Month: April 2026

2026-04-30T10:47:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking forward to having an extra day or two off work, why not make the most of it? Even without the opportunity to do a lot of planning ahead of time, you can have a blast by going on an exciting excursion that’s not too far from home.

Here are some tips to help you enjoy a fun road trip during your next long weekend.

Keep it short and sweet

Instead of making your road trip fill your entire weekend, you could consider taking just a day trip or an overnight stay at a location not too far afield, so you’ll also have time to work on your yard or just relax at home for a day or so after your adventure.

A brief but enjoyable change of scenery may be just what you need to put things in perspective — and create fun new memories with your family, friends or that special someone.

Play tourist in your own state

First, identify a couple of attractions you’d like to visit that are within an hour or two (or three!) of your home base.

Try an online search like: “Tourist attractions within two hours of my hometown,” “State or national parks in my state,” and/or “Festivals and events near me during the weekend of …” to find a few options that you’ve never experienced before. You can even narrow your search to suit your specific preferences by adding phrases like “outdoor recreation,” “cultural events” or “food festivals.”

Then do a little research about the hours your chosen attractions or events will be open, any fees you’ll need to cover, plus nearby amenities you can combine with your trip, such as restaurants, recreation areas or scenic spots.

Pro tip: To avoid big crowds or lines, opt for less popular or touristy events and venues, or plan your visit outside peak times.

Be flexible about where to stay

While you may be able to find last-minute openings at hotels or motels by searching your preferred travel sites online, if they’re already booked or don’t provide what you need, you may need to widen your search to check out vacation rentals like Airbnb. You’ll find accommodations of different types and sizes so your entire group is comfortable. Being willing to travel off the beaten path may also open up more opportunities for places to stay.

Pack wisely

Include a few layers of clothes so you’ll be ready for any kind of weather (no matter what the forecast says), such as extra jackets or rain ponchos, as well as necessary toiletries including sunscreen and bug spray, and of course your favorite road trip playlist!

Make sure to prep plenty of car-friendly snacks and drinks, including reusable water bottles, trail mix, fruit and sandwiches so you don’t have to spend too much money en route — or time searching for restaurants while you’re on the road. A small portable cooler can help you keep drinks and food items cold during your journey.

Make sure your car is up to the trip

If you haven’t had any car maintenance done recently, be sure to check that your tires, brakes, oil and battery are all in good shape before you head out. Also ensuring that your trunk is packed with safety items like jumper cables, a jack and spare tire, plus a first aid kit, will go a long way toward having peace of mind on the road, even if nothing goes wrong. Keeping your phone charged and having a current membership to a roadside assistance service are also good safety measures.

Wherever you’re headed during your long weekend, remember to relax, have fun and take lots of pictures! Your next great vacation could be right around the corner.

2026-04-30T08:37:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing better this time of year: good food, friends and family hanging out together and enjoying the outdoors for a fun, relaxing time in the yard. To ensure that you have a great cookout every time, here are some backyard barbecue essentials.

Keep it simple

Even if you’re a dedicated foodie who loves trying out all the latest recipes, you’ll want to be sure to include crowd-pleasers that everyone expects at a cookout: Burgers, hotdogs and brats come to mind. Be sure to clean the grill thoroughly and start heating it up well before your guests arrive. If you love to cook, you can show off your culinary skills with creative sides and desserts — just consider prepping those the day before so you’ll be ready to go.

Consider creating a condiment and toppings station away from the heat of the grill where guests can choose their favorite ketchup, mustard, relish, onions and any other tasty garnishes you’d like to supply.

Provide something for everyone

For guests who have specific dietary needs or preferences, it’s easy to cook up a little fish or even tofu alternatives on the grill or using foil packets. Make sure to grill up some easy veggie options everyone will enjoy, like portobello mushrooms, potatoes or corn-on-the-cob.

You could provide skewers and a variety of choices for a make-your-own shish kebab station, with shrimp, peppers, pineapple chunks, cherry tomatoes, and more! Let your imagination go wild.

Hydrate in the shade

While unfortunately you can’t control the weather, you can help your guests stay more comfortable and cool with a little planning ahead. If your deck or patio doesn’t already have an awning or sun sail to help block out the heat of the sun, consider installing one — or rent one from an events or rental center — for the occasion. Another great option is to buy or rent an outdoor misting or cooling fan.

Make sure that you provide plenty of cold, non-alcoholic beverages and ice to help everyone stay cool and hydrated during your get-together. Ice cream, ice pops and water-rich fruits like cantaloupe are also welcome treats when the temps are high.

You can’t go wrong with a sweet California Cantaloupe. Whether a refreshing snack, a tasty side dish or juicy dessert, cantaloupe is an ideal option for your backyard barbecue. For recipes and to learn more visit CaliforniaCantaloupes.com.

Amp up the fun

Provide a fun atmosphere with an upbeat summer playlist, colorful decorations and activities that bring out the kid in everyone. When was the last time you participated in a water balloon toss, a three-legged race, a rousing game of tug-of-war or ran through a sprinkler? Set up areas for outdoor games in your yard so guests of all ages can choose the activities they enjoy the most.

Create a cooling-off area

Especially when the weather is hot, or in case someone just needs a few moments of calm and quiet, make sure there’s a designated outdoor or indoor spot away from the sun, fun and games to rest for a while. This will be especially welcome for older adults or anyone with very young children who may need a brief respite.

Following these tips, your next cookout is bound to be the first of many fun and successful get-togethers, all season long.

2026-04-30T06:01:00

(BPT) – According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly half of U.S. teenagers have experienced a mental health disorder at some point, with around 1 in 5 living with a serious diagnosed condition. For these teens, it’s crucial to receive support and care as early as possible to ensure a healthier, happier transition from their teen years to young adulthood.

About half of mental health conditions start as early as age 14, a pivotal age when students are moving from middle school to high school. Today’s teens face complex stressors such as academic, family and peer pressure, an isolating social media environment that can include cyberbullying, plus questions of personal identity and growth, physical development and heightened awareness of global issues.

Without intervention or treatment early on, these stressors can lead to additional emotional, psychological and physical problems as teens seek out ways to cope with difficult feelings and experiences.

“Teens need support. Untreated mental health challenges in adolescence can have lasting consequences, including chronic mental health disorders in adulthood, academic decline and increased risk of substance use,” said Tramaine EL-Amin, vice president, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Even more alarming, suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people, creating even more urgency for early intervention.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to learn about effective ways to reach teenagers before they experience a mental health crisis.

Peer-to-peer support is crucial for teens

Research confirms what common sense suggests: Teens are far more likely to want to talk to one another than to ask for help from a mental health professional.

“Friends provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where teens can feel understood and less isolated,” added EL-Amin. “By connecting with peers who have similar experiences, teens gain coping skills, self-awareness and emotional validation.”

When a teen shows signs of a mental health challenge, their friends may be the first to offer help. This natural inclination to turn to peers forms the basis of Teen Mental Health First Aid (Teen MHFA), developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Designed for students in grades 9-12 (ages 14-18), the evidence-based training teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in friends and peers, giving teens the confidence to begin difficult conversations with empathy and care.

How Teen MHFA makes a difference

Instructors in schools and organizations across the country have trained nearly 170,000 teenagers to provide peer-to-peer support. Schools, youth-serving organizations and their partners can apply to be a Teen MHFA site. Teen MHFA can be taught as a standalone course or as part of a school health curriculum.

Learners will be able to spot warning signs of mental health challenges and understand the impact of violence and bullying on mental health. Thanks to their training, they’ll know how to start conversations about these topics with their friends — and recognize when they need to connect a friend with a parent, guardian or other trusted adult.

Teen MHFA has an easy-to-remember acronym, ROLE, to describe the steps to take when supporting a peer.

• Recognize signs that your friend may be going through a hard time.
• Open a conversation with your friend by asking how they are and listening.
• Link to a parent, guardian or trusted adult to provide support.
• Encourage your friend by staying connected and showing you care.

Teens who participate in the program learn how to help each other through hard times. Topics include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bullying, social media, substance use and ADHD. In addition to learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in their peers, teens learn techniques for practicing self-care and sharing those tips with their friends.

“Most importantly, young people in Teen MHFA learn that recovery is possible,” said EL-Amin. “Through that process, they help reduce the stigma that still exists around mental health treatment.”

Learn how your organization can become a Teen MHFA site at MentalHealthFirstAid.org/organizations/teens.

2026-04-30T01:45:00

(BPT) – By Lyu Jae-cheol, President & CEO of LG Electronics

Physical AI is taking AI off the screen and into the real world, and I believe robotics will be one of the clearest ways AI becomes part of our daily lives.

Morgan Stanley projects that the robotics market could reach USD 5 trillion by 2050 — about twice the size of today’s global automotive industry. As the market grows, focus is shifting to key components — especially actuators.

Often called the “muscle” of a robot, actuators account for about 40% to 50% of total robot cost. They make it possible for robots to reach, hold weight and assemble with precision. Over time, advances in actuator technology will help shape both the growth of the robotics industry and robot performance itself.

This is where LG Electronics can stand out.

For nearly 70 years, we have built trusted manufacturing and design capabilities, along with strong product durability. In robotics components, we see three clear strengths: scale, vertical integration and efficiency.

Since 1962, we have designed and produced motors in-house. Today, we have the infrastructure to manufacture 45 million motors a year across seven production sites in five countries. That scale helps us deliver durability, reliability and cost competitiveness that are difficult for competitors to match.

We also handle both motor and driver design and production in-house, while continuing to strengthen our internal capabilities in reducers. This gives us stronger technology security and allows us to respond to customer needs with greater flexibility and speed.

We are also bringing proven technologies from our appliance business into robotics. One example is regenerative braking, or energy harvesting, based on our inverter expertise. It can return about 10% of energy that would otherwise be lost during robot operation back to the battery, helping improve battery efficiency.

This is the foundation of our robotics component brand “AXIUM.” AXIUM is an all-in-one modular platform (Φ40–Φ120) that accelerates development and enables efficient, reliable production of robotic joints.

Our roadmap is clear. By 2026, we plan to complete our mass-production system for actuators and apply them directly to LG CLOiD, our intelligent home robot, creating a real-world reference for these technologies. From 2027, we will expand into the broader market by supplying key components to global partners. By 2030, we aim to expand into the industrial high-torque segment and establish LG Electronics as a global provider of total actuator solutions.

The market is already moving quickly. TrendForce Corp. recently projected that robot shipments this year — including humanoids — could increase by more than 700% year over year.

Robots and the actuators that power them will become an integral part of our everyday lives. We see this not only as a business opportunity, but also as a response to the changing needs of our customers.

2026-04-28T23:01:00

(BPT) – Since she was 8 years old, Nancy Mize Gonzalez dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. She practiced for hours a day every day, and it paid off. At 16, Gonzalez was accepted into a college music program to pursue her dreams.

“Everything was beautiful, and I was thriving,” said Gonzalez. “But one morning I woke up, and my hands were stiff — fingers aching so much that it hurt to move them. Every single note was excruciating to play.”

At 18, Gonzalez’s world changed as her doctors diagnosed her with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease.

A condition that affects millions

Gonzalez is not alone — as lupus affects millions of people worldwide.

“In lupus, the same immune system that helps us defend ourselves from infections mistakenly thinks that our own body is a harmful invader and attacks,” said Dr. Roberto Caricchio, Myles J. McDonough chair in Rheumatology and chief of the Division of Rheumatology at UMass Chan Medical School. “Because lupus is systemic, it can attack any organ, such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and skin, as well as blood and joints. No one’s experience is the same.”

Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of what lupus is or how it impacts people with the condition. That’s why this May, during Lupus Awareness Month, the Lupus Research Alliance, the world’s largest private funder of lupus research, and dedicated members of the worldwide lupus community are celebrating “Hope in Action: The Future of Lupus” — increasing awareness, supporting those living with lupus, and raising funds to fuel research to treat and one day cure this debilitating autoimmune disease.

Research breakthroughs provide hope

For decades, lupus has been one of the most complex autoimmune diseases for researchers to understand and treat, largely because the disease affects each person differently and involves many immune pathways. For 50 years, there were no treatments specifically approved by the FDA for lupus.

However, since 2011, scientific momentum has been building toward today’s research renaissance. Four targeted therapies are now FDA-approved across systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis, and hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway investigating potential new treatments. Researchers are uncovering new insights into how lupus develops, identifying biomarkers for earlier detection, and advancing therapies designed to target the disease more precisely.

One organization that has been at the forefront of lupus research over the past two decades is the Lupus Research Alliance. To drive discovery and development of next-generation lupus diagnostics and curative treatments, the Lupus Research Alliance funds the most innovative research, fosters scientific talent, and drives discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure for lupus.

Since its inception, the Lupus Research Alliance has:

• Awarded more than 675 grants and invested over $284 million in lupus research grants.
• Funded or supported the only four new treatments developed specifically for lupus.
• Established Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, which is involved in more than 25% of active lupus clinical trials.
• Launched Lupus Ventures, the world’s only venture capital fund dedicated to lupus, its manifestations, and related autoimmune conditions.

The Lupus Research Alliance’s work and recent progress in lupus treatments have emboldened other organizations and individuals to do their part to raise awareness of the disease and support research. For instance, because of her desire to know more about her condition and to help others, Gonzalez switched careers.

After pursuing her M.D./Ph.D. degrees at Texas A&M College of Medicine, she will soon start a neurosurgery residency in Houston. She is also an executive member of the Lupus Research Alliance Young Leaders Board.

“Back when I was first diagnosed, I asked my doctors, ‘What’s lupus? What does autoimmune mean? Will I get better? What’s the cure?’ I was always met with the same answer: ‘We don’t know. We need more research,'” said Gonzalez. “Eventually, you get tired of hearing that. So, I decided to go back to school, to become a doctor and be able to give other patients the answers I struggled to find.”

Everyone can do their part

While curing lupus may not be a reality yet, there is hope on the horizon.

“This is an unprecedented time in lupus,” said Dr. Caricchio, Vice Chair of the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN), overseen by the Lupus Research Alliance’s clinical affiliate Lupus Therapeutics. “The next step is ensuring that these advances translate into real-world approaches and therapies that improve daily life for people living with lupus — slowing disease progression while minimizing side effects.”

Realizing that future requires collective work — and everyone can play a part. There are several ways to get involved — like donating to fuel new breakthroughs, taking part in research, and taking time to learn about lupus and raising awareness.

“With still only a handful of therapies ever approved for lupus, the next wave of breakthroughs could redefine treatment for millions worldwide — and we’re right at that precipice,” Albert T. Roy, president and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, said. “By working together, we have a real opportunity to bring people living with this disease closer to a cure.”

To learn more about lupus, support those living with the disease, and donate to fuel breakthroughs, visit LupusResearch.org.

2026-04-29T06:27:00

(BPT) – Most pet parents consider their dogs or cats as family and aim to care for their health and wellness just like they would any other family member. However, while nearly 3 in 4 adults take dietary or health supplements to boost their health, only about half of dog owners and one-third of cat owners provide vitamins or supplements to their furry family members.

Gut health is emerging as a major area of focus in the growing pet supplement category, yet a gap remains: while interest in gut health support is higher than ever for humans, fewer than one-third of dog and cat owners give their pets supplements specifically designed to support the gut.

Why gut health matters

Gut health has been making headlines for good reason. The gut microbiome — the community of microorganisms living in the digestive system — plays an important role in many of the body’s key functions, influencing immune response, skin health, mood and nutrient absorption, among other things.

The same is true for pets. When the gut is out of balance, it can show up in a variety of ways, from itching and seasonal allergies to low energy and digestive issues.

Symptoms of gut imbalance

If your four-legged family member isn’t eating well, has changes in stool or bowel habits, or you notice frequent stomach gurgling, it could be a sign their gut needs additional support. Other common symptoms include gas, bloating, diarrhea, scooting and loss of appetite.

Gut disruption can have many causes, including antibiotic use, food transitions, travel, stress and tension, aging or breed-specific sensitivities, and even puppies can benefit from early microbiome support.

Fortunately, many of these digestion challenges can be addressed with the right kind of daily support. By focusing on key ingredients that promote a balanced microbiome, pet owners can help improve digestion and overall well-being. One of the most important steps is understanding the three key components of digestive health: probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics.

The difference between probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics

You’ve likely heard of probiotics, but supporting digestive health — for both humans and pets — involves three key components:

1. Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that support digestion, aid nutrient absorption and help maintain immune health. When given as a supplement, they help reinforce the population of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

2. Prebiotics act as fuel for the probiotics. These indigestible fibers nourish probiotics and help them grow and thrive.

3. Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced when probiotics break down prebiotics. These byproducts — such as short-chain fatty acids, enzymes and vitamins — help support a healthy gut environment and make it more difficult for harmful bacteria to survive.

Together, prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics create a more balanced and resilient gut microbiome.

How to find good gut health supplements

Rather than waiting until a problem arises with your dog or cat’s digestive system, you can be proactive by giving them the daily digestive support they need. Here’s what you should look for in a digestive support supplement:

Proven ingredients: well-researched strains like Bacillus subtilis (a hardy probiotic) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Balanced formulation: a combination of prebiotics, probiotics and/or postbiotics that work together to support a healthy gut microbiome.

Form your pets will take: soft chews or powders

Third-party tested: quality products with ingredients tested for stability and safety, manufactured in audited facilities.

For example, veterinarian-formulated pet supplement brand NaturVet offers a variety of products for dogs and cats to provide daily gut health support:

• Advanced Probiotics & Enzymes with PB6 Probiotic, a 2025 Product of the Year award winner*, gives your pet the gut support they deserve with a powerful blend of beneficial bacteria designed to promote healthy digestion, boost immunity and help reduce tummy troubles like gas, bloating and diarrhea. With over a billion probiotic CFUs per serving and a blend of prebiotics and enzymes, this food supplement is perfect for pets with sensitive stomachs or with advanced digestive needs. Available in Soft Chews for Dogs, Powder for Dogs and Cats and Scoopable Tiny Bites for Dogs.
• Digestive Enzymes with Pre- and Probiotic support your pet’s digestive health from the inside out with a triple-action formula featuring enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics. Vet-formulated to help break down food, ease tummy troubles and promote nutrient absorption, this daily supplement supports diet changes and helps reduce occasional digestive discomfort. Available in Soft Chews for Dogs, Soft Chews for Cats, Scoopable Tiny Bites for Cats and Powder for Dogs and Cats.

“A proactive approach to digestive health can help your dog or cat thrive,” said Dr. I. Craig Prior, BVSc, CVJ. “Just as many people take a daily supplement for digestive support, your pet can benefit from a proactive approach to gut health. Supporting their microbiome through their daily routine helps with better digestion, immune function and overall vitality.”

Before incorporating a digestion supplement into your pet’s routine, consult your veterinarian to ensure it’s appropriate for their needs.

Learn more and find products to help support your pet’s health and wellness at NaturVet.com.

* Winner Pet Wellness Category. Survey of 40,000 people by Kantar.

2026-04-29T06:31:01

(BPT) – When it comes to gift shopping for Mother’s Day, the classics never fail. In fact, 84% of U.S. adults who shopped for Mother’s Day in 2025 chose the timeless combo of flowers and a meaningful card, showing that tradition still leads the way — even as 44% of shoppers look to value-conscious store brands to make those heartfelt gestures more budget-friendly.

To discover classic gifts your mother will love that also won’t break the bank, even if you’re shopping at the last minute, you can count on Walgreens for all the Mother’s Day staples you need. From personalized photo gifts and sentimental cards to stunning fresh flower bouquets, Walgreens makes it simple and easy to find and shop Mother’s Day essentials.

Waited too long? No worries. Save time by using Walgreens 1-hour Delivery or 30-minute Pickup services at one of their 8,000 stores nationwide.*

Here’s a selection of always-in-style gift ideas to inspire you this Mother’s Day:

Thoughtful, traditional favorites to celebrate Mom

You can’t go wrong with these classic gifts. Even better, create a one-of-a-kind, personalized item to make an emotional impact.

Flowers are available at your local Walgreens to brighten Mom’s day. You can find beautiful arrangements like mixed bouquets, mini bouquets, plus seasonal flowers and roses sold in bunches near the checkout counter at a variety of price points to suit any budget.

Personalized Wall Calendar allows you to create a one-of-a-kind, customized calendar that you design online using your own photos featuring your family, special moments together, trips — or whatever memories or images you want to share with her! Your Mom will love this special curated collection of photos as she uses the calendar all year long.

Personalized Canvas Photo Prints are another way to turn your favorite photos of you and your Mom into works of art. Why not surprise your Mom with a gorgeous wall gallery of canvas prints? These are available in a variety of sizes that you can mix and match to create a custom gift she will be proud to display in her home.

Sentimental gifts she’ll use every day

Mom will think of you and how much you care about her every time she sees or uses one of these special items.

Love You Berry Much Plush Bears will put a smile on your Mom’s face this Mother’s Day. The soft, cuddly bears feature a sweet, punny message and are perfect for pairing with flowers or a card or simply gifting on their own!

Best Mom Tumblers are a practical and thoughtful gift to let your Mom know that she’s the #1 in your life. These pink and purple tumblers are perfect for keeping drinks hot or cold and are a continuous reminder to your Mom of how appreciated she is.

Love You Grandma Mugs are charming ceramic mugs that will remind your grandma every morning just how special she is. These floral mugs are perfect for a nice warm cup of coffee or tea all year long!

Little luxuries for Mom

Most Moms don’t treat themselves enough, so pamper yours a little with one of these thoughtful gifts.

Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate helps Mom indulge her craving for premium chocolate. Ghirardelli Premium Assorted Chocolate Squares offer individually wrapped candy squares of slow-melting dark chocolate in a variety of luscious flavors — perfect to tuck in purses, bags and desk drawers for an afternoon pick-me-up. Ghirardelli chocolate is crafted with care using high-quality ingredients for a smooth, delectable treat Mom will savor.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette Spray for Women lets Mom enjoy an elegant yet playful fragrance that’s feminine and sophisticated, but not too serious. The scent offers a sparkling floral bouquet combining the natural freshness of wild strawberry, violet leaves and ruby red grapefruit with gardenia, violet and jasmine petals, on an enticing base of musk, vanilla infusion and white woods.

Mother’s Day Fruit-Scented Candles create a warm, inviting atmosphere your Mom is sure to love. You can find refreshing fragrances like Guava & Mandarin in beautifully designed jars — perfect for adding a sweet, relaxing touch to her special day.

Finding the perfect gift for Mom can be quick, easy and fun with a little help from your neighborhood Walgreens. Shop Walgreens.com or in-store for all your last-minute Mother’s Day gifting needs.

* Delivery in as little as 1 hour and Pickup in as little as 30 minutes based on national averages. Pickup is available for eligible items when your order is $10 or more (after promo codes and paperless coupons are applied and before taxes). Exclusions and restrictions apply. For details, visit Walgreens.com/Pickup.