Month: August 2026

2026-08-07T10:41:00

(BPT) – Do you already have a cat or two, but want to grow your feline family? You may be wondering the best ways to go about it. While it’s true that cats are more social than they’re given credit for, animal behaviorists still recommend a slow, strategic approach when introducing a new cat to your household.

Here are some tips to help your new cat get along more smoothly with cats you already have in your home.

1. Choose your new cat with care

First ensure your new cat is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations and already spayed or neutered. Reputable animal shelters will be able to provide documentation on each cat’s vaccinations and health screenings. Then you may also want to take them to your regular vet for a checkup.

Contrary to popular opinion, it may be best to consider a mature cat that has a history of living successfully with other felines. Younger cats do not necessarily show deference to an older cat, and some older cats are stressed by a young cat’s high level of energy.

2. Prepare to bring the new cat home

Consider housing the new cat in a separate room or floor before making any introductions. That means providing a new set of everything a cat needs to be comfortable: litter box, food and water dishes, a soft place to sleep and enrichment like toys, a cat condo or places to climb and perch. You may want to consider revamping spaces throughout your home to provide multiple places cats can enjoy before introducing them.

Make sure your new cat and existing cats won’t accidently run into each other every time you open the door to the new cat’s space by setting up a baby gate or barrier. In addition, keep your cats’ claws clipped so they’ll be less likely to do serious injury if they get into a scrap when they first meet.

3. Be patient

Give your new feline lots of time to get used to you, and the space, before attempting introductions. Every cat is an individual, and may take time to become comfortable in their new home. Because they’re so unique, you won’t know who’ll be more stressed about the introduction — your existing cat(s) or the newcomer.

Chances are good your cats are aware of each other long before they can see one another. Feeding or offering treats on opposite sides of the door can foster positive associations before they meet.

4. Introduce them, one sense at a time

Depending on your home’s layout, your cats may already smell and/or hear each other. At the beginning, find ways to limit the senses by which they’re encountering each other. For example, let them smell each other’s scent by swapping their beds or blankets for a few days. If your home allows, try a room swap, letting each cat inhabit the other’s space for a while. You can also try feeding them on opposite sides of a baby gate with a sheet draped over it, so they’ll hear and smell each other without visual contact.

Later, if you have a glass or plastic door or partition, you could feed them within eyesight but without them being able to smell or hear each other well.

5. Watch their behavior

You probably recognize signs of displeasure in your cat, like hissing, growling or their fur fluffing up. More subtle signs of stress can be ears flattening, tail twitching or the death stare: unbroken eye contact between cats who appear frozen in place.

Positive body language may also be visible: tail straight up, ears facing forward. One cat may lean forward to sniff the other cat, even showing playfulness by rolling on their back to reveal their tummy. Signs like this show they’re ready to accept the other cat — though it may not be mutual yet.

If you see signs your cats aren’t happy, don’t panic. A little hissing or growling doesn’t mean they’ll never be friends. Try giving them treats together, or coaxing them to play with favorite toys at the same time. Most importantly, keep their interactions limited and supervised while they figure out this new relationship.

Depending on your individual cats, it may take weeks, months or even years before they happily coexist, but that doesn’t mean all-out warfare. With patience and preparation, you can help your cats successfully navigate their new social interactions.

2026-08-06T09:05:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• Proper ventilation is essential for your comfort and health, and your home’s structural integrity.
• Modern homes are built tight. Traditional ventilation systems often can’t deliver proper ventilation in airtight homes.
• Balanced ventilation via an energy recovery ventilator keeps your home comfortable, improves indoor air quality and works with your home’s design.
• The Panasonic BalancedHome^® ERV complements the modern home and is essential for long-term home performance.

When you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, you’ll have many choices to make. Most homeowners focus on visible features like kitchens, flooring and smart technology. But there’s one system that matters just as much, and it’s hidden behind your walls: your home’s ventilation.

Why ventilation matters

Think of your home’s ventilation system as its lungs. It brings in fresh outdoor air and removes stale indoor air. Good ventilation means fresher air throughout your home, better moisture control, and fewer odors and indoor pollutants.

Every home needs proper ventilation. Whether you live in a cold northern region, a hot and humid southern state or anywhere in between, proper ventilation keeps your home comfortable, healthy and structurally sound.

Where traditional ventilation systems fall short

Modern homes are designed to be super energy-efficient, which means they’re sealed more carefully than ever before. The downside? That same seal that saves on your electric bill also traps stale air, humidity and cooking odors inside. Traditional mechanical ventilation systems work with a one-way approach. Some pull air out of your home and hope fresh air seeps in through cracks and gaps. Others push air in and hope stale air escapes the same way. Neither approach works well in today’s airtight homes.

The result? Uneven comfort, excess moisture accumulation, condensation on windows, spatial air dead zones, lingering cooking odors, and a buildup of indoor pollutants from everyday activities like showering and cleaning. It gets worse. Exhaust-only systems can create negative pressure, allowing moisture and contaminants to seep into your walls. Supply-only systems trap moisture inside, increasing the risk of mold and long-term damage to your roof, walls, foundation and insulation.

2026-08-06T09:55:00

(BPT) – When you think of solar power for your home, you likely picture the rows of gleaming panels lining your roof. However, before you begin selecting and installing solar, there is an important first step you cannot skip: purchasing a home backup battery.

There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about backup batteries, but the truth is that starting with solar and then purchasing a battery holds you back from true energy independence. Read on to discover the five biggest backup battery myths and why procuring one for your home is the first step toward harnessing solar power regardless of rain, shine, heatwave, hurricane, tropical storm or snow.

Myth 1: Solar panels give me 24/7 energy independence

Reality: Solar panels alone can’t power your home overnight or during storms that can take out the grid and sunlight. That’s because solar panels can’t store the power produced by the sun.

Traditional grid-tied solar-powered systems capture and send power to your home’s electrical system for use. Without a battery, any excess solar power flows from your home to the grid. So, what happens when the grid shuts down or there’s a storm? You’re still left without power.

Think of it this way: Your solar panels are the engine that creates the power needed to run your home. Your battery is the gas tank that stores energy for later, so you can use it when you need it. Without a battery, you can’t store or use your own energy during a storm, an extended outage or overnight.

Myth 2: I can just buy solar panels and sell excess power back to the grid

Reality: The days of relying on utility companies to buy back your extra daytime solar power at top dollar are rapidly coming to an end. California kicked off the nationwide shift when it overhauled its net-metering policies, drastically cutting the rate utilities pay homeowners for pushing excess solar back to the grid. Almost overnight, new solar-only installs lost their biggest financial perk so homeowners started adding battery storage to capture that free daytime energy and use it themselves when rates spike at night or when outages hit. Today, a home battery is the default foundation required to actually get the full benefits of solar energy.

Bonus: Home backup means beating Time-of-Use (TOU) rate spikes. With or without solar, a home backup battery lets you take advantage of daily smart energy management. You can charge your battery from the wall when grid electricity is cheapest, then run your home on that stored battery power during expensive peak afternoon and evening hours. It’s an instant way to lower your electric bill.

Myth 3: I have to buy solar panels before buying a battery

Reality: You can and should install battery storage first. That way, when you eventually purchase and install your solar panels, you’ll be ready to store and use energy from the get-go.

Also, a home battery can serve as a stand-alone backup system without solar if needed, providing energy day or night, storm or no storm. For example, Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus home backup battery can recharge from multiple sources, including high-voltage solar and traditional AC power.

That flexibility is what makes battery backup such a strong starting point. They’re always ready, providing stored power when the grid goes down or when electricity is most expensive, whether or not you have solar panels.

Myth 4: Installing a backup battery is difficult

Reality: Many modern backup batteries, like portable power stations, don’t require installation, and are designed for plug-and-play operation, though some have the option to be easily connected to your home’s circuits via a transfer switch, the process of which is less expensive and more straight forward compared to permanently installed, grid-tied home backup. This versatility in home backup options means whether you own your home or rent an apartment, backup power for all your essentials like the refrigerator, lights, WiFi, home office and more is within reach. And you won’t need an electrician or permits to start, if ever.

Jackery makes it simple to make battery backup a part of any home, with or without solar already installed. Both the Solar Generator 5000 Plus and the HomePower 3600 Plus can be used as-is by plugging appliances and electronics directly to them. They even feature built-in wheels and a pull handle, allowing you to move power from room to room.

Bonus: You can connect these backup batteries/portable power stations to your home’s electrical circuit by having an electrician install a transfer switch. The Solar Generator 5000 Plus pairs with the Jackery Smart Transfer Switch to provide automatic home coverage and seamless backup when you need it most and the HomePower 3600 Plus also connects home circuits via a manual transfer switch. These provide multi-room coverage without the need to install a permanent generator so the system can move with you. And while they are modular for tailored scalability, the base units still work as standalone portable power stations for ultimate flexibility.

Myth 5: Batteries have a short lifespan

Reality: Home batteries have come a long way. Today’s models can be used for over a decade depending on use. For example, the Solar Generator 5000 Plus has over an 11-year battery lifespan, while the HomePower 3600 Plus is rated for over 16 years. Jackery supports these solutions with multiyear warranties, so you can rest easy knowing you’re covered.

Battery storage should be the default, not an afterthought

To truly take advantage of solar power, you must be able to capture, store and use it on your own terms. To learn more about backup batteries and how they make solar power usable when you need it most, visit Jackery.com.

2026-08-04T10:01:00

(BPT) – Nearly one in four vehicles on the road today needs a new battery — most without warning signs of upcoming failure.

Extreme summer heat can quietly weaken your car’s battery long before you notice any issues, putting today’s vehicles at increasing risk. And the 12-volt battery in every vehicle, full electric, gas and hybrid, meets more power demands than ever before.

Many drivers associate cold temperatures with dead batteries, but summer heat has a large impact on battery health. Hot temperatures can cause internal battery components to break down, shortening the battery life, according to experts at Clarios, the Wisconsin-based maker of one out of every three car batteries worldwide.

Today’s vehicles are essentially rolling advanced computers, which rely on the 12-volt battery to power them. Two decades ago, a luxury vehicle might have a simple computer system, power windows and a few electronic modules. Nowadays, most vehicles have more than 50 electronic control units to run large infotainment screens, advanced driver assist technologies and multiple cameras.

All this computing power makes the summer heat even harsher on a car battery.

To help drivers keep up with the growing demands on today’s vehicles, Clarios battery experts offer four simple tips to avoid heat-related battery issues:

1. PARK SMART: Park in the shade to reduce heat exposure

2. CHECK SECURITY: Ensure your battery is securely mounted

3. WATCH FOR DAMAGE: Inspect for bloating or leakage

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BATTERY: Consider whether your battery is designed to handle higher temperatures and increasing electrical demands. Options such as AGM batteries are well-suited for more demanding conditions

An AGM (“Absorbent Glass Mat”) battery holds electrolytes in glass mats. In traditional “flooded” batteries (EFB) the electrolytes move around freely in a casing, while AGM technology is spill-proof and maintenance-free. This design can offer advantages as vehicles place higher demands on battery performance, particularly in more extreme conditions such as heat, and are ideal for vehicles with higher electrical demands, frequent short trips or idling, harsh environments and start-stop technology.

Battery maintenance tips

As vehicles integrate more electronic features and power-hungry functions, the role of the 12-volt battery continues to expand. The requirements for a traditional car battery have evolved beyond starting the vehicle to support safety critical and convenience features including advanced driver assistance systems. The low-voltage battery provides reliable and dependable power, protecting against failures that could put occupants at risk.

Clarios experts recommend not running accessories with the engine off and avoiding short trips whenever possible. Additionally, drivers need to heed dashboard warning signs. Yet even without obvious signs of battery degradation, vehicle owners should seek a professional battery test if their battery is more than three years old. One easy thing to do is make sure you mark your calendar when you get a new battery.

Selecting the right battery and proper maintenance can make for a summer of fun without worrying about diminished vehicle performance or worse, a dead battery somewhere down the road.

For more battery tips and informative videos, visit AutoBatteries.com.

2026-08-04T09:01:00

(BPT) – Back-to-school season is buzzing with possibility. New backpacks, fresh supplies, colorful moments — and for parents and teachers, a long to-do list and rising costs. That’s where Crayola, the #1 brand preferred by parents and teachers*, steps in.

The Freedom to Create Without Limits

Crayola Ultra-Clean Washable Markers give kids — and parents — permission to create with confidence. Proven across hundreds of washability tests to clean easily from hands, clothes, desks, and painted walls, these nontoxic markers deliver vibrant color for everything from coloring books to school projects. Perfect for bold, colorful learning at home and in the classroom — with cleanup you can trust.

Innovative Clicks

Beyond washability, there’s another frustration that derails creativity: lost caps, dried-out markers, and endless sharpening. Crayola Clicks solve these obstacles with retractable design.

Clicks Colored Pencils need zero sharpening with 2.0mm retractable lead with 24 refills included. Clicks Markers feature retractable tips so there are no caps to lose and no markers drying out by tomorrow. Clicks Highlighters deliver smooth, consistent color that washes easily from skin and clothing. Available in Classic, Bold & Bright, New Pastel, and New Neon.

Empowering Essentials for All Students

Did you know that 5.1 boxes of Crayola Crayons sell every second during back-to-school season? They’re the 13th fastest-selling item at retailers — sandwiched between bananas and water on the essentials list.**

From endless creative possibilities at home to classroom masterpieces, 24-count Crayons deliver primary and secondary colors, plus the beloved Dandelion yellow, permanently restored by popular demand.

And when the whole class is ready to create, Crayola has teachers covered. To help educators ensure they have plenty of tools for all the kids in their classrooms this fall and throughout the year, consider gifting one of these class packs of essential school supplies like Crayons, Colored Pencils, and Markers.

Bulk sets ensure that more students will be set for creativity during the entire school year, making them a top choice for teachers setting up classrooms, community donation drives, whole group activities, and collaborative projects that put every student’s imagination to work.

Ready to get the new school year started? You can find all these back-to-school necessities, plus plenty more supplies to fuel your kids’ creativity at Crayola.com and retailers nationwide.

*Source: TeacherList.com (Sept. 2025)

**Source: Numerator TruView// USA Retail (Jul. 2025)

2026-08-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – As backpacks get packed, homework returns and family schedules fill up, many parents and caregivers assume the hardest part of back-to-school season is the initial reentry.

But for many children, the real adjustment happens in the weeks after school begins.

New teachers, academic expectations, social dynamics, extracurricular activities and changing routines can create stress that isn’t always obvious. While some children openly talk about their worries, others show signs through changes in behavior, sleep, mood or motivation.

“Many families focus on getting through the first day of school, but the real adjustment often happens over the following weeks,” said Dr. Sascha Arbouet, child/adolescent psychiatrist and Medical Director, Pediatrics at Bend Health, a national provider of pediatric mental health care. “Children aren’t just adjusting to being back in the classroom. They’re taking on new teachers, new routines, new classmates, new expectations and often a full schedule of extracurricular activities. That’s a lot for any child to process. While the start of the school year is often exciting, it can also be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Paying attention to changes in mood, sleep, behavior or school avoidance can help families identify concerns early.”

Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping children navigate the transition and build confidence as the school year gets underway.

1. Ask intentional questions

Many children struggle to answer broad questions like, “How was school today?”

Instead, try asking more specific questions:

• What was the best part of your day?
• What felt challenging?
• Who did you spend time with today?
• Is there anything you’re worried about this week?

Small, consistent conversations can help children feel comfortable sharing concerns before they become bigger issues.

2. Watch for changes in behavior

School-related stress doesn’t always sound like, “I’m scared.”

Children may become more irritable, withdrawn, emotional, tired or resistant to school routines. Others may seem less interested in activities they typically enjoy.

Some sadness that summer is over, irritability from feeling exhausted or anxiety about a new routine is completely normal during the first few weeks of school. What becomes more concerning is when those reactions are persistent or begin interfering with everyday life. If a child doesn’t want to go to school several days each week, consistently struggles to sleep or eat, or their mood or behavior continues to worsen instead of improving, it may be time to seek additional support.

3. Prioritize sleep and routines

One of the simplest ways to support children’s mental health is maintaining consistent routines.

Regular sleep schedules, predictable mornings and structured after-school routines help children feel more secure during periods of change. Sleep plays an important role in emotional regulation, attention, learning and overall well-being.

Caregivers should also be mindful of overscheduling. Sports, clubs and extracurricular activities can be valuable, but children also need time to recharge.

4. Stay connected with teachers and other trusted adults

Families don’t have to navigate school transitions alone.

Teachers, school counselors, coaches and other trusted adults can often provide valuable insight into how a child is adjusting. Open communication between home and school can help identify concerns early and create a stronger support system around the child.

This can be especially helpful for children with ADHD, anxiety, autism, learning differences or other behavioral health needs.

5. Know when to seek help

Some adjustment challenges improve naturally as children settle into new routines. Others may persist or worsen over time.

Parents and caregivers should consider seeking professional support if anxiety, mood changes, behavioral challenges, school avoidance or emotional distress begin interfering with daily life, friendships, family relationships, sleep or academic performance.

“The earlier we identify concerns, the easier it is to provide support before small challenges become bigger obstacles,” said Arbouet. “Parents and caregivers know their children best. If something feels different or concerning, it’s worth paying attention to.”

Bend Health provides virtual mental health care, coaching, psychiatry and caregiver support for children, teens and young adults. By working with young people and their families, Bend helps build practical skills that support emotional well-being throughout the school year and beyond.

For more information, visit www.BendHealth.com.

2026-08-03T09:01:00

(BPT) – The back-to-school season is officially here! This time of year is full of shopping and planning to make the first day of school — and the rest that follow — easier on you and your kids. One way to simplify your school-day prep and upgrade your kid’s lunch is by picking up a few cartons of shelf-stable milk at the grocery store.

By using a combination of ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile aseptic packaging, dairy milk becomes shelf-stable without additives or preservatives. That means it can be stored at room temperature for six months or more when unopened.

Read on to discover five reasons why shelf-stable milk is a total game-changer for your family this school year.

Eliminates the need for ice packs

Have you ever started to pack your kid’s lunch only to discover you didn’t freeze the ice packs the night before? Now you have to choose between sending your child to school with a less nutritious drink or rolling the dice with milk — hoping it stays cold until lunchtime.

With shelf-stable milk, you can kiss those worries goodbye. That’s because shelf-stable milk cartons don’t require refrigeration. You can toss one straight into your kid’s lunchbox, so they never miss their favorite drink. Also, shelf-stable milk cartons are perfect for playdates, road trips and weekend sports!

Encourages recycling

Teaching the next generation to go green can start at home and in the cafeteria. Shelf-stable milk packaged in recyclable containers like Tetra Pak^® aseptic cartons provides an opportunity for kids to start recycling. By encouraging this small daily habit, your family can help the planet in a big way.

Cuts back on food waste

Shelf-stable milk is a great way to reduce food waste! Because Tetra Pak aseptic cartons provide six layers of protection, the dairy milk inside is safe from light, oxygen, bacteria and moisture.

These cartons make it possible to safely transport and store perishable food and beverages, even with limited cold storage. That means kids don’t have to toss out milk that’s been sitting unrefrigerated in the classroom before lunchtime, decreasing food waste, minimizing environmental impact and protecting your budget.

Provides several dietary options

Every child is unique, and so are their dietary needs. Thankfully, shelf-stable milk comes in a variety of formulations, including lactose-free options to suit practically every dietary preference. Now you can rest easy knowing your child can have milk without a tummy ache.

Preserves without preservatives

Because of the UHT method used to create shelf-stable milk, you can make sure your child has consistent access to delicious, nutrient-rich dairy milk without any added preservatives or artificial additives. It’s the same wholesome, nutritious milk you love, just packaged smarter to suit modern families and busy lifestyles.

Get ready for the back-to-school season with these five tips. While you do your weekly grocery shopping, visit the baking or breakfast aisle to find and stock up on shelf-stable milk, so you’ll be ready for the first day of school and the year ahead. Plus, you can use them this summer, no matter where your warm-weather activities take you.

To learn more about the benefits of shelf-stable milk, visit TetraPak.com/EN-US/SchoolMilk.

2026-07-31T12:01:01

(BPT) – Artemis Fowl is back! It’s been twenty-five years since the twelve-year-old criminal mastermind captured the imagination of kids. Now, longtime millennial fans and families new to the series can delve into Eoin Colfer’s wild, chaotic and fantastical world.

From villain to antihero

When Artemis Fowl first hit bookshelves in 2001, children’s literature was overrun with earnest, wide-eyed protagonists destined to save the world, no matter the personal cost. But saving the world is the last thing on Artemis’s mind.

Armed with a super-genius intellect, high-tech gadgets, a sharp designer suit and iconic sunglasses, Artemis begins the series as somewhat of a villain. He enjoys tricking humans and fairies alike and is determined to restore his family’s stolen fortune through heists, mind games and advanced technology that walks the line between science and magic.

Throughout the series, readers embark on Artemis’s journey of self-discovery and growth, as he accidentally grows a conscience, strikes up an unlikely friendship with Holly Short, a fairy captain in the elite LEPrecon unit, and resolves conflicts between humans and fairies, with global ramifications.

Even though twenty-five years have passed, Artemis fits right into the modern literary landscape that is rife with complex antiheroes. Ahead of his time in the Y2K era, the cheeky, sly, and light-fingered twelve-year-old with a penchant for organizing Bond-esque heists and holding tech-savvy fairies captive is now more relevant than ever.

Artemis Fowl also asks fans tough questions that are as important now as they were when the book was first published. Is there such a thing as good versus evil? Can humans and fairies coexist? What makes a family? These questions and more will puzzle and delight readers, giving families plenty of compelling topics to explore together.

A new look for fans past and present

To celebrate a quarter century of Colfer’s tech-forward fairy world, fans of all ages can enjoy Artemis’s antics with two new, nostalgic editions of the novel.

Middle-schoolers (and their parents) can pick up a copy of Artemis Fowl 25th Anniversary Edition. This gorgeous paperback features the original iconic gold-and-holographic cover, updated with intricate blue-and-gold sprayed edges. It’s a must-have for any family library, whether readers are meeting Artemis Fowl for the first time or getting reacquainted with their old friend who is far too clever for his own good.

Die-hard fans can join in on the fun by adding the Artemis Fowl Deluxe Collector’s Edition to their shelves. This beautiful hardcover book comes complete with a foiled slipcase, ribbon bookmark, and foiled cover showcasing Artemis in his infamous sunglasses. This stunning edition is a delightful reason to revisit the magic, mischief, and wit of the series.

A familiar story for parents, an exciting read for a new generation

Whether you grew up deciphering the Gnommish language at the bottom of the book’s pages or you’re just stepping into Haven City for the first time, Artemis Fowl is ready to prove that a villain with a heart of gold (and a pot of fairy gold) can capture imaginations of all ages. Visit Books.Disney.com to preorder and discover (or rediscover) the magic.