Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-04-10T10:01:00

(BPT) – We rely on tires every day to get from Point A to Point B. While you may not think about tires until it’s time to replace them, you can go to work, run errands and visit friends and family near and far because of tires. But what happens to your tires when it is time to replace them?

Most used tires end up in waste dumps and some are even destroyed and burned at end-of-life. According to Tire Review, when tires break down in a landfill, chemicals can leech and contaminate the surrounding ground and water. Also, when stockpiled, tire piles catch water, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Tires that are burned or accidentally catch fire can burn for several days and emit dangerous smoke with high levels of pollutants.

The tire industry is aware of the issues that end-of-life tires can cause when improperly disposed and wants to find ways to mitigate the environmental impact of their products. That’s why many industry leaders are creating better ways to recycle tires while decarbonizing the industry.

One such leader, American Tire Distributors (ATD), is committed to finding better uses for used tires. According to the company, 235 million tires are produced every year, and today 17% of used tires are sent to landfills. While that may not sound like a lot — and shows an improvement compared to previous decades — 17% year after year adds up.

To create a more sustainable business solution helping tire retailers, communities and the environment, ATD has built a recycling initiative that uses a holistic approach — picking up retailers’ scrap tires while delivering new tires.

Partnering to increase tire recycling

Finding the right recycling partners is integral to the company’s recycling initiative. These recyclers need to be able to identify end-of-life uses that create material re-use. Scrap tires picked up by ATD are not allowed to re-enter the market as used tires. By sending scrap tires to the right end-use, ATD and their partners can create net positive outcomes.

Last year, the company launched its tire recycling program at two of its distribution centers (DCs). Today, Tire Recycling is live in 42 DCs and is serving more than 40 customers out of almost 100 locations. This tire distributor has made it easy for retailers to participate in this recycling program. Participating retailers no longer have excess scrap tires piled up. ATD’s tire collection system allows drivers to collect scrap tires along their route, segregate old and new tires in the delivery trucks and return to the DCs with a full load for recycling on the back leg of their route.

Tire recycling for a better tomorrow

ATD has launched its tire recycling program in more than 20 markets and is adding more every month. During the first nine months, ATD’s tire recycling has resulted in moving more than 65,000 scrap tires.

ATD tracks greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across operations utilizing their specialized emissions platform. With this platform, ATD measures its reductions as the company works toward a 25% reduction in GHG within operations. Through the ATD Tire Recycling program, ATD has made it possible to avoid approximately 640 MT of CO2e in GHG emissions.

This recycling plan has the potential to increase vehicle safety by getting used tires off the road, increasing tire circularity by supplying raw materials for new tires and, most importantly, getting scrap tires to the right place as efficiently as possible.

To learn more about ATD, visit www.atd.com.

2023-04-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – This spring it is estimated that approximately 6.7 million children could begin losing access to dental care, according to the Georgetown Center for Children and Families. Some of those children may lose coverage despite their families still meeting eligibility criteria for the program. With the end of the continuous enrollment provision and Medicaid beginning to disenroll members in certain states, it’s important for parents and caregivers to act now to ensure they still have coverage for their family.

As the leading authority on children’s oral health, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), together with the AAPD Foundation, is committed to making dental care accessible to all children and ensuring families have the right resources and information to prepare them for the upcoming changes in Medicaid this spring.

“Dedicated to advancing optimal oral health for all children, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry wants to help families minimize any gaps or loss in dental or health coverage,” said Dr. Amr Moursi, president of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. “If families or patients are in jeopardy of losing coverage, we are here to raise awareness of additional options, including with your employer or from the marketplace. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pediatric dentist for help and guidance around the dynamics of Medicaid.”

If you are unsure where your coverage stands or want to curtail potential coverage interruption or loss, consider the following:

1. Update your address and phone number and check your mail: States will be reaching out via mail, phone and text over the coming weeks and months for updated eligibility information, so be sure they know how to reach you.
2. Complete renewal forms: If a renewal form is received, complete the form as soon as possible and return to your state Medicaid agency to prevent a loss or gap in coverage.
3. Schedule regular dentist visits: Make sure your family is connected to dental care and visiting the dentist regularly.
4. Maintain good oral health: Adopting good oral health habits early, such as brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing as soon as two teeth touch will set children up for a lifetime of healthy habits.

To find out if your coverage is impacted, go to Medicaid.gov/renewals. For more information about children’s oral health or to find a pediatric dentist in your area, visit mychildrensteeth.org.

2023-04-06T14:01:00

(BPT) – Warm weather and blue skies are almost here, which means it’s time to put aside your winter habits and refresh your spring routine! To help you and your family refresh your routine, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares the following four tips to help you welcome the new season on the right foot.

1. Add color to your home

Brightening your home is a fun and easy way to make your space feel refreshed, while also boosting your mood. Colors can affect emotions, and bright colors in particular can help you to feel happy and energized. According to Better Homes and Gardens, bright, warm colors like orange, coral, pink and yellow can make your communal areas like kitchens, entryways and living rooms feel cheerful.

You don’t need to repaint your home to add color to its rooms. Try bringing in fresh flowers, colorful pillows and blankets to brighten up your space and reap the rewards!

2. Get a workout while running errands

It can be difficult to fit a workout into your routine when you’re busy running errands and prepping for the new season. However, you can tackle these activities together by doing both simultaneously! If you live in an apartment on an upper level, skip the elevator and take the stairs with your shopping bags for a quick strength workout. If you happen to live near stores that you frequent, try riding your bike or walk to and from with your purchases.

3. Add citrus to your cleaning routine

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are great for cleaning your home while also getting you into a spring mindset. A solution of lemon and vinegar can degrease your stovetop, or act as an all-purpose spray cleaner. Lemon and coarse salt can also scrub tough, stuck-on food off dishes. Since lemon and lime are also natural bleaching agents, you can use them to clean laundry stains. Plus, the smell of citrus can lift your mood!

4. Meal prep

Although mornings can be hectic, it’s important for kids to eat a balanced breakfast to ensure they kick their day off with plenty of energy! Meal prepping is a great way to make sure your family is getting the nutrition they need, while also helping you to take on the week’s meals with ease. Blatner suggests incorporating Eggland’s Best eggs into your meal prep, which have 10 times more Vitamin E and more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs to provide a natural energy boost and support a healthy immune system.

Try these Breakfast Egg Boxes from Eggland’s Best, a quick and easy way to give your family a nutrient boost in the morning that will vitalize them for the day ahead!

Breakfast Egg Boxes
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Yield: 5 boxes

Ingredients

• 5 Eggland’s Best large eggs
• 5 whole grain English muffin halves, toasted
• 2 1/2 cups grapes
• 5 ounces cheese, cut into cubes

Directions

1. Add Eggland’s Best eggs to a pot of water and bring to boil.

2. Reduce heat, simmer for 10 minutes and remove eggs.

3. Put eggs into a bowl of ice-cold water for 2 minutes. Peel and cut each in half.

4. Evenly split all the ingredients between 5 containers.

5. Cover containers and store in fridge for up to 5 days.

Revamp your routine and win big!

Eggland’s Best has teamed up with the YMCA to encourage families to improve their overall nutrition and wellness routine. From now until May 5, enter the “Recipe for a Healthy Family” sweepstakes daily for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000, a $250 grocery store gift card and more! For Official Rules and how to enter, visit EBFamilySweeps.com.

2023-04-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – With winter finally behind us, it’s time to greet spring. The sun is out longer, the weather isn’t throwing punches and nowadays schedules are packed with work, household chores and family activities. While it’s good to be busy, it can be difficult to plan quality time with others. When it comes to nourishing connectivity with a romantic partner, children, grandkids, or friends, consider setting aside a pre-designated day during the week, like Thursday, to show just how much you care for and appreciate the people in your life.

A regular “ThursDate” can help fill up your cup and be something to look forward to. And, it’s a fun kickstart to the weekend. Planning doesn’t have to be over the top or expensive. In fact, if you’re an AARP member, there are many discounts and benefits available that can help you plan a memorable ThursDate. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Brighten Spirits with Flowers, Chocolates and Gift Baskets

Sometimes it can be difficult to express how much someone means to us with words, so say it with flowers or another gift from FTD. Choose a beautiful bouquet of their popular blooms — from roses, lilies, sunflowers and more — or an additional gift option from chocolates and sweets, fruit and gift baskets, or a charcuterie platter, as an easy way to tell someone you’re thinking about them. If you’re hosting a gathering, a pop of color from a floral arrangement or chocolates for dessert can help make planning a cinch. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide on flowers and 30% on select items with promo code AARP30 and with same-day delivery available by local florists.

2. Fuel the Start of Your Day with Company

A date doesn’t always have to be in the evening. Shake up your routine by going out for a breakfast date. Good conversation and a warm cup of coffee pairs well with a warm buttery pancake from a place like Denny’s and AARP members can enjoy these delicious treats and automatically save 15% off dine-in and pickup orders*. Or if you’re on the go, meet up to grab a smoothie, juice, or bowl from Jamba, where members can save 10% on in-store, in-app and online orders at all participating locations when they link their AARP membership to their Jamba Rewards account.

3. When a ThursDate Turns Into a Getaway

For a ThursDate to remember, extend the outing into a night or weekend away. For a road trip getaway, consider renting a car from Budget to save miles on your personal vehicle, and taking a new ride out for a spin to make it even more exciting. AARP members save up to 30% off base rates and receive a 3% credit to apply to rentals within 12 months. Plus, you get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings (based on availability), an additional driver at no cost and more. Driving one-way from the Southeast to Northeast? For a limited time, enjoy great deals on daily and weekly rates!

Another fun part of taking an adventurous ThursDate is picking where to stay. North, south, east or west, AARP members can take advantage of savings up to 10% off the best available rate at any of Hilton’s 19 world-class brands including Hampton by Hilton. Members can also choose from more than 1,400 Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations, where you can save 10% off the best available rate and receive a late check-out of 2 p.m., when available, so you can enjoy a spontaneous trip with your loved one without breaking the bank.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your ThursDate, please visit aarp.org/save.

*Offer does not apply to Dennys.com or in-app purchases.

2023-04-05T09:01:00

(BPT) –

Summer fun is right around the corner, and boating is the perfect addition to your bucket list. No boat? No problem. There are plenty of ways to get on the water and enjoy the unique adventures only boating provides, in addition to its many wellness benefits. Studies show being on the water boosts creativity, happiness, relaxation and mental health.

“Americans today prioritize experiences, work-life balance and outdoor recreation. There’s no better way to do that than spending time on the water with loved ones,” said Ellen Bradley, Discover Boating Senior Vice President. “Boating delivers fun, freedom and relaxation in a special way you can’t get on land — and we’re seeing more people giving it a try than ever before as they learn about the proven benefits of time on the water.”

Whether you’re into fishing, watersports, riding personal watercraft, sailing or simply cruising around the open waters, boating offers something for everyone, and it’s more accessible than you may think. Boaters come from all walks of life, backgrounds and areas of the country, with an estimated 100 million Americans going boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

Discover Boating, the leading resource for all things boating, helps people find easy ways to get on the water and provides tools and articles to get started. Check out these tips to start planning your next on-water adventure and make the memories of a lifetime this summer.

Rent or share a boat.

Rental options are available on most waterways and provide hourly, daily or weekly access to a variety of boat types. Rental outfitters should provide tutorials on operating a boat, share safety instructions and offer suggestions on destinations. Another option is peer-to-peer boat sharing, which allows you to rent boats near you directly through the boat owners and offers the choice to hire a captain.

Join a boat club.

Boat clubs offer access to a variety of boats. You’ll pay a monthly fee and be able to book your time on the water online. Most boat clubs take care of docking, cleaning, maintenance and boat training courses.

Take a class.

Take the helm and become a confident boater. Sign up for a boating lesson to hone your powerboating, sailing or watersports skills by mastering the basics while having fun along the way. On-water training courses, watersports camps, youth boating programs and more are offered across the U.S.

Find your dream boat.

Chart your own course to boat ownership by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you’ll find resources such as the boat finder and loan calculator to help you find a boat that fits your budget, lifestyle and interests.

Visit Discover Boating’s Go Boating Today tool to find out how you can secure your boating vacation on-demand this summer. Use the social media hashtag #SeeYouOutHere to share your boating moments.

2023-04-05T08:03:00

(BPT) – Did you know that by 2030, 50% of U.S. vehicle sales are projected to be EVs?

The EV revolution is well underway, and it’s bringing with it enhanced performance, increased efficiency, and according to a newly released Michelin survey, questions for many Americans about how the transition will affect daily life.

2023-04-04T05:01:00

(BPT) – Vacations are about making memories that last a lifetime. And, there is no better place than an Arkansas State Park to experience a variety of adventures that you will never forget. For 100 years, Arkansas State Parks have provided an oasis from the hectic pace of everyday life and have given millions of visitors an opportunity to hit the reset button. If you want the adventure of a lifetime, it’s waiting for you in an Arkansas State Park. If you desire the serenity of the silence in nature, you’ll find it in an Arkansas State Park. And, believe it or not, you can make a fortune — literally — in a one-of-a-kind Arkansas State Park. In Arkansas, adventure can be found on dry land or in the water.

Arkansas’s Monument Trails are a collection of world-class mountain biking routes within four Arkansas State Parks — Mount Nebo State Park, Hobbs State Park, Pinnacle Mountain State Park and Devil’s Den State Park. The shared-use trails, which were professionally crafted by the world’s best trail builders, showcase Arkansas’s natural beauty and are woven into the beautiful landscape. No matter your skill level, the Monument Trails will offer a meaningful and lasting experience in nature.

Even the world’s most experienced mountain bikers are discovering Arkansas. In May, the Big Mountain Enduro Series will kick off its lineup of races at Mount Nebo, making it the only such race to occur outside of the Rocky Mountain Range.

You can also challenge your intestinal fortitude by tackling a 2,753-foot rock climb on the south bluff of Arkansas’s highest mountain, Mount Magazine at Mount Magazine State Park. In central Arkansas, you can test your climbing skills just a few minutes from downtown Little Rock at Pinnacle Mountain State Park.

If you would rather find your adventure on the water, there is plenty of adrenaline-pumping white water rafting in Arkansas. Try Cossatot River State Park and the Class IV rapids of Cossatot Falls. If a leisurely float down the river is more your speed, then you can do that at Cossatot, too.

There are few activities more serene and calming than a hike along the 300 miles of trails in Arkansas State Parks. There is no better way to see The Natural State. Petit Jean Mountain State Park offers trails that are rather easy and others that are strenuous. Most everyone can navigate the Cedar Falls Trail, and it is definitely worth the effort because the trail’s end is the stunning 95-foot Cedar Falls Waterfall, which begins behind the breezeway at the park’s historic Mather Lodge.

And, finally, we aren’t kidding about making your fortune at an Arkansas State Park — specifically Crater of Diamonds State Park in south Arkansas. There is no other park anywhere in the world like Crater of Diamonds State Park. Visitors can get their hands dirty and dig for diamonds in what is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. Diamonds of all shapes, sizes, and colors are found here. And, what you find, you keep.

In 2015, a visitor from Colorado paid her $8 entry fee to the park and walked out with an 8.52 carat white diamond, which became known as the famous Esperanza Diamond.

More recently, in March of this year, a regular Arkansas diamond hunter discovered a 3.29 carat brown diamond. Already in 2023, 124 diamonds have been registered at the park. That could happen to you, too.

Since the first diamonds were discovered in 1906 by a farmer who owned the land at the time, more than 75,000 diamonds have been unearthed at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

The adventure of a lifetime awaits you and your family in Arkansas. Plan your vacation today at arkansas.com or arkansasstateparks.com.

2023-04-04T11:21:00

(BPT) – April is Financial Literacy Month, and it’s an opportunity for people to take a closer look at their finances and be smart about their money. These days, it’s difficult to save money — whether it’s an appliance breakdown, car repair or other unexpected bill, sometimes you just need to borrow a little cash. When you need to find a little financial help, it may seem like plenty of options are out there for borrowing money. But the problem is, borrowing even a little can cost you. A lot. Even if you need just a small loan — but you don’t have much of a credit history (or none at all) — you may find yourself owing a lot more than you can afford, causing bigger problems down the road. If you don’t have a solid credit history, you may find yourself in deeper financial trouble just from borrowing as little as $500.

“Unfortunately, just when you really need a loan, you can end up owing a lot more than you can afford,” said Matt Jenkins, chief operations officer, Oportun. Oportun’s customers, the majority of whom live in low- and moderate-income communities, are hardworking individuals who have limited savings. Approximately half of Oportun’s new loan customers did not have a FICO credit score when they first came to Oportun. “Understanding how much you’re expected to repay for any loan, and when, is crucial, so you don’t end up in a deeper financial hole.”

This is especially true with unsecured loans such as payday loans or online-only installment loans, as well as short-term secured loans such as auto title loans. While you may have needed to borrow just a small amount, after adding interest and fees, you could ultimately end up paying back many times more than the original amount you borrowed.

Unsecured versus secured personal loans

Personal loans fall into two categories: secured or unsecured. Secured loans require you to offer up an asset as collateral, while unsecured loans do not. Secured loans can give you access to larger loan amounts, especially if you don’t have as much credit history to qualify for an unsecured loan. However, being unable to pay back your secured loan could result in losing access to the property you put up as collateral — such as your vehicle — which creates even more challenges, especially if you need your vehicle to get to work.

Unsecured loans place a greater risk on the lender, since the borrower does not provide collateral. To account for that risk, lenders may offer unsecured personal loans in smaller amounts, charge higher annual percentage rates (APRs) and/or require the borrower to have a much higher credit score to qualify. These requirements can create barriers to accessing or building credit for anyone who is financially struggling.

How much borrowing can cost you

To find out how much these products can really set you back, a 2022 analysis by the Financial Health Network, “The True Cost of a Loan,” compares six financial products — payday loans, online-only payday loans, rent-to-own, installment loans, online-only installment loans and single-pay auto title loans — to unsecured installment loans from Oportun to estimate the total cost of these products to typical borrowers.

The study showed that even short-term, small-amount loans can end up being very expensive to borrowers in the long term, especially when compared to loans from Oportun. Across three loan amounts, alternative products could cost eight times more on average than an Oportun loan of an equal amount:

• For a $500 loan, alternative products could cost ten times more on average than an Oportun loan.
• For a $1,500 loan, alternative products could cost six times more on average than an Oportun loan.
• For a $3,000 loan, alternative products could cost four times more on average than an Oportun loan.

Overall, Oportun loans can be significantly less costly than alternative products, as they often have lower rates and more affordable terms than many other choices on the market.

To learn more about your options to borrow money when you need it, as well as financial resources, information and tips to help you build a better credit history, visit Oportun.com.

2023-04-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – Most people know that fruits and vegetables are key to a healthy diet, but they may not know exactly how many, and the amounts, they should be eating daily. Some may believe they are on the right track but are surprised to learn they are underestimating the amount needed to meet nutrition recommendations.

A survey conducted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) confirms that Americans are largely underestimating how many fruits and vegetables they need to eat on a daily basis. Consumers surveyed estimate the daily number of recommended servings to be 3-4 servings a day, short of the actual recommended 5 servings per day defined by the World Health Organization. For consumers to work toward achieving a healthier lifestyle, accurate nutrition information must be available and accessible.

According to experts at IFPA’s Foundation for Fresh Produce’s fruitsandveggies.org, widespread misinformation and disinformation online and during the shopping experience contributes to Americans’ confusion over what, and how much, they are supposed to eat. Products across the marketplace can be marketed to make food and beverages appear more healthful than they are by depicting images of fruits and vegetables despite containing no or minimal amounts of them.

“Consumers constantly face an overwhelming amount of information online and in stores, whether the information is correct or not,” said Emily Holdorf, a registered dietitian at The Foundation. “When people hear conflicting messages of ‘eat this’ and ‘don’t eat that,’ they become understandably frustrated. By instead sharing a more inclusive approach to eating nutritious foods, consumers will feel empowered to choose fruits and vegetables at more meals and snacks throughout the day.”

To this end, IFPA and the Foundation are galvanizing the fresh produce industry and influential nutrition educators to help eliminate all barriers to consumption, including tackling misinformation.

“We are dedicated to finding solutions that make accurate nutrition recommendations easily accessible no matter what zip code an American resides in,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “We are exploring initiatives like providing dietary guidelines to shoppers in the store and asking the government to crack down on deceptive nutrition labeling. These are places where we can make a real impact on how consumers think about their own nutrition and ultimately achieve a positive change at kitchen tables across America.”

According to WHO, eating the recommended intake of fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet improves overall health and reduces risk of certain diseases including cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.

Many fruits and vegetables are plentiful in soluble fiber, which can lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation.

Even the colors of fruits and vegetables play a key role in health. The variety of colors within produce are known as “phytochemicals” that have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes.

“Diet-related diseases including heart disease, diabetes and hypertension add $1.4 trillion to the nation’s debt to treat annually, yet even with more than a trillion dollars going toward treatment, these diseases are still among the leading causes of death in the U.S.,” said Burns. “Fortunately, each of these can be prevented by having a healthier diet.”

Here are three tips for getting started:

1. Start small – Don’t bite off more than you can chew with an extremely aspirational goal. Stir fruit into cereal or yogurt, add bagged salad to pizza night, top sandwiches with extra veggies, throw greens into your favorite pasta dish. Small wins build momentum and positive habits.
2. Make it easy – Cut and prep fruits and vegetables up right away so they are quick to grab. Keep all forms of produce on hand for low- and no-cook ways to add fruits and vegetables to the meals and snacks you already have planned. The easier it is, the more likely it will get eaten.
3. Focus on the flavor – When something makes you feel good, you want to do it again. When something tastes good, you want to eat it again. Utilize dips, herbs, spices and juices to add flavor and enjoyment to fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring!

“There are countless eating occasions that occur throughout our days, weeks, months. Asking, ‘What fruit or veggie can I add to this?’ is a great first step to adding more, one bite at a time,” said Holdorf.

2023-04-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – If it’s one thing Americans love, it’s sports. Nothing can bring family and friends together quite like watching your favorite team go for the goal. Whether you’re bonding over watching your favorite hockey team win the tournament, playing catch in the backyard or cheering on your child at peewee soccer, you’re building unforgettable moments together that will last a lifetime.

One way to create these memories is to plan family sports days. Head out and support your local sports teams of all levels — professional, semi-pro and collegiate — or cheer on your friends and family as they shine on the field. Doing so will help you spend quality time with your loved ones, create traditions and make touchstone moments you’ll look back on fondly years from now.

Like the pros, you’ll need a game plan to make the most of your family sports day. Make sure you follow these five tips to take your upcoming sports excursion to the next level.

1. Do your research

If you’re traveling to a sporting event, see what else is in the area to make the most of the day. Is there a sports museum you can visit as you wait for an afternoon or evening game? Do you want to find a restaurant so you can enjoy a delicious dinner before you head to the stadium or after the game? Do your research to properly plan your day so you can have fun before and after the main sporting event and make the most of your time together.

2. Stock up on snacks and beverages

No sports day would be complete without treats and drinks. Think about what nuts and fruits you’ll want to munch on during the game. Also, think about what sports drinks or waters you want to take.

Don’t forget to bring a fun treat for the family! A classic snack like a CRUNCH Bar adds more fun and playfulness to your sport outing experiences and memories. This MVP of snacks is the perfectly balanced combination of 100% milk chocolate and crispy rice that makes an audible, satisfying crunch that will have you jumping for joy as your team scores another home run.

3. Pick up the fan gear

Just like the pros, you can’t go to the big game without the proper gear. In addition to wearing team jerseys, you’ll want to bring along a few additional necessities to thoroughly enjoy the sporting event.

For a sunny sports day, make sure you have sunscreen, a hat or visor, a water bottle and a handheld fan to keep you and your family cool and comfortable through the game. If you’re attending an indoor sporting event or a match during the cooler months, don’t leave without a jacket, mittens or beanie to stay warm in the stands as you watch your favorite player score the winning goal.

Most importantly, ensure your phone is fully charged or bring a digital camera to capture your family’s smiling faces throughout the game.

4. Arrive early

While you could get to the stadium just as the game starts, it’s smart to plan to arrive early. If you’re driving to the event, decide if you’ll park at the stadium, use public transport, or park nearby and walk. Get there early to find a parking space and avoid a last-minute rush that could make you late for the game.

Getting to the sports event early also allows your family to find your seats and settle in before the game. Take this time to go to the bathroom, check out the concession stand and get any gifts or memorabilia to commemorate the day.

5. Have fun and make memories

Between the packing, planning and travel, don’t forget to have fun! Get excited, practice chants on your drive over, and focus on being present for every moment. This may be just another sporting event, but these moments make memories you and your kids will remember long after the final buzzer sounds.

Following these helpful tips will make your next family sports day a guaranteed home run!

Are you looking for another way to upgrade your next family sports day? Enter CRUNCH’s Make MVP Memories Sweepstakes. You could have the chance to win the ultimate sports experience with a trip to the Championship game of your choice. To enter, grab any CRUNCH product at select retailers for your chance to win thousands of dollars in instant win prizes. To learn more, visit MakeMVPMemories.com.