Category: Brandpoint Health

2024-08-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – Being safe and comfortable at home is a large part of living well. Home modifications and repairs can help everyone prevent accidents and maintain an independent lifestyle, especially older adults and people with disabilities.

Many older adults prefer to live in their own homes for as long as possible, but too often don’t think about whether a home can adapt to their needs as they age. Making improvements before they are needed is a good way to ensure that a home is ready for aging in place. Forward-thinking improvements can also prevent falls, which often result in the need for long-term care.

Changes can be made to improve both the accessibility and adaptability of a home. Accessibility improvements involve tasks like widening doorways and lowering countertop heights for someone who uses a wheelchair. Adaptability changes, such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, are improvements to assist people for whom strength and balance may have become a challenge. These changes can usually be made without a major redesign or full-blown renovation.

You can get started making your home ready for long-term living by conducting a top-to-bottom assessment.

Home assessment

Before making any changes, look at the entire home. Keep in mind items that may be needed now as well as in the future. This checklist can help identify areas that might need improvement. Everyone has different needs, but in general, a “no” answer may be cause for action.

• Are exterior walkways and entrances well-lit?
• Is there a step-free entrance to the home?
• Are entrance doors easy to lock, unlock, open and close?
• Does the main floor include a kitchen, bedroom and full bathroom?
• Are doorways wide enough for someone using a wheelchair, walker or service animal?
• Is wall-to-wall carpeting secure and in good condition (flat, not bunched up)?
• Are area rugs secured to the floor with non-slip padding?
• Are walkways free from obstructions and hazards like cords and furniture?
• Do stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides?
• Can bathroom and kitchen cabinets be easily reached?
• Is there a step-free shower entrance?
• Are grab bars available near the shower and toilet?
• Do bathtubs and showers have non-slip mats, adhesive strips or slip-free floors?
• Will smoke detectors provide visual as well as audio alerts?
• Are telephones easily accessible on all floors?

More information about home modifications, including a detailed home assessment checklist and information about financial assistance, can be found at eldercare.acl.gov.

2024-07-30T17:23:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s summer, fall, winter or spring, milk is always a great choice for families to drink, for plenty of reasons. Having milk on-hand for your favorite cereal in the morning or for dunking a warm chocolate chip cookie may be reason enough to keep a carton in your fridge, but here are some perks that may surprise you — and a few ways to think outside the carton.

1. Milk is a nutritional powerhouse

When you pour yourself a glass of milk, nutrition may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, an important benefit of drinking dairy milk is that you’ll get essential nutrients that are important for overall health and wellbeing, including protein, vitamins A, B12 and D, calcium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin and zinc.

Want even more nutrition from your milk? Look for options that have been fortified with fatty acids — such as Organic^® Valley Family First™ Milk with DHA Omega 3. Fatty acids support brain health, as well as providing energy to the body and keeping your heart, blood vessels, lungs, immune system and hormones functioning as they should. However, most Americans don’t usually meet their needs for this nutrient, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So, look for milk options with added DHA Omega 3 and your brain and body will thank you!

2. Milk is a tasty way to hydrate

It’s estimated that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. But, dairy milk may not be top-of-mind when it comes to looking for a hydration solution. Research published by the National Institutes of Health has shown that milk hydrates better than water, as it replaces some of the electrolytes that are lost while sweating and hydrates even better than sports drinks because it contains much-needed calcium. So, keep this in mind next time you’re packing up drinks to bring to kids’ sports practice, outdoor events and playdates, especially during the hot summer months.

3. Milk helps everyone get their ZZZ’s

To help everyone in your family enjoy better sleep, try adding milk to your bedtime routine. According to registered dietitian Caitlin Beale, M.S., R.D.N., using milk as a bedtime snack can help the body relax in preparation for sleep. In her article on mother.ly, Beale explains how milk can promote better sleep — and overall well-being.

• Creates a soothing ritual: Bedtime routines like story time and sipping warm milk act as signals to the brain that it’s time to wind down.
• Helps balance blood sugar: Protein in milk helps steady blood sugar levels, to support better rest.
• Promotes growth and development: Milk is a good source of protein, healthy fats, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D — all needed for healthy development. Organic Valley Family First Milk also contains DHA omega-3s to support brain health.
• Supports healthy metabolism: A glass of milk before bed can aid muscle recovery and support a normal metabolic rate while you sleep (meaning, how many calories your body burns overnight).
• Contains tryptophan: Like sleep-inducing turkey dinners, tryptophan helps make neurotransmitters and hormones that control your sleep and wake cycles.

With these reasons in mind, the next time you think about milk, think Organic Valley — a cooperative of small family farms that never use antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMO anything. And because Organic Valley farmers use sustainable farming methods, you can feel good knowing you’re not just nourishing your body, but also supporting the health of the planet. You can find Organic Valley^® Family First Milk™ and other products near you at OrganicValley.coop/store-locator.

2024-07-29T15:01:00

(BPT) – The 2024 hurricane season is underway, and the Atlantic is expected to see a record-breaking number of storms, driving communities across the region to batten down the hatches. First responders are at the center of helping residents weather the storm, but some may not realize that U.S. Army Soldiers are often critical members of the relief teams.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), one of the world’s largest public engineering agencies, never hesitates to run toward disaster, providing life-saving support where it’s needed most. And for Col. James Booth and his USACE Soldiers, who work across Florida and the Caribbean, the needs can be frequent and dire. What does it take to get through the storm season in one of the most hurricane-heavy parts of the country?

Read on to learn how Soldiers in the USACE Jacksonville District make an impact at every stage of hurricane responsiveness.

Before the Storm — Readiness

The best preparation for a hurricane starts well before it hits. 1st Lt. Amanda Warren has always had a passion for the environment and after graduating from West Point, now travels to at-risk communities year-round to help residents proactively improve their infrastructure in advance of hurricane season. This can include bolstering sand dunes for beachfront properties and conducting emergency management assessments for hospitals and other public facilities to ensure they can support the needs of the community during a storm. These projects help minimize damage and improve resilience in the event that disaster strikes.

On the Ground — Response

Once a hurricane makes landfall, USACE springs into action. The most critical needs for impacted communities are managing flooding and restoring power, and USACE is equipped to handle both. In the 2022 hurricane season, the Jacksonville District acted quickly to take on three major hurricanes in just two months. And in the first weeks after Hurricane Ian, Col. Booth and his unit assessed thousands of buildings and installed over 20,000 temporary roofs and 20 generators for Florida residents in need. He remembers the immediate impact it made for residents at a senior living facility who otherwise would have faced a dangerous situation. Moments like this give USACE Soldiers the purpose and motivation to keep going, even once the worst passes.

In response to Hurricane Ian, USACE Soldiers provided temporary roofing to homeowners to protect property and allow residents to remain in their homes while recovering from the storm.

Building Back Stronger — Recovery

The work of USACE doesn’t end after the storm; in addition to ongoing power and water assessments, Soldiers continue partnering with local authorities on civil works projects to aid in recovery. Lt. Col. Matthew Miller is the Deputy Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, and as a Florida State University alum, he is no stranger to the intense storms felt by the East Coast during hurricane season. He helped repair levees in the years following Hurricane Katrina and saw that effort tested when a recent storm hit New Orleans; because of this work, the improved infrastructure held strong. Reconstruction efforts help affected communities get back on track faster and prepare for what the next season may bring.

Col. James Booth and 1st Lt. Amanda Warren survey a coastline in Western Florida to conduct post-damage assessments following Hurricane Idalia in September 2023.

So, what should you do if you find yourself in the path of a hurricane this year? In addition to keeping an emergency cache of supplies on hand, above all, Col. Booth and his unit say it’s most important to follow the direction of local government and emergency services, especially as it pertains to evacuation. Staying connected to their guidance will help you make the best decisions to stay safe.

Find out more about how the Army is making an impact in communities around the country at GoArmy.com — and go through hurricane season knowing U.S. Army Soldiers are ready to help.

2024-07-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Vimergy

Getting a good night’s sleep is about more than just feeling well-rested the next day. Quality sleep is important to lead a happy, healthy life. However, sleeping well is easier said than done.

If you occasionally struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, you may need to add a sleep aid to your bedtime routine. For example, a supplement like melatonin can support healthy sleep habits.*

Melatonin is a natural hormone that signals to your body that it’s time to rest.* Sometimes, you may not produce enough melatonin, so adding a supplement can help you get to sleep and sleep more soundly.*

The experts at Vimergy, a premium health supplement company, know how important it is to get good quality sleep. If you’re on the fence about taking melatonin, check out their four reasons to add melatonin to your nightly routine.

1. Helps you maintain a regular sleep schedule*

Your circadian rhythm (or sleep-wake cycle) is your 24-hour internal clock that responds to the shifts in light throughout the day, affecting melatonin production.

According to the Sleep Foundation, melatonin production begins in the evening when the sun goes down and peaks about seven hours after sunset. In the morning, exposure to light inhibits melatonin production.

If your sleep cycle is off — whether from jetlag, late nights or night shift — incorporating a melatonin supplement can help keep it in sync.* Aim to take melatonin at the same time every night so you can prepare your body for sleep.

2. Customize to suit your needs

Don’t like taking tablets? No problem. Melatonin supplements are available in various forms, from gummies to capsules to liquid formulations.

Liquid formulations are especially helpful because you can customize the serving to suit your unique needs.^† Consider purchasing a quality liquid supplement like Vimergy Restful You* Liquid Melatonin.

The liquid formula absorbs faster than tablets, capsules and gummies.* It is also formulated with only four clean ingredients, and does not include any unnecessary fillers or binders. The supplement comes in a glass bottle with a convenient dropper, so you can adjust the serving size based on your unique health needs^†. Best of all, you can easily add it to your nighttime sleep routine. Take the supplement on its own or mix it with water or chamomile tea about thirty minutes or an hour before bedtime.

3. Supports a healthy immune response*

Did you know lack of sleep can weaken your immune system? According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep is closely linked to your immune system.

By taking melatonin, your body will be well-rested, which can help boost your body’s immune response and support your overall wellness.*

4. Improves general well-being

Taking melatonin can help you get consistent, high-quality rest, which can improve your general well-being.* According to the National Institutes of Health, good sleep bolsters your brain performance, mood and health.

These are just four of the many benefits of incorporating melatonin into your daily routine. Pick up a supplement like Restful You* today and get relief from restless nights so you can tackle your day with ease.* To learn more about how melatonin can empower you to be your best self by having a healthy, happy life, visit Vimergy.com.

^†Do not exceed recommended serving size.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The health information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Photo courtesy Natalie Rey.

2024-07-17T06:01:00

(BPT) – This is the real-life experience of one individual’s experience living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). This is not representative of all experiences. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Wendy built a career in human resources making sure employees had the information and support they needed to be successful in their roles. Almost 30 years later, Wendy is using that same passion for helping others to raise awareness of a rare liver disease called primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

PBC is a progressive, cholestatic autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and can lead to irreversible scarring of the liver. Over time, PBC progressively destroys liver bile ducts and can cause bile and toxins to build-up (cholestasis) which can lead to scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and eventually liver failure.^[i] It is also a disease that predominantly affects women.^[ii]

Life with PBC for Wendy has had its challenges. She was always very active and kept busy, so never felt that anything was “off” with her health. It wasn’t until she had routine blood work done and had higher-than-normal liver enzymes that her doctor recommended she see a liver specialist, a hepatologist.

A liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PBC and Wendy’s doctor started her on a treatment for PBC. But when her alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels did not improve, she decided to seek out a second opinion to get the answers she needed.

“It was important to me that my concerns were being heard by my doctor,” Wendy recalls. “I advocated for myself and found a new hepatologist — one that respected my needs and goals for managing PBC.”

Advances in PBC Research

For people living with PBC, there has been a significant unmet need for new treatment options, particularly for people who have an inadequate response to first-line treatment or are intolerant to treatment.^[iii] However, research in PBC is continuing and there have been advancements in medicine that may help meet the current needs of people living with this disease.^[i],[iv]

For Wendy, PBC treatment options are important, especially since she did not respond to initial treatment.

Moving Forward

While certain aspects of this progressive autoimmune disease have not allowed Wendy to continue with a traditional career path, she’s taken on a new role as the “CEO of her family.” And while she knows that life may never be “normal” with PBC, she is going to do everything she can to be as healthy as possible for her family.

Wendy hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others who are living with PBC to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their liver health. “Although this disease may be challenging and life will be different, you can choose to be an optimist.”

Learn more about Iqirvo® (elafibranor) 80 mg tablets, including full Prescribing Information and Important Safety Information at www.Iqirvo.com.

2024-07-16T15:31:00

(BPT) – If you’re like many people, watching the Olympics may inspire you to get moving. While you may not be as fast as a track-and-field superstar, a jog around the neighborhood is a great place to start. But, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), it’s important to begin any new activity wisely.

“Getting inspiration from the Olympics to try volleyball, running, cross training or another new sport is a great way to get more active,” said AAOS spokesperson and orthopaedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, Jeffrey H. Berg, MD, FAAOS. “It’s important to remember to take some precautions at the outset to reduce the occurrence of bone and joint injuries.”

Here are some tips on injury prevention, from the experts at AAOS.

Running:

Running is a beloved pastime for many Americans, but it is also a source of musculoskeletal injuries. With the proper approach to training and a mindful stride, it remains an excellent source of cardiovascular fitness. To help prevent injuries:

Plan a progressive running program. Start slow and work your way up to that 5K. Warm up and stretch for five to ten minutes before your run, and stretch afterward, too. This helps prevent muscle strains.

Invest in good running shoes. Shin splints are a common stress injury for runners, and the right shoes go a long way in preventing them. Look for shock absorption and stability. When to get a new pair? Shoes tend to lose their shock absorption after 250 to 500 miles of use. If you run 10 miles per week, get a new pair every nine months to one year.

If running outside, safety first. Especially in our current heatwave, run in the cooler hours of early morning or evening — but not at night. If you’re running at dusk or dawn, wear reflective material so you’ll be easily seen. Make sure to hydrate! And turn the volume down on your ear buds. It’s tempting to listen to your favorite playlist while running; however, being able to hear what’s going on around you is key to your safety.

Volleyball:

With beach volleyball ranking among the most highly anticipated sports in Paris, it’s no surprise that the sport in general is experiencing explosive growth. Help prevent injuries like tendinitis and bursitis from repeated overhead motions like spiking and serving. Sprains are also common. Consider the following:

Warm up and stretch. Research shows cold muscles are more prone to injury. For volleyball, warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for a few minutes. Then stretch slowly, holding your stretch for 30 seconds.

Wear appropriate equipment. If you’re playing indoors in the gym, make sure you’re wearing the right shoes that provide good ankle and arch support. Also, defensive pants, which are padded from the hip to the knee, can guard against floor burns and bruises.

Hydrate! Inside the gym or outside on the beach, it’s vital to hydrate before, during and after. If you’re not hydrated before you play, your body won’t be able to effectively cool itself.

Cross training:

Like the decathlon, cross training involves doing different types of activities. It solves a myriad of problems, not just for athletes but for people just trying to get fit. Cross training alleviates the boredom of doing the same activity over and over, it works different muscle groups leading to better overall fitness and it helps prevent overuse injuries. To cross-train safely:

Include stretching in your routine. The most effective cross training includes a mix of aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility exercises like yoga or Pilates. Stretching will help get your muscles ready for exercise.

Start slowly. You don’t have to do a decathlon on your first day. Shoot for 30 minutes of activity most days, but it doesn’t have to be all at once. Break it up into 10-minute increments. And vary your days. Aerobic activity one day, strength training the next.

Warm up. Even on yoga days, it’s important to warm up your muscles. Take a short walk beforehand to get things pumping.

You don’t have to be a medalist to get the benefits of regular exercise. It’s one key to a longer, healthier life. And remember, talk to your doctor before starting any new workout routine. Your primary care doctor can be a good first stop if you are experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms and do not know the cause. But in many instances, it is reasonable to start with an orthopaedic surgeon for most musculoskeletal symptoms and conditions. Visit OrthoInfo.org to learn more about finding the right board-certified orthopaedic surgeon.

2024-07-16T06:01:00

(BPT) – Heart failure affects more than six million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with numbers expected to significantly rise over the next decade. It is a condition that develops when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet the body’s needs — which can happen when the heart is unable to fill up with enough blood or if it is too weak to pump the blood properly.

As a chronic, progressive condition requiring lifelong management, people with heart failure often seek effective treatment options — including medicines, procedures and devices — to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

For patients like Jim Bennett, a 75-year-old from Brainerd, Minnesota, who was used to living an active lifestyle, congestive heart failure prevented him from living a normal life.

“I felt weak and tired all the time and knew I didn’t want to spend my life sitting in the living room chair,” said Jim. “When my doctor recommended Barostim and gave me the option to feel better, I was ready for a change.”

Jim, a father of three and grandfather of eight, has always loved spending time on the water at his 3.5-acre home. But over the last three years, he suffered three heart attacks, leading to congestive heart failure. And after limited success with contemporary medications to improve his symptoms, Jim’s doctor considered him a good candidate.

Barostim is the only FDA-approved heart failure device to use neuromodulation — stimulation of the nervous system — to improve the symptoms of heart failure.

Barostim is an implantable device that works by stimulating baroreceptors — natural sensors located in the wall of the carotid artery — that tell the nervous system how to regulate heart, kidney and vascular function. These effects may reduce the heart’s workload and help it pump more efficiently, helping to restore balance of the autonomic nervous system and improve the symptoms of heart failure, like breathlessness, fatigue and swelling.

Following his implant, Jim noticed significant improvements in his symptoms and a newfound energy. “Since receiving Barostim, I’m back mowing. I’m able to do yardwork, get outside and spend time being active,” said Jim.

Barostim is designed for heart failure patients who may not get adequate symptom relief from medications alone, with data showing that patients who received Barostim — in addition to their standard medications — felt much better and could walk farther than patients receiving only their medications.¹ If you suffer from the symptoms of heart failure, and the medications you have been prescribed are not enough to help you return to the activities you enjoy, Barostim may be the right therapeutic option for you.

To learn more, visit https://www.cvrx.com/.

¹ Zile MR, et al. Eur J Heart Fail. 2024 Apr 12

2024-07-11T13:01:00

(BPT) – Are you one of the many Americans who has benefited from losing weight quickly due to GLP-1 medications? If so, you’re probably feeling grateful for the improved health and appearance these groundbreaking medications have provided — but less so for the loose, sagging skin that may be left behind.

You’re not alone — the term “Ozempic face” has been trending for a reason, as many people who are taking these medications are also seeing this less-than-ideal side effect along with their desired weight loss.

Why does your skin have so much trouble bouncing back?

Starting as early as your 20s, the collagen within the middle layer of your skin begins to diminish, resulting in your skin becoming less and less elastic as you get older.

“When you experience rapid weight loss, it can be hard for your skin to bounce back, resulting in the loose or sagging skin look that is so disappointing for many of my patients,” said board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Capital Laser & Skin Care. “This kind of problem can also be seen in the upper arms, especially for women who have a genetic predisposition to gain weight there.”

A new, non-invasive solution

If all of this sounds familiar to you, you’ll be glad to know there is a new, award-winning, in-office and non-invasive ultrasound treatment designed specifically to address this problem. The treatment is called Sofwave™, and it stimulates the skin’s collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid using SUPERB™ Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology to improve fine lines and wrinkles, lift the eyebrows, under the chin and neck area.

Sofwave™ has been FDA-cleared to:

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Lift the eyebrow
• Lift lax skin under the chin and along the jawline
• Lift neck tissue
• Improve skin laxity on the upper arms
• Reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Improve acne scars

How does it work?

The SUPERB™ Technology heats the dermis at the right temperature, triggering the healing response that increases both collagen and elastin in the skin, which is necessary to maintain volume. Best yet, this cutting-edge technology works on any skin type or skin tone, for all ages.

After just one 45-minute in-office treatment, patients show significant improvement in 12 weeks. The procedure is safe and comfortable, requiring only topical anesthetic to numb the skin.

“Some people may want to schedule an additional treatment to see even better results,” said Tanzi. “Your dermatologist may recommend one treatment every 18-24 months to help you maintain your youthful appearance.”

“Sofwave is a terrific option for anyone, at any age, who wants to build-up collagen and elastin in the skin and improve their skin health and firmness,” said Atlanta plastic surgeon Dr. Gabriele Miotto. “It can help patients with issues that have become so common with rapid weight loss due to GLP-1 medications, or patients who want to be proactive in boosting or improving their skin health.”

Additional treatments to tone your abs, thighs and buttocks

If you’re looking to improve other areas of your body as well, you may want to ask your dermatologist about Pure Impact™, an Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) device that uses electric pulses transmitted by electrodes to elicit muscle contraction and stimulate nerve fibers by means of electrical pulses transmitted by electrodes. Pure Impact™ is FDA-cleared to improve abdominal tone, strengthen abdominal muscles, develop a firmer abdomen, strengthen, tone and firm buttocks and thighs.

Learn more about how you can continue to maximize the strides you’ve made so far, and keep boosting your confidence along the way, at Sofwave.com.

2024-07-11T16:01:00

(BPT) – This month, all eyes are on Paris as the world tunes in to watch the top athletes fight for gold.

Among those competing on behalf of the United States is an elite group who have chosen to serve their country in more ways than one — U.S. Army Soldier-athletes. What does it take for these Soldiers to train and perform at the highest levels of both sport and service?

The Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system is a force-wide program used to optimize the five domains of health: physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual, and sleep. This holistic approach is central to how all Soldiers prepare their minds and bodies for every aspect of competition, including on the world stage.

Here are five best practices from elite Soldier-athletes that everyone can incorporate into their own health and wellness journey:

Save Space for Physical Recovery

Soldier-athletes push their bodies to the limit in preparation for their events, but they also know the importance of rest and recovery. Staff Sgt. Leonard Korir (pictured above), a track and field athlete born and raised in Kenya, is making his second appearance at the Games this year. To train for the steeplechase and marathon events, he practices strength and endurance exercises designed by his coaches and always makes sure to factor recovery time into his regimen. Similarly, in Shotgun Trap, Staff Sgt. William Hinton uses a method called peak periodization, training with variations in intensity and recovery to maximize his performance when it comes time to compete.

Make Nutrition Work for You

To date, Soldier-athletes have competed in over 30 events, all requiring a unique nutritional regimen to achieve peak performance. Maj. Kelly Kaim is the Lead Performance Dietitian for the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program where she consults with Soldier-athletes on their dietary needs. Kaim tailors her approach to nutrition based on the Soldiers’ specific sports and bodies. This might look like higher proteins and lower carbohydrates for weight-cutting athletes, and higher calories and carbohydrates for endurance athletes. She recommends this approach for anyone trying to build more intentional eating habits. Don’t make drastic changes to your diet, but rather small additions of things you like and subtractions of what you can do without. By making eating a positive experience to look forward to, it will make implementing healthy habits easier.

Quiet the Mind for Peak Performance

Competing and representing your country on the global stage creates a level of stress that few can imagine. And as a woman competing in the seemingly male-dominated world of shooting, Sgt. Sagen Maddalena is no stranger to the pressure that comes with competing against the best shooters in the world, all while blazing the trail for the next generation of women in the sport. To keep her nerves and shots steady, Maddalena uses specific breathing techniques and practices mental math games that help sharpen mental acuity and minimize distractions from her environment and thoughts. By following your own rituals and routines, you can focus your attention on what matters: doing your best.

Sgt. Sagen Maddalena will represent the United States on the world stage in the 10m Air Rifle, 10m Mixed Team Air Rifle, and 50m Smallbore events.

Whether feeling jet-lagged from traveling to international competitions or staying up late to meet a work deadline, sleep can be easily compromised by elite Soldier-athletes and civilians alike. But according to Maj. Allison Brager, a U.S. Army neuroscientist, H2F sleep expert, and long-time sleep consultant to the U.S. teams competing in the Games, just three days of getting less than the recommended amount of sleep can have significant impacts on the mind and body. To combat this, Korir makes sure to build a rest day into his schedule the day before a competition and avoids distractions such as social media to calm his mind and ensure he gets enough sleep. By avoiding electronics up to 90 minutes before bed and dimming the lights to help release melatonin, you can set both your mind and body up for a more restful night’s sleep.

Use Your Support System

Most Soldier-athletes fall into one of two units: the Army’s World Class Athlete Program or the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. Through these groups, Soldier-athletes have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, world-class coaches and specialists, and most importantly, the support of their fellow Soldiers and teammates. As an elite Rugby Sevens player, Capt. Samantha Sullivan leans on her teammates, who are also Army Soldiers and friends, as they work toward their common goals of elite competition and service. Remember that you’re not alone in your own holistic health journey — lean on friends and family for encouragement and accountability and follow the advice of experts to determine your goals and plan for success.

These tips all contribute to the pillars of H2F readiness: physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual, and sleep. Across the force, Soldiers implement these pillars into their daily life, and by working them into your own health and wellness goals, you can take small steps toward feeling like both a Soldier and athlete.

Find out more about H2F and what a Soldier’s health and wellness regimen can do for you at GoArmy.com and be sure to cheer on the Army Soldier-athletes in Paris as they put these tips to the test to bring home gold.

2024-07-10T16:01:01

(BPT) – Summer season is in full swing, and that means more beach days, barbecues and road trips. But for teens, it also means a greater likelihood of being involved in a serious car accident.

The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is dubbed the “100 deadliest days of summer” due to a more than 20% surge in teen automobile fatalities, according to the National Road Safety Foundation. Every year, 2,100 teens on average are involved in fatal crashes, with 30% — or seven deaths per day — occurring in that 100-day period. Making matters worse, more than half of teen drivers involved in crashes were not wearing seatbelts.

“It’s imperative that teens understand and practice safe driving behaviors to protect themselves and others while on the road, first and foremost, but it also helps to keep the cost of insurance down for an age group that is notoriously expensive to insure,” said Kevin Quinn, Mercury Insurance’s vice president of claims. “Parents play a key role in shaping the driving habits of their teens. It’s best for parents to lead by example while behind the wheel, spend time driving with their teen, and initiate discussions about the ramifications of dangerous driving, including varying degrees of legal charges — or worse, even death.”

As more teens take to the road for the summer, Mercury Insurance has compiled some tips for parents to help keep their teens safe while behind the wheel:

• Always insist on wearing a seatbelt: In 2019, 43% of high school students nationwide reported not always wearing a seat belt during the past month, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute. Buckling up is the law in nearly all 50 states, but teens are needlessly dying or getting injured. Insist that your teen always wear a seatbelt, every time they drive, and that they ensure all passengers are buckled up too.
• Set house rules: Parents can help manage their teen’s crash risk by enforcing rules, such as banning nighttime driving and high-speed roads or controlling the keys, meaning they need to ask to use the car first. Having a “pre-drive” check-in with your teen before every trip is ideal — all predicated on the understanding that the parent has the right to revoke their teenager’s permit or license at any time if rules are not followed. You should also ensure your teen is complying with state Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws.
• Discuss safe driving behaviors with your teen: Examples of safe driving behaviors include wearing seat belts, putting the phone away and always driving sober. This video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_HfbiM5jjE) details how you can effectively communicate with your teen about safe driving. You should also convey that you care about their safety and that house rules are not intended to be punishments, but rather safeguards.
• Get as much practice as possible: “Most teen driver crashes are due to the lack of active visual scanning that should be used to detect and respond to hazards, going too fast for road conditions, and being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle,” said Quinn. “As a parent, it can be difficult to hand over the keys, but a teen’s safest time behind the wheel is with you or another trusted adult closely supervising.” The more time and thought you devote to practicing safe driving, the more skills and experience your teen will take with them into independent driving.

To learn more about safe driving for teens, visit the following links:

12 Safe Driving Tips for Teens – https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/drive-safe/12-safe-driving-tips-for-teenage-drivers.html

Teen and Young Driver Safety – https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-topics/Pages/teen-driver-safety.aspx