Author: admin

2025-06-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – A few decades back, testosterone therapy may have conjured images of cartoonishly-muscular bodybuilders pumping iron at the gym. They were associated with aggression and other undesirable side effects and were controversial at best.

How times have changed.

In the medical community, physician-sanctioned testosterone therapy has gained legitimacy for treating hypogonadism, a condition in which the body does not produce enough testosterone (Low T) along with related symptoms.

Men with medical conditions associated with Low T commonly experience negative changes in their energy levels, libido, cognitive function, mood, and physique. They may suffer from “brain fog,” feelings of depression, and difficulty building muscle mass and maintaining a healthy weight.

Fortunately, testosterone replacement therapy and testosterone support treatments — which now come in several forms — can help turn things around.

Dr. Russell Van Maele, a physician who specializes in functional medicine, has seen the benefits of testosterone therapy firsthand. He regularly prescribes testosterone treatments to patients through the leading men’s telehealth provider Rex MD.

According to Van Maele, men may experience drops in testosterone levels for many reasons, including problems with the gonads or problems with the brain’s signaling of testosterone production. Other men experience decreases in testosterone as they age.

“After guys turn 30, their testosterone levels can decrease by 1 to 2% every year,” said Van Maele, one of the doctors who helped develop the Rex MD Testosterone Program. “Now, there is a spectrum of solutions that can boost testosterone levels and help men optimize their health.”

A far cry from old-school, one-size-fits-all testosterone treatments, today’s medication offerings have been carefully vetted for their safety and efficacy.

Here are four forms of testosterone-related treatments Dr. Van Maele prescribes through the Rex MD Testosterone Program.

#1: Testosterone cypionate injections

Testosterone cypionate is an injectable form of testosterone.

It’s one of the most popular options for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) due to its effectiveness in restoring and maintaining stable testosterone levels.

Additionally, its long-acting formulation allows for less frequent dosing — typically two times per week — which is convenient for patients who don’t want to administer medication on a daily basis.

Also, unlike some other forms of testosterone therapy, testosterone cypionate works relatively quickly. In a study, patients using testosterone cypionate injections saw a significant increase in their testosterone levels within 48 hours.¹

It’s important to note that this form of treatment can lead to increased blood pressure levels, so it must be used cautiously with oversight from a licensed provider.

#2: Testosterone gel

Another form of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is testosterone gel. These topical gels are applied to the skin and provide a steady release of testosterone, which is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.

This type of medication, which comes in both generic and branded forms, is an especially attractive treatment option for those who prefer not to self-inject. It is available in different strengths and can be more easily tailored to individual needs.

Like testosterone cypionate, testosterone gel also shows swift effects. After the first application of a branded testosterone gel on hypogonadal men, serum testosterone levels began to increase within 30 minutes.²

Keep in mind that testosterone gel has the potential to increase blood pressure levels. It’s critical for children to avoid contact with unwashed or unclothed application sites on men using the gel.

#3: Oral testosterone (Kyzatrex^®)

Oral testosterone capsules, which are often sold under the brand name Kyzatrex^®, work by supplementing or replacing the testosterone that the body is not producing adequately on its own.

Once ingested, they help the testosterone get absorbed through the lymphatic system and, ultimately, released into the bloodstream.

Oral testosterone capsules are typically taken twice a day and are an attractive treatment option for men who feel uncomfortable administering injections or would like to avoid the risk of transfer that comes with topical solutions.

While oral testosterone capsules work more gradually than injectable and topical treatment options, they are still highly effective.

In a clinical study, 139 men with Low T used Kyzatrex^® for six months. Researchers found that 96% of the men who completed study had normal testosterone levels within the first 90 days of treatment.³

Similar to other forms of TRT, Kyzatrex^® can increase blood pressure, so users should be closely monitored to ensure they get the best outcome possible.

#4: Clomiphene citrate (Clomid^®)

Clomiphene citrate, which is commonly known by its brand name, Clomid^®, is another popular treatment for increasing testosterone levels. While this oral medication was designed to treat female infertility, it is often prescribed off-label to men with conditions relating to Low T.

Clomiphene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator, meaning it belongs to a class of medications that interact with estrogen receptors in the male body.

Unlike treatment options that supplement the body with external testosterone, it naturally stimulates testosterone production in the body. It also helps increase sperm count and motility.

Because clomiphene citrate works with the body’s natural hormone production pathways, it’s especially beneficial for men who are concerned about the long-term effects of testosterone therapy on fertility. It can also appeal to men who prefer a more natural approach to increasing their testosterone levels.

In a study of 153 hypogonadal men who were treated with clomiphene citrate, 89% of patients experienced an increase in testosterone levels and 74% of the patients experienced improvement in their hypogonadal symptoms.⁴

It’s important to note that people using this medication may occasionally experience blurred vision and other visual symptoms and should notify their provider if they notice anything unusual.

Finding the right path

Clearly, men now have an array of options for addressing conditions related to Low T. The key is finding the option that best fits their needs.

“Hormones and hormone-related health issues are highly complex, and every patient is different,” Van Maele said. “A reputable company like Rex MD will carefully consider your health metrics, medical history, symptoms, goals, and other factors when determining which treatment (if any) is right for you.”

The Rex MD Testosterone Program arranges for patients to get lab tests to determine their testosterone levels and assess their eligibility for a prescription medication.

After they’ve completed their labwork, men meet via video call with a Rex MD-affiliated healthcare provider (like Van Maele) to discuss potential treatment avenues.

Then, if it’s medically appropriate, the provider will prescribe a treatment as part of a personalized treatment plan.

“If you’re feeling less confident than you used to — or you’re just feeling ‘off’ — some simple lab tests can help determine if testosterone therapy is right for you,” Van Maele said. “Don’t assume low energy levels, declining muscle mass, a waning libido, and brain fog are normal symptoms of aging and be forthcoming with your provider about your concerns. These issues may be related to lower-than-normal testosterone levels, which can be due to a medical condition, and can often be treated with medication and doctor support.”

Sources:
¹Bhasin S, Basaria S. Diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in men. Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;25(2):251-270. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2010.12.002

²Lakshman KM, Basaria S. Safety and efficacy of testosterone gel in the treatment of male hypogonadism. Clin Interv Aging. 2009;4:397-412. doi:10.2147/cia.s4466

³Bernstein JS, Dhingra OP. A phase III, single-arm, 6-month trial of a wide-dose range oral testosterone undecanoate product. Ther Adv Urol. 2024;16:17562872241241864. Published 2024 Apr 10. doi:10.1177/17562872241241864

⁴Huijben M, Lock MTWT, de Kemp VF, Beck JJH, De Kort LMO, van Breda HMK. Clomiphene citrate: A potential alternative for testosterone therapy in hypogonadal males. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab. 2023;6(3):e416. doi:10.1002/edm2.416

2025-06-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – Over 1 in 2 Americans (51%) have made a purchase or investment due to financial FOMO — the fear of missing out on a financial opportunity or experience. New Empower research shows a comparison effect taking place: Nearly one-third (31%) say they often compare their financial situations with others while scrolling social media. But there is a sense of optimism in the act, as most people say seeing others achieve their financial milestones inspires them to improve their own money habits (71%).

Key takeaways

• Nearly 70% of Gen Z feels financial FOMO while scrolling social media.
• Americans are most likely to spend money on dining out (21%) and travel (18%) due to financial FOMO.
• Over 1 in 2 people (57%) have made a financial decision after seeing others’ lifestyles online.

What is financial FOMO?

Half of Americans (51%) say seeing what others are buying on social media motivates them to spend money due to a fear of missing out. Of those who have made a purchase because of financial FOMO, 10% say they’ve done so within the past week.

Nearly 70% of Gen Z say they experience financial FOMO, compared to 57% of Millennials and Gen X and 28% of Baby Boomers. Gen Zers (11%) are also more than twice as likely as Millennials to have bought something within the past week due to financial FOMO.

Americans who do experience financial FOMO are most likely to spend money on experiences like dining out (21%) and travel (18%), but others say it’s led them to make investments (16%) and spend at events like concerts (15%).

Financial FOMO can be positive

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans (18%) feel motivated to succeed when they see others post their financial wins like major purchases or investment gains on social media, and another 16% say it makes them curious to learn more.

Over 15% of those who experience financial FOMO say it inspires them to invest, while others say it’s made them open a new savings account (14%) or improve their debt repayment strategy (13%). Broadly, 57% of people have made a financial decision after seeing others share their lifestyles online.

Nearly three in four (73%) have been inspired to spend money, invest, or change their saving habits due to financial FOMO — more specifically, after seeing posts shared by friends and family (15%), product recommendations and reviews (14%), or investment success stories (13%).

Social media inspires optimism for over half of Americans

Social media may be a primary driver of financial FOMO, but most Americans (57%) say it helps them feel more optimistic about their financial futures — and the number is even higher for Gen Z (78%) and Millennials (70%).

Specifically, Americans feel inspired to improve their finances by seeing people on social media reach financial milestones like becoming debt-free (22%), achieving financial independence (16%), and building a significant passive income stream (15%).

Broken down by age group, over 4 in 5 Gen Zers (86%) and Millennials (82%) and 3 in 4 Gen Xers (75%) say seeing financial milestones shared online motivates them to improve their own financial situations (compared to 48% of Baby Boomers).

Most people (66%) actively seek out financial educational content on social media, such as saving and budgeting tips (24%), side hustle inspiration (22%), and advice on reaching long-term financial goals (19%). Additionally, 1 in 5 (19%) say social media inspires them to pursue their financial goals and that it makes them feel less alone in their financial struggles.

Additional findings

Here are more findings from the study:

• Blockchain buzz: Despite the popularity of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, only around 1 in 10 people (11%) have invested in crypto because of financial FOMO.
• New lines of credit: 1 in 5 Gen Zers (20%) has been inspired to apply for a new credit card due to financial FOMO.
• Social media anxieties: Gen Z is most likely to feel anxious or self-conscious when seeing others share financial wins (18% compared to 13% of Millennials and Gen X and 6% of Boomers).
• Millennials prioritize travel: Millennials (22%) are about twice as likely as Gen Zers (11%) to spend on travel due to financial FOMO.

Methodology

Empower’s “Financial FOMO” survey is based on online responses from 1,092 Americans ages 18+ fielded by a third-party panel provider on March 28, 2025.

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2025-06-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – You spend hours developing content to reach your audience, but with so much competition for attention online, how can your content stand out?

Compelling visuals are what grabs viewers’ attention. So if you’re ready to take your visual content — photos, videos or both — to the next level, you need the best tools to help bring your vision to life: including professional-quality camera lenses.

To help you move seamlessly from photography to video and back again, Canon has created three new lenses designed with the needs of content creators in mind. These light, compact lenses work with their mirrorless EOS R series cameras, offering high-speed communication, and feature a control ring for added customization and control.

Here’s how these lenses can help transform your visual content.

Outstanding vlogs, product demos and more

Canon’s RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ is an accessible, compact, lightweight internal zooming lens — the Canon’s first RF lens with built-in Power Zoom ability. Optimized for smooth, cinematic video, its design makes it an ideal companion to the EOS R50 V camera and is available as a standard lens with the camera in a kit. This lens is also compatible with RF Full Frame cameras when in crop mode.

The small size and light weight of this lens make it highly portable — the perfect choice for handheld vlogging. It offers 5 stops of optical image stabilization. Using an EOS R camera body equipped with in-body image stabilizer with this lens, you can achieve coordinated stabilization at up to 7.5 stops at the image center and 5.5 stops at the image corner.

Combined with a close focusing distance of under 6 inches and maximum magnification of .38 times, the lens is also great for close-up product demonstrations, detail shots and sit-down vlogs.

The ring-style control for power zoom operations lets you zoom from any direction consistently and smoothly, regardless of shooting style. Its flexibility in angle of view adjustments lets you enjoy more creative possibilities with smooth zooming while securely holding the camera, or zooming to change the angle of view from the front when taking selfies.

Pro tip: With this lens and camera, your zoom can be remotely controlled by your compatible smartphone using the Canon Camera Connect app, letting you compose your next group photo that you jump into. When the lens and camera are combined, the lens can also be controlled by your computer using the EOS Utility application.

Panoramic views and action-packed videos

From the great outdoors to the urban jungle, you want to draw viewers in — and convey fast-moving action in your video content, indoors or out. The Canon RF16-28mm F2.8 IS STM has a compact design but performs like a larger lens, providing what creators love about wide angle lenses: the ability to convey a sense of place. Lenses with a normal field of view just don’t do many scenes justice. Using a wide field of view, you can exaggerate the size of an object or define the expansive scene of a landscape image.

This lens is incredibly sharp, and when in low light or using slow shutter speeds, optical stabilization is up to 5.5 stops. When used with a camera with in-body stabilization like the R6 Mark II, 7.5 stops coordinated stabilization can be achieved.

Best yet, you can take advantage of the Movie Digital IS to stabilize the camera, even when walking. Photographers and creators will appreciate the autofocus speed and accuracy of this lens, which uses an STM type motor that’s quick and responsive even when tracking erratic movement — filming dancers, skateboarders or wildlife.

Pro tip: Be sure to play with the foreground and background to really emphasize the subject when using a wide angle lens.

Full-frame camera users will love this lens

Want stunning image quality, outstanding low-light performance, great sharpness and dynamic range? Check out Canon’s RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM. This useful focal range lens, spanning from 28mm to 70mm, excels in a variety of purposes, including portraits and low-light settings, for photo and video.

With its collapsing design and weighing just one pound, it’s compact and ready to take anywhere, offering a versatile tool that easily transitions from creating striking still shots to capturing videos of your life. Taking a photo safari or hiking trip? This lens has impressive durability and weather-resistant construction designed for harsh environments.

Video creators will appreciate this lens for its fast, smooth AF system that achieves high-speed, high-precision autofocus. Mobile image stabilization plus Movie Digital IS allows for smooth, stable recording for handheld video content.

Pro tip: Photographing with this lens, you can take creative control by blurring the foreground or background with wide apertures that may not be available on standard lenses.

Ready to upgrade your visual content? Visit USA.canon.com to find these options and more.

2025-06-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – This classic side dish sells over 14.5 million pounds during Fourth of July week alone, making it a tradition at summer tables. And Reser’s potato salads are a top staple of summer gatherings and beyond — thanks in large part to an original recipe perfected by Grandma Mildred Reser in 1950. For 75 years, consumers have included Reser’s Deli Salads on tables nationwide. From picnics to potlucks, discover why this classic side dish continues to steal the show.

2025-06-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – Father’s Day is all about honoring the men who’ve shaped you, supported you, and shared their wisdom. This year, skip the novelty mugs and neckties and treat Dad to something he’ll truly appreciate: a bottle of quality whiskey. Whether he enjoys a smooth Irish sip or a bold American bourbon, here are six standout options that offer a little something for every kind of dad.

1. Bushmills 10 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey: For the dad who’d rather be golfing

Bushmills has history in every sip — it’s the world’s most awarded Irish Single Malt and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. And as the Official Whiskey of the PGA TOUR, this Bushmills Single Malt Whiskey 10 year old is triple distilled from 100% malted barley and matured for a minimum of 10 years in former Sherry casks and bourbon-seasoned casks, which gives it its honey, vanilla and milk chocolate aroma. Its exceptional complexity is only matched by its approachability and its smoothness. (40% ABV, $58.99)

2. Proper No. Twelve Original Whiskey: For the dad who makes an Irish entrance

You’ve heard of an Irish exit — well, this dad does the opposite. The party doesn’t start till he arrives. He’ll enjoy the Proper No. Twelve blend, a blend anchored in single malt, crafted from Ireland’s finest golden grains to deliver a properly balanced liquid with hints of vanilla, honey-like sweetness, and toasted wood. (40% ABV, $24.99)

3. TINCUP Bourbon: For the dad who loves the great outdoors

If your dad’s camping equipment is already packed for summer, this is the bottle for him. Straight bourbon cut with Rocky Mountain water, TINCUP Bourbon is sweet and smooth — offering aromas of vanilla cream and worn leather, with notes of dried orange and rye spice. Pop off its signature tin cup cap and enjoy wherever adventure takes him, no glassware needed. (40% ABV, $24.99)

4. Stranahan’s Original American Single Malt Whiskey: For the dad who embraces what’s next

Stranahan’s is a pioneer of American single malt, the first whiskey category to be legally defined and protected by the U.S. government in 52 years. Stranahan’s is also the most awarded in its class; its Original recently won gold at the acclaimed San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Crafted from locally sourced grains, it’s a marriage of 5- to 9 year-old barrels and cut with Rocky Mountain spring water, offering rich caramel and toasted oak notes. (47% ABV, $56.99)

5. Pendleton 1910 Bourbon: For the dad who’s western at heart

Whether he’s a true cowboy or just appreciates that Western spirit, Pendleton Whisky is the one for him. Born in the Great American West, it was literally made to honor one of the world’s most famous and respected rodeos, the Pendleton Round-Up. Its new 1910 Bourbon, honoring the rodeo’s inaugural year, is a 10-year-old bourbon; bold, robust and cut with pure glacier-fed water from Oregon’s Mount Hood, offering flavors of caramel, vanilla and rye spice. (45% ABV, $45.99)

6. Great Jones Straight Bourbon: For the dad inspired by New York craft

Crafted in Manhattan’s first and only whiskey distillery since Prohibition, Great Jones Straight Bourbon is medium-bodied with notes of creamy vanilla and a peppery finish. New York-grown corn, barley and rye are mashed and cut with Catskill Mountain water to create a uniquely New York spirit. (43% ABV, $40)

For An Over-the-Top Experience, Pair With a Distillery Visit

For those who want to go the extra mile, pair the expression of your choice with an unforgettable visit to where the whiskey was made. Check out Great Jones Distillery in New York City, Stranahan’s Distillery in Denver, or The Bushmills Distillery on the north coast of Ireland, for exclusive distillery tours, delicious tastings and other unique experiences.

No matter which bottle you choose, give Dad more than a drink — give him a moment, a story and a toast to everything he is and loves.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2025-06-03T14:19:00

(BPT) – Sports aren’t just about competition; the thrill of a game has a way of bringing folks together. Playing a team sport is also a great way to move your body and maintain wellness, all while forging social connections. Whether you’re getting ready for the start of a summer rec league or planning a weekend get-together, use these five easy tips from Sports Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner to boost wellness and build community through the power of sports.

1. Organize a friendly match

Get friends, family, co-workers and neighbors together by organizing a friendly sports match! Make sure to pick a sport that everyone can join regardless of skill level. Soccer, pickleball or a fun run are all great options that allow many people of various abilities to participate. At the end, you may find that someone else wants to organize another friendly sports match soon to continue the fun.

2. Stay hydrated and fueled

To play your best, you need fuel and refreshment. Set up a team station with a mix of hydrating drinks like water and sports drinks with electrolytes to replenish those lost while playing. You can also bring easy snacks to share that are packed with energizing nutrients. For example, hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, fresh fruit and turkey veggie wraps are great options for players to snack on before and after a game.

3. Encourage team bonding

Team sports aren’t just for exercise. They’re an easy way to find others who share a similar interest to yours. You can facilitate these community connections by encouraging team bonding. Before a game, consider starting with a gratitude circle where players share something they’re thankful for, promoting positivity and mindfulness.

A quick wellness check-in gives teammates the chance to express how they’re feeling physically and emotionally while ice breakers — whether silly or reflective — can also help new members feel included.

4. Make it fun!

Whether it’s a pickup game or intramural league, a team name is essential. Ask your players to agree on a name and then go a step further by offering simple DIY projects like customizable team bandanas, reusable water bottles or name tags. Just head to your local craft store and pick up some blank items and fabric or permanent ink pens, and let your team unleash their creative side.

Don’t forget to take photos during arts and crafts and field time. At the end of the day, you can create a postgame photo wall that everyone can enjoy.

5. Help your muscles recover with protein

After a game, your muscles will need time and fuel to recover. Make sure to nourish your body with a balanced meal to support muscle recovery and help your active body recharge.

Try this simple Crispy Quinoa Omelet made with Eggland’s Best eggs. It’s a quick, savory and balanced recovery meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day, especially after a pickleball game.

Because this omelet is made with EB eggs, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs for a natural energy boost that will keep you going throughout your day. Eggland’s Best eggs also have six times more Vitamin D and more than double the Omega-3s than ordinary eggs to help support muscle function and joint health.

Crispy Quinoa Omelet

Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 7 minutes; Yield: 1

Ingredients

· 2 Eggland’s Best Eggs

· 1 teaspoon olive oil

· 1/2 cup cooked quinoa

· 1/2 cup chopped baby spinach

· 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, whisk Eggland’s Best Eggs.

2. In an 8-inch skillet over medium heat, add oil and quinoa. Spread quinoa out into an even layer and cook for about four minutes without stirring, until a crisp crust starts to form.

3. Pour in whisked eggs and top with spinach and cheddar cheese.

4. Cover and cook for about three minutes without stirring, until egg is set and cheese is melted.

5. Fold in half and serve.

Time saver: Use frozen precooked quinoa, just thaw before using.

Variations: Mix things up by swapping spinach and cheddar for other types of veggies and cheese.

Make sure to enter the Eggland’s Best Pickleball Power-Up Sweepstakes for the chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000 along with Life Time pickleball gear and Eggland’s Best merch. It’s open for daily entry June 3 through July 15 at EBFamilySweeps.com. Weekly prize packs will contain a gift card, branded swag and a 3-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs.

2025-06-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Video games are one of America’s favorite pastimes with universal appeal across generations. According to the Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) annual Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry report, nearly two-thirds of Americans ages 5 to 90 regularly play video games. That’s over 205 million people playing on their phones, tablets, consoles and PCs! Read on to discover nine surprising findings about Americans’ video game habits.

1. The average player is in their 30s

Video games aren’t just for kids. The ESA report found that the average player is 36 years old and has, on average, been playing for 18 years.

Video games are also equally enjoyed among men and women — 52% of men and 47% of women play video games regularly across all generations of players. Perhaps more surprisingly, among older generations, women play more than men. According to the ESA report, 52% of boomer women play video games, compared to 46% of boomer men.

2. Older generations play video games to stay mentally fit

The top two reasons that everyone plays are to relax and to have fun. However, older generations like boomers and the Silent Generation said they play video games to keep their minds sharp and prefer puzzle games (73%) and skill and chance (55%) games.

3. Players of all ages can reap mental, social and emotional benefits from video games

Older players aren’t the only ones benefiting from video gameplay. In fact, most U.S. adults — including those who don’t play video games — agree that video games bring people joy (84%), provide mental stimulation and stress relief (81%), provide accessible experiences (79%), help improve cognitive skills (77%), bring people together (76%) and are educational (70%).

The ESA report also reveals that U.S. adults believe video games can teach problem-solving (78%), teamwork and collaboration (69%), adaptability and resilience (60%), and STEAM (57%) and communication (53%) skills.

4. Video games are a valuable way to build and maintain social connections

Video games don’t have to be played solo. Many people play video games as a way to build and maintain relationships.

According to the ESA report, 55% of players aged 8+ play video games with others weekly and 78% believe video games can introduce them to new friends. These aren’t just casual connections either: 63% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials said they met a good friend or significant other through video games.

5. Video games bring families together

Did you know that parents are more likely to play video games? According to the ESA report, 70% of parents play video games, compared to 60% of all adults. While some of these parents are playing video games on their own, 82% said they play video games with their kids.

By playing video games together, families can have fun and bond. When asked about the top reasons why they play video games with their kids, parents said because it’s fun for all of us (61%), a good opportunity to socialize with my child(ren) (55%) and a great way for the family to spend time together (55%).

6. Parents prefer video games to social media for their kids

Parents like being in control and video games offer a multitude of ways for them to manage their kids’ screen time. In fact, 70% of all parents say they prefer that their children spend time on video games rather than on social media.

According to a recent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) survey, 86% use at least one parental control setting on their kids’ devices to manage their gameplay.

7. Video games transcend entertainment categories

Many video games feature references to other real-world entertainment that players can enjoy outside of their sessions, especially younger generations. Surveyed Gen Z (39%) and millennials (30%) reported that they discovered new songs and new TV shows/movies (28% and 24%, respectively) because of a video game they played.

8. And they influence real-life sports performance

Can sports video games affect performance on the field? According to the ESA report, 56% of adult players who play real-life sports also play a video game version, with 87% of them believing it improves their real-life performance.

9. Video games are an accessible outlet for fun, entertainment and connection for players with disabilities

For the 21% of American adult players who report having a disability, video games offer them accessible opportunities for fun, entertainment and connection. More than half of players with disabilities think video games are very accessible (56%), and close to half (49%) rated the overall accessibility of video games to be extremely/very important.

Of those who rated accessibility of video games to be extremely/very important, they rated adjustable text size (50%), adjustable difficulty levels (39%), camera comfort (35%) and subtitles (35%) to be the most important features in games.

Are you interested in learning more about America’s connection to video games? Visit TheESA.com/Facts to access the full report and discover more facts.

2025-06-03T07:29:00

(BPT) – Summer is the perfect time for high school students to start exploring college-level learning and make progress on general education requirements. Now there’s an easier and more affordable way to get started, without the usual barriers of cost or scheduling.

To make it easier for more students to explore and access the opportunity to get a head start on a college education, Sophia learning is offering incoming high school juniors and seniors free access to college-level courses this summer.

Eligible high school students will have access to six of Sophia’s top courses, including biology, nutrition, information technology and college readiness, from their catalog of more than 70 courses.

Here are four good reasons high school students should get a head start on college this summer:

1. Save money.

Students can save money on tuition by completing some of their general education requirements before enrolling in a program. Sophia’s on demand, online courses are built for college credit. They have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE) and are designed to be transferred. Sophia partners with over 80 colleges and universities who have agreed to accept Sophia courses for credit and Sophia courses can also be submitted to non-partner institutions for credit consideration. Students can save up to 90% on their general education courses with Sophia and to date, $1B in tuition has been saved by students taking courses through Sophia Learning.

2. Explore areas of study.

Far too many high school students go straight to college without a sense of what truly interests them or an understanding of potential career opportunities. This can lead them to take unnecessary courses or switch majors, extending the amount of time required for a degree. By exploring different areas of study during high school, students can enter college with more knowledge about their strengths and interests before the costly commitment that may come with college enrollment.

3. Build confidence.

College can be exciting, but some students and parents can feel overwhelmed and uncertain about whether it is the right path for them. By trying out some general education courses in a pressure-free setting at their own pace, they can begin to build confidence and get a better sense of what they can expect in higher education.

4. Prevent summer slump.

Many education experts are concerned about the learning loss that can happen over the summer when students step away from academics for an extended period. Sophia is fully online and self-paced with no assignment deadlines, so courses can be taken throughout the summer from anywhere, anytime. This flexibility allows busy students who work or have other responsibilities during the summer to fit the courses into their full schedules.

Exploring different pathways from high school to college should start well before high school graduation. Whether students want to get ahead, explore if college is the right path, or simply try something new, Sophia provides flexible opportunities to support their goals.

Sophia’s summer program for high school juniors and seniors offers a pressure-free starting point for their college journey, providing a safe space for them to explore their educational interests and decide what next steps are right for them.

Sophia Learning’s cost savings estimates are based on the average annual tuition at public four-year, in-state institutions as reported by the College Board Trends in its 2024 College Pricing Report. They base the calculation on Sophia’s subscription price of $99 per month. The cost savings that an actual Sophia learner might experience will differ depending on the number of Sophia courses they take, the time it takes to complete those courses, and the price per course at the college the learner enrolls in.

Eligible high school juniors and seniors for the 2025-2026 school year can sign up between June 2 and July 31, 2025. Enroll today!