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This new year, reset your body with 4 simple tips

2025-12-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are over and the new year is here! As you begin 2026, you may find last year’s busyness and stress left you feeling unbalanced and uncomfortable. If that’s the case, it’s time to think about resetting your body.

Changing your routine at the beginning of the year can help you feel refreshed and supported, helping you accomplish your goals. Read on to discover a few ways you can reset after the holidays so you can start 2026 feeling more balanced, relaxed and in tune.

1. Recalibrate your internal clock

When you stay up late celebrating and sleep later too, you can disrupt your body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm, robbing you of the physical and mental benefits quality sleep provides. As the new year begins, establish a consistent sleep schedule so you can fall asleep and stay asleep better, and stick to a consistent wake-up time even when you’re tired. It may be tempting to hit the snooze button or sneak in a nap in the afternoon, but that can make it harder to fall asleep later.

Need help winding down at bedtime? Create a nighttime routine to signal to your body and mind that sleep is near. For example, stop using screens an hour before bed and try calming activities like reading a book, listening to soothing music or drinking herbal tea to help you relax.

2. Make time for moments of mindfulness

You’re probably familiar with the term “mindfulness,” but do you know what it means? Mindfulness means being more present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings. By practicing mindfulness, you can boost your body’s immune system, improve sleep quality and increase positive feelings that may help your body and mind feel more balanced.

Cultivating mindfulness starts with small steps. Find moments to get in tune with your body. Take 30 seconds to focus on your breath, or consider incorporating simple breathing exercises to help you stay present in the here and now.

3. Practice stretching every day

Spend a lot of time sitting during the day? You probably feel stiff when getting up. Inactivity can shorten and tighten your muscles, making them less flexible and limiting your range of motion. To feel more balanced and supported, consider adding stretching to your daily routine.

You may think you only need to stretch before and after exercise, but gentle stretching is essential to daily wellness and helps protect your long-term mobility, while protecting your joints and muscles from damage. Try stretching in the morning when you wake up, during your lunch break or before you go to bed.

4. Focus on your cellular health

Your body is made of trillions of cells — the basic building blocks of life. Cells are what make you you, from your bones, muscles and brain to your skin, hair and eyes. They’re responsible for converting food into energy, repairing your body and fighting infection. Because your cells work in concert, the healthier your cells are, the healthier you are.

You can take positive steps to improve your cellular (and therefore bodily) health through various methods, including mechanical stimulation. Put simply, mechanical stimulation is a machine massage performed by a trained professional that awakens sleeping cells to support your body’s natural processes. It literally resets your body on the cellular level.

If you want to incorporate mechanical stimulation into your regular wellness routine, find a medical spa or wellness center that offers mechanical stimulation therapy with LPG endermologie®. LPG® is a French wellness and beauty-technology brand known for its patented, non-invasive mechanical stimulation technologies.

Using a research-driven approach, LPG® focuses on supporting the body’s natural processes to enhance skin quality and overall wellness through its professional treatments, like endermologie®. This FDA-cleared, non-invasive, hands-free mechanical stimulation method is designed to support your skin quality, tissue comfort and overall relaxation. It is a comfortable treatment, designed to be part of a regular wellness and self-care routine, performed by trained professionals. Best yet, the treatment requires no downtime afterward, making it a seamless approach to use for boosting your well-being.

“After the holidays, many of our clients come in feeling depleted and overwhelmed — they’re looking for a reset that helps them feel like themselves again,” said Ulyana Tretyak, medical spa owner at New U Body Aesthetics. “The LPG® Vitality Sleep & Stress Protocol allows them to truly exhale and recover while also supporting overall aesthetic concerns. After just one session, we see cortisol levels reduced by 19% and muscle tension released by 38%, leaving clients feeling calmer, lighter and renewed.”

Reset and renew

If you want your body to take care of you, you need to take care of your body. Using these simple tips, you can start to reset and walk into 2026 with a renewed and balanced body.

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Thinking About Medical School? Your Options May Be Broader Than You Think

2025-12-29T23:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve tried to schedule a doctor’s appointment lately, you know the drill: “Our next available opening is in six weeks.” Or eight. Or three months. It’s not that your doctor’s office is disorganized—they simply don’t have enough physicians to meet demand.

The wait times are a symptom of a larger problem. Healthcare experts project the U.S. will be short nearly 187,000 physicians by 2037, including 87,150 primary care doctors, 8,650 cardiologists, and thousands of specialists in fields like anesthesiology and obstetrics.

For communities already struggling to attract physicians, especially in rural areas, the shortage means longer wait times and reduced access to care. It also means there is an opportunity for those wanting to pursue their medical degrees.

The Challenge of Getting In

If you’ve been considering medical school—or know someone who is—getting in isn’t easy. Thousands of qualified candidates don’t secure a seat at U.S. medical schools each year, despite meeting academic requirements.

But the medical education landscape has more options than many prospective students realize.

Beyond Traditional Programs

The U.S. faces a critical physician shortage, with limited medical school seat capacity constraining the pipeline of new doctors. Schools like Ross University School of Medicine and American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine help address this gap by expanding access to medical education and contributing significantly to the physician workforce, both schools having a combined 95% first-time residency attainment rate for 2024-2025i.

These programs offer something many U.S. schools don’t: three start dates per year instead of one, giving applicants more opportunities to start their medical school journey throughout the year.

“We’re seeing strong interest from people who are already working in healthcare—medical scribes, CNAs, EMTs—who want to advance their careers but face limited education options stateside,” said Scott Liles, who oversees the medical and veterinarian segment at Adtalem Global Education, which operates Ross University School of Medicine and American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine.

Recent graduates from these programs have secured residencies across major specialties, with more than 40% completing their training in medically underserved communities where doctors are needed most.

New Pathways Opening

Some healthcare employers are creating direct pipelines to medical school. ScribeAmerica, which hires medical scribes nationwide, recently partnered with Adtalem to help employees pursue medical degrees, offering layered scholarship support that can cover tuition, travel, preparatory coursework and application fees.

The company found that three-quarters of its approximately 10,000 employees want to become physicians or other healthcare providers—people who already work in clinical settings and understand the demands of patient care.

“We’ve spent over 20 years focused on solving provider shortages, and part of that is creating pathways for our employees who want to advance in healthcare,” said Tony Andrulonis, CEO of ScribeAmerica. “This partnership gives people who are already committed to the field a direct route to medical school, which helps address one of healthcare’s biggest challenges.”

For anyone considering medical school, the advice remains consistent: research thoroughly, understand the commitment required, and explore all accredited options. With the physician shortage intensifying, the healthcare field needs qualified candidates willing to step up and care for their communities.

i Percent of students attaining a 2025-26 residency position out of all graduates or expected graduates in 2024-25 who were active applicants in the 2025 NRMP match or who attained a residency position outside the NRMP match

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Break the resolution cycle: How simple solutions can transform 2026

2025-12-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – Like every year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions and try to stick to them, but broad, all-or-nothing changes often set us up for failure and can make mental health struggles even worse.

Dr. Robin Miller, an integrative medicine physician and founder of Triune Integrative Medicine in Medford, Oregon, puts it plainly:

“I don’t know about you, but every year I make New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them a month or two later. So instead of resolutions, how about solutions?”

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Learning to Achieve Wellness owner Lillian Ingram agrees.

“In 2026, take a new approach to goal setting, and embark on a solution-based focus toward your goals,” she says. “You’re still going to set your goals. You’re still going to take steps. But let’s build out those steps.”

Solutions are simple, achievable and measurable rather than big and intimidating resolutions. For example, rather than making a resolution to lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date, set a simpler solution to reduce calorie or sugar intake each day, or eat more whole grains. Instead of joining a gym and burning out by February, choose to walk every day. Each step we take — both literal and figurative — can then be followed by the next to add up to something realistic and achievable.

For people diagnosed with mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, a solutions approach may be more effective for them particularly given that setting and attaining goals can be overwhelming and could even worsen mental health. For those who are considering medication therapy or are unhappy with their current treatment, a solution-oriented step could be having a conversation with a healthcare provider about the GeneSight® Test. “It’s a way for you and your provider to choose a medication that may be more compatible to your unique genetic makeup,” said Dr. Miller.

“It’s a simple genetic test done with a cheek swab,” continues Dr. Miller. “It analyzes, in part, how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. The test helps inform you about how your genetics may impact your outcomes with the included mental health medications. This information can be used as a part of a comprehensive medical assessment to help inform treatment decisions. What better way to start the new year than with the possibility of feeling well again?”

In the new year, for any goal-setting exercise, Ingram suggests deciding what steps are needed rather than thinking about what we need to do to “fix ourselves.” She recommends asking: “What resources do you have? What connections do you have? What community support do you already have?”

“You’re going to build upon those foundations, those which already exist, to reach your goals,” she explains. “And that’s what’s going to change 2026 and make it the most positive, best, solution-based year ever.”

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Your Guide to Boating: 5 Reasons to Visit a 2026 Boat Show Near You

2025-12-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – If winter’s chill has you dreaming of sunshine, waves and warm weekends ahead, a boat show is your shortcut to summer. Across the country, there are dozens of boat shows taking place featuring the newest boats and marine innovations for sale at the best deals of the year with a full dose of summer-inspired fun—no sunscreen required.

Angler reeling in a large fish on the deck of a boat purchased at the National Marina Manufactureres Associatioin Boat Show.

These events offer something you won’t find anywhere else: the chance to explore hundreds of top brands and products side-by-side, land once-a-year pricing, connect directly with knowledgeable experts, and dive into the boating lifestyle—all in one place. With more than 85 million Americans going boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), winter boat shows are a must-visit destination for anyone in the market to buy a boat or simply looking for a fun day out with the family on a chilly winter day.

Boaters dreaming of a Summer on the water while comparing boats on the show floor at the National Marine Manufacturers Association Boat Show.

“Boat shows are where boating comes to life—you can feel the excitement and energy the moment you walk through the doors,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president and chief brand officer for NMMA. “From the latest innovations across a variety of price points, to educational offerings and immersive activities, there’s something for everyone. Beyond the shows themselves, boating offers a chance to escape the everyday and relax, recharge, and connect with the people and moments that matter most. Check out a boat show to discover how boating can enrich your life and start planning for warmer days ahead on the water.”

Young man pretending to drive a Jet Ski on the water while at the National Marine Manufacturers Association Boat Show.

Discover Boating, the go-to destination for getting on the water, breaks down the top reasons to visit a boat show near you in 2026:

  1. Score unbeatable deals on boats and gear. Boat shows are known for their exclusive pricing and incentives. Exhibitors often roll out special offers available only during the show, and dealers are on hand to help you find a boat that fits your lifestyle and budget.
  2. Compare and board boats side-by-side. Explore a diverse lineup of boat brands and boat types all under one roof, climb aboard to experience the layouts firsthand, and even purchase right on the show floor. Ordering now helps ensure your boat will be ready to launch by spring.
  3. Learn the ropes with hands-on training. From boating basics to advanced skills, most shows offer free seminars, live demos, DIY sessions, kids’ activities, and even opportunities to explore charters, boat clubs, boat schools, and rentals—ideal for those looking to try boating before buying.
  4. Boost your health and wellbeing. Research shows what many boaters already know—you experience psychological, emotional and behavioral health benefits when you are on a boat. Being on the water allows us to disconnect from distractions on land, triggering a restful state of mind and a sense of rejuvenation. A boat show is the best place to start your journey toward a more relaxed, rewarding lifestyle.
  5. Shop with confidence—look for the NMMA Certified seal. When shopping for a boat, always check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm.
Boaters at free National Marine Manufacturers Association seminar - ideal for those looking to try boating before buying.

Find a boat show near you by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you can also explore the Safety Basics Video Series, presented with Progressive® Insurance, a boat loan calculator to estimate monthly payments, a dealer finder to connect with local boat dealerships, and a variety of other tools and resources to help you get started in boating.

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Is your son or daughter college bound? Smart financial tips to kick off 2026

2025-12-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – As your child prepares to say goodbye to high school and hello to college, you probably have a lot on your mind — including concerns about paying for their higher education. While it’s an exciting time for your family, it can also be stressful, especially financially.

In a recent survey from College Ave, nearly 90% of parents said that they help or plan to help their child pay for college, and over two-thirds were confident they had a good financial plan. Parents were most commonly using their income and savings to help fund their child’s education, along with grants and scholarships through the financial package offered by their child’s school.

“Most parents don’t realize that paying for their child’s education typically comes from a combination of different sources, not just one,” explained Angela Colatriano, chief operating officer at College Ave. “Understanding how to find and maximize all available funding and borrowing options can help families approach these expenses with more confidence.”

To help parents understand their financial options, including recent changes to federal student loans, Colatriano offers the following advice for families of college-bound students.

Dad and daughter onlline filling out the FASFA while mom and brother look on.


Fill out the FAFSA ASAP

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is key to determining your child’s eligibility for federal and state aid and can also help them receive school-based grants or scholarships. Because some aid is awarded first come, first served, the sooner you fill it out, the more opportunities your child may have. In fact, students whose families file the FAFSA sooner receive more grants on average than those who file later. Visit FAFSA.gov to get started.

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Save money now and review spending habits

Whether you’ve been saving money since your child was born or started saving more recently, it’s never too late to set money aside. Many states offer a state income tax deduction or tax credit based on contributions to that state’s 529 college savings plan (and in some states, for contributions to any state’s 529 plan). Check your state’s 529 plan information at CollegeSavings.org.

Establish a household budget, if you haven’t already. Take a good look at your family’s spending. Any potential reductions can help you save more toward college expenses. While some may be fixed expenses (like mortgage, utilities, insurance), other areas can be trimmed to boost savings, like entertainment and vacations.

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Compare financial aid packages

Once you receive financial aid packages from schools, review the mix of financial aid being offered. Consider the balance between scholarships and grants (that do not need repayment) versus loans. Also weigh not just tuition, room and board, but expenses like transportation to and from school, plus the cost of living in that area (which matters if a student moves off campus).

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Discover all possible resources

Your child’s high school guidance counselor and financial aid offices in schools where they’ve applied can provide assistance when you’re researching college costs and have information about funding sources like scholarships and grants. For example, college websites often provide a net price calculator to estimate the cost of a year of college. Feel free to reach out and ask questions; that’s what guidance counselors and financial aid offices are for!

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Do online and local scholarship searches

Continue searching for scholarships and grants throughout the application process, and after your child is accepted at schools. Check websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, the College Board’s BigFuture and CareerOneStop, among others. You may also find opportunities through local community or civic organizations, your employer or your state’s education department.

You and your child can also enter to win a $1,000 scholarship at CollegeAve.com/scholarship. A new winner is randomly selected each month to help with college costs.

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Understand current federal student aid options

Federal student loans are recommended as one option when borrowing for school, as they typically have lower interest rates. Recent legislation has changed some aspects of student aid and borrowing that you should know about. Two major changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) passed in July 2025 are:

  • Pell Grants can be now used for non-degree programs: Pell Grants are a form of gift aid, meaning they don’t have to be repaid (unlike student loans), and they’re specifically designed for low-income undergraduate students. The OBBB made one major change: Starting July 1, 2026, students can use Pell Grants for short-term work training programs like electrician or forklift certification courses.
  • Parents will have federal loan limits: Parents of undergrads can use Parent PLUS Loans — a type of federal student loan — to borrow money for their child’s education. In previous years, parents could borrow up to 100% of the total cost of attendance for each of their children, but under the OBBB, new parent borrowing is restricted. For the academic year beginning July 1, 2026, parents borrowing for the first time will be limited to $20,000 per year per student, with an aggregate or lifetime limit of $65,000.
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Consider private loans

If the financial aid your child receives falls short of what’s needed, private student loans — like those from College Ave — can help make up the difference. To understand what borrowing might look like, use College Ave’s student loan calculator to explore your repayment options and estimate future monthly payments.

Find more information on financing your child’s education at CollegeAve.com.

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Holiday travel: How one airline flies children to their wishes

2025-12-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – For many children being treated for a critical illness, their most cherished wish is to visit someplace special, such as an extraordinary place they’ve never seen before, but always imagined. At Make-A-Wish®, over 75% of the children’s wishes involve travel, and airfare costs are the greatest expense for travel wishes. That’s why the support that Make-A-Wish receives from their national corporate partner, United Airlines, has been so meaningful for nearly 40 years of partnership, which they will celebrate next year.

Since 1986, United Airlines has helped grant life-changing wish experiences that help wish kids and their families replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy — and anxiety with hope.

A big trip to the Big Apple

Experiencing New York City during the holiday season was the wish of 14-year-old Zoe, who is being treated for leukemia. Zoe and her mother had a travel itinerary packed full of iconic holiday events and enough memories to last a lifetime.

“We had a magical trip! The highlights were seeing the Rockettes, watching the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and going ice skating in Rockefeller Center, which all made it a magical Christmas experience,” said Zoe’s mom, Lisa.

But there was much more for Zoe and her mom to enjoy. “We took a cake decorating class at one of our favorite bakeries, walked Fifth Avenue to see the windows, ate and shopped our way through Chelsea Market, Soho, the West Village, Little Italy and Chinatown, as well as just about every Christmas market the city had to offer,” Lisa added.

But despite all these planned activities, some of the unplanned moments were the most memorable.

“The rain held off until our last day,” explained Lisa. “While we were hiding out from the rain, we discovered our favorite hot chocolate of the trip (and we tried a LOT) in a little cafe in the West Village.”

Overall, Zoe and her mother had a welcome break from her medical appointments during this special trip.

“Everything about the experience, from the planning and the wish reveal to the trip itself, was amazing,” Zoe’s mom said. “Zoe had been looking forward to this trip for so long and it definitely exceeded our expectations. Having something so wonderful for Zoe to look forward to has been a bright light in her treatment process. She’s only got a few short months to go before she’s finished with chemo entirely and our family can’t wait.”

How travel makes wishes come true

United Airlines continues to support Make-A-Wish in its mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses and their families throughout this holiday season and beyond, providing mission-critical travel resources to help their wishes take flight. In addition, all year long, United MileagePlus® members have the opportunity to donate MileagePlus miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through its “Miles on a Mission” platform.

This holiday season, from Dec. 1 to 31, 2025, United Airlines is stepping up its support of Make-A-Wish by inviting MileagePlus members to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish — and United will match the miles donations up to 5 million miles.

For the first time in the history of their partnership, United will include a call-to-action for miles and cash on all in-flight entertainment systems during the month of December. In addition, $1 from every illy® cold brew purchased inflight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping bring hope to children facing critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish will also be a part of several United hub market Fantasy Flight activations during the month of December. This is a United-led initiative where they turn a gate into the “North Pole”: Kids will leave from one terminal, make a short trip in the sky and then land at the “North Pole,” where United employees are waiting to celebrate with the children.

Unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Visit Donate.mileageplus.com/giving-tuesday to learn how you can bring joy and hope to children when they need it most.

Miles, awards and benefits are subject to the rules of the United MileagePlus program. For details, see www.united.com.

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How World Vision saves lives in the U.S. and worldwide

2025-12-23T13:39:00

(BPT) – If you follow the news, you see heartbreaking stories: over 150 million people worldwide impacted by natural disasters and another 100 million forced from their communities by conflict, violence or persecution every year. In Haiti, Sudan, Syria and beyond, emergencies leave children especially vulnerable — losing their homes, access to food, clean water and safety.

To help families in the U.S. and around the world, Christian humanitarian aid organization World Vision responds to disasters quickly. Their presence in nearly 100 countries allows them to respond within 24-72 hours, providing emergency aid and ongoing support for families as they rebuild. In 2025, World Vision responded to 117 emergencies worldwide, providing aid to 38.1 million people across 72 countries.

Here are 10 examples of World Vision responding swiftly to disasters, delivering lifesaving aid, clean water — and hope.

1. Texas floods

Last July, Texas Hill Country experienced devastating flooding. Heavy rainfall turned the Guadalupe River into a torrent, destroying vehicles, homes and other structures, including Camp Mystic.

“Our hearts break for families who lost so much,” said John Huddle, site manager, World Vision’s Dallas Storehouse. “We’re especially grateful for local church partners meeting people where they are, offering comfort and helping us deliver supplies as well as hope.”

World Vision deployed truckloads of supplies to local partners, and a Pastor Ambassador to support other pastors helping congregations recover.

2. California wildfires

In January 2025, Los Angeles area wildfires ravaged homes, schools and critical infrastructure as 200,000 people raced to evacuate.

World Vision joined local churches and community partners to deliver emergency supplies. Within days, teams supported over 45,000 people and delivered 40 truckloads of aid including water, face masks, air beds, generators, clothing, hygiene kits and diapers.

3. War in Ukraine

Four years of conflict in Ukraine has displaced 3.7 million people, forcing over 5 million refugees to seek safety in Europe. Approximately 12.7 million people need aid and protection, with families facing financial struggles and limited access to education, health care and employment.

Since 2022, World Vision has reached more than 2.24 million people — including over one million children — with assistance including education, mental health services, winterization and protection initiatives.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo emergencies

Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) face a dangerous combination of health and hunger emergencies. In 2025, cholera spread across six provinces, along with a severe variant of mpox that disproportionately affects young children, and a localized Ebola outbreak. The DRC faces severe food insecurity, conflict and widespread displacement.

World Vision teams are responding with lifesaving support for families, distributing clean water and sanitation supplies. The organization provides nutrition programs, partnering with local health workers to strengthen early detection and outbreak response.

“We know we’re not alone in this fight. World Vision stands with us, and together, we’re doing remarkable work for our community’s health,” said Mimi Gwana, head nurse at a DRC health clinic.

5. Humanitarian crisis in Haiti

Need is growing in Haiti as escalating gang violence and Hurricane Melissa have caused widespread displacement, hunger, essential service shutdowns and shortages of food, water, health care and education.

World Vision has been supporting Haiti for 45 years, offering vulnerable children and families vital aid including food, clean water and programs for survivors of violence. Following Hurricane Melissa’s flooding in October, World Vision distributed shelter, kitchen, hygiene and bedding kits to over 10,000 survivors.

6. Myanmar earthquake

In March 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction, killing over 3,600 people and injuring 5,000 others.

With help from donors and partners, World Vision staff responded with food assistance and other emergency relief for 458,216 people, including 145,055 children.

7. Middle East crises

Conflict, large-scale displacement and economic collapse are creating dire humanitarian need across the Middle East. In Lebanon, severe food poverty is rising at an alarming rate, with over half of children under age two experiencing hunger in some areas. Disruptions to basic services in the West Bank have left many children without schooling or health care.

Victor and his sister Olivias, and their mother Merabu are in front of their house.

“The conflict is impacting children caught in this cycle of violence, hunger and displacement,” said Margaret Schuler, senior vice president and chief impact officer, World Vision. “Behind each statistic is a story of children and the families who want to keep them safe.”

World Vision delivered 10.2 million meals to families in Lebanon, supporting over 589,000 people, including over 217,000 children, through programs focused on education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, and food security. In the West Bank, World Vision has reached over one million people, including 430,000 children.

8. Conflict in Sudan

The escalation of violence in Sudan has caused widespread famine and near-total infrastructure collapse, forcing an estimated 14.3 million people to flee — making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world. The country faces a deadly cholera outbreak, along with life-threatening food shortages.

Sudanese refugee children at a World Vision school feeding program in Farchana Refugee Camp, Chad.

World Vision operates a cholera treatment center and 24 oral rehydration points where sick people can access lifesaving rehydration and basic care before their condition becomes severe. The organization distributes emergency food and other support to affected communities.

9. Crisis in Syria

Syria remains one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with over 14 million people displaced since 2011, while still facing long-term effects from 2023 earthquakes. After the government changed hands in 2024, hundreds of thousands of Syrians began returning, only to find damaged or destroyed homes, inadequate services and public health threats.

Through ongoing child protection, health, nutrition and education programs, World Vision assists hundreds of thousands of people, continuing to respond as families work toward restoring their lives.

10. Philippines typhoon

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines in November 2025, killing over 200 people and displacing over half a million. It also caused widespread devastation in communities recovering from earlier earthquakes. Only days later, Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall in the Philippines, forcing over one million people to evacuate.

World Vision responds to the urgent needs of families affected by the widespread flooding, landslides and destruction from these storms with essentials and ongoing aid.

You can help

When disasters strike, World Vision is uniquely equipped to provide support, with highly trained rapid response teams, dedicated local staff and emergency supplies pre-positioned in the U.S. and around the globe.

You can make a difference, bringing aid and hope to people — especially children — when it’s needed most. Your disaster relief donation saves lives of children and families facing emergencies caused by conflict and natural disasters.

Before the year ends, consider a tax deductible donation to help children and families lift themselves out of extreme poverty and experience lasting change. Give by December 31 and your tax deductible gift will be matched.

Children walking to school under a child sponsorship program in Wazirpur.

Visit Donate.worldvision.org/give/disaster-relief to donate today.

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How to optimize your night for restful sleep

2025-12-22T12:01:01

(BPT) – Are you having trouble sleeping? Don’t brush it off. Getting a good night’s sleep is key to maintaining your overall health.

“Sleep regenerates the mind, brain and body,” said Dr. Caroline Leaf, MS and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology, BSc Logopaedics. “It ‘cleans up’ the thoughts and events that occurred during the day and improves memory, as well as our capacity to self-regulate our feelings and thoughts. Sleep can help to boost the immune system, which, in turn, improves overall mental and physical health.”

Sleep can be disrupted by various factors, including work, stress, family responsibilities and illnesses, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. You may not be able to control these factors, but you can develop habits that can promote better sleep. To help you thrive throughout the day, Dr. Leaf offers some of her most important tips for optimizing your sleep.

Calm your mind

Great sleep begins in the mind, not just your bed. Create a bedtime ritual that signals safety and predictability to your brain and rids your mind of the day’s worries, so you can relax into sleep.

“I always recommend creating a ‘mental cool down’ ritual,” said Dr. Leaf. “Set aside 30-60 minutes before bed to dim the lights, reduce blue light exposure and engage in calming activities like journaling or deep breathing to rewire stress or overthinking from the day.”

Keep it cool

A cool sleeping environment is also a key factor in getting a good night’s sleep. Ideally, you should aim for a bedroom temperature between 65° and 70°F.

If you naturally run hot, you might need some extra help keeping cool. Dr. Leaf recommends using breathable bedding and temperature-regulating pillows to help you keep your body temperature down throughout the night.

A great option for breathable, comfortable sheets is Tuft & Needle’s Classic Percale sheet set. Made from crisp, breathable and deliciously soft 100% Supima Cotton, this bedding set is intentionally designed to provide comfort with materials that create a cool sleep environment and enhance overall wellness. Perfect for hot sleepers, this naturally moisture-wicking bedding only gets softer with age, so you can continue to fall asleep comfortably.

A mattress covered with Tuft & Needle's Classic Percale sheet set.

A temperature-regulating pillow is another sleep item that can help you keep your body cool throughout the night. A product like the Beautyrest® Deluxe Down Alternative Pillow features a breathable knit cover that promotes airflow and InfiniCool® Technology designed to help reduce sweating and remove excess heat away from the head and neck. Plus, its premium fiber-blend fill cradles the head and neck for responsive support that doesn’t fall flat. With its medium feel, this pillow suits all sleeping positions and helps support a cool night’s sleep.

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Create a dark environment

Your bedroom plays a major role in getting quality sleep. Create an ideal sleep environment by keeping your bedroom dark and cool.

Even if you can sleep in a bright environment, it’s best to block out as much light as possible. According to the National Sleep Foundation, as it gets dark, your brain begins to produce melatonin. Light disrupts this process and your sleep. Consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask to limit light exposure.

Don’t underestimate the power of the right mattress

You can’t get quality sleep on an uncomfortable mattress. If you’re tossing and turning every night, consider finding a new mattress that will let you slip into your dreamland quickly and easily.

“When I get into bed, I want to feel fully relaxed—like I can just sink in with a huge sigh,” said Dr. Leaf. “That’s why it’s so important to figure out what helps you feel most comfortable. Maybe you’re looking to reduce back discomfort, to sleep cooler, or to avoid being woken up by a restless partner. Everyone’s needs are different, and that’s what I appreciate about Serta—they truly have options for every type of sleeper.”

“If you find that you’re dealing with several issues that are getting in the way of the sleep you want, take a look at Serta’s new iSeries NXG™ mattress collection. These premium models address many of the most common sleep challenges. They provide immediate cooling, instant pressure relief, and ideal support for deeper, more restorative rest—all at a price that makes sense. And with their new NXG™ Memory Foam and durable, long-lasting support, you can finally get the kind of sleep you’re looking for.”

A man reading and a woman sleeping on a Serta's new iSeries NXG™ mattress.

Take control of your sleep

Quality sleep doesn’t happen on its own. Using Dr. Leaf’s tips, you can control the factors that impact your sleep and benefit from a more comfortable and deeper night’s sleep. Good night!

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Where to Indulge in the Best Champagne Toast for New Year’s Eve

2025-12-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – As New Year’s Eve approaches, Americans are searching for the perfect spot to raise a glass. This year, it’s about the perfect pour, the right setting, and a moment to remember. New U.S. data from global chauffeur service Blacklane shows exactly where the most exceptional champagne toasts are happening — and how a seamless journey can make the celebration effortless.

From glittering rooftops to iconic hotel lounges, the finest champagne is now paired with venues that know how to elevate the moment. Guests are seeking out the finest labels, most luxurious hotel bars around the world and a midnight toast worth remembering.

Whether celebration-seekers are clinking flutes high above the city skyline or enjoying a luxury hotel’s midnight soirée, the cost of the finest pour varies widely by destination. The top destinations for the best champagne toast include:

  • New York City: Classic houses like Moët & Chandon (17%), Veuve Clicquot (12%) and Louis Roederer (8%) dominate iconic spots such as Mo Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental and rooftop bars across Manhattan.
  • Miami: Landmark hotels including the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove pour premier labels, creating standout celebratory moments.
  • Los Angeles: A mix of big-name champagnes and boutique houses offers a curated, unique experience for guests seeking something different, including the Four Seasons where the Laurent-Perrier label is on offer.

But the perfect toast is more than just the drink, it’s how you arrive. Blacklane ensures every journey feels seamless and premium, giving revelers the freedom to focus on the celebration:

  • Door-to-door transfers, even on the busiest night of the year
  • Professional chauffeurs providing reliability and local knowledge
  • Spacious, luxurious vehicles that set the tone for an enhanced evening

This New Year’s Eve, the ultimate celebration comes down to three essentials: a world-class glass of champagne, a venue chosen for its quality and ambiance, and a smooth, stress-free journey. Together, they transform midnight into a memory that lasts all year.

To elevate your New Year’s Eve toast, schedule a Blacklane ride at blacklane.com.

“Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

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New year, new network: Switch carriers in 15 minutes

2025-12-22T06:01:00

(BPT) – What goals have you set for 2026? The energy and optimism of the new year can make it easier to dive into a new hobby, establish a new routine or complete a task. One task for your New Year’s list of goals will benefit you all year long: switching wireless carriers.

Whether you’re looking for a better plan, improved coverage or want to snag a phone deal, switching can make it happen. That said, switching wireless carriers can be difficult to navigate. The process can be confusing, time-consuming and forces you to make multiple decisions that slow you down.

“Becoming a new customer shouldn’t feel like a hassle,” said Srini Gopalan, CEO, T-Mobile. “Every year, over 34 million Americans switch providers, wasting over three hours on average on an outdated, confusing, complex process.”

Switching wireless carriers shouldn’t cost you time and headaches. One carrier has made it easier than ever before for customers to make the switch. In fact, you can do it in 15 minutes.

How 15 minutes can change your year

T-Mobile’s latest Un-carrier move, Switching Made Easy, is a major upgrade to the customer switching experience, making it faster, smarter and hassle-free. All you have to do is download the AI-powered T-Life app, log on and tap the Easy Switch (beta) option.

Once you start the process, the app will recommend the best plan for you based on your current carrier’s account, highlighting your savings and benefits. The Easy Switch tool’s flexibility and convenience make it simple to check “switching carriers” off your list of resolutions.

Switching quickly isn’t the only benefit you’ll receive. In addition to a hassle-free experience, you’ll also have the flexibility to choose a new phone after you’ve switched. Instead of feeling pressured to get a new device immediately, you’ll have 90 days to upgrade your smartphone, so you can choose what’s right for you, when it’s right for you.

On the other hand, if you’ve already had your eye on a particular smartphone, you don’t have to wait. When you order through T-Life, you can receive delivery for new devices from select T-Mobile stores in major U.S. cities, powered by DoorDash Drive and expanding soon.

Your benefits also go beyond your initial switch. From day one, you’ll have Magenta Status, which gives you access to streaming benefits like free Netflix, discounts on hotels and car rentals, and weekly offers through T-Mobile Tuesdays.

Ready to make the switch?

In just 15 minutes, you can have a new network, a new device and a new start to 2026.

“With Switching Made Easy, we’ve taken the best of technology to bring switching into the 21st century,” said Gopalan. “Anyone can get a better value and a better experience in just 15 minutes, all on America’s Best Network,” said Gopalan.

To learn more and get started, visit T-Mobile.com/Switch/15-Minute-Switch.