Posted on

How to optimize your night for restful sleep

2025-12-22T12:01:01

(BPT) – Are you having trouble sleeping? Don’t brush it off. Getting a good night’s sleep is key to maintaining your overall health.

“Sleep regenerates the mind, brain and body,” said Dr. Caroline Leaf, MS and Ph.D. in Communication Pathology, BSc Logopaedics. “It ‘cleans up’ the thoughts and events that occurred during the day and improves memory, as well as our capacity to self-regulate our feelings and thoughts. Sleep can help to boost the immune system, which, in turn, improves overall mental and physical health.”

Sleep can be disrupted by various factors, including work, stress, family responsibilities and illnesses, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. You may not be able to control these factors, but you can develop habits that can promote better sleep. To help you thrive throughout the day, Dr. Leaf offers some of her most important tips for optimizing your sleep.

Calm your mind

Great sleep begins in the mind, not just your bed. Create a bedtime ritual that signals safety and predictability to your brain and rids your mind of the day’s worries, so you can relax into sleep.

“I always recommend creating a ‘mental cool down’ ritual,” said Dr. Leaf. “Set aside 30-60 minutes before bed to dim the lights, reduce blue light exposure and engage in calming activities like journaling or deep breathing to rewire stress or overthinking from the day.”

Keep it cool

A cool sleeping environment is also a key factor in getting a good night’s sleep. Ideally, you should aim for a bedroom temperature between 65° and 70°F.

If you naturally run hot, you might need some extra help keeping cool. Dr. Leaf recommends using breathable bedding and temperature-regulating pillows to help you keep your body temperature down throughout the night.

A great option for breathable, comfortable sheets is Tuft & Needle’s Classic Percale sheet set. Made from crisp, breathable and deliciously soft 100% Supima Cotton, this bedding set is intentionally designed to provide comfort with materials that create a cool sleep environment and enhance overall wellness. Perfect for hot sleepers, this naturally moisture-wicking bedding only gets softer with age, so you can continue to fall asleep comfortably.

A mattress covered with Tuft & Needle's Classic Percale sheet set.

A temperature-regulating pillow is another sleep item that can help you keep your body cool throughout the night. A product like the Beautyrest® Deluxe Down Alternative Pillow features a breathable knit cover that promotes airflow and InfiniCool® Technology designed to help reduce sweating and remove excess heat away from the head and neck. Plus, its premium fiber-blend fill cradles the head and neck for responsive support that doesn’t fall flat. With its medium feel, this pillow suits all sleeping positions and helps support a cool night’s sleep.

A woman sleeping on a Beautyrest<sup><sup><sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup></sup></sup> Deluxe Down Alternative Pillow.” width=”600″ border=”0″></div> <div class=

Create a dark environment

Your bedroom plays a major role in getting quality sleep. Create an ideal sleep environment by keeping your bedroom dark and cool.

Even if you can sleep in a bright environment, it’s best to block out as much light as possible. According to the National Sleep Foundation, as it gets dark, your brain begins to produce melatonin. Light disrupts this process and your sleep. Consider using blackout curtains or an eye mask to limit light exposure.

Don’t underestimate the power of the right mattress

You can’t get quality sleep on an uncomfortable mattress. If you’re tossing and turning every night, consider finding a new mattress that will let you slip into your dreamland quickly and easily.

“When I get into bed, I want to feel fully relaxed—like I can just sink in with a huge sigh,” said Dr. Leaf. “That’s why it’s so important to figure out what helps you feel most comfortable. Maybe you’re looking to reduce back discomfort, to sleep cooler, or to avoid being woken up by a restless partner. Everyone’s needs are different, and that’s what I appreciate about Serta—they truly have options for every type of sleeper.”

“If you find that you’re dealing with several issues that are getting in the way of the sleep you want, take a look at Serta’s new iSeries NXG™ mattress collection. These premium models address many of the most common sleep challenges. They provide immediate cooling, instant pressure relief, and ideal support for deeper, more restorative rest—all at a price that makes sense. And with their new NXG™ Memory Foam and durable, long-lasting support, you can finally get the kind of sleep you’re looking for.”

A man reading and a woman sleeping on a Serta's new iSeries NXG™ mattress.

Take control of your sleep

Quality sleep doesn’t happen on its own. Using Dr. Leaf’s tips, you can control the factors that impact your sleep and benefit from a more comfortable and deeper night’s sleep. Good night!

Posted on

Where to Indulge in the Best Champagne Toast for New Year’s Eve

2025-12-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – As New Year’s Eve approaches, Americans are searching for the perfect spot to raise a glass. This year, it’s about the perfect pour, the right setting, and a moment to remember. New U.S. data from global chauffeur service Blacklane shows exactly where the most exceptional champagne toasts are happening — and how a seamless journey can make the celebration effortless.

From glittering rooftops to iconic hotel lounges, the finest champagne is now paired with venues that know how to elevate the moment. Guests are seeking out the finest labels, most luxurious hotel bars around the world and a midnight toast worth remembering.

Whether celebration-seekers are clinking flutes high above the city skyline or enjoying a luxury hotel’s midnight soirée, the cost of the finest pour varies widely by destination. The top destinations for the best champagne toast include:

  • New York City: Classic houses like Moët & Chandon (17%), Veuve Clicquot (12%) and Louis Roederer (8%) dominate iconic spots such as Mo Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental and rooftop bars across Manhattan.
  • Miami: Landmark hotels including the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove pour premier labels, creating standout celebratory moments.
  • Los Angeles: A mix of big-name champagnes and boutique houses offers a curated, unique experience for guests seeking something different, including the Four Seasons where the Laurent-Perrier label is on offer.

But the perfect toast is more than just the drink, it’s how you arrive. Blacklane ensures every journey feels seamless and premium, giving revelers the freedom to focus on the celebration:

  • Door-to-door transfers, even on the busiest night of the year
  • Professional chauffeurs providing reliability and local knowledge
  • Spacious, luxurious vehicles that set the tone for an enhanced evening

This New Year’s Eve, the ultimate celebration comes down to three essentials: a world-class glass of champagne, a venue chosen for its quality and ambiance, and a smooth, stress-free journey. Together, they transform midnight into a memory that lasts all year.

To elevate your New Year’s Eve toast, schedule a Blacklane ride at blacklane.com.

“Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

Posted on

New year, new network: Switch carriers in 15 minutes

2025-12-22T06:01:00

(BPT) – What goals have you set for 2026? The energy and optimism of the new year can make it easier to dive into a new hobby, establish a new routine or complete a task. One task for your New Year’s list of goals will benefit you all year long: switching wireless carriers.

Whether you’re looking for a better plan, improved coverage or want to snag a phone deal, switching can make it happen. That said, switching wireless carriers can be difficult to navigate. The process can be confusing, time-consuming and forces you to make multiple decisions that slow you down.

“Becoming a new customer shouldn’t feel like a hassle,” said Srini Gopalan, CEO, T-Mobile. “Every year, over 34 million Americans switch providers, wasting over three hours on average on an outdated, confusing, complex process.”

Switching wireless carriers shouldn’t cost you time and headaches. One carrier has made it easier than ever before for customers to make the switch. In fact, you can do it in 15 minutes.

How 15 minutes can change your year

T-Mobile’s latest Un-carrier move, Switching Made Easy, is a major upgrade to the customer switching experience, making it faster, smarter and hassle-free. All you have to do is download the AI-powered T-Life app, log on and tap the Easy Switch (beta) option.

Once you start the process, the app will recommend the best plan for you based on your current carrier’s account, highlighting your savings and benefits. The Easy Switch tool’s flexibility and convenience make it simple to check “switching carriers” off your list of resolutions.

Switching quickly isn’t the only benefit you’ll receive. In addition to a hassle-free experience, you’ll also have the flexibility to choose a new phone after you’ve switched. Instead of feeling pressured to get a new device immediately, you’ll have 90 days to upgrade your smartphone, so you can choose what’s right for you, when it’s right for you.

On the other hand, if you’ve already had your eye on a particular smartphone, you don’t have to wait. When you order through T-Life, you can receive delivery for new devices from select T-Mobile stores in major U.S. cities, powered by DoorDash Drive and expanding soon.

Your benefits also go beyond your initial switch. From day one, you’ll have Magenta Status, which gives you access to streaming benefits like free Netflix, discounts on hotels and car rentals, and weekly offers through T-Mobile Tuesdays.

Ready to make the switch?

In just 15 minutes, you can have a new network, a new device and a new start to 2026.

“With Switching Made Easy, we’ve taken the best of technology to bring switching into the 21st century,” said Gopalan. “Anyone can get a better value and a better experience in just 15 minutes, all on America’s Best Network,” said Gopalan.

To learn more and get started, visit T-Mobile.com/Switch/15-Minute-Switch.

Posted on

U.S.–Poland Space Partnership Accelerates, Linking Transatlantic Allies Beyond Earth’s Orbit

2025-12-20T08:01:00

(BPT) – Building on long-standing cooperation and strong partnership with the United States, Poland is working to become a major player in the global space market.

That ambition is shining through in policy choices, joint missions and concrete investments that tie Polish industry to U.S. programs.

The two countries have been formal allies through NATO since 1999, cooperating closely on defense and security. Leaders on both sides of the Atlantic are extending this trust and collaboration into space.

In the newest development in this partnership, Polish media mogul and self-made billionaire Zygmunt Solorz has been in discussions regarding a major investment in Houston-based Axiom Space, led by billionaire Kam Ghaffarian and backed by U.S. investors including Donald Trump, Jr.

“A partnership with Axiom Space and Kam Ghaffarian would be a significant step for Poland in the U.S. commercial space market, giving Poland the chance to contribute directly to the future of commercial spaceflight and strengthen its position in the global space economy,” said Solorz.

Solorz and Ghaffarian met with high-level U.S. officials in Washington, D.C., and at the White House on Dec. 3-4 earlier this month, underscoring the visibility of prospective Polish investment in the American commercial space sector.

Ghaffarian, Axiom Space’s co-founder and former NASA scientist, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Poland’s increasing involvement in the global space economy is an important development for transatlantic cooperation, and we value Mr. Solorz’s active engagement as these discussions progress.”

This is the most recent example of U.S.-Polish collaboration in the final frontier. In 2021, Poland joined the U.S.-led Artemis Accords, which established a set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation, particularly within NASA’s lunar exploration plans. Then-NASA Administrator and astronaut Bill Nelson recognized Poland’s commitment to establishing peaceful norms in space, which he said cannot be accomplished alone.

Earlier this year, Poland launched its first astronaut in more than 40 years to the International Space Station (ISS). Aboard a private flight — a SpaceX rocket mission arranged by Axiom Space — Polish astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewsk became the second Pole to travel to space. “Let this mission be the beginning of an era in which our courage and perseverance will shape a modern Poland for us and for future generations,” said Uznanski-Wisniewsk after the successful launch.

Co-financed by the Polish government and supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), Poland’s experiments during Uznanski-Wisniewsk’s two-week stay spanned from research on human sciences, engineering, physics and testing technologies in orbit. The work provided results that inform both academic research and commercial use cases. The mission’s success signaled that Poland is continuing to move from consumer to contributor within this ecosystem. That shift is also evident in the Polish Space Agency’s collaboration with several Polish companies to build and launch the country’s largest ever satellite last year.

By integrating into the U.S. space economy, Poland is positioning itself as Central Europe’s hub for research, dual-use technologies and space diplomacy. This progress has been on display as Polish manufacturer Scanway Space secured its first order from an American company, Intuitive Machines, for a multispectral telescope to map the Moon’s surface this year. Poland is also preparing to launch its first military satellites into orbit from the United States, with launch planned from California aboard a SpaceX rocket.

Poland’s international profile will further rise when it hosts the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in 2027, expected to host nearly 10,000 guests from around the world. Among the world’s largest gatherings of agencies, companies and researchers, the decision to select Poland to host signals the country’s expanding convening power and industrial ambition in space.

Together, these policy and commercial elements illustrate how Poland is helping the United States build next-generation space infrastructure. For the United States, allied engagement supports resilience in critical space services, while broadening the research base and supply chain. For Poland, it unlocks access to orbital platforms, technology transfer opportunities and new investment channels.

Together, the United States and Poland are expanding on their transatlantic allyship and charting a bold new trajectory — one that could redefine their roles in the space economy and expand the horizons of exploration for years to come.

Photo caption: Billionaires Kam Ghaffarian and Zygmunt Solorz before heading into a meeting with high-level U.S. officials at the White House on Dec. 3.

Posted on

Critical care warriors: Anesthesiologists help young mom breathe again

2025-12-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – When fourth-grade teacher and new mom Brianna Iacona caught COVID-19 weeks before her 30th birthday, her mild symptoms rapidly escalated into life-threatening respiratory failure. After 97 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) and a double lung transplant, she made a remarkable recovery and is now back in the classroom and enjoying time with her family.

Anesthesiologists were there every step of her medical journey — from providing intensive daily care and resolving life-threatening complications in the ICU to safely guiding her through the eight-hour high-risk transplant.

“I didn’t realize until after my transplant how critical each health care professional’s role is and that anesthesiologists were involved in so much of my care,” said Brianna, 34, of Newark, Del. “They were amazing.”

From the brink of death to a new beginning

After her son Brayson’s birth, Brianna returned to the classroom in the fall of 2021. A few weeks into the school year, she tested positive for COVID and got progressively worse. When she lost consciousness, her husband called for an ambulance. At the hospital, she was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), a life support system that takes over the work of the lungs and heart. After two weeks, she was airlifted to the Penn Medicine: University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia.

In the ICU, anesthesiologists were at her bedside daily, keeping her stable on long-term ECMO, addressing the crises that threatened her survival and updating her family daily. They monitored and adjusted her medications, oxygen levels and blood thinners, coordinated her nutrition, and managed complications such as a collapsed lung. When blood thinners didn’t break up a dangerous clot in her heart, they alerted the surgeon to remove it. They advocated for her to be considered for lung transplantation and provided rehabilitation to keep her strong enough for the surgery.

She remembers almost nothing from her COVID diagnosis to her transplant — not the hospital staff decorating her bed for her birthday, the surgery to remove the blood clot or visits from her husband and son. Only a few fragments remain: the sensation of pedaling a bike during rehab, watching a movie in the hospital, and the anesthesiologist gently talking to her about her trauma and asking how to make her more comfortable.

On Dec. 28, 2021, she had a double lung transplant. Anesthesiologist Bonnie Milas, M.D., guided her through the complex surgery, monitoring and adjusting her ECMO support, keeping her stable and managing her oxygen levels. After the surgery, she carefully weaned Brianna off ECMO.

“Without that ongoing, intensive day-to-day management in the ICU, she might not have made it to surgery,” said Dr. Milas, who is a professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ Committee on Trauma and Emergency Preparedness. “We were able to take her off ECMO after surgery when we knew her new lungs could do the job on their own.”

A long recovery and back to the classroom

After spending a month in the hospital relearning to walk, speak and dress herself, she came home in March 2022, shortly after Brayson’s second birthday. She continued outpatient physical therapy for three months, and by May finally felt strong enough to care for her son by herself. That fall, she returned to teaching.

“When you go through a traumatic experience like this, you lose your identity,” said Brianna. “You just want to get back to who you are. I love teaching. It’s who I am.”

Every year on Dec. 28, she, her husband and son sing “Happy Birthday” to her new lungs. “Brayson knows the transplant saved my life,” she said.

“People think anesthesiologists are only in the operating room, but in cases like this, we’re keeping patients alive in the ICU day after day and are often the reason they get a second chance at life,” said Dr. Milas. “In the operating room, a lung transplant is a choreography of high-risk decisions, with the anesthesiologist maintaining blood flow, preventing injury, stabilizing the patient and ensuring those new lungs are viable the moment they are transplanted.”

To learn more about how anesthesiologists keep patients safe before, during and after surgery, visit: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

Posted on

Simple tips to keep your home warm and cozy this winter

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.

Posted on

Brew, Sip and Socialize: Entertaining with a DIY Twist

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.

Posted on

How to prep your car for safer winter driving

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.

Posted on

What’s the best hardwood floor finish in 2026?

2025-12-18T10:49:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Waterborne floor finishing systems are water-based and environmentally friendly.
  • With low VOCs, waterborne options are better for indoor air quality.
  • Waterborne finishes are durable and can last a decade or more.
  • Always use cleaning and maintenance products made for your type of flooring.

Hardwood flooring is in high demand, adding style, dimension and value to a home. In fact, more than half (61%) of American homeowners say wood flooring was a priority when deciding to design or purchase their home, according to the 2026 Bona Floorcast report.

There are many reasons people choose hardwood flooring. It’s a warm, natural material that offers near endless design and color options. It’s also durable and timeless. With proper care, hardwood flooring can last for many years.

When it’s time for an update, many homeowners choose to keep their hardwood floors, opting to refinish rather than remove the flooring material. Three-quarters of American homeowners would rather restore their existing wood floors than replace them, with refinishing offering a more environmentally responsible way to preserve a floor’s natural beauty and extend longevity, the Bona report found.

null

Hardwood floors are a smart choice, but the finishing system you choose is just as important as the flooring itself. Finishes and sealers can impact the durability and integrity of the flooring, plus some options are more harmful to the home environment than others. Doing your research can help you determine the best system for your home.

Why flooring experts recommend waterborne finishing for hardwood

“Whether a new build, renovation or refresh, it’s important to research the types of products used to treat your wood floors,” said Matt Casey, Director of Professional Marketing & Bona Certified Craftsman Program, Bona. “When it comes to hardwood floor finish, the best choice is a waterborne finish.”

To help homeowners decide the right option for them in 2026 and beyond, Matt answers common questions about waterborne floor finishing systems for hardwood.

Hardwood floors are a smart choice, but the finishing system you choose is just as important as the flooring itself.


What hardwood floor finish is best for indoor air quality?

Waterborne, sometimes referred to as water-based, is a wood finish system where water is the carrier for resin particles rather than oil or chemicals. Waterborne finishes are durable, sustainable and have low VOC emissions, making them better for the indoor environment. They are safe enough for homeowners, pets, plants and food to remain in the home during the entire finishing process.

Other hardwood floor finishing systems like acid cured (also called Swedish finish) and moisture-cured finishes, which use toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, and oil-modified are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

What are VOCs in hardwood floor finishes?

VOCs are human-made chemicals present in many household products. Off-gassing occurs when VOCs and other chemicals are emitted from the manufactured products during use. While all hardwood finishing systems have some level of VOCs, waterborne are most often the lowest and therefore better for indoor air quality.

Acid-cured and oil-modified finishes have high VOC levels ranging anywhere from 275 to more than 700. Waterborne finishes are considered low VOC typically at 150 or less.

What labels and certifications matter for a hardwood floor finishing system?

Look for finishing systems with UL GREENGUARD Certification. GREENGUARD is a third-party organization that ensures products used for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emission limits.

For example, Bona Traffic HD is a high-durability waterborne finish that is GREENGUARD Gold certified. The GREENGUARD Gold certification has stricter criteria and considers safety factors for sensitive individuals like children and the elderly.

null


How durable are waterborne finishes?

Advancements in waterborne finishing systems mean they are more durable than ever. High-quality waterborne floor finishes can often last well over 10 years depending on use and maintenance. Plus, unlike oil-based polyurethane that will amber over time, the color of waterborne finishes tends to maintain a more natural look.

How long does it take for waterborne finishes to dry?

Getting back to normal life as soon as possible is a priority when researching hardwood finishing systems. A waterborne finish is ready to walk on hours before an oil-based polyurethane finish dries. For example, Bona Traffic HD dries within two to three hours before it can be walked on in socks, with a full cure happening in three days.

“Investing in waterborne finishing systems for hardwood flooring is a smart choice for homeowners,” said Matt. “They create durable floors, allow for a range of color options and support a healthier home and environment.”

Once hardwood floors are refinished, what’s the best way to care for them?

Proper maintenance keeps floors looking their best and extends their lifespan. When choosing cleaning products, opt for a microfiber mop, which controls moisture better than a traditional string mop. Use a pH-neutral, residue-free cleaner formulated specifically for your type of wood flooring. The right cleaning products protect the finish, and keep newly refinished floors looking beautiful longer.

To learn more about the benefits of waterborne flooring systems visit Bona.com.

Posted on

Here’s how drivers are prepping their cars for winter

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.