How three simple tips can improve paint efficiency

2024-11-13T08:15:00

(BPT) – As a professional contractor, you know firsthand how challenging it can be to balance speed and quality when it comes to painting. You want to complete more jobs in less time for the sake of your bottom line, while still providing long-lasting, quality results for your customers.

The key to working quickly and delivering excellent work is to focus on efficiency to ensure customer satisfaction while benefiting your business by saving time and energy on every job.

Partnering with the right supplier and using the right products and tools are key to successfully building your business. Discover these three pro tips to help you complete the job accurately and on time.

1. Choose the right paint products

When it comes to choosing paint, quality comes first. Selecting quality products that are durable, easy to apply and provide maximum coverage are key to helping boost painting efficiency and reduce callbacks.

Dutch Boy® Professional Series has the paint products needed for every project — from residential to construction and commercial jobs, offering top-quality performance with easy application and unmatched durability. Paints from Dutch Boy Professional Series DuraHide™ line can tackle any indoor paint job, providing outstanding hide, a smooth, washable finish and a mold- and mildew-resistant coating.

For exterior jobs, your paint will need to stand up to the elements. Opt for products from Dutch Boy Professional Series DuraWeather™ line. These professional paints are geared to be used on multiple exterior surfaces like wood, stucco and masonry that often require tough, four-season protection and mildew-resistant finish that resists cracking and peeling, even in low temperatures.

Best of all, with Dutch Boy Professional Series, you can get the best price for professional-grade paint from the very first gallon purchased and choose from over 1,300 Dutch Boy Paints colors, as well as custom color matching. No matter what you need, you can find the perfect solution for every project and application.

Family of Dutch Boy Professional Series paint products.

2. Find a supplier that has it all

When you’re on the job, you don’t want to waste time, gas and energy going to multiple stores for your supplies. To double down on efficiency, find a supplier that offers paint, tools and materials you need to quickly finish a high-quality project.

As a contractor, a home improvement store like Menards® is your best bet for finding supplies for all your project needs in one place. This one-stop shop for all painting and home improvement supplies places you at the center of their business while saving you money.

3. Have help on-call

Even pros need help. With the Dutch Boy Professional Series paint program you get access to some of the most experienced and dedicated field sales representatives who can provide:

  • A comprehensive line of top quality, durable paints and stains
  • The best price from the first gallon purchased
  • Flexible job site delivery options
  • File history management, inclusive of maintaining records of products and quantities utilized, along with color specifications for projects
  • Tint and ship options
  • Special order programs for participating Dutch Boy Professional Series products
  • Menards contractor credit card program that offers additional savings on select products based on program approval criteria

All of these services from Dutch Boy Paints and Menards, work together seamlessly to ensure you can increase job efficiency and create positive results for your business.

Homeowner and dutch boy professional referring to Dutch Boy paint on the tailgate of a truck in the driveway.

To learn more about the Dutch Boy Professional Series, visit Dutchboy.com/en/Pros/Pro-Resources. And don’t forget to visit Menards.com to find your closest one-stop shop for paint and more.

3 simple swaps to upgrade your bathroom for holiday guests

2024-11-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are full of fun, festive get-togethers, magical moments with friends and family — and often, a lengthy holiday home prep list. With celebrations just around the corner, you may want to prep your home for overnight guests to help you feel your best about hosting your loved ones this season.

What room most needs your attention? According to a survey conducted by Delta Faucet, a bathroom refresh is the project that is the most pesky for people to complete. While a full reno is unlikely, it’s easy to complete a few simple swaps that instantly transform the look and function of your bathroom just in time for seasonal celebrations.

Here are three ideas for upgrading your bathroom that are sure to impress your guests — all with easy DIY installation.

1. Upgrade your bathroom faucet

Trouble keeping your bathroom sink clean? This chore can be especially challenging when entertaining and hosting guests. One simple solution is installing the Delta® Stryke® Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet, which makes quick work of cleaning toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with a nimble pull-down spray wand. The Lumicoat® Finish is guaranteed to resist water spots and mineral buildup, so you can easily wipe it clean without the need for cleaners or chemicals. You’ll also appreciate this faucet’s sleek and stylish look, with subtly upturned spout and handles.

Find peace of mind knowing that this faucet is ADA compliant for the benefit of all your guests, and the Worry-Free Drain Catch is a simple solution to the common problem of pills, jewelry or other valuables washing down the drain.

2. Power your shower

Provide an outstanding shower experience and keep your shower in pristine condition with the versatile Delta® 6-Setting Hand Shower with Cleaning Spray. Bathroom messes have never been easier to tackle thanks to the Delta® ProClean™ Spray, which cleans shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays, powering off soap scum and other common shower messes. The focused, wide fan spray allows you to effortlessly clean hard-to-reach places without even stepping foot in the shower.

The six spray settings include: ProClean™ spray, Full spray, Full spray with Massage, Massage spray, Shampoo Rinse spray and Pause. The Pause setting gives you ample space for shaving, lathering and other shower tasks, then easily restarts at the water temperature where you left off, helping to conserve water — and avoid depleting your hot water supply when you have multiple guests staying in your home. WaterSense® labeled hand showers also use at least 20% less water than the industry standard, helping you save water without compromising performance.

While other products may gather unsightly mineral buildup over time, this shower head’s soft rubber Touch-Clean® spray holes allow any mineral residue to simply be wiped away for an instantly refreshed look — with no need for soaking or chemical cleaners.

Best yet, this is an incredibly easy DIY installation you can do in minutes, with no tools required.

3. Improve the shower experience

A quality water filter can make all the difference. With the Delta® Clarifi™ Shower Filter Attachment you can instantly elevate your shower experience. The shower filter attachment has been third-party tested and proven to reduce chlorine and impurities in your shower water that may cause dry skin or hair. Simply attach the filter between your current shower head and supply line, and the unique filter design will get to work, improving the water you and your guests shower with every day. Your loved ones will appreciate this simple but impactful shower enhancement!

Filters require replacing every six months, but replacements take less than two minutes. You can make that task even easier by connecting to the DFC@Home™ app to be notified when it’s time to change filters.

With these three DIY bathroom projects, you can quickly take your guests’ experience to the next level — while also making it easier to keep your bathroom looking its best, all season long.

5 tips for breathing easier during cold and flu season

2024-11-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Did you ever wonder why it may be harder to breathe during cold and flu season? Cold air, for one thing. Cold air can irritate airways and make them narrower, increasing mucus production. What else makes you feel stuffy? Spending more time indoors during cold weather may expose you to poor air quality from closed doors, sealed windows and stale air from heating systems which may leave you feeling congested. And, sometimes your nose is blocked due to inflammation and mucus buildup caused by an actual cold or flu virus.

When you’re feeling stuffy, here are five tips for clearing your nasal passages to help you breathe easier:

Take a hot shower: The steam created in a hot shower can open your sinuses and help loosen mucus. If a shower isn’t available, you can lean over a bowl of hot water. Covering your head with a towel or other cloth can keep the steam in.

Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can prevent your nasal passages from drying out. Be mindful to keep your humidifier clean.

Stay hydrated: Fluids — from chicken soup to cups of your favorite tea — will help loosen the goo in your nose and lungs. Research shows your body needs more fluid for quick relief and to fight off infection.

Flush out the mucus: Nasal irrigation is a safe and easy way to clean your nose when you’re stuffed up during cold and flu season. An excellent option is Navage Nasal Care, the #1 doctor recommended drug-free nasal irrigation device according to an independent study of 300 Ear, Nose and Throat specialists. Navage uses gentle, powered suction and a Saltpod® containing saline concentrate that is combined with distilled, boiled or bottled water to flush out mucus, help with postnasal drip and relieve sinus congestion and sinus headaches. Naväge works fast to flush, moisturize and cleanse the nasal cavity. Find Naväge online at www.navage.com and in many national retailers.

Add a few pillows when you sleep: Elevating your head during sleep can help with mucus drainage and reduce congestion.

Data show that nose breathing not only makes you feel better, it is also good for your heart with positive effects including decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.

“A stuffy nose is one of the most commonly experienced and annoying symptoms during cold and flu season,” said Howard L. Levine MD, listed as one of The Best Doctors in America and Top Doctors in Cleveland, world-renowned expert in nasal and sinus disorders, and consultant to Naväge. “Breathing easier — and especially through your nose — provides real relief.”

The problem isn’t Linux. It’s finding the right Linux path

2024-11-13T02:01:00

(BPT) – In an increasingly intelligent, cloud native, edge-network-driven world, how do we properly harness the power of open-source software? Developers and CTOs know Linux has always been open-source, freely available and one of the world’s most reliable and secure operating systems. Yet as the Linux market has expanded, so have the challenges of finding and implementing the right Linux base and fundamentals for the next generation of server and edge use cases.

It’s about, in part, the sheer volume of Linux options available — hundreds of variations, with many more under development. But the variety and requirements of use cases are also adding to the complexity, making it difficult to find and implement off-the-shelf reference platforms that can meet such a broad range of requirements today. There’s also the pressure to innovate rapidly. In this complex environment, one size doesn’t fit all and utilizing the old enterprise IT Linux distributions is not an optimized solution for the edge-to-cloud use scenarios.

In the face of all this complexity, Linux fundamentals remain: open, innovative, customizable, and offers flexibility with assisting services for more specific requirements such as production assistance, security monitoring, remediation and training.

But, it’s getting more difficult to find and latch onto those fundamentals when the commercial Linux distribution trend is to become the basis of vast ecosystems and higher order solutions.

What’s the best way forward from here?

The recent case of CentOS

CentOS was offered as a free, open-source, downstream distribution based on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL). Millions of virtual machines, computers, systems and platforms worldwide started consuming CentOS Linux.

However, shortly after the acquisition of Red Hat by IBM in 2019, Red Hat announced that it would shift full investment to CentOS Stream, the upstream development platform for upcoming RHEL releases. Support for CentOS came to an end in June 2024.

CentOS users faced a range of options, each of which introduced new sources of cost, risk and complexity:

  • Move to a paid version of RHEL. With this option, companies that didn’t want to pay Red Hat for support had to switch their OS image from the CentOS image to something else, which was difficult and expensive.
  • Adopt another free Red Hat downstream distribution such as Rocky or Alma.
  • Go with a different commercial option such as Canonical or SUSE, which offered free distribution. However, these commercial solutions came with complications, such as scale issues and ownership risks. Getting features to support your innovation can be an uphill battle.
  • Move to a truly community-sourced platform such as Debian. Debian is open, freely available, and not beholden to upstream commercial vendors or to any commercial interest. However, there are multitudes of Debian options, all with different target use cases and in various stages of development and maturity. Without enterprise-level commercial support options, companies had to find, recruit, hire, pay and retain additional employees to provide these capabilities, adding to overhead and reducing the ROI of innovation.

What would a better fit look like?

There is a pressing need to get back to the spirit of open source and harness Linux packages that are the right fit for enterprise and embedded use cases — from the enterprise to far-edge embedded systems and devices.

Such a solution would combine freely available, open-source Debian Linux with robust community-hardened packages tuned for performance, security and ease of use. These packages would be tailored to mission-critical sector-specific use cases and their unique requirements. And they would be backed by enterprise commercial support, professional services and consultancy, and unified software tools from vendors with proven experience in the Linux market.

Specifically, the core attributes of this enterprise-to-edge solution would include:

  • Commitment to upstream innovation
  • Real-time and low-latency processing
  • Hardware enablement for the latest silicon processors and accelerators
  • Optimized, minimal user space footprint
  • Support for varying/restrictive operational conditions
  • Lifecycles aligned with far-edge requirements
  • Compatibility with far-edge endpoints and data centers
  • Cost sensitivity
  • Ability to handle the emerging threat-vector security burden
  • Multi-format data sensitivity
  • Compliance for mission critical deployments
  • Tune performance and optimizations for demanding AI workloads

Wind River, as an open-source proponent for more than 20 years, is fully committed to reclaiming the true spirit of open source and bringing the vision of a simplified, reliable and flexible Linux for servers and the edge into reality. To learn more about Wind River’s current Linux-based open-source offerings, including eLxr Pro, visit their website.

5 ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes before holiday travel

2024-11-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – A warmer planet means more mosquitoes. These insects are more than an itchy nuisance. A bite from an infected mosquito can lead to diseases. If planning a trip this holiday season to where the mosquitoes are, here are five ways you can protect yourself before you travel:

  • Know the destinations where mosquitoes are thriving. You may be surprised. Mosquitoes carrying diseases are now found in European countries such as France, Croatia, Italy, Portugal and Spain, in addition to other popular travel destinations including Brazil, Argentina, Central America, India, Asia, Mexico, and the Caribbean.1
  • Get a travel health consult up to a month before you leave home: There are many resources such as specialty travel clinics, pharmacies in many states, and healthcare professionals with travel health expertise. You can also check out the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Travelers’ Health portal. The good news is several mosquito-borne diseases can be prevented with vaccines.
  • Pack mosquito repellant, wear long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, and, when possible, ask for windows covered with mosquito screens in your accommodation.
  • Learn more about what attracts mosquitoes. For example, what blood type are you? Published data show mosquitoes are more likely to bite Type O over A, B, or AB.2
  • Plan activities with mosquito-awareness: The peak biting activity of the breed of mosquito known for carrying diseases including Chikungunya, dengue, yellow fever, and Zika is after sunrise and at sunset.3

Mosquito-borne diseases can be very serious. The symptoms of Chikungunya, for example, include joint pain, arthritis-like symptoms, fatigue and potentially debilitating effects which can last for months or even years. Many who experience severe infection never fully recover.4,5 Incidence of Chikungunya has now been reported in more than 110 countries.6 Visit www.chik-a-what.com to learn more.

More mosquitoes and higher incidence of mosquito-borne diseases are becoming the new normal. More awareness and preparation should be, too.

Sources

  1. https://www.trade.gov/us-international-air-travel-statistics-i-92-data
  2. https://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.aje.20190302.13?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0QBSGtK43QGfr5_c3zbRQIZN2vM8AbsfcEVR9Kd_zgF_LfgDJLkyvbDys_aem_DxSCR1lPAp1qlHUHFYwD7Q
  3. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods#:~:text=Mosquitoes%20bite%20throughout%20the%20day,and%20at%20sunset%20(dusk)
  4. Puntasecca CJ, King CH, LaBeaud AD. “Measuring the global burden of chikungunya and Zika viruses: A systematic review.” PLOS Negl Trop Dis 15, no. 3 (2021): e0009055.
  5. Paixão, E. S., Rodrigues, L. C., Costa, M., Itaparica, M., Barreto, F., Gérardin, P., & Teixeira, M. G. “Chikungunya chronic disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
  6. Chikungunya. World Health Organization. Published December 8, 2022. Accessed March 27, 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chikungunya

How to design your holidays with love of nature

2024-11-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you love everything about the natural world, from the colors and textures to the smells and sounds? Have you considered incorporating your love of nature more in your home design, especially around the holidays? If so, you’re right on trend with biophilic design, a popular approach to home decor that celebrates elements like earth tones, natural materials and plants.

This holiday season, you can embrace both biophilic design and the joy of the holiday season through thoughtful choices in decor, accessories and appliances.

Bring the outdoors inside

One of the easiest ways to blend biophilic design with holiday cheer is through traditional decorations derived from nature like wreaths, tree decorations and wall hangings made from spruce and fir boughs or holly branches.

Consider using homemade and handcrafted tree decorations made from wood, straw, pinecones and other natural materials for an authentically outdoor look that also evokes the nostalgic feeling of holidays from years gone by.

Embrace biophilic design in your kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of your home and the heartbeat of holiday traditions, so consider bringing your love of nature into this all-important space over the holidays. The KitchenAid® 2024 Design Series Stand Mixer: Evergreen provides a beautiful and practical appliance that’s a trusted partner for all your holiday baking while also offering a stunning countertop statement for your seasonal entertaining.

The Evergreen stand mixer combines the best of culinary, design and nature through its deep forest green body with lush matte finish, along with a gorgeous true walnut wood bowl, plus accents like a unique debossed leaf design on its brass-plated hub cover and more.

“The Evergreen design marks a first for the brand, as it introduces outdoor elements to the iconic Stand Mixer like never before,” said Chad Ries, global brand director for KitchenAid® small appliances at Whirlpool Corporation. “KitchenAid appliances are designed to engage all your senses and rekindle the excitement, connection and inspiration found all around us. Evergreen was inspired by the natural elements that make us feel connected to the outdoors. By bringing those powerful emotions into the home, Evergreen inspires makers to come alive every time they set foot in the kitchen.”

Adding an Evergreen stand mixer to your home provides an easy way to incorporate biophilic design into your home and can enhance your holiday entertaining.

Think natural colors

You can embrace biophilic design in your holiday décor by drawing colors from nature. Whether you’re decorating your tree, hanging holiday pictures, adding throw pillows or blankets or choosing festive tabletop decorations, consider colors that draw on elements of the natural world: wood and earth tones like browns, beige, taupe, gray and greens. For colorful accents, choose shades of blues, reds or yellows that you’re likely to see in nature.

Celebrate light during the darker months

Wintertime brings shorter days and longer evenings, which can fuel a need to bring brighter touches into your home celebration. There are plenty of options to brighten your ambiance, such as using candles for your table setting or having crystal glassware and shiny tableware to reflect light in the room and bring more sparkle to any event you’re hosting.

Need even more brightness? Have fun by decorating with string lights in any room of your home — not just on your tree — to lighten up your next occasion.

Come to your senses

And don’t forget scents: Natural potpourri, evergreen boughs, eucalyptus and other natural sources can bring the best aromas of the outdoors inside, without using artificial ingredients. Need an easy DIY option for scent? Consider creating a simmer pot on your stove by adding spices like nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon to water and boil for a while. Before you know it, your house will feel cozy and warm, and smell like you’ve been baking up a storm — and may just inspire you to conjure up some holiday goodies.

With these tips, you can make the most of the holidays this year by celebrating everything you love about the season and the natural world, combined. Let your imagination be your guide, and your home will become a haven of beauty and joy this special time of year.

3 reasons younger Americans have an easier time maintaining healthy habits

2024-11-12T08:03:00

(BPT) – Most parents agree that it’s important for children to establish healthy habits before they turn 18 years old. Building a strong foundation and taking a preventive approach to health early on will help people avoid illness and improve our healthspan, or the number of years spent in good health.

Simple, right?

Well, findings from Amway’s 2024 “Habits and Healthspan” survey of U.S. adults reveal that different generations have varying success in long-term habit formation.

Overall, only 29% of adults carried over healthy habits learned from their childhood.

  • Within this group, 46% of 18- to 34-year-olds started healthy habits because they learned to do so at a young age, compared to only 31% of those ages 35 to 70.
  • A shocking 57% of adults admit they only started healthy habits because their doctor advised them, or because they had health issues already that had to be addressed.

Amway scientists are delving into why different generations have varying degrees of success maintaining healthy habits and are using this survey data to identify the three factors that impact different generations’ ability to maintain these behaviors for the long term.

Collage of two photos. One photo has a couple with their two children eating snacks on the couch and the other photo shows a child doing yoga with a parent. The photos have type that says

1. The internet and social media are helping you get healthy.

Between the internet and social media, younger generations have access to more health and wellness information from a young age than any generation before them. TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X. Between these platforms and more, social media hosts a wealth of health and fitness influencers who promote a healthy lifestyle and make information more engaging and relatable.

  • 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds were influenced to engage in healthy habits from social media compared to only 9% of 35- to 70-year-olds. There is an even larger drop in older generations (55- to 70-year-olds) where a mere 3% were influenced by social media.

2. Getting by with a little help from your friends.

Having a community of like-minded friends focused on achieving a healthier lifestyle and improving healthspan creates a sense of support and accountability. These communities exist both online and in the real world.

  • 33% of Americans aged 18 to 24 engaged in healthy habits thanks to the encouragement of a friend, compared to only 25% of 35- to 70-year-olds.

Together, you can share your goals, experiences and expertise in a collective knowledge pool and encourage long-term habit formation.

3. Financial disparities play a role.

Lower-income households can encounter barriers when it comes to instilling healthy habits in their children.

  • 31% of Americans with a household income under $50k learned their healthy habits at a young age compared to 40% of those with a household income over $100k.

There are many reasons why income can impact your ability to teach your family healthy habits early on in life. Healthy food is often more expensive than processed or fast foods, leaving many to opt for the cheaper option as opposed to the healthier choice. These households also may not have access to affordable fitness resources such as organized sports, gym memberships or fitness programs, making it harder for them to afford structured physical activities for their kids.

Putting findings into action

These findings from the Habits and Healthspan survey reflect a generational shift, with younger individuals more likely to have been taught healthy habits. By understanding what factors influence your ability to create and maintain healthy lifestyle behaviors over the course of your life, you can instill these practices in future generations and prevent health issues before they arise.

Three things to know about gut health in America

2024-11-12T08:03:00

(BPT) – Have you ever felt uncomfortable after a meal? Maybe you know that certain foods upset your stomach, so you avoid them altogether. Gut issues are more common than you think with more than half (62%) of Americans having experience with occasional gut issues, according to the 2024 Habits and Healthspan Survey sponsored by Amway. In fact, one in three adults is experiencing a common gut issue right now!

1. Gut health is a significant issue in the U.S.

Your gut does more than just digestion. Did you know it’s foundational to overall health and wellbeing? That’s because there are trillions of bacteria in your gut that make up your microbiome. About 70% of your immune system is located in the gut and a balanced gut microbiome helps support not just digestive health, but also your immune system.

You might be surprised to know that emerging science indicates your mood might even be linked to your gut microbiome. Neurotransmitters like serotonin are produced in the gut, which can affect our mood.

  • 42% of survey respondents say they or someone close to them have experienced a gut issue that a doctor was unable to properly diagnose.
  • Common gut issues seem to be more prevalent among younger Americans with 54% of respondents ages 18 to 34 years reporting that they or someone they know had undiagnosed gut issues, compared to 38% of those over age 35.
Collage made of two images. One image of people putting their forks into a plates full of vegetables and the other photo is of a family of four enjoying a outdoor walk together. The type above the photos says

2. A lack of education is a major factor in America’s gut gap.

Stress, pollution, poor diet and lack of sleep all can negatively impact your gut’s good bacteria causing an imbalance.

However, the gut microbiome is still not well understood.

  • Less than half (41%) of Americans feel they understand what constitutes a healthy gut biome.
  • This gap is even wider among older adults aged 55 to 70, with only 28% feeling confident about their gut health knowledge.

Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising and staying hydrated can support gut health and a balanced gut microbiome. However, studies show supporting gut health takes consistent effort over several weeks to several months.

As research progresses, scientists are learning more about how to support the gut. Here’s what you can do. In addition to your diet, probiotics — good bacteria — can support your microbiome. You can also use other supplements designed for daily use and that provide plant-based ingredients, fiber and prebiotics to help support your gut health and your gut microbiome.

3. Overarching healthy habits build a foundation for gut health.

By establishing healthy habits early in life, we can proactively help support our gut and ultimately support our healthspan. Just like any resolution, the key is to be consistent over the long term.

Establishing healthy habits from a young age is a great approach to health & wellness. Of course, maintaining these habits for the long term can be hard to do, but that’s why community is so important.

  • Only 36% of adults ages 18 to 70 who had engaged in healthy lifestyle behavior within the past 12 months say they started their healthy lifestyle behaviors because they learned it at a young age from a parent or loved one — and not in response to a pressing health issue.

Surrounding yourself with family, friends and like-minded individuals creates an environment where knowledge is exchanged, accountability is encouraged and a supportive network is woven into the fabric of daily life.

Taking control of supporting your gut.

The findings from this year’s Habits and Healthspan Survey highlight two critical areas of concern: the prevalence of gut health as an important issue for consumers and the knowledge gaps. Education and long-term habit formation are the keys to supporting overall gut health. By addressing these gaps and building healthy lifestyle behaviors — with the support of those around us — we can promote health and wellbeing for all. For more information, visit AmwayGlobal.com.

How to know if you can trust your supplement: 4 things to look for

2024-11-12T08:03:00

(BPT) – A multivitamin. Calcium. Vitamin C. Chances are, you’ve taken at least one of these today, along with three-quarters of American adults.

There are hundreds of brands and thousands of products to choose from. So, how do you choose a quality vitamin, mineral or botanical supplement, and how do you know whether it will do what you hope?

You may be shocked to learn that the FDA does not approve dietary supplements that are on your store shelf. In fact, according to the new “Habits and Healthspan” survey, sponsored by Amway, 47% of U.S. adults ages 18 to 70 mistakenly believe their supplements are FDA-approved.

The good news? Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to research products and there are four easy ways to ensure you are putting a high-quality product into your body.

1. Do you recognize the ingredients?

  • 87% of Americans want to know exactly what they’re putting into their bodies.

Although manufacturers are legally required to use safe ingredients, the FDA does not approve dietary supplements. The bottom line? It’s up to consumers to research and know what they’re putting in their bodies. This is where ingredient traceability — the process of tracing the origin and journey of ingredients through the supply chain to ensure safety, quality and transparency — comes in.

  • 67% are more likely to purchase dietary supplements that are traceable from the seed to the shelf.
A collage of two photos. One photo of a mom and two kids are in the kitchen and the other photo of a farmer in a field and type that says

2. Do you understand where the ingredients are grown?

  • Over half (60%) of consumers agree it’s important to know the seed-to-production path to ensure quality.

Consumers are looking for products they can trust. Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to dig into product ingredients and see the seed-to-supplement pathway. This has led to consumer demand for product transparency where companies are being pushed to be more open not just about their ingredients, but their production practices as well. This extends beyond supplements, too:

  • 87% of consumers agree that clean and sustainably made skincare and cosmetic products are superior.

3. Is the company you’re purchasing from environmentally conscious?

In addition to what’s in the products they consume, there is a growing concern amongst Americans about how products are made and what impact is made on the environment.

  • 78% say they’re concerned about how pollution and chemicals can affect their health, with 29% “very” concerned.

With that, consumers are opting for products that are both good for their health and wellbeing as well as the planet.

One way companies can be more environmentally conscious is by practicing regenerative agriculture, using farming methods that conserve water and protect the soil. Companies like Amway, which owns and operates nearly 6,000 acres of certified organic farmland in the U.S., take pride in:

  • Avoiding the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides
  • Saving energy and water

4. Does the product have a certification or seal of approval?

Having an objective, third-party assurance that the product you are using meets quality standards is another way to ensure reliability.

Only 6% of consumers do not prefer using a sunscreen that is certified with a third-party assurance. When it comes to personal care products like sunscreen, you can check the packaging to note which ones have certifications such as the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Care Foundation, which provides assurance that the product meets a third-party’s criteria for safe and effective protection.

Setting the bar for quality, sustainability and integrity

Ultimately, consumers are driving the shift toward higher quality, more sustainable products. The expectation falls on companies to change their ways and meet expectations. Americans want products that not only work but also align with their sustainability values. The brands that rise to the occasion and meet these demands stand to create deeper, more loyal relationships with their customers.

As a health and well-being industry leader, Amway is working to set the bar high for quality, sustainability and product integrity. By forging partnerships down its supply chain and making strong commitments to transparency, Amway is among many other companies leading the charge in corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship.

How you can make the most of multi-generational travel

2024-11-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking for ways to enjoy travel with family from multiple generations, you’re not alone. According to sources like Skift Research, multi-generational trips are on the rise, making vacations prime opportunities to create lasting memories with kids, grandparents, and extended family.

To maximize family travel, seek out a destination that offers a wide range of amenities, activities, and adventures for all ages, combined into one great getaway.

A resort with something for everyone

When planning your next family vacay, check out Hawks Cay Resort, the largest resort in the Florida Keys. Just two hours south of Miami and halfway between Key Largo and Key West, this 60-acre tropical destination offers a mix of ways to stay and immersive experiences to satisfy the whole crew.

Whether you’re traveling as a party of two or have the entire clan in tow, there’s something for every type of family. Take your pick from guest rooms and suites with picturesque water views, spacious rooms with bunk beds, or private 2- and 3-bedroom villas with kitchens and outdoor decks that take multi-gen getaways to the next level.

During their Season of Discovery, Hawks Cay offers 3-, 5-, and 7-night experiences year-round, featuring seasonal activities and events tailored to your family’s interests — from wellness retreats to adventure-packed experiences.

Here are just a few of the activities you can enjoy with your family on your next trip.

Choose your own ocean adventure

Experience the Florida Keys’ world-famous fishing from Hawks Cay’s full-service marina, the home base of Discovery Channel’s Saltwater Experience show. Head out on a guided tour for a shot to hook a mahi mahi, yellowtail, or snapper. For those looking to sharpen their skills, the resort offers interactive masterclasses where you can learn the art of bait selection, knot tying, how to maneuver your rod and reel like a pro, and a variety of casting styles.

The resort also offers access to some of the world’s best diving, snorkeling, and eco-adventures such as kayaking and paddleboarding on both the ocean and bay sides. You can even book a sunset cruise, island tour, or private boat charter with a captain.

Outdoor exercise for all ages

If you’re looking to stay active, check out Hawks Cay’s Cliff Drysdale tennis program, suitable for all ages and skill levels, with four lighted tennis courts and eight lighted pickleball courts for all day play. Schedule a private group lesson for maximum family bonding.

Find your inner Zen

Relax at Hawks Cay’s Calm Waters Spa where you can indulge in full-body rejuvenation in a laid-back, serene atmosphere. The spa offers eight treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, three facial rooms, and a tropical rain room with a Vichy shower. The spa menu features Elemis products, and guests can enjoy a fitness room with group exercise classes and sound bath sessions, a relaxation room, candlelit whirlpool, eucalyptus steam room, and dry sauna for the ultimate relaxation experience.

One-of-a-kind kids’ adventures

Kids of all ages will have a blast at Hawks Cay with activities like family scavenger hunts, a soccer field, basketball courts and putting greens. Kids’ Night Out on Fridays and Saturdays offers a way to meet new friends and enjoy access to entertainment, PlayStation, foosball, and board games, plus pizza and movies.

At Coral Cay Activities & Adventure, Hawks Cay’s hub for family fun, there’s something for everyone. From swimming with mermaids to hunting for hidden treasure with pirates, arts and crafts, interactive games, and daily activities, there’s no shortage of things to do. Hawks Cay’s kids’ program, Camp Hawk, designed for ages 5-12 and named one of “Best Hotel Kids’ Programs” by Travel + Leisure, ensures younger travelers are cared for by trained counselors when the adults want to enjoy time on their own.

Flavors to bring the family together

Mix and match your dining experiences with six restaurants and bars across Hawks Cay. Savor the ultimate catch-of-the-day with the Hook and Cook experience at Angler & Ale: have your own fresh catch made to order by the chef. Or, kick back with cocktails, sandwiches, and salads at Tiki Grill, perfect for relaxing poolside. Adults can enjoy stunning ocean views with a laid-back vibe at Pilar Bar in Oasis Cay, an adults-only spot inspired by Ernest Hemingway. Enjoy rum flights, great cocktails, and a fresh raw bar menu.

With all these amenities and adventures, Hawks Cay Resort offers something for every member of the family, no matter their age or interests, making it the perfect destination for a multi-generational vacation and a place to build traditions year after year.

Ready to plan your getaway? Explore the new packages available during the Season of Discovery at HawksCay.com.