Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-03-03T14:01:00

(BPT) – One of the most beautiful aspects of growing older is how gracefully we navigate the changing roles that accompany each new phase of life. An exciting phase that brings an abundance of joy — and can also require some pro tips and preparation — is grandparenthood.

“As a new chapter of your family story begins, there are a lot of things to keep in mind as a grandparent,” said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail & Loyalty for AARP Services. “AARP member benefits can help you every step of the way, from saving money on the visit to meet your grandchildren to sending thoughtful gifts to let your family know you’re thinking of them.”

Below are five easy ways an AARP membership can help you save money as you enter your grandparent era.

Finding Steals, Avoiding Travel Ordeals

If the newest member of your family has just arrived and you have to travel to meet them, AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia can help AARP members save on flights and car rentals. Expedia vacation packages can make the booking process easier, and you get a $50 gift card of your choice when you book any flight package. For car rentals, members save up to 30% on car rentals from Avis, Budget and Payless.

If you prefer to take the scenic route and drive for your visit, make sure you’re prepared for any hiccups you may encounter along the way. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside plans, including Roadside Advantage, Roadside Assist and Roadside Elite, including access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

If you’re lucky enough to live close by, then helping with carpools, running errands or taking the kids out are a few ways you can give your adult children a deserved break. Before you head out, fuel up at Shell and link your Fuel Rewards^® account to your AARP membership to start enjoying Complimentary Gold Status, which saves at least 5¢ off per gallon at participating Shell stations. If you’re new to the Fuel Rewards^® program, you can also receive a one-time savings of 50¢/gallon on your first fill-up (up to 20 gallons).

Moving Made Easy

A recent survey from the National Association of Realtors shows that 25% of Baby Boomers now explicitly plan their retirement location based on the proximity of their children or grandchildren.

“It’s become quite popular for people to re-locate to where their children and grandchildren live, which allows them to spend more time with their family and stay active with the next generation,” said Christiansen. “Because major moves can be expensive, reviewing and utilizing available discounts through your membership with AARP can be critical to a fixed income.”

Vehicles happen to be one of the necessary items you need to bring with you when you move and can be a hassle when you’re planning relocation logistics. With Montway Auto Transport, AARP members save $100 off car shipping over 500 miles and $50 on car shipping up to 500 miles. Montway offers free quotes, door-to-door service, guaranteed pickup dates, and a TruePrice Guarantee that locks in your booked price for 30 days.

A Full Plate, Not an Empty Wallet

The last thing a new parent wants to worry about is making dinner, which is why one of the best ways to help a growing family is by providing meals. Take the cooking off their plate (and yours) by ordering easy and appetizing meals from a variety of restaurants using your AARP member benefits.

In the mood for something quick and comforting? AARP members save 15% at Denny’s — including diner classics and breakfast items. Hankering for a classic steak dinner and a bloomin’ onion? AARP members save 10% at Outback Steakhouse on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

Meaningful Giving, Mindful Spending

Holiday and birthday treats or care packages when you can’t be with your grandkids is a sweet way to show them you are thinking of them. Whether you’re sending them a surprise for St. Patrick’s Day or chocolate for their Easter baskets, you can’t go wrong with FTD. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide or 30% off select items with promo code AARP30. In addition, you can get $15 off an FTD Plus membership which includes free delivery for one year. FTD offers fresh floral bouquets, plants for every occasion and a wide assortment of gifts. No minimum purchase amount is required. Same-day delivery is available in most areas.

Staying Healthy Physically and Financially

Prioritizing your own health isn’t just an act of love; it’s an important step that can help you thrive in your later years so you can spend as much time with your grandchildren as possible. Taking advantage of AARP member benefits can help make it even easier.

As hearing loss tends to happen gradually, you can explore hearing care options to check your hearing. AARP members can access savings on hearing aids and hearing care with AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing. Members may save up to 50% on prescription hearing aids and up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids. Members can also receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost, as well as personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.

Members can also save on routine vision care. Learn more about vision insurance options, as part of your AARP member benefits, with plans that offer a large, nationwide network of eye doctors, generous allowance for glasses or contacts, savings on lens enhancements (like progressives and anti-reflective coatings) and more.

If you need new glasses or lenses, AARP members can receive exclusive savings through Visionworks. Discounts include $200 off a complete pair of glasses when you buy single vision lenses or $250 off with multifocal lenses.

Many people also don’t realize how important it is to prioritize dental health. Problems that start in the mouth can lead to more complicated health issues and impact overall health. To help keep your teeth in check, explore information on dental insurance options for AARP members that offer access to individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures, with the option to enroll at any time during the year. Dental insurance encourages and generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection start to benefit immediately.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members, please visit aarp.org/save.

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AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2026-03-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• No matter your age, investing in your brain health should be top of mind.
• Simple steps like eating brain-nourishing food, taking brain-boosting supplements like Cognizin citicoline, protecting your brain when exercising and staying social can help support your cognitive functions now and in the future.
• Boosting your brain health improves your focus and attention when you’re younger and preserves your cognitive abilities when you’re older.

If you’re planning to take better care of your health this year, don’t forget to focus on supporting one of the most important organs in your body: Your brain! Your senses, thoughts, motor skills, memory and so many more functions are ruled by your brain. That’s why investing in your brain health is vital to taking care of your overall well-being.

Brain health isn’t just important for older adults. Brain health and performance should be top of mind for everyone at any age. Investing in brain health when you’re young can help sharpen your focus and mental energy, so you can zone in and be more productive. And, as you age, maintaining brain health can help to preserve your memory and other cognitive functions.

Not sure how to start taking care of your brain? Read on to discover just a few tips that can keep your brain working well, whether you’re 18 or 80.

Fuel your thoughts with brain-boosting nutrients

Food nourishes your whole body, and that includes your brain. So, what foods can help your brain function at its best now and in the future? According to Harvard Health, your best strategy is to change your dietary habits to prioritize veggies, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish and healthy fats. The next time you’re at the store, consider buying:

• Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and broccoli
• Strawberries and blueberries
• Black beans and chickpeas
• Cracked wheat, oats and whole-grain couscous
• Omega-3 rich fish like salmon, cod and canned light tuna
• Olive oil and other healthy fats

Take daily brain support supplements

Supplements are a great way to optimize brain-fueling nutrients. For example, Cognizin Citicoline is a great supplement to add to your daily routine to support mental focus and memory.

What is citicoline? You may not know it by name, but it’s already inside of you! Citicoline is a naturally occurring brain nutrient that protects and repairs your brain cells.

Many cognitive health ingredients on the market can enhance your brain performance. However, Cognizin Citicoline provides brain performance and comprehensive brain health support over time. Clinical trials have shown that this brain health nutrient offers cognitive benefits for young professionals and improved memory function for older adults.

Cognizin is used in over 300 products, from capsules to beverages. You can visit Cognizin.com/en/Buy-Cognizin to learn more and find the products that work best for you.

Wear a helmet when doing high-impact sports

Staying active is great for your body and brain, but don’t forget to wear a helmet. Whether you bike, ski, snowboard, roller skate, skateboard, horseback ride, or participate in high-impact sports like football and hockey, wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of a head injury.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a moderate to severe TBI can lead to cognitive issues with memory, attention, concentration, communication and problem-solving.

Stay social to stay mentally sharp

Social connections are incredibly vital to your well-being throughout every stage of life and can protect your brain health. Socializing can improve a person’s longevity, stress levels, mood and — most importantly — boost their thinking and memory.

How do social connections improve brain health? When you participate in social interactions, you’re activating neural pathways and preserving neural plasticity. In other words, social interactions keep your brain flexible, allowing it to adapt and function well now and in your golden years.

If you’re struggling to connect with others, try one (or a few) of these activities:

• Having a weekly phone or video call with an old friend
• Hosting a game night
• Meeting up with loved ones for lunch or dinner
• Planning a hike, bike ride or other activity
• Joining a book club

You’re never too young or too old to take care of your brain

It’s never too early or too late to invest in your brain health and function. The time and energy you spend trying these and other brain-boosting tips can help you in your personal and professional life now and keep your cognition and memory in tip-top shape in your retirement.

To learn more tips to keep your brain healthy at any age, visit Cognizin.com.

2026-03-02T07:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• Keeping up with safety recalls is an important part of vehicle maintenance.
• It’s easy to check for vehicle safety at CheckToProtect.org.
• Your vehicle’s recall can be repaired at an authorized dealership at no cost to you.

If you don’t know how to check for vehicle safety recalls, you’re not alone. According to a survey by Stellantis, nearly half (43%) of American drivers don’t know how to find out if their vehicle has an open safety recall. The good news is, it’s easy to see if your vehicle has a recall. Visit the National Safety Council’s CheckToProtect.org.

How does it work?

Check your vehicle by entering or uploading a photo of your license plate number or the 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) into the search tool. If your vehicle has a recall, contact an authorized dealership near you to schedule a free recall repair.

Just like getting regular oil changes, tire rotations and other essential vehicle maintenance, it’s important to make sure your car or truck is recall-free.

This Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, March 2-8, 2026, is the perfect time to check your vehicle. All drivers should take this time to make sure their vehicle is safe for themselves and their passengers.

Why are vehicle recalls important?

Safety recalls are sometimes issued by an automaker when a part stops functioning properly as it ages, or when a group of vehicle owners experience a similar problem. Safety recalls can affect everything from brakes and steering to batteries and airbags.

Research commissioned by automaker Stellantis found that 40% of drivers believe a recall is fine as long as it doesn’t affect a vehicle’s performance. The truth is that some recalls may not change the way a vehicle drives, but they can still present a safety risk. For example, if a recalled Takata airbag deploys in a crash, the airbag’s inflator can break apart, sending shrapnel throughout the vehicle that could severely injure or kill vehicle occupants.

Another example relates to car seat anchors. CARFAX released new data showing that nearly one million vehicles have open safety recalls for child car seat anchors, a critical safety feature that secures car seats firmly in place.

According to CARFAX, as many as 57 million vehicles on the road today have an unrepaired safety recall — that’s roughly 1 in every 5 vehicles. Any driver can take the proactive step to check their vehicle’s recall status. This is especially important for drivers of older, used vehicles and drivers who have changed mailing addresses, because manufacturers may not have their latest contact information to notify them of recalls.

2026-03-01T10:01:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably heard about the amazing things artificial intelligence (AI) can do, from quickly creating written content and images to making videos that appear real, even when they’re fake. Unfortunately, this easily accessible technology is also used by fraudsters to fool people into sharing personal information, investing in fake schemes, or giving scammers their money.

When AI technology is so good at faking — and personalizing — scams, what can consumers do to protect themselves?

“From AI-generated emails and texts to cloned voice messages, calls, and deepfake videos, today’s scammers have many tools at their disposal,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “But if you’re alert and understand fraudsters’ typical methods, you can stay one step ahead of them.”

During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7, 2026, take steps to learn more about fraud schemes that use AI to protect yourself and your family. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is sharing some red flags that can help you avoid AI-generated traps and what you or a loved one can do if you are a victim of fraud.

How to spot a scam that uses AI

AI is being used in many different types of fraudulent schemes including quick phishing attempts in the form of emails or texts supposedly from a reputable company, “long cons” like romance, investment, or cryptocurrency scams, and even scams claiming to be “tech support.” If you get a text, email, call, or voice message requesting or demanding your response, watch for these things:

• Skimpy social media. The “person” contacting you has an inconsistent or thin social media footprint — few friends, recent account creation, comments that don’t seem natural, or images that don’t match name/profile details.
• Odd website/email address. Tiny misspellings, weird fonts, non-secure websites asking for login information, or a return email address that doesn’t match the website domain asking for information (Example: john.doe@USPSUS.com when USPS.com is the actual domain name).
• Requests to communicate off-platform. Does the message sender insist on speaking via WhatsApp, Telegram, or a separate, private email address? If so, platform security protections won’t apply.
• Audio/video inconsistencies. Lip-sync timing seems off, weird lighting/jerky motion, or a voice that doesn’t quite match the person you know.
• Too-good-to-be-true offers. Does the sender promise guaranteed high financial returns or “exclusive” private opportunities? They likely won’t pay out.

How to protect yourself

Even if you think the person or company contacting you is legitimate at first, always double check by going straight to the source.

Go directly to the company website, or contact the person the way you normally contact them, rather than clicking a provided link or responding to the text, email, or call.

Follow these tips to avoid falling prey to scams:

• Never send money to someone you know online only, especially via cryptocurrency, wire transfer, gift cards, or prepaid reload methods.
• Beware of financial requests. Requests to “loan me money to buy a ticket” or “invest via this private wallet” are warnings to STOP and verify.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Protect your email, social, and financial accounts.
• Use payment methods with buyer protection. Credit cards and escrow services are safest when transacting with unknown parties.
• Avoid sharing personally identifiable information. Providing your full date of birth, Social Security number, photos of IDs, or home address can enable identity theft.
• Keep devices and software updated. Also use antivirus software plus a password manager for strong, unique passwords.
• Be cautious with “too helpful” strangers. If someone offers to set up an investment account or “help” you sign up, slow down and verify.
• Inform your contacts. Warn friends and family if you see a suspicious contact pretending to be you.

Actions to take if you’re the victim of a scam

If you or a loved one falls victim to a fraudster, take immediate action:

• Stop communication with the scammer. Preserve all messages and transaction records.
• Contact your bank/payment provider immediately. Ask them to help you stop or trace transfers.
• Change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), especially if you shared login information.
• Place fraud alerts and a credit freeze with the three main credit bureaus. Also place alerts with your bank and credit cards if you shared sensitive financial data.
• Contact local police. If you lost significant sums of money or were threatened, the police need to be notified.
• If you used cryptocurrency, contact law enforcement immediately. Tracing is difficult, but reported early, there may be a chance of recovering your funds.

Most importantly, report fraud. You can report it to the Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You should also report the profile and messages to the platform where the contact occurred.

Finally, seek support! Scams also cause emotional harm, so talk to trusted friends, family members, or a counselor.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of any scam connected to the U.S. Mail, contact postal inspectors at 877-876-2455 or www.USPIS.gov/report. For more information on fraud prevention, visit www.USPIS.gov/ncpw-2026.

2026-02-26T16:01:01

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• The U.S. Army National Guard is bringing Disasterville — a new mixed-reality experience — to high school students nationwide, using hands-on simulations to demonstrate how National Guard Soldiers respond to disasters and emergencies.
• Disasterville immerses students within full-scale, mission-oriented disaster zones, including wildfires, floods and earthquakes, to team up and tackle each disaster the same way as the National Guard.
• Disasterville also introduces students to the different types of careers and missions in the National Guard — a unique component within the U.S. Army where Soldiers have the flexibility to serve their country part-time while pursuing their civilian careers.

Americans are no strangers to the far-reaching impacts of natural disasters on communities, but what many do not know is what it takes to prepare and respond. That will change this spring, when the U.S. Army National Guard brings Disasterville — a new, mixed reality experience — to high school students across the country, placing them at the center of the most common disaster relief missions.

The National Guard remains a critical lifeline in communities across the country. When needed, National Guard Soldiers respond to domestic emergencies in their home state with capabilities across medical, aviation, transportation and more.

“Young Americans are increasingly seeking ways to make an impact close to home, but many are unaware of the wide-ranging skills of National Guard Soldiers and their critical role in disaster response,” says Staff Sgt. Adam Szabo, State Media Services Program & Marketing NCO with the National Guard Bureau’s Marketing and Advertising Branch. “Disasterville shows the possibilities of part-time service by immersing students directly into the complex, high-stakes missions of the National Guard, and showing them what it means to serve the community.”

Read on to learn more about Disasterville and its mission to inspire the next generation of National Guard Soldiers.

Disasterville allows students to experience the high-stakes missions of National Guard Soldiers

Using advanced mixed-reality technology, Disasterville transforms high school gymnasiums into three, full-scale disaster zones that represent the most common natural disasters National Guard Soldiers respond to as part of their service, including wildfires, flood zones and earthquakes.

Students will work in teams against the clock as they become National Guard Soldiers called to serve at the following sites:

• Wildfire: Amid a raging wildfire, teams work together to push back fires encroaching on a home in Disaster Canyon. Students will put out small wildfires, combine forces to push back larger flare-ups, save animals and dodge falling trees.
• Flood Zone: After a major hurricane, civilians are fighting to stay above water on the streets they call home. Students will board their Zodiac and use headlamps to find and safely evacuate survivors while avoiding dangerous wildlife and other lurking hazards.
• Earthquake: After a devastating earthquake, a train carrying hazardous chemicals and passengers derails, pinning civilians and spilling dangerous material, poisoning the air. Time ticks down as students arm themselves with the jaws of life to rescue survivors and clean up debris all before the train gives way under its own weight.

Disasterville doesn’t just teach students about the mission of the National Guard, it puts them in the driver’s seat as they work together to tackle each disaster the same way as the Guard, by combining communication, physical endurance and ingenuity to save lives, landscape and their communities.

Disasterville is brought to life using mixed-reality technology

Disasterville was developed with the help of extended reality (XR) industry expert Dale Carman. At first glance, the experience might look like a maze of plywood structures scattered throughout the gymnasium, but students are quickly placed in the center of the action once they don their Meta Quest 3 headsets and begin the simulation.

Disasterville uses advanced mixed-reality technology with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) graphics mapped to the structures, creating a free-roam experience and transforming the gym into neighborhoods with devastated buildings, debris, rough terrain, hazards and people in need.

Students can also leave their game controllers behind, because Disasterville uses hand-tracking technology that allows students to physically handle in-game props and National Guard rescue tools — like oars, hoses, chainsaws and the jaws of life — and interact with each other and people in need.

The National Guard’s impact across the country

The National Guard is a unique component within the U.S. Army, with a presence in 54 states and territories. Serving in a part-time role, National Guard Soldiers support communities in their home state by responding to domestic emergencies and at the federal level as standby support for Active Duty Soldiers.

National Guard Soldiers have capabilities across medical, aviation, law enforcement and transportation, allowing them to have a direct impact on their own communities in the most critical times of need. By serving at least one weekend a month and two weeks a year, they also enjoy the flexibility to pursue their civilian personal and professional passions.

“As National Guard Soldiers, our strength lies not just in our wide range of capabilities, but also our ability to act as a bridge between our communities and the country,” says Lt. Col. Ted Dunham, Chief of the U.S. Army National Guard Marketing Branch. “When disaster strikes, we stand ready to protect the people we know and the places we live.”

Disasterville takes its immersive experience on the road

Throughout the year, Disasterville will tour select cities across the country, including Washington, D.C., Detroit, Indianapolis and Omaha, to bring the experience to high school students who are considering their next chapter.

Interested schools can reach out to their local National Guard representatives for more information on how to bring the Disasterville experience to their city.

For more information on Disasterville and the opportunities available in the National Guard, visit NationalGuard.com.

2026-02-23T11:13:00

(BPT) – As hopeful parents start their reproductive journeys, they may be offered a variety of tests and screenings, which can be opportunities to learn more about their own health and about a pregnancy and developing baby. These tests and screenings may provide reassurance that all is well, or chances to seek further information.

Prenatal genetic screenings, in particular, can help determine whether your baby may be at risk for certain genetic or chromosomal conditions. With the help of a clinician, you’ll be able to navigate genetic screening information without feeling overwhelmed and make a plan for what comes next.

What is prenatal genetic screening?

Prenatal genetic screenings use a blood sample to test the parents or the pregnancy. These screenings allow expecting parents to learn about their own genes and how those may impact their baby, or get insights into the baby’s development and discover the baby’s predicted sex — well before birth.

There are two types of prenatal genetic screenings:

• Carrier screening: This prenatal genetic screening lets parents know if they’re carriers of a serious genetic condition and can help determine a baby’s chance of having specific inherited conditions like cystic fibrosis or fragile X syndrome. It’s possible to be a carrier of a genetic condition without showing any symptoms of the condition. Carrier screening can be done before or during pregnancy.
• Non-invasive prenatal screening: Cell-free DNA screening, also known as NIPS or NIPT, can help determine if a baby has a chance of having specific chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome. This screening is done during pregnancy.

Why does clear information matter?

Prenatal genetic screening can play an important role in helping expectant parents make informed decisions during pregnancy. By identifying potential genetic risks early, screening may provide valuable insight into a baby’s health risks giving families time to learn, ask questions, and consider next steps such as diagnostic testing or other care options recommended by their healthcare providers. These screens can help guide conversations between families and their health care providers as well as support personalized care and informed planning during an emotionally complex time.

“Knowing medical information early in their pregnancy can give expectant parents the most options,” said Dallas Reed, M.D., FACMG, FACOG, obstetrician-gynecologist and medical geneticist, and principal medical advisor of Women’s Health for Myriad Genetics^®. “Normal results can provide reassurance, while positive results open the door to thoughtful conversations about next steps between families and their healthcare providers, helping them feel more prepared and supported as they make choices for their pregnancy.”

A prenatal genetic screen for everyone

Any expecting parent can benefit from a genetic test, not just those who have a family history of certain inherited conditions. If you’re considering having a baby, ask your doctor about the Prequel^® Prenatal Screen and the Foresight^® Carrier Screen, non-invasive blood or saliva tests designed for everyone regardless of ancestry or BMI.

The Prequel screen checks for increased risk of certain common chromosome conditions by analyzing placental DNA in the pregnant person’s blood, and with most results available in seven to 10 days. This prenatal screening can be done as early as eight weeks, giving parents as much time as possible to make a plan with their healthcare provider based on the screening results. The Foresight screen can help determine whether parents carry inherited health conditions that they may pass on to their child.

While most reports deliver low-risk results, if you do want to talk them through, Myriad offers on-demand access to board-certified genetic counselors to help interpret results and answer questions about your baby’s health risks.

Determining next steps

If a screen reveals a high-risk result, it’s important to keep in mind that screening is just the first step. Genetic insights based on prenatal screening give you precious time to pursue diagnostic tests like amniocentesis, consult specialists, find the best-equipped medical facilities for your birth, and connect with parents who have been in your shoes.

Your healthcare provider may offer follow-up testing or a conversation with a specialist to explore results further and discuss options.

Feel empowered, not overwhelmed

Genetic testing helps parents understand what to expect, giving them insights to help make thoughtful choices for their family.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, check out Myriad’s Prequel Prenatal Screen, a screen that assesses common chromosomal conditions, as well as the Foresight Carrier Screen, which looks for genetic conditions that parents might pass down to their children, and SneakPeek^® Early Gender Test, which allows parents to learn about their baby’s predicted sex as early as six weeks.

Myriad Genetics also offers resources like Know More Sooner to help make the pregnancy journey clearer and more supportive for families, and debunk common myths about genetic screening.

2026-02-23T08:03:00

(BPT) – As spring draws near, allergy season follows close behind. While blooming flowers and budding trees may be welcome, they can also bring allergens that trigger sneezing, congestion and itchy, watery eyes for millions. Allergies are nothing to sneeze at: they currently affect approximately 30% of adults and 40% of children in the U.S., making them an ongoing struggle for many.

To help you better understand the ins and outs of allergies, the experts behind Clorox™ PURE™ — a new line of daily allergen neutralizer sprays designed to stop indoor allergens like non-living pollen, dust mite matter and pet dander before they become allergies — debunk common misconceptions.

Myth number 1: Allergies only affect people in the spring

While springtime is typically peak allergy season as pollen from many varieties of plants, trees and flowers are prevalent, many people can experience allergies year-round. In the fall and winter, dust mites tend to increase once you turn on your heating, and mold tends to peak due to outdoor decomposing leaves and damp spots in the home. And while summer lends itself to warmer weather and more time spent outside, we still see pollen and dust mites working their way throughout the home.

Myth number 2: You can avoid allergies by staying indoors

Many people who experience allergy symptoms all year may be reacting to common allergens like dust mites, pet dander and mold that can live inside your home. And no matter how hard you may try, it can be impossible to keep all pollen out of your home. Whether or not you or the other members of your household currently experience allergies, you can actually develop allergies over time simply from repeated exposure to common allergens, meaning the more you are exposed, the more sensitive your immune system can become to potential allergy triggers.

To manage indoor allergens, add Clorox™ PURE™ Allergen Neutralizer Daily Air and Fabric & Carpet sprays to your daily routine. Developed with allergists, these daily sprays neutralize common household allergens like non-living pollen, dust mite matter and pet dander by changing allergens’ active protein structure so they can no longer bond to receptors in your body and trigger allergies. You can use Clorox™ PURE™ Daily Air Spray in common living spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, entryways and more while Clorox™ PURE™ Fabric & Carpet Spray is designed for use on soft surfaces where allergens can lurk. Think hard-to-clean areas like carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains, pet beds and more.

Myth number 3: Most people react only to one allergen

It’s common for people with allergies to be allergic to more than one thing. This can be because an overly sensitive immune system tends to overreact in multiple ways, causing allergies to appear in clusters. In other words, once allergies take hold, new sensitivities can follow. This is all the more reason to take action to neutralize allergens in your home before they become a bigger problem.

Myth number 4: If you weren’t allergic to something as a child, you won’t develop allergies to it later

It is entirely possible to develop allergies later in life, often without warning. New environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, like getting a pet, and immune system changes as you get older can all increase susceptibility. While you can’t control every trigger, you can take control of your environment. One way to help decrease the likelihood of developing allergies is by reducing your exposure to typical indoor and outdoor allergens.

Learn more about managing indoor allergens in your home year-round at Clorox.com/PURE, and find Clorox™ PURE™ Allergen Neutralizer products nationwide at Walmart.com, Amazon and in the air-care aisle.

2026-02-23T10:05:00

(BPT) – For Kevin and Karin Sweeney, the distress was immediate. Moments after the birth of their daughter, Klara, doctors and nurses gathered in the delivery room in a quiet cluster. Their whispers were a vivid and unnerving sign that something was troubling them about the baby. Karin sensed it, too. Klara wasn’t crying and would not latch on to nurse. She needed a feeding tube and further evaluation in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Soon after, genetic testing revealed that she had Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare disorder characterized by chronic hunger, growth hormone deficiency, and behavior changes.

Many questions, few answers

The diagnosis left the Sweeneys full of questions they couldn’t easily articulate. As parents of a newborn, their future felt uncertain.

“We felt isolated and alone,” says Karin. “But we refused to accept a future that was grim for our daughter. We focused on learning all we could about PWS to help us adapt to the new reality we were facing.”

“The hungriest you’ve ever been”

That new reality included dealing with one of the most challenging symptoms of PWS, called hyperphagia, or unsatisfiable hunger. If not proactively managed, hyperphagia-associated PWS can result in life-threatening obesity and lead to other health complications.

“People with Prader-Willi syndrome do not feel full. They usually cannot live independently because they are consumed with their overwhelming need for food,” says Jennifer L. Miller, M.D., professor of pediatric endocrinology at the University of Florida, Gainesville, who specializes in treating children and adults with PWS. “When I first started treating this disorder, a patient told me, ‘Imagine the hungriest you’ve ever been. That’s how I feel all the time.'”

A new version of life – in and out of the home

Families navigate the burden of PWS in different ways, often building their days around structure, including consistent mealtimes and controlled food access. For the Sweeneys, this has meant increased vigilance in controlling what and when their daughter eats. Inside their home, they have been able to keep Klara, now 15 years old, on a strict “clean” diet to help her maintain a healthy weight.

Other families coping with PWS often turn to more extreme measures to control their child’s food access, including locking fridges and pantries.

Outside the home, PWS can have a significant impact on quality of life. With less control over food access at parties and other social gatherings, families often are forced to isolate themselves from friends and loved ones.

“Hyperphagia is complex and challenging. If it were simple, we would have had an answer long ago,” says Dr. Miller. “Clinical research and education play a critically important role in giving hope to patients and families that we can find answers to help them thrive and have a better quality of life.”

The HERO study

One clinical research study being led by investigators such as Dr. Miller is exploring a potential treatment option for PWS. The clinical trial, called the Hunger Elimination or Reduction Objective (HERO) study, is focused on assessing the effectiveness and safety of an investigational drug for the treatment of hyperphagia in PWS. The therapy is being studied to see if it can help the body release certain gut hormones that may help reduce excessive hunger and food-seeking behaviors in people with PWS.

The study is open to males and females 7 years of age or older in the United States who have a documented diagnosis of PWS. Eligible participants will receive the study drug or a placebo orally twice daily for 12 weeks. Travel expenses and lodging, if required, for the participant and a primary caregiver will be covered. To learn more, visit www.heroforpws.com.

2026-02-21T11:01:01

(BPT) – By Jason Bittel, author of Grizzled: Love Letters to 50 of North America’s Least Understood Animals

North America is home to some huge and awe-inspiring creatures, from 800-pound alligators and surf-cracking great white sharks to rumbling herds of bison and mountain lions — the largest cat on Earth that is able to purr.

But for those who can’t get to a national park or seashore, there is still plenty of wonder waiting to be discovered on a backyard safari.

Death-Dealing Hummingbirds

The average hummingbird weighs about as much as a stick of chewing gum and lay eggs the size of jellybeans. And yet, if they were the size of a human, the tiniest birds on Earth would have to consume around 10,000 calories each day to perform their aerial acrobatics.

In fact, the hummingbird’s need for a constant supply of energy is so strong, putting a little sugar water in a special feeder is all it takes to draw the little wonders near. And if you watch a feeder long enough, you might just see the males do battle.

With speeds approaching 60 miles an hour and bills shaped like sharpened stilettos, male hummingbirds have been known to guard their territories with iridescent ferocity. The brightly colored sprites have even been documented attacking golden eagles, a predator that outweighs them by about a thousand times.

Amazingly, when hummingbirds battle each other, a beak to the heart can even result in fatalities.

The Opossum’s Oscar-Worthy Performance

Commonly spotted scurrying away from a tipped-over trash can or waddling along the roadways at night, opossums are about the size of a house cat and appear rather unconcerned about much of anything.

This may be because they have an evolutionary trick up their fluffy little sleeves.

When confronted by a predator, opossums can keel over and play dead. Scientists call this death-feigning, or thanatosis. You might know it simply as “playing possum.”

But opossums are not like fainting goats, falling over every time someone shouts BOO! Theirs is a last-ditch, all-or-nothing cascade of biological responses.

First the animal falls on its side and its legs and tail go stiff. The corners of its mouth tighten and drool starts gushing out. The opossum also poops itself and emits a stinky green goo out of its anal glands. The eyes remain open, while the rest of the creature appears to go positively catatonic.

You can’t help but admire the moxie of the opossum’s death dance.

Without big fangs or claws to fight off a foe, nor the ability to outrun a hungry predator, the opossum doesn’t fight or flee — it fouls, becoming so thoroughly inedible that the attacker turns its nose up at an otherwise free meal.

Bravo, indeed.

Fireflies Are Secret Savages

Scientists have discovered a whopping 2,000 species of fireflies on this planet, and their glowing lights can come in everything from pale blue and neon green to bright yellow and even burnt orange.

Also known as lightning bugs, fireflies typically use their flashes as a secret code to find and woo mates. But one type of firefly has found a way to use that code to its own diabolical advantage.

Meet the femme fatale fireflies. Females of the Photuris versicolor species complex mimic the flash patterns of other fireflies. And when an unsuspecting male touches down nearby, the femmes fatales pounce from the shadows and tear them limb from limb.

In addition to gaining an easy meal, evidence suggests the femmes fatales also steal defensive compounds from the fellas — nasty-tasting chemicals they cannot produce themselves. And the females actually lace their own eggs with those compounds as a way to protect them from predators.

So the next time you see a soft twinkle in the night, it could be a lightning bug looking for love. Or it might just be a femme fatale looking for blood.

But both are backyard magic.

Read more about these magical backyard animals in Grizzled.

2026-02-18T09:31:00

(BPT) – In the rolling foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, Oaklawn Hot Springs has evolved into something far bigger than its storied racing roots. Long synonymous with the thrill of Thoroughbred racing, the destination now stands as Arkansas’ most complete luxury resort — a distinction once again affirmed with its inclusion in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide and Star Awards for the third consecutive year.

That continued recognition places Oaklawn Hot Springs among a rare group of resorts worldwide, evaluated through Forbes Travel Guide’s anonymous, in-person inspection process. The Forbes Travel Guide depicts the hospitality industry’s gold standard. More importantly, it reinforces Oaklawn’s position as the state’s premier resort destination, where thoughtful design, elevated service and a sense of place come together.

“At every stage of Oaklawn’s growth, our focus has been on building a destination Arkansans are proud of,” said Louis Cella, president of Oaklawn Hot Springs. “Recognition from Forbes Travel Guide affirms that commitment and reflects the level of experience our team delivers to guests.”

Forbes Travel Guide Recognition

Oaklawn Hot Springs continues to draw national recognition from Forbes Travel Guide, with Astral Spa holding its distinction as Arkansas’ only Forbes Four-Star rated spa. The Oaklawn Hotel, The OAK room & bar and The Bugler restaurants are also recognized as Forbes Recommended experiences.

For many visitors, Astral Spa is a reason to visit on its own. The spa offers dedicated men’s and women’s wet lounges, heated loungers, steam rooms, infrared saunas, whirlpool tubs, cold rooms and a co-ed parlor — an array of amenities not commonly found together. Alongside customized treatments and a modern fitness center, the setting caters to travelers looking to balance relaxation with wellness.

“To see Astral Spa maintain a four-star rating, alongside recognition for our hotel and restaurants, reflects the level of care our team brings to the guest experience,” Cella said. “We want each visit — whether for a stay, a meal or a spa day — to feel thoughtfully done.”

A Full-Service Resort Destination

Luxury at Oaklawn Hot Springs extends well beyond the spa. Personalized touches — including valet service, attentive bell staff, room service and concierge support — help make each stay feel seamless from arrival to departure. Guest rooms feature upscale amenities, smart-room controls and contemporary finishes, while rooms look out to the bucolic racetrack or the scenic backdrop of the Ouachita Mountains.

The Oaklawn Hotel places guests steps from one of the country’s most storied Thoroughbred racing venues, where fans gather each season to follow the road to the Kentucky Derby. Just minutes from Hot Springs National Park and surrounded by outdoor recreation opportunities, the resort pairs a natural setting with full-service comforts. What began as a historic racetrack has evolved into a multifaceted destination resort offering Thoroughbred racing, gaming, sports betting, dining, spa experiences and live entertainment.

Plan your experience today at oaklawn.com.

Must be 18 for race gambling and 21 for casino gaming in Arkansas. Always bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1-800-522-4700 or visit www.ncpgambling.org.