Posted on

3 ways expressing gratitude can make you happier and healthier

2024-09-30T04:01:00

(BPT) – At a time when even the most optimistic of us can’t help but get stuck on the negative, science tells us that tapping into our sense of gratitude is a shortcut to feeling more grounded. Doing so not only has the power to change your emotional state for the better but can also have a positive impact on your physical health and help strengthen relationships with the people in your life.

Let’s check out some of the ways expressing gratitude can help you live a happier and healthier life.

1. Practicing gratitude has been proven to increase levels of positive emotions, leading to more pleasure, joy, optimism, and happiness.

Practicing gratitude, even for five minutes a day, has been scientifically proven to increase happiness and pleasure and bolster our sense of emotional resilience.

To get started, tap into the present moment and think about five things to be grateful for. Don’t overthink it! Just focus on what immediately comes to mind. Maybe it’s your sister. Maybe it’s the feeling of the warm sun on your face. Maybe it’s your favorite band. Maybe it’s a stranger who held the subway door for you.

By focusing on what you’re grateful for, you’re more likely to have a more centered perspective, regardless of whatever else is going on in your life. That makes the hard things that much easier to tackle.

2. There are physical health benefits to practicing gratitude too.

A grateful heart is also a healthy heart, as it turns out. A 2019 Open University of the Netherlands study found that keeping a regular gratitude journal has the power to regulate your breathing and slow your heart rate, lowering blood pressure overall.

Other benefits of gratitude include better sleep (yes, please!). A study conducted in 2009 for the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that participants who expressed gratitude had an easier time falling — and staying — asleep. Other pluses include a stronger immune system, less stress, and fewer symptoms of chronic pain. Who knew?

3. Expressing gratitude can spark a human connection.

Upworthy believes that taking steps to appreciate your loved ones can directly impact your overall well-being. In fact, they have a whole book about it called GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity.

In a 2005 study conducted by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, delivering a handwritten note to someone they’d never had the chance to thank improved participants’ subjective well-being for three months. Reaching out to people not only feels good but also facilitates an opportunity to strengthen relationships with your friends, family, and neighbors. This, in turn, wards off loneliness, isolation, and disconnection.

Try this exercise on your own by sending a handwritten postcard (or even a text!) based on these sample prompts from the book:

  • I never got the chance to thank you.
  • I believe in good people because of you.
  • I’ll never forget how you were there for me.
  • I just want to tell you how much this meant to me.
Collage of 3 card front captions that say

Remember, the benefits of gratitude are just a few introspective moments away. Let’s all give it a go!

Takeaway tips:

  • Try logging five things you’re grateful for each day.
  • Try to find a moment — even if it’s five minutes — for yourself every day to contemplate what matters most.
  • Read Upworthy’s new book, GOOD PEOPLE: Stories From the Best of Humanity, for 101 stories of people expressing gratitude for others in their lives, from loved ones to strangers.
Book cover of good people stories from the best of humanity.

Posted on

Holidays 2024: Are shoppers and retailers in sync?

2024-09-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – By Lisa Grayston, vice president of Commerce Operations, Coveo

The holiday season is a time most retailers, and people who love celebrating and gift-giving, look forward to above all. While making predictions may seem risky, a number of indicators point to a jolly holiday season for shoppers and retailers alike this year. To get our finger on the pulse of 2024 shoppers, Coveo conducted an annual holiday shopping outlook report, “Gift or Grinch? Unwrapping This Season’s Shopper Spending Plans,” based on a survey of 4,000 consumers in the U.S. and U.K., in partnership with Arlington Research. Going a step further, we compared those shoppers’ views with retailer perceptions from last year’s holiday report surveying retail executives from 92 U.S.-based retailers, most with revenues above $250M.

The upshot? Many approaches top retailers are pursuing to improve retail sales — optimizing Black Friday/Cyber Week events, using AI to offer shoppers personalized recommendations and maximizing promotions to improve shopper loyalty — also create what shoppers want: opportunities to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their list while scoring great deals.

2024 consumer shopping outlook

Over three-fourths of surveyed shoppers (76%) say they plan to maintain or increase gift purchases this year, which retailers will be happy to hear. In fact, 59% of shoppers say they plan to cut down on everyday purchases to prioritize their gifting budgets.

While the 2023 retailer survey found that most retailers (84%) feel consumers can get deals anytime, the majority of retailers (58%) believe holiday events remain a powerful source of revenue, with 76% of the above-average retail performers supporting this idea. Retailers say they approach the shopping peak as a coordinated effort to create brand excitement, and shoppers agree.

In the Coveo 2024 Holiday Shopping Report, 68% of U.S. shoppers said they plan to shop at one or more stores on Black Friday or Cyber Monday, with big box/department stores being the top holiday shopping category. Electronic stores (37%) and fashion/apparel (36%) were the top two shopping choices for Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Generative AI and the online shopping experience

There’s no question AI has changed — and will continue changing — how we shop. For retailers, that means learning how technology can create a positive user experience that also drives sales and builds brand loyalty. For consumers, this means making the search for the perfect gift seamless: a quicker, more personalized, more convenient and satisfying way to shop.

The Coveo 2024 Holiday Shopping Report found digital shopping continuing its upward trend, with 80% of shoppers finding special offers purely through digital channels (email, social media, online search and online marketplaces). Shoppers appreciate shopping assistance, with 61% of consumers saying that pre-set search categories like “gifts for dad” or “gifts under $50” are helpful. Nearly one in three shoppers (31%) also say having generative AI provide specific holiday gifting recommendations would be useful — rising to nearly half (44%) for millennials.

When it comes to online shopping, shoppers are only a browser window away from a better experience. Shoppers expect personalized and relevant experiences, similar to what they would get from a knowledgeable store associate. Only AI can effectively help companies successfully deliver individualized, trusted and connected experiences at a scale that meets and exceeds people’s expectations. And if you add GenAI to the mix, you can not only provide shoppers with answers, but you can provide them with a deeper level of advice — such as which lotion is best for your particular skin type or problem area.

Offers and promotions tailor-made for success

The Coveo 2024 Holiday Shopping Report also found an impressive 90% of shoppers are open to adding items to their existing orders during the holidays, presenting a golden opportunity for retailers to boost sales. Offers like free shipping, relevant special promotions and personalized recommendations also delight shoppers by helping them find the perfect gift while maximizing value.

When this year’s survey asked consumers what would compel them to add to an existing order when shopping online, “Meeting the minimum spend to get free shipping” was the top answer (62%). The second highest response was, “Relevant special offers popping up” (48%), followed by “Recommendations for family members” and “Recommendations for other items” (both 26%).

Top-performing retailers from the 2023 study recognized this growing interest in receiving relevant personalized offers. Clearly on track with what today’s shoppers expect, 90% of retail executive respondents said the ability to provide personalized offers was moving from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.”

The surveys of both retailers and consumers make it clear that “one-size-fits-all” thinking no longer motivates sales. In today’s digital, AI-powered shopping landscape, it’s crucial to offer increasingly personalized offers and deals both to please consumers and to stay competitive. Business success during the busy holiday season means creating deliberate, hyper-personalized, focused strategies that reach and delight each consumer, wherever they are on their shopping journey.

To learn how Coveo helps businesses make the most of AI in today’s digital shopping environment, check out the free ebook at Coveo.com.

Posted on

The Importance of Managing Bad Cholesterol: What You Should Know

2024-09-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Did you know that in the US, nearly half of all adults have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), also referred to as known heart disease?[1] A common type of heart disease, called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is caused by consistent high levels of “bad cholesterol” (aka, low density lipoprotein cholesterol or LDL-C).[2],[3] Prolonged exposure to high levels of bad cholesterol can result in the formation of plaque, which can lead to blockages that can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.[2],[3] The problem? Many people may not know this vital information or how to manage high levels of bad cholesterol.

Bad cholesterol can be measured through a standard lipid panel, which can be done at a healthcare provider’s office.[4] But the reality is that one in five heart attacks that occur in the US are silent, meaning the damage was done without the person knowing.[5] One reason this may happen is because high levels of bad cholesterol can be a symptomless condition — that is why it’s critical for everyone to be aware of their bad cholesterol levels, and if they are high, take proactive steps to reduce their bad cholesterol.[3]

Bringing the Connection to Life

Richard is an active person who likes to fish, work on his home landscaping projects, and play with his son. Coming from a family with a long history of heart disease, Richard always knew he had to be proactive and take his health seriously. But despite his best efforts with diet and an active lifestyle, healthcare providers found a 95% blockage in his left anterior descending artery, also known as the “widowmaker.”[6]

“This significant of a blockage, created by plaque build-up as a result of consistently high levels of bad cholesterol, can cause fatal heart events, hence the name ‘widowmaker,’” says Nicole Ciffone, Nurse Practitioner, Lipid Specialist and Founder of Arizona Lipid Center. “Richard’s proactivity around managing his health might have just saved his life, but many patients don’t know that consistently high levels of bad cholesterol can put them at serious risk for a cardiac event.”

To reduce the blockage and increase blood flow, Richard’s care team placed a stent into his heart, followed by three more over the next six years. Stents are placed in arteries to keep the artery from narrowing or closing.[7] During this time, Richard and his cardiologist kept a close eye on his bad cholesterol levels, which remained high.

After recovering from cardiac surgery, Richard was prescribed statins, a common cholesterol medication, and continued to prioritize a healthy diet and exercise routine.[8]

A Turning Point

“I was doing everything right, but my bad cholesterol remained higher than it should be, even after I started statin therapy,” recalls Richard.

“When you’re already doing everything you think you can do to manage or lower bad cholesterol, not seeing those numbers go down can be frustrating,” said Ciffone. “Sometimes a cholesterol-lowering treatment like statins, even when paired with a healthy lifestyle, isn’t enough.”

Determined not to let his challenges with managing his bad cholesterol impact his most important role in life, being a parent to his young son, Richard worked proactively with his healthcare team to find a treatment to lower his bad cholesterol, which included the addition of non-statin therapy. Richard was prescribed an injectable treatment called Leqvio® (inclisiran), which works with the liver’s natural process to support the lowering of bad cholesterol, along with diet and a statin.[9]

After an initial dose, followed by one at three months, it’s administered by a health care provider twice-yearly.[9] In clinical studies it has been shown to help lower bad cholesterol by about 50% and keep it low through each six-month dosing interval at 17 months.[9]

“I’ve been taking Leqvio for one year now and have been able to reduce my bad cholesterol to levels both me and my healthcare provider are happy with,” Richard said. “It’s been nice to see my numbers go down after years of struggle. And for me and my lifestyle, it’s nice to not have to remember to take another medication or self-inject.”

Finding a Treatment that Works for You

“Leqvio is another great tool in our toolbox to help patients lower their bad cholesterol levels, along with diet and statins,” said Ciffone. “The twice-yearly dosing, after two initial doses, and HCP administration may work for some patients’ lifestyle. But, it’s important that patients speak with their own healthcare providers about what treatment option may be right for them.”

The most common side effects of Leqvio include injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.[9] Please see additional safety information below. It is not known if Leqvio can decrease problems related to high cholesterol, such as heart attacks or stroke.[9]

Bad cholesterol can be a symptomless condition, which can make it easy to forget or ignore as patients may be prioritizing other health conditions.[3] However, managing bad cholesterol is extremely important, especially for patients who are considered “high-risk” for heart disease.

“It’s understandable, given the overwhelming amount of change a patient may need to adopt, that some patients and providers may not prioritize getting to LDL-C guideline recommended thresholds,” said Ciffone. “I encourage both patients and the community of healthcare providers to remain vigilant on bad cholesterol management throughout a patient’s healthcare journey.”

Opportunities for Others

“I hope sharing my story and acknowledging some of the challenges I’ve faced managing my bad cholesterol can help others,” shares Richard. It’s critical to know the status of your bad cholesterol and lower it to the recommended goal and keep it low.[10] By talking to his healthcare providers, Richard was able to find a treatment option that worked for him.

To prepare for these conversations you should understand your target LDL-C number. For example, for patients who have experienced a heart attack or stroke the American Heart Association recommends LDL-C levels of 70 mg/dL or lower.[11]

“If people knew about the importance of managing bad cholesterol, they would take a more proactive approach and have those important conversations with their healthcare providers early,” says Richard.

If you or a loved one has continued to struggle with high LDL-C, despite statin therapy and lifestyle changes, it’s important to ask your healthcare provider about other treatment options.

To learn more about Leqvio, visit Leqvio.com.

What is LEQVIO?

LEQVIO (inclisiran) is an injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and other cholesterol-lowering medicines in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]) to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) or “bad” cholesterol.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use if you have had an allergic reaction to LEQVIO or any of its ingredients.

The most common side effects of LEQVIO were: injection site reaction (including pain, redness, and rash), joint pain, and chest cold.

These are not all the possible side effects of LEQVIO. Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for accompanying LEQVIO full Prescribing Information.

References

[1] Martin SS, Aday AW, Almarzooq ZI, et al. 2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2024; 149(8):e347-e913. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001209

[4] Mayo Clinic. Cholesterol test. Accessed July 26, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601

[5] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart Disease Facts. Accessed July 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

[6] Cleveland Clinic. “Widowmaker Heart Attack.” Accessed July 19, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24507-widowmaker-heart-attack

[8] American Heart Association. What are Cholesterol-Lowering Medications? Accessed July 19, 2024. https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Cholesterol/What-are-cholesterol-lowering-medications-english.pdf

[9] Leqvio [prescribing Information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp; 2024.

[10] Mhaimeed O, Burney ZA, Schott SL, et al. The importance of LDL-C lowering in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention: Lower for longer is better. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2024; 18:100649. doi:10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100649

[11] Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019 Jun 18;139(25):e1082-e1143. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625.

9/24 FA-11248272

Posted on

Pay homage to the masterpiece Purple Rain and the musical genius of Prince, at the newly restored Purple Rain house

2024-09-27T14:01:00

  • Pay homage to Prince’s legendary career and creative genius in a fresh reimagination of The Kid’s world from the 1984 classic.
  • The Revolution’s Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman welcome “fams” to the newly restored “Purple Rain” house, in celebration of the film’s 40th anniversary.
  • The lifelong friends and collaborators of the musical genius invite Airbnb guests to experience Purple Rain like never before, including exclusive pieces and memorabilia from Prince’s personal collection.

(BPT) – For the first time ever, Prince fans will have unprecedented access to the art and music of Purple Rain.

Carefully curated, the home incorporates real-life elements, unreleased tracks, memories and authentic pieces from Prince’s own collection, making it the ultimate tribute to Purple Rain and the man behind the beloved character, The Kid.

“We were lucky enough to be a part of the music scene in Minneapolis during such a pivotal era for rock music, playing with Prince in one of the most successful bands of our generation and starring alongside him in the Purple Rain film,” say Wendy & Lisa. “The Purple Rain house stands as a tribute to our dear friend Prince, the timeless character he brought to life, and the lasting impact he continues to have. We hope the space gives fans a glimpse into the eclectic world Prince created, and visitors walk away feeling a little bit closer to him as an artist and person.”

Located in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis, the Purple Rain house represents his deep-rooted love for the city, iconic music and the pride his community continues to show for him still today. The space will be available for 25 total one-night stays, now bookable on Airbnb through partnership with Paisley Park Enterprises, LLC and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.

About the Stay

Wendy & Lisa are inviting “fams” for an unforgettable overnight stay at the legendary Purple Rain house for 25 total one-night stays. Occurring October 26 to December 14 for up to four guests, each stay will be priced at $7 per person — a nod to Prince’s favorite number. Here’s the setlist:

  • It’s The Kid’s world — you’re just livin’ in it. The downstairs decor includes purple velvet wallpaper and a vintage ‘80s stereo preloaded with songs that inspired The Kid. And that’s not even half of it. Scan the QR codes to get our personal commentary and insights. You’ll love it.
  • Pamper yourself in the spa, decorated as a tribute to one of Wendy & Lisa’s favorite music videos: ‘When Doves Cry.’ Claw-foot tub? Check. Stained glass windows? Double check. Throw in a plush purple robe, a soothing face mask, and some lavender bath bombs into the mix, and you’re golden.
  • Wander through the safari that is the closet. Prince’s most legendary outfits are displayed behind glass — just for lookin’, not for touchin’. But if you want to dress the part, we put together a collection of ‘80s-inspired outfits to elicit your inner rockstar (along with hair, accessories, and eye makeup, of course).
  • Wanna rock out? Visit the muse lounge. Whether u tickle the ivories, bang the drums, shred on guitar, or bless the world with your best falsetto, Wendy & Lisa left instructions to play the chorus of ‘Purple Rain’ along with pre-recorded audio of The Kid himself.
  • The best part of the house is the secret space — if u can find it. Activate a secret door (no, we’re not telling u how) to a room filled with treasures. Especially the faux vinyl album that contains seven clues which, if u answer correctly, will lead to rewards u will freak over.
  • Sleep like a Prince in The Kid’s bedroom, decked out to match the movie. Or stay up and check out his personal tape collection, including one of Prince’s demo recordings — yes, u read that right.

How to Request to Book

Prince “fams” can request to book1 the Purple Rain house starting October 2 at 6:00 AM PT at airbnb.com/prince through October 6 at 11:59 PM PT when request periods close. Guests are responsible for their own travel to and from Minneapolis.

Interested in other Airbnb Icons? Learn more at airbnb.com/icons.

1 Brought to you by Airbnb. There is no cost to submit a request. See full rules for terms, including age and geographic eligibility, and how data is used.

Posted on

From Career to Classroom: Six Strategies for Success

2024-09-27T15:55:00

(BPT) – Late each summer, we see eager students returning to the classroom with new backpacks, sharpened pencils and a renewed focus — ready to take on the school year ahead. Nowadays, “back-to-school” season can be anytime, especially with the rise of students — specifically working adults — taking up opportunities to pursue new skills on their own time.

For working adults, this leap from career back to a classroom — whether online or in-person — can be daunting, especially if they’ve been out of school for a long period of time. Luckily, there are several simple strategies to help reduce anxiety about becoming a student again. Read on for important tips to help you succeed!

1. Find new opportunities for growth.

Have a few extra hours a week? Consider taking some courses to sharpen your skills and stay current with your career. There are numerous online programs designed specifically for adult learners that cater to your unique learning needs and provide electives that can help you potentially expand your career aspirations. If you’re still not sure where to start, try looking into Sophia Learning’s offerings of over 60 online courses to explore new subjects.

2. Choose a flexible program that works for you.

Fortunately, online learning platforms offer a lot of flexibility compared to on-campus programs. You can complete coursework on your own schedule, whether that’s first thing in the morning, during a quiet afternoon or in the late hours when everyone else is sleeping.

3. Seek out affordable learning.

If you’re employed, check to see if your employer has a formal education benefits program or, at a very minimum, offers discounts on select partner schools.

Earning AP Credits or taking general education courses online at an affordable institution like Sophia Learning may also help you save money. You can then transfer these courses to your chosen college or university to bring down the cost of college. Be sure to check with your school’s advisor about the credit transfer policy.

4. Manage your time.

The ability to manage your time wisely can contribute to your overall success, especially if you’re a learner with full-time employment or family care commitments. Safeguard your time for learning by setting specific goals and schedules, creating calendars for deadlines, and asking for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. For example, consider letting your employer know you are utilizing their education program, and ask if they can allow you greater flexibility to manage both work and school.

5. Develop strong study habits.

It’s important to remember that an all-nighter study session isn’t the most conducive strategy for understanding and retaining your coursework knowledge. Learn about proven study methods and think about utilizing tools like flashcards, practice tests, homework assignments and developing your own study guides to help foster continuous learning — resulting in higher performance!

6. Practice self-care.

Test taking can be stressful for everyone, even if you know the material. Practicing self-care such as getting a good night’s sleep, finding a space with minimal distractions to take the exam, eating a good breakfast, and giving your brain a break with a relaxing hobby can minimize nervousness and garner greater success.

It’s never too late for your own back-to-school season. Practicing these adult learner strategies can help you succeed in opening new doors for your personal and professional growth.

Feeling inspired to continue your education online after reading this? Explore your options with Sophia Learning.

Posted on

How cattle grazing protects and benefits the land

2024-09-26T13:31:57

(BPT) – With cattle ranching featured front and center in America’s living rooms due to the popularity of shows highlighting the western lifestyle, and with Climate Week piquing interest in sustainability, it’s a good time to raise awareness about how farmers and ranchers — and their cattle — do a lot more for the country and environment than just being the backdrop of a popular western drama series.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, it’s about ranchers as stewards of sustainable land management, their cattle playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and wildfires, and beef’s role in a healthy, sustainable diet.

New research links cattle grazing to wildfire mitigation

New research by the USDA Agricultural Research Service recently reported some surprising findings: Grazing can benefit invasive sagebrush communities and more than that, can combat wildfires. With much of the western U.S. beset by wildfires in recent years, it is crucial for people living in those areas to understand that cattle grazing actively mitigates the effects and spread of fires by consuming plants that would otherwise act as fuel.

Outdated dogma suggests livestock grazing in the sagebrush steppe in western rangelands negatively impacts those ecosystems. This new research, published in the scientific journal Ecosphere, found the opposite is true. According to the report, the ARS discovered that “strategically applying livestock grazing prior to the occurrence of climate-induced wildfires can modify sagebrush steppe characteristics in ways that decrease fire probability in the communities, promote biodiversity while reducing postfire annual grass invasion, fire-induced loss of native bunchgrasses and fire damage to soil biocrusts.”

In plain language, it means that if cattle graze on the sagebrush steppe regularly, it will induce shorter flame lengths if a fire occurs, slow the rate of fire spread and prevent invasive grasses from popping up after the fire moves through. That’s because, when cattle graze, they’re munching away on grass and plants that could otherwise act as fuel during wildfire season, and they’re doing so on land that is most often unsuitable for growing crops.

How cattle grazing can benefit the land

“As we talk about climate change, and the dryness that we see, cows are a great mitigator of wildfires,” said Janey VanWinkle, a fourth-generation cattle rancher in Colorado. “In a lot of areas where there are invasive plant species, for example, cheatgrass, cows will eat that forage down, which slows the burn once a wildfire is started.”

Ranchers like the VanWinkle family are conservationists. While caring for their animals, they’re also caring for the land.

“When talking about land use, you could ask, ‘Could this land be used for producing crops and other types of food?’ and the answer is, most likely not where I live, with one of the limiting factors here being water,” VanWinkle explained.

The ways cattle grazing can benefit the land go even deeper than preventing wildfires. According to 2024 UC Davis research, grazing:

  • Decreases the potential for soil erosion and regulates the return of nutrients to the soil
  • Promotes plant diversity and abundance by regulating weed growth
  • Preserves open space and regenerates soil and plant life to promote carbon sequestration through the biogenic carbon cycle.

Cattle and bison have been grazing on U.S. lands for centuries. With careful stewardship of ranchers like the VanWinkle family, they can be helping the planet for centuries more.

“Cattle grazing truly is the best use of this land as it provides wildlife habitat and a very high-quality source of protein,” VanWinkle said. “What really matters is protecting our landscapes. I assure you that I want my grandchildren to know what it’s like out in nature and on the ranch.”

Posted on

6 ways AI can help college students study smarter and learn more

2024-09-26T16:55:00

(BPT) – Is information overload making it hard for you to focus on what matters most at school? An essential part of college is reading and deeply understanding the information that will make you an expert in your field. However, today’s college students have exponentially more content to wade through — from textbooks, lecture notes and research papers to the entire internet! It’s easy to spend most of your time searching and not enough time actually learning the most important information. However, you don’t have to tackle this challenge on your own. Let a generative AI assistant help you study smarter and learn more of what matters.

Adobe knows that when used responsibly, AI can be a powerful study partner that can help students succeed. Check out the company’s six suggestions for using AI to maximize your studying and learning.

1. Learning

In your college courses, you’ll run across dense learning materials. Academic articles and readings often have long blocks of dense text, tables and charts that can make remembering the key information really difficult.

Acrobat AI Assistant can summarize documents and create concise outlines that allow you to easily navigate and learn the information in even the most daunting documents. Armed with this new partner, you can spend more time closely reading, analyzing and understanding your course materials. You can also ask AI Assistant to present the information in easier-to-understand language or summarize key themes so you can truly focus on what matters.

2. Studying

When preparing for a quiz or test, it can be hard to know where to start. At times, it can be overwhelming! Don’t panic. Gather your lecture notes, handouts, texts, presentations and other relevant course documents and let AI do the admin for you.

AI Assistant can bring all the relevant documents together and organize the information by key themes, definitions and dates. AI Assistant can then use this information to generate practice quizzes, study guides and questions and answers you can paste into flashcards, so you can review the course materials and study more effectively.

3. Brainstorming

Imagine this: You’re assigned a project, presentation or essay, and you’re struggling to come up with ideas on a specific theme. AI can be a valuable tool for brainstorming that can spark your imagination and help get you started.

Let’s say you’ve read a research report on the Fall of the Roman Empire and the next assignment is to present one of the paper’s major themes. AI Assistant can provide a list of potential themes to get you thinking — like instability, economic decline or overexpansion. From there, you can brainstorm more themes or ask AI Assistant to locate examples of information around your chosen topic. AI Assistant provides the information with citations so you can navigate to that section and read more.

4. Class Presentations

Most people are at least a little uncomfortable presenting in front of their peers. AI Assistant can help you prepare to do your best. Simply upload your presentation and course materials and AI Assistant offers thoughtful questions. So when it’s your turn to present in class, you’ll be prepared for your professor’s and peers’ questions and feel more confident.

5. Citations

Properly citing and attributing your sources is a cornerstone of academic work. When you’re writing or reading, AI Assistant includes citations with clickable links so you can verify where the information came from in the document. Having these citations on hand also makes it easier for you to incorporate the information in your reports, essays and projects.

6. Careers

Preparing and applying for career experiences starts in college. Whether you’re applying for an internship, postgraduate job or even a part-time job while in school, AI can support your career development.

For example, you are applying for an internship at a tech company. To stand out among the other applicants, you can use AI Assistant to analyze the internship role description and identify keywords, phrases and requirements. Then, let AI Assistant review your cover letter and resume to make sure you’ve included the application’s language and that you’ve highlighted all the pertinent skills needed for the role.

Special $1.99 Pricing for College Students

Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant won’t help shortcut your learning. It’s an incredible learning aid that can help you draw connections across your course materials, analyze key information, as well as practice ahead of big exams and presentations.

If you’re interested in trying out AI to help you spend less time searching and more time learning, consider Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant. AI Assistant works with any file type (not just PDFs!) and can be used on desktop, the web and mobile devices.

Adobe is committed to developing and deploying AI responsibly for all of its customers — including students. Acrobat AI Assistant includes key features and practices to help keep student data safe and user guidelines to encourage responsible use.

Adobe is offering students access to an Acrobat AI Assistant subscription for just $1.99 per month. To learn more and try out this AI tool for yourself, visit Acrobat.Adobe.com.

Posted on

Parents: What you need to know about meningitis

2024-09-26T11:01:00

(BPT) – College student Jamie Schanbaum was studying at the University of Texas at Austin, just 19 years old, when she was rushed to the hospital with severe symptoms that seemed related to asthma or the flu.

Two days later, Jamie and her family were stunned to learn she had contracted meningococcal disease, a serious, life-threatening illness. Meningococcal bacteria can infiltrate the brain and spinal cord, known as meningitis, or the blood, causing septicemia. People can carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without being aware of it and spread it to others. Jamie ‘caught’ the bacteria and developed septicemia.

While Jamie fortunately survived, her life would not be the same. Her legs and fingers needed to be amputated due to the infection. But her strength and determination have caused her to become an effective advocate for meningitis awareness, and after two years of walking on prosthetics, Jamie joined the USA Paralympic Cycling team in 2011.

“Jamie is making a difference for others every day,” said her mother, Patsy Schanbaum, “including inspiring the founding of the J.A.M.I.E. Group, a nonprofit organization that raises meningitis awareness and educates people about the importance of prevention through vaccination. We work with many other meningitis groups, often started by families impacted by this horrible disease, to help save lives.”

The J.A.M.I.E. Group has also worked to pass legislation requiring meningitis vaccination for college students, who are at higher risk for meningitis.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is a devastating and debilitating infection that can affect anyone, anywhere, at any time. Those at higher risk of meningococcal infection include young children, adolescents, older adults, people living with chronic and immunocompromising conditions (such as HIV) and those living in close quarters — including college students and military recruits.

Bacterial meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, death and brain damage in survivors are common outcomes. Most cases of bacterial meningitis are caused by three different bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcus (Pnc) and Meningococcus.

Meningococcal disease is transmitted person-to-person, through droplets of secretions from people who are carriers. Carriers are healthy people who have meningococcus in their nose and throat. Transmission is also through contact with contaminated items such as utensils and living in close quarters with a carrier.

Symptoms of meningococcal disease may begin like influenza (the flu), but can worsen rapidly to include fever, severe headache, stiff neck and a skin rash.

Approximately 10-20 percent of people with bacterial meningitis will die within 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms, and 10-30 percent of people will sustain permanent damage and disability, leading to life-changing events including brain injury, depression, hearing loss and/or limb loss.

The good news: Meningitis is preventable

Vaccination has been shown to be highly effective in reducing the risk of illness and disease transmission, which is especially crucial during the winter months when more people are spending time together indoors and many different viruses are spreading.

Routine use of vaccines in infants and children against Hib, Pnc and the common groups of meningococcus that cause the majority of illness have been very successful in preventing disease. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends routine administration of a single dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine against serogroups A, C, Y and W to children 11 or 12 years of age, with a booster dose at age 16. Meningococcal B vaccination is available to all adolescents and young adults (ages 16-23).

Vaccine protection can decrease within five years following vaccination, so getting vaccinated at the recommended times maintains your protection and reduces the risk of illness and disease transmission.

Prevention is power. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against meningococcal disease for you and your family members, especially those who may be at higher risk. Visit MeningitisAwareness.org to learn more.

Posted on

Want happier employees? New research says it’s time to get personal

2024-09-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – In an eye-opening look at workplace well-being, researchers have found that only one-third (28%) of knowledge workers globally say they have a healthy relationship with their jobs.

The culprit, according to HP’s 2024 Work Relationship Index (WRI), is an outdated, one-size-fits-all approach to the employee experience. The data shows that offices, company culture, tools and leadership styles have remained nearly the same while the world’s expectations of work have evolved. To keep up, businesses must prioritize what today’s workers really want. (Hint: It’s not just free snacks.)

The future of work? It’s personal

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter career experiences. Modern employees are looking to be treated as individuals, rather than simply part of a collective workforce. According to HP’s 2024 WRI, at least two-thirds of knowledge workers and business leaders want tailored professional experiences, meaning choices across workspaces, tools, schedules and trainings that meet their unique needs and goals. It’s all about options, customization and autonomy.

And if you think this only applies to the younger generation, think again. While more than 70% of Gen Z and Millennials say more personalized work would improve their overall well-being and relationship with work, more than 65% of Gen X and more than 55% of Boomers agreed, too.

“This shift toward personalization reveals crucial insights for employers,” said Anneliese Olson, senior vice president and managing director, North America, HP. “Tailored experiences could be the key to unlocking workforce potential and employee longevity.”

Harnessing AI’s workplace potential

AI usage at work has exploded among knowledge workers and emerged as one tool helping create more personalized work experiences. The study found that nearly 7-in-10 (69%) knowledge workers who use AI agree they can customize their use of AI to be more productive. Many knowledge workers who used AI in 2024 saw other benefits too, including better work-life balance, new opportunities to enjoy their careers, and 73% said AI makes their jobs easier. Notably, the Work Relationship Index score for knowledge workers who use AI is 11 points higher than that of their colleagues who don’t.

Trust at the top

Today’s workers want a company they can believe in. They seek out strong, confident leaders who will make the right decisions for them and their businesses. In fact, trust in senior leadership was one of the most influential factors in determining WRI scores, highlighting the pivotal role executives play in shaping the employee experience. Despite a clear demand for bold leadership, the data found that less than half (44%) of business leaders felt confident in their “human skills,” including mindfulness, self-awareness, communication, creative thinking, resilience, emotional intelligence and empathy; and only 42% were confident in their hard or technical skills.

Women leaders, however, emerged as a bright spot in the research, displaying greater confidence in both human and hard skills compared to their male counterparts. In fact, female business leaders were found to be 10 points more confident in their hard skills, and most notably 13 points more confident in human skills than their male counterparts.

Empathy and the employee experience

Feeling seen and heard by management is another top priority for workers across generations — and one that greatly impacts not only their desire to stay put, but also their overall well-being and their professional growth. It all comes down to empathy. The 2024 HP WRI data shows that while 78% of knowledge workers say it’s important to have senior leadership who demonstrate empathy, only 28% say their executives consistently demonstrate it. This empathy disconnect is further underscored at the leadership level. While many leaders lack confidence in their human skills, at least 90% acknowledge empathy’s positive impact on employee well-being, professional growth and retention.

“Today’s workforce wants so much more than a paycheck,” said Olson. “The 2024 HP Work Relationship Index (WRI) highlights a clear demand for choice, individualization and a human-first approach to leadership. To realize this vision, we need empathic leaders and the right technologies to meet these evolving needs. The moment has arrived for businesses to fundamentally redefine relationships with work.”

Posted on

Make a Lasting Impact: The Power of Legacy Giving

2024-09-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – Everyone leaves a legacy behind. The question is: What will your legacy be? It’s never too early to start planning. Thinking about your legacy now can help you live with intention and purpose while helping the causes you care about most.

Consider the inspiring story of Richard Dick Henry, a decorated World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. Affectionately known as “Chief,” Richard wanted to ensure that future generations of veterans received care beyond his lifetime. With thoughtful planning, he fulfilled his intention. Richard contacted Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and learned how to leave a gift in his will. Although Richard passed away, his legacy gift is helping provide wounded, ill, and injured veterans with free, life-changing care today.

“Chief’s gift helps Wounded Warrior Project keep the promise to be there for our nation’s heroes, no matter what,” said Chris Needles, WWP™ chief development officer. “Our free programs and services are changing and saving lives thanks to the commitment of generous supporters.”

Like Richard, you can make a major impact by planning a gift for an organization, no matter your financial situation. There are various ways to contribute, big or small, that will stand the test of time and support your charity of choice.

Here are three reasons why legacy giving is one of the most effective ways to make an impact.

  1. Legacy giving provides flexibility to support causes you care about without affecting your current financial situation:
  • Leave a gift in your will: You can choose to give a set amount of money or a portion of your estate. This way, your gift can grow or shrink along with your assets over time.
  • Give through your retirement account: You can select a charity to receive money from your retirement account in the future. Your savings grow tax-free during your lifetime, which means a bigger gift for the charity in the long run.
  • Make a gift that gives twice: Ask your financial advisor about setting up a charitable gift annuity. This allows you to support a cause today while receiving steady payments for life. Your gift grows over time, making an even bigger impact in the future.
  1. Your planned gift, big or small, has the potential to create significant change for a charitable organization:
  • Individual gifts can drive new initiatives, expand existing programs, and empower organizations to invest in innovative solutions to reach more people in need.
  • Legacy gifts provide organizations with financial stability and the potential to plan for long-term projects that can have far-reaching impacts.
  • Your personal story and motivation behind the gift can inspire others, potentially leading to a ripple effect of giving.
  1. Legacy giving allows you to make a lasting impact on organizations supporting complex, long-term issues.

    Most organizations focused on intergenerational challenges require continuous support. For example, WWP relies on donors to address ongoing veterans needs such as chronic health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder, employment difficulties, and financial instability. These challenges often extend to their families, creating a need for comprehensive support. Each donation improves the quality of life for veterans and empowers them and their families to leave lasting legacies of their own.

Remember that every gift, no matter the size, has the potential to change lives. Consider how planned giving can help you make a meaningful impact that aligns with your values and supports the causes closest to your heart.

By partnering with established organizations through planned giving, you can amplify your impact and help create lasting, positive change for generations to come.

Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project and how to set up a legacy gift today.