Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-11-25T14:01:00

(BPT) – Kennedy was a vibrant, healthy two-year-old until she developed a fever and tested positive for influenza (flu). As busy first-time parents, Kennedy’s parents didn’t realize that because her last wellness checkup fell outside flu season, they missed flu vaccination for her that year.

“Little did we know this critical misstep would change our lives forever,” said Kennedy’s mom, Megan Parks.

Initially, Kennedy’s pediatrician recommended rest, and for her parents to watch for signs of breathing problems. After three days, she did not improve, and her lips started turning blue. Alarmed, Kennedy’s parents rushed her to the hospital.

“I kept a close, constant watch on Kennedy in my rearview mirror,” Megan recalled. “The last time I looked up to check on her, she was no longer responding.” Kennedy’s mom pulled over to call 9-1-1.

“That day, we lost our beautiful Kennedy to the flu,” Megan said. “We simply didn’t realize that when a child receives a flu vaccination, it can significantly help reduce their chances of hospitalization or death. Unfortunately, we found out too late.”

The Parks family turned tragedy into advocacy and is now focused on spreading awareness about the potential seriousness of the flu, urging families to get yearly vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older.

Severe flu season

The Parks are one of many families who have lost loved ones to the flu. The 2024-2025 flu season was among the most severe in U.S. history, with record-breaking pediatric deaths and overwhelming levels of illness and hospitalization.[1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were at least 43 million flu illnesses, 560,000 flu hospitalizations, and 38,000 flu deaths last season. Children were hit especially hard, with 287 confirmed flu-associated pediatric deaths.[2] Nearly 90% of those deaths were children who were eligible for the flu vaccine but were not vaccinated.[3]

Flu is a serious illness

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.[4] Flu season is the time of year that flu viruses most commonly circulate in the population, typically between October through May, and peaking between December and February.[5]

Although most people who get the flu recover in a few days to under two weeks, sometimes the flu can lead to complications (like pneumonia) and death.[6] While the flu may impact each person differently, symptoms can appear suddenly and include fever (or feeling feverish and chills), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea are more common in children.

Who is at risk for the flu

The harsh reality is, anyone can get sick from the flu, even people who are or feel healthy, and serious flu-related problems can impact people of any age, race, or gender.[7] However, some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick, including people 65 and older, people with certain chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, obesity, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.[7]

“The flu is a serious respiratory illness everyone needs to be aware of, especially now that flu season is here,” said Dr. Luis Romano, U.S. Medical and Clinical Affairs Lead for Flu at GSK. “It’s especially important for high-risk groups to prioritize flu vaccination to help reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and flu-related death.”

Since 2010, there have been deep and persistent disparities in flu-related outcomes among racial and ethnic minority groups.[8] Hispanic and Black communities have consistently experienced higher rates of flu-related complications and death, often due to lower vaccination rates and delayed access to care.[8] According to the CDC, 39.2% of Hispanic adults and 43.1% of Black adults received a flu shot, compared to 49.8% of White adults and 54.9% of Asian adults.[9] This persistent gap in vaccination coverage increases vulnerability to severe flu-related illness and hospitalization.[9],[10]

Educating families

The best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu every season is by talking to your doctor or pharmacist about flu vaccination.[11] The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older who do not have contraindications.[12]

“Decades of data confirm flu vaccines have an excellent safety record,” added Dr. Romano. “Hundreds of millions of Americans have received flu vaccines over the past 50 years, and ongoing monitoring consistently reinforces their strong safety profile.”

The body of scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports flu vaccines are safe, making them a critical tool in helping to protect public health.[13]

Where to get vaccinated

If you haven’t gotten vaccinated against the flu yet, it’s not too late. While it’s best to get vaccinated by the end of October, getting your flu shot in November or later is still recommended since flu activity often peaks in February and can last into May.[14]

Getting a flu shot is typically quick and convenient, so you can help protect yourself and your family from the flu with minimal time commitment. Flu vaccinations are usually offered in doctor’s offices and clinics, but you can also get them in pharmacies, college health centers, and even some schools or workplaces.[15] Some vaccination locations, like pharmacies, may accept walk-ins. Flu vaccinations are usually free for people with medical insurance (including Medicaid, Medicare, ACA plans and private plans).[16]

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about flu vaccination and learn more at CDC.gov/flu.

[1] CDC. Influenza Activity in the United States during the 2024–25 Season and Composition of the 2025–26 Influenza Vaccine. Influenza (Flu). Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/whats-new/2025-2026-influenza-activity.html.

[2] CDC. Influenza-associated Pediatric Mortality. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://gis.cdc.gov/GRASP/Fluview/PedFluDeath.html.

[3] Reinhart K, Huang S, Kniss K, et al. Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths — United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74(36):565-569. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7436a2

[4] CDC. About Influenza (Flu). Accessed August 22, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.

[5] CDC. U.S. Influenza Surveillance: Purpose and Methods. Accessed August 26, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/overview/index.html.

[6] CDC. Symptoms and Signs of Flu. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html.

[7] CDC. About Influenza (Flu). Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.

[8] CDC. Flu and Healthy Lives for All. Influenza (Flu). Published January 17, 2025. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/healthy-living/index.html.

[9] CDC. Influenza Vaccination Coverage and Intent for Vaccination, Adults 18 Years and Older, United States. FluVaxView. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/adult-coverage.html.

[10] CDC. People with Chronic Medical Conditions and Flu Hospitalizations. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/whats-new/2023-2024-higher-risk-hospitalizations.html.

[11] CDC. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/keyfacts.html.

[12] CDC. Who Needs a Flu Vaccine. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines/vaccinations.html.

[13] CDC. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Safety. Published 2024. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/flu.html.

[14] Grohskopf LA, Blanton LH, Ferdinands JM, et al. Prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025–26 Influenza Season. Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2025. 74(32):500-507. Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2025–26 Influenza Season

[15] CDC. Where to Find Vaccines. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/vaccine-planning.html.

[16] CDC. How to Pay for Vaccines. Vaccine Information for Adults. Published 2024. Accessed October 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines-adults/recommended-vaccines/how-to-pay-adult-vaccines.html.

2025-11-25T12:01:01

(BPT) – The holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of drivers hitting the road to visit loved ones. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most common times for parking lot mishaps, rental car confusion and unexpected roadside incidents. Mercury Insurance (NYSE: MCY) is offering drivers practical tips to help them stay safe and avoid costly surprises while traveling this season.

“Between crowded parking lots, unpredictable weather and rental car agreements, holiday travel can get complicated fast,” said Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management, State at Mercury Insurance. “A little preparation and understanding of your insurance coverage can make all the difference if something unexpected happens on the road.”

Top Auto Insurance Tips for Holiday Travel

Review your policy before hitting the road. Make sure your coverage is up to date and fits your travel plans. Comprehensive and collision coverage can help protect you from fender benders, theft and damage that may occur far from home.

Check your rental car coverage. If you’re renting a car, verify whether your personal auto policy extends to rentals. Most personal auto insurance policies do, and if you have an active auto policy with liability, collision, or comprehensive coverage, those same coverages usually apply when you rent a car for personal use. Talk to an agent about your options if your policy doesn’t include rental car coverage.

Protect your car in parking lots. Parking lots are a hot spot for dings, scratches and minor accidents during the holidays. Park in well-lit areas, avoid tight spots and consider backing into your space for better visibility when leaving.

Keep emergency supplies handy. Prepare an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, a first-aid kit and water. Winter weather and heavy traffic can mean longer wait times for roadside assistance.

Plan ahead for long drives. Schedule regular breaks, rotate drivers when possible, and don’t drive distracted or drowsy. Mercury encourages travelers to use navigation apps for real-time updates on traffic, road closures and weather conditions.

“Mishaps can happen even when you plan carefully,” added Yoshizawa. “Understanding your policy and knowing what’s covered helps you stay calm and focused if something goes wrong.”

2025-11-24T20:35:00

(BPT) – Drinking a cold glass of milk straight from the carton can be a delicious and hydrating way to start or end your day — with the bonus of getting essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamins A and D, and protein to support your everyday nutrition.

But, if you’re in the mood to take your milk moments to the next level, it can be fun to experiment with new flavors to stir things up! Here are 5 recipes that will make your milk a little extra fancy and can help you enjoy nourishing, creative moments any time of day.

Honey Lavender Milk

Honey Lavender Milk is a soothing blend of delicate lavender and golden honey, balanced by nourishing whole milk. The subtle herbal notes pair with the natural sweetness of milk, creating a drink that feels luxurious and calming. It’s a sip of serenity in every glass. The lavender perks the senses. It smells soothing, tastes delightful and is so photogenically beautiful you will want to share with friends.

Start to finish: 7 minutes (5 minutes to prep, 2 minutes to cook)

Servings: 1

Ingredients

8 fresh lavender flowers (or approximately 1 tablespoon dried)

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup water

3/4 cup Organic Valley^® Grassmilk^® Whole Milk

2 tablespoons honey lavender syrup

Ice

Optional: 1 blackberry, for syrup color

Directions

Make the honey lavender syrup by combining honey, water and lavender flowers in a small saucepan over medium heat. If you want to make the syrup purple, add a blackberry to the mix. Simmer for 2 minutes, or until the honey is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, strain into a glass jar.

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the milk and 2 tablespoons of the syrup. Shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a glass and serve.

Strawberry Matcha Milk

It may not be pink, but the matcha in this Strawberry Matcha Milk is a gentle green that arouses curiosity. Earthy matcha meets strawberry for a playful contrast, while Organic Valley^® Lactose-Free, Fat Free Skim Milk brings a clean, fresh taste that enhances the matcha’s natural umami and the strawberry’s sweetness.

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

1 teaspoon matcha powder

2 ounces hot water

2 tablespoons strawberry simple syrup, or to taste

1 1/4 cup Organic Valley^® Lactose-Free Fat Free Skim Milk

Ice

Optional: Whipped cream and fresh strawberries, for garnish

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with hot water until smooth. Fill a glass with ice. Pour in the strawberry syrup, followed by milk to fill the glass about three-quarters full. Top with the matcha mixture.

Garnish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, if desired.

Golden Milk

Golden milk is a warm, spiced hug in a mug. This tasty, comforting drink brings together turmeric, cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup in a comforting blend. The warmth of the spices is balanced by the smoothness of Organic Valley^® Whole Milk. With just a splash of vanilla and an optional cinnamon stick, it’s a simple way to wind down or warm up.

Start to finish: 15 minutes (5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook)

Servings: 2

Ingredients

2 cups Organic Valley^® Whole Milk

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon maple syrup

Splash of vanilla extract

Optional 1 cinnamon stick

Optional pinch of ground black pepper or cayenne

Directions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, turmeric, cinnamon, maple syrup and vanilla.

Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Pour evenly into mugs, add the cinnamon stick, if using it. Sprinkle with black pepper or cayenne, if desired. Serve warm.

Cherry Vanilla Moon Milk

It only takes a minute to create this bold and beautiful milk drink. Moon Milk is often enjoyed in the evening to wind down before bed. The cherries — which are known for their antioxidant-rich properties — provide melatonin, serotonin and tryptophan which can help regulate sleep cycles. The cherry juice brings a bright, tart flavor and you can choose the perfect balance for your taste buds by adding more or less juice for a simple sweetness or something a little more tart. Experiment with other juices to jazz up your morning milk routine.

Start to finish: 2 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cherry juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup Organic Valley^® Lactose-Free Whole Milk

Ice (optional)

Directions

Fill a glass with ice, if using. Pour in the cherry juice, add in the vanilla and then top with milk. Stir gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Peanut Butter Banana Mocha

This decadent drink is a dessert in disguise. Chocolate, espresso, banana and peanut butter come together in a rich, indulgent blend to create the Peanut Butter Banana Mocha. The addition of milk from cows raised on organic pastures ties it all together with a smooth, creamy finish. Whether topped with whipped cream or enjoyed straight, it’s a treat made better by the goodness of organic dairy.

Start to finish: 5 minutes

Servings: 1

Ingredients

1 tablespoon peanut butter simple syrup

1 tablespoon banana simple syrup

1 to 1 1/2 cup Organic Valley^® Lowfat 1% Milk

Ice

Optional: 2 ounces espresso

Optional: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings for garnish and chocolate syrup for drizzling

Directions

Drizzle the inside of a glass with chocolate syrup, if desired. Fill the glass with ice. Add peanut butter and banana syrups. Pour in espresso, if using, then top with milk. Stir to combine.

Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra sweet treat.

Make Mine with Milk, Please

Organic Valley offers a variety of milk, including fat-free, whole, and lactose-free; other milk options include Grassmilk^®, which comes from cows that only eat organic grasses and dried forages, and Family First^®, which includes DHA Omega 3. Whatever you choose, you can feel good knowing all Organic Valley^® milks are USDA Certified Organic and come from cows on the cooperative’s organic family farms that are raised without the use of antibiotics, artificial growth hormones, toxic pesticides or GMOs.

Whether you need some pizzazz in your glass, are planning a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home with family, let Organic Valley^® Milk fuel your creativity — naturally.

2025-11-24T20:01:00

(BPT) – Gen Z is expected to make up over 27% of the U.S. workforce by the end of 2025, and if your workplace wants to attract top talent from this generation, you’ll need to provide a positive company culture that fosters work-life balance and opportunities for growth.

According to a survey of 3,000 Gen Z students and graduates, their top three priorities for an ideal workplace are:

1. Career growth potential (74%).
2. Competitive compensation (72%).
3. Location convenience (69%).

Priority #1: Career growth potential.

In a 2023 study 70% of Gen Z shared that they expected a promotion within 18 months of starting a new role. Many employers are helping facilitate this by providing ongoing professional development opportunities. These can be in-house trainings by companies like Niche Academy or through stipends for conferences, workshops or webinars.

And while not all employees may be ready to promote within that 18-month window, some employers are helping them dress for the role they want by providing a Stitch Fix subscription to build out a more professional wardrobe.

Priority #2: Competitive compensation.

A Handshake survey found 74% of 2023’s grads say a top priority is stability and salary. Gen Z’ers are seeking a level of compensation that enables a true work-life balance amidst growing feelings of financial insecurity.

Employers can contribute to this sense of stability by bringing in a financial planner that employees can work with directly, such as those through BrightPlan. Providing other incentives beyond a paycheck, such as gas cards or Spotify subscriptions, can also help alleviate the day-to-day financial pressures Gen Z’ers face.

Priority #3: Location convenience.

When choosing where to work, often Gen-Zer’s will select jobs that offer more convenience, including proximity to retail, closer commutes and in-person interactions with their coworkers. One way employers are helping to foster personal interactions is with better break rooms. Companies are keeping their employees at the office and helping with breakroom hangouts with offerings like Java House’s ready-brewed Peel & Pour Pods. These allow Gen-Zer’s to make cafe-quality, eco-friendly cold brews right in the office — ideal for the 60% of coffee drinkers who prefer their coffee cold.

Also consider catering lunch from some of Gen Z’s favorite restaurants, such as First Watch or Torchy’s Tacos, which can also serve as a financial incentive.

When you invest in Gen Z’s priorities of career growth, compensation and convenience, you’re setting both your company and your Gen Z employees up for a successful future: attracting today’s top talent that will turn into tomorrow’s leaders.

2025-11-24T16:09:00

(BPT) – No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, there’s a piece of tech they’ll use every day. From avid gamers and music fans, to busy parents, students and creatives, the right device makes life easier, more fun and more personal. HP has got your list covered with thoughtful gifts that blend home and work, elevate everyday tasks and feel great to use.

Holiday deals you won’t want to miss

Discover the latest tech for work and play at HP.com, with special offers throughout the season. Look for Daily Deal Doorbusters with deep discounts on select laptops, printers, gaming devices and accessories all month long, plus Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings from now through Monday, Dec. 1.

Here are just a few items to please the people on your “nice” list:

Let AI help them do more, their way

Know someone who needs a laptop upgrade? The HP OmniBook 5 Series with Snapdragon^® is a sleek, AI-ready PC that adapts to how they want to create, stream and connect.

• Why it’s a great gift: Fast, responsive performance for school, work, and downtime with power that lasts — up to 26 hours of battery life.
• Highlights: Available in 14-inch and 16-inch models with Copilot+ features, powered by a Snapdragon^® X processor with stunning 2K OLED display, a 1080p IR camera and HP Audio Boost 2.0.
• Feel-good design: Features a durable aluminum design with recycled materials, delivering portability and performance without compromise.

Smart printing for busy households

The HP Smart Tank 7602 All-in-One, AI-Enabled printer is the perfect companion for busy households and home offices seeking a smarter, more effortless printing experience.

• Why it’s a great gift: Big savings on ink and fewer trips to the store — two years of ink included in the box.
• Highlights: 2-sided printing; auto document feeder; dual-band Wi-Fi with smart diagnostics to help stay connected; HP Smart app shortcuts to remove steps from repeat tasks.
• Helpful intelligence: HP AI cleans up web pages and emails for clutter-free prints, saving time and cutting ink and paper waste.

Silence the noise and let their voice shine

The Poly Voyager Legend 50 UC Bluetooth^® Monaural headset sets the standard for clear calls for anyone working from home and on-the-go.

• Why it’s a great gift: Calls sound professional — even from a cafe or a windy street.
• Highlights: AI-enhanced NoiseBlockAI and WindSmart™; four noise-canceling mics; smart sensors for hands-free call control; all-day comfort with three earbud sizes.
• On-the-go power: Portable charging case — up to 30 hours of talk time.

Level up their gaming setup

For anyone looking to unlock their performance potential, the OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop is built for smooth, immersive play today — and easy upgrades tomorrow.

• Why it’s a great gift: Smooth, immersive play and a chassis that’s ready for tool-free personalization.
• Highlights: Latest AMD Ryzen™ processor; advanced graphics; OMEN-branded components optimized for cooling and power.
• Future-friendly: Designed for easy, tool-free upgrades.

Make everyday tasks easier

Boost your productivity with the HP 720/725 Multi-Device Rechargeable Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo — fully charged in just 3 minutes and ready to connect seamlessly via Bluetooth or the HP Unifying Dongle.

• Why it’s a great gift: Battery free — powered by a supercapacitor.
• Highlights: Enjoy seamless switching between laptop, tablet and desktop, plus programmable buttons for your favorite shortcuts.
• Feel-good design: Made with at least 60% post-consumer recycled materials.

This holiday season, give the tech that gets it.

For more information and exclusive holiday offers on these items and a whole lot more, visit HP.com, your one-stop shop for go-to tech.

2025-11-24T10:21:00

(BPT) – Solar panels have been installed on homes since the 1970s, but many homeowners are still reluctant to embrace the technology. If you’ve considered solar but are still on the fence, you may want to learn how much solar roofs have changed. Going solar may be a lot easier, more affordable and more aesthetically pleasing than you think.

Solar panels have been around a long time

Did you know the first U.S. patents for solar cells were granted in the 1880s? But it wasn’t until the 1950s that space-age technology inspired solar panel development for satellites. With improved technology, solar panels began supplying energy to some homes in the 1970s through large, bulky roof panels that were far from easy on the eyes.

As sustainability concerns grew over the next few decades, solar panels became more efficient and somewhat easier to install. Although homeowners appreciated their environmental benefits and potential energy savings, many still saw solar roofs as unappealing. Companies began developing more integrated solar roofing materials, like photovoltaic shingles and tiles, to try to make solar roofs more attractive to homeowners.

Today’s solar roofs can blend right in

Fast forward to 2025: Solar roofing has entered a whole new era of efficiency and appearance. With innovative technology like the Jackery Solar Roof, homeowners can now have the best of both worlds: high performing, efficient panels that are almost indistinguishable from a regular roof.

As the world’s first XBC curved solar roof tile design, Jackery’s solar roof panels can blend in seamlessly with existing architecture in classic roof tile colors like dark obsidian or terracotta. Ultra-thin crystalline silicon solar cells (just 0.13 millimeters) help create elegant tiles offering superior aesthetics combined with high performance. Their unique 150-degree curved shape resembles traditional terracotta roofing tiles, and they achieve over 25% cell conversion efficiency.

These attractive new tiles are quick and easy to install, balancing energy performance with visual appeal. They’re also part of a larger solar system that can be integrated with battery storage for a complete home power solution. These are just a few of the reasons the Jackery Solar Roof was named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions for 2025.

Additional benefits of going solar with Jackery

Still not sure about solar roofs? You’ll also want to know:

• Jackery’s rooftop system can generate 170 watts per square meter, with each tile generating 38W.
• The tiles come with a 25-Year Limited Warranty.
• They can handle extreme weather conditions: hail, high winds and temperatures of -40 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Jackery Solar Roof is compatible with smart energy management systems, as well as Jackery’s solar generators and battery systems like the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus, the premium option for essential home backup.

Reach top efficiency combining solar with advanced storage

The Explorer 5000 Plus is Jackery’s most advanced modular storage system designed with the option of off-grid home power supply, with portability in mind.

Starting with a base capacity of 5 kilowatt-hours (kWh), it can scale up to 60 kWh using additional battery packs combined with Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch (STS) for a flexible, powerful energy solution. Designed as a versatile extension to home solar systems, the Explorer 5000 Plus is compatible with standard High-PV Input MC4 connections, from standalone solar modules to full-scale roof installations.

For seamless integration into home power networks, the system can be paired with the optional Jackery Smart Transfer Switch to handle up to 4,000 watts of input power. It delivers a staggering 7,200 watts of output power, supports UPS functionality for uninterrupted emergency power and offers ultra-fast charging options. The system can be fully charged in just 3.5 hours via the power grid or as fast as 102 minutes with hybrid charging.

The Explorer 5000 Plus is equipped with app-based controls, letting you monitor and optimize energy usage in real time. Built with robust LiFePO4 batteries, the system meets the highest safety standards, and is equipped with castor wheels for easy mobility.

Home backup allows you the control and ownership of power generated by a solar system, crucial for power outages, night-time use and energy cost-savings.

An award-winning innovation

In addition to TIME Magazine’s recognition, the Solar Roof has earned honors from the Good Design Award 2024, IDEA Certificate 2025, iF Design Award 2025 and the Red Dot Design Award 2024, underscoring Jackery’s long-term vision for integrating cutting-edge engineering with sustainable living, highlighting how the company is redefining home energy solutions for a greener future.

These energy solutions are designed to meet the demands of today’s homeowners who also want a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Learn more about rooftop solar and energy storage options for your home at Jackery.com.

2025-11-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – For children facing critical illnesses and their families, the experience of having a cherished wish fulfilled can make a huge impact on their lives. Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Make-A-Wish^® and Subaru through the Share the Love^® Event, even more wishes are being granted for these children every year.

A Hollywood-worthy wish

During the summer before he was about to enter fifth grade, 11-year-old Christian was diagnosed with lymphoma, but his determination and strength remained admirable, along with his positive, happy-go-lucky attitude. Despite undergoing treatment throughout the school year, he continued to shine on his town’s travel soccer and baseball teams, and received A’s on all his math tests.

When he learned he was eligible for a wish through his local Make-A-Wish chapter, Make-A-Wish Connecticut, Christian knew exactly what to choose. His love for films and the way film characters can be or do anything they want inspired his choice: to play a role in a movie production.

While Christian waited for his wish to come true, Bertera Subaru of Hartford hosted a celebration fit for a movie star. Christian walked the red carpet, with his family and the entire staff loudly cheering him on and waving foam stars in the air. Sitting in a personalized director’s chair, he confidently shared his wish with the group, describing what the experience would mean to him. Christian was then surprised by a director informing him that filming for his role in a movie would begin in the summer!

“Being at Subaru was such an amazing and fun experience that made me ready for the red carpet,” Christian said.

The excitement shared by everyone in the room was incredible, and the line to get Christian’s headshot and autograph was almost out the door.

“Christian received a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in a movie, which has had a tremendous impact on our whole family,” said his mom, Christine. “The experience of being on a movie set, rehearsing lines with other actors and filming multiple takes of scenes was such a special experience that he will remember for the rest of his life.”

Even better, Christian’s wish experience gave him the confidence to try out for (and get) one of the leading roles in his school play, which will be performed next spring.

“Thanks to this experience through Make-A-Wish, his special talent was fostered, and we can’t wait to see what he does next,” Christine said. “This was an incredible experience for Christian, and it brought joy to our entire family.”

Christian and his family are grateful to Subaru and its retailers for making his wish come true, and for granting many more wishes for kids through their generous support. Christian said that the hope of his wish helped him get through his toughest days, and he firmly believes it’s the same for many other wish kids.

“When Subaru helped make Christian’s wish come true, it was about so much more than one incredible day,” added Christine. “Their support and enthusiasm made him feel genuinely celebrated and gave him a sense of confidence that will last a lifetime. We’ll always be grateful for the joy and encouragement they brought to our family.”

Bertera Subaru of Hartford’s unwavering partnership with Make-A-Wish Connecticut has continued to make wishes come true year after year for children with critical illnesses.

The need for continued support

When families are dealing with unplanned hospital stays and uncomfortable treatments, a wish can give children a chance to reclaim a piece of their childhood and a sense of control. Most wish kids go on to overcome their illness and lead healthy lives, and they often credit their wish as a turning point in their medical journey, giving them the strength to fight their critical illness. Research shows that many doctors believe a wish is a necessary part of a child’s medical treatment, because it can lead to better health outcomes and increased chances of survival.

Since 1980, Make-A-Wish has granted over 390,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in the U.S. and its territories, making a huge impact over the past 45 years. With help from donors, volunteers, and partners like Subaru, many more wishes will come true for children this coming year.

Together with generous donors, corporate partners, supporters, staff, and over 20,000 volunteers across the country, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. To help further this vital mission, over the last 17 years, the Subaru Share the Love Event, taking place this year from Nov. 20, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026, has raised over $38 million for Make-A-Wish, helping to grant more than 3,900 wishes to date.

Approximately 27,000 children are diagnosed with a critical illness that makes them eligible for a wish each year. But because of limited resources, it is simply not possible to be able to grant them all. Make-A-Wish is committed to ensuring that children don’t have to wait even one unnecessary day for their wish to come true.

How you can help

Every donation, large or small, helps make it possible for even more kids to see their wishes come true. Learn how you can make a difference at Wish.org/Subaru.

2025-11-21T10:17:00

(BPT) – Long-term care (LTC) isn’t just about nursing homes or medical treatment, it’s about maintaining your independence and quality of life as you age. Many Americans will need some form of long-term care, which can include help with daily activities, in-home medical support, meal preparation, housework, pet care, and money management. Because most people receiving care live at home or in their community, not in facilities, understanding what LTC covers and planning early can reduce future costs, preserve your independence, and give your family peace of mind.

2025-11-20T12:01:00

(BPT) – By Steffen Schreier, SVP Product and Portfolio, at Telesign, a Proximus Global company

The holiday season is a crucial time for brands. It’s also the busy season for scammers.

This year, consumers will face an unprecedented surge in fraud attempts — from phishing scams to stolen identities, to fake bank calls, deepfake voices, account takeovers and more. Thanks to scammers leveraging AI to supercharge their schemes, fraud attempts have become more prevalent and sophisticated, leaving consumers overwhelmed, afraid and unsure how to protect themselves.

While no brand can eliminate the threat of fraud entirely, yours can take steps to prevent fraud and protect the customer experience this holiday. By doing so, you can build and safeguard trust in your organization’s digital experiences, which has become a critical element of competitive advantage in today’s digital economy.

Why your brand should invest in consumer fraud protection

Trust is the cornerstone of the modern customer experience. Our 2024 Telesign Trust Index report found that consumers, uncertain about how to protect themselves, are increasingly holding brands responsible for ensuring greater protection against fraud. In fact, nine out of 10 people now hold brands responsible for protecting their digital lives, and four out of 10 will abandon brands after security breaches.

This isn’t surprising given the financial repercussions. In fact, our report found that 30% of consumers surveyed were victims of fraud in the past three years. Of those fraud victims, 61% reported financial losses and one-third of victims reported losses of more than $1,000. Because of the prevalence of fraud, 64% of consumers reduced their use of payment services and 56% decreased their e-commerce activities.

To stay competitive, you need to be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to holiday scams. Here are three essential strategies every brand needs to consider to protect consumers this holiday season and build brand trust for the future.

1. Educate consumers on fraud

Knowledge is power. Awareness is the first defense.

A direct and practical step your brand can take to protect consumers is to educate them on fraud when it matters most — like during checkout, when there is an opportunity to place a bulletin alerting consumers of prevalent fraud schemes. Not only does this help users distinguish authentic interactions from potential scams, but it also builds trust in a brand’s overall digital experience.

Leading up to the holiday season, make it a point to communicate to your customers the very real threat of fraud and common schemes to avoid. For example, some of the most common holiday scams include:

• Package delivery scams
• Gift card fraud
• Online shopping scams
• Social media scams
• Charity scams
• Fake accounts
• Payment fraud
• Identity thefts
• Deepfakes
• AI bots
• Impersonation fraud

It’s not only important to educate consumers on the common types and channels for fraud but also to provide insights on the advanced social engineering tactics fraudsters are employing to exploit personal information, like bank impersonations, SIM-swap fraud, synthetic identities and even deepfake ploys.

Communicating these holiday scams requires a multipronged approach. In addition to traditional digital channels, like email newsletters and social media posts, in-app and push notifications provide a trusted source to communicate the dangers of fraud.

It’s also important to cultivate two-way communications, and consumers benefit from easy mechanisms to report suspicious or fraudulent behavior.

It’s important, too, not to underestimate the importance of ongoing education. Vanguard organizations are increasingly communicating security-consciousness into their communications so that when a scam does occur, it is so outside the brand’s promise and experience, the fraud becomes easier to spot.

For those brands starting out on this journey, consider, for instance, educating consumers about fraud prevention during their initial interactions, such as when they create an account or during high-volume events, like the holidays. This reinforces a commitment to ensuring trust as core to its brand promise from day one of a customer’s journey with the brand.

2. Improve the user verification process without frustration

Identity verification is another indispensable tool in protecting your consumers and your company from fraud. The challenge of user verification is establishing protective steps without causing undue friction for consumers.

Friction in and of itself isn’t bad. In fact, our research shows that where once enhanced security measures were seen as a nuisance, now eight in 10 people welcome them and the friction necessary to safeguard their digital assets.

You likely already have safeguards like multifactor authentication (MFA) in place, including biometrics, silent verification and push notifications. While this may seem like a basic user verification tool, it can be an incredibly powerful deterrent. According to data from Microsoft, MFA was inactive in 99% of successful digital intrusions.

The real challenge becomes how to prompt consumers to use MFA when interacting with your brand’s accounts. Because MFA is often an option, not a requirement, many consumers leave themselves vulnerable to attacks. Consider making MFA a default option for consumer-verified accounts. This simple change makes it easier for consumers to engage in protecting their own identity and build a narrative of trust in your brand.

Improving the user verification process without compromising their experience is just the first step. Because fraud is evolving, your brand’s processes should evolve, too, and that includes implementing AI.

3. Fight AI with AI

As mentioned above, fraud has been supercharged by the advent of and proliferation of generative AI. Deepfake scams, in particular, have been on the rise, with 1 in 3 people and 1 in 3 businesses reporting encountering deepfake scams or attacks in the past year, according to the 2024 Telesign Trust Index survey.

Brands can directly address AI-enabled fraud by leveraging AI. While traditional cybersecurity focused on reacting to threats, AI enables a proactive approach. It works to anticipate, detect and disrupt attacks before they cause harm. Experience-wise, it also helps to limit the friction people experience. The end result is a better and safer experience and a more confident consumer, free to engage with the platforms they love without fear or disruption.

Leveraging AI, too, doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Instead, you can build a stronger defense for your consumers by combining basic security measures like MFA with cutting-edge AI and machine learning systems that can spot and stop attacks more effectively.

Investment in AI-driven security measures can have a significant impact on a brand’s image. Our data shows that 34% of U.S. respondents are more likely to trust a company that uses AI to protect them from fraud attacks. Globally, 43% are more likely.

Trust matters

There isn’t one answer to how to protect your current and potential consumers from fraud. However, these three strategies, individually and together, are great examples of where to start.

To learn more about how your business can protect your customers this holiday season, visit Telesign.com.

2025-11-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – You use your eyes every day, but when was your last comprehensive eye exam? More than 16 million Americans are living with undiagnosed or untreated vision problems that could be detected and treated with a simple visit to a local optometrist. As our population ages, experts predict that rates of vision loss and blindness could double by 2050. The good news? You can protect your sight and catch potential problems early with annual, comprehensive eye exams from a doctor of optometry.

A comprehensive eye exam does a lot more than check how clearly you can see. Beyond detecting vision and eye conditions that benefit from early treatment, optometrists can spot initial signs of more than 270 serious health issues — including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even certain cancers. It’s one of the simplest ways to get a deeper look at your overall health.

As the year winds down, Americans are busy with holiday travel plans and end-of-year to-dos — from scheduling flu shots to squeezing in final doctor visits. But there’s one important appointment that often gets overlooked: the annual in-person eye exam. Taking that one simple step could make a big difference in protecting your vision and overall health.

Here are facts about eye health that doctors of optometry nationwide want people to know:

Your eyes may say ‘bah, humbug’ during the holidays

Winter might bring holiday celebrations and cozy vibes, but it can be tough on your eyes. Dry, heated indoor air and the season’s low humidity can make moisture in your eyes evaporate quicker, aggravating dry eye symptoms. Combine that with cold winds and the intense glare of UV rays reflecting off snow, and you’ve got the perfect storm for irritated, uncomfortable eyes.

Regular, in-person eye exams can help patients address their eye health concerns, including dry eyes and early signs of eye damage from UV rays. You can also take proactive steps like adding a humidifier to your home and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes outdoors.

Tech can take a toll on your vision

It’s no secret that we’re all spending more time in front of screens — and it’s taking a toll on our eyes. This year, tech gifts like gaming devices, TVs, and smartwatches are topping wish lists everywhere. But as technology use continues to rise at home and at work, our eye health can pay the price.

A report from Deloitte in partnership with the AOA found that 31.8 million people — about 31% of those surveyed who are exposed to excessive screen time — did not see an optometrist in the last year. Over half of that group (55%) reported the presence of vision-related symptoms that may be improved or resolved from regular visits to an optometrist.

Getting a comprehensive eye exam annually is key, but there are also simple steps you can take every day to protect your eyes. Try looking away from your screen periodically — get up for a drink of water, stretch, or step outside for a quick break. The American Optometric Association (AOA) advises the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Don’t wait until symptoms appear

Blurry vision, eye pain, or irritation are all signs it’s time to see your optometrist, but you don’t have to wait until you’re uncomfortable to take care of your eyes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only half visited an optometrist in the past 12 months. Many serious eye and vision conditions have no obvious signs or symptoms, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, but when detected early, vision loss can often be prevented or significantly delayed.

In fact, nearly 5 million Americans live with diabetic eye complications, yet 90% of diabetes-related blindness is preventable with early detection and timely treatment. In 2019 alone, doctors of optometry identified signs of diabetic retinopathy in over 431,000 patients who had no history of diabetes.

For many conditions, early detection can make the difference when it comes to protecting eye health and vision.

Not wearing corrective lenses? You still need eye exams

Even if you don’t currently need glasses or contacts to correct your vision, your eye health can change over time and can be impacted by a number of health conditions.

Remember: A quick vision screening, such as those offered at schools, pediatrician offices, or even online, can detect some vision problems, but it often misses more than it finds. A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, includes a full range of tests that thoroughly evaluate the health of your eyes and provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of healthy vision by scheduling an in-person eye exam with an optometrist. To find an AOA doctor near you, visit AOA.org.