When Birth Becomes Trauma: How One Mother Reclaimed Control

2026-05-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – At 26 weeks pregnant in 2022, Azhia Kirk was rushed into an emergency delivery where everything happened in an instant — without explanation or time for her to process — leaving her scared and alone. Under general anesthesia, she missed the birth of her daughter, Sloane, entirely. When she woke up, her baby was already in the neonatal intensive care unit, where she remained for 113 days.

The experience left Azhia with profound psychological and physiological trauma, including distressing memories and fears. The idea of another pregnancy felt overwhelming. She and her husband, Brent, wanted a second child, but as Sloane approached her first birthday, Azhia realized she needed support to process her delivery experience. She found help through trauma-informed care provided by obstetric anesthesiologist Tracey Vogel, M.D., director of the Perinatal Trauma-informed Care Clinic at Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh. Dr. Vogel screened Azhia for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with which she was ultimately diagnosed; helped identify triggers from her experience; and connected her to peer support and a program that supported healing through music therapy called the Lullaby Project. She worked closely with Azhia’s obstetrics team, who understood her past trauma and saw her more frequently in the early stages of her second pregnancy.

“I don’t think I would have gotten pregnant again without Dr. Vogel’s support,” said Azhia, a lawyer and mother to Sloane, who is now 3, and Hayes, 1. “She gave me the tools to face another delivery with confidence instead of fear, and my son’s birth was completely different.”

“Anesthesiologists are physicians who are trained to manage high-risk, high-stress situations, which puts us in a unique position to help patients not just physically, but emotionally, when they’re at their most vulnerable,” said Dr. Vogel. “Trauma-informed care starts with listening to each patient to identify what they’ve been through, what triggers their fear, and then building a plan with them and their care teams so they can move through their medical care feeling supported and in control.”

Trauma-informed care recognizes that past experiences can negatively impact a patient’s response to medical care. These may include childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, military service or prior medical trauma — such as poorly managed pain or feeling a loss of control. Trauma can also stem from difficult or emergency births, complications like excessive bleeding, anesthesia challenges or the loss of a baby. Because these experiences can heighten anxiety and trigger stress responses, trauma-informed care focuses on understanding each patient’s emotional and physical needs and emphasizes clear communication, patient choice and step-by-step guidance, creating a sense of safety and control throughout the medical experience.

Understanding Trauma and Building Care Around the Patient

As an anesthesiologist providing anesthesia and pain management during and after labor, Dr. Vogel noticed how often past traumas affected women’s birth experiences. Many carried emotional scars that influenced their response to pain, stress and medical care. Wanting to better support them, she trained in sexual assault counseling and created a specialized clinic to support patients with a history of trauma.

Dr. Vogel has worked with more than 1,000 patients and trained hundreds of clinicians in trauma-informed care. She also supports patients with a history of trauma who have other types of medical procedures, such as surgery, helping them identify triggers, understand what to expect and feel more in control throughout their care.

A Much Better Birth Experience

For Azhia, trauma-informed care made all the difference. When Hayes was born in April 2025, Azhia felt calm, informed and in control, a stark contrast to her first experience. Getting ready for his birth, she was able to ask questions, share her preferences and feel supported throughout her scheduled delivery.

“During my first delivery, I felt scared and completely alone because no one was explaining what was happening,” said Azhia. “This time, Dr. Vogel walked me through every step, including what I would feel, what was happening and what would come next. I learned that I could ask questions and advocate for myself without interfering with my care. That gave me the confidence to be part of the process.”

To learn more about how anesthesiologists keep patients safe during childbirth and before, during and after surgery, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists at: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/.

Photo courtesy of Harley Steed Photography.

The Art of Blending In: LG Electronics Reimagines the Wallpaper TV From the Inside Out

2026-05-06T16:19:00

(BPT) – By KM Ahn, head of the Design Laboratory, LG Media Entertainment Solution Company at LG Electronics

When LG Electronics (LG) debuted the Wallpaper TV in 2017, it posed a simple question: How quietly can a TV exist in a living space? Ultra-thin and mounted flush to the wall, the Wallpaper TV challenged long-held perceptions of what a TV needs to be — shifting attention away from the object itself and toward the space around it.

For 2026, that question returns in a more demanding form. With the LG OLED evo W6, or Wallpaper TV, thinness is no longer just a design target but a constraint that reshapes every decision — pushing restraint to its absolute limit without compromising the experience people expect from a premium TV.

The Wallpaper TV is not about making a visual statement. It is about discipline — being clear about what should remain, so the picture and the space could come forward naturally.

Eliminating Distractions to Reveal the Essence

At nine-millimeter-class thickness1, design choices become inseparable from engineering decisions. With extremely limited internal space, every system must coexist within the same few millimeters.

When you push thinness to its limits, nothing can be treated independently anymore. Structure, power, heat and sound become so intertwined that a single decision in one area can put everything off-balance.

Rather than finalizing the exterior design and layering technology behind it, we began by clearly defining constraints and questioning anything that introduces unnecessary visual elements — protrusions, visible connections or structural complexity. A clean design was not just an aesthetic goal but a governing rule for every decision.

This approach challenged our designers, engineers and product planners from the very beginning as we rigorously questioned every element to prove whether their place was justified in such a limited space.

Engineering Every Millimeter

Once the ultra-thin form factor was set, conventional internal layouts were no longer sufficient.

Our only option was to redesign multiple systems as one.

We began with the power board — traditionally one of the most space-intensive components. Instead of relying on separate heat sinks, we integrated a patterned thermal structure directly into the board itself. This preserved power capacity and improved heat management without adding additional thickness.

Audio followed the same logic. Delivering convincing sound from such a thin enclosure required re-engineering internal components. By reducing speaker size and reconfiguring magnetic circuits, the Wallpaper TV delivers 4.2-channel, 60-watt audio.

For enhanced structural rigidity without adding bulk, we bonded layered aluminum sheets within the frame. This design distributes stress efficiently, supporting a sturdy and lightweight form.

These weren’t isolated optimizations. They were system decisions. Thinness, stability and performance had to advance together.

That same millimeter-by-millimeter discipline extended to the TV’s most visible detail. When the screen goes dark, a TV becomes a silent presence. Inspired by crafted objects such as fluted watch bezels, the Wallpaper TV’s linear edge was formed from folded corrugated aluminum — reinforcing the structure while remaining refined, present without demanding attention.

Designed to Sit Flush, Tuned for Expansive Sound

As the panel became thinner, another question surfaced: how the TV physically meets the wall.

Flush mounting is central to the Wallpaper TV experience. Even the slightest misalignment can create visual distraction. A Wallpaper TV isn’t truly a Wallpaper TV unless it sits perfectly flush. Alignment became an obsession.

To achieve this, we developed an integrated folding bracket through extensive tolerance and fit simulations. The structure guides the panel into position with precision while keeping installation intuitive, allowing the TV to settle cleanly against the wall without drawing attention to the rear mechanism.

Sound demanded a similar attention to detail. When a TV sits so close to the wall, rear-firing sound paths are cut off. To resolve this, we re-angled and widened internal sound ports to project clear sound across the entire room.

Wall integration is more than a mechanical solution. It reinforces the same discipline applied throughout the design: removing unnecessary visual elements without diminishing the core viewing and listening experience.

Removing the Final Visual Distraction: True Wireless Connectivity

After pushing thinness and flush-to-wall integration to their limits, one distraction remained difficult to overlook: cables.

Once the panel itself reached this level of visual simplicity, any visible wiring became immediately disruptive.

That requirement is fulfilled by the Zero Connect Box, which enables True Wireless2 transmission of lossless 4K video and audio at up to 165Hz between external devices and the Wallpaper TV. The box itself is now around 35% smaller, designed to be placed discreetly away from the screen.

Within this same pursuit of visual restraint, the Wallpaper TV, along with other LG wireless TVs, has received TÜV Rheinland’s True Wireless Lossless Vision certification3, recognizing picture quality that remains uncompromised over wireless transmission.

Together, the Wallpaper TV’s razor-thin profile and True Wireless architecture make it the world’s thinnest True Wireless OLED TV, with all core systems fully integrated into the panel.

Picture Quality is Always King

As physical distance and visible elements disappeared, one assumption had to be confronted: that such restraint would come at the expense of picture quality.

Rather than simply preserving picture performance, we enhanced it. Hyper Radiant Color Technology amplifies color, contrast and brightness. The screen is up to 3.9 times4 brighter than conventional OLED models, while Reflection Free Premium5 technology helps deliver enhanced color expression and the perfect black OLED is renowned for, even in bright lighting.

All of this is powered by the α (Alpha) 11 AI Processor Gen 3 with Dual AI Engine. Supported by an NPU 5.6 times6 more powerful than its predecessor, this processor upgrades color processing from 10-bit to 12-bit to deliver smoother gradients and more precise tonal control without over-processing textures.

Recognized by Design: Presence Without Demand

The Wallpaper TV’s design philosophy has earned recognition beyond LG. The product received both the 2026 iF Design Award and the 2026 Red Dot Design Award Best of the Best distinction for its design and engineering.

Reflecting on the recognition, we aim to keep leading with customer-centered design that becomes a benchmark for innovation.

No longer just a design concept to be admired from a distance, the new Wallpaper TV rethinks structure, refines heat and sound pathways and removes visible cables. What began as an ambitious experiment has evolved into a TV designed for real living spaces.

What remains is not an object competing for attention, but a screen that blends naturally into the wall, existing quietly yet beautifully in the home.

Every decision served a purpose: presence without demand.

1 The actual measurement is 9.95 millimeters and may vary slightly depending on the measuring conditions.

2 Wireless OLED TV refers to connectivity between Zero Connect box and screen. Visually lossless, based on internal test results with ISO/IEC 29170-2 and measurement results may vary depending on connection status.

3 Visually lossless based on TÜV Rheinland certification test conditions conducted in accordance with ISO/IEC 29170-2. Measurement and performance results may vary depending on connection status and environment.

4 Brightness may vary based on model, screen size and market region. Peak brightness is 3.9 times brighter than conventional OLED @3% window by Internal measurements.

5 Reflectance is measured as the Specular Component Included (SCI) value at 550 nanometers, independently tested by Intertek. LG OLED Display is measured to be under 0.5 percent reflection using IDMS 11.2.2 sampling-sphere method. Actual results may vary by conditions.

6 Compared with previous year of OLED evo models (α9 AI Processor Gen8).

What many nurses aren’t taught about cleft lip and palate and why it matters for families

2026-05-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – May includes National Nurses Week, a time to celebrate the vital role nurses play in supporting health and well-being and to think about areas where more training could make a difference. Cleft lip and/or palate affects about 1 in 700 babies born worldwide, yet many nurses don’t get much guidance on how to support cleft-affected children and families. That gap can leave parents feeling unprepared when navigating surgeries, feeding challenges and ongoing care.

A nurse’s personal insight

“After 20 years in nursing, I had a wide range of clinical experience, but my exposure to cleft care was limited in my training,” said Carrie Alajoki, family nurse practitioner and nursing professor.

“Through my advocacy and involvement with Smile Train, including initiatives like Team Empower and the Cleft Community Advisory Council, I have been proud to support the organization’s efforts to raise awareness and address gaps in cleft education, including having the opportunity to bring a group of my nursing students to experience the organization’s programs firsthand in the Philippines.”

How Smile Train is bridging the gap

Smile Train, the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, is committed to continuously advancing and improving cleft care around the world. By partnering with local hospitals and medical professionals, the organization supports patients to receive free cleft surgeries in their own communities. Through training and funding support, Smile Train also empowers local medical professionals to deliver comprehensive cleft care services, including feeding and nutrition care, speech therapy and psychosocial support. These programs help to educate and equip parents with the tools they need to ensure their child’s success and well-being.

“We know that empowering nurses and healthcare professionals with knowledge and hands-on experience transforms care for children with clefts,” said Sara Horne, Smile Train’s Director of Education and Training. “By investing in education and training, we ensure that cleft-affected families worldwide receive compassionate, informed support prenatally through adulthood.”

What families and communities can do

  • Learn about cleft care resources and advocate for proper support from healthcare providers.
  • Share information to raise awareness about clefts and the challenges families face.
  • Support organizations like Smile Train to expand access to cleft care and education worldwide.

By addressing the gaps in cleft education, healthcare providers and communities can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children born with clefts and their families. Every informed caregiver and supportive community brings everyone closer to a world where every child can thrive.

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A Dietitian’s Guide to Sustainable Plant-Based Eating

2026-05-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • A win-win for health & planet: A plant-powered diet supports your personal health with essential nutrients while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.
  • Embrace smart protein: Prioritize complete plant-based proteins, like soy, which have all nine essential amino acids in the right amounts, and combine other sources (beans, nuts, grains) for a well-rounded intake.
  • Focus on fiber: Aim for a variety of plants to get the key types of fiber — insoluble and soluble — which help support regularity, heart health and gut health.
  • Flexitarianism is key: Adopting a flexible approach that prioritizes plant-based foods without complete restriction makes sustainable eating more realistic and achievable in the long term.

Ever wonder about the power of the food on your plate? Enjoying a variety of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes has been linked to a wide range of health benefits, from boosting the nutrient density of your diet to supporting heart health, metabolic health, gut health and more. Packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and healthy fats essential for overall wellness, plants are nutrient powerhouses — and their benefits don’t stop there!

Choosing a plant-forward diet is also one of the most positive actions we can take for the environment as it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve natural resources.

So how do you get the most out of a plant-powered diet? Registered dietitian Kristie Leigh, Director of Nutrition & Scientific Affairs at Danone U.S, shares her top three strategies:

1. Diversify your protein sources

Protein is a power player when it comes to your health, needed for everything from muscle and immune health to hormone production and more. But not all protein sources are created equal. Many plant-based protein sources are considered incomplete because, unlike animal sources, they don’t have adequate amounts of all nine essential amino acids (aka protein building blocks) that our bodies need but can’t make on their own.

There are some exceptions though, one of which is soy. Soy-based foods like soymilk, tofu, edamame and tempeh are excellent, sustainable sources of complete plant-based protein for a more plant-forward diet. Other plant-based protein sources, like beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains, can be great, too, and can be mixed and matched to get all the amino acids your body needs.

2. Get fiber from a variety of different plant foods

Ninety-five percent of U.S. adults don’t get enough fiber, and eating more plant-based foods is a great way to help close that gap. To maximize fiber’s benefits, aim to get fiber from a variety of different sources to help ensure you’re getting different types. Insoluble fiber has been shown to promote regularity when consumed in adequate amounts, while soluble fiber can help lower LDL cholesterol and help promote more stabilized blood sugar levels. There are even fibers that act as food for the good bacteria in your gut called prebiotic fibers.

Lots of plants contain more than one type of fiber, but some especially good sources of insoluble fiber are whole grains, nuts, cauliflower and green beans and some especially good sources of soluble fiber are oats, beans, avocados, apples and bananas. The most common food sources of prebiotic fiber are foods like garlic, onions, berries and oats. You can also find foods fortified with prebiotic fiber, like certain yogurts and protein shakes.

One rule of thumb that can help ensure you get all of these is the “rule of 30.” Research from the American Gut Project found people who eat 30 different types of plants a week have greater gut bacteria alpha diversity, a potential indicator of good gut health, compared to those who consume 10 or fewer.

3. Mind the potential nutrient gaps

A plant-based diet can add lots of essential nutrients to your diet, but it can also make it more challenging to get nutrients more commonly found in animal foods, like vitamin B12 and iodine. That’s why it’s important to build variety into your day, emphasizing a variety of nutrient-rich foods for a well-rounded intake of vitamins and minerals.

Fortified plant-based foods also play a valuable and sustainable role in a modern diet. Many options — such as Silk Protein, which offers 13g of complete plant protein per serving — are thoughtfully fortified with key nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, vitamin D and potassium to help fill these gaps.

Make sustainable eating a sustainable habit

“One way to bring these strategies together is to follow a flexitarian eating pattern,” said Leigh. “This style of eating prioritizes plant-based foods without completely eliminating nutrient-rich animal foods like yogurt, cheese, eggs, lean meats and seafood — all of which can be easy sources of high-quality protein and other nutrients you need. For many, this flexible style can be more realistic and sustainable than completely plant-based diets, making it easier to reap the rewards of plant-forward eating in the long-term without rigid rules or feeling restricted.”

The best way to start adopting a more plant-forward diet is with some easy swaps. Give your next taco night a twist by replacing half of the ground meat with beans, make a tofu and veggie scramble instead of scrambled eggs, or use soymilk as your base in smoothies. The more you experiment and find what you like, the more natural it will become!

How to set up the perfect off-grid campsite

2026-05-04T15:03:00

(BPT) – The sun is rising over a mist-covered lake. You’re enjoying the view from your camp chair while sipping a freshly brewed latte that tastes as if it were crafted by a barista.

You didn’t have to leave your base camp to get your usual order. You were able to make it yourself using your portable coffee maker and cream from your mini fridge.

This isn’t a dream. Modern off-grid camping doesn’t require you to rough it. In fact, you can bring all your comforts and create a base camp that’s your home away from home, whether you’re in a tent, van or RV.

Jackery — a global leader of home backup, innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions — offers this handy guide on what you need to bring to blend the wildness of the outdoors with modern amenities.

Portable power

Man working on his laptop while sitting in the dessert and using the Jackery generator for power.

The first thing you should consider is personal, portable and reliable power that you can take anywhere. And forget worrying about dragging around and operating a noisy gas generator. You can easily power and recharge all your electronics and appliances with a portable solar generator from Jackery.

Portable solar generators come in different sizes and capacities. Which generator you’ll need to elevate your outdoor experience will depend on what kind of camping you’re planning to undertake and what sort of electronics you’re looking to super charge your trip with.

Day trippers and backpackers with base camp setups and campers who want to keep phones charged, run a light and power a small cooler without the bulk should opt for an entry-level solar generator like the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2. This compact, highly portable power station is the ideal choice for those who want “pack and go” power.

For weekend warriors, overlanders and van-lifers who need plenty of power without sacrificing mobility, take a look at the Jackery Explorer 2000 v2. This solar generator has the power to run a full campsite — including a mini-fridge, lights and fans — while still being light enough to move around the campsite to wherever you need power.

Finally, serious campers with a base camp setup and RV adventurers need a power hub that can do it all, like the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus. This single unit can power a refrigerator, an electric grill, lights, laptops, cameras, fans and more simultaneously. The power station can even provide supplemental power to an RV. And if you need more power, you can expand the unit’s capacity with add-on batteries.

You won’t have to worry about charging your power stations during your off-grid adventures. When paired with SolarSaga panels, you can capture and store solar energy, so you’ll virtually never run out of power during your outdoor adventures. These quiet, emission-free, clean-energy portable power stations make creating a beautiful, functional off-grid campsite a breeze.

To elevate your next camping trip with the help of a portable power station from Jackery, consider some of these additions.

Electric grill

Roasting marshmallows over the campfire is delicious, but cooking every meal over a fire can take a long time — time that you could have spent hiking the trails or fishing for trout.

Instead of starting a fire and waiting for the embers to cool enough to cook, break out your electric grill. In minutes, you’ll have delicious scrambled eggs, evenly toasted bread and sizzling bacon before your camping buddies wake up.

Mini fridge

Keeping perishables refrigerated can be a bit tricky with a typical camping cooler. Egg cartons get soggy and bacon freezes into a block you have to thaw. You can avoid all of this by using a mini fridge that keeps your eggs, bacon and more at the perfect temperature so you can grab, cook and eat without issues.

Lights

The glow of the campfire is cozy, but it doesn’t provide enough light at night to move around your campsite with ease. Instead of stumbling around in the darkness, bring string lights to hang around the campsite for soft, ambient lighting. Rechargeable lanterns and headlamps are also practical.

Fan

If you want peak sunshine and long days, camping during the summer is the perfect time to get some sun and stay up late. However, beating the heat is easier said than done.

As you pack for your trip, make room for a standing fan, a box fan or a handheld fan. They’re perfect for keeping a van or RV cool, bringing a breeze to your campsite or cooling you off during a hike.

Inflatable mattress

Even with a proper camping pad and cot, sleeping in a tent can be less than restful. Take your sleep setup to the next level by packing an inflatable mattress. Once you outfit it with sheets and pillows, you’ll have a functioning bedroom in the middle of the forest.

Pro tip: Use an electric air pump instead of a battery-powered one. Battery-powered pumps may be handy, but you’ll likely run out of juice before your mattress is completely inflated.

Movie projector and inflatable movie screen

Want to have a movie night under the stars? You can set up your own outdoor theater with a movie projector, inflatable screen and a laptop. Pick a spot far enough away from your seating, inflate and anchor your movie screen, and wait until the sun sets for optimal viewing.

Get ready for a luxurious wilderness experience

Building an off-grid base camp that marries the beauty of the great outdoors with modern amenities is within reach. To learn more about how to set up and power a modern base camp, visit Jackery.com.

Spring into conscious choices: Resetting your personal care routine

2026-05-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

  • Spring offers a natural opportunity to refresh daily routines, starting with informed choices in personal care.
  • Simplify your routine by taking stock of your current products and prioritizing fewer, more intentional and transparent options.
  • Understanding certifications like B Corp empowers smart shopping.
  • Navigating “free from” claims empowers consumers to make choices aligned with their health and values.

As the days grow longer and nature awakens, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh. We clear out closets and swap heavy layers for lighter ones, but forget that the bathroom shelf is just as worthy of a second look. Personal care is one of those categories where options can feel endless but knowing what to look for can help you feel more confident about what you’re choosing.

Start with what you already have

Before diving in, it’s worth doing a quick check of what you already have. Check expiration dates. Toothpaste, deodorant and other daily staples may lose effectiveness over time.

And in many cases, the most intentional choice is simply using up what you already own before reaching for something new.

Take stock of your routine

Once you’ve checked expiration dates and confirmed everything is still good to use, take a closer look at what you have. Which of them are part of your daily routine? Which ones have been sitting untouched and taking up space? What ingredients are used in them? And are they free from the ingredients that are important for you to avoid?

This quick look can help you identify what’s working, what’s not and where it might be time to make a change, without overhauling everything at once.

Check the product — and the brand behind it

Once you know what you actually need, the next step is reviewing your options. As you evaluate a new product, consider not just what’s in it, but the brand behind it — whether they are transparent about how they operate and the impact they have.

One of the clearest indicators of a brand’s accountability is B Corp Certification, overseen by the nonprofit B Lab, which evaluates a company across governance, workers, customers, community and environment — and audits it every three years. This matters because it shows that a brand holds itself to a social and environmental standard, not just a product one.

Tom’s of Maine is a certified B Corp and it’s a distinction the brand takes seriously.

“Tom’s of Maine’s B Corp certification is a reflection of 50 years of deliberate choices,” said Michelle Waring, Steward for Sustainability and Everyday Good at Tom’s of Maine. “From sourcing naturally derived ingredients to dedicating 10% of our annual profits to protecting nature, we hold ourselves to the high standards B Lab sets because we believe business should be a genuine force for good.”

Navigating the meaning of “free from” claims

From there, labels can help you refine your decision even further. “Free from” claims communicate that a product has been intentionally formulated without specific ingredients. Think of them as cues to understand what a brand chooses to prioritize and how a product was made.

Brands like Tom’s of Maine take a consistent approach, putting their ingredient philosophy into practice across everything they make — every product is free from artificial flavors, synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

Ultimately, the goal is to know your own needs and preferences and choose based on what matters to you.

To learn more about Tom’s of Maine’s ingredient sourcing, safety standards and sustainability commitments, visit www.tomsofmaine.com and www.tomsofmaine.com/pages/our-mission.

Giving Back: Know Someone Deserving of a Free HVAC System?

2026-05-03T08:01:01

(BPT) – You probably know someone in your community who makes a difference every day. Whether they are a health care worker or first responder, a teacher or Army Reservist, a community volunteer or veteran — or simply one of your neighbors who deserves a helping hand, the Feel The Love program sponsored by the LII Lennox Foundation wants to know about them.

For anyone who may be facing financial hardship or illness, or who may have been impacted by a natural disaster, having a home that provides the worry-free safety and comfort of heating and cooling is crucial.

Lennox, a leading provider of reliable home comfort solutions, and the LII Lennox Foundation are kicking off their annual Feel The Love program in partnership with residential dealers across the U.S. and Canada. Through the program, Lennox donates essential heating and cooling equipment, while local Lennox dealers generously donate their time, expertise, and resources to install HVAC units for deserving homeowners, as well as nonprofit organizations. The LII Lennox Foundation, established in 2023, sponsors Feel The Love and other charitable initiatives that help support the communities where Lennox employees live and work.

How Feel the Love helps provide reliable heating and cooling where it’s needed

Since 2009, Feel The Love has installed more than 3,100 heating and cooling systems for homeowners in need across North America, including over 400 installs in 2025 alone. The Feel The Love program provides much-needed relief to those who may be struggling with uncomfortable living conditions. It also brings communities together, encouraging a spirit of generosity and support.

People in red t-shirts in front of a service truck and Lennox Residential HVAC products in delivery boxes.


It’s easy to get involved: Submit your nomination today

Anyone can submit their nominations for the program starting on May 1 of this year, with nominations closing on Aug. 31, 2026. During Feel The Love Week held annually each October, the selected recipients will receive a new, high-efficiency Lennox heating or cooling unit, professionally installed by participating local Lennox dealers, at no cost to them.

Do you know about a nonprofit organization that is helping your community be a better place? You can nominate them, too: Now 501(c)(3) nonprofits are also accepted as Feel The Love program nominees (though they must be able to take residential HVAC equipment).

Last year, the Feel The Love program provided four new much-needed air conditioning units for H.A.L.O.’s No Kill Animal Shelter in Sebastian, Florida, to help keep the shelter’s staff and their many rescued animals feeling safe and comfortable all year long — even throughout the famously hot and humid Florida summers.

To learn more, or if you’d like to nominate a community member or nonprofit organization for this year’s Feel The Love program between May 1 and Aug. 31, visit FeelTheLove.com.

People wearing red t-shirts that say

Paws on the road: Tips for a dog-friendly vacation

2026-05-01T16:07:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re seeking sandy beaches or fresh mountain air, you can make your road trip even better with a furry co-pilot.

Traveling with your pup does require some preparation. To ensure a successful and stress-free journey with your four-legged friend, check out these five helpful tips.

1. Safety first!

If you haven’t already, invest in a pet seat belt, car seat or travel crate so your dog can travel comfortably and safely. Not only will these safety products keep your pup safe, but they also prevent your pet from distracting you while driving. Find dog seat belts and more at Chewy.com. You can also use these Chewy dog seat belts, car seats and crates for everyday trips around town after your vacation.

2. Pack a travel kit

Put together a travel kit with your pet’s essentials. A travel kit should include items to help keep your furry companion comfortable, happy and safe while on vacation.

Besides water, food, treats, bowls and waste bags, make sure to include your dog’s favorite toys, bedding and grooming supplies. Don’t forget a leash and collar with ID tags just in case you get separated during your adventures.

3. Plan pet-friendly stops

As you choose your route, research pet-friendly stops, such as rest areas and parks that welcome pets. Plan to stop every 2-4 hours. However, you may have to stop more frequently if your pup has travel anxiety or becomes motion sick.

4. Prioritize exercise and playtime

Stops aren’t just for meals and potty breaks. Just like you, your four-legged friend needs to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. During rest stops, take time to exercise and play with your pet.

If you stop at a park with trails, plan to go hiking. At a pet-friendly rest area, play fetch or simply run around. Whatever physical activities you decide to do, exercise and playtime during a long road trip will keep your dog engaged and entertained. You’ll get a workout, too!

5. Keep cool and hydrated

Depending on where you plan to travel, your destination may get even hotter than what your furry family member is used to back at home.

Keep your pup cool and hydrated by offering plenty of fresh water during rest stops. Consider purchasing a cooling mat or vest for your pet to help them stay comfortable. Most importantly, never leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day.

Are you ready to hit the road with your best friend? Follow these five tips, and you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable road trip with your dog.

Manhattan to San Francisco: The Lincoln Highway is your next great road trip

2026-05-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – You’ve probably heard of Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway, but do you know anything about the historic Lincoln Highway? If you love the idea of a road trip but are less fond of hours on an interstate passing strip malls and rest stops that all look the same, the Lincoln Highway may be exactly the kind of journey you’ve always wanted.

The history of the Lincoln Highway

As the first transcontinental highway created in the United States, the Lincoln Highway cuts straight across the country for about 3,000 miles, starting in New York’s Times Square and ending in San Francisco’s Lincoln Park.

Its origins in 1912 dovetail with the development of the auto industry, as there really were no good quality roads to travel across the country at that time. The Lincoln Highway Association credits Carl Fisher — the force behind the creation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — with the idea for a “Coast-to-Coast Rock Highway,” which quickly caught the attention of entrepreneurs and leaders of the early auto industry.

Dedicated in 1913, the original Lincoln Highway spanned about 3,389 miles, traveling through 13 states. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, part of the Lincoln Highway in New Jersey incorporated a road originally built by Dutch Colonists around 1675. One section in Ohio followed the Ridge Road, an ancient Indian trail, and a western portion of the highway followed part of the famed Mormon Trail. In other words, to travel the Lincoln Highway means traveling back in time, to explore the history of the country in an exciting new way.

Over the years, portions of the road have been replaced by more modern highways, so large sections of the highway have merged with roads like U.S. 30 and Interstate 80. However, you can still find markers of the original Lincoln Highway across the country, and traveling this route offers you opportunities to visit small towns, historic sites, unique shops and diners, off-the-beaten-path attractions — glimpses of the country the average interstate just doesn’t provide.

Planning your Lincoln Highway road trip

While the idea of a 3,000+ mile trek may not exactly get your motor running, you can pick the nearest part of the highway to you and plot out a shorter journey from there, keeping an eye out for places of interest.

Here’s just a sampling of highlights and quirky locales you can explore along the way:

You can look forward to exploring many more quaint small towns, memorable monuments and awe-inspiring scenery throughout the United States as you rediscover lost treasures from the past, rolling along the Lincoln Highway for your next great road trip.

Ford Opens Employee Pricing to Everyone — Here’s What It Means and Why They’re Doing It Now

2026-05-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – Rising grocery bills, higher gas prices, insurance premiums ticking up; all of it adds up to more Americans feeling financially squeezed. So, when the country’s largest employer of hourly U.S. autoworkers says it is opening its employee pricing to the public, it’s worth understanding what’s on the table and what’s behind the announcement.

Starting May 1, Ford is launching a new pricing program “American Value for American Values” which will run through July 6 and offer employee pricing on most new 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles to all U.S. customers. You pay what a Ford Motor Company employee pays, which is their pricing, well below the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. The program can save buyers anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the vehicle.

To get the price, you won’t need to hunt down and wait for a rebate, clip a coupon or negotiate on the lot. The price is the price.

The initiative from Ford is tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary — the semiquincentennial — and the company says it’s not just a limited-time sale; it’s a gesture of gratitude toward the customers and communities that have supported Ford for over a century.

“You are not just customers to us. You are the reason we show up to work,” said Andrew Frick, president of Ford Blue and Model e. “We want to treat you like family, and that extends to employee pricing on our new vehicles.”

Ford has been building vehicles in America for nearly 125 years — almost half of the country’s entire history. The company employs more U.S. hourly autoworkers and assembles more vehicles domestically than any other automaker, a legacy that traces back to Henry Ford’s introduction of the $5-a-day wage in 1914, a move widely credited with helping build the American middle class.

That history is central to the campaign’s message.

This isn’t just about discounts on vehicles — Ford is anchoring it to something bigger: the idea that in a moment when the country feels loud and divided, there’s value in leaning into the things that still hold people together — hard work, community and showing up for your neighbors.

What vehicles are included?

The list is broad. Most new 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln models are eligible, including some of the brand’s most popular nameplates:

  • Trucks: F-150, Maverick, Ranger, Super Duty (select trims)
  • SUVs: Bronco, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Expedition, Escape
  • Cars: Mustang
  • Electric vehicles: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit
  • Commercial: Transit Van
  • Lincoln: Corsair, Nautilus, Aviator, Navigator

Some specialty and limited-production models are excluded, including the Raptor lineup, Mustang GTD and certain high-trim Super Duty configurations. A full list of eligible vehicles is available at Ford.com or through local dealerships.

What about electric vehicles?

Electric vehicle buyers can not only save with employee pricing but also take advantage of Ford’s ongoing Power Promise program, which includes a complimentary home charger and standard installation, a frequently cited hurdle for first-time EV owners. The Power Promise also includes 24/7 EV support, roadside assistance, access to over 25,000 Tesla Superchargers via an available adapter and an 8-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty.

Ford has a long history of investing in U.S. workers, factories and communities, so it’s not just a promotion with a patriotic bow on it.

“Value is not only about what you pay,” Frick noted. “It is also about what a company stands for, where it invests and who it shows up for.”

Whether or not you buy the sentiment, the math is straightforward: Employee pricing means real savings on vehicles that millions of Americans already depend on for work, family life and everything in between.

The American Value for American Values program runs from May 1 through July 6, 2026. If you’ve been in the market for a new truck, SUV or EV, this is one of the rare moments where a major automaker is offering its internal pricing to the public — no strings, no negotiation, no catch.

For more details, visit Ford.com or contact your local Ford dealer.