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Celebrate independence by renting out your home this Fourth of July

2023-06-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – While some people stay close to home during the Fourth of July, many celebrate the spirit of independence through travel. According to a survey by The Vacationer, 60% of American adults plan to travel for the Fourth of July or Fourth of July weekend in 2023. That’s more than 155 million people! This influx of travelers provides a golden opportunity for would-be vacation rental Hosts.

Fourth of July travel trends

You can find hotels in any city, but many people prefer to stay in short-term vacation rentals, which is great news for would-be rental entrepreneurs. According to AirDNA, demand for vacation rentals in the U.S. increased by 21.1% in 2022 and is forecast to continue growing this year. With continuing and even increasing interest in short-term vacation rentals, now is the time to get into the vacation rental game.

If you’re considering turning your home into a vacation rental, the Fourth of July could be a lucrative weekend. Airbnb’s Fourth of July forecast found that searches for July Fourth weekend stays in early 2023 increased significantly compared to last year. From taking road trips along scenic highways, enjoying a lakeside cabin or lounging on the lawn to watch the fireworks, folks are using this weekend to travel and create unforgettable memories.

To be sure, some U.S. travelers are planning to go to far-off destinations for the Fourth of July. According to Airbnb’s forecast, top trending destinations for Independence Day weekend include Mykonos, Greece; Interlaken, Switzerland; and Italian cities like Amalfi, Florence and Sorrento. However, many will stick to domestic travel, going to Cincinnati, OH; Louisville, KY; Boulder, CO; and Panama City, FL.

Become a Host

A common misconception about vacation rentals is that you need an extra home. However, you don’t have to be in residential real estate to start a rental side hustle. You can easily start hosting guests if you have an extra room in your home, a pool or guest house, or a basement with its own entrance. If you plan to take your family on vacation this Fourth of July, you can rent your home and make money while you travel!

Hosting for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking, but luckily you don’t have to do it alone. If you list your home through Airbnb, getting started is a cinch with Airbnb Setup. You’ll be connected with a local Superhost who can help you sign up and list your space.

For extra peace of mind, you can filter guest requests and welcome an experienced guest with a good track record on Airbnb for your first booking. Additionally, AirCover verifies the identity of all guests and provides $3 million in damage protection, which also covers cars, boats, art and valuables.

Every Host’s experience is different, and earnings can vary widely depending on availability, price, listing type and location. However, last year, private room Hosts in the U.S. earned a total of approximately $1.2 billion, while the typical private room Host earned over $4,800.*

So, if you have a guest house or spare bedroom, becoming an Airbnb Host is a fantastic opportunity to earn some much-needed additional income. You also have the chance to interact with guests eager to explore your city and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Find out what you could earn as a Host and list your space for free on Airbnb.com/Host.

*Median Host earnings for all private room Hosts in the U.S. in 2022.

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Summer safety tips for young drivers

2023-06-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many young people who have recently received their driver’s license look forward to getting behind the wheel and driving to visit friends, attend events and travel in general throughout the summer. However, this time of year is when accidents on the road are more likely to occur. The 100 deadliest driving days of the year fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During this period, car accidents tend to increase, including among young drivers.

“During the summer, when school is out and it stays light longer, more teenagers might be on the road driving more miles,” said Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Claims and Customer Experience at Mercury Insurance. “Many young drivers lack experience and may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel. These behaviors can increase the possibility of an accident.”

Some of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the road which all drivers should be aware of during this time of year include:

  • Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise taking focus off of the road greatly increases the risk of an accident among teens, especially if they are traveling with teen passengers.
  • Speeding. Young and inexperienced drivers are still learning how to adapt their speed to traffic conditions, as well as how to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Impaired driving. Driving while impaired affects judgment, awareness and the ability to react.
  • Not wearing a seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt while driving will increase the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.

Quinn offers parents and caregivers the following safety tips to help teens prevent car accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road this summer.

  • Set driving rules. Establish and define clear rules for your teen driver. They will be less likely to make impulsive decisions while behind the wheel.
  • Put it in writing. Teens may promise to be responsible drivers, but they may be tempted to break the rules while driving on their own. Parents can help teens keep their word by having them sign a contract stating that they understand the rules for retaining driving privileges, as well as the circumstances under which these privileges would be lost.
  • Model safe driving behaviors. Lead by example by always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions while driving. Even though they are older, teens are still watching you and modeling their driving behavior after your own.
  • Practice supervised driving. Help your teen gain more experience behind the wheel. Supervise your teen while they’re driving and reinforce safe driving habits.
  • Review your auto insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount of protection for the new, young driver in your household that will protect them in case of an accident or unexpected event.

Summer is a time of freedom and adventure for many young drivers, but it’s also a time when car accidents are more likely to happen. Make sure your teen is extra cautious when behind the wheel to help prevent accidents and ensure a safe summer travel season for everyone.

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How one of the greatest catchers in baseball history is fighting non-melanoma skin cancer

2023-06-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – Johnny Bench earned nearly every conceivable Major League Baseball accolade and accomplishment during his 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. His natural talent paired with his dedication to practice and play for hours every day — often in the hot sun — is why many consider him to be the greatest catcher to ever play the game.

Long days outdoors may have contributed to his legendary baseball status, but they were also silently having harmful consequences on his health. Later, in his retirement, Bench would be diagnosed with skin cancer.

The greatest catcher in baseball history

As the leader of the “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s, Bench led Cincinnati to two World Series titles and four National League championships. On an individual level, he won two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, one World Series MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors and 10 Golden Gloves. In 1989, he was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Bench hit 389 home runs, but he was perhaps best known for his rocket arm and his endurance, catching 100 games or more for 13 consecutive seasons in the often-blazing sun, before ending his career at third base — a less physically grueling position.

Getting real about non-melanoma skin cancer

Eventually, Bench’s many years of prolonged sun exposure took a toll. In 2012, he was diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common type of skin cancer in the United States 1 — and again recently during a routine doctor visit. Of the roughly 2 million U.S. cases of BCC diagnosed each year, 95% are caught at an early stage2 and can be removed like Bench’s case, before becoming advanced. However, in rare cases, BCC can grow deep into surrounding tissue or spread to other organs or other parts of the body.1 While early-stage BCC may be cured by surgery or radiation, progression to advanced disease is often difficult to treat and associated with a relatively higher risk of returning and poorer outcomes. Treatment options for advanced BCC and CSCC are available and include surgery, radiation and systemic therapy. Patients should speak with their physician to find a treatment option that’s most appropriate for them.3 In retirement, Bench has become a vocal champion for efforts to get real about skin cancer and continues to be proactive about sun protection throughout the year — especially in the summertime.

Bench on how to “catch” skin cancer before it advances

Today, the Hall of Famer has been working with Regeneron since 2022 to share his experience with BCC, raise awareness of non-melanoma skin cancers and help people catch skin cancer before it advances so they can receive appropriate, effective treatment. Bench encourages everyone, especially outdoor enthusiasts, to conduct regular skin exams, including areas commonly exposed to the sun like the ears, face and hands.1 If a spot or mark is new, changing or unusual, he encourages people to see a dermatologist.4 Those who have previously been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing it again.1,4 A BCC or CSCC that keeps coming back could be a sign the cancer has advanced.5

Bench, now 74, continues to enjoy time outdoors but takes extra precautions to protect himself and encourages others to do the same. “Now I wear my sunglasses and my big hat every time I’m on the golf course or go out fishing,” he said.

1 American Cancer Society. What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? Accessed April 2023.

2 Data on File. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

3 NCCN Clinical Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) Basal Cell Skin Cancer v1.2023

4 Cancer.net. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma). Accessed April 2023.

5 Migden, M. et al. Emerging trends in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2018 Mar; 64:1-10

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Love DIY furniture projects? Turn your passion into a profitable side hustle

2023-06-27T23:01:00

(BPT) – Rising inflation and worries of an impending recession have Americans seeking side hustles and casual entrepreneurship to unlock extra cash and boost their incomes.

A recent consumer study found that one-third of respondents have a second job. One in six said they earn supplemental income through other means like commissions and selling goods. And while Gen Z is the most likely to have a side hustle, Gen X and millennials are also making ends meet with side income.

However, soothing financial woes isn’t the only reason consumers are adopting side hustles. According to data from McKinsey & Company, nearly a quarter of survey respondents do so because they enjoy the work and appreciate the autonomy and flexibility side hustles offer. Side hustles can also help consumers turn a passion or hobby into a form of income or help them start their own businesses.

While there are plenty of possible side gigs — such as rideshares, grocery and food delivery, pet-sitting and home rentals, just to name a few — it’s important to follow consumer demands to ensure an extra gig is worth your time. The secondhand market is rapidly growing in today’s environment, creating more opportunities for side hustlers to earn extra cash. Additionally, services like PayPal make it easy for you to accept payments while offering protection for you and your buyers.

How to use consumer spending trends to your advantage

Inflation is changing the way people work and shop. Consumers are searching for the best discounts to buy needed items and buying secondhand or resale items to save money. According to ThredUp’s 2023 Resale Report, 93% of U.S. shoppers have or are open to buying secondhand items. While inflation is a primary motivator, many consumers are shopping for used products because it makes them feel good and because it’s sustainable. Many consumers are also on the hunt for nostalgia – from vintage fashion to retro home décor. Whatever the reason, the secondhand market is booming, and side hustlers would do well to pay attention.

You’ve probably seen plenty of resale sites that offer secondhand clothing and electronic goods, but one trend you can jump on to bring in extra income is upcycling furniture. The New York Times reported that furniture listings on Facebook Marketplace were up 40% year-over-year in spring 2022 and that the number of followers following #furnitureflip on Instagram grew 29% in the same period.

“Flipping furniture is a fun and lucrative way to earn some extra cash,” said Charlotte Smith, designer, DIYer and blogger. “Check your garage or ask your family, friends and neighbors for furniture cluttering their garage and attics. These items can be easily restored or updated to attract design-conscious shoppers.”

If you’re interested in getting a slice of the side hustle pie and have a passion for DIY projects, check out Smith’s tips for reselling these six furniture items.

1. Dressers

Dressers are a great addition to any room, especially if you have limited closet space. Find a midcentury dresser with sleek, clean lines that — with a little time, love and care — will be ready to go to a new home.

According to Smith, sometimes all an old dresser needs is paint removal, sanding and reoiling to bring it back to life and get it ready for resale. Changing legs or hardware is another simple solution for flipping these popular pieces. If wood is damaged, try using a wood filler to patch defects and then choose a classic neutral paint color that will fit in with the midcentury vibe. Suggested resale: $250+.

2. Side tables

Side tables can be used in living rooms and other common areas as a decorative accent piece and as an extra surface for drinks, lamps and books. You can easily turn an old side table into an elegant luxury dupe by gluing textured wallpaper to the drawers before finishing the tables with a coat of black or gray paint.

Smith suggests adding a pop of color to the insides of drawers or shelves for a fun update. You can create a graphic mod pattern by adding flexible molding as another unique way to upcycle your piece. Suggested resale: $100+ for a pair.

3. Nightstands

Nightstands are a popular piece of bedroom furniture you can upcycle at a profit. You can easily restore dated solid wood nightstands with a new stain or fresh coat of paint. Swapping in new hardware adds a modern finish to this piece.

As a value add, Smith recommends updating nightstands with modern touches like embedded charging stations or LED light strips. Details like gold leaf or wood appliqués can also change the look of a nightstand to update it for resale. Suggested resale: $75+ per nightstand.

4. Bookcases

For book lovers, bookcases are a must. Adding colorful wallpaper to the inside backboard of an old, tired bookcase can help your piece stand out on resale sites.

Another easy way to add new life to a bookcase is to paint it. Make impactful updates by adding ombre shelves, vertical color blocks or painting a contrasting color on the front edge of a bookshelf.

Smith suggests adding decorative trim to the front of shelves or removing existing trim work with a jigsaw can also change the aesthetic of a simple bookcase. Suggested resale: $150+ per bookcase.

5. Coffee tables

Whether you need a place to put up your feet or hold your drinks, remote or reading material, a coffee table is one of the most functional living room furniture pieces homeowners need. Make your coffee table stand out to buyers by marrying fashion and function.

A high gloss white or black paint coat will always update a coffee table. For a different but fresh update, try sanding the table down to raw wood for a modern farmhouse look.

Once you’ve finished upcycling a piece, don’t forget to style it for a photo. Smith recommends arranging the coffee table in a clean, bright space with a few chic items on top, perfect for an eye-grabbing resale photo. Suggested resale: $100+.

6. Outdoor furniture

Outdoor spaces like patios, decks and gardens need furniture too! If you have old metal patio chairs cluttering your garage or yard, you can easily sand and repaint them to bring a pop of color to a backyard setup for summer.

Smith suggests scrubbing off the rust with a wire brush and spray painting with rust-preventing spray paint. With just a little bit of elbow grease, you can bring tired patio furniture back to life just in time to resell it for the warmer months ahead. Suggested resale: $300+ for a set of patio furniture.

Get secure, safe payment

When selling secondhand goods, make the process simple and safe for you and your customers. Consider accepting payments through PayPal as a secure, easy and flexible way to get paid for your passion projects.

With PayPal, you can ‘pay it safe’ and protect transactions with 24/7 fraud monitoring and data encryption. The platform also offers Seller Protection and Chargeback Protection for eligible purchases, which helps protect against fraudulent buyers, so you can focus on the important aspects of your business. Best of all, you can manage and track business transactions in one place, helping you stay organized for tax season. Don’t sleep on the secondhand side hustle. Learn more about how PayPal can help you start and manage your side jobs.

Disclaimer: This article shall not be considered financial advice. If needed, please reach out to a financial advisor,

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Be proud: How you can save a life by signing up for blood stem cell donation

2023-06-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Cole Strain’s passion for helping people extends far beyond his job as a travel nurse. When he got the call that he’d been matched with a patient in need of blood stem cells, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Cole joined the Be The Match Registry in 2014 while attending nursing school. Despite having a busy schedule as a traveling nurse, he didn’t let that stop him from donating. In fact, Be The Match made it easy for him to donate. So, in the spring of 2022, Cole selflessly donated his blood stem cells that would be used to cure someone with blood cancer or other life-threatening disease.

Cole hopes that he can continue to inspire others to sign up and make a difference in the lives of patients with blood cancers and diseases. In fact, he already has. After witnessing Cole’s donation experience, his fiancé Hunter was also inspired to join the registry.

While it’s noble for anyone to sign up and donate blood stem cells, it’s particularly important for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, like Cole and Hunter, to do so, given the community’s history with blood donations.

Yes, you can!

It is a common misconception that gay men and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community cannot join the donor registry. It’s true that for more than 30 years, gay men and other members of the LGBTQIA+ community were banned from donating blood. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has since relaxed its blood donation requirements.

According to UCLA’s Williams Institute, an estimated 615,000 pints of blood were not collected each year because of the prior ban. Not only did this ban reinforce harmful stigmas about donors’ sexual orientation, but it also prevented these uncollected donations from saving an estimated 1 million lives per year.

Be The Match proudly supports the LGBTQIA+ community and recognizes that members of this community want to help save lives through blood stem cell donations. That’s why the organization encourages everyone in good health aged 18-40 to join the registry and potentially match with a patient in need.

A simple process that saves lives

Signing up for the Be The Match Registry is simple. After registering online, you’ll receive a swab kit that you will return by mail. Should you be matched, pronouns and gender identity are respected throughout the process.

When signing up for the registry, members are not asked about their sexual orientation. If you are identified as a match for a patient, you’ll be asked to fill out a health history questionnaire as required by the FDA, which does include questions about sexual behavior.

This year, celebrate Pride by visiting BeTheMatch.com/Pride. There, you can find out more about signing up and the blood stem cell donation process. Your healthy blood stem cells have the potential to cure someone with blood cancer or other deadly diseases.

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How to make your wedding dreams come true, without breaking the bank

2023-06-27T11:01:00

(BPT) –

You may have dreamed of this day for years, and now it’s finally on the horizon: your wedding. What you may not have imagined about your special day was the lengthy to-do list that’s now forming in your mind. Weddings can be wonderful and magical, but also stressful — and pricey.

Fortunately, it’s possible to customize your dream invitations, select the perfect gifts, gift wrapping and favors, then discover unique and beautiful decor that will leave your guests in awe. You can do all this and more by visiting Zazzle.com/weddings, where you’ll find everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Here are some tips to help you start putting your wedding plans in motion.

Make your invitations one-of-a-kind

The most difficult task may be creating your invitation list. That may take some negotiations between you, your spouse-to-be and your families, as well as space and budget considerations. Once that important task is completed, consider the impact your invitation will have on those friends and loved ones who receive it.

You’ll get the best response to your invitations if you can customize them to express your individual personality and style, using one-of-a-kind invitations your guests have never seen before, as well as giving a sense of what the event will be like (ranging from casual to ultra-formal). Whether you prefer retro or ultra-modern, extravagant or streamlined, it’s vital to choose the design, font and color scheme to impress your guests and tell the story of your love and your special day.

Start by browsing the invitation possibilities on Zazzle, where you’ll find all the inspiration you need to make your invitations look just the way you want them.

Identify your style and colors

It’s easier to bring the look of your entire event together if you envision an overall style, along with a color palette to unify all your decor. First, come up with one word to describe the vibe you want, like: vintage, retro, elegant, classic or modern. Then imagine a color scheme to help you convey a mood. Choose from the family of cool colors — blues and greens — for a calm, relaxed vibe. Or you can opt for warm colors — yellows through reds — to convey a romantic, joyful feeling. Prefer a more formal tone? Try the classic look of black and white, perhaps with gold or silver accents.

After selecting your overall style and color family, browse the possibilities for your reception decor. For example, to create an elegant yet natural vibe, consider this Eucalyptus Green Foliage Wedding Welcome Sign to let your guests know they’re in just the right place! Keep your theme and color scheme in mind as you choose everything you need, from signage and tabletop decor to your programs, place cards and more.

Make it memorable

One of the most fun elements of wedding planning is choosing favors for your guests and your wedding party. This is one area where it’s so important to personalize gifts by adding your names, the date and/or a special message to commemorate the occasion.

It’s easy to personalize gifts like these unique monogrammed wine labels for the perfect wedding keepsake, or to create these fun monogrammed shot glasses that your guests can cherish forever as a memento of your awesome event.

Whatever gifts you decide to choose for your wedding party and attendees, you can make them even more memorable with gorgeous gift wrapping or personalized gift tags to mark the special occasion, or use these classic and elegant customizable gift stickers.

Show your love with special gifts

Whether you’re thanking the members of your family and your wedding party with a special memento or attending someone else’s wedding, you can find the perfect gift and customize it just the way you want it.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with planning and designing your decor? Zazzle’s on-demand design service will connect you with design experts, for free. Visit Zazzle.com/live to learn more and to get started. For cost-friendly bliss for your nuptials, you can create whatever you need on your own terms — and with your own sense of style.

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Hustle without sore muscles: 5 ways to ease into summer sports and activities

2023-06-27T05:01:00

(BPT) – With gorgeous weather and longer days, we are all motivated to head outdoors and increase physical activity during the summer! Bright sunny days can stimulate our energy and help shed the urge to hibernate. However, before you take up a recreational sport, get back into jogging or swim a few laps, take stock of your fitness.

If you haven’t been active during winter, it’s important to gradually ease into summer sports. Going too hard too fast can leave you feeling sore, keeping you from doing the activities you love.

While it isn’t possible to eliminate soreness entirely, you can plan ahead to minimize and combat discomfort after a workout. Try out these five methods that can help relieve muscle pain so you won’t have to sit on the bench this summer.

1. Start low and slow

While you may have grand aspirations, be realistic about your fitness goals, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been active. Ease into your summer sports and activities by starting out with low-intensity activities like walking, hiking, swimming or cycling. These activities allow your body to adapt and condition your muscles so you can gradually increase the intensity and length of your workouts while reducing soreness.

2. Don’t skip warmups and cooldowns

As part of your pre-activity routine, get into the habit of warming up your body. While you want to get on the field or hit the trail as soon as possible, a quick warmup and stretch can help you have a better workout, prevent injury and avoid soreness.

A warmup doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. You can do dynamic stretches like leg swings or arm circles to increase blood flow and loosen up your joints.

Don’t forget to stretch after your workout too. A cooldown can help relieve muscle tension and increase flexibility. Make sure to focus on the muscles you worked on during your exercise to alleviate post-workout pain.

3. Keep pain relief on hand

You can’t avoid all sports pain, so it’s smart to have pain relief products that contain acetaminophen and/or aspirin on hand. These over-the-counter medications can help relieve muscle soreness and reduce inflammation after a workout.

An easy way to stop pain fast is to keep a few packs of Goody’s pain relief powder in your sports bag. Each single-dose powder packet is formulated to target pain signals at the source, hitting pain right where it hurts and relieving a variety of body pains and headaches, muscle and back aches, and hangovers when used as directed. No matter where you’re hurting, Goody’s has a product with the right formulation to stop pain fast.

4. Stay hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated before, during and after any sports activity, especially during the summer months. Beyond feeling thirsty, dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps and dizziness. Keep a water bottle or two handy, and make sure you take regular water breaks, especially on hot days.

5. Listen to your body

Don’t push yourself to exercise when your body hurts or you feel exhausted. Ignoring your body’s signals that it needs rest and repair won’t make you stronger or faster. In fact, it can set you back and cut your summer fun short.

Remember, soreness is a natural response to exercise and typically fades in a few days. Using these five tips, you can reduce the intensity of muscle soreness after any activity so you can keep playing ball, swimming laps or racing to the finish line.

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Beat the heat safely: Your guide to exercising outdoors during summer

2023-06-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summertime is the ideal time to be active. As the weather heats up, many people are also turning up the heat on their personal fitness. While exercise can be particularly enjoyable during the warm weather months, it’s important to take proper precautions to stay healthy and safe.

Samantha Clayton, master personal trainer and vice president of Sports Performance and Fitness Education at Herbalife, explains why the body responds differently to activity done in the heat:

“Heat adds stress to the body because it must work harder to balance a core temperature,” she said. “The body sweats more to cool down when training in hot weather. Losing that additional fluid can impact performance and lead to heat-related illnesses.”

Clayton shares three questions to ask yourself before exercising outdoors to help you be safe and feel well:

1. What is the weather forecast?

The first step is to check the expected weather conditions for the day. According to the National Weather Service, a heat index at or above 90 poses a significant health risk when engaging in physical activity outdoors. Keep in mind, each person has a different heat tolerance and fitness level, so this is just a guideline.

“Humidity is another key factor to watch,” said Clayton. “It impacts training because the moisture in the air prevents the body from cooling as efficiently through sweating and evaporation. Plus, the body responds to humidity by sending blood closer to the surface of the skin to cool down, depriving muscles of circulation, which can cause cramping.”

If weather predicts heat and humidity, choose a cool time of day to avoid midday sun. Early morning exercise is optimal. If needed, work out indoors at home or head to your local gym.

2. What clothes are best for the conditions?

During summer heat, it’s important to wear lightweight clothing that will wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry, plus protect you from UV rays. Rather than hats, opt for sunglasses and visors that shade the eyes from the sun while allowing heat loss through the head to keep you feeling cooler.

“Beyond clothing, look for shaded outdoor spaces to work out, like a pavilion to stretch or a shaded park path for running,” Clayton suggested.

3. How much should you drink?

Your body sweats even if you don’t feel like it is. When it’s hot outside, it sweats even more. Add movement while training, and you can bet you’re losing fluid quickly. That’s why hydration should be a priority.

“Replacing lost fluid is important and the amount varies depending on your size, the weather and activity level. A good baseline is for every 20 minutes of exercise to sip at least 4 ounces of fluid,” said Clayton.

Remember, when the body sweats it loses more than just water. That’s why when training it’s smart to drink a sports drink, just like professional athletes, like Herbalife24® CR7 Drive Drink with electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and sodium to help enhance hydration and replace electrolytes lost in sweat.

Beware heat exhaustion

Even professional athletes with years of experience may push themselves too far in the heat. That proves it’s worthwhile for everyone to review the signs of heat exhaustion when exercising:

  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Excessive sweating
  • Irritability
  • Low blood pressure
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle cramps

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop and find a cool place to rest, like in the shade or an air-conditioned building. Take small sips of water — cool is ideal but not ice cold. If symptoms don’t subside after rest and fluids, you may need medical attention. Call your doctor’s triage line with any questions or concerns.

“With the correct steps, you can continue to exercise safely outdoors many days this summer,” Clayton said. “Be proactive and listen to your body and you’ll feel great while striving toward your fitness goals.”

For more information and tips on a healthy lifestyle, visit iamherbalifenutrition.com.

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How a Veteran with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis is Living with the Rare Autoimmune Disease

2023-06-26T09:25:00

(BPT) –

This content was sponsored by argenx. Tom is a real patient who was on treatment when he shared his personal experiences. Individual results may vary.

Tom Hopkins served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam as a young man. However, he faced the toughest battle of his life in the summer of 2020 shortly after he turned 80. Fatigue and weakness caused by a rare autoimmune disorder called anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR) antibody positive generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) left him with debilitating symptoms.

But in June of 2022, Tom experienced a positive transformation. He took back some control of his life, and he’s now able to keep up with his grandkids. “I am able to enjoy my life once again, enjoy the little things,” said Tom, and his family is pleased to see his symptom improvement which allows him to be more present in their daily lives.

Living with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis

After Tom served in Vietnam and retired from the Marine Corps, he lived his version of the American dream, building a successful career in the insurance industry. In his early sixties, Tom was getting ready for a well-deserved retirement. But his outlook changed in 2003, when he was diagnosed with anti-AChR gMG.

gMG is unpredictable, and everyone’s experience is unique. Tom and his family were able to manage his symptoms for almost 20 years. Then, suddenly, in the summer of 2020, Tom’s life took a sudden turn for the worse. In a matter of months, Tom went from spending time with his grandkids to feeling depressed and very sick.

“I had a hard time eating,” said Tom. “It was difficult to swallow and breathe. I had double vision and felt extremely fatigued. I couldn’t make it through a shower without needing rest, and I had to take breaks on the way back from going to the bathroom. On top of that, I lost over 30 pounds over an 18-month period.”

“My life became extremely small,” Tom recalls of that period when his gMG symptoms put him on the sidelines. Tom had to give up his usual routine and activities, like volunteering, going to veteran meet ups, even joining in family meals or calling his daughter. “We couldn’t have a conversation,” said his daughter due to impairment of his speech as a result of worsening symptoms.

What is Generalized Myasthenia Gravis?

According to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, generalized myasthenia gravis is a rare and often debilitating autoimmune disorder that leads to severe muscle weakness, including difficulty speaking, swallowing, and eventually even breathing.1 Roughly 50,000 Americans live with gMG, and the most common gMG serotype is anti-AChR antibody positive gMG which accounts for about ~85% of all diagnoses.1

Adding VYVGART®

After declining over 18 months, Tom and his family saw a brochure about a medicine called VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab). VYVGART is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adult patients who are anti-AChR antibody positive. Before receiving treatment, Tom’s condition was severely limiting his daily life, and he was unable to do the things he loves. In June of 2022, Tom started feeling some improvements after his first cycle with VYVGART paired with his other gMG treatment.

Tom’s decision to take VYVGART came after consulting with his doctor. They advised that the most common side effects of VYVGART are respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection. While Tom did not experience any side effects, individual results vary.

“Now that my gMG symptoms are being treated, I am able to get back to doing more of my daily activities — seeing my grandchildren’s volleyball matches and playing with them again means the world to me,” said Tom.

With VYVGART treatment, Tom has happily returned to some of his independent activities, like taking daily walks and drives. He also started to enjoy food again, and rejoined his wife at the dinner table for family meals. Over the holidays, Tom was able to celebrate with extended family members.

Now that Tom is able to better manage his symptoms, he’s gained enough strength to be more like himself again. Tom loves spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sports. Around Veteran’s Day, he speaks to local schools about his experiences in the Vietnam War.

Tom and his wife recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, still very much in love. Thanks to his improved symptoms, Tom is making the most of his golden years despite the effects of gMG.

Talk to your doctor about treatment options and any questions you have about anti-AChR antibody positive gMG. You can learn more about VYVGART here.

Important Safety Information2

What is the most important information I should know about VYVGART® (efgartigimod alfa-fcab)? VYVGART may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Infection. VYVGART may increase the risk of infection. In a clinical study, the most common infections were urinary tract and respiratory tract infections. More patients on VYVGART vs placebo had below normal levels for white blood cell counts, lymphocyte counts, and neutrophil counts. The majority of infections and blood side effects were mild to moderate in severity. Your health care provider should check you for infections before starting treatment, during treatment, and after treatment with VYVGART. Tell your health care provider if you have any history of infections. Tell your health care provider right away if you have signs or symptoms of an infection during treatment with VYVGART such as fever, chills, frequent and/or painful urination, cough, pain and blockage of nasal passages/sinus, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, excess phlegm, nasal discharge, back pain, and/or chest pain.
  • Undesirable immune reactions (hypersensitivity reactions). VYVGART can cause the immune system to have undesirable reactions such as rashes, swelling under the skin, and shortness of breath. In clinical studies, the reactions were mild or moderate and occurred within 1 hour to 3 weeks of administration, and the reactions did not lead to VYVGART discontinuation. Your health care provider should monitor you during and after treatment and discontinue VYVGART if needed. Tell your health care provider immediately about any undesirable reactions.

Before taking VYVGART, tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have a history of infection or you think you have an infection
  • Have received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine (immunization). Discuss with your health care provider whether you need to receive age-appropriate immunizations before initiation of a new treatment cycle with VYVGART. The use of vaccines during VYVGART treatment has not been studied, and the safety with live or live-attenuated vaccines is unknown. Administration of live or live-attenuated vaccines is not recommended during treatment with VYVGART.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the common side effects of VYVGART?

The most common side effects of VYVGART are respiratory tract infection, headache, and urinary tract infection.

These are not all the possible side effects of VYVGART. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the US Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is VYVGART?

VYVGART is a prescription medicine used to treat a condition called generalized myasthenia gravis, which causes muscles to tire and weaken easily throughout the body, in adults who are positive for antibodies directed toward a protein called acetylcholine receptor (anti-AChR antibody positive).

Please see the full Prescribing Information for VYVGART and talk to your doctor.

References

  1. MG Quick Facts. Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://myasthenia.org/MG-Education/MG-Quick-Facts.
  2. About Vyvgart: VYVGART (efgartigimod alfa-fcab) VYVGART.com (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.argenx.com/product/vyvgart-prescribing-information.pdf.

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What the office should look like today

2023-06-26T09:37:00

(BPT) – Remote work is on the decline. Today, more large companies are pushing for their employees to come back to the office. Job postings for remote positions have decreased, and now new research shows the pandemic-driven work-from-home era may be over.

The most recent Labor Department study shows nearly 75% of businesses reported their employees rarely or did not engage in teleworking last year, equating to 21 million more people working from work fulltime in 2022 compared with 2021. Interestingly, the number of employers reporting teleworking is now similar to pre-Covid levels.

After working remote or hybrid for the last few years, office workers’ expectations for their workplace are changing. What the office looks like and how it functions will be different in this new post-pandemic era of office work.

Here are five trends that will reshape the way we think about the workplace.

Ergonomics edge

There’s nothing quite like hours of back-to-back virtual meetings to call attention to the importance of making workplaces fit the people who use them. While comfort is one benefit, the impact of ergonomics extends to health, productivity and performance. In fact, a large university study showed that ergonomic workstations reduced lost workdays by 75%. For office workers, chairs, desks, monitors and lighting are key targets for ergonomic upgrades.

Hoteling

With this desking approach, team members forgo a permanent workspace and claim a workstation as they need it. Perfect for teams with employees who frequently work from home or in the field, hoteling also helps employers reduce their office footprint. Another benefit: When department doesn’t dictate desk location, collaboration across the company can grow. Plus, employees may enjoy a feeling of greater autonomy with this setup.

Casual meeting spaces

Including a variety of informal, non-bookable collab spaces can help foster relationship-building and idea sharing (without the formality of scheduling a meeting and reserving a conference room). Repurposing an employee lounge or outdoor break area into a huddle zone to use during off hours can be a solid start. Finding open space to add a small grouping of chairs and a coffee table in each department is another common approach.

Thoughtful concentration areas

While fostering collaboration in the office is extremely important, it should not overshadow the need for thoughtful concentration areas where team members can perform independent tasks with more privacy and enhanced ability to focus. Balancing collaboration space with concentration space gives employees the opportunity to choose how they work so they can be most effective.

In fact, some of the latest research shows that people are looking to the office as a place to focus. A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. workers found 48% listed focusing on their work as the top reason for coming into the office. This beats out accessing technology, holding in-person meetings (either with team members or clients) and socializing with other employees.

Focus on the future

Successfully designing and equipping office spaces increasingly includes using options reflective of a desire to preserve our world for future generations. Sustainably sourced office furniture products, like the Parker Chair Collection from NBF, are becoming more prevalent. When purchasing for an office, be sure to look for furniture that has passed ANSI-BIFMA testing to meet commercial use and safety standards.

When offices are designed with employees’ needs in mind — as these five trends suggest — businesses are better set up for success. The office should be a place that supports workers’ ability to be productive and collaborate effectively.