Month: September 2020

2020-09-14T07:01:00

(BPT) – You may think fall is time to put the sandals and sunscreen away, but autumn months offer a great opportunity to explore beaches near and far. Consider these eight reasons to escape to the beach with your family and create a fall you’ll always remember.

1. A change of scenery is good for mental health

Many people have spent the past several months staying close to home, but changing your scenery can support mental wellness. Whether you visit a beach nearby or take a trip to a different state, even one day away enjoying Mother Nature can help you rejuvenate.

2. Sand is soothing and can help reduce stress

With remote work still in full swing and many kids studying at home, stress levels can be high. Fortunately, researchers have found that just touching sand can inspire relaxation. You’ll find plenty if you plan an escape for fall to the Myrtle Beach area’s 60 miles of pristine coastline and watch as your worries melt away. Learn more at www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

3. The beach is a great educational opportunity

Whether your child is a preschooler or teen, consider taking them on an educational journey exploring the beach. From learning about the local flora and fauna to studying an area’s unique history, this is one lesson they’ll wish would never end.

4. You can enjoy warm weather safely

While temperatures are dropping in many areas of the country, coastlines often see temperate climates throughout fall. With warm autumn weather, the Myrtle Beach coastline has plenty of room to social distance while dipping your toes in the sand, listening to the sounds of waves crashing and destressing from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

5. Sunshine boosts your vitamin D

Along with the fresh air, being on a beach brings plenty of sunshine, which boosts your vitamin D levels as well as your mood. Just make sure to wear proper sunscreen to prevent burns, even on overcast days.

6. Smaller crowds make travel enjoyable

The change of season means crowds are down, which can mean a safer, more enjoyable travel experience. There are endless ways to try something new along the Grand Strand safely. Spend the day bird watching at Huntington Beach State Park before heading to the park’s nearby beach or visiting sensory-friendly animal sanctuaries and exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

7. Accommodations provide amazing views

Finding quiet spots with breathtaking backdrops is not difficult in the Myrtle Beach area. If you prefer to stick to your hotel room, choose a property that offers an oceanfront view. For instance, Island Vista Resort is unique in that all of its suites’ balconies face the ocean, so there’s really no worry that you will get stuck with anything less than an unobstructed look at the Atlantic Ocean.

8. Enjoy autumn splendor all around

In many beach towns, the beauty of fall extends beyond the shoreline. Check out the local parks and gardens to enjoy stunning scenery as well. When in Myrtle Beach, check out Brookgreen Gardens. Its massive grounds feature 9,000 acres of floral gardens and outdoor sculptures. Tip: admission is good for seven consecutive days.

2020-09-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Planning your next vacation may not be at the top of your to-do list right now, but savvy travelers know that maximizing your future travel perks starts with a great rewards credit card.

Use this article as a checklist while you’re on the hunt for a new travel rewards credit card.

Tip 1: Ditch annual fees

To help get more bang for your buck, choose a card that doesn’t have an annual fee. Some cards can charge an annual fee of more than $100. Do yourself a favor, avoid an annual fee and treat yourself to room service!

Extra credit if you can find a card that also doesn’t charge a foreign currency conversion fee. This is a great feature for those who like to travel abroad.

Tip 2: Get rewarded for everyday spending

Look for a card that has the traveler in mind and one where virtually every swipe or tap of your card gets you closer to earning reward nights. Even though you may not be traveling right now, just a trip to the grocery store and other everyday purchases can help you get closer to earning reward nights for your next trip.

Tip 3: Prioritize flexibility

Find a card that gives you options! Oftentimes people will sign up with one specific travel partner, such as a hotel, airline or rental car chain. This limits the scope of your vacation if that partner isn’t located in your favorite beach town or if you’d rather stay in a lake house, cabin or villa. Select a card that gives you the freedom to stay your way, meaning you won’t have to book at the same place every time.

Recommended pick: The Hotels.com^® Rewards Visa Credit Card checks the box on all of the above, and more.

Hotels.com already has one of the most rewarding loyalty programs in travel, allowing you to earn reward nights while bouncing between brands and even when staying at non-chain properties. Now the company just introduced its first-ever credit card, where virtually every purchase gets you closer to your next escape.¹ The no-annual-fee² card makes it easy to spend now and travel later. With over half a million properties in over 200 countries and territories around the world, you can earn rewards nights faster and easier than ever before.³

To apply for the Hotels.com^® Rewards Visa Credit Card, visit www.hotels.com/creditcard to submit an online application and upon approval start earning rewards for future travel, now!

Credit card is subject to credit qualification

¹ Hotels.com^® Rewards Visa^® Credit Card cardholders will earn one stamp in the Hotels.com Rewards program for every $500 spent in net purchases (purchases minus returns and credits) using your Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card. You must have an open and active Hotels.com Rewards membership in which you are earning stamps in US dollars in order to earn stamps with your Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card. Hotels.com may charge a redemption fee for each reward night redeemed. This fee will not be charged for Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card cardholders if your card account is open at the time of redemption. ATM transactions, cash advances of any kind, balance transfers, cash equivalents such as money orders and prepaid gift cards, casino gaming chips, wire transfers, off-track wagers, lottery tickets, or bets or wagers transmitted over the internet, fees or interest posted to a linked account, including but not limited to returned payment fees, late fees, and monthly or annual fees are not considered purchases and do not earn stamps. If your Hotels.com Rewards membership is closed for any reason and you retain your Hotels.com Rewards Visa credit card, you will no longer earn stamps. Refer to the Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card Rewards Program Agreement Terms and Conditions for additional details.

² There is a variable APR of 16.49% to 24.49% for purchases and balance transfers. There is a cash advance APR of 24.74%. These APRs will be based on your creditworthiness and will vary with the market based on U.S. Prime Rate. Minimum interest charge will be no less than $1.00. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of balance transfer, whichever is greater, applies. A cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater, applies. This information about the cost of the credit card account described here is accurate as of 06/15/2020. To find out what may have changed, call 1-877-209-2971. The Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

³ When you book and stay 10 nights at a Hotels.com® Rewards eligible property, you will earn one (1) reward night at a Hotels.com Rewards eligible pre-pay property. The maximum value of the reward night is the average daily rate of your 10 stamps collected, excluding taxes and applicable fees. The value of your reward night does not count towards any taxes or fees. You may pay the difference if you choose a room that costs more than the value of your reward night. Package bookings and bookings made using a coupon do not qualify. Although a $5 redemption fee applies to certain bookings, that fee is waived for Hotels.com® Rewards Visa® Credit Cardholders. See the Hotels.com Rewards Terms and Conditions for complete details.

2020-09-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – The new school year is here — and it may look a little different. Teens are gearing up for more homework, more papers, and especially this year, more screen time. As of March 2020, teen use of apps and digital services is up 70% in the U.S.(1), and 70% of kids ages 12 to 15 get more than the recommended hours of screen time per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

With screen time ever-increasing, teens are exposed to more blue light, which are high-energy wavelengths emitted from the sun, LEDs, and digital devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets. Overexposure to blue light can lead to difficulty falling asleep and inhibit the ability to reach REM sleep.

To help reduce effects of blue light, here are some strategies to help find a better balance for your teen.

Be a healthy-habit role model

Parents have an important opportunity to be a positive influence when it comes to healthy behaviors. They learn from everything you say — and more importantly, what you do. Limiting your screen time is the most effective way of reducing blue light exposure, by limiting your own screen time you show your kids how to treat media as a privilege. Encourage time together as a family without screens or devices present.

Supplement with vitamins and minerals

As kids spend more time outdoors and in front of screens, it’s important to make sure they’re equipped with the right nutritional support. Alive! Teen Gummy Multivitamins are an excellent source of 16 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, and Lutemax 2020, to help eyes filter blue light produced by the sun, LEDs and electronic devices*.

Set clear rules

Teens often lack the maturity to moderate screen time on their own. Establishing clear rules will provide structure and help your kids make better choices in the future. For example, try sticking to a rule of no screen time during the hour before bed and enforcing electronics-free meal times. This allows everyone the opportunity to sleep better and wake up refreshed — as well as more engaging family communication.

Make time for physical activity

Go for an evening walk. Play a game of catch. Find a sport the whole family enjoys. A little physical activity goes a long way. It provides time away from screens and numerous benefits for physical and social health.

Remember: Pay attention to what’s on your kids’ screens

Before you let your teen buy a new video or computer game, do a little research, and find out what they are getting. Pay attention to ratings and try to limit them to games rated T (for teens) or younger. You can also use screening tools on TVs, computers, and tablets to block your teen’s access to inappropriate material.

And remember, a productive conversation goes a long way. Be open with your teens and follow these tips to help them set screen time boundaries.

(1): https://www.axios.com/kids-screen-time-coronavirus-562073f6-0638-47f2-8ea3-4f8781d6b31b.html

*THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.

2020-09-11T11:31:00

(BPT) – Nothing beats a classic! Now is the time to master the art of cocktail making and show your friends what you are made of. Think of Cointreau as your guiding light.

2020-09-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – As members of the family, we love our pets unconditionally. We would do anything to ensure they live long and happy lives with us. That’s why as they age it is important to be aware of the different ways to care for our pets to help them remain healthy and energized as they reach senior status.

Purina has answers to these common questions about aging pets to help you be the best pet parent for your furry family member.

1. When are pets considered “senior”?

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, our cats and dogs are generally considered senior when they reach the age of 7 years. However, some pets, like larger dog breeds, are considered seniors when they are 6 years old.

No matter what age your pet is, make sure they get regular veterinary checkups and necessary preventive care, like required vaccinations. Your veterinarian may recommend older pets get additional tests to watch for specific health conditions, and more frequent checkups to prevent future problems.

Watch for signs of aging that could need attention. You may notice changes in their skin and coat, their appetites may diminish, or their activity level may slow down.

“Changes in appetite and behavior may indicate underlying health concerns, so it’s worth sharing your observations with your vet,” said Dr. Kurt Venator, DVM, Ph.D. and chief veterinary officer at Purina. “Dogs may also experience hearing, vision or cognitive changes as they age that are hard to detect, so pay attention if your dog responds less promptly to voice commands, bumps into things as they walk or seems to have trouble doing activities he once enjoyed.”

Reduced mobility, limping or having trouble managing steps can also indicate issues like osteoarthritis.

2. Do pets need special nutrition as they get older?

A 2020 Purina Pet Ownership Survey found that 93% of pet owners feel it is important to choose food specific to a pet’s life stage. And while most people know puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than adult dogs and cats, few owners realize that senior animals also need food tailored to them.

An effective senior pet food formula can help control chronic health conditions, manage a pet’s weight and improve their mental focus. For example, Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ is formulated specifically for senior dogs. It includes ingredients like enhanced botanical oils that are Medium-Chain Triglycerides, which can help improve brain function in older dogs. Purina scientists have spent years developing formulas that help boost energy levels and manage caloric intake for your senior dog, while ensuring that he or she receives the right balance of food and nutrients.

3. How can you keep an older pet active and alert?

Dr. Ragen McGowan, Ph.D., a Purina pet behavior scientist, notes that “just like people, older pets can become set in their ways and naturally slow down as they age. Keeping your senior pet active is a simple, fun and effective way to help them stay healthy and nimble. Remember, that it is just as important to keep your pet’s mind active as it is to keep their body active.”

Try out a couple of these activities with your pet:

• Play with new toys and games — When was the last time you got your pet a new toy, or played a game of fetch or catch the mouse? Research your pet’s breed (or breeds) to find out what kinds of activities they may like best at all stages of their life. Puzzle feeders and games can go a long way to keeping your pet mentally active.
• Introduce variety to your pet’s life — Vary your walking route by visiting an unfamiliar park or drive to a walking trail to give your dog a new place to discover. Introduce your cat to the outdoors by taking her on a walk or letting her explore the backyard on a harness and leash.

• Train your pet — Yes, even older pets can learn new tricks. Consider a training class or watch videos from trainers to learn how to teach your pet a new command.
• Spend time with your pet — Petting, talking to and playing with your pets can help keep them happy and alert. Grooming them regularly will also give you a chance to bond as well as look for changes in their skin, toenails, ears and coat that your vet may need to know about.

With regular care, proper nutrition and loving attention, aging pets can live a long, enriching life and enjoy every moment they have with you.

To learn more about caring for your senior pet, visit www.Purina.com.

2020-09-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Full-time, hybrid and supplemental distance learning have become a fundamental part of education. This isn’t just a big adjustment for students; parents and teachers face new challenges as well. Whether you are trying to meaningfully connect with students over Zoom, or stay engaged at home, navigating the difficulties of distance learning causes stress levels to increase for everyone.

To keep kids focused on their studies, weary educators and parents are turning to a surprising practice: Kundalini Yoga. Kundalini Yoga postures and breathing practices combined with meditation and mindfulness exercises are helping students handle the challenge of remote learning, easing the pressure put on teachers and parents.

How yoga helps students

Recent research underscores yoga’s benefits for young learners, demonstrating that the practice of yoga is an effective form of social and emotional learning. In one study, a team of researchers including Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, a Harvard Medical School researcher and director of research for the Kundalini Research Institute, evaluated students who participated in the Kundalini Yoga-based Y.O.G.A. for Youth program. The results confirmed that students who practiced yoga reported feeling less stressed, more resilient and experienced more positive emotions.

“With yoga practice, students start developing the ability to regulate their stress and emotions and develop increased awareness of their mind and body,” says Khalsa. “This leads to improved functioning and coping overall, thereby preventing the risk factors for impaired mood, behavior and health.” These skills are always important but are particularly critical for students dealing with dramatic changes to their learning structure.

Kundalini Yoga helps build concentration too, along with improving coordination, balance, strength and flexibility. Every student can benefit from incorporating yoga into their school day. To support parents and teachers, here are some tips to get students started.

Tip 1: Start small and make it routine

While a 60-minute yoga class is standard for adults, children don’t have the focus or stamina to practice for that long. Try starting with 5- to 10-minute sessions. Set times to do this during the school day, for example, once mid-morning and right after lunch to refocus. Start with gentle breathing and then move through a few easy poses. Forget perfection and encourage kids to try. Soon they’ll learn their favorite poses and look forward to these yoga breaks.

Tip 2: Be lighthearted and have fun

Students — especially younger children — will have a more enjoyable time with their yoga practice if you keep it centered on fun. Be creative by selecting poses based on your kids’ favorite animals. Tell stories as you change positions. Integrate games and fun mental visuals into your practice; pretend to take a trip around the world, under the sea or to a far-off imaginary place as you move through poses. Kids’ yoga isn’t just about yoga, it’s about having fun and being yourself.

Tip 3: Teach breathing awareness

Just like adults, when children are nervous, stressed, excited or energetic, their breath quickens to a shorter, faster pace. If you help students become aware of their breath, they can better manage their emotional state. This is done by teaching effective breathing practices. Try using long, deep breaths — a relaxed, slow approach to breathing that involves more movement of the abdomen. This has a direct impact on the autonomic nervous system, which helps kids stay calm and more able to cope with stress.

Tip 4: Use meditations and mantras

Mantras, words or phrases that are repeated in a chanting manner, are a wonderful way to help kids center themselves. It is soothing during transition periods in particular. Common mantras include “I am,” “peace,” or “calm,” but any phrase or sound will work. Ideally a mantra should reflect the state that you want to be in rather than the one you are in now.

Meditations are also great in addressing problems and frustrations that can impact students. For example, when a student feels nervous, they can close their eyes, place their hand on their belly and breathe slowly, feeling the stomach increase and decrease while imagining a balloon gracefully floating on the breeze.

Tip 5: Bring in the pros

You don’t have to be a yoga expert to teach students yoga basics. However, if you feel uncomfortable or just want some guidance, there are many books and videos about instructing yoga to children. You can even play yoga videos for kids so everyone can participate together. Make sure the resource is from a KRI Certified Kundalini Yoga teacher to ensure proper technique and age-appropriate guidance. Find a trainer near you through the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association or Y.O.G.A. for Youth.

Remember that distance learning is a challenge for parents and teachers as much as students. By following these tips and Kundalini yoga techniques yourself, you’ll be better equipped to help children thrive whether they are in the classroom or studying remotely. For more information, visit 3HO.org or yogaforyouth.org.

2020-09-10T13:20:56

(BPT) –

They’ve become teachers overnight. They go beyond kissing the occasional bump to now being on-call nurses. They’ve learned new skills to serve as coaches and mentors. Moms’ roles have evolved tremendously during the global pandemic as they’re stepping up to meet new challenges and support their family.

These extra demands have had a multitude of effects — both positive and negative. While a majority of moms do feel stress, they are also discovering their resiliency and what they value most in life, found a new national survey from DOVE^® Chocolate.

Overcoming school challenges

Being a parent and educator simultaneously isn’t easy, so it’s no surprise nearly three out of four moms reported feeling anxious during the stay-at-home orders that began in March and nearly 70% of those surveyed agreed they experienced burnout.

Schools are now adopting a variety of learning models, including in-person, hybrid and remote education. Mothers will continue to be called on to support this evolving educational environment, with nearly 40% feeling anxious about the future.

Difficult times are challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Mothers are learning through these experiences that they are agile and adaptable. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the new school structure, be kind to yourself. Adjustments take time and it’s important to celebrate small successes, for both the kids and yourself. Remember to reach out for support — such as from community programs, the school district and friends — because it takes a village.

Finding meaningful moments, peace and connection

Adopting a multitude of new roles plus orders to quarantine and social distance has had a negative impact on many people, but especially moms. Nearly 70% of moms agreed they’ve experienced feelings of isolation. All moms ranked navigating their new normal — whether it be homeschooling, reduced “me-time” due to managing more people at home or transitioning to working remotely — as an additional stressor.

It’s important to remember that taking time for self-care activities is not selfish. When you’re the best version of yourself you can be a better mother, partner, friend and colleague. Make time each day for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes to read, take a walk or meditate. You deserve it.

It’s also important to prioritize connection even when it’s from afar. Plan a weekly video chat with your best friend. Have coffee and catch up with your parents on the phone. Send a handwritten note to another mom who might need encouragement. These small acts compound to make a big impact in your positivity and connection to others.

Embracing silver linings

Despite new demands, moms are rising to the occasion plus finding positives by spending extra time with the ones they love most. Having more time with their children ranked as the top positive impact of stay-at-home orders. What’s more, many moms benefit from spending more quality time with their partner at home as well.

For moms who shifted to working at home, the extra flexibility is also an advantage, allowing them to experience newfound time, milestones and moments with their family. In fact, 84% of working-from-home moms strongly agreed that they grew more emotionally connected with family during stay-at-home orders.

This extra time at home may be stressful at times, but try to remind yourself that it is a gift. Rather than running around town from activity to activity, you get extra time to talk with your kids, snuggle, watch movies and play games. You can try new recipes and bake together. You might also explore a hobby or rediscover an interest that you can share with younger generations.

The pandemic has been tough for moms who just want to give their families the best while keeping them safe. DOVE^® Chocolate hopes all moms can relate to these insights and ultimately, help them feel seen, validated and less alone. Although stressful, there have been opportunities for everyone to grow together while making lasting memories.