(NewsUSA) - -It's winter, the air is dry, and your skin may be feeling as dull and tired as used wrapping paper. Microdermabrasion, a skin-brightening and exfoliating technique to remove dead skin cells, oil, and dust particles, is the go-to skin care boost for many, but the ongoing pandemic may make many people less inclined to visit their favorite spa.

Microdermabrasion has been shown to promote younger-looking skin and help reduce the appearance of aging, and a range of DIY products is now available to help consumers get the benefits of spa-quality skin care in the comfort of home. However, not all home microdermabrasion products are created equal.

NeedCrystals, a company founded by former spa operators, offers specially formulated aluminum oxide super-fine microdermabrasion crystals that are dust-free and gentle enough for all skin types. The crystals are designed to be added to any type of facial or body cleanser for a customized exfoliation. (Click here to view video)

"NeedCrystals aluminium oxide microdermabrasion crystals are preferred by dermatologists and aesthetic skin-care professionals for cost-effective quality that offers great results," according to company co-founder Jean-Michel Balensi.

"Our unique microdermabrasion crystals are specially prepared microcrystalline aluminum oxide (corundum) crystals. The material is 99.55% pure and is fused at nearly 4000 degreeF in order to form the grain structure that provides optimal abrasive properties."

In addition, NeedCrystals has earned a Carbonfree Product Certification to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with crystal production.

NeedCrystals offers prepared microdermabrasion crytals that are 100% vegan and free of parabens, gluten, dyes, and fragrances. Three formulas target different skin concerns:

- Original Microderabrasion Crystals. The company's best-seller, these gentle, yet effective microdermabrasion crystals come in a wide-mouth jar with spoon applicator for easy addition to your favorite products

- Crystals With Added Salicylic Acid for Acne-Prone Skin. This crystal blend is formulated to help improve the appearance of acne scars, while eliminating the bacteria that can clog pores and cause new acne breakouts, and comes in a tall metal jar with shaker top.

- Crystals With Added Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to help improve the appearance of skin aging, and the vitamin C crystal blend is designed to promote skin clarity and radiance; this product also comes in a tall metal jar with shaker top.

The NeedCrystals microdermabrasion crystals allow you to create your own spa experience at home. The NeedCrystals are also available for ordering in bulk by spa owners and aesthetic dermatology practices.

Visit needcrystals.com for more information. To purchase, visit Amazon.com.

(NewsUSA) -Approximately half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but many don't know it, according to the American Heart Association. A new public service campaign from the American Heart Association, American Medical Association and Ad Council in partnership with HHS Office of Minority Health and Health Resources & Services Administration encourages all adults to take control by monitoring their blood pressure at home and sharing the numbers with their doctor.

The "Get Down with Your Blood Pressure" public service announcement uses catchy music and memorable dance moves to get the attention of people who have and are at increased risk for high blood pressure and negative health consequences associated with it, such as heart attack, stroke and severe complications of COVID-19.

The campaign keeps it simple, and encourages those with high blood pressure to regularly follow four easy steps: "Get It, Slip It, Cuff It, Check It." That means Get the blood pressure cuff, Slip it on, use the band to Cuff your arm, Check your blood pressure with a validated monitor and share the numbers with your doctor. The campaign's detailed instructional videos are available in English and Spanish.

"This new campaign is a fun way to get people engaged in monitoring their blood pressure and keeping it under control -- which can often feel daunting to many patients"-- and is timely given that high blood pressure puts patients at higher risk of severe complications of COVID-19," says American Medical Association president Gerald E. Harmon, M.D. "We are committed to eliminating structural drivers of health inequities that place Black and Brown communities at increasing risk of heart disease," Dr. Harmon adds.

The campaign emphasizes self-monitoring and encourages individuals to work with their doctors to create a personalized plan to manage and treat high blood pressure. Changes to unhealthy eating habits and increases in physical activity may be all it takes to get your blood pressure to a healthy range. However, sometimes it's not that simple. If your doctor prescribes a blood pressure medication, be sure to take it as directed.

"This campaign is part of the American Heart Association's National Hypertension Control Initiative," says Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, M.D., ScM, F.A.H.A., president of the American Heart Association, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart Research and Professor of Preventive Medicine, Medicine, and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. "The initiative encompasses direct education and training on blood pressure measurement and management with health care professionals in community health centers and community-based organizations. We are meeting people where they are with access to blood pressure education and resources to reduce high blood pressure in communities that need it most."

Visit heart.org/hbpcontrol for more information about blood pressure management.

(NewsUSA) - It wasn't that long ago that Infographics were the "It" tool for public relations and marketing - until they weren't.

To understand why infographics should still be a viable campaign strategy for clients, we need to understand the history behind them.

In 2012, everyone was producing infographics -- usually of low-quality design, although as agencies became more versed in how effective these could be as a sales to market a client's product, more high-design infographics began emerging. In fact, according to one experienced UK-based SEO and content provider says he was creating 200 to 300 infographics per year in 2014.

In 2016, the industry became flooded, and journalists began rejecting pitches that included, to date, these time-tested marketing strategies.

Fast forward four years, and there remains an argument for keeping infographics as a viable marketing tool in your stable of resources that you pitch to clients. Here's why:

• They have a visual appeal. It's no surprise that visually presented information is more appealing to the eye than a mountain of text, which means that a graphically-told story will usually pique a reader's interest before any information is processed.
• They are easy to comprehend. The brain is wired in such a way that visual are able to be processed much faster than language. In fact, according to studies, people can follow visual instructions more than 323 percent better than written instructions.
• They are easily recalled. If you're trying to make an impression on a would-be customer, know this: according to studies people can recall only about 10 percent of written content three days after reading it versus 65 percent of information presented in visual form.
• They are shareable. Infographics can break down potentially complex information into the bite-size pieces that we have become accustomed to in a visually-appealing format that has the ability to be recalled. In this way, people are more likely to share the content of the infographic.
• They can help to increase sales. Go back to the bullet point on recall because it's worth repeating: the human brain is better at retaining visuals more than text. This means that if you have a complex product or service (think an IT company such as Oracle), it would stand to reason that presenting processes and benefits of using a company's product might be better presented visually in an infographic, rather than a block of text. This in turn, will help you to stand out from your competition.
• They aren't being promoted as heavily today. There's no better time than today to start using a tool that has, for many been shelved at worst, and been put on the back burner at best. Think of it this way: if your competitors aren't using this sales tool, why wouldn't you? As long as you use a format that is visually appealing to tell your client's story or present a product or service, it remains a great way to not only attract attention, but for potential customers to remember you.

The bottom line is that infographics continue to be a solid tool when used correctly and can potentially add fantastic benefits as part of a wider content marketing strategy.

(NewsUSA) - When stress hits hard as it has during the pandemic, many of us eat more, and less-than-healthy comfort foods may be the treats we reach for first. But an unhealthy response to stress can be hard on your body, especially your heart. That's why it's smart -- at the top of the New Year, or anytime -- to try to eat more foods that nourish. It'll make your heart happier, and maybe trim your waistline, too.

Don't know where to start? Let the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) help.

"We have many recipes for healthy and really tasty dishes, plus an award-winning eating plan called Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH for short," says Charlotte Pratt, Ph.D., M.S., R.D., a nutrition expert at NHLBI. For years, the DASH eating plan has ranked among the U.S. News & World Reports' best diets for healthy living and heart health. Its secret, says Pratt: "Eating nutrient-dense foods and meals that are lower in sodium and saturated fat, rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and legumes."

Some of the recipes NHLBI has developed to support the plan feature healthy versions of comfort foods, such as oven-baked french fries, chicken chile stew, and sweet potato custard. The recipes are easy to make and family-friendly. They include traditional African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Vietnamese, Latino, and Filipino dishes. You can find these recipes, along with tips about safe cooking, what to stock in your kitchen, and food shopping at healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov.

"The DASH eating plan is scientifically proven to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels," says Pratt. And NHLBI research shows that increasing your physical activity and watching your calories while following DASH will also help you lose weight.

DASH requires no special foods, and it helps you set daily and weekly nutritional goals using these simple guides:

• Eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains
• Include fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils
• Limit foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy foods and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils
• Limit sugar-sweetened drinks and desserts

To make it easier to follow the DASH for life, these tips can help:

• Change gradually. Add one more serving of vegetables a day. Read nutrition labels to choose the food lowest in saturated fat, sodium or salt and added sugar.
• Vary foods high in proteins. Try a mix of lean cuts of meat. Remove the skin from chicken. Eat fish once or twice a week. Eat two or more meals without meat each week.
• Select healthy, tasty snacks. Have a piece of fruit, a few unsalted snacks such as rice cakes, fat-free or low-fat yogurt or raw vegetables with a low-fat dip.
• Find substitutes. Try whole-wheat bread or brown rice instead of white bread or white rice. Try beans or seeds such as flax or sunflower seeds, if you're allergic to nuts.
• Follow the U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommendations.

Combining healthy eating habits with other self-care activities can help you reduce stress and take care of your heart. Top of the list: move more throughout the day, get 7 to 8 hours of sleep, and try relaxation exercises such as meditation or yoga. If you smoke, try quitting, and develop a strong social-support system to help keep you motivated. Learn more about DASH, heart health, and more at www.nhlbi.nih.gov.

Delicious Oven-Baked French Fries

Baking instead of frying these potatoes reduces the fat while keeping them crispy.

Prep time: 10 minutes.
Cook time: 35 minutes.
Makes 5 servings.
Serving size: 1 cup.

Ingredients

4 large potatoes (2 lbs.) (regular or sweet potatoes)
8 C ice water
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp allspice
1 tsp hot pepper flakes
1 Tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

1. Scrub potatoes and cut them into long 1/2-inch strips. Place the strips in the ice water, cover and chill for 1 hour or longer.
2. Remove potato strips and dry them thoroughly. Preheat oven to 475 degreeF.
3. Place garlic powder, onion powder, salt, white pepper, allspice and pepper flakes in a plastic bag. Toss the potato strips in the spice mixture.
4. Put the potato strips in a shallow baking pan and brush them with oil.
5. Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake at 475 degreeF for 15 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Turn fries occasionally to brown on all sides.

(NewsUSA) - The delays and confusion caused when a 200,000-ton cargo ship got stuck in the Suez Canal sent ripples through the U.S. economy and led many people to explore alternatives to the global supply chain, which is also susceptible to other forces ranging from weather to cyberattacks.

Although global cargo traffic has become the norm for obtaining many products used in the United States, innovative companies such as Baru are examples of a trend towards supporting local manufacturers of American-made and locally-sourced products.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently described the United States' reliance on foreign supply chains as "a vulnerability," and emphasized the need to produce more goods domestically for economic and security reasons.

"Even when supply routes are relatively calm, the global supply chain is an overly complex and lengthy process. Product prototypes take valuable months to make, ship, test, plan, and re-make," according to Baru founder and CEO Tino Go.

Local manufacturing has many benefits, notably putting the customer in the driver's seat and creating a relationship with local communities.

"By combining automation, craftsmanship, and virtual customization, we're able to send manufacturing instructions to workshops local to the customer," Mr. Go explains.

When Baru creates made-to-order furniture, other environmental and economic benefits include reduction of global CO? emissions, prevention of unsold inventory landing in landfills, creation of local jobs, and support of industrial innovation by American artisans and craftspeople.

Baru also shows its commitment to the environment with an ongoing tree-planting initiative as part of its sustainable manufacturing model.

During the design process, Baru selects sustainably engineered wood panels that are both beautiful and durable. The wood goes to one of Baru's local manufacturing partners, which uses the latest technology of automated machinery for efficiency of scale and design, combined with the skills of local carpenters and woodworkers to create a unique and lasting item that is American-sourced and American-made. Baru's growing network of workshops ensures that the products are made as close to the final delivery destination as possible to reduce transportation costs and emissions. Finally, the model cycles back to trees -- Baru's pledge is to plant three trees for every furniture purchase made to achieve carbon neutrality. After three years, three trees replace the wood used in production and absorb more CO? than Baru's hometown process emitted.

Visit hellobaru.com for more information about how you can create furniture that is unique to you, with the bonuses of benefitting the American economy and the global environment.

(NewsUSA) - In winter, it seems like life slows down in a variety of ways. Maybe that's because we need a break after the busy holiday season or because we have a natural urge to "hibernate" when the days are short and the weather outside is cold. But the truth is, the best time to get started on your weight loss goals is now so you stay on track all year round.

The good news: you can enjoy the comfort foods that make you feel cozy when the weather outside is frightful AND still lose weight. Courtney McCormick, MPH, RDN, LDN, Manager, Clinical Research & Nutrition at Nutrisystem, offers these tips to serve as a guide for winter weight loss.

Focus on Protein: Protein is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and a key to weight loss. "Protein helps with satiety and by including some protein at each meal and snack occasion, it can help you to stay full longer and may help prevent hunger and cravings," says McCormick. Look for meals high in protein, such as Nutrisystem's new premium meals, which include up to 30 grams in each meal.

Fuel Your Winter Workouts: Exercising outdoors in winter can be invigorating and even fun. Brisk walking will warm you up quickly. Shoveling snow not only heats you up, but it also works your cardiovascular system (heart and lungs), tones your muscles and burns more than 200 calories in a half hour (average for a 155-pound person).

Eat Your Favorite Meals: Winter is the perfect time to enjoy your favorite comfort foods like soup or pasta. Weight loss plans like Nutrisystem offer restaurant favorites that are perfectly-portioned for half the calories of dining-out options so you can enjoy without any guilt. Think Café-Style Creamy Tomato Soup or Bistro-Style Toasted Ravioli.

Don't Go At It Alone: Achieving the goals you've set for yourself is so much easier when you have a support system. The best people to have on your team when you're trying to lose excess weight are those who sit down at daily meals with you. Even better, your chances of reaching and maintaining your weight-loss goal increase dramatically if another person in your household joins you on the journey. If you're looking for an easy-to-follow plan to keep you on track, opt for Nutrisystem's Partner Plan.

Power Up on Nutrients: Winter conditions can put extra stress on our bodies, so we need a steady supply of the essential nutrients to stay healthy and strong. Vitamin D plays a key role in metabolism, but we need exposure to sunlight for our bodies to produce it. Vitamin C gives our immune systems a potent boost, which is especially important during the cold and flu season. Look for foods that are rich in these vitamins such as salmon or milk for Vitamin D and broccoli, strawberries and kiwi for Vitamin C.

Remember, your weight loss goals are more than achievable this winter if you are geared with the right tips, tricks and tools. For more great information and other ideas to help fuel your success this year, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.