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2023-11-09T14:01:01

(BPT) – You’re curious about the world, love to learn and want to travel in a way that uniquely connects you to the people, culture and landscape of an area. Small ship exploration checks all these boxes, providing you a closer look at what makes a region special so you have experiences that you’ll never forget.

Viking’s voyages offer highly curated, upscale travel experiences for adults on nimble small ships that explore some of the most incredible areas of the world. There are no kids, casinos, art auctions or umbrella drinks — because the focus is on the travel experience and exploring the world, which leaves a lasting and meaningful impression.

Here are the top regions to consider for small ship voyages and what you can expect to experience:

Scandinavia

Scandinavia is Viking territory and small ship exploration is the perfect complement to the region’s rich maritime history. From colorful fishing villages and breathtaking fjords to historic cities that feature rich cultural traditions, there’s so much to appreciate. On a Scandinavian voyage with Viking you’ll learn about the Hanseatic past of Bergen and traditional glassblowing techniques in Bornholm. You’ll have opportunities to experience a Sami ceremony north of the Arctic Circle and sheep farming in a Faroese village. Of course, you’ll be in awe of Norway’s magnificent fjords and perhaps catch a dazzling display of the northern lights during special winter sailings. Above all else, you’ll learn something new every day and be amazed at the world around you.

Caribbean and Central America

The rich cultural diversity and tropical climate has attracted travelers to the Caribbean and Central America for hundreds of years. Today, you can gain an intimate understanding of these legendary regions when you opt for small ship travel. In ports from San Juan to Colón, Viking’s Caribbean and Central America voyages allow for ample access to enriching excursions on land and sea. Just a few of the sights travelers enjoy are the soaring pyramids and temples of Chichén Itzá, picturesque rainforests of Costa Rica, natural wonders inside Bridgetown’s Harrison’s Cave, the fascinating history at the Mayan ruins at Belize’s Altun Ha and St. Lucia’s famed pair of volcanic pylons, Gros and Petit Pitons.

Mediterranean

The empires of the Mediterranean left a remarkable historic legacy that continues to influence today. Do you want to learn more and explore the area, but prefer to do so more like a local than a tourist? The secret is to go during the quiet season. With fewer travelers, you’ll get easier access to landmarks and easygoing interactions with locals. A variety of quiet season Mediterranean itineraries are available from Viking, so whether you want to admire the turquoise splendor of the Greek Isles, explore Rome’s monumental Colosseum, take in Vatican City’s glorious St. Peter’s Basilica or enjoy the architectural brilliance of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, you have plenty of options.

Great Lakes

The largest freshwater ecosystem on earth, the Great Lakes of North America offer a wonderland of nature just waiting to be explored. From the comfort of a Viking small ship, you can explore the Great Lakes, which total over 750 miles across with 10,000 miles of coastline. As you have breakfast, take in the beautiful and diverse landscape, and keep your eyes out for birds in the Great Lakes, you may even catch a glimpse of eagles. Depart the ship and try your hand at new adventures, like kayaking in Georgian Bay — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — or get closer to shore with one of Viking’s expert guides during a Zodiac excursion. Discover the powerful beauty of Niagara Falls, learn about Canada’s small mining towns, view the world-class collection of the Milwaukee Art Museum and so much more.

Grand Journeys

Feeling inspired? If you’re not sure which small ship journey to choose, you’ll be excited to learn you don’t have to settle for just one itinerary. Viking Grand Journeys combine two or more itineraries into one seamless trip through countries with rich histories, fascinating cultures and striking natural beauty. These longer, epic journeys allow you to explore the world in comfort and style, while learning from world-class guest lecturers, savoring regional cuisine and experiencing some of the most iconic cultural performing art forms around the globe.

To learn more about Viking and the many wonderful options for small ship travel, visit Viking.com.

2023-11-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, in-depth, unbiased counseling and support to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on how to use your Medicare, a local SHIP can help. A certified counselor will give you one-on-one guidance based on your unique situation and needs.

2023-11-09T11:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are just around the corner, and although it’s a magical time to spend with family and friends, it’s also one of the busiest and most stressful seasons for parents. So this year, Carter’s, the most trusted brand of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, is taking one of the most dreaded holiday tasks and turning it into something for parents to enjoy.

Inspired by last year’s viral social media trend, Carter’s is introducing its first-ever “Gift Wrapping Weekend,” rallying parents nationwide to dedicate the first weekend of December to tackling holiday to-dos while also indulging in self-care — think spa treatments, binge watching, cozy pajamas and more. The result? Two silent, relaxing nights away that allow parents to knock things off their to-do list and in turn, allows them to spend more uninterrupted quality time with their family during the remainder of the holiday season.

To kick off this epic new tradition, Carter’s is calling all shoppers to take advantage of its holiday deals and snag gifts early so they can spend Dec. 1 through 3 “wrapping up” their gifting to-dos in peace, and enjoy some much-deserved indulgence. The children’s clothing company is offering some of its best deals this time of year, including major discounts on Family Matching Holiday Pajamas and Family Holiday Outfits, plus check out the retailer’s Holiday Toy Shop for must-have gifts for your little ones. Not sure what to buy someone? Not to worry. Carter’s offers a slew of gift cards for all four of its brands so you can give the perfect gift, every time.

As an added bonus, Carter’s is kicking off the launch of its first-ever Gift Wrapping Weekend with an epic giveaway. Today through Nov. 14, parents and caregivers can enter Carter’s Gift Wrapping Getaway Giveaway for a chance to score a $2,500 gift card for a hotel stay to check in and check off holiday to-dos in peace, along with a custom wrapping kit. Nine runners-up will receive a wrapping kit complete with all the trimmings to jumpstart their weekend celebrations.

To enter, visit www.carters.com/wrappinggetaway and follow Carter’s on Instagram and TikTok for more updates this season. Shop Carter’s biggest holiday deals and steals on Carters.com, ensuring your little ones are fully dressed in festive fits this season.

2023-11-09T09:27:00

(BPT) – Women own nearly 50% of all U.S. businesses, yet they only receive 2% of venture capital (VC) funding, a tiny piece of the pie. Stacy’s^® Pita Chips, a brand committed to the financial empowerment of women business owners, is proud to champion these entrepreneurs to get a bigger piece of the funding pie through the launch of the 2024 Stacy’s Rise Project. In addition to awarding 15 deserving founders a $25,000 grant, mentorship and community resources, this year the brand brings attention to this statistic with Stacy’s Rise Pies, available for purchase now on StacysRise.com.

2023-11-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Has your favorite angler been naughty or nice this past year? Santa Bass knows all, so you better be good! For the coming holiday season, Santa Bass offers 10 incredible gift ideas and stocking stuffers that will surely bring a smile to your favorite angler.

1. Clean a mess of fish fast – Every now and then, some anglers like to keep their catch for a nice shore lunch or dinner. It sounds fun, until you face the messy job of cleaning fish. Not anymore! High-quality, heavy-duty lithium electric fillet knives make fast work of fish cleaning, and they’re great for other meats, too.

2. Protection from the sun – If your favorite angler spends a lot of time in the sun — on a boat, in a kayak, or fishing from a pier or shore, they need to be covered up to protect their skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Hooded shirts designed for anglers of all ages are great looking, provide moisture-wicking performance, and offer UPF 50+ UV sun protection along with moisture-wicking performance.

3. Warm and dry – If you put your time in on the water fishing, eventually, you’re going to get wet. It’s not a matter of if, it’s just a matter of when. Having a reliable rain jacket and bibs designed for extreme conditions by the nation’s top anglers is essential if you’re going to spend time on the water.

4. Fish like a pro bass angler – For anglers who want to fish what the pros fish, consider a fishing lure actually created by one of the top bass fishing pros in the nation, Bassmaster Classic champion Ott DeFoe. Designed in DeFoe’s garage, the Rapala OG Rocco is a buoyant, round balsa bait with a square circuit board lip that has been proven in the nation’s top bass tournaments.

5. No more fish “tales” – No doubt, you’ve heard the stories about “the big one.” And each year, the big one gets a little bigger. Keep your favorite angler honest with a 50 lb. Touch Screen Fish Scale designed for anglers. It’s easy to use to weigh and track one’s catch.

6. Keep your angler warm – A lot of anglers like to get up early to start fishing. Keep your angler warm and cozy with a thick, soft hoodie that’s perfect for those crisp, cool mornings.

7. Get organized – Is your angler kind of disorganized? Lures and tools all over the boat, in the garage, or in the ice fishing house? The SmartHub system by Rapala helps anglers get more organized, which means more time fishing.

8. Tools to get the job done right – Pliers, scissors, forceps, knife sharpener, clippers, hook sharpener, lantern. For anglers to stay on top of their game, they need some essential, high-quality tools to keep their gear in tip-top shape, as well as tools that can stand up to the elements, in freshwater or saltwater.

9. Stocking stuffers – Looking for some less expensive (under $25) gift ideas to stuff into your favorite angler’s stocking? How about a speaker to listen to some tunes? A fish counter? A deck of cards or a stocking cap? Or, the world’s all-time best-selling fishing lure?

10. Ice trolling – And lastly, if you live in the Ice Belt of the country and enjoy ice fishing, here’s a seriously good gift idea that will save you lots of time and is good for the environment. Serious ice anglers drill lots of holes, and to accomplish that, they need a proven, electric ice auger and drill that gets the job done fast. It’s called ice trolling. Santa Bass recommends the StrikeMaster Lithium 40V auger and Lite-Flite Lazer™ Drill Unit to get to walleye, crappie, bluegill, and pike during hardwater season.

2023-11-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – Loneliness is a public health epidemic.

It’s a condition that doesn’t show up on medical tests, yet it can be just as deadly as daily smoking. The growing crisis has an outsized impact on older Americans. According to a recent study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated.

Social isolation and loneliness take a toll on physical and mental health, leading to chronic disease and higher healthcare costs.[i] Older adults are at especially high risk of social isolation and loneliness due to changes in social connections that can naturally come with aging, as well as hearing, vision, and memory loss, disability, trouble getting around, and/or the loss of family and friends.

“A startling number of seniors are lonely and isolated, and it’s taking a real toll on their mental and physical health,” said Robin Caruso, Chief Togetherness Officer at Elevance Health. “We need to pay attention to this growing crisis so that we can help preserve health and well-being in old age.”

Health Impacts of Loneliness

Risk factors for loneliness include living alone, the death of friends and family, mobility issues, discrimination, and poverty — especially among seniors. And the health effects of loneliness can be quite serious.

Older adults grappling with loneliness are more likely to experience symptoms of depression and cognitive decline. They’re also more likely to be admitted to a nursing home.

Loneliness can also lead to cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke. According to a two-decades-long study, social isolation is a better predictor of whether someone will develop high blood pressure in old age than well-known physical risk factors like diabetes. Social isolation also increases the risk of dementia by about 50%, which was comparable to the effects of physical inactivity, low education level, and depression.

“Loneliness is a vicious cycle,” said Caruso. “Many of its causes and effects overlap, which can compound the problem over time.”

Spotting the Signs of Loneliness

As we move into the holiday season, family, friends, neighbors and acquaintances have the opportunity to check in on the older adults in their lives and help offer solutions to social isolation.

Signs to spot loneliness in seniors include:

• Changes in appetite, including eating less
• Anger, which could manifest in being more argumentative or becoming disengaged in conversation
• Withdrawal from social events
• Less regimented personal hygiene
• Bringing up people in their past who are not currently involved in their lives
• Changes in their living situation, including friends or long-time neighbors moving away
• New or worsening mobility issues
• Differences in how often they are calling or emailing
• Friends passing away

“Our bodies and minds are inextricably linked,” said Caruso. “Spotting signs of loneliness can help family and friends to rally around their loved ones and provide support for those who are suffering.”

Strategies to Combat Loneliness

Whether you are suffering from loneliness yourself or supporting a loved one, there are many resources and tools to help cope.

Elevance Health has a clinical initiative that addresses the social challenges that older adults face daily. Its goal is to improve physical, psychological, and social well-being by encouraging participants to re-engage in healthcare, connect with community-based organizations, and increase physical activity.

Called Member Connect, offered through Elevance Health-affiliated Medicare Advantage plans, the program engages an Elevance Health community health worker and an Elevance Health employee volunteer, or phone pal, that together build connections with individuals. By establishing these personal connections, the approach aims to empower people to make behavior changes that reduce isolation and loneliness.

Since its inception in 2017, the Member Connect program team has facilitated over 216,833 phone calls. Telephone surveys found that 87% of program participants had more meaningful connections with people since joining the program, and more importantly, 79% of participants agreed that they had an increase in activities that bring them joy and purpose.

“When dealing with loneliness and isolation ‘going it alone’ is not a viable solution,” said Caruso. “Sometimes it just takes a phone call from someone who cares to serve as a catalyst to make meaningful lifestyle changes.”

Some additional strategies that older adults can use to cope with loneliness include:

• Creating a regular schedule
• Adopting a pet
• Volunteering
• Picking up a new hobby
• Getting outdoors
• Addressing transportation needs
• Consulting with a mental health professional
• Staying on top of hearing issues
• Considering a senior-specific living environment

“By empowering older adults to acknowledge and find ways to treat loneliness and isolation, we can all be a part of the solution to the loneliness epidemic,” said Caruso.

2023-11-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – You may love hosting your friends and family over the holidays, but the cleaning, food prep and post-party cleanup? Not so much. Gathering together with your loved ones to enjoy the cheer and fun of the season is great, but don’t you wish there were ways to make it easier and less stressful to put on a festive celebration? Luckily, there are. You can have a blast hosting family and friends — and even enjoy the prep and cleanup — by following a few easy principles.

Here are ideas for keeping your next holiday party merry and bright from start to finish.

1. Create the kind of party you’d want to attend

There’s no need to make this year’s party identical to those you’ve held in the past or that your family has always had. Start by asking yourself what makes a party a success. Love getting dressed up and sitting down at a fancy table for a formal dinner? If so, that’s the kind of holiday party you should host.

If not, think about what you’ve enjoyed at memorable celebrations from your past. What made it a hit? Was it a low-key, dress-as-you-are party with cheerful music, kids’ crafts and informal games? Was the food simple but still tasty and comforting? Maybe there were party favors and gifts that were low-cost but silly and fun.

Make a quick list of the high points from different shindigs you’ve attended and see if you can include some of them in your party plan. The preparation will go much smoother and will be a whole lot more enjoyable when you’re entertaining in a way that you love.

2. Keep it simple — and delicious

You can reduce the stress and time it takes to prepare tasty food and handle post-party cleanup by getting some help from Bob Evans^® dinner sides, like their beloved mashed potatoes and macaroni & cheese. Their high-quality, farm-fresh, quick to table sides provide a delicious way to “hack” holiday spreads with ready-to-heat refrigerated options that act as stand-alone dishes or as a convenient ingredient to level up any recipe. Bob Evans does all the washing, peeling, seasoning and cooking so you don’t have to.

Hosting family over the holidays? Make breakfast time easy and special by stocking up on Bob Evans breakfast products, including their signature sausage, bacon and liquid egg whites.

Find Bob Evans dinner sides and breakfast products at grocery stores nationwide and visit BobEvansGrocery.com to discover holiday-inspired recipe ideas.

3. Make it a family affair

Get the whole family involved in party preparations by assigning tasks to kids that are appropriate according to their age level, such as making and putting up decorations, helping to create the perfect holiday playlist or decorating cookies.

If you have friends who feel just like family, see if they’re willing to come early to help with the setup — and make sure to get them an extra-special holiday goody bag to thank them!

4. Designate specific party rooms

Since it may not be possible to make every room in your home 100% clean for the party, make sure the central rooms are in good shape, then mark some rooms “off limits” for partygoers, using festive garlands or funny signs, asking people not to enter.

If your front closet has no room for extra coats and bags, designate a guest room or office as a coat room so guests will know where to put their things when they arrive.

5. Add festive decorations

Create an immersive holiday atmosphere by decorating your entertaining space. Cover the room in festive décor, such as a decorated fireplace mantel, a special wall decked out in holiday lights, children’s artwork or a doorway framed in holiday greenery. The goal is to create a cheerful ambiance that delights your guests at every turn.

Hosting during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Use these tips to help you relax and enjoy the cheer and fun of the season.

2023-11-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – We all find ourselves sometimes staying up late on a school or work night, leaving us feeling tired behind the wheel the next morning if we didn’t get enough good sleep. But do we ever think about the risks of drowsy driving while we’re buckling up?

Drowsy driving is impaired driving — just like drunk, drugged, and distracted driving — and it’s a real public health issue. Drowsy driving is behind thousands of vehicle crashes each year, killing an estimated 6,400 people in the U.S. alone. In fact, the AAA Foundation estimates that 300,000 police-reported crashes each year are caused primarily by drowsy driving. What’s really shocking is that while a majority of us say drowsy driving is highly risky, most of us do it anyway.

Getting enough sleep before we get behind the wheel is one of the best ways to prevent drowsy driving. So, as part of its commitment to educating the public about the importance of sleep for health and well-being, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) produces Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® (DDPW) every year to encourage everyone to Sleep First. Drive Alert™.

Taking the Right Lane to Safer Driving

Most people say drowsy driving is highly risky, but don’t think it is as dangerous as other forms of impaired driving. New NSF data show that over 95% of teen and adult drivers both said drowsy driving is risky, but both ranked other forms of impaired driving — like drunk, drugged or distracted — as riskier. In fact, driving with as little as 4-5 hours of sleep is like you were driving with a blood alcohol level of .05%. That would be drunk driving!

Planning Your Route? Make Sleep Your First Stop

No matter where you’re headed, create a sleep game plan before you hit the road and get the recommended amount of sleep the night before your trip. NSF recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for adults and 8-10 hours for teens. Plan long trips with a companion who can not only look for early warning signs of fatigue but also help drive when needed. And, when on a long trip, schedule regular stops every 100 miles or two hours.

Caution: Warning Signs for Drowsy Driving

Be on the lookout for signs of drowsy driving when behind the wheel, like yawning repeatedly, rubbing your eyes, and finding it hard to focus on the road. Drifting from your lane or having trouble remembering the last few miles driven? Those are definitely red flags. If you notice these warning signs, pull over to a safe place and take a quick nap, stretch, or drink a caffeinated beverage. Only continue driving when you feel alert and refreshed.

New Driver? New Hazards

Motor vehicle crashes are the second leading cause of death among teenagers. Teens are relatively new to driving, which means they have less experience and fewer driving skills to rely on during emergencies. Teens are also chronically sleep deprived and early school hours don’t always sync up with their internal body clock, also called a circadian rhythm.

Plus, teens are busy. With school, jobs and extracurricular activities, they might choose to sacrifice sleep. In fact, NSF found that, within their first 2 years of driving, 1 in 6 teens said they have already driven while drowsy, citing school or work activities as the top things that keep them from getting enough of the sleep they need.

Avoid Wrong Turns and Stay on Route to Being Your Best Slept Self^®

The good thing is NSF has science-backed recommendations to help anyone and everyone be their Best Slept Self^®. Just three small steps during the day and three small steps at night can make a big difference.

During the day, things like spending time in bright, natural light, getting regular exercise and eating meals at consistent times can help your body prepare for sleep. At night, NSF recommends avoiding things like heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol, and putting your devices away an hour before bed.

All drivers and passengers should be on the lookout for drowsy driving. Before you get behind the wheel, take a moment to check your alertness and if you’re ready to drive. If you are not getting enough quality sleep to be your Best Slept Self^®, you may not be fit to operate a motor vehicle.

For more sleep health information, visit www.theNSF.org.

The National Sleep Foundation’s Drowsy Driving Prevention Week^® encourages everyone to prioritize sleep and drive when they are alert and refreshed. Our goal is to help people get the sleep they need and reduce the number of drivers who choose to drive while sleep-deprived.