Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-11-20T23:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are around the corner, and economic pressures are reshaping consumer behavior when it comes to shopping, buying gifts, and celebrating the season. In fact, a new survey from PayPal revealed 1 in 5 respondents are feeling anxious about holiday shopping this year. To help combat this anxiety, nearly half (49%) of people are planning to seek out promotions and deals as they shop for gifts¹.

Savvy shoppers know that one of the best ways to stretch a gifting budget and cross everyone off your list is by maximizing the rewards and cashback you can receive from each purchase. In fact, one in four (26%) people surveyed said they plan to wait to buy a gift until they find the best sale or rewards and cashback offer. With holiday sales upon us, these tips will help you strategically earn and leverage rewards and cashback to become a smart holiday shopper.

1. Pile on the rewards

If you’re shopping, you should be earning rewards — plain and simple! If you’ve already been racking up rewards points during the year, the holiday season is a great time to use them. But if you don’t already use a rewards program, it’s not too late to start collecting and redeeming points for exclusive discounts and cash back offers.

You can earn PayPal Rewards by shopping cash back offers from thousands of stores in the PayPal app, or while you shop using the PayPal Honey shopping extension. Better yet, you can stack your rewards. Points earned in the PayPal app are in addition to the rewards earned with your preferred rewards-based credit or debit card when checking out with PayPal². If you use the PayPal Cashback Mastercard^®3, you’ll earn 3% cash back in addition to rewards earned in the PayPal app when you use the card to check out, and 2% on all other purchases — with no cash back limits, no categories and no annual fee⁴. A smart shopping move, indeed.

2. Don’t leave cash back on the table

While you’re on the hunt for the perfect gifts and deals, leaving cash back opportunities unclaimed is like walking away from free money. The beauty of cash back is that it provides you with real, tangible savings and better equips you to tick off names from your gift list without emptying your wallet. PayPal offers a one-stop shop for cash back convenience and makes it easy to maximize your cash back potential, making the most of your holiday budget.

You can shop exclusive cash back offers from your favorite stores in the PayPal app, on everything from beauty, to fashion, or the toys that are topping every kid’s wish list. Simply save the offers you’re interested in and they’ll be automatically applied when you check out with PayPal online. Even better, you can also stack credit card rewards on top of existing deals you find in the PayPal app. For example, if you shop with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard^®, you’ll earn 3% cashback when checking out with PayPal in addition to what you gain from offers while shopping in the PayPal app.

Earning cashback is a great way to shop smarter and make the holiday season truly memorable.

3. Automate your deal searching

Don’t let the busyness of the season prevent you from scoring some of the best offers on your holiday shopping. Consumers often spend hours searching for discounts, when they could be out enjoying the holiday season. Consider adding the PayPal Honey shopping extension to your holiday shopping routine, which will automatically search for coupons and cashback deals to apply at checkout⁵.

Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gift for a gadget-obsessed teenager, new fashion for your best friend or booking a trip home for the holidays, the PayPal Honey shopping extension can save you time – and money – by searching millions of promo codes at thousands of sites in seconds and discovering cash back deals to take your holiday budget further.

4. Be sales savvy and price watch

Being a smart shopper isn’t just about finding the right gifts — it’s also about finding the right time to shop at the best price. Shopping around can help you score the best deals on gifts for the holidays, but with so much on your plate this season, it can be hard to find the time. Price trackers like the PayPal Honey Droplist feature can help.

PayPal Honey Droplist will monitor the price of an item you’re interested in and automatically notify you if the price drops — so you can hit buy at the right moment and snag the best discount. Plus, when you shop using PayPal Honey, you earn PayPal Rewards which can be converted to cash back.

In the past 12 months, PayPal has put more than $200 million back in customer pockets with cash back and offers⁶. Are you one of the savvy shoppers that took advantage of cash back and deals this year? If not, it’s never too late. Using these tips, you should be able to shop smarter, not harder, this year — so you can stretch your holiday budget and enjoy all the fun and festivities the season has to offer.

1. PayPal Consumer Survey October 2023 (1,000 respondents).
2. Subject to card issuer’s terms and conditions.
3. Applications are subject to credit approval. The PayPal Cashback Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Purchases are subject to credit approval, and the PayPal Cashback Mastercard must be used for payment. See Rewards Program Terms for details and restrictions.
4. See Terms and Rates for New Accounts.
5. Eligible items only. Redeem points for cash and other rewards. Requires account with PayPal in good standing. Terms and exclusions apply.
6. Internal PayPal Data October 2023.

2023-11-20T15:59:00

(BPT) – The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! As we enter the holiday season, many people are prepping their Christmas plans and travel arrangements.

While it’s fun to go see family and friends, there are already plenty of costs that add up during this time of the year. The best gift of all is paying less for your travel. And thanks to credit card rewards, this is a possibility.

Vacation costs can pile up with airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more, but you can alleviate some of these costs with your credit card rewards. These programs allow you to make the most out of your travels. Rather than worrying about the price tag, you can focus on spending time with your loved ones during the holidays.

There are so many types of credit cards out there, so it’s important to look at the variety of rewards that different cards offer before you decide on which one to get. For instance, several credit cards offer signup bonuses, different earning rates, and redemption options by simply choosing the card. Signing up for a rewards credit card is an investment in yourself. Once you’ve signed up for the card, you can start utilizing all the great benefits!

Many different credit cards cater toward travel expenses and offer a long list of deals that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Not only can you use rewards points toward your flight, but there are also other travel perks with credit card rewards that you may not have even known about, such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, or baggage protection, to name a few.

Additionally, there is usually a list of hotels, car rentals, restaurants, and more that partner with these different rewards programs to give you access to low-rate stays and premium options for less. Depending on what you value as a traveler, there is a reward card to meet every consumer’s needs. If you haven’t already, take advantage of your credit card benefits, maximize the value of your travel rewards, and start packing for your holiday vacation!

Currently, proposed legislation could reduce credit card rewards programs, meaning consumers will no longer have access to travel benefits. Many people rely on these benefits and it’s important for these programs to continue so consumers and businesses can benefit for many holidays to come.

2023-11-20T15:37:00

(BPT) – In our rapidly changing world, digital transactions are increasingly preferred, with more consumers opting for electronic payments, including contactless methods. Credit cards, a standard part of daily life, offer benefits to consumers while supporting small businesses. They serve as vital tools for managing costly expenses over time, addressing unforeseen financial needs, and establishing a positive credit history that can aid in securing loans for your first home or vehicle.

Here are a few key reasons credit cards are valuable for consumers and small businesses alike:

Credit Card Perks For Consumers:

1. Customers Value Rewards: Credit cards offer different rewards programs, such as cash back, points, or miles. Many people rely on those travel rewards and cash back to plan more affordable vacations and unique experiences they otherwise might not be able to afford if they have to pay full price.
2. Fraud Protection: Credit cards provide an additional level of protection against fraud that other payment options simply can’t offer, making them the preferred payment method for 79% of Americans for security reasons, according to a PYMNTS study. Purchases with a credit card are routed through secure payment networks with fraud prevention measures lined up to help eliminate data security risks. This makes credit cards not only the more convenient form of payment, but the safer option too.
3. Customer Convenience: CNBC reported that the travel industry took a hit after the COVID-19 pandemic. So much so that many tourism and transportation rental companies have significantly reduced their fleet to avoid bankruptcy, creating limited stock for customers in need of rentals. Credit cards provide the convenience of pre-booking services like rental cars or hotel rooms, making them particularly advantageous for coordinating travel plans, with many hotels and tourism companies offering discounts and additional perks for credit card payments.
4. Building A Secure Future: Credit cards allow consumers to build a solid credit foundation that will support the need to take out loans on the big purchases down the road, like buying a house or car.

Benefits for Small Businesses:

1. Customer Convenience: People are more likely to have their credit card handy than to have exact cash for a purchase. Businesses that allow credit card transactions give customers the flexibility and freedom to pay their way, both in-store and online.
2. Business Credit Cards Build Your Brand: A designated credit card for consumers can be a strategic tool for small businesses to attract and retain customers, foster loyalty, and provide insights into customer behavior. They can also drive customers to make larger purchases and increase overall sales.
3. Enhanced Financial Control: Allowing credit card transactions may simplify expense tracking and financial management, helping small businesses maintain better control over their finances. Credit card payments can also improve a company’s cash flow by ensuring timely and secure transactions, reducing the risks associated with delayed or failed payments.

A proposed credit card routing bill, if enacted, could adversely affect small businesses and consumers, by potentially cutting rewards programs and reducing data security. It’s important to maintain the numerous advantages that credit cards provide to individuals. Credit cards are versatile tools that offer enhanced security and rewards for consumers while providing numerous benefits for small businesses, including customer convenience, brand enhancement, and improved financial control.

2023-11-20T14:41:00

(BPT) – ‘Tis the season to shop wisely, and your credit card can be a powerful tool in navigating the holiday spending landscape. Beyond being a convenient and safe payment method, credit cards offer many benefits for consumers to leverage during their holiday shopping. Whether you earn travel miles or cash-back rewards through your credit card, the holidays are a great time to maximize your credit spending while also ensuring financial responsibility. Take a look at the three best ways below to utilize your credit card during the festive shopping season.

1. Maximizing Credit Card Rewards

We’re sure you’ve heard of a multitude of options available in terms of rewards when applying for a credit card. Choosing a credit card that offers generous rewards for purchases allows you to gain points and miles, which can then be redeemed for discounts or freebies. These credit cards present a valuable opportunity to offset holiday expenses, effectively turning your spending into savings!

By strategically choosing when and where to use your card, you can maximize these rewards, ensuring you get the most value for every dollar spent. It’s a smart and savvy way to make your holiday shopping not only enjoyable but financially rewarding.

If you’re planning to travel during the holidays, using a credit card that offers great miles is also extremely beneficial. Nowadays, many airlines and payment networks collaborate on co-branded credit cards that offer great perks. You can beat the holiday rush by having access to security lines and airport lounges.

2. Utilizing Cash-back to Your Advantage

Cash-back programs offered by credit cards allow shoppers to earn a percentage of their spending back in the form of real money or statement credits. Many co-branded credit cards today offer great cash back which can be a helpful tool to offset expensive costs. It’s also helpful to save the accumulated cash back over time, allowing it to grow and serve as a financial cushion or contribute toward larger financial goals. Choosing the right cash-back rewards program can help you save money and ensure your credit score stays high. Whether purchasing gifts, decorations, or holiday feasts, the cash back earned serves as a valuable bonus.

3. Building Your Credit

Building your credit by using a credit card during holiday shopping can be advantageous for consumers in several ways, such as improving your credit score, establishing a good credit history, and enhancing security measures.

Responsible credit card usage during the holiday season contributes positively to your credit history, demonstrating to creditors that you can manage credit responsibly. Timely payments on your credit card can boost your credit score over time, opening doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and increased financial flexibility in the future.

Credit cards often come with robust fraud protection measures. Using your credit card for holiday shopping can enhance security, and if unauthorized transactions occur, you are typically not held responsible for fraudulent charges.

Overall, the holidays are a great time to prioritize using your credit cards to ensure a financially rewarding and responsible experience. By maximizing your rewards and cash-back opportunities you can make larger purchases for your friends and family, while also building an effective credit history.

2023-11-21T07:05:01

(BPT) – Coffee lovers can experience the pleasures of barista-crafted coffee at home as new technologies in coffee machines cater to increasingly sophisticated tastes. The Swiss brand JURA leads the way to pure coffee enjoyment with innovative models that brew at high pressure from freshly ground beans.

More choices and customization options. JURA sets a new standard with the GIGA 10, which offers 35 hot and cold brew specialties that can be customized in multiple ways. It features two whole bean containers and two ceramic disc grinders designed for maximum grinding quality. The interactive touch-operated panel, which comes in a wide panorama format, is easy to navigate. With a simple tap and slide, the user can customize a beverage for the percent of beans ground from each bean container, volume, intensity, ratio of coffee to milk, and more. The GIGA 10 can also deliver hot water at different temperatures for different types of tea or Americano.

Cold brew on demand. The JURA Z10 prepares the full spectrum of hot drinks at the touch of a button — plus, it offers a whole new dimension in coffee enjoyment with cold brew specialties. Using JURA’s exclusive Cold Extraction Process, it pulses cold water through freshly ground coffee under high pressure, for a new taste experience that is refreshing and energizing, with a wonderfully balanced aroma. The Z10 also stands out for its Product Recognizing Grinder (P.R.G.) that recognizes the chosen specialty and then adjusts the fineness of the grind accordingly, instantly and precisely — for any coffee specialty, hot or cold brew.

Sweet foam. The new JURA J8 offers the ultimate in indulgence with its exclusive Sweet Foam function that flavors milk foam with a hint of syrup, with your choice of flavor, sweetness and intensity. Brew a Sweet Latte at the touch of a button, using any syrup you desire — amaretto, hazelnut, butterscotch, vanilla, gingerbread, tangerine, lavender, cherry — the possibilities are endless. Offering 31 specialties, the J8 features JURA’s Coffee Eye, a smart cup sensor that detects the positioning of the cup and automatically adapts the selection of specialties on the display to show the available options. JURA’s P.A.G.2+ grinder with aroma control actively monitors the grind consistency. This cutting-edge technology combines with the eighth-generation brewing unit with 3D brewing process to achieve optimum results and maximum flavor every time.

For more information, visit jura.com.

2023-11-20T14:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again, where people rush out of their homes to find gifts for family and friends. Those gifts are important, but your choice of where you buy those gifts holds power — power to grow your local community. You can make a huge difference with your dollars, supporting those who support your community or your values with each purchase. You can protect where your food comes from by filling your fridge wisely, or you can make a local business owner’s day by walking through the door of their shop on what has become commonly referred to as “Small Business Saturday.” And finding those opportunities can be easy when you look in the right places.

The holiday season is about more than just shopping for the best possible deal, it’s a way to celebrate and support the heart of our local economies. Let’s make this holiday season a win-win for you and your community with a few simple strategies:

Tip 1: Fill Your Fridge Wisely

We all need to eat, and every trip to the grocery store offers a new way to support small businesses. Did you know that many foods are distributed by groups of farmers that band together to create more equitable businesses and that those businesses are called cooperatives? That’s a simple explanation, but cooperatives are often an overlooked and convenient way to support small businesses in the grocery aisle. Instead of your dollars heading to one corporation or conglomerate this holiday season, consider spending your milk (or eggnog) money on food from the small businesses that own cooperatives.

For example, Organic Valley is a cooperative owned by small organic family farms. In fact, Organic Valley just welcomed over 70 more small family farms, all small businesses, into their cooperative this year. If you are selective in the grocery store this season, you can support those small organic family farms by choosing Organic Valley products. Other brands in the grocery store from different farmer-owned cooperatives include Florida’s Natural^®, Ocean Spray^®, Blue Diamond^®, and many more.

Tip 2: Make Your Way to Mainstreet

Your own hometown is likely a treasure trove of local businesses, each offering warm welcomes and unique finds. These small businesses are the backbone of your community, providing a personal touch that’s often missing in big-box stores. Many communities have a chamber of commerce that provides information about the businesses in your local community waiting for you to walk through the door. In fact, a quick Google search of “Chamber of Commerce Near Me” should do the trick.

One of the easiest ways to find a place to shop for Small Business Saturday is to get to the Mainstreet of your community and find businesses with Small Business Saturday marked on their door! This website is the hub of businesses participating in the official Small Business Saturday program taking place this Saturday, November 25.

Tip 3: Ask A Simple Question Online

You might be surprised at who owns or helps with small businesses in your area — it might just be your family and friends. Consider posting to your favorite social media platform an open question like, “What small business do you recommend I support this holiday season?” and watch the floodgates open. So many people have friends and family that have started interesting businesses, and you might be surprised at what you find.

Another online option is to ask that same question in a group dedicated to an interest you have. For instance, if you love to bake, ask a baking group on Facebook or Reddit that same question and find a whole new set of answers.

Tip 4: Attend Local Markets and Pop-Up Shops

The holiday season is the perfect time to check out local markets and pop-up shops in your area. These events are often organized to showcase local businesses and artisans. They provide a great opportunity to discover new products, meet the creators, and learn more about the stories behind their businesses. Attending these events not only supports the small businesses directly but also contributes to the local economy and community spirit.

By making your way to local brick-and-mortar businesses in your own community, choosing products from cooperatives, asking for recommendations online, and attending local markets, you’re not just buying a product — you’re investing in someone’s dream and your community’s future. Every purchase, no matter how small, can make a real difference.

2023-11-20T12:25:00

(BPT) – If you’re ready to turn your winter holidays from ho-hum to ho-ho-ho, you’re in luck. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is making the most of the winter season with festive holiday offerings to delight visitors of all ages. If you’ve never imagined spending your holiday season on a beach, it’s time to envision winter on The Beach, with their 12 Days of Beachmas.

To please every visitor attracted by their 60 miles of sun-soaked coastline, Myrtle Beach is pulling out all the stops to help you and your loved ones make memories to last a lifetime.

For a highlight of holiday activities the Grand Strand has to offer this winter, Visit Myrtle Beach put together “12 Days of Beachmas” — a list of 12 fantastic unique experiences every visitor should check twice!

1. Winter Wonderland at The Beach is back — bigger, brighter and beachier than ever. Winter Wonderland Lights will be displayed nightly Nov. 14, 2023, through Jan. 1, 2024, from 6-9 p.m. Their Winter Wonderland Festival takes place Dec. 1-3, 2023, in Plyler Park, along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with spectacular activities like the free Winter Wonderland Drone Show and S’mores on the Boardwalk to warm up your holiday season.

2. Dazzling holiday shows and live entertainment will satisfy any taste. Immerse yourself in the joy of the season at major holiday shows such as The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, or sing along to your favorite festive tunes at one of The Beach’s many live music venues.

3. Seasonal strolls let you stretch your legs, whether under sunny blue skies or along inviting park trails. Soak up the beauty of Brookgreen Gardens, which offers beautiful botanical displays, an on-site zoo, fascinating historical sites and stunning art collections. Insider’s tip: If you didn’t score tickets to the spectacular Nights of A Thousand Candles, a daytime trip is the perfect opportunity to explore Brookgreen Gardens in December.

4. Ripley’s Festival of Trees will help you celebrate the heritage and diversity of the U.S. with a display of themed trees adorned in decorations and ornaments representing the 55 states and territories. The South Carolina tree is over 18 feet tall! The event is included with general admission to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, Nov. 10 through Dec. 31, 2023.

5. Relaxing spa packages are guaranteed to help you unwind. You can opt for an end-of-the-year relaxation package at one of Myrtle Beach’s many first-class spa resorts and retreats, like the full-service offerings at the Cinzia Spa in North Myrtle Beach, or you could indulge in some much-needed self-care by booking your entire stay at the Anderson Ocean Club and Spa.

6. Say ‘Cheers’ to the year by making a toast on the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail, which takes you on a tour of the area’s best local breweries, brewpubs and craft brew experiences. Check off trail stops on the Trail Pass for an opportunity to win fun prizes along the way!

7. Holiday horseback riding: Giddy-up, let’s go! Explore miles of scenic coastline with a one-of-a-kind adventure on horseback. Inlet Point Plantation offers custom horseback rides along the beach at sunset to create a truly memorable holiday tradition.

8. Gifts galore can be found everywhere, from local mercantile and artisanal offerings to high-end boutiques and national outlets. Myrtle Beach has countless shopping experiences to help you check off your entire wish list.

9. Festive light shows will put you and your family in the holiday mood. You can feast your eyes on dazzling holiday light shows throughout the Grand Strand. At The Great Christmas Light Show located in the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex, Nov. 20 through Dec. 30, 2023, you can adventure through over 500 magical light displays and take a stroll through Santa’s Village while sipping a delicious, hot cup of cocoa. Downtown Conway’s Celebration of Lights is also sure to delight with more opportunities to see Santa, while marveling at an array of lights on Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 30 through Dec. 24, 2023.

10. Winter wildlife abounds at numerous wildlife sanctuaries and parks across the region. You can discover Myrtle Beach’s stunning seasonal flora and fauna and surround yourself with nature at sites like Huntington Beach State Park, which is known as a top spot for East Coast bird watching.

11. Seasonal cuisine: Sample flavorful local fare at Myrtle Beach’s plethora of mouthwatering restaurants. From fresh seafood, traditional southern fare and Gullah dishes to fusion fine dining and unique sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy all taste buds at The Beach.

12. Artful celebrations are bound to delight and move you. Marvel at awe-inspiring art installations and masterpieces at museums, galleries and numerous public spaces on the Myrtle Beach Arts and Gallery Trail, featuring over 100 stops around the Grand Strand.

If you’re searching for a holiday experience that’s warm and welcoming, you’ll find much more than just a day at The Beach when you visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Ready to plan your holiday getaway? Explore all your options at VisitMyrtleBeach.com, or call 888-Myrtle-1.

2023-11-20T08:13:00

(BPT) – It’s a familiar situation — a light tickle in your throat soon turns into a cough that sounds like it could be trouble. Is it allergies, a cold, RSV or something worse? With so many potential causes of cough, especially during cold and flu season, it can be hard to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. Moreover, despite how common a cough is, there are several misconceptions that can lead to further confusion about what your cough might mean.

“Clearing up the common myths can not only help people get to the root cause of their symptoms, but it can also empower them to take charge of their health in an informed way,” said Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, associate chief medical officer at MDLIVE. “Identifying the underlying condition or trigger of one’s cough is crucial in ensuring appropriate and effective treatment.”

To combat the confusion, Dr. Roundtree outlines common misunderstandings about coughs and how to determine when to seek care from a doctor.

1. Myth: Antibiotics will cure any cough.

For coughs associated with a respiratory infection caused by a virus, you won’t find much relief through antibiotics. Contrary to popular belief, antibiotics are ineffective against viruses as they are designed to combat bacterial infections. When antibiotics aren’t needed, they can ultimately cause more harm than good — such as abdominal pain, rashes and allergic reactions.

2. Myth: The duration of the cough isn’t that important.

Believe it or not, the sound of a cough isn’t the only thing that matters when determining the severity of an underlying condition. The duration of a cough is often more telling in getting to the root cause of the issue. For instance, an acute cough, which typically lasts less than three weeks and is often accompanied by additional cold-like symptoms, can pinpoint a short-lived illness. On the flip side, a cough that lasts more than eight weeks can point to a chronic condition, like asthma or allergies.

3. Myth: The scarier the cough sounds, the worse it is.

Some coughs may sound more alarming than others, but it is important not to judge a cough by its sound alone. A scary-sounding cough doesn’t always indicate a serious condition. While a cough can be a vital symptom in determining the underlying issue, it should always be evaluated in conjunction with other symptoms. If you or your loved one experiences difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face, seek emergency care.

4. Myth: No cough means no real sickness.

It’s easy to think that a lack of coughing equates to a lack of illness, but this isn’t always true. Some illnesses, like strep throat and mononucleosis, don’t usually come with a cough. Remember, diseases can show up in different ways — and sometimes, coughs develop later. If you are unsure about being sick, you can conduct a visit with an MDLIVE virtual care provider from the comfort of your home — usually within 15 minutes or less — and avoid exposure to other sick people in crowded urgent care centers, walk-in clinics or ER waiting rooms. MDLIVE physicians can also help you determine if your cough may require an in-person assessment.

5. Myth: All coughs are contagious.

While it’s common to associate coughing with a contagious illness, the truth is that not all coughs are transmissible. Coughs that are a result of non-infectious conditions, including allergies, asthma or GERD, do not pose a risk to others. Without getting a diagnosis from a healthcare professional, it is difficult to tell if your cough is contagious.

Once you understand your cough better, you’ll be more equipped to properly manage and treat your symptoms. For immediate relief, remedies like hot tea and honey, steamy showers, or over-the-counter medications like cough suppressants or expectorants can help alleviate your cough. If you are grappling with a persistent, severe or worrisome cough, it’s crucial to seek guidance from a trusted medical professional to get to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms

2023-11-20T12:45:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is upon us. Nearly half of Americans are planning to travel for the holidays this year, according to a recent survey.[1] With more people passing through high-contact spaces like airports and hotels and gathering with loved ones, it also means your exposure to respiratory illnesses will be greater in the coming weeks.

In recent years, the U.S. has seen a surge in COVID-19, flu and sometimes RSV activity during the holiday season.[2],[3],[4] This year, we’ve already experienced major late summer spikes in COVID-19 activity nationwide and RSV activity in the Southeast.[5],[6] National flu activity is also steadily increasing, with a 50% rise in cases over the past week.[7]

“While it’s exciting to resume bigger holiday gatherings and trips, it’s important to remember that respiratory illnesses are in circulation. We don’t want to bring flu, COVID-19 or RSV home for the holidays,” says Michael Pedro, PharmD, Walgreens Pharmacist. “I encourage everyone to get their recommended vaccines as soon as possible before you travel or gather, to allow time for immunity to fully develop and increase your protection. I also recommend COVID-19 and flu testing, because knowing for sure can help keep your family healthy this holiday season. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare providers and are ready to discuss any questions you may have about vaccines, testing or other steps you can take to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”

4 reasons to get vaccinated this holiday season

If you haven’t gotten the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccine, it’s not too late. Here are four reasons to put vaccination on your to-do list before you travel or gather with family and friends for the holidays.

1. You’re expanding your protection during peak respiratory illness season. While respiratory illness season is unpredictable, cases tend to peak during and after the holiday season, which is why the CDC recommends getting vaccinated around this time of year. Getting the flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines now will provide you with the best protection against getting seriously ill during potential surges later this winter.
2. You’re protecting your at-risk loved ones. Getting vaccinated reduces the chances that you’ll spread respiratory illnesses to people who are at high risk of developing severe complications as they return to traveling and seeing their loved ones this year.
3. It’s easy when you come to Walgreens. Walgreens makes it simple for you and your loved ones to get all the vaccines you need ahead of the holidays in one visit. You can easily schedule online or using the Walgreens app, and you can book multiple immunizations during the same visit. Walgreens offers flexible openings, including nights, weekends and walk-ins when available.
4. It may be at no cost to you. COVID-19 vaccines are often covered by insurance or government assistance programs, such as the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. The flu shot is covered by most insurance plans with a $0 copay, although provider networks may vary; those enrolled in Medicare Part B and many with Medicaid in certain states may also receive the flu and RSV shot at no cost. Walgreens remains focused on driving equitable and convenient access to life-saving vaccines.

Walgreens: Your partner in health

Walgreens is your one-stop resource for all your immunization, testing and treatment needs this holiday season. Stay prepared by stocking up on at-home tests and medicine cabinet essentials when you come in for your vaccination appointment or via 24-hour same-day delivery. If you begin experiencing sniffles or other respiratory symptoms over the holidays, call or visit a local Walgreens. Your pharmacist can discuss in-store or virtual care treatment options and advise you on the best next steps to get back on your feet and keep those around you safe.

To schedule your vaccination appointment today or learn more, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.

2023-11-20T11:23:00

(BPT) – For many family caregivers, supporting a loved one through a health journey can be overwhelming, isolating and lonely. Fortunately, CaringBridge, the global leading no-cost health platform, addresses those needs by improving emotional health and social support, helping people come together in support of healing. As the world gears up for GivingTuesday, you have the opportunity to contribute to this transformative mission and make a lasting impact.

One person who has benefitted from CaringBridge during health challenges is Sabeeha. After her breast cancer diagnosis, her friends and family were constantly reaching out to show support and to find out what was going on.

“They are asking because they care,” said Sabeeha’s husband and primary family caregiver, Huzefa. “But it is very difficult to be so repetitive and still have a positive mindset. It was a lot of drain to repeat and repeat and repeat.”

To help capture and communicate their journey to family and friends around the world, Huzefa, Sabeeha and their family turned to CaringBridge — the donor-supported nonprofit that provides a private, ad-free space for communication, support and connection for anyone on a health journey.

“The caregiver’s journey is an endless journey,” says Huzefa. “I would not have been able to remain as positive if it was not for CaringBridge to offload that part of it. It gave me the forum to be positive, to be open, to be vulnerable.”

Connecting from afar

For other families, treatment logistics or protocols require isolation, which can cause them to feel alone. When Katie Stanley and Betsy Olesen found out their soon-to-be-born baby, William, had heterotaxy syndrome, a rare condition where organs form abnormally, it meant he needed a heart transplant shortly after birth. Katie and Betsy started a CaringBridge page for William about a month before he was born to share updates with their community.

“Nobody could even visit us for the first three months of William’s life, and it was extremely lonely,” Katie said. “Sharing our story definitely made us feel less alone because people were celebrating the exciting things William was doing, and they were grieving the things that we needed to grieve.”

Now two years after his transplant, William is a thriving, tenacious toddler and his moms still use CaringBridge to share positive updates and exciting milestones with their loved ones.

Controlling your own story

When Robin Yoder was diagnosed with Pleomorphic Undifferentiated Soft Tissue Sarcoma, a leg amputation was the only thing that could save her life. As a counselor, Robin was no stranger to health journeys and wanted to make sure she had control over the narrative so there would be no misinterpretation of her story.

“Some of the hardest dynamics are once information in your family goes out, everyone has their own interpretation of how they share it with the next person,” she explains. “Then, everybody absorbs the social context with which they understand cancer and they create a bigger story.”

Together with her teenage son, Robin documented her journey through photos and words on CaringBridge as she underwent surgery and began to heal. She was also grateful for the support of her community through their uplifting comments on her page.

“It was so comforting late at night, when I didn’t want to wake my husband,” she says. “I could log onto CaringBridge and read the comments that people were giving me, uplifting me. It was a way that everybody could participate.”

Each day, 300,000 people visit CaringBridge to surround family caregivers and their loved ones with support. This GivingTuesday, you can help ensure the incredible impact CaringBridge has on the lives of family caregivers and their loved ones continues to grow in support of their vision: A world where no one goes through a health journey alone.

Plus, now your generous donation will go further because this year, the CaringBridge Board of Directors has committed to providing a matching gift of up to $75,000. Donate today to double your impact and ensure that CaringBridge is available for everyone, anytime, anywhere, whenever someone needs to support a loved one on a health journey. Learn more at CaringBridge.org/Give.