Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-05-16T08:01:01

(BPT) – Students with the drive, enthusiasm and commitment to improve their communities can take those qualities even further, with some support. That’s the main idea behind the Frito-Lay Community Builder Scholarship, which awarded $25,000 each to students who demonstrate a passion for leading and uplifting their local communities, contributing to a brighter future.

“As a first-generation college student myself, I received a life-changing scholarship while pursuing my degree,” said Jesus Gutierrez, Frito-Lay North America DEI HR manager. “I know the impact this scholarship will make on these students, who are pioneering change through their passions — and I expect their commitment to their community to continue beyond school.”

As one of a diverse group of employees on the scholarship judging committee, Gutierrez also had the opportunity to help surprise one of this year’s recipients, college student and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Ramon Perez.

While attending college and fulfilling demanding duties in the Marine Corps, Ramon Perez of Rochelle, New York, also volunteers with his local Boys & Girls Club and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. He began volunteering in high school, discovering he could make an impact on his community through mentorship.

“It’s cool to have somewhere to feel safe,” said Perez. “I felt like I had that safe place at the Boys and Girls Club. I want to continue to impact my community as a volunteer and make it a better place for everyone.”

He learned about giving back as young as 10 years old, when he joined his father on annual road trips from New York to Mexico with a truckload of donations for his extended family’s community. His father instilled in Perez his dedicated work ethic and commitment to family.

To chart your unique path to success, while balancing, work, school, service and positively impacting your community, Perez offers this advice:

Be transparent about your schedule. When juggling commitments, communication is key in meeting your goals and showing everyone your dedication. For example, when he had a weeklong training for the Marines, he worked with his college professor to share a recording of his presentation ahead of time.

Find advocates and allow them to champion you. Working together with instructors and mentors has been crucial for Perez being able to succeed in several arenas.

Maximize your time. “Ask yourself when you can multitask,” Perez said. “For example, is your commute a chance to catch up on reading?”

Optimize opportunities. A Veterans Affairs representative helped Perez find available scholarships, which he now pays forward by helping Marines in his platoon apply for scholarships.

Be confident: When applying for scholarships Perez says, “It’s really about selling yourself. This is a skill I learned in the Marine Corps. Once I was plugged into the process, Scholarship America makes finding scholarships easy.”

Perez will be a senior at Baruch College this fall, studying accounting and finance. He wants to get into the financial sector and become a CPA, with the ultimate goal of helping his parents retire.

2024 Community Builder Scholarship Recipients

Mehar Bhasin from Lakeville, Connecticut. Bhasin is passionate about STEM and co-founded the non-profit organization STEAM BLOOM, which has provided over 2,000 students free access to computer science resources. Bhasin will be a sophomore at Dartmouth College this fall.

Jaelyn Hardaway from San Antonio, Texas. Hardaway served on the San Antonio mayor’s Youth Climate Council and was co-founder of the first Antonian branch of Cancer Kids First. She recently organized and led an initiative to deliver personalized care packages to pediatric patients locally and internationally. Graduating high school this year, Hardaway is currently deciding where she will attend college.

Caleb Oh from Gambrills, Maryland. Oh co-founded the non-profit Kid Changemakers when he was just in elementary school. He’s raised thousands of dollars to help support food insecurity initiatives and to help at-risk populations such as foster children and the homeless. He also successfully lobbied state senators to remove the tax on diapers, saving families millions of dollars. Oh will be a sophomore at Harvard University this fall.

“Each student has had their own unique path to finding their purpose through community, education and their personal backgrounds. Based on my experience, I’ve seen the value that diverse thinking and backgrounds can bring to leadership,” said Gutierrez. “What all of these students have accomplished is impressive and inspiring.”

Frito-Lay established the Community Builder Scholarship as part of its commitment to education and the goals of PepsiCo Positive (Pep+). Pep+ is a strategic transformation initiative focused on giving back to the communities Pepsi brands serve. Since 2022, Frito-Lay has provided $600,000 in scholarship funds to students across the country. Learn more at Pepsico.com/our-stories.

2024-05-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – Following years of all-time low mortgage interest rates, 2023 saw rates fluctuate between 6% and 8%, complicating the plans of some homebuyers, particularly those looking to purchase their first home. What many renters who are looking to become homeowners may not realize is that mortgage rates are only one aspect of affordability, which should be viewed as a three-legged stool: home price, mortgage interest rate, and down payment. Even in a challenging interest rate or home price environment, private mortgage insurance (MI) can be used to help low down payment borrowers achieve the American dream of homeownership.

In some markets, high interest rates have cooled the trajectory of home price appreciation; with home sales dropping 18.7% from 2022 to 2023 and the national median home price increasing less than 1% in 2023. This is good news for first-time homebuyers who saw home prices in some markets increase 20% or 30% in prior years.

So, if the home price is within range, how much cash do you need for a down payment? You may think it is 20%, but the truth is, you can qualify for a mortgage with as little as 3% down.

According to U.S. Mortgage Insurers, private MI has helped nearly 39 million borrowers access homeownership with low down payments. Further, private MI helped nearly 800,000 homeowners purchase a home or refinance a mortgage in 2023, with nearly 35% having incomes below $75,000 and more than 64% of those loans going to first-time buyers. In addition, the most common form of private MI, paid monthly by the borrower, helps homeowners begin building equity sooner and is also only a temporary cost that can be cancelled after 20% equity is established. Importantly, once private MI is cancelled, the monthly mortgage payment goes down, unlike loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government program featuring monthly MI premiums that are generally not cancellable.

Each homebuyer’s finances are different, therefore it is important to do the math before buying a home. Home prices and interest rates impact the monthly cost, but luckily the private MI industry is able to help homebuyers overcome one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership: the need for a large cash down payment.

There is a saying, “date the rate, marry the home.” Borrowers should always stay within their budget, but those who purchase a home now with a low down payment may be able to refinance later when rates decrease. These borrowers can achieve the American dream of homeownership sooner, start to build equity and avoid some competition from other borrowers who are waiting on rates to drop.

If you’re interested in learning more about private MI, visit lowdownpaymentfacts.com to learn more about your homeownership options.

2024-05-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Dorsey Griffith

In a cruel irony, one of the most significant health challenges facing older Americans is also one of the least diagnosed, especially in the early stages when steps can be taken to slow or better manage decline.

Cognitive decline, a condition that can progress to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease, is on the rise. An estimated 8 million Americans have mild cognitive decline, and 90% of them don’t know it. As the population of older adults surges, rates of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. are expected to skyrocket as well, nearly tripling to 14 million by 2060.

In a busy rural Alabama primary care clinic, Rick Kilgore, a physician associate/assistant (PA), is addressing the disparity by screening every patient over age 50 for signs of cognitive decline or dementia. He’s using a recently developed cognitive assessment screening tool designed for healthcare providers across practice settings. The goal is to improve cognitive screening rates to catch early signs of dementia so that patients can make lifestyle changes to optimize brain health, get referrals to specialists and engage family members or caregivers for support.

“I would estimate that less than 10% of people who go on to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s as older adults are diagnosed with cognitive decline in their 50s or early 60s,” he said. “Usually by the time a family member comes in and says their loved one is having problems, it’s gone beyond losing car keys or forgetting where they parked their car — like forgetting to take their medications. These patients need to be identified earlier so they can take appropriate action, which might include additional tests, lifestyle changes or medications.”

American Academy of Physicians Associates (AAPA) CEO Lisa M. Gables, CPA, says clinicians across the healthcare team, including PAs, are essential to early detection.

“PAs are often one of the first healthcare providers a patient will encounter and are skilled in identifying signs of early cognitive decline in patients and refer them for more testing and treatment,” Gables said. “Just like with other diseases, early detection is critical.”

The cognitive assessment toolkit was developed by the AAPA and Cleveland Clinic with funding from a Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) grant, an initiative of the DAC Healthcare System Preparedness Project. The project aims to advance how healthcare systems worldwide detect, diagnose, treat and care for people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.

In addition to the patient screening test, the toolkit also allows providers to interpret the findings and differentiate among signs of normal aging, cognitive impairment and dementia. Providers can also discuss abnormal screening results with patients and their caregivers, address any concerns they might have, as well as help them with modifiable risk factors for dementia.

The toolkit also includes resources for patients with information on supporting brain health and wellness.

“The reality is not everyone has to deteriorate,” said Kilgore. “You can slow it down by taking steps like moderate drinking, a healthy diet and daily exercise. My approach is to recommend patients don’t smoke, take walks, read books — don’t be a couch potato. Having good heart function and being mentally sharp are tied closely together.”

The cognitive assessment toolkit was tested at five rural practice sites in Alabama, Idaho, Maryland, Oregon and Tennessee, along with several urban Cleveland Clinic locations. During initial testing, patients 65 and older who were offered a cognitive screening during a yearly wellness exam increased to 100% and those offered a cognitive screening during any type of primary care medical visit increased from 30% to 39%. Eighty-two percent of providers who tested the toolkit said they planned to change their screening practices. The toolkit was officially launched in Fall 2023.

“If patients or their caregivers feel that an individual is showing signs of forgetfulness such as not taking medications, being unable to balance their checkbook or asking repetitive questions, they should alert their provider that the patient may have early signs of cognitive decline,” Kilgore said. “Early screening is important. Even in their 50s, an individual may begin to show subtle changes that can be documented and followed with the screening tools that we have launched within the PA community.”

2024-05-15T08:57:00

(BPT) – Graduation season is in full swing! As the invitations to grad parties start rolling in, it’s time to consider what might be a truly useful gift for someone embarking on a new phase of life. Money in a slim envelope is the typical default gift but helping your new college grad create a home office for their first job — now that’s the way to ensure they start off on the right foot.

Here are some ideas for stellar gifts that will help your graduate succeed in their brave, new world post-grad:

A gaming laptop. Want to be the hit of the party? Wrap up a gaming laptop for your grad. A gaming laptop like the powerful HP OMEN Transcend 14 gaming laptop has enough oomph like high performance graphics capabilities to handle everything from gaming to creative applications from video editing to engineering programs, equipping your grad with everything they need to be productive and then relax after the workday. It features the Intel Core Ultra processor with native AI processing, an ultra-portable and lightweight design, sleek exterior styling, an OLED screen, and enough performance to get work done and play games at the apartment or on the go.

A new way to print. This is a must-have for every home office. Level up your grad’s tech with a new way to print with the HP All-In Plan. The service combines a choice of a new printer, automatic ink delivery, continuous printer coverage with a dedicated 24/7 live support team, next-business-day replacement in the event of printer issues, and the option to upgrade your printer after two years, so your grad won’t ever have to worry about their printer not working when they need it most. The best part — there’s no up-front cost and plans start as low as $6.99 per month. Bonus tip: they will have the most decked-out apartment with photo printing. And, when paired with that multi-function gaming laptop, your grad is sure to have everything they need for their new home.

An ergonomic chair. Hunching over a computer all day is a recipe for bad posture, fatigue and stress, and isn’t exactly conducive to one’s best work. A good ergonomic chair provides lumbar support, adjustable seating and arm rests, allowing recipients to customize the chair to their needs. It takes the pain out of sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time, which contributes to productivity.

Internet. Consider gifting your new diploma-holder monthly, high-speed internet. They get the service; you pay the bill. Internet service is a necessary, ongoing expense for working at home — and a whole lot more — but it can be difficult to shoulder for people starting out on their own. Taking that monthly expense off of their plate will be a huge relief. Bonus tip: Partner with someone to throw in a streaming service subscription for when your grad wants to relax with a movie.

Lighting. A harsh overhead light can contribute to eye strain and fatigue, especially if there’s glare or if you have an older, fluorescent light that flickers. Soft light from a desk lamp is the answer, and it also can be a stylish addition to the room’s décor. Go shopping with your grad to pick out a style he or she likes that accents the room.

Blue light blocking glasses. Digital eye strain can lead to problems, including headaches, fatigue and even trouble sleeping. Blue light blocking glasses can protect against the blue light emissions from screens that cause digital eye strain. Find several pairs in different styles that can add some fun and flair to the workday, while also blocking those blue light rays.

Storage. Numerous studies, including those from Princeton and Harvard, have shown that a cluttered workspace impedes focus and is a detriment to productivity. Help them combat clutter with storage solutions that will help organize paperwork, files, printer paper, notebooks, pens and anything else related to work or life.

For a young person taking the big step of entering the workforce or getting their first apartment, the journey can be daunting and a little bit scary. Outfitting them with the essentials for hitting the ground running will help set them up for success. By gifting them services like the internet and the HP All-In Plan, you’re putting the essentials on auto-pilot. Bonus tip: Partner with others to offer your grad all of the items on this list of essentials!

2024-05-14T09:53:00

(BPT) – Did you know women can donate their breast milk to infants in need? It’s a powerful opportunity to have a profound impact on families, yet many women simply don’t know it exists. But there’s a way for lactating women to donate this liquid gold to babies who need it.

It’s called the Milk Bank Challenge. It was created by ConceiveAbilities Surrogacy Agency in 2022, when the worldwide supply of infant formula dropped to dangerously low levels. The goal was to empower lactating women to donate their breast milk to help bridge the gap between formula supply and the number of babies, especially at-risk premature babies, who desperately needed that nutrition.

Since its launch, the Challenge has inspired more than 2,000 women to donate an astonishing 2 million ounces of breast milk to the program. Last year alone, lactating women were inspired to donate 1.3 million ounces of breast milk, 15% of all milk donated nationwide. To give you an idea of the scale of this effort, one single ounce of breast milk can feel a baby in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for a day.

Spurred on by the Challenge’s success, ConceiveAbilities increased their goal for this year, and the first step toward achieving that is to increase awareness.

That’s where you come in. Whether you know a lactating mother or are one yourself, share this link to the Milk Bank Challenge with other lactating women through email, social media or whatever way works best for you. Once they click through and enter their email address to learn more, you’ll both receive a $5 reward for your time. When women donate, they’ll receive $250 in thanks.

Carrie Anselmo knows how profound an impact donating milk can be to a family with an infant in the NICU. She joined the Milk Bank Challenge and donated 756 ounces. For her, it was personal.

“I have wanted to donate to other NICU families since my son Logan was born as a micro-preemie at 24 weeks,” she said. “We spent 229 days in two different NICUs and we recently graduated! He is a survivor and miracle! I have wanted to give back and help provide NICU babies nutrients they need if the mother cannot.”

“When we set the goal of one million ounces, it seemed lofty, but I never doubted the generosity of these amazing women and their willingness to make such an impactful gift,” said Nazca Fontes, who founded ConceiveAbilities as an egg donation service nearly 30 years ago and has grown it into the most experienced full service egg donor and surrogacy agency. It was founded on the belief that everyone who wants to become a parent, can.

ConceiveAbilities sees lactation as an important component of its All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package, recognizing the significance of the fourth trimester in postpartum recovery. The Milk Bank Challenge aligns with the organization’s commitment to sharing valuable information for women during their fourth trimester, including resources on lactation.

Breast milk is a powerful form of nutrition for a growing baby, especially one who has come into this world prematurely and needs a boost. For women who can’t provide it themselves to their own children, donation of this invaluable liquid can be lifesaving in more ways than one. To find out more about the Milk Bank Challenge, or to learn about egg donation, surrogacy or becoming a parent via these methods, contact ConceiveAbilities.

2024-05-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

At just 25 years old, Amy Hsieh began experiencing a series of health-related symptoms that ultimately changed her life. Hsieh explained: “I was extremely thirsty, lost a lot of weight, and felt like I had to go to the bathroom constantly. This actually went on for over a year. At the time, I had no idea that these were very typical symptoms of type 1 diabetes — and so I overlooked them. I wish I hadn’t.”

In the coming weeks, Hsieh’s symptoms grew increasingly severe. While visiting family in Taiwan, she went into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes that can sometimes be life-threatening. “I was rushed to the hospital, where I was put into the intensive care unit (ICU) for three days. And then after I got out of the ICU, I had to stay in the hospital for over a week while I recovered. It was an incredibly scary experience, and I was shocked to learn I had type 1 diabetes, as was my family, because no one else has it.”

Hsieh is not alone in her experience of going through DKA. Far too often, DKA is how people realize they have type 1 diabetes, with as many as 40% of DKA cases stemming from those who are newly diagnosed. That said, there is no need to wait until you are seriously ill to find out if you might be at risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Screening can help identify the early stages of type 1 diabetes before symptoms arise. The1Pledge.com includes information about early screening for type 1 diabetes, so people of all ages can get information in advance about their risk of developing type 1 diabetes and can better prepare for the future — and even potentially reduce the risk of DKA.

Understanding DKA

DKA typically develops when you don’t have enough insulin in your system to allow blood sugar into your cells. As a result, your liver breaks down fat for fuel, a process that produces acids called ketones. When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up to dangerous levels in your body, which can in turn have other negative effects on your health.

Much like Hsieh’s experience, where she was experiencing symptoms for over a year, type 1 diabetes develops slowly over time in the body. There are three stages of the disease. In the earlier stages, a person does not show any noticeable symptoms. By the time someone might be at risk of going through DKA, they are in the later stage of type 1 diabetes as symptoms begin to become more pronounced. Common symptoms of DKA include excessive thirst and urination — but, if left untreated, critical symptoms can appear quickly.

“Had I known earlier that I would develop type 1 diabetes, I would have taken steps — such as having a care team in place, monitoring my blood sugar levels, and more — to reduce my risk of DKA,” Hsieh explains. “My story underscores why it’s so important to spread awareness of type 1 diabetes — what it is, how it develops, and, most importantly, how it is possible to detect it in advance through screening. Given my history, it’s no surprise that I’m a big advocate for all people to get screened, no matter your age or if you have a family history of the disease.”

Why screening matters

When it comes to type 1 diabetes and your health in general, knowledge is power. Just consider that early screening may help people potentially reduce their risk of going through DKA at initial diagnosis of T1D by up to 50%. “Prior to diagnosis, I lived a very healthy lifestyle, so I didn’t even question my symptoms when they arose,” Hsieh notes. “If I had been screened, I might not have been blindsided by my diagnosis and I could have spent that valuable time in Taiwan with my family, rather than being in the hospital. I want others to know screening is an option, so they can possibly reduce their own risk of experiencing the same thing I went through.”

You can check out type 1 diabetes screening options for yourself and your loved ones at The1Pledge.com and by talking to your doctor.

Sanofi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment — information is provided for educational purposes only. Your doctor is the best source of health information. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

Amy Hsieh is a paid spokesperson for Sanofi.

2024-05-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – What does your child need to be ready to head off to college this fall? From decision day to how to pay, check out this checklist from College Ave to help you plan for everything leading up to move-in day.

2024-05-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – As temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, it’s more important than ever to make your home a sanctuary — safe from pollen and other allergens. This spring, upgrading your home air filter can drastically improve the quality of air your family breathes everyday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one-quarter of adults (25.7%) and about 1 in 5 children (18.9%) have seasonal allergies. Spring and summer can be peak times for bothersome symptoms ranging from congestion, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue to more serious consequences for children, the elderly, and those living with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.

If this describes someone in your household, you’re probably already aware of how seasonal allergies as well as allergies to dust, pet dander and other triggers can impact your life. Fortunately, you can follow these steps to help reduce pollen and other allergens in your home, improving comfort for every member of your family.

1. Keep pollen out

You can take proactive measures to lower the amount of pollen that enters and circulates in your home, from the moment you first open your windows in the spring throughout the entire summer and early fall.

• Clean your window screens: High-quality screens help keep some pollen out, so it’s vital to clean them periodically to keep pollen at bay and allow air to flow through. Use the brush tool on your vacuum to clean screens or a soft cloth. If you can easily remove screens, wash them outdoors with diluted dish detergent or vinegar.
• Use good-quality door mats: Place mats inside and outside every entrance to capture particles. Washable area rugs are also a good idea.
• Don’t hang linens outside: Bedding or rugs hung outside to dry will collect pollens to bring indoors.
• Track the pollen count: If certain days are especially bad for local pollen counts, that may be a good time to keep windows closed and use your HVAC to circulate and filter indoor air.

2. Filter air better

Making sure the air you breathe inside is as clean as possible makes a big difference in your home.

• Use a high-quality air filter: For example, K&N air filters are built for strength and efficiency, providing superior airflow — up to 70% better — while trapping airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, smoke particles, bacteria and pet dander. K&N filters are made with the highest quality materials, including a strong HDPE frame, 2-ply filter media and metal mesh to maintain their shape and provide durability for the life of the filter, which is over 10 years. All K&N products are backed by a 10-year limited warranty.
• Keep your air filter clean: Disposable air filters need replacing every 3 months and cost a lot of money. What’s more — approximately 3 billion air filters end up in U.S. landfills every year. With reusable air filters like K&N, you can simply rinse clean with your hose in about 5 minutes, shake off excess water and pop back in your HVAC system, with no need for cleaning equipment or solvents.
• Choose the right MERV rating for your household: Whether you want a more free-flowing filter (MERV 8) or want to remove even more pollens, allergens and dust from your home (MERV 13), K&N has a full range of options available. Visit KNFilters.com/home to learn more.

3. Clean surfaces smarter

From ceiling fans, cabinet tops, and shelves to carpets and other flooring, dust and allergens will accumulate over time, so regular deep cleaning is a must! Cleaning these surfaces will also help reduce the allergens that end up floating around in your home.

• Start at the top: Anything you dust can end up on the floor, so working from the top to the bottom is most effective.
• Clean ceiling fans carefully: Try using an old pillowcase around each fan blade as you work to help capture dust. Spray diluted vinegar inside the pillowcase first to pick up dust, then follow that initial dusting with a damp cloth.
• Declutter first: To make surfaces easier to dust, remove items that can get in your way or that also need dusting.
• Tackle floors with allergens in mind: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove fine particles from surfaces. If you have family members with severe allergies, asthma or other respiratory conditions, you may want to replace carpets with hard flooring instead. Otherwise, consider regular shampooing to further remove dust, dirt and other allergens after vacuuming.

Taking these steps will help give you peace of mind that you’re doing all you can to provider cleaner air for everyone in your home, so you can all breathe a little easier.

2024-05-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Across the nation, whiskered men are making the world a bearder place to live; or in other words, they are contributing positively to their communities. Whether they’re aiding the homeless or championing animal rights, their charitable endeavors — and their beards — have the chance to be recognized in the third annual Wahl ‘Benevolent Beards’ Contest. One Grand Prize winner will be presented with $20,000 for himself, and $5,000 for the charity of his choice. He’ll also be crowned the new ‘Wahl Man of the Year,’ a moniker that boasts a bearded brotherhood spanning 17 years.

“There is no shortage of people who donate their time and energy to helping others, and the Benevolent Beards contest provides an excellent platform to discover and honor those individuals,” said Steven Yde, Vice President of North America Consumer at Wahl. “As a family-oriented company dedicated to community service, Wahl is excited to reward men who mirror our commitment in their own communities.”

Last Year’s Winner

The best part of this contest is the real-life impact it has. Just ask last year’s winner, Dr. Christopher McNeil from Kansas City, Missouri, whose selected charity, the Kansas City Public School Foundation, supports educational initiatives and impact programs like his ‘Books and Barbers’ program which provides haircuts, books, and mentorship to elementary school students.

According to McNeil, who is currently the Director of Career and Technical Education at Kansas City Public Schools, ‘Books and Barbers’ is about more than just free haircuts. “We try to recreate what’s special about barbershops by offering students a safe space where they can learn about life and glean wisdom from amazing mentors. It’s also a way for us to increase the kids’ love of learning and literacy,” he explained.

How to Enter

From now until June 30, 2024, men with beards can submit a video of themselves either explaining or demonstrating how they support a charity on the contest entry page at https://bit.ly/BenevolentBeards. They can also get to the page by visiting the @WahlGrooming Facebook or Instagram pages. What kind of charity? As long as it’s a 501(c)(3) organization with a goal to impact the world positively, all charities will be considered. So, whether you’re an animal advocate or helping humans, you have the chance to put your good grooming toward goodwill.

Following the entry period, 5 finalists will each win $500 for themselves, $500 for their charity and a NEW Wahl^® PRO SERIES™ High Visibility Trimmer. Things get really exciting in August when public votes help determine which finalist wins the Grand Prize of $20,000 for himself, and a visit from Wahl’s Mobile Barbershop to do a charity fundraising grooming event. At the event, barbers will offer the public FREE beard trims, and for every trim Wahl will donate $100 to the charity — up to $5,000.

No Beard, No Problem

Don’t have a beard? You can still be part of the excitement. Spread the word about the contest to your bearded friends. Vote for your favorite facial-haired finalist. Or, get on the benevolent bandwagon and find ways to volunteer yourself. No matter your talents or interests, there are so many charities that would love your help.

2024-05-08T23:01:01

(BPT) – Exercise is much more than just cardio and weights. You may not realize that as you’re working up a sweat, you’re taking a load off your mind, too. Many people face the nagging effects of everyday stress and pressure that impact mental health and overall well-being but fortunately, some of that can be alleviated by working out. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is the perfect time to refocus on your mind, body and movement.

Self-care and focusing on your mental health is particularly important in a post-pandemic world. According to a recent study by the American Psychiatric Association, more than 75% of adults in the U.S. said they’ve experienced stress in the prior month. The majority of those said health and finances were among their top sources of stress, contributing to symptoms like headache, fatigue, muscle aches and pains, sleep disorders and more.

As a leader in health and wellness, Planet Fitness is sharing some important mental health benefits that anyone can get from moving their body and exercising:

Mood boost. Aerobic exercise leads to an increase in levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that regulate your mood and focus, according to Neuroscience News.

Increase in brain function. Neuroscience News also reports exercise promotes brain plasticity, the ability to form new neural connections. This is especially helpful in counteracting the cognitive decline that comes with age. Forgot where you put your keys? Some cardio throughout the week may help with that.

Relax of stress hormones. Exercise helps regulate cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones. By pumping up your feel-good endorphins, the Mayo Clinic says exercise improves your sense of well-being.

Better sleep. Researchers from the National Institutes of Health to your step-counting coworker will tell you that exercise helps you sleep better. Whether the evidence is anecdotal or gleaned from a health-industry study, it’s clear that getting a good workout will lead to better sleep in both duration and quality. When you sleep better, you have more energy throughout the day to accomplish tasks, complete your checklist or even prep for your next workout.

Confidence booster. When you move your body, you feel good about yourself! You’ll find yourself getting stronger, walking farther, running faster, or even lifting heavier weights than you could before. This feeling sends your confidence through the roof and that sense of accomplishment and self-esteem will have you walking on air for the rest of the day.

Post-workout relaxation. After your workout, give those muscles some self-care. With Planet Fitness’s PF Black Card^® Membership, you’ll get access to everything Planet Fitness has to offer, including HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, Total Body Enhancement machines, discounts on cooler drinks, and the ability to bring a friend with you every time you work out. Rest and recovery are an integral part of your workout routine and your overall mental wellness.

Social connections. Going to the gym regularly, connecting with other members or certified fitness trainers (a perk offered to all Planet Fitness members) or just seeing the same folks every workout will increase your social connections and help relieve stress and feelings of sadness and loneliness.

If you haven’t been to the gym in a while and feel a bit intimidated, Planet Fitness is the perfect place to enjoy a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment known as the Judgement Free Zone^®. With the main causes of stress being health and finances, Planet Fitness can help you get a great workout that will impact your mental health without breaking the bank. Check out all the Judgement Free Zone^® has to offer this Mental Health Awareness Month and focus on YOU.