Category Archives: health and fitness

Health and Fitness, is important to living a healthy life. Learn the newest research from our Press Releases today.

New Leadership Takes the Helm at Popular Gym Chain YouFit


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There are some positive changes coming. We are inspired and committed to helping our members live healthy, active lives.

YouFit Health Clubs, known nationwide for its affordable memberships and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, has laid the groundwork for a successful 2021, with new leadership and ownership poised to take the company to the next level.

The national fitness chain has recently gone through a Chapter 11 financial restructuring and is now owned by a group of investors, including majority shareholders Birch Grove Capital.

YouFit also announced a new CEO, Brian Vahaly. Vahaly recently served as the CFO of strength training-focused [solidcore], with a background in private equity and early-stage venture capital.

“I could not be more excited and honored to lead YouFit,“ said new CEO Brian Vahaly. “At its core, this club is about our loyal members, and they are going to see a lot of positive changes at this company. The gym landscape has changed over the last few months, and we look forward to welcoming customers back into the new YouFit.”

In November, due to the unprecedented challenges of the ongoing pandemic, YouFit Health Clubs made the decision to restructure the company through a bankruptcy filing so it could continue operating and serving its loyal clients. With its new leadership and ownership, the company is on track for a strong future.

“This has always been a great gym at a great price. And now, we have plans to improve our service and offerings even more. There are some positive changes coming. We are inspired and committed to helping our members live healthy, active lives,” said Vahaly.

YouFit has 80 health clubs throughout the country. All locations are enforcing strict health and safety protocols (including those mandated by local and state governments) to protect members during the pandemic.

For more information about the measures YouFit is taking to keep members healthy, visit https://www.YouFit.com/blog/YouFit-safety-measures.

About YouFit

YouFit Health Clubs is a gym that’s about one thing only: You. Founded in 2008, YouFit offers affordable gym memberships at state-of-the-art facilities to help members get the most out of life.

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Wine Market Council Releases Results Of Study On The Role Of Wine In A Wellness Lifestyle


“As a natural, sustainable product, we believe wine can be part of a Wellness Lifestyle. This research was conducted to help us, and the wine industry we serve, understand if consumers share that perception.” – Dale Stratton, Wine Market Council President

In partnership with NielsenIQ, the Wine Market Council just completed a study on the role of wine in a Wellness Lifestyle. The primary goal of the research was to better understand how wine is perceived as compared to other beverage alcohol categories such as beer, spirits, and hard seltzers. Additional insights were gained on the interaction between the categories, the role of ‘dry months,’ and the importance of social circles and occasions. “As a natural, sustainable product, we believe wine can be part of a Wellness Lifestyle,” said Dale Stratton, Wine Market Council President. “This research was conducted to help us, and the wine industry we serve, understand if consumers share that perception.”

Three categories of wellness were defined, based on what consumers considered important to a healthy lifestyle. The first and largest group is activity focused, rating exercise, stress management, and time with family as most important for wellness. The second are consumers whose primary focus is on diet and ingredients with an orientation to reducing sugar, calories, and carbs. The third and smallest group includes those who are ‘alcohol-concerned,’ and focus on reducing the amount of alcohol consumed or seek lower alcohol products. These last two groups also value exercise and social activities but differ significantly on the important factors in food and beverages consumed.

“We’re tempted to ascribe consumer choices to the ‘trend du jour,’ be it reduced calories or cutting back alcohol. But in fact, the consumption trends we’re seeing now are a complicated mix of health perceptions, taste and social influences, magnified by the pandemic,” explained Christian Miller, Wine Market Council Director of Research. “Wellness factors that are important vary person to person and the products that are credible depend on the attribute being stressed. The good news for wine is that it isn’t particularly vulnerable on any one factor and so far, has kept its position as the alcoholic beverage most compatible with a wellness lifestyle in general. However, we are at the start of a very dynamic phase in this area, and consumers are going to be bombarded with a lot of new products and claims, so we need to keep an eye on this topic.”

Roughly half of all beverage alcohol consumers do not associate alcoholic beverages with features of a wellness lifestyle. However, of those who do, two thirds perceive wine as an overall healthier choice compared to hard seltzer, spirits and beer. Hard seltzer does better with diet/ingredient-focused consumers and is seen as hitting the mark for lower calories, carbs and sugar. Those whose wellness concerns were focused on diet and ingredients were less likely to be cutting back on hard seltzer, while those whose concerns were alcohol-focused were more likely to be cutting back on spirits and less likely hard seltzer. Core wine consumers ranked reducing calories and artificial ingredients, and eating more plant-based foods, as higher priorities than less frequent wine consumers, who were in turn higher than non-wine drinkers.

“NielsenIQ is pleased to partner with The Wine Market Council on this research, as it is relevant given the overarching consumer trends, and timely given the ever-changing dynamics in the world today,” said Peggy Gsell, Client Business Partner, NielsenIQ. “Core consumer trends that were growing before the pandemic continued to grow, and in many cases accelerated, throughout 2020. Health and wellness is the number one concern among U.S. consumers and is a key trend that translates into unique product offerings and marketing communication. For beverages specifically, we have seen several better-for-you products enter the marketplace, a resurgence of low alcohol and non-alcohol offerings, and a heightened transparency in ingredient claims.”

The recent study addresses additional trends such as alcoholic beverage consumption (decreasing overall) and the reasons for it, the leading one being the decline in social situations where consumers might drink, no doubt correlating with the pandemic. A general dissatisfaction with drinking was the second reason for decline in consumption, while third were factors related to dietary and eating habits. Also of note: Most consumers drink and purchase alcoholic beverages across multiple categories, rather than focusing the majority of their consumption on a single category such as beer or wine.

Another finding of the research was the association between hard seltzer’s growth and reducing wine consumption, which was weak. While hard seltzer picked up share from those consumers reducing wine consumption, overall, more wine drinkers reported increasing wine and hard seltzer than those who said they were drinking less wine and more hard seltzer. The big loser in this equation appears to be beer, ceding purchases to both wine and hard seltzers.

About Wine Market Council Research

The Wine Market Council conducts research on the attitudes and behaviors of U.S. wine consumers, measuring and exploring industry trends from the consumer perspective. It also provides national wine consumption benchmarks by various segments of the population. The council’s research does not track individual brands or companies, nor does it measure sales in the wholesale or retail tier or direct to consumer sector, nor does it score wines in any way. The proprietary research is provided to association members only.

The full Wellness Lifestyle report, webinar and data set are available to members of the Wine Market Council.

About the Wine Market Council

The Wine Market Council was established in 1994 as a non-profit (501c6) trade association whose mission is to provide our members forward looking market research on the ever changing U.S. wine consumer’s buying habits, attitudes, and motivations. More information can be found at https://WineMarketCouncil.com.

About Nielsen

Nielsen Holdings plc is a global measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. Nielsen is divided into two business units. Nielsen Global Media provides media and advertising industries with unbiased and reliable metrics that create a shared understanding of the industry required for markets to function. NielsenIQ (formerly known as Nielsen Global Connect) provides consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers with accurate, actionable information and insights and a complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that companies need to innovate and grow.

Our approach marries proprietary Nielsen data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what’s happening now, what’s happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge.

An S&P 500 company, Nielsen has operations in nearly 100 countries, covering more than 90% of the world’s population. For more information, visit http://www.nielsen.com.

Rowdy Mermaid Welcomes Visionary Brand Leader Sheila Rosen to its Trailblazing Team as Director of Marketing


Rowdy Mermaid brings on Sheila Rosen as director of marketing for the leading functional beverage brand

Sheila shares our team’s belief in the power of functional beverages to do good, taste good and help people feel good, making her an ideal addition to the Rowdy Mermaid family

Rowdy Mermaid, the functional beverage brand known for its delicious and healthful kombucha, today celebrates the hire of Sheila Rosen as the brand’s director of marketing. Rosen joins Rowdy Mermaid with more than 20 years of experience creating transformative ideas that deliver exceptional results and profitable growth across both large and emerging businesses. The addition of Rosen to Rowdy Mermaid is the latest in a number of exciting developments for the company during the past several months, including the launch of new flavors and a direct-to-consumer purchasing experience.

At Rowdy Mermaid, Rosen is responsible for brand strategy, consumer engagement and the big ideas that will continue to drive aggressive growth. She will also lead the development and commercialization of new product innovation and execute a marketing program to grow Rowdy Mermaid’s devoted consumer base. The role offers Rosen the invigorating opportunity to bring the soul of the brand to life, creating believers in the mission that functional, plant-based medicine can be shared with the world through beverages that are magnetic, beautiful, enjoyable and a bit rambunctious.

“Sheila clearly recognizes the unmistakable moxie of the Rowdy Mermaid brand,” said Jamba Dunn, CEO and founder of Rowdy Mermaid. “She shares our team’s belief in the power of functional beverages to do good, taste good and help people feel good, making her an ideal addition to the Rowdy Mermaid family. Her proven ability to inspire devotional growth will be an invaluable resource as we evolve Rowdy Mermaid from a kombucha brand to a functional beverage company that always delivers on the promises of nourishment and taste.”

Prior to joining Rowdy Mermaid, Rosen spent 18 years at Sterling-Rice Group (SRG), a nationally recognized brand-building firm headquartered in Boulder, Colo. Most recently, Rosen served as managing director and partner at the firm, where she excelled as a senior relationship leader and strategic brand builder for large, multi-national CPG companies, like Hormel, Danone and General Mills, as well as for smaller, emerging businesses, including Simple Mills, Yasso, and Alden’s, among others. Rosen has special expertise in the natural and organic segment with entrepreneurial brands, creating trial-driving activations, innovation strategies and strongly positioning them for growth. Dave’s Killer Bread, SO Delicious, Justin’s, Applegate, Cascadian Farm, Horizon Organic, Merrick Pet Care, Ellenos and Manitoba Harvest are just a handful of the brands Rosen had a direct role in growing and supporting while at SRG. Before her tenure at SRG, Rosen successfully held a variety of marketing positions with well-known leading advertising and marketing agencies.

“Rowdy Mermaid uniquely combines taste, wellness and design in a way that piqued my curiosity; it’s not every day a brand can flip a non-kombucha drinker into a functional beverage evangelist,” shared Rosen. “It is an exciting time to dive in at Rowdy Mermaid, a brand that embraces individual empowerment, while still recognizing the power of belonging to a bigger collective focused on positive change and health. I am enthralled with the opportunity to be a Rowdy force, helping this special plant medicine company reach new heights and be an even bigger force of good for people and the planet.”

Rosen joins Rowdy Mermaid as the brand prepares for an exciting year ahead filled with bubbly new offerings and an expanded distribution footprint. With a passionate and eclectic team of doers and believers, Rowdy Mermaid is poised to continue its category-leading growth in 2021.

About Rowdy Mermaid

Rowdy Mermaid’s story began in 2012 when Jamba Dunn, the company’s founder, began brewing kombucha in his garage. Encouraged by his young daughter, he was inspired to create a kombucha that wasn’t so “kombucha-y,” meaning less sugary, less vinegary, less acidic and safer. The result was Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha, a scientifically controlled, function-forward kombucha done different, brewed by doing the right thing across all things. The brand prides itself on turning kombucha skeptics into kombucha evangelists, and doing so while supporting the plants, processes, people and communities in its supply chain. Today, Rowdy Mermaid is a leading functional beverage brand committed more than ever to giving people sustainably sourced deliciousness that’s also infused with functional plant medicine. Get rowdy with us at rowdymermaid.com and @rowdymermaid on Instagram.

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Zesty Paws Names Chris Jaromin as Senior Vice President of Supply Chain


I love Zesty Paws’ mission of improving the health and wellness of animals. Zesty Paws’ products fill an important area in animal wellness

Zesty Paws, a leading functional supplement brand for pets, has hired Chris Jaromin as Sr. Vice President of Supply Chain. In this role, Jaromin will be responsible for leading the Supply Chain team by expanding and evolving Zesty Paws’ operations to optimize the brand’s supply chain network.

“I am very excited to be joining a fast growing, dynamic company and team who has a great promise to achieve more success and innovate even further in the years to come,” said Chris Jaromin, a proud owner of a tabby cat and beagle/hound mix rescue. “I love Zesty Paws’ mission of improving the health and wellness of animals. Zesty Paws’ products fill an important area in animal wellness and I am honored to be part of the journey to reach more pet parents with Zesty’s functional pet supplements.”

Prior to joining Zesty Paws, Jaromin held the position of Vice President of Operations for Massachusetts-based startup Biena Snacks. Previous to that, he led Operations at pet food manufacturer Wellpet, as well as other CPGs like The Topps Company, and The Longaberger Company. With more than 24 years of experience working in the supply chain industry, operations, and logistics, Jaromin has a demonstrated history of building and managing high performance teams and delivering excellent customer service.

“I couldn’t be happier to welcome Chris Jaromin to the Zesty Paws family,” said Steve Ball, CEO of Zesty Paws. “He has outstanding experience and the positive personality that we need to drive the brand forward. As Zesty Paws continues to expand its footprint to bring its pet parents the customer experience and pet products they know and love, Chris’s ability to manage and lead the supply chain team will help us meet the aggressive growth goals we have for the brand.”

Zesty Paws is the go-to brand for top rated pet nutrition supplements for dogs and cats that offers functional benefits with premium branded ingredients. Delivered in a treat-like format, Zesty Paws’ supplements are a health solution for addressing certain needs of cats and dogs including, Digestion, Immunity, Grooming, and Behavior among others. This year, Zesty Paws also debuted a new line of CBD products called Hemp Elements Plus for dogs. All Zesty Paws pet supplements are made in the United States with the best available globally sourced proven branded ingredients.

For more information about Zesty Paws, please visit ZestyPaws.com or follow them on Instagram.

ABOUT ZESTY PAWS

At Zesty Paws our passion is simple: to enable and inspire a ZEST FORT LIFE in pets and parents. We strive to be the most innovative and trusted brand in functional solutions to guide and empower pets on their journey through wellness.

We use unique formulas based on active ingredients you know and trust, and that are proven to provide tangible benefits to your pet. We have received thousands of 5-star reviews on top channels such as Amazon, Chewy and our own site. Pet parents are delighted by our commitment to innovative, high quality products that work, as well as by our unparalleled customer service. As the most trusted brand for pet’s health and wellness, the United States-based brand has been regularly recognized as a best seller on Amazon, alongside other top pet retailers. For information about Zesty Paws, please visit ZestyPaws.com or catch up with them on Instagram (@zestypaws), Facebook or Twitter (@zestypaws).

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NCES and SOULFIRE HEALTH Partner For Digital Distribution


NCES, Inc. announces the creation of a content distribution relationship with SoulFIRE Health, a digital engagement group of 5th Dimension Strategies, LLC. The NCES Catalog is a rich library of nutrition promotion, education and general wellness products with years of investment. The mostly paper-based library will be transformed into digital content ready for nutrition and wellness coaching content for

registered dietitians, nutritionists, exercise and wellness coaches to easily offer to clients and consumers.

The combined effort allows the vast library of resources to be accessed in a monthly subscription, based on the area a professional focuses her/his work. The new digital library can be accessed from the websites of http://www.ncescatalog.com or http://www.soulfirehealth.app.

“A recent study showed the predominance of American’s 2021 self-interests are primarily fitness, nutrition and overall wellness behaviors…” says Rebecca MacKinnon, CEO of 5th Dimension Strategies. “The SoulFIRE Health team is a group of early career professionals bringing digital skills to this new era of health promotion and education.”

MacKinnon specifically noted that in the wake of the challenges brought by 2020 pandemic, the Statista study reports 44% of Americans want to Exercise More and 42% say they will Eat Healthier, but with a surprisingly more distant third priority of Spending More Time with Friends at 34%…https://www.statista.com/chart/23812/most-popularnew-year-resolutions-americans/

“Chronic conditions are often heavily impacted by nutrition choices, many of which are life-long habits that must be modified,” says Chris Jackson, CEO of NCES. The NCES products have traditionally targeted the teaching and education needs for health professionals in working directly with consumers. The once take-home products were a way to offer further learning, ongoing reminders and behavior management support.

“In the digital age, these once packet “stuffers” are now being accessed digitally and forwarded with a click,” says Jackson. “NCES products are high quality and have always received great responses in satisfaction surveys, but it’s time to modernize access to the library. This is a year to ring in the new…”

ABOUT NCES. NCES, Inc. (http://www.ncescatalog.com) is a leader in creating and publishing of health, nutrition and exercise content. The Company provides education materials and teaching tools, individually or as companion products, for health professionals.

NCES works directly with providers or provides content customized to specific target market needs.

ABOUT 5th DIMENSION STRATEGIES. 5th Dimension Strategies, LLC (http://www.5dstrategies.com) has a long history of working with clients on strategic planning and mobilizing organization efforts for success. Of recent years, 5th Dimension Strategies has assembled the talent necessary for implementing necessary Digital Strategies for its clients.

CONTACT: Chris Jackson (chris@ncescatalog.com)

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iOBED’s Patented Body Sensing Technology Named a FINALIST for 2021 Edison Awards™


Established in 1987, the Edison Awards™ have recognized and honored some of the most innovative products, services, and business leaders from around the world and is among the most prestigious accolades honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design, and innovation. iOBED’s Body Sensing Technology was chosen as a finalist in the highly competitive category of Consumer Goods. Gold, Silver & Bronze Awards will be announced in late April at an awards ceremony in Florida.

iOBED’s proprietary algorithms in its Body Sensing Technology automatically adjusts to each individual’s body shape, height and weight. The technology continuously monitors the individuals sleep position and automatically adjusts to ensure proper sleep posture and pressure relief is maintained. The control unit which operates the Smart Cells is located inside the foot of the mattress thus insulating the sleeper from disruptive noises, that may occur with other powered beds.

Another unique feature of iOBED’s Body Sensing Technology is Relaxation Mode. “This feature is a game changer in the sleep industry, states Scott Smalling Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, by slowly manipulating the 80 individual Smart Cells in 8 independently controlled zones, we are able to create a relaxing sensation which can be used to aide in falling asleep or as a smart alarm to gently wake the user, continues Smalling.

“Proper support and pressure relief is the key to getting a restorative, quality night’s rest, shares Scott Shamley Global Vice President of Sales & Operations. Our customers truly understand the connection of having 80 individual Smart Cells, with 8 independently controlled zones allows us to maximize proper displacement to one’s unique body profile, continued Shamley.

In the US, iOBED continues to open key bedding retailers in partnership with King Koil under the brand Smartlife Mattress by King Koil™ Powered by iOBED Technology. See Video; https://youtu.be/yHS0Kgmjn5Q

The Grand Opening of iOBED’s State-of-the-Art factory near Seoul, South Korea happened in 2020. “Our new factory will enable us to maximize our production under one roof along with significantly increasing our capacity for growth opportunities around the world” Stated Justin Lee Founder and Chairman of iOBED Inc.

About iOBED Inc.

iOBED Inc is a global sleep technology company headquartered near Seoul, South Korea. Since iOBED’s establishment in 2007 they have been manufacturing high quality mattresses which are augmented by a high-tech delivery tracking system they developed in partnership with the countries largest rental business. iOBED Inc continues to invest heavily into R&D to develop cutting edge sleep technologies for sleep quality improvement and management.

iOBED never sleeps, so you can sleep better.

For More information please contact Raymond Chung, Vice President of Global Business Development; Email; ray@iobed.co.kr

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The Kessela Physique is the New Ab Workout for Busy Lives


Combined together, the Kessela Physique created the perfect two-pronged approach to a perfect core.”

Every year our lives get busier, yet working out has not adapted to accommodate a full schedule. Putting life on hold for several hours a day to work out can be a daunting task and for some, it’s the reason they fall behind or struggle to continue a healthy lifestyle. The Physique by Kessela offers the powerful convenience of multitasking while working out, the perfect compliment to those with busy lives. The two-in-one belt uses carefully attuned electrical stimulus to work ab muscles, known as Electric Muscle Stimulation, or EMS, in combination with professional-grade red light therapy. Clinical studies have shown the benefits of red light in aiding and increasing blood flow, reducing fat and helping muscles heal. The Physique tones and slims while leaving hands free to go about daily tasks.

“I have always advocated for using technology to benefit our daily lives, especially when it comes to fitness,” says James Knight, Co-founder of Kessela. “When creating Kessela, we discussed the most common issues faced when working out the core. First, we had to get rid of the stubborn stomach fat, and then to tone. There is no point in having perfect abs hidden under layers of fat. There was no product on the market which addressed both concerns; they either toned or slimmed. We made it our mission to research and develop a device to do both. We combined complimentary treatments in a safe and effective way, and the Kessela Physique was born! EMS technology is clinically proven to tone muscles, while light therapy in specific wavelengths in the red and infrared has shown to be effective in achieving weight loss. Combined together, the Kessela Physique created the perfect two-pronged approach to a perfect core.”

Another cool feature of the Kessela Physique? Its flexibility. Flexibility to use the red light therapy as a stand alone treatment, or to pair it with the ab crunching EMS. But most importantly, the flexibility to work out when your schedule may not allow you to get to the gym. With a recommended session time of 30 minutes, or up to an hour of the Red-Light mode, conference calls, cooking dinner, or even an episode or two of a show can all be done while you slim your core. Nine settings allow users to pick the exact level of intensity desired at any time. Keep the settings low and let it work your abs gently in the background while you tend to other things, or crunch your abs to the max on higher settings.

The Kessela Physique is called an “all in one” device. The technologies behind its two main features have a broad range of uses and benefits. EMS is widely used in medical fields to mimic the way our bodies exercise, and to improve circulation throughout the body. Professional athletes have begun to turn to the precision of EMS, as it can help tone and firm exact muscle groups, making training more accurate. Specific frequencies of red light are used by professionals around the world, ranging from skin care, hair loss, pain relief, and even repairing damaged muscles and tissue. Kessela brings solutions from these medical and professional-grade technologies to the home market.

“While the Light Therapy industry is still relatively new, the wide range of benefits it provides are beginning to be recognized.” says Jesse Atkinson, the Chief Operating Officer of Kessela with over 8 years of experience in the light therapy industry. “Long term studies have now been done to show how the use of red light can target parts of the body that other technologies have not been able to, like cells and stomach fat”. Being one of the fastest growing industries of the last decade, light therapy has begun to take form in the home market, and now, Kessela makes these proven benefits accessible to everyone. The future of fitness is now at your doorstep.

Whether you’re a busy mom, a full-time student, or have a schedule where you can’t get to the gym as often as you would like, don’t fall behind. Ab workouts are now as easy as putting on a belt and pressing a button; and can be done anytime, anywhere. With the Kessela Physique, experience more than just toning by going beyond the muscles to the fat that is often overlooked. The painless, non-invasive technology of red light therapy is an easy once-a-day treatment for healthy muscle growth and a flat beautiful core.

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How to Talk to Older Adults About Sex and Dating


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Having a romantic partner can provide companionship to older adults and even help to combat loneliness and depression. Adult children can support senior loved ones who wish to date and form deeper connections by equipping them with the knowledge to feel informed and empowered.

You might remember having the dreaded sex talk with your parents when you were younger. Despite the discomfort, you most likely walked away better informed and more confident about how to be safe. Fast-forward 30 years and you may now find yourself on the opposite end of this undoubtedly awkward discussion – revisiting the birds and the bees with mom or dad.

Though conversations about sex as we age are often seen as taboo, several studies show that seniors are not only interested in intimate relationships, many remain sexually active. In fact, a study sponsored by AARP revealed that 40% of individuals between the ages 65 and 80 are sexually active. More than half of those surveyed also report that sex is important to their quality of life.

“The desire to connect intimately doesn’t end at a certain age,” said Lakelyn Hogan, Ph.D., gerontologist and caregiver advocate at Home Instead. “Having a romantic partner can provide companionship to older adults and even help to combat loneliness and depression. Adult children can support senior loved ones who wish to date and form deeper connections by equipping them with the knowledge to feel informed and empowered.”

Intimacy is a significant part of life at all stages and has been shown to improve mental and physical health as we age. While these conversations are important, research from Home Instead Inc. shows that 56% of senior parents say sex is the most difficult topic to discuss, and nearly half of adult children are “not very” or “not at all” comfortable speaking to their parent about their romantic life.

Breaking this communication barrier and talking with older loved ones about the benefits and risks associated with sex can help keep them protected. Hogan offers the following tips to help start a conversation about sex and relationships in a way that is informative, respectful and supportive:


  • Be open to the conversation. Sometimes the most important conversations are the most difficult to have but going into it with a positive attitude can make a world of difference. You may even find another level of connection as you offer support. Prepare to discuss any questions they may have and expectations for intimacy as they age.
  • Remind them of the risks. The CDC reports that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have more than doubled in the past 10 years among adults aged 65 and older. Unfortunately, lack of information contributes to this rising statistic, as many older adults did not have the resources and facts about STIs that are readily available today. Help seniors understand the risks and benefits of being intimate and how they can protect themselves. Recommending regular check-ups, communicating openly with their partner or using protection are simple steps that can benefit their overall health and safety.
  • Help them redefine intimacy. Connecting romantically can look different for everyone. If someone is looking to take it slow in a relationship, they might try to hold hands more often, stroke their partners’ hair or give a shoulder or foot massage to foster a physical connection. These acts can help strengthen a new or longstanding relationship. Remind them that what truly matters is their comfort and happiness.
  • Protect them online. Online dating is a great way to meet and connect with people, particularly during a time of social distancing. Sites such as eharmony, Match.com and Silver Singles are becoming increasingly popular, as they allow people to date from the comfort of their home. However, it’s important to remind older adults that they need to practice safe habits when dating on the web. This includes not sharing too much personal information, being aware of scammers and being weary of anyone who never wants to talk over the phone or declines to video chat.
  • Continue the conversation but be respectful. If appropriate, and you feel they are comfortable, keep the line of communication open for loved ones to ask new questions that arise. Remember, there was a time when you didn’t like your parents asking the details of your relationships. Be cautious, thoughtful and respectful of boundaries they may set.

Relationships and connecting on an intimate level should be celebrated as we age. Welcoming open dialogue and encouraging older adults to feel comfortable in having these discussions can help lead to healthy and happy relationships.

For more information on senior relationships and intimacy visit: https://www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/the-scoop-on-older-adults-and-sex/.

ABOUT HOME INSTEAD

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, the Home Instead® franchise network provides personalized care, support and education to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, the network is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for older adults, with more than 1,200 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 80 million hours of care annually throughout the United States and 13 other countries. Local Home Instead offices employ approximately 90,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable older adults to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. Home Instead franchise owners partner with clients and their family members to help meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources. Visit HomeInstead.com. Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

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Ritual Zero Proof Joins Forces with Endurance Sports Leader Spartan to Encourage Long-Term Wellness


Our health conscious community of millions look to us for guidance and support, making this partnership with Ritual Zero Proof ideal on so many levels, as they create an unmatched, award-winning non-alcoholic spirit that can instill healthy habits

With the majority of people giving up on their New Year’s resolutions by the end of January, non-alcoholic spirit brand Ritual Zero Proof has joined forces with endurance and wellness leader Spartan® to cultivate healthy habits for the New Year. The Brands’ Healthy Rituals collaboration was created to help the Spartan Community transform and maintain their lives, beginning with a month-long playbook of essential elements of wellness.

“The Spartan lifestyle is about creating realistic, sustainable and attainable habits that create a full, productive life year-round, and not just meaningless resolutions that don’t even last a month,” said Spartan’s Vice President of Global Partnerships, Ian Lawson. “Our health conscious community of millions look to us for guidance and support, making this partnership with Ritual Zero Proof ideal on so many levels, as they create an unmatched, award-winning non-alcoholic spirit that can instill healthy habits.”

The month-long Healthy Rituals playbook is broken into four components of wellness: meditation, sleep, hydration, and drinking less alcohol. Each element is accompanied by a seven-day plan to help create — and maintain — a set of life-changing healthy rituals with advice from nutritionists and exercise scientists. The program and content is available now on Spartan.com and will be shared on Spartan’s social media through the end of the month.

“Goals around fitness and alcohol consumption are too often abandoned as we move into the new year. At Ritual, we believe that a balanced lifestyle should be an ongoing pursuit with achievable goals,” said Ritual Founder, Marcus Sakey. “Spartan is the best-in-class holistic health leader, and an inspiration to athletes everywhere. We are thrilled to partner with them to help their community sleep better, train harder, recover faster, and have a ton of fun in the process.”

Ritual Zero Proof is the first American spirit alternative with the taste, smell and burn of liquor – without the alcohol or calories.

For more information and to start your Health Ritual, visit Spartan.com.

ABOUT RITUAL ZERO PROOF

Headquartered in Chicago, a labor of love founded by three longtime friends, Ritual Zero Proof is the first American spirit alternative with the taste, smell and burn of liquor – without the alcohol or calories. Crafted of all-natural botanicals, Ritual’s tequila, whiskey and gin alternatives let you enjoy the experience of a margarita, an old fashioned or a G&T, even when you’re training, working, making a baby, waking up early, staying out late, or just taking a break from the hard stuff.

ABOUT SPARTAN

Spartan is a global experiential sport and wellness brand with a 10 million+ strong community. We create transformational experiences, products, and content to help people, companies and teams tear down boundaries and expand what they believe to be possible. Spartan combines large scale global events with a vibrant digital Content and Community Platform.

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CYBEX Refreshes Gold Line with new Strollers and Travel Systems


CYBEX Talos S Lux with Aton 2 Travel System

CYBEX, the globally recognized baby gear brand whose products are suited for today’s urban lifestyles, has updated its Gold Line of strollers with new and innovative styles and travel systems that highlight fashion, convenience, and comfort. New additions in the brand’s Gold Line include Eezy S+2, Talos S Lux, Balios S Lux, and Beezy; travel systems are available for Balios S Lux, Talos S Lux, Gazelle S and Eezy S+2. Other recently launched CYBEX Gold Line strollers include Gazelle S and Libelle.

NEW STROLLERS IN THE CYBEX GOLD LINE

CYBEX proudly debuts Eezy S+2, the newest stroller in the brand’s Gold Line. The CYBEX Eezy S+2 is a compact city stroller made for family travel, featuring an easy-to-open bumper bar and large, all-terrain wheels with all-wheel suspension ensure a smooth ride on all surfaces. Suitable for infants from birth (with a CYBEX infant car seat) up to 55 lbs., the CYBEX Eezy S+2 is available in six different colors and will retail at $299.95 beginning January 2021.

Other new additions to the CYBEX Gold Line of strollers include the Balios S Lux, Talos S Lux, Beezy, Libelle, and Gazelle S, all released in Q4 2020. The CYBEX Balios S Lux features a reversible seat unit that can be positioned in forward or parent-facing mode using memory buttons, independent back and leg adjustments, and a seat that aligns with most table heights. A Nordstrom exclusive, the CYBEX Talos S Lux is an outdoor adventure stroller with puncture-proof all-terrain wheels and provides maximum comfort and protection for little ones with a large, luxurious seat and extra side protection, along with an adjustable handlebar for easy maneuvering that parents will love. The CYBEX Beezy is an ultra-compact city stroller with full-size features, making it the perfect second stroller for traveling with baby. Weighing only 18 pounds and easily foldable into a self-standing package, Beezy makes it a breeze to keep little ones comfortable on the go.

NEW TRAVEL SYSTEMS IN THE CYBEX GOLD LINE

The Balios S Lux, Talos S Lux, Gazelle S and Eezy S+2 strollers are now available as travel systems with the Aton 2 infant car seat, making it easy and convenient to transition from the car to the sidewalk. Pricing for the new travel systems are as follows: Balios S Lux & Aton 2 Travel System: $649.95; Eezy S+2 & Aton 2 Travel System: $499.95; Gazelle & Aton 2 Travel System: $879.95; and Talos S Lux & Aton 2 Travel System: $799.95. The CYBEX travel systems are now available at select retailers, with the exception of Talos which is only available at nordstrom.com.

CYBEX COT S – PREMIUM INFANT COMFORT

The new CYBEX Cot S (sold separately) features a soft foam cushion supporting a correct lying position for infants, while a canopy with mesh window offers protection from the sun’s rays. The carry handle of the Cot S is placed along the sun canopy for easy carrying and attaching to a stroller frame. With an interior lining fabric that is as warm and comfortable as cotton, the Cot S is not only spacious but also offers a sheltered place for infants to rest happily.

The CYBEX Cot S is compatible with Balios S Lux, Talos S Lux and Eezy S line strollers. The Cot S is available in deep black, river blue, navy, soho grey, magnolia pink, and classic beige and retails starting at $149.95. Find more information at http://www.cybexonlineshop.com and @cybex_usa on Instagram.

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About CYBEX

Established in 2005, the German company CYBEX is globally recognized for the iconic design, innovative technology, easy functionality, and superior safety features on all its products for stylish adults embarking on parenthood. In early 2014, CYBEX joined Goodbaby International Holding Limited. The group is one of the world’s leading enterprises for the development and production of child and teen goods.

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