Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-02-20T12:01:01

(BPT) – Hot Springs, Arkansas, gets its name from the natural thermal water that flows from 47 ancient hot springs down into the heart of the city each day. The unique therapeutic qualities of the springs have attracted visitors to the city for more than a century to soak in the historic bathhouses.

Today, guests are finding more modern transformative treatments at Arkansas’ first and only spa to achieve the coveted Four-Star rating in the Forbes Travel Guide — Astral Spa at Oaklawn, Hot Springs. Oaklawn also received a desirable “Recommended” rating for the 198-room Oaklawn Hotel.

Forbes Travel Guide is an independent global rating system for luxury hotels and spas. Inspectors, posing as regular guests, visit the facilities unannounced and test approximately 900 standards to determine the rankings.

Louis Cella, president of Oaklawn, says the Forbes rating is quite an achievement for the spa and hotel, which opened in 2021.

“Our hotel is one of the finest hotels anywhere. You would have to get on an airplane and fly outside of Arkansas to see another Forbes Four-Star rated spa,” Cella said. “The standards that we must meet for such a rating are extremely high. However, we look forward to pushing the envelope and looking for opportunities to refine the guest experience even further in the future.”

Astral Spa is an adults-only facility that provides visitors with a luxurious, customized experience. The spa offers all the traditional services that guests expect such as massages, facials, skincare and body treatments. What makes Astral Spa one of only 201 Forbes Four-Star rated spas in the world are the premium amenities including a state-of-the-art fitness center, dedicated men’s and women’s wet lounges and locker rooms equipped with heated loungers, needle showers, steam rooms, infrared saunas, whirlpool tubs, cold rooms and a dedicated co-ed parlor.

There is also a couple’s suite with a soaking tub and exclusive couple-friendly amenities.

Oaklawn Hotel is located adjacent to one of the country’s premiere Thoroughbred racetracks. Race fans from across the globe travel to Hot Springs to experience racing at its highest level, with the best horses, best jockeys, best trainers and best owners. The road to the Kentucky Derby begins at Oaklawn.

A stay at Oaklawn offers guests valet services, an escort to your room by our friendly bellmen, luxurious room amenities, superb room service and concierge assistance for your every need.

Oaklawn is also home to fine dining, including two 2023 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award recipients — The OAK room & bar and The Bugler.

The OAK room & bar features an innovative menu and one of the most extensive wine lists in the region. The Bugler offers carefully curated seafood and steak options and a spacious outdoor patio where guests can dine overlooking Oaklawn’s historic racetrack.

After a morning relaxing at Astral Spa, a day at the races and dinner at one of the world-class restaurants, guests can test their gaming skills at Oaklawn’s casino. There are several gaming options available including classic slots, table games and sports betting.

As the sun sets, Oaklawn’s resort transforms into a hub of live entertainment, where the Oaklawn Event Center stage comes alive with diverse and captivating performances from some of the biggest names performing today. Whether you prefer a night of soulful melodies or the thrill of a live comedy show, Oaklawn’s entertainment offerings promise to leave you enchanted.

A day at the Forbes Four-Star Astral Spa or a stay at the Forbes “Recommended” Oaklawn Hotel are not merely visits; they are immersions into the soul of Hot Springs, where the essence of the city’s history intertwines seamlessly with the modern allure of a world-class destination.

Indulge in the unique harmony of luxury, history and relaxation that only Oaklawn can provide. Discover a world where Forbes stars align, promising an unparalleled escape in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Must be 18 for race gambling and 21 for casino gaming. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org. Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2024-02-20T13:25:00

(BPT) – Multitasking has become the theme of the decade as people try to balance work, family and social obligations in a world where time seems to be shrinking while the number of things to do is expanding.

While multitasking might be a good strategy in some situations, it is potentially disastrous when you are behind the wheel of a car. Why? When you are in control of a multi-ton object going forward at freeway speeds, a little lapse in attention can have very serious consequences.

“We all understand the pressures of trying to do more in less time,” said Mercury VP, Claims, Kevin Quinn. “And in this era where connectivity feels critically important, many people don’t want to wait to field that text, look at the most recent TikTok, or return their boss’s email. But driving should take all of your attention, not just some of it.”

Quinn offers these suggestions to those who might find the temptations of distractions like social media, in-car entertainment and hunger to be difficult to resist:

• Don’t text and drive. Texting using a smartphone keyboard requires a great deal of attention. Even using voice-to-text functions can take your attention from the road ahead. A recent Mercury Insurance survey revealed that over 1 in 4 American drivers have come dangerously close to or been involved in an accident due to texting behind the wheel.
• Limit phone use on the road. Even hands-free phone use draws your attention from the driving task.
• Don’t eat or drink when driving. These behaviors force driving with one hand on the steering wheel, a practice more dangerous than two-handed driving.
• Don’t apply makeup when driving. Applying makeup necessitates looking in the mirror rather than down the road.
• Secure personal items within the car. If something drops, don’t begin looking for it while still underway. It will still be in the car when you stop.
• Secure pets in the car, and don’t let them wander around the cabin. Having your dog, cat or iguana on your lap might seem comforting, but that pet can become an instant distraction.
• Set up the vehicle for driving before you get underway. Adjusting mirrors, seats, temperature and audio choices as you drive can pull your attention from the driving task for multiple seconds at a time.

Why does all this matter? Distracted driving accidents continue to be a national problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say nine people in the United States are killed every day in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. According to DefensiveDriving.org, texting makes you eight times more likely to get into an accident. The impairments associated with using a cell phone while driving can be as damaging as those associated with driving while drunk.

Here are some sobering statistics from Mercury Insurance’s October 2023 survey of 1,000 active drivers on distracted driving behaviors:

• 86% of active drivers think people are more distracted while driving compared to five years ago
• 26% of active drivers have either come close or been in an accident due to texting and driving
• 67% of active drivers do not wait until they’ve reached their destination before checking phone notifications
• 66% of active drivers admit to using their phone while driving
• 48% of active drivers have been distracted by their navigational system

While the problem of distracted driving is very real, there are hopeful signs on the horizon. Many auto manufacturers are now making voice-to-text and text reader systems more prevalent in the vehicles they build. Societal pressure is helping to make a dent in distracted driving, illustrated by the fact that 58% of respondents to the Mercury Insurance survey said that they are less likely to be on their phones when they have a passenger in the vehicle.

The best advice is this: When you are behind the wheel of an automobile, driving should be your only task. Everything else can wait.

For additional safety tips regarding distracted driving, visit:

• mercuryinsurance.com
• cdc.gov
• nhtsa.gov
• iihs.org
• nsc.org

2024-02-19T12:49:00

(BPT) – Straight Talk Wireless commissioned its second-annual survey to understand consumer sentiment around tax time and found that 60 percent of survey respondents say they are more in debt than last year and will file their taxes early.

The sooner taxpayers file, the faster they get their refund, which 61 percent say is vital to their household’s financial stability. But with consumer debt at a new high*, timing won’t be everything as the survey also showed that taxpayers continue to worry the money won’t be enough. Find out more here.

*The total household debt of $17.3 trillion entering 2024 is a new high for the U.S. The largest increase in any category was credit card debt, which swelled by 16.6% between Q3 2022 and Q3 2023, the most recent term for which federal data was available.

Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 general population Americans was commissioned by Straight Talk Wireless between January 16 and January 21, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll.

2024-02-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Pain. Fatigue. Scars. Depression. These are side effects we often hear about and associate with life-saving mastectomy surgeries. But did you know that total or partial chest numbness is a common and often permanent side effect, as well?

“I remember taking my newborn daughter into my arms and putting her on my chest — but I couldn’t feel her skin. I didn’t know that she was there unless I looked at her,” says Jane, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy.

During a mastectomy, the nerves that supply sensation to the breasts are cut so that the breast tissue can be removed. For some people, this results in total or partial loss of feeling in their chest.

This can leave some without the ability to feel touch, pressure, or temperature on their chest. Imagine not being able to feel the full embrace of a hug or your child’s head resting on your chest. Moreover, imagine having no awareness that you’re experiencing a wardrobe malfunction or being burned by a curling iron. Not being able to feel roughly 10% of your body is not only a safety concern, but it can also be very disorienting —physically and psychologically.

Post-mastectomy chest numbness and the after-effects come as a surprise for many people. Even if loss of sensation was mentioned or covered in the paperwork leading up to surgery, many still feel like they were ill-informed about what to expect after mastectomy and the impact it may have on their daily lives.

Numbness greatly affects quality of life for many women and is a source of ongoing grief about what was lost, a constant reminder of the trauma they experienced, and a barrier to fully recovering physically, psychologically and emotionally.

Our connection to loved ones often starts with the chest. “It’s part of what we present to the world. It’s our heart space, for women in particular,” says Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a licensed clinical psychologist in Santa Rosa, Calif. “Skin-to-skin contact in the first hour after birth. Breastfeeding. Hugs. The chest is a life-long source of comfort, love, nourishment, and connection. Imagine that connection being severed by numbness following mastectomy.”

“Physical touch and sensation are two senses that help us navigate life. So total chest numbness may result in physical, psychosocial, intimacy, and self-esteem issues,” says Dr. Kristen Casey, a licensed clinical psychologist in Kansas City, Mo. “Numbness has a significant impact on quality of life for a number of people I’ve counseled. For women, breasts often signify an extra layer of safety that protects them and their heart and lungs. And for those experiencing numbness, that protection can feel non-existent. It’s almost like there’s a blank part of them — one missing puzzle piece they can’t find. And that’s really difficult.”

“Feeling whole and connected to oneself has many layers to it. And because our bodies are our home, if we cannot feel a part of our own body, we can feel disconnected from ourselves as individuals,” adds Dr. Manly. “When we don’t feel fully connected to ourselves, that can affect how we relate with others. If we feel less confident, broken, or disoriented, we may be hesitant to let people in. When a woman feels good about herself, she will show up more magnificently in the world.”

The good news is that numbness following mastectomy doesn’t have to be permanent. During breast reconstruction or some revision procedures, surgeons can reconnect the nerves that were previously cut using a nerve allograft to potentially restore sensation.

With advancements in surgical techniques and technology, it’s possible for women to not only look — but also feel — like themselves again after breast cancer. But more people need to be aware of post-mastectomy numbness and be educated on options to potentially restore feeling.

So, tell your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors: breast cancer may take your breasts, but it doesn’t have to take away your power to feel a hug.

Learn about Resensation^®, a surgical technique designed to restore sensation, at Resensation.com.

2024-02-16T15:47:00

(BPT) – Do you want to save money and electricity while modernizing your home? This Presidents Day, you can do both by taking advantage of LG’s deals now through Feb. 28.

LG is committed to providing energy-efficient solutions that are stylish and dependable for a cleaner, greener home. From thoughtful appliance features to groundbreaking technology, the company considers your wallet and the planet every step of the way. Check out these Presidents Day deals on top-rated kitchen and laundry appliances that will make your life easier and help you go green.

Keep your wardrobe fresh with an LG washer/dryer

Laundry has never been easier, thanks to LG’s washer/dryer units! The ENERGY STAR^®-certified appliances use ventless inverter HeatPump™ technology, so you can enjoy quiet operation, greater energy efficiency and advanced fabric care.

Take back your time by bringing home an LG WashCombo All-in-One, now $1,000 off. The innovative 2-in-1 appliance washes and dries laundry in under two hours. Once you push start, you can go about your day without pausing a project or show to flip laundry. Built-in AI takes the guesswork out of fabric care, automatically detecting fabric texture and load size and selecting the right wash motions, temperatures and dry motions level.

If you want separate washer and dryer appliances in a single-unit design, consider LG WashTower and save $900. The front-load washer and dryer takes up half the space of a traditional washer and dryer setup. With the saved space, you can add a sink, folding table or organizational storage to reinvent how you do laundry. Plus, unlike conventional stacked pairs, LG’s exclusive Center Control^® panel is easy to reach.

Control and monitor both appliances via the ThinQ^® app. In the app, you’ll discover ThinQ Care™, which sends usage, maintenance and diagnostic alerts straight to your phone to keep your appliances running smoothly. Meanwhile, ThinQ^® UP updates your appliances’ software, adding new features without additional purchases.

Test your culinary skills with LG cooking appliances

Are you ready to take your cooking to the next level? Impress friends and family by cooking delicious meals on an LG Smart Induction cooking appliance. The energy-efficient induction technology transfers heat directly to your cookware instead of the cooktop surface for fast heating, quick and even cooking and precise temperature control.

This Presidents Day, check out LG’s LSIL6334FE Smart Induction Slide-in Range with ProBake Convection^® and Air Fry. As the first EnergyStar-certified cooking model in the U.S., you can quickly and confidently prepare meals using energy-efficient induction. Also, the LG ProBake Convection^® oven automatically selects the lower speed for delicate baking or the higher speed for air frying and roasting.

Want even more convenience and cooking options? Look no further than LG’s LSIL6336FE Smart Induction Slide-in Range, now $500 off. You can turn out perfect batches of cookies, air fry hot wings and air sous vide meat, fish and vegetables. Also, the InstaView^® Window lets you keep track of your creations without interrupting the cooking process. Just knock twice, take a peek and rest easy.

Like its laundry counterparts, the cooktop and oven are compatible with the ThinQ app, so you can control, maintain and check your kitchen appliances from anywhere.

Bundle and save even more!

You can save up to $500 this Presidents Day when you bundle two or more eligible LG appliances. Some kitchen appliances may even qualify for a $100 instant saving per item on up to four products on installation and/or haul away.

Make this Presidents Day one to remember with savings on top-tier home appliances that offer convenience and energy efficiency. To find more Presidents Day deals, visit LG.com/US/Promotions.

2024-02-16T07:05:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re looking to expand your protein options during Lent or want to try new twists on your seafood favorites, Morey’s Fine Fish & Seafood offers plenty of easy-to-prepare, delicious frozen options that your whole family is sure to enjoy. Look for products from Morey’s for convenient and affordable ways to satisfy your inner “seafoodie” this season and all year long.

Embrace the latest flavor craze: Sweet chili

Did you know almost half of consumers (46%) say they love or like the flavor of sweet chili and, according to Datassential, 42% say that sweet chili is their most preferred Asian-style sauce? Morey’s has found a perfect pairing with Tilapia Sweet Chili, a restaurant-quality entree that features ASC-certified tilapia, frozen at the peak of freshness, along with that beloved sweet and spicy sauce.

To take this new product one step further, try this recipe that highlights Morey’s Tilapia Sweet Chili by combining it with fresh veggies and your favorite Asian-style noodles.

Tilapia Asian Noodle Bowl

This noodle bowl is packed with savory flavors thanks to ingredients like fresh ginger, sesame, cilantro, and the sweet and spicy marinade featuring notes of honey, soy, peppers and garlic. Snap peas, bell peppers, cabbage and green onions add pops of color and freshness when tossed with flaky Tilapia Sweet Chili and deliciously springy udon noodles. The veggie- and flavor-packed dish makes an easy weeknight dinner, plus you can enjoy leftovers — warm or cold — for lunch!

Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time 15–20 minutes; Serves 2

Ingredients

1 package Morey’s Tilapia Sweet Chili, prepared according to package directions
6 ounces cooked udon noodles or other favorite Asian-style noodle
2 tablespoons coconut, avocado or olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup snap peas, sliced in half lengthwise
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons water
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Lime wedges

Instructions

Cook fish: Prepare Tilapia Sweet Chili fillets according to package directions.

Prepare vegetables: While the tilapia is cooking, heat oil in saute pan over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute. Add snap peas and bell peppers and cook 2-3 minutes, until softened. Stir in 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce. Remove vegetables and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce and red cabbage, cooking until red cabbage is wilted, then remove cabbage and set aside.

To serve: Add remaining 2/3 cup sweet chili sauce, soy sauce and cooked noodles to pan. Toss to coat and heat through until noodles start to caramelize. Divide noodles on two plates, arrange cooked tilapia on top and add vegetables on the side. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, squeeze of lime and extra sweet chili sauce.

Dive into a lemony fresh fan favorite

If salmon is one of your favorite varieties of fish, you’ll love Morey’s Wild Salmon Lemon Herb, which is full of fresh flavors that are just perfect for spring. This chef-inspired wild salmon dish is prepared in a citrus-style marinade that is sure to wake up your taste buds. It’s so easy to prepare that you’ll gladly — and quickly — put it together in your own kitchen rather than going out to eat, any night of the week.

Morey’s Fine Fish & Seafood offers a variety of better-for-you, premium seafood options that are easy to prepare and bold in flavor, including fillets paired with chef-inspired marinades and more. Their responsibly sourced, premium-quality seafood is the perfect way to create a five-star dinner at home for all your family and friends this Lent — and all year long.

You can find these and other products at retailers near you, and at Moreys.com.

2024-02-15T07:01:01

(BPT) – Do you remember how challenging school could be? As a parent, it’s easy to forget that studying and homework aren’t always easy. Your child needs your support and guidance to help stay on task with studies and achieve at the highest level.

Don’t know where to start? Check out these top five tips to help support your student’s educational journey so they can thrive academically this year.

1. Get organized

Messy and cluttered school supplies are a recipe for frustration. Encourage your student to keep notes and handouts organized to quickly and easily locate what is needed for any assignment. Encourage your student to pick out notebooks, folders and binders in favorite colors and designs. Let your student label or decorate front covers and assign a subject to each.

Take organization to the next level with a digital tool like the Five Star^® Study App. Using the app and Five Star compatible notebooks, folders and academic planners, your student can scan handwritten notes and handouts to access study materials anytime, anywhere!

Once digitized, your student can add, revise and arrange notes as needed, organizing materials into digital folders that correspond with physical notebook colors. The free app provides your child with the best of physical and digital studying and even turns notes and handouts into digital flashcards.

2. Create a consistent study routine

It may sound simple, but establishing a consistent study routine can go a long way to help your student succeed in school. Creating a routine develops time management and prioritization skills for tasks and projects.

Guide your student to set a time each day for homework and studying, for example right after school, before or after dinner or extracurriculars. If a certain time isn’t working, suggest a change to find a time and rhythm that works best.

No matter what time of day they choose, consistency is the most important aspect of a study routine. After a couple of weeks, the study routine will become a habit that provides consistency and stability so your child can focus on tasks with minimal distractions.

3. Set realistic goals

A large project or study packet can be overwhelming and discouraging for anyone, let alone a young scholar. Expecting to finish a large assignment or study for a big test in one sitting can seem daunting and cause undue anxiety.

Help your child avoid panic and stress by helping set realistic and achievable study goals. Demonstrate how to break down big assignments into smaller tasks, and even create a task list to check off as each one is completed.

Using a tool like the Five Star Study App, your child can set reminders for different tasks, tackle them at a steady pace, and meet deadlines, building a sense of accomplishment. More importantly, this practice fosters a growth mindset and builds perseverance.

4. Encourage handwritten notes

Typing notes may be more convenient, but handwritten notes can give your child an academic edge. Many research studies suggest that writing on paper improves recall and allows notetakers to better understand complicated concepts.

You don’t have to sacrifice the power of paper for the convenience of digital. Your student can have the best of both worlds, thanks to the Five Star brand. Students can scan handwritten notes from compatible Five Star school supplies into the study app. To learn more about the Five Star Study App, visit FiveStarBuiltStrong.com.

5. Take regular breaks

Nonstop studying can quickly lead to burnout and less productivity. During study sessions, invite your child to take a break. Take a walk together, do some quick stretches, or simply ask them to step away from the study area and go outside to get some fresh air. When returning to study, your student will feel refreshed and ready to tackle the remaining assignments.

Every child is different, so collaborate with your students to find the best strategies that fit their learning style. However your child decides to study, your support is the most important tool in their arsenal. Using these five tips and fostering a positive attitude toward learning, you can help set up your child for academic success in 2024.

2024-02-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – Seven in 10 American drivers are unaware of a vital piece of information. All-season tires aren’t built to drive in all four seasons.

It sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true: The tires used by most Americans harden when temps fall below 45 degrees, rendering them less responsive to the road when it’s cold or snowy. In fact, nearly three-fourths of North American all-season tire drivers say they feel unsafe on the road at least a few times each winter.

What’s the solution?

Thankfully, there’s a remedy: all-weather tires.

The name is so similar that only 30% of U.S. drivers are able to distinguish them from all-season tires. But there’s an easy way to think about it: all-weather tires are made for all types of weather, whereas all-season tires are three-season tires in most parts of the United States and Canada.

How can consumers tell the difference? All-weather tires are certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on their sidewalls. That signifies they’re meant for use in winter conditions.

What sets all-weather tires apart?

All-weather tires remain soft in the wintry months, and their tread patterns are designed to carve through snow and slush. At the same time, they perform well in spring rain and summer heat. While there’s nothing safer in extreme winter than a dedicated winter tire, all-weather tires are a compromise option for drivers who live in areas with moderate or unpredictable winter weather.

If snow, ice and frigid weather stay for a few months, it’s best to swap to a set of winter tires. But for drivers who visit winter or have winter visit them, an all-weather tire is an appealing solution.

All-weather tires have been around for nearly a quarter century; Nokian Tyres introduced the all-weather passenger tire to North America in 1999. The company, which also invented the winter tire in the 1930s, just debuted its sixth-generation all-weather tire this winter — the Nokian Tyres Remedy WRG5.

Like many all-weather tires, the Remedy WRG5 is tested around the globe — in this case, at Nokian Tyres’ Arctic test facility in northern Finland and its new test track in the Spanish desert. The inside of the tire has snow claws that carve into wintry surfaces, while the outside of the tire channels away moisture like an all-season tire.

Who should consider all-weather tires?

Drivers who live in the Sun Belt can usually get away with all-season tires year-round. But anyone who visits winter, or sees winter visit them, should consider an all-weather tire — especially if they don’t plan to swap to dedicated winter tires this time of year.

What drivers don’t know about four-season driving can hurt them. All-weather tires offer an appealing remedy. Learn more about all-weather tires at NokianTires.com/Remedy.

2024-02-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – As cold weather moves across much of this country, winter coats, shoes and socks are a necessity that most of us may take for granted. But with 40 million people living in poverty according to the U.S. Census Bureau, many do not have the means for or access to the essentials they need to make it safely through the season staying warm and dry.

That’s why as part of Subaru Loves to Help® month the automaker is partnering with Operation Warm®, a national nonprofit that produces those necessary items and organizes gifting programs with beneficiary organizations for children in urgent need. In a free shopping experience, volunteers from Subaru retailers and community organizations help kids select brand-new essential clothing in their size and in colors that they love.

This winter wear will keep them cozy, which is a basic need they may be living without. The fact that the items are new and personally selected by the wearer can also have a significant impact on a child’s emotional well-being. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, roughly 653,100 people were experiencing homelessness during a single night in 2023, a record high since data collection began in 2007 and a 12% increase over the year before. Nearly three of every 10 people (28%) experiencing homelessness did so as part of a family with children.

“For too many children, going without a coat, shoes or even socks can mean the difference between going to school, participating in activities and feeling confident in themselves,” said Alan Bethke, senior vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “By pairing our own commitment to be ‘More Than a Car Company,’ with Operation Warm’s mission of being ‘More Than a Coat’ we’re providing children in urgent need with the opportunity to select and own the brand-new necessities they need to thrive.”

In partnership with Operation Warm, more than 600 Subaru retailers around the country have been matched with a local beneficiary organization that serves children in need in their local community. Through gifting and drop-off events, Subaru will help provide more than 150,000 children with brand-new coats, shoes and socks. These special events are tailored to address the unique preferences and essential needs of each child through a variety of coat, shoe and sock options donated by the Subaru retailer.

Picking out something new that is theirs to keep is important for a child’s self-esteem. Choosing a new coat can provide:

• Improved social interactions and confidence. New winter coats are a fact of life for many kids. For those experiencing homelessness and other urgent need situations, new clothing can provide a sense of normalcy and belonging.
• A symbol of care and respect. The ability to choose their own winter wear shows a child that their preferences matter. That they matter.
• Reduced anxiety and stress. There’s no worry that a child won’t have a beautiful new coat to keep them warm on the playground at school, which eases stress on kids and their caregivers.
• Hope and optimism. Knowing that someone cares is a powerful force in this world.

“Coats, shoes and socks provide so much more than just physical warmth, and programs like this are giving kids in urgent need the relief and confidence to socialize and succeed,” said Grace Sica, executive director of Operation Warm. “Teaming up with Subaru, who clearly shares our values of community connection, allows us to bring warmth and confidence to even more children around the country than ever before.”

That’s why Subaru has signed on to be the largest automotive partner of Operation Warm. It’s part of their Subaru Love Promise vision, in which the automaker commits to be a positive force in the local communities where they live and work, going beyond donations to include actions that set an example for others to follow.

Through this partnership, Subaru and Operation Warm will be addressing the immediate needs of more than 150,000 children by the end of February, but the impact will have much longer-lasting effects. And that can make everyone feel a little warmer.

2024-02-12T02:01:00

(BPT) – For some, skiing isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of life. This is especially true for Holly Reitsema, who was raised in a family of freestyle skiers. Not only is she a competitive freestyle skiing athlete, but she also coaches at the prestigious Woodward Copper snowboard and ski training camp.

“I’ve been skiing since I was 3 years old. I ski over 200 days a year and it’s my livelihood,” said Reitsema.

Everything changed for Reitsema when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) when she hit a jump while skiing. “Midair, I felt off-axis and shoulder heavy, so I knew I was about to fall. I then did the worst thing possible and fought my fall, so my body was twisted when I landed.”

Not an uncommon story

Skiers like Reitsema are well acquainted with ACL injuries. According to Miach Orthopaedics, about 400,000 ACL injuries occur each year in the U.S. Of those injuries, 20,000 happen while skiing. Even with gear maintenance, proper warmup and strengthening exercises, ACL tears still happen to skiers of all levels and ages.

Unlike many other ligaments in the body, the ACL cannot heal on its own and often requires ACL reconstruction (ACLR) surgery. During ACLR, an orthopedic surgeon removes the torn ACL and replaces it with a graft from another part of the body or a deceased donor.

Although ACL reconstruction is effective, the procedure has drawbacks. When a graft is taken from the knee, many patients experience long-term knee pain. And when a graft is taken from the hamstring, patients may have persistent weakness in that muscle. Regardless of the graft type, many people cannot return to the same level of daily activities or sports.

Reitsema’s father had ACLR years previously with a patellar tendon graft, and she saw how the injury changed him. Hesitation, pain and multiple operations held him back from his prior feats, and this was not something Reitsema nor her father wanted.

“My local orthopedic surgeon initially suggested I get ACL reconstruction with a patellar tendon graft,” said Reitsema. “I was very hesitant because I wasn’t experiencing pain from the ACL tear, but the doctor said I would have pain after getting the graft. I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to return to skiing or coaching. Something just didn’t feel right about the patellar tendon graft procedure to me.”

A novel treatment for ACL injuries

Luckily for Reitsema, she was an excellent candidate for a novel ACL tear treatment. The BEAR Implant is the first medical advancement that enables the ACL to heal on its own. The implant works by using your own blood to heal the torn ends of your ACL back together, restoring its natural anatomy and function.

During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon adds your own blood to the BEAR Implant and attaches it between the torn ends of your ACL. The implant holds and protects the blood to allow clot formation. Over time, the BEAR Implant — made of collagen — is resorbed by your body and replaced with native ACL tissue.

“I think the BEAR Implant has the potential to change the entire paradigm around ACL injuries,” said Dr. Alex Meininger, an orthopedic surgeon at Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. “Previously, we as surgeons thought an ACL tear was incompatible with healing and the stump of native ACL tissue unsalvageable. The regenerative medicine potential of the BEAR Implant has turned that notion on its head.”

After speaking with Reitsema, Meininger felt that she was a great fit for the BEAR Implant. After the procedure and diligent rehab, Reitsema’s ACL healed, and she was able to return to skiing and coaching.

“After hitting the slopes for the first time, I was so proud that my knee didn’t tire out,” said Reitsema. “Since skiing and coaching again, I have been building my stamina and am more self-aware of my energy levels. These days, once I properly warm up, I feel like I did before I got injured. Being able to hit a rail and demonstrate tricks for my students while coaching is an extreme accomplishment for me.”

Reitsema’s story isn’t the only success of this innovative treatment. To date, over 300 patients with snow-related injuries have been treated with the BEAR Implant. To learn more about the procedure and read safety information, visit BEARImplant.com/Snow.