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2025-04-14T11:01:00

(BPT) – Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Spring is the perfect time to reset and refocus your routine. You don’t need a full lifestyle overhaul to feel more energized — just a few intentional changes can bring fresh energy to your day. With warmer days and longer hours of sunlight, now is the time to embrace small shifts that can make a big difference. Consider starting with these five simple habits to ease into a refreshed routine this spring.

1. Bask in the sunlight

Start your morning with a few minutes of sunlight to naturally boost your mood. Exposure to sunlight first thing can help to give you a much-needed mental lift. You could go for a short walk around the neighborhood, sit outside while you drink your morning coffee or eat breakfast in front of an east-facing window to take in those rays.

2. Refresh your space

Your environment can have a powerful impact on your state of mind. Look around and find simple changes to create a sense of clarity. Swapping out heavy winter candles for lighter floral or herbal scents, opening the windows for fresh air or adding a vase of seasonal flowers to your table can help reflect the energy of the new season.

3. Disconnect from the digital world

Staring at screens all day can be hard on your eyes and brain. Think about your routine and build in a few screen-free moments throughout your day to disconnect. Whether that’s a quiet cup of tea in the morning, a phone-free lunch break or an evening walk without earbuds, even a few intentional minutes away from your digital devices and screens can help recharge your mind.

4. Get moving

Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be effective. If you sit for most of the day, try to work in some time to get up and walk or stretch. Gentle movement throughout the day can get your blood flowing and re-energize your mind to sharpen your focus. If you work from home, you can even dance around in your kitchen to your favorite tunes to get your body moving.

5. Plan simple, satisfying meals

During a busy week, it can be easy to skip meals or choose foods that aren’t filling. Without proper fuel, you may feel sluggish and unable to complete all of your daily tasks. Having wholesome, easy options on hand makes it easier to stay on track, and value-added brands like Fresh Express make it so simple.

Consider picking up meal kits like the Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Salad Kit. You can enjoy it on its own or you can customize it with a few additional ingredients to be creative and express yourself by making a whole new salad experience! Try out this Ham Cobb Caesar Salad recipe from Fresh Express — a crisp, flavorful meal that delivers convenience and taste, making it the perfect meal to fuel your busy spring days.

Ham Cobb Caesar Salad

Ingredients

• 2 (9.4-ounce) packages of Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Kit
• 2 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup 1/4-inch-thick deli ham, chopped
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half

Instructions

1. Place the Fresh Express Caesar Chopped Kits into a large bowl; toss with the salad dressing. Add the toppings. Toss to combine.
2. Divide salad evenly among four bowls. Top with eggs, ham and cherry tomatoes.

Pro Tip: Consider tossing in leftover Easter ham and eggs.

Don’t let a stale routine prevent you from enjoying the season. Using these five easy tips, you’ll be well on your way to refreshing your daily life and welcome in the spirit of spring.

Get tasty and convenient meals this spring and beyond

Now through June 1, fans can enter the Express Yourself Recipe Contest from Fresh Express, designed to inspire culinary creativity. Learn more at https://www.freshexpress.com/expressyourselfrecipecontest2025 for a chance to win a year’s worth of Fresh Express salads.

2025-04-11T09:31:00

(BPT) – Everyone’s heard the FIFA World Cup 26™ is coming to Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026, but this summer, sports fans in 11 cities across the United States will be able to experience 32 of the world’s best soccer clubs in action during the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

State-of-the-art venues in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Charlotte, Los Angeles/Pasadena, Nashville, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C., will host many of the most iconic athletes in the world — from Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.

What’s the FIFA Club World Cup?

From June 14 to July 13, FIFA’s new global club competition will bring together the world’s best club teams to play 63 matches with one holding the new FIFA Club World Cup™ Trophy at the end. The tournament is formatted like the FIFA World Cup™, but for professional club teams.

The United States as host

Inter Miami CF will kick off the new tournament in style at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, against Al Ahly FC at 8 p.m. local time.

The tournament will end at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, July 13, where one team will be crowned the true club world champion.

The full list of host venues include:

• Atlanta, Georgia (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Cincinnati, Ohio (TQL Stadium)
• Charlotte, North Carolina (Bank of America Stadium)
• Pasadena, California (Rose Bowl Stadium)
• Miami Gardens, Florida (Hard Rock Stadium)
• Nashville, Tennessee (GEODIS Park)
• East Rutherford, New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
• Orlando, Florida (two venues: Camping World Stadium + Inter&Co Stadium)
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Lincoln Financial Field)
• Seattle, Washington (Lumen Field)
• Washington, D.C. (Audi Field)

Iconic Fanbases

Don’t expect this to be an average soccer game. The FIFA Club World Cup will feature fanbases and traditions from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and Central America, the Caribbean, Oceania and South America. With teams like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City, CR Flamengo, Dortmund and more, expect to see some incredible fanbases in the stadium, each with their own traditions, songs and chants. Imagine hearing an iconic “Olé, Olé, Olé,” or Real Madrid’s “Hala Madrid” echoing through the stadium.

Your ticket to history

Don’t miss your chance to show how passionate American sports fans are about the Beautiful Game and witness sporting history with this unprecedented event. Tickets are available for purchase at FIFA.com/Tickets, with tickets starting at just $30 (depending on location and matchup).

FIFA also recently launched two new ticket packages for fans looking to experience the FIFA Club World Cup and FIFA World Cup. The Ticket Pack and Super Ticket Pack allow fans to witness history at the FIFA Club World Cup, while also securing a guaranteed option to purchase tickets for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

To learn more about the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, including schedules and ticket information, visit FIFA.com. Fans can also apply to be in the FIFA Volunteer program, which provides opportunities for people to volunteer and contribute to hosting a successful inaugural FIFA Club World Cup, at FIFA.com/Volunteer.

2025-04-11T12:01:00

(BPT) – If you’ve been in a hospital or other healthcare setting, you’ve likely encountered a Respiratory Therapist (RT) and not even realized it. Yet the work of an RT has never been more critical to people’s health worldwide. Respiratory care is now one of the fastest-growing professions, and the need for more RTs keeps rising.

However, despite growing demand, RTs have been facing a workforce shortage. Now more than ever, it’s important to know how the respiratory care profession not only brings value to patients and care teams but can be a rewarding, life-long career path.

What is a Respiratory Therapist?

Respiratory Therapists are trained to care for people with conditions that impact the lungs and respiratory system.

“If you’re struggling to breathe, a respiratory therapist is your best friend,” said Dana Evans, MHA, RRT, RRT-NPS, FACHE, FAARC, FNAP, Respiratory Therapist and President of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), a professional organization that supports and advocates for the respiratory care profession and its members.

From the first breath and beyond, RTs help patients at all stages of life.

“It’s a tremendously rewarding career with so many diverse opportunities,” said Evans. “A Respiratory Therapist might start their day in the emergency department caring for a toddler with croup, then spend the next hour in labor and delivery helping a new baby take their first breaths. They end their day caring for a patient with COPD in the intensive care unit. Respiratory Therapists are vital to the care of patients of all ages. Many RTs choose to specialize and may focus all of their time in one area too.”

You can breathe easy knowing you have a Respiratory Therapist at your side

The respiratory care profession is built on consistent, high-quality patient care, especially during high-stress times like flu season, when cases of respiratory illness are at their highest. RTs spend years refining their skills and establishing themselves as critical components of any patient care team.

Evans explains that RTs have a wide array of professional opportunities, and their roles are constantly expanding.

“Respiratory Therapists are the people that are at the bedside with that clinical expertise and specialty in respiratory and pulmonary illness that help you breathe easy when it counts,” said Evans.

The need for more respiratory professionals

Despite the increasing need, the U.S. is currently experiencing a shortage of RTs. According to MoreRTs, the number of current and aspiring RTs is decreasing. This shortage has raised concerns about meeting the high demand for respiratory care now and in the future.

How you can make a difference one breath at a time

If you’re searching for a career that makes a lasting and meaningful impact, consider training as an RT. Respiratory therapy is an art and a science that allows you to learn and develop precise skills to deliver consistent, high-quality patient care. Every day as an RT presents new challenges, making this a rewarding career path.

To learn about respiratory therapy and how to start your journey, visit AARC.org.

2025-04-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Nearly 70% of family caregivers say that coordinating care is stressful, and two-thirds struggle to find information to support their loved one’s needs according to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association. These challenges, combined with the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, make the journey especially difficult.

To help, a new AI-powered app, Elevmi, offers immediate, personalized support to caregivers. Elevmi can help caregivers find answers related to Alzheimer’s caregiving at a moment’s notice, record observations, prepare for doctors’ visits, and more.

Elevmi: Free personalized AI support for caregivers, by caregivers

Caregivers often become the go-to resource for their loved ones. Now, they have an assistant on their journey: “Elle”, the app’s conversational AI. Elle answers Alzheimer’s care-related questions, provides information about managing symptoms, preparing for doctors’ visits and more, and offers reminders, all based on trusted sources like the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Developed with input from over 300 caregivers, Elle’s features are designed to deliver meaningful, practical support to help users manage their loved one’s condition and their own well-being.

“Caregivers are often the backbone of Alzheimer’s care, balancing an immense load of responsibilities with little support,” said Sanket Shah, President of Otsuka Precision Health, Inc., the app developer. “With Elevmi, we wanted to provide caregivers with a helpful, easy-to-use resource to help manage being a caregiver, including access to accurate, up-to-date information on the condition.”

Information and resources for Alzheimer’s care

Alzheimer’s is a complex and multifaceted condition — with Elevmi, caregivers can stay up to date with knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Elevmi helps caregivers understand disease progression, symptom management, and care tips that can make a meaningful difference in their daily routines.

Elevmi provides caregivers with information that may help them:

• Anticipate changes in behavior, such as increased agitation during the evening (sundowning), difficulty with daily routines, or changes in communication abilities.
• Understand medical recommendations by explaining the purpose of cognitive assessments, the potential implications of medication adjustments, or the importance of physical and occupational therapies.
• Prepare for upcoming doctor visits by allowing caregivers to track observations of their loved one over time, craft effective, meaningful questions for healthcare providers on condition management, and conduct structured check-ins to provide helpful updates on a loved one’s needs.
• Access resources with information on how to manage symptoms like wandering, difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite, all tailored to their loved one’s unique condition based on the questions a caregiver asks.
• Help support their own mental health with features such as stress management techniques, mindfulness exercises, and reminders to take breaks and care for themselves.

Elevmi helps the individual receiving care but also prioritizes the mental and emotional health of caregivers. “You need a support system. You need to take care of yourself. It’s a long difficult journey at times,” said Deanna, a primary caregiver and member of the Elevmi design committee.

Get started with Elevmi

Elevmi is designed to be easy to use and accessible for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. Here’s how you can get started for free:

1. Download the app: Elevmi is available on iOS^® and Android™ devices. Simply visit the App Store or Google Play and search for Elevmi.
2. Create an account: Set up an account by entering your email address and creating a secure password.
3. Explore the features: Once logged in, use Elevmi’s conversational AI, Elle, to ask questions, get personalized care tips, and prepare for doctor visits.
4. Stay informed: Access expert-backed resources about Alzheimer’s disease including information on symptom management and care strategies.

To download and learn more, visit www.elevmi.com.

2025-04-11T12:23:00

(BPT) – If you didn’t get the updated vaccine in fall 2024, it’s not too late to benefit from the protection that vaccines can offer. Over 95% of adults who were hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had no record of receiving the latest vaccine.¹ Being unvaccinated or not being up to date can increase the risk of severe COVID-19.²

If it’s been a while since your last COVID-19 vaccination, it may be time to speak to your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and what you may need to stay protected. If you are over the age of 65 or are chronically immunocompromised, you may be at an increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19. You may be eligible to receive a second updated COVID-19 vaccination if it’s been six months since your last vaccination.^3,4,5,6

To help you stay informed, here are the top five things to know about COVID-19:

1. COVID-19 continues to circulate across the United States⁷

As we approach the five-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus continues to cause a burden in the U.S.⁷ Infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu traditionally see increased hospitalizations during the traditional winter season.⁷ However, while flu prevalence typically decreases during other seasons, COVID-19 continues to cause a significant burden throughout the year.⁷ COVID-19 vaccination rates remain lower than with influenza, yet there is still a risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes for those who are not vaccinated.^2,8,9

Symptoms of COVID-19 are often like other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, and may include coughing, fever and a sore throat, among a multitude of other possible symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness.¹⁰

2. Some Americans may be at higher risk of COVID-19 complications

Your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of your underlying medical conditions increases.³ As many as 75% of all adults in the U.S. have underlying conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19 complications.¹¹ A study showed that COVID-19 patients with underlying conditions are at a 2-4 times higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness compared to those without.¹²

There are select factors that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including being over age 65, asthma, diabetes, obesity and heart conditions, among others.³ “If you have any of these risk factors, it’s recommended to ask your health care provider about vaccination,” said James Mansi, Vice President of Medical Affairs, North America at Moderna. “It’s also a good idea to let your loved ones who may be at higher risk of severe illness know about the importance of continuing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

3. Routine vaccination is essential for protecting your health

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19, whether or not they have been previously vaccinated.¹³

The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from a COVID-19 vaccination or infection wanes over time. The updated vaccines are designed to help provide better protection as COVID-19 mutates.¹³

4. A second dose of the updated vaccine is advised for many

The CDC recommends that people 65 years and older and/or who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose (and possibly a third dose, after consultation with their healthcare provider) with a two-month minimum time between doses.^4,5

If you received the updated COVID-19 vaccine this past fall, it may be time to get your second dose. Mark your calendar six months out from your initial dose to ensure you’re staying on schedule. If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your vaccine by three months after symptoms started or after receiving a positive test with no symptoms.⁴

“It’s easy to lose track of when you were last vaccinated and what new vaccines or updated vaccines you are due for. Reaching out to your physician or healthcare team and having a conversation is the best way to find what is right for you,” said Dr. Alex McDonald, family physician and President of the California Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Taking steps now to protect yourself and your family is one of the best things you can do to help protect yourself and those who care about you.”

5. Long COVID still poses a threat

Healthcare professionals believe Long COVID impacts nearly one in five Americans who have had COVID-19, regardless of age or health status, which means anyone who gets COVID is at risk.¹⁴ Long COVID can include a wide range of symptoms, such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and chest pain.¹⁵ These symptoms may improve, worsen or be ongoing, and can last for a few months or several years.¹⁶

Severe acute COVID infection also raises your risk for post-acute sequelae like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney and gastrointestinal disorders, among others.¹⁷

Where you can get vaccinated

Talk with your trusted healthcare provider or pharmacist about which vaccines you and your loved ones need to stay healthy. To learn more, and to find vaccinations near you, visit Vaccines.gov.

Sponsored by Moderna.

1. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html

2. CDC. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html

3. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html

4. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

5. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html

6. CDC. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1023-covid-19-vaccine.html

7. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/resp-net/dashboard.html

8. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/vaccination-trends.html

9. Xie Y, Choi T, Al-Aly Z. Risk of Death in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 vs Seasonal Influenza in Fall-Winter 2022-2023. JAMA. 2023;329(19):1697–1699. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.5348

10. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/flu-vs-covid19.html

11. Ajufo E, et al. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021;6:100156.

12. Moghadas SM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;73(12):2257-2264.

13. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html

14. Qasmieh, Saba A., et al. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID in US adults during the BA. 4/BA. 5 surge, June–July 2022. Preventive Medicine. 2023;169:107461.

15. CDC. Signs and Symptoms of Long Covid. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/long-covid-signs-symptoms.html

16. CDC. Long COVID Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html

17. Bowe, B., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 at 2 years. Nat Med 29, 2347–2357 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02521-2

03/25 US-COV-2500051

2025-04-11T09:05:00

(BPT) – Whether you’ve always had a green thumb or you’re new to gardening, dreams of beautiful flowers spring to life this time of year. For inspiration, trusted seed packet company Ferry-Morse offers creative ideas for using fresh flowers and wildflowers.

With Bulk Flower & Wildflower Seed Mixes, you’ll start the season with gorgeous variety — and enjoy the surprises when your garden starts blooming. This new collection features 50 varieties of one-pound bags of easy-to-grow flower, wildflower and lawn alternative seeds. Choose your favorite mixes by color preference, design trends, preferred garden features and regional conditions to help bring your garden dreams to life.

1. Pretty enough to eat

Did you know that certain flowers are edible? The Edible Flower Mix offers flowers to elevate any dish. Sprinkle calendula petals on a salad for color and a mild peppery taste. Thirsty? Pair a Mint Mojito with refreshing cucumber-like borage, or try this non-alcoholic version:

Cucumber Mint “Faux-Jito”

Ingredients

• 1 cucumber
• 1 lime
• 3/4 cup mint
• 4 teaspoons agave or simple syrup
• 2 teaspoons cane or raw sugar
• 8 ounces club soda
• Ice
• Fresh borage flowers
• Dried edible flower petals, blended until fine in a food processor or blender

Instructions
Pour agave or simple syrup on a plate to rim your glass. On separate plate, spread mix of cane or raw sugar and dried edible flowers.
Rim glass with agave or simple syrup, then dip in sugar/dried flower mixture.
Add 3-5 cucumber slices, 2-3 lime slices, mint leaves and 1 teaspoon of agave or simple syrup to the glass.
Muddle ingredients to release flavors.
Add ice, club soda and stir.
Garnish with borage flowers for a cucumber-like flavor that complements your drink perfectly!

Tip: Freeze edible flowers into decorative ice cubes. Try a flower-shaped silicone mold for a unique spin on the fancy ice trend.

2. Nature’s masterpieces

Grow craft-worthy blooms with the Perennial Wildflower Mix — including lupine, sweet William and purple coneflower — for a flower garden to last for seasons to come. Then press fresh flowers to create frameable art.

Pressed flower artwork

Materials

• Flowers/wildflowers of your choice (greenery optional)
• Flower press or 2-3 large books
• Parchment paper (2 sheets)
• Burlap
• Scissors
• Tape/glue
• Frame

Instructions

Don’t have a flower press? Place two layers of parchment paper between pages of a large book.
Place flowers/wildflowers flat between layers of parchment paper.
Carefully close book and weigh down with 1-2 other books or heavy items. Press flowers 2-3 weeks, until dry.
Arrange dried flowers inside the glass/acrylic of your frame “face down” to achieve your desired look.
Cut piece of burlap wide enough to fill the frame, to serve as backdrop for your flowers.
Place burlap over the “back” of the flowers and close the frame. Display your DIY pressed flower art!

Optional: Use tape or glue to secure burlap to the frame’s photo mat to secure flowers.

Tip: Press flowers by putting them between sheets of parchment paper, then iron about 10 seconds or put under heavy microwave-safe dish and microwave 90 seconds on medium. Allow additional time to dry as needed.

3. Wedding-worthy bouquets

Get ready to create stunning bouquets and boutonnieres for weddings, proms, parties or thoughtful gifts. Gardening in the Southwest or Northeast? Regional Mixes feature varieties specifically selected for your local climate to support your creative endeavors.

DIY Bouquets

Materials

• Flowers/wildflowers of your choice
• Greenery: Ferns, branches, hedge clippings
• Filler flowers (smaller flowers)
• Vase
• Floral tissue paper
• Decorative ribbon

Instructions
Bouquets are traditionally built using the “3-5-8 rule” — 3 big bold flowers, 5 pieces of greenery, 8 filler flowers — for a proportional bouquet. Think about the color story you want to tell while choosing and arranging flowers. Blues, pinks, whites and yellows make beautiful combinations, but get creative and experiment with bright reds, oranges, purples — whatever you enjoy!

• Place your 3 tallest or boldest-color flowers in a vase. Starting in a vase helps you see how the bouquet is coming together before you wrap it.
• Add 5 pieces of greenery to the bouquet, turning occasionally to ensure you’re achieving your desired look.
• Work smaller filler flowers into the bouquet based on what’s visually appealing to you.

To wrap your bouquet, roll 3-4 sheets of floral tissue paper into a cone, place bouquet inside and tie with decorative ribbon. Don’t have floral tissue paper? You can use a paper bag to hold your bouquet!

4. Embrace cottagecore style

If you haven’t heard of “cottagecore,” prepare to be charmed! Imagine an English country cottage bursting with floral patterns and a table set for tea. Adopt the cottage core style with the Cottage Garden Mix, a combination of annuals and perennials blending nostalgic favorites like poppy, cornflower and nasturtium. Display your favorites indoors using whimsical teapots or vintage milk jugs as vases.

Your entire yard can become cottagecore with the Flowering Grass Alternative Mix: fine fescue, flowers and clovers offering a colorful, diverse alternative to all-grass lawns. You’ll have a beautiful carpet of low-growing flowers that’s low maintenance, doesn’t need to be mowed all season — and uses less water.

5. Create a pollinator sanctuary

Want to make an oasis for bees and butterflies? The Bumblebee Buffet Mix, a blend of annuals and perennials including cosmos, zinnia and snapdragon, provides pollen and nectar pollinators love. Make sure to offer shallow pools like bird baths with a few rocks as landing spots for thirsty bees.

Whatever type of garden you dream of, you can make it happen. Visit Ferrymorse.com/pages/flower-seed-mixes to get started.

Looking for additional gardening tips and tricks throughout the season? Ferry-Morse offers a variety of online tools including the Garden Matchmaker Quiz for personalized seed recommendations and The Greenhouse blog for gardening tips and recipes available on FerryMorse.com.

Gardeners of all levels can also tune into Ferry-Morse’s annual Garden Get-Together — now in a new series format — for free advice and inspiration from the brand’s experts and popular gardening influencers. Tune in on the Ferry-Morse Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube channels to learn more.

2025-04-09T09:57:00

(BPT) – Each year, millions of women are diagnosed with vaginitis, an infection that most will experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s one of the main reasons women visit their OB/GYN. However, getting the right diagnosis can sometimes be tricky because vaginitis shares symptoms—like vaginal discharge or pain during urination—with other conditions, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This can often lead to delays or misdiagnoses. It’s estimated 30% of women who have vaginitis symptoms are incorrectly diagnosed after they have been evaluated.

In recognition of STI Awareness Month in April, Dr. Staci Tanouye, a board-certified OB/GYN from Women’s Care Florida, is speaking up and sharing a reminder that early diagnosis and proper treatment of both vaginitis and any potential STI co-infections are key to protecting women’s health.

“As an OB/GYN, I’ve heard from many patients that they feel ashamed about their symptoms or simply can’t find the time to make an appointment,” said Dr. Tanouye. “As a result, many women try to self-diagnose, often thinking they have a yeast infection, potentially overlooking other conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common cause of vaginitis. This confusion can lead to serious risks like STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pregnancy-related complications.”

With the high number of vaginitis cases we’re seeing every year and its potentially devastating impact on women’s health, it’s crucial to understand the true cause of symptoms—especially with vaginitis linked to an increased risk of STIs.

One study showed that 1 in 5 women with vaginitis symptoms also tested positive for at least one STI. Additionally, women who tested positive for BV had double the rate of STIs compared to those who were negative. Given the proven link between vaginitis and STI co-infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing for STIs in all women diagnosed with BV.

Thankfully, advances in technology have made testing easier and more effective. Now, one simple vaginal swab can test for multiple infections, including the most common STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, and causes of vaginitis.

“The best part about the latest methods is that patients don’t have to come in for additional tests,” said Dr. Tanouye. “The original sample can be used to run multiple tests at once. Women also can choose to collect the sample themselves in a private setting or have the doctor do it — something that many of my patients find comforting.”

Because each case of vaginitis has different treatment needs, it’s crucial for women to get an accurate diagnosis. With the right treatment, symptoms can be resolved quickly, and the risk of recurring infections is reduced.

“By working with a healthcare professional, women can ensure they get the right diagnosis and treatment the first time,” added Dr. Tanouye. “Comprehensive testing accurately detects vaginitis and STI co-infections, which eases anxiety and discomfort, and helps women get back to their daily lives faster.”

2025-04-08T12:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, consumers spend a lot of money during “celebration season,” which kicks off on Mother’s Day, quickly followed by Father’s Day, graduations, school parties and activities, with Memorial Day BBQs sprinkled in between. But being a host doesn’t have to cost you the most.

“Rising to the occasion during a season of heavy social gatherings and gift giving expectations can take a lot of time and energy — whether you’re hosting, attending or buying,” said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. “With an AARP membership, you can access a wide range of member benefits so you can shop for the best gifts at the lowest prices, find the best restaurants for a celebratory meal or plan your gathering, all with perks.”

From deals on decorations, to steals on gifts and food, AARP member benefits can help you save on celebration season this year and make it one to remember.

1. Unique Gifts from the Past, and Present

No one wants to celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day without a gift showing your appreciation, but it can be easy to blow past your budget without even realizing it. Luckily, FTD offers fresh floral bouquets and planters for every occasion and a wide assortment of gifts to fit any occasion, such as food and drink baskets and customizable sweet treats and desserts. For a limited time AARP members can save 40% sitewide from April 11 until May 11. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide, 30% off select items with promo code AARP30, and can get $15 off an FTD Plus membership, which includes free shipping for one year.

If you’re looking for something different, give the gift of family history. AARP members save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription to Ancestry. Get access to records and online tools to search, save and share family history. If you’re new to Ancestry, you’ll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. If you already have an Ancestry account, you’ll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for a year. The bonus gift with this subscription is that it’s an activity that your family can participate in together.

2. Red, White, and BBQ

Throwing a BBQ is a fun way to celebrate Memorial Day, however many party hosts find it challenging to source enough of the right food to satisfy all their guests and meet any dietary requirements. Not a fan of cooking? Don’t want to spend too much on catering? Then AARP has the savings you need to help lift your celebration cuisine to the next level. Members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages at McCormick and Schmick’s. McCormick & Schmick’s is a seafood and steakhouse restaurant chain known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and a wide variety of bar bites and cocktails, with locations across the U.S.

And, if you’re looking for festive supplies and decorations for your BBQ and don’t have a lot of time to go out and shop, a Walmart+ membership can help save the day, and your precious time. AARP members save $40 off every year of a Walmart+ annual membership, which also boasts free delivery from the store, free shipping with no order minimum, and so much more.

Looking for a venue away from home for your fill of ribs, steaks and burgers? Outback Steakhouse has your back. Members save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages and dine-in service is available at all locations, while curbside carryout is available at participating locations only.

3. Celebrate Savings on the Go

If you’re traveling for a celebration occasion this season, choose Choice Hotels^® for an affordable stay. For a limited time, members receive a 15% discount off the Best Available Rate (BAR) for stays at participating Choice Hotels brands in the U.S. including Cambria^® Hotels, Comfort^® Hotels, and Country Inn and Suites^® by Radisson, for a minimum of one night, booked between March 30, 2024, and May 4, 2024, with stays completed by May 18, 2024. Guests must show valid AARP membership at check-in, and the promotions exclude certain rates, reward night stays, complimentary rooms, and other specific exclusions.

And, if you’re worried about running into pesky car troubles on your trip, AARP can help you save on 24/7 roadside assistance with Allstate Roadside. Members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside plans, including Roadside Advantage, Roadside Assist, and Roadside Elite, including access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

4. The Perfect Gift is a Stream Away

If you’re not sure what to get for the new graduate in your life, give the gift of binge watching their favorite movies and shows with Paramount+. AARP members can save 10% on any Paramount+ plan and can start streaming over 45,000 episodes and blockbuster movies, live sports, news and exclusive originals all in one place.

Planning celebrations can take its toll if you’re not careful. Breathe in and take a step back this year and let your AARP member benefits help you get ahead and find the best perks for everything you need.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for celebration season, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.