Category: Brandpoint Health

2025-12-30T07:01:00

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

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

1. Recalibrate your internal clock

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

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

2. Make time for moments of mindfulness

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

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

3. Practice stretching every day

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

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

4. Focus on your cellular health

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

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

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

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

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

Reset and renew

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

2025-12-29T23:01:00

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

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

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

The Challenge of Getting In

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

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

Beyond Traditional Programs

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

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

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

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

New Pathways Opening

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

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

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

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

2025-12-22T12:01:01

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

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

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

Calm your mind

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

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

Keep it cool

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

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

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

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

Create a dark environment

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

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

Don’t underestimate the power of the right mattress

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

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

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

Take control of your sleep

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

2025-12-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – When fourth-grade teacher and new mom Brianna Iacona caught COVID-19 weeks before her 30th birthday, her mild symptoms rapidly escalated into life-threatening respiratory failure. After 97 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and a double lung transplant, she made a remarkable recovery and is now back in the classroom and enjoying time with her family.

Anesthesiologists were there every step of her medical journey — from providing intensive daily care and resolving life-threatening complications in the ICU to safely guiding her through the eight-hour high-risk transplant.

“I didn’t realize until after my transplant how critical each health care professional’s role is and that anesthesiologists were involved in so much of my care,” said Brianna, 34, of Newark, Del. “They were amazing.”

From the brink of death to a new beginning

After her son Brayson’s birth, Brianna returned to the classroom in the fall of 2021. A few weeks into the school year, she tested positive for COVID and got progressively worse. When she lost consciousness, her husband called for an ambulance. At the hospital, she was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support system that takes over the work of the lungs and heart. After two weeks, she was airlifted to the Penn Medicine: University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia.

In the ICU, anesthesiologists were at her bedside daily, keeping her stable on long-term ECMO, addressing the crises that threatened her survival and updating her family daily. They monitored and adjusted her medications, oxygen levels and blood thinners, coordinated her nutrition, and managed complications such as a collapsed lung. When blood thinners didn’t break up a dangerous clot in her heart, they alerted the surgeon to remove it. They advocated for her to be considered for lung transplantation and provided rehabilitation to keep her strong enough for the surgery.

She remembers almost nothing from her COVID diagnosis to her transplant — not the hospital staff decorating her bed for her birthday, the surgery to remove the blood clot or visits from her husband and son. Only a few fragments remain: the sensation of pedaling a bike during rehab, watching a movie in the hospital, and the anesthesiologist gently talking to her about her trauma and asking how to make her more comfortable.

On Dec. 28, 2021, she had a double lung transplant. Anesthesiologist Bonnie Milas, M.D., guided her through the complex surgery, monitoring and adjusting her ECMO support, keeping her stable and managing her oxygen levels. After the surgery, she carefully weaned Brianna off ECMO.

“Without that ongoing, intensive day-to-day management in the ICU, she might not have made it to surgery,” said Dr. Milas, who is a professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Committee on Trauma and Emergency Preparedness. “We were able to take her off ECMO after surgery when we knew her new lungs could do the job on their own.”

A long recovery and back to the classroom

After spending a month in the hospital relearning to walk, speak and dress herself, she came home in March 2022, shortly after Brayson’s second birthday. She continued outpatient physical therapy for three months, and by May finally felt strong enough to care for her son by herself. That fall, she returned to teaching.

“When you go through a traumatic experience like this, you lose your identity,” said Brianna. “You just want to get back to who you are. I love teaching. It’s who I am.”

Every year on Dec. 28, she, her husband and son sing “Happy Birthday” to her new lungs. “Brayson knows the transplant saved my life,” she said.

“People think anesthesiologists are only in the operating room, but in cases like this, we’re keeping patients alive in the ICU day after day and are often the reason they get a second chance at life,” said Dr. Milas. “In the operating room, a lung transplant is a choreography of high-risk decisions, with the anesthesiologist maintaining blood flow, preventing injury, stabilizing the patient and ensuring those new lungs are viable the moment they are transplanted.”

To learn more about how anesthesiologists keep patients safe before, during and after surgery, visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

2025-12-18T10:49:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

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

Hardwood flooring is in high demand, adding style, dimension and value to a home. In fact, more than half (61%) of American homeowners say wood flooring was a priority when deciding to design or purchase their home, according to the 2026 Bona Floorcast report.

There are many reasons people choose hardwood flooring. It’s a warm, natural material that offers near endless design and color options. It’s also durable and timeless. With proper care, hardwood flooring can last for many years.

When it’s time for an update, many homeowners choose to keep their hardwood floors, opting to refinish rather than remove the flooring material. Three-quarters of American homeowners would rather restore their existing wood floors than replace them, with refinishing offering a more environmentally responsible way to preserve a floor’s natural beauty and extend longevity, the Bona report found.

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

Why flooring experts recommend waterborne finishing for hardwood

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

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

What hardwood floor finish is best for indoor air quality?

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

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

What are VOCs in hardwood floor finishes?

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

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

What labels and certifications matter for a hardwood floor finishing system?

Look for finishing systems with UL GREENGUARD Certification. GREENGUARD is a third-party organization that ensures products used for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emission limits.

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

How durable are waterborne finishes?

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

How long does it take for waterborne finishes to dry?

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

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

Once hardwood floors are refinished, what’s the best way to care for them?

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

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

2025-12-09T08:07:00

(BPT) – A lingering cough. A stuffy nose that just won’t quit. If you’ve ever felt like your cold is overstaying its welcome, you’re not alone. Most respiratory infections clear up within a week or two, but sometimes, what we do while we’re “on the mend” can turn a simple sickness into a longer, drawn-out battle.

“People often assume that once their fever breaks or congestion improves, they’re in the clear,” notes Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, a family medicine physician and Associate Chief Medical Officer at MD Live by Evernorth. “Your immune system is still in repair mode even after the worst symptoms subside. Seemingly harmless choices can set your recovery back or even cause rebound symptoms.”

Here are six surprising ways we keep our recovery from fully crossing the finish line, and what you can do to help your body truly heal.

1. You’re back in go-mode, but your immune system isn’t: After being sick, it’s tempting to dive right back into work, errands and everyday demands. However, constant stress keeps your body in a fight-or-flight mode, which can suppress immune function and prolong recovery time. When your body stays under pressure, it has less energy to dedicate to repair and healing. The best approach: Reintroduce work schedules, exercise routines and other regular daily activities gradually to let your system fully recover before returning to your usual pace.

2. You’re talking more than you should: Once you’re feeling better, it’s easy to jump back into routine conversations, but your throat and airways may still be recovering. Meetings, long calls and social plans can strain your vocal cords and respiratory system before they’ve fully recovered. If your throat still feels scratchy or a cough is still lingering, give yourself permission to speak less and let your voice rest — a simple yet powerful way to support healing.

3. You’re still sleeping with the heat on full blast: Heating systems in our homes often produce dry heat, draining any moisture in the air. A lack of moisture can cause mucus to thicken and dry out, irritating your sinuses and making congestion worse. A cool mist humidifier or opening a window slightly can help keep your airways hydrated, which in turn, can help your body clear residual infection faster than the dry air.

4. You’re relying on leftover meds: Using leftover medications or antibiotics prescribed for a different illness can delay proper treatment and cause side effects. If lingering fatigue, coughing or congestion continue, consult a doctor to rule out complications and determine the most appropriate treatment options for you.

5. You’re not fueling your comeback correctly: Skipping meals or relying only on snacks can slow down repair and leave you feeling run-down. Protein gives your immune system the amino acids it needs to rebuild and restore balance. Add lean proteins, such as eggs, beans or chicken, to help your body regain strength and recover more quickly.

6. You’re ignoring lingering inflammation cues: If your sinuses still ache, your muscles feel unusually sore, or your energy dips sharply midday, it could be your body’s way of saying it’s not done healing. Treat those signs as yellow lights, not green. If you’re unsure whether lingering symptoms are part of normal recovery or something more, an MD Live doctor can assess your symptoms virtually and guide you on next steps so you can return to full strength safely.

Getting sick can feel like a total disruption to your schedule, preventing you from socializing and interrupting your routine. However, recovery doesn’t end when your symptoms fade. Giving your body the time, rest and nourishment it needs can mean the difference between feeling “mostly better” and feeling truly well again.

2025-12-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – For 36-year-old Austin, Texas, resident David R., kidney disease was something he never expected. After months of feeling sluggish, nauseous and experiencing cramping in his hands and feet, he made an appointment to see his doctor to discuss his health. However, just two days before his appointment, the pain moved to David’s abdomen, and he was raced to the emergency room.

“I thought I was dehydrated,” David recalled. “But the doctors said I had stage 5 kidney failure.”

Following his diagnosis, David was empowered to take charge of his kidney health, partnering with his doctor to learn more and develop a care plan to manage his condition. Several years into dialysis, David was matched with a living kidney donor and received a kidney transplant.

Now, 17 years into his kidney health journey, David’s sharing his experience to encourage at-risk adults to prioritize their health through It Takes 2™ — a health initiative bringing awareness to the importance of testing and early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to help reduce long-term complications.

Who is at risk for CKD?

David’s story isn’t unique. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 35 million adults in the U.S. have CKD. Like David, most people (90%) with CKD don’t know they have it and many don’t experience symptoms until their disease is in its advanced stages.

There’s no single cause of CKD. However, diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for up to two-thirds of kidney disease cases. Also, some populations, including Black, Hispanic and Latin Americans, are likely to have a greater incidence of risk factors for kidney disease and more barriers to accessing primary care.

“Hispanic and Latin Americans are at higher risk for CKD. I know this because I’m living it,” said David. “As a former dialysis patient and kidney and liver transplant recipient, I know how difficult it can be to access the resources and support. In fact, my father experienced and unfortunately passed away from kidney failure as a result of his diabetes, and my mother recently passed away after six months of dialysis.”

Detecting kidney disease takes two tests and two people

It takes two tests — a blood test called eGFR and a urine test called UACR — to get the full picture about CKD. However, most people who are at risk of developing CKD are not receiving regular, complete testing. One study found that less than 20% of patients at risk for CKD between 2013 and 2019 received complete testing for it.

“Looking back, I wish I’d been armed with the resources and support to get tested sooner,” said David. “That’s why I am proud to join the It Takes 2™ program, to empower people, like me, who are at risk of developing kidney disease, to prioritize their health by talking to their doctor about complete testing, including UACR testing.” Along with the eGFR blood test, the UACR urine test may also help uncover risk for cardiovascular disease.

Today, David works with nonprofits, medical organizations and policymakers to help others living with kidney disease and encourages those with a higher risk of developing CKD to talk to their doctor.

“Remember, it takes two — you and your doctor — to detect kidney disease and cardiovascular risk,” said David. “Knowledge is power, and working with your doctor to test for kidney disease is one step toward achieving that.”

Learn more about the resources available and the importance of complete testing for kidney disease by visiting www.TestYourKidneys.com.

2025-12-05T14:51:00

(BPT) – In a world dominated by keyboards and text messages, the simple act of writing by hand has become an often-overlooked superpower. Neuroscientists, educators, and creativity experts are all aligned to the fact that when we pick up a pen, our brains come alive in a way that electronic devices can’t replicate.

If you’ve ever felt clearer or lighter after jotting your thoughts and feelings on paper, there’s a reason. Writing by hand isn’t just reflective, it’s restorative. You’re creating a space for calm in an overstimulating world. Writing by hand has been proven to boost focus, spark creativity and even deepen emotional connection. As the new year begins, a key way to support your well-being may be as simple as capturing your thoughts in a journal or notebook with your favorite pen.

Find a blank page and let gratitude lead the way

Journaling has long been tied to better emotional health, but research shows that the benefits go even deeper. Elizabeth Scott, Ph.D., author of “8 Keys to Stress Management,” notes that expressive writing can strengthen the immune system, reduce symptoms of chronic conditions and help regulate mood. “When you give your thoughts a place to land, you give your mind room to breathe,” says Dr. Scott.

Gratitude journaling is one of the most accessible and uplifting methods of journaling. A 2021 study in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that spending just 15 minutes a day reflecting on gratitude, five days a week for at least six weeks, can reshape mental wellness and positively affect physical health.

Whether you’re grateful for a big event like a promotion or a small gesture like a friend buying you a latte, recording these positive moments in a journal helps you notice the shift. Over time, you’ll train your brain to look for what’s going well, not just what demands your energy.

Why it works: Writing by hand activates the brain differently

Typing is fast, but writing engages the brain in a more complex way. A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that writing by hand boosts activity in your brain tied to movement, vision and sensory processing, the systems that help information “stick.” Your brain simply responds differently when you slow down to form each word.

Enhance your experience: Your pen can be the key

Choosing your tools is a meaningful step as you plan your path to happiness. Pens with uplifting patterns, like Pilot’s new G2 | SmileyWorld^® Collection, can influence mood through simple visual cues. The G2 gel pens in the G2 | SmileyWorld^® Collection feature cheerful emoticons that our brains respond to positively, the same way we’d respond as if we’re seeing a real smiling face. It’s a small, steady nudge toward a more positive mindset each time you pick one up to write.

As Dr. Scott explains, “Our brains gravitate toward patterns and make lasting associations. If you consistently choose to use a writing instrument with happy emoticons during moments of reflection or creative expression, your mind will start to associate these activities with positivity.”

Maximize your mindset with color

Color is more than nice to look at or wear — it’s also a powerful tool for success. Studies have proven that choosing certain colors can positively affect your mood, productivity and overall mindset.

• Blues soothe and support focus
• Pinks encourage warmth and positive thinking
• Greens promote balance and harmony
• Purples fuel imagination and creativity
• Reds, oranges & yellows spark energy, ideas and motivation

So, whether you write with a calming blue on a reflective morning or an energizing yellow when you’re setting goals, the G2 by Pilot comes in 41 vibrant colors as well as curated, mood-boosting pack assortments with the G2 Boost Collection to help you power your productivity and fuel your creativity.

Stay consistent: Make journaling fit your life

One of the biggest misconceptions about journaling is that it requires long, detailed entries. In reality, even a few minutes can make a meaningful difference.

Microjournaling is a great way to focus on gratitude and reflection. A helpful framework is the 4 A’s: appreciation, acknowledgment, admiration and affection. It’s a simple, attainable structure to help you remain consistent.

This year, write happier

If you’re looking for a grounded and uplifting habit to carry into the new year, gratitude journaling is a powerful place to start. With the right tools, ones designed to brighten your mood and engage your mind, you may find that writing becomes a moment you look forward to.

Here’s to a year of noticing the good, capturing small moments and writing your way toward a happier mindset. To learn more, visit PowerToThePen.com.

2025-12-03T12:01:00

(BPT) – Knowledge is power, and it’s also critical for making vital health care decisions. More information leads to better understanding of treatment options, especially when it comes to early-stage breast cancer. To increase knowledge for health care providers and people with breast cancer, the FLEX Study (NCT03053193) from Agendia, provider of MammaPrint^® and BluePrint^® genomic testing, seeks to capture genomic and clinical data for 30,000 newly diagnosed early-stage breast cancer patients, and to follow them for 10 years.

The FLEX Study captures the entire transcriptome (the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome of an organism at a specific time) from a single breast cancer sample, and combines it with extensive clinical details of each patient — merging crucial genomic data with clinical data to create a huge database unlike any previous registry.

As of May 2025, the FLEX study has enrolled over 20,000 early-stage breast cancer patients across 102 sites in the U.S., three sites in Canada and one site each in Greece and Israel. This makes it the most diverse study to date, with significant representation from a wide array of populations to make FLEX much more inclusive of minority groups that have been previously underrepresented in medical research.

Open to women and men 18 years and older who have been diagnosed with stage I, II or III breast cancer, including all clinical subtypes, the FLEX dataset will be a true representation of the entire patient population. FLEX is the largest and most comprehensive observational trial for breast cancer, drawing on a vast database of genomic and clinical data to offer ongoing insights that can help inform care decisions for people with breast cancer today and into the future.

“The study is already providing a very valuable tool to help health care providers predict patient responses to therapy,” said Joyce O’Shaughnessy, MD, FLEX National Principal Investigator, chair of the Breast Cancer Program for U.S. Oncology Research, Texas Oncology and Celebrating Women chair in Breast Cancer Research at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. “This data also helps us understand the mechanisms of treatment in early-stage breast cancer patients, with long-term follow-up.”

Expanding understanding of early-stage breast cancer

The FLEX trial focuses on enriching enrollment of diverse racial/ethnic minorities, historically underrepresented groups and uncommon early breast cancer (EBC) tumor histologies (the scientific study of the microscopic structure of cells and tissues). An additional goal is supporting investigator-initiated sub-studies to address clinically relevant questions in EBC with up to 10 years of follow-up.

By capturing data from patients of all ethnicities, ages, genders and health statuses, the FLEX database provides valuable opportunities to accelerate real-world breast cancer research. FLEX will enable researchers to investigate the differences and trends between breast cancer sub-groups. Importantly, it will also allow a focus on smaller, more diverse patient populations which have traditionally been challenging to recruit in sufficient numbers for clinical trials.

Patients who receive standard of care MammaPrint^® (70-gene signature risk of recurrence), with or without BluePrint^® (80-gene signature molecular subtype) genomic testing on their primary breast tumor and consent to clinically annotated whole transcriptome data collection are eligible for enrollment.

Ongoing research is already uncovering key insights

The FLEX trial is currently supporting ongoing research, including 42 active sub-studies, and has presented over 63 abstracts internationally (2018-2025), including 6 podium presentations that address the underlying differences in tumor biology and disparities in treatment in underrepresented populations.

At this year’s San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium^® (SABCS), several presentations will reveal the latest research insights discovered from analysis of FLEX data. SABCS is the world’s largest and most significant scientific conference exclusively dedicated to breast cancer, providing a vital platform for clinicians and researchers to share new data, discuss medical discoveries and collaborate globally, attracting over 10,000 attendees from more than 102 countries.

Presentations at the 2025 SABCS highlight the key role of FLEX study data in providing detailed insights that can help health care providers recommend treatment options for individuals, depending on their unique risk factors for disease recurrence in early breast cancer.

“The scientific evidence being developed by the FLEX data means that health care teams can provide personalized care that helps them minimize both over- and under-treatment of an individual’s disease,” added O’Shaughnessy.

Evidence-based insights from the FLEX study and genomic testing are resulting in more personalized treatment planning at the earliest stage of care, leading to better informed treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Learn more about the latest insights from the FLEX registry at Agendia.com.

2025-11-30T01:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know whether your current Medicare plan covers any vision benefits? Most Medicare plans don’t cover routine eye exams or glasses, but certain supplemental or Medicare Advantage plans do offer this crucial coverage. Knowing what’s included in your Medicare coverage can help you save money, while also keeping your eyes healthy.

Here are tips to help you make the most of your Medicare plan when it comes to your eye health, and what you should know about reducing your vision-related expenses.

Check your eligibility: See if you’re covered for an annual eye exam. Many Medicare Advantage plans include one routine exam per year, at no extra cost. Having an annual eye exam is important not just for corrective lenses, but to support your overall eye health. Contact your insurer to ask questions about your vision coverage.

Use your vision allowances before they expire: Some Medicare plans include a particular allowance for glasses or contacts that resets each calendar year. For this reason, it’s important to use your allowance for corrective lenses before the end of the year to make the most of your benefits, or you could be leaving money on the table.

Choose an in-network provider: Making sure to stay within your network when you choose a provider for your next eye exam helps you avoid paying higher out-of-pocket costs. Check with your insurance provider to help you find an in-network provider near you, if you don’t have one already.

Update your prescription: Even if you only need small changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription, updating your prescription each year may help improve your vision — and your safety, especially while you’re driving.

Explore preventive screenings: Annual eye exams are important for identifying serious health conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration at an early stage, when they are more easily treatable. Especially as you age, it’s more important than ever to have these vital screenings every year. Additionally, comprehensive eye exams can help identify potential signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which may benefit from early detection and treatment.

Visit an eye doctor and save with VSP vision insurance: If you don’t have vision coverage as part of your Medicare plan, you still have affordable options. For example, you can purchase a vision insurance plan at any time with VSP^® Individual Vision Plans, with no need to wait for a special open enrollment or waiting period. You can save over $350 annually with affordable VSP Individual Vision Plans that you can customize and buy on your own. You’ll also receive 20% savings on additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements, from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last exam. VSP members also have access to over $3,000 in savings with Exclusive Member Extras.

Even if you do not wear corrective lenses, maintaining regular eye exams is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Take action now to ensure that your vision is protected. Visit VSPDirect.com to compare plans and find a vision plan that meets your needs.