Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2024-10-21T05:01:00

(BPT) – Your teenager just got his or her driver’s license — congratulations! Having another driver in the family can be a big help to parents. You no longer have to ferry your child to activities and lessons, and your newly minted driver can help shuttle around younger kids in the family. Did you forget an ingredient for dinner? Now you can send your teen to the grocery store! But with all the excitement also comes worry. If you’re like many parents, you don’t rest easy until the car safely pulls back into your driveway.

That worry is not unfounded. According to the United States Department of Transportation, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 15 and 18 in this country — new drivers, in other words. There are a lot of dangers out there on the road, including weather, other drivers and accidents just waiting to happen. Most of it is beyond your control. That’s why it’s vital to do what you can to keep your child safe when he or she is behind the wheel, and it all starts with the car they’re driving.

How do you choose the best car for your teen driver? A flashy car may be great for a kid’s ego, but when it comes to teen driving, safety is the most important concern. And because no family budget is the same, rest assured that quality safety features can be found at a variety of price points. Here are some tips on choosing the best car for your new teen driver, from the pros at Kelley Blue Book.

Safety features are essential. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used car, look for models equipped with these recommended must-haves:

• Front, side and curtain airbags to protect the driver and passengers during collisions.
• Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) prevent wheels from locking up during braking, thereby helping your teen maintain control of the vehicle.
• Backup cameras make it safer when going in reverse.
• Blind spot alerts and monitoring systems warn drivers when vehicles are in their blind spots.
• Lane departure alerts warn drivers when they’re veering out of their lane.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) monitors the car’s steering, wheel speed and acceleration to prevent skids and loss of traction.
• Forward collision warning works with front automatic braking to monitor what’s in front of the car and your speed. If it senses an imminent crash, it sounds an alert; if the driver doesn’t respond, it automatically applies the brakes.

Avoid certain types of cars. Tiny city cars may be popular for their lower price point and great gas mileage, but they simply do not provide as much protection in a crash as a sedan or small SUV. On the opposite end of the spectrum, large SUVs or pickup trucks may provide “more car” around your teen, but they may be too big for your teen to handle and difficult to park — not to mention, the fuel economy issue. High-horsepower cars may be a thrilling idea for some teens, but usually increased horsepower translates into higher insurance premiums and more opportunities for trouble.

Consider key safety and crash-test ratings. Kelley Blue Book incorporates data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) into their picks for the best cars for teens.

Rely on Kelley Blue Book research. Let the pros guide your research and offer their expert recommendations. Every year, Kelley Blue Book announces its picks for the best new and used cars for teens from a variety of different price points. Here’s their list for 2024.

Kelley Blue Book’s Best New Cars for Teens Under $30,000

1. 2024 Toyota Prius

2. 2025 Honda Civic

3. 2024 Toyota Corolla

4. 2025 Kia Seltos

5. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

6. 2025 Hyundai Kona

7. 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer

8. 2025 Nissan Kicks

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens Under $20,000

1. 2017 Toyota RAV4

2. 2018 Mazda CX-5

3. 2017 Honda CR-V

4. 2020 Toyota Corolla

5. 2019 Mazda3

6. 2017 Honda Accord

7. 2017 Toyota Prius

8. 2018 Kia Sportage

9. 2020 Honda Civic

10. 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens Under $15,000

1. 2018 Kia Sportage

2. 2019 Kia Soul

3. 2017 Toyota Corolla

4. 2018 Mazda3

5. 2016 Honda CR-V

6. 2016 Mazda CX-5

7. 2015 Toyota Prius

8. 2013 Honda Accord

9. 2013 Toyota Camry

10. 2015 Honda Civic

Kelley Blue Book’s Best Used Cars for Teens Under $10,000

1. 2014 Mazda3

2. 2013 Toyota Corolla

3. 2009 Toyota RAV4

4. 2010 Honda Element

5. 2011 Toyota Avalon

With this expert research, you can choose the safest car for your new driver within your family’s budget.

2024-10-18T13:47:00

(BPT) – In the fall, California’s Napa Valley transforms from lush, green vineyards and rolling hills into a stunning landscape of vibrant reds, deep oranges and rich yellows, all set against the bright, blue sky. As the leaves change color, the air becomes crisp and cool, creating a breathtaking backdrop to Napa’s quiet season.

The end of autumn’s harvest season affords Napa visitors a more intimate experience, a chance to explore the magic of the valley without the summer crowds. It is a time to take in Napa’s rich culture with harvest festivals, seasonal culinary offerings and scenic drives through the valley.

Here are the best places to stay, dine and unwind in Napa Valley this fall.

Winery tours. Vineyards are the heart and soul of Napa Valley, and a visit to the area is not complete without taking in its storied wine history. The gorgeous, welcoming vineyards of Cakebread Cellars are the perfect place to find it. From November to February, this over 50-year-old, family-owned winery provides a serene, personal experience with fewer visitors, allowing guests to connect more deeply with its rich legacy of quality, sustainability and innovation. Tours they provide:

The Cakebread Classic Tour, their signature tasting experience, guides visitors through the winery for a 45-minute tour, interspersed with tastings of Cakebread’s premium wines.

The Sustainable Wines and Vines Tour showcases Cakebread Cellars’ commitment to sustainability in their organic farming, winemaking practices and the construction of winery buildings using reclaimed materials.

The Perfect Pair Wine and Food Tasting allows you to experience the winery’s top wine varietals alongside Napa’s autumn bounty, reflecting its culinary roots and on-site garden through food-friendly pairings.

Luxury accommodations. A beautiful hotel experience is half the fun of a trip, and there are many resorts in Napa that provide luxurious and serene surroundings to enhance your visit. Stanly Ranch and Carneros Inn and Spa are located near downtown Napa, offering a peaceful and lovely retreat after your day’s adventures. When you visit during the fall, you can relish a premium stay without the premium price tag since hotel rooms can be up to 40% cheaper in the off-season.

Fine dining. Many restaurants in Napa Valley celebrate wine culture, from Mustards Grill with its 30-year tradition of “honest American fare with worldly sophistication, washed down with a glass of the valley’s finest,” to the elegant Brix Restaurant, with its focus on farm-to-table dining inspired by the traditions of Northern California. With smaller crowds, reservations are abundant, so no need to brave the long lines to visit your favorite Napa spot.

Hot air balloon rides. Called a “nature walk in the sky,” Napa’s long tradition of hot air ballooning gives guests a truly breathtaking way to see the valley’s striking landscape, bursting with vibrant fall colors. Tours begin at dawn, allowing you to float serenely through the air as you watch the sun rise.

Hiking. In Napa, you’ll find rugged mountain ranges, redwood forests, lakes and streams. Fall’s mild weather and vibrant hues create the perfect backdrop for guests looking to stretch their legs in the outdoors. From state parks to local trails with vineyard views, there is an excursion for every skill level. With the cooler temperatures in the fall, you won’t be hiking in the heat!

Hot springs. Unique to Napa Valley’s Calistoga region, underground hot springs feed geothermal mineral pools, infusing them with healing elements that soothe the body and mind. Step out of the crisp autumn air and book a day pass at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs to soak in the pools, which contain zinc, magnesium, calcium and bromine that relax sore muscles. It feels especially soothing to soak in the warm water on a cool day.

As the leaves change, Napa Valley is awash in color. Visit during this fleeting time of year and make the most of harvest season in Northern California.

2024-10-18T11:01:00

(BPT) – For Janice, health and fitness were always priorities. Growing up in Jamaica, she’d been a sprinter for her high school track team. After moving to the U.S. in her mid-20s, she built a successful career in sales while raising two young children. Although she was busy, she maintained a healthy and active lifestyle. In fact, other than having slightly elevated blood pressure, she was the picture of good health.

Yet things changed dramatically for Janice when she reached her mid-40s. Her blood pressure escalated significantly and no longer responded to medication. Her menstrual cycles became unpredictable. Most unsettling of all were the alarming changes in her appearance. Her face swelled and she gained a significant amount of weight around the center of her body. “People asked me if I was on steroids,” Janice recalls. Her legs became emaciated and weak. She developed a fatty hump between the shoulders (buffalo hump) and grew so much facial hair she had to start shaving it. She fought constant lethargy during the day, but then would be unable to sleep during the night.

Looking back, she remembers, “I was constantly stressed out. I didn’t look well, and I didn’t feel well.”

“My blood sugar would just skyrocket.”

Things came to a head one afternoon. Feeling unwell, Janice experienced a dizzy spell and fell while getting out of the shower. Unable to move or see clearly, she was rushed to the emergency room, where her blood sugar was measured at 1,000 mg/dL — a level so high it could trigger a diabetic coma. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and discharged with a new regimen of medications and lifestyle modifications.

Despite following her doctor’s instructions, Janice’s problems persisted. “Even when eating healthy and taking all my meds, my blood sugar would just skyrocket after meals.” She soon learned her kidneys and heart were also being impacted.

“Nobody had bothered to put it all together.”

Janice was on up to 25 different medications, but her symptoms continued, and her frustration grew. “I saw so many doctors — nearly every kind of -ologist you can think of,” she recounts.

One day, a chance conversation with someone else’s healthcare provider led to a breakthrough. After mentioning her health struggles in passing, the doctor suggested she might have Cushing’s syndrome. Janice began to research Cushing’s syndrome (also known as hypercortisolism) and was struck by how similar the symptoms seemed to her own. She found a local endocrinologist, shared her suspicions about Cushing’s syndrome, and a combination of blood tests confirmed her theory: Her cortisol levels were highly elevated. Further testing revealed a growth on her pituitary gland was causing the excess cortisol.

“For so long,” she recalls, “nobody had bothered to put it all together.”

“Finally, I look and feel normal again.”

With her Cushing’s syndrome properly diagnosed, Janice underwent surgery to remove her pituitary growth. Her recovery was difficult, but since receiving treatment she has grown stronger, and her Cushing’s symptoms are better. She remembers feeling that “at last, there was light at the end of the tunnel.”

While Janice’s journey has not been easy, today she is much healthier. She has lost 50 pounds, her hypertension is under control, her blood sugar has returned to normal levels, her kidney function is stable, and she has resumed her active lifestyle.

When speaking with other patients who face similar symptoms, she urges them to be proactive in their care. “A lot of people are walking around with Cushing’s and don’t know it. It’s everyone’s responsibility to educate doctors so they can help new patients.” She cites her own experience as living proof, adding: “Finally, I look and feel normal again. And I’m so grateful.”

If you suspect you may have hypercortisolism or Cushing’s syndrome, talk to your doctor.

You can visit corcept.com to learn more about how Corcept Therapeutics is unlocking the potential of cortisol modulation to revolutionize the treatment of serious diseases.

This article is the experience of one person and is not medical advice. Consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnoses or treatment.

2024-10-17T11:23:00

(BPT) – There are many things that make the holidays special, but two that tend to stand out above the rest are family and food.

For example, enjoying a glass of eggnog with loved ones is a treasured tradition for many people. But did you know that eggnog can also be enjoyed as a delicious and versatile ingredient in other drinks, entrees and desserts? You can take this holiday tradition and give it a twist by trying new eggnog recipes to make delicious creations with the people you care about the most.

You can easily brighten your holiday season by incorporating this creamy holiday drink into your favorite mealtimes. To inspire you, Organic Valley^® shares five imaginative and festive recipes featuring delicious Organic Valley^® Reduced Fat Eggnog.

1. Eggnog waffles

Eggnog waffles are a creative twist on a classic breakfast that the whole family will enjoy. Simply add eggnog to the waffle batter and prepare as usual. As soon as that first batch starts to brown and that irresistible smell fills your home, you’ll feel the joy of the season. This is a fun recipe to make with your kids, so you can create lasting holiday memories.

2. Sparkling eggnog

What’s better than drinking eggnog this holiday season? Adding some sparkle to it! Just grab some creamy, delicious eggnog and add sparking water and spiced simple syrup. A cinnamon stick and dash of cinnamon garnish are optional but add festive flare. At the end, you’ll have a drink that feels fun, fizzy and indulgent.

3. Eggnog ‘Swedish’ meatballs

Eggnog in meatballs? It’s not as crazy as it might seem — and way more delicious than you’d expect. A half cup of eggnog acts as a binding agent that brings more than a creamy texture to the mixture. It has just enough spice to complement the meat, eggs, Parmesan cheese and panko. It’s a fun way to use traditional seasonal flavors to reinvent a holiday meal.

4. Eggnog cookies

What’s better than sipping eggnog while eating cookies? Combining them to create a festive, mouthwatering cookie. The trick is to create eggnog icing, like the one featured in Organic Valley’s recipe for eggnog cookies. Ready the family for some holiday baking and try this new recipe that will soon become a favorite.

5. Eggnog panna cotta

Panna cotta is a luxurious dessert, and you can give it a holiday remix by adding eggnog. Eggnog panna cotta takes 5 minutes to whip up and a couple of hours to cool. However, the jiggly custard’s depth, creaminess and seasonal flavor will have your family assuming you fussed over this Italian dish. They’ll enjoy the complex taste while you appreciate the recipe’s simplicity.

These inspiring recipes will have you rethinking this classic holiday drink. Best of all, you can feel good when you purchase Organic Valley Reduced Fat Eggnog. This made-from-scratch recipe uses high-quality organic ingredients, including milk from small family farms where cows are raised without antibiotics, synthetic hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs.

You can find these five recipes and more at OrganicValley.coop. Let them inspire you this season to host friends and spend time with family while enjoying a wonderful holiday drink or treat.

2024-10-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – For most homeowners, mowing the lawn is a necessary chore that eats up precious time on weekends and exposes those with allergies to the kinds of grasses and pollen they’re trying to avoid. For landscapers, it’s a time-consuming and operationally challenging part of their core service. What if you could get a beautiful lawn without all of that hassle?

The answer is a robotic lawn mower. It’s a small, self-propelled unit — think of a lawn mower without a handle — that zips around on your lawn and cuts the grass so you can tend to other chores.

The robotic lawn mower market is expanding rapidly and regional programs like the Mowing Down Pollution initiative have reduced harmful emissions by nearly 50 tons per year since 1999, promoting the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives like robotic mowers. California’s January 2024 ban on the sale of new gas-powered landscape equipment is expected to boost demand for robotic lawnmowers as well.

With the recent innovations in robotic mowers from industry leader Sunseeker, these units are becoming the ultimate mowing solution.

Sunseeker offers a number of proprietary, game-changing technologies in its Orion X7 series, like Always-On Navigation, which delivers precise positioning accuracy down to the centimeter, and avoids signal loss in diverse outdoor environments. It also includes a 3D binocular camera, and incorporates a proprietary AI Deep-learning System for precise obstacle avoidance. Why is that important? Most robotic mowers on the market today depend on just one of those technologies. The combination dramatically improves the bot’s accuracy by giving it a complete picture of the yard. The AI-assisted mapping also allows landscaping pros to program the unit with maps of multiple lawns.

“This is truly the ‘iPhone moment’ in outdoor power equipment,” said Justin Novosel, Executive Vice President and GM of Sunseeker U.S. “It saves precious time for homeowners and allows landscaping crews to attend to other tasks.”

Is a robotic mower right for you? Here are some of the advantages of robotic lawn mowers versus traditional models.

Convenience. No more delaying weekend activities with the family to mow the lawn. A robotic lawn mower can operate anytime, day or night, while you’re at work or out doing fun activities with your friends and family. Once you install and program your mower, it’s basically self-sufficient. It has its schedule and is on the job, whether you’re there to supervise it or not.

Efficient mowing. Dare we even say it? A robotic mower may be able to handle your lawn better and more efficiently than you can. They are designed to cut the grass in random patterns, so you won’t get those rows or streaks. Some units offer electronic height adjustment for maximum efficiency. The Sunseeker Orion X7 offers Float Cut Technology, which allows the blades to automatically adjust to any terrain and provides a consistent and high-quality cut.

Stealth operation. Robotic mowers are quiet, operating almost silently. No more disturbing the neighbors! Another advantage of quiet operation is you can program your mower to run at night. Most come with anti-theft features so you don’t have to worry about someone picking up your bot while it’s on the job.

Built to handle slopes and other terrain issues. These little units are tough enough to handle sloped yards. And the bots can also identify thicker spots in your lawn and cut accordingly. Sunseeker’s Orion X7 is actually an all-wheel-drive unit.

Effortlessly rechargeable. With standard electric mowers, you need to remove the battery and put it on an external charger. Robotic mowers don’t require that step. Their docking station is their recharging station. The Sunseeker X7 automatically heads back to its charging station for a recharge. So you know that, whenever it’s time to mow, your mower will be charged and ready to go.

Low maintenance. No changing the oil, refilling gas, or any of the other maintenance involved with traditional mowers. With robotic mowers, you’ll need to change the blades once a year, and replace the battery every two to four years. That’s it.

Wouldn’t you like a bot to mow your lawn and get the job done right? That’s a big chore off of any homeowner’s mind. For more information about the latest in robotic lawn mowers, visit Sunseeker.

2024-10-16T10:47:00

(BPT) – College-bound students already have some avenues for advancing their studies of crucial subjects, such as pursuing college-level courses while in high school. Students with demonstrated interest in STEM subjects need a solid foundation to reach their full potential. Advanced mathematics is required for these students to be able to understand the natural world, analyze data, perform systematic observation and modeling — all crucial skills for their future studies and careers in fields including the natural sciences, engineering, computer science and more.

To attain an advanced foundation in mathematics, students can pursue vigorous courses while they’re still in high school. Stanford University-Level Online Immersive (ULO-I) offers challenging online mathematics courses to students worldwide.

“ULO-I classes are designed to provide resources for advanced high school students to proceed well beyond what their schools can offer,” said Dr. Rafe Mazzeo, Cassius Lamb Kirk Professor of Mathematics at Stanford University and Faculty Director of Stanford Online High School.

What is Stanford Pre-Collegiate University-Level Online Immersive?

ULO-I courses offer university-level mathematics to high school students anywhere in the world via two different intensive, semester-long courses. The course format is partially synchronous, with students listening to two to three recorded Stanford faculty lectures per week. They will also attend two synchronous online sessions, during which the course instructor will expand on material and facilitate group discussion and work. Students should expect five hours of live online class time and up to four hours of homework per week.

Just as with any advanced coursework, successful participation in this program can help students present themselves as strong candidates to any college, but it does not guarantee admission to or transfer credit at any university.

Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra

Launched last year, this course is based on recently developed curriculum for first-year Stanford students that can help prepare students who are already well-prepared in single variable calculus for further studies in engineering, computer science, data science, natural sciences and theoretical mathematics. The Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra course was the first offering in the ULO-I program.

“For Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra, we use a high-level curriculum that was developed in the Stanford University Mathematics department to prepare Stanford undergraduate students for math, data science, AI, engineering and all other quantitative disciplines,” said Mazzeo. “Linear algebra and the optimization techniques introduced in this course are fundamental for almost every application of math, particularly in data science and AI. This course is also a prerequisite for many Stanford computer science and engineering courses.”

Students who have completed the course will be well prepared to take classes in ordinary differential equations and more advanced linear algebra.

Discrete Mathematics

This course conveys the fundamental theory, structures and techniques of discrete mathematics. Discrete mathematics is an extremely broad and diverse subject, with a variety of connections to other branches of mathematics (including number theory, abstract algebra and others), and applications to fields outside of mathematics (including computer science, optimization, operations research and engineering).

This challenging course provides an ideal environment for students to improve and deepen their abilities to observe patterns, engage in mathematical reasoning, formulate conjectures and construct rigorous mathematical proofs.

Discrete Mathematics will teach students how to prove results and solve problems that may be somewhat different from those they have experienced prior to this course. Students will develop the foundations and mathematical maturity necessary to be broadly successful in higher-level mathematics (and other fields).

Students taking one of these courses will earn five units of Stanford University Continuing Studies credit. Schools, universities and districts have different policies regarding transfer of credits issued by Continuing Studies Programs. Credits for University-Level Online courses are most commonly used to place out of required courses (at the discretion of the receiving program). Prospective students should inquire with their institutions regarding their credit policies.

How to apply

High school students can apply to these courses now through January 6, 2025 for the spring semester, which begins Monday, January 27, 2025 and runs until May 16, 2025. Applicants are required to submit a transcript and other documents, depending on the chosen course. They must also submit a recommendation letter from a math instructor.

To learn more about these courses and to apply, visit ULO-I.Stanford.edu.

2024-10-16T09:31:00

(BPT) – Beyond the U.S. economy, one in two Americans believe the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election will directly impact their own personal finances, according to new research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing, and advice. In fact, a quarter (24%) say that the winner of the election helps determine “whether I’m rich or not” — a belief more firmly held by the Middle Class — reaching 27% for those with an income $50k-$100k, compared to 22% for those making under $50k; and 23% for people with incomes greater than $100k.

Americans can count the ways they’re invested in this year’s election, with 42% saying the amount of money they have will be tangibly more or less depending on who wins. One third (33%) say their “Wallet Power” — or their overall ability to spend, save, and invest — will either shrink (33%) or increase (31%). More than a third (34%) believe the Presidential election is a major predictor of their retirement timeline and financial security, with 30% saying the winner will impact those plans, causing them to work longer, or have a shorter retirement (40% Gen Z, 39% Millennials).

“The adage is that ‘all politics is local’ — and when it comes to money, it hits very close to home, with many Americans seeing a direct link between their own prosperity and the highest office in the land,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. “From their retirement timeline to their account balances, people feel there is a lot riding on the outcome of the election in terms of their own financial happiness.”

Chief among the issues at stake, many Americans (42%) believe the winner of the Presidential election will get inflation and prices under control, making things more affordable (47% men, 38% women) at a time when many Americans say they’re feeling “The Big Shrink.” One third (33%) say the winner of the Presidential election will make it easier to reach their personal financial goals, such as the 33% who say the victor will make it more affordable to buy a home (42% Millennials).

The money moves on the ballot

People say they’ll make concrete money moves based on who wins: 41% will add more money to their emergency savings, save more cash (41% overall, 48% Millennials), and be more frugal with their spending (45%).

More Americans say they are closely following the 2024 Presidential race than the stock market (67% vs. 33%), and half (53%) agree that uncertainty about the outcome of the Presidential election impacts the markets. One in four (23%) will invest more in the stock market based on the outcome of the Presidential election (32% Millennials) or change their asset allocation (34% Millennials). Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) plan to take more drastic measures, and say they will withdraw their money/liquidate their investments (27% Millennials).

More findings:

• It’s a tie for the economy: People are split on which direction the economy will turn based on the outcome of the election: 30% predict an economic recession, while 32% say it will cause an economic boom. Still, a majority (67%) are worried about the state of the economy depending on who wins the Presidential election.
• The jobs report: 57% say the job market will be affected by the winner of the Presidential election, though 29% say they are worried about job security regardless of the outcome.
• Who wants to talk politics…at work?: 33% feel more comfortable asking for a raise at work than talking politics with their coworkers. Still, in general, people would rather talk politics (53%) than about their own personal finances (35%).
• Bonus round: 31% say the winner of the Presidential election will affect their employer’s/company’s financial performance, and 22% think the winner of the Presidential election will affect their work bonus (33% of Millennials).
• Clocking in: Nearly 1 in 5 (19%) admit they’ll be less productive at work during the Presidential election (29% Gen Z, 27% Millennials). A third will take time off from work on Election Day to vote (41% Millennials) and will spend a large amount of time watching the Presidential election proceedings at work (34% overall, 42% Millennials).
• Retirement ready or not: Inflation and rising prices (45%), the state of the economy (37%), and access to a retirement plan (23%) are top factors people say influence their ability to retire on time and securely, which is one reason they remain core issues in the election. Still, voters are mixed about how the 2024 Presidential election will affect their retirement: 26% say they will never be able to retire; 29% overall say they’ll have more money in retirement (35% men, 24% women; 38% Millennials). Thinking about the 2024 election results, many remain optimistic about the future: 31% overall say they’ll likely be more financially secure in retirement.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Ticket: Money and Politics.”

*ABOUT THE STUDY

Empower’s “The Ticket: Money and Politics” study is based on online survey responses from 2,200 Americans ages 18+ fielded by Morning Consult between July 22-24, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

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2024-10-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Nutrition can be confusing. Every day seems to bring a new headline declaring what’s healthy and what’s not, whether it’s the Mediterranean Diet, low fat, low carb, DASH, vegan or high protein. With all this diet-of-the-minute hype, it’s hard to know what we should be eating. On World Food Day, let’s cut through the noise, go back to basics and focus on nutrients.

Nutrient density is the right place to start when trying to understand good nutrition and achieve a healthy, balanced diet. This concept refers to how much nutrition you get from food compared to its calories, with the goal being to maximize health benefits. Think leafy greens, broccoli, berries, nuts, seeds and quality protein shakes for nutrient-dense choices. A doughnut? Not so much.

“It’s important to remember that fresh, natural foods play a key role in our diet, but they aren’t always accessible to everyone,” says Luigi Gratton, Vice President of the Office of Health and Wellness at Herbalife. “By taking a holistic approach to healthy eating, we can complement fresh meals with food supplements and other nutrient-dense options to help achieve a balanced intake of macro- and micro-nutrients.”

Here are six tips to get more nutrient bang for your calorie buck.

Think color

Try this easy nutrition hack: Load your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. Why? A diverse range of colors ensures you’re getting a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Go for whole grains and lean proteins

Choose whole grains like brown rice and whole-grain bread. They’re packed with fiber and nutrients. For protein, opt for lean sources like chicken, fish, beans and tofu — great for your body without too much saturated fat.

Drink smart

Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best — physically and mentally! Water helps your body make the most of the nutrients in your food and flushes out what it doesn’t need. Just be careful: many drinks are loaded with hidden sugars and empty calories. Aim for about eight cups of water a day, but feel free to adjust based on your activity level and personal needs. And remember, unsweetened drinks like tea or infused water count toward your hydration too!

Always check the label

Make it a habit to read food labels — they’re key to understanding nutrition! Just because something looks healthy, like yogurt, doesn’t mean it is. Check for added sugars and watch the sodium levels in diet meals. Aim for lower fat and salt, and higher protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This will help you make smarter choices about what you eat!

Processed doesn’t mean unhealthy

Processed doesn’t mean unhealthy. The term ‘processed food’ often gets a bad rap, but not all processed foods are bad for you. In fact, many staples like pasta, bread and yogurt are processed in some way. While some processed and ultra-processed foods can be high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, many are actually nutritious. For example, Herbalife’s meal replacement shakes are processed to meet regulatory standards and deliver essential nutrients. The key is to choose your processed foods wisely — look for options that provide health benefits and fit into your balanced diet!

A quality meal replacement shake can help fill gaps in your diet

We’d all love to get all our nutrients from fresh, healthy food every day, but let’s be honest — life gets busy! Whether you’re rushing the kids to soccer practice or staying late at work, it can be tough to get all the nutrients you need. That’s where a quality meal replacement shake comes in. These handy shakes can help you stay on track with your nutrition, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet even when you’re short on time.

So, take a holistic approach. Combining healthy, fresh food with nutrient-dense meal supplements will ensure you get the nutrients that will help you power through the day. To learn more about how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, visit Herbalife.com.

2024-10-15T16:15:00

(BPT) – Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season to experience a warm coastal autumn in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. All along the Grand Strand, you’ll find seasonal celebrations, outdoor activities and incredible events for the whole family to enjoy.

While the area is renowned for its summer activities, the off season means fewer crowds, blue skies and sunshine well into late fall — all at a great value.

Here are some of the many incredible adventures you can have this fall at The Beach.

Outdoor recreation

As the weather cools down, South Carolina offers plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take a trip to Myrtle Beach State Park, which stretches across the Grand Strand coastline. In this oceanfront maritime forest, you can watch the sunrise over the ocean, kayak on open waters and even learn how to crab fish! For birdwatchers, the South Carolina state parks along the Grand Strand are a hotbed for a variety of flocks. No matter what type of outdoor adventurer you are, you can find an unforgettable nature experience.

Food and drink

One of the best parts of a trip is tasting the local cuisine. With over 2,000 restaurants, Myrtle Beach offers everything from fresh-caught seafood to fusion fare and traditional dishes.

Head to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for Taste of the Town on Oct. 22, featuring many of the Grand Strand’s Finest Restaurants, culinary awards, live entertainment, and silent auction. Then get ready to be served the freshest seafood around at I Love Seafood Fest on Oct. 26, where you can sample lobster, crab, crawfish, shrimp, and much more. Live entertainment and cooking demos are also planned for this fun fest at Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place.

Beer enthusiasts can explore The Beach’s best breweries with the Myrtle Beach Beer Trail. The digital passport allows participants to “check-in” at the area’s 10 best beer destinations, explore The Grand Strand and earn fun prizes along the way.

Festivals and events

October is the best time to explore Myrtle Beach’s festivals and local events!

The city of Conway embraces its official “City of Halloween” title with various activities throughout October, including a Halloween Golf Cart Parade, a home-decorating contest and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy the fall spirit.

The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk Halloween celebration is one you won’t want to miss. Taking place on Oct. 31, the Marsh Walk will host costume contests for kids and adults and trick-or-treating beginning at 5 p.m. Enjoy food and drinks at all eight MarshWalk restaurants throughout the evening!

Live entertainment

Myrtle Beach is the place to be for live entertainment this fall. Every Thursday through Oct. 24, visit Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach for Nights at Nance Fall Concert Series. These al fresco events feature live music from popular area artists as well as local food and beverage vendors.

For shows, concerts, comedy and acrobatics, get your tickets for a night at the Alabama Theatre. The Beach’s premier entertainment venue hosts exciting productions that are sure to be the highlight of your family fall getaway.

If you’re strapped for time, don’t miss the award-winning two-hour show at the Carolina Opry, which blends high-energy music, comedy and dance. The venue itself is something to behold, so at every show, you can enjoy state-of-the-art lighting, sound and special effects in a luxurious theater.

Get ready for fall at The Beach

Fall in Myrtle Beach means great deals on hotels, with packages offering up to 25% off or free nights, making an unforgettable vacation more affordable than ever.

Don’t miss out on Myrtle Beach’s temperate autumn climate, outdoor adventures, culinary experiences, festivals and entertainment. Start planning your fabulous fall trip to The Beach at VisitMyrtleBeach.com.