Category: Brandpoint

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.

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).

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.

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.

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”

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?”

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.

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.

2024-08-26T09:01:00

(BPT) – More than two decades ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, many lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. From across America, people stepped forward — uniting to help the families of those lost, assist the injured, and do whatever they could to help.

AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers were among those who were there to help, offering emergency assistance to the injured, serving as family caseworkers, and helping those displaced from Ground Zero find housing and other services. For many, their service was a life-changing experience, inspiring them to pursue careers in public service.

The 9/11 attacks also inspired AmeriCorps alumni Cait and Kevin to serve. Both lost their fathers that day but found ways to heal through service.

Cait chooses to remember her father by inspiring others to give back and doing what her father loved — helping others in need.

“Looking back, my journey involved not only following in my father’s footsteps to help others but also finding the importance of community in my own healing. The way our communities came together after 9/11 was remarkable. It taught me that despite all our differences, we all have the ability to come together to listen, learn, and accept one another. I don’t think I would be the person I am today if it weren’t for these lessons. I learned how difficult and messy traumatic events can be in our lives, but also learned how resiliency can be beautiful,” said Cait.

Kevin continues to honor his father’s memory by working with nonprofit organizations to lift up fellow New Yorkers and Americans to a better and brighter future.

Kevin shared, “In 2001, I was just 4 years old when I lost my father in the attack on the World Trade Center. That devastating loss changed me and inspired me to help others in need through my service with AmeriCorps and now in my career. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how small efforts can affect great changes that impact the lives of those in need.”

The events of that day and the heroism of the first responders ultimately led to the creation of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, founded by the nonprofit 9/11 Day with the support of the 9/11 community, AmeriCorps, and bipartisan leaders in Congress.

Since 2009, Americans have united in service and volunteerism on Sept. 11 to honor those lost and recognize the sacrifices that members of the armed forces, emergency responders, and their families continue to make.

AmeriCorps works with 9/11 Day, grantees and partners, as well as faith-based, local, and national organizations, to offer volunteering opportunities in communities across the nation.

People of all ages and backgrounds join and lead community service projects from food drives and home repairs to neighborhood cleanups and disaster preparation activities to honor the lives and service of those lost that day. These civic champions cross divides, differences, and ideologies to make a difference — rekindling the spirit of unity and service that swept our nation after that tragic day.

You can be a part of this movement. Join your neighbors and make plans to serve your community on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

To find a volunteer opportunity near you or learn more, visit AmeriCorps.gov/911day.

2024-08-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – From the explosive growth of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss to the social media hype around gut health, new wellness trends have been central to the cultural conversation over the past year. To help understand the products and innovations shaping these trends — and how they may support everyone’s individual health goals — The Vitamin Shoppe’s new Health & Wellness Trend Report 2024 takes a deep dive into the top five trends of the year.

1. GLP-1 users seek nutritional support

As GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro are increasingly used to treat Type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, there is also a heightened focus on ensuring that people taking these medications get proper nutrition. These medications help people feel full longer, according to the Mayo Clinic, which can suppress the appetite, making daily food and nutrition choices even more important.

For that reason, GLP-1 users may want to add nutritional supplements to their daily routines to ensure they’re getting enough nutrients, including proteins, multivitamins, fiber and probiotics. These supplements can help fill key nutrient gaps and support the optimal digestive health of patients on GLP-1 drugs. In fact, The Vitamin Shoppe saw a 10% increase in sales of ready-to-drink protein beverages compared to last year, plus a 13% bump in meal replacement products tailored to weight management in the first four months of this year.

While taking a GLP-1 medication, it’s recommended to consult a health professional about developing a nutrition plan, which may include supplements while managing weight loss.

2. Living better, longer

Recent interest in longevity has evolved from not just how long people live, but how long they’ll stay healthy — what some have dubbed “healthspan,” not just lifespan. This trend is being driven by cutting-edge research and new technologies that are adding healthy years to lives, with a heightened focus on nutritional health. Key areas of nutritional focus for healthy aging include cognitive health, cellular health and mobility health.

At The Vitamin Shoppe, cognitive support products are the biggest sales driver by volume this year, including the popular Ginkgo biloba, known for memory and circulatory support, and L-theanine, which helps promote relaxation and stress support.

Meanwhile, cellular health support products have seen the biggest percentage of sales gains, up over 45% from the previous year, such as Vthrive Bioactive B-Complex, which aids in energy production and nervous system support. Other customer favorites include the amino acid Jarrow Formulas’ L-Carnitine and Life Extension’s NAD+ Cell Regenerator, known for supporting healthy cellular metabolism.

“Longevity is one of the most exciting areas of wellness innovation today,” said Muriel Gonzalez, president of The Vitamin Shoppe. “There’s growing demand for this kind of knowledge, empowering consumers to incorporate the latest advances and products into their everyday wellness practices, including longevity-focused nutritional support.”

3. Gut health is everywhere

Log on to your favorite social media platform, and there is bound to be content about gut health. This wellness phenomenon has turned topics that were often kept private — like bloating, IBS and digestive issues — and made them almost fashionable.

This increased awareness of the importance of gut health has fueled sales of supplements such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber products like psyllium husk and digestive enzymes. Food and beverage makers are adding gut health ingredients to everything from soda and yogurt to even candy. At The Vitamin Shoppe, the best-selling ProBioCare range of probiotics and digestive health products increased sales 24% in 2023, with another 44% jump in the first quarter of 2024.

“Your gut is like the command center of your body; there’s so much more to it than just digestion. It plays a starring role in practically every aspect of your health and well-being,” explained Maya Shetreat, M.D., a member of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Wellness Council.

4. Women 40+ in the spotlight

Once an overlooked category, there’s growing interest in wellness products for women aged 40 and older. This year, The Vitamin Shoppe introduced three new brands for this key demographic to its 700 stores: Health & Her, Wile and Solaray Her Life STAGES. In fact, over 40 new products dedicated to women’s health were added, all addressing the unique needs of women as they reach life milestones such as perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause — including different areas of hormonal health, emotional health and sexual health.

According to industry figures from SPINS, women are increasingly seeking out case-specific supplements for their individual needs. For example, sales of PMS formulas increased 12% over a 12-month period ending in 2023.

“All these hormonal milestones in a woman’s life are natural, beautiful transitions — they aren’t taboo topics. Now, there are better solutions to address the often frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms each woman may experience,” explained Dr. Pamela Peeke, a prominent physician and nutrition expert, who helped develop the Solaray Her Life STAGES products.

5. Beverages are not just for hydrating anymore

While hydrating remains crucial for overall health, especially while exercising or enjoying the summer heat, consumers increasingly want beverages to do even more. Beverages can also boost wellness and mood with a range of vitamins, adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals.

Sales of these kind of ready-to-drink “functional beverages” have grown 20% last year, according to SPINS figures. Catering to this increased thirst for good-for-you drinks, The Vitamin Shoppe recently introduced dedicated displays in hundreds of its stores for trendy functional mocktails from brands including Kin Euphorics, De Soi, Hiyo and Parch.

For more information on all the latest wellness trends of 2024, download the complete Health & Wellness Trend Report from The Vitamin Shoppe here. To explore the full range of lifelong wellness solutions in the report, visit your local The Vitamin Shoppe store or VitaminShoppe.com.

2024-08-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have a home emergency plan in place for you and your family? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Amazon,* 81% of adults in the U.S. do not have a well-rounded home emergency plan in place. Outside of our own households, a similar number of adults (82%) are worried about not being notified if elderly family or friends have an accident or emergency at home.

In honor of National Preparedness Month in September, now is the perfect time to develop a home safety plan for your family and loved ones who live alone. It can feel daunting to tackle getting a plan together, but here are three easy tips to help you get started.

Identify the risks that are unique to the area you’re in

An important first step is understanding the types of hazards that might be prevalent in your community, whether that’s wildfires, earthquakes, flooding or major storms. Knowing what emergencies you’re most likely to face allows you to better prepare and helps make creating a plan feel more manageable than trying to prepare for everything.

Your state and local government’s emergency management websites are a great starting point to get more information about the common types of disasters and whether plans already exist for your area. You should also sign up for your community’s alert and warning systems which can notify community members of impending disasters or of actions to take following a disaster.

Make a plan that takes into account the specific needs of your household

As you prepare, tailor your emergency plans and supplies to your specific needs and outline key roles and responsibilities, especially since your family may not always be together in case of an emergency.

Some questions to consider as you’re building out a plan:

• How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
• What is our evacuation route and meeting point?
• Does everyone know who to call in an emergency?
• What vital items do we need in an emergency supplies kit beyond the typical items? (e.g. prescription medication, eyeglasses, extra contact lenses, cashier’s check, etc.)
• Where will we keep important family documents physically and digitally? (e.g. copies of insurance policies, identification bank account records, etc.)

Invest in resources that can get you help fast and provide you peace of mind

Emergencies are by nature unpredictable and while it’s essential to have a well-thought-through and actionable plan, one of the best things that you can do is also invest in a service that offers emergency support at any time, like Alexa Emergency Assist. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, this service allows your entire household to get fast access to help without having to pull out your phone or if it’s not in reach, by simply saying, “Alexa, call for help,” to your Echo device.

Dedicated, professionally trained agents can request dispatch of emergency services and have access to any of your pre-saved critical information at the time of the call, like your home address, medications or allergies, allowing first responders to be thoroughly prepared when they arrive at your home.

Other key Alexa Emergency Assist features:

• 24/7 Urgent Response: Available around the clock, 365 days a year, even if phone lines are down.
• Professional assistance: Dedicated, trained agents can quickly request dispatch of police, fire, or ambulance services.
• No wait times: Call center answer times are faster than industry standards,** so you get help without delays.
• Pre-saved information: Urgent Response agents will have the information you choose to provide during sign-up, including your address, device details, medical conditions, household information (such as gate or door codes) and a list of emergency contacts.
• Emergency contacts: Alexa Emergency Assist allows you to save the contact information of up to 25 family members, friends or loved ones you choose to be automatically notified and informed when a call is placed.
• Smart alerts: These allow Alexa to detect if your smoke or CO alarm is sounding, or there’s a sound of glass breaking — and will notify you so you can take action whether you’re at home or away.

These tips will help offer you peace of mind, knowing that your family is prepared in case of any emergencies. To learn more about Alexa Emergency Assist, visit Amazon.com/gethelpfast.

*According to a survey of 1,000 U.S. Adults Ages 18+ and a survey of 1,000 U.S. parents of children ages 12 and under for Amazon by Wakefield Research between March 15-20, 2024.

**AEA’s calls are answered faster than industry standards according to the National Fire Protection Association and National Emergency Number Association.

2024-08-21T23:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means it’s time to make sure your kids have the essentials they need for a successful school year. Health coverage should be at the top of that list — and being insured is important for students all year long. Academic success, long-term health outcomes, and health coverage all go hand-in-hand: Studies show that when children have health coverage, they are better equipped to participate in the classroom and during extracurricular activities, miss fewer days of school, and are more likely to complete high school and graduate college.

Finding free or low-cost health coverage for your family can be as easy as ABC. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide coverage for a broad range of health services for kids up to age 19. When enrolled, kids have access to preventive care, emergency services, dental visits, behavioral health care, immunizations, vision care, and more. For the millions of families who are currently covered, now is also a good time to ensure kids are caught up on routine vaccines and well-child visits needed to participate in school activities.

Get Insured with Medicaid and CHIP

The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign wants families to experience the peace of mind and security that comes with knowing their child is covered no matter what the school year brings. Medicaid and CHIP cover more than 37 million children in the United States and have helped ensure that more than 94% of the nation’s children have health coverage. Enrollment is open year-round, meaning your family doesn’t have to wait for an open-enrollment period to see if you qualify. Coverage must be renewed each year, and it’s important to make sure your address, email, and phone number stay up to date with your state Medicaid office so your family can receive communications about important renewal information.

Medicaid and CHIP eligibility varies by state and depends on family income and how many people are in your household. In most states, children up to age 19 with family income up to $80,000 per year (for a family of four) may qualify. Families can apply online, over the phone, by mail, or in-person with their state’s Medicaid office or visit the “Find Coverage for Your Family” section on InsureKidsNow.gov. For more information, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669).

With health coverage, children can get the services they need to make the grade this school year by staying healthy and thrive academically.

Provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.