Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-12-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Most people in the United States — 65% according to Harvard Health — have a general understanding of first aid, the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. That’s great! We should all know what to do if someone needs help.

But what about mental health? Could you spot signs of depression or substance use? Would you know what to do if a loved one, coworker or neighbor was experiencing a mental health crisis?

If not, you might want to get trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). There’s no better time than the present, especially since you might be setting intentions and resolutions for the New Year.

MHFA is an evidence-based training program from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches everyday people how to recognize and respond to someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. MHFA Instructors have trained over 4 million Mental Health First Aiders since the program was first introduced in 2008.

MHFA offers online, hybrid and in-person courses that cover:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a person who may be experiencing a crisis.
• How to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone in need until they are connected to appropriate professional help.
• Self-care tips and how to create a realistic and effective self-care plan.

6 reasons you should get trained in MHFA

We have a mental health crisis in this country. Knowing how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges or substance use is becoming more and more critical in our society today. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported this country is in the midst of a mental health crisis. According to the CDC and other sources, nearly 60 million people in the U.S. reported having a mental health challenge within the past year, including depression, suicidal thoughts, sadness, anxiety and substance use.

Young people are especially vulnerable. The percentage of people living with mental health challenges is higher when you’re talking about youth. In 2023, close to one in five adolescents aged 12 to 17 had a major depressive episode.

You don’t need a degree or certification. You don’t need any special qualifications to take an MHFA course. Just like courses in CPR or first aid aren’t strictly for health professionals, the MHFA courses are for everyday people who don’t have a degree in health care or social work.

You want to make a difference in your community. MHFA’s mission is to ensure that everyone in America has at least one Mental Health First Aider within their close circle of friends, family and peers. Every 1 in 15 people should be certified to recognize, understand and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. When more people are equipped with the tools to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link, connecting those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge with appropriate support.

You suspect someone in your life is dealing with something. Many people speculate that a loved one may be experiencing depression, anxiety or substance abuse, but don’t know what to do, whom to call or how to help. MHFA training can empower you to be that bridge to getting your loved ones the help they need. When more people are equipped with the tools to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need.

You need self-care, too. Self-care is a key component of MHFA. You know how during the safety announcement on an airplane, they tell you to put on your own mask first before helping others? This is the same principle. Take care of your own body and mind, to be the best version of yourself, especially when others need you.

MHFA offers several audiences, including Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth Mental Health First Aid, for adults who regularly interact with adolescents, including teachers, coaches and parents. Take the first step by searching for courses near you.

Remember, you don’t need any special training or skills to take a course. Only the desire to make a difference this holiday season and beyond.

2024-12-17T07:33:00

(BPT) – When you’re planning festive get-togethers, it seems like there’s never enough time. Between menu planning, shopping, prepping and cooking, holiday hosting stress can take some of the fun out of your celebrations. But what if there were ways to help you relax and enjoy every occasion?

Here are tips and tools to streamline your cooking process, from beginning to end.

Keep it simple

Everyone appreciates good food that’s well prepared, so why overcomplicate? When planning your menu, stick to dishes you already know, so you’re not risking an experiment when time is tight. Limit yourself to a main dish and a few simple sides so you’ll have less to stress about.

Then shop online, order groceries for delivery — or at least double-check that your list is complete before heading to the store — to reduce shopping trips, leaving more breathing room in your schedule.

Prep ahead

Whatever components can be prepared ahead, do it! Common items to complete ahead include cutting up vegetables and cooking rice or pasta. They can be prepared in advance in multi-cookers to free up space on your burner and stored in airtight containers, clearly labeled so you know which items go with what dish.

The secret to convenient cooking…multitasking

Nothing saves more time in the kitchen than the PowerXL™ StirMax™ Multi-Cooker. The 360° Automatic Paddle with StirMax™ Technology allows the StirMax™ Multi-Cooker to stir and shred almost any meal. It creates delicious, hassle-free dishes that optimize your time in the kitchen and let you tend to other necessary meal prep.

Because the 360° Paddle rotates automatically, you can create a wide range of dishes without tediously stirring and shredding, like risotto or pulled pork. Best yet, the 7.5 quart family-size capacity can cook a wide variety of recipes thanks to the 9 pre-programmed cooking presets — StirMax™, BraiseMax, Slow Cook, Stew/Soup, Keep Warm, Steam/Boil, Risotto, Saute and Rice — in one compact design, providing convenient and hands-free cooking. Visit PowerXLProducts.com to learn more.

Here’s a crowd-pleasing recipe you can make, mostly hands-free, using the PowerXL™ StirMax™ Multi-Cooker.

Pulled Pork with Pork Tenderloin

Serves: 6; Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes; Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 4 hours slow cook on High

Ingredients

2 pork tenderloins, cut into 6 equal pieces
3/4 tablespoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. In small bowl, mix all the seasonings and rub on the pork.
2. Select SLOW COOK preset and use the default High temperature setting for 4 hours. Add all ingredients except barbecue sauce. Press START.
3. After 3 hours, select STIR LOW setting and add barbecue sauce.
4. When pork is shredded, serve on rolls or in tacos.

Simplify presentation and clean-up

Reduce clean-up by serving dishes in the same appliance you used for cooking. Choosing attractive cookware streamlines the process and reduces dish washing you’ll need to do later. Fortunately, with the StirMax™ Multi-Cooker you can cook and serve in the same pot, which looks great on your table. And the pot, lid and paddle can all go straight into the dishwasher or wipe clean easily, so you can spend less time scrubbing.

Using these tips will reduce time cooking on party day — so you can spend more time with your friends and family.

2024-12-16T10:01:00

(BPT) – For your friends and loved ones who are all about their personal style, you’ll want to give them holiday gifts that not only celebrate their passion for fashion, but truly enhance their everyday life, making it easy for them to look their best every day.

So if you’ve got a fashionista or two (or more) on your holiday gift list, here are some ideas to get you started on your shopping this year.

Hassle-free clothing care

Anyone who values their wardrobe and wants their clothes to impress will jump for joy at a gift that not only simplifies their life, but also cares for their garments like never before. For the ultimate gift, LG Styler Steam Closets are all about saving time, money and energy — taking those all-important tasks like pressing, ironing and sanitizing clothing out of your hands by caring for your garments in a sleek, closet-style unit.

The LG Styler offers impressive features including a deodorizer to keep favorite garments smelling their best, moving hangers that help smooth wrinkles, a versatile rack for multiple storage options and a portable water container that provides water for the LG Styler’s TrueSteam™ technology. Instead of a single heater, Dual TrueSteam employs two heaters to boil water and generate steam, allowing for more precise control of the steam spray’s volume and strength. For delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere, the steam setting uses only one of the system’s two heaters, delivering gentle fabric care through optimized steam-flow control. Dual TrueSteam also enables the Styler’s Sanitary cycle, a specialized cycle that keeps clothes hygienically clean by eliminating over 99.99% of germs and 11 different kinds of harmful bacteria.

Fashionistas can refresh their clothing without the hassle by adding the LG Styler to a bedroom, walk-in closet or laundry space — all they’ll need is to plug it into an outlet, fill the water container and start refreshing — with no plumbing or chemicals required. Even better, they can use the ThinQ^® app to check on the remaining cycle time, download cycles and more. The LG STUDIO Styler’s mirror door finish will elevate any space, adding fashion function with a convenient full-length reflection.

Visit LG.com/styler to learn more.

Keep the care going

To help your favorite fashionista further care for their most valued outfits, gift them a new set of high-quality, thick padded clothes hangers for their closets, plus a few garment bags that can keep protecting their clothes all year-round, especially when they’re out of season. Include some cedar balls in your gift to help ward off moths from clothing in their drawers and closets.

The gift that keeps on giving

For that special someone who deserves to receive a wonderful gift month after month, consider signing them up for a top-notch fashion subscription box. Recipients will love having special fashion items and accessories mailed to them periodically — giving them something fun to look forward to, well after the holiday season is in the rearview mirror.

A fashionable experience

Fashionistas who love taking their look to the next level will really appreciate being gifted a personal session with a professional stylist. Even with just one session, an experienced stylist can help guide the recipient to choose the optimal colors, fabrics, accessories and styles of clothing that will suit their taste and best complement the overall look they want to achieve.

Let them shop till they drop

Does your friend or family member have a favorite vintage clothing store, specialty boutique or deluxe department store where they most love to find their treasures? They’ll go nuts when they get a gift certificate for their next trip to restock their wardrobe.

Ready to start shopping for your fashion-forward friends or family members (and maybe yourself, too)? With these gift ideas, your friend or family member will be all set to celebrate in style this year.

2024-12-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Looking forward to having some extra days off between the Christmas and New Year holidays? That week may be full of festivities and celebrations — but it can also be the perfect time to indulge in a little relaxation and rejuvenation, with a wintry twist.

“The days between Christmas and New Year’s are perfect for unwinding and recharging after the holiday rush,” says lifestyle expert Hailey Bright. “Why not treat yourself or a loved one to some indulgent self-care? Even simple luxuries or routines can refresh the mind, body and soul — whether it’s a cozy night in with a good book, an ‘everything’ shower with your favorite products like Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash, or taking stock of the past year while setting personal goals for the year ahead.”

So if you’re looking for ways to savor that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle, here are seven ways you can make the most of your between-holiday week.

1. Leftovers and lounge: There’s nothing better than indulging in tasty holiday leftovers and enjoying not-cooking from the comfort of your own dining or living room. If you feel inspired, turn it into a special occasion — even in your loungewear. Consider setting a pretty table with your favorite plates and stemware, so you can transform your yummy leftovers into a private dinner party, complete with mood lighting and relaxing music.

2. Pretend you’re in a snow globe: Hot girl walks can be done out in the cold. You heard it here first. Take a leisurely walk in a nearby park and enjoy that fresh air feeling while you stay warm and comfy with fluffy earmuffs, a soft thick scarf and something new from your favorite athleisure brand!

3. Lather in luxury: Turn your shower into a personal spa retreat with Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash. It’s like a luxurious bubble bath without the tub. Skip the lotion and emerge feeling like the queen you are — moisturized, relaxed and living your best life.

“The Olay Indulgent Moisture body wash is a total game-changer for elevating your self-care routine — I’m obsessed with the Rose & Cherry Crème scent!” says Bright. “Its extremely moisturizing formula eliminates the need for post-shower lotion, making it perfect for combatting extra-dry winter skin and leaving your skin soft and smooth. It penetrates 10 layers deep, leaving your skin irresistibly soft, smooth and hydrated from head to toe. With five luxurious scents to choose from, it’s like treating yourself to a mini spa moment every day. Pro tip: Don’t forget your loofah for the ultimate experience!”

4. Create a cozy movie marathon: Binge-watch a few of your favorite nostalgic holiday classics wearing your coziest pajamas — invite a few of your besties, turn it into a date night or just keep this guilty pleasure all to yourself. Bonus points for snuggling with warm blankets and snacking on hot buttered popcorn.

5. Sip velvety hot cocoa: Whip up your favorite rich hot cocoa, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for that extra holiday vibe. Then make sure to sip it slowly in a large, heated mug — this is your time to indulge, treat your senses and feel warm and fuzzy from head to toe. This may also be the perfect dunking vessel for those leftover holiday cookies!

6. Belt it out: Karaoke nights are fun, but you can take it up a notch in the ultimate no-judgment zone: your shower! Let your shower be your stage and sing along to your favorite holiday playlist. With the help of the two layers of vitamin B3 Complex and shea butter in the Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash, your skin will be singing too!

7. Set your intentions for 2025: As you hit snooze and sink back into your bed, start to dream about what you want the next year to look like. You can begin to envision your goals, so you’ll be ready to set them out in your 2025 planner, along with the action steps to make them happen — but leave the hard work for another day.

After indulging in these holiday comforts, you’ll feel extra cozy, relaxed and ready to embrace the new year with renewed energy, focus and enthusiasm!

2024-12-14T08:01:00

(BPT) – Twelve-year-old Lucas has always loved everything connected with aviation — and learning more about planes is one of the things that keeps him feeling strong and joyful, even when he is dealing with the daily challenges of having congenital heart disease. This chronic health condition affects the way his blood flows through his heart and blood vessels, which can lead to fatigue, difficulty breathing and other serious symptoms that negatively impact his everyday life.

“When I was twelve or so weeks pregnant, we got the news that Lucas’ heart was different, which was tough news to learn,” said his mom, Stephanie. “But we’ve had a couple surgeries, and now we’re at a stage where he looks and acts pretty much like any other kid.”

And when Lucas learned that he would be able to have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish^® — which has a mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses — Lucas knew just what he wanted right away. His wish was to have an A380 plane experience. The A380 is Lucas’ favorite kind of airplane, and he already knows a lot about this type of plane, among many others. Lucas shared that he would love to see the landing gear, the cockpit, where the flight attendants sleep, and to learn anything and everything there is to know about the A380.

Thankfully, Make-A-Wish has had a longstanding national partnership with United Airlines over the years, which would make fulfilling his wish possible. Because over 80% of the wishes from children in Make-A-Wish involve some form of travel, airfare costs are the greatest expense on fulfilling their wishes. In fact, Make-A-Wish would need over 2.8 billion miles to cover every travel wish each year. It is imperative for Make-A-Wish to have generous corporate partners like United Airlines to help make wishes like Lucas’ come true.

“Lucas’ wish was absolutely amazing. It was a great day, exhausting. But it was awesome to do all the things,” said Stephanie. “It was fun to have Make-A-Wish involved for familiar faces, and we didn’t realize there were so many jobs outside of the pilot that you can work in the airport. This was more than we could have dreamed of.”

How you can help

If you’d like to join the efforts to help fulfill wishes from more children all year long, United Airlines is inviting their MileagePlus members with the opportunity to donate their reward miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through their “Miles on a Mission” platform.

Even better, during the holiday season, from Dec. 3 through 31, 2024, United Airlines is stepping up their support of Make-A-Wish even more. Customers are invited to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish, and United will match miles donations up to 5 million miles, and cash donations will be matched with United travel certificates up to $500,000. In addition, $1 from every illy^® cold brew purchased in flight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping to bring hope to more children facing critical illnesses.

You can unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses like Lucas this holiday season by visiting Wish.org/united-donate.

2024-12-13T11:37:00

(BPT) – Nothing brings folks together during the holiday season like food. Whether you’re hosting a low-key gathering or throwing a festive party, choosing and preparing the right food can make the difference between a good and a great event.

Président^® — a leading global deli and dairy brand offered by Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company — believes there is pleasure in every bite and wants to help hosts like you pull off an unforgettable party with little effort. Check out its five top tips that can help you create a delicious holiday menu in as little time as possible.

1. Watch the clock

Once you have your menu planned, take note of dishes and items that can be made ahead of time and those that need to be prepared closer to the event. For example, if you’re serving cheese spread like Rondelé^®, take it out of the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before serving for the best flavor, creamy texture and spreadability.

2. Plan perfect pairings

Classic food pairings are simple to prepare and make your gatherings feel thoughtfully planned. Cheese is a particularly versatile ingredient because you can pair it with a crunchy baguette, flat pretzels or crackers.

For a fresh taste, offer your guests fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, peppers, cucumber, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and dips. You can also serve figs, pears, grapes, berries and other fruits that are tasty on their own or combine well with cheese.

3. Impress with eye-catching appetizers

Do you want food that looks as good as it tastes? Opt for visually appealing appetizers that are simple to put together.

Consider artfully arranging cured meats, cheeses, olives and some of the classic pairings above on a beautiful wooden board. On a separate platter, you can serve bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms, mini bell peppers or other bite-sized veggies.

4. Focus on quick meals

For the main event, you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. Instead, prepare quick meals that are fresh and filling.

For example, serve open-faced bagel sandwiches with smoked salmon or avocado. Swap plain cream cheese for a spreadable cheese like Rondelé for a gourmet touch. You could also prepare sandwiches, wraps and rollups, which take little time and only a few ingredients to create.

5. Have a simple yet delicious secret weapon

Finally, have a tasty recipe that you can bake in minutes but that your guests will assume took much longer to create.

For your next occasion, try this recipe for soft, flaky, cheesy and buttery biscuits with a hint of fresh jalapeño. Rondelé Garlic & Herbs cheese spread is added to the batter for extra flavor and makes the biscuits much softer. Using cold ingredients in this recipe is key to achieving a beautiful, flaky texture.

Herby Jalapeño Rondelé Buttermilk Biscuits

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Serves: 10

Ingredients

3 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 package cold Rondelé Garlic & Herbs cheese spread

2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1-2 whole jalapeños, seeded and chopped

16 tablespoons cold salted butter cubed, plus melted butter for brushing the biscuits

1 cup cold buttermilk

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut cold shredded butter into flour mixture and work with hands until mixture clumps together to form larger pea-size balls. You can also do this step in a food processor if you have one.

3. Add Rondelé, cheddar and jalapeños, mixing gently to combine. Drizzle in buttermilk and mix again until combined.

4. Turn dough out onto clean surface and pat it into 1-inch-thick square. Cut dough into 4 pieces. Stack pieces on top of each other. Press down to flatten. Dust surface with flour and roll dough into 1-inch-thick rectangle or square. Cut into 12 square biscuits or use round biscuit cutter. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to chill.

5. Remove biscuits from freezer and brush with melted butter. You can cover the tops with fresh jalapeño rings (optional). Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden on top.

And there you have it! Using these five tips, you can turn any occasion into an unforgettable get-together during the holidays and year-round. To find more recipes and tips, visit PresidentCheese.com/Cheese_Category/Rondele/.

2024-12-13T12:31:00

(BPT) – Consumers are facing increasing costs on virtually every purchase these days and auto insurance is no exception. While skyrocketing costs of this auto-related expense can be attributed to everything from parts replacement to service — even health costs as a result of accidents — consumers can better manage these increases with thoughtful study and attention to detail.

Some of the common causes for higher insurance rates are Inflation, car accidents, extreme weather conditions such as hail, hurricanes and wind, along with increased vehicle theft claims.

Mercury Insurance has partnered with financial literacy influencer Sam Jarman to highlight specific ways consumers can address these rising costs.

“Your car is the second biggest expense for most people, right behind your home, and car insurance is a big part of that,” said Jarman. “Checking rates and coverage with your Mercury Insurance agent makes sense along with choosing a car with low maintenance costs.”

According to Consumer Price Index data released earlier this year, car insurance rates are up almost 21% year-over-year for the 12 months which ended in February. The last time car insurance rates rose that much on an annual basis was 1976.

Here are some auto insurance statistics recently released from Forbes:

• The national average cost for car insurance is $2,150 annually for full coverage.
• The cost of auto insurance increased by 63.8% between 2014 and 2023.
• The average car insurance cost for 16-year-old drivers with their own policy is $8,765. The average rate for 17-year-olds is $6,829.
• Car insurance is cheapest for 60-year-old drivers, averaging $1,915 annually.
• The vast majority of drivers have comprehensive and collision coverage. In addition to buying liability car insurance, 79% of insured drivers buy comprehensive coverage and 75% purchase collision coverage.
• A staggering one in seven drivers have no car insurance.

“Our goal is to help our customers get the best rates possible because we know that every dollar counts.” said Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management, State. “We encourage consumers to build a close relationship with their agent and discuss what discounts they may be eligible to receive. The answer might be surprising.”

Mercury offers the following tips for lowering your insurance costs:

Review your deductibles with your insurance agent – It is recommended that you review your coverage and deductible with your Mercury agent at least once a year. Their wisdom and experience can help you make wise decisions regarding your insurance.

Explore car insurance discounts – In addition to bundling your home and auto insurance, Mercury offers discounts for multi-car, good drivers, good students and auto pay. Your agent may have additional discounts to offer.

Let Your Insurer Track Your Driving – Most insurers offer discounts for customers who install telematics. This technology allows your insurance company to collect information regarding your mileage and driving habits. This can also provide valuable information regarding your driving as well as saving you money.

Drive a safe car with low repair costs – According to Bankrate, some of the cheapest cars to insure are the Subaru Outback, Honda CR-V and Honda Pilot. Also, look for cars with lower repair costs such as the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius and Tesla Model 3. Doing some research before you purchase a vehicle can save you money over the length of ownership.

Install an anti-theft device on your car – Drivers may receive an additional discount on your auto insurance if you install an anti-theft device on your car.

Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs – You can get a fast and easy quote from your Mercury Insurance agent. To receive a quote, you can reach us at 844-514-2893.

To learn more about common types of auto insurance discounts, visit https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/auto/understanding-types-of-auto-insurance-discounts.html.

For more information on your auto insurance, you can reference the Insurance Information Institute.

2024-12-13T08:25:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a festive, joyous time of year but it can pack a one-two punch. With all of the holiday baking, get-togethers and big meals, people tend to overindulge in rich foods, sweet treats and more. All of that has the potential to disrupt your gut, which can make you feel sluggish and also weaken your immune system. Here’s where that one-two punch comes in. This time of year is also the height of the cold and flu season, when you need your immune system to be super charged.

The good news? Focusing on your gut health can help with both of these things, and will have you and your family feeling your best from the inside out. Finding ways to support this part of your body with solutions such as consistent sleep or taking a reliable probiotic can be not only easy but crucial to your family’s overall health.

Why is the gut so important? Living within the gut are “good bacteria.” Studies show that the gut microbiome — housing trillions of bacteria — influences various aspects of our health, including nutrient absorption, fiber digestion and gut barrier function, but it doesn’t stop there. It also plays a role in your immune system, pathogen resistance, metabolism, weight management, and even mood and behavior. Prioritizing the gut isn’t just helpful for adults. It’s important for children, too.

To help you prioritize your family’s gut health, Registered Dietitian and Florastor Brand Ambassador Steph Grasso, MS, RD, shared some useful tips.

1. Increase fiber in your diet

Fiber is the main fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Without enough fiber, the diversity of your gut bacteria can decrease, which negatively impacts digestion and your immune system. Women should aim for at least 25 grams of fiber per day, while men should get about 38 grams. Incorporate whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Try starting your family’s day with oats, snacking on apples (skin on), or adding beans to soups and salads to boost fiber intake.

2. Include probiotic-rich foods

Probiotics are live bacteria that benefit your digestive system. Eating probiotic-rich foods helps restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, promoting better digestion and a stronger immune system. Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha are all great options for adults. But beyond yogurt, kids aren’t generally big on probiotic-rich foods. That’s why supplements can be a powerful ally.

3. Use a probiotic supplement

If you’re not getting enough probiotics from your food, taking a daily supplement could help. But not all probiotics are the same. Check the specific probiotic strain to see if research backs it up. For example, Florastor Dual Action Probiotic Supplement contains the strain backed by research to not only support digestive health, but also immune health. Why Florastor? It is the #1 selling probiotic worldwide and contains the probiotic strain Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM 1-745, which has been rigorously studied and extensively documented for over 70 years. It has been safely taken by more than 460 families in nearly 100 countries around the world.

4. Talk to your doctor about probiotics for your children

Especially during the holiday season, kids’ diets can lean toward sweets and rich foods, so a probiotic can be helpful to keep tummies happy. But that’s not the only reason to give kids probiotics. As every parent knows, kids bring home colds and flu and other illnesses from the classroom. Boosting their immune system is vital to warn off those bugs. And even more vital, if they’re taking an antibiotic for an illness, a probiotic is helpful in restoring that good bacteria. FlorastorKids Dual Action Probiotic Supplement has the same history of rigorous testing as the adult version, so you can count on it to help support your child’s gut and immune system by helping good bacteria thrive while flushing out the bad.

5. Prioritize sleep

Poor sleep is linked to negative changes in the gut microbiome. Getting enough quality sleep supports both your gut and your mental health. Create a calming bedtime routine, like reading or doing some light stretches before bed. Try to limit screen time and avoid heavy meals before going to sleep.

6. Manage stress

Chronic stress can disrupt your gut bacteria, leading to digestive problems and increased inflammation. Managing stress with different techniques can help keep your gut in balance. Try yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises. One powerful way to manage stress is to start your day with a morning walk outside, weather permitting. Getting out in nature is so beneficial for mind and body!

With 70 years of research and safe use, Florastor is the #1 probiotic worldwide. Like all probiotics, Florastor has not been evaluated by the FDA. For more information about probiotics, visit Florastor.com.

2024-12-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – For students with college in their future plans, summers are ideal for exploring academic and personal development opportunities. During the school year, students can feel overloaded with classwork and extracurricular activities, but the summer months offer time to delve into one academic interest in greater depth. The College Board recommends that students who intend to go on to college after high school attend advanced summer enrichment programs throughout their high school years to help provide an idea of what to expect from college-level coursework.

If your child might benefit from academic exploration in the summer, you may want to consider options for summer enrichment such as those available next summer through Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies. These programs give your student the chance to engage in topics they’re passionate about, often in advanced subjects rarely taught during high school. Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies’ summer programs create an environment where learning is highly valued and actively encouraged — fostering a mindset of curiosity and intellectual growth students will take with them long after the summer is over.

These programs impact students in a variety of ways:

Creating an environment where learning is highly valued and encouraged

Courses in the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies program encourage participants to follow their interests while showing respect for their learning journey.

“The Stanford Summer Humanities Institute was truly eye-opening and the highlight of my summer,” said Helen, Stanford Summer Humanities Institute participant. “The teachers and peers were constantly inspiring, and the course offered so much, helping me learn more about myself along the way.”

Fostering a mindset of curiosity, academic exploration and intellectual growth

Students in grades 8-11 are just beginning to explore the world around them, and their curiosity may feel limited by traditional school curriculum. A program that encourages their curiosity will lead to growth in their critical thinking skills, ability to research, and the capacity to see the wider context as well as the intriguing details of a topic.

Emphasizing the importance of education

Summer courses hosted by an excellent higher education institution and designed to foster deeper learning demonstrate the power and value of education. Program participants will experience firsthand how much their instructors and peers care about the topics they study, and also the very process of learning how to learn.

Motivating to pursue learning

Students involved in these enriching summer programs often feel an educational spark has been lit, inspiring them to go further with subjects that fascinate them.

“My experience was eye-opening, with engaging lectures and enjoyable interactions with like-minded individuals,” said Tawfik, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes participant. “The academic rigor and social activities offered were a perfect balance for making the whole experience memorable.”

Developing a deeper commitment to education

High-quality educational experiences at a young age will foster a desire to continue growing and learning at a deeper level throughout their lives — in college and beyond — which will inspire a greater dedication to learning.

“Being a part of Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes was a fantastic experience. I can’t believe how much I learned in just two weeks,” said Divyansha, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes participant. “These invaluable lessons will help me in my academic journey.”

Here are two summer programs to consider.

Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes

These are online, synchronous enrichment courses for students currently in grades 8–11. This program provides passionate and intellectually curious students with intensive study in a single course from advanced subjects rarely taught in high school, offering students the chance to dive deep into cutting-edge topics.

Students from around the world study and discuss academic topics in small classes, allowing them to participate in real-time discussions in which instructors and students interact with one another. Participants pursue in-depth, interactive exploration of academic material in a single subject per course, in fields including computer science, math, creative writing, social justice, engineering and more.

Stanford Summer Humanities Institute

This three-week residential program on Stanford University’s campus is for students currently in grades 10-11. Students from around the world explore big questions in the humanities through seminars led by Stanford professors and graduate students. Participants engage with one subject from a humanities topic such as literature, politics or philosophy — ranging from ancient Greek philosophy to the American Enlightenment and more.

During the three weeks, students investigate philosophical questions and pursue research topics while learning how to write college-level papers and communicate complex arguments.

These advanced, unique courses are offered for academic enrichment and growth, not for credit or a grade. The greatest value of participating in these programs is the experience itself, which provides growth and development in students’ talents and curiosity that will positively impact their educational journey.

To learn more and to apply to these summer enrichment programs, visit SummerHumanities.SPCS.stanford.edu and SummerInstitutes.SPCS.stanford.edu.

2024-12-12T11:01:00

(BPT) – Nobody wants to feel sick during the holiday season. From the hustle and bustle of office parties, school programs, holiday concerts, parades and gatherings with loved ones, the festivities are endless. But just as our calendars fill up, cold and flu season hits, creating a perfect storm of germs when we most want to stay healthy.

It’s enough to give anyone a serious case of holiday FOMO. It’s the “fear of missing out” on holiday parties, activities and celebrations because you’ve caught a bug.

Walgreens recently commissioned KRC Research to conduct a survey into holiday FOMO and found that if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone. According to the survey, 51% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials are worried they’ll miss a holiday event this year because of an unexpected illness, which isn’t surprising considering 70% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials have missed events in the past because they caught a bug.

That’s why the vast majority of those two groups, 89% of Gen Z and 87% of millennials, plan to put additional effort into prioritizing their health and well-being this holiday season. In fact, one in five respondents of all ages reported they’re planning to adopt a full health and wellness routine during the holiday season this year.

Looking to navigate the germ gauntlet and stay healthy? The experts at Walgreens share seven tips to keep you well throughout the holidays.

Make sure your vaccines are up to date. Vaccines are the number one way to protect against respiratory illnesses and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. And don’t be afraid to double or triple up! Walgreens makes it simple for you and your family to get all the vaccines you need in one visit, and is offering flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccination appointments nationwide.¹ Walk in to your local pharmacy, use the Walgreens app, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS.

Eat right. Sticking to a healthy, balanced diet at this time of year can seem like a holiday miracle with all the deliciousness available at every turn. You don’t have to forgo all the sweet treats and savory dishes. Indulge a little! Just make sure you’re balancing it with healthy salads, veggies, fruits, protein and fiber.

Consider if supplements are right for you. Vitamin D and Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and a good probiotic can help keep your gut healthy, which helps with holiday overindulgence and can be an immune system boost. Confused about what to take? Your Walgreens pharmacist can offer guidance. They’re the experts in prescription and OTC drugs and supplements. Just ask! They’re happy to help.

Get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep seems to fix almost anything, right? Making sure you get enough rest helps your body ward off illness as well. Amid the festivities, try to prioritize your sleep so you’re ready to tackle the next day, whether it’s holiday shopping or attending your child’s school program. Consider self-care with products like Walgreens Lavender Epsom Salt, Walgreens Multipurpose Vibration Therapy Wrap or Walgreens Sleep Aid De-Stress Gummies to help unwind.

Manage stress. Not easy to do at any time of the year, nearly impossible around the holidays. Some easy ways to manage stress: Choose a theme for your holiday gift giving by getting everyone cozy pajamas and slippers, or family-friendly games, or even health and well-being essentials they can use year-round. That way you’ll have one-stop shopping and your list is slayed. Also cut down on running around doing errands. At Walgreens, you can pick up many of these gifts, holiday cards, wrapping paper, stocking stuffers, a new lipstick for your holiday party and all your prescriptions in one fell swoop. Customers may also take advantage of holiday shopping conveniences like Same Day Refill for eligible prescriptions, 30-minute in-store Pickup, or 1-hour Delivery all season long.² One and done. Another stress buster? Exercise. Make some time for it, even if it’s just a walk on a snowy evening.

Stock up on OTC medications. If you or your family comes down with a bug despite your best efforts, having medications on hand can help you feel better faster without having to run to the store. Stock your medicine cabinet with cough syrup for you and the kids, antihistamines, mucus fighters, pain relievers and other OTC medications that can help ease your symptoms and shorten colds. Not sure what to get? Your Walgreens pharmacist can help in person or via Pharmacy Chat.

If you’re sick, stay home. Don’t risk passing your illness on to others. Stay home and curl up with a holiday movie and a cup of tea. If you suspect you have the flu or COVID-19, Walgreens offers an easy combination test for both, with results in 30 minutes or less.

Don’t miss out on the magic of the season because you’re feeling unwell. With a little planning and effort, you can keep yourself healthy to enjoy the holidays with friends and family.