Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-11-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – If you love everything about the holidays except prepping your home for entertaining, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, getting and keeping your house in good shape for festive gatherings, special celebrations, and impromptu hangouts can take some of the jolly out of an otherwise fun season. The good news is that a combination of tried-and-true tactics and significant new tech will help make your holiday prep more manageable than ever.

Here are tips and a great new tool to transform your pre-entertaining cleaning.

Start a quick pick-up routine

While you may have to deep clean rooms you plan to use for entertaining, you can keep your entire home in better shape (for impromptu get-togethers) by setting up regular and quick decluttering sessions.

At the same time each day, perhaps before heading to work, right after dinner, or before bedtime, take 5-10 minutes to walk through the main rooms of your home and tidy up. This will help prevent minor clutter from becoming a major hassle. Enlist everyone in the family to help out, perhaps playing a favorite upbeat song during each session.

Set up an item relocation system

Is your household clutter caused by items creeping out of rooms when they should be stored somewhere else? Set up a bin or basket near the doorway for each room where everyone can put items that belong in another room. Then when you’re cleaning, you can instantly tote those items out of the room to put them away.

Check “clean the floor” off your to-do list, forever

Nothing improves a room’s appearance faster than a clean floor. Want to make this job easier than ever? Check out the new Roborock Qrevo Slim mopping robot vacuum, which provides a lot of power in an incredibly thin form — the slimmest on the market. Its ultra-thin 8.2-centimeter design is low enough to offer flawless cleaning under low furniture and in other hard-to-reach areas.

Even better, the Roborock Qrevo Slim’s StarSight™ Autonomous System uses the industry-first dual-light 3D ToF (time-of-flight) technology to measure the distance between the sensor and an object precisely. Beyond navigating obstacles in your home more effectively, it slides easily under furniture, uses an RGB camera to identify dirt, and can even recognize floor types — enhancing suction power when needed and stopping mopping when it hits soft surfaces. The Qrevo Slim battery can last up to 180 minutes, providing plenty of juice to make it through a routine cleaning.

The Roborock Qrevo Slim features a FlexiArm Side Brush and Mop for reaching corners and around furniture legs, a powerful DuoRoller Riser Brush and 11,000Pa suction to perform a thorough cleaning. Paired with the upgraded Multifunctional Dock 3.0, which has enhanced mop washing and self-cleaning capabilities, the entire system offers a hands-free cleaning experience with improved power and intelligence, elevating your home cleaning to a whole new level.

Best of all, the Qrevo Slim is really easy to use. Its built-in voice assistant (“Rocky”) allows you to issue commands without using the mobile app. For example, just by saying “Hello Rocky,” you can ask the Qrevo Slim to clean a specific room (once mapped) or adjust the suction level, thanks to a host of preset commands.

The Qrevo Slim is now available. Check out Roborock.com or the Amazon Roborock store to discover the Qrevo Slim along with Roborock’s other highly rated vacuums, ensuring your floors and carpets are pristine for the upcoming holiday season.

Optimize your calendar

Just as you make sure to put all your holiday events on your favorite calendar app, you can use that same helpful method to give yourself enough time to prep. For any occasion you’re hosting at home, add a calendar event the day before to block out the time you’ll need for cleaning and food prep.

Pro tip: Always overestimate the time you need by at least an hour. If you’re done early, use that time to kick up your feet and chill for a while.

Using these tips and tools, you can stay on top of your pre-entertaining prep and cleaning all season long. Then, you can spend more time doing what you love, like enjoying more relaxing and joyful holidays with your family and friends.

2024-11-04T08:05:00

(BPT) – College football season is here, and it’s time to rally your friends and family with a game day watch party! Hosting watch parties is a great way to spend time with fellow football lovers and cheer on your favorite teams — and creating a party that’s memorable is all about the details.

Here are five essential tips to ensure you and your guests have the ultimate game plan for college football watch parties all season long.

1. Don’t just clean … sanitize!

The first step to impressing your guests is having a space that’s both clean and sanitized. Be sure to disinfect all surfaces before setting up your game day décor throughout the home, including the living room, kitchen and bathroom.

A home isn’t ready for hosting until it’s been sanitized — and an essential way to sanitize the air before kick-off and after the final whistle is with Lysol^® Air Sanitizer.

Scent can’t sanitize, but Lysol^® Air Sanitizer can. While traditional air fresheners add a scent, Lysol^® Air Sanitizer kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria in the air^† while eliminating odors* in the air. It also helps reduce the spread of illness-causing pathogens like cold, influenza and coronavirus in the air — so you can keep the air in your home sanitized during peak cold and flu season.

Stock up on any of these six Lysol^® Air Sanitizer fragrances to keep your home sanitized before your guests arrive and after they leave: White Linen, Simple Fresh, Light Breeze, Tropical Breeze, Lavender Sky and Cotton Blossom.

2. Prepare your space

Accommodate your guests and ensure everyone has prime seating to watch the game day action by tidying up and organizing your space. Whether you’re planning to host in your living room, rec room or basement, clear out clutter and rearrange furniture to create a comfortable viewing experience for you and your guests.

3. Plan your menu

The secret ingredient for a watch party touchdown? A well-curated menu! Keep hosting stress to a minimum by selecting crowd-pleasing, game day classics like wings, sliders and chips & dip. And don’t miss a minute of the game day action going to and from the fridge for drinks — keep you and your guests hydrated as you cheer your favorite team to victory with a chilled ice bucket stocked with water and sports drinks.

4. Stock up on supplies

Avoid last-minute grocery runs by stocking up on party essentials a few days before you party. Pick up plates, cups, utensils, napkins and trash bags in advance to ensure your day of hosting runs smoothly. And of course, double-check that you have enough snacks, drinks and ice to keep everyone satiated during the game day action!

5. Set the mood

Create a festive atmosphere for your party to pump up the excitement for the game. Decorate your space with your favorite team’s colors, hang up football-themed banners and play your ultimate pregame jams playlist.

And once the décor is hung, don’t forget to sanitize your space with Lysol^® Air Sanitizer after your guests leave to kill 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria^† and eliminate odors* in the air. Once the final whistle blows, the best way to end a watch party is with a sanitized environment that’s ready for next week’s game!

Take your party to the next level.

Lysol^® wants to help you upgrade your college football watch party experience with the Germ Zone Essentials Pack. The pack includes cups, plates and a serving dish for your game day eats, plus a foam finger, football and watch party essential, Lysol^® Air Sanitizer! To learn more, visit lysolgermzonesweeps.prod.fooji.com and follow Lysol on Instagram (@lysol).

^†Kills 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae in the air, in 4 minutes. Kills 99.9% of airborne viruses (Tested on MS2 surrogate for enveloped airborne viruses such as Influenza viruses, Coronaviruses, and Pneumoviruses) in the air, in 12 minutes.

*Eliminates odors by killing odor-causing bacteria in the air.

2024-11-04T07:19:00

(BPT) – Olive oil is a star ingredient for good reason. Nutritious and delicious, olive oil provides a wide range of benefits, from promoting heart health to protecting your brain.

With a variety of olive oil options to choose from, people are often searching for ways to find the “best” product. As a result, some may attach certain values or preferences to “single origin” versus multi-country olive oil blends, even going so far as to claim (incorrectly) that blended olive oils are inferior or even fake.

But what denotes real quality, and what’s just misinformation?

Multi-country vs. single-origin olive oils

The difference between multi-country and single-origin olive oils comes down to sourcing. Multi-country blends combine olive oils from different countries, and clear disclosures are required.

On the other hand, there are no regulations around what the term “single origin” means for olive oil. It could refer to olives grown from a single estate, region or country.

More importantly, “single origin” doesn’t tell you anything about an olive oil’s quality. Quality results from the hard work and skill of the farmers who cultivated and harvested the olives, the miller who extracted the oil and, in some cases, the bottler who masterfully crafts a blend with different olive oils.

So, what should you know about multi-country olive oil blends, and why are they worth considering?

1. Olive oil – like wine – can often achieve great, consistent flavor with “coupage” or blended combinations.

Winemakers often blend wines of different origins and varieties in a process known as “coupage.” In fact, some famous appellations like Chianti and Rioja are required by law to blend different regional wines.

Like with grapes, olives from different harvests can have different flavor profiles due to a variety of factors. To account for this, winemakers and olive oil makers can use coupage to balance flavor and achieve consistency year after year.

Similar to wines, a coupage of olive oils from different origins can be high quality. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find such olive oil blends among the winners of consumer taste tests.

2. Multi-country blends make quality olive oil accessible when and where you want it.

When we go to the store, we expect our favorite olive oil to be there. The practice of blending olive oils from different regions helps make sure our preferred products are on the shelf, and they taste the way we expect them to — even if certain growing regions have a difficult season due to weather, which can negatively impact both the availability and quality of olive oil.

3. Olive oil blends are transparent about their countries of origin.

For many people, olive oil quality is associated with traceability (i.e., where did this olive oil come from?). However, traceability doesn’t depend on the olive oil having a “single origin.”

Olive oil blends are required by law to disclose their olive oils’ countries of origin, and that’s what producers do. What’s more, some producers even use blockchain data and QR codes to help provide additional transparency.

Any suggestion that an olive oil listing more than one country on the label is “fake” is disingenuous. If anything, the level of transparency olive oil blends provide should give you confidence in the authenticity of the product you’re buying.

Whether you prefer single-origin or blended olive oil, the trustworthiness of the producer is the most important factor.

At the end of the day, neither single-origin nor multi-country olive oil blends are inherently better than the other.

Both small-estate producers and larger companies with positive brand recognition can be trusted to take all steps needed to assure the quality of the oil in their bottles, regardless of where the oil comes from. You can also look for seals like NAOOA Certified and Extra Virgin Alliance.

Whether you choose a single-origin olive oil or a multi-country blend, what truly matters is the level of transparency provided on the label and the care and craftsmanship that goes into the bottle.

2024-11-01T08:05:00

(BPT) – Bringing a child into the world can be among life’s most joyous and exciting events. But for the parents of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm babies, the magic of childbirth can be clouded by questions, anxiety, and despair.

Every year, one in 10 babies are born early, facing significant health risks compared to full-term infants. For the smallest preemies — those born weighing less than 1250 grams (2.75 pounds) — the journey can be fraught with challenges. Weeks or months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), serious and costly medical complications, and long-term developmental challenges are not uncommon. One factor has proven vital: the nutrition fed to these preemies while in the NICU.

Nutritional Concerns with Cow Milk-Based Formulas & Fortifiers

Preemie parents wrestle with an array of questions about how best to help their tiny baby grow stronger. This uncertainty has been compounded recently by serious questions surrounding nutritional safety for preterm infants in the NICU.

Since 2022, nearly 1,000 lawsuits have been filed nationwide by preemie parents, related to the use of cow milk-based formulas and fortifiers for their premature infants. The suits allege parents were not warned about known risks the smallest preemies face for developing a potentially fatal intestinal disease, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), when fed cow milk-based products.

Human Milk-Based Nutrition as an Option

The good news is that a well-established and thoroughly tested alternative to cow milk-based products exists for the most at-risk newborns. Fortifiers and formulas made from 100% human milk by Prolacta Bioscience improve outcomes for infants born weighing under 1250g and as early as 22 weeks at birth. In 2024 alone, Prolacta’s products have been used in more than 50% of Level III and IV NICUs in the U.S.

Prolacta’s products have been evaluated in more than 30 studies, including Huston 2018, which demonstrated human milk-based nutrition can substantially improve growth and development for the smallest preemies while significantly reducing the risk of serious complications, including NEC.

Unfortunately, many preemie parents are never told that an alternative to cow milk-based nutritional products exists. This omission, in part, stems from misperceptions about the costs associated with human milk-based products. However, a 2023 peer-reviewed article found that human milk-based protocols actually save hospitals between $500,000 and $3.4 million annually through fewer complications and shorter lengths of stay.

Getting the Word Out

Raising awareness about the role human milk-based nutrition can play in giving VLBW preemies a foothold in life is essential. If you have a preemie or know someone who does, advocate early and often for 100% human milk-based nutritional products. Ask for Prolacta by name. Tell your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues about why human milk-based nutrition is so important. Through advocacy and education, even the tiniest newborns can be given their best chance to not just survive, but to thrive. To learn more, visit Prolacta.com.

2024-11-01T16:01:01

(BPT) – Pioneer DJ and AlphaTheta are no strangers to innovation in the DJ world. Crafting DJ players, turntables, controllers, all-in-one systems, headphones, speakers and other essentials, this brand is always ensuring new and professional DJs have the best technology in the game. Below are five of Pioneer DJ’s newest products to help DJs of any level keep the party going!

1. DDJ-FLX4

At only $299, the DDJ-FLX4 from Pioneer DJ is perfect for beginner DJs embarking on their scratching journey. This 2-channel controller is easy to operate, affordable and compatible with multiple DJ applications, helping DJs learn the ropes with ease.

The DDJ-FLX4 also offers smart mixing capabilities, including the smart fader feature, which automatically adjusts the volume, bass volume and BPM of the music.

Whether users are mixing music in their free time at home, or taking the party on the go, the DDJ-FLX4’s portability and accessibility are sure to make for a fun, engaging experience.

2. XDJ-AZ

The all-new AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ is a powerful all-in-one DJ system designed for professional performance, featuring a high-resolution 7-inch touch screen and comprehensive on-board controls for seamless mixing and track manipulation.

With advanced compatibility for rekordbox and Serato DJ Pro, it offers an unparalleled level of control, allowing DJs to mix, loop and remix with exceptional precision in any setting.

3. DDJ-REV7

Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-REV7 is the ultimate scratch-style 2-channel controller, made for multiple applications. When using with Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox performance software, DJs will appreciate the motorized jog wheels and On Jog display to maximize the connection between the artist and their music. Easily rapid-fire samples with dedicated buttons and add drama with 22 built-in Beat FX.

4. OPUS-QUAD

At the nexus of music technology and fashion lies Pioneer DJ’s OPUS-QUAD Professional all-in-one DJ System. This eye-catching unit features a standalone 4-deck playback, allowing DJs to cue up to 4 different tracks simultaneously. Compatible with Serato DJ Pro and rekordbox DJ software, the OPUS-QUAD allows DJs to draw from various music libraries, and browse these libraries easily with the new smart rotary selector.

Finished off with a mature gold trim, the OPUS-QUAD is guaranteed to provide DJs with a pleasurable experience.

5. HDJ-CUE1BT

When using any of these spectacular products, DJs can’t forget their headphones! Pioneer DJ’s HDJ-CUE1BT Bluetooth Headphones are a classic that will never go out of style. The high-quality sound and durable design of these headphones will ensure longevity, while the three headphone and five ear pad color options will enable DJs to customize their own style.

2024-11-01T11:31:00

(BPT) – While the holidays are known as the most wonderful time of the year, they can also bring more family responsibilities. Between finding the perfect gift and establishing lasting family traditions, to booking an unforgettable family vacation, the season can cause stress for all. In fact, according to a recent survey, about 78% of parents with children under the age of 18 who make holiday travel arrangements say the process is at least somewhat stressful.

Luckily, planning a memorable family getaway has never been easier. Hotel portfolios such as Marriott Bonvoy go beyond the stay, allowing families to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the holidays, while spending quality time with those they love.

Whether families are planning to escape the cold weather for a tropical location or are visiting with relatives, seasoned travel expert Jeanenne Tornatore is offering four relatable and practical tips that are sure to make holiday travels merry and bright.

1. Incorporate holiday-centric, kid-friendly activities into the schedule

The key to an unforgettable family holiday is to select destinations that offer child-friendly activities. Pre-planned activities make the experience a gift the whole family will remember fondly.

“Incorporating family-oriented activities into the itinerary of a family vacation is my number one hack for parents,” said Tornatore. “Kids always have a blast, and parents can be present, rather than spending time preparing and cleaning up after activities.”

This year, celebrate the happiest time of year in the heart of Times Square by staying at the New York Marriott Marquis. Book a Santa-approved room decked out with festive decor and lights, so even downtime feels jolly. Families can also enjoy Broadway’s Buddy the Elf-approved amenity and exclusive Elf on Broadway merchandise for extra joy.

Take part in the merriment of the hotel’s 25 Days of Festive Fun, complete with daily surprises, activities and delights that add cheer to any stay. Be sure to purchase tickets to the Very Merry Santa Brunch, where the kids can enjoy a hot cocoa bar and activities like face painting, coloring, and cookie decorating, while parents can treat themselves to a delicious spread and complimentary Bellinis and Mimosas. Don’t forget to say ‘hi’ to the jolly man himself and take a family photo with Santa!

For fun-in-the-sun festivities, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island in Florida, where the whole family can bask in the sunshine. From the 25th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration to Santa’s Magical Dinner, Breakfast with Santa & Santa’s Storybook Tea, guests can take part in hotel traditions old and new.

For a holiday experience with a touch of culture, join in on the resort’s newest tradition, The Nutcracker Tea. Guests will be treated to an exquisitely refined afternoon tea presentation of chef-prepared tea sandwiches, savory bites, luscious pastries and cookies. This event also features a 20-minute performance from The Nutcracker, featuring The Florida Ballet. The family will have the opportunity to take home a photo with Santa Claus, Clara and her Nutcracker friends, along with everlasting memories.

2. Book restaurant reservations early

One of the best parts of the holidays is the delicious food. Make sure the family getaway is one to remember by booking reservations early to take advantage of dining experiences.

Those looking for an outdoor culinary adventure can get their tickets to this year’s Niagara Falls Hot Chocolate Trail. As part of the city’s annual Winter Festival of Lights, take the self-guided tour and enjoy specialty cups of the decadent drink from over 20 participating hotels and restaurants, including the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa and Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls.

Considering a trip to Toronto this season? Stay at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel and dine with Santa during the hotel’s Breakfast with Santa event. Savor a gourmet buffet breakfast at the elegant 43 Down restaurant, where culinary excellence meets delight. Kids can write letters to Santa and even share a moment with the man in red when he stops by the hotel.

Remember, the magic of the season will likely mean space for these events will sell out quickly. Don’t wait!

3. Choose hotels with festive decor

Holiday decorations are a necessary component to experiencing all that the season has to offer. Enjoy beautiful décor while on the road by booking a hotel with decorations that set the stage for a family vacation.

For example, celebrate at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa with the Coastal Holiday Suite Package. Guests who book the spacious Ocean View Carolina King Suite can experience a room adorned with coastal Christmas décor in silver, gold, and beachy blues, creating an elegant ambiance.

For families who want to wake up in a winter wonderland, book a room at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. The hotel’s Christmas Dream Suites are adorned with spectacular decorations and additional perks. Guests will also have exclusive access to activities including ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas. During the event, follow along with the lovable Charlie Brown as he rediscovers the meaning of Christmas, alongside Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally and the rest of the Peanuts gang.

4. Plan a hotel stay near seasonal activities

Make the most of the trip by choosing a hotel located near seasonal activities and attractions. Not only will families save on transportation, but they’ll be also able to make the most of their time together.

For a West Coast adventure, head to The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, a ski-in, ski-out destination tucked away in the pristine beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering unparalleled slopeside luxury for parents and plenty of activities for kids.

Travelers of all ages and interests can explore the wintry wonder of this mountain resort. From skiing to hiking, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventures to enjoy. Parents, don’t forget to take some me time at the slopeside spa after an exhilarating outing, or for an experience the entire family can enjoy, relax and indulge at the resort’s private firepits at BBQ Backyard while making s’mores and enjoying hot cocktails or hot chocolate. Parents can also nurture their child’s inner artist by taking them to the hotel’s Swirling Snow Globes experience, where they can decorate snow globes.

For those looking to head north, consider Delta Hotels by Marriott, Mont Sainte-Anne, Resort and Convention Center in Quebec, another exclusive ski-in, ski-out experience. Carve through the exhilarating snow-capped landscape or opt for the cross-country skiing facilities, among the largest in North America. Adventure seekers can access snowmobiling and dog sledding before unwinding at the Aqua Nordik Centre and dining at the Bistro Nordik.

Gift family with a holiday trip to remember

Make this getaway one to remember. With these four essential tips, families and their loved ones can immerse themselves in the holidays, no matter where they roam this winter.

When choosing accommodations, book a stay at one of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 6,100 properties in the U.S. & Canada across more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands. From luxury trips to extended stays in the most memorable destinations, Marriott Bonvoy has a hotel brand for every type of journey and traveler.

To learn more about the properties mentioned and plan a family vacation today, visit Marriott.com.

2024-10-31T16:13:00

(BPT) – Murals aren’t just large-scale works of art — though they function all on their own to beautify public spaces. They also serve as powerful platforms for cultural expression and highlight the vibrancy of their communities. According to research from nonprofit Americans for the Arts, art in public spaces (like murals) can positively impact a community’s economic growth and stability, attachment and cultural identity, social cohesion and cultural understanding, and public health and belonging. A new mural recently revealed in Knoxville, Tennessee, aims to do just that.

Valspar — a leading manufacturer of paint and coatings — understands how murals transform ordinary walls into compelling works of art, fostering a sense of community pride, unity and connection. That’s why the brand launched the “Be Bright by Valspar” mural initiative in 2021, which sponsors large-scale murals in communities across the country, some chosen by PGA TOUR Pro golfers. The new mural in Knoxville was chosen by 2024 Valspar Championship winner Peter Malnati and is meant to emphasize how the community is “better together.”

The power of color and community

During the pandemic, just before the 2021 PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship in Tampa Bay, Florida, Valspar saw the need to foster optimism, human connection and a spirit of togetherness within local communities. In response to this need, the company developed the Be Bright by Valspar initiative. Each year, Valspar works with local artists to complete two murals: the first in Tampa Bay and the second later in the year in a city of the tournament winner’s choosing. All Be Bright murals are painted using Valspar Defense and Duramax exterior fade-resistant paints to ensure each mural can inspire communities for years to come.

Transforming communities one mural at a time

Valspar donated the first Be Bright mural in 2021 after the company asked the Tampa Bay community where it would love to see a dose of joy, positivity and renewal. The selection committee chose the North Greenwood Recreation Center in Clearwater, Florida, which provides after-school care and activities for children in the Clearwater area. Valspar teamed up with local artist Zulu Painter to create a vivid mural depicting the joy of hugs, smiles and fun the world was missing during the pandemic.

Later that year, the company worked with PGA TOUR Pro Brandt Snedeker to choose the next Be Bright mural location. Brandt and his wife, Mandy, chose a location with personal meaning, an after-school center where they both volunteer in their Tennessee hometown. Freelance illustrator and muralist Alexandria Hall used stunning colors to express the joy and enthusiasm of the children the center serves.

Since 2021, Be Bright by Valspar has completed five additional murals: three in Tampa Bay at Tampa General Hospital, St. Pete/Clearwater Airport and ZooTampa at Lowry Park and two other murals in Ruston, Louisiana, and Edmond, Oklahoma, in partnership with Valspar Championship winners Sam Burns and Taylor Moore, respectively.

The eighth mural was revealed Oct. 31 in Knoxville in partnership with this year’s Valspar Championship winner Peter Malnati. Designed and created by artist KaDavien Baylor, the colorful mural design nods to what the state is known for, such as the Great Smoky Mountains, musical notes and the Tennessee River, as well as personal touches, including Malnati lifting his son in the air after winning the Valspar Championship.

Valspar believes that paint can inspire more than home projects; it can inspire everyone to be the brightness that the world needs. To learn more about the Be Bright initiative, visit Valspar.com/en/BeBright.

2024-10-31T15:15:00

(BPT) – With pumpkin-themed food lining the grocery stores and the arrival of sweater weather, it can only mean one thing — autumn is in full swing! This beloved season lends itself well to cozy date nights and spending quality time with the people you care about. Now is the time to start planning fun activities, without having to worry about breaking the bank. AARP members have the opportunity to gather creatively — and save money at the same time. From a movie night in, to delicious treats and sweets out on the town, AARP members can take advantage of a variety of unique ideas for a fall outing with big discounts.

“The fall season is a treasure trove of outdoor activities and seasonal traditions, making it an ideal backdrop for memorable date nights and gatherings,” said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. “AARP members seek creative and curated experiences that allow them to connect with loved ones while being mindful of their budgets. The benefits and discounts that come with an AARP membership offer wonderful opportunities to create cozy, meaningful gatherings without breaking the bank.”

1. Romantic Night In

Looking for a cozy night in? Look no further than a movie and wine night with your partner.

Choose from over 45,000 episodes and movies, live sports, news, and more with Paramount+. AARP members can save 10% on any plan.

Complete the night by putting together a charcuterie and dessert board with wine pairings. And, the wine doesn’t need to cost a fortune if you’re an AARP member. With Naked Wines, members receive $120 off and complimentary shipping on their first personalized wine order of $179.99 or more. Plus, earn an additional $5 per month in wine credits to put toward wine purchases.

2. Bite-Sized Fall

Sharing delicious meals, drinks and sweets with your honey, family or even your co-workers is a great way to turn your fall evening into an exciting night out. AARP members save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages at Bonefish Grill. Dine-in service is available at all locations, while curbside carryout is available at participating locations only.

If you want a crisp treat to match the crisp weather, head to Jamba after dinner. Link your Jamba Rewards account and AARP membership to save 10% every day in-store, in-app and online at all participating Jamba locations.

3. Lesson in Session

With Veteran’s Day coming up, a fall night history lesson can be an exciting way to learn more about you and your partner’s family members. And, if you have any questions, or are excited to share your latest genealogical discoveries with others, AARP has the discounts to help you save on long-distance calls to family and friends.

AARP members save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription and get access to records and online tools to search, save and share their family history with Ancestry. If you’re new to Ancestry, you’ll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. Additionally, if you already have an Ancestry account, you’ll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for a year.

If you’re looking to call your long-distance family members to learn even more, you can cut your cell phone bill each month with Consumer Cellular. AARP members get two lines of unlimited talk, text and data for $55 per month. That’s just $27.50 per line. Or take advantage of other low-cost plans and take 5% off monthly service. No contract is required. Includes free activation and an extended, 45-day risk-free guarantee.

If you’re a veteran looking to take a vacation this Veteran’s Day, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts has deals that can help you both give back and save on a getaway. Through December 6th, Wyndham will match up to one million Wyndham Rewards points that Wyndham members donate to their five military partners — Armed Forces YMCA, Operation Homefront, Fisher House, Hope for the Warriors, and Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Also, veterans enjoy 12% off Wyndham’s best available rate at participating Wyndham Rewards Hotels across the U.S. and Canada when a valid military ID is presented at check-in.

4. Saving on a Fall Getaway

If you have a bit more time and want to get away for a fun family fall getaway, it’s important to make sure you’re planning wisely and factor in savings on hotels across the nation.

Now through November 30th, AARP members save 15% on stays of two or more consecutive nights at thousands of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts worldwide such as La Quinta^® by Wyndham, Baymont^® by Wyndham, and Trademark^® Collection. With Choice Hotels, from November 1st to December 30th, AARP members save up to 20% on 2-night stays at Choice Hotels such as Comfort, Country Inn & Suites and Radisson. Book by 12/30 to stay by 12/31.

Although colder weather can limit some fun outdoor activities, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still have fun and creative activities to look forward to.

AARP offers members the opportunity to save on date night expenses, while providing a range of exciting activities to enjoy a fall night in, or out.

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

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2024-10-31T15:21:00

(BPT) – Hearing loss is often called a “silent epidemic” because it can develop slowly and go unnoticed for years. According to the National Council on Aging, more than 60 million Americans over the age of 12 experience some degree of hearing loss, and nearly one in three of them is 65 or older. In reality, this number is higher — these are just the ones we know about. There’s a silent legion of people who struggle to hear the TV and understand conversations in background noise yet don’t take the next step of getting their hearing checked. If you’re one of these people, you’re putting yourself at increased risk for depression, social withdrawal, and worse.

The good news? A recent breakthrough in hearing aid technology, specifically the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) to intelligently separate human speech from background noise, is making it easier than ever to hear the world around you and get back to enjoying life.

Dr. Brandy Pouliot, Director of Audiology and Education at Phonak, a global leader in hearing solutions, explains why good hearing is so critical to a person’s health and well-being, and how AI is pumping up the volume on this technology.

Q: Why is hearing intervention — hearing aids, in other words — so critical?

A: You’ve probably seen some headlines talking about the potential link between hearing loss and dementia. A landmark new study ACHIEVE (Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders), led by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, looked at the effect hearing intervention had on brain health in older adults. They found that hearing intervention (hearing aids) slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities in a subset of older adults by 48%. That’s a huge number! It means hearing may be tied to brain function in ways we hadn’t completely understood. While hearing aids cannot cure dementia, they play an important role in helping to preserve and enhance people’s cognitive functions, especially in their golden years.

Q: How do hearing aids improve our social well-being?

A: Not being able to hear and understand what’s going on around you — whether conversations at work, on the phone or out at dinner — creates feelings of frustration, anger and even embarrassment. This causes a person to withdraw. Think of that older relative at Thanksgiving dinner who remains quiet and confused while others freely converse. When people understand speech clearly, their muscles relax and their minds perk up because they can now take part in the conversation. We are social beings, and there is so much evidence showing individuals with strong social ties not only live longer, but also enjoy better health and well-being.

Q: What can people expect at an exam with a hearing care professional?

A: We begin by asking patients where and what they want to hear better. It’s no surprise that most individuals want to hear other people better, and that’s where a full audiological exam come into play. In a typical hearing screening, the ear is examined, and hearing thresholds are obtained to determine a patient’s ability to hear speech sounds. If hearing aids are recommended, your HCP is there to support you on your journey to better hearing.

Q: How is artificial intelligence advancing hearing aid technology?

A: Understanding speech in noise has always been the key need for those with hearing challenges, even when wearing hearing aids. Until now, hearing aids have relied on directional microphones and noise cleaning features to help highlight speech. These advancements have and will continue to be helpful for patients. However, just recently Phonak introduced Audéo Sphere Infinio — the world’s first hearing aid that uses a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) chip to actively separate a person’s voice from background noise. And it does it in real time. This is something truly revolutionary and the market has been waiting a long time for it.

Q: What do you mean by “real-time” AI?

A: Hearing in noise is exhausting even with normal hearing. After a strenuous day, understanding speech above the background noise takes a lot of mental effort. Real-time AI refers to the signal processing that Audéo Sphere Infinio does in real time. This means instant speech from noise separation for easier speech understanding and reduced listening effort. This not only makes for a much more enjoyable meal conversation, but it also helps people think clearer by freeing up those cognitive resources our brains use when we strain to hear.

Q: It sounds pretty cool to be a hearing care professional at this time.

A: Absolutely! This is such an exciting time for hearing care professionals (HCPs) because they finally have a hearing solution that directly addresses the top complaint of existing hearing aid wearers — the ability to hear well in background noise. HCPs play many different roles, but among their most important is helping people connect with others. Along with the right patient counseling and technical skills, AI hearing aids like Audéo Sphere Infinio may help HCPs more easily facilitate these connections.

Q: For people who believe they have hearing loss, what should they do now?

A: Getting your hearing checked is the best way to find out for sure. One easy way to get started is with an online hearing screener, like the one Phonak provides. Then, talk with your primary doctor and check your insurance for coverage of audiology services and hearing aids. Many plans include it. Armed with that information, your next step is to find a local hearing care professional and make that appointment.

Hearing loss is about more than just your ears. It can affect your emotional, physical and cognitive well-being. For more information visit Phonak.com or click here to find a hearing care provider near you.

2024-10-31T14:01:00

(BPT) – By Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, Executive Director & CEO, American College of Surgeons

For people of all ages, the mere thought of surgery can spur anxious thoughts and concerns: How long will the surgery take? What will my recovery look like? How risky is the procedure?

Worries and questions about surgery are especially common for patients 65 years and older, who account for more than 40% of all in-patient operations and can be at risk for increased complications as a result of other co-existing medical conditions.

At the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, we understand that preparing for surgery can be an overwhelming experience. We believe that asking the right questions before surgery can foster open communication between the patient and the care team, make preparing for an operation less daunting, and lead to better outcomes.

To help older patients navigate the complexities of preparing for surgery, the ACS, through our Geriatric Surgery Verification (GSV) Program, created a patient checklist for older surgical patients, families and caregivers. The checklist, which is free for anyone to download, equips patients with practical tips in an easy-to-use format and can be filled out online with a computer or printed out and brought to an appointment. Developed in collaboration with surgical experts, the checklist and our robust patient-education materials (www.facs.org/for-patients/) are designed to help patients and their families ask the right questions at the right time to help ensure they receive high-quality surgical care.

Encouraging open communication

Open communication between the patient and the care team is paramount to any successful surgery. The checklist outlines several questions to foster honest discussions with your care team, including a section to list any special considerations such as cognition (thinking) and delirium (confusion) risk, and a section to list all your current medications and allergies in one place to help facilitate a smoother office visit.

Putting your care goals front and center

Your goals and quality of life are as important as many other details related to your surgery. The checklist includes a section to capture thoughts about your overall health, treatment goals and how surgery might affect your daily life. Often referred to as patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, this information is important for detailing what matters to you most. Having discussions about your priorities in advance can help your surgical team develop a specific care plan that relies on the best possible research and aligns with your personal goals.

Helping you keep track of your questions

In the days and weeks before surgery, it can be difficult to think of all the questions you want to ask your surgeon and care team beforehand. The checklist includes several suggested questions to ask your care team. It also offers tips on having effective conversations with your care team to help you and your caregivers more fully understand all aspects of the operation and your recovery.

Download the Geriatric Surgery Patient Checklist (www.facs.org/gsvpatient/) and learn more about how the ACS GSV program (www.facs.org/gsv/) helps hospitals optimize surgical care for older patients through comprehensive, evidence-based standards. The ACS assists hospitals in improving surgical care in a variety of areas. We recognize hospitals that meet our high-quality verification standards with an ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond. Our hospital finder (www.facs.org/hospital-and-facilities/) provides patients with information on more than 2,500 hospitals nationwide that have earned the distinguished ACS Surgical Quality Partner Diamond by participating in one or more of our programs.

Patricia L. Turner, MD, MBA, FACS, is Executive Director & CEO of the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional association of surgeons in the world, founded in 1913.