XMWare

2026-02-06T14:11:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, providing a timely reminder that there are many ways to support your heart health. Living a more heart-healthy lifestyle is easier than you might think, and it often comes down to small, everyday choices that can add up to improved well-being.

To help you make healthier habits part of your routine, Registered Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner shares easy-to-manage tips designed to optimize your heart health this February, and for the long haul.

1. Manage daily stress through simple practices

Stress is a part of everyday life, but small, intentional practices can help manage it more effectively. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, spending time outdoors and taking regular breaks from screens can support overall well-being. Practices like deep breathing, meditation and yoga have been shown to help lower blood pressure and stabilize your heart rate.

2. Stay active in ways you enjoy

While you may think you have to spend hours at the gym using various machines to be fit, being active does not have to be complicated. Any form of movement can provide benefits, especially when it fits naturally into your day. Walking, stretching or participating in social activities like group walks can make it easier to stay consistent over time. Finding activities you enjoy can help make movement feel like a regular part of your routine rather than a chore.

3. Focus on small, sustainable habits

Rather than making drastic changes all at once, starting with small, achievable habits — like taking the stairs, drinking more water or choosing a balanced meal during the workweek — can be easier to maintain over time.

“Choose a couple of these things to try, repeating them until they become a natural part of your routine,” said Blatner. “This approach can help you see a lasting improvement for your heart health and overall wellness.”

4. Start each day with a nutrient-dense breakfast

Beginning the day with a balanced, nutrient-rich breakfast can help support heart health from the very first meal. Choosing foods that provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients can help fuel your body and support overall wellness. Eggland’s Best eggs provide more of the nutrients people need in their daily diet, including Omega-3s and Vitamin D, to help support heart health.

“Eggland’s Best eggs also have 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs,” said Blatner. “A diet lower in saturated fat supports healthier cholesterol levels.”

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12, ten times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s superior nutrition is due to its proprietary all-vegetarian hen feed that contains healthy grains, canola oil and a wholesome supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp and Vitamin E.

Eggland’s Best continues to be a proud national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good™ movement, which encourages people to take small steps every day to build lifelong healthy habits for themselves and for their families.

Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms

Prep Time: 5 mins; Cook Time: 35 mins; Yield: 6 servings; Serving Size: 2

Ingredients

• 7 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large)
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 tablespoon canola or corn oil
• 1 onion (yellow preferred), finely chopped
• 1 (8-ounce) package sliced white mushrooms
• 1 (6.4-ounce) package frozen, nitrate-free turkey sausage links (thawed, chopped)
• 1/4 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded, fat-free cheddar cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
2. In a medium nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the onions and mushrooms for 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, warm the turkey sausage according to package directions. Chop the turkey into bite-size pieces. Stir into the onion mixture until well blended. Spoon into the muffin cups.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin cups. Top with the Cheddar.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly. To easily remove the muffins from the pan, run a knife around the edges of each muffin.

Find more health tips, recipes and products at EgglandsBest.com.

2026-02-02T13:51:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• George Washington reportedly couldn’t tell a lie, but can you tell fact from fiction about this president?
• Washington was more soft-spoken and less truthful than you might expect.
• Read on for facts about his life, decisions, offspring — or lack thereof — and death.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this year, award-winning author Stephen Yoch’s research has revealed several interesting facts about President George Washington.

1. Washington was strong in stature, weak in voice

There are many well-known paintings of Washington. The museum at Mount Vernon displays a painstakingly accurate facial reconstruction to definitively show his appearance during his lifetime. He was quite tall at 6 foot 3 inches (which makes him equivalent to 6 foot 9 inches today), but he lacked the commanding voice one might expect from a military leader.

“We all imagine Washington as a strapping guy who had a voice to match,” said Yoch. “But Washington suffered from pleurisy — a viral infection that causes an inflammation in the lining of the lungs — as a child and because of this he spoke in a high, weak and breathy voice.”

Washington’s contemporaries often described him as soft-spoken. Yoch says this undoubtedly came from this high voice and his teeth, which gave him the habit of keeping his mouth closed to hide their appearance and the bad breath that comes with tooth decay.

As is often the case with past presidents, Washington would have struggled in the modern era. “Certainly his dental problems could be corrected,” said Yoch, “but his quiet demeanor and high voice would not have played well in our modern 24/7 news cycle.”

2. Is it a fact that Washington couldn’t tell a lie?

One of the great legends of the nation’s first president was created by biographer Parson Weems. In his account, George Washington chops down a cherry tree and later admits the act to his father, claiming he “cannot tell a lie.” According to author Stephen Yoch, not only is this story made up, but it’s also in direct contrast to young Washington’s behavior.

Yoch says there’s a pattern throughout Washington’s life of claiming victory but blaming others for defeat. “It’s difficult for many people to accept this reality given the legend concocted by Parson Weems relating to the Cherry Tree,” says Yoch. “But the truth that Washington lied and blamed others for his own failure is irrefutable. His lies and willingness to blame others moved his military career forward.”

3. Washington’s worst decision nearly spelled disaster for the Revolution

George Washington was indispensable in the Revolution. Without him, the army may not have achieved victory. His willingness to repeatedly give up power — including the return of his commission to Congress and later stepping down as President — makes him one of the most laudable figures in world history.

Yet, Washington made a catastrophic blunder, appointing Benedict Arnold as the commander of American forces in Philadelphia. Arnold was placed in charge of a city locked in turmoil and led by radicals that opposed the Continental Army. This act, as much as any other, could have meant the failure of the Revolution and Washington’s death, if not for Washington’s luck.

Washington would say “the hand of providence” saved him from his worst mistake and Arnold’s plot was foiled.

4. The father of our country had no children of his own

By the time the Revolution ended, the “father of our country” was father to no one. In a draft of Washington’s first inaugural address, he wrote: “Divine providence hath not seen fit that my blood should be transmitted, or my name perpetuated by the enduring, though sometimes seducing, channel of immediate offspring. I have no child for whom I could wish to make a provision — no family to build in greatness upon my country’s ruins.”

As Yoch notes, “This may have been a fortunate happenstance, as many called for him to be America’s new king. His lack of children allowed him to truly act in the country’s best interests and sealed his legacy as ‘first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'”

5. Did Washington die peacefully?

After a life of action and harrowing battles, George Washington died peacefully in his bed at Mount Vernon. Or so many school children are taught. In reality, the nation’s first president died a slow and bloody death that was far from a pleasant end of life.

Yoch says the founding father was a lifelong believer in “bleeding” (removing blood) as a medical treatment to balance body humors. “Because of this, Washington and his physicians virtually guaranteed his death by excessive bleeding,” explained Yoch.

For more information on George Washington’s life as well as the life of other historical figures like Benedict Arnold, visit Yoch.com.

Historical fiction writer Stephen Yoch is based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of “Becoming George Washington” and “Becoming Benedict Arnold.”

2026-02-06T14:35:00

(BPT) – Date night doesn’t have to mean reservations, candles or a big production. Sometimes all it takes is a small twist to make a familiar night in feel fresh again.

A fresh take on date night

Date night is being reimagined, with staying in creating space for something different. With less pressure to perform, there’s more room to play, experiment and enjoy rituals that don’t always fit into a traditional night out.

In moments like these, date night doesn’t need more time or more effort. It just needs a spark. A small twist on the familiar, a little experimentation and a bottle that fits the mood can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Start with one of these ideas and see where the night takes you.

Ready-made date night plans

Partner portraits

Channel your inner Picasso as you grab some paper and sketch each other, talent optional. With results usually more silly than serious, it’s a playful, low-pressure way to break the ice and reset into date-night mode. Chardonnay from Bonterra Organic Estates, known for its commitment to organic farming, is a deliciously crowd-pleasing pour that keeps things light and lets the evening build a little spark of its own.

Turn up the heat

A little heat has a way of changing up the vibe. One of the simplest ways to spice up date night is with a Spicy Sauvy B, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle kick from a few slices of jalapeño or spiced rim. Bright, zesty, and unexpected, it wakes up the glass and brings instant lift to the moment. Bonterra California Sauvignon Blanc has the freshness and balance to make this twist feel anything but routine.

Spontaneous stargazing

Grab a blanket, step outside, and look up. Under a glittering night sky, crisp air sharpens the senses and shifts the mood, turning an ordinary night into something quietly electric. Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon brings bold flavor with notes of berry and spice, a natural companion for a date night that’s cozy, connected, and just a little charged.

Whether it’s sketching across the table, stepping outside under the stars or adding a little spice to a familiar pour, these moments invite connection without pressure. That’s where Bonterra fits in, making it easy to turn any evening into something worth lingering over.

Date nights in don’t need a big plan. They thrive on small twists, playful moments and the kind of rituals that linger. When the mood is right, even a simple night in can feel perfectly, unmistakably right for two.

For more information, visit bonterra.com.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2026-02-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – Power outages have always been part of life, but today they are lasting longer, happening more frequently and hitting harder in places that once saw little extreme weather.

Severe storms are also knocking out local infrastructure for days or even weeks, exposing the limits of an aging electric grid. At the same time, rising electricity demand from data centers is adding strain, creating a system in which outages are becoming harder to predict and slower to resolve.

Electric customers can’t control storms or aging equipment, but they can control how exposed their household is when the power grid fails.

Backup power is evolving

For a long time, backup power meant a clunky gas generator and a plan to keep only a few essentials running. That image doesn’t match homes today, where critical electrical needs spread across the entire house and its devices. Whole-home backup batteries are emerging as a more resilient approach, designed to power the home as a whole and manage it intelligently.

This shift extends beyond emergencies to bring greater control and clearer insight into energy use. A 2025 research study found that 60% of U.S. households are interested in tools like smart appliances and energy-efficient products to monitor and reduce energy use. Electricity prices have climbed, and homeowners want visibility into where power is going and how to lower the bill. Whole-home backup, especially when paired with solar and smart controls, can provide those insights.

A new kind of smart whole-home backup

Instead of outdoor generators and a tangle of extension cords, more homeowners are turning to battery-based systems that can keep their entire home running and, in some cases, work alongside rooftop solar.

EcoFlow is one of the companies responding to that reality. Its DELTA Pro Ultra X is an easy-to-install, whole-home backup power station that can work alongside solar, battery storage and generators, offering homeowners a powerful alternative when the grid goes down. With a capacity that scales to days of backup power, the system is built to support extended outages rather than short interruptions. When paired with EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel 3, it can switch over from grid power in a matter of milliseconds, and automatically adjust how energy is sourced and used as conditions change.

The real upgrade is control at the device level

EcoFlow is addressing another familiar smart-home problem: nothing “talks” to anything else. Many battery systems still manage outages at the circuit level, which can force unwanted tradeoffs when every watt matters. For example, if a kitchen circuit includes both a main refrigerator and a wine fridge, you may want the main refrigerator running and the wine fridge shut down. However, circuit-only control can’t make that distinction.

“We’re entering a new era of home energy, one where independence depends on systems and devices working together, not in silos,” said Jenny Zhang, President of EcoFlow’s Residential Business. “Our goal is to lay the interoperable foundation homeowners need to manage energy intelligently, adapt in real time and stay resilient no matter the state of the grid.”

EcoFlow is leaning into this need for granularity with its Smart Home Energy Management System, which coordinates solar generation, home batteries, household circuits and compatible devices onto a single platform. The point is practical control in an emergency, with clearer visibility into where power is going and more flexibility to decide what stays online as conditions change.

To expand that device-level compatibility, EcoFlow and more than 15 other brands have formed the EcoFlow Ecosystem Alliance, an effort to make energy and smart-home gear more interoperable. Homey, part of LG Electronics, recently reached an agreement with EcoFlow to deepen integration between Homey’s Energy Dongle and EcoFlow’s Smart Home Energy Management System.

Preparedness should not feel extreme

Whole-home backup is becoming a practical answer to a simple question: What happens when the grid can’t deliver? For some homeowners, the case is obvious; for everyone else, the combination of aging infrastructure, growing demand and unpredictable disruptions is making the question worth asking before the next outage.

To learn more about EcoFlow’s whole-home backup solutions and the Ecosystem Alliance, visit EcoFlow.com.

2026-02-05T17:31:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Sports fans are looking for game day appetizer ideas to wow their guests for watch parties, tailgating and homegating for the Big Game and beyond.
• Ranch dressing is an increasingly popular choice for fans looking to enhance their game day dips and dunks.
• Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip is perfect for dipping, dunking and drizzling for crowd-pleasers like wings, pizza and Ranch Guacamole Bites (recipe included).

From the Big Game to upcoming winter sports and plenty of heart-pounding soccer action, 2026 could be called the “year of the sports.” To celebrate these thrilling events, sports fans everywhere are searching for tasty recipe ideas for their watch party get-togethers.

And what’s the most important ingredient to add to your game day shopping list? Ranch dressing, of course.

How popular is ranch dressing?

The stats are clear: According to a 2026 Instacart survey, ranch dressing is ordered 53% more often nationwide than the second most popular dip (French onion). Ranch dressing also tops the list of most popular condiments, second only to mayonnaise.

Some suggest that ranch may now be even more popular than beer. While the iconic American dressing keeps getting more popular, drinking is on the downswing. Almost half of Americans planned to drink less last year, a trend that’s especially gaining ground among younger adults.

To commemorate its relative rise in popularity, Litehouse has created a fun “six-pack” for their Ranch Dressing, along with the slogan: “Thanks, Beer, We’ll Take it from Here.” This six-pack makes the perfect vehicle to bring America’s No. 1 Refrigerated Ranch Dressing Brand* to any Big Game gathering.

How can you use ranch for game day appetizers?

Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip is perfect for dipping, dunking and drizzling on easy-to-make crowd favorites including any kind of chips, an array of cut-up veggies and even pizza. Enjoy spicy foods? Ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy contrast to game day MVPs like buffalo chicken wings or bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.

You can also try some of these other options, which all taste even better with ranch:

• Potato skins
• Soft pretzels
• Mozzarella sticks
• Fried pickles
• Stuffed jalapenos
• French fries

Best yet, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch is refrigerated, so it’s always cold and closely mimics that restaurant style ranch dressing flavor that many love. You can find it in grocery stores across the United States in the produce section, right where you’re picking up carrots, celery and other veggies to fill up your snack tray.

2026-02-05T11:15:00

(BPT) – Just as maintaining a smooth golf swing or preparing for competitive winter sports requires precision, timing and consistency, proper car care does too. A golfer knows that every detail, from grip to stance, affects performance, much like a skier fine-tunes every movement on the course. Similarly, your car needs that same attention to detail: regular maintenance, the right tires for the season and a bit of polish to keep it in top form. Whether it’s a finely waxed race ski, a gleaming car engine or a “pre-shot routine” on your next 18-hole endeavor, performance thrives where maintenance meets passion.

As golf events like Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) and international winter sports begin new competitions, Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index Survey takes a fun look at how Americans view the perfect drive.

Winter Driving Deserves Recognition

With international competition top of mind, Americans are weighing in on which driving skills should earn competitive status. Nearly half (44%) of Americans believe driving through snow or ice deserves its own sporting event, given the level of driving precision and requisite ability to navigate inclement weather. Nearly as many Americans (42%) consider parallel parking a worthy driving skill. Much like the biathlon, drivers must be able to glide in smoothly, stop precisely, avoid panicking under pressure and nail the one moment that really counts.

Drivers also want to see tires take on the snow or ice-covered grounds. More than one-quarter of Americans (28%) would want to see a snow-adventure-themed driving event where driver and vehicle compete across a series of winter elements designed to test traction, handling and, of course, speed. One-quarter (25%) of drivers also expressed enthusiasm for a drifting stage, designed to test the limits of car control, where careful throttle or steering inputs on a surface that demands precision and can separate gold-level performance from DNF.

How do everyday drivers compare themselves to the professionals? When it comes to their own competitive abilities, nearly one-fifth of drivers (18%) rate their winter driving skills at an elite level, demonstrating complete confidence in any driving condition. However, the majority (39%) place themselves at a “National Team” level — competent and prepared, but realistic about their limits. Millennial drivers are the most confident, with 22% claiming elite winter driving prowess, compared with just 11% among Boomers.

From the Race Course to the Golf Course

The competitive spirit carries over to the golf course, where driving takes on a different meaning. Most drivers (41%) say their behavior behind the wheel of a golf cart mirrors how they drive a regular car, suggesting that safety-conscious habits often translate from fairways to freeways.

That said, thoughtful “course management” isn’t universal, as nearly one-quarter (24%) admit they play a more aggressive game behind the wheel of a golf cart, pushing higher speeds and braking harder than they’d attempt on the road. A smaller population may benefit from an “all-terrain” option on their cart, as 7% of players venture off the paved path in search of their errant shot, only to get their cart stuck in the process.

A sport defined by centuries-old tradition is now embracing a new era of expression: while a quarter (25%) of drivers still favor classic whitewall tires that mirror golf’s enduring reverence for heritage, nearly as many (23%) are drawn to bold, colorful options — reflecting the influence of modern, high-energy formats like TGL that invite personalization and a more dynamic on-course experience.

As Hankook Tire serves as the first-ever Official Tire Sponsor and co-Founding Partner of TGL, the Gauge Index Survey findings underscore Americans’ desire to see different forms of competition at the highest level. Whether competing on an international race track or advancing to the 18th hole, drivers want tires engineered for performance, safety and reliability, and Hankook is committed to supporting the precision and passion that define American drivers.

2026-02-05T13:01:00

(BPT) – Après season is officially here, and Sun Cruiser is celebrating the moments of sun-soaked winter fun we all know and love. The best winter memories aren’t just made on the slopes. They happen in the laid-back, in-between moments with your crew, whether you’re thawing out at the lodge, settling in after a long day in the snow, or keeping the party going. Winter proves that downtime hits just as hard as the action, and it’s even better with a Sun Cruiser in hand.

Made with real vodka and real ingredients, Sun Cruiser is smooth enough to sip while you’re still buzzing from your last run and made for the moments when you’re ready to unwind and warm up. And now it’s easier than ever to pair with winter fun, as Sun Cruiser pops up at some of your favorite winter destinations.

Partnerships Built on Shared Stoke

This winter, Sun Cruiser is bringing the good times to some of the country’s most iconic mountain destinations, built for both action and après. At Steamboat in Colorado, Deer Valley Resort in Utah, Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California, and Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine, adventure-lovers and lodge loungers alike can pair their winter moments with Sun Cruiser, while enjoying music, sampling and more fan experiences brought to you by the brand — all happening slopeside to bring a little extra fun to the season.

Beyond the mountains, Sun Cruiser is reaching fans of ski and snow culture through a new partnership with Teton Gravity Research, the leading lifestyle brand in action sports, as its official canned alcohol partner. Sun Cruiser is integrated across TGR’s year-round programming, including its signature ski film, sweepstakes, social content, athlete collaborations and more.

A New Flavor for Your Rotation

Sun Cruiser is expanding its lineup of vodka lemonades with its new Blueberry Lemonade flavor, available now. Made with real vodka and real lemonade, it delivers the same refreshing, easy-sipping profile fans love, now with a bright blueberry finish. With just 1 gram of sugar, 100 calories, and 4.5% ABV per 12 oz. serving, it’s light, crisp, and the perfect addition to your winter lineup.

For those who don’t want to choose between iced tea or lemonade, Sun Cruiser is making it easier than ever to explore its fan-favorite flavors with the all-new Sampler Variety Pack featuring Classic Iced Tea, Half & Half, Pink Lemonade, and Classic Lemonade in a convenient 12-pack. No matter which flavor you reach for, Sun Cruiser is made to carry you through every season, from winter sunsets to hot summer days.

Whether you’re on or off the mountain, Sun Cruiser is there for the moments that matter — when the adventure winds down and the good times keep cruising.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

2026-02-02T14:23:00

(BPT) – National Pizza Day is just around the corner, a delicious celebration of America’s all-time favorite food. Many cities across the nation have their own signature take on the savory slice — from Detroit’s crust crunch to New York’s champagne water pizza dough to Chicago’s deep dish.

Pizza’s legendary status has inspired bold variations, including BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse‘s unique California twist. Since 1978, the restaurant’s award-winning pizzas have served as a catalyst for bringing friends, family and communities together to share a good time over a great slice.

Now, for the first time in 47 years — and just in time for National Pizza Day — BJ’s has reimagined its beloved pizza from the ground up, reengineering every element of the recipe to deliver a new, elevated experience for its guests. It’s the perfect slice to savor to celebrate the country’s most beloved bite.

Honoring legacy with tasty innovation

How do you remix a classic? For BJ’s, it means walking a fine line between honoring its past while looking to the future.

“It’s undeniable that pizza is the cornerstone of BJ’s legacy,” said Lyle Tick, chief executive officer and president of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. “From our very first deep-dish slice in 1978, pizza has been at the heart of everything we do. This relaunch is about honoring the artisanal legacy that built BJ’s reputation while taking it to the next level.”

To stoke the oven of inspiration, BJ’s culinary team traveled coast to coast for a deep dive into the different styles of pizza beloved by so many. The result? A California original that remixes the best influences from pizza’s most iconic cities.

Because Chicago’s signature pie is what started it all, BJ’s has turned up the heat on this legendary pizza with these exciting new features:

• Hand-pressed, double-proofed dough for a crispier bite
• Whole milk mozzarella for a richer melt and creamier texture
• Fresh-pack tomato sauce for a brighter, bolder flavor
• Sausage roasted in-house for a zesty zing
• Cup and char pepperoni for a savory punch of craveability

You can also indulge in a mouth-watering lineup of signature creations that take familiar favorites to the next level — like the all-new Epic Five Meat and Pepperoni Extreme. Don’t forget to try classics such as the BJ’s Favorite and Classic Combo. From indulgent selections like Chicken Bacon Ranch and Barbeque Chicken to lighter choices such as Vegetarian or a full customizable Build Your Own, BJ’s offers something for every pizza lover.

Time recipes with elevated flavors to bring folks together

BJ’s creative remix of the legendary pies from across the country offers a bold and unforgettable experience.

“We’re giving guests a pizza experience that’s authentically BJ’s — bold, unforgettable and uniquely our own,” said Tick.

“California has always been about blending influences and remixing traditions into something bold and new, and BJ’s pizza is no different,” said Tick. “We’ve taken the best from New York’s water, Chicago’s deep dish and Detroit’s signature crunch, and remixed them into a California original. BJ’s doesn’t play favorites — we celebrate all the great pizza traditions in one legendary creation. This is the remix we’ve all been waiting for.”

On National Pizza Day and every Monday throughout the year, enjoy any large deep dish pizza for $19.99. To find your nearest BJ’s Restaurant location to enjoy these reimagined icons, visit BJsRestaurant.com.

2026-01-30T14:01:01

(BPT) – Picture living with severe pelvic pain so intense that it interferes with your work, school, time with family, daily life — pain that worsens every month, accompanied by heavy bleeding, fatigue and symptoms that ripple through every aspect of your day. You know something is wrong. Yet tests come back normal, and questions remain unanswered. You’re told you have cystitis, IBS, lower-back issues — or worse, that what you’re experiencing is just part of being a woman.

That’s the reality for many women living with endometriosis.

That includes Stephanie Stokes, a 19-year-old College of Charleston student majoring in International Business. Stokes had long lived with heavy, painful periods and severe recurring bladder pain that she thought was caused by urinary tract infections.

“Everything hit a boiling point last summer. My entire pelvic floor from that point on was giving me such constant severe pain that I’d often collapse,” she said. “It was painful to urinate, and every waking moment felt like daggers were constantly shifting in my body. Constantly fatigued, my mind fuzzy from constant pain every day, life became extraordinarily difficult.”

Those reminders that something was very wrong were robbing her of her joy. Strong-willed and driven, she has big dreams, goals and many passions — the arts, astronomy, learning languages. Though even when she felt like collapsing in pain, she did her best to make it to classes and her job at an upscale King Street boutique in Charleston.

She had no idea what was physically happening to her and started making the rounds to doctors she hoped could help.

“At first, I was going to urgent care frequently, thinking maybe I had just a bad UTI that wouldn’t kick,” she explained. “But when tests came back negative, the urgent care physicians decided, after my fifth visit, to send me to a urology clinic not affiliated with MUSC. The urologist would not listen to me and was extremely dismissive.”

Months later, she asked yet another urologist, who found nothing, to refer her to a gynecologist.

“How could all these tests show nothing? I began to research my symptoms, and then I found ‘endometriosis.’ I knew that was what was wrong with me. I began to get even worse — the pain got so bad I would lie on my bathroom floor crying, shaking from pain. I felt like I was trapped. I went to see the gynecologist; she dismissed endometriosis. I cried for hours.”

Endometriosis is a complex, systemic disease that affects millions of women, yet it remains widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed and undertreated. Each month, the endometrial tissue that grows inside the uterus is meant to shed during menstruation. For women with endometriosis, however, tissue similar to the endometrial lining of the uterus can implant on other organs — the ovaries, fallopian tubes, exterior of the uterus, bladder and bowels — triggering severe pain, chronic fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder habits and pain with intercourse. It can also cause infertility. Endometriosis is often associated with other health conditions, including autoimmune disorders, like lupus and multiple sclerosis; Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; and fibromyalgia.

Stokes’ case reflects a broader reality. Many patients wait years, sometimes decades, for accurate diagnoses — for a doctor who will listen and take their concerns seriously.

But Stokes finally met one who believes that women not only deserve appropriate care but care that requires specialized training, advanced surgical expertise and knowing when — and how — to listen. She found that doctor at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Women’s Health, which was No. 16 in the nation in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.

MUSC Women’s Health has brought together a team of experts equipped to manage complex benign gynecological conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids, cysts, infertility and polyps. It also specializes in caring for patients with complex surgical or medical histories.

Stokes’ surgeon, Courtney Poston, M.D., brings a highly specialized skill set to the team. She is fellowship-trained in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, having completed two years of advanced training beyond her residency. That expertise allows her to use both traditional laparoscopic and robotic techniques to diagnose and treat complex conditions like endometriosis using smaller incisions — an approach that can mean less pain, faster recovery and improved outcomes for patients.

“Heavy, painful periods aren’t normal, and we should stop tolerating people telling us they are,” said Poston. “If you’re seeing somebody for your symptoms and you feel like those symptoms aren’t being addressed, I’m happy to talk to you. You don’t have to convince me your pain is real, or your bleeding is real. I believe you.”

Those three words — “I believe you” — meant the world to Stokes. “I finally met Dr. Poston, who, from the get-go, always seemed to understand me and know what was going on. And she wholeheartedly believed I had endometriosis.”

A common disease hiding in plain sight

Endometriosis affects more than 11% of U.S. women between the ages of 15 and 44, Poston explained, although the actual number may be much higher due to underdiagnosis. It takes, on average, seven to 10 years for a woman to be diagnosed with endometriosis, and Poston said some patients have gone 30 to 40 years without a diagnosis.

Historically, she said, endometriosis was treated with a hysterectomy and removal of the ovaries, an approach that is no longer considered effective. Other traditional treatments were overly invasive or failed to address the disease. “Many women report being told by physicians to ‘just get pregnant’ as treatment for endometriosis,” said Poston. “Not only is that not a treatment, but it doesn’t address the problem at its source — and furthermore, it can make pregnancy difficult or even impossible.”

According to Poston, today’s advanced surgical techniques allow surgeons to diagnose endometriosis using a small camera, obtain tissue samples for evaluation and treat the disease by precisely removing lesions through the small incisions.

Outpatient surgical treatment

Thanks to advanced surgical approaches like Poston’s, patients who have endured years or even decades of pain and discomfort can experience positive results in just hours through outpatient surgery, returning home afterward and resuming a normal life within weeks.

In late December, Poston removed endometriosis from around Stokes’ bladder, colon and pelvis adjacent to her uterus and ovaries.

“Stephanie is young and healthy,” explained Poston. “She was discharged the same day. Her recovery has been uncomplicated, and her pain has significantly improved.”

Poston encourages all women to seek care for symptoms, even if other physicians dismissed them.

“Painful, heavy periods, pain around the time of ovulation, feeling dizzy or light-headed, nausea, vomiting, feeling bloated around your period — patients are widely told these things are normal and expected, but none of that is normal,” Poston said. “It’s important to investigate and determine what’s going on. It takes a trained eye to recognize these things and appropriately address them in the operating room.”

Stokes is grateful she found the right doctor — one committed to listening and believing. One with advanced training.

“Truly, Dr. Poston changed my life. My whole life, I have lived in pain, and thanks to her, I get to experience life through a brighter lens,” she said. “So to all women who have been told that it’s just your period. It’s normal. Or just ‘suck it up,’ you don’t have to live your life suffering. Many doctors won’t take you seriously. But keep fighting. There is hope.”

Learn more about expert women’s health care at MUSCHealth.org/medical-services/womens.

2026-01-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Have you ever bought milk and by the time you are ready to use it a few days or even a week later, it has expired? Your family can enjoy this delicious, nutrient-rich drink in a more convenient form. The next time you’re at the grocery store, skip the refrigerated section and head to the shelves where you’ll find shelf-stable milk.

Shelf-stable milk sounds like a contradiction, but thanks to a combination of ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile aseptic packaging, it can be stored unopened at room temperature for months at a time. Read on to discover a few benefits of buying and drinking shelf-stable milk and why this should be the year you make the switch.

Save space in your fridge

One of the most obvious but important benefits of buying shelf-stable milk is, well, its shelf stability! Once you buy the milk, you can store it in your pantry until you’re ready to open and pour it or use it in a recipe. Not only can you save space in your refrigerator until you are ready to use it, shelf-stable milk means you can buy multiple cartons at once, saving you extra trips to the grocery store.

Reduce food waste

Have you ever bought milk, but had to throw it away because it expired before you were ready to use it? It’s frustrating to say the least. However, with shelf-stable milk, it can stay safe and delicious for months before opening without the need for refrigeration or preservatives, reducing your food waste and saving you money.

You may not know it by name, but you’ve seen aseptic packaging at your grocery store. Many protein drinks, soups and broths come in aseptic cartons like those made by Tetra Pak. The unique packaging design protects the product inside from air and light, so the milk can be stored at room temperature for six months or more when unopened.

Pack and carry with ease

Whether you’re going on a picnic, heading to a playdate or just need a drink on the go, shelf-stable milk’s convenient packaging allows you to pack and carry it with ease. The aseptic cartons make it easy to pack into a lunchbox or your backpack, keeping the milk safe to transport without a cooler bag or special care.

Enjoy the same great nutrients in a different package

A common misconception about shelf-stable milk is that it doesn’t have the same nutrients as other types of milk. However, shelf-stable milk is processed using a UHT method, which briefly pasteurizes the milk at 270-280 degrees Fahrenheit and is then immediately cooled, killing bacteria that can lead to spoiled milk. UHT does not change or degrade milk’s main nutrients, so your family can enjoy the same amount of calcium and vitamin D as milk that must be kept refrigerated.

Choose from a variety of formulations

Whether you’re lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based alternatives, you can pick from several types of shelf-stable milk products. They come in a variety of formulas, including lactose-free milk, oat milk and even chocolate milk. Buy one (or a few) and store them all in your pantry, cabinet, or travel bag.

Make the switch

Let 2026 be the year that you switch to shelf-stable milk. To learn more about how shelf-stable milk is processed and packaged, visit TetraPakusa.com.