• 399: Spring Lifestyle Essentials
    May 1 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/spring-lifestyle-essentials Spring is in the air and we're talking spring things that you must know about right now. With going outside more often and sports season kicking into high gear for families – whether you’re a player or referee running up and down the field or a spectator in the spring heat – sweaty laundry with stubborn odors is inevitable this season. You know a lot of people don't realize that sweat creates a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause some serious stink in laundry. To tackle a root cause of odor in laundry, we love using Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. It kills 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria, when used as directed. Just add it to your laundry routine and it'll leave your family's clothing sanitized and smelling fresh. You can find Lysol Laundry Sanitizer at major retailers and try the 21oz bottle for under $5. And if you’re looking to refresh your clothes in between washes you have to check out the LG STUDIO Styler. It’s this sleek and stylish steam closet that uses TrueSteam Technology to deodorize and sanitize your clothes. It doesn’t use any harsh chemicals, and it helps create a healthier home because it’s certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. It helps remove 99% of allergens from fabrics. Plus, there’s no plumbing needed so you can put it anywhere, in your laundry room or even in your closet if you like. You can also control it remotely with the LG ThinQ app to monitor energy use, even download special cycles. Go to LG.com to find out more. Pollen season is also in full swing and unfortunately allergens don’t stop at the door. Indoor allergens can be just as, if not more prevalent and harmful than those outdoors so it’s best to get a handle on it and make your indoor air cleaner. Filtrete offers a range of high-performance filters designed to capture air particles like pollen, dust, mold, pet dander and smoke. And they’re compatible with most HVAC systems. The MPR 1900 is their most advanced filter capturing more microscopic particles like allergens, pollution, even bacteria and viruses while delivering better airflow than any other brand. But the key is to change your filters often, at least once every three months. To make it easy the Filtrete smart app helps to track the filter life and set reminders to change them out. Check out filtrete.com for more. The warmer weather also brings unwanted guests in and around the home. Ants in and out and roach control switching from proactive to reactive, so no doubt everyone needs Combat Max and their roach killing bait and 2-in-1 Ant Bait. The killing bait is a long-term easy solution. It’s actually made with food that attracts both small and large roaches, eliminating the source of the problem before they multiply. And the Combat Max 2-in-1 Ant Bait is formulated to control and kill common household ants in as little as 3-5 days, and it’s perfect to use indoor and outdoor. Plus, it’s great because it doesn’t have any vapor, fumes, or odor. It’s easy to use and effective, and you can find Combat products at Walmart and Amazon.
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    4 mins
  • 398: Spring Sports Essentials
    Apr 29 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/spring-sports-essentials

    Spring is here, and that means the start of another busy sports and outdoor activity season. Here’s a look at the best gear for the whole family from Academy Sports + Outdoors. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, baseball or softball, they have just about everything for you and your family, all under one roof.

    If you’re a parent of kids playing multiple sports, you know the cost and the time to shop for it all can quickly add up. To help you stay in budget Academy uses the “good, better, best” model when it comes to most of their products. That means they offer a broad assortment of products and equipment at various price and experience levels, perfect for families looking to save.

    What are some top sports picks for us heading into this season? For baseball and softball families, they have all kinds of apparel and accessories from the Baseball 101 Collection, starting at just $29.99, including the youth ice cream shorts and ice cream backpack.

    For kids that really want to level up their game this season, they also have some great gear from Bruce Bolt, including batting gloves and compression arm sleeves, as low as $30.

    Lastly, the NBA postseason just kicked off, so we know basketball is top of mind for athletes. Speaking of basketball, Academy is happy to announce that they now carry Jordan brand sports products in 145 stores and on their website.

    Beyond sports, Academy is also all about getting the whole family together so they offer a huge assortment of gear for camping, and all-around outdoor fun, like tents, kayaks, yeti coolers, pickleball paddles, and just about anything you and your family will need to get out there and have some fun this spring.

    For more info check them out in-store or online at academy.com.

    They also know how busy parents are, so there’s lots of ways they make shopping even more convenient at Academy such as 1-hour curbside pickup, DoorDash, and even same day delivery.
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    2 mins
  • 397: Pet Health Tips for Spring
    Apr 18 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/pet-health-tips-spring

    It’s getting warmer and we all want to be outside, including our pets and that’s why spring is an important time for pet care. Dr. Taneeka Bautista, Director of Veterinary Quality at Banfield Pet Hospital - the nation’s leading provider of preventive veterinary care, shares some pet care tips and tricks for the spring season.

    After being indoors for much of the winter, spring is a time when we emerge to soak up the sunshine with our pets. This of course presents a whole new set of things you need to be aware of, from seasonal allergies to communicable diseases, so it’s always a good idea to take a beat and reevaluate your pet’s health.

    At Banfield Pet Hospital, they are all about delivering top-notch preventive veterinary care and achieving the best outcomes for our beloved pets. The best way to keep our pets healthy is to prevent problems before they arise and one of the easiest and most affordable ways to do this is through a wellness plan. You can talk to your vet about options, like Banfield Optimum Wellness Plan. These customizable packages let you budget for routine care, including annual exams, bloodwork, vaccines, dental cleanings, and more, making pet care a breeze.

    With the sunny skies, everyone—including our pets—starts socializing and traveling more, which can sometimes lead to communicable diseases, especially for dogs. Regular checkups and keeping their vaccines up-to-date helps ensure your pets stay healthy and happy. Watch for and talk to your veterinarian about any changes in behavior, loss of appetite, coughs or other respiratory issues – all of which could be symptoms of an underlying issue.

    Another treatment you should make sure your pet is up to date on is flea, tick, and heartworm medication. While fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can be a year-round problem, they start coming out more in the warmer weather. In fact, according to the American Heartworm Society, more than a million pets in the U.S. have heartworm, and cases are on the rise.

    The good news is, you can easily prevent these with topical, oral, or injectable treatments, keeping your pets safe and protected.

    Similar to humans, we see allergic skin disease emerge in spring leading to skin and dermatology issues; such as itchiness and ear problems. Stay vigilant and talk to your vet to keep your furry friends comfortable - you can even use telehealth apps like Banfield’s Pet Chat for 24/7 pet health advice from a veterinary professional.

    It’s a great time to check up on your pet’s dental routine. Taking care of their teeth at home is super important for their overall health but annual professional cleanings should also be part of their holistic dental care.

    Another thing to consider is upping the activity to keep your pet’s extra pounds in check. Many pets are less active in the cooler months or around the holidays. Regular physical activity is essential for keeping your pet healthy and happy.

    With over 1,000 locations across the country, Banfield makes sure you have access to your pet's medical records and high-quality care no matter where you are.

    Pet owners can learn more about Banfield's services at banfield.com.
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    4 mins
  • 396: Protecting Your Dog from Canine Respiratory Diseases
    Apr 8 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/protecting-your-dog-canine-respiratory-diseases

    As the weather warms up, and dogs are out and about more, it’s important to start discussing pet vaccination options with your veterinarian. Dr. Natalie Marks, a veterinarian, shares the latest information on transmission, prevention, and what pet owners should look out for to keep their dogs healthy and safe.

    Respiratory disease in dogs starts to ramp up in the spring, peaking between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with July being the peak month. Therefore, it’s important to start thinking about and talking with your veterinarian about vaccine options for your pet.

    Diseases such as Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV), and Bordetella bronchiseptica are prevalent during the respiratory season. They can easily be transmitted through direct contact, contaminated surfaces like toys, leashes, or water bowls, and by respiratory secretions. Both diseases can quickly spread in daycares and kennels. As families plan to travel for spring break and consider boarding their pets, it's the perfect time to think about getting them vaccinated to avoid the spread of these diseases.

    While most cases are mild, with symptoms including cough, fever, runny nose, lethargy, and loss of appetite, persistent coughing can cause prolonged discomfort, and, in severe instances, these diseases can result in pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. Dr. Marks advises that the best strategy to protect your dog is prevention through vaccination. Merck Animal Health offers two preventive vaccines — NOBIVAC® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi and NOBIVAC® NXT Canine flu H3N2.

    NOBIVAC® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi is the first and only oral vaccine that delivers dual protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica and Canine Parainfluenza Virus, two of the most common causes of kennel cough. It is administered orally by simply twisting the Immuno-Mist-R applicator until tight and misting toward the back of the mouth for can’t-miss coverage.

    NOBIVAC® NXT Canine flu H3N2, which is now available in vet clinics across the U.S., is the first and only canine influenza vaccine built on Merck Animal Health’s RNA-particle technology platform to protect against the critical influenza strain of concern of canine influenza virus circulating in the country.

    Learn more at merckanimalhealth.com and pet parents should ask their vet about protecting your dog against canine influenza with NOBIVAC®.
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    4 mins
  • 395: Power Through with a Home Backup Plan
    Mar 31 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/power-through-home-backup-plan

    As we spring ahead to a new season it’s always a good idea to make sure everything in and around the home is in working order. And with just a few months until things like hurricane season in the southeast and summer heatwaves expected at an all-time high, go through and check the smoke detectors and fire alarms, clean out the fireplace from winter use and make sure you have adequate power backup in the event of an outage.

    Portable solar generator company Jackery has some great solutions when it comes to powering your home during unexpected circumstances. Jackery’s 5000 Plus – the ultimate essential home backup, is a high-capacity solar generator with a smart transfer switch that seamlessly integrates into your home’s electrical system. It comes with two 500 watt solar panels allowing you to generate your own power, and unlike traditional gas generators, it's quiet and indoor-safe.

    For half the cost, you can cover your essentials without the lengthy and complex installation of complete home power solutions. Keeping your home’s most needed appliances and gadgets running even during extended outages. Whether it’s keeping the fridge running, your Wi-Fi and computer going or simply to keep the lights on, it’s a super smart investment —keeping you powered, connected and safe.

    To learn about essential home backup and for more information about the Jackery 5000 Plus visit jackery.com. Other tips? Don’t forget to freshen up your emergency preparedness kit. Make sure to have fresh water set aside along with non-perishable food.

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    2 mins
  • 394: Easy Family Meals
    Mar 14 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/eat-and-drink/video/easy-family-meals

    We all know that time is limited for busy families, but there is still a way to get easy delicious family–friendly meals with The Little Potato Company. They have the greatest Little Potato Kits to help make mealtime easier.

    Their Little Potatoes come pre-washed, require no peeling, and are small enough that they don’t need to be cut and they have so many options. You can microwave, grill or roast them in the oven, so there’s always something for everyone in the family.

    Two new options we’re loving are the A Little Hot Honey Microwave Ready Kits and A Little Garlic & Parmesan Oven or Grill Ready Kits.

    A Little Hot Honey has the sweetness of honey with a little heat from chili and cooks in as little as five minutes. You just heat the potatoes in the microwavable tray for five minutes, sprinkle on the hot honey seasoning pack, add a little butter or oil, and you have perfectly steamed little potatoes that are out of this world with a “no-recipe” recipe.

    Then, A Little Garlic & Parmesan Oven or Grill Ready Kits gives you classic oven roasted or grilled potatoes with a rich, cheesy garlic flavor. The seasoning pack is also fully plant-based.

    You can find these delicious new kits in the produce section at your local store. Check out littlepotatoes.com to find a store that sells them near you.
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    2 mins
  • 394: Spring Home Safety Tips
    Mar 14 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/spring-home-safety-tips

    With tax season in full swing, scammers are working overtime to steal personal information and your refunds at every stage of the tax filing process, even attempting to file fraudulent returns in your name. In fact, 81% of people have reported falling victim to a tax scam, according to the latest LifeLock study. Making it even worse, with all the AI, you need to be careful. LifeLock has some easy tips to stay safe. First, know that the IRS will never reach out to you via email, text, or social media to request personal or financial info, so if you see anything from the IRS through these methods, it’s likely a scam.

    Next, be careful with tax prep services and make sure your tax preparer has a valid preparer tax id number and is authorized to file returns. A service like LifeLock helps monitor and protect against identity theft. Norton 360 with LifeLock is also great because it’s an all-in-one protection for your devices, online privacy, and identity. Plus, it includes Norton Genie Scam Protection, which uses AI to detect and fight advanced scams. It will alert you and help flag suspicious texts, emails, and websites you browse, and it blocks fraudulent calls—lots of layers of protection to help you avoid becoming the next scam victim.

    Next, update your passwords, enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts and devices, and double-check your credit reports for signs of ID theft. Staying ahead of scammers doesn’t need to be complicated. Learn more at lifelock.com or norton.com.

    This time of year, you want to make sure everything in your home is up to snuff by checking fire alarms and smoke detectors. You also want to make sure your power is protected during unexpected outages. We are loving this kit from Jackery. It’s their 5000 Plus, an essential home backup kit, which comes with two 500-watt high-powered solar panels, along with a smart transfer switch that seamlessly integrates into your home’s electrical system, letting you generate your own clean power.

    Unlike traditional gas generators, it’s quiet and indoor-safe. Usually, whole home systems require hefty installation, but this kit will cover your most needed essentials for half the cost. For more information, visit jackery.com.
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    4 mins
  • 393: A Look at The New American Home 2025
    Mar 10 2025
    Watch the video: https://lifeminute.tv/home-and-family/video/look-new-american-home-2025

    They call it “The New American Home,” a model showroom that showcases the most innovative style and technology trends in modern home design. The custom-built home displayed again this year from Henderson, Nevada for the International Builders' Show (IBS). The message for 2025 is more levels, more openness, and even more of the latest in smart home innovations. The expansive living space of more than 9,000 total square feet and five bedrooms loaded with unique glass features allows for unobstructed views of the Las Vegas Valley below it.

    A food and wine connoisseurs’ dream, the kitchen is a masterpiece for homeowners who love to entertain. The centerpiece of the main cooking area --- luxury appliance brand SKS 48-inch Gas Pro Range with six gas burners and a griddle for gourmet style results – fast. As consumer demand for energy efficiency grows, the smarter these appliances get. Take the SKS ENERGY STAR Certified Integrated Column Fridge, the largest in its class with a ton of storage, and a column freezer for precise temperature control.

    Complementing the smart home features throughout The New American Home, let’s not forget the Transitional series Double Wall Oven with high-definition Gourmet AI™ Technology. It's so smart it does most all the work for you. It literally has a built-in high-def camera inside that identifies the food you’re putting in and suggests recipes, cooking temperatures, how long to cook it for and more automatically. Then their SKS ThinQ ® app, lets you monitor meals that are in the oven in real-time, record time-lapse video and share them with friends and family.

    For entertaining, the upper-level game room hosts a 24-inch Wine Refrigerator with Wine Cave Technology™ storing up to 41 bottles, keeping them perfectly chilled and ready with dual temperature zones. Next to it, a 24-inch undercounter fridge and freezer drawers with six different temperature control zones including pantry, deli, freezer and more. Meanwhile, the PowerSteam Panel-Ready Dishwasher ensures that every dish comes out sparkling clean.

    Other design elements include: more nature-inspiration; a mix of woods and metals; lots of warm browns and rich jewel tones; and all natural textiles, furniture, and flooring.

    For more info on The New American Home visit tnah.com.
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    3 mins
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