Category: Brandpoint Health

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.

2025-11-24T13:37:00

(BPT) – Holidays are all about cozy gatherings and enjoying quality time with family and friends. But when everyone has full calendars and endless to-do lists, hosting can quickly become overwhelming. These simple tricks will help make entertaining feel effortless, so you can relax, slow down and savor all your seasonal celebrations.

1. Create a checklist

A few days before the party, jot down everything you’ll need, from ingredients and decor to serving pieces, and note where to buy each item. This can help streamline the logistics of your shopping or ordering for delivery, while also ensuring you won’t forget anything important!

2. Keep your home visit-ready

Keep your home effortlessly guest-ready by creating a designated drop zone near the entryway. Use hooks or baskets for coats, bags and shoes. No coat closet? No problem. Try a rolling bin to neatly store your family’s essentials and tuck it out of sight whenever guests drop by, expected or not.

3. Prep a batch dish in advance

Choose one dish you know will be a hit, like a baked pasta, a hearty winter salad, or a cozy soup, and prepare it the day before. Having a delicious, ready-to-go option on hand eases the pressure on the day of and helps you spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

4. Pre-set your table décor

Prep your tablescape the night before your celebration, setting out platters, utensils and drinkware as well as seasonal decor, like greenery, candles or themed place cards. Make sure to snap a quick photo of your table setup or decor once it’s ready — next year, you’ll thank yourself for the easy inspiration.

5. Make tasty appetizers or sides in a snap

Short on prep time but still want to wow your guests as soon as they come in the door? Try this Pull-Apart Holiday Caesar Salad Wreath from Fresh Express! It’s fresh, fun and effortlessly elegant, making it the perfect seasonal dish that looks as good as it tastes (and comes together in minutes)!

Pull-Apart Holiday Caesar Salad Wreath

This show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table features classic flavors with crisp greens, herb-seasoned crouton crumbles, and a rich Caesar dressing, beautifully arranged for a delightful seasonal presentation.

Prep time: 25 minutes Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 (9.4-ounce) packages Fresh Express^® Caesar Chopped Salad Kit^®
• 3 boxes Chebe Original Cheese Bread Mix
• 6 eggs, room temperature
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 9-12 tablespoons water
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
• 4.5 cups chopped broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups red bell pepper, diced

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, prepare the Chebe mix according to the package instructions, using approximately 3 tablespoons of water per box of bread mix to ensure the dough is not too sticky.

3. Knead the dough until well combined. Divide it into 12 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. For accuracy, each ball should weigh about 28 grams if using a kitchen scale. If no scale is available, roll the dough into a log shape and slice it into equal pieces.

4. Arrange the dough balls in a circular pattern on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each ball. To guide placement, visualize the face of a clock and position the dough balls where the numbers would be.

5. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the dough balls are lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding.

6. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese and dry ranch seasoning until smooth.

7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked wreath, using approximately 3/4 of the mixture. Reserve any leftover cream cheese mixture as a dip for vegetables or crackers.

8. Layer the chopped broccoli over the cream cheese mixture, pressing it gently to help it stick. Sprinkle the diced red bell pepper over the top to complete the decoration.

For effortless entertaining, Fresh Express brings you chef-inspired salad blends that are as convenient as they are craveable. Each mix is washed, rinsed and gently dried to perfection — no prep needed — so you can serve vibrant, flavorful sides and appetizers in minutes.

Visit FreshExpress.com for more recipes and products to inspire your holiday entertaining.

2025-11-20T08:15:00

(BPT) – Murals possess a unique ability to bring a community to life, creating spaces for connection, reflection and inspiration. These public art installations transform spaces, fostering community ties and positively impacting the well-being of those who experience it.

On college and university campuses, murals do more than add color; they celebrate an institution’s history, values and vision for the future. They create a shared sense of pride, inspire unity and foster lasting school spirit, allowing students and visitors to see themselves reflected in public spaces. Murals provide a place for people to gather, take photos and share their connection to the school, amplifying campus pride.

Valspar—a leading manufacturer of paint and coatings—understands the unique power of murals to spread optimism and inspire. That’s why the brand launched its “Be Bright by Valspar” mural initiative in 2021. This initiative sponsors large-scale murals in communities across the country, partnering with that year’s PGA TOUR Valspar Championship winner and local artists to create public art that reflects the people and places in which it’s located.

Oklahoma State University mural celebrates the power of paying it forward

This year’s mural is located on Chris’ University Spirit store, near Oklahoma State University (OSU), and was chosen by 2025 Valspar Championship winner and OSU alum Viktor Hovland. The design celebrates OSU traditions and school pride.

Beyond its artistic impact, the mural serves as a vibrant backdrop for community gatherings and photos, allowing students to express their school spirit and share it with others.

Oklahoma artist Kellen Carter designed and painted the mural, which highlights community, dedication and the idea of paying it forward. The vibrant artwork captures how support and perseverance can turn childhood dreams into reality, reflecting Hovland’s own journey from a standout college athlete to a PGA Tour champion.

Speaking about the spirit of OSU, Hovland said, “One of OSU’s mottos is ‘Loyal & True,’ and you see that every day in Stillwater. It’s a very tight community that cares about the students,” a sentiment that echoes throughout the mural’s message of pride and connection.

“Be Bright by Valspar” initiative: A history of community art in action

The “Be Bright by Valspar” initiative began just before the 2021 Valspar Championship PGA tournament in Tampa Bay—a moment when the world was beginning to reopen from the pandemic and people were craving optimism and real human connection. Recognizing this need, Valspar created the program to celebrate the power of color, public art and community storytelling, using murals to uplift and inspire, spark dialogue and create spaces that invite personal interaction.

Each year, as part of “Be Bright by Valspar,” the brand completes two murals: the first in Tampa Bay and the second later in the year in a city of the tournament winner’s choosing. Each mural, just like each community, is unique. All Be Bright murals are painted using Valspar Defense and Duramax exterior fade-resistant paints to ensure each mural can inspire communities for years to come.

At the heart of this initiative is the belief in the power of togetherness and what it can do for people and their communities. Since its inception, Be Bright by Valspar has completed ten murals: five in the Tampa Bay area at North Greenwood Recreation Center, Tampa General Hospital, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, ZooTampa at Lowry Park, and Feeding Tampa Bay and five others in Ruston, Louisiana, Edmond, Oklahoma, Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee and most recently in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Valspar believes paint inspires beyond home projects, encouraging everyone to be the brightness the world needs. To learn more about the Be Bright initiative, visit Valspar.com/En/BeBright.

2025-11-21T12:19:00

(BPT) – You may have heard about microplastics in the environment, but did you know synthetic textiles are responsible for an estimated 35% of all primary microplastic pollution? Growing research about microplastics and their potential harm not just for the environment, but also for human health, has brought increasing attention to where they can be found. It’s also becoming clear that people can help reduce microplastics through simple choices — such as checking clothing tags for natural fibers like cotton before making a purchase.

What are microplastics, and why do they matter?

Microplastics are very small plastic particles (less than 5 millimeters) that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as fibers that can be found in synthetic textiles. With every wear and wash, synthetic materials shed tiny microplastics that then accumulate throughout homes, in waterways including the oceans, and in the air we breathe.

Alarmingly, microplastics have even been found within people’s bodies, and their potential health effects are still being studied. In the last year, a growing amount of scientific evidence has confirmed a significant presence of microplastics within our bodies. Research has found that the average person inhales or ingests an estimated 74,000–121,000 microplastic particles each year, leading to plastic microfibers being found lodged deep in the lungs and even circulating in blood. Emerging research is investigating the impact microplastics may be having on health, including potential links to cardiovascular disease, infertility, and dementia.

How you can reduce your exposure to microplastics

While this news is extremely concerning, there are actions you can take that make a difference. As you’re shopping for holiday gifts this year, take the opportunity to start checking the tags of clothing before you buy. Make that tiny action a habit or New Year’s resolution. Just as you scan nutrition labels on food for yourself and your family, knowing that you’re buying and wearing natural fibers like cotton can also provide peace of mind. Cotton not only offers comfort and breathability, but it also reduces your exposure to microplastics and the amount of microplastics in the environment.

Synthetic clothing, like polyester and rayon, are created by fibers made through chemical processes, using compounds that come from industrially sourced materials including petroleum-based chemicals and petrochemicals. Often, they’re made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same chemicals found in single-use plastic bottles and packaging.

Every year, simply wearing polyester apparel can release over 900 million microplastics into the air, and washing synthetic garments adds nearly 300 million more microplastics into wastewater. Overall, up to 65% of microplastics shed from synthetic textiles may be released into the air just through drying and wearing them.

By choosing natural fibers for your own clothing and for the gifts you give this holiday season, you’ll be helping to decrease the amount of microplastics in the environment and in your own body.

“It’s time to connect the dots between what we wear and our overall wellness,” suggests Marjory Walker, vice president of Council Operations, National Cotton Council. “The materials our clothes are made from deserve the same attention we give to other aspects of our health. The power to make a more informed choice is right at your fingertips and we’re encouraging a ‘Tag Swap’: swapping the synthetic choice for a natural one. When you see polyester or acrylic on a label, you can make a more conscious decision.”

The National Cotton Council’s “Plant Not Plastic” campaign urges shoppers to learn more about the importance of wearing natural fibers as part of their overall wellness routine.

“When you choose a natural fiber like cotton, you’re not just avoiding plastic; you’re choosing a fiber that is naturally soft, breathable, and comfortable,” added Walker. “Before you buy, flip the tag and aim for 100% cotton or high-cotton blends for superior breathability, comfort, and peace of mind.”

Learn more about the benefits of choosing natural fibers at PlantNotPlastic.org and follow on social: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, X, and TikTok.

2025-11-20T13:01:00

(BPT) – Scott Rider of South Carolina is one of over 1 million people in the United States with Parkinson’s disease. Working closely with his care team, he decided on a unique three-part plan that Medical University of South Carolina clinicians refer to as the “trifecta” for treating Parkinson’s: seeing a movement disorders specialist, optimizing medications and engaging in exercise-based therapies. This includes an innovative new exercise program designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease facts

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Approximately 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Symptoms often begin slowly and are subtle, such as balance problems, limb stiffness and shaking in the hands. These may be mistaken for other disorders or dismissed as a natural part of aging. However, it’s essential to talk with your doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms because an earlier diagnosis means better treatment options that can help to slow the progression of the disease, including comprehensive programs with exercise and advanced treatments.

Exercise for Parkinson’s disease

“There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, scientists have found that intense exercise is a means of slowing down the progression of the disease,” said Vanessa Hinson, M.D., PhD., director of the Movement Disorders Program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). “We advise the patient early on to get engaged with physical therapy and community-based exercise programs.”

MUSC Health is South Carolina’s first designated Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, offering the state’s only comprehensive movement disorders program. As part of this program, movement disorder specialists work closely with patients to provide personalized care and treatment.

“A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders,” said Hinson. “We’re well-equipped to detect the early signs and get people on the right track early on in the course of Parkinson’s disease.”

Rider, an MUSC patient, participates in regular exercise to manage his Parkinson’s symptoms. He enjoys a non-contact boxing program called Rock Steady Boxing that incorporates elements that help people with Parkinson’s disease to manage their disease. Another program he likes is a pickleball program called Pick It Up for Parkinson’s.

“Having the right team around is crucial as far as managing the disease to maintain the healthiest lifestyle possible. And that team should include a movement disorder specialist,” said Rider. “All that put together creates such a sense of hope and encouragement that just makes life better when you’re managing Parkinson’s disease.”

Parkinson’s medications and clinical trials

Medications are another key element of MUSC’s trifecta for treating Parkinson’s disease. There have been numerous medication breakthroughs that have helped people with Parkinson’s to delay the progression of the disease, with a key element being a comprehensive team of specialists that can tailor personalized medication treatment plans for patients.

Levodopa is the main medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease. To help the brain to get the optimum amount, it’s paired with another medication called carbidopa. This pairing allows patients to take lower doses with fewer side effects while maximizing benefits.

Over time, different formulations, such as extended-release pills, infusion pumps and add-on drugs, have been developed to keep medication levels steadier and manage symptoms like tremors, movement fluctuations and involuntary movements.

Fortunately, the team believes that the availability of options and effectiveness of treatments for Parkinson’s disease will continue to grow, thanks to expert research and participation in clinical trials. MUSC Health is leading the way in this work, conducting cutting-edge trials that focus on alleviating challenging symptoms and exploring therapies that could slow or stop disease progression. By participating in clinical trials – always available at no cost – patients may gain access to promising new medications while helping to advance care for everyone with Parkinson’s disease.

Advanced treatments for Parkinson’s disease

MUSC Health’s Movement Disorders Program also includes advanced therapies like deep-brain stimulation. This may be an option beyond medication for Parkinson’s patients like Chris McLernon, whose Parkinson’s restricted his ability to play the rock music he loved so much.

He worked with the comprehensive care team at MUSC and decided to receive deep-brain stimulation surgery. Shortly thereafter, he brought in his guitar and immediately played a song he couldn’t play prior due to his symptoms.

“I brought it in and ripped it right out. I could not believe it,” McLernon said. “The fact that I can play easily, smoothly and professionally is worth everything to me.”

The future of Parkinson’s treatment

It’s MUSC’s goal to provide comprehensive treatment to people with Parkinson’s and other movement disorders. Their unique trifecta approach provides people with Parkinson’s a higher quality of life and better chance for managing the disease.

To learn more about MUSC Health and watch a video featuring these patient stories, visit muschealth.org.

2025-11-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Lauren, a 35-year-old wife and mother of three daughters, had just finished breastfeeding her youngest when she first noticed the lump on her breast. She shrugged it off as something that happens when nursing and figured it would go away on its own. However, six months later the lump was still there, prompting her to see a doctor who later confirmed a stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis. Despite aggressively treating her cancer for two years, including a double mastectomy and ovary removal surgery, a follow-up biopsy revealed the cancer had spread and advanced to stage 4.

More than 300,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Of those diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, nearly 30% will later develop metastatic breast cancer, meaning the cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. And, while metastatic breast cancer is not curable, it is treatable.

“I was crushed when I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. After enduring different treatments, I was then handed what felt like a fatal diagnosis when I learned the cancer had spread,” Lauren recalls. “I retreated and isolated myself for a couple of months. All I could think about was how my children’s memories of me would only be of cancer. It was not how I wanted to be remembered, and I knew I had to change my mindset.”

Advancements in HER2 Research Helps Inform Treatment

Following Lauren’s metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, her doctors conducted biomarker testing to guide them as they developed her treatment plan. The tests indicated that her tumor had low levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), a protein that helps cells grow. When cells produce too much HER2, they can become cancerous.

Edith Perez, M.D., professor emeritus at the Mayo Clinic and chief medical officer with the Cornerstone Specialty Network, noted that, “Historically, patients with HER2-expressing tumors were either categorized as HER2 positive or HER2 negative. However, advancements in research now show a person’s HER2 status exists on a spectrum, akin to a light switch dimmer, allowing for more nuanced assessment.”

Learning that Lauren’s metastatic breast cancer expressed low levels of HER2 was an important discovery for her care team. More than half of patients with metastatic breast cancer previously diagnosed as HER2 negative can now be identified as having low levels of HER2 expression.

“I felt scared and weak when I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and did not know whether I would have months or years left,” Lauren recalls. “Luckily my efforts to keep up with the latest research and connect with other patients about their own experiences helped guide me when we learned I had low levels of HER2. It gave me a foundation when having conversations with my healthcare team for identifying the next steps in my journey.”

Lauren now dedicates her life to education and advocacy for the cancer community, including sharing her own experience navigating stage 4 breast cancer. She encourages others to talk to their doctor about biomarker testing or revisiting test results from previous biopsy samples since HER2 status can change over time and with treatment. Many who were previously told they were HER2 negative may have low levels of HER2 in their cancer cells — these levels may still matter.

Learn more about the importance of biomarker testing and how HER2 status can impact personalized treatment at HER2statusMatters.com.

This article is sponsored by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca. Lauren and Edith Perez, M.D., are paid consultants.

2025-11-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Medicare open enrollment ends on December 7. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, in-depth, unbiased counseling and support to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on how to use your Medicare, a local SHIP can help. A certified counselor will give you one-on-one guidance based on your unique situation and needs.

2025-11-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Do you regularly experience watery eyes? Believe it or not, this may be a sign of dry eyes. When your eyes aren’t properly lubricated, they can become irritated and can sometimes overproduce tears to soothe them. Other signs that you may be suffering from dry eyes include:

• A scratchy feeling
• Tired eyes
• Stinging or burning
• Light sensitivity
• Itchiness

While you can’t always prevent dry eyes, you can take steps to mitigate irritation and feel more comfortable as you go about your day. TheraTears^® — a leader in dry eye symptom relief — offers a few strategies to hydrate and soothe dry eyes.

Use a humidifier

Dry air may be one of the main culprits behind your dry eyes. In fact, according to Optometrists Network, dry air in the house or office is one of the leading causes of dry eye symptoms. Luckily, this is a fairly easy issue to fix.

A simple yet effective way to soothe and prevent dry eyes is to use a humidifier. By releasing moisture into the air, a humidifier creates a more comfortable environment for your eyes and helps keep them hydrated. Look for a humidifier or two to keep in your bedroom, office and other indoor spaces where you spend most of your time.

Use quality eye drops

Your tear film — the thin layer of liquid that covers the surface of the eye — is a delicate ecosystem. When that ecosystem is out of balance, your eyes lose water, leading to dry, burning and itchy eyes. Using over-the-counter eye drops is a great way to restore balance in your eyes and feel quick relief.

That said, not any eye drop will do. Choose a product that mimics natural tears like TheraTears^® Dry Eye Therapy. This one-of-a-kind, doctor-created lubricating eye drop is formulated with OxyLytes™, a proprietary blend of the five vital electrolytes found in natural tears. The formula restores your tear film’s balance, hydrates and soothes dry eyes and provides them with long-lasting relief.

Remember to hydrate

Are you drinking enough water? When you’re dehydrated, your body doesn’t have enough fluids to keep your eyes well-lubricated. Aim to drink eight to 10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated and take care of your overall wellness, including your eye health. If you’ve found it difficult to remember to drink water, set alarms on your phone as a reminder and get into the habit of carrying a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day.

Take a screen break

Did you know that screens can cause dry eyes? According to Nebraska Medicine, there’s growing evidence that staring at screens for long periods reduces blinking, which is crucial to maintaining hydrated eyes.

You don’t have to get rid of screens completely to manage your dry eye symptoms. Instead, take recurrent screen breaks following the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes you look at a screen, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Incorporating more frequent blinking will also help. So, whether you’re scrolling on your phone, working on your laptop or relaxing in front of the television, give your eyes a rest.

Managing dry eyes doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Using these simple tips, you can soothe your dry eyes and create habits that prevent additional irritation. To learn more about the dry eye symptoms and how to treat them, visit TheraTears.com.

2025-11-10T09:01:02

(BPT) – One woman’s journey from an unexpected diagnosis to learning how to manage a chronic, progressive lung disease.

When Lavonda was told she had bronchiectasis, she didn’t know what the word meant.

“I had never heard of it before,” Lavonda recalls. “At first, I thought it couldn’t be that serious.”

The diagnosis came in 2008, after an incident in a hot yoga class where she suddenly felt lightheaded, struggled to breathe and thought she might faint. Assuming it was pneumonia, she went to her primary care physician who recommended she see a pulmonologist. But a CT scan revealed something far less familiar — a chronic lung condition that would change how she thought about her day-to-day and lifelong health.

She soon learned about the disease from her physician who explained that with bronchiectasis, the airways become permanently widened, making it harder to clear mucus and bacteria. It’s a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease, which means the effects can be long-term and may get worse over time, causing potential lung damage.

Symptoms started slowly

In the first few years after her diagnosis, Lavonda believed she could live almost normally with bronchiectasis. She saw her pulmonologist every six months who prescribed occasional airway clearance and antibiotics when flare-ups occurred, usually once or twice a year.

“Back then, I thought bronchiectasis just meant I’d get sick sometimes and bounce back,” she explains. “It didn’t feel like it would change my life very much.”

Over time, Lavonda began experiencing more frequent flare-ups, when her bronchiectasis symptoms would worsen. These flare ups would sometimes happen four or five times a year. That’s when she realized the disease was more serious than she first believed.

During this period she was also diagnosed with a bacterial infection of the lungs. After consulting with a new pulmonologist to treat this infection, she learned her lung health had deteriorated due to her bronchiectasis, prompting her to begin taking her disease management more seriously.

The importance of early awareness

There are approximately 500,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with bronchiectasis, and it is estimated that many more are living with this disease globally. Because the symptoms of BE overlap with many other respiratory conditions, it can take time to get diagnosed. Bronchiectasis is progressive, meaning it can get worse over time, and can lead to permanent lung damage.

For those who want to learn more about the disease and how it can be managed, visit ExploreBE.com.

A positive, proactive perspective

“I never feel like the disease stops me until I have a flare,” Lavonda says. “That’s when I’m more tired, I don’t get as much done and sometimes I even have to miss out on things like sitting on the beach with my family.” Despite those challenges, she focuses on staying positive and mindful of what might trigger setbacks. “I try to be mindful of what will trigger a flare. I avoid crowds, I try to stay active. I don’t want bronchiectasis to control me.”

Lavonda hopes her story helps others understand the importance of recognizing and managing the condition. “It can sneak up on you,” she says. “At first, I didn’t even know what bronchiectasis was or how to pronounce it. But if I follow my doctor’s advice and stay active, I feel like I’m doing something positive for my health.” Her advice is clear: “Don’t ignore it. Learn about it. Be proactive. You really can take steps that may make a real difference.”

This article and ExploreBE.com are sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

2025-11-07T16:01:01

(BPT) – The United States’ top athletes are aiming to secure their spot on Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics. This group includes 15 Soldier-athletes and coaches from the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), which allows Soldiers to train and compete at the Olympic level while serving in the Army.

Since 1948, the U.S. Army has sent more than 600 Soldier-athletes to the Summer, Winter and Paralympic Games, earning more than 120 medals across a variety of sports and disciplines, and the Army hopes to build on this success in Italy.

While these hopeful Soldier-athletes have different backgrounds and experiences, they apply the same teamwork, discipline and resiliency to compete at the highest level, serving their country in more ways than one. Here are some of their stories:

• Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin pursues a historic Olympic return

Biathlon athlete and Vermont Army National Guard Soldier Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin is preparing to make her return to the Olympic stage after a historic seventh-place finish in the 15-kilometer individual event at the 2022 Beijing Games, the highest ever for an American in this event.

Originally a collegiate track runner, Irwin fell in love with the biathlon (a combination of cross-country skiing and precision rifle shooting) in 2017. Irwin not only has to train for speed and endurance, but she also uses breathwork and visualization to help calm her heart rate and successfully shoot her targets, which can be as small as a golf ball.

Eager to continue competing at an elite level, Irwin enlisted in the Vermont Army National Guard in 2019 as a Human Resources Specialist and a member of WCAP. In this role, she could pursue one of the Army’s many career paths, and had access to the elite coaching, resources and support the Army provides its Soldier-athletes. Now, with her sights set on Milano Cortina, Irwin is determined to bring home the United States’ first medal in biathlon.

• Three-time Olympian Lt. Col. Chris Fogt leads Team USA

Lt. Col. Chris Fogt’s journey from three-time Olympian to head coach of Team USA Bobsled is a testament to his dedication to his sport and service. As an active-duty Soldier, Fogt is leading the athletes as they prepare for the bobsled competition at the 2026 Games.

While competing as a collegiate track athlete, Fogt discovered the opportunity to serve his country and pursue his Olympic dreams through the Army and WCAP. His Olympic debut in 2010 was marked by a crash while in medal contention, but he used the experience as motivation, working tirelessly over the next four years — even maintaining focus during a deployment as an Intelligence Officer. His perseverance paid off at the 2014 Winter Games, where he won a Silver Medal in the four-man bobsled event.

Fogt has represented Team USA at three total Olympics and earned six national team selections. Now he applies the same mental toughness, adaptability and flexibility he learned from his Army missions to prepare his bobsledders to handle pressure at the highest level.

• What is Spc. Bradley Nicol’s secret weapon? Mental resilience.

Utah Army National Guard Soldier Spc. Bradley Nicol relies heavily on mental readiness techniques to prepare for the intense speed and force he experiences in the high-speed event of skeleton. He uses visualization to mentally rehearse each run, picturing and moving to the turns of the track before pushing off, which helps him build confidence and anticipate challenges at high speeds. Nicol also practices mindfulness to manage the adrenaline and nerves that come with racing downhill at nearly 90mph, focusing on deep breathing and staying present in the moment.

For athletes preparing to compete in the Olympics, building mental resilience is as important as being physically prepared. Whether completing a mission in the field or competing internationally on the world stage, every Army Soldier has access to force-wide initiatives like the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, which provides resources, education and expert guidance to the physical, nutritional, mental, sleep and spiritual health of Soldiers.

Drawing on lessons from Army Basic Training, the stability and structure provided by the Army have allowed Nicol to establish routines and develop a mental approach that strengthens his athletic and personal life. Combining these mental strategies with his physical training, Nicol can face each race with courage and focus as he pursues his Olympic dream.

• Sgt. Frank Del Duca and Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor are battle buddies in service and on the track

While many winter sports are individual pursuits, the Army offers a strong sense of teamwork and support that helps Soldier-athletes reach their highest potential. Bobsledders and active-duty Soldiers Sgt. Frank Del Duca and Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor share a friendship built through years of training, competing and serving together.

Abdul-Saboor — a two-time Olympian and former basketball, football and track star — had no intention of competing in bobsled and only discovered the sport after a strength coach recognized his natural athletic ability. Del Duca — a 2022 Olympian — developed an early love for winter sports by competing in downhill slalom and giant slalom skiing in high school, transitioning to bobsled in 2015. Abdul-Saboor and Del Duca attended the same rookie camps and joined the Army in 2019 to continue pursuing the sport.

They competed together in the two-man and four-man bobsled events at the 2022 Beijing Games, and although they hoped for a higher finish, the experience strengthened their bond and inspired them to come back stronger. With the goal of getting on the podium this year, their journey demonstrates how the Army can foster deep camaraderie and lifelong friendship, turning competitors into trusted teammates on and off the track.

• Pvt. Spencer Howe battles back from injury

WCAP Soldier-athletes draw upon their Army training to overcome challenges and adversity, including battling through injuries, as they pursue their Olympic goals.

As the Army’s only competitor in pair figure skating, active-duty Soldier Pvt. Spencer Howe has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his competitive journey. After earning a historic fifth-place finish at the 2023 International Skating Union World Championship in Osaka, Japan, Howe underwent shoulder surgery and faced a long recovery period filled with extensive physical therapy.

During his recovery, he learned about WCAP and the training resources and career opportunities for the Soldier-athletes who compete on behalf of the Army. He enlisted as a Motor Transport Operator, and credits the Army with instilling discipline, mental toughness and a renewed sense of pride in his sport and his service as he aims to make his Olympic debut. In addition to his competition goals, Howe is pursuing a degree in theology at Grand Canyon University and hopes to eventually continue his service as an Army Chaplain.

• Spc. Azaria Hill hopes to continue her family’s Olympic tradition

Active-duty Soldier and bobsled competitor Spc. Azaria Hill’s Olympic dreams are not just a competitive goal, but a family legacy.

Hill comes from a family of Olympians. Her mother, Denean Howard Hill, won four Olympic medals in track and field for the United States. Her father, Virgil Hill Sr., won a silver medal in boxing at the Olympics, became a five-time World Champion, and is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Hill became a collegiate track and field runner, with her eyes set on attending the Summer Olympics.

Hill ran throughout college, but became interested in bobsled, realizing that the event had many similarities to track and field, like requiring an explosive sprint at the beginning to maintain the speed of the sled. She proved herself to be a natural in the event and joined the Army in 2024 to continue her pursuit of competition, placing fourth at the 2024 World Championships in Winterberg, Germany, and third at the World Cup in Lillehammer, Norway. Although her path is different from what she originally planned, Hill hopes to make her Olympic debut with her family and the Army’s support.

The path to becoming an elite athlete is different for everyone, but the training, values and dedication it takes to be an Army Soldier translate directly to athletic success. Both require a desire for excellence, physical discipline, mental agility, training and teamwork. These attributes ensure the Soldier-athletes are prepared to perform well in any environment, including the Olympic stage.

Learn more about the U.S. Army’s Soldier-athletes and the possibilities of Army service at GoArmy.com.