Author: admin

2025-01-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Kyra Williams is a wife, mother of two and English professor who leads an active life in Baytown, Texas. However, this active life took a backseat when she moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Texas in 11th grade. At the time, the move to a new town and high school left her feeling down and stopping some activities, like dance and cheerleading, that she once enjoyed.

“The first time I tried to diet was that same year, when I was hoping to fit into a dress for my school’s homecoming dance,” recalled Kyra. “It didn’t work because I was so inactive. That’s when I thought, I need to lose weight.” This began years of diet and exercise that left her with few lasting results other than feelings of disappointment and gnawing hunger.

In college, Kyra gained about 50 pounds. Throughout her adult life, she tried numerous fad diets and workouts, starting a cycle of weight loss and weight gain. After the birth of her son and daughter, Kyra struggled even more to lose the weight she gained during her pregnancies.

It was around this time that Kyra started looking at options beyond diet and exercise for weight loss. Knowing that she wasn’t interested in bariatric surgery, Kyra spent the next seven years researching alternatives that might help address her weight loss challenges.

Kyra is not alone in her struggle to lose weight. Forty-two percent of American adults live with obesity, a complex condition that can lead to health issues such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers.¹ The FDA approval of GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss has prompted much-needed conversation around the nature of obesity, reframing it not as a stigmatizing issue of “willpower” but as a medical problem that can require medical approaches.

“It’s not that I ate horribly, I would just eat too much, and I felt like I was always hungry,” explained Kyra. “So, the idea of limiting my stomach capacity was very appealing.”

While searching online, Kyra came across an innovative new approach called endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Like the more traditional bariatric surgery, ESG significantly reduces the size of the stomach. However, unlike bariatric surgery, ESG is an incisionless endoscopic procedure. It does not involve any external incisions or leave scars. In a clinical study, patients returned to normal activities within a few days.²

After talking with her doctor about ESG, Kyra decided to move ahead. “This was exactly what I’d been looking for,” she says. She had her procedure in August 2020, using the OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System, a small suturing device attached to a camera that is passed through the patient’s mouth and into their stomach while they are asleep. A specially trained doctor sews the stomach into a smaller shape, reducing its capacity by 70% to 80%. The procedure helps people eat less and feel full faster to help them achieve significant, lasting weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle modifications.²

Kyra was able to return home the same day. Along with a healthy diet and exercise program, Kyra lost 110 pounds in her first year.* “I made up my mind that ESG was going to work for me, and I was going to do everything possible to get the results I wanted,” explained Kyra. “I can still eat what I want, but I exercise and am conscious of what I eat. When I eat too much now, I feel a tightness in my stomach that serves as a helpful reminder not to go back to my old habits.”

Now, four years later, Kyra continues to keep the weight off. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through this journey is that you have to be willing to assess and adjust based on your evolving lifestyle,” she said. “Balancing the needs of my two teenage children along with my own can be a challenge. Since my procedure, I have been able to maintain a routine when it comes to my diet and model healthy habits to my children.”

While exercise continues to be the biggest challenge for Kyra, she motivates herself to prioritize movement almost every day with activities that include step aerobics, walking, lifting weights and riding her indoor cycling bike.

“I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I started to feel better,” said Kyra. “By losing weight and changing my diet and exercise routines, my energy levels are way up, and I have much more stamina than I did before. ESG has been, hands-down, the best decision I’ve ever made for my health.”

Kyra now shares her advice and insights with others who may be considering the ESG procedure. “Losing weight — even with ESG — is both a physical and mental battle. Even though it’s hard, try not to compare yourself to others and their successes — focus on you and your own personal journey.”

To learn more about ESG or to speak with a doctor in your area, visit ApolloEndoSurgery.com.

*This patient testimonial is sponsored by Boston Scientific. Individual results may vary. In a randomized study, patients with class 1 or class 2 obesity (BMI 30 to 40 kg/m²) who underwent ESG in conjunction with prescribed diet and exercise counseling achieved an average of 13.6% total body weight loss at year one, compared to 0.8% with lifestyle modification alone. In that study, 64.7% of patients who underwent ESG in conjunction with lifestyle changes lost at least 10% TBWL compared to 4.5% of patients with lifestyle modification alone. Approximately 21.2% of patients lost more than 20% of their body weight. Optimal results were achieved when patients committed to long term lifestyle changes around diet and exercise. All procedures have risk, including endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Patients should consult with their doctor to discuss risks and benefits of any medical procedure.

1. “Fast Facts: Health and Economic Costs of Chronic Conditions,” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2024.
2. Abu Dayyeh, BK, et al., “Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for Treatment of Class 1 and 2 Obesity (MERIT): A Prospective, Multicentre, Randomised Trial,” The Lancet, July 2022.

2025-01-22T06:21:00

(BPT) – If you’re planning a family trip for the next school break or long weekend, how about a destination offering unique attractions for the whole family? Whether you’re traveling when there’s still snow on the ground or after spring has sprung, there’s a wealth of fun attractions and activities to explore in Western Massachusetts.

Here’s just a sampling of what you can discover.

Oh, the places you’ll go!

Did your kids grow up reading Dr. Seuss books? If so, you’ll want to check out the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, the town where Dr. Seuss — also known as Theodor Geisel — was born in 1904. Kids will enjoy the lively exhibits and interactive play stations. Even better, time your visit to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2).

Then stop at the nearby Springfield Science Museum, where budding scientists can indulge their curiosity about the natural sciences, anthropology and physical sciences. Through May 4, The Robot Zoo exhibit will explore the biomechanics of complex animal robots to discover how real animals work. Make sure to save time for a Seymour Planetarium show to further ignite their imaginations — the sky’s the limit.

Hungry for more? Take a trip through The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other beloved stories at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, where your children can learn how their favorite books were created.

This venue is a slam dunk

Did you know Springfield, Massachusetts, is also the birthplace of basketball? For fans of the world’s most popular sport, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is a must-see. Learn about the game from its very beginnings to today, experience the fun interactive exhibits, then test your skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.”

The Hall of Fame also hosts events year-round, so it’s best to check their calendar before planning your trip. One highlight is Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3×3 Basketball Tourney and Festival held in June.

Shine a little light on the subject

Creative kids will have a “scentsational” experience at the Yankee Candle^® Village in South Deerfield, offering special events all year including live music, games, seasonal attractions — and even the chance to create your own custom scent in a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Kids and kids-at-heart will be dazzled by the 7-foot-tall gumball machine and over 125 different types of candy. You can also enjoy craft beer, pizza, wraps and salads to fuel your visit. Make sure not to miss the awe-inspiring Candle Emporium featuring 200,000 candles.

Get outdoorsy together

While your kids may not be as awed by the area’s stunning natural beauty as you are, the range of outdoor activities will thrill them. During winter you can choose from numerous area resorts for activities including skiing and snow tubing, such as at the Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock or Berkshire East Mountain Resort in Charlemont for tons of family-friendly outdoor fun.

Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center in Northfield, Massachusetts, offers year-round activities including cycling, boating, fishing, paddle sports and more. Adventure seekers will definitely want to check out the Catamount Zip Tour at Catamount Mountain when the weather warms up. Their two-hour outdoor experience includes three dual-zipline spans and a chairlift ride up the mountain. The final span of the tour — the “Cata-monster” — is the longest zipline span in the U.S., just over one mile long.

The ultimate family fun spot

From April through October, you’ll thrill the family with a day or two at Six Flags New England in Agawam, which offers exciting rides suitable for a variety of ages, plus water rides, live shows, family entertainment, dining, shopping and more. Check their website for hours, reservations and other information to help you make plans before booking your travel.

Entertainment galore

You’ll find all kinds of entertainment options for your family at the MGM Springfield Casino. While those under 21 aren’t allowed on the casino floor, there’s so much more to this resort that will make your family vacation memorable, including the city’s only AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel (which also offers dog-friendly accommodations), ice rink, bowling alley, movie theater, rooftop pool, concerts and numerous dining options — not to mention close proximity to dozens of area attractions.

Whatever will make your vacay special, you’ll find it in Western Massachusetts. Plan your next amazing family adventure at ExploreWesternMass.com.

2025-01-20T11:01:00

(BPT) – However you use AI, its adoption across organizations of all sizes — including nonprofits — has proven to help people increase their productivity and impact at work.

“It’s incredibly exciting for those of us working in the nonprofit space to see how technological adoption can lead to greater societal impact,” said Rahul Rao, co-president and chief technology officer at Understood.org, a leading nonprofit empowering the 70 million people in the United States with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia.

At Understood, Rao leads the product, engineering, analytics, information technology, and program management teams, with expertise in integrated digital media with a focus on human-computer interaction and a successful track record in product development and new technology integration.

Rao sees a bright future for nonprofits that integrate AI into their operations. We caught up with him recently to hear his predictions for AI use by nonprofit organizations in 2025.

1. What will drive nonprofit AI adoption?

Research from early 2024 showed that four in five nonprofit organizations consider AI to be applicable to their work. But at the time of the survey, nearly half of the respondents said they weren’t currently using the technology. In 2025, I anticipate a surge in AI adoption among nonprofits driven largely by growing visibility in the benefits of AI, as well as the integration of AI into the tools people use every day — like Gmail, Google Docs, and more.

2. How can AI help a nonprofit’s operations?

Nonprofits, even those with limited resources or AI experience, can use AI to increase efficiency so more time and resources are spent serving their mission. For instance, using AI to summarize research, recap meetings and draft emails can free up time for team members to focus on human-centric work, including community and donor engagement. AI can also help with routine tasks like data entry and organization, which is often a critical and time-intensive task for social impact organizations.

As more nonprofits become familiar with relevant use cases and participate in affordable and accessible AI training, expect to see AI become a central part of their operations.

3. How has your organization benefited from adopting AI?

AI has been a transformative tool at Understood.org, helping teams working across core functions like fundraising, community outreach, and research drive a major impact.

For example, our Advancement and Partnerships team, which is responsible for fundraising across our organization, sends and receives countless emails every day. Since adopting AI in Gmail through Gemini for Google Workspace, team members have been able to quickly and accurately summarize valuable research about the neurodiversity landscape, manage their inboxes, draft personalized and contextually relevant email replies, adjust tone across important communications, and more. The impact of AI goes beyond time savings, and has allowed the team to maintain a consistent cadence of high-quality outreach that has a direct impact on meeting our goals.

4. Are there ways in which AI has helped your nonprofit’s target audience?

Virtual AI assistants have exploded in popularity over the past decade and for good reason: They can help make everyday tasks easier. Their capabilities can be especially useful for people who learn and think differently, acting as assistive technology that helps with reading, writing, math and tasks that involve executive functions.

For instance, AI assistants can help someone with dyslexia receive real-time feedback and corrections in writing, convert text into simpler formats or read it aloud for better understanding. Similarly, they can help someone with dyscalculia by performing basic math calculations, handling unit conversions or visualizing numerical data.

Caregivers of people who learn and think differently can also benefit from AI assistants. A parent or teacher with a specific question about a child with ADHD may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information available about this learning difference. To help caregivers, Understood.org created an AI-powered chat tool on our website, the Understood Assistant. When prompted with a question, the Understood Assistant sorts through our 5,000+ expert-vetted resources to provide tailored recommendations. The responses are designed for clarity and easy comprehension, presented in bulleted lists and written at an eighth-grade reading level. The Understood Assistant may include links to the most relevant articles, podcasts, research, and other resources.

People who use the Understood Assistant read twice as many articles and are twice as likely to return to the site compared to all site users. It’s a good example of how AI can help simplify information, which we believe helps to make knowledge more accessible and useful.

A bright future for nonprofits and AI

These are just a few predictions of how AI can help nonprofits better serve their communities and achieve their goals. To learn more about Understood.org’s mission and to use the Understood Assistant, please visit Understood.org. And to learn more about AI and its uses across tools like Gmail, Google Docs, and more, please visit https://workspace.google.com/solutions/ai/.

2025-01-16T08:15:00

(BPT) – Gathering with friends and family to cheer on your home team makes for an unforgettable watch party. To take your “home-gating” up a notch, focus on what everyone loves — plenty of snacks and beverages to fuel guests from kickoff to final play.

Here are several tips to effortlessly keep the crew fed and happy so they enjoy themselves (even if your team fumbles) without missing any of the action.

Plan your portions

Making sure you’ve got enough snacks and beverages for your hungry and thirsty crowd is crucial. For drinks, plan to average about two drinks per hour per person and you’ll have plenty for everyone.

Where the food is concerned, provide at least 4-6 different types of appetizers for guests to choose from — or more, if you’re throwing a larger gathering. Caterers generally plan for about one pound of food per guest, to help you estimate the quantities you’ll need to satisfy everyone.

Choose tasty options that are easy to prep and cook

Make it easier for yourself and opt for simple appetizers that require minimum prep time, allowing you to relax and focus on other hosting tasks, like decorating or setting up extra seating where needed. Pick some tried-and-true favorites that you know how to make and that your guests are bound to love, like chicken wings, pizza rolls or sliders, plus a variety of different types of chips and dips.

Looking for a twist on the fan-favorite game day queso? Try Bob Evans^®Queso Macaroni & Cheese. Microwave ready in five minutes, this creamy dish with medium spice brings the classic queso flavor to the table in a new way and is easy to prepare and share with family and friends.

If you’re feeling creative, try this bold mashup recipe that combines Queso Macaroni & Cheese with tacos for a delicious bite that will have everyone coming back for more. Better yet, the dish is super-easy to make and is also a terrific option to bring along with you to a potluck watch party.

Spicy Taco Mac and Cheese

Prep time: 25 minutes. Cook time: 30 minutes. Servings: 6.

Ingredients
20 ounces (1 package) Bob Evans^® Queso Macaroni & Cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
1 pound ground beef
1 1/4 ounce taco seasoning mix
10 ounces enchilada sauce
8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Heat Bob Evans^® Queso Macaroni & Cheese according to package directions. Stir in sour cream, diced tomatoes and green chiles.
3. Meanwhile, cook beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbly; drain and return to skillet.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and enchilada sauce; cook until very thick.
5. Spoon half of macaroni and cheese mixture into greased 2-quart baking dish.
6. Top with meat mixture, 1 cup cheese and remaining macaroni and cheese.
7. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Bake 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
8. Top with grape tomatoes and cilantro and enjoy!

Find this new flavor of macaroni and cheese and other tasty side dishes including a variety of mashed potatoes in the refrigerated section of grocery retailers nationwide, or visit BobEvansGrocery.com to explore all their options.

Make it festive

Bring the team spirit to your watch party by adding streamers, banners and other accents in your home team’s colors. Complete the look with football-themed serveware and encourage everyone to wear their favorite jerseys!

Score big beyond game day

This sports season, Bob Evans^® and Jarritos^® are teaming up to offer a promotion that goes beyond just game day. Now through March 15, consumers who buy one Bob Evans^® dinner sides product and one single-serve Jarritos^® soda bottle will be eligible to receive a $20 Fanatics^® reward. Consumers will be able to submit receipts through March 31 and redeem their Fanatics^® e-gift card through April 15.

Visit BobEvansGrocery.com/Jarritos for the full promotion details and how to submit your receipt.

2025-01-16T14:45:00

(BPT) – Cervical Health Awareness Month in January serves as an important reminder that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can actually be prevented with regular screening. Thanks to the Pap test, and then the addition of HPV testing and HPV vaccination, the number of people getting cervical cancer has significantly decreased for more than 70 years.

Yet, despite the resources available to make sure no woman has to face this terrible disease, recent studies show that cervical cancer rates are plateauing, and in some cases even increasing. It’s estimated nearly 14,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024, with more than 4,000 deaths.

This increase in disease is, in part, because fewer women today are getting screened for cervical cancer as often as recommended. Between 2005-2019, there was a surprising 60% rise in the percentage of women overdue for their cervical cancer screening. These delays lead to cancer being discovered later, when the disease has become more serious.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why Dr. Kameelah Phillips, board certified OB/GYN and founder of Calla Women’s Health, is speaking up and raising awareness.

“It goes without saying that cancer of any kind is terrible, but the interesting thing about cervical cancer, specifically, is that it’s preventable and highly treatable through regular, proactive screening,” Phillips said. “It’s my passion to make sure that women across the country know that it’s within their power to take control of their health and to get screened with the best screening methods available.”

Today, the most effective screening options include the Pap test every three years for women 21-29, and the Pap test and the HPV test together, also known as co-testing, every five years for women 30-65. Co-testing is considered the most sensitive method to detect cervical cancer and pre-cancer in women. If you receive an abnormal result, it’s important to follow up with your doctor to determine the appropriate next steps. For most women, the screening exam is a brief, pain-free procedure, and working with a caring physician helps ensure their comfort throughout the appointment.

But the best screening options only work if women know they’re available. “Existing cervical cancer screening tools are incredibly effective, yet our progress has stalled because too many women don’t know they need to be screened or when to come in for follow-up care,” said Phillips. “It’s crucial to increase education on the importance of regular preventive screenings that happen during the annual well-woman exam so we can accelerate our progress toward eliminating cervical cancer.”

More than half of cervical cancer cases occur in women who have never been screened or haven’t been screened in the past five years, further reinforcing how important it is for patients to talk with their doctor about how they can stay up to date on their cervical health.

“We have made outstanding strides in preventing this cancer by using the Pap and HPV tests in screening. Now is the time to renew our commitment to education and access for all women,” added Phillips. “By working together to prioritize regular screening, we can combat this preventable cancer and save more women’s lives.”

2025-01-15T12:01:00

(BPT) – As families settle back into their normal routines after a busy holiday season, deciding on and cooking dinner during the week can feel daunting. Luckily, Noodles & Company, the nationwide fast-casual chain, is bringing back a fan-favorite dish that evokes nostalgia and craveable comfort—perfect for those seeking speed and reliability, all without the hassle of cooking.

Noodles Delivers What Guests Are Craving

Back by popular demand, Noodles & Company is reintroducing its beloved Steak Stroganoff. This indulgent dish delights with wavy egg noodles enveloped in a rich mushroom sherry cream sauce, accented by fresh herbs, cracked pepper, and roasted mushrooms. Tender marinated steak, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and vibrant Italian parsley complete the dish, delivering familiar, crave-worthy flavors that bring comfort and satisfaction. Perfect for those craving a hearty, effortless meal, this fan-favorite dish proves why it’s a timeless classic.

Since its celebrated return in 2024, Steak Stroganoff has made a remarkable impact, breaking Noodles’ records in just two weeks and securing its place as one of the brand’s most successful limited-time offerings. The dish has amassed a cult following, resulting in the brand listening to consumer demands and continuing to reintroduce it for limited-time runs on the menu.

The Go-To Destination for Craveable Comfort

Noodles & Company continues to lead the fast-casual space with bold flavors, quality, and value. The return of Steak Stroganoff gives guests even more reasons to start the New Year with maximum flavor.

The fast-casual chain consistently pushes boundaries with innovative dishes that elevate the dining experience. Noodles encourages guests to step outside their comfort zones and try something new, backed by its Goodness Guarantee. Noodles guarantees guest satisfaction by allowing exchanges for any entrée that guests don’t love — completely free of charge.

For more exclusive offers, guests can join Noodles Rewards for free through the Noodles mobile app or website. New members receive a free regular entrée after their first purchase using their Noodles Rewards account and earn points with every order.

Get It While It’s ON!

Whether families are looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to warm them up, the flavor-packed Steak Stroganoff is available for a limited time at all Noodles locations nationwide. Guests can order in restaurants, through the Noodles mobile app, or via third-party delivery.