Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

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.

2023-06-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – During summertime, you’ll likely find you’re spending more time outdoors, soaking up the sun and enjoying activities in the fresh air. However, between the sun and other environmental elements that come with the season, summer weather can also be harsh on your skin.

Too much sun exposure can leave your skin feeling dull or dry, and at the same time, insects that can cause bites or stings thrive during this weather, leaving you with irritating, itchy blemishes that put a damper on your summer glow. This summer, help keep your skin healthy, radiant and protected by following these five simple tips.

1. Hydrate inside and out

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can look dull, causing fine lines and under-eye bags to become more noticeable. Get in the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle to hydrate wherever your summer adventures take you.

In addition to fighting dehydration, moisturize daily to keep your skin soft and supple. A lightweight, oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated without a greasy feel.

2. Apply sunscreen every day

Just because you’re not going out for a day of swimming, hiking or camping doesn’t mean you get to skip sunscreen. According to Yale Medicine, it takes just 15 minutes for the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays to damage your skin. To help protect your skin, apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside — no matter the occasion. Make it part of your everyday morning skincare routine, so you get into the habit.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating. Also, consider wearing protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and neck against harmful UV rays.

3. Add insect repellent to your skincare routine

The warmer weather means more bugs are making their summer debut, including mosquitoes. With the extra time you’re spending outside soaking in the summer sun, it’s important to make sure you’re protected from bug bites.

No one likes getting bug bites. Mosquitoes and other insect bites are not only irritating, but can also cause some mysterious (and usually itchy) blemishes on your skin. Worst off, scratching them can cause skin damage and scarring. Keep the bugs at bay by using an insect repellent as part of your skincare routine before heading outdoors. Similar to sunscreen, prevention is the best protection against bug bites, so insect repellent should be applied after sunscreen and before heading outdoors.

Mosquitoes and other insects don’t only bite when you’re hiking or camping — they are around whether you’re in your backyard or at an outdoor wedding. So, it’s important to find a repellent you feel confident in for everyday use. A great option to consider is OFF!^® Clean Feel, a fragrance-free repellent that provides non-sticky protection from mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. Formulated with Picaridin, it feels good on skin, won’t damage clothing and repels mosquitoes for up to eight hours.

While it’s important to use insect repellent every day, it never hurts to have a better understanding of what mosquito activity looks like in your area. As easily as you check the local weather, you can now check out the OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast, which predicts local mosquito populations up to seven days in advance. While checking out the mosquito population, you can sign up to get your weekly mosquito forecast straight to your inbox!

4. Clean your skin the right way

Spending time outdoors enjoying the sunshine and summer activities means that you’ll work up a sweat. When you shower to wash off the sweat and dirt of the day, avoid hot showers.

Hot showers and baths can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water and limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less. It also has the added benefit of keeping you cool while you get clean.

While showering, use a gentle, non-drying cleanser and body wash for your face and skin to keep your skin clean and fresh. Also, exfoliate once or twice a week with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

5. Take breaks from the sun

Take regular breaks from fun in the sun to protect your skin. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it’s best to stay indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. But it’s summer and everyone wants to take advantage of the weather! So, while you’re out, look for shaded areas to avoid prolonged sun exposure. Important reminder: don’t forget to reapply sunscreen and insect repellent regularly throughout your day.

Get your summer glow while protecting and nourishing your skin. Using these five tips, you can enjoy the warmth and sunshine while protecting your skin from dryness, damage and irritating bites.

2023-06-21T18:51:00

(BPT) – Every day is a good day to invest in your heart health! Your heart works hard every day, so it is important to support your health with healthy morning habits. Check out these six healthy habits that not only help you maintain a strong heart and circulation but also help set the tone for the rest of your day.

1. Drink water

Keep a glass of water or water bottle on your nightstand so you can take a sip as soon as you wake up. Overnight, your body becomes dehydrated. It’s important to replenish the water you’ve lost first thing in the morning to help your body do its job. Staying hydrated supports healthy circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body so you can feel your best as you start your day.

2. Brush your teeth

Did you know oral health is linked to heart health? Protect your heart health by maintaining a consistent brushing schedule, which in turn supports blood and arterial health.

The best time to brush your teeth in the morning is when you first wake up. Brushing kick-starts your saliva production, which protects your teeth and gums by washing away food debris. Also, if you eat acidic breakfast food, brushing your teeth before breakfast rather than after can be incredibly beneficial.

3. Meditate

You can practice meditation any time, but spending a few moments alone every morning can focus your mind for the day ahead and help your heart. A calm, focused mind can reduce everyday worries, which can help promote healthy blood pressure and heart function.

Whether you listen to music, write in your journal, do yoga or practice deep breathing, just five minutes of meditation each day can support your body’s ability to manage everyday stress and support healthy blood pressure and circulation.

4. Get moving

Cardiovascular exercise is critical to maintaining a happy, healthy heart. It also helps regulate your metabolism and appetite, provides healthy energy, and can support healthy weight management.

If you want to get into the habit of exercising every day, aim for 30 minutes of cardio in the morning. Mornings tend to have fewer distractions than other times of the day, making the start of your day the ideal time to exercise.

One of the easiest ways to get exercise is to lace up your shoes and take a brisk walk. Others may have a favorite workout video or online exercise class, either live or recorded.

Even if you can’t commit to a half-hour of exercise every day, do what you can to get your body moving. As little as five minutes of exercise will provide heart health benefits if you are not feeling very fit.

5. Eat a nutrient-rich breakfast

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors influencing heart health, so pay attention to your breakfast choices. A breakfast smoothie is a great way to take in fruits and vegetables that will provide you with essential vitamins and minerals to support optimal heart health.

6. Give your cardiovascular health a boost

Give your heart a helping hand by taking heart-supporting supplements made from naturally sourced ingredients like CholestMD^®. This heart health product provides cholesterol support and overall cardiovascular health with two potent ingredients, Bergavit™ bergamot extract and niacin. Both ingredients have been clinically studied and found to support healthy blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The formula also includes olive leaf and garlic bulb extract, which provide additional blood lipid and arterial health support.

Your best heart health starts with a good morning. These six heart-healthy habits can help you create a good morning routine to get your heart and overall health ready to take on today and beyond. To read reviews of CholestMD^® from consumers just like you, visit 1MD.org.

2023-06-21T18:29:00

(BPT) – Are your joints creaky and stiff in the morning? Do they slow down your day? There are a few things you can do to invest in and maintain your joint mobility and flexibility. All it takes is a few good morning habits.

The morning is a great time to start good habits that can set the tone for the day. It also makes integrating and sticking with new changes easier, so you can enjoy optimal joint health every morning and throughout the day. Here are five things you can do every morning to get your joint health off to a great start.

1. Drink water

As soon as you wake up, drink a full glass of water. While you sleep, your body loses water, so it’s incredibly important to start your day by replenishing what you’ve lost so your body can function properly.

Staying hydrated is especially important for your joint health because it reduces the occasional oxidative stress in your joints. Also, because synovial fluid — which helps lubricate joints — is made mostly of water, proper hydration can help promote flexibility and mobility.

2. Stretch

All night long, your body has been at rest, including your joints. Gently wake your joints with light stretching. When you stretch, you increase blood flow to your muscles, allowing them to relax and synovial fluid to lubricate your joints, reducing stiffness.

Simple stretches you can try without even leaving your bed include:

• Bringing your knees to your chest to stretch your back
• Slightly lifting your legs and circling your ankles in both directions
• Rocking your knees side-to-side to get your hips moving
• Sitting up and rolling your shoulders forward and backward
• Holding your arms out in front of you and flexing your arms and then wrists

3. Get moving

Now that your body is warmed up and ready to go after stretching, get your body moving with some morning exercise. Starting your day with exercise can help get your joints moving, making it easier to manage occasional joint stiffness and discomfort. Plus, regular exercise also helps the body manage everyday stress. It promotes a sense of calm and focus for the day.

Regular physical activity promotes flexibility, mobility and balance by maintaining strong muscles and supports healthy bone structure and density. Workouts don’t have to be long! Just 30 minutes a day of joint-supporting exercises like swimming, cycling, walking, strength training and yoga can help you feel and move your best.

4. Take a warm shower

After a workout, nothing feels as good as a warm shower. It’s also one of the best ways to help relieve occasional morning stiffness. A warm shower soothes your muscles after exercise and increases your circulation, which helps your muscles relax. Combining exercise and a warm morning shower will prepare your joints and you to hit the ground running every day.

5. Eat a nutrient-rich breakfast

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors influencing joint health. For breakfast, avoid foods high in sugars and processed flour and opt for meals with nutrients that support joint health, such as:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (nuts and seeds)
• Vitamin E (avocado)
• Vitamin A (spinach)
• Vitamin C (citrus fruits)
• Potassium (bananas)
• Anthocyanins (berries)
• Calcium (yogurt)
• Turmeric (easily added to pancakes or omelets)

A morning smoothie is an easy and convenient way to get plenty of nutrients in one meal. Try the recipe below for a delicious way to nourish your joints.

• 1/2 cup peeled, diced carrot
• 1/2 frozen banana, diced
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Pinch black pepper (to promote the absorption of turmeric)

Simply blend the carrot, banana, pineapple, orange juice, ginger and chia seeds. Then add the turmeric and black pepper, blending until smooth. Drink immediately and feel ready to take on the busy day ahead!

6. Take extra joint health support

Your joints work hard to get you from point A to B every day. Help them out by giving your joints a little extra support with a joint health supplement made of naturally sourced ingredients, like 1MD Nutrition’s MoveMD^®.

This comprehensive, fast-acting joint health solution includes AprésFlex^® Boswellia serrata, a clinically-studied extract that supports flexibility, mobility and joint comfort. Combined with Zanthin^® Natural Astaxanthin to help reduce oxidative stress, hyaluronic acid to help lubricate joints and advanced collagens to support cartilage health and function, you’ll be well on your way to healthy joints.

These six joint-supporting habits can help you establish a morning routine to help your joints function at their best, so you can have a healthy start every morning. To learn more about products that can support your joint health, visit 1MD.org.

2023-06-21T14:05:00

(BPT) – Summertime is known for warmer weather, backyard barbecues and fun in the sun. However, it’s also a time when lightning is likely to strike. According to The National Weather Service, about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur in the United States each year and can strike up to 25 miles away from its parent thunderstorm.

The best place to be when a thunderstorm hits is inside your home. But even indoors, lightning can cause damage, especially to your electrical appliances. However, with some preparation, you can reduce the risk of damage should lightning strike.

In honor of Lightning Safety Week, Mr. Electric^®, a Neighborly^® company — a leading electrical installation and repair franchise — has provided the following five ways to prepare your home for any storms that come your way.

1. Remember to unplug

During storm season, stay alert! If you discover that a storm is coming, you’ll have time to prepare and unplug appliances and devices you won’t need during the storm. Because a lightning storm has the potential to strike the power grid and increase the voltage to your electrical devices, it’s best to take preventative measures and unplug them to protect them and yourself.

2. Invest in whole-home surge protectors

When a sudden increase in voltage occurs, surge protectors can safeguard your electrical devices by redirecting the excess voltage through the house’s grounding path. Prepare your home by investing in whole-house surge protectors to minimize damage to your sensitive electronics and valuable appliances from an electrical surge.

Note: Surge protectors are only effective if your house has proper wiring and grounding. If you aren’t sure your home is properly wired and grounded, contact your local Mr. Electric for a professional assessment. Also, keep in mind that if your home or nearby area is struck by lightning your surge protector is as good as its rated limit or capacity.

3. Familiarize yourself with the circuit breaker

Because electricity is dangerous, it’s important to familiarize yourself with your home’s circuit breakers. A circuit breaker is designed to “trip” or shut off when at a predetermined amperage load. If the limit is reached, the breaker trips and opens the circuit, preventing the flow of current to that particular electrical line or circuit.

Before the next storm hits, take time to learn what each circuit breaker is designed to shut off. If you’re experiencing constant trips, it could be an overloaded circuit, a short circuit or a ground fault, in which case you’ll need to call a professional for help.

4. Have backup power

It’s possible that a storm may knock out your power. If you lose power in your home, it’s a smart idea to have a backup generator to ensure essential appliances keep running while you’re sheltering in place.

You may think you can go without power for a while, but don’t take a chance. Depending on the storm’s severity, you could be left without power for hours or even days. Eliminate the stress of uncertainty by having a backup generator on hand.

5. Schedule an electrical safety inspection

Even minor electrical damage can lead to bigger issues. After a severe weather event, schedule a home electrical safety checkup, so a trusted professional can catch any unseen issues. Visit Mr.Electric.com/Electrical-Services to find and schedule an appointment with an electrical expert in your area.

While you may not have much warning before a storm arrives, you can take steps to ensure the safety of your family and home. Using these five tips, you’ll be prepared for storm season and protect your home and family from unexpected lightning strikes.