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Gift yourself 12 magical holiday experiences in Myrtle Beach

2024-11-20T11:47:00

(BPT) – This holiday season, escape to a magical coastal getaway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Whether you’re strolling along serene, sandy beaches or celebrating at one of The Beach’s many seasonal festivities, you’re sure to create unforgettable holiday memories all along the Grand Strand.

Check out these 12 holiday events and experiences happening in Myrtle Beach this winter:

1. Ripley’s Aquarium Festival of Trees: Explore the wonders of the SEA-son at Ripley’s Aquarium’s immersive tree display, featuring trees representing all 55 U.S. states and territories. The display also includes trees inspired by holiday favorites like “The Grinch” and “Elf.” Enjoy a fun-filled scavenger hunt included with admission to the aquarium. Nov. 8-Jan. 5.

2. The Great Christmas Light Show: Don’t miss out on this park-wide drive-thru light show celebration. The show features over 500 custom-made magical light displays and more than 2 million lights festively displayed along a two-mile route at the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. Some displays are even as tall as 55 feet! Nov. 25-Dec.30.

3. Winter Wonderland at The Beach: Each year, Winter Wonderland at the Beach offers a free lights display that stretches along a gorgeous mile of oceanfront along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Highlights this year include the annual tree lighting ceremony (Nov. 30) and a spectacular holiday drone show (Dec. 7). Visit the holiday market on select dates, or enjoy Santa appearances, caroling and DJ dance parties at Plyler Park every weekend. Nov. 29-Jan. 4.

4. MarshWalk Wonderland of Lights: Have you ever seen a festively decorated marsh? Take a stroll along the MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet and experience a holiday wonderland with thousands of lights, themed displays and live entertainment on select nights. Enjoy waterfront views, seasonal treats and visits from Santa. Nov. 29-Dec. 31.

5. Nights of A Thousand Candles: Experience one of the Southeast’s most beloved holiday events. During this time of year, Brookgreen Gardens comes to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and millions of sparkling lights. Visit from 4 to 9 p.m. and walk the paths with a warm cup of cider, hear the sounds of holiday music and celebrate the season with family and friends! Nov. 30-Jan. 5.

6. City of Conway’s Celebration of Lights: Drive along Conway’s downtown riverfront district and take in its annual drive-thru light show, held weekly, Thursday through Sunday, from 6 to 9 p.m. Don’t miss out on the tree lighting ceremony (Dec. 5), the Rivertown Christmas Celebration (Dec. 12) and the annual parade (Dec. 14). Admission is $2 per person. Nov. 30-Dec. 24.

7. Pirate’s Voyage Christmas Show: Embark on a swashbuckling holiday adventure at Pirate’s Voyage Dinner & Show and follow Captain Scrooge on a journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas. During the show, indulge in a four-course holiday feast as crimson and emerald pirates battle for hidden treasure, accompanied by acrobatic feats, live animals and a captivating Nativity scene. Oct. 30-early Jan.

8. Alabama Theatre Christmas Show: Witness the magic of “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show.” This year’s Alabama Theatre Christmas Show combines breathtaking talent, scenery and special effects to produce a spectacular new holiday musical experience sure to put you in the spirit of the season. Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

9. The Carolina Opry Christmas Special: Also known as “The Christmas Show of the South,” the Carolina Opry Christmas Special opens its 39th season Nov. 1. Visitors can enjoy enchanting holiday performances this winter, bringing time-honored tradition to create a family experience that is second to none as new talent mingles with acclaimed rotating artists and long-standing Opry favorites. Nov. 1-Dec. 31.

10. Winter in the Air: Watch as the Broadway Theater in Myrtle Beach is transformed into a mesmerizing winter wonderland! Winter in the Air is a Cirque-style spectacular that captivates audiences with breathtaking acrobatics and the heartwarming joy of the holiday season. The show promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of high-flying acrobatics with the enchanting beauty of winter’s magic. Nov. 2-Dec. 20.

11. Motown Christmas Tribute Show: Celebrate the holidays with soulful cheer at GTS Theatre’s “Motown Christmas Tribute.” This lively show features classic Motown hits and holiday favorites, blending classic tunes with festive spirit for an unforgettable experience. Nov. 6- Dec. 23.

12. The Wonders of Christmas Holiday Magic Spectacular: Head to the Charles Bach Wonders Theatre to experience the magic of the holiday season with illusionist Charles Bach as he brings Christmas wishes to life. This family-friendly show features incredible magic, holiday music, fabulous dancers and beautiful costumes. Nov. 14-Dec. 31.

Ready to plan your holiday getaway? Check out Myrtle Beach’s Holiday Vacation Guide to learn more about these and other events happening at The Beach. You can also visit VisitMyrtleBeach.com to explore all your options for your holiday getaway.

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How to keep stress from impacting your health this holiday season

2024-11-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a joyful time, but it can also be hectic, bringing with it unique mental stressors like juggling to-do lists, managing budgets and navigating family dynamics.

To help keep stress from putting a damper on your otherwise festive season, the chiropractic experts at The Joint Chiropractic share ways stress can affect your wellness, plus practical tips to help you relax more and enjoy your holidays. Chiropractic care can play a vital role in supporting your mental well-being by promoting a sense of calm and balance, allowing you to fully enjoy and embrace the holiday spirit.

How stress manifests during the holiday season

Three different types of stress can increase during the holidays:

  1. Emotional stress often stems from feelings of worry, frustration and the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday. Managing social obligations and navigating complex family dynamics can add to the emotional strain.
  2. Chemical stress is frequently caused by changes in your diet and lifestyle choices. With an abundance of holiday treats, sugary snacks and rich foods, it’s easy to consume excess sugar, preservatives and unhealthy fats that can negatively impact your health.
  3. Physical stress can result from the hustle and bustle of the season. Activities like decorating, carrying heavy shopping bags or traveling can put a strain on the body. Additionally, poor posture from sitting for extended periods or overuse injuries from repetitive motions can also contribute to physical stress.

Recognizing and understanding these stressors is essential for effectively managing holiday-related challenges. Prioritizing your well-being this time of year can help you truly enjoy the spirit of the season.

How chiropractic care can help manage stress

From sleep deprivation caused by late-night celebrations to holiday weight gain and mood swings from all the hustle and bustle, the impact of stress can be significant. Here’s how routine chiropractic care can help you stay ahead of these challenges and keep stress in check so you can thrive:

  • Healthy spine and nervous system. A healthy spine is the foundation of a well-functioning nervous system, which plays a key role in how you handle stress. Chiropractic adjustments help keep your spine properly aligned, promoting better communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. This can lead to a more balanced response to holiday stressors, both physically and mentally.
  • Improved health and wellness. By supporting clear communication throughout your body, chiropractic care can reduce pain, decrease anxiety, improve sleep and stabilize your mood — all crucial elements during the hectic holiday season. With regular adjustments from your local chiropractor, you can also lower your risk of developing serious health issues, allowing you to enjoy the festivities with greater peace of mind.

Practical tips to ease holiday anxiety and promote relaxation

  • Take a breather: Take 10 breaths. As you inhale for four seconds, concentrate on the feelings of stress and worry you’re having. Then exhale for six seconds, letting everything go as you feel the release.
  • Make time for relaxation: Along with getting chiropractic treatment, relax your neck and shoulder muscles with a heating pad, and do gentle daily stretches to keep your muscles limber and loose to ease muscle tension and reduce headaches.
  • Enjoy regular light exercise: Find time in your schedule for about 15 minutes to get outside and walk in your neighborhood or a nearby park. That short amount of time can smooth away stress and help you wind down in the evening.
  • Prioritize sleep: Prioritizing adequate sleep during the holiday season helps your body recover from daily stressors, supports a healthy immune system and enhances mental clarity. Quality rest can also improve your mood, making it easier to navigate family gatherings and holiday festivities with patience and joy.

To find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com.

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5 ways outdoor Wi-Fi can kick your quality of life up a notch

2024-11-20T14:01:00

(BPT) – The idea of working from home rocketed in popularity and is now a preferred way of life for millions of people. But have you ever settled in at your backyard patio table with your laptop, a cup of coffee, and an urgent project for work, only to find your home’s Wi-Fi doesn’t extend into your yard? It’s a common annoyance that has generated a multitude of homemade fixes, none of which has been quite right or completely reliable.

For many of us, taking the laptop into the backyard should just work, period, and it’s supremely annoying when it doesn’t. The problem is likely the placement of your router, which has limited range. It’s the same sort of problem that spurred Nick Weaver, co-founder and CEO at eero, and his team to create eero, a mesh Wi-Fi network, a decade ago. Only back then, the problem was inside the house.

eero pioneered mesh Wi-Fi to solve annoying dropped connections, buffering streamed movies and dead areas in people’s homes. The technology involves a mesh network of multiple access points positioned around the home that replaces a single router. People can place as many eero devices as they need to get fast, reliable Wi-Fi throughout their home, regardless of its shape and size.

Now to the problem of backyard Wi-Fi. As the years went on, eero saw the necessity for a new solution once again, based on customer behavior.

“Since we shipped our first systems in 2016, customers have wanted to expand their eero networks beyond their four walls and cover every inch of their property in Wi-Fi,” says Weaver. “Over the years, we’ve seen our customers come up with all sorts of inventive solutions like eero devices inside weatherproof boxes, in outdoor closets and even strapping them to poles with rubber bands.”

Clever, sure, but ultimately not a permanent fix.

It led Weaver and his team to create eero Outdoor 7, which is designed to take eero Wi-Fi to the great outdoors. It’s the same sort of device as the one designed for indoor use, but it was a whole different animal to construct because it needed to withstand Arizona summers, Minnesota winters, and everything else Mother Nature dishes out. The product is available now just in time for the holidays, and it’s something the whole family will enjoy now through the summer and beyond.

Here are some really fun ideas that outdoor Wi-Fi can help out with:

Keep all outdoor security cameras connected. Security is a growing concern for many homeowners, but a camera is only as good as its Wi-Fi connection. With this new technology, you can have multiple cameras throughout your property, from the garage to the backyard.

Extend Wi-Fi to a tiny house on your property. Whether you use the dwelling as a guest house, a rental, a dedicated home office or a she-shed, the Outdoor 7 makes it easy to stay connected.

Create an outdoor movie theater. A movie under the stars in your backyard on a warm summer’s evening just got easier. Stream movies from Amazon or your favorite network without the fear buffering will take hold during the most tense part of the show.

Create a true outdoor room. That term “outdoor room” has been used for a while now to describe, basically, your backyard. But without Wi-Fi, it wasn’t truly complete. Now, your patio or deck can really be an extension of your home because you can work out there, check your messages, watch TV or do anything else you can do in your living room.

Work on the beach at your lake cabin. Quality of life is kicked up several notches when you can, for example, spend all summer at your lake cabin, woodsy retreat or rural getaway, not take any PTO, and get your job done while relaxing outside.

The reasons for extending your Wi-Fi from your home into the great outdoors are endless.

You can buy eero Outdoor 7 just in time for the holidays. If you aren’t already using eero, you can get some amazing deals on their mesh Wi-Fi systems beginning November 21.

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Load centers: The heartbeat of home electrification

2024-11-20T10:01:01

(BPT) – Historically, most homes had a stove, furnace and water heater all powered by gas. While gas-fueled appliances have been the norm for decades, more and more U.S. homes are being upgraded for whole-home electrification, or further, built with electrification in mind. In fact, according to a 2023 survey conducted by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, 60 percent of Americans prefer a home in which all or most major appliances are powered by electricity.

Why are homes going electric?

Homeowners who switch to electric appliances reap the benefits of lower electricity expenses over time, but cost efficiency isn’t the only factor driving electric’s popularity. Burning fossil fuels in homes — like cooking on a gas stove — contributes to indoor air pollution and can lead to negative health outcomes.

On a broader scale, whole-home electrification also benefits the environment. Researchers from U.C. Davis found that a typical U.S. home can cut its heating-related climate pollution by 45 to 72 percent by swapping out a gas-fired furnace for an all-electric heat pump.

When building or upgrading homes with electric appliances, the load center (also known as a breaker or fuse box) must be able to support electrical demand. However, it is important for homeowners to assess amperage capacity as they increase electrical demand when replacing gas appliances. Increased amperage is required to maintain the status quo of activity in a home. Load centers with 300 or 400 amperage capacity ensure reliable power in homes with increased electrical needs, such as electrical vehicle (EV) chargers or pool pumps. To maximize energy efficiency of electric appliances, homeowners should also consider a load center with smart breaker compatibility and whole home energy monitoring to track energy use over time and view consumption of individual circuits.

Smart energy management one breaker at a time

Achieving home electrification does not mean homeowners must replace all appliances and change their existing electrical service.

A modular solution like the Leviton Load Center provides homeowners with the flexibility to start with a standard load center and prioritize high-current loads to monitor with smart breakers, ultimately building a personalized smart energy management solution. Traditional Leviton circuit breakers can be swapped for 2nd Gen Smart breakers, allowing homeowners to choose the specific circuits and appliances they want to monitor and control remotely.

As homeowners swap their circuit breakers, they can install the Leviton Whole Home Energy Monitor (LWHEM), which enables the smart capabilities of 2nd Gen Smart breakers. This smart solution provides real-time, energy use data from the whole home, including the grid and alternate energy sources.

When paired, the 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breakers and LWHEM introduce a breadth of energy management capabilities through the My Leviton App. App capabilities include remote breaker control (on/off), scheduling, automated load shedding of non-essential circuits in a power outage, notifications when a breaker trips and more.

If electric bills are skyrocketing, My Leviton users can determine off-peak electricity hour and program custom schedules for 2nd Gen Smart Circuit Breaker activity to conserve energy and save money.

Depending on the size of the home or amount of anticipated electrical output, electricians can install the 300A or 400A Meter Main Load Centers. This solution “future-proofs” a home, allowing homeowners to increase their electrical needs over time, swapping gas appliances for electric models or adding a sauna at their own pace.

Contractors and electricians praise Leviton panels for their durability and ease of installation. The sturdy outdoor enclosure ensures protection against environmental factors, making it suitable for installations in a variety of climates. The circuit breakers’ plug-on, modular design also increases productivity and reduces installation time by up to 25 percent.

Move toward a more energy-efficient, sustainable future

Using the right hardware, energy-conscious homeowners can achieve home electrification and automation that bridges the gap to a more sustainable future. To learn more about Leviton’s load centers and related whole home electrification, visit Leviton.com/Products/Residential/Load-Centers.

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Managing Insurance for Your Seasonal Construction Business

2024-11-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – For many contractors who work seasonally, winter may signal an end to their busiest time of year; for others, winter is the start of their busiest time. No matter when your busy season is, the annual lull in active projects presents an opportunity to assess business performance, set new goals, and streamline operations — and that includes managing your insurance.

As the in-house construction consultant at Acuity Insurance, John Lack leverages more than 35 years of contracting experience to help construction businesses improve important aspects like risk management, jobsite safety, project management and overall profitability. With a background in overseeing the construction of supermarket locations throughout the Midwest, Lack knows firsthand how critical it is for contractors to pair their service offerings with the right insurance coverage.

“Profit margins in construction are notoriously thin,” Lack says. “The seasonal nature of the business means cash flow can fluctuate dramatically. The last thing contractors need during the slow season is insurance-related stress. Instead, insurance should be a tool to help them manage these transitions more smoothly.”

Lack offers a few key suggestions for ensuring contractors get the most out of their insurance, especially during slower periods:

  • Optimize Workers’ Compensation Premiums

For many contractors, the winter months can bring a dip in active projects, which impacts payroll and overall business activity. While you’re addressing slow-season challenges, insurance offers opportunities to improve cash flow management.

By proactively reporting any fluctuations in payroll to your insurance provider, contractors can avoid overpaying for workers’ compensation coverage during slower months and ensure they’re paying the right premiums as business ramps up. Insurance premiums tied to actual payroll or job activity can better align with your cash flow, offering savings and flexibility when you need it most.

Acuity Insurance offers AcuitySmartPay to provide a smarter way for contractors to manage their workers’ compensation insurance premiums. In addition to providing a web-based system that simplifies monthly payroll reporting, AcuitySmartPay provides multiple benefits to those who enroll, including:

    • Improved cash flow
    • Fewer surprises at audit
    • Flexible premium payments based on business activity
    • Enhanced business planning and budget insurance expenses
  • Consider Insurance Coverage and Resources When Diversifying Operations

Winter can be an ideal time to diversify your business and look for new revenue streams. Expanding your services by offering winter-specific contracting jobs or specialized services can help keep cash flow steady during the slow season. However, these new offerings may bring additional risks that could impact your insurance premiums.

Before introducing new services, be sure to inform your insurance provider about any changes to your operations. Certain types of work — like roof repairs, hazardous material handling or using specialized equipment — carry higher risks, and failing to update your coverage could result in an underinsured business or unexpected costs down the road.

When expanding your scope, don’t forget to consider employee training implications. Your insurance company should have loss control and risk management resources you can leverage. Many insurance companies, including Acuity, provide valuable services to help contractors identify and mitigate risks before they result in costly claims. These resources can include safety audits, jobsite inspections, safety training and tailored risk management strategies. By engaging with these services, contractors can not only improve safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents, but also lower their long-term insurance costs by proactively addressing risks that might otherwise lead to higher premiums or claims.

Make the Most of This Winter Season

Winter is a great time of year for most contractors to analyze their business and identify opportunities or resources that can elevate their bottom line. Having the aid of industry experts who understand the construction industry can provide invaluable support to contractors who want to grow and protect their business. Whether they’re looking for expert advice, policy support or dependable claims service, contractors are encouraged to visit acuity.com or speak with an independent insurance agent to identify the best coverage, services and solutions for their aspirations or evolving business needs.

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Need affordable vision care? How Medicare Advantage can help

2024-11-20T06:01:00

(BPT) – The end of the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is fast approaching. By Dec. 7, it’s important that eligible adults choose a plan that fits their needs, especially when it comes to vision care benefits.

Not all Medicare plans provide vision care. Some require beneficiaries to pay 100% of the cost for routine eye exams, eyeglasses or contacts. To ensure you can afford vision care in 2025, it’s crucial that you carefully review your plan’s benefits.

Why vision care matters

Vision difficulties are common among Medicare beneficiaries. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 35% of beneficiaries reported difficulty seeing in 2019.

Seeing clearly isn’t the only reason older adults need vision care. Routine eye exams can also help detect signs of over 270 health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Does Medicare Advantage cover vision?

Original Medicare does not cover vision. You’ll be on the hook for the full price of a routine eye exam, which can range from $75-$200 for patients without vision insurance.

Luckily, Medicare Advantage (or Medicare Part C) plans often do, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for seniors. In fact, KFF found that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans spent less out-of-pocket on vision care than beneficiaries in traditional Medicare in 2018.

Because Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, vision care benefits may vary. If you qualify for Medicare Advantage but have not signed up, consider doing so this year.

If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to review your vision care benefits in case of changes. It’s also a good idea to compare Medicare Advantage plans to make sure you’re getting vision care that you can afford and that meets your vision needs.

You have options

If your Medicare plan doesn’t cover all your vision needs, you still have options for vision care benefits. Separate vision insurance, like a plan through VSP® Individual Vision Plans, can help complete your coverage at an affordable price.

VSP vision insurance offers coverage for routine eye exams, glasses and lens enhancements, which are not covered by Original Medicare. Because VSP doesn’t have open enrollment or waiting periods, you can purchase and use your vision insurance plan at any time. You’ll also have access to a large doctor network, so you don’t need to stress about finding an eye doctor near you.

Benefits include 20% off additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last exam.

Whether you have Medicare Advantage or not, you can make sure you have access to vision care you can afford with the benefits you need to keep your vision healthy.

Visit VSPDirect.com to find the best vision plan for you. While you’re there, you can also compare insurance plans and see which one meets your needs.

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Escape your stress in Aruba with these amazing travel deals

2024-11-19T06:01:00

(BPT) – Stressed out? It’s a good bet that almost everyone reading this is feeling it right now. A new Harris poll, commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association, found that stress in America is reaching new heights. A full 77% of Americans reported significant stress in their lives. And that’s not even factoring in the holidays, which — every year — include plenty of chaotic travel and planning mixed in with the holiday cheer.

Don’t you wish you could get away, relax on one of the best beaches in the world, feel cooling sand between your toes, and swim in azure blue water? It sounds like the perfect antidote for these stressful few months, doesn’t it? Aruba has you covered.

Visitors to the One Happy Island describe a sense of rejuvenation that stays with them long after they return home: the Aruba Effect. With award-winning beaches, world class spas, and picturesque natural landscapes, you’ll feel the stress slip away.

During the season of holiday deals, that feeling will be more accessible than ever.

To combat the hustle and bustle of the holidays, several of the island’s most popular resorts are offering Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday promotions, providing you with the opportunity to book your escape without straining your pocketbook.

From the crystal-clear Caribbean waters to the warm and welcoming “Masha Danki” culture and a vibrant culinary scene inspired by the more than 100 nationalities that call the island home, Aruba offers rejuvenation in abundance.

Here are some of the top offers available at Aruba’s hotels during the holiday season.

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba

Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort Aruba is celebrating their 35th anniversary this Black Friday with the FlashBLACK Friday 35 sale. It includes 35% off stays, and a food and beverage credit ranging from $50 to $100 depending on room type from Nov. 19 to Dec. 4, 2024, for travel between Nov. 21, 2024 and Dec. 15, 2025. Minimum four-night stay. Use promo code FlashBlack35 at checkout.

Amsterdam manor beach resort pool

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Guests can receive $100 resort credit and up to 25% discount for stays four nights or longer at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, booked from Nov. 27 to Dec. 6, 2024. This promotion is available for stays from March 1 to July 31, 2025 and can be redeemed using the code E4000 (or code M96 for Marriott Bonvoy members) at checkout.

Aruba Mariott pool area with palm trees and people.

Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa

Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa, which will transition to TRYP by Wyndham this December, is offering 35% off stays booked between Nov. 27 and Dec. 3, 2024 for travel from Nov. 27, 2024 to Dec. 30, 2025 (blackout dates apply). Guests can redeem by booking with this link HERE.

Brickel Bay Beach Club & Spa

Embassy Suites By Hilton Aruba

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba is inviting all guests who book a stay for four nights to get a fifth night free! The one-time promotion is available from Nov. 22 to Dec. 2, 2024 for stays between Dec. 2, 2024 and Dec. 20, 2025 (holidays and blackout dates apply). Use promo code P23 at checkout.

Embassy Suite building and pool side

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino

At Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, visitors who use the promo code SO can enjoy up to 35% savings when booking six nights or more. The deals will be available between Nov. 29 to Dec. 2, 2024 for travel valid Jan. 31, 2024 to May 1, 2025. Full prepayment required at booking, non-refundable rate. Subject to availability, blackout dates may apply.

Friends enjoying outdoor dinner and cocktails at night poolside at the Aruba Hilton

JOIA Aruba by Iberostar

The brand-new JOIA Aruba By Iberostar, which is welcoming the first guests to their luxurious property on the shores of Eagle beach this December, is offering 40% discounts on bookings made between Nov. 21 and Dec. 3, 2024, for trips from Dec. 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2025.

Views of ocean beach and pool side at an Aruba hotel

Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort

From Nov. 29 through Dec. 3, Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort is offering guests who book two nights or more up to 30% off on their stay. Offer is available for stays between Dec. 1, 2024 and Nov. 1, 2025. Use promo code S5988 at checkout.

Woman relaxing oceanside sunset at the Renaissance wind creek aruba resort.

Any one of these beautiful resorts would allow you to recharge with the Aruba Effect. Learn more at Aruba.com.

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Educators Embrace Open Educational Resources

2024-11-19T12:35:00

(BPT) – In an era of rapid technological advancement and evolving educational needs, teachers across the country are turning to open educational resources (OER) to transform their classrooms. These freely accessible, openly licensed materials are reshaping the landscape of education, offering a host of benefits that empower educators and engage students like never before.

In the K-12 landscape across the U.S., OER — which are free to use, customize, and share — have been growing in popularity over the past several years and have been adopted across many states around the country. In fact, a recent report by research organization Bay View Analytics found that awareness of OER among K-12 educators is at an all-time high (32%) — up 4% from last year — and 30% of teachers report using OER in their classrooms.

“We’ve seen a meaningful increase in awareness and use of open educational resources among K-12 educators over the years,” said Julia Seaman, director of research at Bay View Analytics. “In our view, OER usage is continuing to trend upwards.”

Five reasons why teachers are integrating OER into their teaching:

1. Free and Accessible

With shrinking budgets and rising textbook prices, OER provide a much-needed financial reprieve. Educators can adopt entire open textbooks, or they can modify, rearrange or mix and match desired materials to suit the educational goals and objectives of their classroom and district with well-developed content that’s highly engaging and easily accessible to their students.

“Michigan had the goal of developing an OER repository with enough quality resources so that any teacher at any point in the school year can come and find something to use the next day in class,” says Gina Loveless, Education Technology Manager with the Michigan Department of Education.

2. Customizable Content

Unlike traditional textbooks, OER allow teachers to tailor content to their students’ needs. “One of the things educators appreciate about OER is the ability to tailor the materials to meet the unique needs of their students,” said Rebecca M. Henderson, Ed.D., Student Services Administrator at Westmoreland Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania. “With OER, teachers have the flexibility to use the resources as-is or modify them to create more engaging, personalized learning experiences for their classrooms.”

3. Collaborative Teaching and Learning

OER and the community around them foster a spirit of collaboration among educators. Because of the open nature and lack of copyright restrictions with OER, educators can share resources, exchange ideas, and build upon others’ work. The GoOpen National Network is one community of educators that collaborate on using OER to transform teaching practices and student learning.

4. Up-to-Date and Relevant Material

In rapidly evolving fields, the use of OER helps ensure that students have access to the most current information. “We truly value incorporating current, relevant materials that make learning more meaningful, while helping students develop essential 21st-century skills such as digital literacy, collaboration, and critical thinking,” said Amber Hoye, Co-Director of The Pathways Project, an OER network of educators and students.

Providers of OER, such as OpenStax, and OER libraries, such as OER Commons, contain a wealth of customizable resources that easily allow teachers to incorporate real-world examples and relevant updates into curriculum.

5. Enhanced Student Engagement

The interactive and multimedia nature of many OER materials captivates students in ways traditional textbooks cannot. “We know K-12 teachers need to find digital material that is adaptable, flexible, and engaging,” shared Kelly Arispe, Co-Director of The Pathways Project. “Open educational resources come in a lot of different forms, including activities that teachers can integrate into their curriculum to differentiate to students’ needs. With OER, our students see themselves better reflected in their learning materials and can learn at their own pace. Many of the activities we create allow students to practice as many times as they need, which is really important for skill mastery.”

As the educational landscape continues to evolve, using and creating OER is a powerful way for educators to create dynamic, personalized learning experiences. By embracing these resources, teachers are not only adapting to the changing needs of their students but are also playing a crucial role in shaping the future of education.

Educators can explore open educational resources to use in their classrooms by using the digital public library OER Commons, managed by ISKME (Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education), and check out the Knowledge Is Meant to Be Shared YouTube channel to learn more about OER.

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Easy ways to take charge of your oral health (and yes, you have to floss)

2024-11-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – Been to the dentist lately? If you’re like the majority of Americans without dental insurance, your answer might be a chagrined “well … no.” The likely culprit behind people putting off that visit is cost, according to the Dental Lifetime of Care study from Synchrony, a leading consumer financial services company. Conducted on behalf of Synchrony’s financial solution, CareCredit, a credit card used to purchase health and wellness products and services. The study found that out-of-pocket dental care can range from $51,000 for a single adult to more than $95,000 for a couple and family during a lifetime!

Cost is a factor that contributes to 92% of people without dental insurance delaying general dental care, according to the Synchrony study. It’s an understandable trade-off when you’re weighing a potentially expensive visit to the dentist you have to pay for out-of-pocket against paying your mortgage or buying groceries. But dental care is one thing you shouldn’t put off. Good oral health is an important key to good health, period.

If you don’t have dental insurance through your employer, CareCredit may be a financing option to consider. It’s a credit card that patients can use for products and services that aren’t covered by insurance, including dental, and is accepted at 80% of dental practices nationwide. CareCredit allows you to pay overtime for routine care and unexpected dental care, rather than in one big chunk, making it possible for people to visit the dentist more regularly. This could include care needed for a toothache, a cracked tooth, or swelling of your face and jaw, among other conditions.

Meanwhile, it’s essential to also take care of your teeth at home between those visits. Here are some ways to practice good oral health:

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time. That’s the magic number recommended by the American Dental Association. Brushing for two minutes removes 26% more plaque and food than brushing for shorter periods.

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. They’re gentler on your teeth and gums and they can actually clean your teeth better because they can nestle into tight spaces better than hard bristles can.

Use fluoride toothpaste. It’s tried and true for a reason. Fluoride helps reduce tooth decay.

Floss every day. It removes plaque and food debris from between your teeth and strengthens your gums.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Didn’t know staying hydrated helps your teeth? As you’re getting your eight glasses per day, you’re also rinsing away debris and food particles.

Limit sugary drinks and snacks. Love cookies? So does the bacteria in your mouth! Sugar fuels harmful bacteria, which produces acid that attacks the enamel on your teeth.

Don’t smoke. Among an ocean of other reasons, it’s a huge risk for gum disease and oral cancer.

See your dentist! All of these tips will help you maintain good oral hygiene between visits. So, even if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while (or longer than that) just go. They’ve seen it all and will be glad you came. So will you.

The CareCredit credit card is a convenient and reliable solution that offers financing options for qualified consumers to receive the care they want and need. Before moving forward with any treatment, check to see what financial assistance, health insurance, specialty savings accounts (Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts), provider payment plans and third-party financing may cover.

In addition to dental care, CareCredit can also be used for hearing, chiropractic, cosmetic procedures, vision, even pet care products and services not covered by your insurance. For more information, visit https://www.carecredit.com/.