Month: November 2022

2022-11-01T10:05:00

(BPT) – While we all might think we’re pretty good recyclers, the reality is most of us could probably do better. To help better understand recycling and turn it into a lifelong habit, the Carton Council has debunked seven popular recycling myths.

1. Myth: Dented, dirty or misshapen recyclables don’t need to be recycled.

Truth: Most items don’t need to be in pristine condition to be recycled. As long as they aren’t coated with grease or food, recyclable materials are still wanted. Dented or misshapen packages are more likely to be thrown away as their perceived value is lower — even though those packages are still recyclable.

Simply empty any remaining product from your package and then place it into the recycling bin so it can have a second life.

2. Myth: If most of my neighbors aren’t recycling, I probably shouldn’t either.

Truth: This is your opportunity to be a leader, not a follower. Local recycling programs need participation to continue operating efficiently. Research shows that people are more likely to recycle if their family, neighbors and friends are, so get started and watch what happens!

3. Myth: All recyclables need to be washed and rinsed.

Truth: In most cases, recyclables don’t need to be washed or rinsed. Just empty the contents and put the container in the recycling bin. For example, when recycling milk or juice cartons, any remaining liquid just needs to be dumped out. This also helps to save water by not washing recyclable containers. Just be sure there isn’t any food or grease residue remaining.

4. Myth: It’s OK to take a break from recycling when on vacation.

Truth: Unfortunately, even the most diligent recyclers sometimes overlook recycling on vacation, often because of a lack of recycling information at the vacation destination. If you’re a Vrbo or Airbnb host, leave a recycling guide or instructions for your guests on how to recycle in your area. For vacationers, be sure to ask your host or hotel guest service about local recycling. Simple reminders to recycle are key when people are in new situations and ripe for developing new habits, like while on vacation.

5. Myth: I don’t need a plan to recycle, I’ll just do it

Truth: Most of us have the best intentions but making a recycling plan and breaking it into smaller, easier, tangible steps increases the likelihood of adopting the new behavior. Having a system or process with clear action steps to recycle helps us follow through because it removes the uncertainty from the decision-making process. This often leads to increased behavior and makes us more likely to make recycling part of the regular routine.

6. Myth: Recycled products like paper are going to be made anyway, so it doesn’t matter if I recycle.

Truth: Products made from recycled products like paper can’t be manufactured if companies don’t have the recycled materials. Companies and governments are working hard to make it possible to recycle, but this fails without the efforts of everyone. By recycling, you’re providing the feedstock needed to produce new items out of recycled content.

7. Myth: The companies that produce these packages don’t care what happens to them, so why should I?

Truth: Many companies are working hard to make their products more sustainable, including making sure the packages are recyclable. The Carton Council and its member companies have been working hard to increase the amount of recycled food and beverage cartons in the U.S. Since their efforts began in 2009, the number of households that can recycle their cartons has more than tripled.

The Carton Council’s commitment includes funding improvements for carton recycling infrastructure in the U.S. and education efforts to make sure everyone knows to recycle their food and beverage cartons, as well as other commonly recyclable materials.

To learn more, visit RecycleCartons.com.

2022-11-01T15:13:00

(BPT) – Rated as one of the best places to live in the country, the region is inviting travelers from all over to see what makes this corner of the Heartland a great place to explore. OZ Brands is so excited about sharing Northwest Arkansas’ treasures with the rest of the country that they recently brought a taste of NWA directly to Austin through “OZ La Carte.”

Check out some of the reasons NWA should be on your radar:

1. World-class trails

Northwest Arkansas is considered the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World” for good reason — the region boasts over 484 miles of trails through the Ozark mountains that are perfect for biking, hiking and camping. Everyone is welcome! Groups like Women of OZ are creating a welcoming, non-intimidating environment on the trails for all individuals who identify as women, regardless of their background or skill level. And if camping is your thing, you can pitch a tent along more than 135 miles of the National Buffalo River — America’s first national river — or take time to explore the beauty of Hobbs State Park Conservation Area or Devil’s Den State Park.

2. Vibrant arts community

But if it’s innovative galleries and inspiring public sculptures that get your heart racing, view the art installations along the OZ Trails and enjoy well-curated art experiences at your favorite local establishments thanks to OZ Art NWA, which is making the community more vibrant by promoting access to unique, diverse and authentic art encounters. As an art lover, your trip to Northwest Arkansas won’t be complete without visits to world-class museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary, which offer a superb overview of art. And for lovers of the performing arts, theater is alive and well at TheatreSquared and the Walton Arts Center.

3. A view from the top

If you prefer finding a way to see the big picture, there’s nothing more thrilling than a “backcountry flying” tour courtesy of FLY OZ, which offers visitors opportunities to explore breathtaking views of 19 million acres of the “natural state” of Arkansas — and you could even learn how to fly the area yourself.

4. Supportive startup ecosystem

For solo entrepreneurs seeking a welcoming business environment, NWA is well worth a look. Home to three Fortune 500 companies and University of Arkansas (known for very high research activity), Northwest Arkansas is well-positioned to be a significant player in today’s innovation economy, recently emerging as a hotspot for startups. NWA is considered the second best Metro Area for Minority Entrepreneurs, creating a hub of economic and creative growth in the middle of the American Heartland. The Northwest Arkansas Council is a private nonprofit organization working to advance job opportunities, talent recruitment, physical infrastructure and quality of life in the region, connecting companies to startups and entrepreneurs.

5. Unique towns

Seeking a new hometown? NWA is home to several unique towns that offer a variety of great places to live — each with their own special combination of historic charm, vibrant communities, picturesque backdrops and plenty of activities to interest singles and families alike, including Bella Vista, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale. Exploring each one of these hidden treasures is a perfect vacation in itself — and may help you discover the next place you want to call home.

6. Tasty spots

From the creations of award-winning chefs (including three James Beard award semi-finalists) to new mouthwatering taste delights from local food trucks, Northwest Arkansas is quickly turning heads and attracting appetites thanks to options including the sustainably sourced, fresh, seasonal offerings at The Preacher’s Son, locally sourced elevated American classics at Pressroom, along with beautifully crafted cocktails at the Undercroft Bar and Lady Slipper.

Intrigued? Learn more about what other experiences are ready to be served up at ozlacarte.us.

2022-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or are a caregiver for someone with diabetes, you know managing the condition requires diligence. Eating well and exercising are a priority, but there are other aspects of your health that are important too – like your eyesight.

Approximately 34.2 million people in the U.S. have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy (DR) and a more serious condition called diabetic macular edema (DME). These can cause vision loss if left untreated.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month, so here are five key facts to know about diabetes and vision loss from the eye health experts at Genentech:

1. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness

Did you know that diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults age 20-74? High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina in the back of the eye. Out-of-control blood sugar can lead to DME, which in turn can cause vision loss.

2. DME progresses in stages

“Macular” refers to the macula, which is the central portion of the retina and the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. “Edema” means swelling of tissues from fluid. DME results when damaged blood vessels leak fluid and cause swelling, which blurs vision.

People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are at risk for diabetic eye disease. The risk of developing DME is closely associated with the length of time a patient has lived with diabetes and the severity of DR they are experiencing. If DR worsens, the eye may begin to form new, abnormal blood vessels over the retina, which can break easily and bleed, causing severe vision loss and even blindness. DME can occur at any stage of DR, though it is more likely to occur as DR progresses. Poor control of blood sugar also increases the risk of developing DME.

3. Diabetic eye disease may not have symptoms

DME doesn’t appear overnight. You may have subtle or no symptoms, especially early on.

However, it’s important to note changes in your vision and speak with your doctor immediately if you notice anything different. DME can cause blurry vision, color fading, floaters (small specks, dots, circles, lines or cobwebs in your field of vision) and double vision.

To diagnose DME, a physician will perform a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, which determines the smallest letters you can read on a chart; a dilated eye exam in which drops are placed in your eyes to widen the pupils in order to check for signs of the disease; imaging tests; and a pressure check inside your eye.

4. Vision complications from diabetes are more common than you may realize

In the United States, DR impacts nearly 7.8 million people and DME impacts 750,000 people. Many people struggle to manage diabetes and its complications, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. And while many people do experience diabetic eye disease, there are treatment options available to help improve or maintain your eyesight.

5. There are prevention and treatment options

If you have diabetes, one of the best things you can do for your eyes is get regular exams and tell your healthcare provider or eye doctor if you have changes to your vision. Manage blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol through diet, exercise and prescribed medications, if needed. There are treatment options to slow or stop vision loss if you are diagnosed with diabetic eye disease, and if you are already being treated with medication for diabetic eye disease, keep it up so you can maintain your sight!

Taking care of your eyes doesn’t just mean holding onto your independence. It means getting to witness all the things that make life beautiful. Thanks to new innovations in eye care and treatment, there’s more hope than ever before.

To learn more about DME, visit Gene.com.

2022-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you or a loved one live with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you likely know how the condition can impact one’s overall health. But it’s also crucial to focus on how diabetes can affect your vision, according to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS). People with diabetes are at risk for complications that cause damage to the retina, the thin layer of light-sensitive nerve tissue that lines the back of the eye. This damage can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, which may result in vision loss and preventable blindness. The good news is, you can help protect your vision with regular dilated eye exams and expert care from retina specialists.

To help those living with diabetes understand how to care for their eye health and vision, retina specialists share important information and tips.

What you should know about diabetes and eye care

Diabetic retinopathy affects nearly 8 million Americans and occurs in over half the people diagnosed with diabetes. However, losing sight from diabetes is far from a foregone conclusion, especially with regular dilated eye exams, early diagnosis and treatment advances made possible by retina specialists.

“A few short decades ago, there were fewer tools available to diagnose and treat diabetic eye disease, but today the cutting-edge technologies and treatments retina specialists have access to means healthy vision is possible for the vast majority of people with diabetes,” said ASRS President Judy E. Kim, M.D., FASRS. “Incorporating healthy behaviors and getting regular dilated eye exams are among the simple steps that bolster healthy retinas and can lead to early diagnosis — a game changer when it comes to maintaining good vision with diabetes.”

ASRS and America’s retina specialists encourage everyone with diabetes to learn more about how the condition can impact sight, and steps they can take to protect their vision.

Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy

Anyone who has diabetes — including Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes — is at risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Additional factors that can increase your risk include:

• Disease duration — the longer you have diabetes, the greater the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy
• Poor control of blood sugar levels over time
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Kidney disease
• High cholesterol levels
• Pregnancy

Why regular dilated eye exams?

Regular dilated eye exams can reduce the risk of developing more severe complications from diabetic eye disease. Don’t wait for symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, floaters or a shadow across your field of vision to appear to schedule an exam. Many people have conditions like diabetic retinopathy for a long time without symptoms. By the time symptoms appear, substantial damage may have already occurred.

During the exam, a retina specialist places drops in your eyes to make your pupils dilate (open widely) to allow a better view of the inside of your eye, especially the retinal tissue. The retina specialist looks for swelling in the retina, evidence of poor retina blood circulation, abnormal blood vessels or scar tissue on the retina.

Healthy habits to protect against diabetic eye disease

In addition to getting regular dilated eye exams, retina specialists encourage anyone at risk for diabetic eye disease to actively manage their health and protect vision by:

• Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Taking prescribed diabetes medications
• Quitting smoking
• Staying active

Embrace new treatments to protect vision

Thanks to ongoing research into how diabetes affects the eyes and how damage can be repaired, there are many approved treatments for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema, including intravitreal injections, laser treatments and surgery. These procedures can be done in an office or hospital setting to prevent, treat or reverse damage from diabetes in your retina.

Partner with a retina specialist to safeguard your sight

Retina specialists are highly skilled physicians and surgeons committed to helping people with retinal conditions preserve and improve their vision. Learn more at SeeforaLifetime.org.

If you experience symptoms of diabetic eye disease, see a retina specialist as soon as possible. Find a retina specialist near you at asrs.org/FindYourRetinaSpecialist.

2022-11-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine a world where you could toss out your daily pill box and simply take a single pill that would deliver a week or month’s worth of medicine. A world where you wouldn’t have to worry if your loved ones remembered to take their pills each day; where instead, adhering to medicine was a once-a-week or once-a-month proposition.

The good news is that science is very close to making long-acting oral pills a reality, thanks to a new, breakthrough drug delivery platform designed to deliver multiple days’ worth of medicine in one dose.

For two-thirds (66%) of Americans, prescription drugs — particularly daily pills — are necessary to maintain their health.[i] Yet taking these pills — often at different times throughout the day — can be difficult for both patients and caregivers who assist those they love with following medical instructions. In fact, a survey of more than 1,600 adults found that up to 60% of patients and caregivers said they struggle with adherence (taking pills as prescribed).[ii] Daily compliance can be especially challenging for people taking multiple medicines and those with neurological or mental health conditions that cause them to forget to take their medicines.

“We know that nine out of 10 patients prefer oral pills to other forms of medication delivery,[iii] but long-acting pills haven’t been possible for most medicines — until now,” said Rich Scranton, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer at Lyndra Therapeutics. “Lyndra’s LYNX™ drug delivery platform has the potential for broad applicability across multiple oral therapies — including approved drugs and those currently in development.”

The LYNX™ platform is designed to deliver long-acting therapies within a standard-sized oral capsule. The capsule includes drug-containing “arms” that are designed to deliver medicine steadily for the desired dosing period.

In a recent survey conducted by Lyndra, 80% of patients said they found the concept of an oral weekly pill appealing due to its ability to simplify their lives and make taking medicines easier to remember,[iv] said Scranton. “By replacing daily pills with long-acting oral therapies that are designed to deliver up to a month’s worth of medicine, the LYNX™ platform has the potential to improve medication adherence, positively impacting the risk of relapse, hospitalization and other negative health consequences.”

Lyndra’s LYNX™ platform is being studied in multiple therapeutic areas. Pivotal clinical trials for the LYNX™ platform with risperidone in people living with schizophrenia are planned to initiate within the next quarter. Phase 1 trials investigating the LYNX™ platform for ivermectin (to aid in malaria eradication) recently began, and additional studies are planned for the near future for opioid use disorder, women’s health and cardiometabolic medications.

“Lyndra’s LYNX™ drug delivery platform is designed to transform the patient experience,” said Scranton. “We are deeply committed to bringing the LYNX™ platform to patients, freeing them from the burden of daily pills and simplifying their lives.”

For more information about how long-acting oral therapies have the potential to reinvent medicine, please visit Lyndra.com.

2022-11-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – When you think of autumn, you likely picture cozy fires, hot cocoa and piles of colorful leaves. While beautiful, this season can also pose certain dangers to your four-legged friends. During the fall, the days grow shorter, which means less daylight and visibility. As you get ready for fall weather and activities, check out these four tips for keeping your dog safe from light-up gear to wireless fences for dogs.

1. Take walks during the daytime

During the warmer months, you may have gotten used to taking your furry friend out for walks in the early mornings or late afternoons. However, you’ll need to adjust your walk times so drivers can clearly see you and your dog when crossing the street. It may take time for you and your pup to adjust, but it’s the easiest way to keep both of you safe.

2. Invest in light-up and reflective gear

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to switch up your walk times, you’ll need gear to make you visible to motorists. For your canine companion, invest in light-up LED collars and leashes that offer solid or flashing illumination in low light. Reflective collars and vests can be used alone or in addition to light-up gear to keep your pet safe.

As for yourself, you’ll need high-visibility clothing to increase your safety during early morning or late evening walks. Check out your local sports outfitter for LED runners’ and cyclists’ vests. You can also purchase reflective beanies, clip-on lights, light-up belts and other high visibility gear.

3. Try an anxiety vest

Some dogs are naturally more excitable, anxious and fearful than others. To keep them calm during stressful situations like thunderstorms, fireworks displays, and even vet visits and travel, consider using an anxiety vest.

An anxiety vest wraps around your dog and applies pressure to its torso. This pressure therapy calms your dog the same way swaddling an infant or hugging someone who is upset does, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. Even if your dog is usually calm, it’s a great idea to have an anxiety vest on hand to keep your dog safe and calm during an unexpected, stressful situation.

4. Use on-the-go safety devices

If your yard isn’t fenced in, you’ll need another way to keep your dog safe, especially if they have a habit of wandering off. While you could put your dog on a long leash, it can easily get tangled and restricts your dog’s ability to explore its territory. Also, if you usually keep an eye on your dog while they’re out back, it can be more difficult to see them during the darker months.

Consider investing in a Halo Collar, a pet safety device with technology built right into the collar. Co-founded by dog behaviorist Cesar Millan, the collar provides the ultimate boundary training for dogs to allow them to live life safely off-leash. Equipped with smart training and activity tracking, this device gently guides your dog to stay within the invisible fencing boundaries you set within the smartphone app, so your dog is always protected and able to live a safe life off leash.

Your dog can roam off-leash but will be reminded to stay within the virtual fence boundary of your yard through vibrations and beeping. It can also be challenging to keep your dog safe when you are not at home. If you’re visiting friends and family or taking a trip with your pet, you and your dog may not be familiar with the area or its potential dangers.

When using Halo Collar, you can create up to 20 wireless fences in the app, even without Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. If your dog should escape, the Return Whistle function will guide them back safely to your location. To learn more about how this GPS dog collar device and other accessories can keep your dog safe, visit HaloCollar.com.

Be proactive about your dog’s safety. Using these four tips, you can keep your dog safe this autumn.

2022-11-01T13:01:00

(BPT) – Fighting blood cancers at any age is a battle, but for children diagnosed with these cancers, the challenge is likely the greatest they have faced in their young lives. While battling their blood cancers, some may get a stem cell transplant, as it offers the hope of a potential “cure” for their disease. While survival rates for transplant recipients have improved over the years, challenges remain for those who develop a post-transplant complication called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is a life-threatening condition that can occur after donor immune cells (the graft) begin to see the recipient (the host) as unfamiliar and foreign. As a result, the donor cells may launch an attack on the recipient’s organs and tissues, causing GVHD.

Children are the most vulnerable people within the GVHD community, as they are navigating their world with this chronic condition and facing unique issues. From the physical impact a chronic condition has on a young and growing body, to the stress put on academic performance due to physical limitations, lost school time, and psychosocial factors, children with GVHD require specialized support systems to help them succeed.

Incyte recognizes the unique challenges the GVHD community faces and has set out to make changes. In 2020, Incyte established the Incyte Ingenuity Awards in GVHD to provide direct support to innovative initiatives that address specific needs for people impacted by GVHD, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

For the 2022 award program, the Incyte Ingenuity Awards in GVHD’s independent judging panel selected Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as this year’s recipients. Both proposals showed creative, collaborative, and novel solutions that have high potential to benefit the GVHD community, especially in the lives of the children living with this condition.

The judges have granted Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center the $100,000 award for its project, Addressing the Gaps in Education for Children and Young Adults with Chronic GVHD, which, in partnership with the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital School Services and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital MediaLab for Advanced Improvement Methods, aims to evaluate the academic performance of children and young adults with chronic GVHD and generate targeted interventions to address gaps in educational resources.

Additionally, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta was awarded $35,000 for its project, Children with Chronic GVHD Virtual Rehabilitation Program. This project, was created in partnership with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, aims to provide virtual physical rehabilitation to children with chronic GVHD and develop a standard of care approach to rehabilitation.

Incyte is proud to continue to offer support to the GVHD community through this award program and its dynamic and creative solutions. To learn more about the 2022 recipients and their novel initiatives, visit: https://www.incyteingenuityawards.com/gvhd/recipients.

©2022, Incyte. MAT-INC-01887 10/22

2022-11-01T14:01:00

(BPT) – Seeing the holidays through the eyes of a child is a remarkable experience. Children take extra delight in twinkling lights, festive songs and stories, and the excitement in the air. Involving our little ones in ongoing celebrations not only offers great bonding opportunities, but it can also benefit their long-term growth.

Experts at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care recommend using children’s excited anticipation of the holiday season to engage them in activities that will encourage skill building. Opportunities to focus on motor skills, character development, creativity, focus, memory and more are present through many different activities we do to celebrate the season each year.

Here are four activities that will subtly activate physical, emotional and cognitive development:

Baking cookies

“Think about all the steps that go into baking, from scooping and measuring to mixing and pressing cookie cutters into the dough. All these hands-on skills are beneficial to promoting fine motor and early math skills in children,” said Joy Turner, vice president of education for the Kiddie Academy brand.

Not only is this activity the most delicious of them all, but baking and decorating cookies is a great way to increase children’s upper body strength, pincer grasp, hand/eye coordination and more. Invite your children to stir, roll, touch, smell, feel, count and (safely) taste your cookie creations for a full sensory experience.

Making homemade cards and decorations

Creative growth can be realized by making crafts like homemade holiday cards or wrapping paper. Let your children color, cut out shapes, glue and write on the cards to practice dexterity, handwriting and visual processing skills.

“There are many benefits to consistently offering ways to get our children’s creative juices flowing while encouraging open-ended exploration,” said Turner. “As long as you provide age-appropriate materials, you can let your children have the freedom to create whatever they can imagine.”

Take stamps and decorate plain brown paper and ask your children to help you wrap gifts in it. Build a popsicle-stick kinara, Christmas tree or menorah to focus on engineering basics. Use a hole punch to allow tree lights to shine through cardstock ornaments while building hand strength. Find activities that are fun and that also focus on necessary abilities.

Building a countdown chain

No matter which holiday is celebrated in your home, you can create a countdown chain to build anticipation for it. Use strips of construction paper and tape or glue to build a chain with a pattern of alternating colors and one link for each day until the big event. Your children’s brains will have to access memory to remember to remove a link each day and you can prompt them to practice counting the remaining chain links as well.

Giving gifts and volunteering

Character values are a very important and easy skill to practice during the holiday season. Let your children see how it feels to select and give a special item to a family member or neighbor to build kindness and generosity. Gratitude and good citizenship can be developed by even our youngest children through helping others within the community by volunteering or donating to a toy or food drive. Because the whole purpose of the holidays is to show kindness and helpfulness, numerous benefits come from engaging children in these activities at a developmentally appropriate level.

“We see great gains in character values when children are active participants in the community,” said Turner. “Empathy comes from identifying when someone needs help and from the example of adults offering assistance to those who need it, which is why volunteering, donating and gift giving are beneficial for children to see.”

Holiday activities that serve a twofold purpose of celebrating the season while also focusing on child development abound. In addition to the benefits of physical, creative and personal growth, a completed craft or activity also offers a self-esteem boost that will keep the holiday spirit alive. ‘Tis the season to engage our children in festive fun — and watch them flourish!

2022-11-01T07:01:01

(BPT) – If you love winter, there’s a vacation destination you’d find amazing that you may have overlooked: Rapid City. You may think of South Dakota as the perfect summer locale, with its famed national parks and monuments, but Rapid City is an ideal vacation spot for winter events and activities.

Here are attractions that will make Rapid City your perfect winter getaway.

A winter wonderland of outdoor sports

Multiple options in and around Rapid City boast all your favorite winter activities. For example, the fountains of Main Street Square are transformed into a charming ice rink, where you can rent skates and enjoy a rink even larger than the one in Rockefeller Center. Or you can try ice fishing at area lakes, once they’re frozen to at least 4 inches of ice. New to ice-fishing or other winter sports? Visit The Outdoor Campus-West nature preserve for free classes.

With 416 miles of trails, Black Hills National Forest is one of the top snowmobiling destinations in the country. Snowmobile season runs from Dec. 15 through March 31, and you can rent one in the area or bring your own. For trail maps, conditions, rules and recommendations, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website.

If self-powered motion is your thing, forest trails designated for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing let you explore areas in-city or through untouched wilderness. You can also ride your way through trails on a fat bike in the Skyline Wilderness Area or at Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park.

For visions of outdoor beauty, drive through Spearfish Canyon and the Black Hills to view frozen waterfalls, appearing like breathtaking ice castles. The hiking trails of Badlands National Park offer a great way to experience the park, or you can take a scenic drive for winter wildlife viewing. In the Badlands you could stumble upon bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and more. Mountain goats also frequent the rocks around Mount Rushmore and are thrilling to encounter.

Remember: If you see wildlife, be respectful and stay safe by maintaining a distance of at least 100 yards.

Entertainment options for everyone

For a winter vibe while wining and dining, grab a bite on Que Pasa’s patio in Rapid City. You can also visit nearby Hill City to sample local vintages inside an igloo at Prairie Berry Winery or sip ice-cold craft beers at Miner Brewing.

Places to eat, drink and warm up include perfectly crafted cocktails and good conversation at Tinder Box, Rapid City’s only cigar bar. Head underground and back in time to Rapid City’s prohibition-era type speakeasy, Blind Lion, or thrill to sky-high city views and culinary delights at Vertex atop Hotel Alex Johnson. For an elevated cocktail, stop by the newly opened Windsor Block Bar. For a great selection from local and regional breweries, visit Pour 54 to sample a variety of flavors or enjoy the intimate atmosphere at Independent Ale House.

From hockey games to concerts and shows, you can plan your visit around Rapid City Rush home games or other upcoming events at The Monument, including:

• The 5th Annual Mountain West Beerfest, Nov. 12
• Broadway favorite “Annie,” Nov. 19-20
• Zach Williams, I Don’t Want Christmas to End Tour, Dec. 9
• Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Jan. 7-Feb. 4
• Visit TheMonument.live for their event schedule.

Fascinated by history and culture?

Journey Museum and Learning Center’s exhibits walk you through time, combining five major prehistoric and historic collections under one roof. Then walk through the bronze, life-sized statues of the City of Presidents sprinkled throughout downtown to challenge yourself on presidential history — along with the scavenger hunt found on the back of the City of Presidents map.

Art lovers can explore a variety of artworks inspired by natural beauty, such as the work of local Native American artists at galleries like Dakota Drum Company and Prairie Edge Trading Company & Galleries. Local favorites Gallery Six13 and Dahl Arts Center feature rotating exhibits from local and regional artists created, making each visit a new experience.

Family-friendly fun and games

Rapid City is home to many family-friendly amusements and gaming centers for indoor fun. One area favorite is the WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, the largest indoor park in the Dakotas, with 30,000 square feet of swimming pools and waterslides, plus restaurants and arcade games for non-stop family fun. Or find two full levels of arcade gaming fun at Press Start in downtown Rapid City.

Discover something for everyone this winter in Rapid City. And you can visit famous sites like Mount Rushmore, too — without all the crowds! Learn more at VisitRapidCity.com.