2025-05-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – Any true beach lover knows that there is no such thing as the world’s “best” beach. An avid surfer and a family with young kids are drawn to different coastlines, while a city dweller and a wilderness adventurer may each find beauty in their own stretches of shoreline. But that’s the beauty of beaches: There’s so much diversity in what one can be, from iconic sandy shores to inland beaches in landlocked places.

In 100 Beaches of a Lifetime we explore coastlines around the world, celebrating everything from wildlife to sports. And you might be surprised by what we found, including these remarkable beaches right here in the U.S.A.

Bowman’s Beach

Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island in Florida is an undeveloped stretch of sand carpeted with shells: false angel wings, coquinas, conchs, whelks, junonias, cockles, sand dollars and banded tulips, to name a few. A quarter-mile walk from the main road gives the beach a hidden feel, but to beachcombers it’s famous. In the early dawn, you’ll find the most devoted beachcombers with flashlights in hand, bent in a crouched position — the so-called Sanibel stoop — fingers needling the water’s edge. If you’re fortunate enough to visit and spot one of the prized souvenirs, you may find yourself doing the stoop yourself.

Lake McDonald Beach

You might not think “Montana” when dreaming of a beach getaway, but one of the world’s most striking shorelines sits in Glacier National Park. The shores of Lake McDonald offer an intriguing spin on the park’s geological wonders: smooth stones in a spectacular array of seemingly unnatural colors, from reds and purples to greens and yellows. These brilliant hues are made more striking by exceptionally, almost bafflingly clear water. The mountains around the lake create a temperate climate that attracts wildlife, so your visit here might include spotting black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and elk.

Papakolea Beach

Hawaii is known for its beaches, but this one stands out with its prime coastline tinted olive green by volcanic forces. There are just four green-sand beaches in the world, and Papakolea, on the south point of the island of Hawaii, is by far the most popular. Formed around 49,000 years ago with the eruption of Pu’u Mahana, its hue comes from olivine, an element left behind in the eruption. Getting to this legendary cove is a challenge — it’s a 2.5-mile hike from the parking lot. The payoff: panoramic views over Mahana Bay and the surrounding eroded cliffs. (Only swim if the water is calm.)

Ship Island Swim Beach

Located an hour east of New Orleans and 11 miles off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi, Ship Island is a crescent-shaped barrier island bordered almost entirely by white sand. Now part of the expansive Gulf Islands National Seashore, the spot takes its name from its remarkably deep natural port, which played a key role in U.S. colonial history. Today, Ship Island is largely undeveloped except for historic Fort Massachusetts, a boardwalk, and a concession stand selling beach gear and snacks.

Ship Island Swim Beach in Biloxi, Mississippi

Sand Beach

Four miles south of Bar Harbor, Maine, the aptly named Sand Beach is the only, well, sandy beach in Acadia National Park. It’s also a place so cinematically striking that significant scenes form the 1999 movie The Cider House Rules were filmed here. Tucked away in the Gulf of Maine on Mount Desert Island, the beach is just 300 yards wide and is made almost entirely of shell. Despite the cold ocean water here (generally ranging from 50 to 60° F) the beach is popular for swimmers and families.

For more fabulous beaches, be sure to pick up a copy of National Geographic’s 100 Beaches of a Lifetime.

2025-05-22T10:01:00

(BPT) – When a woman receives a breast cancer diagnosis, the journey ahead can feel overwhelming. Breast cancer affects one in eight women in their lifetime, and while treatment options have advanced significantly in recent years, not all women have benefited equally. According to a 2024 report on health care, women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds may experience varying health outcomes based on their unique biology and individual circumstances. For breast cancer specifically, research shows different mortality rates across population groups, with some experiencing higher rates than others despite similar or lower rates of cancer incidence. These variations highlight why personalized approaches that recognize each woman’s unique biology are so important in breast cancer care.

As personalized medicine continues to evolve, genomic testing and inclusive research are playing a key role in ensuring that all women receive care that reflects the unique biology of their cancer. By supporting more informed, individualized treatment decisions, these tools are helping close gaps in care and improve outcomes for patients of every background, toward a future where every woman receives the care that is most appropriate for her unique diagnosis.

While similar in name, genetic testing and genomic testing serve different but complementary purposes in breast cancer care. Genetic testing examines inherited genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2, to identify mutations that may increase cancer risk for an individual and within families. Genomic testing, by contrast, analyzes gene activity within the tumor itself to understand its unique biology and behavior. This genomic information helps doctors and patients make more precise decisions about treatments like chemotherapy or extended hormone therapy based on the specific characteristics of each woman’s cancer, rather than relying solely on traditional clinical factors.

Understanding tumor biology: The key to personalized care

Traditionally, physicians have relied on clinical factors like tumor size, patient age, and whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes to guide breast cancer treatment decisions. But these factors alone cannot reveal what’s happening at the molecular level inside each unique tumor.

“Every woman’s breast cancer has its own unique biological profile that influences how the cancer might behave and respond to treatment,” said Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy, national principal investigator of the FLEX Study and director of Breast Cancer Research at Baylor University Medical Center, Texas Oncology. “Through genomic testing, we can examine the activity of specific genes within a tumor that drive its behavior, helping personalize treatment plans and potentially improve outcomes for women of all backgrounds.”

Genomic testing that works for everyone

A recent review has highlighted disparities in outcomes across different racial and ethnic groups and the need to expand research to bridge this gap.

MammaPrint^®, a gene expression profiling test that analyzes 70 key genes associated with breast cancer recurrence, has demonstrated consistent reliability across diverse populations. It classifies tumors into four risk categories: UltraLow, Low, High 1, and High 2 — to help guide decisions about chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. BluePrint^® examines 80 genes that define the tumor’s molecular biology and what fundamentally drives cancer growth. Together, MammaPrint and BluePrint provide a comprehensive look into 150 genes that uniquely define a breast tumor. With results typically available in ten days or less, this 150-gene signature informs more personalized, data-driven treatment strategies by providing insight into how the cancer grows and its likely response to specific therapies.

Together, these tests offer a comprehensive genomic profile that supports more personalized, data-driven treatment decisions. They help patients avoid over- and under-treatment while offering insights that guide physicians throughout a patient’s journey — from initial diagnosis through extended therapy planning.

“Having detailed information about the biology of a woman’s cancer quickly helps pinpoint the most effective and timely treatment,” said Dr. Regina Hampton, breast surgeon and chief of Breast Surgery at Doctors Community Medical Center, part of Luminis Health in Lanham, Maryland. “These tests provide some of the most specific information we can currently get to help women of all backgrounds receive the best possible health outcomes.”

The FLEX Study: Building a more inclusive dataset

To further address the ethnic and racial differences in personalized care, Agendia launched the FLEX Study (NCT03053193), a real-world evidence initiative that has enrolled over 20,000 early-stage breast cancer patients to date. The study includes significant representation from Black, Latin American/Hispanic, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) participants — making it the most diverse genomic study of its kind. This diversity ensures that genomic insights derived from the FLEX database can be confidently applied to women of all backgrounds, helping to close historical gaps in care.

The FLEX Study combines detailed genomic data from breast cancer tumors with real-world patient data, creating one of the most comprehensive breast cancer research databases of its kind. Current research, led by internationally renowned breast cancer investigators, is underway analyzing which genes are active in tumors from women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, researchers can better understand how tumor biology varies between patients — and why outcomes sometimes differ. These insights, regularly published at academic conferences and peer reviewed journals, are helping uncover new ways to predict how a tumor will behave and which treatments may be more effective, with the goal of improving care for all women.

“Enrolling such a diverse patient population is an extraordinary accomplishment for the FLEX Study,” O’Shaughnessy noted. “It underscores the critical progress being made in breast cancer research and the continued advancement of personalized treatment planning for patients across diverse, racial groups.”

Why genomic testing matters for women’s health

Access to the right genomic testing insights at the right time can have a significant impact:

• Preventing overtreatment: Nearly half of women who appeared to have high-risk tumors based on conventional clinical assessments were found by MammaPrint to be Low Risk, empowering these women and their care teams to choose the best therapy plan with the potential to safely avoid chemotherapy without compromising survival
• Uncovering hidden risks: BluePrint can identify tumors that behave more aggressively than they appear on standard pathology tests.¹ This detection of hidden risks is especially important for Black women, who are disproportionately affected by more aggressive tumor types and could receive inadequate treatment without this deeper molecular analysis
• Supporting timely decisions: These genomic tests support informed decisions both before or after surgery — which can be especially important for women with more aggressive disease
• Guiding long-term therapy decisions: Recent clinical data shows that MammaPrint can help determine which patients will benefit from extended endocrine therapy years after their initial diagnosis, further extending its utility throughout the cancer care journey²

A path forward: Precision medicine for all

The ongoing FLEX Study aims to enroll 30,000 patients and follow them for more than 10 years to generate high-quality peer-reviewed research, advancing the scientific understanding of breast cancer biology that could help transform breast cancer care for generations to come.

“Through innovative genomic testing and inclusive research, we’re working to ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, has access to the most accurate information about her unique cancer,” O’Shaughnessy emphasized. “This knowledge empowers patients and their healthcare teams to make truly personalized treatment decisions that can improve outcomes while maintaining quality of life.”

By combining innovative genomic technology with inclusive research practices, the healthcare community is making strides toward ensuring that precision medicine truly benefits all patients.

To learn more about genomic testing and its role in personalized early-stage breast cancer care, visit Agendia.com.

References:

1. Lee PRE et. al., AACR 2018
2. Rastogi P et. al., J Clin Oncol. 2024;00:1-9

2025-05-21T13:49:00

(BPT) – Summer nights are meant to feel relaxed and carefree, but when your family’s schedule is packed to the brim, they can quickly become anything but. These easy tips can help take the pressure off your evenings, so you can spend less time stressing and more time soaking up the summer sun.

1. Create a grab-and-go summer station

Cut down on the chaos by keeping a bin near the door stocked with warm-weather essentials, like bug spray, sunscreen, flashlights, lawn games and snacks. With everything in one place, you’re always ready for a spontaneous backyard hang or an early-morning adventure. Keep a small notepad or whiteboard nearby so family members can jot down anything that’s running low, making your next store run a breeze.

2. Simplify post-dinner cleanup

Turn tidying up into a 10-minute team effort. Set a short timer, turn on a fun playlist and have the whole household chip in. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish in just a few minutes. For little ones, assign simple tasks like gathering toys or wiping down the table to help them stay focused and feel successful.

3. Don’t overload the calendar

Using a shared family calendar or group chat can help everyone stay in the loop and avoid double-booking busy nights. A quick weekly check-in gives your crew a chance to review upcoming plans, spot conflicts and keep things running smoothly.

4. Chill out — literally

Freeze water bottles overnight to keep lunchboxes and backpacks cool while you’re out and about. They’ll double as icy-cold drinks once they thaw. For added refreshment, try freezing yogurt tubes or fruit like grapes and banana slices for easy, portable snacks that beat the heat.

5. Make dinnertime fresh, easy and oven-free

When time is tight and the house is already warm, Fresh Express Chopped Salad Kits save the day. Flavor-packed options like the new Creamy Goddess, Orange Sesame and Farmhouse Ranch are loaded with bold dressings, crunchy toppings and vibrant veggies — and they’re thoroughly washed and ready to serve in minutes. Creamy Goddess brings a zesty, herb-packed punch with queso fresco, roasted salted pumpkin seeds, and freeze-dried corn, while Orange Sesame adds a sweet and tangy twist with a fresh orange miso vinaigrette and honey sliced almonds that add satisfying texture. Farmhouse Ranch combines comforting American classics with bold flavors, from delicious garlic pepper onions for a delightful crunch to a rich cheese blend and creamy ranch dressing. Set out a few easy mix-ins — like grilled chicken or shrimp, cubed cheese, nuts or fresh fruit — so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

And here’s one more fresh idea: Now through June 1, fans can enter the Express Yourself Recipe Contest from Fresh Express for a chance to win a year’s worth of salads! Visit FreshExpress.com/express-yourself-recipe-contest-2025 to get inspired and enter.

With a few smart tricks — and the help of Fresh Express — your summer nights can stay cool, easy and full of flavor. Visit FreshExpress.com to check out all the Fresh Express salad flavor possibilities, including the new chopped kits.

2025-05-21T10:39:01

(BPT) – When individuals reach age 50, their risk of developing shingles increases, making it more important than ever to understand this painful condition and how to help prevent it.

Sam Picking, Walgreens Senior Director of Immunizations, answers common questions about shingles and explains why getting the shingles vaccine is a critical step for long-term health.

What is shingles and why is it a concern?

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. According to the CDC, more than 99% of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember it.¹ After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later and cause shingles.

“Anyone who’s had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles, which can lead to severe pain, complications like nerve damage, and even hospitalization,” said Picking. “Shingles affects one in three people in their lifetime, and the risk increases with age or a weakened immune system.”

What is the shingles vaccine and who should get it?

The CDC recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine — separated by two to six months — to help prevent shingles and related complications in adults 50 years and older.² The vaccine is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems.

The shingles vaccine is highly effective — in adults 50 years and older with healthy immune systems, it is 97% effective at preventing shingles and 91% effective at preventing its most common complication, postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause long-lasting, severe nerve pain.²

If you need another compelling reason to protect yourself from shingles, research shows that getting shingles may increase your long-term risk for heart disease.^3,4 In addition, emerging data shows there may also be other possible health benefits from the shingles vaccine.⁵

I’ve heard the shingles vaccine can be painful and make me feel bad — should I still get it?

Like all vaccines, the shingles vaccine may produce temporary side effects, which may last two to three days.² For most people, these side effects include a sore arm with mild or moderate pain, or redness and swelling at the injection site. A smaller number of individuals may experience other side effects like muscle pain, headache or fever.

“While some individuals may experience soreness or mild illness for a few days after getting the shingles vaccine, it is far less than the pain and discomfort associated with a shingles infection and any complications from the disease,” said Picking. “If you have any questions about the vaccine or its side effects, talk to your local Walgreens pharmacist — we’re here to help answer any questions or concerns you may have so you feel confident in your decision to receive this important vaccine.”

Walgreens offers flexible vaccination appointments, including nights and weekends, and walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a shingles vaccination appointment in English or Spanish, use the Walgreens app, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS.

What are the symptoms of shingles, and what should I do if I think I have it?

Shingles usually starts with pain, itching, or tingling on one side of the body or face, followed by a blistering rash.¹ Other symptoms may include fever, headache or fatigue.

“If you notice a rash or pain that seems unusual, especially on one side of your body, contact your healthcare provider right away,” said Picking. “Early treatment with antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and severity of the outbreak.”

And while shingles itself isn’t contagious, the virus that causes it is — if you’ve never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you could get chickenpox from someone with shingles.¹ This means it’s important to avoid close contact with vulnerable people, like babies, pregnant individuals, or anyone with a weakened immune system if you have an active shingles rash.

Walgreens: Your partner in health

The shingles vaccine is the only way to protect against shingles and serious complications from the disease. It’s available at Walgreens locations nationwide for adults aged 50 and older and younger individuals who are immunocompromised.

If you have any questions, our expert pharmacists are here to help navigate vaccination guidance and what is recommended for you and your loved ones.

Learn more at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine.

Sources:

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “About Shingles (Herpes Zoster).” January 17, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/

² Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Shingles Vaccination.” January 4, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/

³ Lee, S., Lee, K., Oh, J. et al. “Live zoster vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes: a nationwide, South Korean study.” European Heart Journal. May 5, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf230

⁴ Curhan, SG., Kawai, K., Yawn, B. et al. “Herpes Zoster and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.” Journal of the American Heart Association. December 6, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1161/jaha.122.027451

⁵ Eyting, M., Xie, M., Michalik, F. et al. “A natural experiment on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia.” Nature. April 2, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08800-x

2025-05-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – When you’re constantly juggling work, school, and home responsibilities, it’s easy to overlook your own well-being. But neglecting self-care can quickly lead to burnout, ultimately throwing your entire routine off track.

Dr. Gabriela Soza, Manhattan board-certified dermatologist and mother of two young children, knows firsthand how challenging self-care can be when you’re on-the-go. That’s why she recommends preparing a bag to carry all your essentials while you’re out and about.

But, what counts as an essential item? While those exact items may vary from person to person, Soza offers an easy organizational system.

“When organizing my must-haves, I tend to break them down into three core categories: health, wellness and skincare to freshen up throughout the day,” she said. “Once you’ve curated your items, use a removable bag insert or pouch to store them. That way, whether you choose a tote bag, backpack or large purse, you can easily transfer your essentials from bag to bag.”

Read on to learn about Soza’s personal “must-have” recommendations.

1. Health

Hand sanitizer: As a healthcare professional, Dr. Soza knows firsthand about the importance of hand hygiene. That’s why she emphasizes the importance of keeping hand sanitizer to reduce the risk of getting sick or spreading germs.

Soza recommends finding sanitizers that also moisturize your skin to prevent your hands from drying out, like Touchland’s Hydrating Hand Sanitizer.

Water bottle: Hydration is the key to good health, including healthy skin. To prevent dehydration and ensure you have access to water all day, Soza suggests carrying a water bottle in your bag. Pick out a water bottle that has a secure top so you can throw it into your bag without worrying that it will spill over. Fill it up before you leave the house and refill it as needed.

2. Skincare

SPF: Whether you have an extensive or bare-bones skincare routine, SPF products should always be on your essentials list. Even if you put on sunscreen before leaving the house, you’ll need to reapply throughout the day.

Dr. Soza’s personal pick is Neocutis Réactive+. This antioxidant serum offers broad spectrum SPF 45 to protect against skin-aging free radicals and harmful sun damage that causes premature skin aging.

“For over a decade, I’ve been continuously impressed by the consistent efficacy of Neocutis products,” said Soza. “As a dermatologist who constantly evaluates skincare for both myself and my patients, I appreciate that Neocutis products, such as Réactive+, are research-backed and actively support the skin’s collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, all while protecting the skin from free-radicals and harmful sun damage.”

Eye cream: The delicate skin under your eyes can have trouble retaining moisture. To keep your under-eyes hydrated throughout the day and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make sure to include an eye cream in your essentials.

Choose a hydrating and brightening cream like Neocutis Lumiére^® Firm as a midday pick-me-up. Its advanced aging formulation moisturizes delicate skin while also improving firmness, elasticity and texture. Lumiére^® Firm is also designed to reduce puffiness, making it the perfect solution for moms on-the-go who need a quick and effective refresh.

Facial mist: During a hot day, it’s hard to keep your makeup looking good while beating the heat. That’s why it’s a smart idea to keep a facial mist on hand to freshen up!

Soza suggests finding a mist with skincare benefits that can be applied throughout the day like Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray. With just a few spritzes your skin will be soothed, letting you look and feel your best from morning to evening.

Lip balm: Lip balm isn’t just for hydrating your lips. Of course, its main purpose is to keep your lips moisturized and protected, but it’s an incredibly versatile weapon in your on-the-go arsenal. Soza’s “do-it-all” lip balm is Aquaphor as it can also tame flyways, hydrate dry cuticles, and quickly fix a dry skin patch.

3. Wellness

Headphones: Physical health items aren’t the only essentials you need to pack. Dr. Soza advises keeping a pair of headphones in your bag to give yourself a private escape. It’s a great way to center yourself with music, podcasts or audiobooks, even in public places. For example, she listens to music to relax when she’s commuting or in between patients.

Immunity stick packs: If you haven’t used immunity stick packs before, it’s time to start! As a new mom, Dr. Soza knows how important it is for moms to bolster their immune system, especially if they have small children.

She advises searching for your favorite flavored, pre-portioned stick packs that have vitamin C, electrolytes, zinc and antioxidants to help ward off colds year-round.

What’s in your bag?

No matter how busy your day is, you can give yourself the tools you need to support your health, wellness and skin. Using Soza’s essential recommendations, you can ensure you always have what you need to take care of yourself, even during your busiest seasons.

Sponsored by Merz Aesthetics.

2025-05-20T15:47:00

(BPT) – Does your dad love to cook? Is your dad a Marvel or Star Wars fan? Looking for a gift for a new dad? Disney publishing has the perfect gift for every dad.

For the chef:

From the oven to the grill, discover awesome recipes to test your dads’ culinary talents. These books are sure to satisfy his foodie side.

Star Wars: The Ultimate Cookbook

Discover over 80 recipes inspired by those in all corners of the Star Wars galaxy, including from the Skywalker Saga novels, its comics and more. Whatever your dad’s skill level, these recipes offer an immersive experience for Star Wars fans who also want to bring galactic adventures into their kitchen.

A Taste of Star Wars: Snacks

Your dad can experience the taste of a galaxy far, far away with this pocket-sized cookbook full of delicious snack recipes from Insight Editions’ best-selling Star Wars cookbooks. Twenty-six scrumptious snacks will take your dad’s taste buds on a mini tour of the galaxy. Celebrate Life Day over Wookiee-Ookiees, pay tribute to Darth Vader with hot Mustafarian Lava Buns, or fuel up for your next mission with Omega’s Popcorn Mix! Plus, there’s more sweet and savory snacks that are perfect for holidays, parties — and movie marathons.

Marvel: Spider-Man: The Official Cookbook

Does your dad love cooking as much as he loves Marvel comics? If so, this book is right up his alley — or the nearest tall building. The cookbook is narrated by the web-slinger himself, offering your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man’s guide to New York’s iconic cuisine through recipes like Aunt May’s Wheatcakes, Miles Morales’s Arañitas and Wong’s Chai Tea Latte. Over 60 recipes are paired with action-packed anecdotes that turn each meal into a culinary adventure.

For the Marvel fan:

Is your dad a fan of Marvel? Check out these great keepsakes for the ultimate Marvel experience.

Marvel Studios: 100 Objects

Dad will enjoy delving into these 100 key artifacts from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), discovering compelling stories on and about iconic items like Iron Man’s Mark I armor, Ant-Man’s cybernetic helmet, and Captain America’s vibranium shield — plus other lesser-known but still highly intriguing objects from the MCU. Dad will love going behind the scenes of his favorite films to uncover the significance of Doctor Strange’s Cloak of Levitation, Thor’s hammer Mjolnir, and more.

Marvel’s Avengers: The First 60 Years

This deluxe book celebrates 60 years of Marvel’s Avengers, featuring Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Panther, Quicksilver and many more, looking in-depth at their greatest battles, deadliest enemies — and unlikeliest allies. Lavishly illustrated with stunning art, this tribute also includes profiles of the talented creators behind the team’s ongoing adventures.

Marvel Comics Library. Avengers. 1963–1965

Is your dad an Avengers aficionado? This ultimate book tells the story of how the original Marvel Universe expanded into what is now known as the entire MCU. Presented by Kurt Busiek and illustrated by Jack Kirby and the iconic Stan Lee, this volume relates how the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Ant-Man, Dr. Strange, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man and Thor were assembled to create The Avengers, using the most pristine pedigreed comics photographed for reproduction in collaboration with Marvel and Certified Guaranty Company, and digitally remastered.

Marvel Fitness Deck

Perfect for dads who love working out, this 50-card exercise deck by Marvel Entertainment and Robyn Warren will help them become health superheroes — and inspire kids to join in! This family-friendly deck brings fun to everyday exercise, Marvel-style. Created for a range of abilities, the step-by-step exercises demonstrate how working out is much more fun when you’re doing landing lunges with Spider-Man or smashing squats with the Hulk! Modifications explain how to take movements higher, further or faster, by adjusting them to your needs.

For the Star Wars fan:

Is your dad able to recite every line from his favorite Star Wars movie or link lightsabers with their owner? If so, check out these wonderful books.

Star Wars Encyclopedia

For dads most likely to enter a Star Wars trivia contest, there are over 2,200 entries in this volume that reveal vital facts about iconic characters, creatures, locations, vehicles and technology from a galaxy far, far away. Meticulously researched, expertly written and stunningly illustrated, the “Star Wars Encyclopedia” is an indispensable guide for devoted fans and newcomers alike.

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Lightsaber Collection

Discover over 50 lightsabers from the golden age of the Jedi with this essential guide to the elegant weapons from “Star Wars: The High Republic.” A follow-up to the best-selling “Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection,” this exciting volume explores High Republic hilts, including designs illustrated in a photo-real manner for the first time. The perfect reference book for fans, model builders and collectors, this book is a must-have for dads looking to discover more about the legendary lightsabers from a fascinating period in Star Wars history.

The Star Wars Archives. 1977–1983

Writer, director and producer George Lucas formed Industrial Light & Magic to develop cutting-edge special effects, which he used to give audiences a unique sensory cinematic experience to weave his mythic tale of good and evil in a galaxy far, far away. In this volume by Paul Duncan, Lucas narrates his own story, taking readers through the making of the original trilogy and bringing fresh insights into the creation of this unique universe.

The Mandalorian and Child

Author of the best-selling “Darth Vader and Son” series Jeffrey Brown brings his charmingly funny take on the Star Wars galaxy to The Mandalorian. Dads and kids will enjoy reading about Din Djarin, the terse Mandalorian bounty hunter, as he travels the galaxy with the adorable Grogu. Whether he’s keeping Grogu from messing with the ship’s controls or stopping him from using the Force to steal extra snacks, Mando’s lessons as a caretaker are fun and recognizable to families everywhere.

For dads with young children:

Filled with beloved Disney characters, these books and cute stories are the perfect gift for dads to share with young children for years to come.

Disney Baby: Dad Loves Me!

Fathers love engaging with their babies! Kids and dads can read together here, plus press sound buttons to hear lion roars and more with members from Disney and Pixar families. This book by PI Kids comes with a built-in handle so little ones can carry it with them while they play!

I Love My Dad

Disney Princesses show their love for their dads in this book for ages 4–6 that’s perfect for Father’s Day. Merida, Rapunzel, Belle, Ariel and Jasmine all share special bonds with their fathers. Join them as they celebrate their dads in this Step 1 Step into Reading–leveled reader and sticker book that features big type and easy words for kids to read together with their dads.

I Love You, Dad

In this great gift for Father’s Day or any day, babies and their dads can lift the flap on each spread to see what Disney characters love about their dads! Messages of love come to life with this eye-catching, die-cut board book featuring chunky lift-the-flaps. “I Love You, Dad” is a book of relatable moments for dads and babies to share, time and time again.

With wonderful options to pick from, this curated list of books is perfect to select your Father’s Day gift. Visit Books.disney.com/occasion/fathers-day today.

2025-05-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is nearly here, and travelers everywhere are dreaming of the journeys they’ll take with friends and family. But there’s one aspect of road trip planning that often goes overlooked, and ironically, it’s the only part of the vehicle that touches the road: tires.

Tires aren’t always exciting. But before a car hits top speed, it’s crucial to make sure the rubber is up to speed.

How can drivers prepare their tires for road trip season? Here’s some advice from Nokian Tyres, which offers a Pothole Protection warranty for every tire that comes from its U.S. factory in Dayton, Tennessee. The inventor of the winter and all-weather tires offers more information, and a chance to win a set of tires, at NokianTyres.com/RoadTrips.

Check tire pressure

Drivers should make sure their tires are inflated to the recommended level. Low tire pressure makes blowouts more likely and harms gas mileage and EV range. High pressure can reduce traction and cause premature wear.

The recommended tire pressure can be found on a vehicle’s driver-side door jamb or owner manual. The easiest way to check tire inflation is with a pressure gauge. Gas station inflation machines also provide that info. If doubt remains, a local tire shop will gladly perform a check.

Make sure tread is deep enough

The shallower a tire’s tread, the less responsive it is to the road. That’s especially problematic on wet roads; the risk of hydroplaning increases when tread is too shallow.

How can drivers make sure tread depth is adequate? By putting a penny inside the tread and turning it upside down. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time for a new set of tires.

For an even simpler approach, Nokian Tyres’ Driving Safety Indicator clearly displays how much tread is left at various points along the center of the tire’s tread. The percentage of remaining rubber is indicated in 20-percent increments from 80 percent to 40. The next symbol — a snowflake on winter tires and a rain drop on other products — tells drivers it’s time to replace their tires.

Get rotated and aligned

May is a good time to head to the tire shop for a tire rotation and alignment check. Nokian Tyres recommends rotating tires every 4,000 to 8,000 miles. Tires that aren’t regularly rotated are more likely to wear unevenly, which harms handling and efficiency. Of course, a trip to the tire shop will also feature a full wellness check, including a tire pressure test and a visual inspection to rule out tire damage.

Check the spare

Travelers never want to suffer a tire issue on the road, and Nokian Tyres’ Pothole Protection program helps with peace of mind. But it’s still important to make sure their spare tire is properly inflated and has sufficient tread depth, just in case a journey is derailed by a flat tire.

Between May 19 and 30, road trippers who aren’t confident in their tires have a chance to win new ones by visiting NokianTyres.com/RoadTrips. The site also features a road trip tire safety checklist, a tire selector tool and more resources to help drivers stay safe on their summer journeys.