Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-10-04T23:01:00

(BPT) – Candy, sweets and seasonal treats — it’s officially dessert season, and you may be starting to think about how you’ll stay on track with your nutrition goals this year. While there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence, it can be overwhelming when the kids bring home their overflowing bags of candy.

“We’re coming up on several months of holidays and it’s so fun to celebrate with our favorite candy and treats,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, M.S., registered dietitian and Quest endorser. “But there can be too much of a good thing, so it’s important to take some proactive steps to stay on track while also enjoying yourself.”

Kirkpatrick is dishing out her tips on how to make this year’s trick-or-treat season festive while sticking with healthy behaviors when it comes to candy and sweets.

1. Watch out for “snack-sized” portions.

A “fun-sized” or “snack-sized” piece of candy may seem harmless, but a common misconception is that this smaller candy is healthy for you, according to Kirkpatrick. However, even a snack-sized candy bar is high in sugar. And because they’re small, you may be tempted to eat several pieces, sometimes even more than a standard-sized serving. Instead, be mindful. Keep track of how many snack-sized treats you eat to ensure you’re not overindulging.

2. Opt for smart swaps.

Choosing a candy option that has more protein and isn’t packed with sugar and net carbs, such as the Quest Chocolatey Coated Peanut Candies, can allow you to stick to your nutrition goals while still enjoying a sweet treat. With 10 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar per serving, this treat delivers the crunch, sweetness and might help “scare” away the candy cravings you might experience during Halloween. If you prefer traditional candy, choose a kind that has a little fiber (such as nut-based candy). This can help fill you up quicker, meaning you may eat less overall.

You can also stock up on healthier options for snacks and treats for your kids — and yourself. For example, you can find snack servings of popcorn, pretzels, cheddar crackers, trail mix and dried fruit.

3. Fuel up before trick-or-treating.

Before you head out the door for a night of spooky fun and candy hunting, be sure to serve your family a nutritious, balanced meal with protein and fiber. This can help your kids feel full and energized and may prevent them from overindulging on sweets later in the night.

4. Share your sweets with others.

After a long night of trick-or-treating, sit down with your kids and help them go through their stash. Have them pick out a few of their favorite candies, then talk to them about the benefits of sharing and allow them the opportunity to give to others. Ask your local food pantry or shelter to see if they are accepting Halloween candy. This can help your family make healthy choices after Halloween while also donating to a good cause.

If you’re not able to donate the treats, consider freezing it for later or using it for baking during the holiday season.

Consider these tips to make managing Halloween candy in your house a little easier this year. And for more sweet swaps, check out questnutrition.com.

2023-10-03T14:37:00

(BPT) – Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and for Brad Roberts, Chief Operating Officer of LifeMD, one such twist was his unexpected weight gain after the loss of his father. However, his story is one of determination, resilience and ultimately, transformation.

Roberts, still fit from his athletic college days and now a dedicated father of four, found solace in food during his late 30s after his father passed away. “My father was my best friend,” said Roberts. “When I lost him, I started avoiding my life and internalized my sadness through eating.” His weight spiraled, leading to a loss of confidence and a dramatic change in lifestyle.

Roberts decided to make a change when he realized the impact his weight was having on his family — his greatest priority. He was missing from family photos due to a self-consciousness about his appearance, and friends and family were noticing his weight gain. He realized he wasn’t setting the healthy example he wanted for his children.

Roberts decided to participate in a weight management program. Using LifeMD’s strong affiliated clinical network, combined with GLP-1s, a class of medications used for weight loss and diabetes management, Roberts embarked on the weight loss journey that has since transformed his life.

In his first month, Roberts lost 24 pounds. As he continued, his weight loss accelerated, and by June, he was down 60 pounds. As of this writing, Roberts has lost a total of 125 pounds, taken 12 inches off his waist, and decreased his Body Mass Index (BMI) from 41 to 28. While greatly exceeding the 15% average annual weight loss results of most GLP-1 users, Roberts attributes his incredible results to both GLP-1 medication and lifestyle changes, with the combination of the two creating an upward spiral of momentum.

Throughout his weight loss journey, Roberts faced challenges, like the fear of injecting a medication and the frustration of not seeing immediate results. The real-time, actionable direction by LifeMD affiliated providers was pivotal. For example, at the start of his journey, Roberts was hitting a weight loss plateau, so he reached out to his care team. In talking about his eating habits, it quickly became apparent he needed to fuel his body to avoid a metabolic slowdown. Opting for protein shakes, grilled chicken, and apples while ensuring appropriate caloric intake, he was down six pounds before the end of the week.

Losing weight wasn’t just about improving physical health for Roberts; it was also about rebuilding his confidence and his relationships. He wanted to be an active, present father who participated in family photos, coached his kids’ sports teams, and attended important events without feeling self-conscious.

Roberts’ transformation has been so profound he’s inspired his family and close friends to join the program. His journey demonstrates that with the right support, medication, and determination, significant weight loss is within reach for many Americans.

Roberts’ story is one of overcoming personal adversity, re-establishing self-confidence, and reclaiming the joys of life. It’s about living the life you’ve imagined for yourself and your family. “For the first time in five years, I am standing next to my children in photos and I feel confident, I feel the difference,” said Roberts. “Making a change is possible with the right team, the right medication and the right support behind you.” It’s a story that proves that it’s never too late to make a change for the better.

If you are interested in learning more about LifeMD’s weight management program and how it can help transform your life, please visit: LifeMD.com.

2023-10-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for sustainable packaging when shopping is an important step for reducing your environmental footprint. For many people, this means seeking packaging that is recyclable. While that’s an important element of sustainable packaging, it’s only one part.

You can make a bigger impact and support the well-being of the earth, as well as the people and communities involved in producing products, by understanding a product’s full lifecycle. So, what else should you consider when comparing packaging?

1. Material sourcing

Beyond what materials are used, it’s important to ask where the materials come from and how they are sourced. How can you know material sourcing is done responsibly? Some brands go through extensive evaluations to be certified by reputable third-party organizations. Here are a couple of labels you can look for and feel confident the packaging you are purchasing is responsibly sourced:

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) label: FSC^® is an independent, non-governmental forest certification standard. When you purchase FSC®-labeled products, you’re helping forests and the people that rely on them thrive by supporting zero deforestation, fair wage and work environment, community rights and protection of plant and animal species.

Bonsucro Chain of Custody label: The Bonsucro Chain of Custody Standard relates to the supply of sugarcane, including all stages from feedstock production up to consumption. This certification provides assurance that sustainability claims can be tracked along the supply chain, including responsible sourcing and ethical trading of sugarcane, which can be used to produce a plant-based plastic material in place of traditional fossil-fuel based plastics.

2. Renewable, plant-based materials

Renewable plant-based materials are better for the environment because they can be replenished over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel–based materials. Plus, you can feel good that renewable resources are natural resources, which will replenish the portion depleted through consumption. Examples of renewable materials you are likely to see on a store shelf include:

Paper from responsibly managed forests: All Tetra Pak® cartons use paperboard from trees sourced from FSC®-certified forests and other controlled sources. On average, a Tetra Pak carton consists of 70% paperboard, a renewable plant-based material.

Plastics made from plant-based materials: Plant-based plastics look and perform the exact same as their fossil fuel–based alternative. Look for the Bonsucro logo, which demonstrates responsible sugarcane management.

3. Protection of the product

Good packaging helps protect the product, which is particularly important for foods and beverages. This helps ensure you don’t get sick and helps reduce food waste. Globally, food waste is responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

When shopping, look for packaging that helps to extend shelf life without a negative impact on nutrition. For example, foods and drinks in shelf-stable cartons from Tetra Pak are treated using UHT (ultra heat treatment). When combined with the company’s shelf-stable packaging, products ranging from dairy milk to chicken broth are safe and delicious for long periods of time without the need for additives, preservatives or refrigeration before opening.

Bonus: In addition to minimizing food waste, shelf-stable packaging does not require refrigeration. This minimizes energy consumption that would otherwise be used to support a refrigerated distribution chain.

4. Recyclability

Once a package has fulfilled its purpose, what happens at the end of life? Ideally, it can be recycled. When shopping, look for a recycling logo on the package.

Many packages are considered widely recyclable and can be placed in your curbside bin. Keep in mind, though, some packages are not yet recyclable everywhere, so you may see a recycling logo with additional qualifications such as: Recyclable where facilities exist, or, with specific instructions on where to return the item to be recycled.

To prevent litter, reattach caps or push straws into a package before you place them in the recycling bin.

5. Carbon impact

In addition to understanding a product’s lifecycle, some package changes can reduce the overall carbon footprint. For example, the carbon emissions of a package with renewable, plant-based plastics are less than the same package with plastic made from traditional fossil fuel–based materials.

Check the packaging or a brand’s website for information about the carbon footprint of the package. For example, Carbon Trust™ offers a “Reducing CO2 Packaging” certification for brands to include on-pack that demonstrates a move toward a package with a lower carbon impact.

Understanding a product’s lifecycle can help you make more informed shopping decisions. Learn more at Tetrapak.com/en-us/Sustainability.

2023-10-02T15:41:55

(BPT) – While many people look forward to enjoying their golden years, others are delaying or coming out of retirement. According to the Department of Labor, there’s a growing trend of older adults participating in the labor force. The department expects the force growth rate of the 65- to 74-year-old age group to be about 55%, and 86% for the 75-and-older age group’s growth, compared with a 5% increase for the labor force as a whole.

There are many reasons why many older adults are “reverse retiring.” For some, it’s a matter of financial security or generating extra income to fund a comfortable retirement. But beyond financial peace of mind, returning to work allows one to explore passions and try a new path.

These so-called “encore careers” help older adults stay engaged, generate income and find a purpose. If you’re retired or close to retirement and considering changing careers or pursuing a passion that pays, check out these four tips that can set you up for success in your second act.

1. Look before you leap

Before you let the excitement of an encore career overtake you, you’ll need to prepare and create a plan. Take time to evaluate your motivations for an encore career: Is this for my financial security or fulfillment? What are my salary expectations? Is there market demand for my skills and services? Will going back to work affect my retirement plans and current benefits? These are all important factors to consider before starting your second act so you can succeed without the benefits a 9-to-5 may have provided previously.

2. Pick something that excites you

While many folks take on an encore career for financial security, it’s also an opportunity to do something you love and that excites you. Take the chance to test drive a new career or interest you’re passionate about.

For example, if you enjoy spending time with pets, become a professional pet sitter or dog walker. If you love weddings, get ordained and become an officiant. You can start with a few gigs, and with a little patience, you can soon build a reputation and clientele doing what you love.

3. Find support

Working for yourself can seem challenging and isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, if you plan to be self-employed, it’s important to build a support network. If this is your first time working for yourself and heading a business, find a mentor to guide you. Organizations like the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) can connect you with experienced mentors who can help you start and grow your small business.

You’ll also want to identify key players you’ll need to help you succeed in your encore career. If there are areas of your solo venture that are outside your wheelhouse, find freelancers or contractors who can fill the gaps. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can help share the workload and provide expertise when needed.

4. Plan for your health

If you’re coming out of retirement or putting it off for an encore career, it may mean changing your health coverage. For example, if you’re a retiree on Medicare, you may have to pay higher premiums or choose to pay for private insurance to supplement your existing Medicare plan benefits. Also, some health insurance plans don’t offer important health care services like vision coverage for routine eye exams and eyeglasses or contacts.

Even if you don’t need glasses now, your vision will naturally decline as you age. According to the National Institutes of Health, older adults may have trouble seeing up close, distinguishing colors and adjusting to changing light. Also, your risk of certain eye diseases and conditions increases as you age and they seldom show symptoms. Left untreated, vision problems can impact your ability to work after retirement. That’s why it’s so important to have vision insurance that includes an annual eye exam.

If your health plan doesn’t include vision insurance or your coverage changes and you lose your vision insurance, you still have options. Insurance plans, such as VSP^® Individual Vision Plans, are designed for those who work for themselves. Individual vision plans are simple, personalized benefits that start as low as $13 a month and provide an average savings of over $300 per year. To learn more, visit VSPDirect.com.

Coming out of retirement and working for yourself can seem overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can secure extra income and pursue your passions. Using these four tips, you’ll be ready to start your encore career and succeed in your second act!

2023-10-02T10:27:00

(BPT) – A largely behind-the-scenes network of wholesale banks is making a difference for households from coast to coast. While borrowers may not know the name, the Federal Home Loan Bank System (FHLBank System) is very well known among the local lenders — whether it’s a commercial bank, credit union or savings institution — that consumers turn to for financial products and services.

These “Banks for Banks” are 11 independently operated, cooperatively owned, privately capitalized regional FHLBanks, each offering their member institutions reliable access to billions of dollars in low-cost funding so they can meet the changing credit needs of their customers and communities. FHLBank San Francisco is one such bank, serving Arizona, California and Nevada, and advancing that low-cost liquidity to member lenders in those communities. The dollars are deployed by the co-op’s member lenders in the form of home mortgages, business loans, commercial real estate funding and other lending, as well as for a variety of community development activities.

In fact, your local lender is likely to be an FHLBank member, since about 6,600 financial institutions nationwide hold membership in their regional FHLBank. That’s because FHLBank membership gives lenders tangible competitive advantages that benefit consumers, including first-time homebuyers and small business owners.

Here are three ways that a local lender’s FHLBank membership may be helping you save money and achieve your financial goals.

1. Lower interest rates

How much you pay for a mortgage, auto loan or personal loan is directly tied to how much the lender is paying for the dollars they lend out. To be able to lend at competitive interest rates, a lender needs access to reliable sources of appropriately priced funding. Larger financial institutions have a variety of funding sources beyond deposits, including the ability to directly borrow from the global capital markets, where the cost of funds can be most competitively priced. For most community lenders, day-to-day funding options are much more limited.

However, as an FHLBank member, your local lender can access funding from their FHLBank at a lower cost than they would be able to secure in the open market. That’s because the FHLBanks are in the capital markets daily, issuing bonds that enable individual FHLBanks to offer better pricing to all member lenders, no matter how large or how small. These member lenders can then provide their customers with more favorable rates. A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business estimated that FHLBank System lending helped save consumers an estimated $17 billion per year in interest payments.

2. Consistent access to a diverse array of credit products

As a member of an FHLBank, a local lender has access to a prompt and reliable source of funds that helps them manage their own day-to-day funding needs, allowing dollars to be put to work in the communities they serve for a variety of purposes. When a local lender has more capital available, they can offer qualified borrowers a wider variety of products. Along with home mortgages, they can offer a host of lending products that drive community vitality, including personal and small business loans, all while effectively managing their own interest rate risk to ensure their institution can maintain its stability in changing economic environments.

3. More responsive local lenders

Because each FHLBank has a regional focus, member lenders can be confident they have a partner who understands the distinct characteristics of their markets, enabling them to be more responsive to the changing needs of the communities in which they do business.

For example, lenders with FHLBank membership can access housing and economic development grant and credit programs designed for the demands and challenges of their region. At FHLBank San Francisco, a key priority is working to address the persistent affordable housing crisis in its markets. Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has directed $1.3 billion to aid the development, rehabilitation or purchase of nearly 150,000 affordable homes.

FHLBank members also have members-only access to grant programs that can provide direct financial assistance to the aspiring homebuyers and nonprofits they serve. Such initiatives include WISH Program matching grants for low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers, a Middle-Income Downpayment Assistance program, AHEAD economic development grants, and discounted credit programs. All of these programs are designed to promote long-term housing stability, expand access to homeownership and drive local economic vitality.

Supporting American dreams for over 90 years

The FHLBank System has been operating quietly behind the scenes for 91 years to the benefit of millions of Americans. Created to support mortgage lending and community investment, the FHLBanks have remained resolute in their purpose while evolving to meet the changing credit needs of their member financial institutions and the consumers and communities they serve, in all economic environments. To learn more, visit fhlbsf.com.

2023-10-02T09:27:01

(BPT) – Do you experience regular back pain? You’re not alone. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, more than 1 in 4 (26%) working adults experience low back pain.

Not only is it painful, but studies show that back pain can limit your activities and impact your ability to work. In fact, the Health Policy Institute found it to be a leading cause of work-loss days, with 83 million days of work lost per year.

Whether you work from home, the office or a combination of both, it’s important to invest in your musculoskeletal health and protect your back. In recognition of National Ergonomics Month, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) offers three tips to strengthen and protect your back while working.

1. Practice proper posture

Let’s get back to basics. Sitting properly is the first step to protecting your back. You may not realize how often you slouch or hunch over your desk while working. Practicing and maintaining proper posture may seem simple, but it will go a long way in preventing back pain and injury.

When sitting, keep your back in a normal, slightly arched position and your head and shoulders erect. Adjust your chair so your elbows are relaxed, your hands are resting comfortably on the table, your knees are bent at 90° and your feet are flat on the floor.

2. Set yourself up for success

Your work environment can have a big impact on your comfort and musculoskeletal health. Instead of forcing your body to fit your workspace, set up your workspace to fit your body.

Focus on making your workstation more ergonomic. Make sure your working surface is at the proper height, and your computer screen is at eye level, so you don’t have to lean forward. Consider ergonomic office equipment that is designed to promote proper posture and back support. You can also consider using a Swiss ball (or exercise ball) as your desk chair to work your core and protect your back.

3. Take a break

If you’ve ever been to a baseball game, you know how nice standing up for the seventh-inning stretch feels. Even though it’s a sedentary activity, sitting puts a strain on your back. Once an hour, if possible, take a few minutes and give your back a break by standing up and slowly stretching.

Carefully place your hands on your lower back and gently arch backward. Take a walk to the break room, another room in your remote workplace or take a lap around the office. You can even try some simple desk exercises like neck stretches and shoulder rolls. A break not only protects your back but can also refresh your mind so you can return to your work with sharp focus.

“Good musculoskeletal health is not just about treating problems when they arise; it’s about taking proactive steps to prevent them in the first place,” said Alan S. Hilibrand, MD, MBA, FAAOS, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in spine surgery. “By maintaining proper ergonomics at our workstations and building the strength of our core stabilizing muscles we can significantly reduce the risk of developing debilitating chronic or debilitating back pain and related conditions.”

For more strategies on how to take care of your back at home and work, visit OrthoInfo.org.

2023-10-01T04:07:03

(BPT) – With the holiday season approaching, it’s time to start making a list and checking it twice to ensure all your loved ones receive a thoughtful gift. This year, take the worry out of gift-giving by choosing books for your friends and family.

Whether you need a gift for a traveler, sports fan, amateur astronomer, comics fan, or home chef, you can find the ultimate page-turner that educates, inspires, and delights them. Check out these five must-have books to give this holiday season.

1. 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime

Whether your loved one is an expert rider or casual enthusiast, National Geographic’s 100 Bike Rides of a Lifetime will get their pedals turning. This inspiring and beautifully illustrated book reveals the ultimate bucket-list destinations for cyclists, from traffic-free carriage roads through Maine’s Acadia National Park to the challenge of Chilean Patagonia’s peaks.

This guide offers essential information like the best time to ride, the best spots to refuel, cultural highlights along each route, where to stay, and how to relax post-ride. The guide also shares the best routes around the world that fit any rider’s style, from quick jaunts to multiweek challenges.

2. Got Your Number

Help settle once and for all which sports legends flat-out own which numbers. In his bestselling book of short essays, ESPN personality Mike Greenberg (aka Greeny) uses his lifetime of sports knowledge to spin yarns of athletic immortals and tell you who has proven themselves great enough to own each number, 1 through 100.

Whatever the sport, there’s something for every fan. After reading this book, your loved one will come away enlightened, a little enraged, occasionally surprised, and most importantly, entertained.

3. To Infinity and Beyond

If your friend or family member enjoys Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalk podcast, they’ll be delighted when you present them with a copy of To Infinity and Beyond. In this entertaining book, readers travel with Tyson and StarTalk senior producer Lindsey Nyx Walker through space and time, starting with the Big Bang and voyaging to the far reaches of the universe and beyond.

Illustrated with vivid photographs and art, this narrative draws on mythology, history, and literature to explain the universe from our solar system to the farthest reaches of space with authority and humor. It even sheds light on the triumphs—and bloopers—in Hollywood’s space blockbusters. Whoever receives this gift will learn and laugh as they explore the universe within the pages of this book.

4. Look Out for the Little Guy

Struggling to find a gift for the Marvel fan in your life? Get them a copy of Look Out for the Little Guy, the in-universe book seen onscreen in Marvel Studios’ Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania. Written by Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man, this in-movie memoir shares stories from life as an ex-con turned Super Hero.

Within these pages, readers will learn about what really happened between the Avengers and Thanos, how shrinking down to ant-size really feels, and challenges of balancing the roles of hero and dad.

5. Delicious Disney: Disneyland

What do you get for someone who enjoys cooking and the Disney Parks? Gift them Delicious Disney: Disneyland, a recipe book with food-related stories from Disneyland’s past, present, and future. The book includes 60 diverse recipes from Disney Chefs, perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.

This cookbook-meets-culinary-history coffee table book features an assortment of appetizers, main courses, sides, desserts, and libations from fine dining and quick-service establishments across Disneyland. Each has been tested by home chefs to help readers re-create cherished vacation memories and inspire them to make new ones.

This holiday season, you can feel confident that friends and family will feel loved when they receive any of these five entertaining and meaningful books. You can find these and other Disney Publishing Worldwide books wherever books are sold.

2023-09-29T13:01:00

(BPT) – It has been three decades since New York City launched the now nationwide phenomena of Restaurant Week. As the trend grew in popularity, cities across the country began hosting their own versions to showcase unique dining establishments with special pricing to boost business and encourage people to try new restaurants. One of the biggest consumer advantages is that you can access a variety of menus at different price points, providing options so guests with varying budgets feel welcome. But, what about the rest of the year when you want to dine out yet still save money?

One of the most delicious benefits that comes along with an AARP membership is the plethora of dining discounts. Whether you’re looking for high-end dining or an affordable night out, AARP members can essentially experience Restaurant Week year-round.

“Prices in the supermarket soared at the start of the year and have only continued to climb. The Bureau of Labor Statistics even reported food prices have risen at a faster rate than general inflation, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t find special deals and offerings while eating out or at home,” said Senior Vice President of Lifestyle and Emerging Businesses Jason Mugg. “An AARP membership offers discounts on such a wide variety of dining brands that there really is something for everyone.”

Here are just a few ways you can save with AARP member benefits:

1. Start the day with a balanced and budget-friendly breakfast.

Whether you’re digging into the most important meal of the day or meeting up for a weekend brunch with friends and family, you don’t have to pay full price for your meal. Whatever your breakfast go-to is, it’ll taste that much better when you can savor a discount. At Denny’s, AARP members can enjoy a balanced meal and automatically save 15% off dine-in and pickup orders*.

2. Capitalize your lunch break

Eating lunch with colleagues can help foster healthy relationships and boost productivity within the workplace. But you don’t have to break the bank to capitalize on your meal breaks. Try your local Corner Bakery where AARP members can save 10% on dine-in and carry-out orders at all participating locations. You’ll get to choose from a variety of delicious treats including bakery sweets, gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, oh my!

3. Treat yourself

Is it date night? Are you celebrating a birthday? Or did you decide to simply treat yourself? AARP members can enjoy a variety of appealing restaurants while staying on budget, whether you’re celebrating or just don’t feel like cooking at home. Any day of the week, members can savor a delicious surf and turf meal at Bonefish Grill while saving 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

4. Let your social life bloom while continuing to save

Sometimes life gets busy, and you can’t always see those who mean the most to you as often as you’d like. Why not get together for a sit-down dinner with family or friends at Outback Steakhouse where AARP members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages. Enjoy boldly seasoned steaks, spirited drinks, Aussie hospitality and don’t forget to try the famous Bloomin’ Onion.

5. Get the “Mediterranean” diet without the hassle.

You don’t need to travel far in order to have a nice Italian meal. AARP members can have a night filled with fresh food, fun and conversation at Carrabba’s Italian Grill all while saving 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages. Are you bringing kids or grandkids? Keep them entertained with a coloring and activity map of Italy while you save — it’s a win-win.

6. Simple savings from your couch.

These savings don’t stop at the restaurant door either. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your already prepared meals with a home delivery service like Yelloh!™ Frozen Food Delivery. AARP members save $20 on their first customer order of $50 or more.

7. Fine dining at any time.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own private chef? With Silver Cuisine™ by BistroMD now you can have your own chef-prepared meals whenever you want. AARP members save 25% and receive free shipping on their first order of $99 or more. Plus, they save 10% and get free shipping on all subsequent orders of $99 or more. Silver Cuisine™ by BistroMD makes eating healthy easy by giving you the flexibility that you need and the variety you crave all with the convenience of home delivery.

With so many tempting food options nowadays, you can turn every week into restaurant week and find your new favorite haunt without breaking your wallet. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you save while eating good, please visit www.aarp.org/diningdays.

*Everyday Value Slam^® is not eligible for any coupons or discounts including AARP member benefits. It is not stackable or combinable with any other offers or promotions, and it does not apply to the purchase of gift cards. Pick-up is available at participating locations only.

2023-09-28T15:33:00

(BPT) – The fall harvest is underway, which means that a fresh new crop of USA-grown pears is coming to grocers’ produce sections. For those looking for a healthy snack with staying power, pears are a natural go-to. Not only are they available fresh almost year-round, but they contain a significant amount of dietary fiber, helping bellies feel full longer while supporting gut health and overall wellness.

Fiber is an essential component of any nutritious diet, and just one medium pear contains 6 grams of dietary fiber, or 21% of the recommended daily value. Fiber is essential to maintaining bowel regularity and gut health, as it helps to absorb water and remove waste and toxins as it travels through the digestive system. But it does much more.

Here are five reasons why adding pears to the diet — whether as a daily snack or as part of a meal — can help meet dietary requirements and keep things moving in the right direction.

Fiber in pears keeps constipation at bay

Pears contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which have important functions when it comes to maintaining bowel regularity. Soluble fiber absorbs water and softens stool, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool to make it easier to pass. Adopting a high-fiber diet can help avoid constipation, which is often accompanied by discomfort, and can help keep bowel movements regular.

Fiber in pears reduces risk of developing certain painful conditions

Beyond regularity, fiber may promote bowel health by lowering the risk of developing painful conditions like hemorrhoids and diverticulitis, small pouches that appear in the colon that could tear and result in inflammation or infection. Fiber is also suspected to play a role in reducing the risk of colon cancer. In pears, the majority of fiber is contained in the skin, so it’s recommended to leave the skin on for the full nutritive benefits and for added flavor and texture.

Fiber in pears could support gut health

Pears also contain a type of fiber called prebiotic fiber. According to the Mayo Clinic, prebiotic fiber acts “as a food for human microflora.” Prebiotic fiber is thought to help improve the balance of naturally occurring, beneficial microorganisms in the gut. By helping good bacteria flourish, it suppresses the bad and creates a better digestive health environment.

Fiber in pears promotes healthy weight

Foods that are high in fiber tend to have bulk that contributes to making them more filling to eat than low-fiber foods. And, high-fiber foods like pears are not as “energy dense” as other foods, such as processed foods, so they contain fewer calories for the same volume. Such qualities help stomachs feel satisfied longer and reduce the urge to keep eating.

Fiber in pears may aid in managing blood sugar levels

Fiber, specifically soluble fiber, is an important aid for people with diabetes, as it can help slow how quickly the body absorbs sugar and help manage blood sugar levels. For those who are seeking to avoid developing Type 2 diabetes, including insoluble fiber in their daily diet is one way to reduce their risks. As an aside, pears have another secret weapon in controlling blood sugar: a low glycemic index. As a low GI fruit, pears release glucose gradually and evenly, helping to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Adding foods that contain fiber to daily diets is as easy as picking up fresh pears at the market. Flavorful, versatile and readily available, pears can give health and wellness a boost at snack time, dinnertime or anytime. For recipes and inspiration, visit usapears.org.

2023-09-28T10:01:00

(BPT) – Being a homeowner comes with a lot of responsibilities. Seasonal upkeep, roof and gutter maintenance, plumbing repairs and more can add up — both on your to-do list and in your budget. But many home maintenance projects are simple and inexpensive, and they can help provide peace of mind.

Take smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, for example. Maintaining these devices is easy — keep them free of dust buildup and test them regularly by simply pressing the test button and waiting for the alarms to sound. On duty 24/7, alarms don’t last forever and need to be replaced at least every 10 years depending on your model.

First Alert, the most trusted name in fire safety*, recommends the following “alarm checklist” to help you and your family protect what matters most.

Test and maintain your alarms. In addition to regular alarm testing, the batteries should be replaced every six months. A good rule of thumb is to change batteries when the majority of Americans adjust their clocks.

Install the proper protection — every level, every bedroom. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and inside every bedroom. Because smoke rises, be sure to install alarms high on the wall or ceiling. Don’t install alarms near doors, windows or ducts, where drafts may interfere with their operation.

Alarms don’t last forever — remember to replace. It’s important to select the right alarms for your home. Newer homes are generally wired for hardwired smoke and CO alarms. When they reach the end of their useful life, replace them with new hardwired alarms. In older homes and apartments without hardwired alarms, when your alarms expire, a convenient upgrade option is a 10-year sealed battery alarm, which eliminates battery replacement and late-night battery chirps for a decade. And, if your alarms are more than 10 years old — or you simply don’t know how old they are — the safest bet is to replace them.

To learn more fire and CO safety tips, or to find a retailer near you, 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.