Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-08-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – From international bucket list trips to road trips to vacations with multi-generations to solo travel, there are so many travel trends worth exploring. If you’re eager to plan a trip that indulges in these popular travel trends, it’s important to plan early and research the best travel deals.

“Traveling can be costly, but there are ways to save while still having a fun on-trend trip with family, friends, or all by yourself,” said Steven Guilday, Director of Travel at AARP Services, Inc. “Whether you’re itching for an overseas adventure or a long vacation closer to home, AARP member benefits give you access to products and services that will help you spend your time, not your money, planning your exciting getaway.”

Guilday says that AARP members have access to a wide range of travel discounts and benefits that can help make their long-awaited travel plans a reality while staying on a budget. “Don’t let the stress of travel costs deter you from making lasting memories, especially when there are plenty of cost-saving opportunities to help you enjoy your bucket list vacation without having to pay bucket list prices.”

Here are just a few ways you can make the most of your trip planning while also being budget conscious.

Going the Distance

More and more consumers aren’t holding back when it comes to their vacations and are finally planning that once-in-a-lifetime trip. According to a 2024 AARP travel trends report, a quarter of international travelers are planning bucket list trips, choosing Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America as their top destinations. Big trips equal big planning, and whether it’s a fun-in-the-sun beach vacation or European getaway that’s on the itinerary, using the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia is a one-stop shop with savings where AARP members can find exclusive deals, handpicked curated trips, seasonal offers, and special savings on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. For a limited time, AARP members can take advantage of handpicked wellness vacations and get a $50 gift card when booking any flight package.

Exploring the Open Seas

Another popular way to maximize your travels is on a cruise vacation. Value-driven and with a wide range of activities and amenities, you’re sure to find something that everyone in your travel party can enjoy. Holland America Line’s fleet of 11 ships offers more than 500 sailings each year across all seven continents, including cruises in Alaska, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Europe. AARP members receive up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom, based on the length of the cruise and the stateroom chosen. If Antarctica, Greenland and the Galapagos Islands are on your wander list, AARP members (and non-AARP member companions) who book and travel with HX: Hurtigruten Expeditions will receive a 5% discount on all cruise fares plus a €100 per person onboard credit. This offer is stackable with all in-market HX offers. Terms and conditions apply.

Road Rules

It’s not always about the destination or how far you travel but the relief of breaking your everyday routine, exploring new landscapes and enjoying the freedom of driving, windows down, blasting your favorite tunes. As domestic road trips are becoming a go-to way to embark on an adventure and with nearly 7,500 Choice Hotels^® properties around the world, like Comfort Inn & Suites and Cambria, travelers can count on Choice for a safe and clean place to stay along their road trip holiday route. AARP members save 10% on bookings with Choice Hotels. Through September 2nd, AARP members receive 15% off stays at participating hotels. That’s an extra 5% off!

Get Travel Ready

Well ahead of your trip, check in on your physical health to ensure you’ll be ready come departure day. Your physical health is directly correlated with your mobility. From running your daily errands to maneuvering around the airport, much of your quality of life depends on your levels of mobility but it can decrease as you age. Exercise, diet, preventive care, and lifestyle choices can keep you stronger and steadier for a more enjoyable vacation. AARP^® Physical Therapy at Home™ by Luna provides access to highly experienced physical therapists who come directly to you. Luna employs physical therapists who specialize in preventing falls and treating balance disorders as well as a multitude of other conditions. Both AARP members and non-members can receive at-home physical therapy from Luna. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted by Luna.

As you create your packing list, make sure you have enough prescription medications for your travels. It’s a good idea to have a full supply, plus extra, just in case you experience unexpected delays. AARP members and non-members alike can get a free prescription discount card from AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum Rx^®, which can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. AARP members also receive additional benefits, like deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for dependents, and more.

Taking a vacation is the perfect excuse to pick up a new pair of prescription glasses — whether you’re hoping for a new look or simply want a back-up pair before you jet off, when you’re making your packing list don’t forget to check this off your to-do. By using AARP^® Vision Discounts provided by EyeMed, AARP members can save 50% on prescription lenses with the purchase of a frame at LensCrafters, 30% on a complete pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at Glasses.com, and an additional $10 on a complete pair at Target Optical.

Whether planning a trip for this year, over the holidays or into 2025, making memories that can last a lifetime will always be the ultimate travel trend. Use your AARP member benefits to stay on trend — and on budget — when planning your upcoming trips.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you plan and save for your bucket-list vacation, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

2024-08-19T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many of us have a group of professionals we depend on, including our doctor, plumber or our insurance agent. These experts can quickly become an integral part of our lives, saving us time and money, teaching us about complex purchase decisions, and being available in times of crisis.

Establishing a team of trusted experts in our lives can help guide us through some of life’s most important decisions. Establishing trust in an expert’s knowledge can create a bond, but also a sense of confidence and reliance on someone’s counsel. This is especially true when it comes to choosing an insurance agent.

“Many consumers tend to start their insurance journey by shopping online, however, most will eventually go through an agent when it comes time to buy,” said Brandt Minnich, Mercury Insurance VP & Chief Sales Development Officer. “It is beneficial to turn to a professional, such as an insurance agent, to ensure you have adequate protection without overpaying.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 50% of the current insurance workforce will retire in the next 15 years, leaving more than 400,000 open positions unfilled. This will make having a seasoned professional insurance agent working for you even more valuable.

Here are just a few insurance stats from world financial experts Forbes and credit rating and research company Fitch:

• Car insurance costs are on the rise. The cost of auto insurance increased by 63.8% between 2014 and 2023 and now averages $2,150 annually for full coverage.
• Fitch reports that insurers continue to face loss cost uncertainty specific to home insurance because of cost volatility and lack of availability of key building materials, components and skilled labor, as well as higher reinsurance costs.
• Nationally, insured catastrophe losses for 2023 remained substantial despite a reduction in major hurricane losses, according to leading global reinsurance broker Gallagher Re’s recent Natural Catastrophe and Climate Report: 2023. Instead, industry losses were largely attributable to severe convective storms (generally referred to as thunderstorms) losses totaling $59.7 billion, including 24 events that generated $1 billion or higher in combined loss.

“An independent insurance agent is a licensed professional who represents multiple insurance companies, and they offer a variety of insurance products to their clients,” said Weili Lu, Director of the School of Risk Management and Insurance at California State University, Fullerton. “Their services deliver tailored risk solutions, ensuring that every client’s unique needs are met with expertise and care.”

Here are some best practices for building a strong relationship with your insurance agent:

Communicate: Regular communication with your insurance agent helps to ensure that you stay up to date on your insurance needs and receive ongoing support and guidance.

Provide feedback: If you have feedback or concerns about your policy or service, share them with your insurance agent to keep the lines of communication open.

More personalized customer service: Most agents are easily accessible and offer personalized service as opposed to “online chats” from an app.

Make sure you get regular insurance reviews: Regularly reviewing your insurance coverage and deductibles will help make sure you are adequately covered and avoid surprises.

Going directly to the carrier or agent speeds up the process and lets you determine the price you are willing to pay.

“Going through a trusted insurance agent can be very beneficial,” added Minnich. “An agent can help make sure you are never underinsured, and you are getting all of the discounts to which you are entitled, such as good driver and multi-policy or bundling discounts.”

If you think of your insurance agent as part of your “team of experts,” like your mechanic or your electrician, you can establish a long-term relationship that can save you time and more importantly, money in the long run.

2024-08-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re like many people, you’ve more than likely soaked in a bath infused with Epsom salt to calm your sore muscles and relax your mind and nerves. But what is Epsom salt exactly? How should you use it and is it always safe? Here are some of the facts you may not have known about this remarkable natural substance. You will find it may be better enjoying the benefits of Epsom salt without making the time and effort for soaking in a tub!

You can visit a place named Epsom

Epsom salt is actually magnesium sulfate, a natural mineral compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen. So why don’t we call it by its chemical name? It goes back 400 years to a town in England called — you guessed it — Epsom. Not knowing yet what it was the citizens of Epsom, England named the substance for the site of its discovery in a rural stream. Epsom became England’s first spa town as people started arriving from long distances to absorb the healthful benefits from the magnesium sulfate infused water. Epsom-It topical lotion takes this experience to the next level by virtue of its portability.

It is a salt good for your body but not your food

Epsom salt isn’t the same as table salt, despite their names and similar appearances. Table salt is sodium chloride, a naturally occurring compound just like magnesium sulfate. And while we all need magnesium in our diet, no one recommends sprinkling magnesium sulfate on your food. Though safe to ingest, it actually has a bitter taste and is only medically indicated for ingestion to relieve constipation.

Magnesium is a key element for your health

Your body can’t exist without magnesium, which is the second-most plentiful mineral in your body, calcium being most abundant. It’s a key factor in over 300 biochemical reactions that help your heart and nervous systems like synthesizing protein, controlling blood glucose, regulating blood pressure, maintaining bone structure and more. It’s a good idea to make sure you’re getting enough in your diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance or RDA varies from about 310 milligrams (mg) to 410 mg depending on several factors. Topical application, however, has no limits for safe use. Topical application of Epsom salt absorbs slowly into the subdermal skin area, where Epsom-It delivers its best results.

Wellness benefits may be had without the bath

Epsom salt can help provide relief from muscle and nerve aches in as little as 10 minutes. That’s why people soak in warm baths having dissolved Epsom salt. But you don’t need to take a bath to get the same benefits. About 10 years ago, a 90-year-old exercise enthusiast named Paul Greenfield needed to apply Epsom salt to his sore muscles but didn’t have time for soaking. He approached a team of veteran chemists to find a solution and they then created a “bath in a bottle” called Epsom-It: an elegant, novel lotion application of Epsom salt for achieving similar outcomes of human wellness.

“We developed Epsom-It to deliver a magnesium sulfate concentration higher than 20%,” said Epsom-IT chief scientist Matthew Zoeller. “That’s more than 30 times greater than a typical Epsom salt bath would have, plus it can be directly targeted to areas experiencing acute discomfort.”

Epsom salt is not a drug, it offers only natural relief

Other products are indicated to soothe aches and pains, but virtually all other topical pain relief products contain active drugs, some of which may be harmful in high doses. Epsom-It applies magnesium sulfate safely with no side effects. The product has been tested and approved for safety by certified laboratories using approved methods. You can easily massage Epsom-It into your skin directly from the bottle, or you can use our roll-on package to keep your hands dry. And for extra convenience, we also offer it in a small tube.

Last but not least, while to date there have been no major clinical studies to document the effectiveness of Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate continues to be recommended by physicians and wellness professionals.

“Several theories have been raised over the years regarding the physiological mechanism by which magnesium sulfate exerts its calming, soothing effects; and which remain inconclusive from a clinical study standpoint. However, the benefits of magnesium and magnesium sulfate are well known and universally recognized,” said Zoeller. “Four centuries of experience with topical application of magnesium sulfate has proven to be safe and amazingly effective for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Epsom-It enhances that tradition in an elegant manner for the 21st century.”

Learn more about Epsom-It products by visiting www.epsomit.com and look to purchase them at designated retail outlets, such as Walgreens, Walmart, GIANT, Stop & Shop, Weis, Raley’s, and Meijers.

2024-08-19T08:31:00

(BPT) – “The Big Shrink” is here: Pricing pressures have caused Americans to pull back, with over 6 in 10 (62%) saying their ‘purchasing power’ and income in relation to prices is decreasing — and their money doesn’t go as far as it used to (82%). A majority (79%) note household goods like cereal and chips dwindling in serving sizes, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice.

Some 78% are using more of their budget on essential items, and 27% have hit a pricing limit, and aren’t willing to pay anything more for many grocery staples, or will cut the items from their shopping lists. Prices are 20% more expensive than February 2020 according to CPI data¹ — so consumers would need to pay $1,218 now for their dollars to have the same purchasing power as $1,000 in 2020.² Consumers say they’ll quit buying goods including:

• Coffee: Over a third of people aren’t willing to pay even $1 more for a cup of joe.
• Bread: 1 in 5 Gen X will stop buying loaves of bread if the price increases by more than a buck.
• Fresh produce: 1 in 5 Gen Z will chop fresh fruits and vegetables from their shopping lists if the price increases by $1.
• Snacks: 20% of Millennials are not willing to pay one dollar more for snack foods like bags of chips or chocolate bars.

Quality and quantity

Almost half (45%) of people notice a change in quality of items they’ve been buying for years — 79% say there are less chips in the bag, and 54% say that chocolate costs more, but doesn’t taste as good. Price increases can influence loyalty, too: around 75% of Americans say it turns them off from a brand, and many are switching over to generic/store-owned brands (77%). Three in four believe the higher prices go, the less they’re getting in return.

Price check

Sizes aren’t the only thing getting smaller: Americans believe Time is Money, and 29% say their amount of free time is shrinking, feeling priced out of enjoying it (58%) as costs have risen. Nearly half of Americans feel priced out of retiring at the age they want (49%), along with financial goals like home ownership (48%), leaving an inheritance (50%) and paying for a college degree (41%). The sentiment extends to starting a business (38%) or buying a piece of one, through investing in the stock market (40%).

Still, optimism remains: 28% of Americans think prices will keep dropping before the end of this year. A third feel they have the opportunity to grow financially by paying down debt (33%) and investing (17%).

More findings:

• Inflation generation: 87% say they’re “fed up” with rising prices. Baby Boomers are the least willing to pay more than products’ current prices.
• The long and short on goals: 47% of Americans say they have less disposable income. But inflation is taking a slice out of larger money goals, too: 35% have less in emergency savings, 24% say their net worth is shrinking and 17% worry they’ll have to work longer to retire.
• Tipflation and fees: 45% say they are being asked to tip more in places where they didn’t tip 10 years ago. Nearly three-quarters (73%) say extra fees are being added where they haven’t had to pay in the past.
• Stocking up: In the last year to save money, 53% switched to a generic brand, 34% downloaded a store’s app for rewards/coupons and 21% purchased a store membership to get benefits like free shipping.
• Getting smaller: 68% say new houses are getting smaller, but not cheaper. More than half (57%) say streaming services have increased prices, but there is less content.
• Dreaming it: Close to a third (30%) would sacrifice their vacation time in order to achieve their financial goals; 1 in 5 would give up their dream home (22%).
• Up and down: 37% like the concept of dynamic pricing, even at a grocery store. Two in 5 plan to split more prices with family and friends to make ends meet.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Big Shrink.”

Methodology: The Empower “The Big Shrink” study is based on online survey responses from 2,203 Americans ages 18+ fielded by Morning Consult between March 22nd–24th, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Consumer Price Index, June 2024 compared to February 2020.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. CPI Inflation Calculator. June 2024 price change of $1,000, as compared to June 2020.

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2024-08-19T07:07:00

(BPT) – Summer’s setting and fall’s around the corner, meaning colder weather, rain and snow are on the way. For families across the land, fall’s still a great time to go off-roading on the weekends. From California to Connecticut — and everywhere in between — there are scenic off-road trails of all varieties to explore, featuring rocks, sand, dirt, water, mud and yes, even snow!

Preparing for Fall Off-Roading

For folks heading out on a fun, off-road fall weekend, this is the ideal time to stop scrolling on the phone, grab some supplies, engage the 4×4 system and see where the adventure takes you. Off-roading is not only an extremely enjoyable way to appreciate the great outdoors, but it also offers a chance to strengthen family bonds and make memories that will last a lifetime. Best of all, off-roading is ageless — it’s a great time for all ages, old and young.

Supplies Checklist

Depending on the terrain, you can go off-roading in your daily driver — almost any four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive SUV, crossover or light truck can handle it. You’ll be out in the wilderness for several hours, so here are 5 basic tips:

1. Bring plenty of food and water.
2. Pack extra clothes as temperatures get extra chilly as the sun goes down.
3. Take along a flashlight (with new batteries) and a basic safety kit with Band-Aids, sunscreen, gloves, etc.
4. Research the area/trails you’ll be off-roading at. You’ll most likely be out of cell phone/GPS range, so it’s always good to know where you’ll be driving and what the road will be like.
5. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape, especially the all-terrain tires or off-road tires.

“Off- or on-road, tires are super important,” says Kevin Nguyen, manager of product planning for Yokohama Tire Corporation, manufacturer of a variety of on-road or off-road tires for SUVs, pick-up trucks and passenger cars. “They play a vital role in braking, steering, comfort and handling. Doesn’t matter if you’re in a Jeep, electric SUV or family wagon, the wrong tires can result in a disappointment with the handling, ride and treadwear.”

Choosing the Right Tires for Fall Off-Roading

For off-roading in the fall and winter months, Nguyen says you’ll need something extremely durable with great traction. “It all depends on what you drive and what you plan to do, but a good choice is top-notch all-terrain (A/T) tire, which is very versatile and can be used for off-roading as well as daily driving. A great example is our new, rugged GEOLANDAR A/T4. Because of its outstanding off-road resilience and dependable all-weather traction, the ultra-versatile A/T4 is specifically designed to handle any surface — on- or off-road — and in any weather condition — snow included. It’s a ‘go anywhere’ tire.”

To learn more about off-road tires, Nguyen says to check tire company websites like https://www.yokohamatire.com/geolandar-tires or your tire retailer’s website for more help.

Maintaining your daily driver tires for everyday use is essential, too, says Nguyen. This includes taking 5 minutes a month to check your tire pressure. “A tire that’s underinflated will affect your drive and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Keeping them properly inflated will give you a better ride and save you some at the gas pump,” he says.

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) recommends checking the tires when they are cold — at least four hours since the vehicle was last driven. Nguyen says to always use an accurate tire gauge and make sure the valve is free of debris and water. The correct tire pressure is specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle, not the tire manufacturer. The proper inflation levels can be found on a placard on the inside of the car door and/or in the owner’s manual.

Nguyen offers more tire tips that will help you throughout the year:

1. Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy new tires.
2. Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest legal limit). It’s best to replace them before they reach 2/32 depending on your drive (geographically and based on the type of streets).
3. Rotating your tires regularly promotes even wear of the tread. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
4. Check your alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tire tread. Tire balance should also be monitored.

For more tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com/tires-101 or www.USTires.org.

2024-08-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – As summer winds down, parents everywhere are prepping for the return to school routines by seeking ways to make shopping quicker, more convenient — and easier on the wallet. To help navigate the busy season and give families time back in their day to enjoy the last bit of summer vacation, Shipt, the trusted shopping solution that offers same-day delivery, is providing parents and caregivers valuable deals, helpful tips to make school lunch and snack time planning a breeze — even for those with picky eaters — and delicious data on what grocery items are favorites for packing.

Savings 101 is in session

According to a recent Deloitte survey, back-to-school shopping is the second-largest expenditure of the year for families, falling right behind the holidays. To lighten the load for parents, Shipt is offering a series of deals available on Shipt.com or the Shipt app, including, but not limited to:

• 8/1-8/31: $10 off orders with promo code BACKTOSCHOOL for all Shipt customers
• 8/4-8/17: $10 off orders of $35 or more at select at Target, Meijer and other retailers in the Southeast, Southwest, Florida & Georgia, Indianapolis regions***
• 8/11-8/17: $10 off orders of $75 or more at select retailers for Target Circle 360 members***
• 8/18-8/31: $10 off orders of $35 or more at select at Target, Meijer and other retailers in the Charlotte, Midwest, West, Mountain, South Atlantic regions***

Helpful tips for back-to-school grocery shopping from the trusted shopping solution

To help tackle school grocery shopping, the trusted shopping solution, Shipt, provides time-saving tips, lunch and snack recommendations and deals throughout the month and beyond.

Tasty tips include:

• Plan ahead and use your resources: To get ahead of building your Shipt shopping cart, you can create a weekly menu for lunches. That way, when it comes time to check out you know what’s on the menu and in the cart! Shipt’s Auto-Add to Cart can help busy parents seamlessly restock essentials that are regularly on weekly lunch menus by choosing the items and frequency of their choosing so they automatically appear in their carts.
• Opt for pre-packaged healthy options: Look for healthier pre-packaged options like individual servings of yogurt, cheese sticks, baby carrots and whole grain crackers. Shipt offers grocery delivery from a wide array of retailers, which means there’s no shortage of options to find the best variety of healthy snacks (at the best price) to shop for same-day delivery!
• Go with what you know: If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it! Parents of picky eaters know what snacks their kids like, so keep a Shipt List handy at all times to make ordering family favorites a little easier. Lists allow customers to create a personalized collection of must-have items to add to their carts with a single click.
• Get your kids involved: Have your kids browse the Shipt app with you to pick out their favorite fruits, veggies and snacks, then allow them to get creative while packing their lunches in the morning.

Delicious data on what Americans love for school lunches and snacks

Data on what purchases are being made through Shipt reveal some regional favorites, a couple of surprises, plus a number of tried-and-true classics that are sure to belong on your household’s shopping list.

• PB&J remains a favorite: This all-American favorite was a top choice in many states, including Alabama, Indiana and Oklahoma.
• Turkey is tops: If you’re looking for the best sandwich fillings, turkey showed up as the number one deli meat selection in Arizona and Georgia.
• Veggify your lunch boxes: Looking to include more veggies in those lunchboxes? The Washington, D.C., area is your role model, being the leading purchasers of vegetables in the nation. Michigan also shows up as a veggie lover, and North Carolina reveals its love for tomatoes — the most-shopped vegetable (or is it a fruit?) in the state.
• A berry easy lunchtime choice: While you might expect Floridians to prefer tropical fruits, here’s the surprise: Berries are the leading fruit pick in the Sunshine State.
• Say cheese: While Minnesotans opt for string cheese, Tennessee residents choose mac and cheese as their lunchtime favorite.
• Enjoy the crunch: In another surprise, Texans prefer potato chips over tortilla chips for a satisfying snack.

Providing reliable same-day delivery of a wide selection of fresh groceries straight to your doorstep, Shipt is here to support your family with the tools and resources you need to transform the weekly grocery routine and get kids excited about their meals.

Learn more about how you can streamline your family’s back-to-school lunch and snack shopping at Shipt.com/lp/back-to-school-2024.

**Member must place order of $10 or more by 8/31/24 at 11:59 p.m. HT to qualify for $10 off, which will automatically apply to qualifying order at checkout. Limit 1 credit per member. These terms do not apply to store-level promotions. Offer is subject to Shipt Promotional Terms and Conditions.

***Meijer, Publix, H-E-B, Kroger, Winn-Dixie, Dierbergs, Harris Teeter, Hy-Vee, Cub, Bashas, Stop and Shop, Weis, SaveMart, Lucky California, or FoodMaxx order of $100 or more must be placed by 8/31/24 at 11:59 p.m. HT to qualify for $15 off, which will automatically apply to qualifying order at checkout. Limit 1 per member. Offer is subject to Shipt Promotional Terms and Conditions.

2024-08-15T16:45:00

(BPT) – Ever take a business trip and spend the evenings scrolling through the takeout options? It’s time to inject some excitement into work travel.

With some thoughtful planning, your next business trip can open the door to new travel experiences. By combining business and leisure trips into one, you’ll not only explore new cultures and places, but you’ll also relieve stress from the grind with activities that make the obligatory business trip something you’ll look forward to.

Read on for some helpful tips to elevate your next business trip:

Plan Your Post-Work Activities

Every successful trip starts with a plan. Your calendar may be stacked with work-related activities but take advantage of your limited downtime to maximize your visit in a new destination and enjoy an escape. Gather recommendations from colleagues and decide early on what your must-see attractions are and how you can work them into your schedule. You’ll be more likely to take advantage of downtime if you’re armed with an itinerary in advance.

Extend to Explore

Add a few extra days on either end of your trip to give yourself time to explore once you slam your laptop shut. Whether staying a couple extra nights to explore a new city or relax at the spa after a day of meetings, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a great travel companion that can turn business trips into free night stays, allowing you to earn up to 9 total points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels. Plus, cardmembers earn complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for you and up to five employees for more elevated business and leisure stays.

From now until September 26, new World of Hyatt Business Credit cardmembers can earn a welcome bonus of up to 75,000 World of Hyatt Bonus Points. Cardmembers can turn the 75,000 points they’ve earned on business travel into a luxurious leisure getaway, like a 2-night escape at Alila Napa Valley, or 4 nights at Thompson Atlanta Buckhead.

Stay in the Heart of the City

Free time can be limited on work trips. From meetings and presentations to corporate dinners, make the most of it by choosing a centrally located hotel and planning out where your workday will take you. Whether it’s trying a new restaurant or strolling through a local museum or park, use your lunch breaks or time between meetings for a quick jaunt into the heart of the city to efficiently explore during off hours. If you have the flexibility, block pockets of time ahead of your trip to prioritize time away to check out the local sights or explore World of Hyatt FIND Experiences, where cardmembers can earn up to 14 points per $1 when booking exclusive experiences, private tours and excursions.

Follow the Food

Even if you can’t see it all, there’s always time to eat. Whether it’s a hidden gem or a new chef’s menu, trying the local cuisine gives you a taste of that destination. Research restaurants you’re interested in or ask locals for their favorites and be sure to put your per diem on the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card to earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent on dining!

Even better, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card has a unique adaptive accelerator benefit that allows cardmembers to earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent for their top three of eight eligible spend categories* each calendar quarter with no cap. Spend categories like dining, airline tickets and car rental agencies to search engine advertising, shipping and more make it easier than ever for cardmembers to be rewarded where they spend the most on business purchases without having to pick the categories. With each business trip there are more possibilities — and points — to unlock when you use a rewards credit card that works for you.

All work and no play make business travel a bore. So, make your next trip more fulfilling by squeezing in time for new travel experiences with a rewards credit card that can help take you there. Learn more here.

*Categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping.

2024-08-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Heart valve disease affects more than 5 million people in the United States. Despite this, 3 out of 4 U.S. adults know little to nothing about it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is raising awareness about heart valve disease by launching a series of toolkits focused on providing information, resources and personal stories.

“CDC wants to help everyone get to know their heart,” said Janet S. Wright, MD, FACC, director of CDC’s Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. “We know early detection is only possible when patients and health care teams work together. Ongoing conversations about heart valve disease risk factors can help identify when referrals may be needed and ensure connection to additional care or treatment.”

Knowing your heart includes learning how it should function. The heart works by pumping blood throughout the body; with each heartbeat, your heart valves open and close to keep blood moving in the right direction. Heart valve disease occurs when your heart valves don’t work like they should, which makes the heart strain and work harder.

Heart valve disease can be congenital — something you are born with — or it can develop over time due to aging, certain infections, radiation for cancer treatment, or other underlying health conditions. Signs of a congenital heart valve condition may be present during prenatal care or can be detected through newborn screening or later pediatric check-ups.

Early diagnosis of heart valve disease is critical. Research has shown that diagnosis and treatment among Black, Hispanic/Latino and Asian populations are lagging. Women are also more likely than men to be diagnosed later and to experience worse health outcomes from this condition.

Joy Spencer Smith learned about her family history of heart valve disease and paid close attention to a murmur that was detected in her 40s. Although diagnosis of a form of heart valve disease called aortic stenosis came in her 70s, she and her primary care physician had been closely monitoring the murmur. Joy credits being aware of her risks and her overall health for helping her recognize that the abnormal burning sensations in her chest were a warning sign.

“Once you’re told you have any kind of heart condition, as the heart is the soul and the life of the body, you should learn about it,” Joy said. “You should get involved. You should ask questions.”

Learning about your family medical history and individual risk — along with getting screened and recognizing potential symptoms — can help you take steps to protect your heart and the hearts of your loved ones.

You know your body best. Don’t ignore anything that feels “off.” Your health care team can listen to your concerns and, with a stethoscope, listen to your heart. Based on what that exam reveals, you may be referred for an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, or other testing.

Visit cdc.gov/KnowYourHeart for heart valve disease resources and information.

2024-08-14T08:37:00

(BPT) – The pet care world has seen many dynamic changes over the past few years, such as the growth of the pet supplement category, new pet food niches and high-tech pet-related products. Pets’ lives are better because of it, and in turn, that makes humans’ lives better, too.

One company leading the charge in pet care innovation is Purina. You probably know this brand for their high-quality pet food, but they also invest ample time and significant funding into numerous programs that pave the way for a bright future for people and their pets.

“At Purina, we ask ourselves on a daily basis ‘what’s next?’ when it comes to finding ways we can improve the relationships between pets and their families, and one of the many ways we pursue the ‘next’ is through our corporate venturing division, 9 Square Ventures,” said David Narkiewicz, chief legal officer for Nestle Purina PetCare North America.

9 Square Ventures brings together the deep expertise that Purina has been developing for more than a century and pairs their resources with emerging pet care businesses to support startups in several ways ranging from mentorship to investment. Here are a few ways they work together to invest in the future of pet care:

Investing capital in startups

Since 9 Square Ventures was founded in 2015, the organization has made capital investments in a portfolio of startups that featured both smart and skilled entrepreneurs and highly relevant innovations in the pet care category.

One of the first investments was in a pet tech company that commercialized a smart cat litter device protected by patents. After several rounds of investments, Purina acquired the entire business and has recently updated and re-launched its technology as Petivity Smart Litter Monitor.

Another notable investment is Bar K, which was driven by Purina’s desire to support the successful launch of a truly incredible destination for dogs and their people. Bar K features a fully staffed and thoughtfully designed dog park, modern bar, restaurant and event space all centered around the human-dog bond.

“One of Bar K’s three locations can be found right in our backyard in St. Louis, Missouri, and it is a favorite destination for my family and so many members of the Purina family. In fact, USA Today recently named Bar K as the best dog park in America,” said Narkiewicz.

Offering mentorship and category expertise

In 2016, Purina created the Pet Care Innovation Prize (PCIP) program to formally engage with pet industry startups. Over the past eight funding cycles, the program has been the catalyst for 40 early-stage start-ups by providing no-strings-attached funding and offering a platform for growth.

Every year, startups from across the U.S. and around the world enter their business to be part of the program and five winners are selected and awarded a cash prize and mentorship from Purina’s in-house experts including areas like R&D, marketing, procurement, logistics and operations.

Finalists also come to Purina’s HQ campus in St. Louis for a weeklong bootcamp to network, meet with pet industry experts and receive coaching support to prepare for a final pitch to win a grand prize at Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest trade show.

Since the program started, several PCIP businesses have been featured on the reality show “Shark Tank” and some have achieved remarkable investments and acquisitions. Purina’s commitment to emerging talent is a testament to the company’s dedication to nurturing innovation.

Connecting startups to learn, grow and win together

Recognizing the value and importance of connections, Purina also established the Pet Care Innovation Network in 2019. Made up of more than 50 pet care startup companies, this extraordinary community provides a platform for startups to network, share insights and foster collaborations as they work to grow their businesses.

The Pet Care Innovation Network helps like-minded innovators build relationships, think bigger and provide support to each other. Quarterly networking events across the country and a yearly meetup at Purina’s St. Louis headquarters enable members to connect with potential investors and each other, amplifying the ripple effect of innovation across the pet care landscape.

Inside-Out Innovation

In addition to inspiring and supporting external initiatives, Purina also has a robust internal R&D program and countless workstreams to drive innovation within the company.

“Our commitment to innovation is not just about creating products; it’s about cultivating an ecosystem where creativity and curiosity thrive inside and outside of our walls. Whether it’s through driving internal innovation or investing in startups through 9 Square Ventures, we are deeply committed to shaping the future of pet care. It’s one of the reasons that my dog, June, and I love coming to work every day,” said Narkiewicz.

2024-08-13T10:01:00

(BPT) – As summer comes to a close, the back-to-school rush begins. While exciting for some, returning to class is often paired with feelings of uncertainty and anxiety — but what if it could be different? Your best new back-to-school tips may come from an unlikely source: the U.S. Army.

In 2021, the Army introduced the Future Soldier Preparatory Course (FSPC) — a program designed to help young adults meet the academic and physical fitness requirements needed to serve in the Army. With a course graduation rate of 95%, the FSPC has equipped thousands of trainees with the skills needed to achieve their goals and rise the ranks as a Soldier.

So whether you’re trying to make the team, make the grade or make new friends (or if you have your eyes set on service) read on for tips from the leaders of the FSPC on how you can make this year your best yet.

Fuel Your Body to Better Your Mind.

It’s no secret that health and nutrition are tied directly to performance in school; students who are eating the right foods, getting good sleep and staying active have more mental and physical energy to take on the school day. The FSPC’s fitness track is rooted in the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, which aims to provide the resources needed to foster the physical, mental, nutritional, sleep and spiritual health of Soldiers. Capt. Steven Fusco, Company Commander of the fitness track, recommends creating a colorful plate at each meal, finding a regular form of exercise you enjoy and getting eight hours of shut-eye a night. You can incorporate the Army’s holistic approach to health and wellness into your routine to keep you sharp for test day and every day.

Beat Burnout Before It Starts.

Another critical piece of your fitness — and academics — is mental health. Class, extracurriculars and everyday stressors can all take their toll and lead to burnout. Carve out intentional time for breaks and fun amid studying and responsibilities to alleviate stress and return to tasks with a good mindset. Students in FSPC rely on their drill sergeants and fellow trainees for support, free time and encouragement. In the same way, look to friends, family and others in your support system to help keep you going.

Set and Go for Goals.

Every successful mission starts with a plan. Former FSPC drill sergeant Sgt. 1st Class Cameron Tucker is now the acting first sergeant of the program, and says that FSPC students set attainable but ambitious academic and fitness goals for themselves at the start of the four-week program. At the start of the school year, reflect on what you want to accomplish by the end and work backward with short-term goals to get there. And make sure they’re specific; rather than say you want to study more, plan to put a set number of hours toward studying per week. Having a goal in mind makes you more likely to stick to it and get to that feeling of accomplishment.

Find Mentorship, Then Pay It Forward.

After successfully completing the FSPC, trainees officially embark on their Army journey — but many still have questions about the wide variety of jobs and opportunities available in the Army. As a former Army medic, and now a leader in the FSPC’s academic track, 1st Sgt. Eric Immel stresses the importance of being a mentor to those in the early stages of their careers, and serving as an example for what is possible as an Army Soldier. No matter where you are in your academic journey, it is never too early to find a mentor to help identify areas for growth and reflect on how far you’ve come. And when the time comes, pay it forward by providing guidance and a listening ear for others.

These tips have a track record of success: In just the first year and a half of the program, the Future Soldier Preparatory Course helped 15,000 hopeful Soldiers achieve the rigorous standards for enlisting in the Army, with marked improvements in academic and fitness benchmarks.

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to the same old. Making these small changes can help you go through the school day like a Soldier and end the year ready for the next.