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2025-08-22T08:01:00

(BPT) – With back-to-school season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to focus on your children’s health. Appointments for check-ups, immunizations and sports physicals can fill up quickly this time of year, but scheduling now can help you stay ahead of the classroom illnesses and avoid last-minute scrambles down the road.

Prioritizing prevention

It’s easy to let preventive care slide when life gets busy. But taking care of your child’s health now can mean fewer worries later. You’ll reduce their chance of missing out on activities, and most importantly, help ensure your child is protected against preventable illness.

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to help protect your children from serious diseases like measles, meningitis, whooping cough and other diseases that can disrupt daily life and, in some cases, even cause long-term harm.

Following the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule can help protect your child against infectious diseases through all stages of growth, from early childhood through the teenage years.

Talk to your doctor

If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your family doctor, pediatrician or a local pharmacist. Talking with a trusted healthcare provider can help you understand which vaccines are recommended, when kids should receive them and answer any questions you may have. You and your family should feel comfortable and supported when asking questions and exploring options.

“Staying on track with vaccines and other preventive care can help avoid unexpected absences from school due to illness, which is something every busy family can appreciate,” said Dr. Luis Romano, MD, Pediatrician and Senior Medical Director, GSK. “That’s why it’s so important to get ahead of it by talking to your doctor or trusted healthcare provider and getting the information you need to make the best care decision for your family.”

From homework to sports and extracurriculars, healthy kids are better prepared to thrive both in and out of class. Don’t let preventative care fall to the bottom of the to-do list this back-to-school season.

2025-08-20T14:03:00

(BPT) – By Mary Hines Droesch, Head of Consumer, Small Business & Wealth Management Banking and Lending Products at Bank of America

The new academic year is here, and for many students and recent graduates, it’s not just about textbooks and new routines — it’s also a crash course in personal finance. From managing tuition and living expenses to navigating first paychecks and credit decisions, the learning curve can be steep. In fact, new data from Bank of America found 88% of Americans wish they’d learned some aspect of financial literacy in school, whether it’s how to budget and save or how to manage debt.

The back-to-school season isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s also a prime opportunity to master your money. Whether you’re returning to campus or embarking on your post-graduation journey, here are five tips to help you build smart financial habits that will set you up for a brighter financial future:

1. Build your emergency fund

Get ahead of life’s unexpected expenses — from medical emergencies to car repairs — by setting aside a portion of each paycheck as dedicated emergency savings. Even small, consistent contributions from a part-time job, internship or even gift money can make a huge difference over time. Aim to build up to at least three months’ worth of living expenses. An emergency fund provides a crucial safety net, preventing you from going into debt when life throws a curveball.

2. Create a realistic budget that evolves with you

Whether you’re just stepping into the workforce or juggling a part-time job or internship, a realistic budget that evolves with you is essential to make the most of the money you earn. More than two in five students (41%) say they expect to have increased financial responsibilities and a tighter budget post-college, making it even more important to plan ahead.

A budget gives you control over your money, reduces financial stress, and lays the foundation for a secure financial future. Start by tracking your income and expenses and be honest about your spending habits. Then, look for areas where you can cut back — maybe it’s dining out less, finding student discounts, or opting for free entertainment. The goal isn’t to deprive yourself, but to create a budget that works for your lifestyle and can easily adapt to your changing needs and goals.

3. Take advantage of automatic savings and digital tools

Automatic savings tools can be a seamless way to build up your savings without even thinking about it. One option is to “pay yourself first” by automatically transferring a portion of every paycheck directly to your savings before you spend on anything else. You can also take advantage of solutions like the Bank of America Keep the Change^® program, which rounds up the price of every debit card purchase to the next dollar and automatically adds it to your savings account. Watching your balance grow can keep you motivated and on track toward your financial goals.

Pair these with digital tools that help you see where your money is going and stick to your budget. For example, Bank of America’s mobile app offers Life Plan, a personalized digital experience that helps you set and track near- and long-term goals based on your priorities, along with step-by-step guidance and educational advice to keep you moving forward.

4. Understand the responsibility and benefits of building credit

Building credit is an important step for milestones like renting an apartment or buying your first car. When used responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history. Start with a student credit card and only make purchases you can pay off in full every month. Since your payment history makes up the largest part of your credit score, it’s important to pay your bills on time and in full every month.

5. Integrate financial planning into your routine

With academic demands and social lives, adding “financial planning” to your to-do list might seem overwhelming. The trick is to integrate it seamlessly. Set aside 15-30 minutes once a week to review your budget, check your balances and track your progress. The more you make it a regular, low-effort habit, the less stressful it becomes, and the more confident you’ll feel about your financial future.

Embracing these smart financial habits will empower you to manage your money confidently and help you build a strong foundation for long-term financial success. Your future self will thank you.

2025-08-20T09:01:00

(BPT) – Weight-loss journeys powered by GLP-1 medications like Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®, and Mounjaro^® have helped many to achieve significant changes. Yet, a new challenge has emerged: loose, sagging skin. Despite achieving significant weight loss, many individuals find their skin unable to keep pace, leading to unexpected frustration.

Loose Skin: The Hidden Challenge of Rapid Weight Loss

Rapid fat loss can leave your skin stretched and sagging — particularly in areas like the stomach, arms, and thighs. This is especially true for those who have carried excess weight for a long period, or individuals over the age of 30, when natural collagen and elastin production begins to decline. Achieving a slimmer body is a remarkable success, but often, achieving toned, tight skin requires additional support.

endermologie^®: A Clinically Proven Skin-Firming Solution

endermologie^® is a 100% natural, non-invasive treatment backed by 40 years of cellular science. With LPG^®‘s state-of-the-art Cellu M6 Infinity^® device, your skin can visibly regain firmness, smoothness, and contour without pain or downtime.

We recommend endermologie^® as an excellent complement to GLP-1 treatments. While these medications are effective at helping reduce weight, they don’t act on skin quality. Endermologie^® fills that gap — naturally supporting the skin to firm, smooth, and regain tone, especially in key areas like the arms, stomach, and thighs. The Institute of Endocrinology (IEDHH) offers a proven program combining weight-loss solutions with LPG endermologie^® to help clients look and feel their absolute best.

Dr. Sherief M. Kamel MD FACE ECNU

Institute of Endocrinology – Panama City, Florida

A Perfect Complement to GLP-1 Medications

While GLP-1 medications successfully target weight loss, they don’t enhance skin quality. Endermologie^® fills that important gap, naturally supporting and revitalizing your skin by reactivating dormant fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, essential for youthful skin.

Impressive, Proven Results:

+92% improvement in skin firmness* -2.28 inches in waistline circumference*** +93% cellulite smoothed* -50% heavy legs**

Your Skin’s Journey to Firmness and Confidence

Each relaxing endermologie^® session lasts just 35 minutes, feeling akin to a soothing deep tissue massage. Notice visible improvements after only a few sessions, with optimal outcomes typically seen after 10–12 visits.

Whether you’re starting your weight-loss journey or you’ve already achieved your goals, endermologie^® helps ensure your skin matches your hard-earned new physique. Feel firm, toned, and confident at every stage of your transformation.

To learn more about endermologie^® and find an LPG^® provider, visit lpg-group.com/en.

Follow us on:

· Instagram – @lpgendermologie_america

· Facebook – LPG endermologie

· LinkedIn – LPG^® America

· YouTube – LPG endermologie America

* Hausswirth C. et al. study report Institut BeScored 2024. Evaluation of the slimming, redensifying, smoothing and draining effect of the new Cellu M6^® device: As of 12 sessions, 93% of women reported a smoothed orange-peel aspect and 92% reported an improvement in their skin’s firmness.

** 2024 BeScored study: Sensation of heavy legs reduced by 50% after the first session.

*** 2024 BeScored study: Waistline circumference reduction up to 2.28 inches (5.8 cm).

2025-08-19T11:35:01

(BPT) – Your child’s backpack shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Yet for countless students across America, that daily trudge to school has become a literal pain in the back — and neck, and shoulders. What starts as minor discomfort can quickly escalate into serious musculoskeletal problems that interfere with learning, sports, and daily activities.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is stepping in with guidance to help parents and caregivers transform their child’s backpack from a source of pain into a tool that supports healthy posture and bone and joint development.

“Families everywhere take backpacks for granted as everyday gear needed for school, but they don’t often understand the burden they can place on the body and posture when they’re used incorrectly,” said pediatric orthopaedic surgeon Reid Boyce Nichols, MD, FAAOS. “A few simple steps can give you confidence that your child will be able to get through their school day without the pain or discomfort that incorrect use can cause.”

Here are tips to guide you and your kids when shopping for and using backpacks.

Shop with comfort in mind

The best-designed backpacks are effective at distributing weight so the body’s strongest muscles can carry it safely, without undue stress or strain. While kids may be focused on backpack colors and styles when shopping, parents and caregivers should consider:

• Size: Is the backpack’s size appropriate for your child? If it looks too big, see if you can find a smaller one. Does it feel light when you pick it up?
• Support: Well-designed backpacks should have two wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Extra features for heavy loads: This includes a waist strap, as well as wheels — a rolling backpack can make it much easier to handle heavy loads when needed.

Practice injury prevention

Whether it’s your child’s first year of school or their last, it’s never too late to start using best practices for health and safety.

“Teens and older students often resist advice about ‘how to wear a backpack,’ but the reality is they’re dealing with heavier course loads and fewer places to store supplies throughout the day,” said Dr. Nichols. “Once they understand that a few adjustments can prevent the nagging pain that interferes with everything from sitting in class to playing sports, most are willing to make the changes.” To help prevent injury, recommend and demonstrate the following practices:

• Use both shoulder straps whenever you’re carrying a backpack, rather than carrying it on one shoulder.
• Tighten the straps to keep the backpack’s load closer to the back.
• Organize items strategically with heavier items low and toward the center of the backpack.
• Pack light, removing items if they’re too heavy. Carry items only required for each day, and —
• Leave unnecessary books at home or school
• Choose a smaller water bottle
• Bring sports gear in a separate bag that can be stored in a locker
• Lift properly by bending at the knees when picking up a backpack.

Especially if a child has had previous discomfort using a backpack, consider using a cross-body bag as an alternative for carrying books and supplies.

Be proactive to prevent injury

When you’re getting ready for back-to-school season, watch your child put on and take off their fully loaded backpack to see if it’s a struggle. If the backpack seems too heavy, see if your child can remove any books and carry them in their arms to ease the load. Work with them to review the distribution of weight in their backpack, placing heavier items low and toward the center of the backpack. Beyond choosing a different backpack and practicing how to pack and wear it correctly, it may also be possible for your child to stop at their locker as time permits throughout the day to drop off or exchange heavier books.

Finally, make sure to pay attention to any signs of back pain in your child or teenager.

“Encourage your child or teen to tell you about back, neck, or shoulder pain they may be feeling during or after carrying their backpack,” added Dr. Nichols. “The presence of symptoms may indicate a poor backpack fit, or too much weight being carried.”

Learn more about backpack safety and back pain in children at OrthoInfo.org.

2025-08-19T12:17:00

(BPT) – A two-second glance away from the road doubles your crash risk, yet a new study from State Farm^® shows that over 65% of drivers believe it’s safe to look away from the road for two seconds or longer. Even more concerning is the fact that reading or sending a quick text takes double that time, at an average of more than 4 seconds. How common are these seconds-long glances away from the road? The study found that 80% of drivers admit to engaging in at least one distracting behavior while driving.

In a recent study of over 1,300 survey participants aged 22-40, State Farm captured drivers’ attitudes and behaviors, revealing that nearly half (45%) have experienced a crash or near-miss while engaging in distracting activities behind the wheel.

The hidden danger of “quick” distractions

When reading or sending a text message while driving — which takes an average of 4.6 seconds — drivers travel the equivalent of a football field at 55 miles per hour with their eyes off the road.

“Many drivers underestimate the risk associated with even brief distractions,” said Brianne Jones, vice president of Operations, P&C Claims, State Farm. “These findings highlight a critical safety issue for every driver, passenger and pedestrian on and or adjacent to our roadways. Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage focused driving practices to lower accidents and create safer roads.”

Most common distracting behaviors

The most common distractions include:

• Navigation and communication: 45% admitted to manually entering location data while driving
• Music management: 44% scroll through playlists or manually search for music while driving
• Texting: 39% read or send text messages while driving
• Phone calls: 34% manually dial cell phones
• App interaction: 28% interact with phone apps while driving
• Email: 21% read or send emails while driving

Stress as a distraction trigger

The survey also identified specific triggers that increase distracted driving behavior. Feeling stressed or busy was linked to overall distraction behind the wheel. When drivers have items on their “to-do” list, 27% become more distracted. Additionally, 17% report that being upset or stressed leads to more dangerous behind-the-wheel behaviors.

Taking action during National Traffic Safety Awareness Month

August marks National Traffic Safety Awareness Month, making this an opportune time for drivers to reassess their habits. State Farm encourages motorists to:

• Put phones in “Do Not Disturb” mode while driving
• Set up navigation and music before starting the vehicle
• Pull over safely if urgent communication is necessary
• Recognize personal stress triggers that lead to distracted behaviors

State Farm also offers an opportunity for customers to save money with good driving through their Drive Safe & Save^® program, with auto insurance discounts up to 30%*. State Farm customers are also eligible for a range of other Auto Insurance Discounts that can reward safe drivers and their families.

2025-08-18T10:39:00

(BPT) – Pumpkin season is here and some are asking for a price check: 44% of Americans say tariffs and inflation are making pumpkin-flavored items cost more and the “pumpkin spice tax” or the premium price on seasonal items is real (39%), according to new Empower research. Still, more than half (54%) say they look forward to purchasing these specialties every season (62% younger generations). Millennials spend the most, averaging around $64 per month on pumpkin spice-flavored products during the fall, more than five times what Boomers spend at $12.

Pumpkin spice prices are on the rise

A third of Americans admit they’re willing to pay more for pumpkin spice-flavored versions of everyday products, and the appetite is even bigger among younger generations: 41% of Millennials and 39% of Gen Z say the seasonal spin is worth the splurge. In fact, nearly half of consumers say pumpkin spice gives products a more premium or exclusive vibe.

While Americans say they spend $32 per month on pumpkin spice-flavored items during the fall, the spending habits vary by generation:

• Gen Z: $45
• Millennials: $64
• Gen X: $29
• Boomers: $12

Why pumpkin spice is still brewing big

For some, pumpkin spice goes beyond flavor: 54% of Americans say buying these products is something they look forward to every fall. Close to half (47%) actively purchase pumpkin spice goods during the season, and among younger consumers, that jumps to 53%.

The excitement kicks off earlier and earlier, as 1 in 3 Americans (34%) say they start buying as soon as pumpkin spice products hit the shelves, often before the official end of the summer season. For Gen Z and Millennials, that number spikes to 45%. The pumpkin effect can be a differentiator: more than a third (35%) say they’re loyal to certain brands specifically because of their pumpkin spice offerings.

Still, not everyone is paying extra for pumpkin: 56% say they avoid seasonal markups, and 58% stick to a budget to avoid spending extra on seasonal flavors. Yet 48% of Gen Z admit they spend more on food and drinks in the fall because of pumpkin spice promotions (34% overall).

What’s getting the pumpkin treatment?

Americans are purchasing pumpkin products across a wide range of categories:

• Baked goods – 40%
• Coffee/beverages – 39%
• Candies/snacks – 26%
• Ice cream/dairy products – 24%
• Accessories/decor – 23%
• Breakfast foods – 22%
• Personal care items – 16%

Younger generations in particular can’t get enough of their seasonal coffee: 51% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennials are sipping on pumpkin spice-flavored coffee. When it comes to motivation, 37% of Americans say they simply love the taste. Another 24% say the limited-time nature of pumpkin spice makes them more likely to buy.

Visit The Currency™ to read Empower’s full research report, “The Pumpkin Premium.”

Methodology:

Empower’s “The Pumpkin Premium” study is based on online survey responses from 2,200 Americans ages 18+ from Aug. 9-11, 2025. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults.

2025-08-18T11:51:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season brings early mornings, new routines and plenty of moving parts, but a few simple shifts can make daily life feel a lot more manageable. Actress, cookbook author and busy mom Tiffani Thiessen shares her favorite ways to ease into the season with less stress and more intention.

1. Wardrobe hack

Designate Sunday evening as outfit prep time. Lay out five full outfits for each weekday on labeled hangers or in a divided drawer organizer. This removes daily indecision and morning stress, especially during the back-to-school rush.

Bonus: Get kids involved in the process so they can choose what they feel good in, which boosts confidence and independence.

2. Dedicated drop zone

Establish a clear and consistent landing spot near the door for daily essentials like backpacks, shoes, jackets and lunchboxes. Use bins, cubbies or hooks labeled with each family member’s name. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also helps reinforce routines and build responsibility.

3. Pack ahead

Turn lunch prep into a shared evening activity. Involve kids in choosing and packing their own meals, giving them a few healthy and fun options to select from like fruit, sandwiches and snacks. This builds decision-making skills and ensures they’re more likely to actually eat what’s packed.

Use bento-style containers to keep everything neat and visible, and store lunchboxes in the fridge overnight so they’re ready to grab and go in the morning.

4. Talk it out

Create a simple daily ritual of checking in with the family by asking about the “highs and lows” of their day. This five-minute conversation opens the door for meaningful connection and allows kids to process emotions, celebrate wins, and discuss challenges. Make it part of the after-school routine, either during snack time or while preparing dinner.

5. Make tasty dinners a breeze

When it comes to dinner on busy nights, Thiessen turns to Fresh Express to get something fresh and flavorful on the table in minutes, like her go-to recipe for Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Tostadas.

Fresh Express offers a convenient, restaurant-quality salad experience with chef-crafted blends that are ready to enjoy in minutes. From fresh blends to flavorful kits, the versatile salads from Fresh Express are your blank canvas to express yourself and celebrate individuality and spark creativity in the kitchen.

Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Tostadas
Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 45 minutes; Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes; Servings: 4

This recipe is bursting with flavor: smoky chili-lime chicken, golden crisp tostadas, melty cheese and a zesty corn and black bean medley crowned with a cool, creamy jalapeno ranch-dressed salad. Every bite is a balance of heat and crunch, spice and cream, boldness and comfort.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (11.1 ounces) Fresh Express^® Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad Kit

Chili Spice

• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Chili-Lime Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, at room temperature, pounded to 1/4-inch thick
• 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small lime, zested (save lime for juicing)
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 2 tablespoons chili spice (see recipe above), divided

Jalapeno Ranch Dressing

• 1 small jalapeno, stemmed, seeded and halved
• 1 package Fresh Express^® Ranch Dressing

Corn and Black Beans

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (7 ounces) fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears of corn)
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon chili spice (see recipe above)
• 1 small lime, juiced
• Kosher salt, to taste

Tostadas

• 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 1 cup neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola
• 8 ounces shredded Oaxacan cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili spice

Garnish:

• Shaved radishes
• Crumbled cotija cheese
• Cilantro leaves with tender stems
• Charred lime

Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400F.

2. To make chili spice: Add all ingredients to small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.

3. To make chicken: In shallow baking dish, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, lime zest and grated garlic.

4. Lay chicken breast into baking dish and coat both sides with oil. Season one side of breasts with 1 tablespoon chili spice. Flip and season the opposite side with remaining 1 tablespoon. Set aside to marinate at room temperature 10 minutes.

5. To make jalapeno ranch dressing: Heat medium cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add jalapeno and char 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure skin is blackened and flesh is softened. Remove from pan and place in bowl. Cover with plastic wrap to steam 5 minutes. Using paper towels or the back of a knife, scrape charred flesh off jalapenos. Discard skin and finely chop flesh. Add jalapeno to packaged ranch dressing and stir to combine. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

6. For corn and black beans: Heat olive oil in same hot cast-iron skillet. Add corn and black beans and season with chili spice. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3-5 minutes until corn is slightly blistered. Remove from pan into a bowl. Squeeze fresh lime over top and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

7. To cook chicken: Heat same cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to coat bottom of pan. Add chicken and cook 3 minutes per side until internal temperature reads 165F. Remove from pan onto cutting board and roughly chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

8. To make tostadas: Place cooling rack into baking sheet. In medium high-sided skillet, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. In batches, fry one tostada 2 minutes per side until crispy. Remove to prepared cooling rack and immediately season with generous sprinkle of chili spice and pinch of salt. Repeat with remaining 3 tortillas. To each fried tortilla, add heaping 1/3 cup Oaxacan cheese and 1/4 cup corn and black beans. Divide chopped chicken among four tostadas and bake in oven on middle rack 4-5 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

9. To assemble salad: Add Fresh Express Farmhouse Ranch salad greens into serving bowl. Drizzle jalapeno ranch dressing over salad and toss to combine. Top with sliced radish, cotija cheese and cilantro.

10. To serve, place tostada onto serving plate. Top with serving of Farmhouse Ranch Chopped Salad and finish with a squeeze of charred lime.

Thanks to these tips and this crowd-pleasing recipe, your family will get off to a great start this school year. Visit FreshExpress.com for more school night meal ideas and recipes.