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Tummy troubles for Fido? How to help your pet feel better

2026-09-14T10:01:00

(BPT) – Diarrhea in pets has a way of showing up at the worst possible time, leaving pet parents scrambling for answers and unsure whether to wait it out or call the vet. It’s one of the most common reasons pets feel under the weather, and it’s not always obvious what will actually help.

Ahead of National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day on September 21, Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM, shares some tips on what pet parents should know about easing their pet’s tummy troubles as soon as possible and keeping their gut healthy so it’s less likely to happen again.

What’s causing your pet’s diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common complaint in both dogs and cats, with a wide range of potential causes, but there are two common culprits: diet and stress. A sudden food switch, a change in routine, new construction noise, or even a new pet or baby in the house can all play a role.

3 ways to help your pet feel better

1. Slowly introduce new foods

“If you’ve recently introduced a new food, it might not be sitting well with your cat or dog,” said Dr. Cline. “A slower introduction, or mixing it with their usual food, can help their stomach adjust.” If your pet’s diet has not changed, a temporary switch to a highly digestible or fiber-enhanced diet may help. Confirm with your vet before making any changes.

2. Provide a quiet environment

If things have been chaotic at home lately, give your pet a way to reset. For cats, that could be a place to escape the hustle and bustle, like a cozy hideaway or a special box of their own. Dogs tend to do best when sticking closely to their routine. Extra one-on-one attention and a chew toy can also help burn off nervous energy.

3. Consider a supplement

For extra support, skip the human medicine cabinet and stick to supplements designed specifically for pets.

“The best supplements for pets are created in collaboration with veterinarians with expertise in health and nutrition,” said Dr. Cline.

FortiFlora Diarrhea Response Kit for pets (dogs; cats) with occasional diarrhea from Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements is one option. Developed by Purina scientists, it pairs FortiFlora Response stick packs for short-term use to help firm loose stools with FortiFlora sachets — the No. 1 vet-recommended probiotic brand to support digestive health*, no prescription required. FortiFlora Response stick packs contain kaolin and pectin to soothe the GI tract during times of loose stool, and come in an easy-to-mix, liver-flavored powder you can pour right into your pet’s bowl.

“Diarrhea can be difficult for pets and pet parents, but having a plan takes a lot of stress out of it,” said Dr. Cline. “Keeping something like the FortiFlora Diarrhea Response Kit on hand means you’re ready no matter when it strikes.”

Additional signs to watch for

It helps to note how long the diarrhea lasts and any other symptoms that show up. These details can point to whether there’s a bigger issue.

“If you notice vomiting, changes in appetite or energy, or diarrhea that isn’t improving or worsens within 72 hours, it’s time to call your veterinarian,” added Dr. Cline.

The best supplements for pets are created in collaboration with veterinarians with expertise in health and nutrition.

How to prep for your vet visit

If you do need to see your vet, a little prep goes a long way:

  • Take note of the details. Frequency, whether there’s blood or mucus, and any straining are all useful to share. The Fecal Scoring Chart from Purina Institute is a helpful tool for describing what you’re seeing.
  • Collect a sample so your vet can screen for parasites, another common cause of diarrhea.
  • Offer plenty of fresh water to help prevent dehydration.

How to support your pet’s gut health long-term

An episode of diarrhea can be handled in the moment, but the goal is to help your pet avoid another round of it. That’s where the FortiFlora sachets come in: daily use helps keep your pet’s digestive and immune systems on track. They contain Enterococcus lactis SF68, a safe, effective single-strain probiotic that helps promote healthy digestive and immune systems, backed by over 20 years of research.

So next time your pet’s stomach acts up, there’s no more debating what to do or searching for answers at midnight. With a plan already in place, pet parents can skip the stress and get straight to helping their pet feel better.

*Online survey among all qualified U.S. veterinarians who indicated the brand as one of 1-3 brands recommended, Q4 2025.

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How the sandwich generation can find help caring for an aging parent with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s

2026-09-14T08:01:01

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Sandwich generation caregivers are challenged with care, costs and concerns for two generations simultaneously.
  • The stress of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s is at a higher intensity and longer period than other situations, but also brings joy and connection with loved ones.
  • Dementia caregivers need professional caregiver help to understand the neurodegeneration and progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases, and to help with their own burnout.
  • Professional in-home caregiver services from Comfort Keepers provides older adults with expert care, helping adult daughters or sons with a trusted partner so they can have breaks, and spend more quality time and make joyful memories with their parent.

By Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and Comfort Keepers spokesperson

If you are a caregiver who belongs to the sandwich generation, you are performing a delicate balancing act: caring for children and older parents, maybe while also working. You stretch your time, energy and emotional resources thin and have little time for “me time” or self-care. The good news is, while caregiving can be disruptive, it is also one of the most powerful expressions of love. The key is finding ways to connect joyfully with aging parents, and being proactive in getting help so you can enjoy your time together.

According to the 2026 National Day of Joy survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers, 93% of aging adults say being cared for by an adult son or daughter has brought them closer together, and 96% of caregivers in the sandwich generation say family comes first. The strength of these familial bonds is clear, but that does not mean you do not need support as you try to meet the needs of your children, your parents and yourself.

These pressures can become even more intense and complex when a parent is living with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or another progressive, degenerative condition. Studies have found the intensity of dementia caregiving creates more stress, anxiety and depression, and these caregivers spend twice as long in their caregiving role. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia caregiving is an average of 9 years versus 4.5 years for other types of family caregiving. Caregiving becomes a marathon, not a sprint, creating the need for professional help to maintain your physical and mental energy.

How do I maintain my well-being while caring for my aging parent?

Caring for yourself is one of the biggest challenges for family caregivers. The additional time needed to care for someone with dementia or a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s while maintaining work-life balance and raising children makes the sandwich generation dementia caregiver sacrifice their own social, emotional and physical health. You may also be burdened with the stigma of diseases that affect the brain and avoid social interactions and conversations. Thus, you feel all alone.

This isolation means many adult children carry the entire caregiving burden alone, and feel they cannot or should not ask for help. Time is spent on physical and administrative caregiving tasks like tracking medical appointments, administering medications, managing insurance paperwork, getting groceries and prepping meals. What gets lost are the small moments of joy that really matter: enjoying a meal together, looking at old photos or sharing common interests like music, nature or crafts that create quality of life for the older parent and the adult daughter or son.

Companionship, favorite routines, conversation, activities and sharing moments of joy help an older adult feel connected and engaged.

To help sandwich generation caregivers get back to what matters most, here are common myths around caregiving, and approaches that help families thrive.

Myth No. 1: Mom or Dad is safe, so everything is OK.

Reality: Quality of life matters, too. Caregiving is not just about physical tasks and safety such as doctor appointments, preventing harmful falls and personal care. Social health and avoiding loneliness are equally important. Companionship, favorite routines and activities, conversation and sharing moments of joy help an older adult and the family caregiver feel connected and engaged.

Myth No. 2: I should be able to handle this myself.

Reality: Caregiver burnout is real. Creating your care team is critical. Many adult children assume care responsibilities gradually, until you are spending 20-40 hours of week on care tasks. This can lead to burnout and can negatively impact your relationship with your parent. Professional caregivers, such as the in-home care specialists at Comfort Keepers, can become a part of your family’s care team before a crisis happens. With this professional help, you can take breaks to recharge and practice needed self-care, so you can be more focused on the emotional needs instead of the medical needs of your loved one.

Myth No. 3: We will get help when we really need it.

Reality: Getting help before your parent’s care reaches a crisis can make the caregiving journey easier for everyone. Progressive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s can affect memory, communication, mobility, mood, personality, daily routines and eventually activities of daily living such as eating, hydrating, getting dressed or bathing. Planning ahead gives families time to have necessary conversations about long-term care, find the right professional caregiver, establish familiar routines and create a care plan that can evolve along with their parent’s needs and a family’s finances.

Member of Comfort Keepers team helps an aging senior with mobility.


Myth No. 4: Every visit needs to be productive.

Reality: Sometimes the most important thing is simply being your parent’s son or daughter. Professional caregiving can take some everyday responsibilities off your shoulders, so your time with your parent is not always consumed by errands, household tasks and caregiving duties. By being “present,” you enhance the emotional health of your parent and yourself.

How can I keep my relationship with my aging parent intact?

Caring for a parent with dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is emotionally difficult for family caregivers. Alzheimer’s adults may forget your name or who you are, and they may become combative and physically lash out, especially if experiencing sundowning. A son or daughter of someone with Parkinson’s realizes they may have frightening hallucinations and nightmares. All of this occurs in addition to their declining physical and cognitive abilities.

The Comfort Keepers survey reveals that daily joy for aging adults is rooted in the connection found in everyday life moments: sitting outside, enjoying morning coffee or engaging in meaningful hobbies such as reading, gardening, crafts and music. These moments foster consistency, independence and a sense of purpose. And they give the family caregiver a moment of calm in the midst of chaos.

For someone living with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, these activities may need to be adapted as the condition progresses. A familiar song from their past, a simplified gardening activity, a short walk or time spent looking through family photographs can offer connection, comfort and a sense of purpose. The goal is not necessarily to do things exactly as before, but to find meaningful ways to meet the person where they are today.

For adult children, joy is found in everyday connection with aging parents. The survey also found nearly 3 in 4 (72%) say simple conversations bring the most joy, followed by sharing meals (68%) and helping provide care for them (67%). A whopping 95% of adult children agree older adults play an important role in creating joy within their families.

Where do I start looking for a caregiver?

Member of the Comfort Keepers team talks with and provides companionship for an aging senior.

Comfort Keepers understands the challenges families face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, particularly as their needs change. Specially trained caregivers can help them continue living safely and meaningfully at home through personalized care, familiar routines, companionship and activities tailored to their interests and abilities. Comfort Keepers can also educate families about their changing needs and provide support that engages them physically, mentally and emotionally.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home services like:

  • Personal care
  • Companionship
  • Medication reminders
  • Family respite care
  • Comfort360™: A Complete Circle of Care

You do not have to choose between being a good parent, partner, employee and caregiver as you juggle your roles. Professional caregiving can help you remain your parent’s daughter or son first. Getting professional caregiver help from Comfort Keepers means better quality of life for your parent and for yourself.

Member of the Comfort Keepers team assisting an aging senior with exercise.

Learn more about support for your loved one at ComfortKeepers.com.

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4 smart renovations that make aging in place easier

2026-09-11T12:01:02

(BPT) – Aging in place isn’t just about staying in a familiar building. Continuing to live in your home as you age is also about preserving a sense of self, dignity and control over daily routines.

The vast majority of older American adults (ages 50 and older) would like to live in their current home and community for as long as possible, according to AARP’s 2024 Home and Community Preferences national survey. However, traditional home layouts often create mobility and safety challenges over time, making aging in place more difficult and even dangerous.

Luckily, a few smart renovations can make it more attainable for older adults to maintain independence, comfort and peace of mind as they approach their golden years. Whether you’re thinking ahead for your own safety and comfort or preparing to take care of a relative as they age, consider the following changes that can help make aging in place easier.

1. Improve a home’s layout with mobility in mind

The standard home assumes homeowners can easily navigate stairs every day, multiple times a day. As you age, stairs can become painful and even dangerous to use, limiting a senior’s ability to get around their own home.

When updating a home, focus on creating a layout that allows you or your loved one to perform all essential daily functions entirely on the main floor. Depending on your home, that could include moving the primary bedroom, full bathroom and laundry room downstairs.

Consider converting a seldom-used dining room, den or home office into a permanent main-floor primary suite. You likely won’t miss the extra space, and you’ll be grateful for the renovation down the line.

2. Create an accessible bathroom

Creating an accessible bathroom on the main floor of your home should be your top priority when renovating. The bathroom is one of the riskiest places in your home. In fact, according to UCLA Health, an estimated 80% of falls in the home occur in the bathroom.

Take stock of your bathroom and note what features could improve safety and mobility. For example, getting on and off the toilet can be more difficult for older adults. Installing grab bars and comfort-height toilets can make going to the bathroom safer and more comfortable.

Make sure you also have sufficient lighting. Without proper lighting, overnight trips to the bathroom can quickly turn into an emergency room visit. A simple fix like a night light or two can brighten a room, improving visibility and reducing the risk of a fall.

3. Trade the tub for a shower

A bathtub can add a touch of luxury and create a spa-like atmosphere homeowners can enjoy on any given day. However, they take up a lot of a bathroom’s footprint and can pose a safety risk to older adults.

Getting in and out of a tub safely can be challenging for anyone, especially if you’re not as mobile as you used to be. Instead of risking a fall now or in the future, consider removing your bathtub and replacing it with a shower. Inside the shower, make sure to install handrails and a shower seat for added accessibility and safety.

4. Build an accessory dwelling unit

For some homes, it can be impossible or at least prohibitively expensive to incorporate aging-in-place renovations. If that’s the case for you, consider adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

ADUs are secondary living spaces added to a single-family home. Some are detached structures like a backyard or granny cottage, but you can also create an ADU by renovating a garage or basement into a separate living space, sometimes referred to as an in-law suite.

For Tina, a new homeowner in the Connecticut area, one of the most appealing features of her home was the basement that doubled as an in-law suite. With exterior access, the residence would provide her elderly parents with their own private living space on the lower level.

The problem: The basement ADU only had a half bath. Tina didn’t initially see this as a problem, as both of her parents could still navigate the steps to use one of the three full bathrooms upstairs. However, soon after moving in, Tina’s father suffered a heart attack that made it difficult for him to use the stairs.

To add a full shower to the in-law suite as soon as possible, Tina’s contractor recommended installing the Saniflo Sanishower. This above-floor plumbing system allows homeowners like Tina to add a shower to an existing room, basement, garage, guest suite or first-floor space without breaking through concrete or reworking an entire plumbing system.

Using the Sanishower, Tina’s contractor finished installing the pump in just four hours. This allowed Tina to complete the rest of the bathroom remodel quickly, just in time for her father to come home from the hospital.

Making aging-in-place renovations more accessible

The Sanishower isn’t the only solution that makes aging-in-place renovations easier.

Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3 is ideal for creating an accessible full bathroom in an existing room or converting a living space on the main floor. Need to add a toilet? The Sanicompact makes it easy to add a space-saving toilet system to smaller homes, condos, guest suites or caregiver accommodations. To add a sink to an aging-in-place suite, you can use the Sanivite.

These above-floor plumbing systems are ideal solutions for retrofitting older homes, first-floor living conversions and accessible bathroom installations. They can ultimately help homeowners create safer, more functional layouts without relocating.

Aging in place is possible

You don’t have to move out of your home to age in place. With a few smart renovations, older adults can maintain their independence while staying safe and comfortable where they are. To learn more about how above-floor plumbing makes aging-in-place renovations simple and attainable, visit Saniflo.com/EN.

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When the business changes faster than the training

2026-09-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Since AI entered the workplace, organizations are changing fast, and their teams can’t keep up. Nearly three-quarters of frontline workers surveyed report experiencing skill gaps, according to a recent McKinsey survey, and those gaps are bound to widen as AI accelerates the pace and volume of product innovation and process changes. The pressure to close that gap often falls on the teams who build training for customer-facing roles — sales enablement, customer success, support, IT, Product Marketing and operations — and the L&D teams whose resources are being stretched to their limits.

It’s why a growing number of companies are turning to Articulate, whose AI-powered platform is built to help customer-facing teams create training to help build their skills in the era of constant, rapid change.

“You can’t buy the training that matters most to your business off a shelf. It’s specific to your products, your customers, your way of working,” said Monika Saha, Chief Commercial Officer at Articulate. “For most businesses, that kind of proprietary training has always been the hardest to get right and the fastest to go stale, and AI has only shortened its shelf life. That’s what we’re making easier to build and maintain.”

A platform built for every team

Articulate is the market-leading platform for building proprietary workplace training. Its newest release extends that capability in two directions. Nova, an AI agent built into Articulate 360 and backed by 20+ years of learning science, gives L&D teams more range. Frontline brings the same learning science and quality standards to teams across the business.

Frontline is built for the teams closest to the customer. It empowers sales enablement leaders, support managers and more to build training directly. Those teams can build their own training while still operating within the standards L&D already set, including brand guidelines and governance.

Nova is an AI agent that handles complex workflows that used to span multiple applications, including multi-format translation, AI-avatar video and training kit generation. Each is grounded in instructional design principles, turning information across the business into training that people can learn, retain and apply. Nova is built into every eligible Articulate 360 subscription.

New enterprise integrations connect Articulate to the tools teams already use, from source material through publishing: pulling content from Google Drive and OneDrive, and launching training creation directly from Claude, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot. On the publishing end, teams can publish training directly to Thinkific in one click, or use Connected Packages.

As organizations rethink how they prepare employees for a rapidly changing workplace, the focus is shifting from simply adopting AI to helping people grow with it. By combining their deep expertise in learning science and what’s possible with AI, Articulate is helping build a workforce ready for whatever comes next.

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5 ways to enjoy your favorite foods this fall without the heartburn

2026-09-09T15:15:00

(BPT) – Eating delicious food with great company is one of the best parts of attending your favorite fall festivities, whether you’re at a backyard cookout, planning back-to-school dinners, tailgating or hosting a football watch party. However, certain popular foods like spicy wings, pizza and fried favorites are often accompanied by an uninvited guest — heartburn.

If you know certain foods trigger heartburn but still eat them anyway, you’re not alone, as many Americans are willing to make that tradeoff. According to a new PEPCID® brand survey, almost half of respondents knowingly eat or drink things they expect will cause heartburn. While avoiding these foods could help reduce the likelihood of acid reflux and discomfort after eating, 80% of respondents believe certain foods are “worth the risk.”*

Group of friends enjoy a pizza part outdoors.

The good news is that you do not have to pass on eating delicious dishes this fall. That is why having a heartburn game plan, including these five simple strategies, can help you manage symptoms and feel more prepared to enjoy the food you love at gatherings.

1. Elevate your upper body or stand up

When you lie down, increased pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps the bottom of the esophagus closed, can worsen heartburn symptoms. Stand up after eating or elevate your upper body and head with a pillow to keep the stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus.

2. Loosen tight clothing

Clothing that fits tightly around the waist can put pressure on your stomach, pushing its contents backward into the esophagus and causing discomfort. If you feel heartburn coming on, try loosening your belt or, when possible, opting for looser-fitting clothing to give your midsection more room to relax.

3. Chew gum to help reduce acid

Believe it or not, gum can help take the edge off a heartburn-triggering meal. Chewing gum boosts saliva production and makes you swallow more often, which can help clear acid from the mouth and esophagus. The best part? You’ll get the added benefit of fresh breath.

4. Get moving

Did you know that regular exercise can help manage heartburn? Low-intensity aerobic exercises (walking, cycling and yoga) may offer protective benefits against acid reflux. These activities can also support a healthy weight, which is an important part of managing heartburn and acid reflux. However, you should try to avoid eating right after. The next time you eat a meal, invite a friend or family member to take a leisurely stroll around the block.

5. Have an acid reducer on hand

Many people who occasionally experience heartburn take a “wait and see” approach to potential heartburn, even though they know that there are over-the-counter (OTC) acid reducers that can help relieve their symptoms. In fact, according to the survey, 67% said they have experienced heartburn symptoms but chose not to take medication because they expected symptoms would go away on their own. Even among those who experience severe symptoms, 77% reported doing the same.*

Don’t let heartburn interrupt the moment. If you know certain foods can trigger occasional heartburn, consider picking up an OTC acid reducer like PEPCID® so you can enjoy a Saturday barbecue. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, PEPCID® relieves heartburn and controls acid for up to 12 hours.** It works fast and lasts all day***, so you can enjoy a meal without worrying about discomfort.

Pepcid on a table with dishes that may cause heartburn such as pizza, chicken wings, and nachos with peppers.


Enjoy the season with a heartburn game plan

You don’t have to give up your favorite foods to avoid heartburn. Using these simple tips, you can feel more prepared to enjoy the season’s biggest food moments with the people you love. Before your next backyard cookout, tailgate or fall gathering, visit Pepcid.com to learn more about occasional heartburn, compare product options and find where to buy relief near you.

Use products only as directed.

*PEPCID® commissioned an online survey with KRC Research of 3,000 U.S. adults aged 18 or over in Spring 2026, reflective of U.S. census demographics.

**Acid control does not imply symptom relief.

***Starts to work in 15-30 minutes. Lasts all day based on 8-hour symptom relief studies during the day.

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Simple Swaps to Stretch Your Dollar Further on Everyday Essentials

2026-09-09T09:01:02

(BPT) – As costs steadily rise, navigating today’s economic landscape requires a fresh look at how households handle their daily expenses. New research from AARP reveals just how central family support has become in managing everyday essentials — almost half (41%) of all grandparents actively step in to help cover basic necessities like groceries, clothing, and other household items. This averages to $2,654 annually, which is more than the average monthly retiree Social Security benefit of $2,071.

“Navigating a new economic era doesn’t mean sacrificing life’s simple pleasures or connection with loved ones,” says Trae Bodge, lifestyle and shopping expert. “It’s about being strategic with your monthly expenses. By leveraging discounts and loyalty programs for everyday needs like groceries, dining, gas, wireless, and even travel, you can quietly save hundreds of dollars a year that can be reinvested into the things you love most.”

While the financial impact can be felt across entire family ecosystems, small, intentional adjustments to recurring expenses can create significant relief for every generation.

Leveraging Your Loyalty

Commuting, school drop-offs, and family visits can quickly rack up gas expenses, but you can leverage smart fuel loyalty programs as an effortless way to lower costs. By linking an AARP membership with Exxon Mobil Rewards+™, you’ll earn extra points on everyday fuel purchases, convenience store items and car washes. Plus, members are awarded double points on dedicated member day, which convert directly into cash savings at the pump. For a limited time, new Exxon Mobil Rewards+ app users can earn up to $10 in points. Earn $5 on your first in-app fuel purchase and $5 on your second in-app fuel purchase.

Making Your Money Travel Further

It’s not always about where you go, but who you get to travel with along the way. As travel costs continue to rise, your travel budget can quickly become derailed. Save up to 35% off base rates with Avis when you choose to Pay Now or Pay Later at the counter — giving you the perfect combination of savings and flexibility. Book by September 30, 2026, and enjoy travel flexibility that fits your plans. Use AWD #A359824 to unlock your savings.

When you plan ahead, you can save up to 20% off the Standard Rate at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts depending on how you book. Perfect for travelers looking to save on their last summer trips. Planning Labor Day travel? For a limited time, book with Choice Hotels® and receive 15% off two or more night stays during the annual holiday weekend.

Connecting Without the Extra Cost

Staying in touch with those closest to you is essential, but high cellular bills don’t have to be. Families can find immediate relief on monthly wireless bills through Consumer Cellular, which offers AARP members two lines of unlimited talk, text, and data for just $55 per month with no contract required.

Beyond staying in touch, you shouldn’t have to stress your wallet over gathering for a family meal. When dining out, look for family-friendly restaurants that offer discounts. AARP members enjoy 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages at participating Denny’s, making weekend breakfasts or casual dinners even more budget-friendly. Or get something to go. McAlister’s Deli offers 10% off in-store, in-app and online orders.

Premium Products Without Premium Costs

As we all know, kitchen appliances can break down or become dated and need replacement from time to time. Fortunately this doesn’t have to break the bank. AARP members save 10% or more on the full line of GE Appliances online at the GE Appliances Store, including GE®, Profile™, Café™, Monogram®, Haier and Hotpoint® major appliances, as well as everyday need categories including refrigeration, laundry, cooking, clean-up, and small appliances. Plus, you also receive in-home delivery, installation, and haul-away services.

Navigating the economy is easier once you start taking full advantage of available resources. To explore all the ways you can save on everyday essentials, visit aarp.org/save.

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Why You Need This Everyday Essential for Effortless Fabric Care

2026-09-09T16:43:00

(BPT) – You spend a lot of time, effort and hard-earned money building a wardrobe you love. Whether you’re dressing for the workweek, heading out for a special occasion or simply trying to keep your favorite pieces looking their best, proper fabric care can make a difference. The same goes for household items and linens that require thoughtful care to maintain their quality.

These investments should maintain the quality and ensure fabrics stay looking their best for as long as possible by taking good care of them. And that doesn’t necessarily mean making more trips to the dry cleaners.

Enter the LG Styler® Steam Closet from LG Electronics, an at-home solution designed to make everyday garment care easier. This home steam closet combines everyday convenience with premium fabric care so you can refresh, deodorize, sanitize and care for your clothing and linens with ease. Whether you’re preparing for a busy work week, refreshing your clothes after a long commute or getting ready for a special occasion, LG Styler helps to simplify your routines while delivering elevated care at the touch of a button.

Everyday Care, Made Easier

Keeping your best clothes in top condition throughout the week doesn’t have to add another chore to your routine. LG Styler takes the effort out of daily garment and household care at home. Thanks to new features on select models such as Dual TrueSteam® technology, Dynamic MovingHanger™, multiple refresh and care cycles, built-in HandySteamer™ and EZ Fit PantsPress™, the LG Styler can handle fabric refresh, wrinkle reduction and sanitization automatically. LG Styler’s Dual Inverter HeatPump™ also helps to avoid damage while refreshing clothes and drying delicates.

The result? Clothes look and feel fresh without washing or ironing, while wrinkles and odors are reduced with minimal effort. By helping you refresh garments between washes and reduce reliance on traditional dry cleaning, LG Styler can also help extend the life of treasured pieces.

One Solution for Many Uses

Clothing isn’t the only thing that can benefit from more thoughtful care. LG Styler extends refresh and allergen-reduction capabilities to everyday items throughout the home. Its Heavy-Duty Sanitary cycle safely handles delicate items, outerwear and unwashables, while its capacity can accommodate household items like pillows, backpacks and pet gear, all with chemical-free steam care.

This means you can freshen items you can’t or don’t want to put in a washing machine, at the same time reducing allergens like pet dander or dust mites from daily life. It can also help extend the life of clothing and household essentials, keeping them fresher and in better condition.

Designed for Real Life

You don’t need a large space or complicated installation to bring the LG Styler into your home. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into modern living spaces without requiring renovations or major lifestyle changes. The LG Styler’s Plug & Go installation requires no plumbing, simply plugging into a standard wall outlet, while its slim footprint can fit easily in closets, bedrooms or laundry rooms.

LG Styler built-in to a changing room.

LG Styler is available in multiple sizes and finishes, making it an easy-to-install solution that works in small spaces and fits busy households, with options to match any lifestyle or budget. You can also get LG ThinQ® app connectivity, which helps you access specialty care options and lets you remotely check the unit’s cycle time for effortless care. The combination of thoughtful design, convenience and performance reflects LG’s broader commitment to reliable home appliances.

Discover how the LG Styler can make everyday garment and household care easier at LG.com and appliance reliability details at www.lg.com/us/reliable-home-appliances.

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How a simple sandwich recipe represents hope

2026-09-08T23:01:00

(BPT) – A sandwich is an easy lunch you can quickly make in the morning as you help your kids get ready for a new school day. But the real beauty of a sandwich is that it’s infinitely customizable. The only limit is your child’s imagination. That’s why this back-to-school season, Nature’s Own — the nation’s No. 1 selling loaf bread brand — and Make-A-Wish are inviting families to bring a little more creativity to the daily school lunch ritual with its Sandwishes campaign.

The campaign features one-of-a-kind sandwich recipes as unique as the wish kids behind them. Whether your child prefers a fresh and savory sandwich like Olivia’s Bright Harvest Bacon Bite, a sweet treat like Eliana’s Banana Boost Super Swirl or a cheese-forward lunch like Luke’s Mediterranean Magic Melt, the digital cookbook has plenty of creative recipes to try.

Olivia and her Nature's Own sandwich called

The spark behind the campaign is simple yet profound: Sandwiches may use the same ingredients, but no two are the same, just like wishes. It’s the combination of ingredients like a smear of avocado, a surprising pop of berry jam or slices of crisp apple that takes an ordinary lunch and transforms it into an extraordinary meal.

A wish comes together in the same way. When you combine a child’s imagination with care, coordination and community support, what may seem like a typical request to visit a theme park, meet a celebrity or travel to a tropical location becomes a treasured memory that has a lasting impact beyond the day the wish is granted.

“When I found out my wish was being granted, I had just gotten out of a six-week stay in the hospital and PICU,” said wish kid Elizabeth, the creator of the Berries N Cream Dreamwich. “I had missed competing at cheerleading worlds and was facing a life-changing diagnosis, so having my wish granted gave me hope and something to look forward to. Being part of Make-A-Wish still reminds me of that.”

Isabella, the chef behind the Jam-Packed Joywich, was inspired by her wish to give back to the community that gave her hope.

“As I got older, I discovered a love for volunteer work and working with charities,” she said. “As I moved into high school, I found a career that would allow me to do that: corporate social responsibility. Now a junior in college, and after completing my internship with Make-A-Wish, I’m pursuing the dream of giving back so I can share the same hope I received with other kids and families.”

A slice of hope for the back-to-school season

Nash holds his Nature's Own sandwich called

The partnership between Nature’s Own and Make-A-Wish isn’t limited to sandwiches. The bread brand has committed $500,000 to support Make-A-Wish through 2026, helping fund life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. The Sandwishes campaign builds on this financial support by giving families a simple way to be part of the mission by exploring wish kids’ recipes and learning how they can help bring more wishes to life.

“We’re grateful to Nature’s Own for helping bring our wish kids’ creativity to life in such a joyful, accessible way,” said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. “Through the Sandwishes campaign, families can connect with the imagination behind each wish while helping Make-A-Wish deliver hope and joy to children with critical illnesses. Partnerships like this make it possible for us to reach more children and families with the life-changing power of a wish.”

Lila and her Nature's Own sandwich called

To explore more delicious wish kids’ recipes that you can sample this school year and learn more about the campaign, visit NaturesOwnBread.com/Wish.

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Do you or someone you love have Crohn’s disease? Learn more about a clinical trial

2026-09-08T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Merck

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 million people living in the U.S.1 Research shows that the disease has become increasingly common in the U.S. and other parts of the world, yet experts don’t know why.1

CD is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation (swelling) and ulcers (sores) in the digestive tract.1 CD accounts for approximately 40% of IBD cases.2,3

Your digestive tract digests and moves food through your body. It includes your4:

  • Mouth
  • Esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach)
  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Large intestine, which includes your colon, rectum and anus

What causes CD?

In CD, the body’s immune system overreacts and damages healthy tissues in the digestive tract.5 It most often happens in the small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. However, CD can happen in any part of the digestive tract.1 Though experts don’t know exactly what triggers CD, research shows that it may be due to a combination of immune system changes, genes and lifestyle factors.5

“Researchers are evaluating the safety of an investigational medicine and how well it may work in resolving or improving Crohn’s disease symptoms compared to placebo in a clinical trial happening now,” said Dr. Ahmed Kurdi, gastroenterologist and principal investigator at Sanford Health. “You or a loved one may be eligible to participate based on the inclusion criteria.”

Join a clinical trial for CD

A clinical trial, also called a clinical study, is a type of research designed to learn more about how the body responds to investigational medicines, vaccines, or other treatments.

There is a clinical trial studying an investigational medicine for moderate to severe CD. Moderate to severe CD means symptoms happen more often or are more intense compared to mild CD, often leading to additional complications and greater impact on daily life.6

The goal of this trial is to learn if the investigational medicine is safe and works well to improve CD symptoms compared to a placebo.7 A placebo looks like the trial medicine but has no medicine in it. Using a placebo helps researchers better understand the effects of the investigational medicine.

This trial is for adults who7:

  • Are between ages 18 and 80
  • Have had CD for at least 2 months and currently have moderate to severely active CD
  • Have had at least 1 of the below:
    • Have not responded well or stopped responding to at least 1 CD treatment
    • Have not tolerated their dose of corticosteroids (such as prednisone, budesonide, or beclomethasone) being reduced
    • Have not been able to tolerate taking at least 1 CD treatment

The importance of representation in clinical trials

Representation in clinical trials helps researchers gain a more complete picture of how investigational medicines work across populations. This helps support the development of safe and effective medicines for those who are most affected by the disease or condition being studied. Today, only 24% of clinical trial participants are from communities of color despite making up more than 40% of the U.S. population and facing higher burdens of many diseases.8

“Communities of color haven’t always been equally represented or treated in healthcare,” said Dr. Kurdi. “Acknowledging that history can open the door to honest conversations about clinical trial participation and provide access to research that may be relevant to their care.”

More about this trial

There are more eligibility criteria for this trial. There may be risks related to participating in clinical trials. The trial doctor can discuss these with you.

Participation in clinical trials is voluntary, and participants are free to leave at any time, for any reason. Participants may or may not directly benefit from being in the clinical trial, but they will help researchers learn more about the investigational medicine and CD.

You can learn more about this clinical trial at Merck’s clinical trial page.

References

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & facts for Crohn’s disease. Updated October 2025. Accessed May 1, 2026. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/crohns-disease/definition-facts
  2. Crocetti E, Bergamaschi W, Russo AG. Population-based incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases in Milan (Northern Italy), and estimates for Italy. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2021;33(1S suppl 1):e383-e389. doi:10.1097/MEG.0000000000002107
  3. Lewis JD, Parlett LE, Jonsson Funk ML, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and racial and ethnic distribution of inflammatory bowel disease in the United States. Gastroenterology. 2023;165(5):1197-1205.e2. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2023.07.003
  4. Cleveland Clinic. What is the digestive system? October 25, 2024. Accessed June 16, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/7041-digestive-system
  5. Cleveland Clinic. Crohn’s disease: What it is, symptoms, causes & treatment. December 4, 2023. Accessed May 1, 2026. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9357-crohns-disease
  6. CrohnsAndColitis.com. Crohn’s disease severity and progression. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.crohnsandcolitis.com/crohns/severity-and-progression
  7. Merck Clinical Trials. A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tulisokibart in participants with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. Accessed May 7, 2026. https://www.merckclinicaltrials.com/trial/nct06430801/
  8. Merck. Let’s Talk Trials. Accessed May 27, 2026. https://www.merckclinicaltrials.com/Lets-Talk-Trials/

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Being prepared: How to know what kind of backup power is best for you

2026-09-08T13:21:00

(BPT) – No matter where you live, you can be at risk for short- or long-term power outages. Between extended heat waves, hurricane season, wildfire risk and upcoming winter storms, the aging power grid can’t always handle the many challenges Mother Nature dishes out.

For National Preparedness Month this September, learn about the range of options that are available for reliable solar power backup, whether you live in an apartment, suburban home or rural area.

What backup power generator is right for your home?

Knowing what’s available in terms of size, portability and power output can help you make the right choice, so you’re not overbuying or investing in backup power that won’t be enough for your household’s needs.

Here are some of the options available from Jackery, a global leader in home backup, innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions. The Jackery Power Station that will work best for your situation depends on how much space you have, and how much power output you’ll need.

A kitchen necessity: FridgeGuard

This is a versatile option for anyone who wants to safeguard the heart of the home: your refrigerator. FridgeGuard is the world’s slimmest smart fridge backup, a design-forward solution that’s built to keep refrigerators running during power outages, which is especially valuable during a heatwave when food safety storage is at risk.

FridgeGuard’s ultra-slim design makes it easy to incorporate into almost any size apartment or home. It’s built with a wall-mountable 2.6-inch profile designed to blend seamlessly into your kitchen, and you can tailor its orientation with floor-standing, bracket-mounted or wall-mounted options to fit any layout. Set it once and you’re always ready: Just plug it in, keep it connected to your fridge, and let FridgeGuard deliver ≤10 ms UPS-level backup automatically when outages happen. With 1024Wh of capacity, FridgeGuard can run a refrigerator for up to 15 hours, recharges via AC, solar or car power, and pairs with an additional FridgeGuard for 2048Wh of capacity when more runtime is needed.

Compact energy backup: HomePower 2000 Plus v2 and HomePower 1000 v2

A man loads his washing machine in a dark laundry room, connected to a Jackery device.

These units are both part of Jackery’s newly expanded home backup lineup specifically designed for remote workers, apartment dwellers and homeowners who want reliable backup power and energy independence, but in a more compact footprint.

  • HomePower 1000 Plus V2 is small and compact, making it ideal for apartment dwellers or homeowners in big cities due to its compact size that doesn’t compromise on output. Its 1800W power station is built to fulfill dynamic energy needs for a wide range of everyday and professional backup power scenarios. In addition to home backup during outages, this unit is portable enough for use on outdoor work like job sites or film shoots, and electricity-equipped camping. The HomePower 1000 Plus V2’s modular architecture allows it to scale up to 11 kilowatt hours (kWh), with the addition of up to five 2 kWh expansion batteries.
  • HomePower 2000 Plus V2 is great if you live in suburban areas, as it can be stored away with ease, but also has enough power to keep you going during extended blackouts, especially as it’s expandable with add-on batteries. Its 2kWh capacity backup battery is ideal for a small household to endure an outage of up to 8 hours, while the 2400W rated output (4800W peak surge) can power essential appliances like refrigerators, electric ovens and microwaves.

Larger capacity backup power: HomePower 3600 Pro Max

If your home needs larger capacity, or you live in more rural or remote locations, you may want to consider the HomePower 3600 Pro Max. While it’s still ultra-portable and ready to roll effortlessly from the kitchen to the garage as needed to power your fridge, water pump, dryer and more, one unit runs it all: power heavy-hitters like the dryer, the AC, even an EV charger at 240V, while lamps and laptops keep going at 120V, no switching required. Start at 21.5kWh, or pair two units for 43kWh when a home needs more.

The HomePower 3600 Pro Max installs via Manual Transfer Switch and automatically switches to backup power in under 10ms when the grid goes down, so the fridge, WiFi, and lights never miss a beat. It recharges multiple ways, including solar and standard AC power, and offers automatic backup protection without the noise, fumes or complexity of traditional gas generators.

Longevity across the entire Jackery lineup

In all of these Jackery backup power options, their LiFePO4 battery chemistry is engineered to retain at least 70% capacity after 6,000 full operating cycles (about a 16-year average lifespan), along with eco-friendly, off-grid recharging via solar panels or vehicle setups for long-term emergencies.

Take the first step toward reliable backup power

Ensuring that you have sufficient home backup power gives you and your family more peace of mind, no matter the season or what’s happening with the power grid. Emergency preparedness is all about having backup power just in case you need it, any time of year.

Visit Jackery.com to learn more about being prepared with your own portable power station.