XMWare

2026-03-10T07:01:01

(BPT) – As more Americans rethink their skin care rituals, the rise of clean beauty is inspiring a shift toward pure, intentional ingredients rooted in nature.

For many people, skin care is as simple as applying a daily moisturizer. But a 2025 survey conducted for Aura Cacia by Suzy, a leading end-to-end market research platform, shows that consumers are asking deeper questions about what’s in their products and how those ingredients support their overall well-being.

Survey respondents signaled a growing desire for skin care rooted in simplicity, transparency and ingredients closer to nature. When asked to rank their top priorities, nearly half of consumers chose “100% pure and natural ingredients” (48%), and “non-toxic or clean formulations” (45%). Others prioritized “minimal ingredient lists” (30%) and “fragrance-free” or “no synthetic fragrance” options (25%).

According to Jennifer Kellison, botanical beauty expert and director of innovation at Aura Cacia, botanical ingredients are a natural fit for these needs. “Clean beauty is less about trends and more about intention,” says Kellison. “Consumers are gravitating toward ingredients they recognize and trust to support their everyday wellness.”

How to get started with clean beauty

While many think of clean beauty as a trend limited to facial care, experts say the opportunity extends far beyond that. While skin care priorities may vary from hydration to protecting overall skin health, essential oils and plant-based ingredients have long been valued for their ability to support more holistic care when used intentionally.

“When formulations are kept simple and ingredients are chosen with purpose, botanicals can offer unique support for hydration, balance and overall skin wellness in a gentle, yet effective way,” says Elena Mercurio, aromatherapist and educator for Aura Cacia.

Beginning a clean beauty routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with understanding how essential oils and carrier oils support your skin.

• Essential oils, such as lavender or tea tree essential oil, are highly concentrated plant extracts known for their aroma and targeted benefits. Because of their potency, they must always be diluted before being applied to the skin.
• Carrier oils, such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil or castor oil, act as a base to safely dilute and apply essential oils to your skin. They contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that provide deep nourishment and support everyday skin needs.

Tips for everyday clean beauty needs

Thoughtfully chosen essential oils and carrier oils can transform simple daily self-care routines into nourishing rituals, particularly in skin care.

• For face: Create a nourishing and toning facial serum by diluting neroli and lavender essential oil in rosehip oil and jojoba oil. Massage a small amount into clean, slightly damp skin in the morning and before bed.
• For body: Use plant-based carrier oils and body butters as daily moisturizers. These provide easy, skin-loving hydration. For deep hydration, try jojoba oil or castor oil. Both are non-comedogenic and work well as daily moisturizers or overnight treatments depending on your skin’s needs.
• For hair: Use argan oil for rejuvenating hair and scalp massages. Customize your routine by blending one to two drops of your favorite essential oil into each small dropperful of argan oil for a personalized touch.
• For nails and cuticles: Massage castor oil into your nail beds and around cuticles to lock in moisture, soften skin and support healthier-looking nails.

Mercurio notes that personalization is key when working with botanicals. “Everyone’s skin and hair have different needs,” she explains. “Starting with a few carefully selected plant oils allows you to build a routine that feels simple, effective and tailored to you.”

This approach works whether you’re at home or on the go, like singer-songwriter Avery Anna. When Avery is on tour, simplicity is key for her skin care routine. “When I’m on the road, I don’t want anything complicated,” she shares. “A few oils like frankincense and rosehip oil help keep my skin feeling hydrated and plump, even on my busiest days.”

Behind every Aura Cacia bottle

Aura Cacia is rooted in helping you feel good inside and out, from the natural grounding effect of our products and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your choice supports ethical and socially responsible practices. According to the survey, 41% of respondents associate clean beauty with accountability: prioritizing transparent ingredient decks, third-party certifications and environmentally friendly practices.

“We understand that clean beauty also has ethical implications,” says Kellison. “That’s why all our products are cruelty-free, with no preservatives, artificial colors or synthetic fragrances. We also offer an extensive line of USDA Certified Organic options, reflecting our commitment to both personal wellness and broader social and environmental impact.”

Central to this commitment is the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project, which is celebrating 10 years of investing in organizations that help women and girls make transformational improvements in their lives. Since its launch, the program has contributed more than $1 million to organizations supporting meaningful change across the U.S. and Canada.

Clean beauty that aligns with key values and meets personal care goals is now within reach. To explore skin care tips and discover the full range of Aura Cacia skin care products, visit https://www.AuraCacia.com.

Survey Methodology: Suzy conducted a custom survey in December 2025, among a sample of 1,005 U.S. women 19-65 years of age.

2026-03-09T09:07:00

(BPT) – Staying on top of your health looks different for everyone, and there’s no single right way to do it. From tracking sleep and steps to monitoring nutrition goals or managing chronic conditions, digital tools have become a common and often helpful part of the equation for managing your health. For many, these apps can be motivating, informative and empowering. However, as the number of available health apps continues to grow, these tools can start to feel more complicated to manage than expected.

According to a recent MD Live by Evernorth survey, many consumers are juggling multiple health apps at once, often spending significant time responding to alerts, logging information and trying to interpret their data. In fact, more than half of Americans feel there are too many health apps to keep track of, and 45% report feeling “burnt out” on a weekly basis just from trying to stay on top of logging information in their apps.

“Most people download health apps with good intentions, but managing too many tools at once can quickly become overwhelming,” says Dr. Maggie Williams, medical director of primary care at MD Live by Evernorth. “When that happens, it’s important to recognize when helpful technology starts to feel more like a source of stress than support.”

If you’re unsure whether your health apps are supporting your goals or working against them, here are three signs it may be time to rethink your digital health routine:

1. You’re tracking, but not acting on it: From sleep, calories and blood pressure to steps, heart rate and hydration, the list of tracking tools is endless, and can add up quickly. While health data can be insightful, collecting too much of it at once can make it harder to see what actually matters. If you find yourself logging numbers often but feeling unsure what to do with them, your apps may be leaving you feeling more stuck than empowered. Instead of tracking everything, prioritize the data that directly supports your current health goals and let the rest take a back seat.
2. Managing your apps feels stressful or confusing: Trying out new health apps is common, especially when friends recommend a new tool or a trend goes viral online. But juggling multiple tools — each with its own alerts, notifications and advice — can quickly become overwhelming. When reminders start piling up or conflict with one another, it can be hard to know which ones are important. If you’ve downloaded apps you don’t use, deleted others after a short time or found yourself faced with conflicting information, it may be a sign that it’s time to narrow your focus and rethink which tools truly add value to your routine.
3. Your health apps are interfering with your health goals: Health apps are meant to support healthy habits, not complicate them. If app overload has caused you to miss appointments, abandon goals or feel unsure about next steps, it may be time to simplify. A healthcare provider can help you prioritize what to track, recommend tools that work well together, and create a plan that fits into your daily life.

Managing your health tools shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Rather than abandoning digital tools altogether, consider using fewer tools more purposefully. Virtual care options, such as those available through MD Live by Evernorth, can offer a convenient way to check in with a board-certified doctor, ask questions about your health data, and get clarity on next steps without unnecessary delays.

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing your health,” said Dr. Williams. “Health tools can be incredibly useful, but when they’re used intentionally and with the right guidance, they’re more likely to have a meaningful difference on your well-being.”

2026-03-09T14:31:00

(BPT) – For the 11 million Americans living with angina, chronic chest pain caused by a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle can touch every aspect of daily life.¹ From relationships to careers and mental wellbeing, angina’s impact extends far beyond its physical symptoms.² For many, medicines and/or a procedure to clear blocked arteries makes a difference. But for others, symptoms persist. If you or someone you love is experiencing chronic, recurring angina symptoms, understanding your options — including those being explored as part of clinical research — can help you take an active role in addressing this debilitating condition for yourself or for a loved one.

Understanding Angina: More Than Just Chest Pain

Angina pain is often a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), when plaque buildup occurs in the arteries supplying the oxygen-rich blood to the heart, forcing it to work harder than it should.¹ Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest, pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back, or shortness of breath.³

Beyond physical symptoms, people with recurring, severe angina face more frequent hospital visits and healthcare costs that can double compared to those without the condition.⁴ Nearly half (45%) of people experiencing angina report episodes as extremely or moderately debilitating, with many expressing concerns about their future health.² These issues underscore the urgent need for new treatment options.

When Standard Options Aren’t Enough

While medicines and a procedure to clear blocked arteries can successfully ease symptoms, 20-40% of patients continue to experience angina after revascularization, and roughly 50% continue their symptoms after medical therapy.^5,6

Clinical Research Study is Evaluating a Potential New Option

For those with recurring, chronic angina, the COSIRA II trial is currently enrolling participants in sites across the U.S.

The trial is designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an investigational device for treatment of recurring, chronic angina in adults who continue to have symptoms, such as chest pain, chest pressure, or tightness, despite taking at least three medicines at the maximum doses they can tolerate.

“For people living with chronic, recurring angina who continue to experience symptoms despite medications or procedures to clear blocked arteries, clinical trials like COSIRA II can provide an important opportunity to explore innovative therapies that could help ease symptoms and improve patient outcomes,” said Dr. Timothy Henry, Co-Principal Investigator of the COSIRA II Clinical Trial and Medical Director of the Carl and Edyth Lindner Center For Research And Education, Christ Hospital, Cincinnati. “If you or someone you love continues to struggle with angina symptoms, I encourage you to talk to your doctor about all available treatment options, including whether a clinical trial might be right for you.”

The COSIRA II Trial is Currently Enrolling

Living with chronic, recurrent angina can feel overwhelming, but expert support can help guide your health journey. If you are interested in learning whether the COSIRA II trial might be right for you or a loved one, you can talk to your doctor or visit the COSIRA II Clinical Trial Website (Shockwave Medical, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech) to see trial locations and get more information.

CAUTION—Investigational Device. Limited by US Law to Investigational Use.

1. Agho, A. V., Disu, F., Figueroa, A. S., Wiredu, B., Okorigba, E. M., Olanite, M., Okobi, O. E., & Noman, T. (2025). Prevalence of angina pectoris: An analysis of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) database. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12116826/.
2. BJCardio editorial team. (2008, July). New data highlight burden of sub-optimal management of angina. The British Journal of Cardiology, 15(3), 191–194.
3. Mayo Clinic. Angina. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373. Accessed October 2025.
4. Kempf, J., et al. (2011). Health resource utilization and direct costs associated with angina for patients with coronary artery disease in a US managed care setting. American Health & Drug Benefits, 4(6).
5. Crea, F., et al. (2019). Mechanisms and diagnostic evaluation of persistent or recurrent angina following percutaneous coronary revascularization. European Heart Journal, 40(29), 2455–2462.
6. Singh A. (2024 Oct). European Heart Journal, 28; 45 (Supplement_1): ehae666.1457

SPL-78928 Rev. A.

2026-03-06T06:03:00

(BPT) – March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to take a closer look at your health and identify small ways to improve your routine. Supporting your wellness with balanced, nutrient-rich meals can help you feel your best all day long.

This may sound intimidating, but you don’t have to overhaul your life to build a more nutritious routine with healthier habits. Making small changes to your daily meals can make a meaningful difference in how you feel each day. To get you started, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares five simple, practical tips to help you build a better daily routine that supports steady nourishment and overall wellness.

Cut back on added sugars and refined ingredients

Have you ever experienced a sugar crash? This drop in energy can throw your day off, leaving you feeling fatigued and distracted, making it harder to power through your to-do list. Highly refined, sugary foods digest quickly, causing blood sugar to rise fast and then fall just as quickly. You don’t have to eliminate these foods completely, but choosing whole, nutrient-dense options more often can help maintain steady energy so you can stay focused on work, errands and family time.

When a sugar craving hits, try Greek yogurt topped with berries, nuts and a few dark chocolate chips to provide long-lasting energy thanks to its balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats.

Boost nutrition with simple ingredient swaps

Making smarter, healthier choices to improve your nutrition doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite meals. Instead, look for simple ingredient swaps that boost the nutrition of meals you already love.

For example, the next time you’re cooking pasta, pick up a box of high-protein, high-fiber pasta made of lentils or chickpeas instead of your regular white flour noodles. If you’re sauteing veggies, reach for olive or avocado oil instead of butter. Instead of making sour cream dip, opt for low-fat Greek yogurt for your mix. Not only are these swaps simple, but they’re also tasty!

Keep nutritious snacks on hand

Busy days often lead to grabbing whatever snack is closest, but planning ahead and keeping nutritious snacks on hand can make it easier to make better-for-you choices. Having nourishing snacks readily available can help you stay productive and avoid energy dips throughout the day.

Aim for snacks that combine protein with fiber-rich carbohydrates to promote lasting energy. Convenient options include: hard-boiled eggs and whole grain crackers, edamame and orange slices, or a cheese stick and an apple.

Add color to your plate

Did you know that the different colors of produce provide different nutritional benefits? According to Harvard Health, fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients, which give produce its rich colors and offer a wide range of health benefits. When building your plate, aim to include at least two different-colored fruits or vegetables.

Adding multiple colors to each meal helps you cover a broader range of beneficial nutrients, without overthinking it. Plus, produce is naturally hydrating, which can support better energy throughout the day.

Meal prep nutrient-packed breakfasts

Use the weekend to prepare easy, nutrient-packed breakfasts for the week ahead. A make-ahead breakfast built with wholesome ingredients can help set a positive tone for the entire day. Start by testing out this Vegetarian Egg Casserole made with Eggland’s Best eggs, for a convenient and nourishing way to kick off a productive week.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, which supports energy production inside your cells. Eggland’s Best eggs are also an excellent source of Vitamin B5, which helps release energy from the carbs, fats and protein you eat.

Vegetarian Egg Casserole

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Yield: 6

Ingredients

• 10 Eggland’s Best eggs, Large
• 14 ounces ground vegetarian sausage
• 3/4 cup finely diced zucchini
• 1 finely diced red bell pepper
• 3/4 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese (Feel free to use any kind of white cheese that you like. Mozzarella, parmesan or muenster would work well.)
• Optional: fresh chopped herbs

Instructions

1. In a large cast iron skillet, cook vegetarian sausage for about 5 minutes until it is cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add in the zucchini, bell pepper and celery and sauté for another 3 minutes. Note: if your sausage is very low-fat, you may need to add in a tablespoon of olive oil so the sausage and veggies do not stick to the pan.
3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, onion powder and black pepper.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour the egg mixture over the sausage/veggie mix.
5. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and top the eggs with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through.
7. Enjoy!

Pro tip: For meal prep, allow cooling before freezing. (Keeps well in the freezer for up to three months.) Alternatively, you can also skip baking and store the prepped casserole in the fridge, covered, until ready to bake. Store in fridge for up to five days.

Fueling your day doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on small, sustainable habits, you can support steady energy and overall wellness throughout National Nutrition Month and beyond. To find more energizing recipes and nutrition tips, visit EgglandsBest.com.