Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-06-30T22:59:00

(BPT) – At age 22, Gail Devers was living her dream. She was a senior in college, already an American record holder in the 100-meter hurdles and on her way to competing at her first Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. Then suddenly, it became evident something was off. Within a couple of months, Gail went from posting her personal best to running slower than ever before, causing her to miss the Olympic finals. Soon, Gail had lost nearly 40 pounds, her skin was flakey, her hair was thinning and she was suffering from pain in her eyes, too.

Eager for answers, Gail met with a multitude of doctors, all who said: nothing was wrong, she was stressed, she’d peaked too early with her training, or worst of all, she was imagining things. With no answer in sight and her track career on hold, Gail’s physical health began to take an emotional toll. She stopped leaving her house, covered up all the mirrors and just wanted to black out the world. Her body and eyes had changed so much to where she didn’t recognize the person staring back at her. But even in the toughest moments, Gail was determined to find answers and come back even stronger.

Nearly three years later, Gail was finally diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition where the thyroid becomes overactive and produces more thyroid hormones than necessary, also known as hyperthyroidism. “The diagnosis was both a relief and a turning point, as I had the motivation to take the next step in my health journey,” Gail said. “I still had my goals and dreams, and as someone who knows hurdles, I decided this was just another one I had to figure out how to get over.”

With Graves’ disease finally under control and with a lot of grit, determination and support from coaches, family and friends, Gail qualified for the Barcelona Olympic Games, where she won her first of three Olympic gold medals. Yet, Gail continued to suffer from her eye symptoms. Gail’s eyes were bulging, irritated and dry, and she couldn’t close them fully when she slept.

For decades, Gail learned to live with her eye symptoms. “It got so bad, there were times I couldn’t even see the hurdles in front of me,” Gail added.

It would take 30 years before Gail was finally diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease, also known as TED; a separate but related condition to Graves’ disease, that requires separate care and treatment. “In all that time, not a single doctor mentioned that I was at risk for another condition or that my eye symptoms were separate from Graves’,” said Gail.

Now, Gail manages her eye symptoms with a team of doctors — a TED Eye Specialist, an ophthalmologist with special training in diagnosing and treating TED, and an endocrinologist who continues to manage her Graves’ disease.

It’s Not Too Late

As a mentor to the next generation of athletes and an impassioned health advocate, Gail is determined to pass along her knowledge to help others. “Whether you’ve been living with Graves’ disease for a long time like me, or were recently diagnosed, it’s not too late to know your risk for TED, learn the signs and symptoms, and take action if necessary.”

Signs and Symptoms of TED

• Dry or gritty feeling in your eyes
• Feeling like something’s stuck in your eyes
• Watery, teary eyes
• Redness
• Eye pain and pressure behind your eyes
• Bulging eyes and/or swollen eyelids
• Eyelid retraction (pulled back eyelids)
• Misaligned eyes (eyes point in different directions)
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry and/or double vision
• Loss of vision/color vision (occurs in a small number of patients)

For people living with a thyroid condition

• Know you’re at an increased risk of developing TED
• If you notice any changes in your eyes, write them down and bring those notes to your appointments
• Make an appointment with a TED Eye Specialist at the first signs of any changes in your eye symptoms and request a comprehensive eye exam. Find a TED Eye Specialist near you at TEDdoctors.com.

2023-06-30T12:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is the time for exploring new places, spending time outdoors and relaxing in the sun. Whether you are heading to the beach or to the mountains, it is important that you prioritize wellness in whatever ways you can and prepare in advance for a weekend away, keeping your personal health and nutrition in mind. NYT bestselling author and podcast host Max Lugavere is sharing his seven steps to prepare for a successful weekend trip that prioritizes well-being and incorporates his go-to healthy snack: almonds.

1. Get those ZZZ’s

The beginning of a great trip starts the night before. Sleep sets the tone for the way we feel throughout the day, so make sure to get enough hours, especially if you have a big day ahead. Most adults require on average 7-9 hours each night.

2. Fuel up with a nutrient-dense breakfast

You’ve heard it before, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and a non-negotiable before spending a day out and about. Protein is a must in my breakfasts. One staple for me are almonds, which contain 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving, along with 13g of unsaturated fat and 1g saturated fat. This makes them a perfect food to amp up Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and other high-protein faves.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Don’t forget to drink fluids (and eat hydrating foods). My goal is to always replace fluids and electrolytes lost, which varies based on the amount and type of exercise I partake in, any sessions in the sauna, the weather and my overall diet at the time. Listen to your body and keep drinking liquids (without added sugar!) and eating water-rich whole fruits and vegetables. Sometimes I even add electrolytes — highly recommend! When gearing up for a weekend on the go, your water bottle is your best buddy.

4. Pack a satiating snack

To maintain sustained energy levels, I grab almonds to snack on throughout the day. Almonds are a natural, whole food that will keep you full and are low in sugar, so no need to worry about your energy crashing.

5. Get some sun, but don’t overdo it

We need some direct sun exposure to create vitamin D, get a nice healthy glow, and even help generate nitric oxide which can keep our cardiovascular system healthy. But there’s no need to burn, which causes photoaging. I like to eat foods rich in skin-protecting astaxanthin (such as wild salmon) and antioxidant vitamin E (from almonds, for example). I also always keep a mineral-based sunscreen on hand if I anticipate overexposure. Trust me, your skin will thank you by the end of the weekend!

6. Any movement is good movement

You don’t have to go on a long and steep hike to get the most out of a summer weekend. Walking offers many benefits for your health, so depending on how you’re feeling, it’s totally okay to choose this low impact and sustainable option, and don’t forget to bring your water and a post-workout snack.

7. Bring activities

Whether setting out for a beach day, a hike or sightseeing, I always pack a book, game or other activity. If you have any downtime, you’ll be so much happier you can initiate in a group activity or pursue a passion, rather than resorting to scrolling on your phone.

From the beach to the mountains, summer is the season of adventure and of snacks, but feeling good throughout a weekend trip comes down to making nutrient-dense choices! That’s why when I’m preparing for a day out and about, I’m packing almonds. Convenient and filling, almonds have 6g of protein and 4g of fiber in each serving, perfect for midday refuels. When energy levels are high, spirits will be too!

Are you ready to incorporate healthy habits into your summer routine and beyond? By utilizing Max’s tips above, you’ll surely be able to have your best summer yet. Check out almonds.com for more information on how you can kick-start your wellness routine this summer.

2023-06-29T15:55:00

(BPT) – What do more than 70% of consumers have in common? They all hate bugs. According to a recent survey, bugs bother a staggering 71% of Americans.^[1] Yet, for more than a half a century, there were no “truly new” options for consumers when it came to pests until P&G Ventures reimagined the future and created a new brand, Zevo.

P&G Ventures is dedicated to growing new spaces for Procter & Gamble (P&G) that are outside of the Company’s current categories, including pest control, therapeutic skin care, pet parenting and automotive.

“We talk to thousands of consumers, spend time with them, shop with them, go to their homes, understand their pain points, test and retest, and then find a way to solve it,” said Mike Jensen, senior vice president, R&D, P&G Ventures. “We’re on a relentless pursuit — in fact, we’re obsessed with finding completely new ways to solve daily problems — problems that people had given up on or were forced to settle for trade-offs.”

P&G Venture’s first brand to go national, Zevo, skyrocketed to success, securing a coveted spot on Circana’s 2022 Top 25 New Product Pacesetter list. With 6 in 10 Americans doubting the efficacy of natural insect repellents,^[2] Zevo emerged driving consumer choice with child- and pet-safe solutions inspired by plants’ own bug-fighting abilities.

From its new On-Body Mosquito + Tick Repellent to its Insect Killer Sprays and Flying Insect Traps, Zevo brings new-to-the-world solutions that are not just incrementally better. Combining a deep understanding of consumers’ needs for non-greasy, odorless solutions with the latest discoveries in science and technology, the experts at Zevo designed products, using naturally occurring amino acids and a blue and UV light system — ensuring that consumers don’t have to sacrifice safety, efficacy or comfort. Finally, nearly two-thirds of Americans^[3] who have had to prematurely end outdoor excursions due to bothersome insects have solutions.

Helping keep homes free from pests is only the beginning. P&G Ventures is rethinking other categories where consumers had been left with solutions that were mediocre at best.

Beyond these cutting-edge pest control solutions, P&G Ventures is pairing the mastery of P&G with the passion and magic of entrepreneurs, innovators and creators to design products that deliver superior and irresistible performance that drive consumer choice in other spaces, including therapeutic skincare, pet parenting and automotive categories. And P&G Ventures has its sights on continuing to grow new spaces that are outside P&G’s current categories.

Visit P&G Ventures where brands are born, to find out how they’re solving unmet consumer needs with trailblazing household products, like Zevo.

2023-06-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – There are many reasons parents are choosing to create capsule wardrobes. A slimmed-down wardrobe with a variety of versatile, mix-and-match items for their children, especially littles, has so many benefits.

For starters, babies grow fast. It sometimes feels like they’re outgrowing clothes by the week! Having a curated, pared-down wardrobe ensures parents spend less money over time on their baby’s clothes. Another big seller is the sheer simplicity. Not only does a capsule wardrobe take up less space and help keep closets clutter-free, it also makes choosing outfits a breeze — something every parent will appreciate. (Bonus: Less clothes means fewer items to wash, fold and put away.)

But a capsule wardrobe isn’t just good for simplicity — it can also be more environmentally friendly. If you’re buying fewer clothing items, you can invest more in quality, eco-friendly clothing. Carter’s Little Planet clothing line is a return to simplicity with thoughtful essentials and timeless styles that are made of soft organic fabrics and the purest fibers.

Are you ready to spend less time shopping, washing, drying, folding and organizing clothes? Here’s how to create a baby capsule wardrobe for summer, with styles from Carter’s — the most trusted brand of apparel exclusively for babies and young children — and Little Planet.

Creating a Baby Capsule Wardrobe

1. Bodysuits

Base layers, like Carter’s best-selling bodysuits, are essential to a capsule wardrobe. Opt for a good variety, including short-sleeve, long-sleeve and sleeveless bodysuits; as well as a good mix of colors, including plain white (Carter’s No. 1 bestseller) and neutral styles that can be mixed and matched in endless ways. Pro Tip: Shop Carter’s multipack bodysuits, which come in a slew of colorways and designs.

2. Sets

Every parent knows the beauty of the set. An adorable outfit in an instant with zero thought needed, what could be better?! You can’t go wrong with the 3-Piece Panda Little Character Set or 3-Piece Little Diaper Cover Set from Carter’s new My First Love Collection, which can be mixed and matched to create multiple different looks. Shop Carter’s full selection of baby sets here!

3. Overalls/Shortalls

A must-have for your baby’s capsule wardrobe! Throw Little Planet’s signature Organic Cotton Gauze Overall Jumpsuit or Organic Gauze Shortall over any bodysuit for an easy, instant outfit. Plus, both styles come in several neutral colors, making it the perfect versatile piece.

4. Shorts/Pants

When choosing shorts and pants, go for a mix of casual, everyday styles, like Carter’s Pull-On Bubble Shorts or 2-Pack Shorts, and dressier options such as Little Planet’s Organic Cotton Twill Pants or Carter’s Twill Denim Shorts. Don’t forget leggings, too!

5. Bubbles/Rompers

One pieces are an essential part of every baby’s wardrobe! This loose-fit 1-Piece Flutter Slub Jersey Romper is a great option for summer, and has strong snaps that keep up with wear and wash. Another go-to is the Organic Gauze Bubble, the newest take on Little Planet’s most-loved gauze overalls, and complete with adjustable cross-back straps and snaps for easy diaper changes.

6. Accessories

Round out your baby’s closet with some everyday summer accessories such as sunglasses and a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes while outside; plus socks to keep their little feet warm and more.

Find all you need for your baby’s summer capsule wardrobe (and more!) at Carters.com.

2023-06-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Masters Agility Championship at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan. The Masters Agility Championship is a competition that showcases the incredible speed and agility for dogs as they navigate a series of obstacles on a course they have never seen before.

This competition requires speed, skill and agility, as well as a strong relationship between dog and handler. Over 350 dogs competed, including Trainer Amber McCune, who had not one but three dogs compete in this year’s premier agility competition, named Howie, Kaboom and Shelby Cobra. All three of her dogs are Border Collies and placed in their division — which is a tremendous achievement.

While agility can be a competitive sport, you don’t have to be a champion like Amber to see the benefits. With the right training and proper nutrition anyone can try their hand at this canine sport, which is growing in popularity. Inspired and interested in learning more? McCune shares her expert insight.

Physical and mental health

Agility sports require a high level of coordination, communication and teamwork between an owner and their dog. It can strengthen the relationship between them and help to keep both fit and in peak condition. Sprinting and jumping through an obstacle course is not only fun for your dog but can help build muscle, maintain a healthy weight and provide an energy release. An agility course also exercises a dog’s mind, giving them opportunities to learn and solve problems. This can also make them more well-behaved off the course.

Looking for where to get started? You can do it yourself at home or find a trainer or training school to help your dog develop their skill sets. Once your dog has completed all levels of training, the focus is to stay fit, conditioned and healthy. “Being able to put your dog on a fitness regimen is really important because if they aren’t fit, they can get injured quickly. Just like a person,” McCune said.

She recommends general activities that dogs love like hiking or swimming to stay active without overdoing agility course practice.

Nutrition for healthy, active dogs

“Nutrition is one of the most important factors that goes into a dog’s training and health,” said McCune. “On a daily basis, my dogs Howie, Kaboom and Shelby Cobra eat Purina Pro Plan Sport to fuel their strength and stamina to take on the rigors of agility and to keep them at the top of their sport, especially when competing at this year’s Masters Agility Championship at Westminster.”

Benefits that McCune has seen in her dogs with Purina Pro Plan Sport include increased muscle mass, better acceleration, quicker muscle recovery time and a shiny coat.

Many handlers feed Purina Pro Plan as their nutrition of choice because it is backed by research and Purina experts, including more than 500 nutritionists, veterinarians and scientists. To learn more, visit Purina.com/Pro-Plan.

Relationship building

Building a close bond between owner and dog also helps form a winning team.

“I think owners start to understand that there can be multidirectional language with their dog,” said McCune. It’s a fast-moving, fun, high-intensity and disciplined sport. “I enjoy the challenge and excitement of navigating the course with my dogs and the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing each course.” The time spent training helps create a special bond between owner and dog.

“Ultimately, it’s about having fun together and enjoying the numerous benefits that come with the sport,” McCune said.

2023-06-29T10:01:00

(BPT) – Dining out can be a wonderful experience, but sometimes you just want a night in or simply don’t have the time for a sit-down meal at a restaurant. You could order takeout, but there’s a certain joy and satisfaction in recreating the same delectable dishes within the comfort of your own kitchen.

Making restaurant-style meals at home may seem daunting, but there are several dishes that you can prepare without being a culinary genius. In fact, an easy way to expand your kitchen prowess and eat fresh, tasty, restaurant-inspired meals is to try new salad recipes.

To help you explore your culinary passions and delight your taste buds, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has teamed up with Litehouse Inc. to launch five restaurant-style dressings, including Thai, Ranch, Caesar, Italian and BBQ Ranch that embody the restaurant’s spirit of creativity and convenience with a California twist, just in time for summer!

While you can use these dressings on anything you eat, it’s nice to have simple, quick, tasty recipes to try. Check out these three CPK-inspired recipes that will shake up your mealtime and encourage you to try new, bold, unique flavor profiles.

1. Thai Steak Salad

If you’re looking for a satisfying, fresh summer salad, look no further! CPK’s Thai steak salad recipe is a wonderful mix of tender meat and fresh vegetables that will keep you happy and full long after your meal. A peanut-flavored (yet peanut free!) Thai dressing like CPK’s is a must for a restaurant-style meal. You can also use the dressing for other salads, pasta dishes and as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

2. Baja Shrimp Fajita Salad

This zesty shrimp fajita salad will have you dreaming of a seaside vacation. Tossing the shrimp in a savory spice creates a wonderful contrast to the salad’s fresh green mix. Topped with CPK’s restaurant-style ranch dressing, this salad will have you dreaming of being by the beach. Keep the bottle of ranch out to accompany your California-style pizza, a fresh Cobb salad, burgers, wings or fresh-cut veggies to elevate your at-home meal experiences!

3. Nicoise Salad

This classic French salad is a filling yet refreshing dish for lunch or dinner with plenty of protein, thanks to the hard-boiled eggs and tuna. Paired with plenty of fresh vegetables, this is a complete meal perfect for hot summer days. Don’t forget the creamy and bold CPK Caesar dressing! Not only is this dressing the key ingredient for this salad, but it’s also perfect for pasta salads and wraps.

Let these three salad recipes spark your creativity for a summer of fun, fresh meals drizzled in delicious, restaurant-style dressings for any occasion. For more inspiration about how to elevate your meals at home with new CPK salad dressings and creative recipes, visit cpkathome.com/recipe.

CPK’s new salad dressings are available at grocery retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, Food Lion, HEB and other retailers across the U.S. Use this Instacart coupon and save on these bold and creative dressings.

2023-06-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – If you love home renovation and design, you’ll be excited to discover up-and-coming trends that are transforming the look and functionality of home spaces today. Home design is continually evolving — inspiring homeowners and design professionals to innovate and reimagine how you can live in and feel about your home.

Here are design trends to explore this year.

1. Embrace sustainability

Concern for the environment and consumer demand is spurring many companies to create more sustainable processes and materials, while ensuring that they don’t sacrifice design or durability.

For example, Cosentino Group, the Spanish global leader in production and distribution of innovative and sustainable surfaces for architecture and design, has created Silestone, with HybriQ^® Technology, a high-performance blend of premium minerals, quartz and recycled materials. With HybriQ+, Silestone products have an enhanced product composition and manufacturing method that uses 99% recycled water, 100% renewable electric energy, zero water discharge and at least 20% recycled raw materials. This new technology represents the first sustainable surfacing of its kind.

2. Say goodbye to all-white kitchens

Today’s kitchens provide the focal point for entertaining, inspiring homeowners to express themselves through design, surfacing and materials. Opting for custom cabinetry colors, unique backsplash designs and dramatic countertops are subtle ways to express your personal style through kitchen design.

For more drama and style in your kitchen surfaces, Cosentino’s new Silestone Le Chic collection, launching in July, features contemporary designs in cream and rich-colored shades that are a modern interpretation of Parisian and Victorian inspired styles. Le Chic’s six distinctive colors with expressive veins and metallic accents portray a sense of timeless allure, with a hint of nostalgia.

3. Say hello to wet rooms

Dreaming of a spa-like atmosphere? The European-style wet room might be your next great bathroom reno. Creating a cohesive space for your shower and bath is a great solution to enhance design and functionality, especially in smaller bathrooms.

Durable surfacing that can be utilized for flooring and shower walls — as well as built-in seating and storage to optimize the space — can leave your bathroom feeling luxurious and worry free. Make sure your contractor is experienced in creating a well-designed wet room, including proper drainage, lighting and non-slip flooring to ensure safety.

4. Rediscover industrials

Renewed interest in urban materials like unfinished concrete is largely driven by the desire for clean lines and calm spaces. However, today’s industrials are softened by combining concrete with natural elements like wood, stone and plants.

If this aesthetic appeals to you, check out the Silestone Urban Crush collection out next month, inspired by the diverse textures of industrial and urban style. Materials like concrete, limestone, bronze and ash inspired four new colors with different shades of gray.

5. Explore mixed metals

Using metallic accents in a variety of materials and colors provides visual interest and elevates any room. Thoughtfully choose mixed metals for hardware, lighting fixtures, mirrors or picture frames. Even metallic accessories like vases, trays or artwork can enhance your space. Just a few touches of mixed metals go a long way.

Don’t match metals, but stick with the same family. For the most pleasing effect, choose only from the cool family (like brushed nickel or chrome) or the warm family (bronze, polished nickel, brass) — plus black, which can go with either family.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Learn more about innovative collections for the home at Cosentino.com.

2023-06-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – While some people stay close to home during the Fourth of July, many celebrate the spirit of independence through travel. According to a survey by The Vacationer, 60% of American adults plan to travel for the Fourth of July or Fourth of July weekend in 2023. That’s more than 155 million people! This influx of travelers provides a golden opportunity for would-be vacation rental Hosts.

Fourth of July travel trends

You can find hotels in any city, but many people prefer to stay in short-term vacation rentals, which is great news for would-be rental entrepreneurs. According to AirDNA, demand for vacation rentals in the U.S. increased by 21.1% in 2022 and is forecast to continue growing this year. With continuing and even increasing interest in short-term vacation rentals, now is the time to get into the vacation rental game.

If you’re considering turning your home into a vacation rental, the Fourth of July could be a lucrative weekend. Airbnb’s Fourth of July forecast found that searches for July Fourth weekend stays in early 2023 increased significantly compared to last year. From taking road trips along scenic highways, enjoying a lakeside cabin or lounging on the lawn to watch the fireworks, folks are using this weekend to travel and create unforgettable memories.

To be sure, some U.S. travelers are planning to go to far-off destinations for the Fourth of July. According to Airbnb’s forecast, top trending destinations for Independence Day weekend include Mykonos, Greece; Interlaken, Switzerland; and Italian cities like Amalfi, Florence and Sorrento. However, many will stick to domestic travel, going to Cincinnati, OH; Louisville, KY; Boulder, CO; and Panama City, FL.

Become a Host

A common misconception about vacation rentals is that you need an extra home. However, you don’t have to be in residential real estate to start a rental side hustle. You can easily start hosting guests if you have an extra room in your home, a pool or guest house, or a basement with its own entrance. If you plan to take your family on vacation this Fourth of July, you can rent your home and make money while you travel!

Hosting for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking, but luckily you don’t have to do it alone. If you list your home through Airbnb, getting started is a cinch with Airbnb Setup. You’ll be connected with a local Superhost who can help you sign up and list your space.

For extra peace of mind, you can filter guest requests and welcome an experienced guest with a good track record on Airbnb for your first booking. Additionally, AirCover verifies the identity of all guests and provides $3 million in damage protection, which also covers cars, boats, art and valuables.

Every Host’s experience is different, and earnings can vary widely depending on availability, price, listing type and location. However, last year, private room Hosts in the U.S. earned a total of approximately $1.2 billion, while the typical private room Host earned over $4,800.*

So, if you have a guest house or spare bedroom, becoming an Airbnb Host is a fantastic opportunity to earn some much-needed additional income. You also have the chance to interact with guests eager to explore your city and immerse themselves in the local culture.

Find out what you could earn as a Host and list your space for free on Airbnb.com/Host.

*Median Host earnings for all private room Hosts in the U.S. in 2022.

2023-06-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – Many young people who have recently received their driver’s license look forward to getting behind the wheel and driving to visit friends, attend events and travel in general throughout the summer. However, this time of year is when accidents on the road are more likely to occur. The 100 deadliest driving days of the year fall between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During this period, car accidents tend to increase, including among young drivers.

“During the summer, when school is out and it stays light longer, more teenagers might be on the road driving more miles,” said Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Claims and Customer Experience at Mercury Insurance. “Many young drivers lack experience and may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel. These behaviors can increase the possibility of an accident.”

Some of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the road which all drivers should be aware of during this time of year include:

• Distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise taking focus off of the road greatly increases the risk of an accident among teens, especially if they are traveling with teen passengers.
• Speeding. Young and inexperienced drivers are still learning how to adapt their speed to traffic conditions, as well as how to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Impaired driving. Driving while impaired affects judgment, awareness and the ability to react.
• Not wearing a seatbelt. Not wearing a seatbelt while driving will increase the likelihood of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.

Quinn offers parents and caregivers the following safety tips to help teens prevent car accidents and ensure the safety of everyone on the road this summer.

• Set driving rules. Establish and define clear rules for your teen driver. They will be less likely to make impulsive decisions while behind the wheel.
• Put it in writing. Teens may promise to be responsible drivers, but they may be tempted to break the rules while driving on their own. Parents can help teens keep their word by having them sign a contract stating that they understand the rules for retaining driving privileges, as well as the circumstances under which these privileges would be lost.
• Model safe driving behaviors. Lead by example by always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions while driving. Even though they are older, teens are still watching you and modeling their driving behavior after your own.
• Practice supervised driving. Help your teen gain more experience behind the wheel. Supervise your teen while they’re driving and reinforce safe driving habits.
• Review your auto insurance coverage. Make sure you have the right amount of protection for the new, young driver in your household that will protect them in case of an accident or unexpected event.

Summer is a time of freedom and adventure for many young drivers, but it’s also a time when car accidents are more likely to happen. Make sure your teen is extra cautious when behind the wheel to help prevent accidents and ensure a safe summer travel season for everyone.

2023-06-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – Johnny Bench earned nearly every conceivable Major League Baseball accolade and accomplishment during his 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. His natural talent paired with his dedication to practice and play for hours every day — often in the hot sun — is why many consider him to be the greatest catcher to ever play the game.

Long days outdoors may have contributed to his legendary baseball status, but they were also silently having harmful consequences on his health. Later, in his retirement, Bench would be diagnosed with skin cancer.

The greatest catcher in baseball history

As the leader of the “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s, Bench led Cincinnati to two World Series titles and four National League championships. On an individual level, he won two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, one World Series MVP award, Rookie of the Year honors and 10 Golden Gloves. In 1989, he was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Bench hit 389 home runs, but he was perhaps best known for his rocket arm and his endurance, catching 100 games or more for 13 consecutive seasons in the often-blazing sun, before ending his career at third base — a less physically grueling position.

Getting real about non-melanoma skin cancer

Eventually, Bench’s many years of prolonged sun exposure took a toll. In 2012, he was diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma (BCC) — the most common type of skin cancer in the United States ¹ — and again recently during a routine doctor visit. Of the roughly 2 million U.S. cases of BCC diagnosed each year, 95% are caught at an early stage² and can be removed like Bench’s case, before becoming advanced. However, in rare cases, BCC can grow deep into surrounding tissue or spread to other organs or other parts of the body.¹ While early-stage BCC may be cured by surgery or radiation, progression to advanced disease is often difficult to treat and associated with a relatively higher risk of returning and poorer outcomes. Treatment options for advanced BCC and CSCC are available and include surgery, radiation and systemic therapy. Patients should speak with their physician to find a treatment option that’s most appropriate for them.³ In retirement, Bench has become a vocal champion for efforts to get real about skin cancer and continues to be proactive about sun protection throughout the year — especially in the summertime.

Bench on how to “catch” skin cancer before it advances

Today, the Hall of Famer has been working with Regeneron since 2022 to share his experience with BCC, raise awareness of non-melanoma skin cancers and help people catch skin cancer before it advances so they can receive appropriate, effective treatment. Bench encourages everyone, especially outdoor enthusiasts, to conduct regular skin exams, including areas commonly exposed to the sun like the ears, face and hands.¹ If a spot or mark is new, changing or unusual, he encourages people to see a dermatologist.⁴ Those who have previously been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing it again.^1,4 A BCC or CSCC that keeps coming back could be a sign the cancer has advanced.⁵

Bench, now 74, continues to enjoy time outdoors but takes extra precautions to protect himself and encourages others to do the same. “Now I wear my sunglasses and my big hat every time I’m on the golf course or go out fishing,” he said.

1 American Cancer Society. What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? Accessed April 2023.

2 Data on File. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

3 NCCN Clinical Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) Basal Cell Skin Cancer v1.2023

4 Cancer.net. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma). Accessed April 2023.

5 Migden, M. et al. Emerging trends in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma. Cancer Treatment Reviews 2018 Mar; 64:1-10