Month: October 2026

2026-10-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Members of the sandwich generation are often challenged with the cost and concerns of caring for two generations at the same time.
• Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s can bring stress, but caregiving also brings joy and connection with loved ones.
• Family caregivers need help from professional caregivers to understand the neurodegeneration and progressive nature of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other diseases, and to help prevent burnout.
• Comfort Keepers provides professional in-home caregiver services so adult daughters or sons have a trusted partner for family respite, allowing them to spend more quality time and make joyful memories with their parent.

By Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and Comfort Keepers spokesperson

Caregivers from the sandwich generation perform a delicate balancing act: simultaneously caring for children and older parents, along with other obligations such as work. While stretching your time, energy and emotional resources thin, you have little “me time” for self-care. The good news is, although caregiving can be disruptive, it is also one of the most powerful expressions of love. The key is finding ways to connect joyfully with aging parents, and being proactive in getting help so you can enjoy your time together.

In the 2026 National Day of Joy survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers, 93% of aging adults say being cared for by an adult son or daughter has brought them closer together, and 96% of caregivers in the sandwich generation say family comes first. The strength of these familial bonds is clear, but that does not mean you do not need support as you try to meet the needs of your children, your parents and yourself.

These pressures become even more intense and complex when a parent is living with progressive, degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. Studies have found the intensity of dementia caregiving creates more stress, anxiety and depression. These caregivers also spend twice as long in their caregiving role: According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia caregiving is an average of 9 years versus 4.5 years for other types of family caregiving, making it a marathon, not a sprint. During this marathon, professional help can support your physical and mental energy.

How to support your well-being while caring for an aging parent

Caring for yourself is one of the biggest challenges for family caregivers. The additional time needed to care for someone with dementia or a neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s while maintaining work-life balance and raising children is very challenging. The sandwich generation dementia caregiver often ends up sacrificing their own social, emotional or physical health. In addition, the stigma of diseases affecting the brain can lead you to avoid social interactions and conversations, making you feel more alone.

This isolation means many adult children carry the caregiving burden alone, feeling they cannot or should not ask for help. Dementia care can largely involve physical and administrative tasks like tracking medical appointments, medication reminders and administration, managing insurance paperwork, home safety, getting groceries and prepping meals. Small moments of joy that really matter get lost: things like enjoying a meal together, looking at old photos or sharing interests like music, nature or crafts that create quality of life for the older parent and the adult daughter or son.

To help sandwich generation caregivers focus on what matters most, here are common myths around caregiving, and approaches that help families thrive.

Myth 1: If Mom or Dad is safe, everything is OK.

Reality: Quality of life matters. Caregiving is not just about physical tasks and safety, doctor appointments, fall prevention and personal care. Social and emotional health are equally important. Companionship, favorite routines and activities, conversation and sharing moments of joy help an older adult and the family caregiver feel connected and engaged.

Myth 2: I should be able to handle this alone.

Reality: Caregiver burnout is real, and creating your care team is critical. Many adult children assume care responsibilities gradually, until they are spending 20-40 hours a week on care tasks. This can lead to burnout and negatively impact your relationship with your parent. Professional caregivers, such as the in-home care specialists at Comfort Keepers, can become a part of your family’s care team before a crisis happens. Professional help lets you take breaks to recharge and practice needed self-care, so you can be more focused on the emotional needs of your loved one.

Myth 3: I will get help when I really need it.

Reality: Waiting too long can lead to a crisis, but getting help before your parent’s care reaches a crisis can make the caregiving journey easier for everyone. Progressive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s can affect memory, communication, mobility, mood, personality, daily routines and activities including eating, getting dressed and bathing. Planning ahead gives families time for necessary conversations about long-term care, and to find the right professional caregiver, establish familiar routines and create a care plan that can evolve along with their parent’s needs and family finances.

Myth 4: All visits must be productive.

Reality: Professional caregiving takes some everyday responsibilities off your shoulders, so time with your parent is not consumed by errands, household tasks and caregiving duties. By being “present,” you enhance the emotional health of your parent and yourself. Sometimes the most important thing is simply being your parent’s son or daughter.

How can I maintain my relationship with my aging parent?

Caring for a parent with dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s is emotionally difficult for family caregivers. Alzheimer’s adults may forget your name or who you are, and they may become combative and physically lash out. Someone with Parkinson’s may have frightening hallucinations and nightmares. All of this occurs in addition to declining physical and cognitive abilities.

The Comfort Keepers survey reveals that daily joy for aging adults is rooted in the connection found during everyday life moments: sitting outside, enjoying morning coffee or engaging in meaningful hobbies such as reading, gardening, crafts and music. These moments foster consistency, independence and a sense of purpose. They also give family caregivers moments of calm in the midst of chaos.

For someone living with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, these activities may need to be adapted as their condition progresses. A familiar song from their past, simplified gardening activity, short walk or time spent looking through family photographs can offer connection and comfort. The goal is not necessarily doing things exactly as before, but to find meaningful ways to meet the person where they are now.

For adult children, joy is found in everyday connection with aging parents. In the survey, nearly 3 in 4 (72%) say simple conversations bring the most joy, followed by sharing meals (68%) and helping provide care for them (67%). A whopping 95% of adult children agree older adults play an important role in creating joy within their families.

Where to begin finding a caregiver

Comfort Keepers understands the challenges families face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s, particularly as their needs change. Specially trained caregivers can help them continue living safely and meaningfully at home through personalized care, familiar routines, companionship and activities tailored to their interests and abilities. Comfort Keepers can also educate families about their changing needs and provide support that engages them physically, mentally and emotionally.

Comfort Keepers provides in-home services including:

• Personal care
• Companionship
• Medication reminders
• Family respite care
• Comfort360™: A Complete Circle of Care

There is no need to choose between being a good parent, partner, employee and caregiver as you juggle roles. Professional caregiving help from Comfort Keepers means better quality of life for your parent and for yourself, helping you remain your parent’s daughter or son first.

Visit ComfortKeepers.com to learn more.

2026-10-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are here. That means it’s time to worry about whether you’ll nail your gift-giving this year. If you have teens or young adults you’re shopping for, don’t leave Qi2 (pronounced chee two) wireless charging off your list (though you may be tempted to buy a Qi2 charger for yourself, too!). It will quickly become your favorite gift to give — and a useful and stylish accessory your loved ones won’t be able to live without.

As you’re shopping for the perfect wireless charger, there are two important points to keep in mind. First, make sure that it is Qi2 Certified. Qi2 is the latest version of the Qi wireless charging standard. Qi2 uses a magnetic attachment between the phone and charger so the two devices snap perfectly in place, providing a more reliable, more efficient connection. And Qi2 is much faster than older wireless chargers. In fact, the Qi2 25W version can charge some smartphone batteries as fast as 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes. Qi2 Certified means it has undergone rigorous testing in independent test labs to ensure that it’s fully compliant with the Qi2 specifications for safety, reliability, and interoperability.

Second, for the best user experience, make sure the version of Qi2 is the same for the phone and charger. Pair a Qi2 25W Certified phone with a Qi2 25W Certified charger. Pair a Qi2 phone with a Qi2 charger. Mixing a Qi2 device with a Qi25W device will work, but charging will not be at the optimal speed.

Most flagship smartphone brands are Qi2 or Qi2 25W Certified, including those from Apple, Samsung, and Google.

Don’t know where to start? There are many great Qi2 wireless chargers to choose from. We’ve selected some of the best to get you started with your gifting needs.

The Desktop Organizer: Nomad Stand One 2-in-1

The Nomad Stand One is perfect for those who love an aesthetic moment. It’s an elegant, upright stand that can charge both your smartphone and earbuds — and look good, too. Compatible with iPhone StandBy mode, it looks great as a display on a nightstand or desk.

For On the Go: Baseus PicoGo AM52 Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 45W

If your student (works for a spouse, too) is constantly on the move (and running out of charge), a Qi2 power bank is a great gift. It magnetically snaps to the back of their phone, making it easy to keep doing the things they love to do, like attending festivals, camping or ignoring your phone calls. And you can feel confident that you can reach them when you need to. The Baseus PicoGo is equipped with a triple cooling system, which helps the device stay cool and the charging work more efficiently. Qi v2.2 is the technical name for Qi2 25W, so you’ll get fast, smooth wireless charging on the go at up to 25W with this power bank, plus wired charging at 45W if plugging into an electric outlet is desired and available.

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The Stocking Stuffer: Belkin UltraCharge Magnetic Charger with Qi2 25W

The UltraCharge Magnetic charger from Belkin makes for a surprisingly fun stocking stuffer. It’s small but mighty, giving your gift recipient fast, cool charging at home, at work, or on the go. The ChillBoost^TM feature helps prevent overheating while the device charges, too, for quiet efficiency you can trust.

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The Ultimate 3-in-1: CryoBoost 3-in-1 Magnetic Charging Station from ESR

Charge your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds at the same time with the CryoBoost 3-in-1 charging station from ESR. With 25W output and air-cooling technology, it’s the ultimate status symbol. Gift it for home or as a college dorm essential. Your kid will thank you!

There are thousands of Qi2 and Qi2 25W Certified devices available. So, if the products mentioned in this article don’t meet your needs, you can easily find one that does. Make sure to look for the Qi2 logo either on the product or packaging, or check for it in the tech descriptions or on the Wireless Power Consortium’s Certified Product Database. That way, you can know you’ve picked up a certified device that’s been tested and is fully compliant with the Qi2 standard.

With the holidays coming up quickly, there’s no time to second-guess your gift list. Give the gift of Qi2 wireless charging, and your holidays are sure to be merry and bright.

2026-10-05T09:01:00

(BPT) – Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become part of many people’s everyday lives. Unfortunately, that includes scammers. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself.

When you slow down, ask questions and double-check what you’re seeing or hearing, their schemes often fall apart. Here are 9 tips from Navy Federal Credit Union to recognize and avoid AI scams.

1. Pause and verify. When you get an urgent message — especially one asking for money or personal information — stop and take a breath. Scammers want you to act fast without thinking. Instead, contact the person or company directly using a phone number or website you already know and trust. Don’t use any contact info from the message.
2. Use a code word. Set up a secret word or phrase with family members that only you know. If someone calls claiming to be your grandson in trouble, ask for the code word. Real family members will know it. Scammers won’t. This simple step can help stop voice cloning scams in their tracks.
3. Avoid requests for immediate or risky payments. Pay attention to red flags, such as anyone demanding you send money right away, especially through wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or payment apps. Legitimate organizations give you time to think and offer multiple payment options.
4. Inspect the sender. Look closely at email addresses and phone numbers. Scammers often use addresses that look almost right but have small changes. If something looks off, don’t engage.
5. Check the media. Look for unnatural facial movements, weird lighting, voices that sound slightly robotic or backgrounds that don’t quite match up. If you’re on a video call and something feels off, trust your gut.
6. Don’t click. Never click links in unexpected emails or texts, even if they look legitimate. Instead, open your browser and type in the company’s website yourself. Or, use a phone number you’ve saved or found on an official site. This can help protect you from fake websites designed to steal your login information.
7. Lock down your accounts. Turn on two-factor authentication for your important accounts — especially banking, email and social media. This adds an extra security step. Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
8. Limit your footprint. Be careful what you share on social media. Voice cloning scams work because criminals find audio clips of you or your loved ones online. Check your privacy settings and think twice before posting videos with clear audio. The less scammers know about you, the harder it is for them to target you.
9. Document and report. If you spot a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and contact your financial institution immediately. Save any emails, texts or voicemails as evidence. Reporting helps protect others and can assist law enforcement in tracking down scammers. Even if you didn’t lose money, reporting matters.

For more tips on staying safe online, explore Navy Federal’s MakingCents cybersecurity articles.

This content is intended to provide general information and should not be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It is always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.

2026-10-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – Cyber-enabled crimes are on the rise, posing significant threats to organizations’ data, proprietary technology and financial assets. Whether cybercriminals aim to disrupt operations by wiping data, as was the case with the medical tech company Stryker, or to steal millions of dollars, as in the Arup AI deepfake incident, the need for robust cybersecurity has never been more urgent. However, finding trained professionals with the skills needed to prevent and resolve cybersecurity issues is easier said than done.

The importance of closing the skills gap

According to the Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 86% of surveyed organizations reported at least one breach in the past year, with breaches costing more than $1 million and taking months to recover. When asked about the causes of the breaches, 56% of organizations surveyed attributed them in part to a lack of cybersecurity skills and trained IT security staff.

As more cybercriminals use AI to automate attacks and increase their speed and sophistication, up-to-date cybersecurity education and training are crucial to preparing students to hit the ground running upon hire.

“The cyber workforce gap is real, and AI is changing what entry-level jobs look like,” said Dr. Jingdi (Rebecca) Zeng, senior professor and curriculum chair of Colleges and Curriculum at DeVry University, member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and ABET program evaluator. “That means part of the learning that used to happen on the job now needs to happen earlier, in the classroom.”

Cybersecurity education and training must also evolve with the changing landscape and emerging technologies, equipping students to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.

“The speed at which cyberattack methods change is staggering, and they’re changing almost daily,” said Dr. Jude Lamour, senior professor and faculty chair in the College of Engineering and Information Sciences at DeVry. “Changes that used to take months or years now happen on the same day or as little as four hours. That’s why it’s vital to have curriculum that is adaptable to keep up with what’s happening in the field.”

The inextricable link between the cybersecurity workforce and education

If what worked today to protect an organization against a cyberattack may not work tomorrow, how can future cybersecurity professionals keep up? According to Lamour, it starts with the fundamentals.

“Every cybersecurity student should master the fundamentals, including networking, basic software systems, web applications, database applications and key security principles,” he said. “At the end of the day, even with the many daily changes in the cybersecurity landscape, a computer is a computer. The fundamentals don’t change. That’s why DeVry’s cybersecurity programs focus on instilling these fundamentals and marrying them with practical hands-on learning, so students can enter the workforce and respond to changing threats with agility.”

Zeng echoes Lamour’s sentiment and adds that cybersecurity education should draw on industry needs.

“Our cyber programs are designed around a clear learning pathway, with a strong focus on practical cyber skills and emerging technologies including AI,” she said. “In the age of AI, I see DeVry University playing an even more important role in preparing students with practical skills and helping close the cyber workforce gap.”

Practical experience that mimics real-world challenges

Beyond knowledge of fundamentals and exposure to emerging technologies, future cybersecurity professionals need practical experience, and that starts with faculty experience.

“There are plenty of folks with degrees in cybersecurity who have never worked in the field,” Lamour added. “They don’t know how to apply what they’re teaching in a practical setting. That’s why DeVry’s Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is led by industry professionals and instructors who are experienced in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.”

With these experienced professionals guiding them, students can begin working on challenges that mirror real-world cybersecurity needs, not just in theory. By practicing with technologies like Cyber Range — a Cloud Range-powered platform that offers interactive simulations and hands-on training — DeVry students can learn to use the tools needed in the cybersecurity workforce.

“The Cyber Range gives students a place to practice individual skills within a realistic workflow,” Zeng said. “It helps them connect the dots, see the bigger picture and develop stronger critical thinking skills. Combined with AI literacy, we’re helping students fill knowledge gaps that might otherwise slow down their learning and problem-solving process, preparing them for today and tomorrow’s cyber workforce.”

The cybersecurity workforce gap will not close through technical knowledge alone. By aligning curriculum with industry needs and emphasizing hands-on learning, DeVry is preparing graduates to adapt quickly, think critically and help organizations meet the cyber threats of today and tomorrow.

To learn more about the university’s cybersecurity programs and the future of the field, visit DeVry.edu.

2026-10-04T23:01:00

(BPT) – Today’s children may pursue careers and education pathways that look very different from the ones their parents knew. These five practical steps can help families keep more possibilities within reach.

Key takeaways

• Families do not need to know a child’s future career to begin preparing for it.
• A flexible approach can support a range of education and training pathways.
• Small, consistent steps can make future choices feel more manageable.

Ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, and the answer may change by the week. Even older students are exploring a rapidly evolving mix of careers, credentials and training options. For parents, that uncertainty can make planning feel intimidating. How do you prepare when you cannot know whether your child will choose a university, a technical program, an apprenticeship or a career that does not exist yet?

The good news is that families do not need a perfect prediction. They need a practical plan that can grow and adapt along with their child. These five steps can help parents focus less on choosing a path today and more on creating options for tomorrow.

1. Start with possibilities, not one destination

Instead of building a plan around a single school or career, think broadly about the kinds of learning your child may need after high school. That could include a two-year or four-year degree, career and technical education, industry credentials or another eligible training program. A broader mindset can reduce the pressure to have every detail figured out now.

2. Turn a big goal into a repeatable habit

Future education costs can feel overwhelming when viewed as one large number. A more approachable strategy is to choose a contribution into a savings vehicle such as a 529 Investment Plan that fits your current budget and make it consistent. Consider automating deposits after payday, redirecting part of a tax refund or adding a portion of a raise. The amount can change as your circumstances change. The habit is what creates momentum. The elementary school years can be an especially valuable time to begin because families often have more years to save, allowing small contributions to accumulate over time.

3. Give family and friends an easy way to help

Birthdays, holidays and milestones often bring more toys and gifts than a child can use. Let grandparents, relatives and close friends know that contributing toward future education is another meaningful option. Even occasional gifts can complement what parents are already saving and help loved ones feel connected to a child’s long-term goals.

4. Check your plan once a year

Choose one annual reminder, such as your child’s birthday or the start of a new school year, to review your progress. Ask whether the contribution still fits your budget, update family information and consider whether your goals have changed. A short yearly check-in can help keep the plan current without making it another monthly task.

5. Choose tools that leave room for change

When comparing education savings options, look beyond the name of the account. Ask where the funds may be used, what expenses may qualify, whether the beneficiary can be changed and what happens if plans shift. Understanding those choices from the start can help families select an approach that supports multiple routes after high school.

For Miami parent Ann Fonts, opening an education savings account wasn’t about having all the answers. It was about getting started. “Like a lot of parents, I thought I had more time,” Fonts said. “Then one day I was registering my son for kindergarten and wondering where the years had gone. We didn’t start with a large amount. We just started with what we could afford and made it part of our routine. For me, the biggest lesson was that you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start.”

As children grow, their interests and ambitions will change. A flexible plan gives families room to respond without waiting for certainty before they begin.

The most important first step is not choosing the perfect path or saving the perfect amount. It is starting with what is realistic, building a routine and revisiting the plan over time. Those actions can help turn an unpredictable future into one filled with more opportunity. Whether today’s dream is becoming a teacher, welder, nurse, entrepreneur, engineer or a career that hasn’t been invented yet, parents don’t need to know exactly where their child is headed to help them prepare. Starting early and taking manageable steps today can help keep more opportunities within reach tomorrow.

To explore education savings options and build a plan around your family’s goals and budget, visit MyFloridaPrepaid.com/plans/build-your-plan.

2026-10-02T06:05:00

(BPT) – Your dog’s breath may not always smell fresh, but persistent bad breath can be a sign that their oral health could use some extra attention. Just like the gut, the mouth has its own microbiome, a complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms that live together.

Understanding your dog’s oral microbiome can help pet parents better understand the importance of daily dental care and keeping plaque and tartar under control.

What is the canine oral microbiome?

Not all bacteria are harmful. Your dog’s mouth is home to hundreds of bacterial species and other microorganisms that form a living ecosystem, known as the oral microbiome.

“A healthy oral microbiome is about balance. When that balance is maintained, different microorganisms can coexist in the oral environment. When that balance changes, certain bacteria can become more prevalent and may contribute to oral health problems,” says Sara Ahlström, Global Marketing Manager at Swedencare.

This balance is one reason why the oral microbiome and dental health are closely connected.

How are plaque and tartar connected to the microbiome?

Plaque isn’t random or unavoidable. This thin biofilm that sticks to your dog’s teeth and gums is actually a microbial community that builds up every day.

Without regular oral care, plaque can eventually harden into tartar. Unlike plaque, tartar cannot simply be brushed away and may require professional veterinary scaling to remove. Controlling plaque before it builds up and mineralizes is an important part of maintaining good dental health.

What happens when plaque and tartar take over?

Plaque and tartar buildup can contribute to bad breath, gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease has also been associated with health effects beyond the mouth. A study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, for example, found an association between advanced periodontal disease and heart disease in dogs.

This is why dental care is about more than keeping your dog’s breath fresh. Oral health is an important part of your dog’s overall health, which is why preventing and controlling plaque and tartar matters.

How can I safely prevent and control plaque?

Regular veterinary dental checkups and a consistent home dental care routine are important for keeping plaque under control. Depending on your dog, this can include brushing their teeth with a soft toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste, providing appropriate dental chews or toys, and using dental supplements as part of their daily routine.

Next, make sure to build a home dental care routine for your dog and stick with it.

The key is consistency. Plaque starts to build up again after it is removed, so regular oral care is important for maintaining your dog’s dental health.

What kind of dental supplements should I give my dog?

With so many dental supplements available, it can be difficult to know which option is right for your dog. Look for products that are backed by research and clinical studies, with clearly defined benefits for your dog’s dental health.

“Pet parents have many options when it comes to supporting their dog’s dental health, so it’s important to choose a product and format that fits easily into their daily routine and has evidence to support its specific benefits,” says Sara Ahlström, Global Marketing Manager at Swedencare.

A great choice that is convenient for pet parents and delicious for their pups is the ProDen PlaqueOff^® line of dental products. Each product is formulated with A.N. ProDen^®, a 100% natural kelp ingredient that has been clinically studied. Studies have demonstrated significant reductions in plaque and tartar, as well as improvements in bad breath.

Try giving your furry friend a daily treat of ProDen PlaqueOff^® Crunchy Dental Bites for Dogs, a convenient dental supplement that they’ll love to take every day. If your pup loves to chew, lean into their natural inclination and offer them a ProDen PlaqueOff^® Dental Care Bone. This dental treat pulls double duty by mechanically reducing plaque while keeping them deliciously engaged.

If you have an older canine who has trouble chewing, don’t worry. You can still care for their dental hygiene by giving them a tasty treat with ProDen PlaqueOff^® Soft Chews or by mixing an oral health Powder for Dogs. These oral supplements offer convenient options for supporting your dog’s daily dental care routine and helping to control plaque and tartar.

Taking care of your dog’s dental health, preventing plaque and tartar, and maintaining a healthy oral environment doesn’t have to be difficult. To learn more about how you can take care of your dog’s dental and overall health, visit Swedencare.com/en.