Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2022-12-02T10:01:00

(BPT) – The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can get the best of even the most organized of people, leaving you frazzled and distracted. During the rush of the holiday season, another thing that can be neglected or overlooked is the risk for injuries.

Accidents can happen throughout the season, because of everything from the bad weather to a cooking faux pas to holiday crowds. This season, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers tips to avoid bone and joint injuries:

Deck the halls

Lifting injuries can happen quickly and painfully to anyone, at any age. Lifting properly can save you a world of hurt. Bend at the knees to use the large leg and glute muscles instead of your back to pick up heavy items. Don’t twist or rotate while lifting, especially when shoveling snow. Bend your knees and pivot your whole body, not just the torso. Shoveling is a good activity for kids and teens, but teach them correct shoveling techniques. Remind them, too, that shovels are tools, not toys. Many head injuries to kids are caused by inappropriate shovel use.

Rockin’ around the clock

Holiday decorations appeal to people of all ages but also pose the risk for injury if you aren’t careful. Climbing a ladder indoors or outdoors to decorate when no one else is around is a major risk for injury from falls. Always work with a partner, and remember to use ladders on firm, level surfaces. You can let children help decorate, under supervision, giving them age-appropriate tasks.

Babes in toy land

Children love toys they can ride. Did you know, however, that nonmotorized scooters account for 21% of all toy-related emergency department visits? In 2021, 41,700 injuries were reported by emergency room departments. The key to preventing injuries? Give age-appropriate toys and teach children important safety tips when trying new toys, such as scooters.

A winter wonderland

Not everyone has to be concerned about walking on ice, but if you live in a wintry climate, icy surfaces can lurk anywhere. In fact, approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually because of falling on ice and snow. Make sure you and your children wear shoes that have good traction to prevent slipping and falling. You can even purchase slip-on shoe gear that adds traction when walking on ice. And remember, if you hop on the party train, imbibe responsibly so you’re always surefooted, regardless of surface conditions.

Let it snow

Ski and snowboarding season is approaching, and anterior cruciate ligament tears in the knee joint are common. Research has shown that keeping your arms forward and hips over the knees can reduce the risk of injury. Many injuries occur from falling backward, twisting the knee. Adjust your bindings to meet your ability. When you’re careful, outdoor winter sports can be one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to socially distance and work out at the same time.

The fire is so delightful

Prevent burns by knowing the risks. Lighted candles and fireplaces are obvious sources of burn potential, but the kitchen is another hot spot when it comes to burns. Practice good safety habits and keep children away from open fires, candles, appliances and cooking utensils that are hot. Know what to do in case of a burn. Treat minor burns with cool running water, a sterile bandage and over-the-counter pain reliever. More serious burns require immediate medical attention.

To help you and your family enjoy this festive season worry-free, visit OrthoInfo.org for in-depth holiday safety measures.

2022-12-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Baking during the holidays is a great way to bring family and friends together. Whether you’re trying out a new recipe or following old traditions, there are plenty of ways to elevate your holiday baking! Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dalina Soto shares some better baking tips below that every host needs to know this holiday season.

1. Keep Your Workspace Clean and Organized

Before you begin baking your holiday creations, make sure to clean your workspace to avoid any cross-contamination. Having an organized workspace can also shorten your time spent baking, from prep to plating. By arranging all ingredients before you begin baking, everything will be within reach right when you need it.

2. Test Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Believe it or not, your baking powder and baking soda do have a shelf life! If they are expired, you won’t get the typical rise and lift on your baked goods. To test for freshness, pour a teaspoon of baking powder into a cup of hot water and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda into two tablespoons of vinegar. If both mixtures bubble, let the baking commence!

3. Reduce Oil Measurements

Oil is a common ingredient in baking as it ensures your baked goods will be moist, soft and delicious! However, there are ways to reduce the fat content without taking away from the integrity of your recipe. Soto recommends using plain yogurt or fruit purees such as applesauce and mashed bananas as a replacement. Making this simple change can lessen the amount of saturated fat in your recipes and will be just as delicious!

4. Practice a Healthy Balance

During the holidays, there’s an abundance of sweet treats and delicious foods. While you should enjoy these foods with friends and family, try to maintain balance by drinking enough water to stay hydrated and incorporate fiber and nutrition with fruits, vegetables and healthy fats.

5. Use High-Quality Ingredients

To elevate your holiday baking creations even more, Soto stresses the importance of using high-quality ingredients, like Eggland’s Best eggs, to ensure your meals are delicious and nutritious. Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs, which helps to support a balanced diet even during the holidays. They also contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, to keep you feeling energized and satisfied throughout all your seasonal activities.

Try these Festive Vanilla Holiday Cupcakes if you’re looking for a new recipe that will wow your guests during your holiday festivities. They’re easy, delicious and even double as holiday décor!

Festive Vanilla Holiday Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

Cupcakes:

· 3 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

· 1 teaspoon baking powder

· 1 1/2 cups sugar

· 1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)

· 3/4 cup milk

· 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Frosting:

· 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

· 16 ounces regular cream cheese, softened

· 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

· 8 cups powdered sugar

· 1/2 teaspoon salt

For Decorating:

• Snow globe:
  • Ornament
  • Gingerbread Cookie
• Snowman:
  • Marshmallows
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Peanut Butter Cup
• Trees:
  • Pretzel Sticks
  • Green Frosting

PREPARATION
Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Sift flour and baking powder and set aside. In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy while adding eggs one at a time, add in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour mixture and milk to mixer until well incorporated.
4. Divide batter evenly on cupcake liners. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack before decorating.

Decorating/Frosting:
1. In a bowl, add the butter and cream cheese and whisk well until lump-free. Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix some more. Mix in the powdered sugar until combined.
2. Using a regular icing tip, pipe the frosting onto the cupcake.
3. Decorate with optional toppings as pictured in image.

Recipe Tips:
For the frosting, make sure to remove the butter and cream cheese from the fridge so that it will be easier to mix and make the frosting.

If making the snowman, use icing to hold the pieces together.

You can find more holiday recipes to take your celebrations to the next level by visiting EgglandsBest.com.

2022-12-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Think your space is ready for a new look in the new year, but don’t know where to start? A Delta Faucet product designer shares her timeless kitchen and bathroom trends she’s seeing in real customers’ homes for a fresh look in 2023 that will last for years to come.

“There are so many beautiful products on the market; homeowners should seek products that not only are beautiful, but also impactful,” says Maris Park Borris, Delta Faucet industrial designer. “Design should evoke emotion. Homeowners want to create new experiences in their spaces and are encouraged to do so now more than ever.”

The top five home design trends for 2023 are leaning into the innovative, personal, unique and lasting. The country is no longer stuck at home, but we still see home as an extension of ourselves that represents who we are as people. To create your own new experiences in the home, here are five trend predictions for 2023 to start incorporating in your own space.

1. Embrace natural tones and materials

Natural and organic materials bring an airiness to a room while also being timeless and long-lasting. Rather than bold, bright colors, natural warm tones will be popping up more and more in the kitchen and bathroom.

“Natural materials are acting as showcase materials — from concrete to stones, woods, porcelain, tile and crystal,” says Park Borris. “We are finding a lot of these natural materials are timeless in influencing mood and design.”

2. Create beautiful, gallery-like spaces

You love your things, so why not display them? 2023 will ring in luxe, gallery-like spaces. Think of a standalone tub as a statement piece or open shelving in a kitchen as a way to display your favorite items that normally would be hidden away.

“And allow luxury to go beyond aesthetics and create comfort for all your senses,” says Park Borris. “In 2023, free yourself to make rooms experiential, not just functional.”

3. Make a statement (wall)

A statement wall can completely shift the design of a room quite easily. A floral wall in the bathroom or a tropical print behind the sink can bring life and personality to the space.

“Anything with patterns, either vintage-looking or modern, can shift design intent and complete a room,” says Park Borris. “I see a lot of mural wallpapers too — they can be quite transformative and can really seal a design.”

4. Make your space work harder

You may not be in a position to upgrade to a larger space, but 2023 trends will bring more options to utilize what you have. Don’t see a kitchen as just a kitchen; maybe adding a small desk in an unused corner makes it a work-from-home kitchen.

“A lot of people are not looking for more space, per se, but looking for better-organized spaces that work harder with split functionality,” says Park Borris. “We’ve expected so much of our homes recently and that thought is not going away.”

5. Be authentic and break the rules

It’s your space — it should be a reflection of you. Throw design rules out the window and create a truly authentic space you love.

“I believe people will continue to make their spaces their own,” says Park Borris. “There aren’t as many rules of design as there used to be. I believe the things that evoke personal emotion will always be in style and our spaces will evolve as our styles do.”

2023 will bring in many trends in home design. Whether it’s natural materials or a pop of pattern with a statement wall, authenticity will be key.

2022-12-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – Wondering how to spend a floating holiday? Richmond, Virginia, has you covered. For a quick getaway, Richmond Region Tourism offers ready-made itineraries for four “floating holidays,” featuring great activities to please just about anyone.

“Richmond visitors deserve to celebrate special days personalized for them,” said Tom Loftus, vice president of marketing, Richmond Region Tourism. “Visit the Richmond Region to celebrate these new holidays and discover why our diverse, welcoming region is no longer flying under the radar.”

Here are four fun floating holidays worth celebrating.

1. Seniors Skip Day: Have a day off work or taking a break from grandparent duty? This floating holiday for traveling seniors offers a twist on the high school tradition of skipping class. This time, the other seniors can enjoy a day or two free from responsibilities.

• Enjoy breakfast at 521 Biscuits & Waffles in Richmond, then hike the trail at the Dutch Gap Conservation Area while seeking bald eagles and other birds around the Great Blue Heron Rookery.
• Travel back in time to the earliest colonies at Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield, then rent bikes at Basket & Bike or Kul Wheels to ride the Virginia Capital Trail.
• Lunch at The Original Ronnie’s BBQ in eastern Henrico, then relax with sips and scenery at Jolene Family Winery in New Kent.
• For evening entertainment, head to Hanover Tavern for a unique dining experience and live theater.
• Have an extra day? View beautiful landscapes at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, practice your putts at Belmont Golf Course and visit one of the area’s nationally known museums.

2. Gotcha Dog Day: Celebrate your “Gotcha Dog” anniversary with your four-legged friend in the Richmond Region, also known as RVA. The area boasts pet-friendly venues including hotels, restaurants, breweries, trails and parks — ensuring that your pet’s visit will be as enjoyable as yours.

• Stretch your legs at Floodwall Park, over the T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge to Brown’s Island, where you can pause for a water break and game of fetch.
• For lunch, try pet-friendly Q Barbeque in Glen Allen, then explore pet-friendly area parks, like Chester Dog Park or Hanover Dog Park.
• Ready for relaxation? Visit the patio at Max’s on Broad, a spacious Belgian eatery in Richmond’s arts district.
• Complete your day with your pup at Ruff Canine Club, Richmond’s first dog bar(k). Membership is required, so go online and sign up before your trip!

Share your pet’s favorite moments from “Gotcha Day” on social media! #GotchaDayRVA #VisitRichmond

3. Get a Grip Day: Everyone deserves time to get a grip, regain their balance and focus on the road ahead. Get a Grip Day takes this wisdom literally as a day for cycling through RVA destinations on trails for every skill level, from beginner to seasoned pro. No bike? No problem! You can find several places offering rentals from traditional bikes to state-of-the-art electric models. Richmond parks provide over 20 miles of true singletrack, and local parks in the area offer multi-use and bike-only trails to help you cycle your way to better balance.

• Breakfast at Perly’s Delicatessen before exploring over 13 miles of trails along the James River, then cool down with a short loop on part of the historic 52-mile paved Virginia Capital Trail.
• Need to refuel? Taste the flavor of RVA with an authentic southern lunch of fried catfish at Mama J’s Kitchen.
• Ready for more? Take a short drive south to Pocahontas State Park to access 40 miles of trails for any skill level.
• Unwind with a cold brew at Steam Bell Beer Works, then treat yourself to an incredible, locally sourced meal at Shagbark or another one of the area’s 900+ restaurants.

4. Feast of the 7 Beers: Over 30 craft breweries provide opportunities for this tasty spin on the traditional “Feast of the 7 Fishes.” Sample the beers as you explore RVA over a long weekend, using a ride service or designated driver for a fun, safe celebration.

Day one —

• Beer 1: Choose from 28 self-pour taps dedicated to craft beer at Downpour Taproom in Chesterfield.
• Beer 2: Venture to Ashland, where everything revolves around beer at Center of the Universe Brewing Co.
• Beer 3: Visit Final Gravity Brewing Co. in the Lakeside area of Richmond, then grab a late-night bite at Pizza and Beer of Richmond.

Day two —

• Beer 4: Quench your thirst at Dancing Kilt Brewery in Chester with a beer from their Fractured Fairy Tale collection.
• Beer 5: Your quest continues at Legend Brewing Co. in Richmond’s Manchester area, featuring one of the best views of the city.
• Beer 6: Find a comfy porch seat with a vineyard view for a drink at New Kent Winery & Talleysville Brewing Company.
• Beer 7: Head back to Richmond’s popular Hardywood Park Craft Brewery to enjoy entertainment along with your refreshment.

Intrigued by the possibilities? Plan your floating holidays at VisitRichmondVA.com.

2022-12-01T15:27:00

(BPT) – Research has found that 70% of illnesses can be prevented by changes in lifestyle and diet. While many Americans may believe that food affects their health, most don’t know what to believe when it comes to eating healthfully. Many people don’t think much about the connection between food and health, until they experience symptoms directly related to eating, such as digestive issues.

Eating right is not a fad diet

Fad diets and the “one size fits all” approach may promise quick and lasting results but do not improve body composition or promote better health. Although good nutrition is crucial for optimal health, well-being, and disease prevention, it is an area that is misunderstood and a source of confusion for many people.

How knowledge can help you eat better

With so many competing eating plans and diet products on the market, finding the right information is difficult. The truth is, many health conditions, including being overweight, migraines, rashes, arthritis, fatigue, bloating, gastrointestinal disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and even certain respiratory conditions and skin disorders are affected by an overlooked or misunderstood food sensitivity. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is one such example.

Unlike a food allergy, which generates an immediate response and can more easily be identified and isolated from your diet (such as a peanut allergy), food sensitivities will produce a delayed reaction, and can be from a multitude of substances. As a result, they are much harder for people to detect. It’s vital to know about food sensitivities that may negatively affect your health.

Science-based testing, individualized nutrition guidance, and customized meal planning are key to the most effective approach.

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine conducted a landmark study showing that patients with IBS who follow individualized diets based on the Alcat food sensitivity blood test experienced significant symptom improvement. One of the study’s authors, Dr. Wajahat Mehal, a professor of digestive diseases at the Yale School of Medicine, said he found the results convincing enough that he now offers the test to his patients with IBS.

State-of-the-art biological testing such as the Alcat test provides a cellular-based lab analysis to evaluate over 450 food substances and additives to determine which foods and ingredients may be the offenders. The test provides a detailed analysis that ranks the degree of reactivity in three categories — mild, moderate and severe — to help a nutritionist customize a meal plan to best support your health.

The easy-to-understand test report includes:

• Foods-to-avoid list
• Comprehensive “Understanding your Alcat Test Results” ebooklet
• Personalized rotation plan
• Optional 30-minute educational session with a nutrition expert
• Opportunity for more extensive nutrition therapy with the PreviMedica team

To date, the Alcat Test has helped over half a million people change their health. “For the past several years I’ve been experiencing a decline in my health — joint and muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, skin rashes, acne, rising blood sugar and blood pressure and steadily increasing weight regardless of how hard I dieted,” said Laura from Kansas. “I took the Alcat Test on the recommendation of my doctor. I’m six weeks into the elimination and rotation and the results have been nothing short of a miracle. I’ve lost 13 pounds, my skin is clearing up, I sleep well, digest well, feel strong and have a lot of energy. I realize now that I’ve had food sensitivities all my adult life — I’m only sorry it’s taken this many years to get to the cause of my health problems.”

Looking for ways to use your FSA or HSA funds? PreviMedica is offering an end-of-year discount of 25%. Use code HOLIDAY25 for purchases before December 31, 2022. Learn more about the Alcat test at CellScienceSystems.com or call 1-800-US-ALCAT.

2022-12-01T14:55:00

(BPT) – If you’re one of the millions of caregivers in the United States, you know that caregiving can be difficult. The last few years may have brought unexpected new challenges, such as the need for social distancing and isolation during COVID-19. But even now, it’s important to remember that you can continue to make a positive impact on your loved one’s life, even if you can’t be there face-to-face.

While you may be unable to physically be with your loved one, remind yourself that what you’re doing from a distance does matter. Careful, thoughtful planning and clear communication may help make remote caregiving easier on you and the person you’re caring for.

Here are some tips to help you navigate remote caregiving.

1. Stay connected. Communicate through video chats whenever possible to help them feel engaged. Encourage family and friends to call often or write letters and notes. You may also be able to set up a medical alert system that can help you track and monitor the person in your care. Look for a system that’s designed with caregivers in mind.
2. Get smart with prescriptions. If the person in your care regularly takes medication, talk to his or her pharmacist to see if they offer a mail-order option. You may even be able to order early refills or get 30- or 90-day supplies.
3. Explore remote options for food. Visiting the grocery store is not always possible. The good news is, there are many options for food delivery. Whether it’s groceries, meal kits or Meals on Wheels, there are ways to help make sure your loved one is taken care of with nutritious meals.
4. Consider telehealth for medical needs. If a medical appointment is necessary, connecting virtually through a phone or video app may be a good option for non-emergent needs. Call your loved one’s doctor’s office to see what options are available.
5. Have a plan of action. With so much uncertainty the past few years, it’s important to regain a sense of control and confidence. Some steps may include:
   • Collect contact information. Build a list of contacts, including family members, care providers, pharmacies, care managers, senior service agencies and anyone else that you may need to get a hold of.
   • Gather health documents. Because care recipients often have complicated medical situations, keeping all paperwork in one place can be invaluable. This could also include important financial and legal records. UnitedHealthcare also has a Care Organizer available online, which can be a way to keep all your information together.
   • Become an authorized representative. As an authorized representative, you’re able to help with payments, the choice of doctor and other care decisions. To add an authorized representative, your loved one can visit his or her health plan website or call the customer service number on the back of the ID card.

Caring for loved ones at a distance may be unfamiliar territory, but knowing what tools and programs are available to help you can help ease uncertainty — both for you and those in your care.

For more resources and information that may help you with caregiving, visit https://www.uhc.com/caregiving.

2022-12-01T14:53:00

(BPT) – In the United States, there are 37.3 million people with diabetes. And for many, diabetes is an expensive and complex medical condition, often requiring multiple medications — including insulin — and regular doctor visits. In fact, diabetes is the most expensive chronic condition in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The annual cost of diagnosed diabetes is an estimated $327 billion — and climbing.

Medicare Part D has helped seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries save billions of dollars on their prescription costs over the last two decades. But still, Kaiser Family Foundation notes that the total out-of-pocket spending on insulin for Part D enrollees was $1 billion in 2020.

For these consumers, a change was needed.

Current savings: The insulin demo

In March 2020, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a new Part D Senior Savings Model for Medicare beneficiaries who use insulin. Plans voluntarily participated in this model to provide seniors a low, stable, predictable insulin copay. This helped members who did not already receive Extra Help and were enrolled in participating Medicare insurance plans with prescription drug coverage. Their monthly out-of-pocket costs for insulin reduced to $35 or less per covered prescription during three phases of coverage: the deductible phase, the initial coverage phase and while in the coverage gap.

Each of the three major insulin manufacturers and 76 Part D sponsors — covering about 2,500 insurance plans — are participating in the program.

2023 changes from the Inflation Reduction Act

In 2023, broader changes to help make insulin more affordable will take place, implemented by the Inflation Reduction Act. All Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage, regardless of income, will pay a maximum of $35 for a one-month supply of covered insulin products through all four phases of drug coverage.

While a $35 cap has been in place for most UnitedHealthcare plans with prescription drug coverage, in 2023 it will be extended to all members across all Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug benefits and stand-alone Part D plans.

“Diabetes is already a complicated, costly and challenging condition,” said Dr. Philip Painter, chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “These efforts illustrate how it can make things a little easier for the millions of Americans who depend on the life-saving drug, insulin.”

Keep in mind that while these changes are coming in 2023, they might not be reflected in Annual Notice of Changes (ANOCs) during the Medicare enrollment period. You should keep an eye out for additional information in 2023 about these and other prescription drug benefits.

By helping to make insulin more affordable, the hope is that more seniors will adhere to their regimen and hit their treatment goals, giving them a better chance to get healthier. And that can mean a health care system that works better, not just for seniors, but for everyone.

Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.

For the plans participating in the Part D Senior Savings model, you will pay a maximum of $35 for a 1-month supply of Part D select insulin drugs during the deductible, Initial Coverage and Coverage Gap or “Donut Hole” stages of your benefit. You will pay 5% of the cost of your insulin in the Catastrophic Coverage stage. This cost-sharing only applies to members who do not qualify for a program that helps pay for your drugs (“Extra Help”).

2022-12-01T14:53:00

(BPT) – When a medical emergency or sudden change in health occurs, loved ones may be thrust into a caregiving role they did not expect. Oftentimes, this can be an overwhelming change to their routine, their life and their mental health. As they begin to manage this new reality, it can sometimes be tough to find time to take care of themselves and address their needs as a caregiver.

John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network, offers advice and insights for caregivers — as well as the people who are in caregivers’ lives — as part of a “#CaregivingHappens” campaign. The effort focuses on moments of caregiving, big and small, and how to support a caregiver to help make their lives easier.

John answered a few questions on what caregivers should know.

Before we jump in: Why was the Caregiver Action Network founded? What does it do?

Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, diseases or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with significant health needs to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a nonprofit organization providing education, peer support and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.

What does the phrase “Caregiving Happens” mean to you?

To me, Caregiving Happens is just a fact of a caregiver’s life. Caregiving responsibilities don’t stop because you’re at work, traveling or have other things to do. Caregiving happens unexpectedly. Sometimes it’s inconvenient. It may cause you to miss other life events.

Can you provide some tips for caregivers to take care of themselves while they are caregiving?

It’s important that caregivers take care of their own health so they can be strong enough to care for their loved one. This is so important that we have an entire section of our website devoted to Staying Strong While Caregiving. As a caregiver, you need to find ways to relieve your stress and anxiety:

• Ask other family or friends for help
• Focus on what you are able to do; it does not need to be perfect
• Look for caregiving resources in your community and find a good support group
• Make sure you eat well and get enough exercise
• Take time for yourself; educate yourself on your loved one’s condition; and call CAN’s free Caregiver Help Desk — whatever helps you

What is important for people who are not caregivers to understand about caregiving?

Caregiving can be a 24/7 commitment. Often, a family caregiver doesn’t have time to devote to other family, friends or their own interests. If a family caregiver needs to cancel lunch plans, it’s not because they don’t want to see you. Their loved one needs them. For employers, a caregiver who is late to work may be with their loved one.

How can people who are not caregivers better support people who are?

For employers, providing greater flexibility and not requiring employees to work full-time from the office can help reduce demands on their time. Studies show that when employers are empathetic, understanding and appreciative of the experience of their employees, it has a positive impact on the overall work experience for employees and results in greater engagement and retention.

For the family and friends of a family caregiver, there are a number of things that you can do to help relieve their burden. Offer to help them with specific errands and chores — and mean it. Provide them with emotional support by really listening when they need to talk and not making judgments. Arrange to take over their caregiving responsibilities for a few hours so they can have some time for themselves.

What do you see as the future of caregiving?

With the aging demographic, we will continue to see the need for caregivers grow. I think the pandemic helped highlight some of the difficulties that caregivers have faced for some time, as well as created new challenges, and we will need to continue advocating for policies that help caregivers navigate them.

For caregiving resources from UnitedHealthcare, visit uhc.com/caregiving.

2022-12-01T06:05:00

(BPT) – Food and flavors that bring people together are central to holiday memories and nostalgia. When you indulge in the best in kitchen equipment, you can add a special touch to holiday entertaining and make food preparation easier.

The Ankarsrum Original, made in Sweden, is the aspirational choice in stand mixers and an icon for those who love cooking and baking. It has a rotating bowl instead of something rotating in a bowl, for a unique process that simulates kneading by hand. It is designed for superior breads, cakes and cookies, plus it has optional attachments for making fresh pasta, homemade sausage, perfectly shredded veggies, creamy ice cream and more.

On trend and easy to use, the Tramontina 5-Quart All in One Plus is a one-pan solution with an array of colors to choose from. It is oven safe and can sauté, fry, steam, braise and more. The ceramic interior combines specially selected raw materials for a naturally slick surface that is easy to clean and works on any stovetop, including induction. A nesting steamer basket, multi-purpose bamboo utensil, and bamboo trivet complete the set.

For roasting, grilling and more, the CDN Waterproof Folding Thermocouple Thermometer (TCTW572) meets professional NSF Certified standards. It provides accurate temperature readings in 2-3 seconds and features a sensor that rotates the backlit display in four directions, so it’s always easy to read. It also features a 1.5mm thin tip, one-button field calibration, and a high IPX7 waterproof rating.

Hot chocolate, any way you want it, creates holiday magic in a cup. The Capresso froth TS automatic milk frother can whip up frothy hot cocoa using chips, syrup or powder — and it prepares café-quality frothed milk for rich cappuccinos, lattes and more. With three settings — cold froth, hot froth and hot chocolate — it invites creativity. It works with any type of milk — almond, soy, coconut and more.

Experience a new dimension in coffee with the JURA Z10, a world first for hot and cold brew specialties. It brews hot drinks from intense espresso to trendy flat white — plus, authentic cold brew specialties on demand. JURA innovations include the Product Recognizing Grinder (P.R.G.) and Cold Extraction Process that slowly pulses water through freshly ground coffee under high pressure for a refreshing, energizing cold brew. WiFi Connect allows the user to personalize beverages and more on their smartphone or tablet.

2022-11-30T07:00:00

(BPT) – Does winter in the Northern Hemisphere have you dreaming of a tropical vacation? Honduras, coincidentally, is at its peak dry season from December to April. If you’re looking to escape the cold for a warm-weather destination offering unique, affordable, one-of-a-kind experiences for divers, history buffs, adventure seekers and wildlife lovers alike, a Honduran vacation may just be your ticket.

Located in the heart of Central America, Honduras boasts an environment rich in biodiversity — with an array of ecosystems including dense rainforests, towering cloud forests, rushing rivers and the largest coral reef in the Americas. The Honduran Conservation Coalition has taken it upon themselves to protect Honduran biodiversity — and even encourages visitors to participate.

All this adds up to outdoor adventures and communing with the natural world, where there is something for travelers of all types:

1. Scuba diving enthusiast

You probably will have to look hard and long to find dive spots as spectacular as they are in Honduras. The Bay Islands, located north of the mainland, are known for marine life, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, and water adventures like SCUBA diving and snorkeling.

The three most famous dive spots in the Bay Islands — Utila, Roatán and Guanaja archipelagos — invite the intrepid diver to discover underwater worlds, swim with whale sharks and explore hard and soft coral reefs, to name a few. Enjoy a close encounter with coral formations or deep-dive 2,000 feet to see a bluntnose shark.

SCUBA-certified visitors to Roatán are invited to participate in the Coral Restoration Program at Roatán Marine Park, a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Honduras’ marine and coastal ecosystems.

2. Wildlife lover

Honduras cherishes its wild lands and wildlife and works hard to preserve it. Since near-deforestation of the land in the 1970s, Hondurans have made it their business to restore habitat for thousands of species of birds and mammals.

You can hang out with a sloth in an animal sanctuary. Hike among monkeys, jaguar, tapirs, deer and other native wildlife in the Central American lowland rainforest. Outside the colonial town of Gracias, visit Celaque National Park. The 65,000-acre park offers multiday hikes through the cloud forest to the pristine summit of Cerros Las Minas.

Honduras also boasts a marvelous bird population. From the rare species like the quetzal and the wine-throated hummingbird to the endangered macaw, more than 800 species call Honduras home. Watch for scarlet macaws that fly freely throughout the 335-square-mile area known as The Sacred Valley of the Scarlet Macaw.

3. Adventure junkie

In addition to being an eco-friendly country, Honduras has its share of adventure vacations. Not into diving but still love underwater creatures? Tela Coral Aquarium can get you up close to the nation’s magnificent coral reefs.

Horseback riding tours are also popular. From three-hour to half-day tours, get a new perspective of the Mayan ruins, indigenous communities or beach front on horseback. You can even get a daylong tour that covers La Ceiba beach and the nearby forest.

If an adrenaline rush is more your style, white-water rafting along the Rio Cangrejal and its class III to V rapids will get your blood pumping. Zipline La Campa canopy in Celaque National Park, the canopy in Pico Bonito, La Cieba, Atlántida or Cataratas Pulhapunzak to get a bird’s-eye view, at a fast clip, above the tree line, through the darkened forest or over swiftly flowing rivers and waterfalls.

4. History buff

Copán Ruins, located in western Honduras near the Guatemalan border, was one of the most influential cities of the ancient Mayan world. At Copán Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, set your inner archeologist free to explore some of the best sites of Mayan civilization still in existence. Stop by the Tea & Chocolate Place in adjacent Copán Ruinas to enjoy traditional hot chocolate and chat with owner and archaeologist David Sedat, a renowned expert on Mayan culture.

If soaking in natural hot springs, strolling through botanical gardens and enjoying breathtaking views from a hilltop fortress sounds enticing, a visit to Gracias is a must. This 500-year-old model Central American town is said to have been named by conquistadors who thanked God for delivering them to this oasis after a long, hard trek.