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COVID-19 and Flu: 3 Things to Know Before Fall

2026-09-04T11:01:00

(BPT) – We tend to think of COVID-19 and flu as cold-weather problems. Flu does usually pick up in the fall and winter, but COVID-19 can circulate at any time of year, and COVID-19 infections have been increasing across the country this summer. With that in mind, now is a good time to take stock: Do you know your risk? Would you recognize the symptoms? And if you got sick, would you know who to call?

These questions are especially important for people at higher risk of serious illness. Planning ahead can save valuable time, because treatments work best when started soon after symptoms first appear.

Here are three things worth doing before respiratory illness season gets underway.

1. Know what can put you at higher risk

Age matters. So do health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses.

Older adults are more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19 or flu, and the risk generally rises with age. Conditions that affect the heart, lungs or immune system can also make it harder to fight an infection or recover from one.

Pregnancy can also raise the risk of complications from some respiratory illnesses. Young children can be especially vulnerable to serious complications from flu.

You don’t have to sort through that risk on your own. Ask a healthcare provider what your age, medical history, pregnancy status or other circumstances mean for you before you’re sick and pressed for time.

2. If you’re at higher risk, don’t wait

The first few days after symptoms appear can make a real difference.

Antiviral treatments are available for COVID-19 and flu. For people who are eligible, they can reduce the risk of severe illness, but the window to start treatment is short.

Flu antivirals work best when started within the first two days of illness, although starting later may still help some people. Some COVID-19 treatments must begin within five days after symptoms start, while others must begin within seven days.

If you’re at higher risk and develop a fever, cough, fatigue, body aches or other symptoms, don’t wait for them to get worse. Contact a healthcare provider promptly and ask whether you should be tested and whether antiviral treatment is right for you.

3. Make a plan now, while you are well

No one wants to figure out where to get care while feeling miserable. Thinking through the first steps now can make it much easier to act quickly later.

Start with the people in your household. Who may be at greater risk? Consider keeping at-home tests on hand and know how you would quickly reach your healthcare provider, a pharmacist or another source of medical care.

This is also a good time to ask a healthcare provider which COVID-19 and flu vaccines are recommended for you. Vaccination can help protect against severe illness and complications.

If you care for an older parent, a young child or someone with an underlying health condition, bring them into the plan. A short conversation now about their risk, who to call and what to do if they become sick can prevent delays later.

Viruses don’t always follow the calendar, and they rarely arrive at a convenient time. Know your risk, know where you’ll turn for care and act quickly when symptoms begin. Those three steps can help you avoid losing valuable time when it matters most.

CVEEP brings together public health, patient and provider organizations to share practical information and resources about respiratory illness prevention and treatment.

For more information about respiratory illness risk, prevention and treatment, visit CVEEP.org/treatments.

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[Executive Corner] Seeing LG Through a New Lens: Physical AI and Our Next Growth Chapter

2026-09-02T18:31:00

(BPT) – By Park Won-jae, head of IR Division at LG Electronics

The role of investor relations extends beyond communicating a company’s financial and operating performance. It also involves articulating the new opportunities the company is positioned to capture amid shifts across industries, and clearly explaining how it plans to translate those opportunities into tangible business results. Through this work, IR helps enhance enterprise value.

As the head of the Investor Relations (IR) Division at LG Electronics, I have met with global investors and analysts and observed a clear shift in how they view LG Electronics. Early in our business transformation, discussions focused largely on demand and profitability in traditional businesses such as home appliances. More recently, as attention to physical AI has increased, interest has turned toward our growth areas: AI Data Center (AIDC) cooling, smart factories, robotics and vehicle solutions.

Morgan Stanley’s recently published report, LG Trio: Next Growth Chapter, reflects this evolving market perspective. Rather than assessing LG affiliates by individual industries — home appliances, displays and optical components — the report frames LG in the context of physical AI and AI’s expansion into the physical world.

Building Physical AI on Decades of Experience

At LG, we see physical AI as a natural extension of the capabilities we have built over decades and a significant opportunity to turn those capabilities into new drivers of growth.

In the physical AI era, AI model performance is only part of the equation. Success will also depend on the ability to deploy and operate AI reliably across diverse environments. From this perspective, LG Electronics’ 70 years of business experience spanning homes, commercial environments and industrial sites, combined with the real-world data accumulated across these spaces, provide a powerful foundation for turning physical AI into practical, scalable solutions.

Across these businesses, we are already extending our capabilities into new applications. Our manufacturing expertise supports smart factory and robotics solutions, while more than 60 years of compressor and motor technology informs robotic actuators, and our heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) thermal management capabilities contribute to AIDC cooling.

Building on these capabilities, Morgan Stanley sees LG Electronics as playing the role of a “Physical AI Orchestrator” within the broader One LG ecosystem. In this role, we bring together LG Innotek’s sensing technologies, LG Display’s visual experience expertise, LG Energy Solution’s battery technologies, LG CNS’s systems integration capabilities and LG AI Research’s foundational AI technologies to create AI business synergies across the LG Group.

The Next Phase of Our Physical AI Strategy

However, strong technology and large addressable markets alone are insufficient. What capital markets ultimately assess is a company’s ability to commercialize those strengths and generate sustainable earnings. Our physical AI roadmap spans both current business opportunities and the capabilities required for future applications.

In the home, we are strengthening our AI Home business leadership through AI-enabled appliances and subscription and care services. In industrial settings, we are expanding the smart factory solutions order pipeline by combining AI and robotics. We are also applying our HVAC expertise to grow our AIDC cooling business and expect to begin full-scale actuator production within the year for use in humanoid robots.

The LG Data Factory, currently under construction, is being built to support the next phases of this strategy. It will serve as a hub for our physical AI data flywheel, training and refining our Robot Foundation Model (RFM) with real-world data and validating it in robot applications. This cycle of data, model and robot-performance improvement is intended to expand our robot business from industrial and commercial solutions into residential applications.

Turning Transformation Into Value

We have always looked to evolve our portfolio with changing market conditions. Alongside our core home appliance competitiveness, we have expanded our B2B presence through vehicle solutions and HVAC, while developing non-hardware businesses including subscriptions and webOS. B2B accounted for 36% of our revenue mix as of Q2 2026, and we aim to increase this share to approximately 45% by 2030.

As AI reshapes industries, physical AI represents the next phase of our portfolio evolution. At LG, we are ready to meet the challenge by building on our established capabilities and investing in emerging business areas that can support long-term growth.

Morgan Stanley’s report is significant because it illustrates the market’s view of our transformation and growth potential. Going forward, we will continue to use our IR activities to show how our business innovation and tangible results strengthen LG’s long-term investment case.

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5 tips for traveling when you have a chronic disease

2026-08-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Finding out you have a chronic illness is challenging, but it can be particularly traumatic when it happens far away from home. That’s exactly what happened to Gretchen when she was 23 years old during what was supposed to be a dream international trip.

A cruise across the Mediterranean took an unexpected turn when Gretchen suddenly became severely ill, experiencing decreased appetite and dehydration. She thought she might have a minor travel-related sickness or infection and visited the ship’s physician for care. After running a battery of tests, the doctor delivered a surprising diagnosis. Gretchen had Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and, at that moment, was experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that occurs in people with diabetes when ketone levels are too high. For people living with diabetes, their ketones reach dangerously high levels when their body is not able to use glucose as fuel due to a lack of insulin, so instead, the body breaks down fat too quickly, which in turn produces ketones in the blood stream.1 A DKA event, like the one Gretchen experienced, is how many people find out they have T1D, which accounts for about 20% to 40% of DKA cases.1

Ambiguous DKA symptoms can delay treatment

For people with diabetes who use insulin, elevated or high ketone levels can lead to DKA, a serious health condition that is on the rise.1 A study showed that between 2017 and 2024, DKA prevalence among people with Type 1 diabetes increased approximately 24%,2 rising from 50 to 62 cases per 1,000 individuals.2 DKA is particularly dangerous because in severe cases it can lead to a coma or death.1 Unfortunately, many patients don’t detect it early enough, mistaking their symptoms for other, more common illnesses like the flu, dehydration or food poisoning.4,5,6

According to Eden Miller, DO, a family practitioner and diabetologist, there are clear reasons behind this alarming trend. “Part of the problem lies in how difficult it can be to distinguish DKA symptoms from less serious, run-of-the-mill medical conditions,” said Dr. Miller. “The other part is the underutilization of ketone monitoring methods. While glucose monitoring has advanced, ketones and glucose do not always rise together, and current monitoring tools don’t provide continuous visibility into rising ketones. Together, these issues can delay critical treatment.”

This trend highlights a clear gap for people living with diabetes. Instead of patients feeling equipped with the insights they need to be proactive and prepared, they are left in a reactive state.

“Improving awareness of DKA and helping people understand what to do when ketones are rising are important opportunities to help reduce DKA risk,” said Miller.

Getting treated and gaining confidence

Initially overwhelmed by the diagnosis, once back in the U.S., Gretchen visited an endocrinologist who introduced her to modern diabetes management tools — like Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensor which continuously measures her glucose levels — and helped guide her through the initial steps of how to live with diabetes. While learning the basics of living with diabetes, Gretchen also learned about ketones, the importance of recognizing DKA symptoms and how to act quickly during a DKA event.

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“My diagnosis was a wake-up call, but it wasn’t a stop sign. Managing a chronic condition like diabetes doesn’t mean shrinking your world; it just means packing a little smarter. By taking control of my health and having a proactive plan, I’ve reclaimed my love for travel. I want other people to know that living with chronic illnesses shouldn’t keep you from making plans, booking trips and living fully.”

Tips to keep diabetes management top of mind for travel

Gretchen’s experience during her European holiday inspired her to create her own diabetes travel guide to help herself and others living with diabetes proactively plan and diligently monitor their condition, so their vacations stay on track. Below are her top tips for traveling safely and confidently with diabetes.

  1. Always stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when traveling in warm weather and during physical activity like walking through new cities.
  2. Pack smart and double up: It’s always a good idea to carry extra medications and supplies. This includes insulin, pumps, needles, automated insulin delivery (AID) infusion sets and ketone testing supplies — including blood or urine test strips. Be sure to check the expiration date before packing! Also, bringing a doctor’s note can help too in case you get stopped or questioned while traveling with your supplies.
  3. Monitor more, adjust often: Travel means changes to your routine. To make sure you stay on top of your diabetes management, check your glucose monitor, pumps and sensors more frequently.
  4. Know the signs, act fast: Signs that you may be experiencing a DKA event include extreme thirst, frequent urination, nausea, abdominal pain or fruity-smelling breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, check your glucose and test for ketones immediately.
  5. Seek care: When traveling, find the nearest pharmacy or urgent care in case you need medical attention during your trip.

Don’t let fear of managing diabetes keep you from seeing the world. Using these tips, you can stay prepared to explore new horizons safely and confidently.

If you or someone you know is living with diabetes, work with a healthcare provider to create a proactive DKA plan so you can feel confident in knowing what to do when ketones are rising or you are not feeling well. For more information about DKA, go to RisingKetones.com.

Sources:

The views expressed in this article should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice. Individual symptoms, situations and circumstances may vary.

For U.S. residents – Important Safety Information Product for prescription only, for Important Safety Information please visit FreeStyleLibre.us.

  1. Cleveland Clinic. Diabetes-Related Ketoacidosis (DKA). Accessed July 2026 from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21945-diabetic-ketoacidosis-dka.
  2. SHERR, J., WYSHAM, C., MEHTA, S., & VIRDI, N. (2026). 2977-LB: Trends in the prevalence of Diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes. Diabetes, 75(Supplement_1). https://doi.org/10.2337/db26-2977-lb
  3. Umpierrez, G. E. Diabetes Care (2024). https://doi.org/10.2337/dci24-0032
  4. Dhatariya, et al. Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2026): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41381175/
  5. Virdi, N. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics (2023). https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2023.0149
  6. Nguyen, K. T. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2022). https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968211042656

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Diabetes and heart health: How to add sprouted grains to your diet

2026-09-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – By Kourtney Johnson, RD, LD

In the United States, 28.8 million adults live with diabetes, and heart disease is the leading cause of death. Diabetes and heart disease are closely connected, as people with diabetes are at two times the risk of developing heart disease compared to those who do not have diabetes.

As people understand more about how nutrition can benefit their health, they have found that sprouted grains benefit people who have diabetes and/or heart disease.

The sprouting process sets these grains apart, making them easier to digest. Vitamins and minerals are also more easily absorbed than in grains that have not sprouted.

Why are sprouted grains better?

  • Grains are sprouted through a process where they are soaked in water and allowed to germinate. This leads to proteins and carbs being broken down, which makes vitamins and amino acids easier to digest.
  • The carbohydrate content of sprouted grains changes. Starch content decreases while fiber increases. Less starch means blood sugar is less likely to spike during digestion, and higher fiber content slows down blood sugar absorption.
  • The glycemic index (GI) is an indicator of how quickly blood sugar rises after eating certain foods. Low GI foods have scores of 0 to 55. This category includes foods such as apples, milk, yogurt, steel-cut oats and bran cereal. Sprouted grains fall into the low GI category generally scoring around 15, making them a blood sugar-friendly option.
  • Fiber intake has also been shown to benefit heart health by decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, lowering inflammation and promoting normal blood pressure.
  • Protein also changes during the sprouting process with increases in certain amino acids due to protein breakdown. These changes contribute to making sprouted grains more easily digested.

Do studies show sprouted grains can benefit diabetes and heart disease?

While research is limited, studies have shown that consuming sprouted grains can benefit both diabetes and heart disease.

One study looking at intake of germinated brown rice among people with type 2 diabetes found they had lower levels of fasting blood sugar and insulin.

Insulin sensitivity, which is how well the body responds to insulin, is an important aspect of diabetes management. Sprouted grains are thought to improve insulin sensitivity because of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and their ability to promote steady blood sugar after eating.

The types of fat consumed make a difference in health. Omega-3 fatty acids have health benefits, and consuming them has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Sprouted grains, such as sprouted flax seeds, provide omega-3 fatty acids.

How to incorporate sprouted grains in your diet

Consuming sprouted grains is easier than you might think. By making a few changes to your eating pattern, you can add them to your diet in a variety of ways.

  • For example, at breakfast, swap white bread for a sprouted grain bread, such as Ezekiel bread.
  • If you like breakfast sandwiches, opt for Ezekiel Sprouted Grain English Muffins. The sky is the limit here: You can add eggs, cheese and any kind of vegetables you like for a savory morning meal.
  • Beyond bread, try sprouted pasta instead of standard white or whole wheat varieties. Balance it out with a source of protein such as meat, fish or tofu along with a vegetable for fiber.
  • On Taco Tuesday, use Ezekiel Taco Size Sprouted Grain Tortillas.
  • As the weather — and your grill — warm up, use Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Burger Buns and Hot Dog Buns for a healthier option.

To benefit your blood sugar and heart health, it’s best to include the following components at your meals:

  • A complex carbohydrate, such as sprouted grain breads, pastas or buns. Potatoes, peas, winter squash and corn also fall into this category and are considered starchy vegetables.
  • A source of fiber, such as non-starchy vegetables. From broccoli to carrots to bell peppers, eat as many veggies as you’d like!
  • A protein source, such as meat, fish, eggs, chickpeas or cottage cheese.
  • If you’re unsure how to lay out your plate, use the Diabetes Plate Method: Half your plate has non-starchy vegetables, a quarter contains carbs and a quarter contains protein.
  • Choose an unsweetened beverage such as water, milk or herbal tea to go with your meal.

Sprouted grains offer benefits to people living with diabetes and heart disease. Including them in your eating pattern as part of a healthy lifestyle is a smart way to optimize nutrition.

Small swaps in your diet can make a big difference. If you are interested in trying Food For Life’s products, use the Store Locator tool to find out where they are sold near you.

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Why fiber at breakfast matters more than you think

2026-09-01T10:01:00

(BPT) – By Kourtney Johnson, RD, LD

Americans aren’t getting enough fiber-rich foods. According to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, “Ninety to ninety-five percent of Americans fall short of recommended dietary fiber intake, consuming about 15 grams daily of the recommended 25–38 grams.”

Breakfast is a missed opportunity to increase fiber intake and typical breakfast foods like frozen waffles or sugary cereal provide almost none.

Why is it important to eat fiber in the morning?

A fiber-rich breakfast sets the tone for the day, promoting stable energy, improved digestion, decreased hunger and steady blood sugar.

Eating fiber in the morning helps keep your energy levels steady because it helps keep blood sugar stable. This also decreases cravings, which is key to limiting intake of the high-sugar foods we usually crave.

You can include fiber at breakfast in a variety of ways. Consider the following ideas.

Easy high-fiber breakfast ideas

  • Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Bread and Cereal
    • Sprouting makes it easier to digest fiber, and vitamins and minerals are better absorbed.
    • Breakfast idea: two slices of Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain bread topped with avocado and a soft-boiled egg.
  • Oats
    • This breakfast classic provides four grams of fiber in a half cup of uncooked oats (which equals one cup cooked).
    • Breakfast idea: overnight oats with chia seeds, berries and a spoonful of almond butter; all these ingredients contain fiber.
  • Chia seeds
    • Two tablespoons provide 10 grams of fiber, packing a punch in a small volume of food.
    • Breakfast idea: chia pudding made the night before with almond milk and topped with mango or berries.
  • Berries
    • Raspberries contain the most fiber with eight grams per cup. Strawberries provide three grams for the same amount.
    • Breakfast idea: berries added to yogurt, mixed into oatmeal or blended into a smoothie.
  • Flaxseed
    • Two tablespoons have four grams of fiber plus omega-3 fatty acids. Grinding or crushing flaxseed makes it easier for the body to absorb nutrients, especially the omega-3-containing oil.
    • Breakfast idea: bake seeds into flaxseed muffins, stir them into oatmeal or sprinkle them into yogurt.
  • Legumes
    • Although they’re not a popular breakfast food, black beans go great with a savory meal and contain seven grams of fiber in a half cup.
    • Breakfast idea: add beans to scrambled eggs or breakfast burritos on Ezekiel sprouted grain, flourless tortillas.

How to stack fiber without overhauling breakfast

Ezekiel Sprouted grain cereal with fruit.

To avoid feeling overwhelmed when it comes to adding fiber to your morning meal, consider these tips.

  • Top your food: Start with a fiber base (such as Ezekiel sprouted grain cereal or oats) and add two fiber-rich toppings. These could be a half cup of raspberries and two tablespoons of chia seeds. You’d get a whopping 16 grams from your bowl of oatmeal alone!
  • Swap foods out: Substitute one high-fiber food for a low-fiber equivalent. Exchange white toast for sprouted grain bread or flavored yogurt eaten alone for plain Greek yogurt with fruit and flaxseed.
  • Blend foods together: Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia to smoothies, batters or overnight oats. You’ll barely notice them while easily increasing fiber intake.
  • Think ahead: Make fiber-rich breakfasts the night before. Options like chia pudding, overnight oats or fiber-rich bran muffins will be ready for you in the morning, saving you time.
  • Increase slowly: One of the biggest considerations when increasing fiber is to do so slowly. Adding too much too fast can cause bloating and other GI symptoms. Add three to five grams per week until you reach your daily goal based on gender and age.

How to plan a week of high-fiber breakfasts

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If you need inspiration, follow these ideas for including a variety of fiber-containing foods into your breakfast each day.

  • Sunday: Cottage cheese bowl (replace blueberries with strawberries): ~7 grams fiber
  • Monday: Two slices Ezekiel sprouted grain toast with half an avocado: ~11 grams fiber
  • Tuesday: Overnight oats with two tablespoons flaxseed, 1/2 cup strawberries and one tablespoon almond butter: ~11 grams fiber
  • Wednesday: Chia pudding with mango: ~13 grams fiber
  • Thursday: Sweet potato hash with half an avocado: ~10 grams fiber
  • Friday: Ezekiel Sprouted grain cereal with almond milk and half a cup blueberries: ~8 grams fiber
  • Saturday: Whole wheat waffles topped with 1/2 cup blackberries and whipped cream: ~10 grams fiber

Adding fiber doesn’t need to involve a major overhaul. Instead, adding fiber-containing foods like Ezekiel bread or Cereal to what you usually eat is a way to make a big difference in fiber intake.

A fiber-filled breakfast will keep you full and provide steady energy for longer periods of time. Try different options to see which ones you like best!

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4 Healthy Habits to Fuel Your Flow This Fall

2026-09-01T10:01:00

(BPT) – Summer vacations, weekend getaways and spontaneous plans are great for making memories, but they can also throw healthy routines off track. As fall approaches, returning to consistent movement and balanced nutrition can help you feel physically and mentally refreshed for the season ahead.

To help make the transition a little easier, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares four simple ways to ease back into healthy habits and fuel your body for whatever the new season brings.

1. Rebuild your routine, not your personal best

After a summer of travel, vacations and shifting schedules, don’t worry about picking up where you left off. Instead of chasing your previous pace or performance, Blatner recommends setting realistic weekly movement goals and focusing on consistency first.

Easing back into your routine helps you stay consistent and reduces the risk of burnout.

2. Explore mindful movement

Mindful movement is a great way to reconnect with your body as you ease back into your routine. Blatner recommends exploring low-impact workouts, such as a class at your local Club Pilates studio to help rebuild strength, flexibility, balance and posture while supporting a strong mind-body connection.

Pilates is approachable for all fitness levels and it’s an easy way to ease back into regular movement while building confidence and consistency throughout the fall.

3. Pair healthy habits together

Building healthy habits doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Blatner recommends trying “habit stacking,” a strategy that pairs one healthy behavior with another to help make both habits easier to maintain.

For example, schedule a nourishing breakfast after your Club Pilates class or pack a balanced snack before heading out the door. Connecting healthy habits together can help them become part of your everyday routine.

4. Fuel your recovery

Refueling after movement is just as important as the workout itself. Within 30 to 60 minutes after exercise, Blatner recommends eating a balanced meal that combines high-quality protein with wholesome carbohydrates to help replenish energy stores and support muscle recovery.

One easy way to refuel after Pilates is with this Hot Honey Egg Toast from Eggland’s Best. Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a flavorful meal that helps nourish your body while getting back into your post-summer routine.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs, helping reduce muscle soreness and aid in recovery after strenuous exercise. Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D, promoting healthy bones and muscles. Eggland’s Best eggs have 25% less saturated fat, more than double the amount of Vitamin B12 and 10 times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs.

Hot Honey Egg Toast

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 4 minutes; Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
  • 1 tablespoon hot honey
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped baby spinach
  • 2 slices whole grain toast

Instructions:

  1. In a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat, add honey, then top with cheese and spinach.
  2. Make two little wells, crack one Eggland’s Best egg into each well, cover with a lid and let cook about 4 minutes, until the eggs are set and the edges of the cheese are melted/golden.
  3. Serve each egg on a slice of toast.

Find more recipe inspiration at EgglandsBest.com/recipes.

Enter the Eggland’s Best x Club Pilates Sweepstakes

Eggland’s Best has teamed up with Club Pilates for the second year in a row to help fans fuel their flow with better nutrition and mindful movement!

To celebrate, Eggland’s Best and Club Pilates are bringing fans the “Fuel Your Flow with EB” Sweepstakes, designed to inspire healthier routines and support wellness from the inside out. Now through Oct. 20, fans can enter daily at EBFamilySweeps.com for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $5,000 to refresh their wellness routine, a 6-month single studio, Unlimited Club Pilates membership, branded swag, and a 3-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs. Weekly prize packs will also include a $250 grocery gift card, a 3-month, single studio, Unlimited Club Pilates membership, and more.

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How Low-Dose Aspirin May Reduce Preeclampsia Risks For Moms

2026-09-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – First pregnancies come with a lot of unknowns, but for Kim Strout, everything had been going smoothly. However, that changed when she reached her 35th week of pregnancy.

“My first pregnancy was really pretty easy all along. I felt great,” Strout said. “It wasn’t really until late in my third trimester that I started to have severe migraines, vision disorientation and flashes of light. I knew something wasn’t right.”

Strout called her doctor, who advised her to go to the nearest emergency room. There, a urine test revealed she had developed preeclampsia.

What is preeclampsia?

According to March of Dimes, preeclampsia is a serious condition that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy and affects one in 25 pregnancies in the U.S. Preeclampsia causes a sudden rise in blood pressure that can put mother and baby at risk during pregnancy, labor, delivery and even across both of their lifespans.

Strout, who had never experienced high blood pressure before, was shocked to learn she had developed the condition. Just four short days after her diagnosis, Strout returned to the hospital and experienced a 54-hour induced labor with worrying complications.

“When we finally were at a point where I was ready to start to push, my heart rate started to go up, and my son’s heart rate started to go down,” Strout said.

Fortunately, her medical team responded quickly. Following an emergency cesarean section, Mason Strout was born three and a half weeks early. Though Mason required surgeries for an unrelated health issue, both mother and baby fully recovered from the difficult delivery.

Seven months later, Strout became pregnant again. Given her first pregnancy, Strout’s second could have been incredibly stressful. Luckily, given her history, her doctor recommended a simple preventive measure Strout hadn’t known about before: low-dose aspirin.

How a low dose can provide big benefits

Studies have shown that taking low-dose aspirin during pregnancy is a safe method that may reduce the risk of preeclampsia and the potential harm it can cause to both mom and baby.

Low-dose aspirin works by improving blood flow to the uterus and may ensure that the baby gets enough oxygen and blood flow through the placenta. Because of the benefits, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend the use of low-dose aspirin (81 mg) as preventive medication between 12-28 weeks (ideally 12-16 weeks) gestation for people like Strout, who are at high or moderate risk for preeclampsia.

Following her doctor’s advice, Strout took low-dose aspirin throughout her second pregnancy until delivery. She experienced no side effects and went on to deliver her second son, Maddox, via a scheduled cesarean section at 39 weeks.

Spreading the word

Many expecting parents like Strout are unaware that low-dose aspirin is a proven option for a safer pregnancy for at-risk moms. To bridge this gap, March of Dimes launched the Low Dose, Big Benefits campaign™ to train healthcare and pharmacy professionals, implement quality improvement in outpatient clinics, and educate pregnant people, their families and the public.

“Low-dose aspirin can help reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia, and it all starts with getting the word out,” said Kelly Ernst, Chief Impact Officer, March of Dimes. “By ensuring families know about the benefits of low-dose aspirin, I’m hopeful that we can improve outcomes for both mom and baby, giving them the best start they deserve.”

Strout echoes this sentiment, explaining that having a planned delivery and a preventive measure made her second birth more controlled and less stressful than her first.

“Low-dose aspirin,” Strout said. “It really helped with my second pregnancy. It allowed me to have that sense of comfort, knowing that I was taking precautions to avoid having the same symptoms that I had late term with my first pregnancy.”

Ask your health care professional if you’ve been screened for preeclampsia and if low-dose aspirin is right for you. Visit MarchofDimes.org/LowDoseBigBenefits for more information about preeclampsia and the safe use of low-dose aspirin when prescribed by a health care professional.

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Wildfire Smoke Can Affect the Air Inside Your Home – Here’s How to Protect It

2026-09-01T07:01:00

(BPT) – The shift into fall often feels like a reset. Cooler mornings, changing leaves, a slower pace. But in many parts of the country, it also signals something less visible, a secondary wildfire season.

While Southern California, Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of central and southern Appalachia face the highest wildfire risk in October, dry vegetation, fallen leaves and seasonal winds can create conditions for fast-moving fires whose impact can still reach homes miles, even states, away. Once in your area, wildfire smoke can enter your home and affect indoor air quality. Learn how HVAC filtration and air cleaners can help reduce dangerous smoke particles indoors.

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Indoor Air Quality

Wildfire smoke doesn’t stay near the flames. It can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, settling into communities far removed from the fire itself.

What makes it particularly concerning is what it carries: microscopic particles known as PM2.5. These particles can move deep into the lungs and bloodstream, impacting breathing, heart health and overall well-being, especially for children, older adults and those with respiratory conditions.

And while heading indoors feels like the natural solution, smoke has a way of following.

It can slip through doors, windows, ductwork and even HVAC systems, quietly affecting the air you breathe every day.

Sunbeams streamimg through window.

Microscopic PM2.5 particles from wildfire smoke can travel unseen through the air — making their way indoors and affecting the air you breathe every day. Getty

How to Reduce Wildfire Smoke Inside Your Home

Here’s the reassuring part: protecting your indoor air quality doesn’t require drastic change, just the right approach. According to the EPA, HVAC filtration and air cleaners are among the most effective ways homeowners can help reduce indoor smoke particles during wildfire events. You can use the following strategies to reduce your indoor exposure:

  • Close windows and doors to limit smoke from entering your home
  • Avoid adding indoor pollutants, like burning candles or cooking at high heat
  • Use portable air cleaners to help reduce airborne particles
  • Adjust your HVAC system to recirculate indoor air instead of pulling in outside air
  • Upgrade to a MERV 13 (or higher) air filter to help reduce smoke particles

These small adjustments can go a long way. For even greater impact, consider enhancing your system with advanced air purification solutions like the Lennox PureAir™ S system, which goes beyond filtration to remove smoke particles throughout your home. For guidance on choosing the right filtration or purification solution, consider working with a trusted home comfort expert like Lennox, or a local Lennox dealer.

Closed windows.

Closing windows is a simple but effective first step, helping limit smoke from entering your home and giving your indoor air a chance to stay cleaner and more controlled. Getty


How HVAC Filtration Can Help During Wildfire Season

Wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more intense, making indoor air quality an ongoing concern, not just a seasonal one.

The good news? Homes with effective filtration and well-maintained systems consistently experience:

  • Lower indoor particle levels
  • Reduced smoke odors
  • More consistent, comfortable living environments

Preparing your home and air systems ahead of time can help reduce health risks and keep your space comfortable when smoke arrives.

To learn more about IAQ products, find the right solution for your home and find a dealer to test your indoor air quality, visit Lennox.com.

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Lennox indoor air quality solutions are built for reliable performance, long-lasting durability and energy-efficient operation, helping create cleaner air with comfort that stands the test of time. Courtesy of Lennox

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The ultimate homeownership primer for first-time homebuyers

2026-08-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Chase Home Lending

Key takeaways:

  • Buying a home for the first time can be intimidating, but there are resources that can help you feel more confident entering the housing market.
  • Chase Home Lending offers first-time homebuyers a list of essential topics and tips that can help them start their journey to homeownership.

If you’ve never bought a home before, you may be overwhelmed by what you don’t know or concerned about what you think you do. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. To help, Chase Home Lending offers this essential primer on the key aspects of homeownership first-time homebuyers should know before entering the market.

A home lending professional can be your guide

Before you begin searching for your home, consult a home lending professional. They can help you get preapproved, navigate the homebuying market and review loan options.

Understanding the true cost of homeownership

If you’re making the move from renting to owning, you may be focused on the opportunity to build home equity but perhaps overlook the added costs like property taxes and home maintenance. Taking the time to understand the full scope of homeownership can help you decide if the time is right to buy.

Explore educational resources for homebuyers

If you’re a first-time buyer, the homebuying process can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are many resources available to help boost your homebuying knowledge, such as how-to guides, webinars and podcasts.

Pro tip: Make sure to check the Chase Homebuyer Education Center, where you’ll find answers to mortgage questions, useful tips for buying and maintaining a home and an Affordability Calculator that can help you determine how much home you can afford.

Know what factors determine the mortgage approval process

During the mortgage approval process, lenders carefully review several factors that determine if they’ll approve your mortgage and at what rate. Two important factors that influence their decision are your credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

Your debt-to-income ratio — how much of your gross monthly income goes toward monthly debt payments like rent, student and auto loans and credit card payments — helps creditors assess your financial health and creditworthiness. Lenders typically want to see that your DTI is low, as it tells them you’ll be able to manage your monthly payments with minimal issues.

Your credit score helps determine the interest rate and other costs you pay on a mortgage loan. If your credit score is high, it tells lenders that you have paid your bills on time and that you are responsible with your money, making you a more attractive candidate for a home loan.

A couple speaks with a realtor in front of a prospective home.

Understanding your options

Interest rates and fees can vary widely across lenders. Taking the time to compare options from banks, credit unions and online loan providers can help secure a better rate.

Don’t forget that loans come in all different shapes and sizes. Conventional loans aren’t your only option. There are programs like FHA* and VA** loans, plus other options like fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages*** (ARMs) and low-down-payment loans that can provide greater flexibility and help with affordability.

Taking the time to understand the full scope of homeownership can help you decide if the time is right to buy.

Stick to a monthly budget

Determining and sticking to a monthly budget is crucial to successful homeownership. Beyond the mortgage payment, you’ll have to budget for repair and maintenance costs, property taxes, insurance premiums and more.

Consider “practicing” your monthly payment to prepare yourself for what it will be like to have a mortgage. Doing so can help you get a better sense of your budget so you can be financially and mentally prepared for the investment.

Pro tip: Be sure to research property taxes and insurance premiums in the area where you plan to buy. These costs can significantly impact your overall budget and limit or expand your neighborhood options.

Don’t let a down payment get you down

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of Home Buyers, the median down payment among first-time buyers was 10%. Also, keep in mind that some home loans may require only a smaller down payment of 3-5%.

Conclusion

This National Homeownership Month, commit to learning about the path to homeownership and make a plan to buy your dream home. To learn more about homeownership, mortgage rates, budgeting and more, visit Chase.com/Afford.

LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

*FHA loans require an up-front mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP), which may be financed, or paid at closing, and an FHA annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) paid monthly will also apply.

** Veterans, Servicemembers, and members of the National Guard or Reserve may be eligible for a loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA is required to document eligibility. Restrictions and limitations apply.

You may be required to pay a funding fee unless the VA determines you are exempt. Exempt status is determined by the VA and confirmed through a COE. This one-time fee may be financed into your loan in most cases and is paid directly to the VA.

*** Estimated payments do not include amounts for taxes, homeowners insurance, or mortgage insurance (if applicable). Actual payments will be higher.

For informational/educational purposes only: Views and strategies described in this article or provided via links may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any business. Information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but JPMorgan Chase & Co. or its affiliates and/or subsidiaries do not warrant its completeness or accuracy. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice or to indicate the availability or suitability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates are not responsible for, and do not provide or endorse third party products, services, or other content. See full disclosures at Chase.com/afford.

Home lending products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

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This St. Jude Dream Home Is Rethinking What It Means to Build for Resilience

2026-08-31T13:11:00

(BPT) – An alternative approach to residential construction shows how a home can be comfortable to live in, easier to maintain and better prepared for whatever comes next.

Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about what holds up their walls. They notice whether a house feels comfortable. They notice the noise from the street, the repairs that keep cropping up and, increasingly, how well their home can protect the people and things that matter when severe weather strikes.

A new St. Jude Dream Home® in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a different way to think about all of it.

For the first time in the 35-year history of the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, one of its homes has been built with concrete block. At approximately 2,900 square feet, the house looks every bit at home in a modern residential neighborhood. What’s different is behind the design: solid block walls intended to deliver benefits the eventual homeowner can appreciate on ordinary days and when conditions are anything but.

And soon, one lucky winner will get the keys.

A dream home with a bigger purpose

Since its start in 1991, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway has brought builders, suppliers and communities together to build homes that help support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Lynchburg home adds a new chapter to that legacy.

“St. Jude families embody extraordinary strength and resilience, and we wanted this home to reflect those same qualities,” said Brent Gleason, president of Dominion Block, Brick & Hardscapes. “We’re proud to support an incredible mission while helping create a home that proves resilience doesn’t have to come at the expense of comfort or curb appeal.”

Built to look and feel like home

Concrete block may be doing the heavy lifting, but it isn’t all hidden behind the walls.

Smooth, exposed block creates a contemporary two-story feature wall in the cathedral great room. Deep window openings create built-in ledges for plants, artwork and personal touches. The masonry chimney serves as a natural focal point, adding sophistication and a sense of permanence to the space.

The solid walls also give the house a substantial feel, challenging the notion that building for resilience has to mean sacrificing warmth or character.

The kind of resilience you notice every day

For homeowners, resilience isn’t just about what happens during a major storm. Much of the payoff can be far less dramatic.

Concrete block walls provide thermal mass that helps moderate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling loads, while their density limits sound transmission. They are also resistant to termites and rot and, when properly detailed to manage water, can provide a durable, lower-maintenance wall system.[1]

“As homeowners, we tend to put off maintenance. Before you know it, a small issue can become an expensive repair,” said Andy Flint of L.G. Flint General Contractors. “But the mass of these block walls and the overall durability of construction is really going to make a difference.”

Those are benefits a homeowner can appreciate without giving much thought to their home’s assembly.

But there are also days when the walls’ makeup matters a lot.

Concrete block doesn’t burn and can help slow the spread of fire. Reinforced block walls can also be designed to stand up to high winds and severe weather.[2]

That kind of protection is becoming relevant well beyond places traditionally considered high risk. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say they experienced extreme weather in the past year, from intense storms and floods to prolonged periods of unusual heat, according to 2025 research from the Pew Research Center. A separate 2024 survey of U.S. homeowners found that 66% of homes had suffered damage from extreme weather.

A different way to build, without reinventing the house

The Lynchburg project also challenged the assumption that building with block means completely reinventing the way a home comes together.

In practice, block walls worked easily with familiar residential floor and roof systems, so much of the construction felt like traditional homebuilding.

For builders, that familiarity can make block a more approachable option. For homeowners, it opens the door to greater durability and resilience without creating a house that doesn’t feel like home.

Built for something bigger

The Lynchburg home will ultimately belong to one winner, but it is part of a much larger tradition.

For decades, St. Jude Dream Home Giveaways have brought communities together around homes built for a bigger purpose: supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Public tours of the Lynchburg home run through Sept. 13, 2026, with the giveaway taking place Sept. 23.

Long after the keys to this remarkable home are handed over, that work continues.

To learn more about the St. Jude Dream Home® Giveaway and opportunities to participate in your area, visit the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway website.

For more ideas and information about building with concrete block, visit BeautyofBlock.com.

Image shows the completed St. Jude Dream Home in Lynchburg, Virginia, the first in the program’s history built with concrete masonry. The winner will be announced Sept. 23, helping support St. Jude’s mission to advance cures and save children’s lives.