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2026-01-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – While the country faces an ongoing physician shortage, the nationwide neurologist shortage is even greater. Given the needs of an aging population facing conditions, including Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive disorders, patients often wait as long as six, nine or even 12 months to see a neurologist.

In South Carolina, which has a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias than many other states, 11.5% of those over 65 (about 112,000 people) live with the disease. South Carolina has the eighth-highest mortality rate from Alzheimer’s in the nation and is considered a neurology care desert, with one of the nation’s lowest ratios of neurologists to patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Innovation that improves access to care

Addressing the state’s critical need for diagnosis and treatment, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has spearheaded a groundbreaking program, the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Network (SCAN), to help those with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. SCAN educates primary care physicians about cognitive disorders while providing direct access for physicians to consult with neurologists through their online eConsult platform. The first of its kind in the state and one of just a few similar programs in the nation, SCAN aims to improve patient care, reduce wait times to see a neurologist and make more timely and accurate diagnoses for people with cognitive disorders.

“SCAN brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists in cognitive neurology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, neuroradiology and infusion therapy to provide accurate diagnoses and personalized care plans,” said Nicholas Milano, M.D., director of the division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at MUSC. “Equally important, it expands access to care with our innovative eConsult system, through which primary care providers begin evaluation and forward patient records to our team for expert review so we can offer testing and treatment recommendations or schedule patients at a treatment center when needed.”

Through SCAN, MUSC became the only health system in South Carolina selected to participate in Medicare’s GUIDE model (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience), making it clear that this is a model other states can learn from. SCAN is committed to ensuring patients have access to:

• Early, accurate diagnosis.
• Coordinated lifelong care plans reflecting co-management by primary care and cognitive specialists.
• New anti-amyloid medications prescribed safely to appropriate patients.
• Clinical trials and research protocols through the proposed South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (SC-ADRC).

SCAN uses a system of advanced care coordination and telemedicine to reach people throughout the state, supporting and educating primary care providers and expanding access for more patients.

Why early, correct diagnosis is key

For anyone experiencing memory issues or other cognitive problems — or witnessing these symptoms in a loved one — it’s essential to know that these issues are not just a sign of aging but could indicate a more serious medical condition.

SCAN helps primary care physicians to determine the root cause of these symptoms, offering recommendations and resources to treat neurological disorders.

At a time when Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment have experienced major improvements, including new medications to slow disease progression and testing that helps to diagnose the disease, Milano said it’s more vital than ever to use these breakthroughs correctly.

“Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, detected through brain scans or blood tests, can appear years before symptoms. That opens the door to earlier diagnosis but also increases the risk of misdiagnosis,” he explained. “Not everyone with these biomarkers will go on to develop cognitive impairment or dementia. With overreliance on biomarkers, symptoms from treatable conditions like sleep apnea or medication side effects could be mistaken for Alzheimer’s, leading to missed opportunities for proper treatment.”

Milano also advised caution when prescribing the newest drugs. “Anti-amyloid meds can cause severe side effects. While most patients tolerate them well, safe use requires expert coordination across clinical teams,” he said. “These drugs are only approved for individuals with early, symptomatic Alzheimer’s, not those with normal cognition, regardless of test results. Unfortunately, I’ve seen patients harmed when tests were misused as routine screening tools, or treatment was prescribed too soon.”

Correctly diagnosing patients is the key to finding the right treatment at the right time, which is why physician access to neurologists through eConsult makes such a difference. Months before patients can typically schedule an appointment with a neurologist, physicians can share information with a neurology team to determine if an appointment is even necessary and begin recommended tests or treatments right away.

Treatment for a range of cognitive disorders

Symptoms of many cognitive disorders can be similar or overlap, making diagnosis challenging. Thanks to the team of experts at SCAN within MUSC’s neurology department, cognitive neurologists can determine the appropriate treatment for each patient.

Alzheimer’s treatment at MUSC Health offers the region’s best care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. MUSC Health has been recognized as High Performing in Neurology & Neurosurgery in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, and its expert team provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for adults facing all types of memory and cognitive challenges.

Patients and loved ones interested in learning more should speak with their doctors about requesting an eConsult with SCAN. Additional information is available at MUSCHealth.org.

2025-12-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – Like every year, many of us make New Year’s resolutions and try to stick to them, but broad, all-or-nothing changes often set us up for failure and can make mental health struggles even worse.

Dr. Robin Miller, an integrative medicine physician and founder of Triune Integrative Medicine in Medford, Oregon, puts it plainly:

“I don’t know about you, but every year I make New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them a month or two later. So instead of resolutions, how about solutions?”

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and Learning to Achieve Wellness owner Lillian Ingram agrees.

“In 2026, take a new approach to goal setting, and embark on a solution-based focus toward your goals,” she says. “You’re still going to set your goals. You’re still going to take steps. But let’s build out those steps.”

Solutions are simple, achievable and measurable rather than big and intimidating resolutions. For example, rather than making a resolution to lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date, set a simpler solution to reduce calorie or sugar intake each day, or eat more whole grains. Instead of joining a gym and burning out by February, choose to walk every day. Each step we take — both literal and figurative — can then be followed by the next to add up to something realistic and achievable.

For people diagnosed with mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, a solutions approach may be more effective for them particularly given that setting and attaining goals can be overwhelming and could even worsen mental health. For those who are considering medication therapy or are unhappy with their current treatment, a solution-oriented step could be having a conversation with a healthcare provider about the GeneSight^® Test. “It’s a way for you and your provider to choose a medication that may be more compatible to your unique genetic makeup,” said Dr. Miller.

“It’s a simple genetic test done with a cheek swab,” continues Dr. Miller. “It analyzes, in part, how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. The test helps inform you about how your genetics may impact your outcomes with the included mental health medications. This information can be used as a part of a comprehensive medical assessment to help inform treatment decisions. What better way to start the new year than with the possibility of feeling well again?”

In the new year, for any goal-setting exercise, Ingram suggests deciding what steps are needed rather than thinking about what we need to do to “fix ourselves.” She recommends asking: “What resources do you have? What connections do you have? What community support do you already have?”

“You’re going to build upon those foundations, those which already exist, to reach your goals,” she explains. “And that’s what’s going to change 2026 and make it the most positive, best, solution-based year ever.”

2025-12-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – If winter’s chill has you dreaming of sunshine, waves and warm weekends ahead, a boat show is your shortcut to summer. Across the country, there are dozens of boat shows taking place featuring the newest boats and marine innovations for sale at the best deals of the year with a full dose of summer-inspired fun—no sunscreen required.

These events offer something you won’t find anywhere else: the chance to explore hundreds of top brands and products side-by-side, land once-a-year pricing, connect directly with knowledgeable experts, and dive into the boating lifestyle—all in one place. With more than 85 million Americans going boating each year, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), winter boat shows are a must-visit destination for anyone in the market to buy a boat or simply looking for a fun day out with the family on a chilly winter day.

“Boat shows are where boating comes to life—you can feel the excitement and energy the moment you walk through the doors,” said Ellen Bradley, senior vice president and chief brand officer for NMMA. “From the latest innovations across a variety of price points, to educational offerings and immersive activities, there’s something for everyone. Beyond the shows themselves, boating offers a chance to escape the everyday and relax, recharge, and connect with the people and moments that matter most. Check out a boat show to discover how boating can enrich your life and start planning for warmer days ahead on the water.”

Discover Boating, the go-to destination for getting on the water, breaks down the top reasons to visit a boat show near you in 2026:

1. Score unbeatable deals on boats and gear. Boat shows are known for their exclusive pricing and incentives. Exhibitors often roll out special offers available only during the show, and dealers are on hand to help you find a boat that fits your lifestyle and budget.
2. Compare and board boats side-by-side. Explore a diverse lineup of boat brands and boat types all under one roof, climb aboard to experience the layouts firsthand, and even purchase right on the show floor. Ordering now helps ensure your boat will be ready to launch by spring.
3. Learn the ropes with hands-on training. From boating basics to advanced skills, most shows offer free seminars, live demos, DIY sessions, kids’ activities, and even opportunities to explore charters, boat clubs, boat schools, and rentals—ideal for those looking to try boating before buying.
4. Boost your health and wellbeing. Research shows what many boaters already know—you experience psychological, emotional and behavioral health benefits when you are on a boat. Being on the water allows us to disconnect from distractions on land, triggering a restful state of mind and a sense of rejuvenation. A boat show is the best place to start your journey toward a more relaxed, rewarding lifestyle.
5. Shop with confidence—look for the NMMA Certified seal. When shopping for a boat, always check to make sure it is NMMA Certified. NMMA Certified boat and trailer manufacturers have been independently inspected to ensure they meet strict industry standards for safety and construction, as well as all federal regulations. Look for the NMMA Certified sticker near the helm.

Find a boat show near you by visiting DiscoverBoating.com, where you can also explore the Safety Basics Video Series, presented with Progressive^® Insurance, a boat loan calculator to estimate monthly payments, a dealer finder to connect with local boat dealerships, and a variety of other tools and resources to help you get started in boating.

2025-12-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – As your child prepares to say goodbye to high school and hello to college, you probably have a lot on your mind — including concerns about paying for their higher education. While it’s an exciting time for your family, it can also be stressful, especially financially.

In a recent survey from College Ave, nearly 90% of parents said that they help or plan to help their child pay for college, and over two-thirds were confident they had a good financial plan. Parents were most commonly using their income and savings to help fund their child’s education, along with grants and scholarships through the financial package offered by their child’s school.

“Most parents don’t realize that paying for their child’s education typically comes from a combination of different sources, not just one,” explained Angela Colatriano, chief operating officer at College Ave. “Understanding how to find and maximize all available funding and borrowing options can help families approach these expenses with more confidence.”

To help parents understand their financial options, including recent changes to federal student loans, Colatriano offers the following advice for families of college-bound students.

Fill out the FAFSA ASAP

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is key to determining your child’s eligibility for federal and state aid and can also help them receive school-based grants or scholarships. Because some aid is awarded first come, first served, the sooner you fill it out, the more opportunities your child may have. In fact, students whose families file the FAFSA sooner receive more grants on average than those who file later. Visit FAFSA.gov to get started.

Save money now and review spending habits

Whether you’ve been saving money since your child was born or started saving more recently, it’s never too late to set money aside. Many states offer a state income tax deduction or tax credit based on contributions to that state’s 529 college savings plan (and in some states, for contributions to any state’s 529 plan). Check your state’s 529 plan information at CollegeSavings.org.

Establish a household budget, if you haven’t already. Take a good look at your family’s spending. Any potential reductions can help you save more toward college expenses. While some may be fixed expenses (like mortgage, utilities, insurance), other areas can be trimmed to boost savings, like entertainment and vacations.

Compare financial aid packages

Once you receive financial aid packages from schools, review the mix of financial aid being offered. Consider the balance between scholarships and grants (that do not need repayment) versus loans. Also weigh not just tuition, room and board, but expenses like transportation to and from school, plus the cost of living in that area (which matters if a student moves off campus).

Discover all possible resources

Your child’s high school guidance counselor and financial aid offices in schools where they’ve applied can provide assistance when you’re researching college costs and have information about funding sources like scholarships and grants. For example, college websites often provide a net price calculator to estimate the cost of a year of college. Feel free to reach out and ask questions; that’s what guidance counselors and financial aid offices are for!

Do online and local scholarship searches

Continue searching for scholarships and grants throughout the application process, and after your child is accepted at schools. Check websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, the College Board’s BigFuture and CareerOneStop, among others. You may also find opportunities through local community or civic organizations, your employer or your state’s education department.

You and your child can also enter to win a $1,000 scholarship at CollegeAve.com/scholarship. A new winner is randomly selected each month to help with college costs.

Understand current federal student aid options

Federal student loans are recommended as one option when borrowing for school, as they typically have lower interest rates. Recent legislation has changed some aspects of student aid and borrowing that you should know about. Two major changes in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) passed in July 2025 are:

• Pell Grants can be now used for non-degree programs: Pell Grants are a form of gift aid, meaning they don’t have to be repaid (unlike student loans), and they’re specifically designed for low-income undergraduate students. The OBBB made one major change: Starting July 1, 2026, students can use Pell Grants for short-term work training programs like electrician or forklift certification courses.
• Parents will have federal loan limits: Parents of undergrads can use Parent PLUS Loans — a type of federal student loan — to borrow money for their child’s education. In previous years, parents could borrow up to 100% of the total cost of attendance for each of their children, but under the OBBB, new parent borrowing is restricted. For the academic year beginning July 1, 2026, parents borrowing for the first time will be limited to $20,000 per year per student, with an aggregate or lifetime limit of $65,000.

Consider private loans

If the financial aid your child receives falls short of what’s needed, private student loans — like those from College Ave — can help make up the difference. To understand what borrowing might look like, use College Ave’s student loan calculator to explore your repayment options and estimate future monthly payments.

Find more information on financing your child’s education at CollegeAve.com.

2025-12-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – For many children being treated for a critical illness, their most cherished wish is to visit someplace special, such as an extraordinary place they’ve never seen before, but always imagined. At Make-A-Wish^®, over 75% of the children’s wishes involve travel, and airfare costs are the greatest expense for travel wishes. That’s why the support that Make-A-Wish receives from their national corporate partner, United Airlines, has been so meaningful for nearly 40 years of partnership, which they will celebrate next year.

Since 1986, United Airlines has helped grant life-changing wish experiences that help wish kids and their families replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy — and anxiety with hope.

A big trip to the Big Apple

Experiencing New York City during the holiday season was the wish of 14-year-old Zoe, who is being treated for leukemia. Zoe and her mother had a travel itinerary packed full of iconic holiday events and enough memories to last a lifetime.

“We had a magical trip! The highlights were seeing the Rockettes, watching the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center and going ice skating in Rockefeller Center, which all made it a magical Christmas experience,” said Zoe’s mom, Lisa.

But there was much more for Zoe and her mom to enjoy. “We took a cake decorating class at one of our favorite bakeries, walked Fifth Avenue to see the windows, ate and shopped our way through Chelsea Market, Soho, the West Village, Little Italy and Chinatown, as well as just about every Christmas market the city had to offer,” Lisa added.

But despite all these planned activities, some of the unplanned moments were the most memorable.

“The rain held off until our last day,” explained Lisa. “While we were hiding out from the rain, we discovered our favorite hot chocolate of the trip (and we tried a LOT) in a little cafe in the West Village.”

Overall, Zoe and her mother had a welcome break from her medical appointments during this special trip.

“Everything about the experience, from the planning and the wish reveal to the trip itself, was amazing,” Zoe’s mom said. “Zoe had been looking forward to this trip for so long and it definitely exceeded our expectations. Having something so wonderful for Zoe to look forward to has been a bright light in her treatment process. She’s only got a few short months to go before she’s finished with chemo entirely and our family can’t wait.”

How travel makes wishes come true

United Airlines continues to support Make-A-Wish in its mission of granting wishes for children with critical illnesses and their families throughout this holiday season and beyond, providing mission-critical travel resources to help their wishes take flight. In addition, all year long, United MileagePlus^® members have the opportunity to donate MileagePlus miles to several charities, including Make-A-Wish, through its “Miles on a Mission” platform.

This holiday season, from Dec. 1 to 31, 2025, United Airlines is stepping up its support of Make-A-Wish by inviting MileagePlus members to donate miles or money to Make-A-Wish — and United will match the miles donations up to 5 million miles.

For the first time in the history of their partnership, United will include a call-to-action for miles and cash on all in-flight entertainment systems during the month of December. In addition, $1 from every illy^® cold brew purchased inflight will be donated to Make-A-Wish, up to $25,000, helping bring hope to children facing critical illnesses.

Make-A-Wish will also be a part of several United hub market Fantasy Flight activations during the month of December. This is a United-led initiative where they turn a gate into the “North Pole”: Kids will leave from one terminal, make a short trip in the sky and then land at the “North Pole,” where United employees are waiting to celebrate with the children.

Unwrap the power of a wish today and help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Visit Donate.mileageplus.com/giving-tuesday to learn how you can bring joy and hope to children when they need it most.

Miles, awards and benefits are subject to the rules of the United MileagePlus program. For details, see www.united.com.

2025-12-23T13:39:00

(BPT) – If you follow the news, you see heartbreaking stories: over 150 million people worldwide impacted by natural disasters and another 100 million forced from their communities by conflict, violence or persecution every year. In Haiti, Sudan, Syria and beyond, emergencies leave children especially vulnerable — losing their homes, access to food, clean water and safety.

To help families in the U.S. and around the world, Christian humanitarian aid organization World Vision responds to disasters quickly. Their presence in nearly 100 countries allows them to respond within 24-72 hours, providing emergency aid and ongoing support for families as they rebuild. In 2025, World Vision responded to 117 emergencies worldwide, providing aid to 38.1 million people across 72 countries.

Here are 10 examples of World Vision responding swiftly to disasters, delivering lifesaving aid, clean water — and hope.

1. Texas floods

Last July, Texas Hill Country experienced devastating flooding. Heavy rainfall turned the Guadalupe River into a torrent, destroying vehicles, homes and other structures, including Camp Mystic.

“Our hearts break for families who lost so much,” said John Huddle, site manager, World Vision’s Dallas Storehouse. “We’re especially grateful for local church partners meeting people where they are, offering comfort and helping us deliver supplies as well as hope.”

World Vision deployed truckloads of supplies to local partners, and a Pastor Ambassador to support other pastors helping congregations recover.

2. California wildfires

In January 2025, Los Angeles area wildfires ravaged homes, schools and critical infrastructure as 200,000 people raced to evacuate.

World Vision joined local churches and community partners to deliver emergency supplies. Within days, teams supported over 45,000 people and delivered 40 truckloads of aid including water, face masks, air beds, generators, clothing, hygiene kits and diapers.

3. War in Ukraine

Four years of conflict in Ukraine has displaced 3.7 million people, forcing over 5 million refugees to seek safety in Europe. Approximately 12.7 million people need aid and protection, with families facing financial struggles and limited access to education, health care and employment.

Since 2022, World Vision has reached more than 2.24 million people — including over one million children — with assistance including education, mental health services, winterization and protection initiatives.

4. Democratic Republic of Congo emergencies

Children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) face a dangerous combination of health and hunger emergencies. In 2025, cholera spread across six provinces, along with a severe variant of mpox that disproportionately affects young children, and a localized Ebola outbreak. The DRC faces severe food insecurity, conflict and widespread displacement.

World Vision teams are responding with lifesaving support for families, distributing clean water and sanitation supplies. The organization provides nutrition programs, partnering with local health workers to strengthen early detection and outbreak response.

“We know we’re not alone in this fight. World Vision stands with us, and together, we’re doing remarkable work for our community’s health,” said Mimi Gwana, head nurse at a DRC health clinic.

5. Humanitarian crisis in Haiti

Need is growing in Haiti as escalating gang violence and Hurricane Melissa have caused widespread displacement, hunger, essential service shutdowns and shortages of food, water, health care and education.

World Vision has been supporting Haiti for 45 years, offering vulnerable children and families vital aid including food, clean water and programs for survivors of violence. Following Hurricane Melissa’s flooding in October, World Vision distributed shelter, kitchen, hygiene and bedding kits to over 10,000 survivors.

6. Myanmar earthquake

In March 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar, causing widespread destruction, killing over 3,600 people and injuring 5,000 others.

With help from donors and partners, World Vision staff responded with food assistance and other emergency relief for 458,216 people, including 145,055 children.

7. Middle East crises

Conflict, large-scale displacement and economic collapse are creating dire humanitarian need across the Middle East. In Lebanon, severe food poverty is rising at an alarming rate, with over half of children under age two experiencing hunger in some areas. Disruptions to basic services in the West Bank have left many children without schooling or health care.

“The conflict is impacting children caught in this cycle of violence, hunger and displacement,” said Margaret Schuler, senior vice president and chief impact officer, World Vision. “Behind each statistic is a story of children and the families who want to keep them safe.”

World Vision delivered 10.2 million meals to families in Lebanon, supporting over 589,000 people, including over 217,000 children, through programs focused on education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, and food security. In the West Bank, World Vision has reached over one million people, including 430,000 children.

8. Conflict in Sudan

The escalation of violence in Sudan has caused widespread famine and near-total infrastructure collapse, forcing an estimated 14.3 million people to flee — making Sudan the largest displacement crisis in the world. The country faces a deadly cholera outbreak, along with life-threatening food shortages.

World Vision operates a cholera treatment center and 24 oral rehydration points where sick people can access lifesaving rehydration and basic care before their condition becomes severe. The organization distributes emergency food and other support to affected communities.

9. Crisis in Syria

Syria remains one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with over 14 million people displaced since 2011, while still facing long-term effects from 2023 earthquakes. After the government changed hands in 2024, hundreds of thousands of Syrians began returning, only to find damaged or destroyed homes, inadequate services and public health threats.

Through ongoing child protection, health, nutrition and education programs, World Vision assists hundreds of thousands of people, continuing to respond as families work toward restoring their lives.

10. Philippines typhoon

Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines in November 2025, killing over 200 people and displacing over half a million. It also caused widespread devastation in communities recovering from earlier earthquakes. Only days later, Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall in the Philippines, forcing over one million people to evacuate.

World Vision responds to the urgent needs of families affected by the widespread flooding, landslides and destruction from these storms with essentials and ongoing aid.

You can help

When disasters strike, World Vision is uniquely equipped to provide support, with highly trained rapid response teams, dedicated local staff and emergency supplies pre-positioned in the U.S. and around the globe.

You can make a difference, bringing aid and hope to people — especially children — when it’s needed most. Your disaster relief donation saves lives of children and families facing emergencies caused by conflict and natural disasters.

Before the year ends, consider a tax deductible donation to help children and families lift themselves out of extreme poverty and experience lasting change. Give by December 31 and your tax deductible gift will be matched.

Visit Donate.worldvision.org/give/disaster-relief to donate today.