New reality show tasks contestants to furnish an empty mansion

2024-08-27T13:09:00

(BPT) – Imagine having the opportunity to move into an opulent mansion. What’s the catch? You don’t have any furnishings, appliances or other modern comforts. No washing machine, refrigerator, couch or bed. Would you still live there?

While four walls and a roof create a shelter from the elements, feeling “at home” requires more than just a physical structure. This August, watch contestants complete challenges and make alliances with other contestants for items that will help them turn an empty space into a livable abode and the ultimate prize of $100,000 in “Estate of Survival”.

Making a house into a home

In this new competition reality TV show, eight strangers move into a lavish but completely empty mansion — no furniture, appliances or any other modern luxuries like air conditioning that make a house feel like a home. To create a space that is welcoming and comfortable, the residents must complete a variety of daily challenges to acquire home goods, avoid elimination and win the ultimate prize: $100,000.

As you watch the show, not only will you be entertained by the variety of challenges — and interpersonal drama — but you’ll also see a range of sophisticated home goods. Some prizes the “Estate of Survival” residents can win include LG ThinQ™-enabled appliances like:

  • WashCombo™ All-in-One laundry solution
  • InstaView™ French door refrigerator with LG’s exclusive Craft Ice™
  • Wall oven and induction cooktop range with LG’s ThinQ-enabled Scan-to-Cook and EasyClean™ features
  • Smart Top Control dishwasher with features like TruSteam® and one-hour wash and dry cycle (powered by QuadWash® Pro and Dynamic Heat Dry™)
  • CordZero™ stick vacuum
  • PuriCare™ air purifier

These appliances aren’t just for show. They’re designed for the next-level convenience of the company’s smart lifestyle vision — the Zero Labor Home. LG, America’s most reliable home appliances brand, has designed these quality appliances with reliability and user convenience at its core. Once installed, contestants can enjoy the ease and time-saving benefits of these ThinQ-enabled appliances.

For example, instead of washing laundry by hand, which could take a whole day, a washer/dryer like the WashCombo™ allows residents to wash and dry a load of laundry in under two hours. Contestants would also do well to win an oven with the Scan-to-Cook feature, which allows users to send the optimal cooking settings for select frozen meals straight to the oven simply by scanning the barcode on the product packaging.

Get ready to get inspired!

Are you ready for a new kind of reality TV? Catch the trailer on YouTube and watch all episodes of “Estate of Survival” on Prime Video and LG Channels in the U.S. To shop the fabulous LG appliances from the show, bundle deals and learn more about these and other products, visit LG.com.

How to protect your hearing from loss at any age

2024-08-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Taking care of your health is more important as you age, but one aspect of your well-being that’s often neglected is hearing health. For many, hearing loss is ignored until its effects appear: difficulty socializing, isolation or depression, balance problems and even cognitive decline.

Hearing is an integral part of how everyone interacts with the world, physically, mentally and emotionally. And although hearing loss is not reversible, it can be managed with proper intervention.

Here are tips to help you protect your hearing while engaging in activities you love, so you can continue to enjoy them for many years to come, plus advice for checking your hearing status and benefiting from the latest hearing technology.

How loud is too loud?

According to the National Institutes of Health, extended periods of exposure to sounds at or above 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) can cause hearing loss. For perspective, your lawnmower produces 80-100 dBA, and fireworks 140-160 dBA. Many common activities can impact your hearing over time, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in your ears) and balance issues.

For this reason, it’s important to wear hearing protection when engaging in any loud activities, just as you wear sunscreen to protect your skin while outdoors.

Because damage to your ears is cumulative and may not be realized until later in life, the time to protect them is now.

Occupational hazards — at home

While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has required the use of hearing protection for fields like manufacturing, construction and transportation with exposure to sound at or above 85 dBA since 1981, it’s not something you may think about when working around the house.

However, while doing yardwork or home projects with power tools, lawnmowers and leaf blowers, hearing protection is recommended just as if you were on the job.

The sound of music

If you love attending concerts or play an instrument yourself, too much exposure can be detrimental to your hearing. The National Institutes of Health advises trying inexpensive single-use foam ear plugs to help protect your ears from occasional exposure to loud music and other sounds.

Recreational noise

The same goes for many other activities that can generate loud sounds. If you enjoy motorcycling, snowmobiling, shooting or motor boating, hearing protection is always a good idea. Even typical sporting events can range from 94-110 dBA, making them among the noisiest environments people are regularly exposed to.

How to determine noise levels

If you’re concerned about noise where you frequently spend time, there are some downloadable apps for your smartphone that can gauge the decibel level for you to help you determine if you need hearing protection.

What to do if you notice hearing loss

If you frequently miss parts of conversations or often ask people to repeat themselves, it’s possible hearing loss is the culprit. Other clues: you turn up the TV or radio louder, or you hear intermittent ringing or buzzing in your ears.

The best way to know is by taking a hearing test. Try an easy, convenient online version like the one at LexieHearing.com, developed to identify the possibility of some forms of hearing impairment. It’s always advisable to consult with a hearing health professional if you’re concerned about your hearing.

Good news about today’s hearing aids

Hearing aid technology has come a long way in recent years. In October 2022, the FDA established a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss in order to increase the public’s access to hearing aids and improve overall hearing health. These new hearing aids are available at retail stores nationwide without a prescription.

For example, Lexie Hearing provides its newest Lexie B2 Plus hearing aids direct to persons 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, along with free lifetime Lexie Expert support. Their FDA-cleared, rechargeable hearing aids offer clear, quality sound powered by Bose, which provides up to 18 hours of run time on a single charge.

Some OTC options — such as the Lexie B2 Plus Hearing Aid — are also FSA and HSA eligible, and available through some insurance hearing health plans.

The importance of hearing

For anyone with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, being able to hear your friends and loved ones, as well as participating in everything you love, makes all the difference for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Using hearing aids may help slow the risk of cognitive decline for some, and even improve your interpersonal relationships.

Being able to fully participate in your active life for years to come is well worth the effort of protecting your hearing — and successfully managing the hearing loss you may already experience.

In honor of Healthy Aging Month, learn how to stay fully engaged in your life at LexieHearing.com.

Payday pains: How to get better control of your money

2024-08-27T08:07:00

(BPT) – Have you ever had to skip a fun event with friends due to a temporary lack of cash? If you find it challenging to get through each pay period without running out of money, you’re not alone. According to a recent CNBC/Survey Monkey survey, 65% of Americans currently live paycheck to paycheck.

To better understand the challenges presented by the outdated two-week pay cycle, Chime, the #1 most-loved banking app in the country, partnered with 72Point to learn more about how this system doesn’t support people’s everyday needs. In the survey,* 3 in 5 Americans (59%) say they experience “pay paralysis” — a wave of anxiety or fear due to low funds between pay cycles.

How does that impact daily life? Almost 3/4 of Americans (72%) have had to miss events for financial reasons, including nights out with friends (39%), weekend getaways (34%), concerts (28%) and even weddings (11%).

The good news is, there are ways you can control your money better, to help you handle unexpected emergencies — or participate in events that are important to you. Financial activist and coach Dasha Kennedy offers her tips and tools to help you with smarter money management.

“Not only are 72% of Americans spending most of their paycheck on paying bills, 69% say that’s the first thing they do when receiving their paychecks,” says Kennedy. “Rising costs are impacting Americans’ finances in more ways than one, so it’s important to prioritize your financial well-being.”

Know your numbers

It’s important to have a clear sense of what’s coming in (your paychecks) — and what’s going out (what you spend every month). Writing down your monthly income and comparing it to necessary bills (rent, utilities, insurance, food, transportation, etc.) and what you like to spend for fun or entertainment will help you understand where your money’s going.

“If you’re having a difficult time figuring out your spending patterns, pull your bank statements or credit card statements, whichever account you use to charge your monthly expenses, and highlight every item that was not an essential expense in one color, and every item that was an essential expense in another color,” says Kennedy. “Then you can start identifying cost-cutting and income-increasing measures. For example, eating at home more often can save a lot over time.”

Make a plan

Setting financial goals can help you stay focused. For example, regularly saving toward an emergency fund can help you weather unexpected expenses, or you can save toward a trip or concert tickets you really want. Just be sure to check how you’re doing monthly so you don’t lose sight of your goals.

“The best way to improve your financial future is to create a plan, then check up on it regularly,” Kennedy says. “Stay on track and you’ll be glad you did!”

Create a bill calendar

Keep a calendar with all your bill due dates on it. If you see too many bills due around the same time — like right before your payday instead of after it — try calling your credit card and/or utility companies to ask if they can adjust your monthly due dates. Some companies will change that date, so it’s definitely worth asking. This can help ease a cash crunch at a certain time each month.

Avoid cash crunches with MyPay™ from Chime

Whether you want to grab those concert tickets while they’re on sale, buy a gift for your friend’s wedding or just make sure to pay a bill on time, MyPay™ allows those with an immediate need for money a simple way to access up to $500 of their pay before payday.

MyPay™ is available directly in the Chime app, so members can conveniently access their pay without having to download any extra apps or sign up for a separate subscription. Chime members become eligible to enroll in MyPay by receiving qualifying MyPay™ direct deposits of $200+ into their Chime checking account, plus other qualifying criteria.**

Eligible members can access $20-$500 each pay period (the amount may increase or decrease over time). They simply select how much they’d like to have advanced, and it’s deposited directly into their Chime checking account within 1-2 days, fee-free. Members can also opt to get funds instantly for a flat fee of $2 per advance. There are no other fees, tipping or subscriptions required. Repayment is automatic: The balance is simply repaid when the next direct deposit arrives.

“Nobody wants to endure an emergency or miss out on important life events or fun activities,” says Kennedy. “Creating a plan, building an emergency fund, and taking advantage of tools that can help you access your own money before payday will all help you enjoy each month with a lot less financial stress.”

Learn more about MyPay™ at chime.com/mypay.

* Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 employed Americans split evenly by generation (500 Gen Z, 500 millennials, 500 Gen X and 500 baby boomers) was commissioned by Chime between April 25 and April 29, 2024. It was conducted by market research company Talker Research, whose team members adhere to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Code of Professional Ethics and Practices. Researchers are also members of the Market Research Society and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).

** To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A Qualifying MyPay Direct Deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Available Advance Amount may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Available Advance Amount will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply. See MyPay Agreement (The Bancorp Bank, N.A. members) & MyPay Agreement (Stride Bank, N.A. members) for details.

Reeling in Confidence: The Journey of Women on the Water

2024-08-27T09:31:00

(BPT) – In the stillness of early morning, the light of dawn peeks over the horizon, casting a bright light across the water. For many women, from the boat or river in which they stand, these moments spark introspection and can lead to a journey of self-discovery that allows them to find a more confident and resilient version of themselves. Research done by Take Me Fishing and Ipsos supports this journey, finding that women who fish have higher self-esteem and greater perseverance. Female anglers surveyed as part of the study also said that fishing teaches them patience and helps them develop confidence.

There are countless examples of women finding more than just fish in the water. From those whose culture is deeply ingrained in fishing to women who learned how to fish and walk at the same time to others who returned to fishing in adulthood — they’ve all found the best versions of themselves on the water.

Rooted in Culture and Purpose

Ashley wearing a teal shirt, life jacket, white hat and sunglasses fishing on a boat in the lake.

Ashley Nichole Lewis, a 142nd-generation angler, views fishing as a meaningful connection to her ancestors and the Quinault people of the Pacific Northwest. From a young age, Lewis found solace and inspiration in the tranquility of the water.

“When I’m out fishing, I get to be with myself and tap into a huge ecosystem of life, it gives me a chance to reset mentally,” said Lewis.

Through fishing and boating, she feels connected not only with the past, but it also allows her to see a strong future for herself. Lewis has completed undergraduate and graduate degrees and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Indigenous and Environmental History at the University of California, Davis.

“Being on the water gives me this North Star, this compass to what happens next,” said Lewis. “I never thought I would go to college or graduate school. Not only do I find my best self on the water, but I’m also given further direction to what my best life looks like.”

Finding Movement and Mindfulness

Lindsay in gear fishing from shore.

Lindsay Kocka first fell in love with fishing as a young girl at her family’s cabin in Minnesota. Over the years, she’s experimented with many types of fishing, but found herself drawn particularly to fly fishing. Now, as a fly fishing, wellness and yoga educator in Montana, she uses fishing to connect with nature, practice mindfulness and share her passion.

“When I’m fishing, I feel connected and integrated in my body outdoors,” said Kocka. “It’s soothing for the nervous system, relaxing and exciting at the same time. It’s important to me to pass along this feeling to other women so that they can reap the same benefits I’ve found.”

Kocka founded Wade Well, a functional movement, mobility and mindfulness method for fly anglers. Through Wade Well, she empowers new anglers and enables seasoned anglers to continue fishing long term, ideally while maintaining pain-free movement. Nearly half of women who fish say fishing teaches them patience, and Kocka’s method reinforces that, along with sharing the other benefits of fishing and boating like joy and mindfulness.

Fostering Connection and Confidence

Angelica fishing from a row boat weith two others onboard.

Angelica Talan, content creator and influencer, remembers learning how to fish with her uncle when she was 7 years old, only to stop a few years later. Just like Talan, many girls who start fishing drop out before the age of 12 (an 11% higher rate than boys). It wasn’t until her daughter found an old picture of her fishing that she was inspired to get back on the water, this time with her daughter.

“Fishing provides a unique avenue for empowering women and fostering independence,” said Talan. “Fly fishing has helped build my self-confidence so that I can empower my daughter to grow her confidence and sense of achievement.”

Now, Talan is an avid angler, and credits fishing with enriching her life by combining adventure and tranquility, which she needs as a mom. She also turns to nature as an escape from her busy life and to connect with her kids on the water.

“Fly fishing in particular brought me closer with my family because we’re learning something new together,” said Talan. “Fishing is a confidence booster for me as a mom. It’s helped make me a better mom because it’s allowed me to show my kids a new skill set and passion.”

Getting More Women on the Water

The unique journeys of these women share the same core values: confidence, patience and purpose. And while their relationships to fishing and boating are all different, they have a similar craving while on the water: more female camaraderie. They believe that getting more women on the water benefits not only those individuals, but everyone around them.

“The female connections I’ve found through fishing have been a great source of support, knowledge sharing, friendship and mentorship,” said Talan. “Fishing has been the most transformative experience for me, and it’s enriched my life in ways that make an impact on my kids and hopefully their friends and future generations.”

For many women, fishing and boating is more than an activity — it’s a journey of self-discovery. Sometimes, the best way to find yourself is to be on the water, cast a line and wait for a bite. To get started with your fishing and boating journey, visit takemefishing.org.

Goal getter’s guide: Tips for upping your credit score game

2024-08-27T07:01:00

(BPT) – As soccer players know, you can’t win unless you have a game plan.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the personal savings rate in the U.S. hovers below 4%, while household debt and credit card delinquency rates are both rising, especially among Gen Z, as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

In the game of life, saving should be just one part of your financial strategy but knowing the benefits of responsibly managing your credit is equally important. Whether you are gearing up to buy a home, get an education or start a business — understanding your FICO® Score is an important first step in laying the foundation for financial literacy.

That’s why this summer, FICO, a leading software analytics company, teamed up with Chelsea Football Club and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to offer free financial education workshops for students and adults in the cities where Chelsea is playing on their summer tour.

Workshop participants were also able to attend their local match for free.

Here is a starter playbook of the 3 ways soccer and financial literacy are similar:

White graphic showing what components play into a FICO score.
  • Know Your FICO® Score. A credit score is a three-digit number that helps lenders, such as a mortgage company, auto lender, or credit card issuer, quickly (based on data and without bias) determine how likely you are to repay a loan as agreed. The higher your number, the more likely it is lenders will offer you credit and better repayment terms such as interest rates.

    Many factors go into your FICO® Score. It’s calculated based on data that is collected by the three major credit bureaus. This data is grouped into five categories: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%). Because your credit report changes based on your financial behaviors, like whether you pay your bills on time, so does your FICO Score. That means it’s important to know how your financial choices can impact your FICO Score.

    You can check your FICO® Score for free at https://www.myfico.com/free.

  • Have a Game Plan. Championships don’t happen accidentally. They require thoughtful planning, precise execution, and the ability to make in-game adjustments as events unfold. It’s just as important to have a game plan for your household finances to help foster positive habits such as creating a monthly budget, setting a system to stay up to date on bill payments, and keeping credit card balances under control.

    FICO also offers free educational resources on myfico.com relating to budgeting — like a college budget calculator and articles about budgeting systems and budgeting for couples.

  • Focus on Continuous Learning and Improvement. Athletes continuously train to stay in shape and are always looking for ways to improve their skills. You can do the same to understand more about building good financial habits. FICO has developed many free educational tools and resources to help educate people throughout their financial journeys.

To access useful educational resources — and find out how to participate in a live or virtual Score A Better Future™ workshop — visit https://www.fico.com/sabf/.

Whether your goal is purchasing a home, financing a car, or simply starting off your financial journey strong, these educational tips can help you win in the game of life.

FICO and Score A Better Future are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

Labor less this Labor Day with Glidden Master Finish Spray Paint

2024-08-26T14:31:00

(BPT) – Easy-to-use Glidden® Master Finish™ spray paint, available at Walmart, allows DIYers to complete projects faster, leaving plenty of time to still enjoy the long holiday weekend.

Labor Day Weekend is quickly approaching, marking the end of summer. Whether homeowners need a backyard refresh ahead of Labor Day hosting or they never completed those outdoor projects planned at the beginning of summer, Glidden® Master Finish™ spray paint has them covered.

“Refinishing furniture with spray paint is one of the easiest DIY projects out there, and the perfect way to quickly get your space ready for long weekend hosting,” said Anamaria Cindric, product manager of spray paint, Glidden Paints by PPG. “With Glidden Master Finish, you can refresh your patio furniture that might be looking a little worn from the winter or update color to match a new trend or aesthetic.

Anyone who has spray painted in the past knows that one of the biggest application concerns is the potential for drips and streaks due to over-spraying. Glidden Master Finish has a unique spray pattern that provides the high-coverage and durable finish of spray paint, without the worry of drips or streaks.

Finding the right time to spray paint is also a challenge, with concerns about when the next passing summer storm could impact the project drying outside. With a five-minute dry time, Glidden Master Finish allows DIYers to quickly complete their end-of-season projects in the span of a few hours, depending on project size, leaving plenty of time to enjoy poolside entertaining and BBQ mastery during the final days of summer.

Popular exterior project updates using Master Finish include:

  • Create instant curb appeal — Homeowners can make updates to small exterior items like house numbers, light fixtures and mailboxes. Small upgrades like these can add instant curb appeal to a home’s facade, creating an inviting aesthetic to welcome long weekend guests, in as little as two hours with just one can of spray paint. At less than $8 a can, these projects are a low time and budget investment that deliver high ROI for holiday weekend entertaining.
  • Beautify the backyard — Homeowners can turn flowerpots and beds into colorful backyard focal points by adding a fresh coat of paint or creating a fun design. Available in 22 colors, Glidden Master Finish offers a hue to fit any backyard aesthetic.
  • Take a seat (or two) Summer parties, strong sunshine and summer rains can all give outdoor furniture a beating by mid-year. With a few additional cans of Master Finish and a few more hours to spare, homeowners can revitalize their outdoor furniture before Labor Day. A table and four chairs can be refreshed in just one day using 3-6 cans of spray paint, depending on the size and number of furniture pieces.

“With a dry time of less than 5 minutes, Glidden Master Finish is a great option for quick end-of-summer projects, making sure your space looks refreshed in time for the long weekend, while still allowing you time to enjoy the mental refresh that comes with the extra day off of work,” said Cindric.

The best part is that picking up a can of Glidden Master Finish doesn’t add an extra stop to your errands and party prep shopping. This spray paint is available at select Walmart stores and on Walmart.com, so homeowners can grab a can on-the-go, while shopping for cookout supplies, beverages and snacks or, for parents looking ahead wishfully … back-to-school gear.

Glidden Master Finish can be used on all surfaces including vinyl, wood, metal, plastic, terracotta and glass. It is available in matte, satin and gloss finishes.

For more spray paint project inspiration as well as application tips, visit Glidden.com or Walmart.com.

These Hot Halloween Decor Trends Will Make Your House the Thrill of the Neighborhood

2024-08-26T17:49:00

(BPT) – Halloween is just around the corner. Why not do it up big this year? From 12-foot animatronic scarecrows and other oversized inflatables to Halloween-inspired planters filled with the colors of the season, homeowners are revamping their outdoor spaces to showcase their Halloween spirit.

“Since the spooky season is starting earlier than ever, and homeowners are itching to decorate sooner, many are looking for décor that can last for the entire fall season,” said Monica Reese, Director of Trend and Style at Lowe’s. “We’re seeing consumers blend more traditional fall and harvest décor with Halloween. That said, we know there are a lot of people who still go all out with their Halloween decorations, creating awe-inspiring set-ups. We continue to see consumers reaching for oversized ‘wow’ items for their yard and front porch.”

For indoor décor, Reese expects that consumers will fill their spaces with mixed materials and textures to give a “luxe goth” look, such as feathers, metallic finishes, faux pampas, beads, velvet, black florals and more.

“We’ll see these textures come to life through throw pillows, festive wreaths and moody garlands that will elevate mantels, tablescapes, living spaces and entryways,” she said.

Need more spooky ideas to get your ghost on? Here are some Halloween dos and don’ts from Monica Reese at Lowe’s.

Do:

  • Buy pieces that can be used for the full fall and Halloween season.
  • Think big! Oversized pieces for your yard or even for interiors can bring a new dimension to your spooky setup.
  • Tap into your creative side. Halloween gives us a chance to showcase our creative side and create fun, whimsical, or spooky DIY decor. Whether you construct a festive fall wreath for your front door, an eerie graveyard for your lawn, or a fearsome bat house, you can find all your Halloween project materials at Lowe’s.
  • Mix textures and patterns. Play around with things like uplighting, mums and metallic spray paint on drop cloths.
  • Involve the whole family. Decorating your house and yard can be a great project for you and the kids on a Saturday afternoon!

Don’t:

  • Don’t be afraid to try new things! Halloween is such a fun holiday and an opportunity to express your own personal style. Shopping at Lowe’s offers a range of design options for every kind of Halloween enthusiast.
  • Don’t be afraid to go with a theme! At Lowe’s this year, you can find themes like:

And most of all, don’t forget to get into the “spirit” of the holiday and have fun. To find more Halloween décor inspiration and ideas, visit www.lowes.com/halloween.

From Midwest eats to funky festivals, these are the places to visit in Rapid City this fall

2024-08-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Fall is the perfect season for a getaway, and Rapid City, South Dakota, stands out as an ideal destination for those looking to explore the Midwest. Nestled in the heart of the Black Hills, Rapid City offers a blend of outdoor adventures, national parks and monuments and diverse culinary experiences amidst the stunning beauty of autumn.

From food lovers to history fanatics, here are three ways to enjoy Rapid City in the fall:

Taste South Dakota’s culinary scene

Anchoring western South Dakota and the Black Hills, Rapid City is the perfect place to base a trip. Abundant in agriculture, it’s no surprise that South Dakota has robust culinary offerings. Start by sampling the state’s signature dish, chislic — a deep-fried red meat that’s usually served on skewers — at Gold Bison Grill or Murphy’s Pub & Grill. End a meal with kuchen (pronounced koo-ken), a style of cake that is also the state’s signature dessert — try different delectable versions at Dakota Steakhouse or Fork Real Café.

Other top culinary options include Bokujo Ramen, where the chef combines ingredients from South Dakota — like bison — with traditional Japanese dishes; savor creative dishes and fresh seafood (flown in) at the new Tandoor Bocado; dig into a perfectly cooked steak at Delmonico Grill and enjoy handmade pasta at Sabatino’s Italian Ristorante. Creative cocktails are also on the menu at Windsor Block Bar. For a different style of flavor, swing into South Dakota’s only Diamond Crown Lounge, the Tinder Box Rapid City, to sample an array of cigars.

Man in a restaurant eating Bokujo Ramen with buffalo

Funky fall festivals

With a population of approximately 75,000, Rapid City provides a more intimate and navigable experience compared to larger cities in the Midwest. This time of year also brings fewer visitors, making it easy to explore the city and its 10 surrounding national parks and monuments.

Make the most of a trip by catching a signature Black Hills event. A few of note: Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup (Sept. 26-28), Pumpkin Festival (Sept. 28), Volksmarch (Sept. 29), Bierbörse Festival (Oct. 5), Black Hills Powwow (Oct. 11-13) and Mountain West Beer Fest (Nov. 9).

Black Hills Powwow

Delve into history

Rapid City offers rich history and heritage, reflecting the region’s deep cultural and historical roots. At the heart of this experience, you’ll find Crazy Horse Memorial®, an ongoing project honoring the Lakota culture, providing insight into Native American heritage in the region. Nearby, American history shines at Mount Rushmore National Memorial, where the colossal faces of four U.S. presidents etched into the Black Hills stand as a monumental tribute to the nation’s history.

Mount Rushmore National Monument

Learn more about the history of the area on a guided tour in Badlands National Park, explore Jewel Cave National Monument, walk around Devils Tower National Monument and tour the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site.

Round out any visit in Rapid’s vibrant downtown, with historical architecture, museums and the City of Presidents walking tour, which features life-sized bronze statues — and a short audio biography — of each U.S. president.

For more information on planning your autumn adventure, visit VisitRapidCity.com.

6 Questions You Might Have if Your Dog Is Peeing Inside

2024-08-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – When you find a puddle of pee on your dog’s favorite snooze spot, it’s easy to jump to worry. You might even be asking yourself if she did it to be spiteful. While it’s not uncommon for dogs to urinate inside because of a behavioral problem, it is unlikely she’s misbehaving.1,2 In fact, she could have a medical condition called canine urinary incontinence (UI) due to urethral sphincter hypotonus. Here are some questions you might have, answers to help you narrow down why your dog is having indoor accidents, and what steps you can take next.

1. “What makes this type of incontinence different from other urinary conditions?”

Yellow lab tilting he's head to the side while sitting on the gray couch in the livingroom.

When a female dog has weak urethral sphincter muscles, this can lead to a lack of bladder control that causes her to involuntarily leak urine. If your dog is suffering from this type of canine UI, finding pee puddles inside would feel out-of-the-blue.

2. “Are some dogs more likely to leak?”

Two smiling yellow labradors sitting next to each other in the livingroom.

Any dog can experience urinary incontinence, but it’s most common in spayed middle-aged female dogs. In fact, up to 20% of spayed female dogs may develop urinary incontinence.3 Midsized and large breeds are also predisposed to it; the most commonly affected are Old English sheepdogs, Doberman pinschers, boxers, German shepherds and Weimeraners.4

3. “How can I be sure this isn’t just my dog acting out?”

Smiling labrador laying on the hardwood floor in the livingroom.

While dogs with behavioral issues may pee when greeting a new person or becoming overexcited, a dog experiencing incontinence is usually well-behaved and housetrained. Often dogs suffering from this type of incontinence don’t even realize they voided their urine and are just as confused as you are.

4. “Are there any signs I should look out for?”

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Dogs with incontinence drip or leak urine when they sleep, so finding wet spots in their favorite places to relax is a telltale sign. Also, because of the way the urine leaks, you might notice red, irritated skin around the genitals and excessive licking of that area.

5. “This sounds like something I’m dealing with. What should I do?”

Older yellow labrador getting an exam by a vet.

The best rule of thumb is if something seems off with your dog, call and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. They will be able to start the process of accurately diagnosing your dog and help you figure out the next steps.

6. “I don’t want my dog to suffer from this. Can incontinence be treated?”

Adorable older yellow labrador getting pet by his family.

Don’t worry. Your dog’s condition is treatable. If your dog is diagnosed with urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter hypotonus, your veterinarian may prescribe PROIN ER™ (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride extended-release tablets). This flavored, once-a-day tablet can help your dog have better weeks without the leaks. For more information, visit proin-er.com.

No matter the reason, your dog unexpectedly peeing inside is cause for concern. If you’re noticing this unusual behavior, consult your veterinarian and ask if PROIN ER™ is right for your dog.

1 Holt PE. Urinary incontinence in the bitch due to sphincter mechanism incompetence: prevalence in referred dogs and retrospective analysis of sixty cases. Journal of Small Animal Practice 1985;26:181–190.

2 Holt PE, Thrusfield MV. Association in bitches between breed, size, neutering and docking, and acquired urinary incontinence due to incompetence of the urethral sphincter mechanism. Vet Rec 1993;133:177–180.

3 Von Goethem B. Schaefers-Okkens A, Kirpensteijn J. Making a rational choice between ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in the dog: a discussion of the benefits of either technique. Vet Surg 2006; 35:136-143.

4 Thrusfield MV, Holt PE, Muirhead RH. Acquired urinary incontinence in bitches: its incidence and relationship to neutering practices. J Small Anim Pract. 1998;39:559-566.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For oral use in dogs only. Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally ingested by humans, contact a physician immediately.

The most commonly reported side effects were vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, excessive salivation, agitation, tiredness, vocalization, confusion, increased water consumption, weight loss, weakness, fever, panting, and reversible changes in skin color (flushing or bright pink). Abnormal gait, seizures or tremors, as well as liver enzyme elevations, kidney failure, blood in urine and urine retention have been reported. In some cases death, including euthanasia has been reported. Sudden death was sometimes preceded by vocalization or collapse.

Instances of dogs chewing through closed vials of PROIN and eating the vial contents have been reported, in some cases resulting in overdose. Keep the product in a secured storage area out of the reach of pets in order to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose, as dogs may willingly consume more than the recommended dosage of PROIN Chewable Tablets or PROIN ER™ tablets. Contact your veterinarian immediately if the dog ingests more tablets than prescribed or if other pets ingest PROIN Chewable Tablets or PROIN ER™ tablets.

PROIN and PROIN ER™ may cause elevated blood pressure and should be used with caution in dogs with pre-existing heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney insufficiency, diabetes, glaucoma, and other conditions associated with high blood pressure. Dogs may transition from PROIN Chewable Tablets to PROIN ER™ without a break in administration. However, do not alternate PROIN ER™ with PROIN Chewable Tablets because the effectiveness and safety of interchangeable use have not been evaluated.

The safe use of PROIN and PROIN ER™ in dogs used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy or in lactating bitches, has not been evaluated. Contact your veterinarian if you notice restlessness or irritability, loss of appetite, the incontinence persists or worsens, or any other unusual signs. See prescribing information for complete details regarding adverse events, warning and precautions or visit prnpharmacal.com.

Game day gourmet: How to build the perfect game day table

2024-08-26T11:57:00

(BPT) – It’s tailgating season! Whether you’re relaxing in the parking lot before the game or gathering in front of the television with family and friends, it means football and food. The biggest debate is what to serve all of the sports fans in your life. While chips and dip might be the go-to snack, why not elevate the experience? You don’t have to put on a five-course, fancy meal to get your game day on. Kicking finger foods up a notch will turn your watch party into a culinary event.

A winning play is to pick one main dish you’re sure everyone will love and build sides and dessert around it. Here are some ideas to level up your game day spread with ease.

Wings! Wings are a no-brainer for game day. Everybody loves this easy-to-eat, delicious finger food. But not all wings are created equal. Tyson® Brand has just debuted a new line, Tyson Crispy Wings, that rival your favorite restaurant variety. And here’s the twist: These wings are fully cooked and dry rubbed. They’re not pre-sauced. The rub seasons the wings and creates a crispy exterior that gives way to tender, juicy perfection. They come in three flavors that are sure to please everyone: Rotisserie Seasoned, Garlic Parmesan and Caribbean Style. Pro tip: Serve with a selection of sauces, like blue cheese, buffalo, barbecue, jerk, ranch or teriyaki style.

Boneless wings. Not everyone wants bone-in varieties, right? Tyson Brand’s new, boneless Honey Chicken Bites are crafted from tender, all-white meat chicken and coated with a honey-infused breading. Bake them in the oven or air fryer and they’re ready to eat in under 25 minutes. And they pack a protein punch with 14g per serving.

Veggies and dip. A big plate of fresh veggies, like celery, broccoli, red pepper, baby carrots and mini cucumbers adds color to your table and crunch to your meal. Pair the veggies with easy, homemade onion dip. (Caramelize 2-4 onions, sliced thin. Mix with 16 oz. sour cream, garlic powder and paprika to taste. Chill for 1 hour.) Bonus: This dip is also delicious with the wings and honey bites!

Cowboy coleslaw. Slaw goes perfectly with wings, and here’s a fun twist. Take a bag of pre-cut slaw, add 1 each chopped red and green pepper, chopped scallions, 1 can of black beans (drained), and 1 cup frozen corn (thawed). Mix a dressing of 1/2 cup mayo and 1/2 cup sour cream, taco seasoning, a dash of cumin and the juice of 1 lime. Mix and garnish with cilantro.

Brownie bar. A tried-and-true favorite! Bake a pan of brownies, cut them into small squares and serve with a selection of DIY toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, candy bits, sprinkles or whatever else your family loves.

By starting your game day table with Tyson Crispy Wings and Honey Chicken Bites and building delicious, easy sides around it, you’re sure to cook up a winner.