XMWare

2026-09-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – Fall has a way of inspiring a fresh start at home and motivating you to dive into all kinds of projects. From swapping out your wardrobe and closet cleanouts to decorating, DIY projects and even a big move, a seasonal reset can feel exciting. With packed fall schedules, finding simple, low-stress ways to get it all done can make a big difference. A few clever shortcuts can help save time, cut down on extra supplies and make bigger projects feel much more manageable.

One MVP in your cleanup kit might surprise you: Hefty^® Ultra Strong™ Large Trash Bags. Their large 30-gallon capacity makes them a convenient go-to for bulky, heavy or oversized items that come with big cleanup jobs, like moving, decluttering, garage organization or home improvement — and they’re available in a variety of fresh scents like Fabuloso^® Lavender.

This fall, embrace these big cleanup moments with helpful tips from the experts at Hefty^®.

Storage hacks for your fall closet reset

As fall approaches, it’s time to make room for the bulkier winter clothes about to take over your closet. Pack summer outfits into a Hefty Ultra Strong Large Black Trash Bag, then use a vacuum to suck out the extra air and tape the bag closed. This DIY vacuum-seal hack helps compress clothes, so they take up less storage space while also keeping them covered and protected from dust until it’s warm again.

For hanging clothes, don’t bother taking everything off the hangers. Keep 5-10 items together, cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag, and slide the hanger hooks through. Pull the bag over the clothes and tie it closed at the bottom. When it’s time to unpack or switch your wardrobe again, simply hang the whole bundle back up.

Pro tip: When the summer months roll back around, reverse the closet reset and use the same hack to compress and store your bulky winter clothes until next season. These closet hacks are great for moving, too!

Think beyond the box on moving day

Whether you’re moving into your first dorm, upgrading to a new apartment or getting the keys to your first home, moving marks an exciting new chapter, but can easily be a stressful event. Hefty Ultra Strong Large Trash Bags offer an easy alternative to boxes for soft, bulky items like bedding, towels, pillows and clothing.

Unlike boxes, bags are easier to fit into open spaces in a car or moving truck, making it possible to maximize the room you have. For a dorm move, they also mean fewer empty boxes to immediately get rid of while you’re trying to unpack and settle into a small space.

Keeping a few large trash bags on hand can also be useful during those final hours of packing, when there always seems to be one more item that needs somewhere to go. Instead of running out to get another box, you already have an easy packing solution ready.

Pro tip: Once you’re unpacked, put the bags to work again for move-in cleanup or use them to store bulky, off-season clothes and bedding.

Make your closet purge easier to sort

Reach for Hefty Ultra Strong Large Trash Bags to sort and organize clothing, shoes and any other items as you clean out closets throughout your home. These large, sturdy bags make it easier to pack and transport bulky items, whether they’re headed to a clothing exchange, consignment shop or another destination.

Pro tip: Give yourself three categories before you start: keep/store, donate or sell. Having a designated bag ready for each category keeps the cleanout moving and prevents second-guessing.

Conquer the post-party mess

The party may be over, but cleanup doesn’t have to put a damper on the fun. Keep Hefty Ultra Strong Large Trash Bags handy so bottles, cups, decorations and other party waste can go in one place. With a little planning before guests arrive, you can make the end-of-night cleanup even easier.

Pro tip: Put bags near high-traffic spots, like the snack table or drink station, before guests arrive so cleanup happens as the party goes instead of all at once when the night ends.

Celebrate your creativity without the cleanup chaos

DIY projects are a great way to express your creativity and refresh your space for the season without breaking the bank. But they can also get messy fast. Keeping Hefty Ultra Strong Large Trash Bags nearby can help contain scraps, packaging, dirt and debris as you work.

No drop cloth? No problem! Cut open and spread a large trash bag beneath your workspace to help catch debris while painting, repotting plants, crafting or tackling other home projects. When finished, simply roll up your makeshift trash bag “drop cloth” with the mess inside for a quick cleanup.

Pro tip: For larger projects, overlap multiple trash bags to create a wider protective surface.

Put a fresh, feel-good spin on cleanup

Taking out the trash may never top your favorite-things-to-do list, but that doesn’t mean the routine can’t get a small upgrade. Hefty Ultra Strong Large Trash Bags come in scents like Fabuloso Lavender, White Pine Breeze, Fabuloso Watermelon and Fabuloso Peach. Pick a scent that fits your space and bring a little freshness to an everyday chore.

However you’re updating your space this fall, a few clever shortcuts can make the process easier from start to finish. With less time spent managing the mess, you’ll have more time to enjoy the clean, organized space you created. Find the right versatile solution for your next big cleanup project at Hefty.com.

2026-09-15T07:01:00

(BPT) – During this time of major technological upheaval and uncertainty, many have concerns about what the AI evolution means for the U.S. job market. For leading AI Builder and technology services provider Cognizant, the key to growing the economy lies in focusing on the American worker. In fact, the company’s research finds that AI could unlock $4.5 trillion in U.S. labor productivity and $1 trillion in additional U.S. economic value over the next decade.

“We believe AI will create significantly more jobs than it displaces, and shifts greater value, wages and accountability to the frontlines of America’s workforce,” said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. “The opportunity now is to build those pathways quickly, so American workers and enterprises capture that value first.”

Building on that belief, Cognizant is taking steps to ensure that more U.S. jobs — and job training — is in line with the needs of the future.

Hiring new college grads for the AI era

This year, Cognizant is hiring 1,500 U.S. college graduates from across the country to fill newly created AI-era jobs in the company.

To find these new employees, Cognizant is drawing on partnerships with the University of Georgia, Arizona State University and the University of Kentucky, as well as its role as a national program sponsor of registered apprenticeships with the U.S. Department of Labor.

“We’re hiring American graduates and standing up new American job categories specifically for the AI era,” added Kumar.

The new roles the company has created and is currently hiring for include Frontier Certified Engineer (FCE) and Frontier Business Operator (FBO), which are both part of Cognizant’s AI-era professional job family.

• FCEs work directly with client organizations to reimagine and realign business processes for today’s AI-enabled environment. FCEs will specialize in rethinking how work gets done, identifying where AI can reshape operations, eliminate friction and create lasting competitive advantage. The FCE role requires both strategic thinking and technical fluency, making it one of the most consequential pivot points into the AI-era workforce.
• FBOs take an equally critical approach. Tasked with taking full ownership of operational results, they’ll manage a blended workforce of human and digital labor including deploying AI agents, automation and human judgment in concert to drive business outcomes.

More simply put: Where Frontier Certified Engineers redesign the map, Frontier Business Operators navigate it in real time.

Cognizant is building a leading enterprise AI implementation position among frontier AI providers, and American workers trained in these roles get direct access to the tools defining the AI era. Cognizant holds more than 15,000 Claude certifications, the most of any Anthropic partner globally, and 5,000 Codex certifications, as one of a small group of global OpenAI Codex partners while Google Cloud is expanding its Gemini Enterprise partnership with Cognizant around Frontier Certified Engineers and scaled client execution.

Just how effective is Frontier AI capability?

The company’s new approach and groundbreaking roles are already delivering impressive measurable results for real-world clients. A Frontier Certified Engineer and Frontier Business Operator pod recently reimagined a large food-service company’s account-management workflow into 17 production AI agents.

The result? The effort reclaimed roughly 11 hours per account manager each week.

Committing to the future

In addition to creating, hiring and training for new roles to meet the moment, Cognizant has joined RAISE US, a new bipartisan national coalition. Ravi Kumar S sits on its Advisory Board alongside leaders from Amazon, Anthropic, Bank of America, IBM, Microsoft and the OpenAI Foundation.

Furthering its commitment to training the workforce of the future, Cognizant’s global Synapse skilling initiative has already surpassed its original goal of training one million people a full year ahead of schedule, prompting the company to double its ambition to train two million people by 2030.

“The AI economy will be built by people who know how to work with AI, not by AI alone,” said Kumar. “Cognizant is proving that at scale, in American classrooms, on American campuses and inside American statehouses, and we intend to keep leading.”

Learn more about how Cognizant intends to help grow the technology workforce through direct investment in the American training infrastructure at Cognizant.ai.

2026-09-14T10:01:00

(BPT) – Diarrhea in pets has a way of showing up at the worst possible time, leaving pet parents scrambling for answers and unsure whether to wait it out or call the vet. It’s one of the most common reasons pets feel under the weather, and it’s not always obvious what will actually help.

Ahead of National Cat & Dog Gut Health Awareness Day on September 21, Purina Veterinary Nutritionist Martha Cline, DVM, DACVIM, shares some tips on what pet parents should know about easing their pet’s tummy troubles as soon as possible and keeping their gut healthy so it’s less likely to happen again.

What’s causing your pet’s diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a common complaint in both dogs and cats, with a wide range of potential causes, but there are two common culprits: diet and stress. A sudden food switch, a change in routine, new construction noise, or even a new pet or baby in the house can all play a role.

3 ways to help your pet feel better

1. Slowly introduce new foods

“If you’ve recently introduced a new food, it might not be sitting well with your cat or dog,” said Dr. Cline. “A slower introduction, or mixing it with their usual food, can help their stomach adjust.” If your pet’s diet has not changed, a temporary switch to a highly digestible or fiber-enhanced diet may help. Confirm with your vet before making any changes.

2. Provide a quiet environment

If things have been chaotic at home lately, give your pet a way to reset. For cats, that could be a place to escape the hustle and bustle, like a cozy hideaway or a special box of their own. Dogs tend to do best when sticking closely to their routine. Extra one-on-one attention and a chew toy can also help burn off nervous energy.

3. Consider a supplement

For extra support, skip the human medicine cabinet and stick to supplements designed specifically for pets.

“The best supplements for pets are created in collaboration with veterinarians with expertise in health and nutrition,” said Dr. Cline.

FortiFlora Diarrhea Response Kit for pets (dogs; cats) with occasional diarrhea from Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements is one option. Developed by Purina scientists, it pairs FortiFlora Response stick packs for short-term use to help firm loose stools with FortiFlora sachets — the No. 1 vet-recommended probiotic brand to support digestive health*, no prescription required. FortiFlora Response stick packs contain kaolin and pectin to soothe the GI tract during times of loose stool, and come in an easy-to-mix, liver-flavored powder you can pour right into your pet’s bowl.

“Diarrhea can be difficult for pets and pet parents, but having a plan takes a lot of stress out of it,” said Dr. Cline. “Keeping something like the FortiFlora Diarrhea Response Kit on hand means you’re ready no matter when it strikes.”

Additional signs to watch for

It helps to note how long the diarrhea lasts and any other symptoms that show up. These details can point to whether there’s a bigger issue.

“If you notice vomiting, changes in appetite or energy, or diarrhea that isn’t improving or worsens within 72 hours, it’s time to call your veterinarian,” added Dr. Cline.

2026-09-14T08:01:01

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Sandwich generation caregivers are challenged with care, costs and concerns for two generations simultaneously.
• The stress of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s is at a higher intensity and longer period than other situations, but also brings joy and connection with loved ones.
• Dementia caregivers need professional caregiver help to understand the neurodegeneration and progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases, and to help with their own burnout.
• Professional in-home caregiver services from Comfort Keepers provides older adults with expert care, helping adult daughters or sons with a trusted partner so they can have breaks, and spend more quality time and make joyful memories with their parent.

By Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and Comfort Keepers spokesperson

If you are a caregiver who belongs to the sandwich generation, you are performing a delicate balancing act: caring for children and older parents, maybe while also working. You stretch your time, energy and emotional resources thin and have little time for “me time” or self-care. The good news is, while caregiving can be disruptive, it is also one of the most powerful expressions of love. The key is finding ways to connect joyfully with aging parents, and being proactive in getting help so you can enjoy your time together.

According to the 2026 National Day of Joy survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers, 93% of aging adults say being cared for by an adult son or daughter has brought them closer together, and 96% of caregivers in the sandwich generation say family comes first. The strength of these familial bonds is clear, but that does not mean you do not need support as you try to meet the needs of your children, your parents and yourself.

These pressures can become even more intense and complex when a parent is living with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or another progressive, degenerative condition. Studies have found the intensity of dementia caregiving creates more stress, anxiety and depression, and these caregivers spend twice as long in their caregiving role. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia caregiving is an average of 9 years versus 4.5 years for other types of family caregiving. Caregiving becomes a marathon, not a sprint, creating the need for professional help to maintain your physical and mental energy.

How do I maintain my well-being while caring for my aging parent?

Caring for yourself is one of the biggest challenges for family caregivers. The additional time needed to care for someone with dementia or a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s while maintaining work-life balance and raising children makes the sandwich generation dementia caregiver sacrifice their own social, emotional and physical health. You may also be burdened with the stigma of diseases that affect the brain and avoid social interactions and conversations. Thus, you feel all alone.

This isolation means many adult children carry the entire caregiving burden alone, and feel they cannot or should not ask for help. Time is spent on physical and administrative caregiving tasks like tracking medical appointments, administering medications, managing insurance paperwork, getting groceries and prepping meals. What gets lost are the small moments of joy that really matter: enjoying a meal together, looking at old photos or sharing common interests like music, nature or crafts that create quality of life for the older parent and the adult daughter or son.

To help sandwich generation caregivers get back to what matters most, here are common myths around caregiving, and approaches that help families thrive.

Myth No. 1: Mom or Dad is safe, so everything is OK.

Reality: Quality of life matters, too. Caregiving is not just about physical tasks and safety such as doctor appointments, preventing harmful falls and personal care. Social health and avoiding loneliness are equally important. Companionship, favorite routines and activities, conversation and sharing moments of joy help an older adult and the family caregiver feel connected and engaged.

Myth No. 2: I should be able to handle this myself.

Reality: Caregiver burnout is real. Creating your care team is critical. Many adult children assume care responsibilities gradually, until you are spending 20-40 hours of week on care tasks. This can lead to burnout and can negatively impact your relationship with your parent. Professional caregivers, such as the in-home care specialists at Comfort Keepers, can become a part of your family’s care team before a crisis happens. With this professional help, you can take breaks to recharge and practice needed self-care, so you can be more focused on the emotional needs instead of the medical needs of your loved one.

Myth No. 3: We will get help when we really need it.

Reality: Getting help before your parent’s care reaches a crisis can make the caregiving journey easier for everyone. Progressive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s can affect memory, communication, mobility, mood, personality, daily routines and eventually activities of daily living such as eating, hydrating, getting dressed or bathing. Planning ahead gives families time to have necessary conversations about long-term care, find the right professional caregiver, establish familiar routines and create a care plan that can evolve along with their parent’s needs and a family’s finances.

Myth No. 4: Every visit needs to be productive.

Reality: Sometimes the most important thing is simply being your parent’s son or daughter. Professional caregiving can take some everyday responsibilities off your shoulders, so your time with your parent is not always consumed by errands, household tasks and caregiving duties. By being “present,” you enhance the emotional health of your parent and yourself.

How can I keep my relationship with my aging parent intact?

Caring for a parent with dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is emotionally difficult for family caregivers. Alzheimer’s adults may forget your name or who you are, and they may become combative and physically lash out, especially if experiencing sundowning. A son or daughter of someone with Parkinson’s realizes they may have frightening hallucinations and nightmares. All of this occurs in addition to their declining physical and cognitive abilities.

The Comfort Keepers survey reveals that daily joy for aging adults is rooted in the connection found in everyday life moments: sitting outside, enjoying morning coffee or engaging in meaningful hobbies such as reading, gardening, crafts and music. These moments foster consistency, independence and a sense of purpose. And they give the family caregiver a moment of calm in the midst of chaos.

For someone living with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, these activities may need to be adapted as the condition progresses. A familiar song from their past, a simplified gardening activity, a short walk or time spent looking through family photographs can offer connection, comfort and a sense of purpose. The goal is not necessarily to do things exactly as before, but to find meaningful ways to meet the person where they are today.

For adult children, joy is found in everyday connection with aging parents. The survey also found nearly 3 in 4 (72%) say simple conversations bring the most joy, followed by sharing meals (68%) and helping provide care for them (67%). A whopping 95% of adult children agree older adults play an important role in creating joy within their families.

Where do I start looking for a caregiver?

Comfort Keepers understands the challenges families face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, particularly as their needs change. Specially trained caregivers can help them continue living safely and meaningfully at home through personalized care, familiar routines, companionship and activities tailored to their interests and abilities. Comfort Keepers can also educate families about their changing needs and provide support that engages them physically, mentally and emotionally.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home services like:

• Personal care
• Companionship
• Medication reminders
• Family respite care
• Comfort360™: A Complete Circle of Care

You do not have to choose between being a good parent, partner, employee and caregiver as you juggle your roles. Professional caregiving can help you remain your parent’s daughter or son first. Getting professional caregiver help from Comfort Keepers means better quality of life for your parent and for yourself.

Learn more about support for your loved one at ComfortKeepers.com.

2026-09-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Since AI entered the workplace, organizations are changing fast, and their teams can’t keep up. Nearly three-quarters of frontline workers surveyed report experiencing skill gaps, according to a recent McKinsey survey, and those gaps are bound to widen as AI accelerates the pace and volume of product innovation and process changes. The pressure to close that gap often falls on the teams who build training for customer-facing roles — sales enablement, customer success, support, IT, Product Marketing and operations — and the L&D teams whose resources are being stretched to their limits.

It’s why a growing number of companies are turning to Articulate, whose AI-powered platform is built to help customer-facing teams create training to help build their skills in the era of constant, rapid change.

“You can’t buy the training that matters most to your business off a shelf. It’s specific to your products, your customers, your way of working,” said Monika Saha, Chief Commercial Officer at Articulate. “For most businesses, that kind of proprietary training has always been the hardest to get right and the fastest to go stale, and AI has only shortened its shelf life. That’s what we’re making easier to build and maintain.”

A platform built for every team

Articulate is the market-leading platform for building proprietary workplace training. Its newest release extends that capability in two directions. Nova, an AI agent built into Articulate 360 and backed by 20+ years of learning science, gives L&D teams more range. Frontline brings the same learning science and quality standards to teams across the business.

Frontline is built for the teams closest to the customer. It empowers sales enablement leaders, support managers and more to build training directly. Those teams can build their own training while still operating within the standards L&D already set, including brand guidelines and governance.

Nova is an AI agent that handles complex workflows that used to span multiple applications, including multi-format translation, AI-avatar video and training kit generation. Each is grounded in instructional design principles, turning information across the business into training that people can learn, retain and apply. Nova is built into every eligible Articulate 360 subscription.

New enterprise integrations connect Articulate to the tools teams already use, from source material through publishing: pulling content from Google Drive and OneDrive, and launching training creation directly from Claude, ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot. On the publishing end, teams can publish training directly to Thinkific in one click, or use Connected Packages.

As organizations rethink how they prepare employees for a rapidly changing workplace, the focus is shifting from simply adopting AI to helping people grow with it. By combining their deep expertise in learning science and what’s possible with AI, Articulate is helping build a workforce ready for whatever comes next.