Categories
Culture Fitness Health Lifestyle NYC Wellness

Sets in the City: Moving the Gym to your Home

By Lalaina “Lala” Duncan

WHEN NEW YORK LOCKED DOWN FOR THE COVID-19 pandemic last year, I was on vacation and figured I could improvise until things lifted — which had to be in a few weeks tops, right? “Workouts in the sand!” I decided, taking advantage of my surroundings. And honestly, why wasn’t I already doing this? Even though I was supposed to be on vacation, I was still taking meetings for the gym and frantically scouring the internet for fitness equipment I could have delivered and ready when I arrived back home. Back in New York, my clients were all one step ahead of me, transforming their living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens into home gyms. They consulted me in the process:

Client: “Should I get the 15s or 20s or both?”

Me: “Obviously, both.”

Client: “I can’t find 15s but they have kettlebells, should I get those?”

Me: “Absolutely. We can do a lot with kettlebells.”

Client: “Now the kettlebells are sold out but they have a barbell, what do think?”

Me: “You have room for a barbell? Yes, get the barbell — but good luck finding plates for it, because it’s sold out everywhere I looked. You got the bands right?”

Client: “Yeah, those are coming this week.”

Me: “Perfect! Get the barbell and if you can, buy a landmine attachment. You can borrow plates from the gym. You’ll be good!”

As we spoke and they continued to revamp their home gyms, It was becoming apparent that this was going to be longer than a few weeks. I started strategizing with clients on how they could continue to train at home, which led to Live Virtual Training sessions via FaceTime or Zoom. I’m not going to lie, there was something exciting about this new venture. I was able to maintain some normalcy during this time and do it out of the comfort of my own home. From a trainer’s perspective, I relished the challenge of trying to provide a good solid training session for my clients with minimal equipment. “Okay, so we’ve got two mini bands, one long red band, two 20 pound dumbbells, a 26-pound kettlebell, and a yoga mat. I’m going to murder your legs. Happy Monday!”

 

Lala Duncan and Walter Savage photo by Alice Teeple

 

By the middle of summer, the novelty of minimalist training was wearing thin, and many of my clients were starting to install full gyms in their homes. One of my clients in the Hamptons turned her basement into a full gym that would rival any boutique fitness studio, while another client moved to a slightly bigger apartment on the Lower East Side just so that she could have a squat rack in her living room. But our training program never changed. No matter what, in the gym or at home, on Mondays we squat. And as my client, Rachel, says to me, “No problem, let me move the chaise lounge to make room for my new squat rack.” As a strength coach and trainer, this can be better than hearing “I love you” for the first time from a new beau.

Now here we are a year later, and no one can predict what the future holds as the world starts to “open up.” What I can tell you is that in Manhattan and across the world, women are taking their health, fitness, and strength into their own hands. A lot of my clients have expressed to me that they now feel more comfortable strength training at home because there’s less intimidation than being in a crowded gym. And they feel confident that when gyms do fully re-open, they can walk up to the squat rack, adjust the height, load the plates themselves and lift like a boss. The conversations I used to have with my girlfriends and clients about handbags, clothes, and shoes have now turned into “Hey, what do you think if I bought a trap bar, do you think I’ll use it?” My answer? “Abso-freaking-lutely!”

Categories
Education Health Lifestyle Wellness

My experience going to college during a pandemic

The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. From the loss of jobs, lack of opportunities to safely socialize, and more, people around the world felt the impact of the pandemic. As I finish up my junior year, I realize that I learned quite a bit from taking in-person classes at college during a pandemic.

Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels

1. Teamwork is extremely important

As expected, there were a few outbreaks on campus throughout the semester. However, COVID-19 cases almost always spiked as a result of students failing to follow safety guidelines. Even when a majority of students follow the safety guidelines, the failure of a few students to do so will still lead to outbreaks on campus. It was essential for students to work together to prevent others from getting sick. We were able to effectively work together as a school to stop the spread, finishing the school year with two successful semesters in-person.

Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels

2. Planning your days helps you get a lot done

Being on campus always helped me focus more, but when the pandemic was factored in, I sometimes found it difficult to focus on my studies. In addition, since many of my classes were still virtual, the amount of work I had to do out of class was overwhelming. I realized that if I made deadlines for myself, I got work done in a more efficient manner. Planning your day really makes a difference in productivity.

Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels

3. It’s okay to give yourself a break

It’s frustrating when you’ve been working for a long time and get nothing done. This was something that I experienced often while at school. Due to the pandemic, there were a lot fewer activities to participate in. In addition, interaction with friends in other housing areas was occasionally not allowed depending on the number of cases on campus. As someone who relies on social interaction with friends as a refreshing break, this was very difficult for me. I found new ways to effectively give myself breaks such as cooking or baking, watching TV, and going on walks around campus.

 

Photo by Samantha Doria

4. Be thankful for what you have

Before the pandemic, I found myself living in the future instead of enjoying the present. Being at college during the pandemic taught me to enjoy every fun moment I had like it was my last. When I was able to safely spend time with my friends, I cherished these opportunities. Even if my junior year was not what I had hoped for, I am thankful for the experience I had.

Categories
Featured NYC

The Best Mother’s Day Gifts from Downtown

If there is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s to reach out to those we love, more often.

Human life does not exist without Mother. This year let’s make sure that we pay extra special attention to our mothers and grandmothers.

Whether you buy something already gift-wrapped from her special shop, and have it sent directly to her, or opt for a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or take the time to thoughtfully purchase a present yourself, our editors have found Mother’s Day ideas that are bound to show her how important she is, even if you can’t be there to celebrate in person.

 

LINNEA candles offer three distinctive collections designed to invoke precious memories and transport you to faraway places. Our editors cannot get enough of Linnea scented candles. While each collection (Classic, Spring, and Herbal) has an assortment to choose from, we picked these three as perfect gifts for Mother’s Day.

Wood House (Classic Collection): Create a customized sensorial experience that suits your mood with  The Classic Collection or enjoy each fragrance on its own. Mom will enjoy the warm and woodsy scents of Wood House, a blend of bergamot, violet, and sandalwood.

Freesia (Season Collection): Highlight the Spring season and Mother’s Day with thoughtful blends to stir and awaken the senses. Freesia’s aroma of Anjou pear, freesia, and vetiver is like a subtle spring breeze.

White Sage  (Herbal Collection):  Our favorite scent for spring, clean and fresh. Inspired by rich soil between our fingers, the Herbal Collection is a homage to Mother Nature herself.  Inspired by sage smudge sticks and culinary herb gardens, White Sage features notes of Petitgrain, white sage, cardamon cedar, and black pepper.

 

 

Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve One-Piece Suit, this irresistible, comfortable, and eye-catching. Seriously, it’s about time we see a suit that looks this glamorous and fits like a glove. Tommy Bahama’s apparel and beach gear collections offer built-in sun protection using fabrics with 30-50 UPF (ultraviolet protection factor), mom will love this feature. Women’s sportswear and most beach gear feature UPF30 while women’s swimwear features UPF50, which blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. This is the perfect gift for Mom, she will have everyone asking where she purchased this elegant swimsuit.

 

 

 

 

“Every time I wear the jacket I’m stopped and ask where I got it from.” This is the jacket to have in your wardrobe this season. While shopping for Mom, be sure to order this comfortable, Harbour Island Gingham Long-Sleeve Rash Guard. Our team is in love with all of Tommy Bahama’s 2021 beautifully bright, seasonal colors, just the perfect fit and Mom will ready for anything.

 

 

Pre Mother’s day purchase, order today, so that Mom is ready for anything, with this Linen-Blend Off-The-Shoulder Classic style meets comfort, Mom will thank you for sure, this year you hit the mark!

 

 

 

One of our best finds in 2020 STAX. We love this brand of activewear, it is the most comfortable brand, ever. You do not feel poured into them, never uncomfortable and they look FAB! This fashion-focused, figure-flattering premium sports-luxe activewear for both performance and lifestyle, created by Founder and Creative Director Don Robertson alongside Co-Owner and Brand Manager Matilda Murray. Prioritizing high quality whilst demonstrating luxury at affordable prices, STAX. blends a perfect mix of both fitness and fashion, dressing every person at every size, STAX.

 

Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face

 

 

 

 

TOUAREG DRESS 2CM PINK DEGRADED STRIPE 

Launched in 2013 by New York fashion photographer Randall Bachner, Marrakshi Life embraces comfort and craftsmanship. Taking key style elements from the traditional Moroccan wardrobe, an in-house team of local artisans helps create original, contemporary, and wearable design pieces. Randall describes his atelier in Marrakech as a community rather than a factory. He uses sustainable, low-impact production methods with garments, mom will be proud to wear.

 

 

 

Swimming is my go-to sport, you have likely seen grandmothers enjoying water aerobics in a Florida gated community and laughed silently as they attempted to exercise “elder style.” This is probably what you picture if someone says, “water workout.”

Not so fast…Fluid Running is a serious aquatic high-tech workout developed by certified trainer Jennifer Conroyd after she was injured and needed to rehab to run a marathon. Fluid running workout uses a flotation belt and Bluetooth, with a pair of waterproof headphones that connect with the Fluid Running app. Listening to music-backed workouts. You will enjoy, beginner to extremely advanced workouts led by Jennifer. Don’t worry about your phone’s safety as it will stay dry in your bag. Remember, these workouts are performed in deep water such as a pool, lake, or bay. Swimming and water exercise are some of the best and safest ways to stay in shape. Give the gift of health to Mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

Do your feet hurt at the end of each day? Many of us spend most of the day on our feet.  We can definitely appreciate this new dpl® Slipper Foot Pain Light Therapy. FDA-approved OTC device eases foot pain while finally relaxing around the house. Medically proven to relax muscles and relieve muscle pain. Now this is a gift for mom!

 

 

No more running to the store to get your mom’s favorite carbonated beverage. Drinkmate,  carbonated beverages, not only cut back on trips to the store but also on plastic, and aluminum waste. Can you say recycle? Drinkmate, soda maker with a patented Fizz Infuser can carbonate virtually any beverage. The perfect gift for the carbonated mother!

 

To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power.

 

 

The FDA cleared SONIQUÉ MINI is a facial cleansing breakthrough that combines the soothing, restorative treatment of red, infrared red and amber LED light therapy trusted and recommended by skin care professionals, making it the ultimate skincare cleanser. Red infrared light therapy stimulates natural collagen and elastin for the reversal of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin’s overall texture. Sonic vibrations will massage the skin and open pores for a deeper cleanse and the waterproof design makes it easy to incorporate into mom’s daily routine.

 

 

 

Bushwick Kitchen’s gift sets Threes Knees Spicy Trio including their best-selling Spicy Honey, Gochujang Sriracha, and Spicy Maple, will have mom saying thank you for this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

 

 

Seeds of Wellness SOW® is truly a delicious line of chia-based products that help to incorporate the nutritional properties of seeds in various types of preparations. Trust us, we were leery at first but then once sampling these delicious chia milk and pasts, we were blown away. Easy, delicious, and healthy. SOW’s methodology “from the field to your plate” they are sure to control the entire process, from the chia to the plant and how it’s cleaned, and processed. Even how their products are packaged and distributed. The benefits of SOW products they are ideal to help your Mom balance both her’s and your daily diet. Give Mom a healthy choice, this Mothers Day!

 

Motherhood is the exquisite inconvenience of being another person’s everything

 

Virginskin anti-aging cream 

One of our all-time favorites has been rebranded and back out for consumers. Dr. Lefkovits created Virginskin through his deep knowledge of botanical actives and their benefits in treating skin. By working with multiple botanicals over time, he developed a cream that not only soothed post-treatment, but could also firm, plump, and smooth the skin to the highest standards that he and his patients demanded. His formula was a breakthrough and essential to the skin health of his patients, who loved the new glow in their skin. Today, Dr. Lefkovits’ legacy is carried on proudly and passionately by his daughter-in-law Andrea Lefkovits. Natural ingredients such as acacia flower extract, Centella Asiatica, jojoba, Mimosa Tenuiflora bark extract, Sheabutter, and Squalane, Virginskin is a nourishing cream that feels luxuriously smoothing. 

 

 

 

ReGen De Peau Platinum is an innovative, natural skincare backed by science that disrupts the way you age with powerful treatments of healing, lifting, and wrinkle reduction. One product… One application… One minute. Two times daily! It is made up of four-ingredient complexes, MDI complex, UGL Complex, BMPX Complex, and the organic Japanese Blue Lotus flower extract, known to be a miraculous turnaround in anti-aging. Apply a dime-size portion directly onto your skin, each to the forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck with a firm tapping motion to expedite penetration and energy into the outer layer of your skin. Mom will experience a cooling, tingling sensation for a few seconds. Give mom the gift of anti-aging.

 

Everything I am, you helped me to be

 

 

 

When you think of Ladurée, you think delicious macarons, pastries, and oh their delicious Club Ladurée, think again!

La DoubleJ and the Parisian la Maison Ladurée are excited to announce an exclusive collaboration launching in time for Mother’s Day. The 12-piece collection brings the Milanese lifestyle brand’s happy maximalist homeware together with Ladurée’s delectable sweets.

Reinforcing La DoubleJ’s commitment to celebrating women and wellness, the collaboration draws upon the deeply personal and spiritual practice of the brand’s founder, J.J. Martin, and dives into themes of motherhood, fertility, and the spiritual concept of the sacred feminine. This is realized through the Tree Of Life print, a verdant La DoubleJ artwork, designed in-house in honor of the ancient Tree Of Life archetype, a symbol of fertility, renewal, life cycles, and all types of motherhood for everyone.

Framed by the soft pink and pistachio green shades of Ladurée’s world-renowned macarons, the collaboration ranges from La DoubleJ’s first-ever Teapot, an exclusive design crafted in fine porcelain by Italian manufacturers Ancap, to cotton twill Aprons and a new porcelain Goodie Jar, perfectly shaped to stash macarons. Sets of seven and 13 macarons will be housed in La DoubleJ printed confection boxes, available exclusively at Ladurée stores. This is calling your mother’s name this Mother’s Day.

 

 

 

Downtown is crazy about their afternoon tea. Perfect timing for This Ultimate Gift Set with the ultimate tea experience for two. Featuring a Tea Tasting Assortment Tea Chest of 20 blends, forty signature silken pyramid infusers in all, is our most expansive selection of premium gourmet teas. Also includes are two signature Café Cup presentations: two lidded porcelain Café Cups, two bamboo oval serving trays, two orchid white Tea Trays, and two porcelain Sugar & Creamer Set. This gift set is presented in a keepsake slate grey gift box with elegant gold foil Tea Forté lettering, with your Moms name on it!

 

 

 

 

The perfect introduction to the Tea Forté experience. Beautifully packaged and always appreciated, this curated tea collection is a most welcome presentation of the world’s most extraordinary teas. The Tea Tasting Assortment Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, two each of the following 10 blends: African Solstice (herbal tea), Black Currant (black tea), Chamomile Citron (herbal tea), Earl Grey (black tea), Ginger Lemongrass (herbal tea), Green Mango Peach (green tea), Jasmine Green (green tea), Raspberry Nectar (herbal tea), White Ambrosia (white tea), and White Ginger Pear (white tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu.

 

 

 

Give Mom a chance to relax, restore and revitalize her mind and body with this wellness-focused tea collection, inspired by the elegance and holistic knowledge of fine luxury spas. Organic green tea blends and herbal tisanes come together to support a glowing complexion, enlivened spirit, fortified defenses, calm state of mind, and purified sense of tranquility. The Wellbeing Presentation Box contains 20 pyramid infusers, four each of the following blends: Defense (green tea), Invigorate (green tea), Purify (herbal tea), Radiance (herbal tea), and Serenity (herbal tea). The open lid reveals a detailed tasting menu. All teas in this collection are USDA Organic and Kosher Certified.

 

 

Take Mom out for a delicious meal at one of our new favorites Charlie Palmer New York City

 

 

 

Charlie Palmer Collective grew out of Aureole, American cuisine pioneer Charlie Palmer’s landmark restaurant. For 30 years it has been one of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants, garnering 13 Michelin stars and two James Beard awards. Traveling, no problem you can find coast-to-coast locations by Charlie Palmer award-winning restaurants and luxurious boutique hotels in beautiful significant historical locations and each designed with distinctive personalities to provide unique experiences. If you have not been to Charlie Palmer’s it’s time, take mom out for Mother’s Day this year!

 

There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood

 

 

 

 

 

You might just want to give Mom a break from grocery shopping. You can find everything you want and more at Eataly Downtown. Think about it, fresh Italian cheese, pasta, fruit, meats, seafood all delivered right to your door. Want to make mom dinner but you’re still learning, no problem, contact Eataly they will provide you with just the right supplies to make a delicious home-cooked meal. Or order in, Eataly will be sure to deliver the same quality meals from their chefs. Here we chose bundles, we like to stock our pantry so that we are ready for one or more guests. Now that’s Italian!

 

Help Mom’s cravings with Chocolate Lover, combat stress with Golden Mellow, and help her sneak in a full serving of veggies with Super Green. These delicious healthy choices include a full serving of our best-selling superfood mixes, absolutely no fillers or additives, and 100% organic ingredients. Now you can take the power of superfoods anywhere with Super Bars and we at Downtown do just that!

 

 

Book Mom the perfect getaway, she does everything for you, now it’s time to pamper her. Whisk Mom off to the heart of Ibiza, to this luxury boutique hotel Cas Gasi offering exclusive accommodation in Ibiza to those looking for a peaceful haven within easy reach of the island’s delights.

 

 

Our bags are packed for this beautifully restored country home is set on four hectares of the picturesque Mediterranean landscape of pine forests, orange and olive groves, almond, fig, and carob trees plus organic vegetable plots. A relaxing hideaway in pure surroundings. I don’t know about you but my bags are packed just in case my daughter decides to give me this much-needed vaca for Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

 

Making memories, just got fun! Polaroid unveils the newest, and the tiniest member to join their family. The Polaroid Go camera. Just 4.1 inches long, 3.3 inches wide, and 2.4 inches tall, the Polaroid Go is the smallest analog instant camera in the world. Polaroid’s greatest, and most exciting new launch in decades. Designed as a wearable creative companion, the pocket-sized Go camera leans on Polaroid’s iconic heritage of design while simultaneously creating a new format of instant cameras for a new generation. Features include a newly developed selfie mirror, self-timer, long-lasting battery, dynamic flash, double exposure, and travel-friendly accessories – making it easier for anyone to capture memories wherever creativity takes them. Accompanying, their launch is the Go film, reimagining Polaroid’s classic square format in the smallest analog film the brand has ever produced. Give mom this new polaroid and watch the magic happen, on film!

 

 

 

We believe! The dpl® Joint Wrap Pain Relief Light Therapy is the most versatile joint pain relief device that’s both medically proven and clinically tested. Unlike a heating pad, infrared light therapy works below the skin’s surface-reaching deep tissues. stimulating cells and increasing circulation to target pain at the source. Powerful pain relief LED lights using IR (infrared) and red wavelengths, the dpl] Joint Wrap Therapy promotes circulation, accelerates healing,  and reduces inflammation. Used by professionals, athletes, and physicians, it benefits pain resulting from arthritis, joint injury, tendinitis, muscle pain, and more. Plus, it’s a safe, natural solution for all skin types with no side effects. Mom will thank you for this new device this Mother’s Day!

 

The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation

 

 

 

One of our team’s favorite sweets! A limited release 16 piece Mother’s Day collection is a flavorful display of your love and gratitude for everything mothers do. Beautifully handcrafted and infused with layers of delicate flavors, this collection displays admiration for the most important woman in your life, your Mom. Enrobed in buttery white chocolate, our Lemon curd apricot truffle is a blend of intense citrus balanced with the golden sweet flavor of apricot at the center. This Raspberry rose petal truffle is infused with aromatic notes of rose petals and sweetened with raspberries that gently unfold onto your palate, all wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. A decadent box filled with florals, fruit, and intricate flavors, this special collection recognizes all the care and dedication mothers put forth for their families every day. Trust us our entire office can attest to these delectable bites, we cannot get enough and neither will you mom this Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

Together with the master gardeners at the New York Botanical Garden and renowned perfumer Laurent Le Guernec, Caswell-Massey’s NYBG Living Florals Collection brings the experience of the garden to your home and is the ideal Mother’s Day gift. Available in three single-note fragrances Lilac, Gardenia, and Honeysuckle, plus two premium rose fragrances—Beatrix Rose and RÒS—and two orchid fragrances—Orchid and VIC—that represent the complexities found in the garden’s most prized florals. Give a gift that gives back to mom, this Mother’s Day, because a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these products will support the New York Botanical Garden’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education. What could be better than giving and then your gift, giving?

 

 

For the sensitive tummy mother, we have a new brand just for you. These did not last long in our office. Raised Gluten Free is a women-owned business bringing to market the ultimate comfort food for those with food allergies. Sweet and savory pies, and yes we sampled almost all of them! Made in small batches at a dedicated, certified gluten-free bakery in Northern California, the plant-based offerings are not just gluten-free, not just vegan, they’re both and more. The artisan products deliver indulgence that’s also free of dairy, eggs, and peanuts, Kosher Pareve, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

 

 

 

Eataly has unique gifts for Mom. Calvisius begins within the small town of Calvisano, situated between Venezia and Milano. There, you will find Agroittica Lombarda, the most prolific caviar farm in the world, producing 25 tons of eggs per year. This project of farming endangered fish in freshwater began in collaboration with the University of California: Davis and a Pacific species of White Sturgeon. This four-pack of caviar comprises Royal, Classic, Tradition, and Siberian caviar, all sourced according to sustainable methods from the Caspian Sea to the Pacific Coast.

 

 

 

Mom will be in savory bliss with this ultimate turkey burger from Pederson Farms. Seriously it’s delicious and with zero sugar, nitrite-free, uncured pork bacon making this the best turkey burger she will ever taste. These ultimate burgers are freezer to grill ready. It’s your turn to make mom dinner, easy to make but not to forget.

 

 

 

 

“Being a mother is the greatest gift, yet it is sometimes the most under-appreciated role. It’s hard to find that balance between supporting and defending without overstepping that fine line. Every mother thinks they got it wrong at one time or another, but the truth is, no matter what mistakes we may make, we still get it right. We bring life into this world, and the lives we give will go on to become extraordinary individuals. They will remember who taught them to tie their shoelaces, button their shirts, and comb their hair. We glow with pride and smile when we witness our children living their lives, because hopefully, we have given them the tools to succeed.” Grace A. Capobianco

Happy Mother’s Day!

 

Categories
Featured Health News NYC Wellness

What Are Your Options if You Need a COVID-19 Test in NYC?

 

If you have a sore throat, a cough, or other possible symptoms of COVID-19, getting tested as soon as possible means you’ll know if you need to self-isolate to protect other people. It also means that you can get the right kind of help quickly if your symptoms get out of control. Fortunately, there are several ways you can get tested in New York City.

Go to a testing center

There are COVID-19 testing centers throughout the city, including drive-through centers, which enable you to minimize contact with other people. Due to high demand, you should make an appointment before you go. People in high-risk groups are prioritized. There is no charge for this service.

 

 

What are your options if you need a COVID-19 test in NYC?
pexels-lukas-kloeppel-466685

 

 

Get a COVID-19 test at home

If you’re feeling really ill or if you don’t want to travel for safety reasons, there’s always the option of getting a COVID test at home. Simply call 917-274-7734 to arrange a visit and an EMT or paramedic will normally be with you within just a few hours. You’ll be invited to discuss your symptoms and the test will be administered. Two to three days later you will be contacted with the results. Most major insurers cover this.

ReliefSeeker.com president, Andrew McDermott said that Ready’s new COVID Test offering is already seeing “incredible demand” and that “people are finding it much more convenient to have a test administered right at home or work and eliminate an extra trip to an urgent care center or another testing facility where they could be at risk for infection.”

Get a same-day test at home

If your circumstances mean that you’re at high risk, if you look after somebody in a high-risk group, or if you simply can’t afford to take more than one day off work, it is possible to arrange to get your results on the same day that you’re tested. Just call the number above and explain your situation. This is also possible if you’re simply feeling too worried to wait longer.

What happens next?

While you wait for the results of your test, it’s important to behave as if you’re infected. Keep your distance from other people as much as possible. Unless you live alone, bathroom sanitation is especially important. Remember that products containing soap or alcohol can prevent COVID-19 from spreading.

If you get a positive test result, you should continue to isolate for two weeks from the day when your symptoms first developed. If at the end of that time, you feel healthy again, you can go back to normal. If your temperature remains high even after you’ve taken acetaminophen, or if you have serious difficulty breathing, call 911 for assistance.

 

Categories
Entertainment

US Casino Industry Seeks Aid in Recovery

 

The ongoing pandemic has put massive dents in the revenues of several industries this year, especially in the entertainment segment – and one of the hardest-hit was the gambling industry. Casinos across the country shut down in the spring, then reopened at a reduced capacity, making it harder for them to recover. To do so, the industry will need a helping hand from the government, American Gaming Association President Bill Miller says.

The worst year in ages

The year 2020 started out promising for the US gambling industry, with its revenues showing double-digit growth in the first two months of the year compared to the similar time period of 2019. Then the pandemic hit, shutting down virtually the entire industry, reducing revenues by more than 90%. While the revenues do show some recovery as we speak, with 90% of casinos across the country reopened, they are still way beyond last year’s levels. 

The AGA’s August revenue tracker report shows that the industry’s total revenue is still almost 40% below last year’s level, with both slots and table games feeling the pressure of reduced attendance.

 

 

US Casino Industry Seeks Aid in Recovery

 

Sports and online soar

Sports betting has followed pretty much the same curve – with sports across the world shutting down for the better part of spring and early summer – but recovered as sports returned, growing by more than 30% this year. Sports betting handle has nearly doubled in August due to the month’s busy schedule.

Online casinos, in turn, have seen perhaps their best year in the US yet, with their revenues soaring by a staggering 203.3% year-on-year, to close to $1 billion. Online gaming outlets like the JackpotCity online casino are pandemic-proof as they don’t rely on in-person attendance at all. The JackpotCity offers its users a game variety comparable to those of brick-and-mortar casinos while allowing players to stay safe and virus-free at home.

iGaming has already shown some growth early in the year but with the lockdowns, it truly found its place, serving as a viable alternative for many.

In need of a helping hand

“Gaming has never experienced a disruption like COVID-19,” AGA President Bill Miller said in his State of the Casinos speech at the 2020 G2E conference (held online-only because of the ongoing pandemic). Not only the businesses that have seen their revenues drop significantly this year that have suffered because of this massive disruption but also the 1.8 million-strong workforce supported by the industry, not to mention the small businesses that depend on the industry to survive. 

The casino industry has managed to access some pandemic relief funds this year, Miller said, but it’s vital for it to be included in similar schemes in the future. Also, casinos need liability protection and tax relief to help save jobs and a faster switch to digital payments that would help further reduce the risk their visitors are exposed to by reducing their contact with cash – the item hardest to disinfect.

Categories
Business Finance

Borrowers Discover that Loans Are Available After Bankruptcy

 

What is Bankruptcy?  

Bankruptcy is a legal judgment whereby individuals and businesses are deemed unable to make good on their payments. As a result, the courts will assess their assets & liabilities, and make a judgment about discharging those debts, thereby relinquishing the individual or business from making good on payments.

 

Many individuals and businesses face the prospect of bankruptcy, often through no fault of their own. It may occur that an unforeseen event such as COVID-19 shuts down economic activity on a global scale, igniting widespread business closures. Of the 488,506 Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases filed (October 2018 – September 2019), 460,661 cases were discharged (94.3%). Stats were less favorable for Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases (44.60%), indicating that the courts deemed the individuals capable of managing their debts. 

 

In the unfortunate situation that bankruptcy proceedings take place, many individuals and businesses wonder about the impact this has on their ability to obtain credit facilities. First things first, bankruptcy is especially damaging on your credit score. It can knock anywhere from 100 – 200 points off your score instantly, and those points stay off for a long time. In practical terms, your bankruptcy, judgment will cause your credit rating to crater – from Fair to Poor, or Excellent to Fair in double-quick time. 

 

What Happens to Your Credit Score in Bankruptcy Cases?

 

Bankruptcy proceedings should only be filed as a last resort when all other options have been thoroughly exhausted. For a comprehensive understanding of the implications of bankruptcy, read what the bad credit loan experts say at https://bestloansforbadcredit.com/.

Once a business has filed for bankruptcy, it is possible and even necessary to apply for a bankruptcy loan to salvage operations. As the experts point out, it is vital to accurately document all aspects of bankruptcy proceedings, including accurate reporting thereof. The precise line of credit that is used depends upon the range of options currently available. These can encompass secured credit cards, credit builder loans, and secured loans, et al. Further details are provided henceforward. 

The literature on the subject of bankruptcy suggests that credit cards will be negatively impacted. Possible outcomes include elevated APRs (higher interest rates on credit), increased collateral requirements, rejections of credit applications, and lender refusals to increase credit card limits. 

While these negative effects can certainly put a damper on things, users can take meaningful steps to repair poor credit. Much of what you decide to do depends upon the type of bankruptcy proceedings you have filed. 

Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings stay on your credit report for 10 years, while Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings stay on your credit report for 7 years. Recall that bankruptcy should only be used as a last option. It can be the most effective way to discharge your debt provided you answer all applications honestly. Forthrightness is essential with bankruptcy filings, particularly with lenders and potential employers

Borrowers Discover that Loans Are Available After Bankruptcy
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How to Gradually Rebuild Credit Scores 

Credit facilities can be provided to people who have filed for bankruptcy in the form of secured credit cards (cash deposits equal to the value of credit extended). Provided the balance is paid off in full monthly, and balances are kept low, credit scores can gradually improve. While you get to keep all of your ‘exempted’ items in bankruptcy filings, many personal effects may be liquidated to pay off debts. If you’re looking to raise your FICO score, then one way to do that is by applying for a credit builder loan. These are readily available through local credit unions. If you have valuable exempted assets, you could try using them to apply for a lower APR. 

Initially, you may find that you only get approved for low-limit loans, but these amounts will gradually increase as you manage your credit history better and your credit score rises. Fortunately, a stable work history can offset the effects of bad credit to a degree. People with full-time employment are generally viewed more favorably by lenders. This multi-pronged approach to successfully applying for a loan post-bankruptcy will serve all of your financial interests well.