Month: July 2025

2025-07-20T08:01:01

(BPT) – A cleft lip or palate isn’t just cosmetic — it can threaten a child’s ability to survive. Left untreated, a cleft can make it difficult to eat, breathe, hear, or speak; without proper medical care, a cleft can lead to chronic malnutrition and isolation.

Every three minutes, somewhere in the world, a baby is born with a cleft. The condition occurs when certain body parts and structures do not fuse together during early fetal development. In addition to the physical challenges cleft-affected children experience, they’re very often harassed and bullied for the way they look and speak. Many drop out of school and become isolated.

The good news is that clefts are treatable! In fact, Smile Train — the world’s largest cleft-focused organization — provides training for medical professionals in more than 75+ countries so they can support cleft treatments for patients in their own communities. In addition to providing free surgeries, Smile Train facilitates comprehensive cleft care such as speech therapy and dental care. Smile Train’s sustainable model makes the nonprofit more efficient and effective than mission-trip-based organizations. To date, Smile Train has supported more than 2 million free cleft surgeries worldwide.

This year, Smile Train is taking another step to help cleft-affected individuals and unite the global cleft community by establishing the first-ever World Cleft Awareness Day.

What is World Cleft Awareness Day?

World Cleft Awareness Day is the first officially recognized day on the calendar dedicated to educating the public about cleft lip and palate, fostering acceptance and equal access to cleft care, and highlighting the treatment journey of individuals and their families’ experiences.

“People often think of clefts as a single surgery, when in reality, the journey can last decades,” said Iva Ballou, manager, community development for Smile Train. “Being cleft-affected, I’ve undergone numerous surgeries connected to my condition. World Cleft Awareness Day is a great opportunity to educate the public and advocate for equal access to care for everyone, everywhere.”

When is World Cleft Awareness Day?

The inaugural World Cleft Awareness Day is Sunday, July 20, 2025, aligning with National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month.

What are the main goals and purposes of World Cleft Awareness Day?

The main goal and purpose of World Cleft Awareness Day is to increase public awareness of cleft and the yearslong cleft treatment journey, from pre-surgery preparations at birth through surgical interventions and ongoing comprehensive cleft care that can go on for decades.

Why was World Cleft Awareness Day created?

World Cleft Awareness Day was created to celebrate and unite the global cleft community.

“World Cleft Awareness Day is about raising awareness, but it’s more than that — it’s about celebrating the strength and resilience of the global cleft community,” said Susannah Schaefer, president and CEO of Smile Train. “By founding and leading this observance, Smile Train is creating space for cleft-affected individuals and their families to be seen, heard and supported.”

Who can get involved?

Anyone and everyone can get involved in observing World Cleft Awareness Day. Patients, families, medical professionals, nonprofit organizations, corporate partners, influencers, and advocates are all welcome to participate. The more voices that join, the greater the impact.

To learn more about World Cleft Awareness Day, Smile Train’s initiatives and the lives of cleft-affected children, visit CleftDay.com.

2025-07-18T02:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve dreamed of going to the iconic Food & Wine Classic in Aspen — the nation’s premiere culinary festival — you can do the next best thing: explore recipes demonstrated by chefs during the weekend, and learn about some of the tools and techniques they use to achieve restaurant-worthy culinary results.

The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is a much-anticipated annual three-day celebration highlighting premier epicurean adventures, complete with a variety of cooking demonstrations, wine and spirit tastings and lively panel discussions and seminars led by renowned world-class chefs and beverage experts. It’s also an opportunity to rub shoulders with famed celebrity chefs and to learn about noteworthy tastes and trends.

This year’s event also showcased award-winning, luxury appliances from partner SKS (formerly known as Signature Kitchen Suite) to help home chefs up their culinary game while staying true to the essence of every dish whether through sous vide, induction or smart connectivity.

Highlights from this year’s Food & Wine Classic in Aspen

A primary theme from the 2025 event was to celebrate innovators and “game changers” who are shaping the world of food today. Wide-ranging seminars and cooking demonstrations hosted by renowned international sommeliers and chefs featured topics ranging from the latest in viticulture and winemaking, adventurous food and wine (and beer!) pairings to creative cultural fusion (like Mex-Italian), reimagining breakfast menus and much more.

Featured chefs offer recipes to try at home

Among the dozens of cooking demos offered that weekend, best-selling cookbook author and renowned food personality Mark Bittman partnered with SKS Executive Chef Nick Ritchie for a demonstration called: “Mark Bittman’s in Hot Water — Turning Up the Heat on Sous Vide, Steam and Searing” to highlight the latest techniques for home kitchens.

This demo included the sous vide technique, which involves vacuum sealing food in a pouch, then submerging it in water to cook slowly at a constant, precise temperature for highly consistent results. The sous vide technique is now accessible at home via the 48-inch Dual-Fuel Pro Range from SKS — an industry-first innovation combining gas, induction and built-in sous vide on a single cooktop, plus steam and convection ovens for versatility and precision across cooking styles.

“Sous vide has long been a staple in professional kitchens, and bringing that level of precision into the home is a natural next step for high-end appliances,” said Bittman. “These techniques are versatile and accessible, giving home chefs the tools to achieve restaurant-quality results while staying true to the essence of good food.”

Bittman and Ritchie demonstrated the latest techniques as they prepared recipes for caraway rye bread and sous vide egg jam.

Mark’s Caraway Rye
Recipe courtesy of Mark Bittman

Servings: Yields 2 loaves

Ingredients

Night

70 grams rye flour; 70 grams water; 20 grams starter.
Mix and rest.

Morning

250 grams rye flour; 200 grams water.
Mix into preferment (flour, water and starter mixture) and rest until risen and bubbly, 4 or 5 hours.

Afternoon

300 grams water; 475 grams bread flour, more or less; 15 grams salt; 5 grams instant yeast; 30 grams caraway.

Instructions

1. Stir water into dough; add everything else. Mix with the dough hook on low speed, adding bread flour if needed, until dough pulls away from sides, 7-10 minutes. Cover and let rise until doubled in bulk, for about an hour.
2. Divide in half and knead a minute by hand, shape into loaves. Put on a cornmeal-sprinkled peel or parchment-lined sheet and cover.
3. Preheat oven with steam to 430 degrees F.
4. When dough has risen a bit (there’ll be little cracks on the surface), brush with water, slash a few times, sprinkle with caraway seeds and coarse salt.
5. Put in oven, either on a stone or on the parchment-lined tray. Bake 10 minutes, remove steam, lower heat to 375, bake another 30 to 40 minutes, until done.

Sous Vide Egg Yolk Jam
Recipe courtesy of SKS Executive Chef Nick Ritchie

Servings: Makes 1- to 4-ounce jar

Ingredients

• 6 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
• kosher salt (to taste)
• teaspoon freshy ground black pepper (to taste)
• dash Tabasco sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat sous vide well to 147 degrees F.
2. Mix the egg yolks with the olive oil and seasoning and strain.
3. Pour mixture into a 4-ounce canning jar. Seal with the lid and cook in the sous vide well for approximately 1 hour. Allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes. It can be served warm or chilled.

Chef’s note: This can be made simply with salt and pepper, but I like the addition of a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of Tabasco sauce, especially when using it as a spread for bread or toast.

Inspired to start cooking? Find these recipes and more here, and discover all the possibilities for upgrading your kitchen at SKSAppliances.com.

2025-07-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Each year, millions of people undergo surgical and diagnostic procedures requiring anesthesia care. No matter what kind of surgery you’re facing, the process can produce anxiety. Receiving anesthesia is one aspect of surgical procedures that can cause concern.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, partner with patients to safely provide anesthesia and pain management that addresses all aspects of care before, during and after procedures. CRNAs are trained to provide safe, effective care that supports patients along each step of the procedure and promotes optimal recovery.

As experts in delivering safe anesthesia care, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) shares tips to help prepare you or your loved one for surgery.

Consider yourself part of the team

You have an important role in your own healthcare. It’s important to be involved in your care decisions, so make sure you understand the process and ask your surgeon or anesthesia provider any questions you may have.

What to expect before anesthesia

Some preparation is required, even weeks ahead of your procedure.

• Pre-admission testing may be ordered by your surgeon/anesthesia team. Testing and the questions your team asks are important to reduce your risk of allergic reactions, drug interactions or physical complications, so make sure your responses to questions are accurate and truthful.

• Schedule a ride from a responsible individual. According to a recent statement issued by AANA, Patients should not be permitted to drive themselves home after the procedure or surgery, particularly if they received sedation or anesthesia. It’s important to receive a ride home from someone you know and trust. Rideshare services are only responsible for transportation. Rideshare drivers are not responsible for caring for the patient during transport or upon arrival at their destination. Healthcare providers recommend that someone stay with you up to 24 hours post-surgery.

The day before the procedure

You’ll be directed to follow specific instructions, so ask questions if anything is unclear. Following all instructions helps support your safety and prevents delay or cancellation of surgery. Common instructions include:

• Fasting: You’re typically asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight. Be sure to clarify with the care team of what’s allowed and when.
• Medications: Follow your surgeon’s directions for taking or stopping medicines.
• Alcohol, smoking, vaping and drug use is prohibited 24 hours before procedures. Cannabis recommendations vary and may be 72 hours to 10 days. Check with your provider or care team.

The day of surgery

Before the procedure, your anesthesia provider will review your health history, allergies, medicines (including over-the-counter medications or supplements), previous procedures and more. This helps your anesthesia provider develop a safe, effective anesthesia care plan, so it’s vital to be accurate and truthful.

“One of the most important things patients can do before surgery is be honest about any medications they take — including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and current or past drug use,” said AANA President Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC. “This information helps nurse anesthesiologists tailor care safely and avoid complications. We’re here to protect you, not to judge you.”

Types of anesthesia

Different forms of anesthesia can be used, depending on the procedure.

• Local anesthesia via injection numbs an area of the body, typically for minor procedures. You may stay awake or receive additional medicine to help you relax.
• Light/moderate sedation through an IV makes you feel relaxed and reduces anxiety. You may feel sleepy but will still be responsive, although you might not remember much.
• Deep sedation administered through an IV causes a decreased state of consciousness in which you may be less responsive and not easily aroused.
• General anesthesia may be administered through an IV, inhaled gas, or both. You will lose consciousness and won’t feel pain during surgery. You may also forget the surgery and the time immediately afterward.
• Regional anesthesia is given through injection near nerves or your spinal cord to numb an area of the body. You may stay awake during the procedure or receive sedation or general anesthesia.

After anesthesia

When your procedure is complete, you may become aware of your surroundings in the operating/procedure room or the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), or recovery room. Nurses will monitor you and provide medications as needed to improve comfort and treat any possible side effects. Be sure to tell the nurse your pain level so they can provide appropriate medication.

Returning home

When your healthcare team determines you can safely be discharged, they will review instructions with you (and your caretaker, if available) and provide written information. Make sure you understand your instructions and ask any questions.

CRNAs also recommend that you:

• Return to activity: Optimize recovery by returning to daily activities the day of/day after surgery. Consult your physician for specific instructions on activities you can and cannot do during recovery.
• Begin eating: Slowly return to a regular diet unless your provider has put you on a special diet, with small meals at first. To prevent constipation, drink lots of fluids and include foods with fiber like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Delay important decisions/signing legal documents: Anesthesia and pain medications may impair decision-making abilities for 1-2 days.
• Don’t drive/operate machinery: Reactions and judgment may be impaired up to 24 hours. Ask your provider when you’re allowed to drive.
• Only take medications prescribed by or discussed with your care team.

Follow all discharge instructions and contact your care team with questions or concerns.

CRNAs are anesthesia professionals who have been providing anesthesia care to patients in the U.S. for over 150 years and administer over 58 million anesthetics to patients each year. As highly educated, experienced advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs deliver safe, high-quality anesthesia care. They’re compassionate and patient-centered, always supporting the health and well-being of their patients. Learn more at AANA.com/about-us/about-crnas.

2025-07-16T15:00:00

(BPT) – Summer grilling season is here, and barbecue enthusiasts everywhere are firing up their grills. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your barbecue journey, there’s never been a better time to learn from the best.

Two legendary barbecue champions, Myron Mixon and Rodney Scott, are not only sharing their beginner-friendly barbecue wisdom but also bringing their award-winning flavors to the canine world through Beggin’s new Battle of the Beggin’ treats, giving dogs a chance to experience authentic barbecue flavors.

For those new to barbecuing, both pitmasters offer approachable starting points that won’t overwhelm novice grillers.

“I would suggest taking any of the smaller meats like pork chops and getting really comfortable working on them,” advises Mixon, who has appeared as a judge on TV shows “BBQ Pitmasters,” “Smoked” and “BBQ Pit Wars.”

Scott — who has been cooking whole-hog barbecue over wood coals since he was 11 years old — recommends “a shoulder or a ham. These are not very hard to cook at home. If you maintain your temperature, you can balance your time with the slow cook going on.”

The secret to great barbecue, according to these experts, lies in the seasonings.

“I personally recommend my rub recipe, which is salt, paprika, sugar, pepper, along with garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper,” says Mixon. For keeping meat juicy, he emphasizes equipment: “One piece of equipment you should invest in is a good meat thermometer. That way, you won’t ever undercook your product.”

Scott, who in 2018 was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s award for Outstanding Chef: Southeast and has been featured on Netflix’s “Chef’s Table,” has his own approach.

“I use a mop sauce technique with a string-headed mop to apply a thin sauce that’s supposed to help keep the meat moist while bringing out the essential flavors.”

Bringing barbecue to the canine world

These same principles of flavor mastery that make great human barbecue have now inspired something special for four-legged family members. Mixon and Scott have partnered with Beggin’ to champion specialty treats that capture the essence of authentic barbecue flavors for dogs.

“There’s nothing quite like the joy of barbecuing. I take great pride in crafting deep, smoky flavors that unite people,” said Mixon. “With Beggin’s Bacon & Beef Brisket treats, you can extend that same delight to your dog. My dog Roxie absolutely loves the Beggin’ Bacon & Beef Brisket treat, and I know your dogs will too.”

Scott is going head-to-head with Mixon, as he champions Beggin’s Bacon & Pork Spare Rib flavor.

“Barbecue isn’t just a cooking method; it’s a passion and a way of life for me,” he said. “There’s nothing like the satisfaction of creating rich, smoky flavors that bring people together. With Beggin’ Bacon & Pork Spare Rib treats, you’ll be able to share that same love and joy with your furry friends.”

The Battle of the Beggin’ treats are available now. Which flavor will your dog prefer — Bacon and Beef Brisket or Bacon and Pork Spare Rib? Let your dog be the judge and vote for their favorite Beggin’ flavor at BattleOfTheBeggin.com until Sept. 30, 2025.

2025-07-16T20:01:00

(BPT) – By Thomas Yoon, executive vice president of the Overseas Sales and Marketing Company at LG Electronics

The global B2B landscape is evolving rapidly. As technology becomes commoditized and ESG priorities gain prominence, our customers are no longer just comparing specs or prices. They’re seeking something more: partners who bring integrated value — efficiency, sustainability and long-term impact.

At LG Electronics, we’ve embraced this change. As the head of the Overseas Sales & Marketing Company, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the role of B2B sales is transforming. We’re moving beyond products to deliver comprehensive, co-designed solutions — particularly in areas like HVAC, information displays, smart factories and smart cities.

1. From Products to Solutions

We’re no longer just selling products — we’re providing solutions. Our “One LG” approach unites capabilities across the LG Group, enabling us to serve complex sectors like smart cities, hospitals and resorts with integrated offerings. Our dedicated One LG Integrated Offering Team collaborates directly with key decision-makers to understand their goals and design tailored, end-to-end solutions. For instance, we recently helped a global hotel chain overcome challenges by delivering a unified system that combined LG HVAC, information displays and commercial TVs — enhancing both guest experience and operational efficiency.

2. Global Orchestration

While our headquarters drives global consistency and quality, our field teams are empowered to adapt solutions locally. This balance helps maintain relevance in every market we serve. We also invest significantly in ecosystem partnerships and talent development. A prime example is the LG HVAC Academy, which trains over 30,000 professionals annually in 84 locations worldwide. These experts play a crucial role in delivering high-performance, localized solutions and enhancing after-sales support.

3. From Seller to Strategic Partner

Our B2B sales function is evolving into a project-based organization that manages the full customer journey — from early opportunity discovery and solution planning to delivery and ongoing support.

This is the core of our B2B strategy: to become a true strategic partner who grows alongside our customers. Our recent MOU with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Bawani Group to deliver smart home and smart city solutions exemplifies this vision in action. We’re also deepening our presence in North America, Australia and Europe.

As the market changes, we’re not just keeping up — we’re stepping up. The One LG Integrated Offering is the foundation of a new kind of partnership. Together with our customers, we’re building what’s next.

2025-07-16T11:23:00

(BPT) – Millions of Americans are taking to the road this summer for what is expected to be a record-breaking travel season.

Whether you’re headed to a national park or coastal city, safety and savings are top priorities for any vacation.

Providers like Allstate offer drivers a variety of ways to save, including personalized rates to help you stay protected while saving more this summer.

Ready to get on the road? Keep these tips in mind.

1. Choose your destination wisely

Some cities are riskier to drive in than others. For example, according to the 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers (ABD) Report (R),* Boston ranks as the riskiest city in the U.S., while Brownsville, Texas, is the safest.

Seven of the 10 cities with the highest collision rates are in the Northeast, but the West Coast isn’t far behind. Los Angeles, Glendale and Oakland, California, round out the top 10.

For a smoother ride, pick scenic regions like the Pacific Northwest. Drivers in Washington, Oregon and Alaska are driving safer than ever, with some of the biggest reductions in collisions countrywide.

2. Drive a newer vehicle

Driving a new vehicle has its perks.

“When you buy a new vehicle, you may qualify for a lower premium,” said smart shopping expert Trae Bodge. “If you choose an auto insurance provider like Allstate, you can save on your policy if your vehicle is a current model year or one year older.”

3. Drive a car with built-in safety and security features

Bodge also recommends driving a car equipped with built-in safety features, such as airbags, antilock brakes and anti-theft systems. Vehicles with these types of features are less likely to be in an accident or stolen than those without them and may qualify you for lower premiums.

4. Stay focused, stay safe

Distracted driving is dangerous. Keep your phone out of reach, skip the snacks and keep your eyes on the road.

Staying focused and distraction-free is critical when driving in a city like Boston, where drivers are nearly three and a half times as likely to be involved in a collision compared to the national average, according to the Allstate America’s Best Drivers report.

5. Respect speed limits

Allstate found that Alabama cities like Birmingham, Mobile and Montgomery experience larger rates of high-speed driving. Similarly, drivers in several major Midwest cities — including Indianapolis, Detroit and Chicago frequently exceed the speed limit by 15 mph or more.**

Don’t follow the crowd and and give in to the temptation to do the same.

6. Keep a clean driving record

According to Bodge, safe driving without violations or claims for several consecutive months can unlock safe driving discounts.

7. Enroll in a safe driving program

Enroll in a free program like Drivewise, available through the Allstate mobile app. The program rewards good driving habits like gentle braking, staying off your phone or maintaining safe speeds. This not only helps you make safer choices, but can help you save, too, with a personalized rate. A bonus: Allstate customers who choose to use Drivewise are 25% less likely to have a severe collision than those who don’t.***

8. Young drivers can save, too

It’s never too early to establish safe driving habits. According to Bodge, insurance companies like Allstate also offer special programs for newer drivers. “If you’re unmarried and under the age of 25, you can save at Allstate for maintaining good grades or successfully completing a driver education program,” adds Bodge.

9. Drive sober and well-rested

When road-tripping with friends, be sure to take turns driving to stay focused and alert when behind the wheel. If you’re going out for a good time, ensure that someone in your group agrees to be the designated driver.

Stay safe and have fun!

Wherever you’re headed, Allstate’s got your back. Get personalized rates and expert safety tips to help you stay protected and save more this summer. Start your journey at Allstate.com.

*Now in its 17th year, the 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report^® ranks the 200 largest U.S. cities by collision frequency to help determine which have the safest — and riskiest — drivers. This year, Allstate researchers analyzed property damage claims reported during the two-year period of January 2022 to December 2023. The report defines a collision as any auto crash resulting in a property damage claim. The report uses U.S. Census Bureau data to determine America’s 200 largest cities.

**Regional driving behavior statistics are based on 2024 data from Allstate’s mobility intelligence insights, which analyze aggregated and anonymized driving behavior — including phone handling, high-speed driving and hard braking — across the 100 most populous U.S. cities.

***According to Allstate claims data, the average driver in the U.S. will experience a collision once every 10.56 years.

2025-07-16T09:01:00

(BPT) – You don’t have to go vegan to get the benefits of plant-based protein. Here’s how to sneak more into your routine — without overhauling your diet.

Forget food fads and restrictive rules. Today’s wellness movement is all about adding the right things in — especially when it comes to protein. Whether you’re a weekday vegetarian, a smoothie lover, or just trying to incorporate more plant protein in your diet, one thing is clear: Plant-based nutrition is a staple, not a trend.

It might be surprising but data from researchers at Abbott and The Ohio State University found that more than 1 in 3 of adults over 50 years old are not getting the daily recommended amount of protein they need. Plant proteins are a great place to start.

Why the plant-based boom?

More than 70 million U.S. households now identify as flexitarian, meaning they’re cutting back on meat and dairy and increasing plant-based meals and foods. Their reasons? Health, sustainability and energy. Increasingly, people are turning to plant-based protein to help them feel strong, stay active and support long-term wellness. In fact, 96% of people buying plant-based drinks aren’t vegan or vegetarian.

5 easy ways to add more plant-based protein to your day

1. Add it to overnight oats

Overnight oats are back and better than ever. Mix rolled oats with an Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake, chia seeds and cinnamon. Let it sit overnight in the fridge for a revamped grab-and-go breakfast option. One Ensure Plant-Based Protein shake offers 20 grams of plant-based protein, 25 essential vitamins and minerals, and 5 grams of fiber.

2. Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas

Top your salads with crunchy roasted chickpeas instead of croutons. They add texture, flavor and a solid dose of protein and fiber.

3. Turn soup into a superfood

Stir pureed white beans or lentils into soups and stews for a creamy texture and extra protein.

4. Make a dense bean salad

Swap in beans like chickpeas, black beans and great Northern beans for leafy greens to make a hearty salad that’s packed with fiber and protein. The best part? Dense bean salads can marinate in dressing and soak up flavors, giving them a longer fridge life and making them perfect for meal prepping and enjoying as leftovers.

5. Use quinoa as a base for bowls

Swap rice for quinoa in grain bowls. It’s a complete protein and pairs well with roasted veggies, beans and tahini dressing for a satisfying, balanced meal.

You don’t need to overhaul your diet to reap the benefits of plant-based eating. Small, smart swaps can help you feel stronger, more energized and more in control of your health — one bite (or sip) at a time. Visit Ensure.com to learn more about the importance of protein.