Month: November 2025

2025-11-24T13:37:00

(BPT) – Holidays are all about cozy gatherings and enjoying quality time with family and friends. But when everyone has full calendars and endless to-do lists, hosting can quickly become overwhelming. These simple tricks will help make entertaining feel effortless, so you can relax, slow down and savor all your seasonal celebrations.

1. Create a checklist

A few days before the party, jot down everything you’ll need, from ingredients and decor to serving pieces, and note where to buy each item. This can help streamline the logistics of your shopping or ordering for delivery, while also ensuring you won’t forget anything important!

2. Keep your home visit-ready

Keep your home effortlessly guest-ready by creating a designated drop zone near the entryway. Use hooks or baskets for coats, bags and shoes. No coat closet? No problem. Try a rolling bin to neatly store your family’s essentials and tuck it out of sight whenever guests drop by, expected or not.

3. Prep a batch dish in advance

Choose one dish you know will be a hit, like a baked pasta, a hearty winter salad, or a cozy soup, and prepare it the day before. Having a delicious, ready-to-go option on hand eases the pressure on the day of and helps you spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

4. Pre-set your table décor

Prep your tablescape the night before your celebration, setting out platters, utensils and drinkware as well as seasonal decor, like greenery, candles or themed place cards. Make sure to snap a quick photo of your table setup or decor once it’s ready — next year, you’ll thank yourself for the easy inspiration.

5. Make tasty appetizers or sides in a snap

Short on prep time but still want to wow your guests as soon as they come in the door? Try this Pull-Apart Holiday Caesar Salad Wreath from Fresh Express! It’s fresh, fun and effortlessly elegant, making it the perfect seasonal dish that looks as good as it tastes (and comes together in minutes)!

Pull-Apart Holiday Caesar Salad Wreath

This show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table features classic flavors with crisp greens, herb-seasoned crouton crumbles, and a rich Caesar dressing, beautifully arranged for a delightful seasonal presentation.

Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 (9.4-ounce) packages Fresh Express^® Caesar Chopped Salad Kit^®
• 3 boxes Chebe Original Cheese Bread Mix
• 6 eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 9-12 tablespoons water
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
• 4.5 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups red bell pepper, diced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, prepare the Chebe mix according to the package instructions, using approximately 3 tablespoons of water per box of bread mix to ensure the dough is not too sticky.

3. Knead the dough until well combined. Divide it into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. For accuracy, each ball should weigh about 28 grams if using a kitchen scale. If no scale is available, roll the dough into a log shape and slice it into equal pieces.

4. Arrange the dough balls in a circular pattern on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each ball. To guide placement, visualize the face of a clock and position the dough balls where the numbers would be.

5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dough balls are lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding.

6. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and dry ranch seasoning until smooth.

7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked wreath, using approximately 3/4 of the mixture. Reserve any leftover cream cheese mixture as a dip for vegetables or crackers.

8. Layer the chopped broccoli over the cream cheese mixture, pressing it gently to help it stick. Sprinkle the diced red bell pepper over the top to complete the decoration.

For effortless entertaining, Fresh Express brings you chef-inspired salad blends that are as convenient as they are craveable. Each mix is washed, rinsed and gently dried to perfection — no prep needed — so you can serve vibrant, flavorful sides and appetizers in minutes.

Visit FreshExpress.com for more recipes and products to inspire your holiday entertaining.

2025-11-20T08:15:00

(BPT) – Murals possess a unique ability to bring a community to life, creating spaces for connection, reflection and inspiration. These public art installations transform spaces, fostering community ties and positively impacting the well-being of those who experience it.

On college and university campuses, murals do more than add color; they celebrate an institution’s history, values and vision for the future. They create a shared sense of pride, inspire unity and foster lasting school spirit, allowing students and visitors to see themselves reflected in public spaces. Murals provide a place for people to gather, take photos and share their connection to the school, amplifying campus pride.

Valspar—a leading manufacturer of paint and coatings—understands the unique power of murals to spread optimism and inspire. That’s why the brand launched its “Be Bright by Valspar” mural initiative in 2021. This initiative sponsors large-scale murals in communities across the country, partnering with that year’s PGA TOUR Valspar Championship winner and local artists to create public art that reflects the people and places in which it’s located.

Oklahoma State University mural celebrates the power of paying it forward

This year’s mural is located on Chris’ University Spirit store, near Oklahoma State University (OSU), and was chosen by 2025 Valspar Championship winner and OSU alum Viktor Hovland. The design celebrates OSU traditions and school pride.

Beyond its artistic impact, the mural serves as a vibrant backdrop for community gatherings and photos, allowing students to express their school spirit and share it with others.

Oklahoma artist Kellen Carter designed and painted the mural, which highlights community, dedication and the idea of paying it forward. The vibrant artwork captures how support and perseverance can turn childhood dreams into reality, reflecting Hovland’s own journey from a standout college athlete to a PGA Tour champion.

Speaking about the spirit of OSU, Hovland said, “One of OSU’s mottos is ‘Loyal & True,’ and you see that every day in Stillwater. It’s a very tight community that cares about the students,” a sentiment that echoes throughout the mural’s message of pride and connection.

“Be Bright by Valspar” initiative: A history of community art in action

The “Be Bright by Valspar” initiative began just before the 2021 Valspar Championship PGA tournament in Tampa Bay—a moment when the world was beginning to reopen from the pandemic and people were craving optimism and real human connection. Recognizing this need, Valspar created the program to celebrate the power of color, public art and community storytelling, using murals to uplift and inspire, spark dialogue and create spaces that invite personal interaction.

Each year, as part of “Be Bright by Valspar,” the brand completes two murals: the first in Tampa Bay and the second later in the year in a city of the tournament winner’s choosing. Each mural, just like each community, is unique. All Be Bright murals are painted using Valspar Defense and Duramax exterior fade-resistant paints to ensure each mural can inspire communities for years to come.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief in the power of togetherness and what it can do for people and their communities. Since its inception, Be Bright by Valspar has completed ten murals: five in the Tampa Bay area at North Greenwood Recreation Center, Tampa General Hospital, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Feeding Tampa Bay and five others in Ruston, Louisiana, Edmond, Oklahoma, Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee and most recently in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Valspar believes paint inspires beyond home projects, encouraging everyone to be the brightness the world needs. To learn more about the Be Bright initiative, visit Valspar.com/En/BeBright.

2025-11-21T12:19:00

(BPT) – You may have heard about microplastics in the environment, but did you know synthetic textiles are responsible for an estimated 35% of all primary microplastic pollution? Growing research about microplastics and their potential harm not just for the environment, but also for human health, has brought increasing attention to where they can be found. It’s also becoming clear that people can help reduce microplastics through simple choices — such as checking clothing tags for natural fibers like cotton before making a purchase.

What are microplastics, and why do they matter?

Microplastics are very small plastic particles (less than 5 millimeters) that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as fibers that can be found in synthetic textiles. With every wear and wash, synthetic materials shed tiny microplastics that then accumulate throughout homes, in waterways including the oceans, and in the air we breathe.

Alarmingly, microplastics have even been found within people’s bodies, and their potential health effects are still being studied. In the last year, a growing amount of scientific evidence has confirmed a significant presence of microplastics within our bodies. Research has found that the average person inhales or ingests an estimated 74,000–121,000 microplastic particles each year, leading to plastic microfibers being found lodged deep in the lungs and even circulating in blood. Emerging research is investigating the impact microplastics may be having on health, including potential links to cardiovascular disease, infertility, and dementia.

How you can reduce your exposure to microplastics

While this news is extremely concerning, there are actions you can take that make a difference. As you’re shopping for holiday gifts this year, take the opportunity to start checking the tags of clothing before you buy. Make that tiny action a habit or New Year’s resolution. Just as you scan nutrition labels on food for yourself and your family, knowing that you’re buying and wearing natural fibers like cotton can also provide peace of mind. Cotton not only offers comfort and breathability, but it also reduces your exposure to microplastics and the amount of microplastics in the environment.

Synthetic clothing, like polyester and rayon, are created by fibers made through chemical processes, using compounds that come from industrially sourced materials including petroleum-based chemicals and petrochemicals. Often, they’re made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same chemicals found in single-use plastic bottles and packaging.

Every year, simply wearing polyester apparel can release over 900 million microplastics into the air, and washing synthetic garments adds nearly 300 million more microplastics into wastewater. Overall, up to 65% of microplastics shed from synthetic textiles may be released into the air just through drying and wearing them.

By choosing natural fibers for your own clothing and for the gifts you give this holiday season, you’ll be helping to decrease the amount of microplastics in the environment and in your own body.

“It’s time to connect the dots between what we wear and our overall wellness,” suggests Marjory Walker, vice president of Council Operations, National Cotton Council. “The materials our clothes are made from deserve the same attention we give to other aspects of our health. The power to make a more informed choice is right at your fingertips and we’re encouraging a ‘Tag Swap’: swapping the synthetic choice for a natural one. When you see polyester or acrylic on a label, you can make a more conscious decision.”

The National Cotton Council’s “Plant Not Plastic” campaign urges shoppers to learn more about the importance of wearing natural fibers as part of their overall wellness routine.

“When you choose a natural fiber like cotton, you’re not just avoiding plastic; you’re choosing a fiber that is naturally soft, breathable, and comfortable,” added Walker. “Before you buy, flip the tag and aim for 100% cotton or high-cotton blends for superior breathability, comfort, and peace of mind.”

Learn more about the benefits of choosing natural fibers at PlantNotPlastic.org and follow on social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

2025-11-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – Scott Rider of South Carolina is one of over 1 million people in the United States with Parkinson’s disease. Working closely with his care team, he decided on a unique three-part plan that Medical University of South Carolina clinicians refer to as the “trifecta” for treating Parkinson’s: seeing a movement disorders specialist, optimizing medications and engaging in exercise-based therapies. This includes an innovative new exercise program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease facts

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Approximately 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Symptoms often begin slowly and are subtle, such as balance problems, limb stiffness and shaking in the hands. These may be mistaken for other disorders or dismissed as a natural part of aging. However, it’s essential to talk with your doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms because an earlier diagnosis means better treatment options that can help to slow the progression of the disease, including comprehensive programs with exercise and advanced treatments.

Exercise for Parkinson’s disease

“There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, scientists have found that intense exercise is a means of slowing down the progression of the disease,” said Vanessa Hinson, M.D., PhD., director of the Movement Disorders Program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). “We advise the patient early on to get engaged with physical therapy and community-based exercise programs.”

MUSC Health is South Carolina’s first designated Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, offering the state’s only comprehensive movement disorders program. As part of this program, movement disorder specialists work closely with patients to provide personalized care and treatment.

“A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders,” said Hinson. “We’re well-equipped to detect the early signs and get people on the right track early on in the course of Parkinson’s disease.”

Rider, an MUSC patient, participates in regular exercise to manage his Parkinson’s symptoms. He enjoys a non-contact boxing program called Rock Steady Boxing that incorporates elements that help people with Parkinson’s disease to manage their disease. Another program he likes is a pickleball program called Pick It Up for Parkinson’s.

“Having the right team around is crucial as far as managing the disease to maintain the healthiest lifestyle possible. And that team should include a movement disorder specialist,” said Rider. “All that put together creates such a sense of hope and encouragement that just makes life better when you’re managing Parkinson’s disease.”

Parkinson’s medications and clinical trials

Medications are another key element of MUSC’s trifecta for treating Parkinson’s disease. There have been numerous medication breakthroughs that have helped people with Parkinson’s to delay the progression of the disease, with a key element being a comprehensive team of specialists that can tailor personalized medication treatment plans for patients.

Levodopa is the main medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease. To help the brain to get the optimum amount, it’s paired with another medication called carbidopa. This pairing allows patients to take lower doses with fewer side effects while maximizing benefits.

Over time, different formulations, such as extended-release pills, infusion pumps and add-on drugs, have been developed to keep medication levels steadier and manage symptoms like tremors, movement fluctuations and involuntary movements.

Fortunately, the team believes that the availability of options and effectiveness of treatments for Parkinson’s disease will continue to grow, thanks to expert research and participation in clinical trials. MUSC Health is leading the way in this work, conducting cutting-edge trials that focus on alleviating challenging symptoms and exploring therapies that could slow or stop disease progression. By participating in clinical trials – always available at no cost – patients may gain access to promising new medications while helping to advance care for everyone with Parkinson’s disease.

Advanced treatments for Parkinson’s disease

MUSC Health’s Movement Disorders Program also includes advanced therapies like deep-brain stimulation. This may be an option beyond medication for Parkinson’s patients like Chris McLernon, whose Parkinson’s restricted his ability to play the rock music he loved so much.

He worked with the comprehensive care team at MUSC and decided to receive deep-brain stimulation surgery. Shortly thereafter, he brought in his guitar and immediately played a song he couldn’t play prior due to his symptoms.

“I brought it in and ripped it right out. I could not believe it,” McLernon said. “The fact that I can play easily, smoothly and professionally is worth everything to me.”

The future of Parkinson’s treatment

It’s MUSC’s goal to provide comprehensive treatment to people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Their unique trifecta approach provides people with Parkinson’s a higher quality of life and better chance for managing the disease.

To learn more about MUSC Health and watch a video featuring these patient stories, visit muschealth.org.