Looking for a memorable family vacation by the water? These waterfront resorts across the United States come highly recommended by travelers who know the best spots for sun, sand, and fun. From relaxing beach getaways to adventure-filled lakeside retreats, there’s something for everyone.

Sea Island, Georgia

• Why It’s Great:
  • Located on Georgia’s Golden Isles, Sea Island has been a beloved destination since 1928.
  • Families return year after year to enjoy activities like horseback riding on the beach, beach shelling by golf cart, and the unique Hawk Walk.
  • The resort offers a variety of accommodations, from private cottages to luxurious rooms at The Cloister.
• Activities:
  • Pools, beach club, and evening photography sessions for families.
  • Horseback riding, shelling excursions, and watching hawks up close.

Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Hawai‘i

• Why It’s Great:
  • Aulani blends the magic of Disney with the beauty of Hawaii.
  • Families can enjoy Hawaiian sunsets, sea turtle tours, and Disney-themed activities.
• Activities:
  • Sailing canoe tours, beach time, and character meet-and-greets.
  • Teen programs, family activities, and relaxing by the pool.

Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, Puerto Rico

• Why It’s Great:
  • Located on a 72-acre peninsula, this resort offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.
  • Features Puerto Rico’s largest lagoon-style pool and a beachfront location near El Yunque National Forest.
• Activities:
  • Kayaking, swimming, and golfing.
  • Oceanfront hammocks, poolside cabanas, and a soothing spa.

Inn by the Sea, Maine

• Why It’s Great:
  • This New England resort offers ocean views and a mile of sandy beach.
  • The resort’s charm and proximity to Portland make it a perfect spot for multigenerational vacations.
• Activities:
  • Beach walks, yoga, and spa treatments.
  • Kid-friendly activities like the Bug’s Life Tour.

The Osthoff Resort, Wisconsin

• Why It’s Great:
  • Located on Elkhart Lake, this resort combines luxury with the feel of a classic family summer camp.
  • Offers spacious suites, multiple pools, and an arcade.
• Activities:
  • Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sailing.
  • Evening bonfires and s’mores by the lake.

Omni Amelia Island Resort, Florida

• Why It’s Great:
  • This resort offers a prime beachfront location on a barrier island in Florida.
  • Families can enjoy swimming, shelling, and sandcastle building along with a range of other activities.
• Activities:
  • Mini-golf, bike rentals, and nature tours.
  • Beachfront relaxation and spa services.

Traveling can be costly, but with the right loyalty and rewards programs, you can earn free or discounted trips just by spending on everyday items like gas and groceries. Here’s a look at the best programs available for American travelers, offering plenty of opportunities to save on flights, hotels, and more.

Best Travel Rewards Programs:

• Best Airline Credit Card: Allways Rewards Visa Card
  • Earning Points:
    • 3 points per dollar on Allegiant purchases (air, hotel, car rental)
    • 2 points per dollar on dining
    • 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
  • Perks:
    • 25,000-point sign-up bonus after qualifying purchases
    • BOGO airfare on vacation packages
    • Priority boarding
    • Free beverage on Allegiant flights
• Best Frequent Flyer Program: Allegiant Air Allways Rewards
  • Earning Points:
    • 1 point per dollar spent on Allegiant.com
    • 2 points per dollar for itineraries over $500
  • Flexibility:
    • Points don’t expire for 24 months of inactivity
    • No minimum points required for redemption
• Best Hotel Loyalty Program: Wyndham Rewards
  • Participating Locations:
    • Over 50,000 hotels, vacation clubs, and resorts worldwide
  • Brands Included:
    • Wyndham, La Quinta, Days Inn, Super 8, Ramada
  • Redemption Options:
    • Hotel stays, gift cards, tours, and sporting events

Top Rewards Credit Cards:

• Best Rewards Credit Card: Citi Strata Premier Card
  • Earning Points:
    • 3 points per dollar on travel, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
    • 10 points per dollar on hotels, car rentals, and experiences booked through CitiTravel.com
  • Perks:
    • $100 annual hotel credit
    • Points transfer options to partners like TrueBlue and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Best Travel & Hotel Credit Card: Wyndham Rewards Earner Card
  • Sign-Up Bonus:
    • 75,000 points after qualifying purchases
  • Perks:
    • Automatic Wyndham Rewards Gold status
    • Preferred room selection and late check-out
    • No annual fee

Conclusion:

By choosing the right travel rewards programs, you can maximize your everyday spending and enjoy perks like free flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related benefits. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next vacation, these programs offer great value for American travelers.

While many people know the importance of sunscreen to protect against the sun’s harmful rays, fewer realize that certain medications and beauty products can actually make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased risks of sunburn and skin damage.

How Medications Affect Sun Sensitivity:

• Medications that Increase Sensitivity:
  Certain drugs contain ingredients that can cause the skin to react negatively when exposed to UV light. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warns that the severity of this reaction can depend on the dosage of the drug and the amount of time spent in the sun.
  • Blood Pressure Medications:
    Drugs like hydrochlorothiazide, commonly used to manage blood pressure, can increase sun sensitivity. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation interacts with the medicine in the blood, creating a chemical byproduct that damages skin cells, leading to sunburn.
  • Antibiotics:
    Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and doxycycline, used to treat infections, can also make the skin more vulnerable to sunlight.

Beauty Products and Sun Sensitivity:

• Skincare Ingredients to Watch:
  The popularity of skincare routines has led to the widespread use of products like retinol serums and exfoliants. However, these products can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
  • Exfoliants and UV Penetration:
    Ingredients like alpha and beta hydroxy acids, often used for their anti-aging benefits, remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This process can make it easier for UV radiation to penetrate the skin, increasing the risk of sun damage.

Protecting Your Skin:

• Importance of Sunscreen:
  Even if your makeup includes SPF, it’s crucial to apply a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF underneath. This additional layer of protection is essential, especially if you’re using products that increase photosensitivity.

Additional Risks from Citrus:

• Citrus Juice and Sunburn:
  Citrus juice, especially from limes, can also cause skin reactions when exposed to the sun. This condition, often called the “margarita burn,” can lead to rashes, swelling, and blisters.

What to Do If You’re Affected:

• Managing Reactions:
  If you experience a reaction, over-the-counter cortisone creams can help reduce itchiness and irritation. For most cases, gentle wound care is all that’s needed as the skin heals naturally.

Awareness of the potential risks posed by medications and skincare products can help you better protect your skin from sun damage. Always read labels, consult with healthcare providers about side effects, and prioritize sun protection to maintain healthy skin.

A new study reveals that people with a high genetic risk for type 2 diabetes can significantly reduce their chances of developing the condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. The findings suggest that lifestyle changes can be more effective than genetics in determining diabetes risk.

Key Findings:

• Risk Reduction:
  A healthy lifestyle lowered the risk of type 2 diabetes by 70% among individuals with a high genetic predisposition to the condition.
• Impact on Different Risk Groups:
  • For those with high genetic risk, healthy behaviors had a greater impact in reducing diabetes risk compared to those with a low genetic risk.
  • In contrast, the lifestyle changes had a statistically insignificant effect on the diabetes risk for individuals with low-risk genetics.

Study Details:

• Participants:
  The study involved nearly 1,000 men aged 50 to 75 from eastern Finland. Over 600 of these men received guidance on adopting a healthy lifestyle, while the remaining participants served as a control group.
• Genetic Risk Assessment:
  Researchers used 76 gene variants known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes to assess the genetic risk of participants. Importantly, neither the participants nor the researchers knew each individual’s risk group during the study.

Lifestyle Changes and Health Outcomes:

• Diet and Exercise:
  Men who received lifestyle counseling improved their diets by eating more fiber, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. They also maintained regular exercise routines and tended to lose weight.
  • Among the lifestyle counseling group, about 7.7% of low-risk men and 7.9% of high-risk men developed diabetes—showing nearly identical outcomes.
  • In the control group, 8.2% of low-risk men developed diabetes compared to 14.1% of high-risk men.

Conclusion:

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, emphasizes that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through simple, cost-effective lifestyle changes, particularly for those with a high genetic risk. Lead researcher Maria Lankinen encourages everyone, regardless of genetic risk, to adopt healthy habits to promote overall well-being.

Hair loss affects a significant number of people, with over 80% of men and nearly 50% of women experiencing it at some point in their lives. The vitamin and supplement industry often markets hair growth vitamins as a quick fix, but health experts suggest that the reality is more complex.

When Vitamins Might Help:

• Vitamin Deficiency:
  Hair loss can sometimes be linked to a deficiency in certain vitamins, particularly biotin and vitamin D. If a deficiency is the root cause, taking these vitamins may help.

What Causes Hair Loss?

• Common Causes:
  Hair loss can result from various factors including genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, and certain medications or medical conditions.
  • Men:
    Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, accounts for about 95% of hair loss cases in men.
  • Women:
    For women, this condition is responsible for about 40% of hair loss cases.

When to Consult a Doctor:

• Seek Professional Advice:
  If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a blood test to check for vitamin deficiencies. If a deficiency is found, supplementing with the right vitamins might be beneficial.

Important Vitamins for Hair Health:

• Vitamins to Consider:
  • Biotin
  • Vitamins A, D, E
  • Vitamin C

  These vitamins have been shown to support hair health, but they should only be taken under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects.

Potential Risks:

• Overconsumption Risks:
  Taking too much of certain vitamins, like vitamin A and selenium, can actually worsen hair loss. Excessive biotin intake can also interfere with thyroid and hormone tests.

Lifestyle Tips for Hair Health:

• Healthy Habits:
  If vitamin deficiency isn’t the issue, focus on overall wellness:
  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Meet your protein needs
  • Sleep consistently
  • Manage stress levels

Conclusion:

While vitamins can play a role in addressing hair loss related to deficiencies, they aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Consulting with a healthcare professional is the best first step to understanding and addressing the underlying causes of hair loss.

In 2023, nearly a third of American adolescents received mental health treatment. This marks a significant increase in the number of young people getting the help they need.

Key Findings:

• Increased Treatment:
  Over 8 million youths aged 12 to 17 received mental health counseling, medication, or other treatments in 2023. This is an increase from the 7.7 million who received treatment in 2022.
• Medication Use:
  The number of teens receiving mental health medications rose to nearly 14% in 2023, up from 12.8% in 2022.
• Destigmatization:
  Officials believe this rise in treatment reflects a decrease in the stigma around mental health care.

Trends Over Time:

• The rate of adolescents seeking mental health support has steadily risen since 2009.
• The survey methodology was updated in 2021, making recent increases even more noteworthy.

Mental Health Concerns:

• Despite the rise in treatment, the rate of major depressive episodes among teens has remained steady at just over 18% since 2021.
• A major depressive episode is defined as a period of depression lasting at least two weeks.

Substance Use Insights:

• Alcohol Use:
  Alcohol consumption dropped slightly, with 47.5% of Americans reporting drinking in the past month, down from 48.7% in 2022.
• Problem Drinking:
  Rates of binge drinking and heavy alcohol use remained largely unchanged, affecting 21.7% and 5.8% of the population, respectively.

This report highlights the ongoing need for mental health support among young people. The rise in treatment is a positive trend, but consistent efforts are necessary to address the mental health and substance use challenges facing adolescents today.

In a recent episode of The Kardashians, Kim Kardashian shared candid insights about her parenting approach, revealing some regrets and the changes she wishes she could make. The conversation, which took place with her sisters Kourtney and Khloé, offered a glimpse into Kim’s evolving thoughts on parenting.

Kim Kardashian’s Parenting Reflections

• Desire for a Fresh Start
  • Kim admitted that if given the chance, she would start parenting from scratch, focusing on setting firmer rules and boundaries from the beginning. Her regret is not about the specifics of diets or routines but about implementing clearer rules early on.
• Sisterly Perspectives
  • Kim compared her parenting style with that of her sisters, noting Kourtney’s enjoyment in her role as a mother. Khloé, who practices a more scheduled approach, initially thought Kim was referring to diet restrictions but later encouraged Kim to consider adjustments in her parenting style.
• Struggles and Challenges
  • Kim opened up about the difficulties of parenting, sharing that her upbringing without strictness influences her current approach. She expressed feeling overwhelmed and questioned how to balance being both a strict and nurturing parent.
• Honesty About Parenting
  • On the On Purpose With Jay Shetty podcast, Kim described parenthood as a challenging yet rewarding experience that has taught her a lot about herself. She spoke about the emotional highs and lows, including the stress of managing different moods and personalities.
• Dealing with Conflicts
  • Kim discussed her approach to handling fights between her children, often having to switch between being the “nice” and “strict” parent. Despite the difficulties, she highlighted the deep rewards of motherhood, including the everyday challenges like managing personal care while caring for her kids.
• Openness with Her Children
  • Committed to being transparent, Kim emphasizes the importance of open and age-appropriate communication with her children. She believes discussing any topic openly helps build a strong and trusting relationship with her kids

U.S. orange production has sharply decreased due to extreme weather, a persistent plant disease, and economic pressures. This decline has led to record-high orange juice futures.

Key Issues Affecting Citrus Production

• Production Decline: In Florida, orange acreage has fallen from over 658,000 acres in 1998 to just over 303,000 acres in 2023—a reduction of more than 50% in 25 years.
• Citrus Greening Disease: This incurable disease severely impacts tree productivity and forces the removal of affected trees. According to Amy O’Shea, CEO of Invaio Sciences, the disease dramatically reduces the productivity of citrus trees, leading to significant losses.

Economic Impact

• Record High Prices: The shortage in supply compared to rising demand has driven up orange juice prices. “When you have a lack of supply that’s unable to meet demand, prices for consumers shoot up,” said Daniel Munch, economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Research and Solutions

• Invaio Sciences: This company is working on solutions, including the Trecise technology, which delivers antimicrobial agents directly into the tree’s vascular system. This method has recently received emergency approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Community Services.
• Ongoing Research: Key areas include breeding citrus varieties resistant to greening, developing antimicrobial treatments, and exploring pest control methods like crop covers.