New research says 9:45 p.m. is ideal time to turn off notifications before bed

2025-03-06T10:01:00

(BPT) – A new study conducted for Amazon Kindle reveals a quarter of Americans use devices with notifications until the minute they go to sleep. Neuroscientist Dr. Mark Williams shares his tips for protecting your bedtime routine.

From the moment we wake up in the morning, to the moment our head finally hits the pillow, we’re bombarded by device notifications that demand our attention — leading to 87% of Americans feeling stressed in the evening, according to a new study* conducted on behalf of Amazon Kindle.

The research revealed that, throughout their day, nearly nine out of ten (88%) Americans check their devices for new notifications, with some reporting they check up to 55 times in an hour. Over half (60%) of participants reported feeling frequently distracted by notifications, and a quarter said they receive alerts until the moment they go to sleep.

“When we hear a notification sound or feel our phone vibrate, our brain interprets it as something that requires our immediate focus, so we’re in a constant state of alertness,” neuroscientist Dr. Mark Williams explains. “Each time our attention is diverted by a notification it takes 60-90 seconds to refocus back on the task that we were originally doing. These disruptions are seizing our time, resulting in decreased efficiency.”

Dr. Williams recommends “at least one hour of notification-free time before bed to allow our minds to relax and prepare for sleep.” With Americans falling asleep around 10:45 p.m. on average, the ideal time to “unplug” is about 9:45 p.m.

Here are Dr. Williams’ top tips for “protecting our final hour” at the end of the day:

  1. At least one hour before you go to sleep, turn off laptops, tablets, computers. Put your phone in sleep mode and place devices out of sight.
  2. Consider spending the last hour before bed reading on a Kindle. It doesn’t beep or buzz, allows you to adjust the display brightness, and offers access to a vast selection of books to suit your mood and help you de-stress.
  3. Limit devices with the ability to send notifications in your bedroom. If you use your phone as an alarm clock, consider replacing it with a digital alarm clock or an Echo Spot. Keep your sleeping space dark, cool, and quiet without distractions.
  4. One way to start winding down is to make notes in a journal, notepad, or even a Kindle Scribe. Write down what you did that day, what went well, what could have gone better, what you might do differently next time, and what you would like to achieve tomorrow. This practice will help you slow your mind and begin the reset process.

*The research was conducted by Censuswide, an independent market research company, with 2,000 adults in the U.S. between February 14 and 25, 2025.

Got Hives? What You’re Itching to Know about Chronic Urticaria

2025-03-05T10:01:01

(BPT) – If you’ve had hives, you know how challenging they can be. But you may not know that there is more than one type of hives, or urticaria, and that treatments are available. A brief episode of hives is a nuisance, but when symptoms persist for weeks, months or years, it can take a physical and psychological toll.

What is urticaria?

Urticaria is a rash causing round, swollen areas on the skin. It can be tender, itchy and/or painful. People with light skin may see red, raised bumps or welts. In people of color, hives may match the color of surrounding skin or appear slightly lighter or darker. They may appear all over your body or in one area.

Urticaria occurs when chemical compounds involved in the body’s inflammatory and immune responses are released. One of these chemicals is histamine, which is released by mast cells and basophils. When this release happens in the skin’s outer layers, it results in hives.

Most hives resolve quickly, but they can become chronic. Acute urticaria refers to hives lasting one day to six weeks. Chronic urticaria means the hives have lasted for six weeks or longer. For many people, the cause is unknown.

Chronic urticaria is a rare condition that occurs in only 23 out of 10,000 people, though the actual number may be higher, since many people do not report or recognize the symptoms. Chronic urticaria is most common in adults aged 40-59. More women than men are affected, and more Black Americans and other ethnic groups are affected. There are two types:

  • Chronic idiopathic urticaria (also called chronic spontaneous urticaria) is not triggered by external factors. In many cases, the cause could be an autoimmune condition, another systemic disease like cancer, or unknown.
  • Chronic inducible urticaria is caused by certain environmental and physical factors.

Identifying urticaria triggers

Common triggers include:

  • Allergens, including certain foods
  • Exposure to heat/cold
  • Tight clothing
  • Insect stings and bites
  • Infections and viruses
  • Medications such as antibiotics and NSAIDs
  • Diseases including asthma, celiac disease, diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, vasculitis and vitiligo
  • Stress

Diagnosis and treatment

The cause of your chronic urticaria may be hard to identify. It’s best to see a specialist such as a board-certified allergist or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Your doctor may perform allergy tests, lab tests or a skin biopsy to rule out other conditions that involve or resemble hives. You can help by keeping a diary that tracks your symptoms.

Chronic urticaria eventually goes away by itself. Management focuses on the most appropriate treatment to control symptoms, usually starting with the first line of treatment: a long-lasting antihistamine.

Antihistamines block production of histamine to reduce or eliminate hives and ease itch and swelling. Ask your doctor for a non-sedating antihistamine.

Topical itch creams may provide mild relief for hives that do not cover the entire body.

Corticosteroids: Topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation, irritation and itching. By reducing inflammation, they also promote healing. For a severe hives flare-up, a short course of oral corticosteroids (prednisone) can help reduce inflammation and itching. These medications can cause serious side effects, especially if taken long-term. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking oral corticosteroids.

Advanced treatments

It’s important to work closely with your doctor if your hives don’t respond to treatment. If antihistamines alone do not help, your doctor may recommend combining them with other medications, including leukotriene modifiers or H2 blockers. New advanced treatments are available, and more are in clinical trials or undergoing FDA review.

Biologics: Omalizumab is a biologic medication used to treat chronic urticaria when antihistamines haven’t worked. Two more biologics are in development as chronic urticaria treatments: dupilumab is in FDA review and briquilimab is in clinical trials. Biologics work by targeting cells and interrupting the inflammatory process. This stops or reduces symptoms. Biologics are injectable medications typically given once per month.

Cyclosporine: This is an oral medication that calms the immune system to prevent hives from occurring. It can be taken along with antihistamines. Since cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive, it can decrease the body’s ability to fight infections. Talk with your doctor about side effects and the benefits vs. risks of taking this medication.

Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor: Remibrutinib is an oral medication in clinical trials. It works by blocking the activation of mast cells and basophils. These cells release histamine and other inflammatory mediators that cause hives, swelling and itching. By blocking this process, remibrutinib can reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Hives and mental health

It’s important not to blame yourself for your hives. If you’re feeling anxiety, depression or embarrassment about your skin condition, talk with your healthcare provider or a mental health specialist. Support groups for people with urticaria also let you share experiences and know you are not alone.

Don’t let chronic urticaria impact your quality of life. Talk to your doctor. Check out the Chronic Urticaria Toolkit at ChronicHives.info.

Tips and tricks on how to best load your dishwasher

2025-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – One question has persisted in households everywhere: Is there a right way to load a dishwasher? The answer is yes. To ensure that your dishes come out clean when your washer is done doing its job, take a look at how you do yours.

The experts at KitchenAid brand share tips to help your dishes come out clean — and you may be surprised how easy your cleanup time can be.

1. Let go of rinsing

You may have been trained to pre-rinse dishes, but if you bought your dishwasher in the past 10 years, you may be able to give up this step. Pre-rinsing can be a waste of time and resources, as most modern dishwashers have built-in sensors that measure the soil level of each load. If dishes don’t have soil on them, your dishwasher may cut the cycle short, leaving dishes less than pristine. Simply scrape off excess food and debris before loading.

2. Make sure everything is dishwasher safe

You don’t want to clutter your dishwasher with items that don’t belong, or worse yet, risk damaging anything that should be hand washed. Watch for items like:

  • Wooden utensils, bowls, cutting boards: They’re porous and might warp.
  • Cast iron and non-stick pans: Hot water and detergent can destroy their coatings.
  • Silver or enamel: Heat and detergent can ruin these finishes.
  • Fine china: Some dishwashers have cycles specifically designed for fine china, but since they can break or chip easily, you may want to wash with extra care by hand.

3. Load for maximum spray

Load items so they’re angled downward, toward the center of the rack. This method helps enable the maximum amount of spray jets to reach surfaces to clean them properly. Avoid close nesting or overlapping items, as that can block spray from reaching dishes.

4. Optimize loading with a third rack

When you’re in the market for a new dishwasher, the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack Dishwasher will free up more space with its convenient third rack for items like silverware, measuring cups and spatulas. Especially for large households or if you enjoy frequent cooking and entertaining, this dishwasher is designed to make your life easier, with over 50 wash jets to provide total cleaning coverage for dishes in all three racks.

The 7.25 cubic foot MaxTub Largest Dishwasher Tub* makes room for the 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack, which fits 10 extra glasses and mugs,** freeing up space for larger items below, and the fold-down rows in the lower rack accommodate cookware of various shapes and sizes. The 360° Max Jets™ Third Rack is the only third rack with 360° wash jets to clean pint glasses, coffee mugs and cereal bowls inside and out. The largest third rack available,*** it also has a removable utensil tray for cooking tools and moisture-wicking tines for thorough drying.

5. Think rack by rack

Start at the top by loading smaller, lighter items like mugs, stemware and small plates and bowls in your second and/or third rack. Large utensils, spatulas and ladles should be laid flat on an upper rack, as putting them in the utensil holder could block the lower level spray arm. Smaller utensils can also be loaded on the upper rack — just make sure they’re placed so they won’t fall through open spaces in the rack. Plastic containers should be loaded on an upper rack away from the heating element to prevent warping or melting. Only wash plastic items that are marked “dishwasher safe.”

The lower rack is designed for large items like dinner plates and dishwasher-safe cookware. Alternating large and small items helps spray arms reach all surfaces. Place soiled pans, bowls and casserole dishes on their sides, especially for older dishwashers that might only have a spray arm in the bottom that could be blocked by face-down dishes. Oversized items like cutting boards or pans are best laid down on their sides or placed around the perimeter so the spray arm isn’t impeded.

Finally, load the utensil holder with cutlery handles down, except for knives. They should be inserted blades down to protect fingers during emptying.

Pro tip: Unload dishwasher in reverse order, starting with cutlery and the bottom rack — this avoids having any water that’s pooled in dishes in upper racks from splashing on items below while you’re unloading.

No more arguing about how to load the dishwasher, now that you know the best method for keeping your dishes clean. Learn more about the KitchenAid® 360° Max Jets™ 3rd Rack Dishwasher at KitchenAid.com.

*Based on usable volume.

**Compared to KDTE204K and KDFE204K models.

***Among leading brands based on usable volume.


4 supplements to try during National Nutrition Month

2025-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – While there’s never been more types and brands of supplements available, knowing which are most important and how to select high-quality options can be confusing. In fact, a recent survey by Life Time, the national health and wellness company, shows that 71% of adults are overwhelmed by the variety of supplement choices.

No matter your health and wellness goals, there are key staples and newer products that can help you achieve them. Paul Kriegler, Life Time’s Senior Director of Nutritional Products, offers four essential supplements to add to your routine and why they matter:

  1. Protein: Essential for muscle repair and growth, protein helps maintain a healthy metabolism and supports overall body function*. Life Time offers delicious shake recipes on its free Life Time app.
  2. Colostrum: Rich in antibodies and bioactive compounds, colostrum can help support the immune system and promote gut and skin health*. Look for a product without artificial flavors or sweeteners.
  3. Fish Oil: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil may support heart health and brain function*. Look for fish oil that is sustainably sourced and contains EPA and DHA, the most active forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
  4. Electrolytes: Crucial for hydration, electrolytes help maintain fluid balance, muscle function, and energy levels. Products made with trace minerals can provide comprehensive electrolyte support.

If you’ve made the decision to add supplements to your routine, it’s important to recognize that all are not created equal. To help you cut through the noise, Kriegler suggests these tips to identify high-quality products:

  1. Seek credible experts you know — not random influencers: Influencers are rarely experts on the supplements they share and certainly aren’t familiar with your unique circumstances. Instead, turn to qualified and certified health professionals you trust for reliable information.
  2. Check for third-party validation: Look for products with NSF or USP labels to ensure the supplements have been independently tested and verified.
  3. Make sure they’re absorbable: Some manufacturers use cheaper or lower-quality ingredients that aren’t easily absorbed by the body.
  4. Avoid artificial ingredients: Artificial flavors, colors and sweeteners can mask the taste and texture of low-quality ingredients. Life Time’s LTH supplements are made with natural flavors, colors and sweeteners, and are GMO-free, so you know you’re getting the nutrition you need — and nothing else.

“In the crowded health and wellness space, finding quality products you can trust is more challenging than ever,” Kriegler notes. “These top supplements and tips can help you continue on your health journey and our Life Time complimentary app is a great content resource for articles, recipes and more.”

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Reshaping the future of women in medicine

2025-03-05T08:05:00

(BPT) – This Women’s History Month, SkinCeuticals, the #1 medical aesthetics skincare brand worldwide, and ReSurge International are coming together to break barriers, work towards equality in surgery and transform communities across the globe.

Infographic

5 ways to boost healthier living during National Nutrition Month

2025-03-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever thought about all the ways food brings people together? The theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month®, “Food Connects Us,” created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages individuals to explore the importance of making informed food choices while developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Sharing meals brings people together in ways that hold deep cultural and social meaning across communities worldwide, providing opportunities to learn about food preparation, the origins of ingredients, and the history behind the people who create the dishes. Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access all play a role in shaping people’s relationships with food and sharing meals can enhance social connections and strengthen community bonds. While all these factors influence the foods you eat, that food in turn also affects your health.

Herbalife is fully embracing National Nutrition Month®, with its nutritionists and scientists highlighting how food connects people to their cultures, families and communities — both their own and others. As a global health and wellness company present in over 90 countries and known for its science-based nutrition products, Herbalife has built a worldwide network of distributors, many of whom operate independent nutrition clubs, to encourage learning about healthier lifestyle habits.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs) such as those at Herbalife, all play a critical role in helping people understand the connection between the foods individuals and communities eat, and how these foods impact everyone’s health throughout their lives.

Here are tips from the experts at Herbalife for improving your health during this National Nutrition Month® and beyond.

1. Make time to learn

Experts like the registered dietitians who make up the Dietetic Advisory Board and members of the Nutrition Advisory Board at Herbalife dedicate significant time in educating their distributors and their customers to help them achieve the nutrition they need for a healthier lifestyle. Learning how to read and understand nutrition labels is one crucial step, along with understanding the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods — ingredients containing many essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need, without a lot of empty calories that are devoid of nutritional value.

To help you get started, there are plenty of online resources on nutrition, such as Herbalife.com, where you can find tips for shopping and meal planning. Focusing on ways to prepare well-balanced meals, rather than opting for the quickest and easiest snacks, is key to fostering better health and well-being for you and your family.

2. Find community and connection

How you cook and eat together with family, friends and your community can impact your health and wellness goals. Activities like shopping, cooking together and having children spend time with you in the kitchen can help your whole family build healthier habits. Your children will learn from your example as you prioritize choosing quality ingredients and prepare them with care to make healthful meals.

You can also enhance that sense of connection by sharing meals with extended family, friends and other community members. Becoming an Herbalife distributor or joining one of their nutrition clubs are ways to engage with your community and continue to learn and grow.

3. Practice mindful eating

Pay attention to the origins of your food, as well as how you consume them. Learning where ingredients come from and how they are best prepared can enhance your appreciation for meals and encourage healthier habits.

Increase mindfulness by turning meals into special occasions where distractions (like phones) are set aside. Spend time enjoying the food and each other’s company as you share the meal together. Slow down to appreciate each bite of food so you can not only savor the flavors and the social occasion but help decrease everyone’s tendency to overeat.

4. Prioritize nutrition

Focus on creating well-balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients. Even when you do your best, statistics show that the American diet does not always provide the proper amount of some key nutrients that are needed for the body to function optimally. It’s all too easy to lean on convenience over substance, which can have a negative impact on long-term health. Herbalife products can help supplement your diet with essential nutrients, ensuring you get the nutrition you need.

5. Stay active together

Combine more nutrition-focused eating with physical activity with family or friends to create a healthier lifestyle for everyone. Herbalife encourages incorporating exercise into your daily routine, through group activities at nutrition clubs, personal workouts and/or family outdoor activities. You can start with simple family walks or bike rides before or after dinner.

“Herbalife is more than just a provider of nutrition products — it’s a trusted community that helps millions of people around the world achieve their health and wellness goals every day,” said Susan Bowerman, M.S., R.D., CSSD, CSOWM, FAND and senior director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife. “We focus on creating lasting behavioral changes that enhance overall health and quality of life. Herbalife’s commitment extends beyond products, with our networks of independent distributors offering coaching and motivation to help customers reach their goals.”

Explore healthy living habits, nutrition tips and how to participate in a community focused on wellness at Herbalife.com.

New Report Reveals Americans Value Unlimited Mobile Data More Than Ever This Tax Season

2025-03-04T08:03:00

(BPT) – As tax season approaches, Americans’ dependence on mobile data they can rely on surges. Straight Talk’s third annual survey conducted in early 2025 shows that 88% of Americans consider mobile data they can rely on essential, with 53% using it for online banking and tax-related activities like downloading forms and filing returns. The data also indicates that many experience slow speeds with limited data plans, leading to additional purchases. These insights highlight the growing importance of having unlimited data plans to maintain productivity and connectivity during tax time.

Infographic

Better Support, Better Posture: The Link Between Bras and Back Health

2025-03-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that wearing the wrong bra can negatively impact your posture, leading to neck, back and shoulder pain? Many women experience discomfort due to improper support, often without realizing the connection.

In honor of International Women’s Day — a celebration of women’s strength and well-being — The Joint Chiropractic is highlighting this often-overlooked aspect of women’s health and sharing ways to improve posture and reduce discomfort.

How bra support affects posture and well-being

An ill-fitting bra may lead to a range of health problems. For example, a bra that’s too tight with straps that dig into your shoulders may put pressure on your nerves, causing tingling, numbness, pain — or even weakness of the muscles. On the other hand, a bra that is too loose or does not provide adequate support may increase strain on your upper back and neck, contributing to long-term discomfort and poor posture.

Here are tips to help you understand if your bra is causing you problems, and what you can do about it.

Signs your bra may be impacting your posture

Poor support from your bra can lead to neck and back tension. Over time, this may cause your shoulders to round and result in the loss of cervical curves, leading to poor posture and biomechanics. Forward head posture can also lead to the degeneration of vertebral discs and increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Symptoms you may have noticed include headaches, neck and/or back pain and arm pain.

How to improve discomfort due to an ill-fitting bra

You can take proactive steps right away to help alleviate your chronic pain or discomfort — your back, neck and shoulders will thank you!

Get properly measured

Many department stores offer professional fittings to ensure the right level of support. Wearing a properly fitted garment can help improve comfort and reduce strain on your back and shoulders.

Seek chiropractic care

Even with the right support, years of improper posture can take a toll on the body. To help alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by poor bra support, consider seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments may restore motion in spinal joints, reduce stress and maintain joint health. Adjustments, along with a stretching and strengthening regimen, can improve posture.

Seeing a chiropractor may help reduce or eliminate symptoms of poor bra support, and a chiropractor may also help identify the potential cause of your symptoms and guide you into making long-term changes to correct the cause or causes.

3 simple stretches to help get you started

The licensed chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic recommend these easy stretches to relieve tension and support spinal health:

  • Chin tuck: While seated in a chair with your feet flat on the floor and shoulders relaxed, hold your head upright. Pull your chin in toward your neck; hold that position for a count of five, then relax. Repeat 10 times. To help guide your head, you can gently apply pressure to your chin with two fingers if needed.
  • Shoulder blade squeeze: Sit up straight in a chair with your hands resting on your thighs. Keep your shoulders down and your chin level. Slowly draw your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a count of five, then relax. Repeat three to five times.
  • Abdominal pull-in: While seated or standing, inhale, then exhale slowly to a count of five, pulling your lower abdominal muscles up and in, as if moving your belly button toward your backbone. Relax and breathe normally. Repeat three to five times.

Taking care of your posture and relieving discomfort from wearing ill-fitting bras can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. For more information on The Joint Chiropractic, or to find a chiropractor near you, visit TheJoint.com. Wonder what might happen during your first visit to a chiropractor? Go to TheJoint.com/what-to-expect.

Closing the Tech Gap: Empowering Women Through Upskilling and Mentorship

2025-03-03T10:01:00

(BPT) – In a world driven by rapid technological advancements, the underrepresentation of women in tech remains a pressing challenge. This Women’s History Month, with the theme “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” celebrates women who have paved the way for education, mentorship and leadership, while recognizing the need to inspire and prepare the next generation of female leaders to thrive in technology fields.

DeVry University is committed to bridging the gap between education and career readiness, a mission that embraces empowering all learners including women to break barriers in technology. Through initiatives like the Women+Tech Scholars Program and HerWorld, DeVry provides resources such as mentorship, scholarships and hands-on experiences to help women and girls succeed in digital fields. These efforts align with the need to address the talent gap in tech that exists in the United States.

Scarlett Howery, Vice President of Public Workforce Solutions at DeVry, is a passionate advocate for creating pathways to success for adult learners. A first-generation college graduate with an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and nearly 20 years of experience at DeVry, she leads innovative programs and partnerships designed to prepare students for the workforce.

In this interview, Scarlett shares her insights on the current state of women in technology and how higher education can play a pivotal role in supporting women’s aspirations in this field.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

It’s a time to honor and celebrate the women who have made an impact and to renew our commitment to empowering the next generation to achieve their full potential.

According to the Women in Tech Network, women make up just 35% of STEM employees in the U.S., and as of 2025, only 8-9% hold leadership roles. How do you view the progress women have achieved in technology fields, and what steps are still needed to drive further change?

While women in STEM have made incredible strides, bringing unique perspectives and trailblazing innovations in their fields, the data highlights the persistent challenges they face, particularly in leadership roles. Women bring diverse skills and unmatched curiosity to technology, but we need to continue creating pathways that support their growth—ensuring not only equitable representation but also leadership opportunities that recognize their invaluable contributions to the industry.

DeVry’s own research Closing the Gap: Upskilling and Reskilling in an AI Era revealed significant gender disparities in perceptions and understanding of AI. For example, men are over 50% more likely than women to believe AI will open career opportunities, and while 55% men rate their AI skills as intermediate or higher, only 41% of women feel the same. What do these findings reveal about the challenges women face in technology, and how can we address them?

The data underscores a critical challenge. While AI continues to shape the future of work, women are at risk of being left behind without targeted support to close those gaps in understanding and skill development. This highlights the importance of creating accessible pathways for them to upskill in AI and other emerging technologies. Women bring essential perspectives to the workplace and tech industry, and by empowering them with the right training, we can not only help them thrive in this evolving landscape but also ensure their contributions shape the future of technology. Programs like those offered at DeVry are designed to provide accessible, career-focused education tailored to meet the needs of working adults.

How does DeVry’s HerWorld program inspire girls to explore technology?

I am extremely passionate about this initiative because it’s never too early to spark interest in STEM. HerWorld engages middle-school girls through community outreach and interactive workshops. We empower young students to envision themselves as future leaders and innovators by nurturing curiosity and sharing real-world experiences of women in STEM. In fact, this month we are hosting a HerWorld event in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois.

What resources are offered in DeVry’s Women+Tech Scholars Program?

This program is designed to support and empower women pursuing tech careers. Whether it’s connecting with mentors and building your professional network, accessing internships and job opportunities or scholarships to help fund an education, this program offers the tools and community to thrive in a tech career. As a result, we have seen tangible growing interest in women learners enrolling in tech programs. To date, women account for 31.33% of the College of Engineering and Information Science students, up from 27.77%, signifying that hundreds of women are taking the leap into tech careers.

What advice do you have for women pursuing technology careers?

Don’t let outdated perceptions hold you back. You can achieve your goals in technology with determination and a passion for learning. Many women have paved the way—now it’s your turn to break barriers and shape the future. Keep pushing forward and remember that every step you take brings you closer to making an impact in this exciting field and beyond.

5 effective ways to maximize your workout routines

2025-03-03T09:15:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re new to the workout world or a lifelong athlete, you need the right fuel to power your workouts. Proper nutrition before and after exercise is critical to performing well, recovering quickly and making strides in your physical fitness journey.

This National Nutrition Month, Sports Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner wants to help you take your workouts to the next level. Check out her five expert fitness and nutrition strategies that can take your exercise from good to great.

1. Have a pre-workout snack

Don’t work out on an empty stomach! Blatner recommends starting strong with a pre-workout snack 30-60 minutes before a workout. Choose a light snack — like a piece of fruit with nuts, string cheese or a hard-boiled egg — to fuel your effort without weighing you down.

2. Hydration is key

Did you know your body loses water overnight? To combat dehydration, kick off your morning with a glass of water. Having a glass of water right after you wake up can help you start the day feeling more energized.

Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon for a bit of flavor and Vitamin C.

3. Pilates is a must-try

Pilates is a popular form of exercise and for good reason. Because it’s a low-impact workout, it’s great for those who may have limitations when it comes to cardio and weights. But don’t be fooled — Pilates can have a high impact on your fitness. If you want to strengthen your core, improve flexibility and support total-body endurance, sign up for a Pilates class like Club Pilates and see how you like it!

4. Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods

Post-workout soreness is very common, but you can combat it. Blatner says you should incorporate anti-inflammatory foods to help your body recover, reduce soreness and keep you feeling strong.

Add options like eggs for high-quality protein and nutrients, berries and leafy greens for antioxidants, fish for healthy fats, and green or turmeric tea for their natural inflammation-fighting benefits.

5. Don’t forget about post-workout recovery

Eating after a workout is just as important as fueling up beforehand. When you get home from the gym, try this single-serve Social Media Famous Tortilla Quiche as a quick, balanced and filling meal. Each quiche has about 20 grams of carbs to replenish energy and almost 30 grams of protein to support muscle repair.

The quiche is made with high-quality ingredients, including Eggland’s Best eggs, which contain more than double the Omega-3’s compared to ordinary eggs, to help reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise. Eggland’s Best eggs also have more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, providing a natural energy boost and keeping you energized throughout the day.

Social Media Famous Tortilla Quiche

Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 12 minutes; Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients

2 Eggland’s Best Eggs, large

1/4 cup cottage cheese

1 whole-grain tortilla (a little bigger than the cake pan you’ll use)

1/2 cup chopped baby spinach (or your favorite veggie)

2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat air-fryer to 325°F.

2. Whisk together Eggland’s Best eggs and cottage cheese.

3. Place tortilla in a round cake pan, so it makes a little bowl shape. Pour in egg mixture and top with spinach and cheddar cheese.

4. Cook for 12 minutes, until the egg is set and cheese is melted.

Pro Tips:

1. If you have a smaller air-fryer, use a six-inch cake pan instead of a traditional nine-inch pan.

2. No air-fryer, no problem! Bake quiche in oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

3. Eat immediately or store covered in the fridge for up to three days. Warm in microwave or air-fryer.

To find more recipes to fuel your fitness, visit EgglandsBest.com.

Double down on nutrition to supercharge your workouts and win big!

In honor of National Nutrition Month this March, Eggland’s Best has teamed up with Club Pilates, the largest Pilates brand, to empower everyBODY to feel their best — inside and out! To mark the occasion, EB and Club Pilates are bringing fans the “Eggland’s Best for EveryBODY” Sweepstakes to help launch the start of their fitness and wellness journey!

Now through April 30, fans can enter daily at EBFamilySweeps.com for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 and a yearlong unlimited Club Pilates class package to join in on the latest workout craze. Weekly prize packs will also include a six-month unlimited Club Pilates class package, branded fitness swag and a three-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN IN THE “EGGLAND’S BEST FOR EVERYBODY” SWEEPSTAKES. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older and have reached the age of majority in state of jurisdiction. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts 3/3/25 at 9:00 AM ET and ends 4/30/25 at 11:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, which govern, click here. Sponsor: Eggland’s Best,LLC.