Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2023-03-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – Living with a chronic and incurable disease like ulcerative colitis (UC) can be difficult. According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), this inflammatory bowel disease can cause chronic diarrhea with blood and mucus, abdominal pain and cramping, and weight loss. While managing UC symptoms can be challenging at any time, a new global survey reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic made it even more difficult.

The survey, Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on UC Patients, was fielded in 2021 in five countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, France and Finland, and asked over 500 people diagnosed with UC, confirmed by endoscopy, to evaluate their experiences before, during, and after the pandemic. The survey found that the pandemic made it harder for some individuals living with UC to manage their disease. However, the survey also suggests that the public health crisis may have prompted some people living with UC to adopt new ways to take control of their health.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a challenging time for people living with UC,” said Allyson S., who has lived with UC for more than 25 years. “But it appears that for some people, there may have been a silver lining to the COVID-19 pandemic as it provided them with an opportunity to focus on personal needs and managing their disease.”

Virtual appointments and care

The survey found that while access to healthcare was impacted, virtual appointments provided a way for patients to stay connected with their healthcare providers during national lockdowns and social distancing. Of survey participants, 55% opted for virtual appointments with their doctor, compared to 13% who used virtual appointments pre-pandemic. Eighty-one percent were satisfied with the care they received virtually, and 32% of respondents said they would continue to use virtual care in the future — almost double the number of people who reported using it before the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, survey respondents did report a preference for when they would use virtual care, noting that in-person appointments were preferred when meeting a new doctor (68%), experiencing a flare (55%), or for UC prescription refills (21%).

“We need to be more dynamic in the future when it comes to appointments and work more in a hybrid mode. There should be more space for individuals to choose if they want to have a virtual or clinic visit, as we saw from the survey that whether patients prefer meeting in-person or virtually can depend on the goal of the appointment,” said Remo Panaccione, gastroenterologist.

Adapting to lockdowns and restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic forced many people out of their comfort zone. For those living with UC, lockdowns and restrictions may have had both positive and negative impacts on the management of their UC.

A quarter of participants reported experiencing more flares during the pandemic than in 2019, and 43% said the pandemic added anxiety and stress, making controlling symptoms more difficult.

COVID-19 may have also relieved some pressures related to dealing with the symptoms of UC at work and in social situations. Some respondents agreed that fewer social outings (37%), working remotely from home (29%), and overall having less busy schedules (28%) helped them better manage their disease.

Alternative methods for managing UC

The survey suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have prompted some survey respondents to find new ways to manage their UC via online and digital resources.

Before the pandemic, only 19% of respondents sought and relied on information and support from patient organizations, a number that increased to 27% during the pandemic. Additionally, survey respondents reported using symptom-tracking apps more during the pandemic versus before (31% vs 23%) and said that they planned to use them after the lockdown (29%).

“The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted so many people’s lives, and for some of those living with a chronic illness like UC, it was even more disruptive. The results of this global survey offer a window into how the UC community adapted to this type of disruption, what unmet needs persist — and possibly what patients and HCPs may do differently for the next pandemic,” said Allyson S.

To learn more about UC symptoms and for resources to help talk to your doctor, visit TalkingUC.com.

2023-03-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather warms, the desire to go fishing is undeniable. And if you love fishing, there’s only one thing more enjoyable than catching a big fish — watching a kid catch a fish.

This fishing season, the folks at Rapala fishing lures encourage adults to take a kid fishing. Why? Because kids represent the future of fishing. According to the American Sportfishing Association, kids who are introduced to fishing at an early age by a trusted adult are more likely to fish as an adult.

Here are 15 quick tips from the folks at Rapala on how you can introduce a kid to fishing this year:

1. Get them on good bites – The number one thing you can do to hook a kid on fishing, says legendary angler Al Lindner, is to get lots of bites for your child. “Taking kids fishing between the ages of 8 and 12 years old is a critical time. Try to get them on good bites. Their attention span is short. You will quickly know if fishing will be a part of their life in the future. They are either going to like it or not. But they have to get bites. I can’t say how important that is. You gotta get ‘em on a bite.”
2. Start them on bluegills and sunnies – The easiest bites tend to be panfish — bluegills, sunfish and bream. As your kids watch you catch bass, walleye and other gamefish, they’ll want new challenges. Keep a panfish pliers handy to remove hooks from small panfish.
3. A small fish can be a monster fish! – To a child, a small sunny can be a trophy. Don’t downplay a small fish. Every fish caught is a huge accomplishment.
4. Keep it simple – Start your kid fishing with a single hook. They’re much easier to remove from fish. It could be a hook and a bobber or a single hook soft bait, such as the Storm 360GT Searchbait. As your kids get more experience, let them graduate to a lure such as an Original Floating Rapala.
5. Bring the snacks – Whatever your kids like for snacks, such as chips, cookies or fruit chewies, bring them! You’re sure to work up an appetite catching all those fish. And don’t forget the wipes for sticky, slimy little hands.
6. Keep it short – With younger kids, especially, avoid overdoing it. Start out with short trips — a couple hours at most, and if the fish just don’t seem to be cooperating, cut it short and go have an ice cream cone. Gradually increase your time out on the water and trying different types of fishing approaches, such as fishing with soft baits or trolling with crankbaits.
7. Create traditions – One of the best things about fishing with a kid is creating little traditions to which they can look forward in the future. For example, stopping for a donut on the way to the lake, or giving fish pins whenever your kid catches a new species.
8. Bring a friend – If your child has a good friend, invite them along on the fun, too. That kid may turn into a lifetime fishing buddy for your kid.
9. Take pictures – Don’t limit yourself to just fish photos! Take photos of the entire experience — stopping for donuts on the way to the water, eating snacks, collecting rocks or seashells, feeding the ducks. Turn your photos into a photo book or create a slide show with music that the kids can watch later. When fish are caught make sure the most important people in your kid’s life see their fish photos.
10. Watch the weather – Sometimes the weather doesn’t always cooperate. You may think the fishing is best on an overcast, windy day, but that may not be the case for kids. Instead, watch the weather and choose a warm, clear day and get out early when the fish are most likely to bite.
11. Bring a life jacket – It only takes a second and you may find a kid in the water. When on a boat, kids should always wear a life jacket that fits properly (in many states, it’s the law). Use caution when fishing from docks, piers and shorelines, too.
12. Avoid sunburn – Make sure your kid is wearing a comfortable fishing cap and together, apply your sunscreen to ears, noses and other exposed skin.
13. Handle fish gently – Fish are slimy, prickly and wiggly. With young kids, adults should handle fish at first and let kids gently “pet” them before they’re released. As they become more experienced, show kids how to carefully land, hold and release their catches.
14. Fish with topwater – Watching a fish explode on the surface for a lure gives young anglers an exciting visual that will keep them coming back for more. An X-Rap Pop or Skitter Pop are amazing baits to throw from shore or the dock for heart-stopping topwater action.
15. Keep a few – If your kids want to try eating fish, keep a few fish and cook them up. Don’t make an entire meal out of it though, as eating fish is an acquired taste. Use a trusty batter recipe and serve with French fries.

2023-03-08T09:01:00

(BPT) – The future of the trucking industry — especially small-business trucking — is at a crossroads. Just as the industry starts to look beyond the turbulence of the pandemic, fuel prices grow as a potential recession looms. Thankfully, truckers are resilient and they overcome challenges every day to keep the world moving. Now they’re also getting a leg up from technology to help offset rising costs.

Trucking and the economy

Truckers have a difficult, yet essential job. The economy is dependent on a strong transportation system and every trucking business — from massive fleets to independent drivers — makes a difference.

Trucks move roughly 72.2% of the nation’s freight by weight, according to the American Trucking Association. Trucking supports the economy and employment in a big way, with 7.99 million people (according to 2021 data) in jobs that relate to trucking activity, excluding the self-employed. Of those, there are an estimated 3.49 million truck drivers.

From 2020 to 2030, truck drivers are expected to see a job growth rate of 6%, according to Zippia reporting. This growth rate means there will be approximately 231,000 truck-driving jobs available each year. As trucking organizations clamor to attract and retain drivers, one challenge is impacting small-business trucking companies in particular: payroll.

Payroll challenges

Trucking logistics are complex. Running a successful business requires a lot of planning to move freight where it needs to go and when. On top of that, there’s the important human element to trucking. People need to track their time, report their hours, get paid and receive proper year-end tax documentation.

Large organizations have finance and HR departments to handle payroll and other related processes, but for smaller businesses, it often falls on the shoulders of someone who wears many different hats. Payroll in itself can be time-consuming and complex, especially for people who may be drivers themselves.

As small-business owners navigate the path forward, the demand for efficient technologies that cut costs and save time has never been greater. This is especially important for payroll, since getting employees paid correctly and quickly is essential to attracting and retaining talent. Innovations like chat-based technologies now allow small-business owners to get payroll tasks done, without having to slow down or be tied to a desk.

One company striving to achieve this and much more with innovative solutions is ADP. They recently developed a payroll app called Roll. Backed by longstanding payroll expertise and data security, Roll by ADP offers small-business owners the ability to run payroll anywhere, anytime, quickly and compliantly — with no training or previous payroll experience needed.

How does it work? Robert Masiero, vice president of innovation at ADP, explains:

“Through an artificial intelligence-backed conversational interface, busy entrepreneurs can effortlessly complete payroll in less than a minute on their device by simply chatting, ‘Run my payroll.’ The do-it-yourself app guides users through the process, letting them know what to do and when, while eliminating time-consuming tasks,” he said.

The result is payroll without friction: zero time spent in training, less than a minute doing payroll, reminders that keep business owners up-to-date, and the ability for them to do their payroll on any device, wherever they are, which is particularly important to small-business trucking owners who may themselves need to be on the road.

Masiero shared some of Roll’s most popular features:

Pay by Mile – Pay for the miles your truckers have driven with one of the most popular pay types in the trucking industry.

Ultra-Fast Direct Deposit – Get your drivers paid fast with next-day direct deposit. Need it even faster? Roll has same-day payment options, too.

Unlimited Payroll & Tax Filing – Pay any type of employee (full-time, part-time, W-2 and 1099 contractors) in all 50 states. Payroll taxes are automatically calculated, withheld and filed, too.

Employee Self-Service – Employees anywhere in the country can access and manage their pay info anytime by logging into their own version of the app, which is free for them to use.

“While trucking has been an essential part of the U.S. economy since the dawn of the automobile, modern technology is changing the industry like never before. For small-business trucking owners, apps like Roll by ADP are a game-changer, helping save time and lower costs. This ultimately benefits everyone,” said Masiero.

2023-03-08T08:31:00

(BPT) – In the U.S., diverse entrepreneurs launch new businesses at a faster pace than any other group, serving as an important source of jobs and opportunity in their communities. Every year, minority-owned employer firms generate $1.48 trillion for the U.S. economy. They’re also responsible for 9.43 million jobs, according to the Minority Business Development Agency.

Despite the positive contributions they provide, diverse-owned business ventures often struggle to survive and grow in part because they can’t easily access the necessary bank loans and other funding.

When seeking credit, non-diverse businesses receive all the money they request about 35% of the time. That success rate is roughly double what Asian small businesses (15%), Black-owned businesses (16%) and Hispanic-owned companies (19%) experience, according to the Federal Reserve’s Small Business Credit Survey.

It’s a threat to the larger economy. If diverse businesses can’t access working capital, it could stifle an important source of jobs, innovation and growth and delay wealth creation for diverse businesses.

The roots of the problem

Why is this happening?

First, there is the nation’s racial wealth gap. In 2019, white Americans had average per capita wealth of $383,093 compared with $60,126 for Black Americans, the Minneapolis Fed reported. When Black entrepreneurs open businesses of their own, they have fewer financial resources to draw on.

Many diverse businesses also find themselves held back by the outdated nature of business lending. Some banks simply won’t lend to younger companies unless they can pass strict guidelines, effectively making it impossible for small, newer businesses to qualify.

Unable to access capital through a business loan, diverse entrepreneurs try other, less affordable options like merchant cash advances or small business loans — often at predatory rates.

Other options for funding diverse businesses

Fortunately, there are other, more inclusive options. For example, C2FO — the world’s largest online platform for working capital — allows suppliers to receive early payment on approved invoices in exchange for giving a small discount to their customer. Some large enterprises have created special programs on the C2FO platform where they agree to pay diverse suppliers at a preferential rate.

Last year, C2FO’s platform delivered over $4.7 billion in payments to diverse-owned companies — without mounds of paperwork or any qualification requirements outside of being in the C2FO network.

C2FO and the Schultz Family Foundation, which was created by Sheri Schultz and Starbucks cofounder and current CEO Howard Schultz, are partnering to unlock $100 million in loans for small and diverse businesses. The joint initiative aims to accelerate the growth of emerging, high-potential businesses to encourage job creation, support the building of wealth in historically marginalized communities and fuel a more inclusive economy.

Unlike traditional bank loans that focus on limiting risk, loans given to qualified businesses under this partnership are based on sales growth and the company’s trajectory, not traditional hard requirements like substantial profit and multiple years in business. Interested businesses can learn more at http://explore.c2fo.com/diversebusinesscapital. This new approach to lending will open doors to many businesses that have been left behind by the established banking system.

2023-03-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Have you suffered from a UTI recently? Maybe you’ve had several in the last year? Urinary tract infections are common, especially in women, though anyone can suffer from one (or many). One of the reasons for persistent or recurring UTIs — infections that last a long time or become more frequent — is rising antibiotic resistance in UTI-causing organisms. New testing is helping combat this problem by providing personalized treatments while reducing the use of medication given without test results, which may not be effective against the bacteria or yeast causing the infection.

Urinary tract infections

A UTI is the most common infection in the U.S. for women, according to the Mayo Clinic, often presenting symptoms like a strong, frequent urge to urinate; a burning sensation when going to the bathroom; and cloudy, discolored urine. About 40% of women will have at least one UTI in their lifetimes, and 1 in 10 postmenopausal women had a UTI in the last year. Multiple infections are common as well, with about half getting a second infection within a year.

“Some people believe that urinary tract infection symptoms all require antibiotics to make it go away. However, testing for UTIs is important to clearly identify the bacteria or the yeast that is the root cause of the infection so it can be treated accurately and quickly to reduce the suffering and to prevent complications,” said Dr. Dicken S. C. Ko, board-certified urologist, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC), and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

In cases suspected of having a UTI, a standard urine culture and antibiotic sensitivity test is commonly ordered to identify the antibiotic most likely to kill those bacteria, according to Cleveland Clinic. The problem is this test can identify common bacteria but misses many other organisms that are known to cause UTIs. Additionally, if multiple bacteria or yeast are present — which can occur up to 52% of the time — the test may not be able to identify the individual organisms causing infection.

Antibiotic resistance

Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and yeast develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Antibiotic resistance is impacted by continued overuse of antibiotic prescriptions, essentially rendering them ineffective in treating bacterial infections like UTIs. Additionally, different bacteria within an infection can interact with each other and alter antibiotic resistance. Ignoring bacterial interactions may lead to less effective treatments.

“Because of this resistance, accurate and timely testing is extremely important for treatment of infections like UTIs. That’s the challenge for a long time and with new technologies, we now have new tools to potentially help with the future of diagnosing UTIs. At the same time, we can possibly reduce the overtreatment of symptoms with unnecessary antibiotics that leads to the development of antibiotic-resistant super-bugs,” said Ko. “If you think you have a UTI — especially if you’ve had infections in the last year or a previous treatment that didn’t work — ask your doctor about advanced testing like Guidance^® UTI.”

Advanced testing

Guidance^® UTI provides personalized results so that health care providers have more information when choosing which treatment would be best for the individual patient. Results are fast — in less than one day at the lab while a typical urine culture can take 3-5 days. Guidance UTI is also shown to detect UTI-causing bacteria in 43% more cases than standard urine culture, and results take into account bacterial interactions, giving doctors more information to make an effective treatment decision.

Learn more at Pathnostics.com and talk to your provider about advanced UTI testing that quickly identifies personalized antibiotic options. This will help give your body what it needs to fight the infection so you can feel better.

Remember, studies have shown that more than 92% of bacteria that cause a UTI are resistant to at least one common antibiotic, and almost 80% are resistant to at least two, according to the International Journal of Health Sciences. If you have recurrent or long-term UTIs, this resistance could be the reason and advanced testing may help.

“The growing rate of antibiotic resistance, particularly in treating UTIs, underscores the need for antibiotic stewardship and improving how antibiotics are prescribed by physicians and taken by patients,” Ko said. “Advanced testing for UTIs is one step that supports effective and appropriate use of the right treatment for you.”

2023-03-07T12:01:00

(BPT) – With warmer weather just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for you and your family to spring into action and really hone in on overall nutrition and wellness. Not sure where to start? Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares easy ways to elevate your family’s goals! From fun physical activities you can do together, to healthy habits you can implement today, you won’t believe how these simple tips will impact positive change in your family!

1. Make the most of longer days and get active

As spring extends daylight hours, it’s easier for families to get outside and get moving, which allows you to enjoy even more quality time together! Blatner suggests adding a family bike ride, a neighborhood walk or an outdoor game to your after-dinner routine to promote physical activity. Need new ideas to encourage outdoor play with youngsters? Try creating a backyard obstacle course, relay race or nature scavenger hunt.

2. Prep for better sleep with pre-bedtime habits

Springtime, especially with Daylight Saving Time, can wreak havoc on your regular sleep schedule. If you plan ahead, however, good nighttime habits can improve relaxation, so the whole family can get a better night’s sleep.

You can encourage prep for rest by shutting down electronics an hour before bedtime and keeping phones and other devices out of kids’ bedrooms. This can help everyone to wind down and fall asleep faster at night, while lessening screen time.

3. Spring clean and organize your kitchen

The spring is a great time of year to de-clutter and sanitize your household, as a thorough cleaning can help reduce the levels of allergens, bacteria and viruses that could be present in your home. Blatner recommends starting with the most frequently used rooms first, like the kitchen.

By cleaning out and reorganizing your fridge and pantry, you can choose to put wholesome ingredients like fresh fruits and veggies, nuts, beans, oats, avocado and eggs at eye level. When meal-prepping for the school week ahead, you’ll tend to grab these foods more often and guarantee your kids will be getting in their nutrition.

4. Amp up your family’s nutrition with fun recipes

Make it a family goal to try a new recipe each week, with a focus on incorporating nutrient-packed ingredients. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack time, make sure you’re choosing wholesome ingredients like Eggland’s Best eggs, which have more than six times the Vitamin D and double the Omega-3s and Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs.

Check out these Oatmeal Snack Bars from Eggland’s Best! It’s a delicious and easy recipe that provides a quick boost of energy in the mornings, or can be eaten on the go to support your family’s overall wellness and nutrition.

Oatmeal Snack Bars
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Yield: 16 bars

Ingredients

• 2 Large Eggland’s Best eggs
• 1 mashed ripe banana (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best eggs, mashed banana, maple syrup and vanilla.
3. In another bowl, mix together oats, flour, chocolate chips, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
4. Add egg mixture (wet ingredients) to the oat mixture (dry ingredients) and stir.
5. Spread batter into an 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until set in middle and golden around edges.
7. Let cool and cut into 16 squares.

Kick off the spring season right!

Eggland’s Best has teamed up with the YMCA to encourage families to improve their overall nutrition and wellness routine. From now until May 5th, 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! Visit EBFamilySweeps.com for Official Rules and how to enter.

2023-03-07T11:01:00

(BPT) – Emma Frommeyer is a typical teenager in so many ways. She loves music, makeup and hanging out with friends. She’s also an incredibly smart honor roll student, however, there is one thing that sets her apart from most teenagers … Emma has a brain tumor and is fighting for her life.

“She called me one day to come get her from school, which is not her,” said Emma’s mother, Dacia Wood. “Three hours later doctors told us she had a tumor. Tears were running down my face, but she laughed and said, ‘I knew it.’”

Nine days after her 13th birthday, Emma was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer (group 3 medulloblastoma). Since then, her life has revolved around hospitals, going through radiation, and a lot of therapy, but Emma has faced these challenges with grace and joy. She had successful surgery to resect the tumor, then went to inpatient rehab to build her strength and endurance. She is currently going through a year of IV chemotherapy.

“We always say that I was probably the best one (in her family) to get cancer,” said Emma. “I made it good. The only time it was sad was when I would get emotional or upset about it. Other than that, it was a fun time. It’s brought me closer to my family, especially my mom and my aunt. We’re always together and we laugh a lot.”

If ever there was proof of every storm cloud having a silver lining, Emma’s fight is it. She has spent these last few years battling through adversity, all the while remaining positive and optimistic. And this has allowed her to build an unbreakable connection with her mother. The time spent traveling to and from the hospital for treatment provided opportunities for the two of them to talk, laugh and sometimes cry. These regular trips, however, came with a financial cost as gas prices hit record highs.

This is where the Bear Fund became an invaluable part of team Emma.

“It was 50 miles one way, back and forth each time, and she had 30 visits,” said Wood. “That’s 100 miles. And gas, of course, is expensive. The Bear Fund stepped in by providing gas cards, which was a huge help. We wanted to focus on Emma’s treatment, so not having to worry about gas to get her to her appointments was a big deal for us.”

The Bear Fund was founded by Heather and Nick Baker after their youngest child, Barrett (“Bear”), was diagnosed with a rare liver cancer. During that time, the couple saw first-hand the economic challenges some families on the hospital floors were facing. They decided they wanted to help, so they established The Bear Fund, in partnership with the Cancer Support Community, to provide financial support and navigation services to families with children diagnosed with cancer.

“We walked by rooms to see children having to go through treatment or recover from surgery alone, and we realized there’s got to be something we can do to help,” said Heather Baker. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry about missing work, or the cost to find childcare for their other children, so they can be with their kids during treatment. We wanted to do what we could with the help of amazing donors to make this tough journey just a little bit easier.”

Among the Bear Fund’s many partners is California-based Mercury Insurance, and their philanthropic initiative, Mercury Cares. The company was introduced to Emma and her incredible story through the Bear Fund and the Cancer Support Community and decided to give Emma an experience to remember.

“Mercury Cares partners with like-minded organizations that are committed to providing valuable services to the customers and communities we help protect,” said Erik Thompson, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Mercury Insurance. “We were struck by Emma’s courage and the unwavering support she received from her family, so we wanted to give them something so they could step away from being Emma the cancer patient. We wanted her to enjoy an experience as Emma, the 13-year-old girl who loves her family.”

Since her diagnosis, Emma hasn’t had the opportunity to do the things many 13-year-olds are able to do. To remedy that, Mercury Cares gifted Emma and her family the trip of a lifetime, sending the entire family to Southern California, away from hospitals and treatments, so they could spend time together creating memories.

“Mercury showed how much they care when they gifted a dream trip to Los Angeles so Emma could see one of her favorite music artists and enjoy some beach time with her family,” said Tara Conner, Emma’s aunt. “She’d never seen the ocean, and we are so thankful for the joy that it’s brought.”

Emma’s story is captured in a series of videos, allowing everyone to get to know this amazing young woman and watch her journey, as she shares her story to inspire and empower others.

“I always wanted to have a close relationship with my family, so when I finally got that, I was really happy,” said Emma.

2023-03-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re fascinated by culture and history or just enjoy adventures, there’s plenty to explore in the four provinces of Atlantic Canada: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The area also boasts stunning natural beauty, from wooded mountains and fish-filled rivers to scenic hamlets and rugged coastlines.

Here are some enticing reasons to plan your next vacation in Atlantic Canada.

“C’est le fun” in New Brunswick

Rekindle your joie de vivre in New Brunswick, where Acadian culture is alive and well. Descendants of French settlers from the 17th-18th centuries, Acadians today speak French as their first language and celebrate their distinctive food, music and culture throughout the province. Discover historic sites, wineries, Acadian restaurants and quaint villages along 466 miles of the Acadian Coastal Drive — plus beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Love lobster? Visit Shediac, known as the Lobster Capital of The World.

Among living history museums like the Historic Acadian Village, a must-see summer attraction is Le Pays de la Sagouine, with entertainers based on characters from the acclaimed play “La Sagouine” by Acadian author Antoine Maillet. Consider timing your trip around Acadian Day, Aug. 15 — when people decked out in red, white and blue, painted faces and fancy hats celebrate Tintamarre, a big party with live music and fun for all ages.

Experience mindful moments in Newfoundland and Labrador

The rich natural resources nurtured distinct Indigenous groups: the Mi’kmaq, Innu and Inuit. Learn about their culture and history through immersive forest walks, boat tours, traditional food experiences and more.

Explore the stories and traditions of the Conne River and Mi’kmaw community on Newfoundland’s south coast at a brand new exhibit at The Discovery Centre in Gros Morne National Park, “Miawpukek: The Middle River.” Then take a trip into the past at the Demasduit Regional Museum. Formerly known as the Mary March Museum, this important building has been renamed to replace Demasduit’s colonial name with her rightful Beothuk name. Demasduit is believed to be one of the last known Beothuk in Newfoundland and Labrador. You can learn her story and countless others here, spanning over 5,000 years of human history.

Discover Mekapisk with Gros Morne Adventures on a game trail, exploring plants and animals that sustained early human life. Try fire cooking bannock and roasting capelin as you gather around the fire to hear tales of triumphs and tragedies of Indigenous ancestors, or take a relaxed walking tour via Under the Stump to learn the Rita Rideout Story, describing the hardship, relocation program and family values of the Mi’kmaq people in this once-thriving community.

Move to the beat of a different drum on Nova Scotia

Drumming, dance and storytelling reveal the history of the Mi’kmaq People on Nova Scotia. Travel the picturesque 3.8-mile trail on Goat Island with Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, guided through villages by a Mi’kmaq cultural interpreter to learn their traditional way of life. Or time your visit when the Mi’kmaq People host the 2023 North American Indigenous Games, July 15-23 in Halifax, featuring canoeing/kayaking, lacrosse, rifle shooting, softball and more.

Nova Scotia was also home to early settlers from Scotland, bringing Gaelic language and culture with them. Enjoy fiddle and pipe music, dance and storytelling at a “kitchen party” (or “ceilidh”), then visit Highland Village in Iona, a living history museum honoring the language, history and living culture of Nova Scotia Gaels. Throughout 2023, the Town of Pictou commemorates the 250th anniversary of the arrival of Ship Hector from Scotland, when its passengers endured a harrowing 11-week voyage to start a new life in a new land.

Life is a song on Prince Edward Island

Music is a way of life for people who make Prince Edward Island (PEI) home, and they tell their stories in memorable — and toe-tapping — ways.

Love country and folk music? Experience the songs of Stompin’ Tom Connors (1936-2013) at the Stompin’ Tom Centre in Skinner’s Pond. Known for his signature black Stetson and cowboy boots, Connors memorialized Canadian culture through songs about everyday people, places and pastimes. Or come to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival July 6-8, which showcases the roots of Island culture and hospitality. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the venue, with headliner Chris Stapleton.

If Celtic music gets your toes tapping, enjoy the sounds, dancing and musical storytelling of PEI’s Celtic tradition at the College of Piping and Performing Arts Centre, plus listening halls such as Trailside Music Hall and Festival of Small Halls.

Plan your adventure at VisitAtlanticCanadaNow.com.

2023-03-06T08:45:00

(BPT) – As multiple industries still face workplace shortages, one solution is emerging, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction: recruit more women. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nationwide, the number of women in construction has hit an all-time high, with women now making up 11% of the construction industry. Although that’s historically a record high, business owners like 84 Lumber’s Owner and President Maggie Hardy aim to do better.

“Building a culture that nurtures the talents of younger workers and seasoned associates, to put them on the track of success, is one of the most important things to retain talent,” explained Hardy. “If you’re seeking a career transition, whether from the hospitality industry, the military, or something else, our company doesn’t require any prior experience. We can train you on everything you need to know, and our ‘promote from within’ culture provides growth opportunities that can’t be found elsewhere.”

Building on a legacy

After taking on leadership from her father at age 26, Hardy focused on the professional market, helping 84 Lumber top $1 billion in sales for the first time in 1993, and now over $8.7 billion in 2022. She balances the company’s traditional approach to doing business with adapting to ever-changing customer needs. Today, the company is a certified National Women’s Business Enterprise and the largest privately owned building materials supplier in the U.S., with 310 facilities, including component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, and millwork shops plus engineered wood product centers in over 35 states — also offering turnkey installation services for a variety of products including framing, insulation, siding, windows, roofing, decking and drywall.

Under Hardy’s leadership, 84 Lumber was named one of America’s largest companies by Forbes and made the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies of 2022. That growth has required active recruiting and training of employees from all walks of life to fill a variety of roles.

“We have an on-site training center dedicated to training and development of associates,” said Hardy. “We teach associates the construction and building materials industry and store operations. We have online, self-paced learning tools to help with product knowledge and learning the roles. It’s an important piece of the puzzle for attracting and retaining top-tier associates.”

Growing business by nurturing talent

Many women in the field didn’t consider construction as a vehicle for career success but have since changed their minds, like store co-manager Shannon LaMonte. “I come from a family of contractors,” explained LaMonte. “But I never thought to pursue a career in construction, mostly because it was intimidating. 84 Lumber has given me all the tools to be successful in something I’ve always wanted to be part of.”

Others started in one aspect of the business, only to learn there were more opportunities outside traditional roles. “At 18, I began working for a lumber yard as a cashier. I found the atmosphere energetic and exciting,” recalled Niki Flynn, now in outside sales. “I started at 84 Lumber 17 years ago as a coordinator and drove myself to learn all aspects of the company.”

Women in the industry encourage others to try something new — because you may be surprised at your own abilities. “84 Lumber allowed me to expand my knowledge with multiple positions,” said Plant Manager Polly Jean (PJ) Miller. “Don’t be intimidated by work in the construction field. If it’s something that truly interests you, don’t be scared to step up and learn.”

A uniquely satisfying career

Kristi Allen, owner of WoodCastle Homes and one of the trailblazers behind The House That She Built, cites the skills women bring to construction, and how rewarding the field can be.

“We tend to be detail-oriented and organized, which are extremely important skills in building a home,” Allen explained. “Many women, including myself, have been able to carve out a niche for themselves in construction that allows them to succeed professionally and personally. My job as a general contractor allows me to do the thing I love, which is building homes for families.”

To keep up with growth, 84 Lumber is hiring new associates in stores and manufacturing facilities nationwide. Visit 84Lumber.com/careers to apply, and learn more about the company on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

2023-03-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Online dating and social media have made it easier than ever before to find your special someone. However, scammers are always ready to take advantage of well-meaning singles looking for love. Using the anonymity of the web, these con artists create compelling stories and fake identities to trick you into falling in love with someone who doesn’t exist.

However, you don’t have to be a victim of a romance scam. To help you stay safe while searching for a romantic partner, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has offered the following five safety tips.

1. Don’t ignore the red flags

When you fall for someone, it’s easy to ignore warning signs that they may not be who they claim to be. When dating online, watch out for the following red flags:

• Their name and the name in their email address don’t match.
• Their messages to you have obvious spelling and grammar errors.
• Their online profile suddenly disappears from the dating site.
• They pledge their love way too quickly.
• They ask you to send or receive money and/or packages.
• They need money right away due to a medical or family emergency.
• They need a visa or plane tickets.
• They claim a business opportunity arose and ask you to wire a loan.

If you spot any of these red flags, cease contact immediately, as difficult as it may be. Block any attempts to resume contact via email, text or phone.

2. Never send money to someone you met online

Keep all personal and financial information private and protected until you are certain your online romantic interest can be trusted.

Don’t lend money, credit card information or personal possessions to any stranger you meet on the internet. Do more research before moving forward with any financial decision. Be alert if the person romancing you creates a sense of urgency to send them money.

If your bank or credit accounts are used, contact the bank, credit provider and the Social Security Administration. Get a free copy of your credit report and look for accounts you don’t recognize. Put a credit alert or freeze on your accounts.

3. Research profile details

Look for inconsistencies in their profile and the information they share. Do a quick internet search for your would-be lover’s name and the town where they claim to live. For photos, you can use an image search to verify their profile photos aren’t stolen from someone else’s account.

Because people who conduct online impostor scams frequently spin the same lines or tell the same backstory, an internet search can be especially helpful. If an online love interest makes declarations of undying devotion and sends love poems, search for these lines online and see where they’ve been used before.

4. Ask for proof

A true, legitimate love interest will understand if you ask for proof that they’re real and not misrepresenting themselves. One way you can protect yourself is to request a customized photo. Ask them to hold today’s newspaper or a book you have both read.

If they can’t or won’t provide proof, or if your previous search results indicate something suspicious, it’s time to voice your suspicions and lay the evidence on the table. When confronted with your evidence, they may admit they are a scammer but claim they’ve “fallen in love for real.” While you may be tempted to believe them, this is just another heavily recycled tactic.

5. Keep both feet firmly planted in reality

Keep an eye out for signs that the relationship is moving in a direction that wouldn’t play out if you met in real life. They may push the relationship to develop very quickly and use canned expressions and phrases. For example, they may call you pet names like “my love” or “my darling” early on. Or, they may say, “My child is already calling you ‘mom’ or ‘dad.'”

Let your online romance develop naturally like it would in person. Push back on any attempts by the other person to move too quickly.

Keep yourself safe while searching for love. Using these five tips, you can quickly identify scammers and catfish and focus on building connections with real people.

To learn more and report online romance scams, visit USPIS.gov.