Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-10-18T11:01:00

(BPT) – For Janice, health and fitness were always priorities. Growing up in Jamaica, she’d been a sprinter for her high school track team. After moving to the U.S. in her mid-20s, she built a successful career in sales while raising two young children. Although she was busy, she maintained a healthy and active lifestyle. In fact, other than having slightly elevated blood pressure, she was the picture of good health.

Yet things changed dramatically for Janice when she reached her mid-40s. Her blood pressure escalated significantly and no longer responded to medication. Her menstrual cycles became unpredictable. Most unsettling of all were the alarming changes in her appearance. Her face swelled and she gained a significant amount of weight around the center of her body. “People asked me if I was on steroids,” Janice recalls. Her legs became emaciated and weak. She developed a fatty hump between the shoulders (buffalo hump) and grew so much facial hair she had to start shaving it. She fought constant lethargy during the day, but then would be unable to sleep during the night.

Looking back, she remembers, “I was constantly stressed out. I didn’t look well, and I didn’t feel well.”

“My blood sugar would just skyrocket.”

Things came to a head one afternoon. Feeling unwell, Janice experienced a dizzy spell and fell while getting out of the shower. Unable to move or see clearly, she was rushed to the emergency room, where her blood sugar was measured at 1,000 mg/dL — a level so high it could trigger a diabetic coma. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and discharged with a new regimen of medications and lifestyle modifications.

Despite following her doctor’s instructions, Janice’s problems persisted. “Even when eating healthy and taking all my meds, my blood sugar would just skyrocket after meals.” She soon learned her kidneys and heart were also being impacted.

“Nobody had bothered to put it all together.”

Janice was on up to 25 different medications, but her symptoms continued, and her frustration grew. “I saw so many doctors — nearly every kind of -ologist you can think of,” she recounts.

One day, a chance conversation with someone else’s healthcare provider led to a breakthrough. After mentioning her health struggles in passing, the doctor suggested she might have Cushing’s syndrome. Janice began to research Cushing’s syndrome (also known as hypercortisolism) and was struck by how similar the symptoms seemed to her own. She found a local endocrinologist, shared her suspicions about Cushing’s syndrome, and a combination of blood tests confirmed her theory: Her cortisol levels were highly elevated. Further testing revealed a growth on her pituitary gland was causing the excess cortisol.

“For so long,” she recalls, “nobody had bothered to put it all together.”

“Finally, I look and feel normal again.”

With her Cushing’s syndrome properly diagnosed, Janice underwent surgery to remove her pituitary growth. Her recovery was difficult, but since receiving treatment she has grown stronger, and her Cushing’s symptoms are better. She remembers feeling that “at last, there was light at the end of the tunnel.”

While Janice’s journey has not been easy, today she is much healthier. She has lost 50 pounds, her hypertension is under control, her blood sugar has returned to normal levels, her kidney function is stable, and she has resumed her active lifestyle.

When speaking with other patients who face similar symptoms, she urges them to be proactive in their care. “A lot of people are walking around with Cushing’s and don’t know it. It’s everyone’s responsibility to educate doctors so they can help new patients.” She cites her own experience as living proof, adding: “Finally, I look and feel normal again. And I’m so grateful.”

If you suspect you may have hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome, talk to your doctor.

You can visit corcept.com to learn more about how Corcept Therapeutics is unlocking the potential of cortisol modulation to revolutionize the treatment of serious diseases.

This article is the experience of one person and is not medical advice. Consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

2024-10-17T11:23:00

(BPT) – There are many things that make the holidays special, but two that tend to stand out above the rest are family and food.

For example, enjoying a glass of eggnog with loved ones is a treasured tradition for many people. But did you know that eggnog can also be enjoyed as a delicious and versatile ingredient in other drinks, entrees and desserts? You can take this holiday tradition and give it a twist by trying new eggnog recipes to make delicious creations with the people you care about the most.

You can easily brighten your holiday season by incorporating this creamy holiday drink into your favorite mealtimes. To inspire you, Organic Valley^® shares five imaginative and festive recipes featuring delicious Organic Valley^® Reduced Fat Eggnog.

1. Eggnog waffles

Eggnog waffles are a creative twist on a classic breakfast that the whole family will enjoy. Simply add eggnog to the waffle batter and prepare as usual. As soon as that first batch starts to brown and that irresistible smell fills your home, you’ll feel the joy of the season. This is a fun recipe to make with your kids, so you can create lasting holiday memories.

2. Sparkling eggnog

What’s better than drinking eggnog this holiday season? Adding some sparkle to it! Just grab some creamy, delicious eggnog and add sparking water and spiced simple syrup. A cinnamon stick and dash of cinnamon garnish are optional but add festive flare. At the end, you’ll have a drink that feels fun, fizzy and indulgent.

3. Eggnog ‘Swedish’ meatballs

Eggnog in meatballs? It’s not as crazy as it might seem — and way more delicious than you’d expect. A half cup of eggnog acts as a binding agent that brings more than a creamy texture to the mixture. It has just enough spice to complement the meat, eggs, Parmesan cheese and panko. It’s a fun way to use traditional seasonal flavors to reinvent a holiday meal.

4. Eggnog cookies

What’s better than sipping eggnog while eating cookies? Combining them to create a festive, mouthwatering cookie. The trick is to create eggnog icing, like the one featured in Organic Valley’s recipe for eggnog cookies. Ready the family for some holiday baking and try this new recipe that will soon become a favorite.

5. Eggnog panna cotta

Panna cotta is a luxurious dessert, and you can give it a holiday remix by adding eggnog. Eggnog panna cotta takes 5 minutes to whip up and a couple of hours to cool. However, the jiggly custard’s depth, creaminess and seasonal flavor will have your family assuming you fussed over this Italian dish. They’ll enjoy the complex taste while you appreciate the recipe’s simplicity.

These inspiring recipes will have you rethinking this classic holiday drink. Best of all, you can feel good when you purchase Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog. This made-from-scratch recipe uses high-quality organic ingredients, including milk from small family farms where cows are raised without antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs.

You can find these five recipes and more at OrganicValley.coop. Let them inspire you this season to host friends and spend time with family while enjoying a wonderful holiday drink or treat.

2024-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – For most homeowners, mowing the lawn is a necessary chore that eats up precious time on weekends and exposes those with allergies to the kinds of grasses and pollen they’re trying to avoid. For landscapers, it’s a time-consuming and operationally challenging part of their core service. What if you could get a beautiful lawn without all of that hassle?

The answer is a robotic lawn mower. It’s a small, self-propelled unit — think of a lawn mower without a handle — that zips around on your lawn and cuts the grass so you can tend to other chores.

The robotic lawn mower market is expanding rapidly and regional programs like the Mowing Down Pollution initiative have reduced harmful emissions by nearly 50 tons per year since 1999, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives like robotic mowers. California’s January 2024 ban on the sale of new gas-powered landscape equipment is expected to boost demand for robotic lawnmowers as well.

With the recent innovations in robotic mowers from industry leader Sunseeker, these units are becoming the ultimate mowing solution.

Sunseeker offers a number of proprietary, game-changing technologies in its Orion X7 series, like Always-On Navigation, which delivers precise positioning accuracy down to the centimeter, and avoids signal loss in diverse outdoor environments. It also includes a 3D binocular camera, and incorporates a proprietary AI Deep-learning System for precise obstacle avoidance. Why is that important? Most robotic mowers on the market today depend on just one of those technologies. The combination dramatically improves the bot’s accuracy by giving it a complete picture of the yard. The AI-assisted mapping also allows landscaping pros to program the unit with maps of multiple lawns.

“This is truly the ‘iPhone moment’ in outdoor power equipment,” said Justin Novosel, Executive Vice President and GM of Sunseeker U.S. “It saves precious time for homeowners and allows landscaping crews to attend to other tasks.”

Is a robotic mower right for you? Here are some of the advantages of robotic lawn mowers versus traditional models.

Convenience. No more delaying weekend activities with the family to mow the lawn. A robotic lawn mower can operate anytime, day or night, while you’re at work or out doing fun activities with your friends and family. Once you install and program your mower, it’s basically self-sufficient. It has its schedule and is on the job, whether you’re there to supervise it or not.

Efficient mowing. Dare we even say it? A robotic mower may be able to handle your lawn better and more efficiently than you can. They are designed to cut the grass in random patterns, so you won’t get those rows or streaks. Some units offer electronic height adjustment for maximum efficiency. The Sunseeker Orion X7 offers Float Cut Technology, which allows the blades to automatically adjust to any terrain and provides a consistent and high-quality cut.

Stealth operation. Robotic mowers are quiet, operating almost silently. No more disturbing the neighbors! Another advantage of quiet operation is you can program your mower to run at night. Most come with anti-theft features so you don’t have to worry about someone picking up your bot while it’s on the job.

Built to handle slopes and other terrain issues. These little units are tough enough to handle sloped yards. And the bots can also identify thicker spots in your lawn and cut accordingly. Sunseeker’s Orion X7 is actually an all-wheel-drive unit.

Effortlessly rechargeable. With standard electric mowers, you need to remove the battery and put it on an external charger. Robotic mowers don’t require that step. Their docking station is their recharging station. The Sunseeker X7 automatically heads back to its charging station for a recharge. So you know that, whenever it’s time to mow, your mower will be charged and ready to go.

Low maintenance. No changing the oil, refilling gas, or any of the other maintenance involved with traditional mowers. With robotic mowers, you’ll need to change the blades once a year, and replace the battery every two to four years. That’s it.

Wouldn’t you like a bot to mow your lawn and get the job done right? That’s a big chore off of any homeowner’s mind. For more information about the latest in robotic lawn mowers, visit Sunseeker.

2024-10-16T10:47:00

(BPT) – College-bound students already have some avenues for advancing their studies of crucial subjects, such as pursuing college-level courses while in high school. Students with demonstrated interest in STEM subjects need a solid foundation to reach their full potential. Advanced mathematics is required for these students to be able to understand the natural world, analyze data, perform systematic observation and modeling — all crucial skills for their future studies and careers in fields including the natural sciences, engineering, computer science and more.

To attain an advanced foundation in mathematics, students can pursue vigorous courses while they’re still in high school. Stanford University-Level Online Immersive (ULO-I) offers challenging online mathematics courses to students worldwide.

“ULO-I classes are designed to provide resources for advanced high school students to proceed well beyond what their schools can offer,” said Dr. Rafe Mazzeo, Cassius Lamb Kirk Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University and Faculty Director of Stanford Online High School.

What is Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Immersive?

ULO-I courses offer university-level mathematics to high school students anywhere in the world via two different intensive, semester-long courses. The course format is partially synchronous, with students listening to two to three recorded Stanford faculty lectures per week. They will also attend two synchronous online sessions, during which the course instructor will expand on material and facilitate group discussion and work. Students should expect five hours of live online class time and up to four hours of homework per week.

Just as with any advanced coursework, successful participation in this program can help students present themselves as strong candidates to any college, but it does not guarantee admission to or transfer credit at any university.

Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra

Launched last year, this course is based on recently developed curriculum for first-year Stanford students that can help prepare students who are already well-prepared in single variable calculus for further studies in engineering, computer science, data science, natural sciences and theoretical mathematics. The Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra course was the first offering in the ULO-I program.

“For Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, we use a high-level curriculum that was developed in the Stanford University Mathematics department to prepare Stanford undergraduate students for math, data science, AI, engineering and all other quantitative disciplines,” said Mazzeo. “Linear algebra and the optimization techniques introduced in this course are fundamental for almost every application of math, particularly in data science and AI. This course is also a prerequisite for many Stanford computer science and engineering courses.”

Students who have completed the course will be well prepared to take classes in ordinary differential equations and more advanced linear algebra.

Discrete Mathematics

This course conveys the fundamental theory, structures and techniques of discrete mathematics. Discrete mathematics is an extremely broad and diverse subject, with a variety of connections to other branches of mathematics (including number theory, abstract algebra and others), and applications to fields outside of mathematics (including computer science, optimization, operations research and engineering).

This challenging course provides an ideal environment for students to improve and deepen their abilities to observe patterns, engage in mathematical reasoning, formulate conjectures and construct rigorous mathematical proofs.

Discrete Mathematics will teach students how to prove results and solve problems that may be somewhat different from those they have experienced prior to this course. Students will develop the foundations and mathematical maturity necessary to be broadly successful in higher-level mathematics (and other fields).

Students taking one of these courses will earn five units of Stanford University Continuing Studies credit. Schools, universities and districts have different policies regarding transfer of credits issued by Continuing Studies Programs. Credits for University-Level Online courses are most commonly used to place out of required courses (at the discretion of the receiving program). Prospective students should inquire with their institutions regarding their credit policies.

How to apply

High school students can apply to these courses now through January 6, 2025 for the spring semester, which begins Monday, January 27, 2025 and runs until May 16, 2025. Applicants are required to submit a transcript and other documents, depending on the chosen course. They must also submit a recommendation letter from a math instructor.

To learn more about these courses and to apply, visit ULO-I.Stanford.edu.

2024-10-16T09:31:00

(BPT) – Beyond the U.S. economy, one in two Americans believe the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election will directly impact their own personal finances, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. In fact, a quarter (24%) say that the winner of the election helps determine “whether I’m rich or not” — a belief more firmly held by the Middle Class — reaching 27% for those with an income $50k-$100k, compared to 22% for those making under $50k; and 23% for people with incomes greater than $100k.

Americans can count the ways they’re invested in this year’s election, with 42% saying the amount of money they have will be tangibly more or less depending on who wins. One third (33%) say their “Wallet Power” — or their overall ability to spend, save, and invest — will either shrink (33%) or increase (31%). More than a third (34%) believe the Presidential election is a major predictor of their retirement timeline and financial security, with 30% saying the winner will impact those plans, causing them to work longer, or have a shorter retirement (40% Gen Z, 39% Millennials).

“The adage is that ‘all politics is local’ — and when it comes to money, it hits very close to home, with many Americans seeing a direct link between their own prosperity and the highest office in the land,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. “From their retirement timeline to their account balances, people feel there is a lot riding on the outcome of the election in terms of their own financial happiness.”

Chief among the issues at stake, many Americans (42%) believe the winner of the Presidential election will get inflation and prices under control, making things more affordable (47% men, 38% women) at a time when many Americans say they’re feeling “The Big Shrink.” One third (33%) say the winner of the Presidential election will make it easier to reach their personal financial goals, such as the 33% who say the victor will make it more affordable to buy a home (42% Millennials).

The money moves on the ballot

People say they’ll make concrete money moves based on who wins: 41% will add more money to their emergency savings, save more cash (41% overall, 48% Millennials), and be more frugal with their spending (45%).

More Americans say they are closely following the 2024 Presidential race than the stock market (67% vs. 33%), and half (53%) agree that uncertainty about the outcome of the Presidential election impacts the markets. One in four (23%) will invest more in the stock market based on the outcome of the Presidential election (32% Millennials) or change their asset allocation (34% Millennials). Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) plan to take more drastic measures, and say they will withdraw their money/liquidate their investments (27% Millennials).

More findings:

• It’s a tie for the economy: People are split on which direction the economy will turn based on the outcome of the election: 30% predict an economic recession, while 32% say it will cause an economic boom. Still, a majority (67%) are worried about the state of the economy depending on who wins the Presidential election.
• The jobs report: 57% say the job market will be affected by the winner of the Presidential election, though 29% say they are worried about job security regardless of the outcome.
• Who wants to talk politics…at work?: 33% feel more comfortable asking for a raise at work than talking politics with their coworkers. Still, in general, people would rather talk politics (53%) than about their own personal finances (35%).
• Bonus round: 31% say the winner of the Presidential election will affect their employer’s/company’s financial performance, and 22% think the winner of the Presidential election will affect their work bonus (33% of Millennials).
• Clocking in: Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) admit they’ll be less productive at work during the Presidential election (29% Gen Z, 27% Millennials). A third will take time off from work on Election Day to vote (41% Millennials) and will spend a large amount of time watching the Presidential election proceedings at work (34% overall, 42% Millennials).
• Retirement ready or not: Inflation and rising prices (45%), the state of the economy (37%), and access to a retirement plan (23%) are top factors people say influence their ability to retire on time and securely, which is one reason they remain core issues in the election. Still, voters are mixed about how the 2024 Presidential election will affect their retirement: 26% say they will never be able to retire; 29% overall say they’ll have more money in retirement (35% men, 24% women; 38% Millennials). Thinking about the 2024 election results, many remain optimistic about the future: 31% overall say they’ll likely be more financially secure in retirement.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Ticket: Money and Politics.”

*ABOUT THE STUDY

Empower’s “The Ticket: Money and Politics” study is based on online survey responses from 2,200 Americans ages 18+ fielded by Morning Consult between July 22-24, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

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2024-10-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nutrition can be confusing. Every day seems to bring a new headline declaring what’s healthy and what’s not, whether it’s the Mediterranean Diet, low fat, low carb, DASH, vegan or high protein. With all this diet-of-the-minute hype, it’s hard to know what we should be eating. On World Food Day, let’s cut through the noise, go back to basics and focus on nutrients.

Nutrient density is the right place to start when trying to understand good nutrition and achieve a healthy, balanced diet. This concept refers to how much nutrition you get from food compared to its calories, with the goal being to maximize health benefits. Think leafy greens, broccoli, berries, nuts, seeds and quality protein shakes for nutrient-dense choices. A doughnut? Not so much.

“It’s important to remember that fresh, natural foods play a key role in our diet, but they aren’t always accessible to everyone,” says Luigi Gratton, Vice President of the Office of Health and Wellness at Herbalife. “By taking a holistic approach to healthy eating, we can complement fresh meals with food supplements and other nutrient-dense options to help achieve a balanced intake of macro- and micro-nutrients.”

Here are six tips to get more nutrient bang for your calorie buck.

Think color

Try this easy nutrition hack: Load your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. Why? A diverse range of colors ensures you’re getting a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Go for whole grains and lean proteins

Choose whole grains like brown rice and whole-grain bread. They’re packed with fiber and nutrients. For protein, opt for lean sources like chicken, fish, beans and tofu — great for your body without too much saturated fat.

Drink smart

Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best — physically and mentally! Water helps your body make the most of the nutrients in your food and flushes out what it doesn’t need. Just be careful: many drinks are loaded with hidden sugars and empty calories. Aim for about eight cups of water a day, but feel free to adjust based on your activity level and personal needs. And remember, unsweetened drinks like tea or infused water count toward your hydration too!

Always check the label

Make it a habit to read food labels — they’re key to understanding nutrition! Just because something looks healthy, like yogurt, doesn’t mean it is. Check for added sugars and watch the sodium levels in diet meals. Aim for lower fat and salt, and higher protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This will help you make smarter choices about what you eat!

Processed doesn’t mean unhealthy

Processed doesn’t mean unhealthy. The term ‘processed food’ often gets a bad rap, but not all processed foods are bad for you. In fact, many staples like pasta, bread and yogurt are processed in some way. While some processed and ultra-processed foods can be high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, many are actually nutritious. For example, Herbalife’s meal replacement shakes are processed to meet regulatory standards and deliver essential nutrients. The key is to choose your processed foods wisely — look for options that provide health benefits and fit into your balanced diet!

A quality meal replacement shake can help fill gaps in your diet

We’d all love to get all our nutrients from fresh, healthy food every day, but let’s be honest — life gets busy! Whether you’re rushing the kids to soccer practice or staying late at work, it can be tough to get all the nutrients you need. That’s where a quality meal replacement shake comes in. These handy shakes can help you stay on track with your nutrition, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet even when you’re short on time.

So, take a holistic approach. Combining healthy, fresh food with nutrient-dense meal supplements will ensure you get the nutrients that will help you power through the day. To learn more about how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, visit Herbalife.com.

2024-10-15T16:15:00

(BPT) – Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season to experience a warm coastal autumn in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. All along the Grand Strand, you’ll find seasonal celebrations, outdoor activities and incredible events for the whole family to enjoy.

While the area is renowned for its summer activities, the off season means fewer crowds, blue skies and sunshine well into late fall — all at a great value.

Here are some of the many incredible adventures you can have this fall at The Beach.

Outdoor recreation

As the weather cools down, South Carolina offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take a trip to Myrtle Beach State Park, which stretches across the Grand Strand coastline. In this oceanfront maritime forest, you can watch the sunrise over the ocean, kayak on open waters and even learn how to crab fish! For birdwatchers, the South Carolina state parks along the Grand Strand are a hotbed for a variety of flocks. No matter what type of outdoor adventurer you are, you can find an unforgettable nature experience.

Food and drink

One of the best parts of a trip is tasting the local cuisine. With over 2,000 restaurants, Myrtle Beach offers everything from fresh-caught seafood to fusion fare and traditional dishes.

Head to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for Taste of the Town on Oct. 22, featuring many of the Grand Strand’s Finest Restaurants, culinary awards, live entertainment, and silent auction. Then get ready to be served the freshest seafood around at I Love Seafood Fest on Oct. 26, where you can sample lobster, crab, crawfish, shrimp, and much more. Live entertainment and cooking demos are also planned for this fun fest at Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place.

Beer enthusiasts can explore The Beach’s best breweries with the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail. The digital passport allows participants to “check-in” at the area’s 10 best beer destinations, explore The Grand Strand and earn fun prizes along the way.

Festivals and events

October is the best time to explore Myrtle Beach’s festivals and local events!

The city of Conway embraces its official “City of Halloween” title with various activities throughout October, including a Halloween Golf Cart Parade, a home-decorating contest and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy the fall spirit.

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Halloween celebration is one you won’t want to miss. Taking place on Oct. 31, the Marsh Walk will host costume contests for kids and adults and trick-or-treating beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy food and drinks at all eight MarshWalk restaurants throughout the evening!

Live entertainment

Myrtle Beach is the place to be for live entertainment this fall. Every Thursday through Oct. 24, visit Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach for Nights at Nance Fall Concert Series. These al fresco events feature live music from popular area artists as well as local food and beverage vendors.

For shows, concerts, comedy and acrobatics, get your tickets for a night at the Alabama Theatre. The Beach’s premier entertainment venue hosts exciting productions that are sure to be the highlight of your family fall getaway.

If you’re strapped for time, don’t miss the award-winning two-hour show at the Carolina Opry, which blends high-energy music, comedy and dance. The venue itself is something to behold, so at every show, you can enjoy state-of-the-art lighting, sound and special effects in a luxurious theater.

Get ready for fall at The Beach

Fall in Myrtle Beach means great deals on hotels, with packages offering up to 25% off or free nights, making an unforgettable vacation more affordable than ever.

Don’t miss out on Myrtle Beach’s temperate autumn climate, outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, festivals and entertainment. Start planning your fabulous fall trip to The Beach at VisitMyrtleBeach.com.

2024-10-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – When you find a puddle of pee on your dog’s favorite snooze spot, it’s easy to jump to worry. You might even be asking yourself if she did it to be spiteful. While it’s not uncommon for dogs to urinate inside because of a behavioral problem, it is unlikely she’s misbehaving.^1,2 In fact, she could have a medical condition called canine urinary incontinence (UI) due to urethral sphincter hypotonus. Here are some questions you might have, answers to help you narrow down why your dog is having indoor accidents, and what steps you can take next.

1. “What makes this type of incontinence different from other urinary conditions?”

When a female dog has weak urethral sphincter muscles, this can lead to a lack of bladder control that causes her to involuntarily leak urine. If your dog is suffering from this type of canine UI, finding pee puddles inside would feel out-of-the-blue.

2. “Are some dogs more likely to leak?”

Any dog can experience urinary incontinence, but it’s most common in spayed middle-aged female dogs. In fact, up to 20% of spayed female dogs may develop urinary incontinence.³ Midsized and large breeds are also predisposed to it; the most commonly affected are Old English sheepdogs, Doberman pinschers, boxers, German shepherds and Weimeraners.⁴

3. “How can I be sure this isn’t just my dog acting out?”

While dogs with behavioral issues may pee when greeting a new person or becoming overexcited, a dog experiencing incontinence is usually well-behaved and housetrained. Often dogs suffering from this type of incontinence don’t even realize they voided their urine and are just as confused as you are.

4. “Are there any signs I should look out for?”

Dogs with incontinence drip or leak urine when they sleep, so finding wet spots in their favorite places to relax is a telltale sign. Also, because of the way the urine leaks, you might notice red, irritated skin around the genitals and excessive licking of that area.

5. “This sounds like something I’m dealing with. What should I do?”

The best rule of thumb is if something seems off with your dog, call and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian right away. They will be able to start the process of accurately diagnosing your dog and help you figure out the next steps.

6. “I don’t want my dog to suffer from this. Can incontinence be treated?”

Don’t worry. Your dog’s condition is treatable. If your dog is diagnosed with urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter hypotonus, your veterinarian may prescribe PROIN ER™ (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride extended-release tablets). This flavored, once-a-day tablet can help your dog have better weeks without the leaks. For more information, visit proin-er.com.

No matter the reason, your dog unexpectedly peeing inside is cause for concern. If you’re noticing this unusual behavior, consult your veterinarian and ask if PROIN ER™ is right for your dog.

¹ Holt PE. Urinary incontinence in the [female dog] due to sphincter mechanism incompetence: prevalence in referred dogs and retrospective analysis of sixty cases. Journal of Small Animal Practice 1985;26:181–190.

² Holt PE, Thrusfield MV. Association in [female dogs] between breed, size, neutering and docking, and acquired urinary incontinence due to incompetence of the urethral sphincter mechanism. Vet Rec 1993;133:177–180.

³ Von Goethem B. Schaefers-Okkens A, Kirpensteijn J. Making a rational choice between ovariectomy and ovariohysterectomy in the dog: a discussion of the benefits of either technique. Vet Surg 2006; 35:136-143.

⁴ Thrusfield MV, Holt PE, Muirhead RH. Acquired urinary incontinence in [female dogs]: its incidence and relationship to neutering practices. J Small Anim Pract. 1998;39:559-566.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For oral use in dogs only. Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. If accidentally ingested by humans, contact a physician immediately.

The most commonly reported side effects were vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, excessive salivation, agitation, tiredness, vocalization, confusion, increased water consumption, weight loss, weakness, fever, panting, and reversible changes in skin color (flushing or bright pink). Abnormal gait, seizures or tremors, as well as liver enzyme elevations, kidney failure, blood in urine and urine retention have been reported. In some cases death, including euthanasia has been reported. Sudden death was sometimes preceded by vocalization or collapse.

Instances of dogs chewing through closed vials of PROIN and eating the vial contents have been reported, in some cases resulting in overdose. Keep the product in a secured storage area out of the reach of pets in order to prevent accidental ingestion or overdose, as dogs may willingly consume more than the recommended dosage of PROIN Chewable Tablets or PROIN ER™ tablets. Contact your veterinarian immediately if the dog ingests more tablets than prescribed or if other pets ingest PROIN Chewable Tablets or PROIN ER™ tablets.

PROIN and PROIN ER™ may cause elevated blood pressure and should be used with caution in dogs with pre-existing heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney insufficiency, diabetes, glaucoma, and other conditions associated with high blood pressure. Dogs may transition from PROIN Chewable Tablets to PROIN ER™ without a break in administration. However, do not alternate PROIN ER™ with PROIN Chewable Tablets because the effectiveness and safety of interchangeable use have not been evaluated.

The safe use of PROIN and PROIN ER™ in dogs used for breeding purposes, during pregnancy or in lactating female dogs, has not been evaluated. Contact your veterinarian if you notice restlessness or irritability, loss of appetite, the incontinence persists or worsens, or any other unusual signs. See prescribing information for complete details regarding adverse events, warning and precautions or visit prnpharmacal.com.

2024-10-15T06:57:00

(BPT) – Did you know Puerto Rico celebrates one of the longest holiday seasons in the world? The holiday season lasts about 45 days, from Thanksgiving Day through mid-January.

During the holiday season, the Island is alive with colorful decorations, delicious food, authentic music and grand festivals to mark different points of the season.

If you want to have a truly magical holiday experience this year, check out these six reasons why you should consider visiting Puerto Rico this winter.

1. Festivities

Get ready to experience the party that never stops. During the extended holiday season, you can participate in several vibrant festivities, including multiday events. Puerto Ricans begin decorating for the holidays right after Thanksgiving, if not sooner, and leave the décor on display well into January.

You’re probably used to Christmas Day being the most important day of the holiday season, but in Puerto Rico, nothing is more important than Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve. On Nochebuena, family and friends have dinner, exchange gifts, go out on parrandas and maybe even attend a midnight mass.

On Dec. 31, ring in the New Year at a Víspera de Año Nuevo celebration. At midnight, Puerto Ricans celebrate the arrival of the new year with fireworks over an ocean view under the moon and starlight.

Christmas Eve isn’t the only time to exchange gifts. In January, Puerto Ricans celebrate Three Kings Day, which commemorates the Three Wise Men’s visit after Jesus was born. Across the Island, you’ll see parades with people dressed like the Three Wise Men handing out presents to children. Kids also gather grass or hay in shoeboxes and place them under beds for the Three Wise Men’s animals in exchange for presents.

Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián or SanSe — the largest and most popular festival in Puerto Rico — officially closes the holiday season. The party ends in Old San Juan with a lively street festival with music, dancing, traditional food and artisanal crafts.

2. Food

One of the best ways to explore a culture is through authentic dishes, and there’s no better season to savor authentic Boricua cuisine than the holidays. Get ready to indulge in arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), lechón asado (spit-roasted pork), pasteles (tamal-like patties of green banana and meat) and other flavorful dishes.

No holiday is complete without a signature drink. Eggnog may come to mind, but in Puerto Rico, locals drink coquito. This thick, creamy holiday beverage is made of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, local rum and spices.

3. Music

Merry music and musical traditions are key elements of the holidays in Puerto Rico. Throughout the whole season, you’ll witness parrandas, the Boricua version of caroling. Small groups visit friends and family late at night and wake them with aguinaldos, villancicos and trovas — local folk versions of Christmas songs. As the parranderos visit homes, they’ll sing, eat, drink and spread holiday cheer all over the Island until sunrise.

4. Weather

Ready to escape the cold winter weather? Take advantage of Puerto Rico’s warm weather this holiday season! In Puerto Rico, you can enjoy a sunny festive season, with an average temperature of 70-85 degrees F from November-January.

The warm weather also means you can enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, snorkeling and hiking in a temperate, tropical climate. So, shed your layers and trade snow for sand and chilly winds for a gentle ocean breeze.

5. Accessibility

No passport? No problem! American citizens and permanent residents can visit the Island with just a valid ID to enter Puerto Rico.

You won’t have any difficulty finding flights to the Heart and Soul of the Caribbean. There are several short, convenient flights from the U.S. mainland to the heart of Puerto Rico, including direct routes from major cities like New York, Chicago and Dallas.

If you haven’t brushed up on your Spanish, you’re in luck because the two official languages on the Island are English and Spanish. Also, you won’t need to worry about exchanging currency. Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar, so you’ll have no problem buying last-minute Christmas gifts and souvenirs.

6. Live Boricua

Boricua — the Puerto Rican identity — is more than just a name. It’s a state of mind. When you Live Boricua, you can immerse yourself in the joy of life that is at the center of Puerto Rico and shared by its people and all who visit. During your holiday trip, embrace the rich traditions, warm hospitality and festive atmosphere of the Island so you can create memories to last a lifetime.

Are you ready to celebrate the holidays the Boricua way? To learn more and plan your holiday trip, visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com/Holidays.