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Why creatine deserves a place in your routine

2026-09-30T16:47:00

(BPT) – By Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist navigating perimenopause, I’m always thinking about how to best support my body and mind as I age. I’m also selective about supplements. I don’t take many, so if something earns a place in my routine, there has to be a good reason.

Creatine monohydrate is one of the few that has made the cut. Every morning, I mix a scoop into my orange juice. It’s a simple habit, but one I’ve come to rely on because of the strong research behind it and the way I feel when I take it consistently.

Many people still think creatine is only for bodybuilders or people trying to bulk up, but that’s a limited view. Beyond supporting muscle performance, strength and recovery, creatine also plays an important role in cellular energy and may benefit cognitive function during menopause. That’s one reason why I think it deserves more attention, especially during life stages like perimenopause, menopause and andropause. Healthy Aging Month is a great opportunity to learn more about this natural energy source.

How creatine powers your cells

To understand how creatine works, let’s take a quick step back to high school biology. You might remember the Krebs cycle and ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the primary energy currency your cells use for everything from moving a muscle to solving a puzzle.

However, your body’s ATP stores are limited. They deplete quickly when energy demands rise. This is where creatine steps in. It helps your cells regenerate ATP more efficiently, acting as a rapid energy reserve.

This mechanism makes creatine valuable well beyond the gym. One question I hear often is: Does creatine help with perimenopause fatigue? Based on the available evidence, there’s reason to think it can, particularly by supporting cellular energy during periods of hormonal flux, poor sleep or mental strain. It won’t replace good sleep or a balanced diet, but for women navigating menopause-related muscle loss and energy dips, it’s one of the more well-researched tools available. By helping to ensure your cells have a steady energy supply, creatine supports resilience when your body is working harder to maintain it.

Does creatine help during perimenopause and menopause?

Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause bring noticeable shifts. Energy levels can dip, workouts often feel harder to recover from and mental clarity might not come as easily. These frustrating changes highlight exactly why creatine is so relevant right now.

Throughout a woman’s lifespan, hormonal fluctuations influence how the body produces, transports and uses creatine.1 In other words, the times when you need steady energy and resilience the most are often the same times when your body’s natural creatine dynamics are shifting.

Additionally, women may naturally produce less creatine and consume less of it through food compared to men.2 This makes supplementation particularly relevant, especially as hormonal changes during menopause can impact areas like bone density, cognitive sharpness and muscle strength, which are key aspects of health that often feel more vulnerable during this transition.

Emerging research suggests creatine may help support muscle strength, cognitive function, energy metabolism and exercise recovery during menopause.3 While it is not a treatment for menopause symptoms, it may help address some challenges associated with hormonal changes.

What are the benefits of creatine for brain and muscle health?

What I find most compelling about creatine is how its benefits overlap. We don’t experience muscle health, mental clarity, recovery and mood as separate systems. They’re interconnected!

When creatine supports ATP production, it provides fuel for muscle contractions. This can improve your training quality and help preserve lean muscle mass. At the same time, it fuels your brain cells. The brain is an incredibly energy-hungry organ. Some data link creatine supplementation to improved memory, attention and processing speed in adults, and it may enhance cognitive performance by increasing cellular energy reserves and reducing oxidative stress in the brain.4

Creatine for men and andropause

Creatine isn’t just a conversation for women. Men also experience age-related hormonal shifts, often referred to as andropause. As testosterone declines, men may notice losses in muscle mass, reduced strength, lower energy and changes in focus or mental sharpness.

Because creatine supports ATP regeneration, it can help address these challenges. For aging men, this means support for strength, training capacity and lean mass, while also helping maintain mental energy and cognitive performance. The underlying biology is the same: when cells can produce and recycle energy more efficiently, both physical and cognitive performance benefit.

How much creatine should you take?

Most research on creatine monohydrate uses a maintenance dose of 3–5 grams per day. Experts generally recommend taking creatine consistently each day to maintain elevated muscle creatine stores.5

Keeping it simple

When I talk with clients about supplements, I encourage simplicity. But creatine is one of the few supplements I consistently recommend during this life stage because the research is broad, the mechanism makes sense, and it’s easy to use.5

When choosing a product, I recommend a third-party-tested creatine monohydrate without unnecessary additives. Doctor’s Best Creatine Powder is a great example; it’s unflavored, vegan and easy to mix into orange juice, water or a smoothie, making it a seamless addition to your routine.

The bottom line

Creatine isn’t just a supplement; it’s a small but powerful way to support your body and mind through life’s transitions. Whether you’re navigating the hormonal shifts of perimenopause or menopause, or simply looking to maintain strength, energy and clarity as you age, creatine offers a science-backed solution that’s easy to incorporate into your routine. For me, it’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about feeling strong, capable and clear-headed in the moments that matter most. And that’s why creatine has earned its permanent spot in my morning orange juice, and I encourage clients in this life-stage to explore it too.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does creatine do? Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that helps your body produce and recycle ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the primary source of energy used by your cells. While it’s best known for supporting muscle strength and exercise performance, creatine also plays an important role in brain function, recovery, and cellular energy production throughout the body.
  • Can creatine help with brain fog? Research suggests that creatine may support cognitive function by helping brain cells maintain adequate energy levels. Some studies have linked creatine supplementation to improvements in memory, attention and information-processing speed, particularly during periods of metabolic stress, sleep deprivation or aging. While creatine is not a treatment for menopause-related brain fog, it may help support overall brain health and mental clarity as part of a healthy lifestyle.4
  • Does creatine help with fatigue? Because creatine helps regenerate cellular energy, it may help support physical and mental energy demands. Some women find that creatine helps them feel more resilient during periods of hormonal change, intense exercise or poor sleep.
  • How much creatine should I take? Most research on creatine monohydrate supports a daily maintenance dose of 3–5 grams per day. While some people choose to start with a short loading phase, it’s not necessary. Taking 3–5 grams daily consistently will gradually increase and maintain creatine stores in your muscles and other tissues.5
  • When should I take creatine? The most important factor is consistency. Creatine can be taken any time of day, as long as you take it regularly. Long-term daily use is generally more important than the specific timing of supplementation.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product and information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a physician. Consult your physician or healthcare provider before beginning any supplement or lifestyle program.

References

1 Smith-Ryan, A. E., Cabre, H. E., Eckerson, J. M., & Candow, D. G. (2021). Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective. Nutrients, 13(3), 877. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030877

2 Smith-Ryan, A. E., DelBiondo, G. M., Brown, A. F., Kleiner, S. M., Tran, N. T., & Ellery, S. J. (2025). Creatine in women’s health: bridging the gap from menstruation through pregnancy to menopause. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2025.2502094

3 Smith-Ryan, A. E., Cabre, H. E., Eckerson, J. M., & Candow, D. G. (2021). Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective. Nutrients, 13(3), 877. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13030877

4 Xu C, Bi S, Zhang W and Luo L (2024) The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Nutr. 11:1424972. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1424972

5 Kreider, R. B., Kalman, D. S., Antonio, J., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Wildman, R., Collins, R., … Lopez, H. L. (2017). International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z

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3 reasons artichokes should be the star of your next meal

2026-09-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you trying to add more whole foods and vegetables to your diet? Consider an often overlooked option: fresh artichokes. This Mediterranean diet staple is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to eat healthier. Plus, artichokes dovetail with many of today’s biggest wellness priorities, from gut health to improved sleep and healthy aging. They’re also surprisingly easy to prepare and remarkably versatile in the kitchen. Here are three reasons artichokes deserve a prime spot on your grocery list.

1. Artichokes are an easy and tasty way to eat more fiber

Fibermaxxing has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. According to UCLA Health, increasing your fiber intake can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing several chronic diseases. That said, only 5% of U.S. adults eat the daily recommended amount of fiber.

The good news is that artichokes are a fiber-rich food. Just one medium-sized artichoke contains 7 grams of fiber, roughly one-third of your daily fiber needs. By adding artichokes to your meals, you’re improving your fiber intake, one meaty leaf at a time.

2. They’re a whole food with a whole lot of nutrients

Nutrient-dense artichokes are a whole food that is as good for you as it is delicious. The veggie’s prebiotics and probiotics can improve gut health and balance blood sugar, while its antioxidants support healthy aging. They’re also high in magnesium, which can support better sleep.

3. Artichokes are simple to prepare and easy to add to your meals

If you’ve never cooked an artichoke, you’d be surprised by how simple the vegetables are to prepare. Start by giving them a good rinse and light scrub. Then, snip the top, trim off the end of the stem and remove any small leaves around the base.

Now that your artichokes are clean, you can steam, boil, grill, air fry, microwave or slow cook them. The simplest way to eat artichokes is to dress them with lemon, olive oil and seasonings of your choice, then bake.

Once cooked, you can cool, cover and refrigerate the artichokes so you can incorporate them into your meal plan throughout the week. You reheat and serve them with a savory dip, toss the hearts into salads and grain bowls, or grill them alongside fish or chicken.

Artichoke and lemon dill dip. Ocean Mist Farms produces high quality artichokes.


An artichoke producer with deep roots

Are you ready to start your artichoke adventure? When searching for artichokes in the produce department, make sure to choose ones from a brand with a history of quality and care like Ocean Mist Farms.

Since 1924, the company has grown to become the largest grower and supplier of fresh artichokes in North America. Its ongoing commitment to thoughtful varietal development and selection, combined with sustainable farming practices, helps ensure the exceptional quality, flavor and year-round availability of its flagship crop. To learn more and discover delicious artichoke recipes, visit OceanMist.com.

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5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year

2026-09-30T07:31:00

(BPT) – The holidays are approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what you’ll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a thoughtful gift with a lasting impact.

For over three decades, World Vision — a Christian humanitarian organization — has helped redefine what holiday giving looks like. Through its annual World Vision Gift Catalog, the organization offers meaningful gifts that help meet real needs and equip children, families and communities with resources to help lift themselves out of poverty.

From handcrafted gifts featured by celebrity supporters to donations that enable sustainable, community-led solutions, these creative gift ideas will make your loved ones smile and help others worldwide.

“Faithfully Woven” travel pouch by Melissa Joan Hart

This silk and leather travel pouch, featured by actor, director and producer Melissa Joan Hart, carries beauty and purpose wherever your journey leads. Each pouch’s intricate pattern is handwoven by fair-trade artisans in Guatemala.

“Called to Light” brass earrings by Alexa PenaVega

Featured by actor and producer Alexa PenaVega, these brass and cow horn earrings reflect the beautiful contrast of light and dark. Each gorgeous pair is handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Kenya.

“Patchwork of Promise” Kitenge apron by Kel Mitchell

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This vibrant African Kitenge apron, featured by actor, producer and author Kel Mitchell, brings beauty and purpose to everyday moments. Each apron is lovingly handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Kenya and turns the work of your hands into an act of gratitude and joy.

Gifts That Multiply

When you give to one of World Vision’s Gifts That Multiply initiatives, your donation goes farther when combined with corporate product donations and public grants. For example, if you donate to the Lifesaving Healthcare Good initiative, your gift will have five times the impact thanks to public grants, ensuring that more kids get a healthy start and thrive in life. Other initiatives you can fund include hunger relief, disaster relief, food kits for refugees, clothing, school supplies and more.

Give a gift that grows

Some gifts grow over time and can help put a family on the road to self-sufficiency — like a goat! Gifting a goat can make a bigger impact than you may expect. In fact, one healthy dairy goat can provide up to 16 cups of milk a day, providing calcium, protein and other essential nutrients for growing children. Plus, goats are well suited for harsh climates and produce valuable fertilizer for crops and vegetable gardens. Your gift of a goat will be a much-celebrated blessing for a family in need and can even help them make lasting change in their community.

Give a gift with purpose

This year, give a gift that does more. To order from the World Vision Gift Catalog, visit WorldVisionGifts.org or call 1-855-WV-GIFTS (1-855-984-4387). Donate by Dec. 9 for delivery by Christmas.

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How to travel like a foodie: Tips for planning a culinary vacation

2026-09-29T10:17:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Culinary professionals see destinations through the lens of the cultures, seasons and agriculture that shape them.
  • Planning your travel around what grows locally and what’s in season makes for better culinary travel experiences.
  • Seek out food festivals, foraging weekends and farm-to-table wine dinners like those offered throughout agriculturally rich areas like Michigan.

One of the best parts of vacation is experiencing local foods, fresh ingredients and related customs, but how do you find authentic spots and dishes? According to people who work in the food business, there are a few tricks to uncovering great culinary moments while traveling.

1. Eat the season: Align your trip with the harvest

Freshly picked cherries from Klenk Orchards in Sparta, MI.

Freshly picked cherries from Klenk Orchards in Sparta, MI. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

Epicureans don’t just ask where to eat; they ask when. Timing your travels to the harvest or what’s in season offers a more flavorful experience. In Michigan, the second most agriculturally diverse state in America, this means seeking out peaches and sweet corn in the late summer or earthy dishes featuring foraged ramps and morels in the spring.

“I tell people to plan around produce, from spring rhubarb and asparagus to the last autumn apples and winter squash — even maple tapping season,” says cookbook author and baker Martin Sorge. “Check with local farmers to confirm when peak season is to plan your trip, and remember Northern Michigan can be several weeks behind other areas of the Midwest. You’ll find the best Northern Michigan cherries mid-to-late July, for example.”

“There’s an incredible sense of pride, community and connection to nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so I aim to let the land tell the story and guide the menu by using hyperlocal, seasonal produce and foraged goods,” says Carrie Masters, chef and owner of Bird & Toad in Marquette. “My favorite meals are often pieced together from local purveyors, and they are always best enjoyed out in nature right where the ingredients came from.”

2. Map the cultural diaspora

Wine and food pairings at a table
Culinary and beverage offerings at Highlands Detroit. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

Authentic food cultures thrive within regional enclaves. Seek out areas where immigrant populations have come to anchor the local cuisine or create fresh fusion experiences, like Detroit-area Levantine bakeries and cafés.

“Detroit has become like a mini-Los Angeles, with pockets of truly surprising and authentic international cuisine and fusions, like Mexican, Cantonese and amazing Korean-American chefs cooking the foods of their home, and adopted city,” says Matt Rodbard, an award-winning food and culture writer and editor of TASTE.

Use slow travel principles to anchor your itinerary around regional celebrations, such as harvest and food and wine festivals.

3. Anchor travel around food-centric festivals

Rather than rushing between scattered dining spots, use slow travel principles to anchor your itinerary around regional celebrations, such as harvest and food and wine festivals, like the November Art Coast Food and Wine Festival in Saugatuck Douglas. These events allow visitors to sample a wide range of local flavors at their peak.

4. Be part of the meal prep

Friends toasting each other while enjoying a Fall day outside
People enjoying Michigan craft beers and farm-to-table dining at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, MI. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

True food travel means getting your hands dirty. Seek out u-pick farms and orchards, foraging walks with resort chefs or creamery workshops, like those offered throughout Michigan’s wine coast at properties like Black Star Farms. Participating in the harvest or subsequent meal preparation builds a tangible connection to the land and makes the final dish more rewarding.

“The best culinary experiences give you a sense of place,” says Danny Simmons, director of culinary and events at Black Star Farms. “We believe in the idea that what grows together, goes together, and we build our food and wine experiences around what Northern Michigan is giving us in that moment alongside wines grown and made here. Through experiences like our hands-on cooking classes, dinners and other culinary programs, we invite guests to be part of that connection rather than simply observe it, gaining a deeper understanding of the land, the season and what pairs well together.”

5. Embrace unexpected and interesting pairings

Instead of getting that wine you always get, lean into the local beverage terroir. Pair a funky Michigan washed-rind cheese with a dry heirloom hard cider, or local Great Lakes whitefish with a crisp Old Mission Peninsula Riesling. Local wines, beers and aged ingredients are truly an artifact of the landscape.

Keep these tips in mind as you plan your next vacation. You don’t need to work in the culinary industry to uncover vibrant flavors and authentic experiences when traveling.

Photo above: People enjoying the autumn harvest at Chateau Chantal winery on Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

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After Breast Cancer, I Had to Learn How to Live in My Body Again

2026-09-29T00:01:00

(BPT) – When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, I didn’t think of a mastectomy as an amputation. But that’s exactly what it is. A part of my body was removed to save my life. And with it went something I had not expected to lose: the ability to feel my chest.

I’d been told I could be numb. I didn’t understand what that reality actually meant.

Before my mastectomy, sensation wasn’t something I thought about. The warmth of someone’s hand or the pressure of a seatbelt across my chest didn’t require conscious attention for me to know it was there. My body simply told me what was happening.

Until it didn’t.

When Your Body Doesn’t Feel Like Your Body

During a mastectomy, nerves that provide feeling to the breast and chest are cut as part of the procedure. It is necessary to remove cancerous tissue. Without surgical intervention to reconstruct those nerves, the majority of women are left numb after a mastectomy. I was only told the day of my surgery that I might experience numbness. But it was an afterthought, just another side effect on a long list of risks and complications I was already trying to understand and reconcile. It sounded temporary. Manageable. Certainly not something that would fundamentally change the way I experience my own body. After surgery, my chest “healed” according to medical standards, but to me, it still felt unfamiliar and disconnected from the rest of my body. What I saw and what I felt no longer matched.

That disconnect is difficult to explain unless you’ve lived it.

It can make your body feel foreign. It can change intimacy, how you experience touch, how you move through completely ordinary moments. Numbness isn’t visible. To the people around me, I looked healed. But healing and feeling whole aren’t necessarily the same thing. Without anyone realizing it, I had to navigate an entirely new relationship with my body.

I hug people tighter because I can’t fully feel it against my chest. I’ve burned myself without realizing it. Clothing and seatbelts can feel strange. I pay attention to pressure and temperature in ways I never had to before. Sometimes, there is the simple, unsettling realization that I’m touching my own body and can’t feel it.

For me, one of the hardest parts was the shift from never thinking about sensation to thinking about it every day. Many times a day.

It’s Not Just Me

For a long time, these experiences felt deeply isolating. They weren’t the things people talked about when they discussed breast cancer survival. Then I read the results of a national survey of more than 300 women who had undergone mastectomy, and I saw myself in their shared experiences.

Nearly nine in 10 women reported experiencing chest numbness or loss of feeling. One in four reported burns, cuts or other injuries related to their numbness. More than half reported depression or sadness, and 57% said they no longer felt like the woman they once were.

But one stat struck me especially hard: 54% said they stayed silent because they felt they should “just be grateful.”

I understand that silence. I survived the thing I feared most, yet I still grieve something I never expected to lose. Sometimes I wonder if I should feel that loss so deeply when I am fortunate to still be here.

Gratitude Doesn’t Cancel Grief

There is enormous pressure around survivorship to be grateful. And I am grateful. I am alive. But it’s possible to experience gratitude and grief together. Many of us do.

Grieving what cancer and treatment took from me doesn’t diminish the gift of survival. Talking about numbness doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate the care that saved my life. Missing what my body used to feel like doesn’t make me any less thankful to still be here.

Surviving changed me. And that’s the part of survivorship I wish we talked about more openly. Gratitude and grief aren’t opposites.

When numbness is invisible, it is easy for everyone around you — and eventually even for you — to assume that once the scars heal, you’re okay. But the end of treatment isn’t necessarily the end of what cancer changes for survivors.

There Is Life After Cancer

Maybe you’re facing a mastectomy now. Maybe you had one years ago and you’re trying to find the words for something you’ve felt (or lost) all along. Or maybe you love someone who has survived breast cancer and never realized this could be part of her experience.

What I wish I had understood is that numbness isn’t a small side effect. It’s not a footnote. It changes the way you move through the world and how you experience your own body.

The cancer may be gone, but I still carry the changes it brought into my life.

I don’t share this to diminish survival. I share it because I survived breast cancer, but healing didn’t make me feel whole again. And no woman should have to discover and live with that alone.

Cara Bisegna is a breast cancer survivor and a patient advocate focused on improving education and informed decision-making in women’s health. Cara is a paid spokesperson for Axogen, Inc.

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The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

2026-09-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

It happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.

Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern everyday life that we rarely, if ever, think about. And that’s by design — thanks to years of technological innovation before many of us were even born.

Behind the walls and under the streets, networks of PVC and CPVC water pipes quietly exist to safely and efficiently transport clean water from treatment plants to our taps.

Here’s how it’s done.

The science behind PVC

Worker connects two pieces of vinyl pipe. Learn more about PVC pipe and other vinyl products at www.vinylinfo.org

PVC pipes may look simple, but they’re backed by a lot of science.

PVC is a widely used plastic that serves as the foundation for many products people encounter every day. It begins with two primary building blocks: chlorine derived from common salt and ethylene from natural gas. The material can then be formulated for different applications, including durable water pipes, flooring and vinyl records. There are several different types of PVC pipes, with each made to meet the performance needs of each specific use, like small-diameter CPVC pipes supplying drinking water in your home or the large blue or teal-colored pipes carrying water from the town to neighborhoods.

So what does it all mean?

All of that manufacturing, developed and engineered and innovated over decades, is what makes your PVC pipes something you don’t have to think about much.

  1. Safe for drinking water: All pipes used for drinking water, including PVC pipes, must meet NSF/ANSI 61, a rigorous international standard established using exhaustive testing methods to ensure the safety of clean drinking water. Manufacturer certification of PVC pipe to NSF/ANSI 61 means that it is safe for use in drinking water piping applications — and has been for decades.
  2. Long-lasting, durable and reliable: Unfortunately, communities across the U.S. lose an estimated 6 billion gallons of treated water a day to pipe breaks, leaks and aging infrastructure, according to a 2021 report by the American Society of Civil Engineers. PVC pipe is providing an ideal solution: Properly installed, PVC pipes are engineered for long-term service and are widely recognized for their durability and resistance to corrosion. Studies of water infrastructure have found that PVC pipes can provide reliable service for many decades, contributing to their widespread use in drinking water and wastewater systems. In fact, a series of reports, the most recent in 2023, on water main breaks in the U.S. and Canada by Utah State University found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate compared to three other commonly used pipe materials.
  3. A sustainable pipe choice: Communities that choose PVC for its durability also reap the benefits of a smaller carbon footprint for their infrastructure. When evaluated on a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, PVC pipe has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy and longer life attributes — compared to pipe used in similar applications made from materials like iron, cement and clay. When considering the impacts throughout the product life cycle, PVC pipes use much less energy to manufacture and transport, and they can operate for more than a century and need fewer replacements over their lifetime. (A Life Cycle Assessment of PVC Water and Sewer Pipe is available here.)

In addition, it takes up to 54% more energy to pump water through an 8-inch ductile iron pipe than it does through an 8-inch PVC pipe during the life of the system, because PVC’s surface remains smooth throughout.

Water pours from a vinyl pipe. Learn more about PVC pipe and other vinyl products you use every day at www.vinylinfo.org

Beneath our streets and behind your walls, PVC pipes are silently humming along, faithfully bringing safe drinking water to your home’s tap. Thanks to science and modern manufacturing, it’s another everyday convenience that makes our lives a bit easier.

Learn more about PVC pipe and other vinyl products you use every day at www.vinylinfo.org. Download the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association’s PVC Piping Features & Benefits fact sheet here.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

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Why the best home upgrades aren’t always visible: Invest behind the walls before remodeling

2026-09-28T09:17:00

(BPT) – While many homeowners are eager to kick off a renovation with cosmetic upgrades, the less visible systems behind the walls typically deserve attention first. From plumbing and electrical systems to heating, cooling and water heating equipment, these essential components play an important role in a home’s comfort, efficiency and everyday performance.

Prioritizing home systems like heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical wiring before aesthetic updates can help homeowners avoid costly disruptions later. Behind every wall are systems hard at work to keep homes running smoothly.

Hidden systems: Air and water quietly shape everyday life.

Did you know that, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, water heating and HVAC systems account for roughly 65% of an average home’s energy usage?

These systems work together to support nearly every daily activity, even though homeowners may not think about them until a repair or upgrade is needed.

HVAC determines whether the house feels comfortable when you wake up, work, relax and sleep, while water heating supports showers, laundry, dishes and other everyday needs. Homeowners don’t necessarily see either system working, but they experience the difference they make every day.

Upgrade before remodeling.

Renovation planning is an ideal time to consider whether a home’s existing systems can support what’s changing. Expanding a living space could alter heating and cooling needs, while adding a bathroom or accommodating a growing family will likely increase hot-water demand. Evaluating these needs before construction begins can help homeowners choose equipment suited to how they’ll use their newly renovated space.

Additionally, it’s important to source equipment from a well-established, highly regarded manufacturer, such as Rheem®, a leader in the HVAC and water heating industry for more than 100 years, when selecting heating, cooling and water heating solutions.

Air and water: Modern technology makes whole-home comfort and efficiency more connected.

Although heating, cooling and water heating perform different jobs, homeowners ultimately experience them as parts of the same thing: a comfortable, efficient home.

HVAC and water heating systems are getting smarter. Today’s connected HVAC and water heating systems can also give homeowners greater visibility into system performance, maintenance needs and energy use.

As the HVAC and plumbing industries continue to evolve, so do homeowner expectations. Homeowners increasingly want efficient, sustainable home systems that offer greater visibility and control. Rheem’s EcoNet® Smart Monitoring System, for example, connects select heating, cooling and water heating equipment, allowing homeowners to manage support systems from one platform. At the same time, homeowners are looking for connected equipment that can fit seamlessly into their increasingly smart homes.

Before you remodel, ask yourself:

  • Will my current systems support my renovation plans?
  • Is my HVAC system keeping every room comfortable?
  • Does my water heater consistently meet my household’s needs?
  • Are my energy bills increasing?
  • How might my household’s comfort or hot water needs change in the next few years?

Invest in how the home lives, not only how it looks.

A beautiful renovation can transform how a home looks, but investing in the systems behind the walls transforms how it feels. By prioritizing heating, cooling and water heating before cosmetic updates, homeowners can create a more comfortable, efficient and dependable home that’s built to perform no matter what comes next.

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Data without context: Why enterprise contract data is failing AI

2026-09-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Enterprises are rapidly adopting AI agents for contract management. But when contract data lacks context, the answers AI produces can be difficult to trust.
  • Contract data is often fragmented and disconnected from the commercial context teams need to make decisions. This creates contract blindness.
  • Agents can deliver quickly, but incomplete contract knowledge can produce fast, confident and costly mistakes. The answer is contract awareness: connection contract data with the context behind it so teams and AI can with relevant context.
  • Contract-aware enterprises don’t start from zero. They use the learnings, negotiations and commitments buried in the contract history to act with the right commercial context during the decisions that matter.
  • To learn more about what it takes to become a contract-aware enterprise, visit https://www.sirion.ai/library/reports/contract-aware-enterprise/.

Enterprises are racing to integrate AI agents into their contract processes, with 42% of organizations already actively adopting or implementing AI within contracting processes.* However, in many organizations, contract data is scattered, incomplete and disconnected from the business context that gives it meaning. The information exists, but it isn’t always available to the teams that need it to make decisions. Imagine a major supplier renewal is due tomorrow, and multiple departments need information as soon as possible. Procurement needs price adjustment information, legal needs contract terms, finance needs the budget and forecasting, and operations needs performance metrics.

The answers may all exist somewhere in the enterprise. The challenge is bringing that information together and understanding it in the context of the business relationship.

This condition is best recognized as contract blindness.

A contract-blind organization has the terms, obligations and leverage negotiated, but no person, system or AI agent can contextualize or reliably use them when decision time arrives. Over time, that gap translates into value leakage, slower decisions and weaker control over risk and performance. WorldCC highlights that poor contract management can cost an enterprise 9% of its annual revenue.

And the arrival of AI makes the problem harder to ignore.

Why contract blindness persists

Enterprises don’t necessarily lack contract data. They lack a connected view of it, because data is still siloed by function. Legal owns the language, procurement owns the supplier, finance sees spending and revenue, and business owners manage performance. In fact, contract data in a typical enterprise is often scattered across 24 systems.

Research highlights the scope of the fragmentation across global enterprises. Only 27% of organizations globally store all executed contracts exclusively in a contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform, with the majority operating in fragmented environments.*

And in any case, having a repository is not enough. Even with a CLM, contract data can remain fragmented and disconnected across systems, limiting data flow and deepening contract blindness. In fact, 54% of organizations report no automated data flow between systems and only 9% have bidirectional data flow where systems stay in sync.*

Disconnected data makes it harder for teams to bring together the information they need to make informed decisions. The emerging challenge is that same fragmentation can limit the context available to AI agents when they act. AI agents are designed to do more than retrieve information. They can review contracts, answer questions, recommend actions and initiate workflows. That makes the quality and context of the underlying contract data more important than ever, because AI will deliver the best outcome it can — based on the information it has access to.

Consider the supplier renewal.

An agent asked whether a supplier can raise its prices might find the relevant clause and confidently provide an answer. But what if an amendment changed the pricing mechanism? What if a negotiated exception applies to this supplier? What if the supplier agreed to a performance commitment in exchange for the increase?

The agent may have found the right clause. It may even have interpreted that clause correctly. But without the surrounding contract context, its answer could still lead the business in the wrong direction.

The problem isn’t that the AI cannot read the contract.

The problem is that it does not know what else it needs to read.

That distinction matters. AI can only create context from the information it can access. But when relevant contract data is fragmented across systems, an agent does not have enough information to understand the full commercial picture. An agent working from an incomplete contract record can produce an answer that sounds authoritative while missing the exception, obligation, negotiation or commercial condition that changes what the business should do.

The stakes change when AI moves from reading contracts to acting on them. The question is no longer whether AI can find the right clause, but whether it understands what that clause means for the business.

The goal is no longer just to find, summarize or draft contracts faster. It is to make the full story of a contract accessible, from its terms and obligations to the negotiations and relationships behind them.

Turning contract data into usable knowledge

A contract-aware enterprise treats its agreements as a connected business asset rather than a collection of documents. By making contract data continuously accessible, contextual and actionable across the business, leaders can perform analyses, surface real-time insights, build high-leverage agreements and instantly answer commercial questions that were previously impossible to ask.

So, what does contract awareness look like in practice?

In the supplier-renewal scenario above, procurement can see the price adjustment alongside previous negotiations, legal can identify exceptions and fallback language, finance can forecast the monetary impact, and operations can compare service with actual performance. Each team works from the same connected contract knowledge, allowing the enterprise as a whole to make informed decisions with its obligations and leverage intact.

Each team is working from connected contract knowledge rather than an isolated piece of the agreement. The result is not simply better visibility. It is better decision-making.

Creating contract awareness requires more than adding AI to an existing repository.

An AI-native CLM can create a connected contract intelligence layer by structuring agreement data around counterparties, deals, obligations and other contract elements while preserving the relationships and context between them.

This new approach enables AI agents to act on what you need, not on what you click. By combining context and intent, an agent can answer questions like, “Which suppliers have price increases without corresponding service improvements?” and “Which obligations are at risk of being missed?” The result: A workflow that can move from question to insight to action without losing the commercial context.

From contract knowledge to commercial action

The next phase of enterprise AI won’t be defined by access to powerful models. It will be defined by whether those models can act within the right business context.

By moving from contract blindness to contract awareness, enterprises can give both people and AI agents a more complete view of the agreements that shape their commercial relationships. To learn more about the contract-aware enterprise, visit https://www.sirion.ai/library/reports/contract-aware-enterprise/.

*Sirion and World Commerce & Contracting, “Trusted Contract Data: From Repository to System of Record,” 2026.

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5 key decisions to make before building an ADU

2026-09-25T00:01:00

(BPT) – Are you considering or in the midst of planning to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? If so, you’re part of a fascinating trend that’s meeting multiple housing needs across the United States.

ADUs are smaller, independent residences located on the same lot as or attached to an existing single-family home. These fully equipped units have their own kitchen, bathroom, sleeping area and entrance, making them perfect for aging parents, young adults and renters.

ADUs are growing in popularity. From 2018-2024, 2.8 million ADU permits were issued nationwide. California — where affordable housing has become harder and harder to find — leads the way, accounting for 32% of all ADU permits in the U.S. However, ADUs are quickly gaining traction in Florida and Texas, owing to rapid population growth and increasing housing demands.

Whether you’re building an ADU to afford housing, take care of aging parents, help your children start their own lives or bring in extra income, there are several factors to consider before you start building. Read on to discover the five critical choices you need to make as you plan your ADU.

Choose an ADU type

When it comes to building an ADU, you need to decide whether the structure will be a detached, stand-alone residence or attached to your existing home.

If you have plenty of outdoor space, you may consider building a detached ADU, like a granny cottage or guest home. These detached units offer the most privacy and flexibility and are usually built in the back or side yard of a primary residence.

If you’re tight on outdoor space, an attached ADU may be a better fit for your needs. Attached units are usually attached to your existing home or garage, which may be easier to construct, but generally offer less privacy than a detached ADU. The types of attached ADUs include:

  • Garage conversion
  • Above-garage constructions
  • Interior conversions (a basement conversion, addition, or attic suite)

Ultimately, the ADU type you choose will depend on what best fits your property size, existing house structure and budget.

Don’t overlook water heating

You don’t often think about your water heater until it goes out, and you no longer have hot water to shower, wash your clothing or clean your dishes. However, with a new build like an ADU, you must consider what type of water-heating unit to install.

You could choose a conventional tank water heater. However, these traditional models take up a lot of space, something that you’re already short on when building an ADU. You could install a water heater outdoors to save interior space, but you may not have enough space on your land to do so.

You don’t have to give up space to have hot water in an ADU. Instead, consider installing a tankless water heater.

These small, efficient water heaters heat water on demand, meaning there’s no need to store the water, saving you space. Some tankless water heaters, like those sold by Noritz, are about the size of a carry-on suitcase. You can easily wall-mount the heater, freeing valuable floor space indoors, which is perfect for a small ADU. In warmer climates, you can also hang these compact units on the exterior of the ADU, again saving space on the inside.

Another critical benefit of installing a tankless water heater in your ADU is the potential energy savings, helping to recover your investment. Because water is heated on demand, you won’t have to worry about continuous water heating, which can help you save up to 40% on your utility bills over the life of the unit.

Think about installing solar panels

Another energy-efficient feature to consider when building your ADU is including solar panels in your construction plan.

This sustainable source of green power doesn’t just reduce your carbon footprint. It also allows you to capture and use clean energy, reducing utility costs. According to SolarReviews, the average American household can save as much as $1,820 on electric bills a year, making ADU living even more affordable.

Installing solar panels can also reduce your reliance on the local power grid. When a power outage occurs or a blackout rolls through your neighborhood, your ADU won’t go dark. It’s a great first step toward energy independence, and it can help defray the costs of fluctuating electricity prices.

Don’t skimp on insulation

Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, properly insulating your ADU can improve the structure’s energy efficiency, while enhancing the residents’ comfort, no matter the weather.

When a home is properly insulated, it helps keep the cold air inside during the summer and outside in the winter. Not only does this keep the space comfortable, but it can also lower your heating and cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on average, you can save up to 20% on your home’s heating and cooling costs by properly insulating your home.

A few types of insulation to consider when planning your ADU include:

  • Fiberglass batts: This is the most common type of insulation and an excellent DIY choice.
  • Spray foam: This insulation expands to fill in spaces, reaching where fiberglass batts cannot.
  • Hemp insulation: This eco-friendly insulation keeps your ADU comfy and can add to the unit’s sustainability.

Consider outdoor features

Because ADUs tend to be smaller than other housing alternatives, space is at a premium. A simple way to maximize space is to create outdoor features to provide additional living and entertaining space for residents.

What you can accomplish outdoors will largely depend on the backyard space and the climate, but some typical outdoor features include:

  • Rooftop decks
  • Patios
  • Backyard garden

Are you ready to start building?

Building your ideal ADU requires plenty of forethought. These five considerations are some of the most important choices to make before you break ground. They will help you ultimately create a space that you, your loved ones, or your renters will enjoy living in.

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Sequoia Grove Winery’s playbook for elevating game day entertaining

2026-09-24T10:31:00

(BPT) – For decades, hosting a football game meant the same thing: buffalo wings, a bowl of dip and a cooler of canned beer. But as the sport has evolved over the past 30 years, your Sunday spreads can evolve, too.

This season, Sequoia Grove Winery is bringing a fresh Napa Valley perspective to game day entertaining with “Game Day, Elevated,” a collection of chef-crafted recipes and wine pairings designed to make hosting feel special without making it complicated.

Duck confit tacos with Crème Fraîche, shallots and cilantro pairs well with Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Developed by Sequoia Grove Executive Chef Bryce Palmer, the program brings together four elevated yet approachable dishes and three nationally distributed Sequoia Grove wines: the newly available 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Chardonnay and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Designed with game day hosting in mind, the recipes can be prepared in advance, giving hosts the freedom to enjoy the food, wine and company from kickoff through the final whistle.

“Our goal was to create appetizers that feel special without requiring a professional kitchen. This is the kind of food that can largely be made ahead of time, so the host actually gets to watch the game,” said Palmer. “Each dish is paired with one of our wines, though they’re versatile enough to work with either a red or a white, depending on how you want to entertain.”

“Game Day, Elevated” coincides with a milestone for the winery, as Sequoia Grove recently made its 2025 Sauvignon Blanc available nationally for the first time in the brand’s almost 50-year history, joining the winery’s Napa Valley Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon as the three wines featured for game day pairings.

Instead of defaulting to expected game day menu items, elevate your spread with these chef-created appetizers, each paired with a Sequoia Grove wine:

Brioche Buns with Chuck-Short Rib Patties, Cheese, Pickles pairs well with Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley


Click HERE to view the recipes, pairings and images anchoring “Game Day, Elevated” this season.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.