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Hidden gems in Honduras offer something for every type of traveler

2022-11-30T07:00:00

(BPT) – Does winter in the Northern Hemisphere have you dreaming of a tropical vacation? Honduras, coincidentally, is at its peak dry season from December to April. If you’re looking to escape the cold for a warm-weather destination offering unique, affordable, one-of-a-kind experiences for divers, history buffs, adventure seekers and wildlife lovers alike, a Honduran vacation may just be your ticket.

Located in the heart of Central America, Honduras boasts an environment rich in biodiversity — with an array of ecosystems including dense rainforests, towering cloud forests, rushing rivers and the largest coral reef in the Americas. The Honduran Conservation Coalition has taken it upon themselves to protect Honduran biodiversity — and even encourages visitors to participate.

All this adds up to outdoor adventures and communing with the natural world, where there is something for travelers of all types:

1. Scuba diving enthusiast

You probably will have to look hard and long to find dive spots as spectacular as they are in Honduras. The Bay Islands, located north of the mainland, are known for marine life, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, and water adventures like SCUBA diving and snorkeling.

The three most famous dive spots in the Bay Islands — Utila, Roatán and Guanaja archipelagos — invite the intrepid diver to discover underwater worlds, swim with whale sharks and explore hard and soft coral reefs, to name a few. Enjoy a close encounter with coral formations or deep-dive 2,000 feet to see a bluntnose shark.

SCUBA-certified visitors to Roatán are invited to participate in the Coral Restoration Program at Roatán Marine Park, a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Honduras’ marine and coastal ecosystems.

2. Wildlife lover

Honduras cherishes its wild lands and wildlife and works hard to preserve it. Since near-deforestation of the land in the 1970s, Hondurans have made it their business to restore habitat for thousands of species of birds and mammals.

You can hang out with a sloth in an animal sanctuary. Hike among monkeys, jaguar, tapirs, deer and other native wildlife in the Central American lowland rainforest. Outside the colonial town of Gracias, visit Celaque National Park. The 65,000-acre park offers multiday hikes through the cloud forest to the pristine summit of Cerros Las Minas.

Honduras also boasts a marvelous bird population. From the rare species like the quetzal and the wine-throated hummingbird to the endangered macaw, more than 800 species call Honduras home. Watch for scarlet macaws that fly freely throughout the 335-square-mile area known as The Sacred Valley of the Scarlet Macaw.

3. Adventure junkie

In addition to being an eco-friendly country, Honduras has its share of adventure vacations. Not into diving but still love underwater creatures? Tela Coral Aquarium can get you up close to the nation’s magnificent coral reefs.

Horseback riding tours are also popular. From three-hour to half-day tours, get a new perspective of the Mayan ruins, indigenous communities or beach front on horseback. You can even get a daylong tour that covers La Ceiba beach and the nearby forest.

If an adrenaline rush is more your style, white-water rafting along the Rio Cangrejal and its class III to V rapids will get your blood pumping. Zipline La Campa canopy in Celaque National Park, the canopy in Pico Bonito, La Cieba, Atlántida or Cataratas Pulhapunzak to get a bird’s-eye view, at a fast clip, above the tree line, through the darkened forest or over swiftly flowing rivers and waterfalls.

4. History buff

Copán Ruins, located in western Honduras near the Guatemalan border, was one of the most influential cities of the ancient Mayan world. At Copán Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, set your inner archeologist free to explore some of the best sites of Mayan civilization still in existence. Stop by the Tea & Chocolate Place in adjacent Copán Ruinas to enjoy traditional hot chocolate and chat with owner and archaeologist David Sedat, a renowned expert on Mayan culture.

If soaking in natural hot springs, strolling through botanical gardens and enjoying breathtaking views from a hilltop fortress sounds enticing, a visit to Gracias is a must. This 500-year-old model Central American town is said to have been named by conquistadors who thanked God for delivering them to this oasis after a long, hard trek.

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Don’t let the end of 2022 sabotage your New Year’s resolutions

2022-11-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever thought that, since you’re starting a healthy new lifestyle tomorrow, you may as well throw all your healthy goals out the window — just for today? If so, you’re not alone. As one year ends and a new year approaches, many people considering health-related resolutions are already “writing off” the end of the year. According to Herbalife Nutrition’s fifth annual “Writing Off the End of the Year” survey, 60% of those planning to postpone starting their healthy habits until the new year have already begun doing so — admitting that mid-November is their cut-off. And unfortunately, one-fourth of Americans are still carrying weight they gained at the end of the previous year, perpetuating a cycle of self-sabotage that’s hard to break.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 Americans and 2,750 international respondents from five different countries, revealed that over half (53%) admitted to breaking their diets at the end of the year, with 37% saying that was specifically due to holiday food temptations. The average respondent said they expect to gain five and a half pounds before 2023 — on top of any weight they’re still carrying from last year’s holiday season.

Health goals remain at the top of resolutions

According to the survey, people thinking ahead to next year’s resolutions are still putting health, nutrition and wellness at the top of their list.

Top New Year’s resolutions for 2023:

1. Save more money — 57%
2. Eat healthier — 55%
3. Exercise more — 54%
4. Focus on self-care — 49%
5. Improve work/life balance — 42%

But unfortunately, indulging in the excesses of the holidays at the end of 2022 could set you up for a harder climb to reach your lofty health goals. In fact, nearly half of those surveyed (49%) said they planned to wait until the new year to try and lose weight.

Just how far do people go when “writing off” the end of the year?

Here are the top survey responses that were offered regarding just how far people admit to having let themselves go at the end of the year:

  • Eaten more than one dessert at a meal — 41%
  • Eaten more than one of the same meal in a day — 35%
  • Eaten more than three meals in a day — 35%
  • Eaten an extra-large midnight snack — 26%
  • Eaten so much I’ve had to undo a button on my pants or loosen a belt — 24%
  • Deliberately worn stretchy clothes to accommodate overeating — 19%
  • Hid my favorite holiday foods/treats to save for later — 18%
  • Eaten until I feel sick/unwell/full to bursting — 17%

From this list, you can see why writing off the end of the year could add up to a lot of habits to change after the New Year’s party is over.

Why not set yourself up for success instead?

This year, instead of writing off the end of the year, you could change the cycle of end-of-year excess with a little smart planning and common sense moves. The result? Your New Year’s resolutions will be starting from a position of strength, with that much less weight to lose or habits to change come Jan. 1.

Here are a few tips from Dr. Kent Bradley, chief health and nutrition officer at Herbalife Nutrition, to help you get through the holidays and avoid that end-of-year health sabotage:

  • Have a protein-rich snack before going to a holiday party to reduce your feelings of hunger — and the chance that you’ll overeat when you get there.
  • Enjoy a small bite of an indulgent food you love, since most of the enjoyment is often in the first bite — thus avoiding the discomfort of overeating.
  • Plan for smaller portions if you’re hosting, or choose smaller portions from a buffet or dinner — to reduce overeating and also cut down on food waste.

These tips show that it’s still possible to enjoy the holidays without throwing all of your health goals out the window.

Start now

If you’re planning to start 2023 with a “new year, new you” attitude like 63% of the survey respondents, avoid the sabotage trap now by being more aware of your habits over the holidays. Your 2023 self will thank you.

Learn more about good health habits at IAmHerbalifeNutrition.com.

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How to enjoy the ultimate FIFA World Cup viewing experience at home

2022-11-29T08:43:00

(BPT) – There is one sport that brings together people of all ages around the world: soccer. And there’s one event that has everyone across time zones cheering for their favorite team: the FIFA World Cup. This year, you can stay up on the action and cheer your team to victory from the comfort of your own home.

Excitement surrounds the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ as top teams compete for the championship title. Now you don’t have to miss the action because the competition is on the other side of the world. Just follow this checklist for the ultimate viewing experience at home:

  1. Wash favorite team jersey
  2. Ready team regalia
  3. Make game-day foods
  4. Prep your cheering voice
  5. Tune into Comcast for all the games, scores, replays and more

Comcast provides a personalized, interactive and bilingual viewing experience for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ across its entertainment platforms, including Xfinity X1, Xfinity Flex, the Xfinity Stream app and XClass TV.

The platforms will aggregate all available English and Spanish live coverage and on-demand replays into one comprehensive destination, and include new features designed to bring the best and simplest FIFA World Cup™ viewing experience to pay TV customers and streamers alike.

FOX Sports and Telemundo are the official FIFA World Cup™ English and Spanish language broadcast rights-holders for the tournament, which takes place in Qatar from November 20 to December 18.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on X1 and Stream

X1 will once again deliver the most robust and feature-rich FIFA World Cup™ viewing experience, offering Xfinity TV customers a simple and intuitive way to access all tournament coverage from across networks and streaming services including Telemundo, Universo, Peacock, FOX, FS1, and Tubi. This year’s destination, which can be accessed by saying “World Cup” or “Copa Mundial” into the Xfinity Voice Remote, will feature:

  • The first FIFA World Cup™ in Dolby Vision – only on Xfinity X1: Xfinity will be the only place in the U.S. where fans can experience FOX’s live 4K match coverage in Dolby Vision HDR. Available on eligible X1 set-top boxes, this milestone marks the first time U.S. consumers will get to experience the FIFA World Cup™ in best-in-class HDR when viewed through a Dolby Vision capable TV.
  • A personalized viewing experience: In just a few clicks, X1 customers can choose their favorite teams to create a custom FIFA World Cup™ viewing experience across devices, putting live coverage and match highlights of their favorite teams front and center within the destination. They can also opt to get notifications directly on their TV and/or mobile device when their favorite team is about to take the pitch, and to get quick links to post-match highlights.
  • Interactive bracket: For the first time, X1’s tournament bracket will be interactive, enabling fans to track the latest schedule, get the latest scores and standings, and prepare for upcoming matches with the ability to set recordings or reminders.
  • DVR highlights: Leveraging machine learning technology within Comcast’s global technology platform, fans will find high-impact plays, like goals, penalty kicks and amazing saves noted in the playback bar of their DVR recording so they can quickly catch up on the biggest moments from the match.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ on Comcast’s Streaming Platforms

On Xfinity Flex and XClass TV, Comcast will offer streamers a comprehensive destination that brings all tournament-related programming available to stream on the platform into one experience, including live matches and same-day replays of all 64 matches in Spanish from Peacock, same-day replays of all 64 matches in English available from Tubi, tournament highlights and analysis, and more.

Flex customers wanting to experience more of the tournament can quickly and easily upgrade to Xfinity TV via the Stream app so they can access FOX’s and Telemundo live coverage.

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Three Myths That Might Be Standing Between You and the Right COPD Therapy

2022-11-29T13:25:00

(BPT) – Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that gradually makes breathing difficult — especially as the disease progresses. If you (or someone you love) are one of the nearly 16 million people in the United States currently living with COPD, you may have misperceptions about the disease and how to manage the symptoms.

“COPD can be devastating over time — leading to inflammation, mucous, and narrowing of the airways in the lung, for those living with the condition,” said Kim Gilchrist, M.D., Medical Director, Viatris.

“There are various ways that those suffering with COPD can manage symptoms, but first, it is important to address any obstacles and roadblocks to care,” added Dr. Gilchrist. “One potential challenge is misinformation that might be keeping those with COPD from finding the right treatment for them.”

Below are three common myths around COPD treatment and tips for helping you better manage your breathing with COPD:

MYTH #1: Handheld inhalers are the only available treatment option for COPD

Handheld inhalers are helpful as quick acting “rescue inhalers” to relieve shortness of breath. Other inhalers may also be available in the form of long-acting daily maintenance therapy. Both forms are effective options for reducing symptoms and are compact, so can be taken on-the-go. Another potential treatment option is medication delivered by a nebulizer. This device discharges a fine mist that can be inhaled into the lungs either through a mouthpiece or face mask, while allowing for normal breathing. This option may be preferred for individuals who have trouble coordinating deep breathing while receiving medication in a handheld device.

MYTH #2: Using a nebulizer daily is only needed if you have a severe case of COPD

When it comes to managing COPD, it’s important for you to have an individualized care plan. Some factors that may influence the treatment you choose include family history and genetics; long-term exposure to other inhaled irritants or secondhand smoke; and having other lung diseases, such as asthma or bronchitis. When exploring options, remember that nebulized medicines can be used daily as maintenance therapy to control many COPD symptoms, regardless of severity or disease progression. However, you may still want to carry a rescue inhaler for more difficult breathing periods.

MYTH #3: You should stick with your prescribed handheld inhaler, even if your symptoms are worsening

You should always share any changes in symptoms or side effects with your doctor. Prior to an appointment, prepare any questions and what you hope to achieve at the appointment. When it comes to COPD, you should feel empowered to be your own personal advocate — helping to take control and feel more confident with the treatment journey. Whether or not an appointment is scheduled, reach out to your doctor immediately to discuss your medications or other treatment options, especially if your symptoms are worsening.

There are many types of medicines for COPD — each with its own benefits and risks. Be sure to check in with your doctor regularly to discuss your COPD and whether your current treatment is still right for you. Likewise, do not change your treatment regimen without first consulting your doctor.

To learn more about COPD, visit TheCOPDFacts.com, which provides important information about treatment options. Also visit the Myth-Understood Facebook page to watch a live video, featuring insights from medical experts in COPD treatment and management.

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Dr. Kim Gilchrist is a Medical Director at Viatris and a board-certified internist supporting medical education for patients with COPD and chronic respiratory diseases. Viatris is a global pharmaceutical company whose mission is to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life.

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Managing Life With COPD [Infographic]

2022-11-29T15:07:00

(BPT) – While COPD is a progressive and serious disease, it can be treated. There are steps that people with COPD can take to better manage their condition as they continue to live their lives.

Viatris and Theravance are dedicated to providing resources and information to those living with COPD, as they manage their daily challenges. To learn more about the COPD community and to access additional resources, visit TheCOPDFacts.com.

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New year, best you: 4 practical tips for investing in your health in 2023

2022-11-29T14:31:00

(BPT) – A new year means a fresh start and a new set of earnest attempts at self-improvement, especially when it comes to health and wellness. According to Statista, last year’s top three U.S. New Year’s resolutions included wanting to exercise more, eat healthier and lose weight.

However, according to research by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, of the 41% of Americans who make New Year’s resolutions, only 9% achieve their goals. More often than not, people set elaborate or overly ambitious goals and when they inevitably fall short, it can leave them feeling discouraged to continue beyond January.

If you need help kick-starting your wellness journey, check out these four simple, bite-sized tips from Life Extension to support healthy habits to achieve lasting results in 2023.

1. Do one small thing for your health every single day

If you’re just starting your wellness journey, it can be hard to know where to start. However, it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can start by doing one small thing for your health every day.

An easy way to invest in your health every day is to take a multivitamin like Two Per Day. These high-potency multivitamin tablets provide a broad spectrum of essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to support health and well-being throughout your day.

2. Get 6-8 hours of quality sleep

Restful sleep is vital to health and well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), good sleep improves your brain performance, mood and health, and not getting enough quality sleep can affect your cognitive health, metabolic health, and more.

If you need bedtime support, consider taking a supplement like Herbal Sleep PM. This supplement uses scientifically studied ingredients — including lemon balm, honokiol and chamomile extract — to target multiple sleep centers in the brain without melatonin or milk peptides. It also promotes a healthy response to stress and a relaxed nervous system response while calming your mind so you can sleep peacefully.

3. Address the root cause of your gut health

Digestive health can easily be overlooked but is a critical component of a holistic health approach. When your gut bacteria is out of balance, it can affect your overall well-being.

One way to balance and protect your gut health is to take a quality probiotic like FLORASSIST® GI with Phage Technology. This probiotic formula targets unwanted bacteria with a novel bacteriophage blend while delivering a mix of seven healthy probiotic strains for digestive health support. It promotes digestive health, proper nutrient absorption, and a healthy balance of bacteria in your intestines.

4. Avoid the winter blues and protect your immune health

Many people don’t get enough vitamin D from sunshine and diet alone, especially in the early months of the year when winter has really settled in. This nutrient is vital for healthy bones and a strong immune system and may help you avoid those winter blues.

To make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D, take a supplement like Life Extension’s Vitamin D3. This daily high-potency supplement contains 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 to help you achieve optimal levels of this vital nutrient and inhibit deficiency.

Start your year with bite-sized, manageable goals to help reclaim your health and well-being in the new year. Using these four tips, you can focus on creating long-lasting results without the stress of lofty ambitions and shame.

To help you kick-start your New Year wellness goals, Life Extension is offering deals on 450 supplements with free shipping for orders over $50. Be sure to stock up on the essentials that will support you throughout the year. To learn more, visit LifeExtension.com.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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3 ways to update your bathroom for hosting holiday gatherings

2022-11-28T23:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re getting ready to host friends and family for the holidays, there’s plenty of preparation that needs to be done before they arrive. In addition to holiday decorating and cleaning, this is a great time to do any necessary home improvements and upgrades.

One area of your home you should consider updating in preparation for the holiday season is your bathroom. Your bathroom is a high-traffic area on any given day and even more so when hosting holiday gatherings.

Give your guests and yourself the gift of an elevated bathroom experience that you can enjoy now and into the new year. Check out these three ways you can update your bathroom this holiday season.

1. Upgrade your experience with a bidet toilet seat for elevated comfort

Over the last few years, bidets have become more popular in the U.S. They are a hygienic addition to your bathroom and give a touch of luxury. You don’t have to buy and install a stand-alone bidet, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Instead, opt for a bidet toilet seat that you can easily install on your existing toilet.

For example, the C3-230 bidet toilet seat brings the freshness of personal cleansing and elevated comfort to your bathroom. The slim, low-profile design fits most elongated toilets for simple installation. Also, you won’t have to worry about upkeep, as the self-cleaning stainless-steel wand uses UV light for automatic cleaning.

Your guests will appreciate the heated seats and adjustable settings, including water temperature and pressure, seat temperature and air drying. A built-in nightlight illuminates the bowl, helping guests use the bathroom at night.

2. Spend less time cleaning with a continuous cleaning toilet

Cleaning is a chore that doesn’t seem to end, especially when hosting people for the holidays. Spend less time cleaning and more time entertaining by upgrading your bathroom with a continuous cleaning toilet.

A continuous cleaning toilet like the Cimarron ContinuousClean ST system simplifies your bathroom cleaning routine. This two-piece toilet cleans your toilet with every flush, keeping it cleaner five times longer than traditional toilets.

Paired with KOHLER Revolution 360 flushing technology, ContinuousClean ST raises toilet cleanliness to a new level. As a bonus, the chair-height toilet makes sitting down and standing up easier for most adults, increasing comfort.

3. Impress your guests with a multifunctional showerhead

Showers aren’t just for getting clean. They can be a luxurious way to start the day or relax after a day of festivities. A simple way to elevate your shower experience and impress guests is to install a multifunctional showerhead.

Turn your shower into the ultimate spa-like experience with the Awaken 2-1 Combo multifunction shower combo kit. The shower head and handheld shower head offer three spray settings to suit anyone’s mood and need, including a targeted spray for massaging sore muscles. Combined with a rotating rail, this showerhead can be easily adjusted for everyone’s use. For eco-conscious hosts and guests, the pause feature temporarily stops water flow to conserve water while you lather, shave or shampoo.

These are just three ways you can upgrade your bathroom in preparation for the holiday season. For more ideas on how you can elevate your bathroom, visit Kohler.com.

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6 tips to maximize your giving this season

2022-11-28T16:15:00

(BPT) – It’s the season of giving, which means you can make an impact no matter your budget.

When money is tight, donating to charities can easily fall to the bottom of your list. But you can reap the benefits of investing in others even when there’s little wiggle room in your own budget.

Here are six ways to help you maximize your giving this season.

Swap it out

According to the 2022 Happy Money Giving Survey, more than 75% of people plan to donate the same or more money this year compared to last, which is very encouraging. If that’s you and you need help finding room in your budget for charities you’d like to support, try reviewing weekly expenses. Is there a recurring splurge or expense that no longer brings you joy and could be cut out once or twice a month? If so, this money could give you a much bigger happiness boost by putting it toward a favorite cause instead.

Grow your gift

The survey also found 62% of people have donated money in the past 12 months toward a charity or cause they care about. One way you can increase the amount you give is by taking the money you would otherwise donate to your favorite charity each month and place it into a high-yield savings account instead. Then the gift that you intended to give monthly can now grow into an even larger annual donation with no impact to your budget.

Another way to increase your donation is to ask friends or family to match (or exceed!) your gift. Using events like your birthday or holidays is a great way to pool money to put toward your favorite causes. Plus, you can share it on your favorite social media platforms too. Some apps even let you use your birthday as a fundraiser! Regardless of how many followers you have, the ripple effect can have a big impact.

Gift your talent

If money is just not an option, that’s OK! The survey found 80% of people plan to volunteer the same or more time as last year. Your time and talents are priceless to many organizations. Do you have a specialty or niche that could provide a benefit to a local organization? Would you love to mentor a local teen? Or read to a group of wide-eyed toddlers? There are a lot of ways to turn your talents into gifts that many charities would receive with open arms.

See if your donation can be doubled

Explore ways your contribution can be easily doubled. You could see if a friend or family member would like to join you once a month to volunteer or if they’d be willing to match your financial donation. You can also ask your favorite charity or nonprofit if they have a matching campaign happening around the holidays and plan to donate during that time. Some companies also offer charitable donation matches to their employees.

Plan ahead

The Happy Money Survey found 28% of people say they set aside a specific amount of money from their paycheck to donate to causes they care about. Automatically setting aside money can make it easier to plan and budget for giving and make the impact to your own budget less noticeable.

Reputable charities only

Be sure that you’re wisely investing your time and money with a cause that is credible. Reputable charities and nonprofits will be transparent about their practices, their funding and their beliefs. Some resources to help with this are websites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar, which provide nonprofit reviews and ratings to help consumers understand how they use donations.

Download the 2022 Happy Money Giving Guide for more tips including how to give experiences, questions to think about before choosing a charity to donate to and information to develop your own giving strategy and maximize your impact this season.

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Looking for a new healthy meal option? New acai bowl chain conquers hunger and fills hearts

2022-11-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – You have a busy, active lifestyle and want a quick meal that fuels you rather than bogs you down. You’re over smoothies and salads, craving something that excites and satisfies your taste buds while still providing you the nutrition you know your body needs to feel its best.

The acai bowl fits the bill, and with Nautical Bowl locations opening nationwide, your fix of delicious superfoods packed with nutrients is as easy as stopping by your local store. No Nautical Bowls store in your location yet? This is your opportunity to be on the forefront of this hot trend and start one yourself.

What exactly is an acai bowl?

Acai — pronounced ah-sah-EE — is a berry loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Called a superfood by many nutritionists, the fruit can be blended to serve as a base for a bowl, which then is layered with other healthy ingredients and toppings.

Nautical Bowls is unique because they focus on making the best bowls to suit anyone’s taste preferences, using some of the most well-known superfoods and wholesome ingredients available. Some of the other bases that can be layered include acai, pitaya (dragon fruit), coconut, mango, cacao and chia pudding. Toppings include fresh ground peanut and almond butters, granola, a variety of seeds and drizzles like honey.

The bowls can be enjoyed for a meal or snack anytime, like a quick breakfast on the way to the office or a post-workout snack. Despite the eye-catching colors from each layered ingredient, these are not a dessert. The vibrant hues come from an array of nutrients in each ingredient, so you’re eating a rainbow the way Mother Nature intended. All bowls are plant-based, gluten, dairy and soy free, contain zero refined sugars and are made with organic, all-natural ingredients.

A unique opportunity

The first time you try an acai bowl, you’ll understand the hype. Not only is the Nautical Bowls product delicious, but stores are cheery and a positive part of the communities they serve. This business concept and the food options themselves are incredibly unique against alternatives. As more people prioritize a healthy lifestyle, it’s no wonder these bowls are garnering growing enthusiasm among people of all ages.

This is what caught the attention of Peter Taunton, a franchisee expert with more than 25 years working in the health and fitness space. Taunton met with founders Rachel and Bryant Amundson to discuss their current business and provide insights as to what they may consider should they decide to expand. After evaluating the business and appreciating the simplicity of the operations and the relevance of the product offering, he suggested that with some changes, this could be a very franchise-able business.

Not having franchise experience, the Amundsons and Taunton formed a partnership and Nautical Bowls Franchising LLC was born.

Taunton said what captured his eye with this opportunity was Nautical Bowls’ commitment to serving the perfect, healthy meal replacement for those looking to make a pivot in their eating choices and lifestyle. Nautical Bowls acai bowls are plant-based, gluten, dairy and soy free, organic and feature all natural ingredients.

The business and the product fits exactly what Taunton looks for in an opportunity. Not only is the product delicious, but the concept and business plan is ideal for franchising. Plus, we’re in a unique time that presents a growing opportunity: As more people prioritize their health and want snack and food options that fit their busy lifestyle, they are looking for places like Nautical Bowls. It’s something they can feel good about eating and serving to friends and family,” said Taunton.

Due to Taunton’s vast expertise in the category, his stamp of approval is notable. Just like any other franchise he’s exploring, he says these are the key components of success:

1. Product relevance

People are eagerly seeking healthy meal-replacement alternatives beyond the typical salad. This is evident because the healthy fast-casual space is a fast-growing category in the food service industry. The product is tasty and can be customized for each taste preference, plus it travels well and can even be stored in the freezer for future use.

2. Minimal cash investment

Starting a franchise can be expensive, putting it out of reach for many people. However, Nautical Bowls offers a reasonable option, in most cases only requiring a $100,000 cash investment from owners with third-party financing available for the rest.

3. Simple business concept

Owners don’t need restaurant experience to own this franchise. This is a simple business to own and operate. There are no cooktops or exhaust hoods, and no complicated culinary skills are required. Furthermore, there is only one manager and typically 15 part-time employees.

4. Flexibility

Most of the Nautical Bowls franchisees are semi-absent owners. They hire a manager and staff to run daily operations. This makes it a great option if you work full time or are retired and looking for an income stream without it overtaking your days.

“I often talk with people who want to make a pivot in their lives. I ask them to think what interests them most and the majority of people want something that fills their cup by helping others in some manner,” said Taunton. “This falls right in line with the culture we try to instill in our stores: we don’t sell bowls, we serve them. It’s that servant mentality that becomes the cornerstone of the culture we create within our stores and hopefully how we are perceived in the communities we serve.”

For more information, including franchise opportunities, go to nauticalbowls.com.

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The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period at HealthCare.gov is Now Open – Here’s Everything You Need to Know to Find Health Coverage Today

2022-11-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone deserves access to low-cost, quality healthcare, yet millions remain uninsured. The Marketplace Open Enrollment Period for 2023 health insurance coverage is now open at HealthCare.gov and it is the perfect time to find an affordable, quality plan. Whether you lack health insurance or are already in a Marketplace plan, visit HealthCare.gov by January 15, 2023 to begin or update your application. There’s financial help available for many people who enroll through the Marketplace. This can greatly lower the cost of people’s monthly payments.

Has financial help been expanded this year?

Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, a majority of customers enrolled through the Marketplace continue to have access to affordable premiums that help lower costs for individuals and families on HealthCare.gov. Four out of five customers can find a health plan for $10 or less with financial help.

What you pay is based on your age, your family size, your household income, where you live, what plan you choose and other factors. Some people may find they qualify for coverage in their state’s Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and can be connected to these options through HealthCare.gov.

What do the health insurance plans available on HealthCare.gov cover?

Plans available on HealthCare.gov offer a wide range of benefits and comprehensive coverage. All medical coverage plans at HealthCare.gov cover essential health benefits, including preventive services like annual checkups, hospitalizations, prescription drugs, birth control, doctor’s visits, emergency care and more. All plans at HealthCare.gov are prohibited from excluding coverage based on preexisting conditions. Marketplace health plans are offered by private insurance companies that offer quality coverage.

How do I apply?

You can begin or update your application from the comfort of your home at HealthCare.gov. In fact, many people complete their application in one sitting.

For assistance, you can visit Find Local Help on HealthCare.gov at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/ to search our online directory and set up a time to talk in-person, over the phone or by email with an agent, broker or assister in your area who can help you with your application and more.

Or, customers can get help filling out their application by calling the Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 with assistance in 200 languages. The Marketplace call center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What are the important dates for enrolling?

Anyone who selects a plan by midnight on December 15, 2022 can get full-year coverage that starts January 1, 2023. The final deadline to select a plan or update your application is January 15, 2023. Visit HealthCare.gov to explore your options today.