Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-02-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – Tax season can be a stressful time of year. However, if you qualify for a tax refund, it can be used to pay off bills and debt or add to your savings for a rainy day.

“For the past 40 years, Jackson Hewitt has advocated for hardworking Americans, and we know the current economy has impacted many. We understand people are worried about money and rising costs, along with the potential of receiving a lower tax refund this year, since all the pandemic government benefits have ended,” said Kim Hudson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Services. “Now more than ever, every dollar matters, so don’t wait to file.”

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is now accepting and processing 2022 tax returns. While you can wait until the April 18 deadline, here are five reasons you should file your tax return early.

1. Get your refund early

Some people put off filing because they don’t believe they’ll get a refund. However, according to the IRS, over two-thirds of American taxpayers are typically entitled to a refund. That means the earlier you file, the earlier you’ll get your money and avoid processing delays.

2. More time to pay

A popular myth about filing taxes is that you must pay what you owe when you file. In fact, if you file early, you do not have to pay until the return due date of April 18 this year.

The benefit of filing early when you owe money to the IRS is that you will know what you owe in advance of the payment due date, giving you more time until April 18 to set aside those funds or spread the cost over the next few months, which means less financial stress.

3. Protect your personal information

Tax season is a busy time for fraudsters. With just a few pieces of your personal information (your name, birthday and Social Security number), they can submit a fraudulent tax return to get your refund and steal your identity.

Many taxpayers won’t realize their personal information has been compromised until they attempt to e-file their taxes and find that someone has beaten them to it. By filing early, you’re locking your personal data and preventing scammers from stealing your refund and identity.

4. Reduce stress

If you’re rushing to get your taxes filed before the deadline, chances are you’ll forget to include essential information and documents.

By preparing to file early, you’ll have more time to gather your documents, review your tax return, and speak with your Tax Pro — helping you feel more confident and less stressed. If you wait until too close to the April deadline, you could make a mistake requiring the filing of an amended income tax return or subject yourself to paying penalties and interest.

5. You could double your refund

Do you want to double your tax refund? In honor of its 40th anniversary, Jackson Hewitt is hosting a Double Your Refund Sweepstakes this tax season. By submitting your taxes with the tax preparer before April 2, you’ll be entered for a chance to win the equivalent of your federal tax refund.

During the sweepstakes, 40 winners will win a minimum of $1,500 and up to a $15,000 maximum match of their tax return refund, plus an additional 40 weekly runners-up will receive $400. You can mail in your entry, file online or find an office near you to prepare your taxes for the chance to win big this tax season. To learn more, visit JacksonHewitt.com/Promotions-Coupons/Double-Your-Refund-Sweepstakes.

There’s no reason to wait until April 18 to file your taxes. Submit your tax return early and reap the financial rewards and peace of mind.

2023-02-07T04:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re an IT administrator, you know how difficult it is to get employees to create and remember strong, unique passwords for business accounts and technology. Often, users will fall into common habits like using short, easy-to-guess passwords or passwords they’ve already used in other accounts.

Users who do not follow password security best practices leave themselves and the company open to a data breach. To help employees create stronger passwords, protect company assets and make things easier on themselves, IT admins should consider these five password management and security tips.

1. Design a password policy

By creating a detailed password policy that all employees must follow, you can limit access to and protect your company’s resources. For example, you can require that users use long, complex passwords.

Employees will likely be familiar with this requirement, as many websites require a minimum character length, which is generally six characters long. However, longer is better. According to Scientific American, a 12-character password takes 62 trillion times longer to crack than a standard 6-character one.

Also, don’t allow users to include personal information in their passwords. While it’s easier to remember dates of important life events, names of pets and children, birthplaces and other words based on personal information, these clues are easy for hackers to find on social media and public records.

2. Avoid password fatigue

Password rotation is a common practice in password management and security. By requiring employees to change passwords every few months, it would seem to help you stay one step ahead of potential hackers.

However, frequent password changes can lead to password fatigue, meaning that users are more likely to use simple passwords that aren’t secure enough. Also, according to a survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute, 51% of people rotate the same five passwords across their work and personal accounts, leaving them and the company vulnerable to data breaches.

3. Use a password manager

Consider using a password manager to help you and other employees create strong passwords and store them securely. There are many password managers, but they’re not all created equal. In fact, a recent data breach of LastPass has made some wary of using a cloud-based password manager. However, by using a program like JumpCloud, IT admins and users can feel secure about passwords and data safety.

JumpCloud uses a hybrid approach that uses a decentralized architecture that stores enterprise vaults locally on users’ devices. It also syncs users’ vaults to multiple devices with end-to-end encryption on the cloud, offering the best of both worlds. To learn more, visit JumpCloud.com.

4. Check a password dictionary

Many fraudsters use a password dictionary to crack account security by sheer brute force. When employees use dictionary words in their passwords, such as using three short words together, hackers can easily use an algorithm to try different combinations of words until they crack the code.

Have employees check their passwords against a password dictionary so they can avoid using common words, and refer them to sites such as haveibeenpwned.com. If they must use dictionary words, implement guidelines that require they use four or five dictionary words with a mix of other characters. For example, “cloud.novella-candlestick.backpack” is a strong password.

5. Require multi-factor authentication

Many electronics and other technologies now require multi-factor authentication (MFA). Users may have MFA enabled on their phones, tablets and computers, which require them to use their fingerprint, enter a code, or another secondary form of identification in addition to a password. When paired with a strong password, MFA makes it more difficult for the wrong person to access company data.

Password management and security doesn’t have to be a headache or time-consuming. Using these five tips will save you time and help users become more invested in a company’s security.

2023-02-07T02:01:00

(BPT) – Holiday gatherings may make the season jolly and bright, but they can also leave your house in need of a deep clean and de-cluttering. The new year is a great time to bring back order and cleanliness to your home and tick off some home maintenance chores you may have neglected last year.

Not sure where to start? Check out these top cleaning tips that will whip your house into shape and help you start 2023 with a clean and tidy abode.

1. Reduce clutter

When you get home from a long day at work, you want your environment to be tidy to help you relax. An easy way to keep things tidy is to make sure everything has a place so you can quickly put away items and maintain a neat and calming environment. Bins, baskets and other organizational items can make it simple to get into the habit of putting things away so you can capture clutter before it starts.

2. Deep clean the floors

Your floors accumulate dirt, dust and crumbs from everyday use, especially high-traffic areas like the main entrance, kitchen, living room and bathroom. In using tools like the Casabella Infuse mop and Casabella ToughSweep XL broom, you can quickly deep clean linoleum, laminate, vinyl and sealed hardwood flooring to keep messes at bay.

The spray mop comes with a reusable microfiber mopping pad that is safe to use on most flooring, while the broom’s angled bristles can help you tackle tough corners.

3. Unclog the dryer vent

How often do you clean your dryer vent? If you have to run the dryer twice to fully dry laundry, it’s time to unclog. To start, you’ll need to disconnect the dryer and clear away any lint from the vent pipe, wall piping and dryer opening. Plus, you’ll want to make sure to remove and clean the vent cover on the outside of your home.

4. Dust easy and hard-to-reach areas

Easy-to-reach areas, like windowsills, shelves and picture frames, should be thoroughly dusted once a month. With hard-to-reach places, like high shelves, ceiling fans and books, you can go up to three months between dustings. To make dusting easier, use a tool like the Casabella Extendable Microfiber Duster, which extends up to 35 inches to easily clean hard-to-reach spaces.

5. Clean every crevice of the kitchen

There are crevices and tight spaces in your kitchen that can quickly collect dust and grime, but since they’re out of sight, they’re also out of mind. Move appliances to clean under and behind them. For example, the space under and behind the refrigerator is a magnet for hair, crumbs and dust, so make sure to add this space to the must-clean list in the new year.

6. Freshen up the furniture

Your upholstered furniture attracts and traps dirt, dust and hair. To keep your furniture in good condition and clean, you’ll want to regularly vacuum the back, armrests, cushions and underneath the cushions. It’s also a good idea to top off your clean with the Evercare All Purpose Lint Roller, which effortlessly removes lint from couches, clothing, curtain and lampshades, making it the ultimate addition to your cleaning kit.

7. Clean and degrease the oven

If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your oven, you should give it a deep dive after you’ve finished your holiday cooking. Make sure to wipe the bottom and sides of the oven and give the racks a thorough wash. If you have stubborn, burnt-on food, you may need to buy a cleaner and some elbow grease to get it sparkling.

8. Don’t forget the doors and trim

Doors and trim can accumulate a lot of dust and grime. Make sure to take a damp cloth and wipe it down from top to bottom — and don’t forget the sides and trim or molding! Using a disinfectant to eliminate bacteria and germs on your doorknobs from frequent, daily touching is also a good idea, particularly during the winter months.

9. Vacuum rugs

Rugs collect soil and dust that can quickly make them look dingy, while also putting them at risk of damaging the fibers. During the holidays, your guests have tracked in a lot of slush and dirt from outdoors, so be sure to vacuum your rugs thoroughly. In the new year, make it a goal to vacuum rugs at least once a week, especially those in high-traffic areas.

10. Check and change your air filters

To ensure you’re breathing in clean air and that your HVAC unit operates smoothly and efficiently, check your air filters every three months and change them as needed. According to experts, you can inspect an air filter by holding it up to the light. If the light doesn’t pass through, the filter is clogged and needs to be changed.

Start the new year off with a spotless, neat environment you’ll be happy to come home to every day. Using these top tips, you’ll clean your home of last year’s messes and set yourself up for maintaining a clean space year-round.

2023-02-06T09:31:00

(BPT) – Solid hardwood floors are beautiful and timeless, adding value to any property. However, there’s a misconception that real hardwood floors are difficult to maintain. The truth is that they can last for decades, as long you follow a few simple steps on a regular schedule.

In fact, the time that goes into maintaining hardwood floors isn’t much more extensive than any other flooring material. The key is to practice regular care and cleaning for your hardwood to keep grit and dirt from scratching the wood.

“Hardwood floors are special, and if properly taken care of, you can have a living, organic, premium floor that lasts for generations,” said Jen Meska, director of Merchandising for LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators). “But to keep them in top shape, it’s essential to have a regular cleaning schedule and be extra-mindful of any conditions in your home that could damage your floors.”

Tools, tips, and tricks

Meska says to start with the fundamental tools for caring for hardwood flooring: a dust mop for everyday cleaning, a vacuum for weekly cleaning, and a microfiber mop that can get damp (not wet!) for monthly, deep cleaning.

To keep day-to-day dirt and grit off your floors, aim to sweep or vacuum weekly. When using a vacuum for regular cleanings, opt for a soft floor attachment or hardwood setting that disengages the beater bar (this is the bar that rotates when cleaning carpet.) By disengaging it on hardwood and avoiding a vacuum or attachment with hard bristles, you can avoid any scuffing or scratching of your floors.

If you have heavy furniture placed directly on your hardwood, be sure to use felt pads on the feet to avoid scratches, and replace them regularly. This also includes furniture that is moved frequently, such as dining room chairs.

Strive to do a deep clean monthly to ensure you pick up the dirt and grime that inevitably forms over time. A great hardwood flooring care set is LL Flooring’s Bellawood Floor Care Maintenance Kit, which comes with a bottle of floor cleaner, a mop head and handle, washable wet mop microfiber pad, dry mop pad and a variety pack of felt pads.

This set is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it’s third-party tested for low chemical emissions and therefore safe to use at home. It’s also urethane-safe and won’t leave a dull-streaky residue on your floors, so they’ll look refreshed when you’re done cleaning.

What to avoid

Relative to most other flooring materials, solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture, whether that be due to wet shoes or just changes in humidity. Therefore, it’s important to keep any amount of standing water off the planks.

That means ditch the traditional mop and bucket, which can leave behind water that could cause your floors to swell, crack or splinter.

Another critical thing to avoid is harsh cleaning solutions which include ingredients like chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil or undiluted vinegar. These can dull your floors by affecting the protective finish, causing lasting damage.

By following these simple steps, your hardwood floor should stay in good shape for many years to come.

“The best thing about hardwood flooring is that it’s a sustainable, living, organic material that takes on its own unique character throughout its lifetime,” said Meska. “Each plank is unique and tells its own story, and with the proper care, they can serve as the design foundation of your home for generations.”

2023-02-03T17:33:00

(BPT) – Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love. While the focus may naturally shift to romantic partners, it’s also the perfect time to honor your closest friends and family.

Whether you’re going full-on Galentine’s Day — celebrating Valentine’s with your gal pals — or you simply want to send a smile and show you care for your best friends near and far, here are five ideas for making loved ones feel special and appreciated.

Put feelings into words

Don’t assume your loved ones know how you feel. Put those thoughts down in words and share them on Valentine’s Day. You don’t have to be a writer to express how much you appreciate friends and family. Whether a special email, thoughtful social post or traditional handwritten letter, open your heart and share how much they mean to you.

Not sure where to start? Think about all the reasons they make you smile and share the list. Say you’re grateful for your relationship, and provide a few reasons why. Spend some time reminiscing and then share a heartfelt story or two that has stuck with you over time. There’s no specific formula as long as you speak from the heart.

Go better than bouquets

Bouquets of flowers in various hues are a traditional gift on Valentine’s Day. The problem is, even if you tend to them properly and keep the water in the vase fresh, cut flowers will wilt and die. Alternatively, consider potted plants that will live on, the ideal symbol of your lasting love.

Some options: A potted flower adds a fresh scent and pop of color indoors or out. Some potted plants — like a snake plant or a money plant — are great indoors for improving air quality. Potted herb plants put fresh flavor within reach in the kitchen. Air plants are especially good for people without a green thumb because they require minimal care.

Create a sumptuous meal

Food is a love language all its own, so consider making a luxurious homemade meal for your favorite friends and family. Whether you invite over one person or a group, this is your opportunity to show you care by filling their bellies and hearts with goodness.

Perhaps you’re known for a certain dish and can make that? Maybe you want to try that new cooking trend and create some unique dishes to nosh on? Is now the time to try that fine cuisine you’ve been hearing all about? No matter what you choose, don’t forget wine pairings for an extra special touch.

Cheers to a day of love

A delicious wine is the perfect pair to food and friends on Valentine’s Day. Perhaps no one knows this better than partner and winemaker Stephanie Rivin, who created French Blue wines with the goal of giving an American twist to Bordeaux, making intriguing yet accessible French offerings for all.

“When you’re making a meal and honoring friends, raising a glass and toasting to love is a joy of life, or as the French say, joie de vivre,” said Rivin, who shared these pairing suggestions for a memorable Valentine’s experience:

• Crémant de Bordeaux Brut with oysters is a memorable starter
• Bordeaux Rouge is ideal with a rich main course such as steak
• End on a sparkling note with a Crémant de Bordeaux Brut Rosé paired with chocolate mousse or even a cheese course
• When in doubt, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc are also classic, versatile choices

Consider acts of kindness

Everyone has to-do lists longer than there are hours in the day. If you want to lighten a loved one’s load, take the time to help them on Valentine’s Day. Not only will this show them you care, it will relieve some stress so they can feel extra loved on this special day.

For example, offer to run a nagging errand or come over to their house to do their least-favorite chore. Say you’ll watch their kids or pet sit so they can get away without worries. Come over to help them fix something they’ve put off for a while — whether computer problem or leaky sink. You offering to help and following through will definitely make an impact.

No matter what you choose to do, remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. Your friends and family are loves of your life, too.

2023-02-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – As winter weather ravages across the country, homeowners are reminded that having a backup plan for power outages is important all year long. Reliable power is critical, especially for the elderly, families with children and people working from home.

Now, more than ever, an automatic home generator is the best defense against power outages — particularly extended outages — no matter where you call home. Whether it’s a hurricane, ice storm, blizzard, blackout or another weather threat, you can give your family peace of mind and security knowing you’ll have a dependable power source on-hand.

How does an automatic home generator work?

A standby home generator is permanently installed outside a home, similar to a central air conditioning unit. It runs on self-feeding fuels such as natural gas or liquid propane (LP). The unit turns on automatically when power is lost to the home or business.

The standby home generator can be a literal lifesaver, because it can power critical and sophisticated appliances and systems in a home, including HVAC, refrigerators, lights, computers, medical devices and more. It also provides home essentials that facilitate safety and comfort. This is especially important during winter storms when people are less likely to leave home. Having access to heat, electricity and appliances like a stove is essential.

Automatic power no matter where you are

You do not need to be present to operate your home’s standby generator, which is great if you have to evacuate or simply are gone when the power fails. An automatic transfer switch continuously monitors power from the utility and transfers the electrical load to the generator when power is lost.

For example, a KOHLER home generator is completely automatic. The unit’s commercial-grade engine fires up quickly within 10 seconds of power loss and can handle heavy demands while operating quietly.

Furthermore, the generator provides “clean power” so you don’t have to worry about spikes and voltage drops that may impact sensitive electronics like computers and phones. The durable unit also features a rust-resistant enclosure, which is important for homes near salt water or in freezing temperatures.

When researching generators, keep in mind they come in a variety of sizes based on your power needs in your home. Consult with a professional dealer for appropriate sizing, permitting, installation and other considerations. Learn more at KohlerGenerators.com.

Kohler now offers a 26-kilowatt air-cooled generator for larger homes and electrical loads. No other generator in its class is quieter, more powerful and more durable.

To help match a homeowner’s desired aesthetic, the generator is available in 10 exclusive colors, including three Mossy Oak® camouflage patterns.

2023-02-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – As you age, it’s perfectly normal to notice changes in your body. You may not be able to move as fast or hear as well. Age also increases your risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in seniors.

February is AMD Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn more about ways you can protect your vision and keep your eyes healthy. Read on for the five facts you need to know about AMD.

1. AMD is the #1 cause of vision loss in seniors

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness for those over 65 in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the U.S., 20 million people are currently living with AMD and 1.7 million Americans have wet AMD. This advanced form of the disease may cause foggy or blurred central vision, which is crucial for reading and driving.

2. AMD progresses in stages

There are two forms of AMD: Dry and wet. Dry AMD accounts for 85% to 90% of all cases. About 10% to 15% of people develop wet AMD. Wet AMD can result in sudden and severe central vision loss, and may cause permanent blindness if left untreated.

3. There are AMD symptoms – but they may not always be noticeable

In its early stages, AMD may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Because AMD typically starts in just one eye, you may not notice any significant change in your vision.

If you experience blurred vision and have difficulty doing detailed work, sewing or reading fine print, you may have AMD. Blind spots may develop in the middle of your field of vision, and it may become hard for you to distinguish colors. Lines and edges may start to appear wavy — a hallmark for wet AMD.

4. There are multiple AMD risk factors besides age

While age is the main risk factor for AMD, there are others. Women tend to have a greater risk of developing AMD than men. White patients are more likely to lose vision from AMD than Black and Asian patients. You’re at higher risk of developing AMD if you’re a smoker, obese or have a family history of the disease.

5. Early diagnoses and treatment are key

There is good news: AMD-related vision loss can be significantly slowed if diagnosed and treated early on.

The best thing you can do for your eyes is to get regular eye exams. Make it a habit of regularly visiting your eye doctor so they can track any changes to your vision over time to keep your eyes as healthy as possible as you age.

Be on the lookout for any signs and symptoms of AMD. If you’ve already noticed vision changes, talk with your health care provider and get your eyes examined as soon as possible.

Your sight is so much more than just vision — it’s how you experience life, remain independent and connect with others. Help preserve it by staying on top of your eye health. To learn more about AMD, visit gene.com.

2023-02-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – JoAnne Foody, M.D., FACC, FAHA, Chief Medical Officer at Esperion

February marks the start of American Heart Month — a month dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and heart disease prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 34 seconds, one person dies in the United States from cardiovascular disease (CVD). For women in particular, CVD is the number one killer, resulting in one in three deaths each year.

Despite these staggering statistics, few people recognize the impact of cardiovascular disease on women compared to other health issues that affect women such as breast cancer, reproductive disorders, mental health conditions and more.

As a cardiologist, physician researcher and advocate for women’s health, shedding light on these hard truths surrounding CVD is a mission that’s near and dear to me. Cardiovascular disease is one of the greatest health threats our communities face, and it has never been more important for individuals to understand their risk for CVD during this American Hearth Month and beyond.

Accordingly, I’d like to underscore the importance of regular testing for women and why heart health checkups should be added to your regular medical calendar.

The importance of regular cardiovascular testing

Cardiovascular health is impacted by several factors such as diet, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol use and more, as stated by the CDC. Since these variables can impact an individual’s cholesterol levels, and in turn, one’s cardiovascular health, getting your cholesterol numbers checked regularly is one of the best ways to manage your cardiovascular risk.

Unfortunately, a survey by the American Heart Association (AHA) found that 76% of women don’t know what their cholesterol values are. With this in mind, the AHA recommends that adults over the age of 20 check their cholesterol levels (including total cholesterol, LDL-c and HDL-c) every 4-6 years, as long as their risk remains low. For individuals who have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, cholesterol levels and other risk factors may need to be checked more regularly.

Knowing your numbers is key to understanding your individual risk levels and what changes — such as lifestyle choices or prescribed medicines — need to be made to reduce your risk for CVD. Because lifestyle choices that impact cholesterol levels change over time, regular checkups and testing are crucial.

As you embark on your journey toward better heart health, having baseline numbers to compare against can be helpful. Here’s an infographic that overviews the levels of total cholesterol, including HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides, and the ranges of each that we should strive for in pursuit of optimal heart health:

Today and every day, my hope is that we can spotlight heart health as a foundational women’s health issue, raising awareness of the risk factors that are contributing to rising levels of cardiac events in women. With this in mind, I’d like to encourage everyone to get their numbers checked if they haven’t done so recently, and to consider small changes to improve cholesterol levels, such as eating heart-healthy foods, exercising regularly, losing weight and drinking alcohol in moderation. Even small changes can make a big impact on your heart health.

Our heart health is important 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Gradual changes in lifestyle choices paired with regular checkups and testing with doctors can make all the difference for our heart health.

2023-02-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Flowers, food, fragrances and more — Valentine’s Day is a special time to show your sweetheart you care with gifts and gestures both grand and small. The goal is to make your valentine blush and take their breath away. But you want it to be from the love they feel, not an allergic reaction.

“Some traditional Valentine’s gifts can cause an allergic response, which can halt any romantic moment fast,” said allergist Dr. Kathleen May, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Hives, coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing are a few reactions that can occur if you don’t think ahead about your loved one’s needs.”

May and the team of experts at ACAAI share some common romantic gifts that can cause an allergic response, along with safer alternatives to consider:

Foods

Thinking of gifting a sweet for your sweetie? That heart-shaped box of chocolates could contain traces of ingredients that may make your loved one ill. If you’re buying a treat, make sure to read all packaging carefully. Likewise, if you have a romantic meal at a restaurant in mind, ensure there are safe options and the kitchen can prepare dishes appropriately. Keep in mind, the most common food allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame.

Alternatives: Call ahead to the restaurant to make sure food allergies can be accommodated by the kitchen. When in doubt, cook and bake at home, and make sure your beloved approves the menu.

Perfumes

Whether it’s given as a gift or worn on a special night to impress another, certain scents can cause a reaction. While not technically an allergy, strong fragrances can be irritants and cause headaches, sneezing, watery eyes and runny noses. In addition to their irritant effects on the upper airway, be aware that fragrances in perfumes and other scented products are a common trigger for allergic contact dermatitis. If your loved one doesn’t wear perfume, it’s probably for a reason, and perhaps it’s a gift you should avoid this year. You should also be thoughtful and limit what you wear yourself.

Alternative: Look for fragrance-free soaps and lotions and place them in a self-care basket that includes other items like loofahs, slippers, a robe and an LED candle.

Flowers

A beautiful bouquet of flowers is a quintessential gesture of love, but it might send the wrong message if it causes your sweetheart to sneeze or break out in a rash. Some people experience nasal symptoms with scented flowers like lilies. There are flowers that are especially high-risk for people with skin allergies, so try to avoid daisies, goldenrod, sunflowers and chamomile.

Alternative: Skip flowers if you know allergies are an issue and go for an experience. Treat your sweetie to a show they’ve been wanting to see or concert they’d love to attend.

Jewelry

Rings, necklaces, earrings and more — jewelry can be an impressive gift for a loved one. However, if the metal irritates their skin, this gift will go unused. Make sure your sweetheart isn’t allergic to the metals contained in some jewelry, particularly nickel. Keep in mind, chrome-plated objects and 14K and 18K gold contain nickel that may irritate the skin if the gold gets moist.

Alternatives: Consider beaded jewelry. For example, pearls and glass beads are stunning and unlikely to trigger allergies. And if you’re unsure of which materials are safe, just ask. This way you’ll give a gift that will be cherished for years to come.

If your favorite valentine is having trouble finding relief for their allergy or asthma symptoms, a board-certified allergist can help. For more information about allergies — including the diagnosis and treatment of them — and to locate an allergist in your area, visit ACAAI.org.

2023-02-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – Feb. 1 marks the start of Black History Month, which honors the great contributions the Black community has made throughout history — in music, food, literature, and more.

If you’re looking for a way to educate yourself and expand your knowledge about the accomplishments and contributions of Black people in American history — or simply looking to discover and celebrate captivating new voices and story lines — we’ve rounded up five books by some of the most brilliant Black authors and public figures to read throughout the month and beyond.

1. The Catch Me If You Can

In this inspiring travelogue, Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to travel to every country in the world, shares the remarkable story of achieving the ultimate traveler’s bucket list. While taking in stories of high adventure, epic mishaps, and the extraordinary kindness of strangers, readers will marvel at Nabongo’s bravery and linger over more than 250 gorgeous full-color photos of her journey.

From ancient monuments in Peru to Carnival in Brazil to the daunting challenges of visiting North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, Nabongo’s open heart and spirit lead her from one adventure to the next. Her story inspires us all to set aside our fears, pack our bags, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

2. Rise of the Black Quarterback

Sports fans will enjoy this compulsively readable narrative by senior NFL writer Jason Reid chronicling the history of Black players in the NFL. The book expands on Reid’s 2019 season-long series of online articles on the emergence of Black quarterbacks in the NFL and his subsequent 2020 hourlong television program.

Rise of the Black Quarterback: What It Means for America dives into the shameful history of the treatment of Black players in the NFL. Readers will also learn about the recent careers of Colin Kaepernick, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Kyler Murray, as well as the careers and legacies of beloved former NFL players including Doug Williams, Marlin Briscoe, and Eldridge Dickey.

Fascinating and timely, this page-turning account will rivet fans of sports, cultural commentary, and Black history in America.

3. Love & Justice

In this inspirational memoir by WNBA star Maya Moore Irons and her husband, Jonathan Irons, the couple explores how Moore stepped away from her basketball career to help Irons overturn a wrongful conviction.

Irons was only 16 when he was arrested for a crime he did not commit. Moore, who had met Irons in 2007, sent him letters and books as he fought for his freedom. The book chronicles their journey for justice that ended in love. As readers learn how Irons’s conviction was overturned by a state judge in Jefferson City, Missouri, they’ll ask themselves, “Am I living out my purpose?”

4. BlackTold

In this collection of 33 dynamic essays, readers can explore the impact of race and identity on American culture. Selections cover current events like the Black Lives Matter movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, popular culture, the NFL, and more.

The essays in this book include:

• “George Floyd’s mother was not there, but he used her as a sacred invocation”
• “How Black Utah Jazz players embraced Salt Lake City”
• “Can a black heroine fix the racist stereotypes infecting ‘King Kong’?”

5. Cosmic Queries

Building on the rich material from Neil deGrasse Tyson’s beloved StarTalk podcast, Tyson and James Trefil offer their unique takes on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos. Science geeks and space and physics nerds who want to understand their place in the universe will fall in love with this enlightening book.

Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining work will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

These educational and inspiring books from Disney Publishing Worldwide and National Geographic Books are available wherever books are sold.