Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-08-28T12:15:00

(BPT) – If you have kids in school plus parents who need more help as they’re aging, you may be part of the population called the “sandwich generation.” Basically, your days are overflowing with tasks like making lunches, chauffeuring kids to activities and homework help — while also taking care of parents or other elderly relatives. While it can be rewarding to know you’re making a difference in the lives of those you love, it can also be a lot to manage. When it comes to older relatives who rely on you, it’s important to prioritize their healthcare and medical needs.

Here are practical tips to help you support your parents.

Stay connected with their healthcare providers

Whether your loved one has few medical needs or many, it’s vital to understand their health conditions and to ensure that you’re alerted whenever anything changes. Take these important steps to get organized:

• Ask your parents to designate you as an approved contact with their healthcare providers, so their doctors can inform you of their medical issues.
• Help your parents complete a healthcare directive. This designates who would make decisions about their health if they were unable to do so.
• List your parents’ prescription medications. Create a list of their drugs and confirm that they understand their medications and dosages.
• Set up a calendar for you and your parents to track appointments easily.

Assess their living situation

If your parents still live in their home, check on them regularly to ensure there are no areas of concern. Look for tripping hazards (like small rugs and items on stairs) and signs your parents have trouble caring for themselves, such as the house being less tidy or their appearance seeming unkempt.

If you recognize issues around the house like a messy kitchen or dirty laundry piling up, you don’t have to do everything yourself. It’s important to know there is help, such as home aides for cleaning, cooking and personal care. Ask their healthcare provider about options for occupational therapy, physical therapy, home healthcare, if needed, or other assistance that may even be covered by Medicare.

Help your parents understand the ABCs of Medicare

Because Medicare can be confusing, it’s important to help them get coverage that suits their needs and budget. The first step is understanding the basics of Medicare:

Parts A and B (Original Medicare) provide basic healthcare coverage. Part A helps cover inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home healthcare. Part B helps cover services from doctors and other providers, outpatient care, some medical equipment (like walkers, wheelchairs and hospital beds), and preventive services (screenings, vaccines and annual wellness visits). Parts A and B do not cover prescription drug costs, and you’ll likely have out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company to help pay for additional services, and may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare Parts A and B. You will need to use doctors in your chosen plan’s network. Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional benefits including hearing, vision and dental services, so it’s important to consider what benefits are important to your parents.

Part D refers to prescription drug coverage, which may be included as part of your Medicare Advantage plan. But you must get a Part D plan or your loved ones will risk penalty charges for not having one.

The plan that’s best for your parents may depend on how often they see doctors, how many prescriptions they have — and their budget. It can be helpful to talk to a knowledgeable Medicare agent to explore your parents’ Medicare options and to compare plans.

For example, ClearMatch Medicare provides assistance by first asking what’s important to your parents in a Medicare plan, then learning about your parents’ prescriptions and doctors to make sure they’re included in their plan. They’ll review available plans in the area to compare the costs and benefits so you and your parents can make an informed decision. Your parents can then enroll in the Medicare plan of their choosing right on their site.

Need assistance? Free help is just a phone call away. ClearMatch Medicare is dedicated to making Medicare easier to understand so your parents can choose the plan that’s right for them. Their highly trained and licensed insurance agents are patient and helpful, and if they find your parents are already in a great plan, they’ll say so.

Call 1-888-441-6962 (TTY:711) for a free Medicare review, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (ET) or visit ClearMatchMedicare.com, open 24-7.

2023-08-28T12:55:00

(BPT) – This time of year offers the best opportunity for getting outside — whether that’s right in your backyard or checking an outdoor adventure off of your bucket list. Across the country you can experience the perks of the seasons changing — the last glimpses of summer, changing leaves and the crispness that comes with shorter days.

If you’re looking for more ways to get outside, consider checking out one of over 40,000 miles of multiuse trails across the country — pathways that are separated from traffic where you can walk, bike, scoot, skate and more. Many of these pathways are rail-trails, created from corridors that were once used for railroad travel. You can find trails like this in every single state, creating so many opportunities to unlock new experiences and adventures!

Find your perfect trail on TrailLink™, the free trail-finder website and mobile app from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Need some inspiration? Here are some ideas for exploring the nation’s trails.

1. A chance to hit the beach

Soak in endless summer with a beach trip via the Golden State’s iconic Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which hugs the Los Angeles County coastline for most of its 22 miles. Stop at the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk to watch pick-up games of beach volleyball and breathe in the ocean air. If you can’t get to California, you can take in the magic of the water in many other coastal states — not to mention lakes and other waterways. Use keywords “beach” or “swimming” to search the TrailLink site for plenty of other great waterfront trails.

2. Feed your inner foodie

Harvest time is the best season for enjoying the land’s bounty, so let your taste buds lead you to spots like farmers markets and trailside fruit stands. In Texas, Brownsville Farmers Market, located along the Historic Battlefield Trail, hosts over 30 vendors selling fruits, vegetables, eggs, herbs and more. The market also hosts artisans and crafters in collaboration with the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art, plus free children’s activities, gardening classes and yoga. Find markets, orchards and gardens using this searchable food directory from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, then get there by trail using TrailLink.

3. Enjoy tunnel vision

Many of the country’s rail-trails were created by blasting through rock, creating tunnels that are an amazing sight to see. Use keyword “tunnel” on TrailLink to find more than 150 to explore. You can be awed by the enormous tunnels along Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Trail, one of the granddaddies of the rail-trail movement, or Idaho’s Route of the Hiawatha, where you’ll travel through 10 tunnels — including the 1.66-mile-long St. Paul Tunnel.

4. Camp or glamp it up

Whether you like bikepacking, glamping or RVing, this is a great time of year to sleep under the stars. Family camping doesn’t get much easier — or more beautiful — than in and around Oregon’s Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Just west of Portland, this rail-trail offers 22 miles of smooth pavement through gorgeous woodlands and pastoral land, with over a dozen picturesque bridges. Find a full-service campground with tent sites, rustic cabins and hot showers in Buxton at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, or tent camping and RV sites in Anderson Park. Campsites nationwide can be found on Recreation.gov, then searched on TrailLink for nearby trails.

5. Just around the riverbend

If your ideal vacation includes a paddle in your hands, you’re in luck. Because many rail-trails follow river corridors, you’ll find no shortage of paddle destinations on TrailLink. For example, Maryland’s Anacostia River Trail follows the riverfront, and trailside Bladensburg Waterfront Park offers canoe and kayak rentals, riverboat tours, a fishing pier and boat ramp.

6. Seek a sweet treat

Love ice cream? Western Michigan’s Hart-Montague Trail State Park leads you by a not-to-miss stop: Country Dairy, a family-owned dairy farm and ice cream shop offering funky homemade flavors. Visitors can pet calves, watch cows being milked and tour a bottling plant. Another route offering the perfect pairing of ice cream and trail time is the C&O Canal Towpath, with a whole web page devoted to creameries and cafes along a 185-mile route between Washington, D.C., and Cumberland, Maryland.

7. Go the distance

A long-distance trail trip is a vacation like no other, packed with memorable moments: wildlife sightings, vistas that take your breath away, seeing inspiring public art, learning local history through interpretive signage and meeting new people from all walks of life. What better way to experience America’s amazingly diverse landscapes and communities up close than by foot or bicycle?

When it’s completed, the Great American Rail-Trail^® will span 3,700 miles across 12 states and the District of Columbia, but fortunately, over half of the route is ready to enjoy now. You and your family can walk, hike or bike your way along the trails of your choice to enjoy the beauty of these American treasures.

2023-08-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – There is no better season to travel than fall, especially to Rapid City, South Dakota. The heart of the Black Hills, Rapid City is most well-known for places like Mount Rushmore and the world’s largest reptile zoo, Reptile Gardens. But there’s so much more to see and do in Rapid beyond its national icons.

This fall, plan a long weekend to South Dakota and soak up all it has to offer with fewer people and pleasant temperatures. From discovering dinosaurs to paddleboarding and fishing in a mid-town park, here are five reasons Rapid City should be on your must-visit list for autumn.

1. Wide-open spaces + roads to yourself

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota, but small compared to many of the nation’s other cities with only 75,000 people. The hub of the Black Hills, it’s within easy reach of the Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, making it easy to find space to breathe and take in the sweeping landscapes of western South Dakota. It might even feel like you have the roads, monuments and attractions all to yourself.

2. Downtown Rapid City

If it’s been a minute since you’ve been to Rapid City ­­— or if this is your first time visiting — downtown is going to surprise you in all the best ways. From an alley covered in art to bronze statues of America’s presidents, plan to spend time strolling the downtown core. Highlights include Art Alley, Presidential Pawn (a museum and pawn shop in one) and Prairie Edge Trading Company. Be sure to dig into local grub at Armadillos Ice Cream Shoppe, Tally’s Silver Spoon or Bokujo Ramen.

Time your stay to coincide with a fall event like Pumpkin Festival and the Cruiser Car Show. Want more events? Check out visitrapidcity.com/blog.

3. Take a tour

There are two types of tours to easily explore Rapid and the region: a trolley tour or sightseeing tour packages. Get easily acquainted with Rapid City highlights by jumping on the City View Trolley, with tours offered Thursdays-Mondays through Sept. 30. Tickets are $15/adult and include 10 points of interest in Rapid.

For an immersive tour of the region, take a Mount Rushmore sightseeing tour or explore the region with one of Rapid’s local tour companies. Various tours are available throughout fall, with package options that include Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial™ and more.

4. Fall break family weekends

If you’re in need of a destination for fall break, Rapid City is filled with loads of kid activities, including Cosmos Mystery Area where the laws of nature don’t properly exist. If you’re a fan of reptiles, visit Reptile Gardens where you’ll discover snakes, Aldabra Tortoises, gators, flowers, big bugs and more. Additional kid-friendly adventures include Old MacDonald’s Farm, Dinosaur Park, The Journey Museum & Learning Center and the Museum of Geology. Plus, Rapid is home to WaTiki Indoor Waterpark, the biggest indoor waterpark in the Dakotas. Your whole family will have fun in the 30,000 square feet of swimming pools and waterslides.

5. Treasures hidden in plain site

Near the middle of town, discover some of the best-kept secrets of Rapid City — Canyon Lake Park and Chapel in the Hills. One of the oldest city parks in Rapid, Canyon Lake Park has 29 lush acres that are home to picnic areas, playgrounds, a fishing bridge and pedal boat opportunities at Canyon Lake Resort. A short drive from the park will take you to Chapel in the Hills, an exact replication of the Borgund Stavkirke of Laerdal Norwegian chapel.

Want more trip inspiration? Learn more at VisitRapidCity.com or follow us on Instagram.

2023-08-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – You might be shocked to find out your dog isn’t peeing inside because they’re behaving badly—but because they’re experiencing a medical condition. Canine urinary incontinence (UI) due to urethral sphincter hypotonus may be to blame for your pooch’s puddles. Thankfully, PROIN ER™ (phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a safe, once-daily pill that can treat UI. Check out the infographic below for insights into possible reasons your dog is having accidents. Then talk to your veterinarian about how to get you and your dog back to drier days together.

2023-08-24T08:31:00

(BPT) – If you love being able to enjoy all your favorite content even when you’re on the go, you are probably frustrated with trying to watch things on your phone screen — especially when you want to share the experience with family and friends. Fortunately, you can now take all your favorite shows, games, movies, music and more along with you no matter where you are, thanks to the latest technology from LG Electronics USA.

Tap into the ultimate tailgating technology

While you’re grilling and chilling with your crew before the game, you can catch early games or pre-game shows on LG’s StanbyME Go portable screen. This wireless unit offers a 27-inch touch screen for easy viewing wherever you want to watch it — and also comes equipped with Dolby Vision, the latest HDR imaging technology of Dolby™ and Dolby Atmos^® for wrap-around sound, so you and your friends can enjoy an immersive viewing experience*.

And don’t worry if your friends’ pre-game shenanigans tend to get a little crazy — this unit can be easily tucked away into a durable case that has passed 11 types of U.S. Department of Defense durability tests, giving you peace of mind.

Life’s a picnic

If you want to share family videos or music with friends and family members during your picnics or cookouts, the StanbyME Go portable screen has got your back. The screen can be tilted and rotated in landscape or portrait orientations to make it easy for everyone in your group to see it. And beyond the great viewing capabilities, it also transforms into a digital record player so you can enjoy music at the beach, while camping or wherever you like to go.

With this unit you’ll have up to three hours of viewing time per charge, making it the easiest way to stay connected to whatever content will make your get-together even more fun — and it has handles for convenient carrying, wherever you’re headed next.

Adorn your dorm room in style

If you or a family member are headed off to college this fall, the StanbyME Go could be the best thing to take along. Any college student would love being able to catch their must-see shows, movies and music with this portable unit — and they can even use it for viewing online course content such as lectures. The StanbyME GO supports one HDMI input to use as a second monitor for viewing online courses. It’s easy to use, and automatically turns on and off when the case is opened or closed.

Best yet, when you open the sturdy case for this all-in-one entertainment center, the digital record player resembles a cool retro-looking turntable that will enhance any dorm room’s decor.

Everywhere in the home or wherever you go

Whether you want to catch all the latest binge-worthy shows while you’re folding the laundry, watch the game while you cook out on the grill or enjoy movies with friends wherever they happen to be hanging out, it’s easy to do all that and more with LG’s StanbyME Go.

Visit LG.com to see all the great new features that can help entertain you, your friends and your family anywhere you go — in your home, on vacation or wherever you want to be.

*Dolby, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

2023-08-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season can be an incredibly hectic time, and the last thing parents need on their plate (pun intended) is the pressure of packing the “perfect” school lunch. That’s why registered dietitian Amanda Blechman, Director of Health and Scientific Affairs at Danone North America, is telling parents they don’t have to stress — all it takes to give your kids a happy, healthy lunchtime experience are a few simple tips (and they don’t all have to do with nutrition!).

“When I think about what makes the “perfect” lunchbox, it’s not about the exact combination of nutrients or how socially shareable it looks,” said Blechman. “To me, the perfect lunch is one that’s perfect for you and your individual family — so something that’s easy for you to pack, that your kids will happily eat and that you can feel good about giving them.”

Blechman also emphasizes the importance of modeling a healthy relationship with food for your kids, pointing out that removing some of the stress that often accompanies the pressure to feed them “perfectly” with every single meal can help avoid creating an emotional burden tied to mealtime for them, too — something that will be incredibly helpful as they age.

Here are her five simple tips to make the lunch-packing process a little less stressful and a lot more fun:

1. Get your kids involved. They’re more likely to want to eat the foods in their lunchbox if they had a role in picking them out. Have them help with the weekly grocery list or choose from a variety of (parent-approved) foods to pack the night before. (Do they feel like the carrot sticks and hummus tomorrow or ants on a log?) This gives them a sense of independence and ownership over their choices and gets them in the habit of tuning in to what kind of fuel their body is telling them it wants. You might be surprised to see that they naturally choose a variety of nutritious options!
2. Include familiar foods. With so much changing for kids this time of year (new school, new routines, new friends), their lunchbox might not be the best place to try the latest and greatest TikTok trend. Packing foods you know they love vs. completely switching things up, especially at the beginning of a new school year, can add a welcome sense of familiarity to their day. “While I love a trending recipe as much as the next mom, too much newness can be overwhelming,” said Blechman. “I know my kids love smoothies, for example, so I’ll throw something like a nutritious, delicious Danimals Strawberry Smoothie in their lunchbox. It takes zero effort on my end, and I know my kids will be excited to see something they know and love when they sit down to eat.”
3. Keep it simple. Don’t be afraid to turn last night’s dinner into today’s lunchbox meal, pack fruit that isn’t cut into cute shapes (chances are your kids will still eat it!) or reach for pre-packaged foods. “Nutrition doesn’t need to be as complicated as it’s often made out to be,” said Blechman. “Packaged foods can be just as nutritious as homemade and are a lifesaver when you’re strapped for time. I’m a big fan of a fruit and veggie pouch such as Happy Family Love My Veggies as an easy way to get my kids a full serving of organic veggies in their lunch or on the go.”
4. Shoot for variety. When you pack a variety of different, nutritious foods, the odds are high that you’ll have a balanced lunch in the end. “I like my kids’ lunches to include five things,” said Blechman. “A protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate, fruits, vegetables and dairy. It’s a simple framework you can use to guide the packing process.” One example she shared of this formula at work is a turkey roll-up made with a whole wheat tortilla to check both the protein and fiber-rich carbohydrate boxes plus some unsweetened applesauce for the fruit, carrot sticks for the veggie and a box of shelf-stable milk, like Horizon Organic Lowfat Milk or a plant-based option such as Silk Single Serve Vanilla Almond Milk (she likes the unsweetened variety) as the dairy option.
5. Pack a positive note and even a little treat to put a smile on their face as they enjoy their lunch! At the end of the day, food should be fun, and a little added sugar isn’t the end of the world as long as it’s balanced in the context of overall nutrition. In fact, serving “dessert” foods alongside the rest of your child’s meal helps teach them about a balanced lifestyle and develop a healthy relationship with sweets that they can take into adulthood. The most important thing for kids to know is that their lunchbox was packed with love!

For more nutrition tips this back-to-school season check out Blechman’s Instagram, and to learn more about the products mentioned above visit Danonenorthamerica.com.

2023-08-23T15:39:00

(BPT) – Technology in the automotive sector is advancing swiftly. Electric cars and autonomous driving are rapidly evolving, and we’re now seeing tremendous changes in the automotive landscape. In just ten years, LG Vehicle component Solutions (VS) Company has transitioned from being a newcomer in the mobility industry to an established player.

After a decade of fulfilling customer demands and their expectations, the LG VS company has reached an important point in our history. In this year of our 10th anniversary, we are shifting gears to drive lasting growth by focusing on what matters most: delivering customer value, being passionate about innovation and holding true to our sense of purpose.

LG’s highest priority has always been customer value. With decades of expertise in the consumer electronics industry, LG possesses valuable insights into consumers’ wants and needs — which the LG VS company is now leveraging to create value for our auto industry customers and end users.

Our competitive edge and unique selling proposition lie in our ability to deliver strong customer value. The LG VS Company strives to provide outstanding technology and design innovations that are tailored to our customers’ needs. We will continue to develop solutions that have never been provided before. This is why automakers trust us to be the right partner to help realize their vision.

Passion and a sense of purpose are the other key foundations of LG’s business. The LG VS Company is pursuing its objective to enhance customer value with more passion and purpose than ever before. With our vision of Driving Better Future Mobility, we are strengthening our market presence and reinforcing our reputation as an “Innovation Partner for Future Mobility.” Our scope and vision have now been broadened. Not only are we aiding in the creation of new mobility technologies, but we are also actively driving tangible changes in the mobility experience.

The vehicle is no longer just a means of transportation. It is an integrated space where users can enjoy comfort, entertainment and safety. To provide such future mobility experience, we at LG will continuously bring fresh perspectives to the wider auto industry. We will also leverage our insights, knowledge and capabilities to provide our partners with innovative solutions for the road ahead.

By Eun Seok-hyun, president of LG Vehicle component Solutions Company

2023-08-22T11:19:00

(BPT) – A delightful fusion of flavors from around the globe can launch a culinary adventure that transcends borders and tantalizes taste buds. Three exceptional, yet easy to make, recipes will transport epicureans to different corners of the world, all while highlighting the quality, flavor, versatility and health benefits of one remarkable ingredient: olive oil.

From the fiery depths of an Asian-inspired Sriracha mayo and radish burger to the sun-kissed coastal flavors of grilled shrimp tostadas, and the wholesome, Mediterranean-infused harmony of farro with zucchini, peas and lemon, these dishes promise not just culinary delight, but also a wonderful opportunity to embrace the goodness of olive oil, a staple of heart-healthy, brain-nourishing and disease-protecting cuisine.

“Olive oil is a key component of the Mediterranean diet,” says Marco De Feo, vice president of marketing of Filippo Berio USA. “It tastes great on its own and enhances the flavors of food cooked with it. Many consumers may not realize this, but different types of olive oil have different flavor profiles, which are fun to explore. This means there is an olive oil for almost any cuisine that will pair well with a specific food, whether that is beans, grains, vegetables, seafood or meat. We also have color-coded labels on our bottles that indicate each olive oil’s flavor profile, so you can find out which olive oil is best for things like grilling, sautéing and more.”

Olive oil can be substituted for less healthy, less sustainable cooking oils in almost any recipe, making it a great choice for fusion dishes. For people seeking a neutral-flavored oil, regular and light-tasting olive oils are a fantastic alternative to commonly used canola, corn and soybean oils. Regular and light-tasting olive oils have the same healthy, good fat as extra virgin olive oil, and they’re less processed than other neutral-flavored oils, which are often extracted using chemical solvents. Additionally, olive oil is non-GMO, as there are no genetically modified olive trees.

Novice cooks and pros alike can fasten their aprons, prepare their taste buds, and explore the world enhanced by the flavor of olive oil, one delicious recipe at a time.

Asian-Inspired Sriracha Mayo and Radish Burger

First up, the Asian-inspired Sriracha mayo and radish burger is sure to spice up a meal with Filippo Berio’s Robusto extra virgin olive oil. This delectable creation combines the rich umami flavors of a juicy burger with the fiery kick of Sriracha mayo, all perfectly balanced by the refreshing crunch of radishes. But the magic doesn’t end there — the olive oil in the Sriracha mayo not only adds a bold, luxurious texture but also brings with it healthy phenols and antioxidants. These compounds help make this burger a treat to the taste buds.

Recipe

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas

Next, grilled shrimp tostadas provide a divine culinary journey and showcase the versatility of olive oil. Olive oil helps lend a deliciously mild flavor to the succulent shrimp. Another reason to reach for olive oil to make this Hispanic-inspired dish over other cooking oils is that emerging research suggests olive oil might act as a shield against memory deficits and Alzheimer’s, potentially slowing the decline in individuals with mild cognitive issues.

Also, when cut into quarters, the tostadas make for excellent appetizers!

Recipe

Farro with Zucchini, Peas and Lemon Side Dish

For a side dish that’s as healthy as it is scrumptious, this side dish of farro with zucchini, peas and lemon delivers. The delightful medley of flavors in this dish can be relished for a reason beyond great taste: it’s a dish that represents a health-conscious choice that includes the fiber, iron, protein and magnesium in farro and the healthy monounsaturated fats in Filippo Berio’s Delicato extra virgin olive oil. Another Middle Eastern superfood, freekeh, may be substituted for farro, if preferred. To make the dish vegan, Filippo Berio’s Vegan Basil Pesto, certified by The Vegan Society, can be used.

Recipe

Final Thoughts on Incorporating Olive Oil in Global Cuisine

Incorporating olive oil into these global recipes enhances their taste while fortifying the nutritional value, making them not just meals, but a celebration of health, flavor and diverse cultures. These dishes are a reminder that eating well can be fun with exciting global influences. More recipes and ideas are available by following @filippoberio_us on Instagram. Buon appetito!

2023-08-22T19:01:00

(BPT) – Do you love to travel but hate how tired it makes you? If you’re fatigued when you finally get to your destination, there’s a good reason. Traveling across time zones seriously throws your circadian rhythm out of sync. Your body gets confused when you’re exposed to sunlight at times that don’t align with your internal clock, disrupting your ability to get a full night’s sleep. The result? It takes days to adjust, leaving you sluggish or groggy.

To help your body cope with travel, sleep expert to OURA, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., offers tips for adapting to your new schedule — so you can start enjoying your trip sooner.

1. Plan ahead

In the weeks before your trip, move your bedtime and waking times in the direction of the time at your destination by 15-minute increments every day. Once on the plane, set your smartphone or wristwatch to the time at your destination, then start eating, drinking and behaving as you would at that new schedule.

“Avoid taking red-eye flights when possible, because any sleep you may get on a plane will likely be poor quality, which may start your trip on the wrong foot,” advised Robbins. Understanding how to maximize sleep to support your health is a great first step toward improving your well-being — at home and abroad.

2. Take these steps upon arrival

When you reach your destination, get outside and walk or exercise in the fresh air and sunlight as much as possible. This will help your body make the transition to the new time. “However, if you’re feeling sluggish after you arrive, try taking a 20-minute or 90-minute nap to recover from lost sleep,” said Robbins.

3. Eat thoughtfully

Avoid heavy meals around dinnertime or close to your new bedtime at your destination. Indulging in a big late dinner can be tempting while traveling, but it’s recommended to choose a hearty breakfast and lunch, followed by a lighter and, when possible, early dinner. Eating lighter meals close to bedtime can help reduce the risk of sleep disruptions, particularly when you’re adjusting to a new time zone and in a new place with unfamiliar foods that may be difficult for you to digest.

4. Exercise outside at your new destination

Exercise is an essential way to keep your digestion and other processes in the body on track. Exercising outdoors at your new destination whenever possible is a particularly powerful tool for beating jet lag. Exercise outdoors provides access to sunlight, which is the strongest input to our circadian rhythm, and can accelerate our ability to adjust to a new time zone. In a study of airline crewmembers, those that were instructed to work out outside adjusted faster to their new destination than a control group that did not do so.

5. Make bedtime seem like home

To help you sleep in a new place and time zone, try to maintain your usual nighttime routine. Whatever strategies help you unwind at home — a warm shower, reading a book, meditating — will help you relax anywhere. You’re more likely to sleep well if you follow the same patterns your body expects at bedtime. It can also help to bring things from home that soothe you.

“Falling asleep is all about feeling safe, secure and at peace,” added Robbins. “Bringing things from home can help a new place feel familiar, like a cozy scarf that doubles as a blanket, or even your favorite set of pajamas, can enhance your ability to relax before bed.”

How OURA can help improve wellness

You can also use an Oura Ring to improve your rest and recovery after you’re back home. Their state-of-the-art research means you’ll have personalized health insights and daily guidance to enhance your well-being before, during and after your travels.

If you’re unsure how well you sleep, technology can help you understand your body’s rhythms. For example, the Oura Ring uses advanced, research-grade sensors to pack state-of-the-art heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), personalized temperature, activity and sleep monitoring technology into a convenient, non-invasive ring. While many wearables started with fitness, the Oura Ring focused first on sleep — the daily habit that’s perhaps the most impactful daily practice on your overall health.

Looking for ways to help with your sleep schedule whether you’re on the ground or in the air? Wearables like the Oura Ring can help you gain insights on your sleep and overall health to make the most out of your next trip. Visit OuraRing.com to learn more.

2023-08-22T13:01:00

(BPT) – As inflation continues to rise, Americans are feeling the financial pressure and weighing their present needs against their future financial health. According to The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) Fall 2022 Consumer Survey, 87% of working Americans feel stressed about their finances, and nearly half are unsure of how much money they need to retire comfortably.

The survey also found that financial stress is spilling over into the workplace. About 63% of working Americans reported that financial stress makes them less productive at work, with a quarter saying they spend a half-hour or more thinking about their finances.

Whether you’re an employer looking to ease your employee’s financial stress and improve their performance or an individual seeking to plan and improve your financial outlook, an experienced financial advisor can make a world of difference.

“Everyone is feeling the impacts of inflation, from the price of groceries to the fluctuations in their retirement accounts, and it’s clear that more Americans are looking for the assistance and guidance that comes from a Fee-Only financial planner,” says Kathryn Dattomo, CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA).

Finding the right financial advisor that can educate and guide clients can be challenging. When searching for a financial advisor, look for the following four qualities.

1. Fee-Only compensation

How a financial advisor is compensated can affect the advice you receive. Financial advisors are compensated through three ways:

• Commission-based model
• Commission and fee model
• Fee-Only model

Advisors that work in commissioned and commission and fee models are paid based on the specific financial products they sell to their clients. These models create an inherent conflict of interest. Advisors may struggle to put their client’s best interests above their own. They also may recommend riskier financial investments with lower returns because they’ll earn more money.

In contrast, clients pay Fee-Only advisors directly based on an hourly rate, a percentage of assets, a flat fee or a retainer for advice, plan execution and ongoing asset management. Because financial advisors don’t receive compensation from third parties, there’s no incentive to sell you expensive and risky financial products. This model allows them to concentrate on financial recommendations suitable to your situation.

“When choosing a financial advisor, always ask them how they are compensated for their services,” says Dattomo. “Asking this question will help you better understand the nature of the relationship and whether the advisor will be putting your best interests first. If they give you anything but a straight answer, continue your search.”

2. A fiduciary

A fiduciary is a professional that manages assets or wealth while putting the client’s best interest first. Fiduciaries are required to disclose any conflicts or potential conflicts to their clients before and during the advisory engagement, adopt a code of ethics and explain their fee structure.

Not all financial professionals are fiduciaries. Non-fiduciary advisors can recommend products with higher fees that generate bonuses, commissions and prizes. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance to ensure your financial advisor has signed a fiduciary oath.

“As consumers of financial services, we all owe it to ourselves to remain diligent — to understand our options and the standards our financial professionals are held to,” says Dattomo. “Selecting a financial planner who has taken a fiduciary oath means they will always put your best interests first.”

3. Experienced and proactive

Having an experienced and proactive advisor is key to securing your financial future. When searching for a financial advisor, check out their educational history, including credentials and designations such as a Certified Financial Planner^® (CFP^®) certification.

CFP^® professionals meet rigorous education, training and ethical standards that allow them to work in the best interests of their clients today, tomorrow and beyond. You can also check if they’re members of a reputable financial association such as NAPFA.

“When you entrust your financial well-being with a financial advisor, you want to make sure that they are looking out for your overall financial well-being,” says Dattomo. “That is why NAPFA-Registered Financial Advisors must meet stiff credentialing and rigorous continuing education requirements along with their Fee-Only and fiduciary oath.”

4. A holistic approach

When working with an advisor, you’ll want to choose someone who takes a broad-based approach to managing and planning your finances. Some financial planners focus on only one or two elements of your finances, such as selling specific products and investments, and overlook other critical areas of your long-term financial outlook.

A holistic financial planner will consider all aspects of your finances to develop a tailor-made plan to help you reach your financial goals. They can help you review and manage your cash flow, investments, income taxes, retirement planning, risk management, education funds, estate planning and any other needs specific to your situation.

Start your search today

Don’t wait to find a financial advisor and secure your future. By searching for an advisor with these four qualities, you’ll be well on your way to meeting your present and future financial goals.

“Fee-Only financial planners can help you navigate your financial future and ease the stress that comes with not knowing what to do,” says Dattomo. “Before beginning the search for a financial planner, determine what you want to accomplish by working with an advisor, and then utilize resources such as NAPFA’s Find an Advisor tool to search for an advisor that fits your needs.”

For more information on selecting the right advisor for you, visit NAPFA.org/Find-An-Advisor. While you’re there, download the Financial Advisor Checklist so you can ensure your financial advisor meets your needs.