Category: Brandpoint

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.