Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-09-12T09:03:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re chasing fitness goals, managing busy workdays or simply aiming to feel your best, peak performance starts with the right foundation. Without proper nutrition, your energy levels, focus and recovery can all take a hit, making it harder to show up at your best day after day.

To help you stay sharp, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her top strategies for achieving peak performance. These simple and effective tips are designed to aid you in building healthy habits, sustaining energy and recovering well, whatever your wellness goals might be.

1. Set yourself up for success

When you’re working toward any health and fitness results, Blatner recommends setting small, achievable goals rather than tackling everything at once. If you have larger goals in mind, break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks that you can realistically envision yourself achieving. This approach helps you to stay motivated and build momentum toward lasting results.

2. Make healthy snacking easier

When your energy dips, it’s tempting to grab whatever’s closest, but quick fixes like chips or candy won’t keep you going for long. Instead, think of snacks as fuel to power your body and mind through busy days. Stock up on options that balance protein, fiber and healthy fats, like cheese or meat sticks, Greek yogurt or hard-boiled eggs. Keep them handy in your kitchen, office or bag so the best choices are also the easiest ones, helping you stay sharp, energized and on track with your wellness goals.

3. Take hydration seriously

Drinking water is essential to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially while working out, but it’s also vital to include beverages containing electrolytes to help keep your energy levels steady. Options like milk, coconut water, watermelon water or low-sugar sports drinks can help replenish fluids and support performance. Keeping these close by throughout the day makes it easier to stay hydrated.

4. Focus on whole foods

Minimally processed foods provide long-lasting fuel for your body and your mind, helping you perform at your best. Whole foods are close to their natural form, so they retain their natural nutrients and fiber. Think of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, plus grains in the form of whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa and oats. You can also include dairy, meat and fish products that are minimally processed, with little or no added sugars, salt or artificial ingredients. Planning meals in advance can help ensure you always have nourishing choices ready.

5. Keep breakfast hearty

Breakfast plays a key role in setting the tone for your day, providing the energy and focus you need to support your workouts and movement throughout the day. For a flavorful start, you can have fun making delicious recipes such as this Turkey Sausage, Veggie and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole from Eggland’s Best.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, providing a natural energy boost and keeping you energized and satisfied all day long. Eggland’s Best eggs also contain more than double the omega-3’s than ordinary eggs, which helps to maintain stronger bones and promote a healthy heart.

Turkey Sausage, Veggie and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 40-45 minutes | Yield: 8 servings

This easy, make-ahead Turkey Sausage, Veggie and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole is great for meal prep! It’s freezer-friendly, super easy to customize to your tastes, and you can use all kinds of veggies. It also makes for amazing leftovers!

Ingredients

• 12 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 pound ground turkey sausage
• 1 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish or large deep pie dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Cook onions and garlic until onions start to get translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Add bell peppers and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and set aside in a separate dish.
4. Cook ground turkey sausage in the skillet you used for the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Once cooked all the way through, remove from heat and drain. Set aside.
5. In a large bowl, mix eggs, sour cream and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Use a whisk to make sure everything is mixed really well. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Add the vegetables and turkey sausage to the bowl and mix until everything is coated with the eggs and well mixed.
7. Transfer to casserole dish.
8. Cook 40-50 minutes, until center is set. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese and return to oven for 1-2 minutes to melt cheese.
9. Let cool, then serve. You can make this ahead and store for easy meal planning.

Find more nutritious recipe inspiration to help you achieve peak performance at EgglandsBest.com.

2025-09-10T12:11:00

(BPT) – Finding a medication that alleviates major depression can often take months or years: try a dose, wait, adjust, wait again. And for many, antidepressants simply don’t provide lasting relief. During that time, symptoms can disrupt work, family life and even basic daily functioning.

A new, non-invasive treatment called SAINT^® (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy), licensed exclusively to Magnus Medical from Stanford University, is the first FDA-cleared, clinically proven therapy that provides rapid relief for people with major depressive disorder (MDD).

For those with treatment-resistant major depression — a condition impacting more than half of people with depression who don’t respond to medications and psychotherapy — that difference in timing can be lifesaving.

SAINT delivers medication-free relief almost immediately. Each day of the five-day course consists of 10 short sessions of stimulation, guided by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) map of the individual’s brain.

In published clinical trials with SAINT, nearly 8 out of 10 participants went into remission from their depression in as few as 2.6 days, with a majority staying well for months.

Doctors say the people who qualify for SAINT have typically tried several antidepressants without satisfactory improvement and are looking for a non-drug intervention that doesn’t require hospitalization. These are people who have suffered from life-altering depression that has long impacted their quality of life.

Brandon Bentzley, M.D., Ph.D., a psychiatrist who helped develop SAINT at Stanford, says the goal is precise, rapid relief. “SAINT therapy has already shown the ability to rapidly lift depressive symptoms without systemic side effects, offering hope for a safer, faster solution that helps people feel like themselves again.”

What makes SAINT different from other treatments is the combination of personalization, speed of treatment response and high rates of clinical remission. Before treatment starts, doctors use MRI to pinpoint the unique spot in each person’s brain for treatment, then deliver an outpatient course of brief, precisely targeted stimulation sessions, all completed within a single work week.

What do patients often report feeling after the treatment?

Doctors, including Bentzley, say many describe the quieting of racing or repetitive negative thoughts, the first solid night of sleep in months, and a “fog lifting” that makes basic tasks like showering, stepping outside, and creating a simple meal feel doable again.

For most, suicidal thoughts go away, and others report steadier mood and better focus. Families of SAINT patients commonly notice increased eye contact, conversation, and a greater interest in everyday activities soon after treatment begins.

Where do I find SAINT?

SAINT is available at leading health systems, private clinics and medical research centers nationwide. Designated a breakthrough device by the FDA, SAINT is the first mental health therapy to receive innovation support from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the New Technology Add-on Payment (NTAP) and New Technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) programs, which have helped hospitals and clinics make it easily accessible.

Many commercial insurers approve treatment after medical review, often with prior authorization.

If standard depression treatments have not been effective for you or a family member, talk with your healthcare provider about SAINT. Providers offering SAINT therapy may be found by visiting MagnusMed.com/provider-locator.

Looking ahead

“The future of mental health is precision medicine — treatments that work quickly and effectively,” Bentzley says. “SAINT is proof we’re heading there now.”

If you are in a crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or chat via 988lifeline.org.

2025-09-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know that more people over the age of 50 play video games in the U.S. than people who are under age 18? This is just one of the many surprising facts uncovered in the 2025 Essential Facts About the U.S. Game Industry Report from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). These findings from the annual study turn popular belief on its head, revealing that video games are a highly popular form of entertainment for players of just about any age, including people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

More older adults are joining in on the fun

Of the over 205 million regular video game players in the U.S., more of today’s players are 50 years or older than ever before. This shows a remarkable increase from 1999, when only 9% of video game players were aged 50 or older.

Here’s the age breakdown for video game players today, according to the ESA report:

• Aged 50 and older: 29%
• 35-49: 20%
• 18-34: 28%
• Under age 18: 23%

Even more surprising, the report learned that more than half of Generation X (ages 45-60) and nearly half (49%) of Baby Boomers (ages 61-79) play video games every week.

What benefits do older Americans experience from playing video games?

Older players, including people from the Baby Boomer and even the “Silent Generation,” have been discovering the many benefits of playing video games, beyond just relaxing and having fun like their younger counterparts.

For people aged 50 and up, some of the additional benefits derived from playing video games include mental stimulation, improved cognitive skills and new opportunities to connect with others socially. In fact, 57% players aged 65 and older agreed that video games can introduce people to new friends or relationships, whether in person or online.

Some of the top benefits that older players identified from their experiences playing video games include:

• Mental stimulation
• Joy through play
• Improved cognitive skills
• Stress relief

Multiple academic studies over the years have been backing up these findings from the ESA report, even revealing that video game play can offer lasting, significant relief for older players as a treatment for some of the effects of aging. For example, a recent study concluded that playing video games frequently over time enhanced the cognitive performance and problem solving skills in older people who have mild cognitive impairment. A study from the Brain Sciences Journal also found that training older people with video games improved their cognitive function, quality of sleep and psychiatric symptoms.

For people of all ages, enjoyment is a prime benefit when it comes to video game play. A naturalistic study drawn from observations of over 11,000 players across 29 different countries concluded that video game players experienced positive mood changes. In other words: “People feel good playing games.”

Learn more about who enjoys playing video games today, what types of games they like to play and why, at TheESA.com/facts. You can also download the full ESA report here.

2025-09-10T09:01:00

(BPT) – Economists have long looked for signals in unexpected places. During tough times, Leonard Lauder popularized the lipstick index — the idea that small luxuries rise when bigger purchases are out of reach.¹ We are introducing a new kind of measure: the Going Rate. How we give, tip, and celebrate offers another lens into the economy alongside traditional data points. A new Empower study shows that generosity can be a surprisingly powerful economic indicator. It’s one gauge of how households balance tradition and financial well-being.

According to Empower research, Americans say inflation and tariffs are visible in gift prices. Consumer concern is showing up as “gift fatigue” and no-gift policies. Confidence or caution reveals itself in tipping habits and allowances.

“While most gifts are small spending trackers, they can be economic micro-signals,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications and consumer insights at Empower. “They point to how consumer prices, wages, and sentiment translate into real behaviors — from the birthday table to the wedding reception.”

The price tag of thoughtfulness

When it comes to gifting, people have clear benchmarks and codes for different occasions, like the half of people (49%) who say you should “pay for the plate” at weddings (Boomers 39%). For many, it’s a balancing act between etiquette and financial limits: half don’t know what the “right” amount is to give, even though 50% feel pressure to spend a certain amount on gifts. This tension may signal a sense of economic uncertainty, as 3 in 4 (75%) say gifts are more expensive due to tariffs and inflation.

Six in 10 people (60%) say gifting culture has gotten “out of hand” and nearly half (48%) report “gift fatigue.” In fact, many are taking a pause altogether, with 33% adopting a “no gifts” policy this year, asking others not to spend money on them at all. Still, the vast majority (86%) agree that gifts can be meaningful without being expensive.

Here is how Americans define the average “going rate” for many of life’s special occasions:

• Birthday gift: $55.65 for adults, $83.03 for kids
• Holiday gift: $64.10 per person
• Teacher or coach gifts: $15.00
• Wedding gift: $85.18
• Valentine’s Day gift: $50.69
• Mother’s Day vs. Father’s Day: $55.25 vs. $38.48

Adults say the average “going rate” for children’s allowances and milestones like visits from the Tooth Fairy add up as follows:

• Weekly allowance: $36.52 per child
• Tooth Fairy payouts: $14.87 per child

Over half of adults (53%) say they’ve gifted money from the Tooth Fairy (58% Millennials). Meanwhile, people are split about when kids should start receiving an allowance: A third (33%) say ages 8–10 is the right time, while 24% prefer 11–13, and 22% say as young as 5–7.

Tipping today

Consumers are also navigating an evolving landscape of tipping, where norms vary widely depending on the situation. Tipping culture has moved beyond sit-down dining, with the majority of consumers now tipping for takeout (60%; 69% Millennials vs. 43% Boomers), delivery (69%; 76% Gen Z and Millennials vs. Boomers 57%), and rideshares (60%; 65% Gen Z and Millennials vs. 50% Boomers). Here is what Americans say they’re leaving:

• In-restaurant dining: 20% median tip; 24.71% average
• Takeout dining: 16% median; 21.79% average
• Food delivery: 11% median; 18.09% average
• Beauty services: 14% median; 18.55% average
• Rideshare services: 10% median; 15.85% average

A shift in what counts as a gift – and who’s giving

Many Americans see gifting as less about dollars spent and more about shared experiences. Some 44% say they’d rather give the “gift of time” than money or material items — and say their presence is the real gift (55% Millennials; 50% Gen Z; 28% Boomers). Eight in 10 (79%) say cash and gift cards are more acceptable today than in the past (rising to 84% of Boomers). More than half (55%) think their generation spends more than others.

Gift-giving extends into dozens of micro-moments across the year, and is widely commonplace — especially for birthdays, regardless of age. Nearly three in four (73%) buy birthday gifts for other adults (81% Gen Z vs 65% Boomers), and kids (70%) alike. Nearly half (45%) buy gifts for coworkers to celebrate events like work anniversaries, holidays, and retirement (60% Gen Z; 54% Millennials).

The cost of goods

Many consumers are adapting to the effects of rising costs by budgeting carefully. Some 63% say they shop for gifts primarily based on price, and 58% set aside a dedicated budget for gift-giving. People also report planning for occasions: 56% buy gifts ahead of time to spread out the costs, especially Gen Z (67%).

Methodology:
Empower’s “Going Rate” study is based on online survey responses from 2,202 Americans ages 18+ from August 19-21, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.

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1 New York Times. “Leonard Lauder Was Beauty’s Original Influencer.” June 2025.

2025-09-09T08:31:00

(BPT) – While road debris can damage your vehicle’s windshield at any time, seasonal severe weather events are also a major cause of glass damage. With extreme weather on the rise especially at this time of year, hazards like hail, projectiles blown by high winds and drastic temperature fluctuations can all wreak havoc on your car’s windshield and windows.

But did you know such damage may not be fully covered by your auto insurance? The experts at Glass Doctor^®, a Neighborly^® company and leading provider of glass repair and replacement services, encourage all drivers to review their insurance policies so you’ll know what’s covered, to help you avoid costly surprises.

Here are some things you should know about protecting your vehicle.

Minor chips can quickly become major hazards

Even if you only see a small chip in your windshield, it’s best to be proactive and get it repaired as soon as possible. Minor chips or cracks can expand rapidly, reducing your visibility as well as your safety. In most states, extensive windshield damage or damage that limits the driver’s visibility also makes your vehicle illegal to operate.

Comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle

If you own a vehicle, check your policy or contact your insurance agent to ensure you’re fully covered for glass repairs from collisions, debris, extreme weather events and more. But you’ll also want to ask about the following:

• ADAS calibration: Vehicles today rely on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which require calibration after a windshield replacement. It’s important to know that not all policies cover this crucial step, so make sure to confirm whether ADAS calibration is included to avoid safety issues and unexpected costs after necessary glass repairs.
• Choice of provider: While many insurance companies recommend or direct customers to their preferred repair networks, policyholders often have the right to choose their own glass repair service provider. Ask your agent or check your policy to see if you’ll have that choice in the event of damage. Opting for a trusted, locally owned company, like Glass Doctor, can lead to better service and fewer surprise expenses.

To help make glass repair and replacement simple, timely, and stress-free, Glass Doctor offers a Windshield Protection Plan designed to help drivers quickly and affordably address common road hazard damage quickly and affordably. The plan includes unlimited windshield repairs or one full replacement within one year of the original installation, along with ADAS calibration when necessary.

Don’t forget about your home’s glass

Like vehicles, your home’s windows are vulnerable to damage from storms, accidents, or simple wear and tear. But did you know some insurance policies have home glass damage exclusions? That means the policies won’t cover certain types of glass damage, such as gradual wear, flooding, earthquakes, and accidental damage. Regular maintenance of your windows and a solid understanding of your policy’s limitations can help ensure that your homeowner’s insurance policy remains effective.

No matter the cause of the damage, Glass Doctor experts work closely with insurance providers, offering support to customers throughout the glass-related coverage claims process for auto and home glass repairs. To help prevent unpleasant surprises after an accident, review your policy in advance rather than after damage occurs for long-term financial protection and peace of mind.

“Glass damage to cars and homes often happens at the worst times, like during a family road trip or following a sudden, severe storm,” said Thomas Patterson, director of New Product Development and Technical Training for Glass Doctor. “Safeguarding your property with the right insurance coverage can protect your investment and reduce stress when the unexpected happens. Not all policies are the same, so check your coverage before damage occurs to protect your investment fully.”

Learn more about Glass Doctor’s auto and home glass repair services at GlassDoctor.com.

2025-09-09T09:01:00

(BPT) – A high-quality paint job for indoor or outdoor projects doesn’t happen by accident. Investing time to find the right tools and paint, as well as applying the right techniques, goes a long way in achieving a polished, long-lasting result that takes the least amount of time.

Whether you’re a professional painter or a homeowner who is ready to take on your next project, Purdy^® is here to help make your paint job a better paint job. Since 1925, Purdy has crafted a wide range of high-quality painting tools for Pros and DIYers alike. What started with one good brush 100 years ago has evolved into the #1 brand preferred by Pros.*

To celebrate a century of painting excellence, Purdy offers its top three tips that can help you save time and deliver Pro-level results.

1. Prepare the surface before painting

Before you begin painting, prep the surface by repairing any holes, sanding rough surfaces and cleaning away dust to ensure a perfect finish. These measures can save you time down the road by improving paint adhesion and preventing the need for time-wasting repaints.

To save on prep time, use a multi-tool that is designed to remove nails, clean cracks and spread compound — all in one — to create a smooth surface before laying paint.

2. Select the right tools for the job

The next step is to select the right tools for the job. Using the right paint applicator is key to a professional-looking finish. From brush bristle and filament types to roller cover material and nap sizes, each applicator is designed for specific paint types, surfaces and project needs.

Additionally, the right tools can help simplify your painting project and ensure a smooth finish the first time without time-consuming touch ups. When painting walls, ceilings and other tall surfaces, use an extension pole like the Purdy POLE+. Designed for maximum performance, it features a secure pin-lock every 3 inches, providing twice the adjustability when compared to the Wooster^® Sherlock^® GT^® Pole. This pin-locking mechanism also ensures stability to prevent slippage and increase reliability.

3. Focus on efficiency

Efficiency is not just about moving quickly. Efficiency requires a painter to balance time and quality with tools built with productivity in mind.

The Purdy Altitude™ Roller Cover, for example, is made of a microfiber and polyester blended fabric that delivers an ultrasmooth, uniform application and superb hide, allowing painters to complete jobs fast. When compared to the Purdy WhiteDove™ Roller Cover, the Altitude produces a superior smooth finish with 50% more coverage when used with premium paints.

Similarly, the Purdy Pro-Extra^® High-Capacity Brush is built to increase productivity, with a patented design that holds 40% more paint compared to the Purdy Pro-Extra^® Glide™ Brush, when used with premium paints. This brush helps Pros finish jobs fast by reducing trips to the paint bucket.

Whether you’re a Pro or a DIY homeowner, these three expert tips can help you save time on painting so you or your clients can enjoy the final product. To learn more tips, find professional-grade products and celebrate a century of making tools that work as hard as you do, visit Purdy.com.

*2024 inPAINT Magazine Brand Preference Survey, Brush and Roller Categories. May/June Issue.

2025-09-08T16:31:00

(BPT) – Getting kids to read when they’re not natural bookworms can be challenging. Marvel books are a fun and easy way to get them motivated. Check out five cool and awesome ways to get your kids into reading and prepare them to go back to school.

1. Tap into their beloved Marvel characters

Get kids engaged in reading by selecting books featuring their favorite Marvel characters. Discover great (off-screen!) adventures with Spidey and His Amazing Friends.

At bedtime, how about choosing a copy of 5-Minute Spidey and His Amazing Friends Stories? This collection of 12 short tales easily incorporates reading into your kids’ bedtime routine. Find the perfect read for your young webslinger with plenty of options. Consider Super Readers Pre-Level Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Go Team Spidey! and World of Reading Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Webs Up! These books are sure to create a memorable reading experience.

2. Engage your kids with age-appropriate book alternatives to movies

With the recent release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Fantastic Four books are a great way for kids to learn more about Marvel’s iconic first family of Super Heroes in an off-screen mode. From the Fantastic Four Little Golden Book to Fantastic Four: My Mighty Marvel First Book to Fantastic Four: A Family (Anti)Matter, discover exciting books sure to provide your child with an enjoyable and age-appropriate alternative to their favorite Marvel movies.

3. Enhance their reading experience with creative activities

Take your kids’ reading experience to the next level by pairing creative activities and books! Activity books will keep your kids entertained and engaged in storytelling.

Marvel activity books featuring beloved characters such as Spidey and his amazing friends or the Fantastic Four are a fun way to create a special reading moment. With multiple activity sheets, stickers, markers, and more, Marvel books will spark your kids’ creativity at home, in the car or on a plane.

4. Create core family memories with awesome activities for everyone

Calling all Marvel fans! Engage your kids with activities involving Marvel books and make reading a fun family moment. Bring comics to life with a copy of the 64-page Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Jumbo Coloring and Activity Book, or re-create a theater experience at home with Marvel: Spidey and His Amazing Friends: Movie Theater Storybook & Movie Projector.

For aspiring cartoonists, consider Marvel: How to Draw Awesome Characters. From Iron Man to Captain America to Black Widow to Black Panther and many more, there is a beloved character for everyone.

5. Celebrate reading accomplishments with fun treats

A fun and delicious way to celebrate reading accomplishments is with A Taste of Marvel: Snacks: Bite-Size Recipes in a Snack-Size Book! Inside this tiny but mighty book, you’ll find mouthwatering snack recipes from best-selling Marvel cookbooks such as Marvel: Spider-Man: The Official Cookbook, Marvel: Black Panther: The Official Wakanda Cookbook and Marvel: Cooking with Deadpool.

For kids who love stickers, check out Marvel Studios: Discover the Multiverse: Ultimate Sticker Collection. With more than 1,000 stickers, young readers will re-create favorite moments from epic team-ups and battles.

Little artists and lovers of hands-on activities will discover fun projects in Marvel Crafts: 100+ Activities and Art Projects Inspired by Marvel Comics. Filled with photography and clearly illustrated instructions, this book will boost your kids’ creativity.

That’s a wrap! Five awesome tips to foster a lifelong love of reading. Discover more Marvel books for more fabulous and engaging ideas on Amazon.

2025-09-08T09:03:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school is a season of checklists, from supplies and schedules to sports signups and lunchbox prep. But amid the flurry of getting your child back into the classroom routine, certain common health issues can be easy to overlook.

That’s because the start of the school year brings a perfect storm of stress, germs and hectic schedules. In the midst of it all, some everyday aches and pains can sneak by undetected until they turn into something much more serious.

“Parents and kids are juggling a lot this time of year,” says Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, Associate Chief Medical Officer at MD Live by Evernorth. “It’s easy to chalk up certain symptoms to stress or adjusting to new routines, but some can be early warning signs of something that needs medical attention.”

Here are five common health issues that doctors say could easily fly under the radar during the back-to-school rush, and how a virtual care visit can help you stay one step ahead.

1. Tummy troubles that won’t quit

Nervous stomach? Maybe. But if tummy troubles like cramping, diarrhea or nausea linger, it could be more than nerves about the new school year. “These gastrointestinal symptoms could point to newfound food sensitivities or allergies, foodborne illnesses, parasites picked up during summer travel or camp, and even anxiety,” says Roundtree. “It’s easy for these to be mistaken for nerves or a sensitive stomach, but if the child’s symptoms are interfering with their daily activities, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any of those issues.”

2. Fatigue that feels excessive

Back-to-school routines are tiring, especially for younger kids. But excessive fatigue, especially when paired with pale skin, irritability or trouble focusing, can point to an underlying issue like anemia, often caused by an iron deficiency, which is common in school-aged children and teens. This symptom can be easily misinterpreted as the stress of adjusting to early mornings. However, when fatigue is combined with physical or behavioral changes, it is worth exploring further.

3. Headaches that hit at school

If your child is suddenly complaining of headaches more frequently, especially after a long day in front of computer screens or taking notes from the whiteboard, they may be dealing with eye strain, vision issues or even stress-related tension. “These symptoms often show up once kids are back in structured, indoor environments,” Roundtree notes. “It’s absolutely worth bringing up during a doctor’s visit, especially if you find they’re interfering with your child’s concentration or sleep habits.”

4. Frequent bathroom breaks or bedwetting in older kids

If your child suddenly takes more bathroom breaks during the day or has started wetting the bed again, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or other underlying condition. While these symptoms might indicate something physical, they can also stem from behavioral or emotional factors. Either way, it’s worth discussing with your child’s doctor.

5. Mood swings that keep swinging

Back-to-school jitters are normal. However, unusual mood swings, outbursts, increased irritability or withdrawal may signal something deeper, such as anxiety, sleep disruptions or even a physical issue like undiagnosed strep, which can sometimes cause neurological symptoms in kids.

“Emotional and physical health are connected,” Roundtree explains. “Changes in mood and behavior may be early signs that something deeper is going on.”

Don’t wait for the school nurse to call

Many of the most common back-to-school health issues can be assessed and addressed virtually from the comfort of your home.

“With MD Live, parents can access board-certified pediatricians quickly, whether they need fast answers, peace of mind or trusted guidance on next steps,” says Roundtree. “Virtual visits are a powerful tool for staying proactive during a hectic school year.”

This year, add health to your back-to-school checklist. If something feels off, trust your instincts and give your family a healthier start to the school year.

2025-09-05T20:33:00

(BPT) – As home prices continue to rise, many homeowners are choosing to stay and put their time and money into renovating their existing homes. According to a survey by This Old House, 48% of homeowners have renovation plans for 2025. Of those planning to renovate, two groups stand out: millennials and baby boomers.

Two generations with different priorities

When broken down by generation, millennials are leading the home renovation trends. In fact, the survey found that of those homeowners planning to renovate, millennials made up 60% of the group.

Millennial home renovations are largely focused on making their current home match their lifestyle with projects that boost home enjoyment, style and quality of life.

While boomers are less likely to pursue home renovations, their requests for age-in-place (AIP) renovations are on the rise. According to an article by the National Association of Home Builders, 75% of industry leaders say that requests for AIP features have significantly or somewhat increased in the last five years. Also, 56% of remodelers are currently involved in home modification work relating to AIP.

Renovations all generations agree are important

Regardless of age, This Old House found that the most common spaces homeowners plan to improve are bathrooms (53%) and kitchens (51%), two high-traffic areas. Because these areas see the most use, bathroom and kitchen renovations can improve homeowners’ daily comfort and boost a home’s value.

Another feature that younger and older generations are prioritizing is utility upgrades. America’s housing stock is aging — with the median age of owner-occupied homes sitting at 41 years — and with it, major system replacements have become more common. For example, according to a Houzz report, nearly 30% of 2022 renovators replaced plumbing systems, often including installing new water heaters.

This isn’t surprising since conventional tank water heaters generally last about 6-12 years. That’s why many homes built in the mid-2000s are now due for replacement of their original systems.

How tankless water heaters make bathroom and kitchen renovations simpler

Given that bathroom and kitchen renovations are top projects for younger and older homeowners, replacing a water heater is essential. While homeowners could replace their old conventional water heater with a similar yet newer model, a more energy-efficient option is a tankless water heater.

As the name suggests, tankless water heaters don’t require a storage tank that must be continuously heated. Instead, tankless water heaters like Noritz EZ Series Pro models flash-heat water on demand.

With a tankless water heater, homeowners will never run out of hot water, and they can save on utility costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, on-demand water heaters can be 24%–34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters. For homeowners who want to save money, run a more eco-friendly house or both, a tankless water heater can help them achieve this critical home upgrade.

There are other home renovation benefits that tankless water heaters offer. They take up less space than a tank water heater — leaving more room for other renovations — are easy to install and have a longer life expectancy. Compared to storage water heaters that last 10-15 years, tankless water heaters can last more than 20 years. Because of their modular design and easily replaceable parts, a tankless water heater can last even longer. To learn more about tankless water heaters, visit Noritz.com.

Hot water on demand without breaking the bank

One thing homeowners should keep in mind when considering a tankless water heater is the cost. Installing a tankless water heater is a long-term investment that can net homeowners savings, but it’s also a pricy upfront cost. That said, some programs can make this home upgrade more affordable.

“Many homeowners don’t know that there are local, state and federal agencies that offer rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades,” said Emily Logan, Director, Utility Data and Programs at EcoRebates. “By taking advantage of these programs, homeowners can save on their water heater upgrade, leaving more money for other home renovations.”

That said, it’s important to look into rebates and tax credits now. Some federal energy tax incentives, like the Section 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit and Section 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, will be phased out after June 30, 2026. If you’re a homeowner who is considering upgrading your bathroom and kitchen with a tankless water heater, visit Noritz.com/rebates to find applicable savings programs.

2025-09-05T08:01:00

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