(BPT) – The butterflies in your stomach. The wonder in your eyes. The questions on your mind. You probably remember the mix of emotions at the start of a new school year. From nervousness to excitement — and everything in between — it’s emotional for students of all ages.
This back-to-school season is not in any lesson plan. From online learning to kids spending time away from their parents for the first time in months, new challenges await and everyone could use a little extra love as they work through it all.
Sometimes, the moments love is needed most can be overlooked. According to a national survey among real families conducted by Rice Krispies Treats®, a gap exists between how much kids want a little extra encouragement versus how much parents think their children want to receive encouraging words during key school year moments. When kids seek reassurance, many parents don’t realize how important their tender words are:
More than 75% of kids say meeting a new teacher, starting a new school and trying out for a new sports team are times when they need extra love from their parents.[1] However, less than 50% of parents think their kids need more support during these moments.[1]
As kids get older, they need as much support, or even more, than they did when they were younger. Yet parents admit they show less support to children ages 9 to 12 than those ages 7 to 8.[1]
When kids leave for school each morning is the top moment they crave more support.[1]
Steps to close the love gap and support kids this school year
Being aware that kids of all ages need a little extra love is the first step. The next step is to take action in meaningful ways to show love and kindness to children. Here are three easy ideas to help you get started:
1. Morning boost
The morning is the perfect time to set the tone for the day. Make a habit of always hugging children at the start of the day, whether that’s before they head on the computer to attend a digital classroom or head out the door to catch the bus. If you have a spare moment, share 5-10 minutes of conversation over breakfast. This really starts the day on a positive note while bringing you closer.
2. Give handwritten notes
Even though it’s just a little note, it can speak volumes. The survey reveals that nearly 80% of kids want handwritten notes from their parents![1] Write a note and stick it on the mirror in the morning when they wake up. Leave a sweet surprise by sharing a note on a Rice Krispies Treats writable wrapper and tuck it in their lunch or leave it on the table for an after-school snack.
“While most parents know the importance of showing love and support to nurture their children, there are certain moments when kids need extra love to flourish,” said author of the bestselling book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed and licensed family therapist, Lori Gottlieb. “A handwritten note on a Rice Krispies Treats writable wrapper is a great, and simple, way for parents to give this added boost of confidence.”
3. Evening heart-to-hearts
The daytime can be extremely busy for families, with everyone balancing their own schedules, work, hobbies and friends. Bedtime is often one of the calmest parts of the day, so it is the ideal time to slow down and show a little love. Whether you’re snuggling with your toddler who just started preschool or sitting down with your teen before turning in, nighttime is perfect for sharing peaks and pits of the day. Give it a try — you might be surprised at how many heart-to-heart conversations you have when you are relaxed and winding down for the day.
It’s time to shine a little extra love on the moments that need it most this school year. These simple ideas can have a deep impact on how kids are feeling, especially during stressful times such as when they head back to school. A little effort shows you care a tremendous amount.
For more inspiration from Lori Gottlieb and Rice Krispies Treats on what to say to your kids as they take on school year challenges, visit www.ricekrispies.com.
[1]Data from an online survey of 600 parents and 402 children in the U.S. conducted by KRC Research from March 19 to March 31, 2020.
(BPT) – Calling all grill masters! Cointreau is taking The Original Margarita and heating things up a bit. That’s right, we want you to grill your next Margarita, from watermelon to peaches. Let’s mix the sweet and smokey and have some summer fun!
(BPT) – At age 76, Jim Mulligan considered himself lucky as he had been healthy for most of his life – he was active and enjoyed traveling. After returning from a trip to Ireland with his wife, he wasn’t feeling well and went in for a simple checkup, including a scan. Jim didn’t think much of it until he received a call from his doctor: he had cancer.
“I was shocked,” says Mulligan, now 84. “They said I had cancer and my kidney would have to be removed.”
Mulligan learned he had low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (LG-UTUC), a rare and difficult-to-treat cancer in the lining of the ureter and kidney.1 He wanted to know more and asked for a second opinion. The information he received ended up changing his life.
Urological health should be a priority
UTUC is hard to treat due to the complex anatomy of the urinary tract system. Current patient treatments can include multiple surgeries, with most patients requiring a nephroureterectomy, which removes the renal pelvis, kidney, ureter and bladder cuff. Many patients with UTUC are older and may have co-morbidities, or the presence of multiple chronic conditions or diseases, so surgery may not be the ideal option.1
LG-UTUC is usually not as aggressive and can be slow to spread, but it is still a serious condition that can worsen if left untreated. A majority of the UTUC patient population may already have compromised kidney functionality and suffer from long-term issues associated with surgery and the loss of their kidney.2,3
September is Urology Awareness Month, an important time to consider proper urological health and associated risk factors. However, people like Jim prove that urological health should be a priority all year long and to always talk to your doctor about your options.
A kidney-sparing option
After being told that he would have to have his kidney removed, Jim overcame his fear, did his own research and sought a second opinion. He met with Dr. John Gore, Professor, Department of Urology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and an investigator of the OLYMPUS clinical trial. During his visit he learned that his LG-UTUC would potentially spread slowly. Even more important, he learned that he may not have to remove his kidney because an investigational treatment was available through the OLYMPUS clinical trial.
“We removed Jim’s cancer and had him return at three and six months,” says Gore, who has now been Jim’s doctor for nearly a decade. “At the six-month checkup we saw the cancer had returned, which is unfortunately common with UTUC, so I suggested he participate in the clinical trial. This trial used an investigational treatment that is a combination of chemotherapy and an innovative gel technology that is a liquid when chilled and turns into a gel at body temperature. But unlike typical chemotherapy that goes everywhere in the body, this treatment targets the affected kidney region for an extended period of time, helping spare the kidney while being treated for cancer.”
At the time of the clinical trial, Jim received the investigational treatment that is now called Jelmyto® (mitomycin) for pyelocalyceal solution, the first and only U.S. FDA-approved non-surgical treatment for adult patients with LG-UTUC, which treated his cancer without surgery and allowed him to keep his kidney. Jim had a complete response, meaning he is cancer-free after his treatment, and feels fortunate to still have his kidney.
This is the story of one cancer patient’s experience with Jelmyto®(mitomycin) for pyelocalyceal solution. Not all patient experiences will be the same.
How Jelmyto works and what to expect
Jelmyto is a non-surgical treatment approach for patients who otherwise may require treatment by radical nephroureterectomy, or removal of the kidney. Unlike typical chemotherapy that goes everywhere in the body, Jelmyto targets the affected region where the tumors are located. Once there, Jelmyto stays in place for up to 4 to 6 hours, enabling longer exposure to the urinary tract tissue, and in turn, the treatment of cancerous tumors.
The most common side effects of Jelmyto treatment include: side pain, urinary tract infection, blood in your urine, kidney problems, tiredness, nausea, stomach pain, trouble with urination, vomiting, low red blood cell count, frequent urination, itching, chills and fever. As with all prescription medications, there are serious side effects that may occur. These include, but are not limited to, uretic obstruction and bone marrow problems. Please contact your physician right away if you experience any symptoms.
See Important Safety Information below; these are not all possible side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information.
Being an advocate for your own health
Jim is now an advocate for the urology community and shares his experience with others diagnosed with LG-UTUC. His advice: “Do research. Get a second opinion. It’s important to stay informed and understand that kidney removal may not be your only option. Having multiple experts weigh in is the best way to determine the right course of action for you.”
Approved Use for JELMYTO
JELMYTO® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of cancer of the lining of the upper urinary tract including the kidney called low-grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC).
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not receive JELMYTO if you have a hole or tear (perforation) of your bladder or upper urinary tract.
Before receiving JELMYTO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. JELMYTO can harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with JELMYTO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with JELMYTO. Females who are able to become pregnant: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JELMYTO and for 6 months after the last dose. Males being treated with JELMYTO: If you have a female partner who is able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JELMYTO and for 3 months after the last dose.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if JELMYTO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with JELMYTO and for 1 week after the last dose.
Tell your healthcare provider if you take water pills (diuretic).
How will I receive JELMYTO?
Your healthcare provider will tell you to take a medicine called sodium bicarbonate before each JELMYTO treatment.
You will receive your JELMYTO dose from your healthcare provider 1 time a week for 6 weeks. It is important that you receive all 6 doses of JELMYTO according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. Your healthcare provider may recommend up to an additional 11 monthly doses.
JELMYTO is given to your kidney through a tube called a catheter.
During treatment with JELMYTO, your healthcare provider may tell you to take additional medicines or change how you take your current medicines.
After receiving JELMYTO:
JELMYTO may cause your urine color to change to a violet to blue color. Avoid contact between your skin and urine for at least 6 hours.
To urinate, males and females should sit on a toilet and flush the toilet several times after you use it. After going to the bathroom, wash your hands, your inner thighs, and genital area well with soap and water.
Clothing that comes in contact with urine should be washed right away and washed separately from other clothing.
JELMYTO may cause serious side effects, including:
Swelling and narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureteric obstruction). If you develop swelling and narrowing, and to protect your kidney from damage, your healthcare provider may recommend the placement of a small plastic tube (stent) in the ureter to help the kidney drain. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop side pain or fever during treatment with JELMYTO.
Bone marrow problems. JELMYTO can affect your bone marrow and can cause a decrease in your white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests prior to each treatment to check your blood cell counts during treatment with JELMYTO. Your healthcare provider may need to temporarily or permanently stop JELMYTO if you develop bone marrow problems during treatment with JELMYTO.
The most common side effects of JELMYTO include: side pain, urinary tract infection, blood in your urine, kidney problems, tiredness, nausea, stomach pain, trouble with urination, vomiting, low red blood cell count, frequent urination, itching, chills, and fever.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to UroGen Pharma at 1-855-987-6436.
Please click here for JELMYTO Full Prescribing Information, including the Patient Information, for additional information, or visit www.jelmyto.com.
References
Szarvas, Tibor et al. “Why are upper tract urothelial carcinoma two different diseases?” Transl Androl Urol. vol. 5,5 (2016): 636-647. doi:10.21037/tau.2016.03.23
Raman JD, Lin YK, Kaag M, et al. “High rates of advanced disease, complications, and decline of renal function after radical nephroureterectomy.” Urol Oncol. 2014;32(1):47.e9-14.
Kaag MG, O’Malley RL, O’Malley P, Raman JD. “Changes in renal function following nephroureterectomy may affect the use of perioperative chemotherapy.” Eur Urol. 2010;58:(4)581-587.
US-JEL-00254 08/2020
JELMYTO is a combination of chemotherapy (mitomycin) and an innovative gel technology that is a liquid when chilled and turns into a gel at body temperature.
Unlike typical chemotherapy that goes everywhere in your body, your doctor will give you JELMYTO in the affected kidney region where your tumors are. Once there, JELMYTO stays in place for up to 4 to 6 hours to kill cancer cells.
Approved Use for JELMYTO
JELMYTO™ is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a type of cancer of the lining of the upper urinary tract including the kidney called low-grade Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer (LG-UTUC).
Important Safety Information
You should not receive JELMYTO if you have a hole or tear (perforation) of your bladder or upper urinary tract.
Before receiving JELMYTO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. JELMYTO can harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with JELMYTO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with JELMYTO. Females who are able to become pregnant: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JELMYTO and for 6 months after the last dose. Males being treated with JELMYTO: If you have a female partner who is able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JELMYTO and for 3 months after the last dose.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if JELMYTO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with JELMYTO and for 1 week after the last dose.
Tell your healthcare provider if you take water pills (diuretic).
How will I receive JELMYTO?
Your healthcare provider will tell you to take a medicine called sodium bicarbonate before each JELMYTO treatment.
You will receive your JELMYTO dose from your healthcare provider 1 time a week for 6 weeks. It is important that you receive all 6 doses of JELMYTO according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. Your healthcare provider may recommend up to an additional 11 monthly doses.
JELMYTO is given to your kidney through a tube called a catheter.
During treatment with JELMYTO, your healthcare provider may tell you to take additional medicines or change how you take your current medicines.
After receiving JELMYTO:
JELMYTO may cause your urine color to change to a violet to blue color. Avoid contact between your skin and urine for at least 6 hours.
To urinate, males and females should sit on a toilet and flush the toilet several times after you use it. After going to the bathroom, wash your hands, your inner thighs, and genital area well with soap and water.
Clothing that comes in contact with urine should be washed right away and washed separately from other clothing.
JELMYTO may cause serious side effects, including:
Swelling and narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureteric obstruction). If you develop swelling and narrowing, and to protect your kidney from damage, your healthcare provider may recommend the placement of a small plastic tube (stent) in the ureter to help the kidney drain. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop side pain or fever during treatment with JELMYTO.
Bone marrow problems. JELMYTO can affect your bone marrow and can cause a decrease in your white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests prior to each treatment to check your blood cell counts during treatment with JELMYTO. Your healthcare provider may need to temporarily or permanently stop JELMYTO if you develop bone marrow problems during treatment with JELMYTO.
The most common side effects of JELMYTO include: side pain, urinary tract infection, blood in your urine, kidney problems, tiredness, nausea, stomach pain, trouble with urination, vomiting, low red blood cell count, frequent urination, itching, chills, and fever.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to UroGen Pharma at 1-855-987-6436.
Please click here for JELMYTO Full Prescribing Information, including the Patient Information, for additional information.
Important Safety Information
You should not receive JELMYTO if you have a hole or tear (perforation) of your bladder or upper urinary tract.
Before receiving JELMYTO, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. JELMYTO can harm your unborn baby. You should not become pregnant during treatment with JELMYTO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant during treatment with JELMYTO.
Females who are able to become pregnant: You should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JELMYTO and for 6 months after the last dose.
Males being treated with JELMYTO: If you have a female partner who is able to become pregnant, you should use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with JELMYTO and for 3 months after the last dose.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if JELMYTO passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with JELMYTO and for 1 week after the last dose.
Tell your healthcare provider if you take water pills (diuretic).
How will I receive JELMYTO?
Your healthcare provider will tell you to take a medicine called sodium bicarbonate before each JELMYTO treatment.
You will receive your JELMYTO dose from your healthcare provider 1 time a week for 6 weeks. It is important that you receive all 6 doses of JELMYTO according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. If you miss any appointments, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment. Your healthcare provider may recommend up to an additional 11 monthly doses.
JELMYTO is given to your kidney through a tube called a catheter.
During treatment with JELMYTO, your healthcare provider may tell you to take additional medicines or change how you take your current medicines.
After receiving JELMYTO:
JELMYTO may cause your urine color to change to a violet to blue color. Avoid contact between your skin and urine for at least 6 hours.
To urinate, males and females should sit on a toilet and flush the toilet several times after you use it. After going to the bathroom, wash your hands, your inner thighs, and genital area well with soap and water.
Clothing that comes in contact with urine should be washed right away and washed separately from other clothing.
JELMYTO may cause serious side effects, including:
Swelling and narrowing of the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder (ureteric obstruction). If you develop swelling and narrowing, and to protect your kidney from damage, your healthcare provider may recommend the placement of a small plastic tube (stent) in the ureter to help the kidney drain. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop side pain or fever during treatment with JELMYTO.
Bone marrow problems. JELMYTO can affect your bone marrow and can cause a decrease in your white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests prior to each treatment to check your blood cell counts during treatment with JELMYTO. Your healthcare provider may need to temporarily or permanently stop JELMYTO if you develop bone marrow problems during treatment with JELMYTO.
The most common side effects of JELMYTO include: side pain, urinary tract infection, blood in your urine, kidney problems, tiredness, nausea, stomach pain, trouble with urination, vomiting, low red blood cell count, frequent urination, itching, chills, and fever.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to UroGen Pharma at 1-855-987-6436.
Visit X for JELMYTO Full Prescribing Information, including the Patient Information, for additional information.
(BPT) – Travel might look different right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of the journey. Whether it’s a day drive up the coast or an overnight camping trip in the mountains, you can still fuel a sense of adventure by simply getting behind the wheel. And with travelers spending more of their free time on the road, it’s the perfect time to upgrade any vehicle with the latest in auto tech, accessories and equipment, starting with your tires.
As you plan your road trip, here are some recommendations to enhance your vehicle’s safety and performance so all you have to think about is enjoying the ride.
Find a tire that performs just as hard as you do
Don’t let weather or terrain hold you back from going the distance. While many travelers focus on the vehicle itself, they tend to overlook a critical piece of equipment: tires.
Re-evaluate your current set and consider an upgrade, such as the new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
With improved dry, wet and cold weather capabilities, and race-inspired tread compound, this tire provides safety and performance. Dynamic Response Technology ensures forces and temperatures are distributed evenly for a longer tread wear life. Extra rubber on the outer shoulder provides exceptional grip, ensuring you and your car will be ready for anything.
Download apps designed to keep you moving
Now that your car is performing at top optimization with new tires, make sure your itinerary is as well. Research and download travel apps ahead of time to help you locate gas stations, restaurants, dispersed campgrounds, rest stops and more so you can spend less time searching and more time moving. And don’t limit yourself to just travel apps. Meditation apps can help you decompress after a long ride and many of the top athletic brands offer on-demand training classes that can be done virtually anywhere.
Stay connected
Having a portable power inverter for your car is an easy way to convert your car’s DC electric power into AC electric power, which can be used to charge a wide range of appliances and accessories for any type of road trip. Whether you’re an amateur photographer looking to charge a digital camera for those sunset shots or an early morning camper craving a cup of coffee on the go, having a power inverter can make life on the road run smoothly.
Refresh your interior
Getting a luxe feel inside your car can be quick, easy and make all the difference for the driver and passengers. Simple upgrades like swapping out windshield wipers and floor mats will make your vehicle look and feel new, while also keeping it as comfortable and up-to-date as possible.
A memorable road trip is just around the corner, and you can make sure it’s your safest, best yet with these tips, from apps that help you plan your route to efficient ways to elevate your in-car experience. Don’t lose your sense of adventure. Get out, get moving and take control of your road trip!
(BPT) – It’s no secret how much research parents put into raising a child, especially when it comes to nutrition for their baby.
In recent years, American parents have taken interest in European baby formulas, believing them to be purer and more nutritious. As these formulas are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and cannot be sold through official U.S. distribution channels, parents often go to great lengths to buy these formulas through unregulated sellers.
The following are some things to consider when looking for a safer alternative:
To provide parents with a safer, FDA-approved option, U.S. manufacturers have recently launched their own version of these formulas, which are made with a specific type of milk protein called A2.
For example, the leading brand Enfamil has started selling a new A2 formula that contains milk proteins from European cows that naturally produce the A2 milk casein protein*. The milk proteins are pure and easy to digest and the formula doesn’t contain table sugar‡, corn§, artificial growth hormones or GMOs. It is also the only leading American formula that includes the brain-building nutrient DHA in a global expert-recommended amount**.
Cows historically only produced the A2 protein, but it is believed a mutation introduced the A1 protein. Enfamil’s new formula has A2 proteins that come from the milk of European cows that still naturally produce the A2 milk protein, which is similar to that found in human breast milk. Emerging evidence suggests (in young children and adults) A2 milk is less likely to be associated with digestive discomfort.
These A2-producing cows are fed a diet consisting of grass, soy and minerals, and are never given antibiotics or growth hormones.
“While European baby formula brands claim to be superior to American companies, the lack of FDA oversight for these is concerning,” says Dr. Christina J. Valentine, a neonatologist and dietitian dedicated to maternal and infant diet and health, and medical director at Nutrition, RB. “For parents looking for a formula with an expert-recommended amount** of brain-building DHA and no table sugar‡, corn§, artificial growth hormones or GMOs, Enfamil Premium A2 Infant Formula could be the good choice for their little one.”
* A2 protein from skim milk.
‡ When hereditary fructose intolerance is a concern.
§ Corn as a source of carbohydrate.
** WHO recommended amount of DHA is 0.2%-0.36% of total fatty acids. Enfamil® = 0.32% of total fatty acids.
(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of Americans in many ways, including making families from coast to coast cancel or postpone their vacation plans. However, a new survey, conducted on behalf of Toyota, reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults are planning to get out and take a trip again soon and a road trip is the way to get there.
The survey also shows how attitudes about travel — from destinations to modes of transportation — have changed since the pandemic began.
How do Americans feel about traveling now?
While 4 in 10 (42%) U.S. adults said that they are likely to go on a vacation or travel by the end of this year, over half (56%) of them reported that they are less likely to venture beyond their home state.
Another effect of the pandemic, not surprisingly, is that the majority of respondents (69%) said they would prefer to only travel with their immediate family members (such as their spouse/partner and children) from their household.
The results confirmed a strong preference for outdoor vacation experiences such as trips to the beach/swimming, state parks/hiking and camping. Most respondents anticipate driving 4-6 hours to reach their vacation destinations.
How are Americans planning to get there?
Perhaps the most striking difference compared to pre-COVID days was revealed when the survey asked about preferred modes of travel since the start of the pandemic. Nearly 3 out of 4 (72%) said they would much rather take a vehicle than a plane to get to their destination. The reason for this choice makes sense: Over half (56%) said they felt their vehicle was a “safe haven” from the coronavirus.
And what features help make a road trip a better choice for traveling? Drivers revealed that the three most important features are fuel economy, ride comfort and advanced safety features.
The top three choices for what type of vehicles respondents believed would result in the most comfortable road trip are:
56% SUV
34% Sedan
17% Minivan
From the eco-friendly and fuel efficient Toyota hybrid family, to Toyota Safety Sense standard on many new models, Toyota’s diverse vehicle line-up offers an option for every road tripper.
More road trips mean more interest in upgrading vehicles
Perhaps because over half (54%) of the survey respondents said that their vehicle has become more important to them due to the pandemic, interest in buying a new vehicle is strong. Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults reported some interest in purchasing a new vehicle within the next year, and 31% reported that they were actually likely to purchase a vehicle in the next year.
Respondents were also asked about their perception of some popular vehicle brands (allowing them to choose more than one), with 66% choosing Toyota as the top rated. Interestingly, positive perception of the Toyota brand was slightly stronger among millennials and members of Gen X (67% for each of those groups) as compared to Baby Boomers (64%).
If you and your family are planning a road trip vacation this year and need a new vehicle, look for your options at Toyota.com.
(BPT) – People want to start traveling again, yet many are understandably unsure about how that looks. The desire to satisfy wanderlust but in a safe manner has inspired the revival of the great American road trip, where your vehicle is your guide to expansive destinations and unique locations. The state of Wyoming tops many people’s road trip bucket lists.
Why Wyoming?
Wyoming is the least populous state in the country — even though it’s the 10th largest in terms of surface area — with 48% of the state Federal Public Land and nearly 6% State Public Land. This makes it the ideal destination for travelers looking to explore while keeping social distancing and health measures in mind. What’s more, with 20 scenic byways, it’s the perfect road trip state, where your vehicle can twist and climb through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
Planning a road trip in 2020 and beyond
Here are a few tips to properly prepare before taking off on your adventure.
1. Plan accordingly
With many government agencies and visitors’ centers operating with reduced staff and resources due to COVID-19, planning is essential. Most campsites are requiring reservations currently. In a year when road trips have become the ideal vacation, be sure to check the status of the destinations you want to visit. If they are at capacity or closed, prepare a back-up plan to ensure a memorable and fun vacation.
2. Remember to be mindful
Being a mindful traveler is key when exploring Wyoming’s wilderness. The staff of the Lander, Wyoming-based National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) are experts in wilderness education, helping prepare adventurers to experience the great outdoors. When out exploring, NOLS recommends adventurers stick to the trails as to not disturb nature. For those unfamiliar with an area, it is important to slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce risk of injury, especially as many healthcare resources are strained at this time.
Visitors can encounter wildlife anywhere in the West but be sure to always keep a safe distance. Stay at least 100 yards away from bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from other animals, such as bison and elk. Remember to never feed wild animals and keep food and trash away from your campsite to avoid unwanted encounters.
3. Pack with health in mind
Pack an abundance of snacks and drinks in the car so your travel crew can conveniently munch whenever hunger or thirst strikes. Additionally, Wyoming’s high altitude and climate can sometimes surprise visitors (especially those coming from sea-level locations), so it is important to prepare for the altitude by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water.
To limit risks and potential exposure to germs, pack face masks, disposable gloves and sanitation supplies like wet wipes and hand sanitizer to keep everything clean.
4. Customize your itinerary
There are many ways to explore Wyoming and you can customize your trip to your interests and timeline. To get inspired, the Wyoming Office of Tourism shares four main road trip itineraries, perfect for late summer and early fall.
The high season for travel in Wyoming typically runs through October, but shoulder season in November offers another option to avoid large crowds and enjoy off-season deals on accommodations.
Park to Park: Follow a popular early 1900s auto route connecting 12 national parks in the West, from Wyoming’s capital city to quaint small towns that move at a refreshingly slower pace. A few places to explore include Terry Bison Ranch, Hot Springs State Park, Ayres Natural Bridge and Garden Creek Falls.
Rockies to Tetons: Epic outdoor pursuits await on a road trip through the Rocky Mountains to the Teton Range, where the beauty of the Snowy, Medicine Bow, Seminoe and Wind River mountain ranges heighten the scenery — literally. Immerse yourself in nature with activities like rock climbing, hiking and biking, and delve into American Indian, women’s suffrage and frontier history.
Black to Yellow: During your journey from northeast Wyoming’s Black Hills to Yellowstone, you can step into the past to meet larger-than-life characters like Buffalo Bill Cody and find out what life was like in Wyoming during different periods in history by exploring Old Town in Upton. Enjoy exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, and Wyoming’s early settlements at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center. This route includes stops at places like Devils Tower National Monument, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area and Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
Salt to Stone: Welcoming small towns brimming with local flavor and stretches of unscathed wilderness await visitors traveling from Salt Lake City into southwest Wyoming and northward to Yellowstone. Discover dreamy mountain vistas, hike around Green River Lakes and Square Top Mountain, and tour museums and attractions that showcase Western culture. Stops include Flaming Gorge, Fort Bridger State Historic Site, Fossil Butte National Monument, National Elk Refuge and Kodiak Mountain Resort in Afton.
For more road trip information and exploration ideas, visit travelwyoming.com.
(BPT) – For young people preparing to enter the workforce, knowing how to secure a job is challenging enough — but now there are even more obstacles to overcome due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People around the country are experiencing greater difficulty adapting to everchanging work environments and ongoing economic shifts. Pew Research Center recently shared that 90 percent of jobs lost during COVID-19 were positions that could not telework.
Fortunately for young people now entering the job market or making career moves, programs are available to help them succeed in any future career or workplace. Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in partnership with Toyota and The Coca-Cola Company, provides youth nationwide with workforce readiness programs, which includes access to real-life job experiences and resources needed to build valuable skills and become career-ready.
Below are three tips leveraged from Boys & Girls Clubs of America for how young people can prepare for success in the workplace and in life:
1. Develop Skills for Remote Work
With so many uncertainties in the world right now, it is critical you focus and refine skills that help position you as a strong candidate in the applicant pool. Establishing strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills ensures easier transitions to a remote workforce, which many people are adapting to. Practice public speaking and writing with your friends and family, and ask them to make constructive critiques. With each time, you will learn how to better articulate your thoughts and present yourself with confidence and poise. Practicing proper body language, like eye contact and good posture, is also beneficial to best communicate with hiring managers during interviews as well as coworkers once you land the job.
Furthermore, identifying your areas of improvement is also very valuable to work on when preparing for a job. Is time management a struggle in fast-paced environments? Do you sometimes find it difficult to adapt to unexpected changes? If the answer is yes to either question, Purdue University suggests managing these situations better by identifying time wasters, setting goals and establishing routines.
2. Create Your Own Virtual Career Fair
Entering the workforce can be scary, but spending time researching and investing in resources to help you learn about different career paths can diminish that fear and make the job search fun. Creating your virtual career fair will help you identify various job opportunities, become familiar with the skills employers seek out in specific career settings and widen your horizons on the jobs available to you.
You might be asking yourself, “how do I create my own virtual career fair?” First, consider utilizing free, online resources like youth.gov and mynextmove.org that provide you with skill and interest assessments and point you to jobs that match your results. From there, you’ll be able to view job applications and internship opportunities with an idea of what you like and what interests you. Alternatively, virtual field trips or virtual career exploration tools are becoming more prevalent and popular among today’s youth. For example, for teens who might be interested in manufacturing or engineering, Toyota North America offers a virtual behind-the-scenes look at their manufacturing plants through their Teen Drive 365 video series.
3. Prepare for Virtual Interviews
Before any interview, preparation is imperative so you’re able to put your best foot forward. First, you must create a resume that clearly and concisely highlights why you’re the perfect match for the job. Your resume is a recruiter’s first impression of you. To ensure you “wow” any recruiter, research free online resume writing tutorials or download resume templates to spruce things up. Also, ask for a second pair of eyes on your resume to check for any spelling or punctuation errors as well as to provide overall feedback. Additionally, host mock video interviews with a parent or peer to make you feel fully prepared for the actual interview. Recruiters across the country are hiring young people virtually now, so becoming comfortable speaking through a computer will improve your confidence and show the recruiter you mean business.
Boys & Girls Club of America’s Workforce Readiness programs arm youth with a special set of skills and resources to shape their futures, feel confident exploring new opportunities and envision endless possibilities. Learn more at bgca.org/workforce.
(BPT) – In 2018, Aflac debuted an innovation that revolutionized its 25-year, $146M commitment to childhood cancer research and treatment: My Special Aflac Duck®. Engineered with purpose to help kids cope with cancer, the duck can be ordered online by health care professionals free of charge and as often as needed to give to their pediatric oncology patients, age 3+, to own and use during their cancer care.
This social robot is making a direct impact on the lives of children with cancer by providing comfort and joy through interactive technology and medical play. Grounded in 18 months of child-centered research and the insight that kids need more than medicine to cope with cancer, Aflac teamed up with Sproutel to create a companion for young patients during cancer care.
Health care professionals who wish to register to receive My Special Aflac Duck for their patients should visit AflacChildhoodCancer.org/MyDuck to learn more.
(BPT) – As the pandemic continues, health experts and physicians are concerned that with home and online schooling replacing in-person curricula — including PE classes — our children may not be getting the physical activity they need to promote their health. And that may be a bigger deal than parents realize.
“Exercise during adolescent years is vital for building strong bones,” states Jennifer Weiss, MD, FAAOS orthopaedic surgeon and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “The bone mass gained during childhood helps determine how healthy bones and the musculoskeletal system will be throughout life.”
Stephanie Morris, CEO of SHAPE America, agrees adding, “Whether participating in remote learning or in-person classes, health and physical education remain essential for students’ physical, mental and social-emotional health. And the more we can encourage kids to be physically active and maintain healthy bones and joints, the better they will be equipped to manage the challenges and stresses that are inevitably being felt in this COVID-19 era.”
Here are five facts for parents and guardians to understand when it comes to promoting healthy physical activity for your child.
Obesity is projected to rise. It’s already a significant issue, and according to the CDC, children with obesity are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea. What’s more, obesity can have a harmful effect on the entire musculoskeletal system, creating risk for several orthopaedic conditions. Unfortunately, current models estimate the childhood obesity rate could increase by 2.4% if school closures continue through December.
Activity is crucial to health. Children and youth who are physically active tend to be healthier, have less body fat and lead more active lifestyles as adults. Still, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported in one study that fewer than half of all U.S. children were getting their recommended 60 minutes of daily exercise.
Activity can boost academic performance. A CDC study found multiple links between physical activity and cognitive skills and attitudes, as well as academic performance, achievement and behavior.
Instruction may be available. Parents or guardians are encouraged to check with a child’s school to seek direction, since many phys ed teachers are offering online or printed instruction that can help devise at-home fitness programs during the pandemic. Seek out information for social-distance friendly muscle-strengthening movements such as cycling, weight training, yoga or climbing stairs. Alternately, bone-strengthening activities such as running, jumping rope or dancing can offer needed energy breaks that require little formal instruction.
Parents can lead by example. The AAOS recommends guiding kids through stretches and warmup exercises, trying out a variety of games and activities, de-emphasizing winning, using activity as a reward and making the process as enjoyable as possible. For the sake of convenience, the activity could be broken up into 15-minute intervals throughout the day. The whole family could participate as a bonding experience, perhaps by walking the dog, raking leaves or going on a bike ride.
Regardless of whether your child is studying online, attending in-person classes or combining those opportunities, it’s important not to forgo the physical activity that will help protect their health during the pandemic. Take steps now to work at least one hour of exercise into the daily schedule. For more information about the role a balanced active lifestyle plays on pediatric and adolescent bone health, visit OrthoInfo.org, a patient education website for bone and joint health information.
