Month: May 2024

2024-05-08T11:01:00

(BPT) – This month highlights the important role mental health plays in our general health and well-being. It influences how we feel, think and act. Many Americans of all ages experience mental distress. According to National Institute of Mental Health data, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition.[1] A mental health condition is an illness or disorder that affects your thinking, feeling, behavior or mood, and can range from mild to severe.[2] Moreover, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults live with a severe or serious mental health condition.[3] People with serious mental health conditions can live fulfilling lives with effective treatment.[4] However, some people are not in treatment because they lack access to care or may want to avoid perceived stigma related to mental health conditions.

Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to focus on mental well-being, but also on the connection between mental health conditions and substance use. Some people with mental health conditions struggle with substance use.[5] They may turn to illicit drugs and other substances to help them cope with stress, trauma or mental distress.[6] Brain changes in people with mental health conditions may also make it more likely they will continue to use substances and could develop substance use disorders and addiction.[7] People with substance use disorders, in turn, may have increased risk for developing other mental health conditions.[8]

And what’s more, using these drugs can have dangerous consequences, including overdose or even death. Substance use disorder affects an estimated 1 in 7 Americans, and nearly 300 Americans die every day from a drug overdose.[9],[10]

Mixing drugs is never safe

People sometimes think that because they’ve mixed drugs before and nothing seemed to happen, they can do it again. However, a person’s body can react to drugs differently every time. The fact is, even if you’ve been OK in the past, there’s no way to know what the outcome will be from mixing drugs.

Why it’s so dangerous to mix drugs

No matter how it happens, mixing opioids with other drugs is incredibly risky. Using more than one drug is never safe because the effects of mixing them can be stronger or more unpredictable than one drug alone. For example, mixing opioids with stimulants (“uppers”) can increase your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. Mixing opioids with depressants (“downers”) can slow breathing or lead to brain damage. Mixing can even be deadly: More than 50 percent of overdose deaths involve multiple drugs.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we want to remind everyone that mental health is health,” said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Every one of us can take a small action today to help build connection in our communities to promote mental well-being and prevent mental distress. Sustained connections, in turn, make it less likely that people will turn to substances to help cope with life’s stressors, and this can decrease the risk of overdose.”

Learn the signs of overdose and how to help by using Naloxone

If you think someone could be experiencing a drug overdose — even if you’re not sure — it’s safest to treat it as an overdose. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive, over-the-counter medication that can be administered to help reverse an opioid overdose, and anyone can keep and use it to help save a life. You can get naloxone as a nasal spray or an injection, and you can use it without medical training or authorization. Also, it won’t harm a person if they’re overdosing on a drug that’s not an opioid.

Seven signs of overdose to watch for include:

• Small constricted, pinpoint pupils
• Slow, weak or no breathing
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin, especially lips and/or nails
• Limp body

Important steps to take when you think someone around you is overdosing:

1. Administer naloxone, if available
2. Call 911
3. Keep the person awake and breathing
4. Lay person on their side to prevent choking
5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives

What CDC is doing to Stop Overdose in America

At CDC we’re educating people about the dangers of illicitly made fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the lifesaving power of naloxone, and the importance of reducing stigma around recovery and treatment options. We are using the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) to better understand the circumstances that surround overdose deaths, improve fatal overdose data timeliness and accuracy, and identify specific substances causing or contributing to overdose deaths as well as emerging and polysubstance overdose trends to help inform overdose prevention and response efforts. CDC is investing in neighborhoods, communities, cities, counties, states and the nation to prevent overdoses and ensure the health and well-being of all Americans.

Learning how to prevent an overdose can help save a life if you know someone struggling with addiction. For more information and resources, visit CDC.gov/StopOverdose.

If you’re in the U.S. and thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text 988 now, or chat 988lifeline.org.

If you’re wanting help for substance use, know that recovery is possible. You can find evidence-based treatment and service options near you by visiting findtreatment.gov or by calling the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).

2024-05-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – May marks National Pet Month, and it’s a time to celebrate the love and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives; however, let’s not forget about the dogs still awaiting their forever homes. With over three million dogs entering shelters every year, adoption remains a critical solution for giving these pets the families they deserve. Sadly, due to a lack of resources, a significant number of rescue dogs are deprived of vital grooming which significantly improves their health, happiness and chance of adoption. That’s why pet industry leader Wahl and Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit, have partnered again for the 13th annual Dirty Dogs Contest. Wahl donated grooming supplies to rescues and shelters nationwide, and they in turn shared amazing Before and After grooming photos — including the Top 10 Shelter Dog Makeovers of 2024. Vote for your favorite pup and help the organization affiliated with the dog win $10,000.

1. Pete is a resilient pup who endured neglect after his owner’s tragic passing. Rescued from a backyard, Pete was covered in filth and matting when he was brought to a shelter in Justin, TX, but with grooming and care, his true spirit emerged. Now, Pete is seeking a loving forever home where he can thrive and be cherished.

2. Winky found his way to a shelter in Palo Alto, CA, from a challenging home situation. Despite his history, he showed immense affection during his extensive grooming. It was during his grooming that staff realized he was missing one eye, and in turn affectionately named him “Winky.” Winky’s transformation was remarkable, and he soon found a loving forever home where he is thriving and living his best life.

3. Maddie, a stray with an unknown past, arrived in poor condition to a shelter in Franklin, TN, likely having endured neglect for some time. Fortunately, a compassionate local groomer stepped in to provide much-needed grooming, improving Maddie’s appearance and well-being.

4. Bella, a 12-year-old miniature poodle, arrived at a shelter in Phoenix, AZ, as a surrender due to her owner’s illness. As soon as she arrived, she was promptly pampered with a luxurious grooming and bath. A happy pup was revealed under all that matted and dirty fur, and it didn’t take long for her to find a forever home.

5. Bailey, an 8-year-old pooch from Philadelphia, PA, experienced a remarkable transformation after his previous owner’s illness left him in desperate need of grooming. Despite severe matting, Bailey’s playful energy shone through, and a spa day helped reveal his true personality. Now with a loving family, Bailey enjoys a happy life filled with affection and companionship.

6. Pancake is a one-year-old pup from Clearwater, FL, whose journey from neglect to love is truly heartwarming. Under a coat of severe matting, he was silently pleading for help. Pancake’s condition was so bad, in fact, his grooming had to be done under anesthesia. What emerged was a dog with a newfound joy for life, and within days, he captured the hearts of all who met him — including his new forever family.

7. Moe’s journey began with a heartbreaking discovery at his home where he was subjected to years of severe neglect and hoarding. Covered in filth and matted fur, he arrived at a shelter in San Francisco, CA, with wary eyes but a hopeful heart. After being washed and groomed, he slowly learned to trust, blossoming into a cuddly companion eager for affection. Now, Moe is ready for a brighter future, eager to embrace each new day with joy and security.

8. Dolly, a standard poodle, arrived at a rescue in Thompson Falls, MT, in dire need of grooming. Her filth and odor made it nearly unbearable for her rescuers to handle her. However, after a visit to the groomer and a much-needed bath, Dolly emerged as a stunning, red-furred beauty, quickly capturing the heart of a loving family.

9. Giuseppe’s arrival to a shelter in Espanola, NM, is a heartbreaking testament to neglect. Five pounds of matted fur covered up a host of health issues and rendered him unable to walk. Once groomed, Giuseppe could finally get the dedicated medical care and foster support he needed. Now this senior pup is living out his golden years in the comfort of a loving home.

10. Fred was rescued from a serious hoarding situation and brought to a shelter in Breinigsville, PA. Covered in matted fur and plagued by discomfort, he found relief after receiving a much-needed grooming and bath. The added attention of proper medical care transformed him into a brand-new dog. Fred was soon fostered by a compassionate couple mourning the loss of their previous dogs, and it was in this foster home that he found his forever family.

For more information on Wahl’s complete line of grooming products, including tips on how to pamper your own pooch, visit WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlPets on Facebook, Instagram and X.

2024-05-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – From South to North, from West to East, anglers are hitting the water in pursuit of their favorite pastime — fishing. As temperatures start to rise, fish are on the move, and so are the anglers.

According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), America has an estimated 60 million anglers.

If you’re among those who enjoy time on the water, the angling pros at Rapala lures offer these tips to help you dial in your fishing so you can catch more and bigger fish.

1. Organize your tackle box – Spend more time fishing and less time searching for your fishing gear, by spending some time on those cold, rainy days organizing your fishing gear and tackle. Consider using clear tackle trays to organize your lures by species (bass, walleyes, trout, northern pike, etc.).

2. Step up to newer gear – Take a close look at your rods and reels. Consider replacing old, worn-out rods and reels with new modern gear that gives you the finesse and the muscle to put more fish in the boat.

3. Replace your hooks – The first point of contact with any fish, regardless of size, from brook trout to sailfish, is your hooks. Take the time to sharpen your hooks or replace old hooks with new professional-grade hooks, such as the RedLine Series by VMC. Don’t overlook changing the size and types of hooks you use to increase your ability to hook more fish.

4. WWJWD – What would Jacob Wheeler do? If you’re looking for an edge over the fish in your favorite fishing spot, consider doing what the pros do. Jacob Wheeler, one of the winningest bass fishing pros, has been using a new line of soft baits called CrushCity soft baits to put him consistently in the winning circle of America’s top bass tournaments. If it works for Wheeler, maybe it will work for you, too.

5. Change your fishing line – Contrary to popular beliefs, fishing line — even the best line — wears out over time as it rubs against rocks, weeds, dock posts, and even your rod guides. So, if you have line that’s been on your reel for three or more years, it’s time to replace it with new line, such as lines from Sufix, one of the leading fishing lines used by tournament pros.

6. Get new sunscreen – Do you have a bottle or tube of sunscreen sitting in your tackle box that’s so old you can’t even remember when you got it? All skin exposed to the sun is at risk of becoming burned. Replace that tube or bottle of old sunscreen with newer sunscreen, and stock up on lightweight, breathable fishing clothing with UV protection that lets you go all day long.

7. Invest in eyewear – Wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, see fish in the water better, and protect your precious eyes from flying hooks.

8. Try something new – You don’t have to own a $50,000 bass boat to tie into a monster bass. A lot of anglers are discovering fishing from a kayak. It not only costs a lot less, it gives them access to some water, both freshwater and saltwater, that big boats simply cannot get to.

9. Leverage digital technology – Digital technology, such as digital scales, allow anglers to keep precise track of their catches and know exactly where they stand in tournament settings. No more guessing.

10. Revisit a classic – Sometimes, we get so focused on the shiny new latest gadget, that we forget about the classics that continue to produce. One such classic, is the Shad Rap, and now the Shad Rap Elite, which offers a new take on the original with premium components. Considered one of the best lures ever introduced, it continues to catch fish of all species.

2024-05-07T08:19:00

(BPT) – There are over 80,000 vitamins and dietary supplements on the market, but not all are created equal. Seventy-four percent of Americans take dietary supplements to improve their quality of life.^[i] However, many are unaware that the quality of these products can vary greatly.

Most consumers are misinformed about how the dietary supplement industry is regulated, which can lead to inaccurate or dangerous assumptions about supplement quality.^[ii] Since 1994, dietary supplements have been regulated as a category of foods, meaning that they do not require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval before they are sold to the public. For this reason, what is listed on a supplement label may not be what is actually in the bottle. Looking for products with independent third-party verification, like those verified through U.S. Pharmacopeia’s (USP) Dietary Supplement Verification Program, can offer consumers peace of mind that the supplements they consume are made up of what’s listed on the label.

A growing number of reports and recalls have raised concerns about inconsistent quality in the dietary supplement industry. For example, in 2022, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a study reviewing 30 dietary supplements with claims related to immune health.^[iii] Of these 30 supplements, 17 had inaccurate labels; 13 were misbranded, and nine had additional components detected that were not claimed on the label. Outcomes like this make it clear that without independent third-party verification, it’s hard for consumers to know what exactly is in the supplements they choose.

“Every year, the dietary supplement industry expands, thanks to increased consumer demand,” Michael Rashed, Director of Non-Pharmaceutical Programs at USP, said. “As we continue navigating a growing market of health and wellness products, it’s crucial for consumers to understand how supplements are regulated and to prioritize selecting products that have undergone third-party testing.”

Only products that meet USP’s rigorous testing, review and auditing criteria receive the USP Verified Mark. When consumers see this symbol, they know that USP has independently reviewed and tested the product to confirm it meets USP’s quality standards:

• Contains the ingredients listed on the label in declared strengths and amounts
• Does not contain harmful levels of specified contaminants
• Complies with FDA Good Manufacturing Practices
• Will break down and dissolve within a specified amount of time so the dietary ingredients can be released and absorbed by the body

In fact, in a USP-led survey of nearly 300 licensed healthcare practitioners, including dietitians, nutritionists, physicians, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners, the top three most important elements when recommending a dietary supplement were product quality, ingredient list, and quality assurance marks or seals.

“It’s of utmost importance that consumers can trust the quality of the supplements they are taking to support their health. The USP Product Finder is a searchable tool for all products that have earned the USP Verified Mark,” Rashed said. “We encourage consumers to use this tool so they can make informed choices when purchasing supplements.”

The product finder features over 150 dietary supplement formulas that have received the USP Verified Mark, including melatonin, multivitamins, prenatals, probiotics, and other popular vitamins and supplements. USP Verified Products are sold at major retailers, grocery stores, pharmacies, and wholesale retailers across the U.S., as well as online through product websites.

When purchasing new supplements or restocking favorites, follow these steps:

1. Use the USP Verified Product Finder to find trusted, quality supplements
2. Look for the USP Verified Mark
3. Consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating a new supplement into your routine

To find USP Verified products, visit: https://www.quality-supplements.org/usp_verified_products.

2024-05-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is just around the corner! With the kids out of school and beautiful weather on the way, it’s time to start planning a family vacation.

Family trips are a great way to bond, make memories and escape from the daily grind. If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of planning a trip, don’t worry. These five tips will help you create a getaway that everyone in your family will enjoy (with a little less stress).

1. Pick a destination

The first step to planning any vacation is picking a destination. As a family, brainstorm ideas and come to a consensus on where to go for your summer break.

You’ll need to answer a few questions to determine the best destination for your family. Will you road trip or fly to your destination? Does the destination have activities for everyone in the family? What will the weather be like when you visit? What is your plan for adventure and downtime? These questions will guide your family so you can pick the best vacation spot.

A simple way to make sure your location has something that everyone in your family will enjoy is to choose a resort. A great example to consider is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, where families can simply park and stay. Everything your family needs is available under one roof!

At Kalahari, families can enjoy America’s largest indoor waterparks and massive outdoor waterpark spaces, complete with waterslides, pools, lazy rivers and dedicated children’s areas! They also have massive family entertainment centers with hundreds of arcade games, mini golf, escape rooms, bowling and more.

Have a foodie in your family? Dine at any of the resort’s award-winning signature restaurants or grab a quick bite to eat at one of the many grab-and-go options.

Looking for some pampering? Stop by the on-site, full-service spa. Don’t forget about the retail shops where you can buy souvenirs and gifts, or simply stock up on any items you forgot when packing.

2. Plan ahead

Once you’ve decided on a destination, it’s time to start planning. Planning ahead helps you maximize your summer vacation and avoid potential headaches. Without a game plan, you may become overwhelmed with all the choices available, especially if you are visiting an unfamiliar place. Also, make sure the whole family agrees on an itinerary, so you avoid any squabbles and lost time over where to go, what to do or where to eat.

Research the best family-friendly attractions, activities, and accommodations at your destination, and be sure to include options for each family member on the trip. Once you’ve gathered the information, sit your family down and have each member agree to the schedule.

3. Check for local events

Summer is packed with local events and festivals, no matter the destination. So, you’ll want to check ahead to see if there’s anything planned during your trip. When you attend these events, you get a glimpse into the local culture and add some excitement and variety to your vacation. But keep in mind this might also escalate prices and crowds — so be sure to weigh the positives with the negatives based on your family’s interests and needs. Explore your accommodation or local visitor bureau’s website to see if there are any recommendations for local events throughout the year.

4. Set a budget

Set a realistic budget for your summer vacation and stick to it, but make sure to account for any last-minute splurges like souvenirs or treats. A great way to help stay on budget is to look for bundles and family packages that include accommodations, add-on activities and/or dining. Kalahari Resorts, for example, offers myriad packages to add on to your experience — from VIP experiences and dining packages to spa packages. To learn more, visit KalahariResorts.com.

5. Relax and have fun!

Don’t forget the ultimate point of your family vacation: to bond and have fun with those you love! A summer trip is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year, create stronger relationships, and make memories that will last a lifetime! Be sure to take photos and videos to capture special moments. Make an effort to disconnect from technology and truly be present during the trip.

Using these five tips, you can leave behind the stresses and responsibilities of everyday life and make the most of your summer vacation. Happy travels!