Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-04-24T11:35:00

(BPT) – Cassandra Ivie is the founder and creator of the Incredible Machine, a curriculum and activities kit that teaches chemical, mechanical, software and electrical engineering to students in her community — and she is only 17 years old! Ivie is a 4-H leader from West Jordan, Utah, who brings hands-on STEM learning to youth in communities who may not otherwise have access to these types of projects. And her passion for STEM is contagious. She inspires those around her to become the next generation of STEM leaders our country needs. “It has been a privilege to lead these activities with local students to show them that STEM is accessible to everyone and that it is also a lot of fun. Seeing students’ faces light up when they have their ‘aha’ moment, is what it’s all about,” she said.

Ivie was recently selected as the recipient of the 2018 National 4-H Youth in Action Award by the National 4-H Council. The award recognizes 4-Hers who have used the knowledge and leadership skills they learned in 4-H to create a lasting impact in their communities. Every year 4-H recognizes youth in its four pillar areas of STEM, Healthy Living, Agriculture and Citizenship. Ivie was selected as the winner for the STEM pillar award, and ultimately as the National Winner for her embodiment of the 4-H principles of learning by doing, leadership and her lasting impact on her community. With the help of sponsors like HughesNet, which delivers satellite Internet access to rural communities, 4-H is able to recognize outstanding youth like Cassandra.

Cassandra’s journey began at a young age when she joined 4-H to pursue an interest in photography but through exposure to diverse topics in her club she discovered her passion for computer science. In 4-H, the largest youth organization in the U.S., students learn by doing and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.

Research shows that exposure to education and information, especially for a student in grades K-12, often leads to increased participation in STEM programs. Cassandra recognizes how access to 4-H and other local resources impacted her and is working to address this in her local area through leading after-school programs in schools across the Salt Lake City area.

This accessibility is a vital piece to empowering young people in rural and urban communities to pursue STEM. It comes in many shapes from access to after-school programming, to relatable mentors and availability of high-speed Internet connections. Increasing access to even one of these can have a lasting impact on a child.

Since 2014, HughesNet and 4-H have partnered to help bring access to STEM education to more youth across the country. Their shared belief that all kids, no matter where they live, should have equal access to STEM continues to drive their work. Together they are working to prepare young people to be our future STEM leaders throughout the communities they serve while also uplifting exceptional young people, like Cassandra, who can serve as role models for kids across the country.

Part of Ivie’s success teaching diverse kids about STEM through her Incredible Machine kits is making it fun and accessible for everyone. 4-H showed her that STEM learning isn’t just coding or memorizing concepts, but it involves tapping into a kid’s imagination and showing them how to use STEM concepts to create new and exciting things in almost every topic imaginable. Ivie likes to joke that she “sneaks the STEM in with the fun” but in truth she is tapping into kids’ natural curiosity to equip them with the skills needed to do anything they can imagine. The fun comes from the sense of empowerment kids get from “doing” and is what STEM and 4-H are all about.

Interested in learning more or finding a 4-H club in your area? Visit www.4-H.org.

2018-04-23T16:12:00

(BPT) – Politicians spend a lot of time talking about America-first trade deals. Even though the average person may not think about U.S. trade often, it’s a key part of the economy — a topic that’s on everyone’s mind.

In 2017 alone, the U.S. exported around $132 billion worth of agricultural products. As experts hope to grow this number in 2018, possible trade deals could become big news.

The future of U.S. trading

Economists and agricultural experts want U.S. trade to remain strong, so that exports are equal to or more than what they were last year. However, the complexities of selling U.S. commodities internationally constantly increases.

Companies are working to grow agricultural trade to help Americans feed the world and build a stronger economy at home. Many agricultural associations and Syngenta employees work every day with foreign countries to develop positive relationships and a preference for U.S. commodities.

American farmers are the most efficient in the world, says Laura Peterson, federal government and industry relations head for Syngenta. “We rely on export markets for our products, and with prices as low as they are, now is an important time to protect and grow our markets,” she says. “We are able to produce far more than we consume and compete in a world of high supply, so remaining competitive is crucial for U.S. agriculture.”

Top U.S. agricultural exports

Corn, soybeans and nuts make up three of the top five agricultural exports from the U.S. There is a lot to know about these foods, including the following fascinating facts:

* Corn: One planted seed delivers more than 500 kernels of corn. Corn is widely grown around the globe, with more tons produced each year than any other grain.

* Soybeans: Soybeans are the largest source of protein in agriculture. They are also used to make a variety of nonfood products, including crayons, candles and haircare products. The U.S. exports about half of its soybeans to other countries.

* Nuts: Nuts are wholesome and versatile. From using nuts in spreads and oils to snacking on roasted varieties, people, domestically and internationally, enjoy them every day. In December 2017, the U.S. exported $936 million worth of nuts.

Negotiating trade agreements

Free trade agreements beneficial to agriculture can boost the marketability of U.S. crops like corn, soybeans and nuts even more overseas. One prime example of this is NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement).

“Syngenta remains engaged with U.S. government officials to monitor impacts in renegotiations and trade-dispute actions,” Peterson says. “The current threat of trade wars or withdrawing from trade agreements may harm agriculture.”

Learn more about agriculture’s future

With so much going on in 2018, it’s likely more news headlines will be dedicated to the important topic of U.S. trade. To learn more about U.S. agriculture, including crop research and trade negotiations, visit http://www.syngenta-us.com/thrive.

2018-04-23T15:58:00

(BPT) – Are you in a cooking rut? If you find yourself making the same things repeatedly, it’s time for some inspiration. As seasons turn, you might crave different foods. This is the perfect reason to think beyond the ordinary and experiment with new flavors.

Registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers her favorite tips to help breathe new life into your weekly meal lineup without compromising taste and nutrition.

Eat fresh: Farm-to-table is big at restaurants, and your local farmers market offers a bounty of fresh fare that’s likely plucked within miles of your home. Visit and enjoy exploring the colorful items for sale while gaining inspiration for your next dish. The sweet peas and strawberries you buy may have just come off the plant that very morning. Stock up on fresh, nutritious foods for snacking and cooking. You may even discover new produce you’ve never had before!

Get crackin’: We’re all strapped for time these days, which is why it’s important to keep your kitchen stocked with food items that are versatile and quick. Look no further than eggs! Whether they’re the center of your meal, or used in a recipe to thicken, glaze or garnish, this modest kitchen staple is a high-quality protein source that will brighten up any dish. But, not all eggs are created equal. I always recommend Eggland’s Best eggs since they are the only eggs with 25 percent less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s, 10 times more vitamin E, and more than double the amount of vitamin B12 of ordinary eggs.

Meal mix-ups: Chicken and waffles might be the classic example of blending two meal-specific foods into one super delightful dish, but meal mix-ups don’t stop there. Have fun experimenting to find combos that tantalize the taste buds. Steak and egg hash for dinner? Yum. Whole wheat pancakes instead of tortillas when making wraps? Sure! The sky is the limit.

Grill or steam: When the weather warms up, you probably want to turn the oven off and skip the stovetop frying. To lighten food and maintain freshness, try grilling or steaming. For example, when you grill meat, it allows the fat to drip off while touches of char bring out earthy notes. Steaming is a simple approach that is ideal for produce because it cooks while allowing foods to maintain their distinct flavor profiles.

Local inspiration: Iconic local ingredients can be the perfect way to add pizzazz to your meals. From Swedish meatballs in Minnesota and Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, to Jersey tomatoes and Michigan blueberries, there’s endless inspiration for redefining dishes.

Eggland’s Best is searching for the most passionate egg fan with the best and most creative original egg recipe. Think your hometown has what it takes to inspire America’s Best Recipe? Visit www.americasbestrecipe.com to find out!

Check out the previous America’s Best Recipe Contest winning recipe for Watercress Confetti Quinoa at www.egglandsbest.com.

2018-04-23T15:01:00

(BPT) – For people with multiple sclerosis (MS), many of the treatment options surrounding their condition are well known. However, in the past, many people with MS decided to delay using MS drugs for as long as possible and allow the disease to run its course. New guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) — the world’s largest association of neurologists — show that early treatment, even before a second relapse, may be the best plan in dealing with one’s MS care.

According to a new guideline, published April 24, 2018 in Neurology(R), the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, new findings by the AAN show it may be better for people to start taking drugs for their MS early on in order to modify the disease.

These findings were presented in April at the 2018 AAN Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.

“The treatment landscape for people with MS has changed drastically over the last two decades,” said lead author Dr. Alexander D. Rae-Grant of Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “We now have many disease-modifying therapies to choose from that may help treat MS by changing how the disease affects people over time by slowing the disease process.”

For people with MS, the new guidelines represent a shift in care from older guidelines, and while the new guidelines offer a comprehensive review of this new strategy, here are some things people with MS need to know immediately.

Discussing your options with your clinician is more important than ever

While the new guidelines advise introducing medicines at an earlier period in the treatment regimen for many people with MS, the importance of discussing one’s individual options with a clinician has not changed. Medicines still carry risks, and the best treatment solution can vary by person. For these reasons, people with MS owe it to themselves to discuss their disease-modifying therapy (DMT) options with their neurologist to determine which solution is right for them and chart a course for future care.

In many cases this care could involve a two-pronged approach, with some medicines being used to treat MS symptoms, including muscle tightness, spasticity, fatigue, pain, memory problems, and depression or anxiety. Meanwhile other medicines — used as part of the DMT — will target the disease itself, to modify it and slow the process.

Playing the long game

Success in this medicinal regimen depends on the person’s ongoing commitment to managing the condition.

Once the initial treatment plan is set in motion, people with MS should monitor their condition carefully and report to their neurologist any side effects they are experiencing that could be associated with their treatment. It is also vital for these people to have their disease activity checked regularly through MRI scans. The results of these scans will allow people with MS and their neurologist to make decisions about their treatment and make strategy and/or medicinal adjustments, as needed, in response to the data.

Finally, people with MS should be aware that insurance plans may differ in coverage options for DMTs and other treatment-related medicines. In discussing DMT and medicinal options with their neurologist, people should be sure to check that the proposed regimen will be covered under their insurance plan. It is their obligation to ensure their insurance company is supporting them in their MS treatment with as much commitment as their medical team.

To learn more about the new MS guideline and what it means for the future of MS treatment and care, visit AAN.com/policy-and-guidelines/guidelines.

2018-04-23T11:43:00

(BPT) – Many people long to see another part of the world but are reluctant to travel on their own or take on the stress of planning a vacation. Researching destinations, transportation, accommodations and activities can be a lot of work. Expedia research has shown that leisure travelers visit an average of 38 websites to get information and compare prices before finalizing their plans. If this sounds especially daunting, you’re not alone!

We reached out to travel industry expert Jim Menge for his insights into overcoming the challenges of solo travel. Menge has visited more than 100 countries and firmly believes in the benefits of making lasting memories with the people you get to know on a trip. Menge is also the President of Rovia(TM), an industry-leading travel and lifestyle service provider headquartered in Plano, Texas. “Travel is the ultimate expression of freedom,” says Menge. “The freedom to leave home, to roam the earth, to see the world through the eyes of those you meet along the way and to share your world with them.”

To attain that freedom, Menge recommends joining a travel club that offers pre-planned group vacation packages. Group travel provides an opportunity to meet people who enjoy similar activities, and the curated offerings of a travel club relieve the stress of planning every aspect of a trip on your own. Not only do you have an easier way to book your next trip, you also get to create long-lasting memories with a new group of friends.

So, why don’t more people take advantage of group travel? Here are a few myths debunked:

Myth No. 1: I’ll be lonely.

While a few in your group may already know each other, plenty of others will arrive solo, looking to meet new people. Unfamiliar settings have a way of bringing strangers together. In fact, a story in The Atlantic magazine revealed that people who share experiences are happier than those who experience things alone. Between sightseeing and sampling foreign delicacies, friendships flourish naturally between group members.

Myth No. 2: I’ll have to do everything en masse.

While there’s typically an itinerary outlined for the entire group to follow, you’re free to explore with a smaller group or on your own. One of the best ways to form new friendships is to connect over shared interests. If you and a few others want to see the same play or museum exhibit, go together!

Myth No. 3: It’s too expensive.

Traveling with a group can actually help you save money. As part of a group, you can share food and transportation, and purchase reduced admission to popular attractions and activities. According to timeshareadvocates.org, vacation clubs present a good option for group travel because they offer value-packed trips at discounted rates to their members. One example is DreamTrips, an award-winning travel and leisure club where members enjoy professionally curated travel opportunities and valuable deals at select restaurants, hotels, excursions and entertainment venues all over the world.

Still unsure? “It is an amazing privilege to be able to travel the world freely, to be able to see different countries and experience new cultures,” says Menge. “When we meet and speak to those around us, it will only serve to enhance our journey. Go ahead and talk to your fellow travelers … Talk to strangers. I promise it will make you feel more connected and more present while you travel.” What are you waiting for? Put yourself out there. Find the vacation club that best fits your lifestyle and book your next getaway today.

2018-04-19T15:43:00

(BPT) – The internet is the first place many people go to get information on how to quit smoking. In fact, more than 12 million U.S. adults — a third of all smokers — turn to the internet for help quitting each year, according to a new Truth Initiative study.

Published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, the study examined data from the National Cancer Institute Health Information National Trends Survey to determine how many U.S. adult smokers searched online for help to quit smoking from 2005 to 2017.

Researchers found that the number of smokers who searched online for information on quitting tobacco more than doubled over the past 12 years, from 16.5 percent in 2005 to 35.9 percent in 2017. In 2017, an estimated 12,434,691 U.S. smokers searched online for quit smoking information. The findings underscore the role of internet resources in tobacco control efforts and how they can impact public health.

“Given the ability to reach roughly one-third of all smokers, and demonstrated effectiveness that is comparable to other recommended forms of cessation treatment, internet interventions have the potential for substantial impact on population quit rates,” said Dr. Amanda Graham, research investigator at the Truth Initiative Schroeder Institute and lead author of the study.

Previous research has shown that internet-based programs can help smokers quit. One study found that web-based programs can be just as effective at helping smokers quit as face-to-face or telephone counseling, and are more effective than print materials. Other research shows that online quit-smoking resources may be a viable option for connecting with young adult smokers who want to quit.

BecomeAnEX.org, a digital quit-smoking program developed by Truth Initiative in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, demonstrates the effectiveness of online programs. Research shows that following the EX program quadruples a smoker’s chance of quitting. Additional research found that smokers who became more socially connected were significantly less likely to be smoking three months after they enrolled.

2018-04-18T14:59:00

(BPT) – The colder weather is fleeting, flowers are blossoming and the grass is just a little greener, which means spring is finally here. While most of your time will be spent preparing your home, clothes and family calendars for the warmer weather, it’s important not to forget about your car.

In fact, you can celebrate springtime by spending some time enjoying the fresh outdoor air and showing your car some love ahead of upcoming family vacations and summer road trips with friends. Start with these smart and simple tips to improve your ride:

Freshen up the interior

Interior and exterior cleaning makes a big difference in keeping a car looking and driving its best, but that doesn’t solve odor issues. To finalize spring car prep and maintenance, make sure to use a product that will leave the car smelling as good as it looks. Innovative and discrete vent sticks and mini diffusers from Refresh Your Car! come in a wide variety of scents, like Lemon Lime Sunshine, and are an affordable, long-lasting way to keep a car smelling great!

Clean and protect your interior

The interior, especially leather, is the most used and abused part of a car. Over time, constant use and sun damage can result in you leather interior drying out, causing it to fade, crack and rip. A quick and trusted way to address this issue is to use Lexol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. The easy two-step process will help clean, restore and protect a car’s interior, keeping it looking and feeling like new.

Check your battery

The colder the weather, the harder a battery and charging system need to work in a car. Start by making sure the battery is mounted correctly and the connections are free from corrosion. Also, consider replacing the battery if it’s older than five years, which will ensure you don’t get stranded out on the road.

Check and replace basic car items

Before heading out on any lengthy adventures, make sure the car is up-to-date on oil changes. During the oil change a technician should also check and replenish other fluids like the brake, transmission, windshield wiper and power steering fluids, as well as your coolant. This often forgotten about maintenance will help a car run smoothly for months to come.

Wash and wax

No matter the season, a car that is driven daily is constantly battling the elements, which can cause damage to its exterior. Washing regularly and waxing at least twice a year is an easy way to keep a car looking its best, protecting it from damaging UV rays, road debris, tree sap and rusting. When washing and protecting, don’t forget about tires and wheels. The Eagle One A2Z All Wheel & Tire Cleaner is an affordable, easy-to-use spray that clings to the dirt on the surface of most wheels and tires, easily removing brake dust, grime and grease; giving your wheels and tires a spotless, professional look.

These simple tips can keep a car clean, fresh and running smoothly throughout the hectic summer driving season.

2018-04-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Most of us know the feeling: Tax season can be a frustrating and stressful time. You have to gather lots of documents, remember all the changes in your life over the past year that might affect your return, and file the required paperwork before tax day rolls around.

And while you do all of that, there’s always that nagging feeling: Did you take advantage of all the deductions and credits the IRS has to offer? Is there more you can do to prevent taxes from eroding the value of your investment portfolio and eating away at your income? Are you prepared for the changes that are coming due to the new tax law?

Like thousands of others, you might be experiencing a “tax hangover,” that sense of regret that you overlooked some fine detail, that you could have paid less and ended up with more money in your pocket.

The truth is: Your taxes shouldn’t be top of mind just once a year. Tax planning is an important part of overall financial planning, and there are things you can do now to avoid having another exhausting experience next year.

The best place to start is to set up a meeting with a financial planner who can work with you to optimize your taxes and better integrate them into your financial plan.

“Figuring out the best approach to your taxes can be challenging, and the new tax law won’t make things any easier next year,” said Geoffrey Brown, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA). “That’s why now is the right time to find a professional advisor who can help you get the best possible outcome.”

To give you an idea of what you might be missing, NAPFA offers these five tips:

1. Get into a lower bracket. Your first tax strategy should be to try to get into a lower tax bracket. Individuals who make $38,700 ($77,400 if married) pay a base rate of 12 percent. If you make more than that, you jump to a rate of 22 percent. That’s a huge leap! You should aim to be at the top of the lower bracket. To do this, focus on maximizing deductions that lower your pretax income, such as contributing to a 401(k) or a Health Savings Account (HSA).

2. Be aware of withholdings. With the new tax law affecting your next return, you should double-check what’s being withheld from your paycheck. Due to the big changes in the tax code, your withholdings could suddenly be too high or too low. If you withhold too little, you might owe more than expected during next year’s tax season. You also want to make sure you’re not withholding too much — in essence, you’d be loaning the government money when you could be investing it much more sensibly. Be sure to talk with a financial advisor to check whether you’re withholding the right amount.

3. Put money into an HSA. If you’re in relatively good health and your company offers an HSA as part of a benefits package, you should enroll and contribute to it. HSAs have the wonderful attribute of being almost completely tax-free. Your contribution isn’t taxed when you put it in, and it isn’t taxed when you take it out, either. In many ways, this is a tax-free savings account you can use toward your retirement.

4. Know how your kids fit in. One of the biggest changes in the tax code that will affect families’ 2018 filing is the fact that the dependent deduction is no longer available. That means you can no longer deduct your children as dependents. However, the Child Tax Credit, which previously only applied to low-income taxpayers, is now available to taxpayers with much higher incomes. If you have dependent children on your tax return, you need to be aware of how this switch from dependency exemptions to tax credits will affect you.

5. Plan ahead. Taxes aren’t something you do once a year. Set aside time with your financial advisor to do some tax planning exercises and make sure you are paying the lowest amount possible over the next few years. This includes forecasting your income and planning out when it would make more sense to itemize versus taking the standard deduction. This allows you to decide when to have elective medical procedures or increase your charitable giving, while still minimizing your tax burden.

Everyone has different financial goals and is in a unique financial situation — and taxes are a key part of the equation. By speaking with a personal financial advisor now, you can plan ahead and ensure the next tax season doesn’t end in another tax hangover. To find an advisor near you, visit www.napfa.org and use their Find an Advisor Tool.

2018-04-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – As Americans work hard to meet all the obligations that come with work, family and everyday life, many are challenged to find time to manage all the financial elements affecting their healthcare.

If you’re among them you’re far from alone, since the multiple details associated with healthcare insurance can be confusing. At the same time, you want to be smart about your financial resources when making decisions about the quality healthcare you and your family need.

Fortunately, by carving out time to research money-saving tips you may be able to minimize your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Such out-of-pocket spending rose by more than 50 percent between 2010 and 2017, The Atlantic recently reported, partly because half of all health insurance policyholders in the U.S. are dealing with annual deductibles of at least $1,000.

Whether you’re uninsured or simply facing a high insurance deductible, you can take several steps to better manage your healthcare budget. Consider how the following tips may offer you a better sense of control of rising healthcare costs.

* Read bills with a critical eye. Any bill can include administrative errors, and some estimates have indicated errors on as many as 80 percent of medical invoices issued, reports the Medical Billing Advocates of America. That statistic makes it well worth your while to examine and question your expenses before you settle up.

* Lower the cost of your meds. A free program known as Inside Rx is a prescription savings card that provides discounts on prescription medications for eligible patients. And it’s amazingly effective. According to the data, eligible patients have saved an average of 40 percent on the more than 100 featured brand medications included in the program, and even more on generic medications. Inside Rx is a great option to help the uninsured, those facing high deductibles or anyone trying to save money on their meds. Inside Rx even offers prescription savings for pets for qualifying medications. And the Inside Rx card is free and easy to download, with no registration process or sharing of personal information.

* Compare costs whenever possible. Some medical services can be difficult to compare on an apples-to-apples basis, but it’s worth doing your homework before making appointments for more standard services such as annual check-ups, lab work and testing, dental care or dermatology services. Check vendor websites, make phone calls and conduct web searches to find online databases, such as HealthcareBluebook.com, that suggest fair prices for various services. If you’re insured, your insurance provider can then clarify what portion of the bill will be covered.

* Be bold about negotiations. It’s OK to speak up. You have nothing to lose by politely asking your healthcare provider to work with you on the price of an upcoming service, especially when dealing with a private practice. Start the conversation by aiming for the Medicare rate or an amount close to that paid by commercial insurers. As an alternative, ask the office administrator to set up a manageable payment plan.

* Consider paying cash up front. Some vendors offer discounts for simply paying cash for your services without funneling everything through insurance. Even if you’re insured, you can still evaluate whether immediate cash payments will be lower than your post-insurance costs.

Keeping a close eye on where you might be wasting money on healthcare can pay off in a big way — and the remedies don’t have to be complicated. Conduct your due diligence on such costs to protect your financial health as vigorously as your physical health.

2018-04-17T08:01:00

(BPT) – Upgrading your grilling game is about more than just food, it’s about creating an outdoor living experience in which guests feel comfortable and relaxed — an atmosphere where lasting memories are made. Fortunately, transforming your backyard into BBQ HQ doesn’t have to be costly, difficult or time-consuming. Small touches can help guests engage with the environment, whether you’re entertaining the whole neighborhood or simply your significant other. Make even a typical weeknight feel like something special with these five tips to upgrade your backyard grilling game.

1. Group grilling

Invite your guests to bring a raw protein, uncooked veggie or their favorite fruit. Combine the surprise ingredients and collaborate to create a unique main course. Invite your friends and family to be involved in the grilling process whether it be prepping, plating or swapping favorite grill techniques.

2. Eating alfresco — after dark

Gourmet grill-maker Napoleon uses interior lighting as well as Night Light Control Knobs with SafetyGlow to make grilling delicious meals after dark safer and easier. Add even more light to your night with strings of globe lights, candles or a flame table. Using light adds ambiance and ensures your guests will fully enjoy their delicious dinner after dusk.

3. Unique tablescapes

Grill masters deliver culinary creativity; designing an immersive grilling environment is no exception. Unique tablescapes are a great way to enhance the grilling experience. Food isn’t just about the flavor; it embraces all senses: sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. Add a hint of nature to your environment by creating one-of-a-kind centerpieces with boughs from trees, ravishing flowers and fresh aromatic herbs. Cut your own rustic platters or charger plates using logs from felled trees for an earthy touch.

4. Scents of smell

Smell and taste work together. When we smell something delicious, the body stimulates a desire to eat and nourish. When smell is impaired, we eat and socialize less. Remember those homemade wood charger plates you set the table with? If they’re made from a great smoking wood — alder, mesquite, maple, oak — why not plank grill your meal to add a savory scent and unbeatable flavor? If they haven’t been completely charred when the food is ready, you can use those log rounds to serve the meal on, too. Adding smoke to your barbecued food is a great way to activate the olfactory response. Even better, if you have a fruit tree on the property, grab your pocket knife and shave a branch or two to use in your grill’s integrated smoker tube, charcoal tray or a homemade foil packet.

5. The ultimate upgrade

If you’re going to elevate your grilling, consider upgrading your grill. A grill made of high-quality stainless steel will look sharp, but its durability will keep it running for many summers to come. Shop around to find a superior grill that offers versatile features like infrared burners, dual-level searing plates, integrated smoker trays and more.

Create an experience that makes your backyard barbecue the envy of the neighborhood. To find your next grill built for a true grill master, visit NapoleonGrills.com.

Happy grilling!