Category: Brandpoint

2018-02-15T14:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to maintaining and/or improving your heart health, it’s the little things you do day after day that can have a big impact on your immediate and long-term health.

A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are naturally the first things you think of when looking at ways to support your body’s most important muscle, but to really make your heart health initiatives as effective as possible, you need long-term solutions, not quick fixes.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has long been at the forefront of heart healthy initiatives, and this year’s Life is Why We Give (TM) campaign is drawing support from people and companies — like Pilot Flying J — all across the nation. In order to help you live a healthier life in 2018, follow these seven heart-healthy tips today.

1. Be careful of what you snack on between meals. High-fat and high-sugar snacks are popular, but ultimately unhealthy. Opt for fresh instead of processed and choose fresh fruits and vegetables for your snacks between meals.

2. Don’t just drink the drink. Your beverage choices could add unnecessary fats and sugar to your diet, so choose low-sugar and no-sugar alternatives as well as low-fat milk or cream for your coffee. This way you’ll avoid drinking empty calories.

3. Avoid ordering before-the-meal extras. Cocktails, appetizers, even bread and butter are all sources of extra fat, sodium and calories. Cut them out and your calorie intake will drop — and so will your bill.

4. On the side, please. Ask for butter, cream cheese, salad dressings, sauces and gravies to be served on the side when you dine out. This allows you to better control the quantity you consume.

5. Explore your options. When ordering fish or chicken, avoid fried whenever possible. Choose boiled, baked or grilled options instead for a healthier alternative.

6. Think small. Cutting back on portion sizes is a great place to start eating healthier, so don’t be afraid to ask for a smaller serving when you dine out. If smaller portions aren’t available, ask for a to-go box when you order and place the rest of your entrée in the box to eat later.

7. Make a healthy substitution. Often a healthier choice is available for nearly any dish. For example, if you order an item that naturally comes with French fries or onion rings, ask whether you can get a side of fruit or vegetables instead. It may cost you more, but the switch is certainly worth it.

To find answers to your health questions and to receive health services support in your area, stop by one of the Urgent Care Travel (UCT) medical clinics available at select Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers.

2018-02-15T06:01:01

(BPT) – Despite our best intentions, 80 percent of us have given up on our New Year’s resolutions by mid-February. Determined to make this year different? If you’re enrolled in Medicare, you might be surprised to learn that your benefits could give you an edge in your quest to stay motivated and on track to attaining your goals for the year ahead.

Read on to learn how maximizing your Medicare benefits could help you achieve some of the most common New Year’s resolutions.

Resolution No. 1: Lose weight and get fit.

Exercise is a key part of the equation if you want to finally get out of those elastic-waist pants and back into your jeans. Only problem is, most of us can come up with a whole host of excuses for not making exercise part of our daily routine, with the expense of a gym membership one that’s frequently cited by people living on a fixed income.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement plan, you might not be able to use that excuse anymore. Many plans include a gym membership as part of their plan benefits, giving their members access to fitness centers in their area at either no extra cost or a discounted rate.

“Regular exercise can help you lose some weight after over-indulging during the holiday season, but it’s important all year round to help improve your well-being and maintain your independence,” said Efrem Castillo, M.D., chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement. “Taking advantage of your plan’s fitness benefits could have you well on your way to a trimmer and more energized you by spring.”

Resolution No. 2: Make 2018 your healthiest year yet.

Medicare is designed to make it as affordable as possible to get the preventive care you need. And that can make a huge difference to your health and well-being by catching health issues early, when they’re usually easier to treat.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers an annual wellness visit as well as some preventive screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. Your annual wellness visit is a good opportunity to sit down with your doctor and develop a plan to help you achieve your best health in the year ahead. In addition to services covered under Original Medicare, many Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, such as a full annual physical as well as dental, hearing and vision coverage.

Resolution No. 3: Save more money/Get out of debt.

All those gifts you bought over the holidays may have left your credit card statements extra-lengthy. And life can get expensive any time of year, particularly as our health care costs creep up as we get older. Fortunately most people can save money on health care in a variety of ways.

If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, keep the following tips in mind:

* Take advantage of cost savings on prescription drugs. Many plans offer home delivery pharmacy benefits that can be a great way to save money — not to mention trips to the pharmacy. And if your doctor prescribes a high-cost medication, ask if a cheaper alternative is available that could work just as well, such as a generic or a drug on a lower tier of your plan’s formulary (the list of covered drugs).

* Choose doctors and hospitals that have a relationship with your plan. Staying in-network when you need care is one of the best things you can do to manage your health care costs.

* Look for extra plan discounts on everyday health care items and services such as vitamins, hearing aids and alternative medicine services like acupuncture.

Resolution No. 4: Less stress. More happiness.

More and more Medicare Advantage plans are taking a keen interest in helping their members manage their emotional well-being given the direct correlation between our mental health and our physical health. Check to see if your plan offers any resources to help members manage their stress.

Resolution No. 5: Kick the habit.

If you smoke, you know you should quit. Make 2018 your year! Medicare covers up to eight face-to-face visits per year with a doctor or other health care practitioner who can provide counseling to help you make cigarette and other tobacco use part of your past. That personalized, one-on-one attention can make a big difference. So if you’ve tried to quit on your own in the past but struggled, consider taking advantage of these free counseling sessions.

The secret to sticking to your New Year’s resolutions may just lie in your Medicare benefits. So rather than rely on sheer willpower alone, put those benefits to use to help you stay on track toward your goals. When you close out 2018 as a thinner, happier and healthier version of yourself, you’ll probably wonder why you waited so long to make Medicare your secret weapon in conquering your resolutions once and for all.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies. For Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans: A Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare.

2018-02-14T16:21:00

(BPT) – Yoga mats, kale salads, fitness trackers, standing desks and gym memberships. It seems like everywhere you look, people are taking strides to get healthier. And with good reason.

In the U.S., 37.9 percent of adults aged 20 and older suffer from obesity, and heart disease accounts for one out of every four deaths. Despite these harrowing numbers, many people have difficulty embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to food.

Part of the reason for this is that too often people think that eating right involves a list of what you cannot eat.

It’s easier to focus on all the things you can eat.

As February is American Heart Month, it’s a perfect opportunity to consider how easy and delicious it is to stick to a heart-healthy diet.

Embrace convenience

Sometimes, at the end of the day you just want a quick meal. Unfortunately, most fast food options and restaurants don’t offer heart-healthy options.

Fortunately, Sun Basket, a rapidly growing healthy meal kit service, has developed a recipe each week that meets the American Heart Association’s(R) Heart-Check guidelines for a heart-healthy diet, and conveniently delivers them right to your door.

Sun Basket’s Heart-Check certified recipes have undergone meticulous evaluation to ensure each recipe meets the American Heart Association’s(R) strict nutrition guidelines for a main dish, with each serving having:

* No more than 500 calories

* No more than ≤ 3.5 grams of saturated fat

* No more than 600 mg of sodium

* A serving from at least two of the following food groups: Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs or nuts; fruits and vegetables; milk, yogurt or cheese; bread, cereal or pasta

* No added sugar and no trans fats

Eat deliciously

There’s a widespread misconception that a heart-healthy diet involves giving up all meat and snacks and only eating kale and whole grains.

That’s far from the truth. Many of the best cuts of meat are also ideal for a heart-healthy diet and can satisfy the most ardent carnivore. Pork tenderloin, skinless chicken and turkey breasts are naturally lean, while fatty fish, like salmon, trout and tuna, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.

As far as snacks go, it’s really just a matter of embracing things like fresh fruit with low-fat yogurt, vegetables and hummus, or a savory mix of nuts like almonds, walnuts and pistachios.

The list goes on, but the point is that a heart-healthy diet doesn’t have to be limiting; rather, it’s full of delicious food.

Shopping is easy

So how do you know if something meets the nutritional standards you need to maintain a healthy heart? You don’t need to be a nutritionist for this. Simply look for the American Heart Association’s(R) iconic Heart-Check mark on food packages when you ship, and you’ll instantly know it meets the Association’s recommendations to be part of a healthy eating pattern.

Try it and see

Still not convinced about how delicious and easy it is to follow a heart-healthy diet? Check out this recipe for Sun Basket’s Tandoori-style chicken with Bombay curried potatoes.

In your box you’ll receive:

2 to 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Tandoori spice blend

1 onion

Potatoes

4 sprigs of fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

2/3 cup peas

1 1/2 ounces baby greens

1. Prep and cook the chicken

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt, pepper and the tandoori spice blend.

Place the chicken on a pan lined with foil and roast at 425 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Halfway through, turn it over.

2. Prep the Bombay potatoes

Chop 3/4 cup of onions.

Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch pieces.

Coarsely chop the cilantro for garnish.

3. Cook the Bombay potatoes

In a large frying pan warm 2 to 3 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook until starting to soften. Stir in the curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the potatoes, vegetable broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce to a vigorous simmer, cover and cook between five and seven minutes.

Uncover and cook until the liquid has thickened and the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the peas and cook for about two minutes.

Stir in the greens and cook until just wilted.

Transfer the chicken and Bombay potatoes to individual plates, garnish with the cilantro.

Serve and enjoy.

Eating right shouldn’t be a chore. With Sun Basket’s Heart-Check certified recipes, it’s never been easier to enjoy a heart-healthy meal.

2018-02-14T14:41:00

(BPT) – Across the nation, thousands of seniors have used a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly called a reverse mortgage loan, as a savvy way to access the equity in their homes as part of their retirement strategy.

Those who are interested in a reverse mortgage loan should know that there are six main phases to the process: 1) educating and qualifying, 2) counseling, 3) approval, 4) funding, 5) using and 6) settling.

1. Educating and qualifying

The HECM process begins by contacting an FHA-approved lender who will review the borrower’s situation, educate them on the HECM program, and determine if they would likely qualify for a reverse mortgage loan.

“Once the lender has determined that the borrower is eligible, they work closely with them to shape the loan so it fits their needs,” says Paul Fiore, Chief Sales Officer for American Advisors Group, the leading reverse mortgage lender in the nation. “At AAG, this is a highly personalized process designed to give the borrower the best outcome for their financial situation.”

2. Counseling

Once qualified, borrowers are referred to reverse mortgage counseling, an important consumer safeguard mandated by the government. During counseling, a HUD-approved HECM counselor reviews the borrower’s needs and circumstances. They consider how the funds might best be distributed, the financial and tax implications, and whether a HECM is right for them. If so, an application is submitted to the lender.

3. Approval

Next, the property will be appraised, and after that the approval process will begin. Before closing on the loan, borrowers will choose between several loan disbursement options, from taking it all out in a lump sum, receiving fixed monthly payments, opening a line of credit or any combination.

4. Funding

After the closing papers are signed, the homeowner has three business days to change their mind and cancel the loan (except if the loan is being used to purchase a new home). After the rescission period has passed, the funds are ready to be paid out through the payment option selected, subject to an initial disbursement limit that is determined by HUD.

5. Using your loan

The loan servicer will generally disburse funds via direct deposit or mail on the first business day of the month, following the funding of the loan. The borrower can live in the home as long as they like without making monthly mortgage payments, as long as they continue to pay property taxes and insurance on the home, maintain it in good condition and comply with any other loan terms.

6. Settling your loan

If the last surviving borrower sells or transfers the property, passes away, or does not use the property as a principal residence for more than 12 months, the loan has reached a “maturity event,” meaning that the loan comes due and no further funds can be disbursed. Borrowers also have the option of paying off their loan in full at any time without penalty.

Following a maturity event, an appraisal will be ordered by the loan servicer to determine the property’s current market value. The heirs can sell the property to repay the loan, or purchase the property for 95 percent of its appraised value. Since HECMs are non-recourse loans, the proceeds from the sale of the home are the only asset that can be taken to pay the loan’s balance, even if the loan amount exceeds the value of the home.

A home equity conversion mortgage can be shaped to fit an individual’s needs. With new consumer safeguards in place, many seniors are discovering that it is an important part of their retirement strategy.

2018-02-14T14:01:00

(BPT) – Children and teens experience some of the most important moments of their lives at school. It’s where they spend two-thirds of their waking hours. Of course, school can be stressful, too — and not just because of pop quizzes and science projects.

“Stress isn’t the same for all children, and it impacts every one differently,” said Dr. Cheryl S. Al-Mateen, medical director of the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. “In fact, in some cases this stress can even be traumatic. If left unnoticed, it can lead to real mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, self-harm and even substance abuse.”

Everyone deserves to feel comfortable talking about mental health — it plays an important role in a child’s overall health. Sometimes, however, topics around mental health can feel overwhelming or confusing for parents. Many may find it difficult to spot the difference between traditional school stress and the possibility of potential trauma. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help. As a start, Dr. Al-Mateen has five recommendations to support parents in understanding school issues, helping children cope and tackling potential problems.

* Check in about school. It can be difficult in our go-go-go world, but give your child your undivided attention for 5 to 10 minutes every day. Talk about their friends, teachers and classes. Open yourself to hearing the good and the bad, and ask what they find difficult — like feeling too nervous to talk or being teased for talking too much. These conversations help you identify problems as they arise, teach your child problem-solving skills and reinforce how deeply you care about their wellbeing.

* Strengthen your lines of communication. Your child may be more open about school if you have frequent conversations about other things as well. Talk to them about the little stuff, and they’ll be more apt to tell you about the big stuff. Listen without judging, and be ready to engage them in an activity if that makes them more comfortable. Braiding your child’s hair, shooting a few baskets in the driveway or working a puzzle can lead to a great conversation.

* Work with your school. If your child is showing signs of stress that concern you, don’t be afraid to reach out to their teacher(s) or school principal. Your child’s teacher may be able to shed light on what’s causing the stress and, if nothing else, can help watch out for your child during the school day.

* Establish a routine at home. Children thrive in stable, consistent environments. Creating a predictable schedule is helpful, if you can, but sometimes that’s just not possible. Make a big family calendar and keep it where everyone can access it. This empowers children to know what’s coming up and helps provide the solid foundation they crave at home. They’ll be better prepared to deal with changes and unexpected situations they may face at school.

* Seek help when you need it. How do you know if your child needs help beyond what you or the school can provide? Look for warning signs. For example, young children may complain about stomachaches and headaches that have no physical explanation. When depressed, a child may say that they’re angry, rather than sad, so listen for both — especially when their eating or sleeping patterns also change dramatically, they seem to have low energy or they aren’t taking pleasure in things they enjoyed before. These may be signs of a larger problem that needs to be addressed immediately with help from mental health professionals.

The school years are exciting, important times for your children, but they can be tough. Check in with your child daily and don’t downplay the stress they may feel. Recognizing potential issues quickly can help prevent larger problems down the road. To learn more about the Virginia Treatment Center for Children and to find more resources to support you and your child, visit chrichmond.org/vtcc.

2018-02-26T06:01:00

(BPT) – From flowers poking through the ground to ditching heavy winter parkas, it’s easy to look forward to spring. Unless, of course, you have allergies. Then, the path to warmer weather and additional daylight could be marked with watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. Makes it hard to be excited, right?

It doesn’t have to.

While spring carries its own concerns for allergy sufferers everywhere, there is relief. Now is the perfect time to set plans in place to help ease your allergy symptoms before they begin.

“People think they’re doing everything they can to battle spring allergies,” says allergist Bradley Chipps, MD, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “But many still find themselves under siege from pollen and other allergens that appear once the weather starts to warm up. What they don’t realize is that by following a few simple rules they can make life a lot more pleasant, and their allergies more bearable.”

As you start your spring allergy planning, keep these five tips from ACAAI in mind. Use them and your spring will be filled with flowers and breezes, not coughing and sneezes.

1. It may not only be allergies. In some cases the symptoms you are experiencing may not be caused by allergies alone but by another complication such as asthma. Research shows two-thirds of people with asthma also suffer from allergies, making symptoms worse during the spring season. If your symptoms include a persistent cough or feeling winded quickly, asthma could be the cause of your trouble. If this sounds familiar, consult your allergist. Your allergist can help identify the source of your asthma and help treat your allergies to manage your symptoms.

2. Take a deep dive for spring cleaning. Spring cleaning is a must for many people, but if you suffer from allergies, it’s even more important. Clearing dust and cobwebs can ease your sneezing, but for better results, roll up your sleeves and give your home a deep scrub. A thorough cleaning can eliminate allergens such as dust mites and mold, and clear the air.

3. Start your relief early on. Don’t wait for your eyes to begin watering before taking your allergy medicine. Start your medications at least two weeks before the season begins, and they will already be in your system when you really need it.

4. Clean your air effectively. When looking for support to clean the air in your home, don’t choose an ionic air filter. These filters require more airflow to operate properly than most homes are able to provide. Instead choose a HEPA room air cleaner rated with a Clean Air Delivery Rate. If you have central air, change your filters every three months and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12 to keep your air as clean as possible.

5. Resist the urge to breathe in fresh air. After months cooped up indoors, you want a fresh breeze, but before you open your windows, beware. Opening windows allows pollen and other debris into your home where they can settle in your carpet or upholstery. As hard as it can be, you’re better off keeping your windows closed during peak allergy season. Use your air conditioning to regulate your home’s temperature instead.

For people with allergies, spring’s annual arrival feels like a mixed blessing. By using the tips above, you can ensure that you have everything you need to make spring great. And you’ll do so with less of the coughing and sneezing that can go with it.

2018-02-23T08:25:00

(BPT) – There are few foods that span a variety of diverse culinary styles more than fresh pork. Fresh pork is known by both leading chefs and home cooks as a flavorful, versatile solution for any night of the week.

Smithfield Fresh Pork is proud to partner with the National Pork Board and 20 award-winning chefs at this year’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF). These chefs will create high-quality pork dishes for attendees featuring Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork, an all-natural premium line of fresh pork. Each recipe will showcase the superior quality and versatility of the Smithfield Prime collection and inspire consumers to cook with only the best ingredients at home. Event-goers will have the opportunity to experience these recipes at the following NPB-sponsored events: Tacos After Dark on Thursday, February 22; Burger Bash on Friday, February 23; Spanish Dinner on Saturday, February 23; Swine, Wine & Spirits and Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ, both on Sunday, February 25.

Chef Jose Garces, one of Smithfield’s Chef Partners, will host two pork-centric events at SOBEWFF. Garces, a James Beard award winner and Iron Chef, prefers to cook with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork due its high quality and flavor.

“As a chef, there is nothing more important to me than the quality of the ingredients I choose for my dishes,” said Garces. “That is why I love to work with Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. They understand that quality leads to flavor and flavorful dishes create the best experiences and memories.”

The most discerning chefs, championship pitmasters and home cooks alike seek quality, flavorful fresh pork, and that is why they trust Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork. Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork is a line of premium, all-natural fresh pork that is certifiably 20 percent more tender than other leading brands of all-natural pork. The Smithfield Prime collection is hand-trimmed and sourced from America’s most trusted farms, using a specialty breed of Duroc hogs and some of the most stringent quality standards in the industry. Thus, Smithfield Prime Fresh Pork products naturally have exceptional color, increased marbling and enhanced flavor, creating an elevated eating experience.

You can catch Chef Garces in action at the Spanish Dinner event taking place Saturday, February 24; and at the Coca-Cola Beachside BBQ on Sunday, February 25. For those who want to take a page out of Chef Garces’ book and try their hand at cooking up one of his signature dishes, below is a recipe he crafted specially for Smithfield.

Grilled pork chops with cognac butter, mustard aioli and mushrooms

For the pork chops:

4 Smithfield(R) Prime Bone-In Pork Chops (1-inch thick)

1 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup finely chopped garlic

Directions:

Mix oil, thyme, rosemary and garlic in large mixing bowl. Add pork chops and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Heat grill to medium using hickory wood charcoal. Remove chops from marinade and grill 7 to 9 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145 F to 160 F. Remove from heat and immediately brush with cognac butter. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.

For the cognac butter:

1 cup good-quality cognac

1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots

1 cup butter, room temperature

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

Combine cognac and shallots in a small saucepan. Simmer until cognac is reduced by two-thirds. Strain and let cool. Mix together with butter and parsley; let stand at room temperature until ready to use.

For the mustard aioli:

3 eggs

1 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/2 cup whole grain mustard

3 cups vegetable oil

Directions:

Combine eggs, Dijon mustard and lemon juice in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in vegetable oil, while food processor is running, until emulsified. Remove from processor and fold in whole grain mustard. Season to taste.

For the mushrooms:

2 lbs. mixed fresh wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, hen of the woods, porcini and morel)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh thyme

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions:

Toss together mushrooms and olive oil. Place in grill basket and grill until tender and cooked through, turning occasionally. Remove from heat and toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields four servings; total prep time is 25 minutes (plus two hours marinade time), and total cook time is expected at 35 minutes.

Visit SaborSmithfield.com for more of Chef Garces’ recipes and inspiration for your next meal and to learn more about Smithfield’s quality and freshness. And visit sobewff.org for more details on the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. For more information about National Pork Board, visit porkteinspira.com.

2018-03-06T08:01:01

(BPT) – Childhood and adolescent vaccination is considered by many to be one of the greatest public health accomplishments of the 20th century, but based on the results of a new study by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), there is still more work to do to ensure children and teens are protected against the diseases vaccines were developed to eradicate.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield: Health of America Report shows childhood vaccination rates climbed 12 percent among young commercially insured members. Data shows 69 percent of young BCBS members born in 2010 were up-to-date on their CDC-recommended vaccinations by the age of 2 years and 3 months compared to 77 percent of children born in 2013.

The study also found that the rate of documented vaccine refusal — in other words, doctors charting parental refusal of vaccines for their children — went up by nearly 70 percent for children born in 2013 compared to those born in 2010 (4.2 percent versus 2.5 percent, respectively).

The result of vaccine refusal can be dangerous, not only for the child who is vulnerable to diseases like measles and diphtheria, but for the community at large.

It played itself out in Minnesota last year, when a measles outbreak in the Twin Cities exceeded the total number of cases reported in the entire U.S. the year before. Health officials didn’t have to look far for the cause. Spread of the highly infectious disease started in the state’s Somali-American community.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the vaccination rate among Somali-American children dropped from the high 80s to a low of 42 percent last year in response to the anti-vaccine movement’s targeting efforts, fueling the outbreak. But the disease wasn’t confined to the Somali community. It spread throughout the Minnesota public school system as well, infecting non-vaccinated children.

The disease is nothing to take lightly. At the low end, it causes fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat and a rash, but it can be deadly, spawning pneumonia, blindness and even encephalitis. One especially alarming complication lurks in the brain for years after a person has recovered and mysteriously reawakens, causing seizures, coma and death. No one who has contracted that complication has survived.

Low uptake of HPV vaccine

It’s not just childhood vaccines that parents are refusing. According to the BCBSA report, only 29 percent of adolescents received a first dose of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine before their 13th birthday.

The HPV vaccine rates lag far behind other adolescent vaccines, meningococcal and Tdap, which have rates of 72 percent and 82 percent, respectively.

And that’s a problem. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31,500 people die every year from cancers caused by HPV.

It’s a heartbreaking statistic, especially because the American Cancer Institute estimates that, if all teens were vaccinated against HPV, cervical cancer would be eliminated within one generation.

What parents can do

The key to protecting children and teens from diseases like measles, rubella and HPV is vaccination, according to the CDC.

Talk to your child’s doctor about the safety and benefits of vaccination, if you have any doubt.

Vaccinate your children according to the CDC-recommended Seven-Vaccine series: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (DTaP), Heamophilus Influenza (Hib), Hepatitis B (Hep B) Polio (IPV), and Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).

Vaccinate your adolescent against HPV, Meningitis and DTaP.

For more information, or to download the Health of America report, visit www.bcbs.com/healthofamerica.

2018-02-22T13:03:00

(BPT) – Winter maintenance practices often lead to debates over different methods and materials used to keep roads clear. One often-heard argument is that road authorities should go back to using sand or abrasives for winter maintenance, instead of using salt.

But how does sand compare to salt?

Sand alone does not melt any snow or ice. Any time melting has been associated with sand, it is because a small amount of salt (about 10 percent or less) is typically included in the stockpile to stop the sand from freezing. It is sometimes said that some melting occurs because the color of the sand creates excess solar heating, but that is minimal compared to the normal solar heating occurring on roads.

Sand does provide a temporary increase in friction. However, to supply that increase in friction, it must be located between the tires of the vehicles on the road and the snow or ice on the road. Studies have found that the friction increase due to sand disappears after 10 to 20 vehicles have driven over it at highway speeds. So, the benefits of sand in terms of increasing friction can be fleeting in high-speed and high-traffic situations.

In addition, to get the friction benefits of sand, it must be applied at higher rates than salt. This means that trucks must be refilled more often, and when a truck is in the yard being refilled, it is not out on the road system plowing and applying materials.

Some believe that there is no environmental impact from the use of sand, but when abrasives like sand settle in river beds, they choke off access of aquatic species’ eggs to oxygen, reducing their value as spawning grounds, potentially putting the breeding of certain fish species at risk.

The other danger is to air quality. As cars drive over the sand and other abrasives, these get ground up and become dust. The cities of Denver, Colorado, and Washoe County, Nevada, where air pollution is a concern, require that abrasives used be vacuumed up no more than 72 hours after the end of the storm. This cleanup adds to the cost of using abrasives.

This debate matters because we need roads to be free of snow and ice in the winter. A study by Global Insights indicated that when roads are impassable because of snow or ice, a state can lose between $300 million and $700 million in economic activity per day. A study from Marquette University has shown that a safe and sustainable snowfighting program that uses road salt in an appropriate manner will reduce accidents by up to 88 percent.

When properly applied at the right place, at the right time and in the right amount, road salt has been shown to be the most effective, economic and environmental way to keep roads passable and people safe in the winter.

2018-03-05T11:41:00

(BPT) – Get active outdoors with a hobby more satisfying than binge-watching another television series. As a pastime, gardening can help you eat delicious, more flavorful food while transforming your patio or yard into a colorful hangout for butterflies and bees.

Many people don’t realize how easy it is to have a fresh supply of crisp veggies, fragrant herbs or fresh-grown flowers. Whether you have a balcony, rooftop or patio, gardening is a hobby that quite literally allows you to harvest big rewards.

One of the most exciting parts of gardening is deciding what to grow. With thousands of plants to choose from — flowers, vegetables and herbs — a small pot of soil can be a canvas for creativity.

To find the most popular flowers and plants this year, we checked in with Ball Horticultural Company, a global leader on all things gardening, to see what the top trends are in 2018.

Strong and colorful

When spring arrives, we all crave color and warmth to celebrate the end of winter. To get that wow factor — and get it fast — try planting flowers that grow and fill in quickly and thrive in extremes. The Megawatt Begonia brings magnetic color even in shaded spaces. It’s also a low-maintenance option if you’re new to gardening. Likewise, the Echinacea Sombrero Sangrita is a perennial flower that returns each year with stunning red blossoms.

For foodies who want to show off

Every chef knows the secret to tasty cooking is great ingredients. For many gardeners, the truly magical combination is finding that edible veggie that looks as good as it tastes. Take 2 Combos combine two sweet pepper plants with a touch of heat and beautiful orange and yellow fruit. There’s also a combo of a slicer and cherry tomato perfect for small spaces and for snacking and cooking. Speaking of peppers, a new, attractive variety is Candy Cane Red Pepper. It has green fruit striping that ripens to red and offers up crisp, sweet flavors, much like a candy cane!

A refuge for bees, butterflies and beyond

There are dozens of reasons people choose to garden: fresh food, interior and exterior decoration, relaxation, stress reduction and more. One emerging trend is that people want to make their garden a destination for pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. A few captivating flowers that attract these beautiful and helpful creatures are:

* Lucky Star Pentas — Provides butterflies summer-long flower clusters in eye-catching colors

* Copper Prince Ornamental Millet — This thriller makes a dramatic statement with foxtail plumes that birds feast upon

* SuperBlue Lavender — A deeply colorful and fragrant bee magnet

Gardening helps you relax and decompress. What’s more, there is a huge amount of satisfaction involved in seeing your vegetables and flowers grow. Follow these trends and watch your plants blossom and beautify your home and yard. After all, we could all use a little more color in our lives.