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2024-05-28T14:15:00

(BPT) – The summer travel season is fast approaching, and there is no better time than now to start planning your next adventure. Hilton’s latest trends report found adventure is a top priority for nearly half of travelers in 2024, and as more consumers turn to budget-conscious decision making, Spark by Hilton hotels are an excellent way to stretch hard-earned travel dollars.

Spark offers travelers practical, consistent and affordable accommodations with new hotels opening in some of the most popular leisure destinations across the United States. Whether you are boarding a flight or embarking on a road trip, Spark promises a premium economy stay without compromising quality.

When you are ready to explore your next summer escape, enhance your trip by booking a stay at a Spark by Hilton hotel in these vacation hot spots.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Perfect for a sun- and sand-filled getaway, Spark by Hilton Hilton Head Island is less than a mile from the beach. The property boasts a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool and is surrounded by shopping, dining, golf and nature trails.

Mystic, CT

Art, history and nature lovers will have a great time at Spark by Hilton Mystic Groton, the first-ever Spark hotel! Before you visit the Mystic Aquarium, Mystic Seaport Museum and Olde Mistick Village — all just a mile from the hotel — fuel up at the complimentary coffee and bagel bar. When you’re done shopping and dining downtown, hit the outdoor pool for a quick swim or relax in your room and stream your favorite content.

Savannah, GA

For travelers seeking convenience, book a stay at Spark by Hilton Savannah Airport, just three miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where you’ll be picked up by a complimentary shuttle. If you’re looking forward to water sports, take a day trip to the Boro water park and Butter Bean Beach or relax by the hotel pool. Catch a race at Roebling Road, see the sights of the Savannah Historic District, or bask in nature at the Tom Triplett Community Park, all less than 25 minutes from the hotel.

Siesta Key, FL

Dreaming of a beach vacation? Spark by Hilton Sarasota Siesta Key Gateway is minutes from the beach, and the hotel even offers a complimentary beach shuttle. There’s plenty of sights to see and things to do with the Palm Arcade, Sarasota Pavilion, Skiers Island and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens nearby.

For other destinations in the Sunshine State, consider Spark by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District, half a mile from Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and St. George Street. Or be one of the first guests at Spark by Hilton Ormond Beach Oceanfront, where every room boasts a private patio or balcony to enjoy breezy Florida sunsets.

Charlotte, NC

Whether you’re a sports or music fan, stay at Spark by Hilton Charlotte Tyvola I-77, just 15 minutes from the famous Spectrum Center and six miles from The Bank of America Stadium. Thrill seekers will have a blast at the Carowinds Amusement Park. In the morning, enjoy a free breakfast so you’re ready to enjoy all the entertainment the city has to offer.

Atlanta, GA

Whether you root for the visiting or home team, stay at Spark by Hilton Atlanta Cumberland Ballpark, just one mile from Truist Park. This property is near Downtown Atlanta, where there’s no shortage of dining, shopping and entertainment. When you want to cool down from seeing the Hotlanta sights, take a dip in the hotel’s indoor or outdoor pool.

Regardless of where your summer travels take you, Spark offers simple, reliable and straightforward hospitality with clean, comfortable rooms, useful amenities and helpful service all at an affordable price.

2024-05-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – Scam artists are constantly changing tactics to steal your personal identifiable information (PII), including account usernames and passwords, Social Security numbers, birth dates, credit and debit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs) or other sensitive information. With this information, they can carry out crimes like financial fraud that can be difficult and frustrating for victims to remedy.

The United States Postal Inspection Service is working hard to stop these scammers in their tracks. You can help too, by familiarizing yourself with these identity fraud scams designed to trick you into giving up your “financial DNA” and turning over your personal identifiable information (PII) to imposters.

1. Phishing

If you ever receive an email about a package delivery or unpaid online postage charges, usually with the subject line, “Delivery Failure Notification,” be careful. These phishing emails appear to be from the U.S. Postal Service but they are not and you should not interact with them. The phishing emails may contain either a spoofed or fake URL for you to follow or a file that if opened, can activate a virus, both resulting in stealing your personal information.

How can you tell if an email is NOT from USPS or the Postal Inspection Service? If the email requests “immediate action,” has poor grammar and spelling errors, asks you to confirm PII or asks for payment of any kind, you’re likely dealing with a phishing email. USPS officials would never contact consumers directly asking for payment or PII.

If you receive a phishing email:

• Treat your personal information like cash
• Don’t click on any links
• Forward USPS-related spam emails to spam@uspis.gov
• Report non-USPS spam emails to the Federal Trade Commission
• Delete the email

2. Smishing

Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that indicates a USPS delivery requires your response? You’re likely dealing with a smishing scam. This type of deceptive text message lures recipients into providing personal or financial information. Scammers often attempt to disguise themselves as a government agency, bank or other company to lend legitimacy to their claims.

Even if you’ve signed up for USPS tracking, pay close attention to the message. The Postal Service will never ask you for PII in a text message, redirect you to another site for payment, or contact you via text message, unless you initiated the request.

If you receive a smishing text message from the Postal Service:

• Don’t click on the link
• Don’t reply
• Forward the smishing/text message to 7726 or email spam@uspis.gov
• Report non-USPS fraud to the Federal Trade Commission
• Delete the text message
• Block spam messages
• Review your cellphone bill for suspicious charges
• Keep your security software up to date

3. Vishing

You may have enjoyed the game telephone when you were younger but calls from scammers trying to get your personal information are nothing to play with. A new twist on phishing, vishing is something you need to be aware of. Vishing is short for voice phishing and scammers will try to hook you as soon as you answer the phone.

Here’s how to spot it.

Scammers call from a number that may look familiar or even appear to be from a legitimate source, like your bank or a government agency. The caller, however, is anything but legit. They may claim there’s an issue with your account or a problem that requires your immediate attention. Then the scammers will ask for sensitive information like Social Security numbers, credit card details or passwords.

To protect yourself from vishing:

• Verify the identity of the caller
• Ask yourself why the caller is asking for your information
• Never give out sensitive information over the phone
• Report the call to the alleged bank, government agency or company
• Block spam callers
• Place your number on the national Do Not Call List

4. Quishing

QR codes are incredibly common nowadays. You’ve probably seen them on posters, food menus and TV screens. Take caution before you scan. Some QR codes may be a form of phishing known as quishing.

If you receive a message from an unfamiliar email address or text message or find a poster in a high-traffic location, don’t scan it. If you do, the QR code could take you to a scammer’s website (which may look legitimate) but is designed to scam you out of your PII.

If you find or receive a suspicious QR code:

• Don’t scan it, especially if the message or poster urges you to act immediately
• Report the QR code to the bank, government agency or company that the scam artist is impersonating
• Block scam messages

Stay alert!

Scammers are always on the hunt for sensitive information. Protect yourself and others by using caution and reporting suspicious emails, texts, calls, voicemails and QR codes to the proper authorities. To learn more about how to protect yourself from identity fraud, visit uspis.gov/identity-fraud-2024. You can also find additional fraud prevention resources on our website at USPIS.gov.

2024-05-24T10:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you’re shopping for a special occasion or purchasing everyday necessities, ordering items that you need and want online can be a great way to save money, especially if you stay focused on what you’re looking for, search for the best deals — and use the latest tech tools to help you scout those deals.

Here are some tips that can help you save as you make the most of online shopping.

1. Don’t get distracted

Shopping online can involve navigating lots of visual distractions, including tempting photos of many other products that may not be on your shopping list. To avoid going down a window-shopping rabbit hole, write your list out and set it where you can see it while you’re searching, to help you stay on track. Having a clear idea of what you’re looking for — and how much you’re willing to spend — will also help you avoid impulse purchases.

2. Compare to save

One of the top ways to keep costs down is by comparing prices before you hit “order now.” While it can seem overwhelming to check on all the possible prices for similar products that are out there, Microsoft Shopping on the Edge browser can help you find great deals. With tools such as coupon auto apply, Microsoft Cashback and price comparison, the browser will search the web for coupons and deals on items you’re shopping for, and alert you if it finds a better price. In fact, shoppers can get an average annual savings of $431 using Microsoft Edge, and have been offered over $8.4 billion in savings worldwide.

3. Use smart tech to help you shop

Do you sometimes have trouble finding just the right gift for someone, or figuring out what to purchase for yourself or your home? Copilot in Microsoft Shopping can help by providing personalized recommendations and shopping assistance, powered by AI. For example, you can say something like, “I’m looking for a new summer dress. Make a list of summer dress styles with an image for each. Also, list the best online retailers for a good deal on dresses.”

4. Maximize cash back offers

There’s nothing better than getting cash back on something. Check to see if you can get cash back deals on a credit card that you already use for online shopping. You can also visit the Microsoft Cashback page to see what cash back offers are available and get 3X cash back on select brands every Tuesday, with their Triple Cash back Tuesdays.

5. Subscribe, but be strategic

Some online vendors offer discounts for subscriptions on products you know you’ll want to re-purchase frequently, such as household or personal items. But before signing up to subscribe, make sure it’s a product you really want to keep buying, and take note of how often you’re likely to re-purchase it so you can choose a time frame that makes sense. Check that the amount of the discount makes subscribing worthwhile, and that you can adjust the frequency of the purchase easily, if needed.

6. Read customer reviews

Have you ever ordered something, only to find the product failed to deliver on its promises? You can avoid buyer’s remorse by taking the time to read several online reviews, especially for costlier purchases. While you may see a wide range of ratings and opinions on any given product at first, if you read enough reviews you can spot patterns such as the biggest benefits of the product — and the most common issues. Those broader patterns can help you make smarter decisions between different brands or types of products before you spend your hard-earned dollars.

Ready to save more while you shop? Microsoft Shopping in Edge helps you add confidence to your cart when you shop online.

2024-05-23T10:29:00

(BPT) – Steve Rouillard of Detroit has always been a hands-on, do-it-yourself person. His life as an aerospace engineer keeps him busy, while in his spare time, he enjoys frequent getaways to the Smoky Mountains. Two years ago, however, his busy routine was interrupted by a series of strokes that happened unexpectedly, and left his doctors puzzled.

On a hot summer day, Steve was outside staining a fence when he felt strangely exhausted. Brushing it off as possible dehydration from the heat, Steve flew to Tennessee the next day, but noticed that he was still not feeling right. He lost his appetite, and all he wanted to do was rest.

Doctors suspected COVID-19, but tests came back with nothing out of the ordinary.

“The following week, I woke up still not feeling right,” Steve said. “I told my wife, ‘I can’t take this anymore. Something is wrong with me,’” he said.

After being re-evaluated by his doctors at home in Michigan, Steve finally had an answer: what he experienced was a stroke. While he was relieved to receive a diagnosis, his health journey didn’t end there.

About a year later, Steve was speaking with his wife when he noticed he couldn’t say certain basic words. After going to the hospital, an MRI revealed that Steve had suffered three additional strokes. Steve is one of the more than 795,000 people in the United States who have a stroke every year.¹ This time, doctors suspected his strokes might be due to an underlying heart rhythm issue. They prescribed Steve blood thinners and placed a small heart monitor, the Medtronic Reveal LINQ™ insertable cardiac monitor (ICM), just underneath the skin in Steve’s chest. ICMs monitor for and can detect intermittent abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), which can lead to stroke.

Just a few months later, Steve would learn just how valuable his small heart monitor would be. After returning from a trip to Germany, he passed out while sitting on the porch. His cardiologist called, saying the heart monitor had detected that Steve’s heart had stopped beating for eight seconds. Steve’s doctor recommended a pacemaker immediately to prevent future incidents where Steve’s heart might beat too slowly and cause him to pass out again.

Steve received the world’s smallest pacemaker, the Medtronic Micra AV2™. Unlike a traditional pacemaker, the leadless pacemaker is the size of a vitamin pill and is implanted inside the heart using a tiny catheter inserted through a vein. The minimally invasive procedure allowed Steve to leave the hospital the same day, with limited restrictions. While each patient’s experience can vary, since Steve’s procedure, he’s regained his active life, and hasn’t experienced any additional heart rhythm issues.

“After the procedure, I laid in the recovery room for a few hours and then within a few days went back to normal life,” Steve added.

Today, Steve lives life to its fullest. With his Micra AV2, he is once again able to take on home renovations, travel for work and build furniture in his free time, knowing that he has a pacemaker to help keep his heartbeat from dropping dangerously low.

This National Stroke Awareness Month, Steve is advocating for people like himself to take the signs of stroke seriously and get checked out by specialists who can help you understand the right treatment options for you.

“Now, I don’t often have weak legs, speech issues or fatigue. I am very thankful,” said Steve.

This testimonial is based on Steve’s experience. Not all patients will experience similar results. Always talk to your doctor about diagnosis, treatment and risk information.

Possible risks associated with the implant of the LINQ Family of ICMs include, but are not limited to, infection at the surgical site, device migration, erosion of the device through the skin and/or sensitivity to the device material. For important safety information about the LINQ family of ICMs, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/insertable-heart-monitors/getting-monitor/important-safety-information.html

Possible risks associated with the Micra implant include, but are not limited to, complications at the surgical site, injury to the heart where the device is attached, sensitivity to the device material, failure to deliver therapy when it is needed, or receiving extra therapy when it is not needed. For important safety information about Micra, visit: https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/patients/treatments-therapies/pacemakers/our/micra/important-safety-information.html

2024-05-23T15:31:00

(BPT) – Memorial Day is about more than just kicking off summer with a backyard barbecue. It’s a day of respect and remembrance that honors the men and women who have given their lives while serving this country and the devastating loss shouldered by their families, friends, and communities when their service member didn’t come home.

As we’re honoring our family members who have died serving this country, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) would like us all to be mindful that it can also be a tough day for veterans who made it back home, because they’re remembering the fallen friends they served with.

WWP™, founded 20 years ago, is dedicated to supporting military veterans, their families, and caregivers through life-saving programs and services in mental health, financial wellness, connection, advocacy, long-term rehabilitative care, and more.

The organization shared a few ways to honor veterans and their families on Memorial Day, and every day.

Be sensitive. By all means, enjoy that Memorial Day barbecue and relax with your loved ones, just be mindful that it may be a tough day for veterans, service members, and their families.

Reflect on freedom. People go into the military to serve this country and defend our freedoms. But many of us may not realize the sacrifice they and their families make for those freedoms.

Take part in a Memorial Day tradition. Whether it’s wearing red poppies or attending a parade, get involved in the real meaning of the day. If you have friends or family who have fallen in the line of duty, it’s a great day to place a wreath, flowers, or a plant on their grave to show respect.

Observe the National Moment of Remembrance. Signed into law by Bill Clinton in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was intended to provide a way for the entire country to come together to honor fallen heroes on Memorial Day. The goal is to remind Americans about the sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, and provide a single act of unity for the entire country. At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, observe one minute of silence to honor these brave men and women. If you’re behind the wheel, turn on your lights.

Wear red, white, and blue but not the flag. Many people aren’t aware that the flag is not supposed to be worn as a fashion statement. Show your patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue! Memorial Day is the day to fly the flag outside your home.

Teach your children. Talk to your children about family members who have served in the military and about what Memorial Day really means. Don’t know quite where to start? Check your local library or bookstore for books about Memorial Day, and make it a tradition to read that book to your child every year. Chances are, they’ll carry on that tradition when they have children of their own.

Support friends and family who are veterans. One way to do that is to spread the word about WWP. Many veterans may not know about all of the services this organization provides to wounded post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families. Because of generous donations from the public, warriors never pay a penny for any of the services WWP provides.

At Wounded Warrior Project, they know every warrior has a next mission. The transition to civilian life is a journey, and for every warrior, family member and caregiver, that journey looks different, whether they came home from serving our country 20 years ago or yesterday.

This Memorial Day, honor the veterans in your life and support organizations who serve them, like WWP if you’re able.

2024-05-23T15:37:00

(BPT) – As peak summer travel season approaches, the cost and stress associated with road trips are top concerns for many travelers. With 43% of households planning road trips as their top travel plan this year, proper preparation of both your vehicle and home is essential. Mercury Insurance offers critical tips to ensure your vehicle is road-ready and your home is secure, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead. These preparations can not only enhance your trip experience but also provide peace of mind while you’re away.

“Preparing your vehicle and securing your home are critical steps before embarking on a summer road trip,” said Kevin Quinn, vice president of Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Taking these steps can significantly reduce the chances of unexpected incidents and help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.”

Mercury’s guide to a worry-free road trip

Vehicle readiness:

• Maintenance checks: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and fluid checks, is indispensable, particularly before a long trip. Ensuring your air conditioning is up to the task is also crucial for beating the summer heat.
• Tire safety: Proper tire maintenance, including checking tire pressure, alignment and tread wear, is vital for safe driving and fuel efficiency.
• Lighting system check: Ensure all lights and signals are functional to communicate effectively with other drivers during day and night.
• Emergency kit essentials: A well-stocked emergency kit should include items like road flares, jumper cables and basic tools to handle unexpected roadside issues.

Home security:

• Precautions before leaving: Secure all entry points and activate your security system. Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your travel plans so they can keep an eye on your property.
• Social media awareness: Delay posting about your trip to avoid tipping off potential burglars. Share your memories once you are safely home.
• Insurance coverage: Review your home insurance policy to ensure you are covered against any possible incidents that could occur while you are away.

Planning and preparation:

• Route and weather planning: Check your travel route for any potential disruptions like road work or severe weather conditions. Plan fuel stops or charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) accordingly.
• Local emergency information: Keep contact information for emergency services and local contacts accessible throughout your journey.

“Mercury Insurance is committed to supporting your summer travel plans with comprehensive advice and insurance solutions tailored to your needs,” Quinn said. As you prepare for your road trip, consider speaking with a Mercury Insurance agent to ensure that both your vehicle and home are adequately protected.

Explore these blog posts for essential tips on staying safe during your summer road trips at mercuryinsurance.com:

• Summer Road Trip Guide: Tips to Consider
• How to Jump-Start a Car
• How to Check Oil in Your Car
• Is My Car Ready for a Road Trip?

For more information on how to prepare for a summer road trip or to discuss your insurance needs, visit mercuryinsurance.com or contact your local Mercury agent today.

2024-05-23T11:01:00

(BPT) – Nothing beats summer days spent on the water. Looking to get your feet wet? There are plenty of ways to get on the water whether you own a boat or are just getting started. Boating has seen a surge in popularity as millions of Americans prioritize experiences, outdoor recreation and work-life balance.

Being on the water provides freedom to explore and is one of the most fun, relaxing ways to escape stress on land. Plus, there is a scientific connection between water and happiness — it has a positive impact on psychological, emotional and behavioral health.

Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced captain navigating best practices, remember boating should be fun, not intimidating. Understanding basic skills and passenger etiquette will boost your confidence and help create a safer environment to allow for an enjoyable, stress-free day on the water.

“Spending time on the water with loved ones away from all the distraction on land is one of the best ways to decompress and create lasting memories,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president of Discover Boating. “Before stepping on board or taking the helm, it’s a good idea to brush up on the safety essentials. There are a variety of educational resources available to not only ensure the safety of those on board but also protect other boaters so everyone can enjoy a fun day on the water.”

Discover Boating is a one-stop resource for all things boating, from safety and education articles, maintenance checklists and boating destinations to finding your dream boat, locating verified dealerships in your area, and more.

Below are five tips from Discover Boating to improve your nautical know-how to ensure the best possible experience on (and off) the water.

1. Watch a video. View Discover Boating’s new Boating Safety Basics Video Series, Presented with Progressive Insurance for expert tips to prepare for your captain duties and be the best boat guest including fueling best practices, proper use of navigation lights, trailering techniques and safe seating tips.

2. Take a class. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs and more are offered across the U.S.

3. Visit a boat show. Boat shows are an ideal place to immerse yourself in the boating lifestyle and provide a unique opportunity to meet face-to-face with — and shop — a variety of boat dealers and marine product companies all under one roof. Most boat shows also offer educational opportunities whether you’re a seasoned skipper looking to improve your skills or a new boater looking for tips on everything from boating safety to navigation and boat operation. Find a boat show in your area.

4. Look for the seal of approval. When shopping for a boat, whether at a boat show, online or at a dealership, check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm of a boat.

5. Preserve your boat with proper maintenance. Similar to cars, there are a few areas that require regular maintenance by the owner, and a few areas that require maintenance at routine intervals, which most leave to the professionals. Prepare a boat maintenance checklist that covers everything from engine needs to cleaning to electrical systems to ensure your boat has a long lifespan.

Enjoy your next boating adventure and be sure to use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your favorite moments on the water.

Visit DiscoverBoating.com for safety tips, storage options, boat shopping tools, how-to’s for getting on the water and more.