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Beyond the bowl: Responsible sourcing matters for pets and the planet

2026-04-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you are a pet parent, you know how important nutrition is to the health, well-being and longevity of your four-legged loved ones. Just like when you are deciding what to eat, you want your dogs and cats to consume food packed with high-quality proteins and sustainably and ethically sourced ingredients.

Taking a closer look at what’s actually in your pet’s bowl can make a meaningful difference. Research shows that a whole-food, natural, high-meat diet supports overall vitality, including improved energy, digestion, skin and coat health. Avoiding unnecessary fillers will ensure your pet gets the nutrients and nutrition they need, just as nature intended.

Often, this is where pet parents’ research ends. However, it doesn’t matter what’s in your pet’s food if you don’t know where the food comes from. This means having full transparency into how ingredients are grown, the way animals are raised, and what happens to the ingredients at every stage. A farm-to-bowl approach ensures that what your pet is eating is not only good for them, but also good for others and the planet.

Raising the bar on transparent sourcing

Brands in the pet food industry are raising the bar by clearly outlining where their ingredients come from and how they are made. One company in particular, Natural Pet Food Group (NPFG), the New Zealand-based company behind the K9 Natural and Feline Natural brands, are focused on doing things differently by committing to only using high quality ingredients from vetted sources, earning them B Corporation Certification. In doing so, it became just one of three pet food companies in New Zealand to attain this certification.

Certified B Corporations go beyond typical industry practices to meet verified international standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, achieved through a rigorous assessment across governance, workers, community, the environment and customers.

Rooted in New Zealand’s strong agricultural and seafood sectors, K9 Natural and Feline Natural’s whole-food ingredients are ethically sourced and traceable. By partnering with local farmers and fisheries that share a commitment to animal welfare, sustainability and ingredient integrity, the brand offers pet nutrition you can trust.

“Before we partner with new suppliers, we get into the details,” said Natural Pet Food Group CEO Brett Henshaw. “How animals are farmed, where fish comes from, how it’s caught, how suppliers look after their people. There’s real substance behind our sourcing, and this achievement reflects the strength of our long-standing partnerships with farmers and seafood suppliers across New Zealand and beyond.”

Almost all the ingredients that go into both K9 Natural and Feline Natural pet food products are sourced in New Zealand from grass-fed, free-range and pasture-raised animals, cage-free chicken, sustainable seafood and fertile soil-grown vegetables. No unnecessary ingredients, fillers or additives are used.

Doing good beyond the bowl — prioritizing environmental impact

A meaningful shift has been made by pet brands, including K9 Natural and Feline Natural, to reduce their environmental impact by prioritizing not only responsibly sourced ingredients but also improving packaging and production practices. As a newly B Corp Certified brand, K9 Natural and Feline Natural demonstrates the brand’s commitment to the environment’s health by:

  • Powering all its offices in New Zealand with 100% renewable energy
  • Prioritizing sea freight to reduce emissions
  • Increasing recycled content and removing unnecessary plastics in packaging
  • Donating 8,518 kilograms of pet food to 19 food hubs in the last year
  • Creating strong health and safety systems

“If we make food to help pets thrive, the way we run our business must support people, communities and the environment too,” said Henshaw. “Certification affirms the progress we’ve made and raises the bar for what great looks like in pet nutrition.”

Supporting pets, people and the planet

Ensuring your pet’s food helps them live long, high-quality lives can help others live that way, too. To learn more about K9 Natural and Feline Natural visit K9FelineNatural.com.

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5 easy swaps for a greener life (that help the planet and your wallet)

2026-04-20T11:05:00

(BPT) – In honor of Earth Day this year, consider making a few simple lifestyle changes that can help to reduce your carbon footprint, create less waste in landfills and use energy more efficiently. With climate headlines feeling more overwhelming by the day, it’s easy to feel like individual actions don’t matter — but they do. The good news is, even small swaps in your everyday life can make an impact, and the best time to start is now. With AI-powered tools and smart home technology consuming more electricity than ever, finding cleaner ways to meet our energy needs has never been more urgent.

Here are five ideas for living a little greener this Earth Day, and every day. Each one is good for the planet — and your wallet.

1. Opt for a solar generator

As AI data centers, smart devices and connected home systems drive electricity demand to record highs, more and more household power draw is tied to the digital world — making clean, renewable home energy solutions a smart choice for eco-conscious consumers. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent across the country — from wildfires on the West Coast to hurricanes along the Gulf Coast and ice storms in between — having a reliable solar-powered backup isn’t just a green choice. It’s a practical emergency preparedness strategy for your whole family.

Be ready to power your entire home or key appliances during an outage with a quiet, reliable and emission-free solar generator. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus can harness the power of the sun to keep your refrigerator, lights, medical devices, EV charger and more going — making it a true home energy backup solution. Even better, the generator has expandable capacity thanks to a battery that can be expanded up to 60 watt-hours (Wh) to grow with your household’s needs.

By pairing the generator with Jackery SolarSaga panels to generate clean energy from the sun, you’re further reducing your reliance on the grid to lower your carbon footprint. You can even use the stored solar energy to power heavyweight appliances such as washing machines and dryers, as well as the growing fleet of AI-enabled smart home devices — and offset costs for grid power when it is at peak pricing.

Today, AI-powered home energy management systems can even work alongside solar generators to automatically optimize when you draw from stored power versus the grid, saving money and reducing emissions at the same time. For households in high-sun states like California, Texas, Arizona and Florida, the combination of solar generation and smart energy management is fast becoming one of the most searched home improvement and emergency preparedness investments of the year.

Couple camping using the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus for power

Bonus: The Jackery Solar Generator uses LiFePO4 battery chemistry for long-lasting, stable home use, designed with safety in mind for indoor environments.

2. Eat locally sourced food

The closer to home your food is grown, the less fuel is used to transport and refrigerate it. On top of that, less packaging is needed for locally grown and sold produce. You can shop at neighborhood farmers markets, or when you’re at the grocery store, look for items labeled as grown in your home state. Supporting local farms also makes an impact because smaller-scale production is likely to use beneficial farming techniques like crop rotation, composting and more efficient irrigation. This kind of slow, intentional approach to food — buying less processed, more local — is at the heart of the growing “slow living” movement, which prioritizes quality and sustainability over convenience.

Love going out to eat? Look for restaurants that have a strong farm-to-table practice featuring locally sourced food.

Bonus: Eating local, seasonal food usually tastes better! You’re eating food that’s at peak ripeness and freshness. And with grocery prices still top of mind for most households, buying seasonal and local is one of the easiest ways to eat well while spending less.

3. Minimize kitchen waste

Similarly, finding ways to reduce and reuse kitchen waste at home can also impact the environment in many positive ways, including reducing the amount of methane released by rotting foods, which is a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In a time when more people are embracing “underconsumption” — the idea of using what you already have before buying more — the zero-waste kitchen has become one of the most searched sustainable lifestyle topics online.

To cut down on kitchen waste, plan your grocery shopping and meal preparation more intentionally, and seek creative ways to use leftovers. Store produce correctly to avoid food items going bad, and try to use them quickly (or freeze if possible). When you do have kitchen scraps, they can be easily composted to help fertilize your garden, where you can grow a little of your own produce for the ultimate locally sourced food. Composting is also one of the most beginner-friendly eco swaps out there, with many cities now offering curbside compost pickup alongside regular recycling.

Pro tip: Some kitchen scraps, like the skins, peels or cut-off ends of onions, carrots and other produce, can be used to make vegetable broth. Just simmer with water and your favorite seasonings for 1-2 hours, then strain through a sieve for a tasty broth that’s better than store bought!

4. Switch to reusable bags

Whenever you’re shopping for groceries or other items, use reusable bags (like those free tote bags collecting in your closets) to significantly reduce plastic pollution and minimize the need to cut down trees to make more paper bags. This is one of the simplest examples of the “buy less, use more” mindset that’s gaining traction across sustainable lifestyle communities on social media — small, consistent habits that add up to real change over time.

Pro tip: Keep a stash of reusable bags near the front door and in your car so you’ll always have some handy.

5. Choose low-waste cleaning products

You can minimize the environmental impact of plastic by opting for products that don’t come in single-use plastic containers. Compared to using conventional cleaning products, this can help lower your carbon footprint, while reducing both plastic pollution and water pollution. Easy swaps to look for include choosing natural sponges, reusable or compostable containers, concentrated formulas like soap blocks, tablets and laundry sheets, plus cleaners that come in refillable glass spray bottles. These swaps also tend to be more cost-effective in the long run — concentrated formulas and refillable options mean you’re buying less packaging and spending less per use, which matters when household budgets are stretched.

Pro tip: Prefer a certain cleaner that only comes in plastic spray bottles? Buy a large refill bottle so you can reuse that bottle as many times as possible.

Any one of these simple steps can make a big difference. And if climate news ever starts to feel paralyzing, remember: doing something — anything — is always better than doing nothing. Start with one until it becomes a habit, then try another. You’ll feel good knowing you’re doing your part to help protect the environment.

Learn about more ways to live a lifestyle that can benefit the planet at Jackery.com.

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Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act: Closing the Gap in Cleft Care Insurance Coverage

2026-04-17T08:51:00

(BPT) – A child is scheduled for cleft surgery. The family has arranged time off work, coordinated travel, and completed all pre-operative steps, then, just days before the procedure, an insurance denial arrives.

For many cleft-affected patients and their families in the United States, this is a common occurrence. Being born with a cleft lip and/or palate brings not only medical needs, but also the added burden of navigating complex insurance barriers to access essential care. While cleft care is widely recognized by medical professionals as necessary for a child’s health, coverage decisions don’t always reflect that reality.

Clefts affect 1 in 700 births and are not resolved with a single procedure. Treatment often involves multiple surgeries over time, along with speech therapy, dental and orthodontic treatment, and psychosocial support. When any part of that care is denied or delayed, it can directly affect a child’s ability to eat, speak, hear, and build confidence.

When “medically necessary” is up for debate

Cleft-affected patients and their families can frequently find themselves in difficult conversations with insurance providers over what treatments qualify for coverage. This is especially challenging when coverage decisions conflict with a doctor’s medical recommendations.

Delays and denials often stem from misconceptions in which procedures that restore essential functions, such as eating, breathing, and speaking, are incorrectly classified as cosmetic rather than medically necessary.

“Living with a bilateral cleft lip and palate has affected how I speak, breathe, eat, and hear, but the hardest part has been the constant fight with insurance over medically necessary surgeries,” said Toni-Elizabeth Wilkerson, a member of Smile Train‘s Cleft Community Advisory Council. “I’ve even had a procedure canceled just eight hours before I was due to go into the operating room, leaving me with physical, financial, and emotional burdens.”

Stories like this are not isolated. They reflect a broader pattern of coverage delays and denials faced by cleft-affected patients and their families nationwide.

A push for change

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (H.R. 3277/S.1677) aims to close this gap by requiring private insurers to cover the full range of necessary treatments for congenital anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, so doctors, not insurance companies, can determine the care children need to grow, speak, and thrive. From April 21–23, Smile Train is mobilizing to build momentum for this critical legislation by contacting legislators and raising our collective voice. We encourage everyone to #TakeAction4ELSA by reaching out to your legislator via our advocacy tool and joining our campaign kick-off event.

Every child deserves the opportunity to grow, speak, and thrive without unnecessary barriers. By working together to close gaps in coverage, we can help make that a reality for families across the country.

Group of Smile Train friends on the steps of the Capitol.

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5 smart ways Earth Month can inspire a more affordable spring style reset

2026-04-17T11:59:00

(BPT) – April is all about renewal. It is when many people open the windows, deep-clean their spaces and finally tackle their closets. It is also Earth Month, which makes it a natural time to rethink how you shop, what you keep and where your old clothes go next.

According to the EPA, over 11 million tons of clothing end up in U.S. landfills every year. But here’s the good news: A style refresh can be easier on your budget and the planet.

1. Think of resale as a smarter way to shop

Refreshing your wardrobe does not have to mean starting from scratch. Resale gives shoppers access to current styles at a fraction of traditional retail prices, making it easier to update a look without stretching a budget.

That matters even more in spring, when people are often shopping for warmer-weather outfits, special events and everyday staples all at once.

Rack of clothes in a Plato's Closet store.


2. How to give clothes a second life

Earth Month is a reminder that small changes in daily habits can add up. Choosing resale is one of those changes. Buying secondhand and reselling unwanted items helps extend the life of clothing that still has value.

Instead of treating fashion as disposable, resale keeps items moving from one closet to the next. It is a simple way to make style feel more intentional.

Two women and jeans. At Plato's closet, you can clean out your closet and shop for new clothes at the same time.


3. Cash out your old closet to fund your new one

A lot of people have pieces they no longer wear but have not done anything with yet. Maybe the trend passed, maybe the fit changed or maybe the item just no longer feels like you.

Local resale destinations like Plato’s Closet can turn those pieces into immediate value. Customers bring in gently used, on-trend items and get cash on the spot for what the store buys. That makes it easier to refresh your wardrobe without paying for every piece out of pocket.

Two women shopping in a Plato's Closet store.


4. Find styles that feel more personal

For many teens and young adults, shopping resale feels less like a routine errand and more like a treasure hunt. Inventory is always changing, which means shoppers can discover unique pieces that help them build a look that feels like their own.

That sense of discovery is part of the appeal. Whether someone is trying a new trend or figuring out their signature style, resale offers more room to experiment.

Plato's Closet store front.


5. Do it all in one trip

One of the biggest advantages of local resale at Plato’s Closet is convenience. You can clean out your closet, sell what you no longer want and shop for new pieces at the same stop.

That makes a spring reset feel manageable. Instead of creating separate to-do lists for decluttering, selling and shopping, you can take care of all three at once.

And resale goes far beyond clothing. Opportunities include stores like Play it Again Sports, Style Encore, Once Upon A Child and Music Go Round. Every year, these brands recirculate more than 195 million items, keeping inventory fresh and creating ongoing opportunities for shoppers to buy and sell.

This Earth Month, a closet cleanout can be more than a seasonal task. It can be a smart, sustainable way to refresh your style and earn cash at the same time.

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These modern kitchen appliances are designed to fit how we live and entertain today

2026-04-17T14:03:00

(BPT) – Homeowners today expect more from their kitchens than ever before — and for good reason, as nearly half of Americans consider it to be the most important room in the house.

This is driving demand for smart appliances that make daily life simpler and easier while fitting in seamlessly with contemporary kitchen spaces, merging connected convenience with refined, premium design. These trends were on display at this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and Consumer Electronics Show (CES), revealing how today’s products are evolving to meet the moment.

Here’s a look at some of the latest appliance innovations designed for modern kitchens and lifestyles.

The right fit for real homes

Today’s homes are not one-size-fits-all, so it’s crucial for appliances to be adaptable to kitchens of every size and configuration. Increasingly, homeowners are prioritizing seamless, flush integration, with as many as 65-70% favoring designs that align cleanly with surrounding cabinetry.

Samsung’s new Bespoke AI 3-Door French Door Refrigerators with Zero Clearance Fit are designed to fit all types of spaces, providing ease of installation across diverse kitchen layouts. Their specially designed hinges and slim door profiles allow the fridge to open fully, even with just 0.16 inches of clearance next to walls or cabinetry. This enables flexible placement and a near-seamless look — without sacrificing ease of access.

Consumers also appreciate the refrigerator’s premium stainless steel finish, refined door handles and full-metal interior panel, which come together to create a refrigerator that feels both contemporary and timeless.

Samsung refridgerator in a modern-style kitchen.


Designed for how people entertain today

With 72% of Americans saying they prefer staying in with friends rather than going out, there is more interest in hosting at home, especially when it comes to food and drinks. At the same time, the growth of home mixology is expanding the market beyond bars, with retail sales of specialty ice molds and machines rising more than 20% annually.

Samsung’s newest Bespoke refrigerators are designed to meet these evolving needs. The freezer makes slow-melting Sphere Ice™ that keeps drinks colder longer while reducing dilution, bringing a premium, bar-quality experience into the home without the need for separate molds or specialty equipment.

For everyday convenience, a Tall Water & Ice Dispenser offers curved or crushed ice and ample space for no-tilt filling of pitchers, oversized water bottles and large tumblers. It’s a thoughtful feature for entertaining, and one that aligns perfectly with today’s growing obsession with statement drinkware. With large drinkware making up nearly 41% of the North American market in 2025 and demand continuing to rise, this design is as practical as it is on trend.

Making everyday tasks easier

People are also looking for ways to spend less time on everyday tasks like cooking, so they can spend more time connecting with family and guests. As at-home entertaining continues to rise, appliances that reduce effort without sacrificing performance are becoming essential. Samsung’s Bespoke Smart Slide-in Ranges reflect this shift, combining a bold, professional-inspired aesthetic with advanced performance that makes it easier to get dinner on the table and enjoy the moment.

For a high-end cooking experience, the ranges have large, premium stainless steel knobs that illuminate when in use and a soft-close oven door with precision hinges. Powerful cooking mode options also save time and help create meals with ease. No Preheat Air Fry Max lets users air fry foods up to 15% faster without preheating, delivering crispy, golden results in less time, and True Convection uses an added heating element and powerful fan to circulate consistently heated air, ensuring faster, more even cooking on every rack. There’s also an Air Sous Vide mode that applies precise temperature control and airflow to slow-cook food evenly, locking in flavor and moisture for restaurant-quality results.

Together, these capabilities help reduce prep time and make cooking more approachable for people of all skill levels. These new Bespoke Smart Slide-in Ranges also have a Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel finish for an elegant look, and five burners for enhanced convenience.

Samsung appliances stove and microwave in a modern kitchen,


Connected but not complicated

Homeowners also want to enhance energy efficiency and maintain control of their home’s appliances and systems — even remotely — with technology that’s helpful, not intrusive. Demand for smart, energy-efficient appliances in the U.S. is surging this year, fueled by rising costs and willingness among 62% of consumers to invest in efficiency.

Samsung’s SmartThings connectivity makes it easy to manage connected appliances and live more sustainably while keeping energy bills in check. For example, SmartThings Energy lets users track their refrigerator’s power usage, automatically reducing energy consumption by as much as 15% when AI Energy Mode is activated through the SmartThings app. The app can also be used to adjust temperature settings and monitor the refrigerator from a user’s phone, giving them greater control and peace of mind wherever they are.

Designed for how people live

Together, these new refrigerators and ranges demonstrate how Samsung is pushing premium design, connected convenience and powerful performance forward, all within the brand’s cohesive Bespoke aesthetic. Thoughtfully designed for modern living, Samsung’s Bespoke home appliances deliver a seamless, sophisticated look that easily adapts to any home’s style while making everyday tasks easier than ever.

Explore the latest kitchen appliances from Samsung’s 2026 Bespoke lineup, now available on Samsung.com and at select U.S. retailers. To learn more about how Samsung’s smart Bespoke appliances can help simplify your life, visit Samsung.com.

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Making the most of spring? 5 tips for your next outdoor adventure

2026-04-16T07:31:00

(BPT) – There’s a specific feeling that arrives with spring and summer — the pull of open air, longer days, and the quiet reminder that life is better lived outside. It’s the season that calls us back to nature, and for good reason. Hiking, outdoor photography, camping under the stars, beach days and backyard gatherings are just a few of the many joys you can experience during the warmer months.

If you want to make the most of every sun-soaked hour outdoors, you’ll need the right gear to stay energized, connected and prepared. As you plan your next spring or summer trip, make sure to review these five outdoor adventure tips.

Stay cool and hydrated

Before you head outdoors, grab an insulated tumbler filled with cold water or your favorite chilled beverage. When temperatures rise, staying hydrated isn’t just practical — it’s essential for enjoying every moment. Pack enough water for the whole group, and consider a cooler stocked with electrolyte drinks for longer days at the campsite or on the trail.

Dress smart for sun and warmth

What you wear outdoors in spring and summer can make or break your comfort. When preparing for a warm-weather adventure, make sure to dress with both sun protection and breathability in mind.

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer — a lightweight, breathable shirt and quick-dry shorts or pants to keep sweat off your skin. Add a loose, long-sleeve sun shirt for UV protection on a day hike or afternoon at the campsite. Finish with a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and comfortable, supportive footwear suited to your terrain.

Pro tip: Practicality should be your #1 concern when choosing your outdoor clothing, but today’s activewear comes in countless colors, patterns and styles. You’ll stay cool and look great doing it.

Bring reliable on-the-go power

Think about everything you bring to a campsite or a day outdoors: a phone for photos and maps, a speaker for setting the mood around the fire, a lantern, a fan for the tent on a warm night. All of it needs power. The last thing you want is to be cut off from the things that make the experience comfortable — or to miss a moment because your camera died.

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That’s where a compact portable power station earns its place in the pack. The Jackery Explorer 300 is purpose-built for people who want to stay powered without slowing down — living up to the brand’s slogan, “Your Power. Your Pace.” It holds a 292Wh capacity and delivers up to 300W of AC output, plenty to run a camp fan, charge a camera, or keep a string of lights going all evening around the site. Its upgraded 100W USB-C port — a 67% increase over the previous generation — handles laptops and other power-hungry devices with ease. And when the sun is up, the Explorer 300 can recharge via a compatible solar panel, reaching a full charge in as little as 3.5 hours with a 100W panel, so you can tap into renewable energy right from your campsite.

Portability is where the Explorer 300 really shines. At just 7.5 lbs — about the same weight as a lightweight camping tent — it tucks easily into the car or a pack without eating up precious space. It runs whisper-quiet at under 28 dB, so it won’t disturb the peaceful sounds of nature around you. An energy-saving mode automatically powers the unit down after six hours of low-power output, so you’re never wasting a charge. And with an EV-grade LiFePO4 battery built to last over a decade, backed by a 5-year warranty, this is an investment in seasons of adventure to come — not a one-trip gadget.

Stock your first-aid kit

Accidents happen. No matter the season or terrain, make sure to pack a first-aid kit in case of minor cuts, scratches or other medical needs. You can buy a premade kit from a sporting goods store or pharmacy, or you can create your own.

For spring and summer expeditions, make sure your first-aid kit contains:

  • Travel-sized, over-the-counter medications
  • Bandages
  • Gauze
  • Medical tape
  • Antibiotic ointments
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Blister treatment and moleskin (a summer hiking essential)
  • A reflective emergency blanket and insect repellent wipes

Having backup power on hand can also be critical in emergencies — a portable power station like the Jackery Explorer 300 ensures phones, GPS devices and headlamps stay charged if conditions change unexpectedly.

Bring sun protection

Sun protection isn’t just for the beach — it’s a must for any spring or summer outing, whether you’re at a campsite, on a trail or simply spending a long afternoon outside. UV rays are stronger than many people realize, and open settings with little shade can add up fast. Before you head out, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, swipe on some SPF lip balm and put on sunglasses with UV protection. Reapply every two hours, especially on long days outdoors. You’ll feel better for it when you get home.

Spring and summer are calling — and the only thing standing between you and your next great outdoor memory is a little preparation. With these five tips, you can embrace the season fully: energized, protected and ready for whatever the adventure brings. Your power. Your pace.

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Underserved autoimmune diseases demand long-term care innovation

2026-04-15T09:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by argenx

According to the Autoimmune Association, approximately 50 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease, yet these conditions remain among the most underrecognized and underserved in modern medicine.

Despite a growing body of research into more than 100 known autoimmune diseases, overall awareness and understanding of these conditions is still developing.

Today in the United States, autoimmune disease treatment continues to prioritize short-term symptom relief over long-term disease control. This systemic challenge leaves patients seeking innovative solutions.

“Autoimmune diseases are complex, often chronic conditions that demand treatments for long-term safety, sustained disease control and restoration of physical function,” said Peter Ulrichts, chief scientific officer of argenx, a global immunology company committed to improving the lives of people suffering from severe autoimmune diseases. “As scientific understanding continues to advance, we are focusing on translating that progress into innovative and patient-centered care for people living with autoimmune diseases.”

A woman with short hair in a black jacket sits on the top steps of a college campus.


Current standard of care and the need for steroid tapering

To date, corticosteroids have been the standard of care and first-line treatment across many autoimmune diseases because they can provide relief from inflammation, a common symptom of many of these conditions. According to Steritas, oral steroids are among the most prescribed medications in the United States.

However, clinical research has shown that long-term steroid use is associated with significant risk of toxicity that can lead to various issues like bone fractures, infections or hypertension. These side effects, layered on top of already challenging daily symptoms, underscore why tapering off steroid treatment is a priority for those developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases.

While clinical guidance recommends transitioning patients off chronic steroid use as quickly and safely as possible, non-steroid treatment options remain limited or inaccessible for many autoimmune diseases. In some conditions, effective alternatives do not yet exist; in others, available therapies may take time to work or fail to adequately control disease. As a result, many individuals remain dependent on steroids despite the risks associated with chronic use.

A female nurse holds hands with a patient in an off-white sweater.


Innovations in autoimmune disease treatment

The continued reliance on long-term steroid use, despite the risk of toxicity-related health effects, highlights the need for innovation in the treatment and management of autoimmunity.

“Reducing steroid side effects relies on monitoring the patient not only on counting the pills,” said Martha Stone, CEO at Steritas. “By measuring steroid toxicity directly in each patient, in clinical research and clinical care, doctors can personalize each steroid taper and help change what autoimmune disease management looks like.”

Steroid-sparing treatments are becoming increasingly available, helping patients address some of these concerns. Continuing that progress requires an innovative approach to science and collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers and biotech industry innovators.

“At argenx, we’re working to help people suffering from serious autoimmune diseases by developing therapies that can address the underlying drivers of disease and reduce patients’ dependence on steroids, helping them achieve better outcomes with fewer long-term risks,” said Luc Truyen, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer of argenx.

Learn more about the effects of long-term steroid use and tracking your journey with steroids at steroidsandme.com, and explore how argenx is advancing innovative approaches to autoimmune disease care at argenx.com.

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Routine vaccines for older adults: What your pharmacist wants you to know about shingles and more

2026-04-15T13:47:00

(BPT) – For many people, shingles is an afterthought — a painful rash that happens to other people. But the reality is far more serious with about one in three adults developing shingles in their lifetime.1 For some, the characteristic painful rash is just the beginning. Lasting consequences, which are often underestimated, can include severe and persistent nerve pain, burning, and itching that continue long after the rash has subsided. Recognizing the full impact of this disease is key to understanding why prevention through vaccination is a critical component of healthy aging, particularly for those over 50 or with a weakened immune system.

More than “just a rash”

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. According to the CDC, more than 99% of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they do not remember it.1 After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later and cause shingles. When it does reactivate, the effects can be severe.

“Shingles can lead to intense pain, complications like nerve damage, and even hospitalization,” said Samantha Picking, PharmD, senior director of immunizations at Walgreens. “One of the most common complications of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that can cause persistent, burning nerve pain long after the rash disappears. For some, this pain can interfere with sleep, work, and everyday activities, lasting months or even years.”

The best defense is prevention

While shingles can have a serious impact, it is also highly preventable. The CDC recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine for adults ages 50 and older, as well as for adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems.2 Studies show the vaccine is 97% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50-69 years old with healthy immune systems and 91% effective at preventing postherpetic neuralgia.

Some people may experience mild side effects after vaccination, but these typically go away within a few days.

“While some individuals may feel some discomfort after getting the shingles vaccine, such as a sore arm or fatigue, it is far less than the pain and potential complications associated with a shingles infection,” said Picking.

Additionally, most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D and many private health insurance providers, cover shingles vaccines, making it accessible and often free for eligible individuals.

Beyond shingles: Other important vaccines for older adults

Staying up to date on all your routine vaccinations is one of the easiest ways to protect your health as you age.

“Beyond shingles, I recommend asking your pharmacist about additional routine vaccinations that are vital for healthy aging — it is about proactive health, not just reactive care,” Picking said.

If you are 50 years or older, you may be eligible for the pneumococcal and RSV vaccines, as well as a Tdap booster. The CDC also recommends a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 and older, and those with weakened immune systems may be eligible for an additional dose.

“It is completely normal to have questions about vaccines,” Picking said. “That is exactly why your local pharmacists are here. We are easily accessible and highly trained experts, ready to provide guidance, address your concerns and help you make informed decisions about your health.”

Walgreens: Your partner in health

Staying up to date with routine vaccines can seem complicated, but Walgreens makes it easy, offering the option to schedule multiple vaccines in the same visit and with flexible appointments — including same-day, nights and weekends. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Walk in or schedule ahead at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-WALGREENS.

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Shingles (Herpes Zoster).” January 17, 2025.

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/

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How to honor Earth Month through carton recycling

2026-04-14T14:45:00

(BPT) – Recycling programs continue to improve and become more accessible, increasing opportunities for everyone to do their part in giving materials a second life and reducing waste. In 2025 alone, nearly 2.5 million additional households gained the ability to recycle food and beverage cartons.

In honor of Earth Month this April, learn how the simple act of carton recycling can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, plus creates valuable products. This helps to reduce the demand on limited resources as well as the environmental impact of extracting those resources.

Beginning with recyclable materials

To ensure recycling is possible, it’s vital for companies to start with materials that can be repurposed after their primary use is done. With this goal from the start, Tetra Pak® designed their food and beverage packages with their second life already in mind. The average Tetra Pak carton is made from 70% paperboard, a renewable material derived from responsibly managed sources, such as from Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified forests and other controlled sources. This special packaging protects its contents and is recyclable for the majority of U.S. households.

Tetra Pak has worked to promote and encourage more effective widespread recycling programs. In 2009, the company joined with other carton manufacturers in the U.S. to establish the Carton Council, an organization committed to increasing the number of cartons that are collected, sorted, and recycled. The Carton Council aims to build a sustainable infrastructure and to continue advancing carton recycling throughout the country.

What happens to cartons in their second life

Tissue paper, paper towel and toilet paper.

By recycling your cartons, you’re not just reducing what ends up in a landfill, you’re helping create new products, such as tissue products, writing paper and even green building materials.

Once cartons have been collected, they are taken to the local materials recovery facility (MRF). There they are sorted and baled, and those bales are sent to recyclers where they can follow one of two paths: being sent to a papermill or to a building materials producer.

The most common path leads cartons to papermills, where they are turned into pulp by a hydrapulper. The pulp is then rolled into thin sheets and is used to create tissues, toilet paper and writing paper.

Cartons that go to a building materials producer are shredded, then pressed under high heat into long-lasting, green building materials for roof systems.

You can see the entire process by watching this video.

What you can do

Man dropping a Tetra Pak carton into a recycling bin.

Food packaging plays an essential role in protecting food safety, food quality and extending shelf life to reduce food waste. But, once it is done protecting food, it needs your help to make it to the recycling bin. This Earth Month, learn more about carton recycling at Tetrapakusa.com. To find a carton recycling center near you, go to RecycleCartons.com/carton-recycling-locator.