Month: June 2023

2023-06-22T10:35:00

(BPT) – Pride has always been a time to celebrate identity, love, and inclusivity for major destinations and charming towns around the world. Every year, Pride festivities attract millions of participants, showcasing the inclusiveness and diversity of their respective communities. This year, Airbnb has reported an increase in Hosts using LGBTQ+ inclusive language in their profiles — a testament to how Hosts are leading the charge for embracing LGBTQ+ travel.

Building an inclusive community

Since 2017, the number of Hosts around the world using LGBTQ+-inclusive language has surged by nearly 90%, signifying a shift towards an even more welcoming and inclusive community. These Hosts are spread across the world, from the vibrant streets of Portland, Oregon, to the sun-kissed shores of Sitges, Catalonia, embodying the spirit of Pride Month and offering a hospitable, inviting atmosphere for all.

A Morning Consult Brand Intelligence study further underscored this trend, revealing that 41% of LGBTQ+ respondents, irrespective of travel purpose, identified as Airbnb users – 8% higher compared to the overall percentage of U.S. leisure travelers. The reasons for this preference are clear: the commitment of Airbnb Hosts to inclusivity and the rise in the use of LGBTQ+ affirming language in their profiles. This resonates deeply with guests, fostering a sense of safety and acceptance.

LGBTQ travel by the numbers

According to Airbnb last year, Pride is a top ten weekend for travel, with June 24th, a common Pride weekend which commemorates the Stonewall riots, being one of the most searched check-in dates globally.

This shift toward greater inclusivity and Pride travel is celebrated by individuals like Kit Williamson, acclaimed actor, creator of the hit Netflix TV show EastSiders, and proud Airbnb Host, “When my husband and I travel,” Williamson explains, “We always gravitate toward listings that use inclusive language. The fact that more and more Hosts are taking this approach is a testament to the evolving attitudes and acceptance within our global community.”

Becoming a hospitable Host

The potential impact of building an inclusive community is significant. Hosts using inclusive language and creating safe spaces are not only fostering acceptance; they are also contributing to their local economies. During last year’s global Pride celebration weekends, Hosts collectively earned more than $77 million.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals deserve spaces where they are celebrated, not merely tolerated. By becoming an Airbnb Host, you can contribute to creating these spaces and fostering a more inclusive community in your neighborhood this Pride Month and beyond. To learn more, visit Airbnb.com/Host.

2023-06-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – During summertime, you’ll likely find you’re spending more time outdoors, soaking up the sun and enjoying activities in the fresh air. However, between the sun and other environmental elements that come with the season, summer weather can also be harsh on your skin.

Too much sun exposure can leave your skin feeling dull or dry, and at the same time, insects that can cause bites or stings thrive during this weather, leaving you with irritating, itchy blemishes that put a damper on your summer glow. This summer, help keep your skin healthy, radiant and protected by following these five simple tips.

1. Hydrate inside and out

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can look dull, causing fine lines and under-eye bags to become more noticeable. Get in the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle to hydrate wherever your summer adventures take you.

In addition to fighting dehydration, moisturize daily to keep your skin soft and supple. A lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated without a greasy feel.

2. Apply sunscreen every day

Just because you’re not going out for a day of swimming, hiking or camping doesn’t mean you get to skip sunscreen. According to Yale Medicine, it takes just 15 minutes for the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays to damage your skin. To help protect your skin, apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside — no matter the occasion. Make it part of your everyday morning skincare routine, so you get into the habit.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating. Also, consider wearing protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and neck against harmful UV rays.

3. Add insect repellent to your skincare routine

The warmer weather means more bugs are making their summer debut, including mosquitoes. With the extra time you’re spending outside soaking in the summer sun, it’s important to make sure you’re protected from bug bites.

No one likes getting bug bites. Mosquitoes and other insect bites are not only irritating, but can also cause some mysterious (and usually itchy) blemishes on your skin. Worst off, scratching them can cause skin damage and scarring. Keep the bugs at bay by using an insect repellent as part of your skincare routine before heading outdoors. Similar to sunscreen, prevention is the best protection against bug bites, so insect repellent should be applied after sunscreen and before heading outdoors.

Mosquitoes and other insects don’t only bite when you’re hiking or camping — they are around whether you’re in your backyard or at an outdoor wedding. So, it’s important to find a repellent you feel confident in for everyday use. A great option to consider is OFF!^® Clean Feel, a fragrance-free repellent that provides non-sticky protection from mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. Formulated with Picaridin, it feels good on skin, won’t damage clothing and repels mosquitoes for up to eight hours.

While it’s important to use insect repellent every day, it never hurts to have a better understanding of what mosquito activity looks like in your area. As easily as you check the local weather, you can now check out the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast, which predicts local mosquito populations up to seven days in advance. While checking out the mosquito population, you can sign up to get your weekly mosquito forecast straight to your inbox!

4. Clean your skin the right way

Spending time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and summer activities means that you’ll work up a sweat. When you shower to wash off the sweat and dirt of the day, avoid hot showers.

Hot showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water and limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less. It also has the added benefit of keeping you cool while you get clean.

While showering, use a gentle, non-drying cleanser and body wash for your face and skin to keep your skin clean and fresh. Also, exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

5. Take breaks from the sun

Take regular breaks from fun in the sun to protect your skin. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it’s best to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. But it’s summer and everyone wants to take advantage of the weather! So, while you’re out, look for shaded areas to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Important reminder: don’t forget to reapply sunscreen and insect repellent regularly throughout your day.

Get your summer glow while protecting and nourishing your skin. Using these five tips, you can enjoy the warmth and sunshine while protecting your skin from dryness, damage and irritating bites.

2023-06-21T18:29:00

(BPT) – Are your joints creaky and stiff in the morning? Do they slow down your day? There are a few things you can do to invest in and maintain your joint mobility and flexibility. All it takes is a few good morning habits.

The morning is a great time to start good habits that can set the tone for the day. It also makes integrating and sticking with new changes easier, so you can enjoy optimal joint health every morning and throughout the day. Here are five things you can do every morning to get your joint health off to a great start.

1. Drink water

As soon as you wake up, drink a full glass of water. While you sleep, your body loses water, so it’s incredibly important to start your day by replenishing what you’ve lost so your body can function properly.

Staying hydrated is especially important for your joint health because it reduces the occasional oxidative stress in your joints. Also, because synovial fluid — which helps lubricate joints — is made mostly of water, proper hydration can help promote flexibility and mobility.

2. Stretch

All night long, your body has been at rest, including your joints. Gently wake your joints with light stretching. When you stretch, you increase blood flow to your muscles, allowing them to relax and synovial fluid to lubricate your joints, reducing stiffness.

Simple stretches you can try without even leaving your bed include:

• Bringing your knees to your chest to stretch your back
• Slightly lifting your legs and circling your ankles in both directions
• Rocking your knees side-to-side to get your hips moving
• Sitting up and rolling your shoulders forward and backward
• Holding your arms out in front of you and flexing your arms and then wrists

3. Get moving

Now that your body is warmed up and ready to go after stretching, get your body moving with some morning exercise. Starting your day with exercise can help get your joints moving, making it easier to manage occasional joint stiffness and discomfort. Plus, regular exercise also helps the body manage everyday stress. It promotes a sense of calm and focus for the day.

Regular physical activity promotes flexibility, mobility and balance by maintaining strong muscles and supports healthy bone structure and density. Workouts don’t have to be long! Just 30 minutes a day of joint-supporting exercises like swimming, cycling, walking, strength training and yoga can help you feel and move your best.

4. Take a warm shower

After a workout, nothing feels as good as a warm shower. It’s also one of the best ways to help relieve occasional morning stiffness. A warm shower soothes your muscles after exercise and increases your circulation, which helps your muscles relax. Combining exercise and a warm morning shower will prepare your joints and you to hit the ground running every day.

5. Eat a nutrient-rich breakfast

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors influencing joint health. For breakfast, avoid foods high in sugars and processed flour and opt for meals with nutrients that support joint health, such as:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (nuts and seeds)
• Vitamin E (avocado)
• Vitamin A (spinach)
• Vitamin C (citrus fruits)
• Potassium (bananas)
• Anthocyanins (berries)
• Calcium (yogurt)
• Turmeric (easily added to pancakes or omelets)

A morning smoothie is an easy and convenient way to get plenty of nutrients in one meal. Try the recipe below for a delicious way to nourish your joints.

• 1/2 cup peeled, diced carrot
• 1/2 frozen banana, diced
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Pinch black pepper (to promote the absorption of turmeric)

Simply blend the carrot, banana, pineapple, orange juice, ginger and chia seeds. Then add the turmeric and black pepper, blending until smooth. Drink immediately and feel ready to take on the busy day ahead!

6. Take extra joint health support

Your joints work hard to get you from point A to B every day. Help them out by giving your joints a little extra support with a joint health supplement made of naturally sourced ingredients, like 1MD Nutrition’s MoveMD^®.

This comprehensive, fast-acting joint health solution includes AprésFlex^® Boswellia serrata, a clinically-studied extract that supports flexibility, mobility and joint comfort. Combined with Zanthin^® Natural Astaxanthin to help reduce oxidative stress, hyaluronic acid to help lubricate joints and advanced collagens to support cartilage health and function, you’ll be well on your way to healthy joints.

These six joint-supporting habits can help you establish a morning routine to help your joints function at their best, so you can have a healthy start every morning. To learn more about products that can support your joint health, visit 1MD.org.

2023-06-21T18:51:00

(BPT) – Every day is a good day to invest in your heart health! Your heart works hard every day, so it is important to support your health with healthy morning habits. Check out these six healthy habits that not only help you maintain a strong heart and circulation but also help set the tone for the rest of your day.

1. Drink water

Keep a glass of water or water bottle on your nightstand so you can take a sip as soon as you wake up. Overnight, your body becomes dehydrated. It’s important to replenish the water you’ve lost first thing in the morning to help your body do its job. Staying hydrated supports healthy circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body so you can feel your best as you start your day.

2. Brush your teeth

Did you know oral health is linked to heart health? Protect your heart health by maintaining a consistent brushing schedule, which in turn supports blood and arterial health.

The best time to brush your teeth in the morning is when you first wake up. Brushing kick-starts your saliva production, which protects your teeth and gums by washing away food debris. Also, if you eat acidic breakfast food, brushing your teeth before breakfast rather than after can be incredibly beneficial.

3. Meditate

You can practice meditation any time, but spending a few moments alone every morning can focus your mind for the day ahead and help your heart. A calm, focused mind can reduce everyday worries, which can help promote healthy blood pressure and heart function.

Whether you listen to music, write in your journal, do yoga or practice deep breathing, just five minutes of meditation each day can support your body’s ability to manage everyday stress and support healthy blood pressure and circulation.

4. Get moving

Cardiovascular exercise is critical to maintaining a happy, healthy heart. It also helps regulate your metabolism and appetite, provides healthy energy, and can support healthy weight management.

If you want to get into the habit of exercising every day, aim for 30 minutes of cardio in the morning. Mornings tend to have fewer distractions than other times of the day, making the start of your day the ideal time to exercise.

One of the easiest ways to get exercise is to lace up your shoes and take a brisk walk. Others may have a favorite workout video or online exercise class, either live or recorded.

Even if you can’t commit to a half-hour of exercise every day, do what you can to get your body moving. As little as five minutes of exercise will provide heart health benefits if you are not feeling very fit.

5. Eat a nutrient-rich breakfast

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors influencing heart health, so pay attention to your breakfast choices. A breakfast smoothie is a great way to take in fruits and vegetables that will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals to support optimal heart health.

6. Give your cardiovascular health a boost

Give your heart a helping hand by taking heart-supporting supplements made from naturally sourced ingredients like CholestMD^®. This heart health product provides cholesterol support and overall cardiovascular health with two potent ingredients, Bergavit™ bergamot extract and niacin. Both ingredients have been clinically studied and found to support healthy blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The formula also includes olive leaf and garlic bulb extract, which provide additional blood lipid and arterial health support.

Your best heart health starts with a good morning. These six heart-healthy habits can help you create a good morning routine to get your heart and overall health ready to take on today and beyond. To read reviews of CholestMD^® from consumers just like you, visit 1MD.org.

2023-06-21T10:01:00

(BPT) – A few years ago, cryptocurrencies seemed to be a niche form of payment that many were skeptical would catch on. Now, the tide has turned and Venmo, Paypal, Zelle and other payment platforms have embraced digital currency, with Bitcoin leading the charge. As individuals and businesses continue to explore Bitcoin’s possibilities, mobile app integration of this cryptocurrency has become necessary. However, not all companies are embracing the currency of the Internet.

Tech giants differ on Bitcoin integration

In mid-June, Apple issued Damus, a social network platform, an ultimatum: Remove Bitcoin tipping from its app or be banned from the App Store. According to screenshots posted by Damus’s Twitter account, Apple will require users to tip using Apple’s in-app purchase system, which imposes a 30% fee on each transaction.

This isn’t the first time the tech giant has banned cryptocurrency. In 2013, Apple removed Bitcoin-based apps from the App Store, angering many users, but reversed the policy ban a year later.

While Apple continues to resist Bitcoin integration on its platform, its competitor has embraced the digital currency. Google Cloud, a suite of cloud-based computing services, has partnered with Voltage, a Lightning as a Service (LaaS) provider for Bitcoin, to allow customers to create Bitcoin and Lightning nodes around the world.

By leveraging the Lightning Network’s real-time payment settlement with near zero fees, Google is empowering organizations and individuals to send and receive payments and creating new business models and experiences, according to Google Cloud’s announcement.

Facilitating peer-to-peer transactions

The purpose of Bitcoin and the Lightning Network is to create an infrastructure for peer-to-peer (p2p) transactions. In an increasingly internet-forward world, p2p transactions can be crucial, especially for people who do not have bank accounts.

According to the Global Findex Database, 1.4 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, and without a bank account, these individuals end up paying high fees to access financial services securely. Also, unbanked individuals have a much harder time utilizing credit.

With p2p transactions, unbanked and underbanked consumers have the means and freedom to participate in their local and the global economy. With the addition of p2p Bitcoin transactions, unbanked and underbanked consumers have access to a payment that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has said is more secure than credit and debit card payments.

Integrating Bitcoin p2p transactions is good for businesses, too. Voltage says that a Lightning Network solution that facilitates real-time payments can enable organizations to send and receive payments while creating new experiences and business models. The LaaS provider believes micropayments can be used to improve retention, decrease customer acquisition costs and increase the lifetime value of customers.

By partnering with Voltage to expand its Bitcoin services, Google has acknowledged the importance of user choice and cryptocurrencies’ role in the evolving digital landscape. To learn more about Google Cloud and Voltage’s partnership and the Lightning Network, visit Voltage.Cloud.

2023-06-21T14:05:00

(BPT) – Summertime is known for warmer weather, backyard barbecues and fun in the sun. However, it’s also a time when lightning is likely to strike. According to The National Weather Service, about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the United States each year and can strike up to 25 miles away from its parent thunderstorm.

The best place to be when a thunderstorm hits is inside your home. But even indoors, lightning can cause damage, especially to your electrical appliances. However, with some preparation, you can reduce the risk of damage should lightning strike.

In honor of Lightning Safety Week, Mr. Electric^®, a Neighborly^® company — a leading electrical installation and repair franchise — has provided the following five ways to prepare your home for any storms that come your way.

1. Remember to unplug

During storm season, stay alert! If you discover that a storm is coming, you’ll have time to prepare and unplug appliances and devices you won’t need during the storm. Because a lightning storm has the potential to strike the power grid and increase the voltage to your electrical devices, it’s best to take preventative measures and unplug them to protect them and yourself.

2. Invest in whole-home surge protectors

When a sudden increase in voltage occurs, surge protectors can safeguard your electrical devices by redirecting the excess voltage through the house’s grounding path. Prepare your home by investing in whole-house surge protectors to minimize damage to your sensitive electronics and valuable appliances from an electrical surge.

Note: Surge protectors are only effective if your house has proper wiring and grounding. If you aren’t sure your home is properly wired and grounded, contact your local Mr. Electric for a professional assessment. Also, keep in mind that if your home or nearby area is struck by lightning your surge protector is as good as its rated limit or capacity.

3. Familiarize yourself with the circuit breaker

Because electricity is dangerous, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your home’s circuit breakers. A circuit breaker is designed to “trip” or shut off when at a predetermined amperage load. If the limit is reached, the breaker trips and opens the circuit, preventing the flow of current to that particular electrical line or circuit.

Before the next storm hits, take time to learn what each circuit breaker is designed to shut off. If you’re experiencing constant trips, it could be an overloaded circuit, a short circuit or a ground fault, in which case you’ll need to call a professional for help.

4. Have backup power

It’s possible that a storm may knock out your power. If you lose power in your home, it’s a smart idea to have a backup generator to ensure essential appliances keep running while you’re sheltering in place.

You may think you can go without power for a while, but don’t take a chance. Depending on the storm’s severity, you could be left without power for hours or even days. Eliminate the stress of uncertainty by having a backup generator on hand.

5. Schedule an electrical safety inspection

Even minor electrical damage can lead to bigger issues. After a severe weather event, schedule a home electrical safety checkup, so a trusted professional can catch any unseen issues. Visit Mr.Electric.com/Electrical-Services to find and schedule an appointment with an electrical expert in your area.

While you may not have much warning before a storm arrives, you can take steps to ensure the safety of your family and home. Using these five tips, you’ll be prepared for storm season and protect your home and family from unexpected lightning strikes.

2023-06-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – When the tantalizing aroma of barbecues fills the air and laughter echoes through backyard celebrations, you know summer has arrived. From sun-soaked afternoons to relaxed evenings, people across the country are planning gatherings with friends and family to share food and fun while making lasting memories.

The Cooking Mom, Amy Hanten, is a cookbook author and popular blogger who loves to grill and entertain throughout the warm weather months. She shares her favorite tips for summer entertaining the easy way so you can create a memorable and stress-free gathering.

1. Keep it simple

Try to prep for your party as much as possible ahead of time and don’t try to do it all. For example, pick up the veggie and fruit trays from the local grocer. If you’re grilling, ask friends to pitch in and bring a dish to pass. Just be specific about what they should bring, such as an appetizer or dessert, otherwise you may end up with five pasta salads.

2. Make a brat tub

Avoid getting stuck at the grill for the entire party and try a “brat tub”. Grill the brats before everybody arrives and then transfer them to a big foil pan filled with butter, onions, sauerkraut and beer. Keep the pan on the grill over low heat to keep the brats warm and juicy. Everybody can just serve themselves whenever and you can enjoy more of the party.

3. Have fun with toppings

If you’re grilling burgers, brats and hot dogs, consider a toppings bar. Aside from the usual ketchup, mustard and pickles, set out fun toppings like shredded cheeses, fried onions, peppers, salsas and barbecue sauce. People can enjoy customizing their plates and creating their own flavor profiles.

4. Try a summer charcuterie

Give standard charcuterie boards a summer spin with grilled sausage instead of cold meats. Pick up Johnsonville smoked rope sausages (try Andouille or Chorizo for bolder flavors) and then serve the warm sliced sausage with a variety of mustards and spreads plus favorite cheeses, nuts and fruits. It’s a simple and delicious way to impress guests.

5. Explore new recipes

Want the flavors of summer but don’t want to grill? Give the grill a night off and try something new. A shrimp and sausage boil is an easy breezy way to feed a crowd and make a big impression. A big stock pot is your ticket to a delectable feast of potatoes, corn, shrimp and sausage. Get the full recipe at TheCookingMom.com.

Summer entertaining is more than just cooking — it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together, creating memories and forging connections over delicious food. These tips can help you create a memorable event that everyone will enjoy without the mess or stress. For more insight and inspiration visit Johnsonville.com.

2023-06-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is here, and everyone deserves a glow up to feel their best this season. Of course, looking good on the outside relies, in part, on what goes inside. One snack provides a powerful punch of glow-friendly nutrition in a convenient, compact and naturally delicious package: sweet Northwest cherries.

Glow up with fresh, sweet Northwest cherries

Growers in the Northwest are harvesting sweet cherries now, stocking produce sections across the nation with this summertime superfruit. Sweet cherries deliver a juicy burst of flavor, while boasting an abundance of nutritional benefits sure to help maintain a healthy glow all summer long. Here are a handful of ways they do it:

1. Healthier skin

Sweet Northwest cherries give skin a boost of nourishment, especially darker varieties, like Bing cherries, which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help stabilize free radicals that can otherwise lead to oxidative stress that, in turn, may speed skin’s aging. Sweet cherries are also packed with vitamin C, which plays a crucial role in collagen production for a healthy complexion.

2. Reduced stress

Sweet cherries are a natural source of serotonin, which studies have found to be an important factor in reducing stress and improving mood. The phenolics in cherries, which work as antioxidants, also appear to offer some protection against cell-damaging oxidative stress. Plus, adding sweet cherries to the weekly shopping list can alleviate another type of stress: finding a tasty and nutritious snack that will please the entire family.

3. Better sleep

In addition to being a natural, plant source of serotonin, sweet cherries have melatonin and tryptophan. In studies, these three compounds have been shown to help improve the quantity and quality of sleep, both of which are critical to giving the body — including the skin — ample time for repair and restoration. Consuming a serving of cherries about an hour before bedtime may aid in stabilizing and regulating sleep patterns.

4. Revived muscles

Sweet cherries contain anthocyanins, which give Bing cherries their deep red color and have anti-inflammatory properties. Such qualities have been shown to help muscles recover more quickly after exercise, making cherries an ideal accompaniment to a range of summertime activities.

5. Steady energy

The whole family can keep glowing with the high-fiber, low-glycemic-index benefits of sweet cherries. Sweet cherries boast a lower glycemic index than most other fruits, helping blood sugar stay level while spoiling taste buds all summer long. A cup of sweet cherries also delivers about 3 grams of fiber, making sweet cherries a perfect grab-and-go snack with staying power.

On the next grocery run, be sure to add a bag of sweet Northwest cherries to the cart to fuel a summertime glow up. Fresh, sweet Northwest cherries are available now through August. For recipes, preservation tips — to maintain a glow year-round — and inspiration on incorporating sweet cherries into everyday diets, visit: www.nwcherries.com.

2023-06-20T10:45:00

(BPT) – Menopause is a biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. While it’s a natural and normal stage of life, it’s also one that’s surrounded by numerous misconceptions.

“Menopause is often shrouded in myths, stereotypes and misinformation, which can lead to confusion, and unnecessary anxiety for women who are approaching this life transition,” said Dr. Kira Halak, a board-certified naturopathic doctor. “It’s important to get the facts straight about this life stage for women, and through awareness, preparation and helpful solutions, we can feel more empowered to thrive during menopause.”

Halak shares some of the most common menopause misconceptions and provides accurate information to help dispel these myths and empower women to better understand and navigate this important stage of life.

Misconception: Menopause means constant hot flashes

Facts: Yes, hot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting approximately 85% of menopausal women. However, this doesn’t mean you have to suffer through regular discomfort. By making simple lifestyle adjustments, you can turn down the heat before it creeps up on you.

First, it’s important to avoid triggers such as smoking, wearing tight and restrictive clothing, using heavy blankets on your bed, and excessive stress. Next, adjusting some everyday habits can help prevent hot flashes altogether, including: establish a calming or de-stress routine (especially before bedtime), exercise during the day, dress in layers to more easily remove or add clothing based on your body temperature, use a bedside fan, turn the thermostat down, and maintain a healthy weight. A symptoms journal can also help you narrow down your hot flash triggers and determine which lifestyle adjustments help the most.

Misconception: Menopause doesn’t happen until your 50s

Facts: “This is one of the biggest myths I hear,” Halak says. “The truth is menopause symptoms can start occurring as early as a woman’s mid-30s, so being more aware about symptoms can better equip women to seek out helpful solutions.”

There are several stages of the menopause transition. Perimenopause happens first, when periods start to become irregular and initial symptoms start to appear. Menopause is officially marked by the absence of menstruation for 12 months. After this point a woman is considered to be in post-menopause, which marks the end of reproductive years.

When you understand what’s happening and why, you have a far better opportunity to manage your health in the way that you choose. You’ll also be better equipped to talk to your health care provider from a position of knowledge and power, further helping him or her focus on addressing your concerns.

Misconception: You need to take hormones to manage your symptoms

Facts: Hormone replacement therapy and prescription medication are options women can use to deal with menopause symptoms, but they are not the only options available. Alternatively, a healthy diet made up of whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high quality lean proteins, along with stress relief techniques and certain dietary supplements, can be extremely helpful in alleviating menopause symptoms.

When it comes to supplements, the key is to look for products with ingredients that are backed by science. For example, there are numerous clinical trials supporting the safety and efficacy of rhapontic rhubarb extract to address menopause symptoms. Estroven^® Complete Multi-Symptom Menopause Relief provides naturally sourced rhapontic rhubarb root extract that is shown to relieve all major menopause symptoms and is proven to provide up to 90% reduction in hot flashes and night sweats. Learn more at Estroven.com.

Misconception: Exercise doesn’t help menopause symptoms

Facts: Exercise has an overall positive impact on your physical and mental well-being, and many women find that yoga, in particular, can help alleviate menopause symptoms, likely due to its capacity to lower stress, encourage a healthy lifestyle, foster a happy outlook, help regulate sleep and lower blood pressure.

Several studies have found practicing yoga consistently offers benefits that go beyond the mat. Regular practice may provide relief for several symptoms and has an overall positive effect on both the mind and body. There are different styles of yoga for every fitness level, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Misconception: Menopause is the same for most women

Facts: There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to menopause and symptoms women experience will vary. Many women assume they will experience all of the worst symptoms of menopause, but many women can sail smoothly through this phase of their lives, and it’s important to know there are a wide range of options available to help women thrive through this journey.

Menopause is just another life stage just like experiencing puberty or adolescence — you can cope with the changes leading up to it and enter this new chapter confidently. You may find that you’ll try a few different options until you find what works best for you, and you may find that sometimes you need to seek the help of others to get you through. Getting together with your closest friends for some much needed bonding, or joining a support group online or in your community, can be great mood boosters and sources of support as you navigate through this journey.

“There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding menopause that can be confusing,” said Halak. “But knowledge is power, and by seeking out accurate information and support, women can navigate the menopausal journey with greater confidence and ease, empowering themselves to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. The more that women talk openly and educate themselves, the more we can shift the mindset from women suffering with menopause — or avoiding their symptoms altogether — to women thriving with menopause.”