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How an electric vehicle can help you meet your goals in 2022

(BPT) - Do you want to be more budget-conscious? Perhaps you’re looking for new ways to eliminate emissions from your car’s tailpipe? Goals related to finances and the environment are popular resolutions for Americans year after year. While there are many ways to accomplish these two goals separately, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) might be a simple way to help you accomplish both.

An electric vehicle can help save you money through lower maintenance and fueling costs while reducing your amount of tailpipe emissions. Here’s more about how driving electric can get you closer to keeping these two important resolutions:

EVs save money

EVs typically mean lower maintenance and fuel costs. According to Energy.gov, light-duty battery electric vehicles are generally cheaper to maintain than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Plus, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates EV drivers can save up to $10,500 in fuel costs over a 15-year time span compared to a gas vehicle.

Electric cars also help you save through a more efficient drivetrain. EV batteries can last for 12-15 years in moderate climates, and an electric car’s drive system doesn’t lose as much energy as a traditional gas car’s engine. This means an EV can save you more money, long term.

When you factor in the improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs (such as a lack of oil changes), driving electric can save you thousands during the life of the vehicle (average vehicle lifespan is 12 years). According to Consumer Reports, those savings may range between $6,000-$10,000.

If you’re looking to purchase an EV, you might be able to save even more through federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Some state and local governments may offer additional incentives too.

EVs support a sustainable lifestyle

If you’re looking for simple ways to live a less carbon-intensive lifestyle, driving an EV is a great choice as they typically emit lower levels of greenhouse gases than the average new gasoline car.

Just how much fewer emissions do EVs generate? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs produce an average of 3,700 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, compared to more than 11,400 pounds of average CO2 equivalent emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles. That’s a lot of CO2 that won’t end up in the air if you’re driving electric.

EVs come with benefit of flexible charging

Once you make the decision to switch to an EV, you’ll have the benefit of flexible charging options to keep your car up and running.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, more than 80% of EV charging is done at home, and residential charging equipment can most likely be installed in your garage. Beyond the home, public EV charging station options are also growing rapidly, with strong support from policymakers, businesses and consumers.

Electrify America, the nation’s largest public network of ultra-fast EV charging stations, offers charging options along highway routes and in metro areas, and in many places you visit regularly: alongside restaurants, by grocery stores, at major retailers and shopping malls, close to convenience stores and gas stations — even near financial services like banks.

To help drivers feel confident taking their electric vehicles on longer trips, Electrify America offers multiple cross-country routes and several north-to-south routes, and many other interstate options along the coasts and Middle America. And the station growth continues: by 2026, the company plans to have more than 1,800 fast-charging stations and 10,000 individual chargers installed in the U.S. and Canada.

Whether you’re looking to save money or eliminate your tailpipe emissions — or both — in the next year, an EV is a great option for sticking to those resolutions. As more EVs come to market — and support for electric cars and the stations that charge them continues to grow — you can feel good knowing you’re ahead of the curve by making the switch to electric now.

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How to transform your garage into a multi-purpose powerhouse

(BPT) - A garage is no longer just a place to park your car. Today's garages are agile and multifunctional, extending living space and elevating a homeowner's lifestyle.

The desire to use the garage for new purposes is a top trend with homeowners nationwide. During the pandemic, 78% of homeowners across generations intend to make changes to their garage, according to the New American Home Study. Furthermore, 49% of millennial homeowners have already transformed their garage into a gym, home office or for additional storage space.

Are you ready to transform your garage into a multifunctional powerhouse? Here are three tips for upgrading your garage and helping you design a space ideal for your needs while enhancing your home's value:

Add storage

One of the primary things that separates a stereotypical garage from an enviable one is the organization. Clutter on top of clutter inhibits the multifunctional potential of the space. To start, get rid of junk, sort through necessities and transform the space to optimize organization.

That means installing shelving and utilizing vertical space. Enclosed cabinets are ideal for limiting dust and keeping personal items out of sightlines from the road. Label and use storage boxes as needed to stay organized, especially with seasonal supplies only needed at certain times of year. Toolboxes and pegboards are ideal for keeping tools and hobby supplies conveniently on hand. Creating a system with these elements may take time, but it's worthwhile because the benefits are lasting.

Upgrade your garage door opener

It's time to ditch the loud, dated garage door opener for a stylish modern option with technology enhancements. Turn your garage into the envy of the neighborhood with the new LiftMaster Secure View garage door opener that looks like a sleek smart home device and does more than just open and close your garage door. This new opener comes with a built-in camera, corner-to-corner LED lighting and it works with the with the myQ^® app so you can control, secure and monitor your garage door from anywhere. The built-in camera enables live video streaming and 2-way communication so you can see when the kids get home from school or tell your neighbor where to find the ladder.

Additionally, the powerful myQ app acts as command central, allowing homeowners to easily share and manage home access without interrupting their day, as well as enabling smart access experiences like Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery as well as Smart Vehicle Access capabilities within select vehicles. Visit Liftmaster.com for additional information.

Make it a multifunctional space

Multifunction is the key for the ultimate garage, and no matter what your interests, you can customize the space to fit your needs. A workbench is a must-have for many, with ample space to tinker and make. For gearheads, a car lift might be a worthy investment. For those focused on health, installing workout equipment makes sense. Adding a TV might be a given, whether it's to stream workouts or to watch the game.

Keep in mind, you should add extras to enhance your comfort so you can get the most out of your time in the garage. Proper task lighting is essential. Depending where you live, adding fans to cool and heating elements to warm helps make the garage a year-round retreat. Finally, upgrading flooring turns any garage into an eye-catching hot spot, so research options including epoxy coatings and garage floor tiles.

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7 indoor air quality myths debunked

(BPT) - Air quality has become a hot topic. COVID-19 heightened our awareness of all of our surroundings — especially the air we breathe. Because people spend 90% of their time indoors, especially during colder winter months, sorting fact from fiction about indoor air quality is crucial.

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, is helping debunk common myths about indoor air quality and offering tips to improve the air you breathe:

Myth 1: Outside air is always better.

Debunked: Not always. It’s healthy to get a dose of fresh air, but sometimes when you bring in outdoor air you can invite allergens, smog and humidity into your home. It can be better to filter your air to freshen and reduce particulates. According to Jason Bingham, president of Trane Technologies’ Residential HVAC business, “An important aspect of helping people feel confident indoors is mitigating airborne health risks, especially those related to viruses, bacteria, pet dander and other particles.”

Myth 2: Using technology to monitor indoor air quality will increase energy consumption.

Debunked: Not necessarily. Efficient and connected building technologies make it easier for experts to help builders install eco-friendly, economical heating and cooling solutions. Meanwhile, homeowners and building owners can use air quality monitors, which can detect certain potentially harmful gases and particulates, to make cost-effective, efficient decisions about improving air quality.

Myth 3: Once the pandemic is over, indoor air quality won’t be a concern.

Debunked: Indoor air quality will always be important. Without adequate ventilation, harmful gases or particles can infiltrate the air. By reducing these irritants and pollutants, you can also reduce exposure to pathogens and conditions that can cause illnesses, respiratory problems and other health risks. Plus, less illness means less absenteeism from work or school. Improved air quality in homes and buildings can pay dividends for years.

Myth 4: Vaccinated people don’t need to worry about the air quality.

Debunked: Vaccination is a protection against specific viruses, but not all. Without proper ventilation, filtration and humidity control, there is a higher risk of contaminants circulating indoors and conditions that can encourage exposure to airborne viruses. Gases, particulate matter and other pollutants can also affect your health, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Myth 5: You can’t see air quality so you can’t feel confident about the air you breathe.

Debunked: Sophisticated sensors and technologies are available that help you know and control air quality. According to Jason Bingham, “The first step is awareness and knowing the air quality within a home or building. Once you understand your air quality and the various factors that impact it, such as ventilation and humidity, you can improve it.”

An air quality sensor can monitor for dust and allergens. A filtration system can remove 99.98% of those allergens. And a humidifier can maintain the right balance of moisture.

Myth 6: If room temperature is right, I should be OK and feel comfortable.

Debunked: Humidity plays a big part in air quality and comfort: too high or too low can cause health problems, discomfort, mildew and unhygienic air. Indoor spaces that are the right temperature but don’t have adequate ventilation can contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide, which can lead to drowsiness and headaches.

Myth 7: Thermal comfort (how we feel) has nothing to do with air quality.

Debunked: Thermal comfort is based on temperature and humidity, and humidity plays a significant role in air quality. For example, airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is found to be more transmissible in dry air. As a result, researchers recommend relative humidity of 40% to 60%.

Busting these myths is just the tip of the air quality iceberg. Look to Trane Technologies to get to the bottom of indoor air quality solutions and how air quality affects you. You can also tune in to the Healthy Spaces podcast and learn more about real solutions to transform indoor spaces into healthier and safer environments.

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Sweet and savory ways to indulge during the holidays without sabotaging your wellness goals

(BPT) - One of the greatest pleasures of the holidays is enjoying traditional flavors of the season. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to indulge without discarding all your wellness goals. You can enjoy festive foods if you plan ahead for holiday events, and make dishes that aren’t loaded with carbs and sugar — but still satisfy your cravings.

“It’s easy to throw your wellness goals out the window during the season, thinking you can make up for it later,” said Colette Heimowitz, vice president, Nutrition & Education, Simply Good Foods. “But with a few smart choices, you can celebrate the season without jeopardizing your nutrition goals.”

Here are some tips — and recipes — to help you indulge more thoughtfully this year.

Prep for healthier holiday gatherings

When you know you'll be celebrating at an event chock full of carbs and sweets, plan ahead.

• Keep your energy up while prepping for holiday get-togethers by enjoying an Atkins Vanilla Latte Iced Coffee Protein Shake, with 15 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar and as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
• Don't arrive at a party famished so you’re less tempted to overindulge. Eat a small low-carbohydrate meal beforehand, like salmon and salad with olive oil dressing or veggies and guacamole, to stabilize your appetite and blood sugar level.
• Don’t linger near the food table. But if you are planning to partake in the buffet, opt for protein, veggies, dips, nuts and cheese.
• Drink plenty of water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so staying hydrated helps you avoid overeating. Flavor up your water with lemon, lime or cucumber slices.

Look for keto-friendly recipes to grace your holiday table

Try these tasty, low-carb recipes developed by an Atkins nutritionist to share at holiday gatherings — or just enjoy between festivities.

Keto Cranberry Shortbread Cookies

These delectable cookies blend the tangy sweetness of cranberries, a hint of almond and an orange zest icing — and may become your new holiday favorite.

Prep time: 260 minutes (20 minutes prep; 4 hours in refrigerator); Cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

1/3 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons water, divided
2 tablespoons Truvia Sweet Complete
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/3 cup Truvia (erythritol-stevia blend)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup blanched almond flour
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
1/4 cup confectioners erythritol
1/2 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions

1. In small saucepan over medium heat, bring cranberries, 1 tablespoon water and 2 tablespoons Truvia to a simmer. Cook until cranberries pop — about 10 minutes from fresh or 15 minutes from frozen. Set aside to cool.
2. In bowl of stand mixer, cream together room temperature butter and 1/3 cup Truvia until lightened and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, almond extract and cranberries, mixing until well combined.
Add sifted almond flour and xanthan, mixing on low until just combined.
Create 6-inch-long log of dough on sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator at least 4 hours, until very solid. Cookies will spread significantly if not chilled adequately.
3. Heat oven to 350 F and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut cold dough into 12, 1/2-inch thick rounds and place on baking sheet, cut side down.
Bake 11-13 minutes until bottom edges are golden brown. Watch closely the last few minutes to ensure cookies don’t burn.
Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then gently place on cooling rack and cool completely, about 30 minutes. These cookies will be very crumbly until completely cooled.
4. While cookies cool, in small bowl, use fork to combine confectioners erythritol and water to form paste. Dip (or drizzle) cooled cookies in icing, applying about 4 grams icing per cookie. Sprinkle icing with orange zest and allow icing to set.
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days, or in freezer up to 3 months.
Makes 12 servings. One iced cookie is one serving.

Low-Carb Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hazelnuts

This quick and easy salad takes 15 minutes to make. It combines fresh, thinly shaved Brussels sprouts with a flavorful dressing of olive oil, shallots and thyme — plus sugar-free maple syrup for a hint of sweetness. Roasted hazelnuts and pomegranate arils on top add more taste and texture while giving the salad a colorful, festive holiday look. See the full recipe at Atkins.com/recipes.

For more healthy lifestyle tips and low-carb recipes, visit Atkins.com.

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The silent health risk of COVID-19: Five facts to know about blood clots

(BPT) - COVID-19 is associated with many complications, but one that many people are not as aware of are blood clots. According to a recent study, between 25% to 49% of patients with severe COVID-19 also experience blood clots with blood clots in the lungs being the most common condition. These blood clots can be limb- and life-threatening.

Jeremy Sipe, a 52-year-old avid runner, knew something was wrong when he was experiencing shortness of breath after a few steps on the treadmill. He tried again later in the day and the same thing happened — he was out of breath after just a couple of seconds. He called his doctor immediately and ended up in the hospital diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung, also known as a pulmonary embolism.

“Jeremy’s clot could have been life threatening,” said Dr. George Chrysant, interventional cardiologist at INTEGRIS Baptist in Oklahoma City, OK. “It is important to recognize the signs of blood clots, especially pulmonary embolisms, because when they are diagnosed and treated quickly, complications decrease dramatically.”

Blood clots are often overlooked and misunderstood. The following are a few things to know about blood clots.

Risk factors for blood clots

Blood clots can affect anyone at any age, but there are factors that can increase risk, like surgery, hospitalization, pregnancy, cancer, and family history. Studies have shown an increased chance of suffering a blood clot during the COVID-19 pandemic, both among those who have the virus and those with more sedentary lifestyles due to shutdowns and working from home.

Symptoms of blood clots

A blood clot in your arm or leg can cause swelling and pain. It may be tender, red, or warm to the touch. A blood clot in the lung can cause difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, chest pain and coughing up blood, according to the American Lung Association.

Technology for blood clots

Dr. Chrysant removed Jeremy’s blood clot with a medical technology from Penumbra, Inc. called the Indigo System Lightning 12. It works like a minimally invasive “vacuum” inside a blocked artery or vein to remove a blood clot.

“In the past, we would have been limited to clot-dissolving medications, which can be problematic because they sometimes require long stays in the intensive care unit and have a high risk of causing bleeding elsewhere in the body,” Dr. Chrysant said.

Five facts to know about blood clots

Doctors say it’s important to know the facts and seek treatment right away if you suspect a blood clot. Here are a few things to remember:

1. Blood clots can affect anyone. Still, there are risk factors that include smoking, obesity, pregnancy, being sedentary, and birth control and hormone therapy. Certain diseases and conditions, such as cancer, also increase risk.
2. Genetics play a role. If you have family members who have a history of blood clots, or you have a personal history of repeated blood clots, you could be more at risk.
3. Doctors have tools to diagnose a blood clot, but there is no routine screening. Your doctor will gather information about your medical history, age, medications, and lifestyle factors. Diagnostic tests are usually only performed if a clot is suspected.
4. There have been recent advancements in the treatment of blood clots. With new technology, doctors have more treatment options to help patients.
5. You can help prevent blood clots. Be aware of risk factors, recognize the signs and symptoms and see your doctor right away if you suspect a blood clot. And remember, when you’ve been sitting for a long time, stand up and walk around or stretch your legs every couple of hours.

“I’m fortunate that I saw my doctor right away and had this blood clot taken care of that same day,” said Sipe. “I felt a difference immediately after the procedure and I even went to the gym that evening. It’s important to know when to see a doctor, especially when things don’t seem right.”

For more information about Penumbra, visit www.penumbrainc.com/patients-caregivers/.

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