounts

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a more effective security measure than simply updating passwords. It adds an extra layer of security that can be the difference between being exploited or staying secure.

Whether it’s a one-time code sent to your mobile device, a fingerprint scan or a biometric verification, these secondary authentication methods are powerful tools in your digital identity protection arsenal. If your online service providers offer two-factor authentication, turn it on. If they don’t provide it, demand the service.

2. Protect your personal details

Don’t share your personal or financial information with unfamiliar sources. Even information you think is innocuous can be used to steal your identity or access critical accounts. This is especially important to remember during the holidays. According to AARP, three-quarters of Americans have experienced or been targeted for scams tied to the holidays.

Stay vigilant and take extra care in how you share your personal details when answering calls from unknown phone numbers, responding to strange emails, entering data on website forms, and even what you share on social media.

3. Monitor your bank accounts and credit scores

Be proactive in defending your digital identity by regularly monitoring your financial accounts and credit scores. Turn on notifications and keep an eye on your statements to spot any suspicious activity. You can easily set up account alerts with your bank and credit bureaus to receive notifications about unusual transactions or changes to your credit report. The quicker you act, the less damage scammers can cause to your accounts.

4. Report fraud

If you suspect or have confirmed that your digital identity has been compromised, don’t wait. Report fraud attempts and suspicious activity as soon as possible. For example, contact your bank and credit card company to report any unauthorized transactions and potential identity theft. Also, don’t forget to report fraud to local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report could help prevent others from being similarly scammed.

5. Look for trustworthy signals

Don’t assume every email you open, document you download or website you visit is trustworthy. For example, if you receive an offer that’s too good to be true, check that the company or person it claims to be uses the actual sender address. There are even clone websites that look legitimate but have the potential to damage your digital identity. Check the website URL before entering important information, such as credit card numbers.

Another way to keep yourself safe is to look for trust signals like a TLS/SSL certificate or the Telesign Trust Certified Badge. These trustworthy signs can show that a company has been verified as a safe and secure digital environment defender. Telesign’s suite of Continuous Trust™ solutions prevents the transmission of more than 30 million fraudulent messages each month and over 1 million account takeovers every year.

Prevention is more effective — and less stressful — than dealing with the aftermath of a digital identity breach. Prioritize your digital identity security to keep your personal information and financial well-being safe in our digital age. To read the Telesign Trust Index report and learn more about online fraud, visit Telesign.com.

2023-11-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing says winter like cooking festive foods, getting cozy around the fireplace and spending time with loved ones during the holidays. During the cooler months of the year, when more gatherings are held indoors, it is important to take the time to help protect your family and home from the threats of fire and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. First Alert, the most trusted brand in home safety*, offers the following reminders to help keep your home safe this winter and all year round:

Schedule annual inspections. Before the temperatures drop and you turn on the heat, call a professional to clean and inspect your home’s furnace, wood-burning stove and other heat-emitting fixtures, including gas and wood-burning fireplaces, as dangerous levels of CO can result if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly. Also ensure all heat sources are free of debris, dust and particle buildup to ensure proper airflow. During annual inspections, have a professional check for rust and corrosion, malfunctions, cracks or brick separations. These conditions can prevent proper air movement and cause back-drafting or other fire hazards.

Disperse plug-in items. During colder weather, you might find yourself using more plug-in items, such as space heaters or electric blankets, to help stay warm. Be mindful of how many objects you are using for each outlet or extension cord, as well as the surfaces they are sitting on. Also, since heat-emanating objects, specifically space heaters, can be fire hazards, make sure you only have one such item plugged into each outlet at a time and that it is a safe distance away from blankets, plants, wall art or other flammable items.

Check home safety devices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, when winter temperatures plummet and home heating systems run for hours, the risk of CO poisoning increases. Be prepared and make sure to evaluate the fire and CO protection in your home. In addition to testing alarms regularly and replacing alarms that are 10 years old, make sure you have installed the proper protection. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that homes have smoke alarms installed high on walls and ceilings, inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Additionally, CO alarms should be installed on each level and in or near each sleeping area. To put this into perspective, a two-story, three-bedroom house needs a minimum of five smoke alarms and four CO alarms. For convenient protection and peace of mind, install First Alert 10-Year Sealed Battery Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms for 2-in-1 protection with a 10-year sealed battery, which eliminates the need for battery replacements and late-night battery chirps for a decade.

Cook with care. According to the NFPA, cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home injuries, so it’s important to know what you can do to help keep your family and friends safe while entertaining during the holidays and winter season. Keep a fire extinguishing device, like the First Alert EZ Fire Spray, at arm’s reach while in the kitchen, to ensure you can react quickly and safely in case of an emergency. The EZ Fire Spray is compact, lightweight and easy to use, making it a convenient option to store close by.

To learn more fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com.

*First Alert Brand Trust Survey, March 2023 – Results are based on the responses of 1,043 adult homeowners, ages 25 and older, living in the United States who completed an online survey asking them to choose from six brands in the smoke, fire and carbon monoxide protection space.

2023-11-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – Tis the season for celebrating with family and friends! In addition to holiday parties, shopping, errands, wrapping presents, making last-minute online orders, and all that cooking madness, consider taking a “holiday time out” and host a “Holly Jolly Movie Night” sleepover! Whether it’s for your kids and their pals, or maybe a Moms Movie Night, a holiday movie night gathering is a great way to celebrate the happiest time of year.

Here are 10 tips for hosting a holiday movie marathon you won’t forget!

1. A special invite

This time of year, everyone’s schedules are filling up fast. Pick a date early that works for you and your guests so everyone can attend. Once that’s done, send out evites or text invites and mark the calendar. This also makes it easy to track what needs to be done before the big day. Make your invitation memorable (use a free design app to create it) and festive so everyone will vibe with the holiday spirit!

2. Lean into a fun theme

Gatherings are always better when there’s a theme! This can help steer all the other details of your special evening. You could host a Kitschy Christmas Night and also ask guests to bring a little gift to donate to a local family charity. Or throw a movie night potluck, have everyone wear outlandish holiday PJs … there are so many creative ways to make your night extra fun and photogenic. And once you’ve landed on a theme, you can use that to guide your movie selection and/or menu.

3. Make a movie schedule

Have everyone text you their favorite holiday classic — both old and new. Hold a drawing to pick 2-5 shows to watch on that special night. Or prepare a list guests can choose from, with categories for different types of movies, such as old school classics, ’90s favorites, animated, comedy and drama. Then create funny cards with the schedule and a catchy description of each film.

4. Create a cozy ambiance

Take a look at your space and find ways to maximize the coziness. In addition to finding new ideas for holiday decorations that fit your theme, think about how to make your viewing room as comfortable as possible. Move furniture around so everyone has a good view of the screen. Grab extra cushions, bean bags, blankets and pillows. You can even bring out an inflatable mattress for extra seating and lounging. Hang ornaments and string lights so you can turn off the lights and bask in their little glow while watching your movie lineup.

5. Don’t forget the snacks and drinks

No sleepover or movie marathon would be complete without the snacks! Offer a variety of holiday eats and drinks like hot cheesy snacks, popcorn, hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies and candy canes. Then lay out a fun cocktail/mocktail bar with your favorite beverages to enjoy all night long. (Be sure to include lots of water, too!)

Also, consider preparing a dinnertime/snack board with a mix of warm nibbles, veggies and proteins to fuel your movie party well into the night. A great option is a holiday snack board with fun finger foods like Farm Rich loaded potato skins, stuffed jalapeno peppers, mozzarella sticks and zucchini sticks.

These items are easy to prepare ahead of time or in between movies in your microwave, oven or air fryer. Lay them out on the board with carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, celery and dip, and some winter-time colored fruits so you can graze all night long.

6. Intermission

Even the most die-hard movie fans need an intermission. Plan time in between movies to take a quick break, snack some more, stretch your legs and even do some holiday activities. For example, you can play short card games, a quick round of charades or plan in advance for a movie trivia pop quiz!

7. Plan a simple supper

Although you’ll have a yummy appetizer spread, don’t forget to plan for a quick dinner. Make-ahead ideas like these Crock Pot Cranberry Meatballs or Buffalo Ranch Meatball Subs are fast and easy. Before guests arrive, you can put meatballs in the slow cooker so they’ll be ready for the movie break. For the subs, lay out the rolls, dressing and other toppings so folks can make their own.

8. Get some Zzzzzs

While kids (and adults) may want to stay up until the wee hours of the morning, everyone needs some shut-eye, especially this time of year. Prepare sleeping arrangements in advance. Have some bedside finishing touches like eye pillows, sound machines and water. If you don’t have enough beds in the house, make sure there are plenty of wide, comfy couches, air mattresses, sleeping bags, pillows and blankets.

9. Morning matinee breakfast

Keep the fun going the next morning and enjoy a morning movie matinee with a simple breakfast. Create a coffee and juice bar with gourmet beans, creamers, tea, hot chocolate, orange-pineapple or cranberry juice and water. Make this French Toast Breakfast Casserole the day before and warm it up for your guests, along with sides of fruit and maybe some turkey sausage links.

10. Capture the magic

And finally, be sure to capture the moments of this wonderful gathering with photos that can be shared during and after. Maybe start a shared phone photo album too so everyone can add funny pics all night long

Holiday Movie Night is a great excuse to get friends and family together to celebrate the season in a sweet and special way. Follow these tips to make it easy — and be sure to add some touches of your own for a night to remember!

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – If the dropping temperatures instantly make your skin feel dry and uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Between the frigid air outside and overheated air inside, the winter months are loaded with skin stressors that can put your skin on a seemingly endless dry skin roller coaster. According to Dr. Kate Biberdorf, also known as Kate the Chemist, this roller coaster can lead to a weakened skin barrier.

“Think of your skin barrier as a leaky bucket, and you’re constantly trying to fill it with moisturizers — but things like changes in temperature and humidity levels can strip the skin of moisture and contribute to leaks,” explained Kate. “The best solution is to fix the holes in the bucket to strengthen the skin barrier.”

If you find yourself reaching for product after product to get your skin off the dry skin roller coaster, here are Kate the Chemist’s tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best all winter long.

Protect your skin from winter stressors

Our skin barrier responds to the humidity of the air around us, absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain a balance. To help protect your skin from everything that comes with cold winter months, it’s important to consider what the skin needs when you’re inside or out.

When spending time indoors with the heat on, try to avoid bumping up the thermostat higher than is necessary for comfort. This makes the air hotter, drying out your skin. Consider adding an in-room or whole-home humidifier to moderate the moisture in the air or upgrade your thermostat to one that indicates the humidity levels in your home. Your skin and your energy bills will thank you.

When you head outside, whether enjoying winter sports or playing with the kids out in the snow, defend your skin from inclement weather by bundling up. Go for breathable layers that will keep you cozy and can be shed in case you get too warm. Grab a fashionable hat, scarf and glove set to top it off! Finally, make sure you’re wearing sunscreen on any exposed skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing sunscreen every day if you will be outside to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Don’t just use any old body wash or lotion

Key to breaking the dry skin cycle are the products you use to cleanse and moisturize your skin. “Certain body care products hydrate the skin temporarily but don’t help repair the skin barrier. That’s why your skin feels dry again within a few hours,” said Kate.

Body care products that actually help repair the skin barrier make all the difference. Kate recommends using the Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash and Olay Hyaluronic Body Lotion to help break the dry skin cycle.

Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash is formulated with moisturizing ingredients that penetrate the skin’s surface to nourish and restore dry, thirsty skin from within. The body wash is also dermatologically approved by the Skin Health Alliance (SHA), a global organization of independent dermatologists and skin scientists that assess the research and development behind various products to help consumers know what’s good for their skin.

“Olay’s Hyaluronic Body Wash and Body Lotion are packed with skin-loving ingredients, including petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, and a special Vitamin B3 Complex,” said Kate. “These products go the extra mile by diving 10 layers deep into your skin, leaving you with visibly healthier skin. Olay’s special blend of moisturizers isn’t just your average skin saver — it’s a unique formula that deeply nourishes your skin barrier, helping it become stronger and healthier looking over time.”

Shower with care

How you shower can also impact your skin. “By taking short showers with warm water rather than hot water, you can help to keep your skin’s natural oils in your skin where they belong,” Kate noted. After showering with Olay Hyaluronic Body Wash, gently towel off and apply the matching Hyaluronic lotion to your skin while it’s still a bit damp and feel the result.

“Winter can be really rough on the skin,” added Kate. “So make a great body care routine part of your daily ritual. You’ll look and feel so much better when you get off that dry skin roller coaster and break the dry skin cycle for good!”

Learn more about how to care for your skin at Olay.com.

2023-11-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – If long workdays leave you wondering if you’re burnt out, take a closer look. While typical signs of work-related burnout can mean you’re overdue for serious PTO, other symptoms may indicate psychological, emotional and/or physical issues that need to be addressed for your well-being.

Listing your symptoms may provide a clearer picture of what you need for self-care. While some symptoms may lead you to seek a visit with your physician or consult a mental health professional, others may indicate a common source of discomfort in today’s digital environment: your eyes.

Frequently experienced eye-related issues

These symptoms and others can be due to — or worsened by — excessive screen time, including work, gaming, watching TV or interacting on social media for more than two hours consecutively each day.

Eyestrain is very common in today’s visually demanding world, especially if your workday involves extensive reading and staring at a computer. Sore, dry or watery eyes, itching or burning sensations, sensitivity to light, headaches and difficulty focusing can develop.

Headaches accompanied by visual symptoms like flashing or sparkling lights and darkening of vision could indicate you’re experiencing migraine with aura. However, it’s critical to rule out other potential causes like damage inside your eye, a retinal tear or retinal detachment, which can only be determined through an in-person comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. Headaches can be exacerbated by both stress and excessive screen time.

Blurred vision when looking quickly from near to far could be a sign of accommodative dysfunction, a condition frequently found in anyone who works up close for long periods of time, such as those who work on screens. Blurring and inability to focus can occur without proper lighting and posture, or if you’re not taking enough breaks.

Dry eye is a medical condition in which someone doesn’t create enough of a quality tear film to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and providing clear vision. Dry eye may be caused or worsened when reading or staring at a screen for long periods of time.

Neck and shoulder pain can result from tilting your head at odd angles because your glasses aren’t designed for looking at a computer, or if you bend toward the screen to see more clearly. Poor lighting, a glare on your screen, improper viewing distances, poor seating posture or uncorrected vision problems could all contribute to neck and shoulder pain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms, visit an optometrist for a comprehensive in-person eye exam. Optometrists can test for a wide variety of conditions to understand the causes of your discomfort. Only by examining your eyes in-office can an optometrist determine how to help relieve your symptoms.

“Unfortunately, eye health is not the first thing people think of when they’re experiencing workplace discomfort, but a well-functioning visual system is crucial for everyday wellness,” said American Optometric Association (AOA) President Dr. Ronald Benner. “Eye health impacts your overall health — and also provides important early indicators of numerous diseases. An annual comprehensive eye exam with a doctor of optometry is vital to ensure everyone’s eye health, whether they wear glasses or not.”

Better work habits

In addition to seeing your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam, here are tips to help safeguard your eyes:

The 20/20/20 rule. It’s important to rest your eyes while on your computer, gaming or using any device for long periods. For every 20 minutes on a digital device, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refocus.

Blink! Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist, but it’s common for people to blink less often when doing tasks on electronic devices. Blink rate can actually slow by up to 40% when you’re looking at a screen. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye, try to blink more frequently. Setting reminders on your devices can help you remember to do so.

Digital device distance. Your computer screen should be 15-20 degrees below eye level (about 4-5″) as measured from the center of the screen, and 20 inches from your eyes. Smaller devices should be a minimum of 13 inches away to give the visual system a break, and make sure to use the zoom feature to increase small print and details instead of bringing the device closer to your eyes.

The right glasses for the job. Whether your corrective lenses are worn for distance, reading or both, they may not provide the best vision for viewing computer screens. Tell your optometrist about your daily job tasks and hobbies. You may benefit from wearing glasses specifically made for computer work.

Want more eye health tips and tricks? Check out AOA’s new mobile game Blink Land to learn more about eye health through minigames and trivia. Most importantly, find an AOA optometrist near you at AOA.org.

2023-11-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to depression in women more often than men. Minority patients are more likely to die after surgery. Parents may benefit from using virtual reality to ease their anxiety when their children have surgery. These were among the many cutting-edge studies impacting patient care presented at the recent ANESTHESIOLOGY^® 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“Over their lifetimes, many Americans may experience TBI, endure health care disparities or experience anxiety when their child is having surgery,” said ASA President Ronald L. Harter, M.D., FASA. “This groundbreaking research has real-world implications for patients and their families and aims to improve health care for everyone. Anesthesiologists are on the forefront of advancing scientific inquiry to improve patients’ surgical experience before, during and after a procedure.”

Here are a few examples of the new findings anesthesiologists recently presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2023.

Women at much higher risk of depression after TBI

Most studies showing the link between TBI and depression have focused on men. But according to an analysis of nine studies and nearly 700,000 people, women are nearly 50% more likely than men to develop depression after suffering a concussion or other TBI. This research represents the highest-quality evidence to date that a patient’s gender influences the risk of depression after TBI, according to Isaac G. Freedman, M.D., MPH, lead author of the study and an anesthesiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Every year, about 1.5 million Americans suffer a TBI, which can lead to long-term health effects such as memory loss and behavioral changes. Common causes of TBI in women include falls, intimate partner violence, trauma related to military service and sports-related concussion. Women’s soccer has the highest rate of concussions of all contact sports, a separate study recently found.

Women should be aware of the risk of developing depression after a brain injury, even if they have no prior history of mental health challenges, and should know what signs and symptoms to look for and when to seek help. Doctors may consider screening women for depression if they have had a TBI.

Black and Hispanic patients much more likely to die after surgery than white patients

Twelve thousand Black and Hispanic patients who died after surgery the past two decades may have lived if there were no racial and ethnic disparities among Americans having surgery, according to a study of more than 1.5 million inpatient procedures. This estimate draws attention to the human toll of disparities in surgical outcomes, with Black patients being 42% more likely and Hispanic patients 21% more likely to die after surgery compared to white patients.

This research represents the first effort to move beyond merely documenting the ongoing disparities in surgical outcomes in the U.S. by quantifying their total human toll, said Christian Mpody, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, lead author of the study and assistant professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus.

Unless efforts to narrow the racial and ethnic gap in surgical outcomes intensify, preventable deaths will continue among minority patients, the researchers said. The development of equity policies to address disparity gaps can make a difference; a 2% reduction in projected excess mortality rates among Black patients would avert roughly 3,000 post-surgery deaths in the next decade, researchers determined.

While the study didn’t assess the effectiveness of specific interventions or policies, researchers noted that addressing the problem requires an extensive approach including investment in disparity research, cultural competency training for health professionals and prioritizing patient education and health literacy.

Virtual reality reduces anxiety among caregivers of children having surgery

Virtual reality (VR) may be an effective and reliable tool to alleviate the anxiety experienced by most parents or caregivers when their child undergoes surgery, a study found. By providing family-centered care, researchers aimed to treat not just the patient, but also caregivers, 74% of whom experience quite a bit of anxiety before, during and after their child’s surgery, said Thomas J. Caruso, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, senior author of the study and clinical professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine at Stanford University, California. The findings demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety when using VR, compared to the standard of care.

Immersive technologies, such as VR, offer new, non-pharmacologic treatment options for anxiety relief. Given the diminishing costs of VR and its commercial availability, the results of this study suggest that hospitals seeking to provide family-centered care may consider VR as an effective, anxiety-relieving option for parents or caregivers.

Learn more about the importance of physician-led anesthesia care, preparing for surgery and the latest advances in the specialty. Visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

2023-11-13T14:13:01

(BPT) – The seasons are changing and with winter comes, unfortunately, the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a flu vaccination is your best protection against influenza.

While flu is most serious for older Americans and individuals with certain chronic conditions, it can affect people of all ages. The CDC says the best way to protect yourself and your family is by getting a vaccine early. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone, ages 6 months and up — with few exceptions.

“Annual flu shots can prevent you from missing work or an important event that you have been looking forward to attending,” said Dr. Donna O’Shea, chief medical officer of population health for UnitedHealthcare.

If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is right for you and your family, some important information may help cut through the confusion. Here are a few common myths and the facts that help disprove them:

Myth #1: Flu shots don’t really work

Facts: According to the CDC, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of the illness by between 40% and 60%. The vaccine’s effectiveness depends on multiple factors, including the amount of time between vaccination and exposure to the disease, your age and health status. Additionally, flu vaccinations can help protect people around you, especially when the vaccine is well matched to viruses circulating in a given year.

Myth #2: I got vaccinated last year, so I should be good for this year, too

Facts: The flu virus changes each year, so flu vaccines change as well. Plus, the body’s immune response to a flu vaccine declines over time, which is why the CDC advises yearly vaccination as the best option for protection.

Myth #3: I exercise and eat healthy food, so I don’t need to get vaccinated

Facts: It is true that being healthy may help you recover from illness more quickly, but it may not prevent you from getting or spreading the flu. Healthy people can be infected and spread the flu virus without showing symptoms.

Myth #4: I got the COVID-19 vaccine, so I can’t get the flu vaccine

Facts: The viruses are different, and so are the vaccines used to prevent them. There are no interactions between the vaccines, and both are recommended by the CDC to help maintain optimal health. Additionally, if you want to save a trip, you can get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time. Additional vaccines can be given at the same time you receive your influenza or COVID vaccinations.

Myth #5: The flu vaccine causes strong side effects

Facts: The side effects of the flu vaccine are generally mild. Some people may have soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, a low-grade fever or minor aches, but these issues are typically short-lived. The CDC stresses, because of how the vaccines are produced, you cannot get influenza from the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine.

Myth #6: Getting the flu is not that serious

Facts: The flu illness can vary from mild to severe. When severe, it may result in hospitalization and even death. Reducing the risk of flu is especially important for these groups:

• People who have certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease
• People 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Young children, especially those under 5 years old

Even for people outside of these groups, flu symptoms can disrupt work, school or social life for several weeks or more.

Now is the time to get a flu vaccine, which is considered preventive, and, in most cases, covered through employer-sponsored, individual, Medicare and Medicaid health plans. Vaccines are available through primary care physicians, convenience care clinics and most local pharmacies.

Prevent missing out on winter activities by getting caught up on vaccination.

To find a flu shot location near you, visit UHCFluLocator.com.