A Winning Combination: CPR & The NY Giants

The Super Bowl may be over, but the celebration continues at CPR. Here, agency principals Joe and Laura Carabello show their NY Pride.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Six Basic Solutions for Under-Eye Circles

By Alexis Lignos, Public Relations Assistant

Do you constantly have bags under your eyes? Dark under-eye circles are caused by hard living. Sleep deprivation and alcohol intake are two factors which cause the puffiness underneath our eyes, but they are a less common cause. The main reasons why so many people experience the depressing droopiness is due to fat loss under the eye, broken blood vessels or increased melanin (a natural substance that gives pigment). Of course you may wake up after a long night of studying or partying (whichever your preference) with the expected, terrible bags under your eyes. But let it be known that if you constantly have dark under-eye circles, then sleep deprivation may not be the only cause.

According to WebMD, there are six basic solutions for under-eye circles and bags.

  • Get enough sleep. It is inexpensive, repairs cell damage to your skin and keeps your face looking fresh the next day.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Causing dehydration, they may make dark circles more noticeable.
  • Check out injectable fillers. A dermatologist may administer these if your dark eye circles are due broken blood vessels. Fillers can help if fat loss is the cause of bags under the eyes.
  • Look into laser treatments and vitamin K. Laser treatments may reduce the look of dark circles due to broken blood vessels. Skin care products containing vitamin K can also help.
  • Go a shade lighter in your concealer. A concealer one shade lighter than your skin tone can help disguise under-eye circles.
  • Smile. This is the most effective eye-brightening tip!
Posted in Beauty | Leave a comment

Why You Should Take Extra Care of Your Pet in the Winter

By Alexis Lignos, Public Relations Assistant

 

With approximately 78.2 million owned dogs and 86.4 million owned cats in the United States, our pets are a big part of our family that we must always support with unconditional love and care.  During the winter, we must pay extra special attention to our animals throughout the abrupt seasonal changes to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable.

1)      Annual Check-up: First things first, it is always good to keep your loyal friend healthy by taking them for a winter check-up to make sure they are in good medical condition. Just like you have a case of seasonal body aches, your pet may also be suffering a similar illness. And do not forget, the cold weather affects your pet just as much as it may affect you!

2)      Keep Your Pet Warm: As a dog lover and owner, I walk my Bichon Frise named “Fuzzy” about 2-3 times per day. Since we rescued him from the local animal shelter, we take extra special care of him. During the winter, he has his own style with his trendy dog sweaters and vests to keep his small body warm. This is an excellent idea for purchase because they are inexpensive, readily available for purchase at your local pet store or online and keep your loved one from becoming sick. If your pet is a breed with longer hair, they may be able to spend more time outdoors, but never-the-less, all animals are vulnerable to the cold. Also, when you bathe your animal, be sure you blow dry him or her after, this way they do not catch a cold when they leave your home.

3)      Never Leave Them Alone Outdoors: With the below freezing temperatures we may experience during the winter months, comes the lovely sight of snow beneath our feet and also an extremely dangerous time period to leave your pets alone outdoors. If you live near a body of water that may freeze, be aware if your pet wanders towards it. The last thing someone needs is having to rescue their pet from a body of freezing water. Also, as ice begins to form on the ground, people tend to put down rock salt and chemical ice salts in order to melt the snow to avoid accidents or falls from occurring. These products may be filled with chemicals and if ingested, can be severely dangerous to your pet.

Winter may be a dangerous time period for your pet but it does not have to be. As long as you keep your small friend warm, safe, and secure against the cold and pay close attention to their needs, you two should be free to frolic in the snow banks and enjoy each other’s company outdoors.

Posted in Healthcare, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Solar Panels Help Universities Go Green

By Stephanie Smith- Public Relations Assistant

As a student of William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ), I am proud to acknowledge that my school currently has the largest solar panel system of any university in the United States! Kathleen Waldron, President of William Paterson, has even declared that other schools are calling to ask how to do it.  Although, the overall cost of the panels was pricey, the investment will significantly reduce costs over time. The investment is estimated to save $4.3 million in energy costs over the next 15 years.  Here are some reasons how universities can benefit from the installation of solar panels and why many are eager to go green.
1.    Solar panels are estimated to last about thirty years and are durable in any type of weather condition.
2.    Our economy is severely suffering from inflation with gas prices and electric bills on the rise. However, once solar panels are installed, the price will not change. This makes bills more manageable.
3.    Solar panels virtually produce no pollution compared to burning fossil fuels, which release toxic gases into the atmosphere, which is dire to the environment and for one’s health. Solar power is an ideal alternative to fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil) and is an abundant, clean and renewable resource.
4.    The panels can assist with the promotion of going green. The community will most likely admire the gesture and perhaps be inspired to be more environmentally conscious.
5.     Finally, save energy = save money. As I stated earlier on, the investment of the panels is expected to save millions of dollars in the long run at William Paterson University. Other schools should expect similar results.
So, these are just a few reasons why I think the solar panels make such a huge impact at my school. Other than the initial cost of the panels, I see no real drawbacks to having them installed. I personally think it is one of the best investments William Paterson University has ever made. Other universities in the United States would be crazy to not at least consider them. Who wouldn’t want to take the opportunity to save energy? Come join the green side!

Posted in Green | Tagged , | 91 Comments

Stop Drinking Coffee in the Morning

By Matthew Ramos-Public Relations Assistant

Okay, before I get impaled for making such an outrageous suggestion, let me explain…

Most of you probably around know that drinking too much coffee isn’t good for you, and many of you are probably ready to tell me that coffee is actually filled with good things called antioxidants that make you younger and fight sickness.

Well, both of them are true, but even with the antioxidants that coffee does supply, it’s probably a better idea to reduce or eliminate one’s intake. Here are my reasons:

1. Coffee burns out the body. It gives you a strong shot of the adrenaline which feels like healthy energy but it’s really more of stimulant that ‘forces’ you to stay awake. Too much of this, as I’m sure many college students and workaholics are aware of, causes you to crash once that adrenaline stream stops pumping, increasing the urge for even MORE coffee and making way for an unproductive crash and burn cycle.

2. Caffeine is technically a drug, just not an illegal kind. It can change a person’s behavior and even the way that they think, and the most drug-like property is that it easily becomes an addiction, especially when it’s such a convenient way to wake up.

How many people need coffee just to get started in the morning? Most of us in the U.S. do. Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts are household names. Drinking coffee is thought of by many as more normal than drinking water. However, you can do your overall health and productivity a good favor by drinking less of this addictive java.

Switch to green tea to deal with the withdrawals, or just go cold turkey, and eventually it won’t be needed. Your health and your wallet (with all the money you’ll be saving from Dunkin) will thank you.

Now, I’m fully aware that most people will disregard this message at the title, but I thought I’d say something. Look up all the scientific stuff that I didn’t cite on wikipedia.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Real vs. Artificial Christmas Tree This Year

By: Candice Varetoni
Account Coordinator

We all know the perks that come with buying a real Christmas tree like the fresh smell and natural look it brings to your home. Here are some facts, you may not be aware of, on why buying a real Christmas tree might be the best option:

  • There are close to 15,000 farms growing Christmas Trees in the U.S., and over 100,000 people are employed full or part-time in the industry.
  • There are close to 350 million Real Christmas Trees currently growing on Christmas Tree farms in the U.S. alone, all planted by farmers.
  • Real Trees are a renewable, recyclable resource.  Most artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and possible metal toxins such as lead.

Even though every year my family and I pick a tree from the local tree farm, doesn’t mean I think everyone should. I understand that picking up the pines off of the floor can become a bit tedious. You can’t forget to water the tree as well. Artificial trees have their bonuses:

  • They are cheaper, especially because you reuse them year after year.
  • They come in all different shapes and sizes; they are created to look perfect. Did you ever buy a real Christmas tree bring it home and there is numerous “bald spots”.
  • No need to clean up after them and they can be surprisingly light to carry. So shoving the tree back in the attic or basement at the end of the season is rather easy.
  • Most artificial trees come with some sort of warranty (I’ve seen some up to 10 years).

Whether you are buying a real Christmas tree or an artificial one this year — or maybe you won’t be buying a Christmas tree at all because you don’t celebrate Christmas, I hope all of you have a happy and healthy holiday season!

Posted in CPR office | Leave a comment

Keep the Achoo! Away

By Tara Gillies
Public Relations Assistant

I feel like everyone I know is getting sick right now. It is that time of year, where the dreaded cold or flu virus wreaks havoc on nearly everyone. I find myself avoiding physical contact and crowded areas for fear of being on the receiving end of an unwanted present. However, it is unlikely that you can avoid contact with people during the whole flu season, so here are some tips on how to stay healthy this year.

1. Eat healthy- Make sure you are eating five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables every day and switch to whole grains instead of processed foods (although this should be true all of the time). In addition, there are several foods that can boost your immune system. One of my all-time favorite foods, garlic, may actually boost your immune system, increasing resistance to infection and stress. Also, citrus fruits contain vitamin-C which is thought to increase immunity while zinc found in peanuts and meats has a similar healing property. Finally, dairy products contain conjugated linoleic acid, which has boosted immune response in animal studies.
2. Wash your hands- Make sure you are washing your hands with soap and hot water for at least 30 seconds several times a day to rid your hands of bacteria. It is also a smart idea to carry around hand-sanitizer for times when you are unable to wash your hands.
3. Get plenty of sleep- I know that there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done, but setting a bedtime and sticking to it every night helps your body stay in a regular rhythm, and can aid in fighting off diseases.
4. Take a multi-vitamin- Even if you are a healthy eater, it is wise to take a multi-vitamin to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients that your body requires.
5. Get a flu shot- I know that everyone does not loves needles, but a little pinch sure beats a week in bed watching daytime television. Not only is it fast, but most pharmacies now offer walk-in flu shots for less than $20.
6. Drink plenty of water- Doctors recommend drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily to ensure the immune system works properly.
7. Exercise- Everyone knows that exercise is good for the body and soul. During flu and cold season it is doubly important to exercise several times a week to keep your immune system up and running. However, don’t over-do it, as fatiguing your body can be a factor for illness.
8. If you get sick, stay home- Just because you get sick, doesn’t mean that everyone at your office or school should share in your misery! Stay home, and get better, to prevent the further spread of disease. It will give you an excuse to catch up on your DVR and eat chicken soup!

I have been loading up on Vitamin C in addition to my daily vitamin repertoire and I think I have avoided the first ring of illnesses. With the holidays coming up, I definitely do not want to end up in bed. Good luck to everyone out there! Eat healthy and wash your hands.

Posted in Health Tips and Products | Leave a comment

Happy Holidays from CPR!

The CPR Team. Row 1: Account Manager Ervin Torres (and baby penguin friend). Row 2: Executive Assistant Ann Marie Zyla, Accountant Lynn Sethman, Account Manager Stephanie Clark, Account Executive Katelyn Petersen, Principal Laura Carabello, Account Executive Joelle Caputa (and mother penguin). Row 3: IT Miguel Roca, Vice President Ihor Andruch, Account Manager Jessica Day, CEO Joseph Carabello, Marketing Director for Foundation of Chiropractic Progress Lauren Kennedy.

Posted in CPR office | Tagged | Leave a comment

November Employee of the Month: Katelyn Petersen

Congrats to CPR’s November Employee of the Month, Account Executive Katelyn Petersen!

“It’s an honor to receive recognition from co-workers for all of the hard work we do at CPR,” says Petersen.  “I always have everyone’s best interests in mind, and am here if anyone needs anything.  My door has been shut on several occasions, and I am happy to be there to help! November was a hectic month – in a good way.  New clients, new challenges, new opportunities, and as always great media opportunities!”

Stating that she is truly thankful for the honor, Petersen gushes “CPR is an awesome place to work, and we have the greatest staff.”

As she climbs the corporate ladder, Petersen follows the motto “work hard, and play harder!”

 

Posted in CPR office | Leave a comment

Tips For Healthy Eating This Holiday Season

By Emine Kasapoglu
Public Relations Assistant

Everyone looks forward to seeing loved ones, exchanging presents and making memories during the holidays, but no one looks forward to the long-lasting weight gain that ensues!
I have prepared a list of easy switch-ups you can make to your holiday diet so you can still enjoy many of your favorite foods and be healthy at the same time, because we, the CPR team, care about your wellbeing!

-Cut down on sugary cocktails- Although some people (or their egos) are reluctant to accept studies that prove cocktails are fervent enemies of weight loss, skeptics can rejoice. Countless studies attest that cocktails add inches to your waistline because they are loaded with sugar.

This holiday season, drink water instead. It speeds up your metabolism, helps fill you up faster (so you eat less), and has no calories.

-Join the “Small Plate Movement”- Studies show that plate size is a strong indicator of consumption behavior and that a larger sized plate influences diners to eat and serve more. Using a smaller sized plate will help you to eat a healthier portion of your favorite holiday foods!

-Make a healthy pumpkin pie-this holiday meal fixture is a notorious culprit of weight gain crime! But did you know you can cut calories and fat by omitting eggs and dairy, without giving up taste? Silken tofu, which has a softer consistency than regular tofu, is virtually tasteless in desserts and a great substitute for eggs and dairy in your pumpkin pie. Simply blend pure pumpkin with silken tofu and follow the rest of the directions of your favorite recipe—you will still have all the creaminess of pumpkin pie without sacrificing taste!

-Fill up on the right dishes- Eat half the amount of mashed potatoes you normally do and double up on other veggies (such as these green beans with fresh cranberries). Another important tip is to stay away from sodium. You can add savor to meals using roasted garlic and other herbs as an alternative for salt. Lastly, you can still be festive without drinking eggnog. Instead, make your own candy cane tea and sweeten up with honey!
Have a happy and safe holiday season!

Posted in Health Tips and Products | Tagged , | Leave a comment