Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-06-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Individuals are seeking simple ways to add protein into their meals. Enter cottage cheese: a powerhouse food that can be incorporated into everything from toast toppings and smoothies to pastas and even desserts.

When looking for cottage cheese, reach for a brand like Breakstone’s, known for hand-crafted, high-quality dairy since 1882. An East Coast favorite for generations, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese is creamy, delicious and provides 13 grams of protein per serving, which is 20% or more of the daily recommended value of protein in one serving.

Lauren Clark, manager of culinary research and development at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, a subsidiary of Lactalis USA, and part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, emphasizes that consumers are looking for ways to incorporate cottage cheese into everyday recipes. “I turn to Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese because it is packed with protein and offers 10% of your daily recommended value of calcium,” she explains. “It takes the guesswork out of making the most out of mealtime.”

One of the greatest appeals of cottage cheese is its versatility that appeals to all age groups.

• For breakfast enthusiasts, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese can be blended into smoothies or breakfast bowls to start the day. Combined with fruits, vegetables, and a dash of honey or cinnamon, cottage cheese creates a creamy base that adds depth to morning blends.
• At lunchtime, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese can be easily incorporated into a variety of favorite dishes to satisfy tastebuds to conquer a busy day. Cottage cheese provides endless options for a midday lift, from avocado toast upgrades to elevating a classic Greek salad.
• Come dinnertime, put an unexpected twist on a cheese board appetizer, or Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese can be the star ingredient in stuffed pasta shells. Its mild flavor blends seamlessly with savory ingredients, enhancing the recipe’s overall taste and nutritional value.
• Even dessert can benefit from the addition of Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese. Opt for a cottage cheese ice cream for a twist on a summertime classic, or keep things simple with easy and elegant parfaits that can be tweaked to satisfy any palate. With Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese as your go-to ingredient, flavor and indulgence never have to be sacrificed.

If you’re looking to add protein to your recipes, cottage cheese offers a delicious solution for a myriad of lifestyles. So, next time you’re perusing the dairy aisle, don’t overlook the humble cottage cheese. With 13 grams of protein per serving and its culinary versatility, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese might be the secret ingredient your grocery list has been missing.

2024-06-03T10:33:23

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

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

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

What CDC is doing to Stop Overdose in America

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

Learning how to prevent an overdose can help save a life if you know someone struggling with addiction.

Mixing drugs is never safe

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

Why it’s so dangerous to mix drugs

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

“There are evidence-based treatments that work to treat both substance use disorders and mental health conditions,” said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “If you know someone with a substance use disorder or who is in mental distress, you can offer them the support and encouragement they may need to get help.”

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

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

Seven signs of overdose to watch for include:

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

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

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

For more information and resources, visit CDC.gov/StopOverdose.

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

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

2024-06-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – For many patients, a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can come as a shock. COPD, a chronic respiratory condition, can drastically impact quality of life, making everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs a struggle.

Oftentimes, patients know very little about COPD. Many turn to their healthcare providers for guidance and support—exploring treatment options together that include inhaler medications.

Getting the right medication to patients who need it can make a huge difference in the way respiratory conditions, like COPD and asthma, are managed. Making these medications more accessible for patients means they can go out and live their lives on their own terms. Increasing access to inhalers with predictable, affordable and consistent costs gives people the opportunity to regain a sense of normalcy.

Enter Boehringer Ingelheim, a global independent healthcare company on a mission to make essential medications more accessible to those who need them most. With the launch of their new program to cap out-of-pocket inhaler costs for eligible patients at just $35 per month, they’re breaking cost and access barriers for patients who depend on their medications.

With Boehringer Ingelheim’s program, eligible patients can benefit from support available to them, both medically and financially. It is the company’s most tangible attempt to ensure patients don’t have to choose between their health and their wallets.

As Boehringer Ingelheim continues to lead the way in ensuring their medications are more accessible, most eligible commercially insured patients should find the process of getting their inhalers not only cheaper, but simpler, too. For eligible patients with commercial insurance, the discount happens automatically at the pharmacy counter, with no action required—no websites to visit or forms to fill out.

All other eligible patients, including those whose pharmacies do not participate and those without insurance, can visit www.InhalerOffer.com to enroll for a co-pay card to present at their pharmacy to receive the same $35 reduced cost.

As with any chronic condition, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. For more information about the program details, including terms and conditions, visit www.InhalerOffer.com.

*Terms and conditions apply. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from co-pay support.

2024-05-31T12:59:00

(BPT) – By Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products at Bank of America

Summer travel planning is officially in full swing, and while many Americans are likely to be mindful of their spending, plenty are eager to get out and experience the world.

Gen Z seems to be leading the charge. According to a recent Bank of America survey, 24% of Gen Zers are planning to take longer trips in 2024 than years prior, whereas millennials (16%), Gen X (9%) and baby boomers (7%) are less likely to do so. Gen Z also takes the lead in international travel, with 20% planning an international trip — far ahead of millennials (10%), Gen X (8%) and baby boomers (6%).

Meanwhile, 81% do not plan on postponing any travel plans, and 91% say they plan ahead for vacation. So, what’s driving this appetite for big adventure — especially among younger generations?

The fact that entertainment has been making a big splash could have something to do with it. Last year, Swifties and the BeyHive showed us just how much they’re willing to sacrifice to see their favorite artists on stage, and “Barbenheimer” took the world by storm via the screen. Considering that 45% of people said they were likely to splurge on experiences while traveling and 38% are already planning to travel internationally, the excitement is likely to continue this summer. Beyonce’s recent album release has fans on the edges of their seats anticipating a tour announcement, the Eras Tour is hitting international venues and the Olympic Games are taking over Paris.

While 72% of people are planning to travel this summer, however, most don’t plan to throw all financial consideration to the wind. In fact, 84% of those who will be traveling will establish a budget or spending limit.

If you’re all about going big without going broke, here are some tips to help you offset costs on travel this summer:

1. Plan your travel and entertainment budget thoughtfully. When considering how much to budget, start by thinking through how you’re most likely to spend during your trip. For example, 27% of travelers budget solely for major expenses and maintain flexibility with other spending on vacation. Consider the things you want to go all out on, and where can you cut back. Self-proclaimed foodie? You’ll want to make sure your food and beverage budget has plenty, while you may be able to cut other costs by booking less expensive accommodations. If it’s kicking back and relaxing on a luxurious bed that you look forward to most, consider budgeting more for accommodations and less for food, opting to grocery shop instead of eating out every night.

Another important consideration when it comes to planning your spending this summer is your “fun budget.” Especially if you’re traveling for a big-ticket event like a concert, you’ll want to make sure you know how much you can spend on the ticket — and how much that leaves for the rest of your travel budget. Americans tend to overspend in this area, with the biggest culprits for going over the “fun budget” being trying new restaurants (42%), concerts/music festivals (39%) and sporting events (30%).

2. Start planning now. Plan as much as you can, as early as you can. Avoid last-minute price hikes on tickets for both travel and entertainment by buying them well in advance, taking advantage of early bird discounts on flights and booking your accommodations before options fill up.

What’s more, when you start the process early, you might get lucky and find a package deal with offers that include flights, accommodations and even event tickets.

3. Use a rewards credit card before and during travel. Whether you plan to spend big on a trip or go the more frugal route, consider using a cash back credit card to help offset some of your vacation expenses. With the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card, each month you can choose to earn 3% cash back in one of six spending categories, including travel, dining, online shopping and more. To maximize your cash back, you could choose the travel category for the months before your trip when you’re booking accommodations and flights, then switch to a new category, like dining, to make the most of your purchases during your trip.

If you’ve earned credit card rewards but haven’t used them yet, consider putting them toward your travel and entertainment purchases to offset some of the costs. Or, if you’re planning to travel next year, too, consider putting the cash rewards you earn this summer into a savings account, so you’ll have funds at the ready for future endeavors.

Overall, despite some lingering financial concerns, the appetite for travel is strong. High-profile entertainment, like concerts and sporting events, is likely to be a major draw for travelers this summer — which means effective money management will be key for consumers. By strategizing and making wise financial decisions, even the most adventurous vacationers can enjoy a remarkable summer getaway without blowing the budget.

Sponsored by Bank of America

2024-05-31T14:01:01

(BPT) – Couples yearning to start a family often face numerous challenges, including financial worries, health concerns and fears about potential problems during pregnancy and birth. One significant challenge that many couples may not anticipate is infertility.

According to a recent survey, 77% of U.S. women aged 25-34 who have been trying to conceive over the last 12 months did not think about their ability to get pregnant until after they decided to try to conceive. In the survey that was commissioned by First Response in collaboration with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, a majority (57%) didn’t realize how long it would take to get pregnant, and almost 2 in 5 women trying to conceive (38%) wish they knew how much conflicting information there was before attempting to get pregnant.

For many couples, the challenge to conceive is even more difficult if they live in a “support desert” — an area where health care resources and infertility support are not available. This most often includes rural communities, where distance creates one problem, but the local health care infrastructure itself can be inadequate to meet the needs of young families. The survey revealed that over 2 in 5 women trying to conceive (42%) do not have local access to infertility support groups and treatment. That number climbs to 62% for rural women who feel they have inadequate access, amplifying their sense of isolation and frustration. Additionally, 41% simply don’t know what resources are available.

Beyond facing limited or nonexistent resources, many couples feel a stigma around discussing infertility, accompanied by shame, embarrassment or a belief that they are at fault. While over half of those surveyed have talked to friends (57%) or family members (56%), only 42% have spoken to a health care provider, 24% discussed their journey to pregnancy with a mental health expert, and only 16% sought a support group.

The importance of information and resources

Access to adequate information, support and resources is crucial for couples trying to conceive. In the survey, a staggering 93% of women said they believe at least three misconceptions about trying to get pregnant when given a knowledge test about common facts regarding pregnancy.

Expanding support and getting the word out about resources is crucial. Women with access to local infertility support groups and treatments are more than twice as likely to use these resources (21% versus 10% without access). In addition, women with access to infertility support groups and treatment in their area report being more likely to reach out to family members (59%) or health care and mental health providers (56%) than those without local options.

What couples can do

For those living in rural communities and other support deserts, it’s vital to be proactive by seeking out care, advocating for your well-being and creating a support structure if you can’t find one. Couples living in support deserts can:

• Seek out community outreach programs: Contact your nearest health care facilities and social service programs to ask about resources.
• Access telemedicine platforms: Ask health care clinics and hospitals in your state if they can provide remote consultations and support.
• Join or establish in-person/remote support groups: If you can’t locate support groups near you, start one — or consider joining or creating a remote support group to share experiences, information and resources with others going through infertility. RESOLVE.org is home to several resources that empower, educate and equip couples to help address roadblocks in conceiving, including free support groups.
• Advocate for yourself and others: Destigmatizing infertility is key. Speak out, educate others and encourage open and supportive dialogue within your community. Join The Pregnancy Hub by First Response™, a community created to help connect and inspire those navigating trying to conceive.

Survey Methodology: The survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 U.S. women, ages 25-34, who have been trying to conceive over the past 12 months, “Trying to Conceive” defined as trying to get pregnant either naturally or with assistance, between March 27 and April 7, 2024, using an email invitation and an online survey.

2024-05-31T16:05:00

(BPT) – The rising cost of goods and services across the U.S. has many Americans feeling financial stress. While you can’t directly influence the inflation rate, you can find ways to reduce your spending on things like insurance, groceries, your phone, gas and streaming services. Check out these five money-saving strategies that can help you beat inflation.

1. Shop around for the best insurance deals

When was the last time you shopped around for car, renters’ and home insurance? If it’s been a while, carve out time to search for a better deal. Most importantly, don’t settle for the first quote you receive. According to a ValuePenguin survey, nearly three-quarters of Americans have shopped around for insurance, and many have saved money as a result.

Also, many companies allow you to bundle car and home or renters’ insurance for a discount. In fact, you could save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto policies.

2. Switch up your phone plan for savings

If you’ve been with the same phone plan for a while, it might be time to explore other options. Many phone plan providers offer competitive rates and deals to new customers who make the switch.

Keep in mind that you shouldn’t just switch to any plan. Pick a carrier that will help you save AND treat you well. For example, Metro by T-Mobile — the leader in prepaid — has debuted its Metro Flex plan. New customers can receive a free 5G phone when they join, and they’ll get the same great deals as new customers in as soon as 12 months when they trade in their phones.

Most phone providers only give you a free phone when you join. That’s what sets Metro Flex apart; they take care of existing customers. Additionally, Metro Flex customers can get benefits like Google One 100GB, free stuff and deals every week through T-Mobile Tuesdays, unlimited texts to 210+ countries and destinations and Amazon Prime included (a savings of $14.99/month) with the Metro Flex Plus plan.

Metro is the first and only prepaid wireless plan that gives new and existing customers the same fair treatment. To learn more, visit MetroByT-Mobile.com/MetroFlex.

3. Choose generic brands at the grocery store

If you want to cut your grocery bill, opt for generic brands instead of name brands. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save without sacrificing quality.

Consumer Reports found that 76% of generic food items tasted as good as their brand-name counterparts. How much can you save by switching to generic? The report found that depending on the food item, the generic brand cost as much as 72% less per serving than name brands.

4. Embrace alternative transportation methods

In April alone, gasoline increased by 2.8%. Fuel costs can add up quickly if you commute to work or school. However, you can save on fuel costs by using alternative forms of transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, riders can save more than $13,000 a year by using public transit.

Aside from public transit, you can also consider biking, walking or carpooling with friends or neighbors. You can even use a combination of these transportation methods to save and get to where you want to go.

5. Bundle up your subscriptions

How many streaming subscriptions do you pay for? According to Forbes, the average American spends $46 per month on streaming services. That may not seem like a high number, but it can quickly add up over time.

While you could cancel subscriptions, an easier and more convenient way to save while still enjoying entertainment is to look for bundles. Just like with car and home insurance, bundling streaming subscriptions can give you a discount.

You may even already have access to a subscription service and may be paying double. If you’re a Metro Flex Plus customer, you get access to Amazon Prime as part of your plan. That’s a savings of $14.99 per month!

Prime members enjoy exceptional value with access to Amazon’s fast and free delivery, enormous selection, exclusive deals and shopping events, savings across health care, prescriptions and groceries, as well as movies, books, games, photo storage and more.

Saving money doesn’t have to be difficult. Use these five tips and see how much you can save. Remember, every dollar counts!

2024-05-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses have a significant impact on their customers and surrounding communities. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 33 million small businesses that employ almost half of America’s private sector workforce. These businesses play a vital role in local communities, driving economic activity and employment. When small businesses thrive, their communities thrive, too.

However, these businesses face many challenges. Small business owners do not have the resources to manage their networks or tackle technology issues. They need increasingly more sophisticated IT solutions but don’t have a dedicated IT staff to support them. Choosing the right broadband solutions to support their business is critical to success.

Increasingly, local broadband service providers (BSPs) with a vision to foster economic growth in their communities are bridging this gap by offering managed services tailored for small businesses – services that extend far beyond just fast Wi-Fi. For example, recent broadband innovation from Calix (a leading cloud technology company for the broadband industry) enables BSPs to serve more small businesses with a purpose-built broadband solution that meets their unique needs. These small business services include enhanced security measures and cybersecurity reporting across four dedicated networks – business, point-of-sale, staff and customer – to enable small business owners to safeguard their critical online activities.

SCTelcom in Kansas, RTC Networks in North Dakota, and DirectLink in Oregon are examples of BSPs delivering these services to support the success of local small businesses. SCTelcom is attracting more opportunity and generating economic vitality in south-central Kansas, while DirectLink and RTC Networks are reinforcing their positions as the preferred BSP for small businesses in their regions.

Small business owners rely on their BSPs to be dependable technology partners, helping them maintain the safety and security essential to their success. In honor of Small Business Month, Calix offers five ways BSPs can enable small businesses in their communities to thrive.

1. Robust network-level security

In the U.S., cyberattacks are on the rise and should be top of mind for companies of all sizes. According to 60% of small businesses, cybersecurity is a primary concern. Last year, more than 3,200 data breaches were reported. In addition, 51% of small businesses have no cybersecurity measures in place and 85% of ransomware attacks targeted small businesses in 2023. A report from IBM found that smaller organizations are increasingly impacted by data breaches, with the resulting financial burden increasing by 13% from 2022 to 2023. Research indicates that 95% of cybersecurity incidents can cost small businesses up to $653,587 due to downtime, lost business, emergency solutions, legal, and regulatory fines.

While these facts may be scary, small businesses can protect themselves with robust network-level security. BSPs offer comprehensive security measures to protect critical business systems and data, including integrated firewalls, isolated business, staff, guest, point-of-sale networks, intrusion alerts, content filtering and reporting of blocked threats.

2. Secure network access control

Network access controls are policies, procedures, protocols, tools and applications that define, regulate and restrict what an individual or entity can do on one’s network. To protect against internal and external threats, small businesses need segmented networks for employees, customers, and business systems. Each segmented network should have tailored authentication and security policies to ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.

3. Network resilience

Most people have experienced network problems at home. While those issues can be frustrating and inconvenient, they can cause severe problems when it comes to running a business. Network problems create downtime, which can be catastrophic for small businesses.

Local BSPs deliver uninterrupted connectivity and continuous operations to small businesses in their communities, minimizing potential losses during network disruptions.

4. Simplified staff network management

Regardless of the number of employees, small businesses need to manage network access for staff effectively. Seamless network onboarding and offboarding processes for employees and insights into employee productivity can enhance operational efficiency and improve network security, saving time, money, and headaches for small business owners.

5. Enhanced customer experiences

Providing guests with Wi-Fi connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for attracting and retaining customers. Small businesses can improve customer experience and satisfaction by offering secure Wi-Fi, driving loyalty and increasing spending.

Finding the right broadband service provider for small businesses

Depending on the BSP that services their community, small business owners will find different levels and implementations of cybersecurity, network safety and productivity tools.

Calix SmartBiz enables BPS to offer a variety of features that help small businesses improve productivity, secure important online activities, and delight their customers with safe, secure Wi-Fi that holds up to the most demanding streaming services. As a result, small business owners can focus on doing what they do best, not tackling complicated IT issues.

Small business owners should talk with their internet providers about deploying SmartBiz or contact SCTelcom, RTC Networks or DirectLink to learn how they’re supporting the success of small businesses in their communities.

2024-05-30T13:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is a great time to consider adding a furry friend to your household! Bringing a pet into your home is one of the best decisions you can make to enrich your life, with three quarters of pet parents reporting mental health improvements from pet ownership. With more than six million animals currently in rescue agencies or shelters in the U.S., adopting a pet will open your home to an animal in need and bring you untold amounts of joy and well-being. It’s easy to fall in love with an adorable dog or cat, especially if they have backstories that pull at your heart strings. But as tempting as it is to take home the first sweet face you see, it’s not a decision to make lightly.

According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, 40% of adopted pets are returned to shelters within the first year. That’s why some careful forethought can help your home be a permanent one for your new best friend. Here are six things to consider to help you find a companion that is the perfect match:

Compatibility with your Lifestyle: Before you choose a pet, think about your lifestyle and choose a pet with a temperament and personality that fits. Are you looking for a cuddle buddy for movie nights or a running partner? Do you work from home or are you in the office five days a week? Do you have young children or teenagers? A young, active husky might not be the best choice for someone who is away most of the day, while an older cat might enjoy quiet and solitude. A rambunctious dog might be too much for young kids, while teens might love to play with them in the backyard.

Preparing for Expenses: Budgeting for pet care is the best way to make sure you’re not surprised by the expenses necessary to keep your new family member healthy and happy. Think about vet visits, yearly vaccinations, food, day care, dental cleanings, grooming and more. There’s also a chance pet parents could face surprise costs like treatment for an injury or surgery. These costs can add up over time, Synchrony’s Pet Lifetime of Care Study shows it can be as much as $55,000 during a pet’s lifetime. But there are ways to be ready for these costs.

Many pet parents have a credit card specifically for pet expenses, such as Synchrony’s CareCredit. CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that empowers families to pay over time for pet care with flexible, budget-friendly financing options. CareCredit can be for all types of veterinary and pet care from routine exams and vaccinations to illness and injuries, nutrition and prescriptions and even microchipping, boarding, training and other expenses. Having a solution to manage costs can give your financial peace of mind through every stage of your pet’s life.

Puppy or Kitten vs. Adult Pet: If you work outside of the home most of the time, a puppy or kitten can be challenging but not impossible. Young animals need a lot of supervision, training and attention as they discover the world — and get to know you and your household. It takes time and attention to help them grow into well-mannered adults. If you don’t have those, consider adopting an adult pet that’s already house trained, crate trained, leash ready or can manage being alone. Be sure to ask these types of questions when you are at your chosen place of adoption.

Allergies in Your Household: If someone in your home is allergic to dogs or cats, careful consideration should be made. The last thing you want is to fall in love with a furry friend only to discover you or a child is constantly sneezing. However, there are certain breeds that are hypoallergenic that might be the ideal fit.

Living Situation: Do you live in an apartment? What floor is it on? Is there easy access to outdoor spaces or a dog park? Does your home have a fenced-in yard to keep them safe? What are the rules for pets if you’re renting? It’s important to keep all of these things in consideration when adding a pet to your life and living space. It’s not always the size of the pet that matters most, it’s the size of your commitment to making to work for you and the animals.

Considering all the elements of pet ownership before you bring your furry friend home will help ensure it’s a perfect match from the start — and for a lifetime.

To learn more about how CareCredit can help you be financially prepared to care for your new family member, and to find a vet near you that accepts CareCredit, visit their website www.carecredit.com.

2024-05-30T11:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past five years, we have seen a 300% surge in nights booked by Gen Z guests globally, indicating a broadening of the travel market as more destinations, both traditional and new, attract young travelers¹.

As we head into Pride Month, new Airbnb data reveals a fresh wave of travelers are shaping the landscape of global Pride celebrations. From spectators to trailblazers, Gen Z travelers are exploring new spaces for the LGBTQ+ community to come together.

A generational comparison: the top booked Prides this summer

From the capital seat of Utah, to the scenic charms of Taipei, and the historical sites of Athens, Gen Z’s impact is global. Emerging hotspots like Cleveland and Charlotte, where Gen Z interest is notably strong, are becoming central locales in the Pride circuit, pointing toward a broader trend of inclusivity and new celebrations across different regions.

This year, the most popular Pride destinations among Gen Z travelers showcase their unique preferences and adventurous spirit. Below is a list of cities that have seen the highest percentage of nights booked by Gen Z and Millennials during Pride celebration weekends²:

Gen Z’s Top Booked International Pride Celebrations

• San Jose, Costa Rica
• Lima, Peru
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Bogota, Colombia
• Madrid, Spain
• London, United Kingdom
• Manchester, United Kingdom
• Cologne, Germany
• Berlin, Germany
• Thessaloniki, Greece

Millennials’ Top Booked International Pride Celebrations

• Taipei, Taiwan
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Bogota, Colombia
• Hong Kong
• Berlin, Germany
• Oslo, Norway
• Montreal, Canada
• Naples, Italy
• Athens, Greece
• Santiago, Chile

Millennials continue to lead bookings to traditional Pride celebration destinations, maintaining their strong presence and celebrating in familiar spaces, while Gen Z is exploring both the newer Pride celebrations and traditional ones.

Top-rated LGBTQ-friendly cities by guest reviews

Creating safe and welcoming spaces is not just a current trend, but a growing movement. Following the top booked destinations for Pride, we are shining a rainbow-colored spotlight on cities that are celebrated for their LGBTQ-friendly environments by the number of mentions in guest reviews³:

• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Madrid, Spain
• New York City, NY
• Paris, France
• San Diego, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Wilton Manors, FL
• Toronto, Canada
• Seattle, WA
• London, United Kingdom

These cities are not only home to some of the most spectacular Pride events, but their hosts also foster environments where LGBTQ+ travelers can feel welcome year-round.

Hosts are embracing and celebrating the spirit of Pride Month

From vibrant, color-filled homes to unique, Pride-centric experiences, these listings encapsulate the spirit of Pride Month and provide a warm, inviting atmosphere for everyone. Below is a collection of homes showcasing their pride in some of the most colorful ways:

Inclusive language fosters acceptance

We want Airbnb to be a place where people of all identities, backgrounds and cultures feel welcome.

Last year we released new data which showed the number of Hosts around the world using LGBTQ+-inclusive language surged by nearly 90% since 2017, signifying a shift toward an even more welcoming and inclusive community on the platform. According to findings from Morning Consult Brand Intelligence, 41% of LGBTQ+ respondents who travel identify as Airbnb users – 8% higher compared to the overall percentage of U.S. leisure travelers.

Inclusive language helps foster a sense of belonging and safety, which is crucial for members of the Airbnb community, no matter how they identify.

1. Nights booked by Gen Z in Q1 2019 vs Q1 2024.
2. Cities with the highest percentages of nights booked by Gen Z and Millennial travelers over their respective Pride weekends, based on 60+ Pride events around the world.
3. Cities with the most mentions of LGBTQ + “gay friendly” in their reviews in the past 10 years.