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Empower yourself: Effective strategies for finding a high-quality therapist online

2023-06-21T13:01:00

(BPT) – “How are you?” When most people get asked this question, the default answer is “fine.” But often, when you really think about how you are feeling, you may be struggling with your mental health. If so, you’re not alone.

More than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder.

While the stigma surrounding mental illness continues to diminish — about 47% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2021 — most adults still have difficulty accessing appropriate treatment. Among the most significant hurdles to care are cost of care and time constraints.

Online therapy bridges gaps

With the growth of telehealth and virtual care options, many people are exploring ways to seek treatment online. Virtual care can make therapy and medicines available in a more flexible manner no matter where you are located in the U.S. Additionally, telehealth options are often more affordable than paying out of pocket in a traditional in-person environment.

If you are considering finding an online mental health care provider, consider the following:

Do your research: Look for reputable online therapy platforms that provide access to experienced, licensed therapists. For example, Cerebral.com thoroughly vets clinicians, inviting only qualified clinicians to join the platform. Plus, they provide continuous training so clinicians are continuously improving.

Consider your specific needs: Determine the specific areas or issues you’d like to address. This could include anxiety, depression, relationship problems or other mental health concerns. Ensure that the therapists you consider are licensed and experienced in those areas.

Explore diversity and cultural compatibility: If cultural or identity factors are important to you, look for a therapist who meets those needs. At Cerebral, close to 50% of clinicians come from minority backgrounds. Additionally, Cerebral clinicians are experienced in providing supportive and ethical care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Don’t take shortcuts: Be sure to read the fine print. Some websites provide cheaper counseling or coaching services, which are usually NOT therapy. These alternative services often do not match you with a licensed therapist. Furthermore, some services are text-based only, or depend solely on technology-based care. These newer treatments have less clinical evidence for effectiveness as compared with traditional teletherapy. When it comes to your mental well-being, do not take shortcuts.

Why commitment to therapy is critical

Remember that finding the right online therapist and embarking on your journey to mental wellness takes time and effort. “Mental health is complex and unique to each person. Therapy doesn’t work overnight. It’s important to be patient and give it time,” said Dr. David Mou, CEO of Cerebral.

That’s why Cerebral launched Strong Start, a clinically proven two-month plan aimed to provide clients with the time and flexibility to develop and strengthen client-therapist relationships, achieve consistent results, and commit to the journey to mental well-being.

Strong Start offers three affordable starter package options, including a therapy plan, a medication management plan, and a combined plan with both services. All Cerebral care plans are FSA and HSA eligible, making them even more budget friendly.

Why commit two months?

A two-month period is the minimum amount proven to deliver better clinical outcomes. Based on a study of more than 70,000 Cerebral clients with moderate to severe anxiety and depression, those who committed to therapy for two or more months were three times more likely to report feeling significantly better.

“With a two-month commitment, Strong Start gives you a solid foundation for reaching your mental health goals,” said Dr. Mou. “Everyone deserves the chance to feel their best.”

For more information and to get started, visit Cerebral.com.

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5 essential doctor-recommended nutrients to support your liver health

2023-06-21T18:31:00

(BPT) – Your liver works as hard as you do, processing the food you eat and performing several vital functions for your body, including cleaning toxins from your blood and metabolizing proteins, carbs and fat for your body to use every day. After exerting itself performing all these critical functions, the liver regenerates. Because it’s such a fundamental component of your overall health, it’s important to help support it by making sure you’re getting essential nutrients to keep regenerating and working for you, day after day.

“Nutrition is one of the most important factors to promote liver health, along with regular exercise, stress management and healthy weight management,” said Dr. David Kahana, board certified in pediatrics and gastroenterology through the American Board of Pediatrics as well as medical nutrition through the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists. “While the best way to aid your liver is with a balanced diet, you can benefit from supplements that provide nutrients that are hard to get enough of from food every day.”

To help ensure you’re supplying your liver with the support it needs, 1MD Nutrition’s LiverMD® has you covered. Here are the doctor-recommended nutrients contained in this supplement that help promote optimal liver function.

1. Milk thistle

An active compound in milk thistle called Silybin helps reduce occasional oxidative stress your liver experiences as it processes everything you ingest. It also supports liver cell strength, helping keep everyday environmental toxins from crossing into cells while promoting your liver’s natural detoxification process. For optimal liver function, the silybin in the patented Siliphos® extract used in LiverMD® is a great place to start. With higher bioavailability than traditional milk thistle extracts, you can be assured your liver is getting the support it needs.

2. Vitamin E

Tocotrienols found in vitamin E are powerful cleansing compounds known to help reduce everyday oxidative stress and support healthy liver cell division. You can find vitamin E in foods like spinach, almonds, pumpkin, cereals, meat, poultry, eggs and fruits. However, if you don’t get enough vitamin E from your food, a supplement can help ensure that your body gets what it needs. As you age, the ability to retain vitamin E diminishes, so it’s important to maintain healthy levels as part of your daily routine. LiverMD® contains patented TocoGaia™, a full-spectrum tocotrienol vitamin E extract.

3. Selenium

As a purifying mineral, selenium helps reduce typical oxidative stress to promote the liver’s natural detoxification process. It also supports liver cell and tissue elasticity to maintain proper shape and function. The most common food sources for selenium include seafood, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, poultry and eggs, but many Americans don’t get the recommended daily amounts through food.

4. Zinc

This mineral helps aid the body’s detoxification process to support both liver and digestive health. By helping reduce unwanted immune responses, zinc also supports healthy liver cell division and function. Zinc is found in foods like poultry, seafood, legumes, whole grains, avocados, berries, mushrooms and pumpkin seeds. You can also add a liver health supplement that contains an effective dose of zinc to your routine to enhance your overall well-being.

5. N-acetyl cysteine

When your diet is low in essential amino acids, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) becomes vital. You can find NAC in foods like poultry, eggs, cheese, sunflower seeds, lentils, yogurt and oatmeal. NAC helps to reduce occasional oxidative stress, allowing time for healthy liver cell production and regeneration when needed, and also promotes healthy detoxification.

In addition to providing the five crucial nutrients described above, LiverMD® also contains alpha-lipoic acid, which promotes antioxidant capacity in and around the liver, and helps liver enzymes create energy from the nutrients you consume.

While a well-balanced diet provides adequate nutrition for many, life can get in the way, and you don’t want your liver health to miss out on essential nutrients. Fortunately, 1MD Nutrition’s LiverMD® is a scientifically formulated liver health solution packed with naturally sourced ingredients to help nourish and support liver function.

Learn more about how to maintain your liver health at 1MD.org.

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How One Psoriasis Patient Finally Landed on a Dosing Schedule That Worked for Him

2023-06-21T23:01:00

(BPT) – Models used for illustrative purposes only

Psoriasis can appear at any age, but most people actually experience their first flare between the ages of 13 and 35.[1] Todd was only 16 when he first noticed red and flaky patches on parts of his body like his scalp. Shortly thereafter, his dermatologist diagnosed him with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. This wasn’t the first time Todd heard of the condition, however. His mom, who also has moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, assured him that it wasn’t contagious and that he could find a way to manage his symptoms and carry on as a “normal” teen.

By age 18, Todd was balancing college applications, soccer, a social life and his symptoms. During this time, Todd struggled with feelings of hopelessness and frustration. This frustration would sometimes progress into anger, but he didn’t know where to direct this anger. “You can’t be angry at your skin, right?” Todd said.

Plaques on his knees and elbows were the most bothersome, and at that point Todd’s dermatologist recommended he try topical treatments. He started to see improvement on his skin clearance, but soon after noticed the same flakes and itchy patches return. “I was feeling frustrated seeing my symptoms worsen and spread across my body,” he reflected. Todd knew this type of treatment would not be suitable long term.

Todd’s journey to find an effective treatment for his moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis would take him and his dermatologist nearly two decades before Todd learned of a treatment called ILUMYA® (tildrakizumab-asmn). After doing some research and consulting his dermatologist, Todd was scheduled to receive his first two starter doses of ILUMYA®. After that, he only receives an injection four times a year.

ILUMYA® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections, pills (systemic therapy), or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light). ILUMYA® helps most adult patients achieve clear or almost clear skin in as little as 12 weeks and is proven to be effective for psoriasis of the scalp. The most common side effects include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and diarrhea.

After a few months of treatment, Todd began to see improvement in his skin. While some patients might experience side effects such as upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and diarrhea, he did not. Todd, who is now a high school teacher and soccer coach, can easily manage the quarterly dosing around his personal schedule and is relieved to have finally found the right treatment for him. “I am grateful to have found a treatment that allows me to keep teaching and coaching without worrying about missing a dose.”

Do you have an inspiring story to share about your experience with ILUMYA®? Join Todd and other ILUMYA® patients by sharing your story. Visit https://www.ilumya.com/your-story for more information.

What is ILUMYA®?

ILUMYA® (tildrakizumab-asmn) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who may benefit from taking injections, pills (systemic therapy), or phototherapy (treatment using ultraviolet or UV light).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ILUMYA®?

Do not use ILUMYA® if you have had a severe allergic reaction to ILUMYA® or any of its ingredients.

Get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction:

  • feel faint
  • trouble breathing or throat tightness
  • swelling of your face, eyelids, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
  • chest tightness
  • skin rash

ILUMYA® is a medicine that may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. Your healthcare provider should check you for infections and tuberculosis (TB) before starting treatment with ILUMYA® and may treat you for TB before you begin treatment with ILUMYA® if you have a history of TB or have active TB. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during and after treatment with ILUMYA®.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection, including:

  • fever, sweats, or chills
  • muscle aches
  • weight loss
  • cough
  • warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body different from your psoriasis
  • diarrhea or stomach pain
  • shortness of breath
  • burning when you urinate or urinating more often than normal
  • blood in your phlegm (mucus)

Before receiving ILUMYA®, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have any of the conditions or symptoms listed in the section “What is the most important information I should know about ILUMYA®?”
  • have an infection that does not go away or that keeps coming back
  • have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB
  • recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine (immunization). You should avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with ILUMYA®.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ILUMYA® can harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ILUMYA® passes into your breast milk.

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

It is not known if ILUMYA® is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

What are the possible side effects of ILUMYA®?

ILUMYA® may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about ILUMYA®?”

The most common side effects of ILUMYA® include upper respiratory infections, injection site reactions and diarrhea. These are not all of the possible side effects of ILUMYA®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report any negative side effects of ILUMYA® to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You are also encouraged to report side effects or ADEs (adverse drug events) to our Drug Safety Department at 1-800-406-7984 or drug.safetyUSA@sunpharma.com (preferred) with as much information as available.

Please read the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for ILUMYA® and discuss any questions with your doctor.

ILUMYA® is a registered trademark of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2023 Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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8 reasons to fall in love with Atlantic Canada this autumn

2023-06-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re longing for great travel experiences and you’re unfamiliar with Atlantic Canada, you’re about to meet your next travel crush. The four provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — offer an astonishing array of adventures to suit any traveler, from exploring the beauty of rugged coastlines to indulging in unique cultural and culinary experiences.

Even better, fall is the perfect time for your adventure, as the weather is moderate but even some of the most popular venues are less crowded. On top of that, there are many special events and festivals that you can only revel in during this time of year.

Here are just 8 of the many reasons to explore Atlantic Canada this fall.

New Brunswick

1. Get your toes tapping at the Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton for Atlantic Canada’s premiere music festival.

You’ll hear 400-plus musicians — 150 performances — at 27 stages across six city blocks. Acclaimed international performers, top regional acts and emerging Canadian artists offer an unforgettable experience in the historic downtown of New Brunswick’s capital city. Dance all night at a Cajun party, absorb the raw sounds of electric blues, sway to smooth jazz or get your funk on — and much more, at a price that’s easy on the wallet. The festival runs from Sept 12-17, 2023.

2. Have a whale of a time whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides, during the best months for it — September and October.

While many species of whales visit the bay, the most commonly spotted are Humpback, Finback and Minke whales, as well as other marine wildlife including seals, porpoises, sharks, dolphins and sea birds. There’s a reason whale watching is on so many bucket lists — viewing these magnificent creatures is truly a memorable and humbling experience. Tours depart from St. Andrews, Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island.

Newfoundland & Labrador

3. Join the feast at Roots, Rants and Roars, a festival celebrating local food and culture in Elliston on the island of Newfoundland.

You’ll enjoy a seven-course outdoor feast created through a collaboration of Newfoundland chefs and accompanied by live music from local musicians. Other activities include hiking the rugged coastline and dancing. Since its inaugural event in 2009, Roots, Rants and Roars has become the premier culinary event in Newfoundland and Labrador, recognized throughout Canada as one of the top culinary festivals. It will be held September 15-16, 2023.

4. Explore art in unique settings at the Bonavista Biennale.

What started as an idea among friends for an art event on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula has grown into an international exhibition held every two years. Visitors experience Canadian contemporary art at 20 unique sites along a rural 102-mile route. The Biennale includes artists from Newfoundland and Labrador working in all types of media, in unconventional outdoor and indoor locations across the peninsula. Since the Biennale began in 2017, it has exhibited works by over 75 artists. It runs August 19-September 17, 2023 and is free and open to all.

Nova Scotia

5. Film fans and foodies unite at Devour! The Food Film Festival in Wolfville, the epicenter of Nova Scotia.

Enjoy exceptional films, workshops, special events and experiential activities showcasing the largesse of this region. This year’s festival focuses on French culture, exploring how the roots of Acadian, Cajun, Creole and French cuisine intersect both on screen and on your plate. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-311-9090 and through Ticketpro’s website starting September 2023. The festival will be held October 23-29.

6. Autumn on Cape Breton Island is the most beautiful and magical time of year when cooler days are brightened by colorful foliage and hearts are warmed by the friendly people, food and music.

In particular, drive around the famous Cabot Trail that weaves in and out of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, when the already stunning scenery is enhanced with the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the changing leaf colors. The Hike the Highlands festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 — Sept 8-17 — when visitors can experience the natural beauty of the area on guided hikes during the day and through presentations and activities in the evenings.

Prince Edward Island

7. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge on Prince Edward Island (PEI).

Plan a mindful retreat at Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre to immerse yourself in nature and explore wooded trails at this peaceful, family-run 16-acre glamping resort. Or pamper yourself at Mysa Nordic Spa — PEI’s first and only Nordic spa. It’s a serene space designed for relieving stress and invigorating the senses. They offer many spa services including thermal baths, essential oil steam rooms, cold water plunges, a Finnish sauna, meditation sessions and massages.

8. Feed your inner foodie at the Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival.

Islanders have a long tradition of celebrating food and inviting visitors to join the party, which inspired the first Prince Edward Island Fall Flavours Festival presented by Sobeys back in 2007.Canada’s “Food Island” offers culinary explorers opportunities to experience PEI’s incredible food scene during harvest season. You’ll enjoy seasonal food fresh from PEI’s fields and bays: succulent lobster, mussels and oysters, high-quality beef, potatoes and much more. The 15th anniversary celebration takes place the first two weeks of October at various events throughout the Island.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Get started at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.

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Pride Month travel: How Hosts around the world are creating safe spaces

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.

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5 easy ways to help summer-proof your skin

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.

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6 morning habits to get your joint health off to a good start

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.

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6 morning habits to get your heart health off to a good start

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.

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Google expands Bitcoin services through Voltage partnership

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.

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Storm season is coming: 5 ways you can protect your home from lightning

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.