Healthy Tips Monmouth County NJ

The best way to avoid a potentially blinding fireworks injury is by attending a professional, public fireworks show rather than purchasing fireworks for home use. If you attend or live near a professional fireworks show: Respect safety barriers, follow all safety instructions and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away. Do not touch unexploded fireworks; instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments to help. For those who decide to purchase and use consumer fireworks in states where they are legal (PDF), follow these safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Sparklers, a firework often considered by many to be the ideal “safe” device for the young, burn at very high temperatures and should be not be handled by young children. Children may not understand the danger involved with fireworks and may not act appropriately while using the devices or in case of emergency. Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay. Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies […]

(BPT) – If you spend any extended length of time working on a screen, it’s possible that your eyes could be suffering from neglect and overwork. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help safeguard your optical health. “Even if you don’t currently experience vision problems or have concerns about your optical health, it’s important to take proactive steps now,” says Chris DeSantis, senior vice president, GMM, sundries and services, BJ’s Wholesale Club. Get regular exams Having your eyes checked on schedule and keeping up to date on your prescriptions for glasses or contacts is crucial to maintaining your best possible vision and proper eye health. BJ’s Wholesale Club has updated and redesigned their Optical Centers to be even more convenient and accessible and have implemented additional protocols to help keep members safe and healthy. At BJ’s Optical, members will find an even larger, high-quality frame assortment for the whole family, along with top contact lens brands and innovative prescription eyeglass lenses that can be customized to suit any lifestyle — all at an incredible value. That includes stylish designer name brands plus BJ’s exclusive Berkley Jensen and Club DeCode frames. You can also order contact […]

(BPT) – Gardening enthusiasm is surging thanks to our increased time at home — whether on a small-space patio or in a larger backyard. In fact, people spent 42% more time gardening in 2020 than the year before, according to Axiom Marketing’s 2021 Gardening Insight Survey, and it is estimated the pandemic contributed to creating nearly 20 million new “gardeners.” Many experts agree the trend toward nurturing flowers, plants and vegetables will continue into 2021 and beyond. If you’re looking to test your new green thumb or bring this year’s garden to the next level, consider these top trends and simple ideas from the experts at Ball Horticultural Company: The year-round fresh and healthy garden Gardening can provide fresh access to produce that can help encourage healthy eating. You can feel confident knowing exactly where your food comes from and enjoy the satisfaction of growing it yourself. Plus, it doesn’t get fresher than picking something from your own garden just minutes before preparing a dish. You don’t need an expansive garden to enjoy the many benefits of fresh, healthy vegetables and herbs. In fact, you don’t need a garden at all! Check out Kitchen Minis from PanAmerican Seed® and enjoy […]

(BPT) – Are you comparing health insurance to make sure you’re getting the best coverage for your money? Maybe you already have a health care plan but aren’t sure if you’re using all the benefits available to you? Exploring all coverage options can help you lower your costs. It’s important to be proactive and ask questions to your health insurance provider or a licensed agent to explore opportunities to save money while staying as healthy as possible. To help guide your conversation, ask these important questions to help you maximize your health care plan benefits: What services are covered at 100% without having to meet a deductible? In addition to the monthly premium you may pay for health coverage, you often have to meet a deductible before coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $500 deductible, you’ll need to pay that much out of pocket before you are covered and your plan begins to pay its share. However, many plans have exceptions to this rule, so you should ask what is covered immediately. For example, most health plans must cover a set of preventative services at no cost to you. For example, this might cover an annual physical […]

(BPT) – Trying to decide what first foods to feed your baby? Second-generation egg farmer Ross Dean knew that eggs would be one of his son’s first foods once he was old enough to start eating solid foods. “Many would say that I’m biased, or that they’re easily accessible to me,” said Dean, who works alongside his father and brothers in Iowa and Ohio. “Well, both are true — but the main reason I chose eggs is that they have varying amounts of all of the key nutrients that support neurodevelopment, and they’re also a step in the right direction toward building healthy dietary habits that will help him grow.” The nutritional value of eggs Dean knew that the many nutrients in eggs would make them an ideal food for his son, including: Protein Zinc Iron Vitamin A Vitamin D Choline Choline has been recognized as an essential nutrient that helps brain development, even from an infant’s pre-natal months. Because of their key nutrients, eggs were specifically mentioned as a crucial food source for pregnant women, infants and throughout the lifecycle in the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report. This Advisory Committee of 20 health and medical experts reviewed […]

(BPT) – Quality sleep is essential to good health, but daily life — the stresses of work and family, too much screen time, caffeine or alcohol — disrupts our body’s natural sleep cycle. One tool to promote better sleep is a weighted blanket, but the benefits go beyond sleep. Here are five benefits weighted blankets provide: 1. Helps you fall asleep faster — Most people know what it’s like to toss and turn at night just waiting to fall asleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it should take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. If it takes you more time than that there are steps you can take like adding a weighted blanket to your bedtime routine. 2. Helps you stay asleep longer — The CDC says adults should get between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. If you’re in need of more restful slumber, a product like a Tranquility weighted blanket and its calming pressure can help you sleep more soundly with fewer bouts of restlessness so you wake feeling more rested. 3. Enhances relaxation — Weighted blankets offer deep touch pressure, a sensory experience like a soothing hug, which works to relax the nervous system and […]

(BPT) – COVID-19 restrictions mean the holiday season will be different this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a Grinch. Although extensive travel, large group gatherings and many traditional activities can’t happen, you can find imaginative ways to be just as joyful with a dash of creativity. In fact, many people are embracing this as an opportunity to discover new ways to make one-of-a-kind memories with family, friends and coworkers. Alternative approaches to work holiday parties The culmination of the work year is the annual holiday celebration. This is typically a time to enjoy great food, fun games and cheers to a job well done. However, with the pandemic causing many offices to go remote as well as restrictions for restaurants and group gatherings, this year will have celebrations of a different kind. Fortunately, technology is making many things possible. Employers want to show employees they care and are expected to shake things up in creative ways. This could include sending meals to everyone through home delivery and then meeting online to enjoy them together. This might be a video gathering for an ugly sweater contest paired with fun games that can be played digitally such as […]

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia. It is a progressive disease beginning with mild memory loss, possibly leading to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Alzheimer’s usually starts in the hippocampus, the part of the brain essential in forming memories. As more neurons die, the disease gradually spreads to other parts of the brain making the symptoms progressively worse. Although scientists are learning more every day, right now, they still do not know what causes Alzheimer’s disease. Early-onset may be due to genetic mutation and late-onset arise from a series of complex brain changes over decades. Treatment may temporarily delay the appearance of symptoms, but as yet there is no cure. How do I know if It Is Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Memory problems are typically one of the first warning signs of cognitive loss. In addition to memory problems, someone with Alzheimer’s disease may experience one or more of the following signs: Memory loss Challenges in planning or problem solving Gets lost, disoriented with time and place. Has trouble handling money and paying bills. Repeats questions. Takes longer to complete normal […]

(BPT) – Healthy sleep is vital for student success. Yet, a new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) shows that many students are not getting enough sleep, according to more than half of American parents surveyed. No matter where classes are held — in-person, online or in a hybrid format — the group is highlighting the importance of healthy sleep for students. “As many parents and caregivers try to create a routine for their kids, incorporating the right amount of healthy sleep is an important component,” said AASM President Dr. Kannan Ramar. What’s keeping kids up on school nights? From classwork to social media use, there are many things competing for the attention of school-aged children and teens, interfering with their nightly sleep. According to 90% of parents, homework and early school start times are the top barriers impacting the healthy sleep students need each night, followed by time with friends (87%), social media/electronics use (86%), hobbies (86%), sports (85%), chores or jobs (83%), and band/music/clubs (78%). COVID-19 impact on sleep consistency Another disrupter to sleep? The COVID-19 pandemic. One of the biggest challenges students have been facing during the pandemic has been maintaining a consistent and […]

So long summer and all of your delicious bounty (yes, we’re looking at you, watermelon). It’s harvest time! Here are healthy foods that celebrate all that autumn has to offer. 1. Think apples. Apple picking is one of the top activities for fall. But what are you going to do with all those apples? Try incorporating them into easy, healthy dinners. Here are some ideas: Pork Chops with Sautéed Apples and Polenta. Remember The Brady Bunch episode where Peter did his best Bogart impression when saying “pork chops and applesauce”? In this recipe, you skip the applesauce and sauté fresh apples instead, which is what makes this dish so special—and good for you, too. Apple, Broccoli, and Butterbean Salad with Walnut Dressing. Packed with protein, veggies, and fruit. Seriously, what’s not to love? Get more apple yumminess in this roundup of apple dinner recipes. 2. Dive into squash and gourds. So many squashes, so little time. What floats your boat: butternut, acorn, spaghetti, pumpkin? We suggest trying them all! 25 Fresh Ways to Have Butternut Squash for Dinner. Just in case you need a few more ideas! 16 Tasty Squash Recipes. We love Real Simple magazine because it always delivers on its promise: keeping meals simple, yet delicious. […]