Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-11-12T08:25:54

(BPT) – Is the customer click-through dead? Thanks to AI and modern online search, the answer is often yes.

New tools and features like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT and Perplexity are now how people discover and trust content. Online information is crawled and then summarized into bite-sized answers that make it easy for people to get the information they need. There is no additional searching or clicking through to a website.

This change means a new goal for brands: Get into AI summaries and overviews as much as possible.

To better understand the current landscape, the communications experts at branded content company Brandpoint answer top AI search questions.

Where does AI get answers?

AI enhanced search and AI Overviews often contain links and website citations. These are what the AI crawlers have deemed credible and pulled from to write the answer for the search query. This is where brands and their key messages want to appear.

The challenge is that there is currently no one strategy that guarantees you will show up in AI Overviews. But there are steps you can take to position your brand for success and make your content more appealing, like structuring copy in a way that is easily readable by AI.

How do you write content for AI search?

Since AI crawls content online to create answers, you need to revamp how you write and publish communications like press releases, blog posts, sponsored content articles and social media posts.

Structured formats like Q&As, listicles and bylines with credible sources have potential to get cited by AI engines more reliably. Short, clear and well-formatted content is more likely to be surfaced and cited, especially when placed on multiple high-quality media sites. Whatever the topic, strive to create content that answers questions people ask online or solves a customer problem.

How do you balance AI readability with human readability?

Many of the strategies for helping AI to read your content are the same strategies you’d use to make digital content more readable for your target audiences. Both people and AI better process online content that is well organized, with succinct paragraphs including subheads and bullets where it makes sense.

Additionally, both people and AI are seeking answers to questions, so keep intent in mind and include valuable, high-quality information. Rather than separate strategies, AI and human readability are complementary in content creation.

How do you guarantee media placements that AI can scan for answers?

Branded content is one way to control your message and get it published on high-quality websites. Branded content refers to paid placements that are distributed on media sites, such as a sponsored article on a newspaper website.

USA Today is just one example of the high-quality publishers on Brandpoint’s network. Many publishers now have partnerships and licensing agreements with AI companies, such as Perplexity AI with Gannett, which owns USA Today and more than 200 local publications.

How often should brands publish content to appeal to AI?

There is no specific frequency for how often brands should publish content for AI search visibility. The key consideration is to create high-quality content, have consistent messaging and publish regularly using different PESO methods — paid, earned, social and owned.

For bigger brands with larger budgets and teams, this could mean multiple times a week. For small brands, this could mean once every two weeks or even monthly. Publishing frequently and consistently is better, as long as it doesn’t sacrifice quality.

What technical data is needed for content to get found by AI?

It’s important to consider technical best practices to help AI discover content. Structured data, also called schema markup, helps define digital content so AI can read and understand it quickly and accurately. Schema markup is standardized technical code added to a website.

Where can you learn more about AI search?

To learn more about AI search and how you can craft and publish content that appeals to AI, watch the recent webinar, “Branded Content in the Era of AI & GEO: Myths, Truths & Trends.”

To learn more about how branded content can support your goals, visit Brandpoint.com.

2025-11-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – The Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) achieved unprecedented results in 2024, marking the highest savings and participation rates since the program’s inception. The program generated $2.5 billion in Medicare savings while distributing $4.1 billion in performance payments to physicians, a clear validation that coordinated care models can simultaneously improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs.¹

However, the difference in performance across the participating accountable care organizations (ACOs) reveals important lessons about what drives success. While 75% of ACOs earned performance payments program-wide, the distribution was far from uniform. Aledade‘s physician-led ACOs achieved a 93% success rate, compared to the 73% program average.² These performance results directly translate to patient care, with higher-performing ACOs demonstrating measurable improvement in preventive care delivery, chronic disease management and overall patient health outcomes.

While the data proves that value-based care works, to be truly successful, execution and partnership strategies matter.

“Aledade understands the role we play, and they’ve made Medicare understand the role we play,” said Daljeet Saluja, M.D., of Saluja Medical Associates in Baltimore, Maryland. “To be rewarded for our good work is very powerful, and that’s why most Aledade physicians see more shared savings year after year.”

Beyond the dollars: Aledade ACO partners measurably impact patient lives

Beyond saving dollars, Aledade impacts health care for the better, supporting its partners with resources and tools to deliver measurable improvements in the health and daily lives of every patient in the network.

• Preventing unnecessary costs at scale: Aledade’s partners helped their patients avoid 263,000 unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency department visits, all while conducting more than 800,000 annual wellness visits.²
• Quality care that counts: Aledade partner practices and clinics have driven significant health improvements including increases in hypertension control rates — 4% higher than the national average.²
• Improved patient experience: Patients of Aledade partner practices gave a 92% physician approval rating, while 84% of patients agree Aledade practices allow them to get timely care and information.³
• Equity in action: Aledade partners with over 25% of community health centers (CHCs) in MSSP, helping them achieve meaningful shared savings. These savings enable CHCs to reinvest in under-resourced and rural communities while delivering patient-centered care that prevents illness, manages chronic conditions and ensures positive experiences regardless of economic status.²

These outcomes show health care transformation that prioritizes patients: preventing illness, managing chronic conditions effectively and ensuring positive care experiences regardless of economic circumstances.

“One huge advantage of participating in an Aledade ACO and earning shared savings has been that we are able to spend more time with our sickest patients,” said Christine Meyer, M.D., founder of Christine Meyer, MD & Associates, in Exton, Pennsylvania. “By reducing the number of patient visits per hour, our sickest and most complicated patients get comprehensive care with every visit.”

Performance differentiation: What drives superior results

Aledade’s performance stems from providing actionable insights and dedicated support for clinicians to keep their patients healthier while generating revenue through value-based care contracts/arrangements. With more than 200 field coaches across 46 states, Aledade understands unique market dynamics and delivers coaching that meets specific local challenges to provide better patient care. Aledade’s technology also drives superior results, by surfacing electronic health record (EHR), hospital, lab, pharmacy and claims data all in one place, showing digestible patient insights at the point of care. This drives earlier clinical intervention, improved care coordination and quality, all while alleviating administrative workloads.

The financial impact is substantial: Individual practices and clinics averaged $390,000 each in shared savings payments. Spanning rural, suburban and urban markets across 59 ACOs in 46 states, Aledade demonstrates that focused primary care investment creates sustainable competitive advantages regardless of geographic or demographic challenges.²

For physicians considering value-based care: These results offer a clear roadmap

Physicians should look for a partner with demonstrated operational excellence, physician-led governance and a track record of supporting primary care organizations across the board. The success of Aledade’s physician-led ACOs demonstrates that primary care physicians can deliver exceptional patient care while maintaining financially sustainable organizations. This proves that high-quality care, better patient access, reductions of unnecessary costs and improved profitability can all work together.

Visit Aledade to learn more.

1 Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations Updated Performance Year 2024 Financial and Quality Results

2 Performance Year Financial and Quality Results, Data.CMS.gov. The individual performance of non-Aledade ACOs may be better or worse than the average.

3 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems, CMS

2025-11-11T12:31:00

(BPT) – For lifestyle expert, TV host, and designer Sabrina Soto, every cozy fall moment begins with coffee. “I’m Latina, so coffee is literally in my DNA,” she says. “Growing up, coffee was always brewing, always part of the conversation.”

That love of coffee inspires how she approaches fall at home, from layering rich textures to brewing seasonal flavors that fill the house with warmth and comfort. Soto shares how she brings her favorite fall rituals to life with Don Francisco’s Coffee, blending design and flavor into everyday moments.

Explore New Seasonal Coffee Flavors

For Soto, coffee isn’t just a morning ritual. It’s part of her heritage and a daily source of comfort. Pumpkin spice will always have its moment, but this fall Soto is reaching for new cozy favorites from Don Francisco’s Coffee, including Maple Pecan and Caramel Spiced Rum. Both are crafted with 100% Arabica beans and capture the comforting flavors of the season in every sip.

Maple Pecan combines the sweet comfort of maple and toasted pecans with caramel undertones for an indulgent cup, while Caramel Spiced Rum layers dark caramel and butterscotch with just a hint of spiced rum for a decadent twist.

According to the DoorDash Fall Flavor Trends Report, pecan is the fastest-growing fall flavor, with orders up 28% year over year. Meanwhile, caramel remains a top choice in 13 states, indicating that these blends are right on trend for 2025.

“The Maple Pecan is perfect for lazy Sunday mornings and the Caramel Spiced Rum? That’s my after-dinner treat,” said Soto. “They’re delicious on their own, but I also love using them as a base for recipes when I’m having people over.”

Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Soto says fall decorating is all about engaging the senses, and for her, coffee is at the heart of it. She recommends thinking in layers (visual, tactile, and aromatic) to create spaces that feel truly inviting.

“I’m obsessed with layering this time of year, not just with throws and pillows, but with scents and flavors too,” said Soto. “Start with what you already have. Grab a favorite blanket, light some candles, or bring in branches and leaves from your yard. Tie them with ribbon or twine in warm tones like burnt orange or deep burgundy, and suddenly your space feels completely different. It doesn’t have to be expensive to feel special.”

She says the same approach applies to your coffee. “Layer it up,” she adds. “Top it with whipped cream, sprinkle cinnamon, drizzle caramel; it’s the easiest way to make your cup feel cozy and indulgent.”

“From a design perspective, I always tell people to think about texture first. Mix smooth ceramics with rough wood, soft linens with woven baskets. Then add warmth through lighting. Swap out bright bulbs for softer, amber-toned ones, or just light a bunch of candles,” she explained. “But honestly? The scent is what pulls it all together. Whether it’s candles, fresh eucalyptus, or coffee brewing in the kitchen, that’s what makes people feel at home.”

Entertain With Flavor

As the season shifts, Soto’s love of coffee goes beyond décor. It’s part of how she entertains, creating moments that feel warm, inviting and effortless.

“When friends come over, I want everything to feel warm and intentional but not fussy,” she said. “This Maple Pecan Buttercream Coffee is one of those things that looks impressive but takes literally five minutes. People always ask for the recipe.”

Don Francisco’s Maple Pecan Buttercream Coffee

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Don Francisco’s Maple Pecan Coffee, brewed hot
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Small pinch sea salt
• 2 tablespoons crushed toasted pecans

Instructions:

1. Brew 1 cup Don Francisco’s Maple Pecan Coffee and keep hot.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk or mix milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt until smooth and lightly foamy.
3. Divide hot coffee between two mugs.
4. Layer buttercream mixture over each coffee; spoon extra foam on top.
5. Finish with a generous sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans.

Sip Sustainably

For Soto, cozy living also means conscious living. She incorporates sustainable practices into her daily routine in simple, practical ways.

“I toss my used coffee grounds right into the garden. They’re amazing for fertilizer and keeping pests away,” said Soto. “And I recycle the coffee bags through Don Francisco’s free TerraCycle program. Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Little everyday choices really do add up.”

Find Your Fall Flavor

Don Francisco’s Coffee offers a variety of coffees, including seasonal flavor blends that are available for a limited time at DonFranciscos.com and Amazon.com/donfranciscos. Follow @DonFranciscos on Instagram for more cozy-season recipes, giveaways and inspiration.

2025-11-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever thought about what healthcare would be like if the people who keep it running weren’t there? No friendly hello at check-in. No vitals waiting in the chart. No medications prepared on time. A doctor or nurse trying to do it all, while patients wait.

Healthcare doesn’t stand still — it slows down. Wait times grow, providers burn out, and communities feel the gap. Allied health professionals are the ones who keep care moving, who support providers, and who have the closest and most frequent contact with patients.

Allied health professionals are the “heart and hands” of the healthcare industry. Can you imagine care without them?

With an estimated global healthcare staffing shortage of 11 million by 2030, the roles of allied health professionals are more important now than ever to ensure patients receive the care they need and deserve. Keep reading to learn more about one person’s allied health journey.

Jada’s story

When Jada Clanton first visited Clearwater, Florida, in 2023, she had no idea how much the trip would reshape her life. Originally from Pennsylvania, the 25-year-old came to see her daughter’s father — but the visit took an unexpected turn when he left them stranded. Rather than letting the experience define her, Jada found strength in the kindness of strangers and the warmth of the community. Inspired by the people she met and the resilience she discovered, she made a bold decision: In July 2024, she returned to Florida with her daughter to start fresh and build a new life.

During a chance encounter at her apartment complex, Jada met a neighbor who had just enrolled in a patient care technician program at a local college.

Intrigued, Jada asked for details, and her neighbor referred her to classes at Ultimate Medical Academy (UMA), a Florida-based nonprofit allied healthcare educational institution with more than 15,000 students and 100,000 alumni nationwide.

Inspired by their conversation and excited by the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career in healthcare, Jada signed up with UMA to become a medical assistant. The rest, as they say, is history.

Her motivation was deeply personal. Two years earlier, Jada’s father passed away in her arms from a stroke.

“He was having a stroke, and I didn’t know any of the signs,” she said. “Watching my dad pass away was very traumatic for me, and I just don’t ever want to feel that useless again in a moment like that.”

That moment, combined with her role as a mom, ignited her desire to learn how to check vitals and recognize medical emergencies — skills she’s now mastering at UMA.

Tableside to bedside

Before UMA, Jada spent nearly a decade as a restaurant server. She loved connecting with her patrons and making their day just a little brighter, and that care and empathy now fuel her passion for healthcare.

“Serving really taught me how to deal with so many circumstances, so many different people, so many different situations,” she said. “That is definitely a part of what I know will make me a good medical assistant.”

Despite facing challenges like lack of childcare, transportation and financial strain, Jada persevered. UMA supported her with work-study opportunities and mentorship, helping her secure housing and stay on track academically.

“I walked into UMA with nothing — no plan, no babysitters, no daycare — but the staff helped me take the steps I needed to get those resources in place and get into school,” she said. “No matter what, they didn’t let me give up.”

Now serving as a student ambassador, Jada helps classmates stay motivated and contributes to UMA’s social media content. She’s also exploring her creative side — writing music, designing clothes, and creating TikTok skits with her daughter. Her five-year goal is to become an anesthesiologist assistant.

Jada’s time at UMA has opened a world of possibilities for herself and for her daughter. The little family recently moved into their own house, and Jada is expected to graduate with her medical assistant certification in spring 2026.

“UMA has truly transformed both our lives. Not only did I find a career that I enjoy and offers real growth, but it’s one that empowers me to support my daughter and make a difference for others as well,” Jada shared. “This journey has helped me grow into a stronger woman. It pushed me beyond my comfort zone and proved that I’m capable of achieving far more than I ever imagined.”

Reimagining education

Jada’s story is emblematic of a broader shift in how Americans are navigating their careers. Recent reports show that the traditional college-to-career pipeline is under strain. According to a study by Handshake, a career platform geared toward Gen Z workers, entry-level corporate job postings have dropped by 15%, while applications have surged by 30%, pushing the unemployment rate for recent college graduates to nearly 6%. AI and automation are replacing many roles that once served as career steppingstones.

In contrast, certificate programs — like those offered at UMA — are gaining traction among learners from all backgrounds. Allied healthcare careers are somewhat insulated from automation, and provide hands-on training, shorter program durations, and job placement support. In fact, many learners like Jada are choosing certificate programs not just for economic reasons, but because they offer a clearer, more direct route to meaningful work.

“This was literally the best decision I’ve ever made in my life,” she said.

To learn more about the stories of allied health professionals, visit: https://www.ultimatemedical.edu/perspectives/.

2025-11-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Ever wanted to quit your job? If yes, you’re in the majority because according to Gallup, 51% of the U.S. workforce is open to leaving their current position. What’s worse for employers, it can cost one-half to two times an employee’s annual salary to replace them. This makes the retention of your current workforce extremely important for any company wanting to run smoothly without racking up hiring expenses.

The best way to retain employees is through engagement. Gallup notes that engaged workforces have 78% less absenteeism, 18% higher sales productivity and 23% higher profitability.

The question is how. Studies and surveys of employees have found three common engagement problems, and actionable solutions your company can implement immediately.

Engagement problem No. 1: Engaging in professional development

As of 2025, 9% of employees specifically cite a lack of “advancement, development or career opportunities” as their reason for leaving.

Solution: Offer clear growth opportunities

Long-term career goals like promotions and pay raises with measurable performance requirements give employees milestones to work toward. But promotions aren’t the only path to career progress. Your team wants access to certificate programs and professional networking that can build expertise and soft skills.

Engagement problem No. 2: Engaging in employee appreciation

According to WorkHuman, over half of surveyed employees feel only somewhat valued (46.4%) or not valued at all (10.7%) by their workplace, meaning over half of employees don’t feel acknowledged and appreciated for their work.

Solution: Implement a Rewards & Recognition (R&R) program

Studies show employees are 45% less likely to leave their jobs when they’re recognized and R&R programs can decrease turnover by 40%.

Reward employees every day with these ideas:

• Well-stocked breakrooms – Offer cafe-quality beverage options in the breakroom with Java House’s ready-brewed Peel & Pour Pods that come in a variety of roasts and styles, including iced coffee, lattes, hot cocoa and tea. With a wider selection of options readily available, employees are less likely to leave the office for a coffee or beverage break in the middle of the day.
• Branded gear – Outfit team members with quality branded merchandise like the customizable options from Lands’ End to serve as both a token of appreciation and a symbol of pride employees can literally wear on their sleeves.

Recognition ideas:

• Thank-yous – Saying “thank you” can go a long way in showing appreciation for employees, especially when paired with team-wide recognition in emails, Teams or Slack.
• Awards – Regularly celebrate employees’ accomplishments together by implementing an “Employee of the Month” program, a quarterly certificate program or an annual awards ceremony.

Engagement problem No. 3: Engaging worker flexibility

Flexibility doesn’t just mean working from home. In fact, 58% of American workers are front-line employees who cannot work remotely.

Solution: Encourage work-life balance

“Work-life balance” refers to the balance between the time spent working and the time spent with family or doing other enjoyable activities. This looks different for everyone, but workers agree it’s important.

Gallup shares that 31% of workers cite their well-being and lack of work-life balance as reasons for leaving their current employer. To counter this, let employees know you care about them in and out of the office with policies like flexible working hours, PTO, and maternity and paternity leave.

Engaged employees are critical to workplace retention. Ensure employees know you appreciate the work they do by investing in their skills, granting them flexibility, and regularly rewarding and recognizing them.

2025-11-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Can you imagine your ideal employee? That person might exhibit determination, adaptability, problem-solving and ingenuity. Those qualities are readily found in people with a wealth of untapped skills who also live with disabilities, making them strong candidates for companies needing to hire.

Qualities employers are looking for

People living with disabilities tackle daily challenges in pursuit of the lives they want. They handle detours on city sidewalks, learn to drive a truck using a joystick or graduate from colleges not designed for wheelchair users. These everyday obstacles reveal their grit and resilience.

According to the Department of Labor, the employment rate for people with disabilities between ages 16-64 was about 37% in 2024. People with disabilities face significantly higher unemployment rates and are nearly twice as likely to work part-time as those without disabilities. Thousands of talented people with disabilities — including paralysis — are ready and eager to enter the workforce.

Employers wanting to explore the many benefits of hiring people with disabilities can find resources and information from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC).

“A huge amount of untapped talent exists in the community of people facing challenges like paralysis,” said Sheila Fitzgibbon, senior director, NPRC. “Employers struggling to find outstanding people for positions will be pleased to discover how much talent is out there, if they know where to look.”

ADA basics

If you’re considering expanding your hiring, you may have concerns about compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed by Congress in 1990, this federal law prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities, including employment. For questions about specific aspects of the law, contact your regional center at ADAta.org.

The ADA prohibits employers from rejecting qualified applicants simply because they have a disability, and bans discriminatory practices in the workplace. That means reasonable accommodations must be made for any job applicants and employees who need them.

Understanding accommodations

The best way to understand accommodations is to think of them as “productivity enhancers.” Accommodations allow already capable people to do their jobs successfully. An accountant with limited dexterity might request speech recognition software to tackle spreadsheets with her voice rather than her hands, or a teacher with paraplegia might request a writing aid for grading homework.

Employees can request accommodations from their supervisor or human resources department when beginning a new job and anytime thereafter; there is no deadline for requests. Needs may evolve as the work environment or job specifics change, or as the employee ages. Applicants with disabilities can also seek accommodations to compete for a job. For example, a wheelchair user might request that a job interview occur on the ground floor of a building lacking an elevator.

Reasonable accommodation requests for people living with paralysis might include:

• Assistive technology like large-button keyboards or voice recognition software.
• Improved office accessibility, like installing automatic doors and grab bars in the bathroom.
• Assigned accessible parking spot near the entrance.

Finding employees

Employers can expand their talent pool by first ensuring their applicant screening processes don’t exclude people.

“Employers are recognizing they may be unnecessarily eliminating applicants,” said Susanne Bruyere, academic director and Employment Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN) principal investigator at the Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability, Cornell University. “AI screening tools might pick up anomalies in resumes, like extended employment gaps, which happen for people with health conditions. That can automatically and inadvertently eliminate viable candidates.”

One alternative is to use job boards and employment programs dedicated to increasing employment among people with disabilities. Here are some places to start:

• abilityJOBS connects applicants and employers through a resume bank, employment listings and virtual job fairs.
• AbilityLinks offers resume workshops and networking events with employers for veterans and people with disabilities.
• Our Ability Jobs helps job seekers with disabilities create in-depth job profiles, then matches them to openings using advanced technology.
• Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities connects federal agencies with recent graduates with disabilities; private sector employers can request access to applicants at earn@askearn.org.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies provide career counseling and on-the-job training for people with disabilities; rehabilitation counselors may arrange short-term trials with potential employees.

Financial benefits

Beyond increasing your chances of finding great candidates, your business may benefit from financial incentives. Federal tax credits are available to businesses who hire and/or invest in workplace accessibility for people with disabilities, and a Work Opportunity Tax Credit can be claimed by employers who hire applicants facing significant challenges in finding work — including people with paralysis who receive Supplemental Security Income or have been referred through Vocational Rehabilitation.

The Disabled Access Credit provides a credit for small businesses that invest in accessibility improvements for people with disabilities, and the Barrier Removal Tax Deduction is available to businesses of any size. Examples of qualifying actions include widening doorways, installing ramps or modifying restrooms. Many state-based initiatives also offer tax credits for hiring, accessibility improvements and investments in workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities.

The bottom line

By expanding how you seek and hire talent, your business will benefit in significant ways — most importantly by helping you find the best person for every position.

Learn more about how your organization can benefit from hiring people with disabilities at ChristopherReeve.org/Ask.

2025-11-10T09:01:02

(BPT) – Opioid overdose deaths among people 65 and older have surged by 9,000% in less than a decade. Most children fast longer than needed before surgery. And women who have C-sections may have pain that disrupts sleep for months. These were among the findings — aimed at exploring trends that could improve care for patients of all ages — unveiled at ANESTHESIOLOGY^® 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

“These studies highlight how anesthesiologists can make health care safer, more comfortable and more effective at every age,” said ASA President Patrick Giam, M.D., FASA. “From reducing and monitoring opioid use in older people, to ensuring parents safely and appropriately give their children clear liquids before surgery, to easing pain after C-sections so mothers can sleep and recover, anesthesiologist-led research continues to drive innovation and improve outcomes in medicine.”

Here are a few of the important findings anesthesiologists presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2025.

Adults 65 Years and Older Not Immune to the Opioid Epidemic

While the opioid epidemic previously affected mostly younger people, seniors are now experiencing surging opioid overdose rates. In fact, overdose deaths in people age 65 and older from fentanyl mixed with stimulants have risen by 9,000% in less than a decade, according to an analysis of more than 400,000 fentanyl-related deaths collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nearly half of the deaths involved mixing fentanyl with stimulants, such as cocaine or methamphetamines. Older adults are especially at risk because many have chronic health conditions, take multiple medications and metabolize drugs more slowly, according to Gab Pasia, M.A., lead author of the study and a medical student at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.

While opioids are effective for pain control, they should be used sparingly, especially in older people, researchers cautioned. They note that anesthesiologists and other pain medicine specialists should choose other pain management methods when possible and carefully monitor older patients when prescribing opioids. That includes educating them and their caregivers on overdose prevention tools such as naloxone.

Children Fast From Clear Liquids Much Longer Before Surgery Than Guidelines Recommend

More than two-thirds of children and nearly 80% of infants forgo clear liquids before surgery for at least twice as long as guidelines recommend, according to a study of more than 71,000 children aged 17 or younger.

Healthy infants and children may safely drink clear liquids until two hours before receiving anesthesia, according to current ASA guidelines. Yet researchers found that on average, children over a year old go without clear fluids for nearly nine hours before surgery — more than four times longer than needed. Infants go without clear fluids on average more than six hours before surgery.

Parents may worry about giving their child anything to drink before surgery due to the risk of liquid entering the lungs, but allowing children to drink clear liquids up to two hours before surgery is generally safe and helps prevent problems such as dehydration and low blood sugar, according to Alexander Nagrebetsky, M.D., M.Sc., senior author of the study and an anesthesiologist and intensivist at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston and assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Parents should talk with their anesthesiologist before surgery to confirm the latest fasting guidance and ensure their child stays hydrated and safe. For example, most children are encouraged to drink water or sugar-containing clear liquids, such as fruit juices without pulp or those with electrolytes, for up to two hours before the start of the procedure, Dr. Nagrebetsky noted.

Cesarean Delivery Linked to Higher Risk of Pain and Sleep Problems After Childbirth

Women who have a cesarean delivery (C-section) may be more likely to experience ongoing pain and sleep problems after childbirth compared to those who have a vaginal delivery, according to a nationwide analysis of more than 1.5 million mothers.

Individuals who had C-sections are 16% more likely to be diagnosed with a new sleep disorder in the first year after giving birth, compared to those who have vaginal births, according to Moe Takenoshita, M.B.B.Ch., lead author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the department of anesthesia at Stanford University Center for Academic Medicine, Palo Alto, California. Additionally, in interviews with 41 mothers who had C-sections, more than two-thirds said the pain disrupted their sleep and activities of daily living.

New mothers, especially those recovering from C-sections, should manage their pain to help them get better sleep and discuss any concerns with their physician. Getting regular exercise as appropriate, sleeping when the baby sleeps and avoiding caffeine late in the day can also help.

To learn more about the importance of physician-led anesthesia care — including how anesthesiologists keep patients safe before, during and after surgery — and explore the latest advances in the specialty, visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

2025-11-10T08:01:00

(BPT) – Connie Thomas, a 77-year-old woman from Altamont, Illinois, has navigated a long journey with her mental health. Decades ago, Thomas was diagnosed with breast cancer. Living with her diagnosis and its results was not only physically challenging but it also brought mental struggles, including depression. She managed her mental health with medication for many years. But after retirement and feeling a loss of purpose, Thomas once again experienced symptoms of depression.

It’s not unusual for older adults like Thomas to struggle with mental health issues. In fact, according to the National Council on Aging, 20% of people aged 55 and older suffer from some kind of mental health concern. After a lifetime of caring for families, raising children and serving their communities, many seniors put their own needs last, including their mental health. This can mean suffering in silence, sometimes for years.

Thomas knew better. She knew from her experience how important it is to talk about mental health, whether it’s with friends, family or your doctor. That conversation can open the door to new options. In Connie’s case, her primary care clinician offered her the GeneSight^® test, a genetic test that provides additional insights into how her genes may affect medication outcomes with certain mental health medications. These results gave her clinician more information to consider when developing her treatment plan.

Finding a mental health medication that works: A frustrating process
It’s fairly common for medications that once worked to manage mental health issues like depression to stop working. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “symptoms return for up to 33% of people using antidepressants.”

Finding a medication for depression or anxiety that works can be a frustrating game of trial and error. Medications work differently for everyone, and there are many reasons why one may be effective for some but not for others. Your genes may hold a clue, as they can play a role in affecting medication outcomes. A simple cheek swab can help clinicians understand which medications may require dose adjustments, be less likely to work, or have an increased risk of side effects based on your genetics.

Informed Choices
That’s why resources like the GeneSight^® test are so important. The GeneSight test is a genetic test that shows health care providers how your genes may affect your outcomes with certain mental health medications, including medications that treat depression and anxiety. This information may help clinicians make more informed decisions about medication selection or dosing.

Thomas’ GeneSight test results helped her doctor decide that a lower dose of her medication may be helpful. With that adjustment, she says she is feeling better than she has in many years.

Feel empowered to take care of your mental health
Thomas shares that in her older adult community, she sees many people struggling with depression and yet unable to talk about their mental health.

“I see how unhappy they are, inwardly and outwardly,” she says. “I try to reach out, to acknowledge that they are suffering and to encourage them to talk to someone.”

She hopes telling her story will encourage others like her to talk about their mental health and then take the next step in reaching out to a health care provider. As Thomas learned, any prescribing clinician treating mental health, like her primary care clinician, can order the GeneSight test.

To learn more about the test, talk with your clinician or visit GeneSight.com.

2025-11-07T11:11:00

(BPT) – Did you know nearly 16,000 house fires each year involve a clothes dryer or washing machine, with 92% of them caused by dryers? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one-third of dryer fires were caused by a failure to clean out lint and other debris.

Over time, dryer vents accumulate a significant amount of lint, which is highly combustible. Because dryers produce heat, a simple spark from the heating element could ignite lint in the dryer vent, starting a fire. Because dryer vents may travel through the walls of your home, fire spreading through a clogged vent can be disastrous. That’s why it’s essential to know how to prevent lint from accumulating in the first place.

This is even more crucial during the cold winter months, when everyone uses more blankets and heavier clothing, which increases dryer usage and creates more lint buildup. If your dryer vent is obstructed by too much lint, dust or debris, airflow is reduced, making the dryer work less efficiently — as well as increasing fire risk.

To help prevent house fires and improve your dryer’s performance, longevity, and energy efficiency, the experts at Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly Company, offer tips to keep your dryer working more efficiently, cleanly, and safely.

Start with the basics: The lint trap

If you’re not in the habit of clearing your dryer’s lint trap before every load of laundry, start now. That simple step addresses one part of the dryer’s system that’s easily accessible and within your control, helping to reduce some lint accumulation.

Check your installation

In many cases, dryer vents work less efficiently and cause problems if they weren’t installed correctly in the first place. To ensure that your dryer vent system is set up correctly, schedule service with a local dryer vent professional. They can verify that your dryer vent is installed correctly, in good working order, and free of clogs or damage that could impede the venting process.

A dryer vent professional will also check that the outside vent is not obstructed by debris, foliage, or other obstacles. Once everything checks out and looks good, they’ll suggest a routine maintenance schedule to ensure everything remains in working order.

Schedule regular vent cleaning

The majority of dryer fires could be avoided by regular vent cleaning. Removing highly flammable lint from inside the dryer vent system is one of the most effective ways to prevent dryer vent fires. Thoroughly cleaning your dryer vent goes way beyond checking the lint trap. Dryer Vent Wizard professionals are experts in vent cleaning, utilizing professional tools and techniques to ensure your dryer vent is thoroughly cleaned.

When to get your dryer vent cleaned

Are you unsure when your dryer vent was last cleaned? It’s probably overdue. Experts recommend annual cleaning to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Watch for these warning signs, which may indicate that you need to have your vent cleaned immediately.

• Overly hot clothes: If your dryer is running too hot, you may notice freshly dried clothes are consistently hot to the touch. The cause may be a vent blockage, a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed promptly by cleaning the vent and ensuring proper airflow. For dryer vents that are too long or not correctly designed for the system, a dryer vent professional may recommend installing a booster fan to improve airflow.
• Too much lint: You may start noticing excess lint around the dryer vent, the dryer’s opening, and on your clothes. This is a surefire indication that lint from your dryer is not being vented properly.
• Increased drying time: Are your clothes taking longer and longer to dry? This is another indication you may have a clogged or damaged vent. A load of clothes should dry in a single cycle, about 45 minutes, depending on the material and load size. If it’s taking longer to dry the same size load, you may have a problem that needs to be addressed.
• Higher energy costs: A less obvious sign you have a dryer vent issue is rising energy costs. If you track monthly utility expenses and notice a steady increase over the last 3-4 months, it could be the result of a less efficient dryer. A clogged or damaged vent will lead to increased drying times, which means your dryer is running longer and working harder to dry clothes.

Having your dryer vent professionally cleaned will reduce unnecessary strain on the system, helping to prevent major repairs and extending your dryer’s lifespan. Most importantly, having a clean dryer vent offers you and your family peace of mind.

Visit DryerVentWizard.com for more information and to schedule service today.

2025-11-07T05:01:00

(BPT) – Over the past decade, online high schools have moved from the margins to the mainstream of American education. Families across the country are increasingly considering virtual learning as a serious option. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 700 fully online schools now serve about 294,000 students nationwide.

As enrollment grows, so does curiosity about what life is like for students who learn entirely online. From classroom dynamics to community life, here’s a closer look at what students can expect at an elite online high school.

1. Online high schools have been around for a while

While virtual learning has gained widespread attention in recent years, online high schools are far from a new phenomenon. The first programs emerged in the mid-1990s alongside the rise of the internet, and several of those pioneering schools continue to thrive today.

One standout example is Stanford Online High School (Stanford OHS), an independent school within Stanford University and one of the nation’s first fully synchronous online high schools. Founded in 2006 with support from the Malone Family Foundation, Stanford OHS has been at the forefront of online education for nearly two decades.

2. Online schools offer distinctive courses

While many online high schools offer flexible academic options, Stanford OHS stands out for its rigorous, college-style curriculum. Its hallmark Core Sequence, a series of interdisciplinary courses in philosophy, literature, and the history of ideas, encourages students to think critically across disciplines. Students can choose from more than 40 advanced and university-level classes, including Latin Prose & Poetry, Multivariable Calculus, Analytical & Organic Chemistry, and Quantum Computing. Unlike most virtual programs, which emphasize flexibility over depth, Stanford OHS models the intellectual rigor of a university seminar, setting it apart from other online schools.

3. Students are prepared for college life

Elite online high schools can offer students a college-like academic experience from the comfort of home. At Stanford OHS, students follow a university-style block schedule, with most classes meeting twice a week in real time. The school uses a flipped classroom model, where students engage with readings, lectures, and problem sets before class, allowing live sessions to focus on discussion, analysis, and collaboration.

This structure helps students develop independence and time-management skills while balancing academics with extracurricular and social activities. Stanford OHS graduates feel very well-prepared for college. “I felt that Stanford OHS prepared me to produce high-quality work as my normal standard, rather than having to stretch to meet the expectations of my professors,” said one Stanford OHS alum.

4. Online high schools foster a sense of community

In the online era, young adults are used to forging friendships online. Beyond messaging or video calling peers from class, students are also given opportunities to create and take part in a community online by participating in student-led clubs, student government and other extracurricular activities. Some virtual schools even offer in-person social opportunities, like Stanford OHS, where students can meet up with nearby peers at regional meet-up gatherings, and school-sponsored dances, game nights, and events.

5. Students study with peers from around the world

The virtual format of online high schools allows them to bring together students from around the world. Learning alongside peers from different countries and cultures exposes students to a wide range of perspectives, fostering global awareness and a broader worldview than many traditional high school settings can offer. Stanford OHS students study with peers from 48 U.S. states and 47 countries around the world.

One Stanford OHS student shared, “I have friends from all around the world … and being able to connect to these amazing people has been life-changing. I have gotten to learn about so many different locations, worldviews, and experiences, as well as getting to share my own with my peers. Having these geographical limits broken down is one of my favorite things about Stanford OHS; I don’t have to be in the same room or even the same country to connect with someone.”

6. Online schools offer students support

Online institutions can offer small class sizes and individualized attention. Students at a school like Stanford OHS can expect a class average of about 13 students, with a cap of 16 students per class to foster strong instructor-student and peer interactions. Instructors are chosen for their experience in their academic disciplines, with 64% holding Ph.D.s from universities around the world.

“The instructors at Stanford OHS are phenomenal.” said one student. “The teachers’ own passions for the subjects they teach shine through and make me all the more excited to go to class everyday. Even beyond class, they were available to answer questions in weekly office hours, engage in conversations, and provide support.”

Many online high schools also offer student support services like academic advising, college counseling, tutoring, and wellness coaching to provide students with what they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

If you are still curious about what online high schools offer, visit https://ohs.stanford.edu/2025 to learn more.