Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2025-12-19T16:01:01

(BPT) – It’s a cold winter day, so you’ve decided to take a hot shower to warm up and relax. However, as soon as you step out of the steamy heat into your cold bathroom, the comforting warmth of your bath is replaced by an icy draft that makes you shiver before you can grab your towel.

This case of the “shiver shocks” doesn’t just make the aftermath of your shower unpleasant. It’s a sign of a colder home.

Instead of accepting a cold home as a part of winter life, consider taking simple steps to create a warm, healthy and inviting home to help stave off the colder weather. Consider adding these easy upgrades to your winter prep to-do list, so you can enjoy the winter season from inside your cozy abode.

Seal drafts

One of the first steps you should take to create a warm home is to find and seal drafts to prevent outdoor cold air from seeping in and warm air from leaking out. Start by checking windows and doors for gaps around the frame. If you find any cracks, seal them off with caulk and consider adding or replacing weather stripping.

Sealing these drafts doesn’t just create a cozy home. This simple fix can also improve energy efficiency!

Use a bathroom-safe space heater and fan

High indoor relative humidity (RH) doesn’t just make your home feel colder; it can make it harder for your body to stay warm. Humid air sticks to your skin, and that moisture conducts heat away from your body. That’s why when you step out of a hot shower or bath, you’re hit with the shiver shocks.

You can easily elevate your bath experience and keep moisture and cold at bay by installing a bathroom-safe space heater and exhaust fan. A solution like the Panasonic Whisper Cozy offers you relief from the wet cold.

Designed for both ease of installation and code compliance, the Whisper Cozy^® fan offers enhanced heating technology that swiftly warms up bathrooms, creating a warmer and more comfortable space. The fan/heater also promotes a healthier environment by efficiently removing excess humidity and moisture, so you can enjoy your bathing experience knowing you’ll be warm during and after your bath or shower.

Use air quality sensors

While winter is known for having dry air outdoors, the indoors can have too much moisture. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), when temperatures dip, air holds less moisture, causing water to condense on cold surfaces like windows, bathroom mirrors and tiles.

This moisture can increase the RH, creating the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive, leading to serious structural problems, a colder home and poor indoor air quality (IAQ).

Keep track of the indoor RH and other IAQ factors with IAQ sensors like Swidget. Once you know how humid it is indoors, you can take steps to manage the moisture to create a cozier, healthier home for your family.

Pro tip: Keep your indoor RH below 60%, but ideally between 30% and 50%. During the winter, you may want to err closer to 30%.

Install heated towel racks

One extra step you can take to add a touch of cozy luxury and warmth to your bathroom is to install a heated towel rack. When you take a warm towel from the rack and wrap yourself in it as you exit the shower, you can enjoy a spa-like moment that makes the winter months more indulgent. Plus, the rack can also drive out extra moisture, ensuring you always have dry, warm towels.

Remember, winter prep isn’t just about layering up in coats, sweaters, socks and snow gear. Creating a cozy and comforting home environment is an essential step in your winter prep. Using these tips, you can create a warmer, welcoming space that you’ll be happy to step into every day this winter.

2025-12-19T06:05:00

(BPT) – Gone are the days when entertaining meant the host did all the work. Today’s social gatherings are more interactive with guests eager to get hands-on and personalize their own creations. Instead of a cocktail party or a formal dinner, why not host a personalized coffeehouse gathering?

All you need are premium coffee beans, flavored syrups and your choice of dairy or dairy alternatives. Invite friends to drop by your “café” and let them craft their own coffee specialties with professional-quality results. JURA‘s fully automatic coffee machines make this entertaining trend easy, stylish and delicious.

Some Like It Hot – or Not

The JURA Z10 delivers 40 café-quality hot, cold brew and sweet foam coffee specialties at the touch of a button. Its innovative brewing technology extracts full-bodied hot drinks, while the exclusive Cold Extraction Process creates refreshing cold brews. It’s the perfect choice to please all your café guests, whether they prefer steaming-hot cappuccinos or chilled flat whites.

Twice as Nice

The J8 twin can process two different coffee bean varieties thanks to the double bean hopper and two high-performance conical disc grinders. It can prepare 31 delicious specialties at the touch of the display. Enjoy an espresso in the morning and decaf at night or customize a personal blend of two different single-origin beans.

Finish with Sweet Foam

Both the Z10 and J8 twin feature JURA’s exclusive Sweet Foam Function, which infuses milk foam with flavored syrups. Simply fill the attachment with syrup, and the system creates flavored milk foam that can be adjusted from subtle to bold. Guests can craft their own sweet amaretto macchiato, sweet cinnamon cortado or cold sweet salted caramel — the flavor combinations are endless.

Keep It Cool

JURA’s Cool Control accessory keeps milk at the optimal temperature, ensuring perfect milk foam every time. The stainless steel milk container, metal tube and adapter are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. For milk alternatives or occasional use, the Milk Carafe offers a compact, stylish solution that fits neatly in any refrigerator and can be labeled for different types of milk.

Serve with Style

Complete your café setup with JURA’s elegant line of tableware, including Latte Macchiato Spoons, Coffee Spoons, Tall Latte Macchiato Glasses and Espresso Glasses — a finishing touch that elevates the entire experience.

With JURA, you can host the ultimate DIY café experience and make every guest a barista and every cup a personal creation. For more information, visit jura.com.

2025-12-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – It’s that time of year again — temps are dropping, roads may be slick and you never know when a winter storm could hit. You may already be planning to take care of routine car maintenance ahead of bad weather or holiday travel, but when was the last time you checked for vehicle safety recalls?

A public opinion survey commissioned by automaker Stellantis found that 40% of drivers believe a recall is fine as long as it doesn’t affect the performance of their vehicle. But the truth is, some recalls may not affect the way a vehicle drives, but they may still pose a safety risk.

How likely is it that your vehicle has a recall? According to CARFAX, over 57 million vehicles on the road today have an unrepaired safety recall — that’s roughly 1 in every 5 cars and trucks.

If you’re part of the 43% of American drivers who don’t know how to check for open safety recalls, check out these tips from the National Safety Council, America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate, to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive this season.

How to check for safety recalls

Checking to see if your vehicle has any recalls is easier than you think, and even better — recall repairs are free!

To check, visit CheckToProtect.org and look up your vehicle by license plate or VIN. If the lookup tool indicates that your vehicle has a safety recall, call a local dealer immediately to schedule a free recall repair. Authorized dealers will always repair a safety recall for free, regardless of whether the vehicle is registered in your name or still under warranty, and you don’t need to be a past customer to get a free recall repair at a dealership.

Why safety recall checks matter

Checking for safety recalls is important because if an automaker determines there’s a problem that puts your safety at risk, they’ll issue a safety recall and reach out to the name and address they have on file for that vehicle. If your automaker doesn’t have your current contact information, you wouldn’t receive recall notices for your vehicle.

Safety recalls can affect everything from your brakes and steering to batteries, electrical systems and airbags, so the health and safety of you, your passengers and fellow drivers on the road may be at risk. You may not notice anything wrong until a part fails, so don’t delay getting that free repair.

Make safety recall checks part of your regular vehicle maintenance, especially ahead of the busy winter travel season. Commit to checking for vehicle safety recalls quarterly as one of your New Year’s resolutions.

Make an appointment now

In addition to checking for recalls, it’s important to make sure your car or truck is in good shape and ready for winter driving. This means checking your tires and brakes to ensure they’re in good condition, and catching up on routine oil changes, filter replacements and fluid level checks.

Depending on the severity of winter weather where you live, you may also opt for snow tires and heavy-duty wipers that can better handle snow, ice and slush.

Pack your car with winter necessities

Checking that your trunk contains everything you need for winter driving — and potentially getting stranded — is also smart planning. This can include, of course, a spare tire, jack and jumper cables. Also consider adding an ice scraper, plus sand or kitty litter and a shovel, in case your vehicle gets stuck on snow or ice. You will also want to store a well-equipped first aid kit, flashlight, flares and blankets in your trunk, especially if you’re planning a road trip.

Don’t let vehicle trouble spoil your fun travel plans this winter. Checking for and repairing any vehicle recalls will give you peace of mind on the road. Visit CheckToProtect.org to get started on your winter driving prep today.

2025-12-18T12:01:00

(BPT) – As Americans buckle up for cold temperatures and wetter weather, a new survey from Hankook Tire finds that drivers are approaching winter car care differently, reflecting a variety of habits and levels of preparedness.

Drivers are dusting off their ice scrapers and grabbing their shovels before snow even hits the ground, with most Americans focusing on vehicle servicing and planned maintenance, according to Hankook’s latest Gauge Index. Over half of Americans (53%) see themselves as “routine maintainers,” typically getting their vehicles ready a few weeks before the first expected snowfall. One in five drivers identify as “early planners,” who begin their winter preparations at least a month in advance, prioritizing proactive safety measures.

Interestingly, experienced drivers are less likely to keep up with regularly scheduled car care ahead of the winter, with only 39% of Boomers considering themselves to be “routine maintainers,” compared to 56% of Gen Z drivers.

Watching forecasts and checking the basics

One-third of drivers surveyed (34%) say they check long-range weather forecasts a few times per year and nearly as many (32%) look on a monthly basis, using that information to guide when and how they get their vehicles ready.

Once drivers decide it’s time to start their winter preparations, most make key preventative maintenance tasks a priority. More than half (57%) of drivers will check or adjust their tire pressure, making it the top winter-prep activity among respondents, closely followed by those who say they’ll get an oil change (55%). Additionally, many Americans will refill windshield wiper fluid (45%) and rotate their tires (40%) as they anticipate harsher road conditions.

What’s on drivers’ shopping lists?

Many drivers are not taking chances this winter, planning to target purchases that improve visibility and traction in inclement weather. Before the end of the year, 39% of drivers say they will purchase new wiper blades, hoping to improve visibility and confidence when driving through rain, snow and slush.

Having the right tires for your vehicle and driving conditions is important to ensure proper traction no matter what the forecast brings. All-weather tires are typically designed for better winter performance and improved control on snow or icy roads, while all-season tires are typically better suited for more mild driving conditions, like dry or wet roads.

To that end, more than one-third of drivers (37%) indicate they plan to purchase new all-weather tires within the next couple months. Four in 10 drivers in the South plan to purchase all-weather tires for unexpected weather changes, while Northeastern drivers are most likely to purchase winter tires (24%) for control on snow and icy roads.

Younger drivers say they’ll take additional precautions as Gen Z (34%) and Millennial (23%) drivers plan to switch to winter tires ahead of inclement weather. In contrast, only 15% of Gen X drivers and 13% of Boomers report switching to winter tires, showing different generations’ priorities around winter-specific safety practices.

Because weather patterns can shift just as quickly as traffic, preparing for the road ahead can make all the difference in just how safely you make it to your destination. Being mindful of the weather forecast, preventative maintenance and your vehicle’s needs can help lead to a smoother ride throughout the season.

2025-12-18T12:55:00

(BPT) – With meat prices expected to climb in the next year, shoppers are looking for ways to bring big flavor to the table without stretching their budgets. But there’s one ingredient proving that home cooks can have bold, memorable flavor and stay on budget: ground pork.

As part of its new Taste What Pork Can Do campaign, the National Pork Board is spotlighting ground pork as one of the most flavorful, versatile and affordable whole-food proteins consumers can bring into their kitchens. Packed with 111 distinct flavor nuances — from subtle sweetness to rich umami — ground pork has the kind of natural depth that makes any dish feel more satisfying.

“Ground pork brings an amazing balance of flavor, creativity and approachability to the home kitchen,” says José de Jesús, assistant vice president of consumer marketing at the National Pork Board. “People love how easy it is to cook with — and they’re surprised by how much culinary personality it brings to everyday meals.”

Why ground pork makes sense right now

Pork prices have remained stable, giving shoppers confidence in predictable costs even as other grocery costs fluctuate. For families trying to stretch their dollars, a whole-food protein that’s both affordable and naturally flavorful is a win.

Because ground pork is a whole-food protein, it fits comfortably into a variety of cooking styles, from quick weeknight sautés to slow-simmered comfort dishes. Its consistency is tender yet hearty, allowing it to maintain moisture while browning beautifully.

How ground pork performs in the kitchen

Ground pork’s great flavor, tender texture and natural juiciness make it easy to incorporate into countless dishes. Whether you’re craving something quick, cozy or bold, it adapts effortlessly.

For great results cooking with ground pork, follow these cooking tips and access recipes at Taste What Pork Can Do.

1. Brown it boldly.

Use medium-high heat to develop caramelization — that’s where the flavor magic happens.

2. Season with balance.

Ground pork plays well with bright, acidic ingredients like citrus, tomato, vinegar and fresh herbs. A splash of soy, miso or Worcestershire layers in savory depth.

3. Avoid overcooking.

Ground pork is juicy by nature. Cook just until it reaches 160°F to maintain tenderness and moisture.

4. Build layers of aroma.

Start with aromatics like garlic, onion, ginger or shallots before adding ground pork; it absorbs those flavors beautifully.

5. Let versatility guide you.

It works in everything from pasta dishes to lettuce wraps to breakfast hashes to seasonal holiday favorites. It also makes a fantastic burger for the grill — pork smashburgers are a delicious experience. With ground pork, you’re rarely limited.

A budget-friendly flavor upgrade

At a time when grocery bills are rising, ground pork offers a dependable, flavorful, whole-food option that helps families save while still eating well. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes everyday cooking feel exciting, approachable and creative.

2025-12-18T14:01:00

(BPT) – Between surprise spills, shedding season and never-ending laundry cycles, keeping a home running smoothly can feel like a full-time job. With decades of cleaning expertise, Maytag brand knows how to make your messes feel a little more manageable with tips designed to help you stay ahead of it all.

“Messes happen and we continue to be dedicated to finding solutions that help turn even the toughest messes into quick wins,” said Lindsay Jones, Senior Manager, PR and Brand Experience, Whirlpool Corporation. “We designed our new Maytag^® Pet Pro Top Load System to take on your toughest laundry loads with ease so you can spend less time worrying about laundry and more time doing what you love.”

Here’s how to conquer laundry like a pro.

Upgrade your washer

The washer you use matters when tackling tough pet stains. For example, the Maytag^® 5.2 Cu. Ft. Pet Pro Top Load Agitator Washer with Extra Power and Sanitize Cycle with Oxi boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle. Its Extra Power Option offers an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away. You can also get more water when you want it, with its Deep Fill option. The extra water works with robust wash action to saturate loads, loosen stains and help soak away tough messes.

Get Organized and Stay Connected

Whether you’re a family of one or a family of five, setting a consistent laundry schedule that fits into your lifestyle is a great way to get ahead of the laundry game. For larger families, a daily schedule is more ideal and for smaller households, weekly may be the perfect fit.

The MAYTAG™ APP also helps you stay in control and efficiently manage laundry from anywhere.* You’ll get end-of-cycle notifications on your smart device to ensure finished loads aren’t left behind, plus step-by-step pretreating instructions in the Stain Guide to tackle everyday tough stains.

Lift and capture pet hair

Pet hair on clothing or in laundry machines can keep recirculating throughout your house, making the problem worse. One of the best ways to lift and capture pet hair is using the Maytag^® Pet Pro Top Load SystemWasher, which is designed to help keep clothes and bedding from hanging on to pesky hair after washing. The Maytag^® Pet Pro Top Load Washer is built to trap pet hair. Simply press the Pet Pro option to activate the built-in Pet Pro Filter to visibly remove pet hair. The dryer’s lint trap also collects and removes additional pet hair.

To further contain hair, offer your pets their own beds and wash them frequently.

Pets aren’t the only mess-makers: Know your stains and choose the right settings

Knowing what created each stain helps you select the best water temperature for removal. Hot water can set some stains into fabric but dissolves others, depending on the stain’s composition. Although some stains respond best to rinsing/soaking in cold water followed by a wash cycle in warm or hot, this isn’t always true. For best results and guidance, always refer to the garment care label first.

Here are a few stain culprits and the best tips for removing them.

• Coffee: Start by rinsing the garment in cold water and applying detergent. Wash in the warmest water safe for the fabric and repeat these steps if the stain remains.
• Makeup/foundation: Use the edge of a spoon or credit card to carefully scrape off fabric. For powdered products, blow or gently shake the garment to remove excess. Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain and fully saturate the area, blotting with clean cloth or paper towel. Let sit about 10 minutes, then machine or hand wash using the warmest water recommended for the fabric.
• Wine: First rinse in cold water, then apply an enzyme detergent, allowing it a few minutes to set. Finish by washing the item in your washing machine using the warmest water that’s safe for your clothing.
• Crayons: Apply liquid dish soap and scrub with a clean toothbrush. Let sit a few minutes, then rub the fabric together under warm running water to remove excess suds. Machine wash on Heavy Soil setting and line dry.
• Ketchup/tomato sauce: These stains will harden so you can scrape off any excess. Avoid dabbing, as that could spread the stain. Flush the stain in cold water from the backside of the fabric, then apply detergent to pretreat five minutes before rinsing.
• Ice cream: Use a spoon or dull knife to remove excess before flushing the stain in cold water from the back of the fabric. Soak in cold water and enzyme detergent. Finish by applying detergent and running the garment through your washing machine in the warmest water safe for the fabric.

Use Extra Power

The Extra Power option boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation so you can walk away while stains wash away.

With these tools and tactics, pet parents can keep clothes and bedding looking and smelling better. Find more stain-fighting tips at Maytag.com.

*Appliance must be set to remote enable. WiFi & App Required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy information at Maytag.com/connect.

2025-12-18T12:01:00

(BPT) – New precision neuromodulation techniques are redefining what’s possible for neurological recovery, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has made a substantial investment to support the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in leading a national effort. MUSC now stands at the forefront of groundbreaking research with the potential to transform recovery from stroke and neurological conditions.

More than 795,000 Americans experience a stroke every year. Millions more face other neurological injuries and diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury and depression. For many, the hardest part begins afterward: trying to regain movement, speech and independence and return to a good quality of life. It’s estimated that more than 13 million Americans are navigating recovery from these conditions — often while coping with lasting disabilities. For decades, research has focused on prevention or emergency treatment, not rebuilding lives in the months and years that follow.

Researchers at MUSC are changing that. Led by Steven Kautz, Ph.D., a Distinguished University Professor and the Christie Family Endowed Chair in Stroke Rehabilitation Research in the College of Health Professions, MUSC created the nation’s very first precision neurorehabilitation center, where scientists pair personalized neuromodulation with rehabilitation to help the brain rewire itself — a neural-circuit based approach to rehabilitation.

This approach is so innovative that the NIH chose MUSC as a national leader, awarding the team a highly competitive P50 center grant in its rehabilitation infrastructure network — its flagship investment in rehabilitation research. MUSC’s breakthrough research could transform how neurological patients recover across the U.S. and worldwide.

“The recognition of our work by NIH signals that precision neurorehabilitation is the future of neurologic recovery, and MUSC should lead that future,” said Kautz. “We’re dedicated to exploring the most effective technology to improve recovery for patients everywhere.”

Internationally recognized in neurorehabilitation, Kautz and his team combine neuromodulation with rehabilitation to improve recovery for patients with stroke and other neurological conditions.

How neuromodulation works

Strokes alter a person’s nervous system drastically, resulting in diminished function that can be very difficult to recover from, even with extensive rehabilitation therapy.

Using advanced precision neuromodulation technology, Kautz and the MUSC team are able to apply the latest imaging techniques to identify specific dysfunctional neural circuits. They then use advanced neuromodulation tools to stimulate those exact circuits during rehab, while patients perform activities guided by rehabilitation experts. This precise stimulation of neural circuits paired with rehab helps the brain to relearn skills and retrain faster, making therapy far more effective.

“While a patient can improve physical functioning to some degree by practicing activities in therapy, their results can be limited, and the process may be long and difficult,” explained Kautz. “This groundbreaking technology helps the brain rewire itself, with processes that have rarely been applied to rehabilitation. These neuromodulation tools increase the excitability of a brain region while a patient performs the task so there’s more neuroplasticity. Thanks to these precision techniques, and pairing neuromodulation so that the brain is in a more receptive state with rehabilitation, we can repair dysfunctional neural circuits so people will recover their physical functions better and faster. These results can bring real hope to people struggling to recover from stroke.”

Real-world rehabilitation

This combination of rehab therapy with precision neuromodulation may also improve the durability of recovery for patients long after they leave rehabilitation. The program at MUSC explores many innovative ways to ensure skills improved in rehabilitation are lasting and applicable to real-world environments. The Clinical Research Center for Restoration of Neural-Based Function in the Real World (RENEW), also spearheaded by Kautz, is the first of its kind in the country to support people making this crucial transition from rehab to home.

Randal Davis, director of Strategic Research Initiatives at the MUSC College of Health Professions, experienced a neurological condition that provided valuable insights.

“I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome at 36 and had to learn to walk again,” said Davis. “I thought I was doing great in rehab. I could roll my wheelchair under the sink. I was rolling across the terrazzo floor and learned all these tips and tricks. Then I got home; I’m rolling the wheelchair across carpet and have a pedestal sink with nowhere to put my toothbrush. Suddenly, all those things learned in rehab weren’t durable.”

This situation happens far too frequently, Kautz explained. “Recovery shouldn’t end when patients leave the rehab clinic. Too often, gains made in therapy don’t translate to real life. MUSC is solving that gap. We’ve designed labs where we’ll use virtual reality to mimic the real world more closely.”

Precision neuromodulation as the future of neurologic recovery

Kautz is leading the only precision neurorehabilitation center in the country, and these techniques are already being used or explored for stroke recovery and other neurological conditions.

“These neuromodulation tools are crucial to helping us understand neural circuits, then use that information to tailor precision treatment to each individual. This will help us achieve the maximum functional benefits of therapy for each patient,” said Kautz. “And these tools could benefit any condition where neural circuits aren’t functioning the way they need to, opening the door for better recovery and helping people improve their physical and mental health, ultimately improving their quality of life.”

Trailblazing research

The NIH has recently awarded an additional grant of $7.8 million to complete the RENEW Center, looking to MUSC as a role model for the country.

With this award, NIH has entrusted MUSC with shaping what comes next — not only advancing precision neurorehabilitation but training the researchers who will define the field for decades. The work done here is meant to open pathways, creating a national network of scientists equipped to deliver precision recovery to patients everywhere.

“This level of NIH support validates a decade of groundbreaking work,” said Kautz. “These investments show that precision neuromodulation isn’t a theory anymore; it’s a national priority. Our goal is to develop new knowledge and tools for the research and clinical community so we can bring these innovations into the clinic quickly, so neurological patients everywhere can benefit from the science unfolding at MUSC in real time. This has the potential to be truly life-changing.”

Learn more about this innovative research at CHP.MUSC.edu/research-innovation/centers/stroke-recovery.

2025-12-18T09:05:00

(BPT) – It’s the start of another year. What do you hope to accomplish in 2026? If your goal is to improve your wellness, it’s time to consider how you can care not just for your body, but your mind as well.

According to the American Psychological Foundation, your mind and body work together as one system in a constant feedback loop. When you ignore one, you’re inadvertently hurting the other.

“Your body and mind are not separate spheres,” said Dr. Dustin DebRoy, DC, manager of education and relations at The Joint Chiropractic. “When one is affected, the other is, too. That’s why a holistic approach that targets physical and psychological health is critical to overall wellness.”

There are many ways to support your physical and psychological health, and one approach that may help bring both areas into better alignment is regular chiropractic care. Read on to discover six key ways chiropractic care may help support a healthy body, healthy mind and — ultimately — a healthy you.

Encourages proper posture to reduce strain

Improving your posture can do wonders for the health of your spine and your whole body. When you practice good posture, you can reduce the strain you feel from sitting, lifting or repetitive motions at work or home. However, when your spine is misaligned, proper posture can be difficult to achieve. The good news is that chiropractic care offers non-invasive spinal adjustment techniques that, over time, may improve your spinal alignment and — as a result — your posture.

Promotes a grounded mind and body

Physical alignment can impact and often reflect your sense of internal alignment. By aligning your body through a chiropractic adjustment, you may notice that you feel more grounded, centered and intentional. Long term, you may feel a better understanding of how your mind and body work together, so you can continue to stay grounded physically and emotionally.

Supports your musculoskeletal health to improve your occupational health

If you work in a health care, manufacturing, transportation or child care role, you’re intimately familiar with the demands these jobs put on your body. To protect your long-term occupational health and overall physical wellness, taking care of your musculoskeletal health is critical. Regular chiropractic care has the potential to help maintain musculoskeletal balance and joint health, so you can continue to adapt and perform your occupational responsibilities.

Calms the nervous system

Your autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion and hormone regulation. When the sympathetic division of the ANS becomes heightened, it can be difficult for your body to shift into a state of rest and recovery, causing you to remain stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode. Chiropractic care may help alleviate physical tension and lower your stress levels, which has the potential to calm your nervous system, leading to a more restful state and improved sleep and mood.

Manages pain to improve productivity

Staying productive is difficult when you’re in pain because the discomfort distracts you from locking in. Receiving chiropractic care may help reduce the physical and mental drain caused by chronic discomfort so you can stay focused and engaged in your daily life and accomplish your goals.

Supports emotional balance, soothing irritability and stress

If you experience chronic discomfort or pain, it can wear on your emotional balance. Without a balanced emotional state, you may find that you’re quicker to irritation and frustration with yourself and those around you. Because chiropractic care may help decrease pain levels and improve movement, it’s possible to support your emotional well-being so you can move through the world with patience and clarity.

Understanding the mind-body connection and caring for both can set you on the right path to achieve your wellness goals for this year. To learn more about how chiropractic care may help improve the state of your body and mind, and find a chiropractic professional near you, visit TheJoint.com.

2025-12-18T09:37:00

(BPT) – Whether your curls are loose spirals or tight coils, perfecting your textured hair routine is key to keeping them healthy, defined and full of life. However, compared to straight hair, curly hair care often requires more time and patience.

Finding ways to save time without overhauling your routine can be tricky but never fear! With a few smart adjustments and some simple tips, you can easily streamline your process while maintaining the health and bounce of your curls.

Optimize your washday routine

You know that perfecting and executing your washday routine is a time-consuming but worthwhile effort. The right shower tools can complement your routine, speed up your shower and improve the state of your curls.

For example, instead of finger-combing your hair to remove tangles and knots, consider adding a shower attachment like the Delta^® VersaCurl™ Detangling Shower Tool. Designed to work with standard showerheads and easy to install, this handheld tool offers you a gentler, more comfortable way to detangle and thoroughly wash textured hair.

With two spray settings and three interchangeable inserts, the VersaCurl™ tool personalizes your hair washing experience to gently and quickly smooth your curls. Plus, the silicone bristles are also great for a quick scalp massage to loosen product buildup and add a moment of self-care into your routine.

Apply styling products while your hair is still wet

You can save time and make your hair care products more effective by applying styling products while your hair is still wet.

While you’re still in the shower, flip your hair upside down and use the praying hands method to apply your preferred leave-in conditioner and styling gel, mousse or custard, layering your products from lightest to heaviest. Finish by using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product from root to tip.

Applying styling products to wet hair maximizes hydration and promotes superior curl formation. The high-water content allows the product to distribute evenly and effectively lock in moisture before frizz can set in.

Protect your curls at night with silk

You’ve probably heard that you should use a silk pillowcase or bonnet, but do you know why?

Unlike cotton and other rougher fibers, silk is smooth, preventing friction when you toss and turn at night. Because of its smooth texture, silk reduces frizz, tangles and breakage while keeping your curls hydrated and preserving your style, so you can spend less time styling your hair the next day!

Pro tip: Silk hair accessories can help protect your curls during the day, too! Try styling your hair with silk scrunchies and headscarves for a fun and protective addition to your hair routine.

Caring for your curls doesn’t have to take all day. Using these simple tips, you can still give your hair the attention it deserves and save time. With upgrading your hair washday routines with the VersaCurl™ tool, a first-of-its-kind innovation designed to streamline what’s often the most time-consuming part of curl care, you can spend less time in the bathroom and more time embracing your gorgeous curls.

2025-12-17T23:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time of celebration. Balancing work and family time can be challenging, especially when you work from home. When children are on holiday break, many parents experience a sense of guilt when work commitments pull them away from moments they’d rather be sharing with their loved ones.

But with the right strategies, you can stay productive, protect your well-being and make the most of every moment with your loved ones. These strategies from Bright Horizons will help you stay organized, reduce stress and create meaningful memories.

1. Setting boundaries

One of the most important tips for balancing work and family is setting boundaries, not just for yourself, but for your entire family. Open communication with your partner, children or other family members before the holiday break begins can help reinforce existing boundaries and introduce new ones that support everyone’s needs. To help you stay productive while keeping family time meaningful, you can try to:

• Share your meeting schedules so your family knows when you’re unavailable.
• Agree on acceptable noise levels during working hours to minimize distractions.
• Create activity boxes filled with games, books or crafts your children can enjoy independently while they are waiting for you to become available.
• Use educational apps, online classes, or virtual playdates to keep your children engaged
• Establish visual cues like a “do not disturb” sign or wear headphones to signal that you shouldn’t be disturbed

2. Master time management and planning

Planning ahead is key to a smooth holiday break. Whether it’s mapping out work deadlines or fitting in family activities, having a clear overview helps reduce last-minute stress and sets realistic expectations for everyone at home.

You can also use shared family calendars or planners to help your family understand when you’re working and when you’re free. A schedule not only helps with balancing work and family but it also helps your family feel more involved and respected in the process.

3. Create a routine

Routines provide structure and predictability, which are especially important during school breaks. Update your daily routine to reflect changes in your work and family schedules.

• Identify consistent parts of your day (meetings, meals, etc.).
• Add family activities and dedicated time for connection.
• Block out time for yourself to recharge.

4. Make the most of your lunch break

Your lunch breaks can be a valuable opportunity to recharge and connect with your family, especially during the holiday break when your schedules may feel more hectic than usual. Whether you choose to spend that time alone or with your children, carving out even a small fraction of your day can help restore energy and reduce stress.

Ideas for meaningful breaks:

• Step outside for a quick lunch with family.
• Play a short board game or read together.
• Use reading time to boost your child’s vocabulary and imagination.

5. Involve your children

Including your children in your daily routine will also help them feel more connected and reduce interruptions while you’re working from home during this holiday break. You can:

• Encourage independence and self-help skills by letting your child help set up work and play areas.
• Give your child ownership over parts of their day, such as choosing their own activities or snacks.
• Create a visual schedule together outlining their day with playtime, screen time, snacks and quiet activities.

When children know what to expect, they’re more likely to respect your boundaries, leading to fewer distractions.

6. Be flexible

During a long holiday break, even the most carefully planned days can take unexpected turns. Flexibility is key.

Try to:

• Embrace a mindset that allows for change, helping you stay calm and focused when things don’t go as planned.
• Let go of the pressure to be productive all the time to ease stress and avoid burnout.
• Focus on progress and presence rather than perfection — being there for your family while still moving forward with work is already a big win.
• Practice grace and adaptability to make school breaks more enjoyable for everyone.

Balancing work and family during the holiday break takes a lot of planning, creativity and flexibility, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By setting boundaries, managing your time and creating routines, you can stay organized and present with your family. Make the most of small breaks, involve your children and remain flexible to reduce stress and enjoy the season.

Visit www.brighthorizons.com for more information.