Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-10-10T15:01:02

(BPT) – The U.S. is facing a mental health crisis, with 1 in 5 adults (about 59 million people) experiencing daily mental health challenges, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Members of Gen Z are especially affected, as they are navigating constant connectivity and social media pressure. According to the BePresent 2024 Digital Wellness Report, 83% of Gen Z believe they have an unhealthy relationship with their phone, resulting in negative effects on mental health and productivity.

Mental health experts recommend tips like regular exercise and meditation to boost wellness, but there’s one surprising source of comfort for people looking to improve their mental health: cats.

Research about animal visitation programs at college campuses has shown that spending even a short amount of time interacting with cats provides effective stress relief. And according to board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph, “Simply having a cat to pet, play with or talk to increases feelings of well-being, positively impacting your mood and stress levels.”

Here are 6 ways having cats around can be good for your mental health.

1. Cats offer companionship

The mere presence of a cat provides consistent, non-judgmental companionship, especially for people who live alone or have limited social interactions during the day.

“The quiet nature of cats helps people feel calmer,” said Purina Pet Behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska. “And most cats are more social than they’re given credit for. Even when they’re not actively seeking interaction, many cats prefer staying near their humans. Cats may also offer more companionship when people aren’t feeling well physically or emotionally.”

And according to Dr. Joseph, having a support animal like a cat is especially powerful during times of stress: “When you’re upset or going through difficult times, it’s often easier to share companionship with cats, as they don’t demand conversation or ask questions the way friends or family might. They don’t judge or try to solve your problems; they just stay with you when you need them.”

2. Petting cats helps lower stress

The sensory input of petting a cat, feeling its soft fur and hearing that gentle purr can also positively impact your mood. The presence of a cat has been shown to lower cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, and boost oxytocin, helping ease anxiety and foster emotional safety, according to the American Educational Research Association. Their study found that college students who spent as little as 10 minutes per day petting a cat experienced decreased levels of cortisol.

Recognizing the impact cats have on mental health, Cat Chow is launching the Cats as Therapy Project to promote mental well-being through the healing power of cats. The project benefits Pet Partners, a leading pet therapy organization that registers and trains therapy animal teams with cats, dogs and other companion animals. Visit www.catchow.com/catproject to learn more.

3. Having pets provides necessary routine

Having to feed and tend to your cat every day offers a clear purpose and set routine that is calming and reaffirming. It’s beneficial for most people to have an established schedule and experience putting another’s needs before their own.

“Cats definitely let you know when their dinner is late,” said Dr. Valuska, “which is a good reminder to all of us that we need routines like regular meals and resting times, too.”

4. Caring for cats adds social benefits

Beyond the comfort of your cat’s companionship, having a feline friend can also add meaning to your daily life and spark conversations with others. Being able to talk to other cat lovers about your pet gives you a special bond. Even for those who may have challenges meeting new people, sharing pictures of your cats, telling cat stories and introducing your cat to visitors offers meaningful experiences and opportunities to socialize.

“If small talk is not your strong suit, mentioning that you have a cat can be the perfect ice breaker,” said Dr. Joseph. “Especially for people with social anxiety, bonding over cat ownership can be a powerful way to make a genuine connection.”

5. Cats can get you moving

While cats don’t need to take daily walks the same way dogs do, playing actively with your cat is good for them and for you. According to Dr. Valuska, playing with interactive wand toys and tossing balls for games of chase are great ways to bond with your cat while encouraging both of you to get moving and off the couch.

“While cats love to nap much of their day, they also benefit greatly from regular exercise, just like humans,” added Dr. Valuska. “Getting up and actively playing with your cat each day helps to support their — and your — overall well-being, plus it’s just fun for both of you!”

6. Your cat can inspire creativity

Cats have a long history of being memorialized in art and literature through the ages. Even if you aren’t inspired to draw, paint or write a poem about your cat, having a cat in your home can spark creativity and provide enrichment.

For example, enhancing your space with cat-friendly furniture and environmental upgrades — like building a DIY cardboard tower or installing a catio — can go a long way in creating a more enriching and enjoyable environment for both you and your cat.

“Overall, owning a cat or cats, visiting friends or family with cats or spending time with them at a cat cafe can be effective ways to boost your mental and emotional well-being,” said Dr. Joseph.

2025-10-10T09:31:00

(BPT) – Close to 2 in 5 Americans (38%) say cash feels more “real” than digital money: It’s a tangible reminder of value, and remains a permanent part of their financial toolkit (27%). Yet, new Empower research shows that in practice, physical dollar bills may be fading from daily life: 1 in 5 say they use cash only a few times per year, and just 18% use it daily. Still, a quarter often find themselves in situations where they wish they had cash on hand.

Its popularity may be dictated by what’s going on in the economy, as a quarter (25%) view cash as a “safety net” currency in times of financial downturns, and 1 in 5 Americans have increased their physical cash holdings in the past year due to market uncertainty.

Cash in a digital age

While a third (35%) say they are mostly cashless, for close to 1 in 5 Americans (19%), dollar bills remain a trusted form of payment — something they actively use and keep in significant amounts. Overall, 40% of people feel safer keeping some cash on hand in case of emergencies or tech outages.

Nearly a quarter say they use cash for privacy (21%) in an AI-driven, digital world. The same amount also turn to cash when they want to limit their spending for the day (24%). A third say they’re more likely to make impulse purchases with digital payments (33%), and spend more without the natural guardrail of cash (27%).

With the shift toward digital payments (e.g., debit cards, credit cards, mobile wallets, etc.), 27% say they are more likely to pay bills and save automatically. More than a quarter have better awareness of their spending patterns (27%) and spend less because they can track everything digitally (22%). Close to 1 in 5 admit that if cash disappeared, they’d spend less (17%).

Currency in action

The average person holds between $51 and $100 in their “wallet,” consistent with the $66 cash average from last year’s study. Gen X is the only generation that carries more cash, averaging between $101 and $200.

Half use their physical money for tips (48%), while a third use it to get a discount for paying in cash (34%).

Other scenarios where Americans are most likely to use cash:

• When paying small local businesses that don’t accept cards (46%)
• When splitting costs with friends at a restaurant (30%)
• Paying for parking meters or tolls (24%)
• For emergency expenses (22%)
• At retailers or grocery stores (21%)
• When traveling abroad (18%)
• Paying for gas (16%)
• Paying for a kid’s allowance (16%)

Generational shifts: Piggy banks to digital wallets

For many people, cash is tied to their earliest memories about money: 41% say their first financial experiences involved physical cash, not digital payments. Nearly a third understood the value of cash at an early age (32%) and learned to save by setting aside dollar bills before they ever used a bank account (28%).

Yet, today, money etiquette is changing: 35% say younger generations are skipping physical cash entirely and going straight to digital money. Overall, 37% say each generation relies less on cash than the one before it. Close to a quarter predict their own children will grow up with little or no cash experience (22%).

Money moves

When it comes to where Americans keep their liquid savings, half keep it in a checking account. Over a third keep money in a standard savings account (33%), and the same share holds physical cash at home (35%), as many still want instant, tangible access to their funds.

Nearly 3 in 10 have moved money into high-yield savings accounts (29%), while a quarter rely on money market accounts (24%). For some, the strategy is a balance — 20% split evenly between accounts and physical cash — while others lean on more traditional products like certificates of deposit (18%).

When asked how they’d allocate $10,000 today, most Americans balance digital returns with physical reassurance:

• 55% would deposit it in a high-yield savings account
• 47% would pay down debt
• 41% would invest in stocks for long-term growth
• 40% would keep it as cash for easy access
• 29% would use it for real estate or a property purchase
• 27% would buy bonds or Treasury bills
• 22% would spend the money on education or skills development to boost earning potential
• 22% would buy precious metals like gold or silver

Even in a digital-first world, nearly half the population sees value in liquidity, flexibility, and the physical assurance of cash.

Methodology:

Empower’s “The Vanishing Wallet” study is based on online survey responses from 1,039 Americans ages 18+ from August 18–19, 2025.

RO4817468-0925

2025-10-10T07:01:01

(BPT) – No matter your stage in life’s journey, it’s never too early or late to make financial plans. For military families especially, planning helps you withstand major transitions and gives you confidence about the future. From your first Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to deployment and separation, you’ll have many decisions to make and high-priority items on your to-do list, including managing your finances.

Financial Planning Month is the perfect time to work on setting goals for your financial future. Here are tips to get you started.

Begin with the basics: Savings

Developing a savings plan is a great place to start. Even when you’re starting out in your career, developing the habit of setting money aside from each paycheck can help you build an emergency fund for unexpected events. One approach is to open a separate savings account for that purpose and have a small portion of each paycheck automatically deposited into that account, so you don’t even have to think about it.

How much should you strive to save for an emergency fund? Many experts recommend saving 3-6 months’ living expenses to provide a cushion in case of job loss, unanticipated repairs or other unexpected needs.

“The amount of money needed to maintain financial security can vary widely depending on your individual circumstances,” says Jaspreet Chawla, senior vice president of member and deposit products at Navy Federal Credit Union. “That’s why it’s essential to assess your personal financial situation. If you’re able, try to consistently set aside a portion of each paycheck and aim to save even more, when possible, to build a stronger safety net.”

If you’re unsure what goal is best for you, Navy Federal offers free online calculators to help you determine the amount of emergency funds you’ll need to keep your finances secure, plus tips on creating the fund and what it takes to reach your goals.

You can also find ways to make your savings work harder for you than a traditional savings account using options like a Money Market Savings Account or Certificates, both of which typically offer higher interest rates to help boost your savings.

Household budgeting

While it may sound scary, budgeting is simply knowing how much money is coming in (your income) and how much is going out (your expenses). The key to a good budget is understanding the difference between necessary expenses, such as rent and utilities, insurance, groceries and transportation, versus discretionary spending like entertainment, dining out and vacations. It’s also important to remember that some necessary expenses can fluctuate, such as utilities at different times of the year.

Financial institutions frequently offer online tools to help make budgeting and expense management easier. Navy Federal offers My MakingCents, a free tool to help members manage their money. It allows members to see all their accounts in one place, track spending by category, build custom budgets, and manage subscription services. The goal is to simplify budgeting for members, especially for things like subscription services, that are often easy to overlook or unintentionally overspend on.

As you review your expenses, be sure to include paying down debt as a necessary cost, since less debt will save money on interest down the road. You may find that you sometimes need to reduce discretionary spending and/or find ways to increase household income to help manage your costs so you can keep putting money toward savings and debt repayment.

“Budgeting starts with knowing your numbers,” says Thomas Racca, manager of personal finance management at Navy Federal. “Your budget should work with your life, not against it. Flexibility is key.”

Racca recommends starting with the essentials: “Track your fixed costs first — things like rent, mortgage, car payments and insurance. Then look at your past spending to get a realistic average for variable expenses like groceries, dining out and gas. That’s where you’ll find opportunities to adjust.” One of his top tips is to “treat savings like a bill. Pay yourself first, every month. Even small amounts add up over time and build financial confidence.”

Retirement planning

Whether retirement is years away or just around the corner, the earlier you start saving for your retirement, the more confident you can be when you approach that milestone. Each retirement plan type offers different benefits that can elevate your retirement savings.

Both Traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) help diversify your retirement savings approach and allow you to contribute up to the limit at any time while you’re earning income.

• Traditional IRA is recommended if you’re expecting to be in the same or lower tax bracket when taking withdrawals, and contributions are potentially tax-deductible. You’ll enjoy tax-deferred growth now and pay taxes on withdrawals when you retire.
• Roth IRA is best for those who expect to be in a higher tax bracket when taking withdrawals, and who don’t need a deduction on taxes now. You’ll pay taxes on contributions now and enjoy tax-free withdrawals later.

Estate planning

Planning for your loved ones’ future is important for protecting your assets, so your heirs won’t overpay taxes — and to ensure your wishes are honored. A well-crafted estate plan can reduce the time, stress and financial burden if the unexpected happens.

Common estate planning documents include a will, trust, guardianship designations, financial powers of attorney and advance directives for medical decisions — also known as a living will. These tools work together to provide clarity and control over how your assets and care are managed.

Expert personalized guidance

Whatever stage you are at in life, it’s natural to have questions about your best next steps. To take the guesswork out of financial planning, Navy Federal Investment Services can help make your vision a reality, using either their online Digital Investor tool, or by meeting with one of their Financial Advisors.

At any stage — transitioning to civilian life, getting married, beginning a family, saving for college or eyeing retirement — developing a concrete financial plan makes all the difference.

“Your financial goals may shift over your career and lifetime, and what you consider a financial accomplishment today could easily evolve with changing circumstances,” says Michael Dale, vice president of investment services at Navy Federal Investment Services. “That’s why maintaining a relationship with a trusted financial advisor or institution is key and ensures your financial strategy adapts with you, so you’re always making the most of your money.”

Navy Federal Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.

Navy Federal Financial Group, LLC (NFFG) is a licensed insurance agency. Non-deposit investments, brokerage, and advisory products are only sold through Navy Federal Investment Service (NFIS), a member of FINRA/SIPC and an SEC registered investment advisory firm. NFIS is a wholly owned subsidiary of NFFG. Insurance products are offered through NFFG and NFIS. These products are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guaranteed or obligations of Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), are not offered, recommended, sanctioned, or encouraged by the federal government, and may involve investment risk, including possible loss of principal. Deposit products and related services are provided by NFCU. Digital Investor is offered through NFIS. Financial Advisors are employees of NFFG and they are employees and registered representatives of NFIS. NFIS and NFFG are affiliated companies under the common control of NFCU. Call 1-877-221-8108 for further information. Trust Services available through MEMBERS Trust Company. 1-855-358-7878.

2025-10-09T07:01:01

(BPT) – An estimated $5 billion in over-the-counter (OTC) allowances for Medicare Advantage members don’t get used each year — that’s approximately 70% of these benefits wasted. With current consumer prices rising, it’s important to find ways to save on everyday necessities.

Medicare Advantage has become the most popular form of Medicare, with about 30 million members. A great benefit that not everyone knows about for Medicare Advantage is that numerous plans offer an average annual OTC allowance of $400.

What are OTC allowances?

An OTC allowance helps Medicare Advantage members pay for items like non-prescription medications that treat symptoms of back pain, arthritis, hypertension, cough, cold and flu, plus over-the-counter products that support digestive health, dental care and even skincare, among others. Because OTC allowances don’t roll over, any unused funds expire at the end of each plan cycle, on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis — depending on the member’s plan. This makes it crucial for Medicare Advantage members to use them while they last.

New research from Kenvue’s “A New View of Care” report finds most consumers don’t completely stop their health and personal care routines because of cost, but price does impact how consistently they use products. Because OTC allowances help reduce financial strain, it’s easier to maintain your everyday personal care routines without interruption.

“With the cost of everyday essentials on the rise, Medicare Advantage OTC allowances are one of the simplest ways for those with Medicare Advantage plans to save money while staying healthy,” said Amanda Coussoule, Kenvue Chief Customer Officer U.S. “By using their OTC allowance, they can access their favorite trusted products from brands like Tylenol, Zyrtec and BAND-AID Brand, helping them take care of their health without sacrifice.”

Top OTC-eligible products

As a Medicare Advantage member, hundreds of your favorite health and personal care products are eligible for OTC funds. Want to refill your medicine cabinet, boost your skincare routine or restock health remedies? Many of Kenvue’s leading brands, including NEUTROGENA^®, AVEENO^®, TYLENOL^®, IMODIUM^® and ZYRTEC^®, are OTC-eligible. Always be sure to check your specific plan for product eligibility.

Here are top brands in health and personal care categories that may* be covered by your OTC allowance:

• Pain relief: For managing pain, you may be able to use your OTC allowance on products like TYLENOL^® 8-HR Arthritis Pain or the new TYLENOL^® PRECISE™ Pain Relieving Patches.
• Cold, cough and flu symptoms: Now’s the perfect time to be prepared with cold, cough and flu options, including products you can trust such as SUDAFED^® and TYLENOL^® Cold + Flu.
• Digestive health support: Products like PEPCID^® COMPLETE can aid your digestive health and keep heartburn at bay.
• Improve your skincare: OTC allowances can be used for most skincare products with active ingredients such as AVEENO^® Eczema Therapy Soothing Cream, Steroid-Free and AVEENO^® Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm, or acne treatment products such as NEUTROGENA^® Oil-Free Acne Wash, Fragrance-Free. To protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays year-round, use your benefits on NEUTROGENA^® Sport Active Defense™ Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, NEUTROGENA^® Beach Defense^® Spray Sunscreen SPF 70, or NEUTROGENA^® Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60+

• Boost your dental care: Consider a LISTERINE^® product like LISTERINE^® Clinical Solutions™ Gum Health to keep your smile fresh and healthy, and continue that three-step oral care routine
• First-aid must-haves: Time to restock the first-aid kit? Consider using OTC allowances for essentials like BAND-AID^® Brand PRO-HEAL^®.

How to save using OTC benefits

Here are the three primary ways* Medicare Advantage providers typically allow members to use OTC allowances:

• Order by catalog: Your Medicare Advantage provider should have an OTC catalog or website listing OTC-eligible products. You can place orders through the website, via the app, by phone or by mail.
• Debit card at retail: Use your OTC debit card and purchase eligible items in a separate transaction. This method often gives you more brand choices than the catalog.
• Receipt reimbursement: After purchasing an OTC-eligible product, you may submit receipts for reimbursement through your provider.

As the number one consumer healthcare company by revenue, Kenvue is committed to ensuring that Medicare Advantage members understand their OTC benefits and use them to support their everyday care. Don’t lose out, learn more about Kenvue’s OTC-eligible products at https://www.kenvuebrands.com/us/medadvantage.

*If you’re unsure how to use your benefit or what products are eligible, contact your Medicare Advantage provider for more information.

2025-10-09T09:01:05

(BPT) – October is Fire Prevention Month, making it an ideal time to review life-saving, fire-safety tips. Fire safety starts at home, and simple steps can go a long way in protecting every moment. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that one in five households (19%) are at risk of not having at least one functional alarm. Fire spreads fast and working smoke alarms help give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

To help protect what matters most, follow these safety tips.

• Check the age of your alarms. Smoke alarms don’t last forever. They should be replaced at least every 10 years, and many homeowners don’t realize theirs may already be expired. Check the date it was manufactured on the back of each alarm. If it’s more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace it.
• Upgrade to 10-year battery alarms. For convenient fire safety, consider upgrading to a First Alert 10-year sealed battery alarm. The sealed battery is designed to power the alarm for a full 10 years, which means you never have to replace the batteries or deal with low-battery chirps during that time. This eliminates the cost and hassle of changing the batteries while helping ensure continuous detection capabilities.
• Update your home with advanced fire-safety technology. Newer smoke alarms are designed and tested to meet the latest industry standards to provide early warning in the event of a home fire emergency, while also reducing nuisance cooking alarms as the technology better differentiates between cooking smoke or steam and a fire emergency.
• Ensure proper placement and number of alarms. According to the NFPA, a smoke alarm should be installed on every level of your home, outside of each sleeping area and in every bedroom. When installing on the wall, place the smoke alarm no more than 12 inches away from the ceiling. Additionally, CO alarms should be installed on every level and outside each sleeping area.
• Care for your alarms. Having working smoke and CO alarms is the first line of defense. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms (NFPA). Be sure to test your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they’re in functioning condition, and replace them at least every 10 years. It’s also important to regularly clean your alarms. To do so, gently vacuum the dust from the unit using a soft brush attachment or use a can of clean compressed air to blow dust out of the sensor areas.
• Have a fire extinguisher on hand. If a fire does happen, make sure to have a fire extinguisher easily accessible — and know how to use it. The First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Fire Extinguisher is ideal for use in any household location. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. when operating: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep from side to side.

To learn more about First Alert products, or for additional fire safety tips, visit FirstAlert.com.

2025-10-09T08:03:01

(BPT) – Did you know at least one child dies from a house fire in the U.S. every day?¹ While that’s a startling statistic, being prepared and practicing an escape plan can be the difference between life and death. Children undergo fire drills at school each year, yet only 26% of American families have developed and practiced a fire escape plan², leaving children — and adults — unaware of what to do in the event of a house fire.

To help make every home a safer home, Kidde, North America’s No. 1 fire safety brand³, has created a new Augmented Reality (AR) fire safety tool [Prepare. Plan. Practice.] to help build essential skills needed to safely escape a house fire. This tool is one of the many resources available through Kidde’s Cause for Alarm campaign™, all of which are intended to address fire and carbon monoxide safety education gaps, especially for vulnerable communities, by making educational assets free, accessible, and engaging.

Why fire safety is so important today

Due to synthetic materials used in modern furniture, decor and electronics, today’s homes can burn faster and produce more smoke than homes did 50 years ago.⁴ And though temperatures rise extremely quickly, many people underestimate the danger of smoke, which quickly fills rooms, causing loss of visibility and oxygen — making rapid escape essential.

In the event of a house fire, you’ll have less than two minutes to safely escape⁵, so every second counts. The reality is, most families have not practiced a fire safety escape plan in their homes, which can make all the difference.

Kidde’s AR tool to help save lives

To help you prepare, Kidde’s first-of-its-kind digital fire drill simulator is meant to help you enhance your family’s fire safety awareness and knowledge. “Prepare. Plan. Practice.” is a free tool that uses augmented reality (AR) technology to provide users with an immersive and unforgettable fire safety education experience.

Through virtual fire simulation, gamified learning and guided escape planning, this innovative tool helps build the skills needed to react quickly when every second counts. It’s accessible to anyone in the U.S. with an internet connection and a smartphone or tablet. No downloads or applications are required, making this a highly accessible educational experience. Individuals or families can use the self-guided tool in different scenarios — at home, in vacation rentals or anywhere fire safety preparedness should be a priority.

“Prepare. Plan. Practice.” offers a comprehensive fire safety experience combining knowledge with vital hands-on practice, helping anyone apply life-saving skills directly in their own home through three modes:

1. Demonstration Mode — AR technology is used to safely simulate unsafe conditions, showing users what a fire could potentially look like in their home. The digital imagery shows how quickly flames and smoke can spread in two minutes, underscoring the need for a quick escape.

2. Learn Mode — Through gamified learning, users can explore their digital home and uncover essential and practical room-by-room safety information on topics like smoke alarm maintenance, dangers of carbon monoxide, cooking safety, electrical safety, fire extinguisher use and more.

3. Practice Mode — This tool educates users on key principles of home escape planning and prompts them to physically practice their escape routes against a two-minute timer. This immersive step is critical, as it encourages users to think through the unique realities of their own home and reinforce how quickly they need to act.

“With Cause For Alarm, our aim is to make fire safety education both accessible and engaging for all,” stated Isis Wu, President of Global Residential Fire & Safety at Kidde. “Through our Prepare. Plan. Practice. AR tool, we’re empowering families with personalized and innovative learning experiences that can help them act swiftly in a real emergency.”

Helping at-risk communities

The need for fire and carbon monoxide safety education is why Kidde is working to help make every home a safer home. Now in the fourth year of their Cause for Alarm campaign, the company is continuing to support vulnerable communities at higher risk of fire and carbon monoxide-related incidents through education, awareness, resources and devices that can help families stay safe.

Kidde has a long history of making fire and carbon monoxide detection affordable and accessible, and is partnering with local fire departments to distribute alarm donations to families in need. In just the last three years, Kidde has donated over 8.3 million dollars’ worth of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to communities across North America.

To support the cause through the end of November 2025, every Kidde alarm purchased at participating U.S. retailers will trigger a $1 contribution toward alarm donations to communities that need them most. The campaign goal is to donate up to $1 million dollars’ worth of smoke and CO alarm donations.

To learn more and access the full suite of multilingual fire safety resources, visit CauseForAlarm.org.

¹Glen Echo Fire Department, “Children and Fire Safety”

²The American Red Cross

³Based on total household installations as of December 2023.

⁴Modern Construction – International Association of Firefighters

⁵Data according to NFPA

2025-10-09T09:03:00

(BPT) – As the cold weather approaches, it’s time to gear up for flu season. Even though germs are always around, you can take small, daily steps to give your body a better chance to stay healthy. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares six simple, practical tips to keep your immune system strong during the fall and winter months.

1. Add spices to your meals

Certain spices like turmeric, garlic and ginger not only add flavor to your food but also provide natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Consider adding these spices to your meals for a simple and tasty way to support your immune system.

2. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated helps your body flush out toxins and defend against seasonal bugs. Water is essential, but broths and herbal teas are also good options that provide extra warmth and comfort during the colder days.

3. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables

The colors of produce reflect phytochemicals, natural compounds that offer unique health benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, when eaten, these phytochemicals can provide certain health benefits, including antioxidants that strengthen your immunity. Filling your plate with a variety of colors, such as leafy greens, peppers, carrots and berries, ensures you get a wide range of protective nutrients.

4. Prioritize sleep

Sleep is the time when your body repairs and recharges. Getting seven to nine hours of restful sleep each night helps your body recover from daily wear and tear, and prepares your immune system to handle seasonal changes.

5. Practice good hygiene

Good hygiene is one of the easiest ways to reduce your chances of getting sick. Washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face and keeping frequently used surfaces clean can help reduce the spread of germs. Don’t forget your phone and computer keyboard!

6. Eat immune-supporting meals

The meals you choose can help strengthen your body during flu season. As you plan your meals for the week, add immune-supporting options to your list. Cooking meals with wholesome ingredients like chicken broth and veggies such as this Harvest Stracciatella Soup (Italian Egg Soup with Vegetables) from Eggland’s Best can help you stay nourished all season long.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain six times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs, which helps strengthen immune cells so they can defend against harmful bacteria and viruses. They also contain more than double the omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs, which support immune defenses and reduce inflammation. Plus, they provide high-quality protein, which is the building block of antibodies and immune cells, making it essential for strong defenses.

Harvest Stracciatella Soup (Italian Egg Soup with Vegetables)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Yield 4

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup coarsely grated sweet potato
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shaved Brussels sprouts
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 6 cups chicken, cubed
• 4 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chopped kale

Directions

1. Heat the oil in a 2-quart soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the grated sweet potato, chopped onion and shaved Brussels sprouts and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Pour the broth into the pot, over sauteed vegetables and bring to simmer, about 4 minutes.
4. While broth is coming to a simmer, put the eggs, cornstarch and half of the cheese (reserve remaining for upcoming step) in a medium bowl and whisk together.
5. Scoop out 1 cup of the hot broth from the saucepan and add to the egg bowl, whisking until smooth.
6. Slowly add the egg mixture to the soup in the saucepan, whisking constantly. Turn the heat down to low and continue cooking until the soup thickens, 4-6 minutes.
7. Stir in the chopped kale and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. Season with nutmeg.
8. Serve in warm bowls with the additional cheese sprinkled on top.

You can find more immune-supporting recipes to get you through flu season at EgglandsBest.com.

2025-10-09T00:01:00

(BPT) – Oct. 9, 2025, marks the first-ever Lung Transplant Awareness Day. This initiative is dedicated to uniting the lung disease patient community, raising awareness of this lifesaving medical procedure and offering support and resources to patients on their journey to better health.

For the tens of millions of Americans living with lung diseases like pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, even simple tasks can be a struggle.

“Daily things like taking a shower, walking up the steps and walking to the mailbox were all hard,” said Marion Marin, a Pennsylvania restaurant owner and mother of two who was diagnosed with systemic scleroderma. “I stopped washing my face because you have to hold your breath to splash water on your face, and that was a scary thing to do.”

For people like Marin who are living with severe lung disease, a lung transplant is often the last treatment option available, and can make the difference between surviving and truly living.

Lung transplants transform lives

Even though the first human lung transplant was performed in 1963, many people aren’t aware it’s a treatment option. Lung transplants have the potential to improve the quality of life for those living with severe lung disease as well as extend life.

During a lung transplant surgery, a diseased lung is replaced with a healthy lung from a donor. According to the Lung Transplant Foundation, lung transplants can be done on people of almost all ages, from newborns to adults up to age 65 and sometimes even later.

The thought of having one or both lungs replaced may sound overwhelming, but it’s improved the lives of thousands of people living with severe lung disease. According to the American Journal of Transplants, 3,049 lung transplants were performed in 2024 in the U.S. The survival rate following a lung transplant is 72% after three years.

“Many of the people I’ve talked to wait until they’re too sick to have a transplant,” said Marin. “You have to be sick enough and well enough. I got a new lung to live life. After my transplant, I went from struggling to walk to my mailbox to traveling to the Mediterranean this summer.”

A second chance

Lung Transplant Awareness Day is more than just a day on the calendar. For the 922 people of all ages waiting for a lung transplant and their loved ones, this day represents hope for more time and more life.

“Now I can do everything I could have done before, like singing in the car,” said Marin. “I remember the first time I did I had tears in my eyes. My husband asked, ‘What’s wrong now?’ and I said, ‘I just realized that’s the first time I sang a song in two years.’ Those little things mean so much.”

If you or a loved one are living with a lung disease, talk to your doctor or pulmonologist to see if you may be a candidate for a lung transplant. To learn more, visit LungTransplantAwarenessDay.org.

2025-10-08T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you often grab whatever protein bar is handy at the grocery store and regret it later, you are not alone. You want a quick solution to help fuel your busy day, running from the gym to pick up kids at school or powering through a working lunch, only to endure a chalky, gritty bar that leaves you feeling bloated or sluggish.

For many people, eating a protein bar feels more like a chore than a treat. They always sound good, but finding options that truly taste delicious — and are made with quality ingredients — is not easy. But do protein bars require you to trade flavor for function? The dietitians at Linear Bar think you can have both if you know what to look for when choosing your next protein bar.

What’s the sugar content?

The craving for something sweet may hit you, especially during that afternoon slump, but too much sugar can lead to an energy spike, followed by a drop that leaves you feeling exhausted. Sugar can be sneaky; your “healthy” protein bar might contain a lot more sugar than you think.

“The ingredients on the product label are listed in order of quantity, so the ingredient used most appears first, followed by those used in smaller amounts,” said Samantha MacLeod, MS, RDN. “Keep an eye out for sugar as one of the first ingredients on the label or sugar in other forms such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, brown rice syrup or fruit juice concentrate,” she continued.

Instead of artificial sweeteners that can lead to the fake-sugar aftertaste found in so many protein bars, Linear Bar uses organic cane sugar and organic purified stevia extract, a natural sugar alternative, for that just-sweet-enough decadence. Together with real organic dark chocolate, caramel and peanut butter, you’ll experience a rich, indulgent flavor and texture that reminds you of your favorite candy bar — but without all that sugar.

It’s not just about the protein (well, it mostly is)

The best protein bars offer a great-tasting combination of nutrients designed to satisfy hunger and provide vital nutrients your body needs. High-quality protein, healthy fats and dietary fiber are three nutrients to pay close attention to when choosing snack bars.

Linear Bar’s protein (20 grams) comes from a unique powerhouse blend of organic whey, pea and chickpea protein. This blend of easily absorbed, complete proteins supports muscle repair and recovery. On top of that, each bar is packed with 12 grams of satisfying dietary fiber, meeting nearly half of the daily recommended amount of fiber for adults, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

“Protein alone doesn’t give your body everything it needs to perform optimally,” said MacLeod. “Fiber is one of those unsung heroes of the nutrition world, helping to support digestion, control blood sugar, and keep you feeling full longer, and most people don’t get enough.”

What’s the deal with seed oils?

Many consumers are actively trying to limit seed oils in their diets. Consuming too much seed oil, like canola and safflower oil, can cause an imbalance in omega­-6 fatty acids, which may increase inflammation. This can be challenging, especially when it comes to packaged foods like protein bars. Many protein bars contain unnecessary additives, like highly processed seed oils, that are less healthy and cause an unpleasant mouthfeel.

By contrast, Linear Bar contains fats derived from organic oils found in ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic cocoa butter and organic peanut butter.

“The thoughtful selection of fats used in the Linear Bar recipe aligns with growing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredient profiles,” MacLeod said. “And gives Linear Bars their signature chewy nougat-like texture and clean taste.”

Taste the difference

If you are looking for a protein bar that’s delicious and clean, choose a bar that was made in a kitchen, not a lab. Linear Bar’s Original flavor is the perfect combination of peanut butter, caramel and real dark chocolate that truly tastes like a candy bar — and you can feel good knowing that it’s made with 100% organic, high-quality ingredients and nothing artificial.

“Linear Bar proves you can get elite performance and crave-worthy flavor that you’ll feel good about after eating,” said MacLeod.

You deserve a protein bar that tastes so good you want to eat it. Visit LinearBar.com to learn more.

2025-10-07T09:57:00

(BPT) – Silicon Valley may be known as one of the original startup hotbeds, but it’s not the only region of the country where entrepreneurs and innovators can bring their ideas to life. In fact, the Midwest has risen to the occasion as the up-and-coming startup hub in the U.S.

Within the Midwest, mid-sized and smaller cities are booming in both visibility and opportunity for entrepreneurs. According to the 2025 Best of the Midwest: Startup City Rankings, cities like Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Madison, Wisconsin; and Lincoln/Omaha, Nebraska, are climbing the ranks, driven by university spinouts, targeted funds and local accelerators.

Ann Arbor, in particular, has surged to become a startup powerhouse. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Ann Arbor region is known for driving cutting-edge innovation, revolutionary startups and world-class talent igniting inspiration for the next generation. Leveraging talent from the University of Michigan embedded within the city, the regional rankings report found that Ann Arbor performs very well in the raw number of startups, with startup momentum placing second overall and startup density ranking first overall.

Ann Arbor’s accomplishments are impressive, but it’s not the only city in this Startup State that is leading innovation. Detroit has shown significant global momentum, recently ranking second worldwide for startup ecosystem growth according to PitchBook’s Growth Score research. In the northern region of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Traverse City is part of the “Creative Coast,” having shifted from a tourism-based economy to one that emphasizes technology and entrepreneurship.

Michigan is a place where businesses of all sizes have access to the resources needed to conceptualize and efficiently grow to commercialization.

Michigan: A rising star

Out of the 64 cities that made the 2025 Best of the Midwest: Startup City Rankings list, six Michigan cities were featured, including Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Traverse City and Flint. Their place on this list illustrates the state’s significant investments in key initiatives to support a thriving entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.

One recent initiative that aims to drive innovation is the PitchMI competition, which will award more than $4 million in direct investment to homegrown innovators. The goal of PitchMI is to spotlight the next generation of innovative companies and, thanks to a partnership between MEDC and the MSU Research Foundation, it’s highlighting that founders don’t have to leave their home in Michigan to build something world-changing. PitchMI received applications from 375 startups from over 100 different cities across both of Michigan’s peninsulas. The initiative split the competition into four regional events:

1. Grand Rapids, focusing on health care and life sciences
2. Traverse City, focusing on cleantech and outdoor innovation
3. Detroit, focusing on mobility, defense and advanced manufacturing
4. Ann Arbor, focusing on AI and software

Each event offered the winning startups funding ranging from $325,000 to $375,000 per company. The four startups that advanced to the statewide championship were:

1. BedConnect, an online system that shows hospitals which nursing home beds are open so patients can be discharged more efficiently.
2. Electric Outdoors, Inc., which builds a portable canopy system that supplies off-grid power, clean water, internet and EV charging for remote camping sites.
3. General Orbit, which creates navigation hardware and software that make satellites easier to build and control.
4. Adrenaline Interactive, which creates dynamic in-game advertising to help businesses reach and convert gamers into customers.

These companies will go head-to-head at the 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation Week in April 2026 for an additional $1 million investment and the title of PitchMI State Champion. This investment is one of the largest pitch competition prizes in the country, underscoring Michigan’s dedication to innovation.

The PitchMI competition isn’t the only way in which the state is providing startups with a leg up. MEDC’s entrepreneurial and innovation programs helped launch over 160 startups in 2024, despite a national venture capital slowdown. Thanks to MEDC’s partnerships with Michigan’s major research universities, support for campus-based incubators (like Ann Arbor SPARK and the MSU Innovation Center) and investments like the Michigan Innovation Fund have been instrumental in driving solutions that are designed to transform industries across the U.S.

Changing the world from the Great Lakes State

Michigan’s early-stage companies are solving problems that have the potential to bring real, positive change worldwide. To learn more about Michigan’s investments and resources for local startups, visit MichiganBusiness.org.