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Blood Clots: Five Facts You Need to Know

2026-03-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, nearly 900,000 Americans are affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition in which blood clots form in the veins and can migrate to the lungs. These types of blood clots need immediate attention as they can be life-threatening. As such, blood clots often require quick action and prompt medical attention.

This was the case for Elizabeth Simms, who was 27 years old and 31 weeks pregnant. One morning, she had a hard time breathing but she brushed it off, blaming it on her pregnancy. Her husband insisted she go to her local hospital and rushed her to the emergency room, where the ER team quickly confirmed that she had a significant pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot that was blocking blood flow to her lungs. Her condition worsened and she was quickly medevacked to the regional hospital. Given the urgency of her condition, the doctors decided to use computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT™ is an advanced therapy to suction out the blood clot), which restored blood flow to her lungs. Elizabeth’s condition improved quickly, with her oxygen levels returning to normal shortly after the procedure. She was discharged from the hospital the following day and eight weeks later delivered a healthy baby boy.

Elizabeth’s story is just one example of how getting to the hospital and being treated appropriately and in a timely fashion can make a big difference in patient outcomes. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Blood Clots Affect Hundreds of Thousands Each Year

It’s estimated that up to 100,000 Americans die of VTE each year and many others have long-term complications. VTE includes PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in the legs. These blood clots often go undetected due to symptoms that overlap with those of other, less serious conditions. If left untreated, blood clots can lead to complications or death.

2. Early Diagnosis is Key to Better Outcomes

Prompt diagnosis of blood clots along with timely intervention can improve outcomes significantly. Unfortunately, at times blood clots can be prone to misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis due to symptoms that can be mistaken for another condition. The symptoms — swelling in the legs, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath — are easily mistaken for other, less serious health issues, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Venkat Tummala, a vascular and interventional radiologist in Lakeland, FL, and associate chief medical officer at Penumbra, Inc., underscores the urgency: “Time is critical when it comes to blood clots. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in life-threatening complications.”

3. New Treatments Are Changing the Game

New technologies have led to quicker treatments for blood clots. Anticoagulation (blood thinners) are commonly used to treat blood clots. However, their effectiveness on their own may be limited. Newer methods like CAVT enable doctors to rapidly remove blood clots and are minimally invasive. A recent study found the use of CAVT with anticoagulation had better improvements in both clinical and functional outcomes in PE patients compared to anticoagulation alone.

4. Know the Signs and Symptoms

While medical technology is advancing, knowing the signs and symptoms remains crucial. Common signs to watch for include swelling in the extremities, pain or tenderness in the leg, arm or chest, skin that feels warm to the touch, fainting and unexplained shortness of breath or difficulty. Dr. Tummala stresses, “It’s important for patients to be active participants in their care, especially when it comes to proven emerging treatments. Early action and communication with healthcare providers can greatly improve outcomes.” Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, explore the latest treatment methods, and discuss their best options with their doctors.

5. The Future of Blood Clot Treatment Looks Bright

The future of blood clot treatment is promising, with new technologies, specialized response teams, and growing awareness. However, gaps currently remain in standardizing care protocols across healthcare systems. Reducing these gaps is a goal of the Get Out the Clot campaign, a collaborative educational initiative uniting experts to support adoption of uniform approaches to blood clot treatment to help ensure more consistent and effective care for patients nationwide.

The ongoing advancements in blood clot treatments are helping to save lives and improve recovery times for many patients such as Elizabeth. As experts continue to improve care protocols and raise awareness about blood clots, the outlook for these patients is becoming increasingly hopeful with earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better long-term outcomes. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical help immediately — early action could save a life.

For more information about blood clots and available treatment options, visit https://www.getouttheclot.com/patient.

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Start preparing for spring allergy season with these expert tips

2026-03-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is right around the corner! If you’re among the one in four U.S. adults that suffers from seasonal allergies, it’s time to start preparing for the influx of pollen and other allergens.

“The biggest mistake people make with spring allergies is waiting for the first sneeze to take action,” said Dr. Fred Pescatore, M.D., a Manhattan-based natural physician and author of The Allergy and Asthma Cure. “If you wait for symptoms to show up, you’re fighting an uphill battle. Preparing early is the difference between controlling your allergies and letting them control you.”

Check out Dr. Pescatore’s top tips for preparing for allergy season so you can enjoy spring with minimal symptoms.

Change your air filter

Your HVAC air filter works hard year-round to improve your indoor air quality by removing dust, pollen and other allergens from your home. Change the filter at the onset of spring so it is operating optimally before spring allergy season arrives.

Pro tip: If you have severe allergies, don’t replace the filter yourself. The old filter will be full of allergens that can trigger your symptoms during the replacement. Instead, have another household member take on the chore and dispose of it immediately.

Manage inflammation

Leading up to allergy season, make an effort to manage inflammation before it starts. Inflammation is a normal immune response to allergens, triggering symptoms like sneezing, congestion, coughing and watery eyes.

A proactive approach can help reduce the intensity of seasonal symptoms. Foundational habits like limiting excess sugar, gluten and dairy, prioritizing sleep and managing stress all support a more balanced immune response. For those looking to add targeted nutritional support, Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract has been clinically studied for its role in helping to modulate the body’s inflammatory response when taken ahead of allergy season.

While many people rely on over-the-counter antihistamines for short-term symptom relief, some prefer a more natural approach that supports overall immune health rather than simply masking symptoms.

Dr. Pescatore adds, “When recommending Pycnogenol® to my patients, I typically suggest 50 to 100 milligrams daily starting 5-8 weeks before allergy season for best results.”

Reduce pollen exposure

Pollen is one of the most common seasonal allergy triggers, so reducing your exposure is key. This is especially important now, as pollen seasons have become more intense, start earlier and last longer in recent years — largely due to climate change. Warmer weather creates the perfect environment for pollen to thrive, especially during warm days and cool nights.

Even though it’s tempting to let the fresh spring air in, keep doors and windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home and settling on surfaces. Using a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help reduce indoor pollen levels and improve overall air quality. In addition, avoid doing yard work like mowing the lawn before noon, when pollen counts are typically highest, and try to limit outdoor activities on high pollen-count days.

Add a shower to your nighttime routine

If you don’t shower at night, it’s time to start. During the day, pollen settles on and clings to your hair, face and body. Rinsing off before going to bed prevents pollen from settling on your pillow and triggering allergies while you sleep. Plus, having a warm shower before bed can be incredibly relaxing, allowing you to settle into sleep and wake up refreshed to take on another day.

Don’t be reactive. Be proactive.

You can’t control allergens, but you can make intentional changes in your life to reduce your exposure to allergens and manage your symptoms before they start. Use these expert tips to get a jump on allergy season so you can enjoy the warmer weather to the fullest!

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Why do these states rank highest for employee happiness?

2026-03-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Does location shape how happy we are at work? Or is it something deeper?

The latest Happiest States report from BambooHR finds that the gap between the states with the happiest and least happy workers stretches nearly 40 points. Surprisingly, those differences don’t neatly follow regional lines.

With little to no correlation between happiness and geographical regions, the report shows the state-to-state disparities in worker satisfaction may point to a more hidden tension brewing beneath the surface. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side and BambooHR finds that employee happiness is not about where you are, but where you can grow.

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How is employee happiness measured?

The rankings are based on aggregated, anonymized employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) survey data that asks one simple question: How likely are you to recommend your workplace?

Which states have the happiest and unhappiest employees?

Top 5 states in 2025

  1. Rhode Island (eNPS 62.8)
  2. Maine (57.2)
  3. Hawaii (53.1)
  4. Arizona (52.1)
  5. Alaska (50.6)

The report further shows that the mix of top-ranking employee satisfaction states shows no correlation with metrics commonly associated with quality of life, such as household income, education level, population density or political partisanship.

Bottom 5 states in 2025

  1. New Hampshire (eNPS 23.5)
  2. Connecticut (26.3)
  3. Wyoming (30.1)
  4. Montana (32.9)
  5. Oregon (35.5)

The search for patterns among the states with the unhappiest employees yields a similar mystery.

Money and education don’t buy happy workers — New Hampshire and Connecticut rank highly on median income and education attainment, but they’re the two unhappiest labor states in the country. Meanwhile, workers in states with lower earnings and education attainment, like those in Wyoming and Montana, echo similar levels of dissatisfaction.

How opportunity, not geography, is shaping employee happiness

In a cooling labor market, leaders who take turnover and retention metrics at face value run the risk of missing early signs of disengagement.

The findings challenge the assumption that location is a primary driver of employee happiness. If regional culture, politics, income levels or cost of living were decisive factors, satisfaction would cluster predictably by state. According to the report, it doesn’t.

Instead, the clearest pattern in the data points to labor-market dynamics — specifically, access to opportunity.

While some high eNPS states have low turnover compared to the national median, many others have high turnover, challenging the tried-and-true wisdom that low turnover equals a content workforce.

States with both high employee happiness and high turnover, such as Texas, North Carolina and Florida, indicate that some state labor markets are likely benefiting from dynamic movement. These workforces may be focused on opportunities and growth over stability — workers are moving roles frequently, but they might feel optimistic about it.

Inversely, states with both low eNPS scores and low turnover proportions, like California and Minnesota, suggest that unsatisfied workers may be feeling stuck in their jobs, which can lead to workforce trends like job hugging or quiet quitting.

This data points to a hidden risk: The workforce may seem stable now, but if the winds change, there could be a mass exodus or performance plateau.

How business leaders can take workforce metrics to action

“Low turnover alone isn’t a reliable measure of organizational health,” says Wende Smith, senior director of people operations at BambooHR. “Real strength comes from purpose — from employees who understand why their work matters. When we dig deeper into employee sentiment, we can transform maintenance mode into sustainable performance.”

Here’s what leaders should keep in mind:

  1. Relying on surface metrics breeds complacency. Analyze eNPS and wellness surveys alongside key performance metrics and benchmark data to assess regional and industry performance.
  2. Stability is good, but apathy isn’t. Meaningful work and growth opportunities are necessary to keep workforces engaged, even in stable environments.
  3. Transparency and support need to be visible. Leaders must offer consistent clarity and effective manager support, not just lip service.

Business leaders can’t change the labor market overnight, but understanding how the market is actually impacting their workers could make all the difference for employee happiness and drive performance.

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Keep your family safe and sound with a new solar generator

2026-03-11T13:15:00

(BPT) – A storm is raging outdoors, but you and your family are safely tucked away in your cozy home … that is, until the power goes out. You don’t know if the outage will last minutes, hours or days, but you do know that you need backup power quick to keep the heat and lights on and necessary appliances like your fridge running.

The first solution you might think of is your gas generator. However, you can’t safely use it indoors, and it might be too dangerous to brave the weather to run the generator outdoors. Plus, you may not have enough gas to turn the generator on, let alone power what you need.

Instead of hoping the power comes back on sooner rather than later, consider upgrading to a safer, reliable backup power source: a solar generator.

Not a matter of if but when

Power outages are becoming more and more common. According to the U.S. Energy Administration, Americans averaged 11 hours of outages in 2024 — nearly double the prior decade’s average. States that experienced the most time without power dealt with major weather events like hurricanes.

Given the increase and duration of power outages, it pays to be prepared to weather the storm comfortably and safely inside your home.

The problem with gas

For decades, gas generators were the go-to backup power solution for many homes. However, gas has many drawbacks.

First and foremost, gas generators create carbon monoxide, which means they’re not safe to run inside your home or garage. Depending on the storm, they may not even be safe to operate outdoors. For apartment dwellers without dedicated outdoor spaces, a gas generator isn’t even an option.

Second, gas generators require you to keep fuel on hand. You can’t rely on leftover gas from its last use. Depending on the intensity of the storm, you may not be able to get to the gas station before or after a disaster. Even then, the gas station may not have fuel available due to high demand or supply disruptions caused by the storm.

Solar: A modern solution for modern power outages

Gas generators were built for a different era with different needs. To tackle today’s backup power needs, you need a modern solution like a solar generator.

When it comes to powering your home during a storm, a solar generator offers several benefits, including:

  • Fume-free, quiet operation
  • Easier maintenance
  • Multiple charging methods
  • Modular, scalable designs

Solar generators aren’t just for homeowners. Now, apartment residents can finally have reliable emergency power instead of waiting for the lights to come back on.

Best of all? You won’t run out of fuel. All you need is the sun.

A solution for any home

If you’re ready to upgrade to a solar-powered generator, consider one of Jackery’s home backup power stations. For example, the Solar Generator 5000 Plus is reliable backup power accessible to any household, designed to bridge the gap between portable generators and complex permanent home energy systems.

As the name suggests, solar is the main charging source for the portable home generator. However, it can also be charged via a standard wall outlet or 12-volt car port. When paired with Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch, the 5000 Plus can connect directly to a home’s circuit panel, automatically delivering backup power the moment the grid goes down — no extension cords, no manual intervention.

When running, the 5000 Plus is completely silent and 100% fume-free, ideal for safe indoor use. The solar generator also requires virtually no maintenance. That means no oil changes, no fuel stockpiling, no seasonal startup rituals.

The solar generator’s size is versatile enough for apartment use and powerful enough to power all your needs in a house. Thanks to its modular and scalable design, you can easily expand the solar generator’s total power capacity with additional battery packs.

But backup is only the beginning. When the Solar Generator 5000 Plus is expanded to its full 60kWh modular capacity and paired with a Smart Transfer Switch, it becomes more than an emergency power source. Homeowners — especially those with electric vehicles or higher daily energy use — can lower their electricity bills by up to $11,800 a year through simple peak shaving, which means charging the system when rates are low and using stored power when prices rise. It’s an easy way to make your energy dollars go further, with no noise, no fumes and no ongoing fuel costs. For many households, it’s not just a cleaner backup option. It’s a practical, long-term upgrade that can pay off year after year.

A smarter, safer upgrade for today’s households

Don’t wait for disaster to strike. Before the next storm hits, ditch your old gas generator and upgrade to solar. To learn more about this portable solar generator and Jackery’s other power solutions, visit Jackery.com.

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From City Streets to Housing Developments: Drones are a Game Changer for a Legacy Land Survey Industry

2026-03-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Every construction project, property transaction, infrastructure upgrade and urban planning project begins with one essential requirement: accurate data about the land. That’s where land surveys usually come into play. Think of it like a map with legal power — it turns unclear lines on paper into precise measurements on the ground. Surveyors measure and map terrain features, determine property boundaries, calculate elevations and define spatial relationships that guide critical decisions. Without a land survey, decisions are based on assumptions. With a land survey, you have clarity and legal protection.

Yet, despite its essential role in modern development projects, land surveying has traditionally remained a “low-tech” industry dominated by a tripod-mounted measurement tool popularized in the 1980s called a “total station.” As a result, land surveys can often be time-consuming, hazardous and limited in the type and amount of data they provide. On larger sites or hilly terrains, surveyors usually require multiple days or even weeks to complete a job, and teams frequently operate in risky conditions or difficult-to-access areas: near traffic, on active construction zones and on rooftops. This increases the risk of injury for surveyors while also limiting the efficiency and precision of data collection.

Innovation does exist in the surveying industry, but adoption of modern technologies remains uneven due to costs, difficulty of drone-captured data conversion and regulations. Drone as a Service (DaaS) is changing that by introducing a new variable in the equation: accessibility.

With a fast-growing network of 23 locations across the United States and Europe, DaaS provides commercial and government clients with drone-powered land surveying services. But rather than simply selling drones to customers and letting them deal with the rest, DaaS delivers a fully turnkey solution that modernizes land surveying, while eliminating the barriers that have historically slowed innovation. DaaS users do not need to worry about investing in costly equipment, training pilots or getting the right certifications. From the drones themselves to the licensed pilots and data processing, DaaS handles drone-based land surveys from end to end for customers across industries. By suppressing these key barriers to technology adoption, DaaS opens the door to a new area of efficiency and innovation in the land survey industry.

Faster, safer and more precise: Drones as the key to modernizing land surveying

Leveraging drone technology enables DaaS to dramatically improve speed, precision and safety in land surveys. With the help of drones, what once required days or weeks of fieldwork can often be completed in a fraction of the time. Drone-based surveys conducted by DaaS can map large sites up to 80% faster than traditional ground methods. Instead of waiting sometimes weeks for fragmented insights, stakeholders receive precise deliverables within 24 to 48 hours. For industries operating on tight margins and aggressive timelines, this level of responsiveness can create a decisive competitive advantage.

Beyond speed, drone-based surveys provide more complex and detailed data on the nature and features of a site. DaaS drones are equipped with advanced, interchangeable onboard technologies, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), multispectral sensors, thermal sensors and photogrammetry systems. These tools allow surveyors to collect high-resolution aerial imagery, detailed 3D models, volumetric measurements and detailed terrain analyses. The result is more comprehensive site intelligence with minimal blind spots and significantly reduced potential for human error. Executives and decision-makers are provided with the insights they need to improve processes, cut costs and meet their targets on time.

From a safety perspective, drone integration represents a significant step forward for the land surveying industry. Rather than exposing surveyors to high-risk environments for extended periods of time, drone surveys can capture full-site coverage quickly and safely. Beyond protecting workers, this reduction in field risk translates into lower liability exposure and fewer unforeseen operational expenses. By minimizing time spent in dangerous work conditions while maximizing data coverage, DaaS enhances both safety and financial performance.

A cross-industry solution built for scale

From commercial buildings and real estate to construction sites and local government public works, many industries rely on land surveys as a basis for their operations. Depending on each project’s size, location and specific needs, a survey can take many different forms. In construction, developers rely on accurate topographic, volume and as-built surveys to maintain timelines and budgets. In real estate, boundary and ALTA surveys support transactions and compliance, while local governments and urban planning agencies depend on elevation certificates, right-of-way surveys and wetlands delineation to guide infrastructure and environmental decisions.

DaaS’s strength lies in its scalability and adaptability. With 23 locations globally and a diverse drone fleet, the company delivers a broad spectrum of land surveying services, tailoring each survey to site size, terrain conditions, required data outputs and project timelines. Because drones can efficiently scale from small sites to expansive developments across varied terrain, DaaS offers a solution that grows with its customers.

Democratizing the use of drones to drive innovation in “low-tech” industries

Drone as a Service is a business division under parent company ZenaTech. Shaun Passley, Ph.D., the company’s CEO, expects to expand the portfolio of drone-based services to include precision agriculture, power-washing, inspection services and warehouse inventory management.

“The extensive capabilities of drones and advanced data, AI and autonomy benefits make them ideal transformation tools for a lot of these traditionally low-tech industries,” Passley said. “From inspection and mapping to logistics and improving crop yields, DaaS is at the forefront of this innovation, solving the issue of dull, dirty or dangerous jobs while providing smart data.”

The company is leading the way in a global drone services market that’s growing at over 36% annually and expected to reach $355 billion by 2032, according to Pragma Market Research. Following the acquisitions of 23 land survey firms in North America over the past year — in Florida, Virginia, California, Oregon, North and South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Illinois and Washington State — the company is growing its network of AI-powered drones in the United States. Combining the decade-long expertise of professional surveyors with drone capabilities, DaaS actively drives innovation in the land surveying industry, and it won’t stop there.

By delivering a turnkey, scalable and accessible Drone as a Service model, DaaS is not only modernizing land surveying but also reshaping how essential industries approach data, safety and operational efficiency.

Learn how DaaS can transform your business at DroneAsAService.com.

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How to transform your skin care routine with clean ingredients

2026-03-10T07:01:01

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

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

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

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

How to get started with clean beauty

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

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

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

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

Tips for everyday clean beauty needs

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

  • For face: Create a nourishing and toning facial serum by diluting neroli and lavender essential oil in rosehip oil and jojoba oil. Massage a small amount into clean, slightly damp skin in the morning and before bed.
  • For body: Use plant-based carrier oils and body butters as daily moisturizers. These provide easy, skin-loving hydration. For deep hydration, try jojoba oil or castor oil. Both are non-comedogenic and work well as daily moisturizers or overnight treatments depending on your skin’s needs.
  • For hair: Use argan oil for rejuvenating hair and scalp massages. Customize your routine by blending one to two drops of your favorite essential oil into each small dropperful of argan oil for a personalized touch.
  • For nails and cuticles: Massage castor oil into your nail beds and around cuticles to lock in moisture, soften skin and support healthier-looking nails.
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Mercurio notes that personalization is key when working with botanicals. “Everyone’s skin and hair have different needs,” she explains. “Starting with a few carefully selected plant oils allows you to build a routine that feels simple, effective and tailored to you.”

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

Behind every Aura Cacia bottle

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

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

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

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

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

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Multi-Cancer Early Detection can help identify cancer signals sooner

2026-03-10T10:01:01

(BPT) – Many people know that finding cancer early, before it spreads, may help increase the chances of treating and surviving cancer.1 But navigating risk factors and getting ahead can be confusing and overwhelming. Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) with the Cancerguard® test can detect signals for cancers that do not have routine screening options. It’s important to understand MCED tests, who they can help and how they can play a role in being proactive about health.

Why do you need to screen for cancer even if you feel healthy?

While cancer is the second leading cause of death within the United States, most cancers do not have a recommended screening method and can be detected too late to be treated effectively.2 This includes some of the deadliest cancer types — pancreatic, ovarian, stomach and esophageal.2,3

Finding cancer early may help increase the chances of treating and surviving cancer.1 The sooner cancer is identified through screening like MCED testing, the sooner it can be treated.

Senior man jogging down a country road. Finding cancer early may help increase the chances of treating and potentially surviving cancer.

What is Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) testing?

Using a simple blood draw, MCED tests, like Cancerguard, detect cancer signals in the blood. Normal cells regularly release a small amount of healthy DNA and protein into the bloodstream. If cancer is present, cancer cells will also release altered DNA and other markers into the bloodstream. The Cancerguard test helps identify differences in these DNA and protein markers in the blood — which can be used to find cancer even in earlier stages, when it is more treatable.3

How are MCED tests different from routine screenings?

Routine single-cancer screenings look for one type of cancer at a time, while the Cancerguard test helps detect over 50 cancer types and subtypes.3,4 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force A&B Guidelines recommend screening for only four cancer types: breast, cervical, colorectal and lung (in high-risk populations),5 leaving nearly 70% of annual cancers and deaths with no recommended screening options.6

Before symptoms even appear, MCED tests can identify cancer-associated biomarkers to help detect the presence of a range of screen-detected cancers. MCED testing is intended to be used as a complement to routine screening options.

If MCED tests are so powerful, which should you choose?

Cancerguard is the only MCED test available that analyzes multiple biomarker classes to enhance early detection potential. Exact Sciences, the makers of the Cologuard® test, introduced the Cancerguard test which can detect over 50 cancer types and subtypes, including the 6 most deadly forms.3,4 In addition to analyzing methylated DNA markers in the body associated with cancer, the Cancerguard test also analyzes protein biomarkers linked to cancer. It was designed to evolve and incorporate new cancer-associated biomarkers as they are discovered. Consider the Cancerguard test if:

  • You are proactive about your health
  • You have increased risk factors such as smoking or alcohol use
  • You haven’t had a cancer diagnosis in the last 3 years
  • You have a family history of cancer
  • Your healthcare provider thinks you are an appropriate patient for the test

This test is not recommended for individuals who have had cancer within the last three years or who are pregnant and does not replace recommended screening. Individuals interested in taking the Cancerguard test should talk to their health care provider about whether the test is right for them.

Adult son hugging his dad. For adults, Cancerguard<sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup></sup> offers a meaningful way to detect cancers with a simple blood test.” width=”600″ border=”0″></div> <div class=

You are interested in using the Cancerguard® test. How does the testing process work?

Screening is simple and convenient. You can request your test in one of two ways:

  • By visiting Cancerguard.com, where you can request a prescription via telehealth
  • By requesting the test via your healthcare provider

Once the test is ordered by a healthcare provider, have your blood sample taken at:

  • Your doctor’s office
  • A local hospital system
  • An approved blood drawing center
  • Home, where a professional phlebotomist comes to you

Your sample will be shipped to Exact Sciences Laboratories for analysis. Results will be available in about two weeks to discuss with your ordering provider.

  • If results are negative, continue your regular cancer screenings and consider incorporating MCED testing into your annual wellness routine.
  • If results are positive, plan your next steps with your health care provider. A positive result means that the blood test identified a cancer signal that may indicate the presence of cancer. It is not a diagnosis and does not confirm that you have cancer. Imaging (radiology) scans and other medical tests are typically needed to locate and confirm a cancer diagnosis.

Exact Sciences offers Care Navigation support to help you through your next steps. Exact Sciences also offers an imaging reimbursement program that reimburses up to $6,000 for non-covered imaging costs to help reduce the financial impact for eligible patients.*

*Patients must apply. Eligibility depends on program qualifications, is not guaranteed, and is subject to change. The program will not reimburse any covered imaging costs, including copay, coinsurance and/or deductible amounts determined by insurance. For more information patients should contact to apply, call 1-844-870-8870.

What should you do if you get a negative result?

The Cancerguard test does not replace routine cancer screening and tests, and it is not a diagnostic tool. Discuss with your doctor how you may use the Cancerguard test as an important tool to complement your routine screenings.

To learn more about how the Cancerguard test can expand your health screening journey, visit www.cancerguard.com.

Cancerguard, Cologuard, and Exact Sciences are trademarks of Exact Sciences Corporation.

© 2026 Exact Sciences Corporation. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The Cancerguard test was developed, and the performance characteristics validated by Exact Sciences Laboratories following College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations. This test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The test is performed at Exact Sciences Laboratories. Exact Sciences Laboratories is accredited by CAP, certified under CLIA regulations, and qualified to perform high-complexity clinical laboratory testing.

References

  1. The Cancer Atlas. Early Detection. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://canceratlas.cancer.org/taking-action/early-detection/
  2. Siegel RL, Kratzer TB, Giaquinto AN, et al. Cancer statistics, 2025. CA Cancer J Clin. 2025;75:10-45.
  3. Cancerguard Clinician Brochure. Exact Sciences Corporation. Madison, WI.
  4. Data on file. Cancerguard Cancer Subtype Analysis. Exact Sciences. Madison, WI; September 2025. [MED-REF- 01259]
  5. USPSTF. A & B Recommendations. Accessed November 10, 2025. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation-topics/uspstf-a-and-b-recommendations
  6. Data on file. Cancers without USPSTF recommended screening. 2026. Medical Affairs, Exact Sciences, Madison, WI

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National Geographic’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime

2026-03-10T11:01:00

(BPT) – Train travel, a 200-year-old tradition, is experiencing a resurgence — becoming more popular than ever today. Sure, you can ride the rails to get from A to B, but many travelers are boarding trains for the sheer excitement of the journey, to travel on railways that ascend mountains, cross continents, and may have historical significance.

These types of adventures are what’s in store through the pages of National Geographic’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter.

“Trains can offer countless beautiful vistas and give you a window into a culture,” Potter says. “On a train ride in the U.S., you’ll pass a thousand backyards, glimpsing the present and the distant past simultaneously, as riveting as a great American novel as you watch a moonrise over the Rockies, the dusty deserts of the Southwest, or prairie grass blowing in the constant wind of the Dakotas.”

Many of the train journeys featured in this beautifully illustrated guide pack adventure, excitement, and history into a single trip. There are journeys you can easily complete in a few hours, while others require several days of travel. But each will leave a lasting impression.

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History-lovers will thrill in short-distance voyages on amazing vintage trains like the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Colorado, a 45-minute jaunt on one of the best-preserved vintage railways in the world.

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On the East Coast, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, completed in 1869 using technology developed during the Civil War, climbs to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeast. The three-hour round trip ride on the world’s first mountain cog railway offers plenty of history and panoramic views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

For those who really love the views, the United States offers some of the most scenic and dramatic long-distance trains in the world, taking you to see the Rocky Mountains from an observation car, gaze at Glacier National Park, or cross endless prairies.

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Longer train trips, such as the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, utilize double-decker glass-domed observation cars. This two-night, three-day experience passes through canyons, farmland, and deserts, not to mention the Rocky and the Sierra Nevada ranges. At 2,438 miles, it is Amtrak’s longest daily route, following the same path as the 1869 transcontinental railroad.

The Empire Builder travels from Chicago to Portland and Seattle, a 2,210-mile passage. Packing in some of the most scenic stretches of America’s prairies and mountains, the route follows parts of the Lewis & Clark Trail.

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Then there’s the Coast Starlight, which heads north from Los Angeles, offering dramatic views as it hugs the coast for part of its route to Seattle, with stops in San Francisco and Portland.

You can’t go wrong taking any one of the trips in National Geographic’s 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World’s Ultimate Rides, available wherever books are sold.

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4 expert tips to host Easter meals with ease

2026-03-10T09:05:00

(BPT) – Easter is the perfect time to gather friends and family to spend quality time together, celebrate the season and enjoy delicious food. However, between cooking, serving and cleanup, it’s easy to get caught up in the work and miss out on time with loved ones.

Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning, you can pull off a memorable gathering and still enjoy time with the people you care about. These tips will help make your Easter celebration easier and more fun for everyone.

Create a self-serve drink station

Instead of serving guests individually, create a self-serve drink station where they can pour and customize their own beverages. This gives everyone the freedom to enjoy what they like while freeing up the host to mingle and manage other hosting tasks.

Choose a convenient spot, like a kitchen island or a table off to the side of the main entertaining area. Your drink station can be as simple or elaborate as you like — it could include coffee, juice or even festive seasonal drinks. Add any extra flavoring or garnishes your guests might enjoy so everyone can personalize their drinks.

Use disposable tableware

Cleaning up doesn’t have to take time away from celebrating with your guests. Instead of spending time washing dishes, opt for disposable utensils, plates, cups and napkins. When your guests are done eating and drinking, they can simply toss their items into a designated trash bag or bin.

Using disposable tableware not only makes after-meal cleanup quick and easy, but it can also double as your décor. Choose Easter or spring-themed plates, cups and napkins in fun, pastel colors and patterns to spruce up your celebration.

Plan ahead to enjoy the celebration

Preparing a few dishes, setting the table or organizing supplies the day before can significantly reduce stress and free up your time to focus on guests. A little advance prep goes a long way in creating a smoother, more enjoyable gathering.

Create a simple timeline for cooking, serving and cleanup to keep the day running efficiently. Knowing what needs to happen and when helps you stay organized and be fully present with your guests.

Choose savory sides that double as meals

Cooking is one of the most time-consuming parts of hosting any gathering. This year, keep Easter simple by serving ready-to-heat sides that save you time and allow you to soak in the joy of the season with friends and family. Bob Evans Family Size Macaroni & Cheese and Family Size Original Mashed Potatoes are ready in minutes and are perfect for feeding large crowds at your Easter gathering.

Elevate your spread by incorporating these easy-to-prepare side dishes into delicious recipes that will have guests asking for seconds.

Macaroni and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Prep time: 20 minutes; Cook time: 40 minutes; Servings: 10

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake biscuits according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, cook sausage, onion and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat until sausage is browned and crumbly; drain if needed and spoon into a large bowl.
  3. Add macaroni and cheese and stir until blended. Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  4. Lightly beat eggs in a large bowl. Crumble biscuits into eggs and stir until just moistened.
  5. Stir in cheeses. Pour mixture over macaroni and cheese mixture. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.
  6. Sprinkle with chives.

Mashed Potato Biscuits with Fancy Butter

Prep time: 25 minutes; Cook time: 15 minutes; Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup Bob Evans Family Size Original Mashed Potatoes
  • 2 large eggs divided
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon flaky salt
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.
  4. Whisk together mashed potatoes, one egg, honey and buttermilk.
  5. Gradually add to flour mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms, adding additional buttermilk if needed.
  6. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll it to a 1-inch thickness.
  7. Cut dough with 2½-inch round cutter, rerolling scraps as needed.
  8. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  9. Lightly beat remaining egg in a bowl.
  10. Brush tops of biscuits with beaten egg and sprinkle with flaky salt.
  11. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  12. Meanwhile, stir together softened butter, strawberry preserves and basil. Serve with hot biscuits.

Find these Bob Evans products to prep your Easter table — plus more recipe inspiration at BobEvansGrocery.com.

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Real-time live translations of phone conversations are here

2026-03-10T06:01:00

(BPT) – Language barriers can make it difficult to connect with family, friends and neighbors who speak a language you don’t. When you’re traveling, lacking fluency in the local language can make trip planning challenging and take away from the trip experience. For those running small businesses, not being able to communicate with clients in their own language can lead to missed opportunities.

But what if your conversations could be translated in real time with the push of a button? This isn’t a far-off future technology. It’s here and now. Say goodbye to language barriers and hello to Live Translation from T-Mobile.

Turning conversations into community

Translation services have been around for a while. However, they can be expensive, require specific devices, apps, downloads and subscriptions, and route data in ways that aren’t always private and secure.

To bridge the language gap and make live multilingual conversations a reality for everyone, T-Mobile is launching a beta trial of Live Translation this spring, the world’s first real-time agentic AI platform built directly into a wireless network.

“Some of the biggest barriers wireless customers face are the simplest ones — like being able to understand each other,” said Srini Gopalan, CEO of T-Mobile. “When language gets in the way, the network gets reduced to just a signal — and that’s not who we are. By bringing real-time AI directly into our network, we’re delivering more than connectivity — turning conversations into community, starting with Live Translation.”

Because it’s built right into the network, this real-time voice translation service provides near-instant, two-way translation on any phone — from smartphones to the most basic flip phones — in over 50 languages. No special phones, apps or fees required.

A real-time interpreter at your fingertips

So, how does Live Translation work? It’s very simple. If you’re on the T-Mobile network, all you need to do is call and dial *87*. Live Translation will automatically detect two different languages and translate them in real time, allowing for a smooth, natural conversation. Plus, only one person needs to be on T-Mobile’s network to initiate translation.

“Live Translation shows what’s possible when you rethink the role of a wireless provider,” said John Saw, President of Technology & CTO, T-Mobile. “We started this journey years ago by betting big on 5G, and creating a network that wasn’t just about speed, but also one that could adapt and evolve. With nationwide 5G Advanced as the foundation, we can now run real-time AI services directly in the network with Live Translation being the first in a new era of AI-driven experiences for customers.”

Whether you’re calling your abuela to let her know about your job promotion, making hotel reservations for your trip to France or simply talking with your neighbor or local customer, you’ll be able to confidently communicate. If you’re ready to connect with people across the world and those next door, you can get early access to T-Mobile’s Live Translation by visiting T-Mobile.com/Live-Translation.

Eligible T-Mobile service required for trial. Limited spots available; registration does not guarantee access. Near real-time translation available for 50+ languages; translations are AI generated and accuracy is not guaranteed. For voice calling only. Available on the T-Mobile network; service also available when roaming internationally in select countries on partner networks with 5G or VoLTE enabled. Translation service not available for 911 or 988 emergency calls.