Month: November 2021

2021-11-11T00:01:00

(BPT) – What’s in those delicious holiday cookies? How come it’s hard to breathe while decking the halls? Is that adorable puppy in the big red bow causing you to have a big red nose?

“The holiday season is full of fun festivities and beloved traditions, many of which present unique challenges to people with allergies or asthma,” explained Dr. Mark Corbett, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “Fortunately, with a thoughtful mindset and proactive approach, you can enjoy a season full of merriment and good cheer.”

Corbett and the experts at ACAAI share tips for managing asthma and allergy triggers throughout the winter holidays:

Don’t let achoos interrupt celebrations

Indoor allergens are often invisible. When rotating holiday decor in your home, make sure to wipe down items to remove triggers like dust and mold. Additionally, whether you’re decorating for Hanukkah or Christmas, opt for allergy- and asthma-friendly decorations to set the holiday mood. Try battery-operated flameless candles rather than traditional candles which produce smoke and can cause an asthma flare.

While you can take steps to limit allergy and asthma triggers in your own home, you have less control when traveling. Whether it’s an afternoon celebration or week-long escape, plan ahead by bringing everything you need, including allergy medicine and asthma inhalers. Some people opt to travel with their own allergy-proof pillow or pillow case and other personal items to ensure comfort if staying overnight.

Plan a paws-itively fun holiday

Whether it’s cozy snuggles, playing games or capturing a special picture, pets can help make holidays bright. However, when pets are around, dander is a concern. Even if pets spend much of their time outdoors, they may be inside more as temperatures drop, and this means increased dander throughout your home.

To help with pet allergies, try to keep your pets only in certain rooms rather than giving them access to the whole home. It can be especially effective to keep them out of bedrooms to facilitate better sleep. If you’re staying at someone else’s home with a pet, close the door to the room where you’re sleeping. You should also be mindful of limiting how much you pet your cat or dog, and when you do, wash your hands immediately afterward.

Food allergies don’t bring good cheer

If you or a loved one has a food allergy, it’s important to remain vigilant in asking about ingredients before trying foods. Never assume that just because you cook something without certain ingredients, other people will do the same. People with severe allergies might be sensitive to even trace amounts of certain foods, so it’s important to ask. When in doubt, pass on a treat with unknown ingredients. And always carry two epinephrine auto injectors in case of an emergency.

When visiting someone’s home for a gathering, make sure they are aware of your allergy so they can plan accordingly. To ease the ask, offer to bring a dish to share that you know is safe to eat. That way if options are limited, you know there is something you can enjoy. And remember, if you are hosting an event in your home, extend kindness by asking if any of your guests have allergies so you can prepare a thoughtful menu.

It’s the most sniffle-filled time of the year

In addition to the ongoing pandemic, the holiday season aligns with respiratory illness season. If you have asthma, it’s particularly important to wash your hands regularly. The best way to eliminate germs is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. That’s about the time it takes to sing the chorus of Jingle Bells twice.

If you haven’t already, get a COVID vaccination and your annual flu vaccination. It’s OK to get them at the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you’ve been invited to other people’s homes, you may want to ask in advance if they are vaccinated against COVID. Some people choose to wear masks indoors and at private gatherings, so continue to do this if it makes you more comfortable.

2021-11-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re seeking a unique holiday getaway for your family, there’s something to delight everyone at The Beach — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If the 60 miles-plus of beautiful coastline isn’t enough to attract you, the area celebrates the holidays like nowhere else, with shopping galore at Myrtle Beach outlet malls and one-of-a-kind boutiques, plus spectacular light shows and theatrical experiences for the most memorable holiday ever.

For the young and young-at-heart, nothing gets you in the holiday spirit better than a stunning display of Christmas lights and decorations. And if you love the thrill of live entertainment, Myrtle Beach offers shows in a wide variety of styles and genres. From holiday classics and southern favorites to Motown and even pirates — there’s something you can all tap your toes and sing along to.

Here are 9 holiday highlights to make the season shine even brighter at The Beach.

1. Winter Wonderland at The Beach

This new holiday event features a covered outdoor ice-skating rink, walk-through lights experience and more. After exploring the Winter Wonderland, stroll down to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and beachfront for a bite to eat and festive holiday beverages. Visit from Nov. 26, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2022 at the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place.

2. The Great Christmas Light Show

Drive through over 2 million sparkling lights at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex. Young and old alike will be dazzled and delighted, from Nov. 22 through Dec. 30.

3. Nights of a Thousand Candles

Brookgreen Gardens offers holiday beauty and splendor along the Grand Strand, with over 2,800 hand-lit candles and even more sparkling lights. Your family will “ooh” and “aah” over the lights “frosting” each limb and path in the garden, filling you with holiday spirit from Nov. 26, 2021 through Jan. 2, 2022.

4. Ripley’s Festival of Trees

The marine life at the Ripley’s Aquarium will be decked out in decorations, along with a Festival of Trees showcasing over 55 trees decorated for each state and territory in the U.S. The brilliant blue background of the lush aquarium habitats sets off the brilliant colors of the Christmas trees, and guests of all ages can enjoy scavenger hunts and movie nights throughout November and December.

5. The Christmas Show of the South

This tradition brings the warm, wonderful and fun spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy and dance. The Carolina Opry invites visitors to come back year after year to take holiday pics in front of their amazing Christmas tree, with thousands of twinkling lights and sparkling holiday decor, from Nov. 1, 2021 to Jan. 5, 2022.

6. Christmas at Pirates Voyage

Captain Scrooge commands the Mystical Christmas Spirit pirate ship at the Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, journeying through time to bring Christmas cheer to pirates and landlubbers everywhere. Enjoy a holiday feast while astonished by amazing acrobatics high above the lagoon and “swashbuckling” excitement, from Nov. 4, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022.

7. GTS Theater Shows

The theater showcases the spirit of the season through four holiday shows:

• Magical Christmas Magic and Comedy Show
• Original Motown Christmas Show
• Christmas With Elvis
• Step Into Christmas with Elton John

These shows are a staple of the Myrtle Beach theater scene and continue to entertain guests with lively cabaret numbers and comedy antics, from Nov. 2 to Dec. 29.

8. Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special

The Broadway Theater combines holiday classics with hits from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, so you can walk down memory lane and enjoy jolly holiday music from some of best male singers in America. Nov. 8, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022.

9. The South’s Grandest Christmas Show

There’s nothing more fun than singing along to a lively performance of classic Christmas favorites. This year’s extravaganza brings an incredible combination of talent, scenery and special effects to inspire visitors of all ages. Nov. 1, 2021 through Jan. 1, 2022 at the Alabama Theatre.

Visit Myrtle Beach created the Holiday Getaway Guide, full of information on lodging deals, shows, festive events and more to help you plan your perfect holiday getaway at The Beach.

2021-11-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Most people would agree veterans have earned the best possible healthcare for their service and sacrifice. Unfortunately, veterans can endure dangerously long wait times for medical services, including those that require anesthesia care. One reason for these delays is that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the majority of VA facilities cannot practice to the full extent of their education, training and licensure. Allowing CRNAs full practice authority will ensure veterans receive the high-quality care they deserve.

In the U.S. military, CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care, and often the sole providers of anesthesia in stressful environments. Out of almost 60,000 CRNAs, 5% serve in the military, and 2,000 CRNAs provide care in VA healthcare facilities. However, due to federal regulations, even the most highly trained, experienced CRNAs — including many veterans who provided anesthesia care independently while serving — are not permitted to provide anesthesia care in VA hospitals without supervision by physician anesthesiologists. This requirement not only disregards CRNAs’ training and expertise, but delays surgeries for veterans.

“In the military, CRNAs are competent and autonomous because we are trained to go to war,” said retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA. “When you go to war, you don’t know who’s going to be there or how catastrophic the injuries will be. You have to have skills to get you through whatever is thrown at you.”

Yet even nurse anesthetists with this level of experience are required to be supervised when they work in a VA hospital.

“When I was deployed, I was the sole anesthesia provider. The soldiers’ combat wounds were horrific, but my surgical team had an astonishing success rate,” Setnor said. “Yet in my home state, I cannot provide even routine anesthesia care in a VA hospital without direct supervision.”

Arbitrary regulations delay care

When a CRNA serves in a military hospital, as opposed to a VA hospital, this supervision is not required. Retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Adrienne Hartgerink, DNP, CRNA, served 21 years in the Air Force, first as an ICU nurse, then as a CRNA. She now practices at a hospital in Virginia without supervision — because it is a military facility.

“I chose to work here because of the high degree of autonomy,” said Hartgerink. “If I worked at a civilian hospital, I would have to be supervised,” she said.

CRNAs are the only advanced practice nursing specialty that does not have full practice authority in the VA system, despite recommendations from veterans organizations such as AMVETS. This is causing unnecessary delays in care.

“Veterans have to wait weeks, months, even years for care when we have the ability to fix that problem by allowing CRNAs to practice to their full extent,” said Hartgerink.

Safety concerns alleviated

While some express concerns about the safety of CRNAs practicing without supervision from a physician anesthesiologist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists have an outstanding safety record. A study by RTI International confirmed that record by finding no significant difference in patient outcomes between these groups:

• Certified registered nurse anesthetists working without anesthesiologist supervision
• Physician anesthesiologists working alone
• Nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists working together

The study concluded that allowing nurse anesthetists to provide anesthesia services without supervision does not put patients at increased risk.

Cost efficiency

The RTI study also concluded that because CRNAs receive high-level training in the exact same procedures as physician anesthesiologists, they can provide the same level of service at potentially lower cost.

Current regulations allow state governors to opt out of the CRNA supervision requirement. The authors of the study recommended changing the policy altogether, and encouraged hospitals in all states to use cost-effective nurse anesthetists.

“Now is the time to make full practice authority permanent,” added Hartgerink, “because our veterans deserve the best access to care we can provide.”

To learn more about the work of CRNAs, visit AANA.com.

2021-11-10T00:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Alkermes, Inc.

By CC Sabathia, former professional baseball player

When I decided suddenly, during the professional baseball playoffs in 2015, to go to rehab — right in the moment — to get treatment for my alcohol dependence, many people were surprised. For years, I worked to hide my disease. Alcohol is a widely accepted part of our culture and was an ever-present part of my personal and professional life.

It took a long time for me to get to the point of rethinking my relationship with alcohol and deciding to commit to my recovery journey. But it’s never too late. That’s why I have teamed up with Alkermes on the My Relationship with Alcohol campaign — to encourage people to consider their drinking patterns and relationship with alcohol and talk to a healthcare provider now to learn more.

By going to this website, you can learn more about alcohol dependence, watch personal stories, take an interactive questionnaire to help assess your drinking patterns and explore a discussion guide with ideas for starting a conversation with a healthcare provider.

For me, I never hit what people might think of as rock bottom — to the outside world, my life looked great. I was playing some of the best baseball of my life, I had a beautiful family, but behind the scenes, the consequences of my drinking patterns were piling up. My alcohol dependence affected my relationships with my family, wife and friends. There were nights I couldn’t remember what I’d done, and there were things I wish I hadn’t done or said. And for me, that was my rock bottom.

I knew the negative impact my drinking was having on me and those around me. But it still took me three years after I was diagnosed with alcohol dependence by a healthcare provider to get the help I needed. There were hurdles I had to overcome. The stigma associated with the disease and seeking treatment was tough for me. Especially as a Black man and a professional athlete, raising my hand to ask for help just wasn’t something I felt comfortable doing.

Despite the challenges, on a Sunday morning in October 2015, I made that commitment to myself. It wasn’t easy to walk away from my team at the start of the playoffs, but getting help for my alcohol dependence was the right decision for me. And what I realized, as I was making this difficult decision, is that so many people had my back.

My family was always behind me, and that day, my two best friends gave me their full support without hesitation. Quickly, the media, other players and many fans all came out to say it was the right decision to put my health first. Now sure, there were some critics. I just blocked out the noise and committed to my recovery journey.

Everyone’s journey is unique, and a healthcare provider can help you determine the right path for you. Everyone’s rock bottom is different. If your relationship with alcohol is causing problems with work, family or friends, or if you are choosing drinking over other things you used to enjoy doing, it may be time to rethink your relationship with alcohol. Visiting myrelationshipwithalcohol.com is one place you can start.

This article is sponsored by Alkermes^®, and CC Sabathia has been compensated. His story is personal and does not represent all people living with alcohol dependence. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider.

ALKERMES^® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2021 Alkermes, Inc.

All rights reserved.

2021-11-09T14:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly 90% of Americans will eat turkey this Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. That’s an increase of more than 700,000 turkey takers over 2020. However, the lure of the long weekend lasts longer than the leftovers, and is filled with many more moments worth sharing, a glass of wine or cocktail in hand. So, whatever you do, make sure to have plenty. You can always share leftover bottles with friends at the end of the weekend.

1. Friendsgiving

For many, Friendsgiving is the first festivity of many. It is a time to gather with hometown friends and those who matter most in our lives. Toast with Josh Cellars, a brand that was created by founder Joe Carr as a tribute to his father, Josh. Josh Cellars Prosecco Rosé has scents of fresh wild berry and blackberry, complemented by refreshing acidity and effervescence.

2. Turkey Trot

Whether you run, jog or walk, finish first with a glass of [ yellow tail ] PURE BRIGHT Pinot Grigio. [ yellow tail ] — America’s best-selling imported wine brand — spent the last several years creating a proprietary process to maximize flavor while minimizing calories and alcohol. Packed full of fruit flavor, this fresh and zesty wine has only 80 calories per serving. It’s a win-win with whatever else the day holds.

3. Parade

The word “parade” is a French import, originally meaning “preparation.” It is therefore fitting to enjoy a beautiful French rosé while taking in a parade and putting off “preparations” for the day ahead. Fleurs de Prairie translates as “wildflowers,” and this wine celebrates the beautiful fields of wisteria, lavender, poppy and sunflowers carpeting the South of France. Chill it down and enjoy the flavors of strawberry and rose petals, with bright, refreshing acidity.

4. Pre-Dinner

The potatoes are boiling. The yams are baking. The turkey is resting. Make the most out of these final free minutes with Josh Cellars Reserve North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit forward and balanced, this wine is bursting with aromas of dark fruits and toasted nuts with hints of blackcurrant and rose petal.

5. Dinner: White and Red Pairings from the US

The Calling Dutton Ranch Chardonnay will impress even the most discerning dinner guests. It is fresh, lively and full-bodied, making it extremely versatile. The Calling wines are exclusively sourced from the best vineyards in Sonoma County, California. Dutton Ranch fruit is among the most highly regarded in Sonoma and beyond. One glass will not be enough, so purchase more than you think you need.

Every Thanksgiving table should have a red option, too. California Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile, making it a great complement to the turkey and trimmings. The Calling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir highlights the region’s iconic style. This wine is full of cherry, fresh strawberries and orange zest flavors that lead into a velvety, smooth palate of red plum, violet and earthiness.

6. Game Night

After dinner, there is no better way to relax than family game night, except maybe family game night with a whiskey drink in hand. Redemption is on a mission to bring rye back, returning it to its Pre-Prohibition glory. Rye was once the most popular spirit in America. At 96% rye, Redemption Rye is big and spicy, with flavors of toasted oak, vegetal notes, allspice and anise. Add a couple of dashes of bitters and a little ice to get game-on in no time.

7. Wind Down

Finally, everyone is resting, snug in their beds or — more likely — snoring nearby on an armchair. Find solace and solitude, with a neat pour of Bib & Tucker 6-Year-Old Bourbon. It leads with a scent of vanilla, with a smooth entry, nice balance, and hint of pecan pie sweetness before evolving into a warm, rich, spicy sensation. (And if you’re feeling daring, this makes a superb addition to your Black Friday French Toast.) Bib & Tucker is inspired by the turn of the century in America, a time of unprecedented progress and adventure when all bourbon was small batch.

2021-11-09T13:01:00

(BPT) – Most parents typically tell their children not to go to the pantry for a snack before dinner but what if letting your kids into the pantry could help ignite their passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)?

STEM learning can be accessible and right at children’s finger tips no matter their age or background. It can even be as easy as walking into the kitchen and looking around for inspiration. Igniting a curiosity for STEM early can help drive youth into a future including STEM, enabling them to take advantage of a field where jobs are projected to grow 9% by 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To help close the STEM opportunity gap, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Raytheon Technologies are partnering together to enhance Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s DIY STEM curriculum so that it’s culturally relevant and focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

The organizations want to get kids excited about STEM, inspiring youth to start seeing STEM in their everyday surroundings (like through food!), providing more access and opportunity to STEM learning.

“By integrating a diversity, equity and inclusion framework into the new Boys & Girls Clubs of America DIY STEM curriculum, we are able to create a program that inspires all youth and highlights the possibility of a STEM career,” said Susan Cody Ciavolino, director of educational STEM foundation at Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America, an expert in youth development, suggests this fun, hands-on DIY STEM activity, aimed to surprise and excite kids while also building important social-emotional skills needed to succeed in STEM, both at school and within the workforce.

DIY STEM Activity: Bridge Building

• Items needed: Various materials that can be found in the kitchen – use your imagination! From gum drops or marshmallows as the “glue” to dry spaghetti noodles, graham crackers and pretzel sticks as the connectors, encourage kids to use their imagination as to what materials will best create a bridge.
• Directions: Play around and try different methods to build a homemade bridge between two tables or surfaces. Encourage youth to test the weight of their bridge with everyday items like a toy car.

Enjoy this DIY activity and continue to encourage the kids in your life to look at their surroundings and have fun with DIY STEM, as it can lead to a great future.

2021-11-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Wanting to care for someone is a natural impulse, especially if they need a little more help than others, perhaps due to a medical condition. Fortunately, many resources are now available that help caregivers find the support they need for both themselves and those for whom they care. These resources provide access to information on healthcare discounts and services; professional in-home care options; and shopping and meal delivery options. Many of these caregiving resources even come with additional benefits and discounts for AARP members.

Support Their Health and Medical Needs

1. Providing your loved ones with adequate support means researching the best healthcare options for their specific needs. For example, hearing loss is common among older adults. Fortunately, AARP members have access to helpful information through the AARP^® Hearing Care Program provided by HearUSA, which provides savings on check-ups, hearing aids, batteries and more.
2. Prescription medication is also common for individuals needing care, particularly if they are suffering from a medical condition where they might require a robust medication regimen. AARP members have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by OptumRx^® that can be used to save on FDA-approved medications in pharmacies nationwide. While anyone can enroll, AARP members can unlock deeper discounts and benefits such as home delivery, coverage for dependents and more.
3. Members with a qualifying high-deductible health plan can take advantage of tax benefits and save for qualified medical expenses by utilizing the AARP^® Health Savings Account offered by Optum Bank^®. Additionally, they get access to tools, resources and information tailored to their needs, and members under 65 receive a 20% discount on monthly maintenance fees, and if you’re 65 or older, your monthly fees are waived.
4. For caregivers, it’s important to know where to take loved ones for medical assistance, or general primary care needs. While hospitals often take most forms of insurance, primary care does not. Make sure you have identified a primary care practice, such as Oak Street Health Primary Care, a primary care provider that serves adults on Medicare. Oak Street Health provides personalized primary care services from a team of doctors, nurses and other professionals dedicated to keeping you well, physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day visits, transportation to and from appointments, community room events and more. While Oak Street Health is the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, AARP membership is not required to take advantage of its services.

In-Home Care and Wellness Products

1. There are now a bounty of supplementary care options available to caregivers. CareLinx In-Home Care is a nationwide online network that connects families with pre-screened, professional caregivers who can assist with things such as light housekeeping, laundry, bathing, meal preparation, transportation around the community and more. AARP members receive a 3% discount on in-home caregiving services.
2. What we eat directly impacts our health and well-being. We know this, yet sometimes the convenience of less healthy options creates temptation that is hard to resist. For caregivers, it’s important to nourish yourself as well as your loved one but that doesn’t have to mean an extra item on your to-do list. Let Silver Cuisine™ by bistroMD, a meal delivery service, give you back some time and peace of mind. AARP members save 25% PLUS free shipping on their first order of $99 or more of Silver Cuisine™ chef-prepared meals. For all subsequent orders members save 10% and get free shipping.

Stay Connected and Entertained

Today, a range of products and resources are available that can help caregivers give their loved ones the support they deserve. With an AARP membership, caregivers can enrich their support and ensure those most important to them are healthy, happy and receiving the highest level of care.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2021-11-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is quickly approaching and many people are making their lists and checking them twice as they plan for holiday shopping, family celebrations and travel. Last year, we learned to be flexible and altered the ways we shopped, gathered and entertained. As we continue to adapt, our gift giving and celebrations remain impacted — from supply chain disruptions and delivery delays around the country, to health considerations for gatherings, to the age-old question of what to get for everyone on your list.

If you haven’t finalized your holiday plans yet, you can still find discounts for traveling, entertaining, shopping and delivery options. If you’re an AARP member, you have access to a range of discounts and deals on products and services to take advantage of this holiday season.

“Smart shoppers are making their purchases early to stay ahead of potential delays and shortages,” said shopping expert Trae Bodge. “It’s also wise to take advantage of the best deals and discounts, including benefits available to AARP members, which can offer additional savings on holiday gifts and shipping fees.”

Here are some helpful tips to help make your holiday season stress-free and enjoyable.

Shop Early. The ongoing stress on supply chains and delivery disruptions around the country could make holiday shopping more difficult for consumers who wait until the last minute. Alleviate your fears about out-of-stock items and lengthy shipping estimates by finalizing your shopping lists now and purchasing gifts for friends and family early. AARP members can create unique, customized gifts for loved ones including custom home décor, clothing items and more, with Personalization Mall. Members can save 15% on personalized gifts for any occasion. Personalization is free, and items ship within one to two days.

Travel Safely. This year we’ll see an increase in holiday travel, and experts recommend booking early as prices will steadily rise as the holiday season approaches. Some Americans will continue to choose road trips this year as their preferred mode of transportation. To make sure your trip goes smoothly, fill your tank at Exxon and Mobil stations and enroll in Allstate Roadside for that extra layer of protection for your trip. When AARP members link their Exxon Mobil Rewards+^TM account to an AARP membership, they earn extra points on purchases like fuel, car washes and convenience store items, and two times the points on fuel on special member days. Members can also save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside assistance plans, including Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite. Upon enrollment, benefits include 24/7 towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

If you need a larger vehicle to accommodate additional family members, or don’t want to put miles on your car, consider rental options from Avis or Budget. AARP members can save up to 30% off base rates, plus get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), add an additional driver at no cost and more.

Sleep Soundly. Deciding where to stay during holiday travel was top of mind when the pandemic hit in 2020. This year, whether you want your own space, or your holiday host prefers that, check out the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia to find the perfect spot to rest after a long day of holiday festivities. Members can save on hotel stays and get an extra 10% off at Best Western Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Choice Hotels when booking online or by phone through the Travel Center.

Share Memories. The holidays are a great time to gather your loved ones and share cherished family stories and memories. By gifting an Ancestry^® subscription, your family can trace the rich details of your personal history. The easy-to-use online platform can help families learn more about their ancestors, including where they were born, what they looked like when they were younger and when they married. AARP members can save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription and receive access to records and online tools to search, save and share their family history. If you’re new to Ancestry, you’ll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription and if you already have an account, you’ll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for another year.

This year’s holiday season is fast approaching, but with some planning, preparation and discounts, it can be an enjoyable and relaxing one filled with family fun and treasured memories. Check out aarp.org/holiday to view more benefits available to AARP members. Happy Holidays!

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2021-11-09T15:01:00

(BPT) – The CVN Veterans Day Survey 2021 explores the military-civilian divide following the end of America’s longest war. The survey by Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and military families, reveals how civilians can go #BeyondTheThankYou to connect with veterans in more meaningful ways this Veterans Day. It additionally captures what veterans want civilians to understand about veterans and military service.