Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

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

2023-06-27T11:01:00

(BPT) –

You may have dreamed of this day for years, and now it’s finally on the horizon: your wedding. What you may not have imagined about your special day was the lengthy to-do list that’s now forming in your mind. Weddings can be wonderful and magical, but also stressful — and pricey.

Fortunately, it’s possible to customize your dream invitations, select the perfect gifts, gift wrapping and favors, then discover unique and beautiful decor that will leave your guests in awe. You can do all this and more by visiting Zazzle.com/weddings, where you’ll find everything you need to make your special day truly unforgettable.

Here are some tips to help you start putting your wedding plans in motion.

Make your invitations one-of-a-kind

The most difficult task may be creating your invitation list. That may take some negotiations between you, your spouse-to-be and your families, as well as space and budget considerations. Once that important task is completed, consider the impact your invitation will have on those friends and loved ones who receive it.

You’ll get the best response to your invitations if you can customize them to express your individual personality and style, using one-of-a-kind invitations your guests have never seen before, as well as giving a sense of what the event will be like (ranging from casual to ultra-formal). Whether you prefer retro or ultra-modern, extravagant or streamlined, it’s vital to choose the design, font and color scheme to impress your guests and tell the story of your love and your special day.

Start by browsing the invitation possibilities on Zazzle, where you’ll find all the inspiration you need to make your invitations look just the way you want them.

Identify your style and colors

It’s easier to bring the look of your entire event together if you envision an overall style, along with a color palette to unify all your decor. First, come up with one word to describe the vibe you want, like: vintage, retro, elegant, classic or modern. Then imagine a color scheme to help you convey a mood. Choose from the family of cool colors — blues and greens — for a calm, relaxed vibe. Or you can opt for warm colors — yellows through reds — to convey a romantic, joyful feeling. Prefer a more formal tone? Try the classic look of black and white, perhaps with gold or silver accents.

After selecting your overall style and color family, browse the possibilities for your reception decor. For example, to create an elegant yet natural vibe, consider this Eucalyptus Green Foliage Wedding Welcome Sign to let your guests know they’re in just the right place! Keep your theme and color scheme in mind as you choose everything you need, from signage and tabletop decor to your programs, place cards and more.

Make it memorable

One of the most fun elements of wedding planning is choosing favors for your guests and your wedding party. This is one area where it’s so important to personalize gifts by adding your names, the date and/or a special message to commemorate the occasion.

It’s easy to personalize gifts like these unique monogrammed wine labels for the perfect wedding keepsake, or to create these fun monogrammed shot glasses that your guests can cherish forever as a memento of your awesome event.

Whatever gifts you decide to choose for your wedding party and attendees, you can make them even more memorable with gorgeous gift wrapping or personalized gift tags to mark the special occasion, or use these classic and elegant customizable gift stickers.

Show your love with special gifts

Whether you’re thanking the members of your family and your wedding party with a special memento or attending someone else’s wedding, you can find the perfect gift and customize it just the way you want it.

Feeling a little overwhelmed with planning and designing your decor? Zazzle’s on-demand design service will connect you with design experts, for free. Visit Zazzle.com/live to learn more and to get started. For cost-friendly bliss for your nuptials, you can create whatever you need on your own terms — and with your own sense of style.

2023-06-27T05:01:00

(BPT) – With gorgeous weather and longer days, we are all motivated to head outdoors and increase physical activity during the summer! Bright sunny days can stimulate our energy and help shed the urge to hibernate. However, before you take up a recreational sport, get back into jogging or swim a few laps, take stock of your fitness.

If you haven’t been active during winter, it’s important to gradually ease into summer sports. Going too hard too fast can leave you feeling sore, keeping you from doing the activities you love.

While it isn’t possible to eliminate soreness entirely, you can plan ahead to minimize and combat discomfort after a workout. Try out these five methods that can help relieve muscle pain so you won’t have to sit on the bench this summer.

1. Start low and slow

While you may have grand aspirations, be realistic about your fitness goals, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve been active. Ease into your summer sports and activities by starting out with low-intensity activities like walking, hiking, swimming or cycling. These activities allow your body to adapt and condition your muscles so you can gradually increase the intensity and length of your workouts while reducing soreness.

2. Don’t skip warmups and cooldowns

As part of your pre-activity routine, get into the habit of warming up your body. While you want to get on the field or hit the trail as soon as possible, a quick warmup and stretch can help you have a better workout, prevent injury and avoid soreness.

A warmup doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. You can do dynamic stretches like leg swings or arm circles to increase blood flow and loosen up your joints.

Don’t forget to stretch after your workout too. A cooldown can help relieve muscle tension and increase flexibility. Make sure to focus on the muscles you worked on during your exercise to alleviate post-workout pain.

3. Keep pain relief on hand

You can’t avoid all sports pain, so it’s smart to have pain relief products that contain acetaminophen and/or aspirin on hand. These over-the-counter medications can help relieve muscle soreness and reduce inflammation after a workout.

An easy way to stop pain fast is to keep a few packs of Goody’s pain relief powder in your sports bag. Each single-dose powder packet is formulated to target pain signals at the source, hitting pain right where it hurts and relieving a variety of body pains and headaches, muscle and back aches, and hangovers when used as directed. No matter where you’re hurting, Goody’s has a product with the right formulation to stop pain fast.

4. Stay hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated before, during and after any sports activity, especially during the summer months. Beyond feeling thirsty, dehydration can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps and dizziness. Keep a water bottle or two handy, and make sure you take regular water breaks, especially on hot days.

5. Listen to your body

Don’t push yourself to exercise when your body hurts or you feel exhausted. Ignoring your body’s signals that it needs rest and repair won’t make you stronger or faster. In fact, it can set you back and cut your summer fun short.

Remember, soreness is a natural response to exercise and typically fades in a few days. Using these five tips, you can reduce the intensity of muscle soreness after any activity so you can keep playing ball, swimming laps or racing to the finish line.

2023-06-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summertime is the ideal time to be active. As the weather heats up, many people are also turning up the heat on their personal fitness. While exercise can be particularly enjoyable during the warm weather months, it’s important to take proper precautions to stay healthy and safe.

Samantha Clayton, master personal trainer and vice president of Sports Performance and Fitness Education at Herbalife, explains why the body responds differently to activity done in the heat:

“Heat adds stress to the body because it must work harder to balance a core temperature,” she said. “The body sweats more to cool down when training in hot weather. Losing that additional fluid can impact performance and lead to heat-related illnesses.”

Clayton shares three questions to ask yourself before exercising outdoors to help you be safe and feel well:

1. What is the weather forecast?

The first step is to check the expected weather conditions for the day. According to the National Weather Service, a heat index at or above 90 poses a significant health risk when engaging in physical activity outdoors. Keep in mind, each person has a different heat tolerance and fitness level, so this is just a guideline.

“Humidity is another key factor to watch,” said Clayton. “It impacts training because the moisture in the air prevents the body from cooling as efficiently through sweating and evaporation. Plus, the body responds to humidity by sending blood closer to the surface of the skin to cool down, depriving muscles of circulation, which can cause cramping.”

If weather predicts heat and humidity, choose a cool time of day to avoid midday sun. Early morning exercise is optimal. If needed, work out indoors at home or head to your local gym.

2. What clothes are best for the conditions?

During summer heat, it’s important to wear lightweight clothing that will wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry, plus protect you from UV rays. Rather than hats, opt for sunglasses and visors that shade the eyes from the sun while allowing heat loss through the head to keep you feeling cooler.

“Beyond clothing, look for shaded outdoor spaces to work out, like a pavilion to stretch or a shaded park path for running,” Clayton suggested.

3. How much should you drink?

Your body sweats even if you don’t feel like it is. When it’s hot outside, it sweats even more. Add movement while training, and you can bet you’re losing fluid quickly. That’s why hydration should be a priority.

“Replacing lost fluid is important and the amount varies depending on your size, the weather and activity level. A good baseline is for every 20 minutes of exercise to sip at least 4 ounces of fluid,” said Clayton.

Remember, when the body sweats it loses more than just water. That’s why when training it’s smart to drink a sports drink, just like professional athletes, like Herbalife24^® CR7 Drive Drink with electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and sodium to help enhance hydration and replace electrolytes lost in sweat.

Beware heat exhaustion

Even professional athletes with years of experience may push themselves too far in the heat. That proves it’s worthwhile for everyone to review the signs of heat exhaustion when exercising:

• Nausea
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Excessive sweating
• Irritability
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Vision problems
• Muscle cramps

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop and find a cool place to rest, like in the shade or an air-conditioned building. Take small sips of water — cool is ideal but not ice cold. If symptoms don’t subside after rest and fluids, you may need medical attention. Call your doctor’s triage line with any questions or concerns.

“With the correct steps, you can continue to exercise safely outdoors many days this summer,” Clayton said. “Be proactive and listen to your body and you’ll feel great while striving toward your fitness goals.”

For more information and tips on a healthy lifestyle, visit iamherbalifenutrition.com.

2023-06-26T10:37:00

(BPT) – Recycling is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to help the environment. Although many people understand the significance of recycling, there is still room to improve participation and recycling rates. The Carton Council, which works to increase the recycling of food and beverage cartons, has several tips to help consumers become more diligent recyclers.

1. Make a game plan: Develop a strategy for hassle-free recycling by keeping containers within easy reach in areas where recyclable packages are consumed. Know your community’s collection schedule and have enough space to store your recyclables until the designated collection day.

2. Know what to recycle and what to throw: Keep in mind that acceptable materials vary based on the recycling program and community. Turn to your community’s website to determine what can and can’t be recycled where you live.

3. Stick it to your memory: To help stick to your recycling plan, create reminders throughout your home. Try placing notes in visible locations, such as on your refrigerator or where you place your keys, to keep recycling top of mind. Make sure to note your collection day.

4. Make a difference by being a recycling influencer: Be the change you wish to see by inspiring others to recycle. Share your recycling efforts on social media and tag your local recycling program, homeowner’s association, and even the Carton Council to inspire others to join the recycling movement.

5. Don’t judge a book by its cover: Dirty, misshapen or dented packages can still be recycled. Unless the item is covered in food, such as peanut butter or melted cheese, place it in your recycling container.

6. Own your role in the power of recycling: Take pride in your efforts and recognize the positive impact your recycling makes. Without recycling, there would be no recycled materials available to create new products. For example, 30 food and beverage cartons can be recycled to produce a sustainable ceiling tile. A ton of paper made from recycled fiber conserves 7,000 gallons of water and 17-31 trees.

Recycling is an easy way everyone can play a role in helping the environment.

Not sure if food and beverage cartons can be recycled where you live? Check our address locator at RecycleCartons.com.

2023-06-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tires are one of the most important, complex safety components of the car and the only part that touches the road. That’s why the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) kicked off its National Tire Safety Week (June 26 – July 3, 2023) to educate consumers, motorists and fleet operators about why tire safety and maintenance should be a top priority for all motorists.

2023-06-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – The video game industry is often known for its high-quality games and the hours of entertainment it provides its community and players — but engaged, modern, video game studios accomplish more than that. Many studios in the video game space are improving their local communities, providing incredible opportunities through educational and philanthropic initiatives and making space for their players to give back.

One Texas-based example is Gearbox Entertainment, which recently announced Gearbox Gives — an effort to harness the power of entertainment to educate communities and future creatives, inspire change, and create programs and initiatives that help solve problems around the world.

These initiatives are more than just a promise, they are programs moving beyond entertainment to give back to the greater good. Gearbox’s Borderlands Science is one example of how companies, and their communities, are giving back. This mini-game within the critically acclaimed Borderlands 3 video game helps map the human gut microbiome, which is benefiting the real-world scientific community. Players have already solved tens of millions of DNA sequencing puzzles, aiding in the advancement of clinical research.

Here are several ways video game companies are working to empower communities and solve problems.

Donating proceeds from sales. Many video game companies partner with global and local organizations to support good causes. To support the fight against cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gearbox’s San Francisco team, Cryptic Studios, and ViacomCBS Consumer Products teamed up with Groupees.com to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. During the launch of Star Trek Online: Awakening on consoles, players had the option to purchase limited-time in-game bundles and donate to the cause, which raised almost $60,000 in donations to the foundation.

Raising funds for good causes. Developers regularly partner with organizations to host annual fundraising events, like Gearbox’s annual 12-hour Twitch stream where gamers stream video game content in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in partnership with Extra Life. Video game developers also often have publisher sales on platforms like Steam, in which a portion, if not all, of proceeds from video game sales, are donated to a good cause.

Creating in-game items to support urgent community needs. Video game studios often tap their communities to support those in need. In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gearbox Entertainment had thousands of its Borderlands 3 players purchase digital masks for their characters in response to the unprecedented need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical professionals. All proceeds were donated to Direct Relief to support the acquisition of PPE for frontline healthcare workers.

Investing in STEM education. Supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education is a major focus of the video game industry. As rising students may be the next generation of creatives and leaders in the industry, organizations like Gearbox are partnering with school districts to create programs that help students build transferable skills and encourage STEM exploration. Longview Independent School District in Texas has partnered with Gearbox Gives to allow 2,000 students to learn coding languages, gain hands-on experience with both hardware and software, be introduced to assembly and machine code, and explore other STEM areas, such as robotics.

The video game industry expands far beyond the games its community plays. If you’re looking for a way to give back to your community, take a look at the programs your favorite developers have in play — getting involved is simpler than you think. Adding an extra stop on your mission or buying an in-game purchase during an event can enhance your gameplay and support amazing causes.

2023-06-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you or someone you love has diabetes, you already know how essential insulin is for managing the disease every day. Today, 8.4 million Americans rely on insulin to manage their diabetes, making access to this crucial medication more important than ever.

In March of 2023, Lilly announced plans to reduce the cost of its most commonly prescribed insulins and automatically cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $35 per month at participating retail pharmacies for people with commercial insurance, to help make it easier for people who use Lilly insulin — regardless of insurance status — to access this crucial medication.*

“Earlier this year, we further delivered on our commitment to provide affordable insulin for people with diabetes by making it easier for people to access Lilly insulin for $35 through an automated cap at the pharmacy for people with commercial insurance, so that people who use Lilly insulin can access it for no more than $35 per monthly prescription,” said Mike Mason, executive vice president and president, Lilly Diabetes and Obesity.

How the insulin cap works

Making insulin affordable for people living with diabetes has always been a top priority for Lilly. With this latest initiative, Lilly is automatically capping out-of-pocket costs for its insulin at $35 per monthly prescription for people with commercial insurance. This means that the $35 per month cap is implemented automatically at participating retail pharmacies for people with commercial insurance.

But even if you don’t have insurance, or do not use a participating pharmacy, you can still get Lilly insulin for $35 per month. Simply go to InsulinAffordability.com and download the Lilly Insulin Value Program savings card.

Through these actions, Lilly continues to make it easier for people with diabetes to access affordable insulin.

Spread the word with #TaptheCap and help kids with diabetes

To help ensure that people with diabetes know how to access affordable insulin, Lilly is teaming up with the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and professional baseball player Adam Duvall to launch a nationwide effort called “Tap the Cap” to increase awareness of insulin affordability solutions for people living with diabetes.

“I know firsthand the physical and emotional burden that living with diabetes can have,” said Duvall, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2012. “The last thing a person should have to worry about is how to get affordable insulin, and that’s why I’m glad to be helping to make sure people know how easy it is to ‘Tap the Cap.'”

To encourage people to spread the word about how to access their insulin for $35 or less per month, Lilly invites everyone to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook with the #TaptheCap filter and the hashtag #TaptheCap.

For every post with this hashtag, Lilly will make a contribution to ADA’s summer camps across the U.S. These camps support the unique care needs of children living with diabetes, offering the opportunity to make lifelong memories while learning from others who can relate to their experiences. ADA camps provide a medically safe environment where children with diabetes can enjoy a fun-filled summer camp experience while learning how to better manage their diabetes.

For more information about #TaptheCap, visit Lilly.com/insulin. To learn more about the ADA’s insulin affordability work, visit Diabetes.org/insulincost.

*Terms and conditions apply. Automatically applied at the majority of retail pharmacies for those with commercial insurance. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from Lilly’s $35 solutions. But federal law provides that Medicare Part D beneficiaries also pay no more than $35 per month for insulin.

2023-06-22T11:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re longing for great travel experiences and you’re unfamiliar with Atlantic Canada, you’re about to meet your next travel crush. The four provinces — New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island — offer an astonishing array of adventures to suit any traveler, from exploring the beauty of rugged coastlines to indulging in unique cultural and culinary experiences.

Even better, fall is the perfect time for your adventure, as the weather is moderate but even some of the most popular venues are less crowded. On top of that, there are many special events and festivals that you can only revel in during this time of year.

Here are just 8 of the many reasons to explore Atlantic Canada this fall.

New Brunswick

1. Get your toes tapping at the Harvest Music Festival in Fredericton for Atlantic Canada’s premiere music festival.

You’ll hear 400-plus musicians — 150 performances — at 27 stages across six city blocks. Acclaimed international performers, top regional acts and emerging Canadian artists offer an unforgettable experience in the historic downtown of New Brunswick’s capital city. Dance all night at a Cajun party, absorb the raw sounds of electric blues, sway to smooth jazz or get your funk on — and much more, at a price that’s easy on the wallet. The festival runs from Sept 12-17, 2023.

2. Have a whale of a time whale watching in the Bay of Fundy, home of the world’s highest tides, during the best months for it — September and October.

While many species of whales visit the bay, the most commonly spotted are Humpback, Finback and Minke whales, as well as other marine wildlife including seals, porpoises, sharks, dolphins and sea birds. There’s a reason whale watching is on so many bucket lists — viewing these magnificent creatures is truly a memorable and humbling experience. Tours depart from St. Andrews, Grand Manan Island and Campobello Island.

Newfoundland & Labrador

3. Join the feast at Roots, Rants and Roars, a festival celebrating local food and culture in Elliston on the island of Newfoundland.

You’ll enjoy a seven-course outdoor feast created through a collaboration of Newfoundland chefs and accompanied by live music from local musicians. Other activities include hiking the rugged coastline and dancing. Since its inaugural event in 2009, Roots, Rants and Roars has become the premier culinary event in Newfoundland and Labrador, recognized throughout Canada as one of the top culinary festivals. It will be held September 15-16, 2023.

4. Explore art in unique settings at the Bonavista Biennale.

What started as an idea among friends for an art event on Newfoundland’s Bonavista Peninsula has grown into an international exhibition held every two years. Visitors experience Canadian contemporary art at 20 unique sites along a rural 102-mile route. The Biennale includes artists from Newfoundland and Labrador working in all types of media, in unconventional outdoor and indoor locations across the peninsula. Since the Biennale began in 2017, it has exhibited works by over 75 artists. It runs August 19-September 17, 2023 and is free and open to all.

Nova Scotia

5. Film fans and foodies unite at Devour! The Food Film Festival in Wolfville, the epicenter of Nova Scotia.

Enjoy exceptional films, workshops, special events and experiential activities showcasing the largesse of this region. This year’s festival focuses on French culture, exploring how the roots of Acadian, Cajun, Creole and French cuisine intersect both on screen and on your plate. Tickets are available by calling 1-888-311-9090 and through Ticketpro’s website starting September 2023. The festival will be held October 23-29.

6. Autumn on Cape Breton Island is the most beautiful and magical time of year when cooler days are brightened by colorful foliage and hearts are warmed by the friendly people, food and music.

In particular, drive around the famous Cabot Trail that weaves in and out of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, when the already stunning scenery is enhanced with the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of the changing leaf colors. The Hike the Highlands festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023 — Sept 8-17 — when visitors can experience the natural beauty of the area on guided hikes during the day and through presentations and activities in the evenings.

Prince Edward Island

7. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge on Prince Edward Island (PEI).

Plan a mindful retreat at Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre to immerse yourself in nature and explore wooded trails at this peaceful, family-run 16-acre glamping resort. Or pamper yourself at Mysa Nordic Spa — PEI’s first and only Nordic spa. It’s a serene space designed for relieving stress and invigorating the senses. They offer many spa services including thermal baths, essential oil steam rooms, cold water plunges, a Finnish sauna, meditation sessions and massages.

8. Feed your inner foodie at the Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival.

Islanders have a long tradition of celebrating food and inviting visitors to join the party, which inspired the first Prince Edward Island Fall Flavours Festival presented by Sobeys back in 2007.Canada’s “Food Island” offers culinary explorers opportunities to experience PEI’s incredible food scene during harvest season. You’ll enjoy seasonal food fresh from PEI’s fields and bays: succulent lobster, mussels and oysters, high-quality beef, potatoes and much more. The 15th anniversary celebration takes place the first two weeks of October at various events throughout the Island.

Ready to plan your next adventure? Get started at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.

2023-06-22T10:35:00

(BPT) – Pride has always been a time to celebrate identity, love, and inclusivity for major destinations and charming towns around the world. Every year, Pride festivities attract millions of participants, showcasing the inclusiveness and diversity of their respective communities. This year, Airbnb has reported an increase in Hosts using LGBTQ+ inclusive language in their profiles — a testament to how Hosts are leading the charge for embracing LGBTQ+ travel.

Building an inclusive community

Since 2017, the number of Hosts around the world using LGBTQ+-inclusive language has surged by nearly 90%, signifying a shift towards an even more welcoming and inclusive community. These Hosts are spread across the world, from the vibrant streets of Portland, Oregon, to the sun-kissed shores of Sitges, Catalonia, embodying the spirit of Pride Month and offering a hospitable, inviting atmosphere for all.

A Morning Consult Brand Intelligence study further underscored this trend, revealing that 41% of LGBTQ+ respondents, irrespective of travel purpose, identified as Airbnb users – 8% higher compared to the overall percentage of U.S. leisure travelers. The reasons for this preference are clear: the commitment of Airbnb Hosts to inclusivity and the rise in the use of LGBTQ+ affirming language in their profiles. This resonates deeply with guests, fostering a sense of safety and acceptance.

LGBTQ travel by the numbers

According to Airbnb last year, Pride is a top ten weekend for travel, with June 24th, a common Pride weekend which commemorates the Stonewall riots, being one of the most searched check-in dates globally.

This shift toward greater inclusivity and Pride travel is celebrated by individuals like Kit Williamson, acclaimed actor, creator of the hit Netflix TV show EastSiders, and proud Airbnb Host, “When my husband and I travel,” Williamson explains, “We always gravitate toward listings that use inclusive language. The fact that more and more Hosts are taking this approach is a testament to the evolving attitudes and acceptance within our global community.”

Becoming a hospitable Host

The potential impact of building an inclusive community is significant. Hosts using inclusive language and creating safe spaces are not only fostering acceptance; they are also contributing to their local economies. During last year’s global Pride celebration weekends, Hosts collectively earned more than $77 million.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals deserve spaces where they are celebrated, not merely tolerated. By becoming an Airbnb Host, you can contribute to creating these spaces and fostering a more inclusive community in your neighborhood this Pride Month and beyond. To learn more, visit Airbnb.com/Host.