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Gout causing winter woes? 5 ways to manage the condition

(BPT) - Many people love to travel, celebrate and indulge in favorite foods during the winter months. However, overdoing it can have a big impact on your health, especially if you have a chronic condition like gout.

Think gout is uncommon? Think again. Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout is extremely painful and tied to several other serious health conditions. During the winter months, it's important to prioritize your health so gout and other conditions are properly managed.

"More than 9 million Americans have gout and the numbers are increasing," said Dr. N. Lawrence Edwards, a rheumatologist and chairman of the Gout Education Society. "There are many misconceptions about gout, such as it is a condition that results from unhealthy diet. The truth is gout is a hereditary disease, meaning it runs in families."

There is no cure for gout, but lifestyle changes and some medications can reduce and even eliminate the painful flares and reverse the damage gout has caused to joints and cartilage. Edwards suggests these five ways to manage gout and feel your best:

Visit your doctor every 6 months

Whether it's the end of the year before health benefits expire or the beginning of the year as new benefits kick in, schedule a routine doctor’s appointment to either confirm a gout diagnosis or ensure a proper treatment plan.

Once a gout diagnosis is confirmed, uric acid levels should be tested every six months, with a goal of keeping levels to 6.0 mg/dL or lower, depending on what the doctor recommends. Most experts agree that lowering uric acid levels is the best way to prevent future gout flares, as well as other health conditions associated with gout, such as kidney stones or kidney disease, diabetes, heart attack, stroke and more.

Take medications as prescribed

Amid travel plans and gatherings with family and friends, be sure to take daily uric acid-lowering medications as prescribed by the doctor. These will help keep gout flares at bay so you can enjoy activities and make positive memories.

Keep in mind, while gout is a lifelong condition, it can be controlled by sticking with a proper treatment plan. Work with your doctor to determine the right medication, dietary guidelines and lifestyle modifications.

Follow a healthy diet

During the winter, it’s common to indulge in extra treats, including purine-rich foods like red meats and alcohol, sweets and other processed foods that have been known to trigger gout flares. While it’s okay to eat these foods in moderation — especially if uric acid levels are under control — sticking to a healthy diet can help stave off a gout flare.

While certain foods have been known to trigger gout flares, there is no regimented “gout diet.” However, some doctors have recommended the Mediterranean diet to help with managing gout or the DASH diet (which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) that focuses on fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.

Stay hydrated

As you're out and about celebrating, keep in mind alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can be dehydrating. What's more, fruit juices and sodas are high in sugars, so remember to enjoy in moderation.

Your best option is to drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. Water helps the body transport nutrients and waste, regulates body temperature and cushions joints and tissues. Research also suggests that drinking adequate water might guard against kidney stones and constipation.

Keep up with latest news

Stay up to date with the latest in gout research and treatment in order to learn more about how best to manage the disease. GoutEducation.org is an unbiased resource for information and tools to help with gout management.

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Top 5 great reasons to visit Guadalajara

(BPT) - Travelers in search of a destination rich in tradition with exciting culinary, art and nightlife experiences will fall in love with Guadalajara, Mexico. The second-largest city in Mexico is considered the country’s cultural capital as the birthplace of iconic mariachi, tequila and charreria (Mexican rodeo). Whether it's for a quick winter getaway or a longer stay, there's something for everyone.

Here are the many attractions that keep tourists coming to Guadalajara, year after year.

1. Immerse yourself in the culture

Guadalajara's historic city center allows travelers to walk back in time. The impressive buildings include the city's landmark Guadalajara Cathedral with its distinctive neo-Gothic towers and UNESCO World Heritage Museo Cabanas. Even further back in history is the pre-Hispanic archeological site of Guachimontones, where travelers can learn about the Teuchitlan society that existed as early as 300 B.C. The site is an easy day trip from Guadalajara and features one of the few circular pyramids in the world.

For an adrenaline rush, attend a charreria competition which is Mexico’s national sport and designated to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The sport is a way of life for charros and escaramuzas as an art form that has been passed down through the generations, demanding constant training and practice to master the skills needed to show off horsemanship.

To feel the passion of locals through music, enjoy mariachi performances at places like El Parian de Tlaquepaque. The roots of mariachi stem from Guadalajara’s working class in the 1900s, and today is recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Guadalajara is also known for hosting the annual International Mariachi Festival every August/September, where the best mariachi bands from around the world gather for performances and a grand parade.

2. View classic and contemporary art

Visit Museo Cabanas, Museo de los Artes and Palacio de Gobierno to view stunning murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico's greatest muralists. Architecture buffs can visit creations from Guadalajara native Luis Barragan, Mexico’s Pritzker Prize-winning architect, in places such as Parque Revolucion and Jardines del Bosque. For those who want to gallery hop, Colonia Americana is one of the best areas for visiting numerous art galleries with an emphasis on contemporary work.

Tlaquepaque and Tonala are two great areas to find traditional arts and crafts like blown glass, ceramics and pottery. Handicrafts are also available for purchase at San Juan De Dios Mercado, one of the largest enclosed markets in Mexico — with approximately 2,800 stands featuring ceramic, silver, blown glass, leather and palm leaf crafts.

3. Get your mouth watering

Sample the large variety of Guadalajara's flavors and dishes — from one-of-a-kind street food and casual restaurants to innovative fine dining. Unique to the area is the torta ahogada ("drowned sandwich"), Guadalajara’s signature sandwich and most popular street food. Made with a bread called birote which can only be found in Jalisco due to climate and altitude, the torta ahogada traditionally includes pork and is covered in a red sauce made of tomatoes and chili peppers. Another popular Jalisco recipe is birria, a spicy stew made with goat or lamb, cooked slowly with spices and served with minced onions, cilantro and lime.

4. Embrace the nightlife

For local bars and nightclubs featuring cocktails, music and dancing, the Colonia Americana neighborhood is a local favorite. Guadalajara has become one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly tourist destinations in Mexico due to the many anti-discrimination laws and efforts, LGBTQ+ events and LGBTQ+ shows and performances. The city is recognized for its larger number of LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in the country, with the majority in Zona Centro along Avenida Prisciliano Sanchez where there's everything from cozy lounges to large dance clubs.

5. Explore Tequila

Jalisco is home to nine “Magical Towns” as designated by Mexico’s federal government. One of them is Tequila, the birthplace of the popular spirit. To explore the history and process of tequila making and agave harvesting, the town and its UNESCO World Heritage blue agave fields are the perfect day trip. Travelers can stop at the National Museum of Tequila or Centro Cultural Juan Beckmann Gallardo, enjoy distillery tours and tastings, observe a jimador (agave farmer) demonstration and view the blue ocean of agave via horseback or a tequila train.

Learn more about your next great vacation in Guadalajara at VisitGuadalajara.com.

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Destination Kohler: 7 ways to enjoy a Midwest winter wonderland

(BPT) - Winter is a great time to take a trip and get away from it all while still enjoying the hallmarks of the season. If you’re looking for a place to relax and indulge yourself, consider Destination Kohler.

Located just two hours from Chicago and within an hour’s driving distance from two Wisconsin-based airports, Kohler, Wisconsin, has much to offer visitors from the Midwest and beyond. Check out seven ways you can enjoy a Midwest winter at Destination Kohler.

1. Five-star, five-diamond lodging

Do you want a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of every day with all the amenities? During your visit to Kohler, Wisconsin, stay at the American Club, a five-diamond, five-star resort hotel with storybook charm and deep historical roots tied to the company, the Kohler community and the state of Wisconsin.

At the American Club, you’ll have shuttle service throughout Destination Kohler, access to the Sports Core Health & Racquet Club and, from spring through fall, the ability to book advanced tee times on Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. In your room, enjoy morning coffee, afternoon tea, Wi-Fi, video game systems, down comforters and so many more amenities.

2. Relaxing spa experience

Destination Kohler also features an acclaimed spa that offers a complete menu of invigorating and luxurious ways to pamper your body and soul. The Kohler Waters Spa creates a relaxing and rejuvenating experience where guests can discover the natural, restorative power of earth’s mineral-rich waters.

Enjoy innovative hydrotherapy services, nourishing treatments, relaxation pools and curated culinary offerings. Before you head home, head to the spa boutique and continue the experience at home with Kohler Waters Spa products.

3. A variety of dining experiences

No matter what you’re craving, you can indulge in a vast range of culinary experiences at Destination Kohler’s seven restaurants, including the Four Star Immigrant Room, the Wisconsin Room, and the Horse & Plow at the American Club.

Venture beyond the hotel to River Wildlife, where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal Midwestern fare at a rustic log cabin at the edge of a lush hardwood forest. Or take a break from shopping at the Taverne on Woodlake for an imaginative take on comfort and cuisine.

4. Shopping and indulgence

Take a stroll through the Shops at Woodlake, an open-air collection of more than 20 boutique shops at the lake’s edge. Whether you want to pick up a new outfit, find a souvenir to remember your visit or buy a gift for friends back home, you’ll find everything you need at one of these specialty shops.

One of the must-stops at the Shops at Woodlake is Kohler Chocolates, where chocolatiers create their handcrafted chocolates and other delicacies on-site. Visitors can choose from a full menu of coffees and teas, gelatos, a box of their famous Terrapins, one of their other confectionaries, or a bottle of the decadent Kohler brandy infused with Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Mint.

5. Exciting activities

For those who like to stay active during vacation, Kohler’s Winter Wonderland and Sports Core have something for everyone. Take in the beauty of winter while ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or fat tire biking. Unleash your inner athlete by playing hockey, curling, tennis and pickleball, as well as indoor swimming, cycling and golfing.

6. Get inspired at the design center

Learn about innovative product design, technology, creative achievement and American history at the Kohler Design Center. This three-level building is open 365 days a year and houses designer rooms filled with inspirational ideas for the kitchen and bath, current and iconic Kohler product designs and a museum that provides a historic snapshot of Kohler’s past.

7. Take in local architecture

Kohler Village was the first planned community in the United States designed by the Olmsted Brothers — known for several notable projects like Central Park in New York City — and later the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The village merges remarkable architectural styles that produce an engaging and provocative self-guided, leisurely tour to entertain novices and aficionados alike.

Don’t wait to book your trip and enjoy the winter in a relaxing and inviting destination. To learn more about booking your trip, visit DestinationKohler.com.

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I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. Find ideas for shopping ideas from Bigdoggpinc. There is only one Bigdoggpinc = Big Dogg Productions Incorporated. I make a big deal for you! I cover alot of stores and services that have been posting deals as great or better then the one-time only Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers.

How the gears shift between generations of drivers

(BPT) - From younger drivers blasting music, to older drivers with their hands on “ten” and “two,” it’s no secret that with each new generation comes a shift in values, beliefs and opinions. Those generational differences shape everything from travel plans to spending habits.

With Gen Z being the latest generation to be of driving age, recent data from Hankook Tire reveals how different generations of drivers simply do things differently. Here is a look at four differences between younger drivers and those who have some miles behind them.

1. Younger generations steer toward saving a dollar or two.

High prices have younger drivers seeking opportunities to lower car care costs, even if that means doing some of the work themselves. Nearly half of Millennials and Gen Z said they would conduct vehicle maintenance themselves (48%) or switch service locations (45%) in order to save money.

In fact, Hankook found that Millennials are most likely to perform their own car maintenance to save money, whereas Boomers are least likely to do so. Older generations would rather take their cars into repair shops, regardless of cost.

2. Almost everyone will go the distance to save money on gas.

With the high cost of gas, 86% of people in the survey said they would be willing to drive up to 20 minutes to save at the pump. And though many surveys show that overall, younger generations drive less than older generations, they will drive further to save the extra buck. According to Hankook, about 1 in 5 Gen Z drivers (21%) and Millennial drivers (19%) are willing to drive more than 20 minutes to save on gas.

In addition to going the extra mile for gas, 11% of Gen Z responders and 18% of Millennials will turn to public transportation, walking, biking or ride share apps to save on driving costs.

3. EVs are the way of the future.

With gas prices top of mind, another difference between generations is how they feel about EVs and how likely they are to purchase one. While nearly half (46%) of Americans expect to purchase or lease an EV within the next five years, intent is even higher among Millennials (60%) and Gen X (44%) drivers. Only 30% of Boomers noted the same.

4. Younger generations are most likely to road trip.

While post-pandemic travel intent continues to trend upwards overall, there are still some generational differences in who is packing their bags — especially around the holidays. Hankook’s latest survey found 44% of Millennials plan to travel by car before the end of the year, compared to 29% of Boomers.

Part of the reason for less holiday travel could also be financially motivated — Deloitte’s research reveals older generations are shying away from travel in order to save money. In fact, 37% of those surveyed by Deloitte cited financial concerns as their top reason for not traveling this year.

In short, each generation packs different expectations when they get behind the wheel. Regardless of what those may be, it is clear that generational behaviors are going to have an outstanding impact on the road ahead.

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I am your Eyeball Acquisition Specialist. Success in life, in anything, depends upon the number of persons that one can make himself agreeable to. Find ideas for shopping ideas from Bigdoggpinc. There is only one Bigdoggpinc = Big Dogg Productions Incorporated. I make a big deal for you! I cover alot of stores and services that have been posting deals as great or better then the one-time only Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers.

5 Unique Experiences for a Wonderful Winter Weekend in San Jose, California

(BPT) - When winter descends and days become darker, travel to a sun-filled destination can keep your spirits high and ward off winter’s chill. One of the sunniest states in the U.S., California, has long been a beacon to travelers seeking an escape, and perhaps one of its most hidden gems is San Jose.

Located in the Bay Area of California, San Jose may be more renowned as the tech Capital of Silicon Valley — but it’s so much more! Under a blanket of blue skies and incredible weather year-round, San Jose is a city filled with cultural diversity and endless opportunities for adventure and fun. Whether you enjoy hiking picturesque trails, sampling craft brews or learning about California's rich history, you'll find something for everyone in San Jose.

Ready to pack your bags for a winter getaway in one of California's most inventive cities? Check out these five unique attractions, activities and experiences you can have when you book a trip to San Jose.

1. Explore the outdoors

Located in a valley surrounded by picturesque mountains, outdoor lovers will find an array of trails, expansive parks and awe-inspiring vistas just ripe for outdoor adventure. Hike 13 miles of trails at Alum Rock Park, one of California's oldest municipal parks, and uncover a canyon in the foothills of the Diablo Range. If you're looking for higher altitude adventures, head over to Castle Rock State Park, located along the Santa Cruz Mountains, just 20 minutes outside San Jose. Here, the famous California Coastal Redwoods, some of the oldest and tallest living trees in the world, will tower above you on a journey that will have you feeling far removed from city life.

2. Immerse in the Bay Area’s history and culture

Founded as the first civic settlement in California in 1777, San Jose originated as a pueblo town and has grown into a modern and technological hotbed as home to more than 6,600 technology companies. Delve into the area’s culture and history by visiting its vast museums, from the San Jose Museum of Art around the corner from Signia by Hilton San Jose, to the contemporary art center Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA), and The Computer History Museum to The Tech Interactive. More than two dozen museums invite guests and locals alike to experience the city’s art, culture and influence firsthand.

3. Uncover San Jose’s quirky side

San Jose is also home to the bewildering Winchester Mystery House, where visitors can tour and unlock the secrets of the beautiful but bizarre estate. Under construction 24 hours a day for 36 years to ward off the spirits said to haunt the Winchester family, the home features staircases and doors that lead to nowhere. From the haunts of Winchester, visit the nearby ghost town of Drawbridge, which was incorporated in 1876 but abandoned once it began sinking into the bay’s marshland. And who would have thought San Jose is home to a massive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum. (Yes; it even has mummies!)

4. Grab a pint or fancy a flight

After a day of hiking and shopping, you can take in San Jose's craft beer scene and unwind with a pint or two. Visitors will find several local craft breweries, such as Umunhum Brewing, California's first co-op brewery that offers several styles of beers, from pale ales to stouts.

San Jose also boasts several vineyards and wineries that have produced award-winning wines. While you enjoy sampling wines, you can also take in stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, home to more than 150 unique wineries, including award-winning Ridge Vineyards, the delightful Testarossa Winery and the historic Mountain Winery.

5. Mix and mingle with locals

Enjoy a comfortable place to see and be seen between adventures at the centrally located Signia by Hilton San Jose, nestled in between the redwood-covered Santa Cruz Mountains and eastern Diablo Range. Here, locals and visitors alike converge at the neighborhood hotel’s AJI Bar and Robata, a destination bar at the heart of the hotel that combines Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors. The innovative cuisine pairs perfectly with the beverage program featuring creative, unexpected pairings and an expansive Japanese whisky, sake and pisco selection.

A part of the local culture of San Jose, guests can also rest and relax after exciting days exploring with comfortable and quiet accommodations and premium wellness services, including a sauna, fitness classes and facilities. To learn more and plan your stay, visit Signia by Hilton San Jose.

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