XMWare

2024-05-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Across the nation, whiskered men are making the world a bearder place to live; or in other words, they are contributing positively to their communities. Whether they’re aiding the homeless or championing animal rights, their charitable endeavors — and their beards — have the chance to be recognized in the third annual Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest. One Grand Prize winner will be presented with $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for the charity of his choice. He’ll also be crowned the new ‘Wahl Man of the Year,’ a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 17 years.

“There is no shortage of people who donate their time and energy to helping others, and the Benevolent Beards contest provides an excellent platform to discover and honor those individuals,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl. “As a family-oriented company dedicated to community service, Wahl is excited to reward men who mirror our commitment in their own communities.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner, Dr. Christopher McNeil from Kansas City, Missouri, whose selected charity, the Kansas City Public School Foundation, supports educational initiatives and impact programs like his ‘Books and Barbers’ program which provides haircuts, books, and mentorship to elementary school students.

According to McNeil, who is currently the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools, ‘Books and Barbers’ is about more than just free haircuts. “We try to recreate what’s special about barbershops by offering students a safe space where they can learn about life and glean wisdom from amazing mentors. It’s also a way for us to increase the kids’ love of learning and literacy,” he explained.

How to Enter

From now until June 30, 2024, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards. They can also get to the page by visiting the @WahlGrooming Facebook or Instagram pages. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a NEW Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get really exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl’s Mobile Barbershop to do a charity fundraising grooming event. At the event, barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the charity — up to $5,000.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help.

2024-05-08T23:01:01

(BPT) – Exercise is much more than just cardio and weights. You may not realize that as you’re working up a sweat, you’re taking a load off your mind, too. Many people face the nagging effects of everyday stress and pressure that impact mental health and overall well-being but fortunately, some of that can be alleviated by working out. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to refocus on your mind, body and movement.

Self-care and focusing on your mental health is particularly important in a post-pandemic world. According to a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association, more than 75% of adults in the U.S. said they’ve experienced stress in the prior month. The majority of those said health and finances were among their top sources of stress, contributing to symptoms like headache, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, sleep disorders and more.

As a leader in health and wellness, Planet Fitness is sharing some important mental health benefits that anyone can get from moving their body and exercising:

Mood boost. Aerobic exercise leads to an increase in levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that regulate your mood and focus, according to Neuroscience News.

Increase in brain function. Neuroscience News also reports exercise promotes brain plasticity, the ability to form new neural connections. This is especially helpful in counteracting the cognitive decline that comes with age. Forgot where you put your keys? Some cardio throughout the week may help with that.

Relax of stress hormones. Exercise helps regulate cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones. By pumping up your feel-good endorphins, the Mayo Clinic says exercise improves your sense of well-being.

Better sleep. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health to your step-counting coworker will tell you that exercise helps you sleep better. Whether the evidence is anecdotal or gleaned from a health-industry study, it’s clear that getting a good workout will lead to better sleep in both duration and quality. When you sleep better, you have more energy throughout the day to accomplish tasks, complete your checklist or even prep for your next workout.

Confidence booster. When you move your body, you feel good about yourself! You’ll find yourself getting stronger, walking farther, running faster, or even lifting heavier weights than you could before. This feeling sends your confidence through the roof and that sense of accomplishment and self-esteem will have you walking on air for the rest of the day.

Post-workout relaxation. After your workout, give those muscles some self-care. With Planet Fitness’s PF Black Card^® Membership, you’ll get access to everything Planet Fitness has to offer, including HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, Total Body Enhancement machines, discounts on cooler drinks, and the ability to bring a friend with you every time you work out. Rest and recovery are an integral part of your workout routine and your overall mental wellness.

Social connections. Going to the gym regularly, connecting with other members or certified fitness trainers (a perk offered to all Planet Fitness members) or just seeing the same folks every workout will increase your social connections and help relieve stress and feelings of sadness and loneliness.

If you haven’t been to the gym in a while and feel a bit intimidated, Planet Fitness is the perfect place to enjoy a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone^®. With the main causes of stress being health and finances, Planet Fitness can help you get a great workout that will impact your mental health without breaking the bank. Check out all the Judgement Free Zone^® has to offer this Mental Health Awareness Month and focus on YOU.

2024-05-09T06:19:01

(BPT) – The love of a mother knows no bounds. This Mother’s Day, consider a unique gift that reflects her unconditional love for you: a subscription that empowers families in the world’s toughest places to create change that lasts.

More than 700 million people worldwide are living in extreme poverty — most of them women and children. Like all mothers, these moms want to give the best for their children, but they face many challenges. With an income of less than $2.15 per day, they are deprived of basic human needs like clean water and sanitation, nutritious food, health care, education and spiritual nurture.

This Mother’s Day, you can show your gratitude for your own mom’s loving care through a gift subscription to join Believers for World Change™ — a community of change makers dedicated to helping end extreme poverty around the world in partnership with World Vision, the global Christian humanitarian organization.

A gift with lasting impact

Just as your mother’s love is ongoing and reliable, so is the idea behind subscribing to world change. The monthly gifts given in her name will equip families with access to resources that answer both immediate and long-term needs, like sustainable clean water sources, essential health care and nutrition training, education and safeguarding programs for children, job training, emergency aid when disaster hits, and much more. You’ll be helping equip families to not just survive, but thrive, by providing them with the tools they need to change their lives for good.

Why a subscription?

Most Americans use multiple subscription services, like streaming platforms, apps, meal kit deliveries and more. You’re likely used to paying a monthly fee and getting something in return.

You may even be paying for services you no longer use, since autopay can fly under the radar. A poll conducted by C + R Research showed that 42% of consumers admit they’ve stopped using a subscription service but forgot they were still paying for it.

Now is the ideal time to evaluate your subscription services and consider redirecting funds from ones no longer useful to you into one that offers lasting value: a subscription to world change.

Make a tangible difference

This subscription flips the focus of the standard model by making it about not what you get, but what you give: tools and support that equip families to experience transformation that can last for generations.

“Worldwide, humanitarian needs continue to increase,” said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision. “But World Vision knows that when we partner with donors and the communities we serve, we’re able to not only bring life-saving aid to some of the world’s most challenging places but also equip children with the tools they need to fulfill their God-given potential. Our hope is that donors will join with us to bring hope and create lasting change while gaining a new and a more rewarding perspective on how they spend their hard-earned money.”

Whether for Mother’s Day, a birthday or just to show you care, a subscription to world change is a gift with meaning that’s sure to be remembered and appreciated well into the future — both by your gift recipient and families around the world.

2024-05-09T08:15:00

(BPT) – Workers’ compensation insurance acts as a crucial safety net, offering protection to both employees and employers when illnesses or injuries happen. Workers’ compensation coverage pays for things like medical expenses and lost wages when employees become ill or injured at work. It also covers death benefits and disability in the worst-case scenarios and employer liability for work-related injury or disease.

There is no one-size-fits-all workers’ compensation policy, as each state sets its requirements for this complex coverage — and just having the required coverage may not be enough to support your business goals. Choosing the right partner will satisfy state requirements, protect your financial position and help support employee well-being.

Acuity Insurance differentiates itself as a trusted partner for small business owners. In addition to detailing which questions to ask yourself when seeking a workers’ compensation insurance provider, the following explains a few Acuity differentiators that can elevate your claims experience beyond basic state-required coverages.

Does your insurance company provide top-notch customer service?

Workers’ compensation insurance is complex, dealing with health care, state regulations, and the emotional side of injury or illness. Your insurance company should provide you and your employees expert guidance to navigate through all the steps. How long does it take your insurance company to return your phone calls? Does it have dedicated claims adjusters who handle workers’ compensation claims? Acuity provides same-day contact from a caring adjuster, who will work with you until the claim is closed. This has led to Acuity policyholders reporting a 97% positive claims experience.

Does your insurance company provide services to help employees receive the proper care and return to work?

For small businesses struggling with labor shortages, lost time due to illness or injury can be challenging. Acuity offers a transitional return-to-work program to bridge the gap between injured workers’ existing work capabilities and what the employer can provide by working with local nonprofits to place workers into temporary positions. Additionally, the 24/7 Acuity Nurse Helpline assists workers with nonemergency injuries, saving money and facilitating a quicker return to work.

Does your insurance company help you reduce risk?

Some insurance companies provide loss control services as part of their workers’ compensation policies. Loss control uses a proactive approach to risk management, which helps create safer and more-efficient workplaces, ultimately reducing claims and enhancing overall profitability. Acuity’s loss control department also provides post-loss services, including individual claim investigations and trend analysis, to empower businesses to adopt a proactive approach to prevent future accidents.

Does your insurance company help you manage costs?

Using loss prevention services, return-to-work programs and nurse helplines can translate to significant savings for customers by reducing incidents, lessening the severity of incidents and reducing lost time. Medical costs are often difficult to understand and navigate. Acuity’s managed care program features a preferred provider network with negotiated discounts, a meticulous bill review program and a pharmacy benefit program. These initiatives also translate into significant savings for customers, further reducing their insurance costs, and Acuity does not include the cost of these services as incurred claims costs.

Acuity’s unique offerings underscore its commitment to innovation and customer-centric service. Acuity helps small business owners navigate the complexities of risk management before, during and after incidents to help them become more efficient, safe and profitable.

2024-05-08T10:21:00

(BPT) – By Jung Jae-chul, home entertainment research and development lab leader of HE R&D Lab at LG Electronics

Imagine a TV that not only delivers your favorite shows in incredible picture quality but also connects with you on a deeper level. That concept is no longer bound to imagination, as LG’s latest TVs are capable of understanding what you want and need, tailoring every moment you spend with it through ‘Affectionate Intelligence.’ This is the essence of LG’s unwavering commitment to crafting empathetic algorithms through three decades of technological innovation. This ethos seamlessly extends to the development of its AI chipsets, which are designed to foster more meaningful TV interactions.

As a testament to this dedication, LG’s Alpha AI processor, engineered exclusively for its OLED TVs, made its global debut a decade ago as one of the biggest breakthroughs in TV processing technology history. This AI-powered processor is constantly evolving based on customer feedback, which guarantees a TV experience that only gets better with time.

Amidst the widespread adoption of OLED panels, LG OLED TVs set themselves apart courtesy of the first OLED-dedicated AI processor. This processor leverages advanced algorithms and cutting-edge upscaling technology to unlock uncharted levels of picture quality within LG OLED TVs.

Various processing technologies continue to evolve with AI, notably showcasing significant performance enhancements in the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) — essential for affectionate intelligence — with a remarkable surge of 400 percent. LG’s latest OLED evo TVs¹ are equipped with the new α (Alpha) 11 AI processor which boosts processing speeds by 30 percent compared to its predecessor.

What’s more, LG’s premium AI processing technology has expanded to LG QNED TVs, taking the performance of its high-end LCD TV lineup to new levels. LG QNED TVs feature the Alpha 8 AI processor to achieve a 1.3-fold increase in AI performance and 1.6-fold increase in processing speed compared to its predecessor. These remarkable advancements come together to form a powerful yet refined audiovisual experience that heightens the audience’s sense of immersion.

At the core of LG’s AI TVs lies a deep understanding of the user’s preferences, habits and desires. Seeking to enrich the home entertainment experience with versatile personalization and added convenience, the latest LG AI TVs can recognize voices based on unique webOS profiles, making it easier to deliver personalized recommendations based on their personal viewing history.

This user-centric approach lets users access their favorite or most-used content and services in an instant, while Picture Wizard works to tailor picture quality to their preferences to foster a deeper understanding and connection. Picture Wizard lets users pick from a range of image options, so that they can fine-tune images to their liking and receive greater viewing satisfaction without having to learn everything there is to know about technical aspects such as brightness, contrast or sharpness.

With sound quality now deemed just as important as image quality in completing the viewing experience, AI processing technologies have been evolving to help the TV’s audio performance catch up. AI Sound Pro offers richer and fuller audio while the LG TV’s built-in speakers produce virtual 11.1.2 surround sound to heighten immersion. The AI can even enhance dialogue clarity by separating vocals from the soundtrack, making it seem like sounds are emanating naturally from the screen’s center. Moreover, WOW Orchestra creates three-dimensional audio which works in unison with the TV’s built-in speakers and compatible LG soundbars, creating a unified sound together.

LG’s focus on the webOS smart TV platform, which powers over 200 million smart TVs, is clear for everyone to see. webOS enriches everyday life experiences with versatile personalization and enhanced convenience in the form of individual profiles, voice recognition and recommendations based on viewing history. With its extensive user base, LG is set to maintain a strong presence in targeted advertising, FAST and content streaming services.

Lastly, the webOS Re:New program² offers the latest webOS upgrade to existing LG Smart TV owners to guarantee the most up-to-date TV experience for the next five years. That means consumers purchasing an LG OLED TV or LG QNED TV launched in 2024 can benefit from the latest webOS platform until 2028.

To explore the various efforts the LG Home Entertainment Company is making to curate life-enriching experiences for every kind of user, stay tuned to the LG Newsroom.

¹ LG OLED evo M4 and G4 models

² Pop-up notifications offering a full upgrade without the need to select specific UX, UI or features are only sent to customers who have agreed to receive them. Please note that this upgrade does not cover the TV’s hardware performance, features or durability.

2024-05-08T11:01:00

(BPT) – This month highlights the important role mental health plays in our general health and well-being. It influences how we feel, think and act. Many Americans of all ages experience mental distress. According to National Institute of Mental Health data, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition.[1] A mental health condition is an illness or disorder that affects your thinking, feeling, behavior or mood, and can range from mild to severe.[2] Moreover, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults live with a severe or serious mental health condition.[3] People with serious mental health conditions can live fulfilling lives with effective treatment.[4] However, some people are not in treatment because they lack access to care or may want to avoid perceived stigma related to mental health conditions.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to focus on mental well-being, but also on the connection between mental health conditions and substance use. Some people with mental health conditions struggle with substance use.[5] They may turn to illicit drugs and other substances to help them cope with stress, trauma or mental distress.[6] Brain changes in people with mental health conditions may also make it more likely they will continue to use substances and could develop substance use disorders and addiction.[7] People with substance use disorders, in turn, may have increased risk for developing other mental health conditions.[8]

And what’s more, using these drugs can have dangerous consequences, including overdose or even death. Substance use disorder affects an estimated 1 in 7 Americans, and nearly 300 Americans die every day from a drug overdose.[9],[10]

Mixing drugs is never safe

People sometimes think that because they’ve mixed drugs before and nothing seemed to happen, they can do it again. However, a person’s body can react to drugs differently every time. The fact is, even if you’ve been OK in the past, there’s no way to know what the outcome will be from mixing drugs.

Why it’s so dangerous to mix drugs

No matter how it happens, mixing opioids with other drugs is incredibly risky. Using more than one drug is never safe because the effects of mixing them can be stronger or more unpredictable than one drug alone. For example, mixing opioids with stimulants (“uppers”) can increase your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. Mixing opioids with depressants (“downers”) can slow breathing or lead to brain damage. Mixing can even be deadly: More than 50 percent of overdose deaths involve multiple drugs.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to remind everyone that mental health is health,” said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Every one of us can take a small action today to help build connection in our communities to promote mental well-being and prevent mental distress. Sustained connections, in turn, make it less likely that people will turn to substances to help cope with life’s stressors, and this can decrease the risk of overdose.”

Learn the signs of overdose and how to help by using Naloxone

If you think someone could be experiencing a drug overdose — even if you’re not sure — it’s safest to treat it as an overdose. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive, over-the-counter medication that can be administered to help reverse an opioid overdose, and anyone can keep and use it to help save a life. You can get naloxone as a nasal spray or an injection, and you can use it without medical training or authorization. Also, it won’t harm a person if they’re overdosing on a drug that’s not an opioid.

Seven signs of overdose to watch for include:

• Small constricted, pinpoint pupils
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin, especially lips and/or nails
• Limp body

Important steps to take when you think someone around you is overdosing:

1. Administer naloxone, if available
2. Call 911
3. Keep the person awake and breathing
4. Lay person on their side to prevent choking
5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives

What CDC is doing to Stop Overdose in America

At CDC we’re educating people about the dangers of illicitly made fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the lifesaving power of naloxone, and the importance of reducing stigma around recovery and treatment options. We are using the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) to better understand the circumstances that surround overdose deaths, improve fatal overdose data timeliness and accuracy, and identify specific substances causing or contributing to overdose deaths as well as emerging and polysubstance overdose trends to help inform overdose prevention and response efforts. CDC is investing in neighborhoods, communities, cities, counties, states and the nation to prevent overdoses and ensure the health and well-being of all Americans.

Learning how to prevent an overdose can help save a life if you know someone struggling with addiction. For more information and resources, visit CDC.gov/StopOverdose.

If you’re in the U.S. and thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text 988 now, or chat 988lifeline.org.

If you’re wanting help for substance use, know that recovery is possible. You can find evidence-based treatment and service options near you by visiting findtreatment.gov or by calling the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

2024-05-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – May marks National Pet Month, and it’s a time to celebrate the love and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives; however, let’s not forget about the dogs still awaiting their forever homes. With over three million dogs entering shelters every year, adoption remains a critical solution for giving these pets the families they deserve. Sadly, due to a lack of resources, a significant number of rescue dogs are deprived of vital grooming which significantly improves their health, happiness and chance of adoption. That’s why pet industry leader Wahl and Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, have partnered again for the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest. Wahl donated grooming supplies to rescues and shelters nationwide, and they in turn shared amazing Before and After grooming photos — including the Top 10 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2024. Vote for your favorite pup and help the organization affiliated with the dog win $10,000.

1. Pete is a resilient pup who endured neglect after his owner’s tragic passing. Rescued from a backyard, Pete was covered in filth and matting when he was brought to a shelter in Justin, TX, but with grooming and care, his true spirit emerged. Now, Pete is seeking a loving forever home where he can thrive and be cherished.

2. Winky found his way to a shelter in Palo Alto, CA, from a challenging home situation. Despite his history, he showed immense affection during his extensive grooming. It was during his grooming that staff realized he was missing one eye, and in turn affectionately named him “Winky.” Winky’s transformation was remarkable, and he soon found a loving forever home where he is thriving and living his best life.

3. Maddie, a stray with an unknown past, arrived in poor condition to a shelter in Franklin, TN, likely having endured neglect for some time. Fortunately, a compassionate local groomer stepped in to provide much-needed grooming, improving Maddie’s appearance and well-being.

4. Bella, a 12-year-old miniature poodle, arrived at a shelter in Phoenix, AZ, as a surrender due to her owner’s illness. As soon as she arrived, she was promptly pampered with a luxurious grooming and bath. A happy pup was revealed under all that matted and dirty fur, and it didn’t take long for her to find a forever home.

5. Bailey, an 8-year-old pooch from Philadelphia, PA, experienced a remarkable transformation after his previous owner’s illness left him in desperate need of grooming. Despite severe matting, Bailey’s playful energy shone through, and a spa day helped reveal his true personality. Now with a loving family, Bailey enjoys a happy life filled with affection and companionship.

6. Pancake is a one-year-old pup from Clearwater, FL, whose journey from neglect to love is truly heartwarming. Under a coat of severe matting, he was silently pleading for help. Pancake’s condition was so bad, in fact, his grooming had to be done under anesthesia. What emerged was a dog with a newfound joy for life, and within days, he captured the hearts of all who met him — including his new forever family.

7. Moe’s journey began with a heartbreaking discovery at his home where he was subjected to years of severe neglect and hoarding. Covered in filth and matted fur, he arrived at a shelter in San Francisco, CA, with wary eyes but a hopeful heart. After being washed and groomed, he slowly learned to trust, blossoming into a cuddly companion eager for affection. Now, Moe is ready for a brighter future, eager to embrace each new day with joy and security.

8. Dolly, a standard poodle, arrived at a rescue in Thompson Falls, MT, in dire need of grooming. Her filth and odor made it nearly unbearable for her rescuers to handle her. However, after a visit to the groomer and a much-needed bath, Dolly emerged as a stunning, red-furred beauty, quickly capturing the heart of a loving family.

9. Giuseppe’s arrival to a shelter in Espanola, NM, is a heartbreaking testament to neglect. Five pounds of matted fur covered up a host of health issues and rendered him unable to walk. Once groomed, Giuseppe could finally get the dedicated medical care and foster support he needed. Now this senior pup is living out his golden years in the comfort of a loving home.

10. Fred was rescued from a serious hoarding situation and brought to a shelter in Breinigsville, PA. Covered in matted fur and plagued by discomfort, he found relief after receiving a much-needed grooming and bath. The added attention of proper medical care transformed him into a brand-new dog. Fred was soon fostered by a compassionate couple mourning the loss of their previous dogs, and it was in this foster home that he found his forever family.

For more information on Wahl’s complete line of grooming products, including tips on how to pamper your own pooch, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram and X.