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One top 2026 hardwood floor finishing trend: Waterborne systems

2026-01-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Waterborne floor finishing systems are water-based and environmentally friendly.
  • With low VOCs, waterborne options are better for indoor air quality.
  • Waterborne finishes are durable and can last a decade or more.
  • Always use cleaning and maintenance products made for your type of flooring.

Does your home have hardwood floors or would you like them in the future? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. More than half (61%) of American homeowners say wood flooring was a priority when deciding to design or purchase their home, according to the 2026 Bona Floorcast report.

Hardwood floors are a smart choice, but the finishing system you choose is just as important as the flooring itself. Finishes and sealers can impact the durability and integrity of the flooring, plus some options are more harmful to the home environment than others. Doing your research can help you determine the best system for your home.

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“Whether a new build, renovation or refresh, it’s important to research the types of products used to treat your wood floors,” said Matt Casey, Director of Professional Marketing & Bona Certified Craftsman Program, Bona. “When it comes to hardwood floor finish, the best choice is a waterborne finish.”

To help homeowners decide the right option for hardwood floors through 2026 and beyond, Matt answers common questions about waterborne floor finishing systems for hardwood.

“When it comes to hardwood floor finish, the best choice is a waterborne finish.”

Matt Casey, Bona

Do hardwood floor finishes impact indoor air quality?

Yes, hardwood floor finishes can impact the air quality in your home. Waterborne, sometimes referred to as water-based, is a wood finish system where water is the carrier for resin particles rather than oil or chemicals. Waterborne finishes are durable, sustainable and have low VOC emissions, making them better for the indoor environment. They are safe enough for homeowners, pets, plants and food to remain in the home during the entire finishing process.

Other hardwood floor finishing systems like acid cured (also called Swedish finish) and moisture-cured finishes, which use toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, and oil-modified are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

What does off-gassing mean for hardwood floor finishing systems?

VOCs are human-made chemicals present in many household products. Off-gassing occurs when VOCs and other chemicals are emitted from manufactured products during use. While all hardwood finishing systems have some level of VOCs, waterborne are most often the lowest and therefore better for indoor air quality.

Acid-cured and oil-modified finishes have high VOC levels ranging from 275 to more than 700. Waterborne finishes are considered low VOC typically at 150 or less.

What is GREENGUARD Certification?

It’s smart to look for hardwood floor finishing systems with UL GREENGUARD Certification. GREENGUARD is a third-party organization that ensures products used for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emission limits.

For example, Bona Traffic HD is a high-durability waterborne finish that is GREENGUARD Gold certified. The GREENGUARD Gold certification has stricter criteria and considers safety factors for sensitive individuals like children and the elderly.

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How long will waterborne hardwood floor finish last?

Advancements in waterborne finishing systems mean they are more durable than ever. High-quality waterborne floor finishes can often last well over 10 years depending on use and maintenance. Plus, unlike oil-based polyurethane that will amber over time, the color of waterborne finishes tends to maintain a more natural look.

Do waterborne finishes dry quickly?

Getting back to normal life as soon as possible is a priority when researching hardwood finishing systems. A waterborne finish is ready to walk on hours before an oil-based polyurethane finish dries. For example, Bona Traffic HD dries within two to three hours before it can be walked on in socks, with a full cure happening in three days.

“Investing in waterborne finishing systems for hardwood flooring is a smart choice for homeowners,” said Matt. “They create durable floors, allow for a range of color options and support a healthier home and environment.”

How do you best care for hardwood flooring?

Proper maintenance keeps floors looking their best and extends their lifespan. When choosing cleaning products, opt for a microfiber mop, which controls moisture better than a traditional string mop. Use a pH-neutral, residue-free cleaner formulated specifically for your type of wood flooring. The right cleaning products protect the finish and keep newly refinished floors looking beautiful longer.

To learn more about the benefits of waterborne flooring systems visit Bona.com.

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A Registered Dietitian’s Top 3 Nutrition Tips for the New Year and Beyond

2026-01-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – If you are among the 50% of American adults who want to lose weight, a new year presents an opportunity to reset and focus on your health. The key — and the challenge — is making new health-promoting habits, like eating a healthier diet or committing to an exercise routine stick.

“With so much information out there around what to eat, when and why, it can be difficult to know where to start,” said registered dietitian Whitney Evans, PhD, RD and Director of Nutrition & Scientific Affairs at Danone North America. “I like to remind people, especially around this time of year when many are setting new intentions, not to underestimate the power of setting small, achievable dietary goals as opposed to a drastic dietary overhaul.”

Here are three tricks Evans engages in herself each new year, to reset and recommit to healthy habits:

1. Add one additional serving of fruit or vegetables to your daily diet: While it is recommended that American adults consume 1.5–2 cup-equivalents of fruits and 2–3 cup-equivalents of vegetables daily, setting a goal to add one serving per day is a good place to start, particularly since most of us — around 90%[i] of American adults — do not meet this daily recommendation. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower risk of death from all causes, likely due to their low energy density and inclusion of dietary fiber, essential vitamins and minerals, and bioactive compounds. Some fruits and vegetables, like artichokes, asparagus, leeks, onions, bananas and berries, even contain a specific type of fiber called prebiotic fiber that acts as food for the good bacteria in your gut. You can also find prebiotic fiber in foods like legumes, oats, barley, wheat and in certain yogurts and protein shakes that are fortified with prebiotic fiber, often as inulin from chicory root. The gut microbiome can have far-reaching impacts on overall wellness, so it’s important to consume foods that support it. Once you meet the goal of adding one additional daily serving of fruit or vegetables for at least two weeks, try adding another until you meet the recommendations.[ii]

2. Prioritize nutrient-dense protein-rich foods: Protein is essential for overall wellness. Along with supporting muscle health (especially alongside strength training), it also plays a role in everything from hormone production to immune health, the transportation of oxygen around the body, the creation of digestive enzymes that help us digest our food and so much more. This is especially important to know if you’re on a weight loss journey or taking a GLP-1 medication — as even if you’re eating fewer calories, your protein needs remain the same. If you don’t meet them through diet, your body will start taking protein building blocks, or amino acids, from your muscle tissue, which can impact strength, mobility and metabolic health. Nutrient-dense sources of protein include yogurt, eggs, beans, tofu, cottage cheese and lean meats. If it works with your dietary preferences, try to eat both animal and plant proteins to get the best of both worlds — complete, high-quality animal protein and the many additional benefits, like fiber and phytonutrients, that you get from plant-based sources. While the daily protein recommendation is a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, there are many circumstances where you may need more — for example, during pregnancy, if you’re taking a weight loss medication,[iii] with age, and with increased physical activity. It’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian to learn more about your individual needs.

3. Start each day by drinking a tall glass of water: Our bodies literally can’t live without water! Drinking enough water helps support gut health, regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, deliver nutrients to cells and so much more. Research conducted by the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory even suggests that mild dehydration can lead to changes in energy level, mental clarity and mood.[iv],[v] Experts estimate generally healthy women need about 11.5 cups of fluid per day and generally healthy men need about 15.5 cups. That includes fluids that you get from foods, as some foods, like certain fruits, vegetables and dairy foods, are composed mostly of water themselves. On average, people get about 20% of the water they need from food, which leaves about 9 cups to drink for women and about 13 cups to drink for men. Eating hydrating foods, like yogurt, fruits and vegetables daily and keeping a refillable water bottle on hand can help make hydration a natural, easy part of your day.

“While it can be tempting to go all out on an all-or-nothing reset, long-term health is built on consistency rather than extremes,” said Evans. “Starting with small dietary changes you can maintain, like eating additional servings of fruits and vegetables, prioritizing nutrient-dense protein and staying hydrated, can go a long way towards supporting health.”

So, as you navigate the rest of the year, try anchoring your goals in simple, evidence-based nutrition habits to help turn good intentions into lasting routines.


[i] Lee SH, Moore LV, Park S, Harris DM, Blanck HM. Adults Meeting Fruit and Vegetable Intake Recommendations — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1–9.

[ii] U.S. Department of Agriculture & U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025 (9th ed.). https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf

[iii] Almandoz, J. P., Wadden, T. A., Tewksbury, C., Apovian, C. M., Fitch, A., Ard, J. D., Li, Z., Richards, J., Butsch, W. S., Jouravskaya, I., Vanderman, K. S., & Neff, L. M. (2024). Nutritional considerations with antiobesity medications. Obesity (Silver Spring), 32(9), 1613–1631. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.24067

[iv] Armstrong LE, Ganio MS, Casa DJ, Lee EC, McDermott BP, Klau JF, Jimenez L, Le Bellego L, Chevillotte E, Lieberman HR. Mild Dehydration Affects Mood in Healthy Young Women. The Journal of Nutrition. 2012; 142(2): 382–388.

[v] Ganio MS, Armstrong LE, Casa DJ, McDermott BP, Lee EC, Yamamoto LM, Marzano S, Lopez RM, Jimenez L, Le Bellego L, Chevillotte E, Lieberman HR. Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;106(10): 1535 – 1543.

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How anesthesiologists have shaped modern medicine

2026-01-21T16:01:01

(BPT) – For more than a century, anesthesiologists have driven transformative advances in surgery, patient safety, critical care and pain management, shaping how medical care is delivered at life’s most critical moments.

“Anesthesiologist-led innovations have changed the course of modern medicine,” said Patrick Giam, M.D., FASA, president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). “While many of these breakthroughs took years of dedication and discovery, each turned once-impossible or dangerous care into routine, life-saving surgeries, pain management and critical care for millions of patients.”

As the specialty celebrates Physician Anesthesiologists Week, Jan. 25-31, consider the following anesthesiologist-led innovations that shaped modern medicine.

1. Making surgery painless

Before anesthesia, surgery was rare and typically reserved for emergencies, such as amputations or setting broken bones. That changed in 1846 when the first public demonstration of surgical ether at Massachusetts General Hospital revolutionized medicine, enabling patients to undergo surgery without extreme pain. Incidentally, anesthesiologist Dr. Crawford Long had used ether privately for surgery years earlier starting in 1842. Anesthesiologists pioneered anesthesia and continue to refine it, from early anesthetics such as chloroform to modern drugs like sevoflurane that allow precise control and faster recovery.

2. Protecting every breath during surgery

Even after anesthesia was introduced, surgery remained dangerous because patients could stop breathing or choke. In 1878, a Scottish surgeon addressed this risk by inserting tubes into patients’ windpipes to support their breathing. Since then, anesthesiologists have continued to advance airway management, developing specialized breathing tubes and tools — such as today’s video-assisted technology — to help maintain critical airway and breathing functions. These advances enable more complex surgeries and reduce the risk of complications and death.

3. Ensuring newborn health

Invented in 1952 by anesthesiologist Dr. Virginia Apgar, the Apgar score transformed newborn care by giving doctors a fast, reliable and standardized method to assess an infant’s health in the first minutes of life based on five signs (from skin tone to breathing). Before the Apgar score, newborn assessment was inconsistent and delays in vital care were common. Today, it is used worldwide to identify infants who need immediate care, such as oxygen or warming, and has played a major role in reducing infant mortality.

4. Creating the modern intensive care unit

During a 1952 polio epidemic, Danish anesthesiologist Dr. Bjørn Ibsen pioneered positive-pressure ventilation — forcing air into the lungs of patients who could not breathe on their own. This laid the foundation for modern ventilators and the creation of intensive care units (ICUs), enabling the support of critically ill patients for extended periods. This innovation has saved millions of lives worldwide, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Advancing patient safety

The familiar and steady beeping of monitors in the operating room and ICU represents some of the greatest safety advances in medicine. One of those monitors is the pulse oximeter. Introduced in the 1970s, it is a small device that clips onto a finger and measures oxygen levels based on blood flow, alerting doctors to dangerous changes before harm occurs. Anesthesiologists also introduced carbon dioxide monitoring for breathing, automated systems that continuously track vital signs during surgery and simulation-based training that prepares care teams for emergencies. Together, these advances are credited with transforming surgical safety and dramatically reducing preventable deaths.

6. Transforming pain management

From epidurals during childbirth to nerve blocks for knee replacement, anesthesiologists have transformed pain care and reduced reliance on opioids. Regional anesthesia allows many procedures to be performed on an outpatient basis and offers more effective options for managing chronic and postoperative pain.

7. Making complex life-saving surgeries possible

Open-heart surgery and organ transplantation are among the complex, high-risk procedures that are now possible due to anesthesiologists. They developed methods to precisely control breathing and circulation during surgery, as well as methods to safely cool the body, slowing metabolism and reducing the need for oxygen in vital organs to protect them during life-saving operations.

Looking ahead

The anesthesiologist-led innovations continue today. The next generation of anesthesia breakthroughs is focused on even safer, more personalized care, employing the latest technology, including AI, to tailor medications in real time, better monitor consciousness during surgery and track recovery beyond the operating room.

To learn more about how anesthesiologists are at the forefront of modern medicine, protecting patients before, during and after surgery and other medical procedures, visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

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New year, new you … and maybe new Wi-Fi, too

2026-01-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – If your 2026 goals include catching up with family on video calls, sharpening your skills or just streaming more of what you love, there’s one resolution that makes all the others easier: upgrade your connections.

With the right internet, mobile and entertainment setup, you’re not just checking a box — you’re supercharging your whole year. Here’s how Xfinity can help you kick things off with a fresh connection.

Power up your home base with fiber-powered internet

Say goodbye to slow speeds and unreliable connections. If your home Wi-Fi can’t keep up with all the laptops, TVs, smart home gadgets and gaming consoles in your house, it’s time for an upgrade.

Xfinity Internet delivers a fiber-powered Wi-Fi experience designed for how we actually live online today — think multi-gig speeds, low-lag connections for gaming and streaming, the power to connect hundreds of devices in your home and wall-to-wall coverage so you can scroll, stream and work from just about any room.

Every plan comes with a powerful Wi-Fi Gateway that helps protect your home network with built-in cybersecurity and gives you advanced Wi-Fi and parental controls right from the Xfinity app. Unlimited data is now included for one simple monthly price, with no contracts and the option to lock in a five-year price guarantee for extra peace of mind.

New year, new phone (and major mobile savings)

If your phone is hanging on by a cracked screen and sheer willpower, make 2026 the year you finally upgrade not only your device, but your network too. When you switch your mobile service to Xfinity, you can save $1,000 or more in your first year by moving two lines from the big three mobile providers — all while getting a new device you’re excited to show off.

Not sure how your current plan stacks up? Use Xfinity Mobile’s savings calculator to compare and see just how much money you could be putting back in your pocket instead of into your phone bill.

All Xfinity Mobile customers get WiFi PowerBoost included at no extra charge, which can deliver speeds up to 1 gigabit per second on Wi-Fi — at home or on millions of secure Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country. And if you choose a Premium Unlimited plan, you’ll unlock even more perks, like 4K UHD streaming, extra mobile hotspot data, advanced spam call protection and the flexibility to upgrade your device anytime.

Level up your entertainment experience

Between live TV, streaming, sports, apps and endless “what should we watch?” debates, finding your next show or game can feel like a full-time job. Xfinity TV makes it simple.

Every Xfinity TV package includes a 4K TV Box, so you can easily search across live TV, on demand and your favorite streaming apps all in one place — just use your voice remote to find what you want and start watching.

Sports fan? Xfinity has you covered with innovative features that make game day feel like an event:

  • Multiview lets you watch multiple live events at once on a single screen, so you never have to choose between the big game and the big rivalry.
  • Enhanced 4K makes it feel like you’re watching from the stands … crystal clear picture quality and only seconds behind all the live action on the field.
  • Fan View brings real-time stats, scores and more right alongside the action, so you’re always in the know.

And when the game’s over, you can shift seamlessly into play mode with Amazon Luna cloud gaming on compatible Xfinity devices — no console required. Just fire up Luna, grab a compatible controller or your smartphone and stream popular games right from the cloud on your TV.

Best of all, Xfinity has simplified TV pricing with straightforward, all-in options — no surprise line items, just clear, value-packed choices.

Bundle it up and save all year long

Why stop at just one upgrade? When you combine select Xfinity Internet, Mobile and Xfinity TV packages, you can save over $70 a month compared to similar triple-play bundles from other carriers — all while enjoying a better-together experience for internet, mobile and entertainment.

These are just a few of the ways Xfinity can help you start the year off strong and stay connected, entertained and on track for all your 2026 goals (and beyond).

Ready to give your resolutions a boost? Visit Xfinity.com to explore plans, check availability and build the perfect setup for the new year.

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Give your finances a fresh start in the new year with a subscription cleanout

2026-01-21T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know how much you’re spending on subscriptions each month? If you’re like most Americans, the figure is probably higher than you think. A survey by C+R Research found that on average, consumers’ real spending on monthly subscriptions was two and a half times higher than they initially estimated ($219 vs. $86). And 42% of respondents admitted to having forgotten about a recurring monthly subscription that they were still paying for but no longer using.

Clearly, there’s a lot of subscription waste — and the start of a new year is the perfect time to tackle it.

Many New Year’s resolutions fade by February, but smart financial habits pay off month after month. Taking a fresh look at your subscriptions can help you cut unnecessary costs, choose better options and keep your goals on track long after January ends. Now is a great time to review your subscriptions, cancel unused services and switch to smarter options, freeing up money every month for what matters most. Following are a few tips to help you get started.

  • Cancel what you don’t use. Most people have subscriptions on auto-pay, and it’s easy to lose track of all the services you’ve subscribed to. Make sure you only keep the ones you actively need or want.
  • Prevent surprises. Turn on alerts for all subscription charges, so you know exactly what you’re being charged for each subscription and when.
  • Pay annually. If you know you’re going to use a service for at least a year, pay annually if you can, as annual rates are usually cheaper than monthly ones.
  • Be open to changing providers. Sometimes loyalty is rewarded, but special offers for new customers might make it worthwhile to jump ship. Check out competing providers to make sure you’re getting the best rates.
  • Consider family plans. You might be able to reduce your total cost for streaming, music or news subscriptions, for example, if you switch to a family plan, giving multiple people access under one payment.
  • Pay attention to special offers when you make a purchase. Cellphone plans, internet/cable plans, electronics purchases and retail memberships often come with free or discounted subscriptions as a bonus. Make sure you cash in on these if they’re services you need and would otherwise be paying more for.
  • Take advantage of credit card or banking perks. Credit cards and bank accounts sometimes come with bundles of benefits that can save you money too. For example, ICCU’s Central Plus Checking benefits include phone insurance and roadside assistance, allowing you to reduce the cost of your monthly phone plan and skip annual roadside assistance membership. Plus, the ability to manage your money and subscriptions in one place makes saving even easier.

As the subscription economy continues to expand, maintaining oversight and control will only become more important, so make this New Year financial cleanout an annual practice. Give your budget a boost every year by getting rid of unused subscriptions, reviewing opportunities to save, and combining memberships with overlapping benefits.

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Building a new home? Don’t forget home fire sprinklers

2026-01-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking into new construction for your next home, you’ll want to be sure it’s fire safe. The nature and intensity of house fires have changed over the years. They can become deadly in as little as two minutes, leaving little time to escape.

Why? House fires are hotter, faster and more dangerous because today’s homes are filled with products that burn quickly and produce toxic smoke. These include synthetics, plastics, lithium-ion batteries and more. Smoke alarms warn when there is smoke, but occupants must still escape. Fire sprinklers are the only technology that can automatically stop a fire from becoming deadly.

How home fire sprinklers work

Fire sprinkler technology is simple. When a fire starts, high heat activates the fire sprinkler closest to the fire. Because the water is applied directly on the fire during its initial stages, both flames and smoke are reduced, giving residents more time to escape and allowing the fire department time to respond. Home fire sprinklers do not all go off at once. Ninety percent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler. A home fire can be effectively controlled or even extinguished by home fire sprinklers, protecting families and firefighters alike.

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Living room after a fire with a home fire sprinkler.

Fire sprinklers protect property because they keep the fire small, and little water is used to control or extinguish the fire. A home fire sprinkler uses about 15 gallons per minute compared to firefighter hoses that use 250 gallons per minute.

A fire sprinkler success story

One example of how effective this technology can be is the city of Scottsdale, Arizona, which passed an ordinance in 1986 requiring all new-construction homes to include fire sprinklers. Now, more than half of the housing stock in Scottsdale is protected with fire sprinklers.

The result? The city of Scottsdale’s fire loss data falls below the national average. Scottsdale has also saved millions of dollars in infrastructure for the water distribution system, because the sprinkler requirement has allowed them to use smaller pipes and pumps, and to safely space fire hydrants further apart. Homes with sprinklers experienced less fire damage as well as reduced water damage, saving homeowners thousands of dollars.

Even more importantly, data from the first 15 years after the ordinance was passed showed that there were no deaths from home fires in sprinklered homes, and the lives of 13 people who would have likely died without sprinklers were saved.

The importance of building codes to ensure fire safety

While historically, fire sprinklers have been most commonly used in commercial buildings, many of today’s building codes now require new homes to have fire sprinklers installed to combat the modern reality of home fires.

However, there are some communities where home fire sprinklers have been omitted from building codes, putting those residents at risk. The resistance to fire sprinkler codes has often been due to misinformation about the cost of installation, or a misunderstanding of just how dangerous today’s house fires can be.

“Fire sprinklers buy residents time to get out of homes while our responders work to get there, but when our office first took a run at trying to initiate a local fire sprinkler ordinance, it was met with a lot of opposition from builders and developers,” said Kevin Bergstrom, deputy fire marshal at the Camas/Washougal Fire Department in Camas, Washington. Bergstrom and his crew helped developers see the value of home fire sprinklers. “Our biggest success has been six home fire sprinkler saves. The most recent was a lithium-ion battery in a charger, where one fire sprinkler extinguished the fire. I think every community can be successful in protecting their citizens.”

What you can do

Before searching for a new build to buy in your area, check your local fire marshal or building department to ask if home fire sprinklers are required where you plan to build. It’s also a good idea to ask about home fire sprinklers during the home buying process. Home fire sprinklers are a simple life-saving technology that new homes should have, whether or not your area requires them.

To learn more about why your new home should have sprinklers, visit HomeFireSprinkler.org.

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Why the New Dietary Guidelines Recommend Eggs as a High-Quality Protein That Supports Health at Every Age

2026-01-16T19:01:00

(BPT) – By Jen Houchins, PhD, RD

Life is busy. Some mornings are rushed, many evenings are unpredictable, and very few days go exactly as planned. That’s why I rely on foods that are familiar, easy to prepare, and nourishing for my family. Eggs have filled that role in my kitchen for years.

As a registered dietitian, I also know that the type of protein we choose matters. The recently released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend including protein at every meal and choosing high-quality sources.[1] Eggs fit naturally into that guidance and into everyday meals.

Protein that fuels your body

Eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs.[2] An egg provides six grams of protein[3], making it a simple and efficient way to add high-quality protein to meals.

It’s no secret that eggs are healthy. Two eggs can easily serve as a simple, protein-rich base for breakfast, lunch or dinner.[4] That small choice can help fuel your body and help you feel your strongest every day.

Food for thought

When you choose eggs, you’re not just feeding your body — you’re feeding your brain, too!

Eggs are one of the highest dietary sources of choline[5], a nutrient that supports brain development, memory, mood, muscle control and other functions throughout the body. Most Americans don’t get enough choline[6], and eggs can help fill that gap.

One egg provides about 150 mg of choline.[7] Enjoying two eggs at any time of day can provide roughly 50%–70% of your daily needs.[8] That makes eggs a smart and practical addition to meals that support your overall health.

And don’t skip the yolk! Much of an egg’s nutrition is found there, including nearly half the protein, most vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.[9] These carotenoids, which give the yolk its yellow color, are associated with eye health and are being studied for potential links to brain health.[10]

Supporting muscle and everyday movement

Building strong muscles isn’t just about hitting fitness goals. Muscles support daily movement, balance and long-term mobility. High-quality protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass throughout life.

Eggs provide complete protein and essential nutrients that support the body’s muscles.[11] Along with regular exercise and a balanced diet, eggs can help support everything from daily tasks to healthy aging.

Eggs at every stage of life

Eggs are recommended in the Dietary Guidelines as a nutrient-rich food for people of all ages.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, eggs provide nutrients that support early brain development.[12] For infants, eggs can be introduced around six months of age as a complementary food to help meet nutrient needs and reduce the risk of egg allergy.[13]

For children and teens, eggs support rapid growth and help to meet essential nutrient needs.[14] For adults and older adults, research shows nutrients found in eggs, like choline, are linked to brain health.[15]

The Dietary Guidelines no longer set a specific limit on dietary cholesterol, reflecting current science and recognizing that eggs can fit comfortably into a healthy eating pattern when balanced with foods low in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.[16]

Everyday protein made easy

Eggs are familiar and easy to use in everyday meals. When life gets busy and needs to be simple, eggs provide a reliable and versatile source of high-quality protein.

Whether supporting the body or brain, eggs offer nutritional support that fits into real life and everyday routines.


[2] Schaafsma G. The protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score. J Nutr. 2000;130(7):1865S-7S.?

[4] U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central SR Legacy — Egg, whole, raw, fresh. 2019 April 1, 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171287/nutrients.

[5] U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central SR Legacy — Egg, whole, raw, fresh. 2019 April 1, 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171287/nutrients.

[7] U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central SR Legacy — Egg, whole, raw, fresh. 2019 April 1, 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171287/nutrients.

[8] U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central SR Legacy — Egg, whole, raw, fresh. 2019 April 1, 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171287/nutrients.

[9] U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central SR Legacy — Egg, whole, raw, fresh. 2019 April 1, 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171287/nutrients.

[10] Johnson EJ. Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan. Nutr/ Rev. 2014;72(9):605-12.

[11] U.S. Department of Agriculture. FoodData Central SR Legacy — Egg, whole, raw, fresh. 2019 April 1, 2019; Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171287/nutrients.

[12] Christifano DN, Bennett L. Early life nutrition and the developing brain. Supplement to the Journal of Family Practice. 2023;72(6):S25-30.

[13] Obbagy, J.E., et al., Complementary feeding and food allergy, atopic dermatitis/eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis: a systematic review. Am J Clin Nutr, 2019. 109(Supplement_7): p. 890s-934s

[14] Morales-Juárez, A., et al., Eating egg-rich diets and modeling the addition of one daily egg reduced the risk of nutrient inadequacy among U.S. adolescents with and without food insecurity. J Nutr, 2024.

[15] American Egg Board’s Egg Nutrition Center. NHANES 2013-2016. Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data. Available from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm; https://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/what-we-eat-america-wweia-database.

[16] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Updated “Healthy” Nutrient Content Claim: Final Rule. 2025; Available from: https://www.fda.gov/food/workshops-meetings-webinars-food-and-dietary-supplements/webinar-updated-healthy-claim-04102025, Fernandez, M.L., The Role of Eggs in Healthy Diets. Supplement to the Journal of Family Practice, 2022. 71(6): p. S71-S75.

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5 expert tips to help you be your own champion in 2026

2026-01-16T10:45:00

(BPT) – Building good nutrition habits can be challenging at times, but if you’re serious about showing up every day in 2026 with focus and energy, it’s time to think about how your eating habits can support that goal.

Take this new year as an opportunity to reset and fuel your body with wellness-boosting habits that help you feel your best, so you can do your best. To get you started, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her simple, everyday tips to fuel like a champion all year long.

Start your day with a balanced meal

Before you head out the door for a morning workout, a big meeting or to school drop off, make sure you’ve fueled up with a balanced breakfast. Consider having a meal that combines carbs, protein and a little healthy fat — such as toast with eggs and avocado or protein-packed pancakes — to help you show up strong and focused every day.

Focus on protein and produce snacks

When you need consistent energy throughout the day, a random snack won’t do. Carefully choose snacks that combine protein and produce for an energizing boost between meals. Your snack doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, a hard-cooked egg and apple slices are a perfect snack to get you through the afternoon rush.

Prime your performance

Whether you’re gearing up for a tough workout, leading an important presentation or diving into a high-focus project, the way you fuel your body beforehand can make all the difference. Enjoy a well-balanced meal two to three hours before the activity, or if you’re short on time, opt for a lighter, nutrient-rich snack about 30-60 minutes in advance. Prioritize protein, complex carbs, and healthy fat to give your mind and muscles what they need to perform at their peak.

Stay sharp with steady hydration

Even a 2% drop in hydration can mean slower thinking and sluggish muscles. Start your morning with a glass of water and keep a bottle nearby throughout the day to sip regularly. Boost hydration even further by pairing your water with hydrating, nutrient-dense foods like fresh fruit and leafy greens, which naturally contain water and essential electrolytes like potassium. Staying hydrated helps your body use nutrients more effectively and keeps you energized for whatever’s ahead.

Plan like a champion

To work like a champion, you need to fuel like a champion. When life gets hectic, having nutritious meals and snacks prepped ahead of time can make all the difference in your daily energy.

One superstar who knows how important it is to fuel up for success is 9-time gold medalist, world record holder and proud partner of Eggland’s Best, Katie Ledecky. Her go-to energizing lunch is a protein-rich Eggland’s Best egg dish paired with toast and fiber-rich veggies.

If you want to fuel like a world-class swimmer, check out this recipe for Fitness Snack Packs. Created by Blatner, this simple snack box is perfect for any time hunger hits, so you can show up as your best self, whether you’re chasing medals or just your daily to-do list.

This snack uses Eggland’s Best eggs because they contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, providing a natural energy boost. EB eggs also contain more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs, which may help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise.

Fitness Snack Packs

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Yield: 4

Ingredients

• 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

• 2 cups fresh berries

• 1 cup whole grain pretzels

• 2 cheese sticks, cut into bite-size pieces

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, add water and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat to a simmer, add eggs and simmer for 12 minutes.

3. Drain the eggs, put them into an ice bath to stop the cooking and then peel.

4. Line up four meal prep containers. To each add 2 hard-cooked eggs, 1/2 cup berries, 1/4 cup pretzels and 1/2 a cheese stick, cut into pieces.

5. Store snack packs covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Additional Notes:

1. To save time, buy Eggland’s Best hard-cooked eggs.

2. Use your favorite berries or swap to 1 peeled clementine or mandarin orange.

3. Swap pretzels with whole-grain crackers if you prefer.

4. Use your favorite type of cheese stick, like mozzarella, cheddar or jack.

Using these expert tips, you can get a great start on staying fueled and energized in 2026 and beyond. For more tips and recipes, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Bonus Tip: Make sure to enter the “Eggland’s Best Champion” Sweepstakes for a chance to win $5,000 toward fueling your inner champion, exclusive swag signed by Katie Ledecky and a 3-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs! Enter now daily through March 10 at EBFamilySweeps.com. No purchase necessary.

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Creativity redefined: How SMBs are using full-service visual platforms to capture audience attention

2026-01-16T13:01:00

(BPT) – For small and mid-size businesses (SMBs), capturing audiences’ attention has never been more challenging. In a world of content overload, it all starts with catching their eye.

Creative photo and video libraries are a simple and accessible solution for many SMBs to quickly find and purchase quality images, even with a small marketing budget. However, the rise of AI-generated images has changed the creative landscape. Businesses are experimenting with AI to find efficiencies, but they also need their marketing to look and feel authentic while ensuring the content they use is commercially safe, whether they’re working with their own images or sourcing them from a creative library.

Fortunately, there is a commercially safe way to elevate creative visuals, with no technical expertise required. iStock’s AI suite is making it possible for businesses of all sizes to quickly and confidently edit standout marketing images, all while ensuring their visuals are licensed and protected.

Stay flexible, consistent and safe while standing out from the competition

As a leading global source of visual content, iStock — backed by the extensive resources and expertise of Getty Images — offers SMBs and creators a vast creative library at an accessible price point. Now, with its suite of AI-powered tools, customers gain even more flexibility and creative control while saving time and money.

iStock makes it simple to create or customize visuals for a variety of marketing needs, from sketching a proof of concept to refreshing an existing campaign to generating all-new images that leap off the page, whether generating a visual through its intuitive Prompt Builder, to modifying an existing image to fit your audience and aesthetic.

A screen shot of iStock's AI suite used to modify an existing image of a pair of skates to remove the background.

No matter what they create, customers can rest assured that their outputs are backed by robust legal protection and free of copyrighted material. Built in partnership with Bria, the AI tools are trained on licensed creative content, including from iStock’s creative library.

Here are just a few of the ways SMBs can pair iStock’s rich library of creative content with AI modification capabilities to easily adapt, modify and elevate visual storytelling:

Modify images and create variations at scale: Campaigns can shift quickly, and visuals need to keep up. iStock’s AI suite lets SMBs adapt existing high-quality images in seconds by swapping in new objects, updating key elements, or expanding the frame to fit new layouts or aspect ratios.

Side by side images of a girl holding a bouquet of wildflower and a girl holding a bouquet of roses. iStock's AI suite lets SMBs adapt existing high-quality images in seconds by swapping in new objects, updating key elements, or expanding the frame to fit new layouts or aspect ratios.


Showcase your product in any scene: With iStock’s object placement tool, users can place their product (or other object) into any background or scenario.

Ensure visual consistency: Refreshing an old campaign or giving evergreen content a seasonal makeover shouldn’t compromise the visual voice of a brand. With object placement, color-matched background changes and reference-guided adjustments, SMBs can keep every visual asset aligned with brand tone, palette and composition while still giving it a fresh look.

Localize and personalize: Consumers want to see content that feels relatable and personalized to them. iStock’s suite allows SMBs to easily localize creative content by adding context-specific elements, or removing objects that don’t fit a specific region or demographic, all while maintaining image quality and authenticity.

Stand out across channels: It’s easy for marketing campaigns to get lost in the flood of content that audiences see across social, mobile and email. iStock’s tools help SMBs quickly expand or refocus platform-optimized visuals that capture audiences’ attention, translating curiosity into clicks.

To further help SMBs and marketers stay on top of the latest market shifts, Getty Images’ VisualGPS platform offers exclusive creative insights and decades’ worth of visual trends — from color palettes to consumer preferences.

Create eye-catching marketing imagery without breaking the bank

iStock’s extensive creative library and suite of AI modification tools give SMBs the power to create and iterate on scroll-stopping visuals that generate real business value. To learn more and get started, visit ai.istockphoto.com/vmr.

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When Every Ounce Matters: Baby Blake’s Journey to Health

2026-01-16T08:01:00

(BPT) – Laura and her husband thought they were prepared for parenthood. She was a nurse; he was a former nuclear engineer turned financial advisor. They were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their daughter Blake, but nothing could have prepared them for what happened when Laura went into labor about four months early at just 24 weeks.

Blake arrived weighing only 1 pound, immediately requiring intensive medical support in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Like many families facing premature birth, Laura and her husband found themselves navigating a world of medical decisions they never imagined having to make.

In the early weeks, Blake seemed to be improving. She was receiving Laura’s breastmilk supplemented with what the hospital called “human milk fortifiers” — although Laura would later learn these fortifiers were actually made from cow milk, not human milk.

When everything changed

At about six weeks, Blake’s condition took a frightening turn. Her belly became round and stiff, and she stopped having bowel movements. When Laura and her husband arrived at the hospital the next morning, the care team delivered devastating news: Blake had developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a potentially fatal intestinal disease.

That diagnosis marked the beginning of the most challenging period of their NICU journey. Blake faced three surgeries for her NEC, each performed at her bedside because she wasn’t stable enough to be moved to an operating room.

Despite her nursing background, Laura found herself overwhelmed and helpless, so she focused on how to best advocate for her baby.

Learning about better nutrition options

As Blake recovered from her multiple surgeries and the care team began discussing nutrition again, Laura did her own research. She discovered that there are two very different types of fortifiers available for premature babies: one made from cow milk, and one made from breastmilk.

Laura learned that most products labeled “human milk fortifiers” are made from cow milk and that in the U.S., only Prolacta Bioscience made fortifiers from 100% donor breastmilk. For fragile preemies like Blake, this difference mattered significantly. Studies show that preemies receiving breastmilk-based fortifiers have a significantly lower risk of developing NEC compared to those fed cow milk-based products.

Fighting for change

When Laura brought up breastmilk-based fortifiers with Blake’s care team, she was told the hospital didn’t carry them. Laura recalled the hospital’s first concern was cost, but she pushed back: “What about the chances of her getting a cow milk-based fortifier and having a recurrence of NEC? Where does cost factor in for that?”

Laura continued to advocate firmly for her daughter, until both a neonatologist and dietitian successfully pushed the hospital for the products. This ultimately made Blake the hospital’s first preemie to receive breastmilk-based fortifiers. Since her complicated journey with NEC, the hospital changed its standard feeding protocol so that any preemie at risk of NEC receives human milk-based nutrition free from cow milk.

Finding hope in darkness

“I had zero hope,” Laura shared, recalling the darkest days in the NICU. “However, even when she couldn’t tolerate breastmilk or formula, just knowing that a breastmilk-based fortifier was another option was a light that hadn’t been there before.”

Imagine the relief and joy felt by Blake’s parents when she was finally able to go home after 127 days in the NICU! Her story demonstrates the power of parental advocacy and the importance of having access to optimal nutrition options for premature babies.

Hospitals nationwide can order Prolacta’s breastmilk-based fortifiers for overnight delivery, even if they don’t routinely offer them. When your little one is fighting to grow strong enough to go home, every nutritional decision matters. Educational resources are available to help support parents. Knowing your options helps ensure your baby gets the nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive.

Any views, opinions, findings, assertions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are solely those of the individual. The content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.