Author: admin

2026-01-29T18:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Nine U.S. Army Soldier-athletes and coaches and two alternates will represent the country in more ways than one as they compete in bobsled, biathlon, Nordic combined and figure skating on the world stage.
• These Soldier-athletes are members of the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), and apply the teamwork, discipline and resiliency learned in the Army to compete at the highest level.
• The Army has been training Soldier-athletes to compete on the world stage for more than 75 years and has sent more than 600 Soldier-athletes to compete, earning more than 120 medals across sports and disciplines.

Thousands of elite athletes are preparing to compete before the world in Italy. Among them are nine U.S. Army Soldier-athletes and coaches and two alternates who will represent the country in more ways than one.

For more than 75 years, the U.S. Army has sent more than 600 Soldier-athletes to compete on the world stage, earning more than 120 medals across various sports and disciplines. These Soldier-athletes are members of the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), an elite group of competitors who apply the teamwork, discipline and resiliency learned in the Army to compete at the highest level.

Army history in Northern Italy

The backdrop of the competition is especially significant to these Soldier-athletes, as they honor the Army’s rich history in northern Italy and alpine warfare. The Army’s ties to this region date back to World War II, when the 10th Mountain Division — an elite alpine unit trained for mountain warfare — ascended critical terrain in northern Italy to secure a victory that shifted the momentum of the war. After returning home, many of these Soldiers went on to develop ski resorts nationwide that became the foundation of the modern ski industry.

U.S. Army Soldier-athletes and coaches competing in Milan

As the Army looks to make history in this region once again, meet the Soldier-athletes who are building on this legacy of success and putting their training to the test:

• Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, Lt. Col. Garrett Hines and Sgt. 1^st Class Shauna Rohbock lead bobsled for the U.S.

The Army’s presence extends beyond the athletes, as Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, Lt. Col. Garrett Hines and Sgt. 1st Class Shauna Rohbock serve as coaches for the United States’ bobsled team.

Fogt — an active-duty Soldier, three-time Games competitor, silver medalist and current Head Coach — is hoping to lead the next generation of USA bobsledders to a podium finish. In reflecting on his journey, he says, “My two dreams were to join the Army and to be an athlete […] and the Army’s support has allowed me to be successful in both.”

Rohbock, an active-duty Soldier and assistant bobsled coach, is a pioneer in the sport and a natural leader for the team. She is one of the first women to compete at the national level in bobsled, eventually earning the silver medal in the two-woman bobsled event in 2006. Hines, a reserve Soldier, will be coaching his second Games, drawing from his experience as a member of the U.S. four-man bobsled team that brought home the silver medal in 2002. He believes that one of the best aspects of sports is the team dynamic, which he also values as part of his broader Army experience.

• Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin sets her eyes on a podium finish in biathlon

Vermont National Guard Soldier and biathlete Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin will return to the world stage in February. This follows a historic performance in 2022 in Beijing, where she placed seventh in the 15-kilometer individual event, the highest ever for an American in the sport of biathlon.

Irwin secured her ticket to Milan at the 2025 Biathlon World Cup in Annecy-Le Grand Bornand, France, and now she hopes to bring the United States its first podium finish in biathlon — the only sport in which the country does not have a medal.

With history on the line, Irwin is mindful of how she prepares for the competition and stays present in the moment by listening to what her body needs. “I like to make sure I check in with my energy levels and mental state on race days. If I need a nap, I’m not afraid to take one, and if I need a dance party to calm my nerves, I play my music out loud!” What artists earn a spot on her playlist? She says, “I love my throwback party songs from the early 2000s! Beyoncé, David Guetta, Taio Cruz, Rihanna, Pitbull. The list goes on!”

• After injury, Pvt. Spencer Howe makes his Games debut in pairs figure skating

Active-duty Soldier Pvt. Spencer Howe will make history as the Army’s only Soldier-athlete to participate in pairs figure skating at the Games with his partner, Emily Chan. Howe’s journey to the world stage is a testament to the determination and resilience he learned throughout his Army training.

After suffering a shoulder injury in 2023, Howe underwent surgery and extensive physical therapy before returning to the ice. It was during this time that he learned about WCAP and enlisted in the Army as a Motor Transport Operator — successfully balancing his passion for service with elite competition.

After attending basic training, Howe continued to battle for a spot on the team — a journey that culminated with a nail-biting performance at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in St. Louis. After a disappointing short program, the pair rallied with a strong free skate and secured the final pairs spot. Now with his eyes on Milan, Howe will tap into the determination he fostered in the Army to overcome his biggest competition yet.

• Bobsledder Spc. Azaria Hill continues a family legacy while paving the way for others

After being named to the team, active-duty Soldier and bobsledder Spc. Azaria Hill is not only continuing her family’s legacy of elite competition, but she is also representing the growing number of women making their mark on winter sports.

As a collegiate sprinter, Hill had her eyes set on competing on the world stage, hoping to follow in the footsteps of her mom, three-time track and field medalist Denean Howard-Hill. But after discovering bobsled — a sport that surprisingly has many similarities to track and field — Hill realized her talent and love for the sport and joined the Army in 2024 to continue pursuing elite competition while also serving her country.

At the Games, Hill will carry on her family’s history of competing at the highest level; however, this competition will look much different than the 1984 Summer Games in Los Angeles, when her mom won gold in track and field. Women now hold 47% of overall athlete quota spots at the Winter Games — a percentage that has doubled since 1984, symbolizing the rising presence of elite women athletes in international competition.

• Sgt. Ben Loomis attends his third Games in Nordic combined

Sgt. Ben Loomis will return to the world stage for his third appearance, after attending the 2018 and 2022 Games for Nordic combined, a sport that combines ski jumping with cross-country skiing. Loomis was introduced to the sport through his brother and grew to love the endurance of racing mixed with the adrenaline of the jumps.

As he prepares for his return to the Games, Loomis credits the Army with building the qualities and purpose to help him compete. “The honor, integrity and discipline required to be a Soldier directly improves my athletic career. The Army has given me a higher sense of purpose as an athlete and Soldier, and the privilege I have to represent the country as a Soldier-athlete is second to none.”

• Sgt. Frank Del Duca returns for his second Games in bobsled

Growing up in Maine, active-duty Soldier and bobsledder Sgt. Frank Del Duca always had a passion for winter sports, originally becoming a state champion in downhill slalom skiing during high school.

Del Duca attended a bobsled combine in 2015, and after earning one of the highest scores of the group, he kicked off his career in the sport. He joined the Army in 2019 to continue training within WCAP, and the effort paid off with him making his Games debut in 2022 in Beijing.

Del Duca qualified for his second appearance with the goal of leading the United States to a podium. He attributes his physical readiness to the diverse training methods he has experienced in the Army, including long-distance running, ruck marches, interval sprints and strength training.

And when the workouts got tough, he learned to lean on his fellow Soldiers, noting, “I was around a great group of people, and that camaraderie pulls something out of you that is very special.”

• Biathlete Spc. Sean Doherty prepares for his fourth Games

After qualifying for a spot in Milan at the 2026 IBU Biathlon World Cup in Antholz, Italy, Vermont National Guard Soldier and biathlete Spc. Sean Doherty will make his fourth Games appearance, tying the all-time record for appearances by an American in the sport.

Doherty began biathlon at age 12 and soon rose in the sport’s ranks to become an eight-time U.S. World Championship team member and competitor at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 Games. Looking to extend his longevity of competing, Doherty joined the Army in 2018 as a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist, providing him with access to the world-class training of WCAP, as well as continued career opportunities once he moves on from elite competition.

• Spc. Dana Kellogg (luge doubles) and Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor (bobsled) represent the country and the Army as alternates

Spc. Dana Kellogg will attend the Games as an alternate in luge doubles, a sport he was immediately drawn to during the 2010 Games. He began competing in 2013 and joined the Army in 2019 to continue his journey. He notes that one of the most important aspects of his training is mental work and visualization. When completing a luge run, the sled has the potential to move up to 80 mph with a minimum of 16 curves throughout the track — requiring significant mental preparation to ensure his body knows how to safely and efficiently operate the sled.

Cpl. Hakeem Abdul-Saboor — a former basketball, football and track star — will attend Milan as an alternate in bobsled. Growing up, he had no intention of competing in bobsled and only discovered the sport after a strength coach recognized his natural athletic ability. His career in the sport took off, and he attended the 2018 and 2022 Games in the position of pusher.

Tune in to cheer on these Soldier-athletes as they compete for the nation and learn more about the possibilities of Army service at GoArmy.com.

2026-01-28T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS

Every year, countless minor injuries occur in homes, garages and backyards across the country. The immediate instinct for many is to reach for a familiar brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide or a swab of rubbing alcohol to “clean” the wound. As a leader of education at the American College of Surgeons, I want to share a resource developed by experienced surgeons that may lead you to pass on the peroxide.

For decades, these antiseptics were considered a cornerstone of wound care. Medical understanding, however, reveals they often do more harm than good when used inside an open cut or scrape. While effective at killing bacteria, solutions like peroxide, alcohol and iodine can’t target “bad” cells. They also attack the delicate new cells your body sends to repair the damage. Harming this fragile tissue can delay healing, increase inflammation and lead to more noticeable scarring. In short, you may be sabotaging your body’s attempts to heal.

What should you do when a superficial cut or abrasion occurs?

1. Wash your hands. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds with soap then rinse with water. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
2. Then, gently clean the wound with mild soap and lots of clean, running water. This method effectively flushes out debris and bacteria without harming the wound.
3. After patting the area dry, you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (if there are signs of infection) or plain petroleum jelly. Follow this process and keep the wound covered with a clean bandage for the first week to ensure it remains moist. A moist environment is proven to heal faster with less scarring than a dry, scabbed one. If it’s not healing, call your healthcare provider.

Effective home care of a wound requires more than just proper cleaning. Knowing how to apply the right dressing, when a wound needs stitches and how to spot the early signs of infection are critical skills that can prevent minor injuries from becoming major problems. Some wounds should not be handled at home. Learn when you should call a doctor or go to your nearest emergency room or immediate care center.

If you’ve had a recent operation, you are likely to have a surgical incision. These also require careful attention to reduce the risk of infection, speed the healing process and enhance your recovery.

The American College of Surgeons has a free Wound Management Home Skills resource that provides comprehensive information and videos to manage everything from simple scrapes to post-surgical incisions. They detail how to stop bleeding, pack a wound, care for stitches and recognize when it’s time to call your doctor.

True preparedness is more than having a first-aid kit in your closet; it’s about having the correct knowledge to use it. By retiring outdated practices and embracing proven, gentle care, we can all ensure that your wounds heal quickly, safely and properly.

Kyla P. Terhune, MD, MBA, FACS, is Senior Vice President for Education at the American College of Surgeons and an acute care surgeon.

2026-01-28T12:01:00

(BPT) – Power isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s the thread that holds modern life together. This reality becomes especially clear during extreme weather events, like the severe snowstorms currently impacting Texas and large parts of the U.S., where millions of households face sudden and prolonged power outages. Battery-based power stations and solar generators have fundamentally changed the way people access electricity, especially when the grid isn’t available. From keeping food fresh and medical devices running to staying connected for work and safety, reliable power now is nearly at the heart of everything we do.

As technology advanced, independent power sources became smaller and lighter, evolving into modern battery-based power stations, which have become necessary equipment for outdoor adventurers in demanding environments. Now, the capabilities and applications of independent, portable power have made them an essential part of home infrastructure, outdoor gear and “office” supply for digital nomads. Today, portable power has become a critical part of home preparedness — especially during winter storm season — while still serving outdoor adventurers and digital nomads alike.

What connects all these uses of portable power is preparedness. In a world where power runs nearly every part of daily life, preparedness means never having a gap in what you need. It’s about the confidence to keep moving forward when conditions change, or plans don’t go as expected. Below are just a few cases that highlight how reliable, on-demand energy has become the cornerstone of resilience, creativity and independence in modern life.

Storm preparedness

The most obvious use for portable power stations is home emergencies, especially during snow, wind and rainstorms. For homeowners in areas prone to blizzards, hurricanes and flooding, losing power isn’t a matter of if, but when. Depending on the severity of a storm, residents may be facing days — if not weeks — without power.

As the U.S. experiences increasingly severe winter storms, a rugged, indoor-safe portable power station can make a meaningful difference when families are sheltering at home. Demand for reliable backup power solutions surged in states such as Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, where residents faced unexpected power outages.

In these situations, being able to keep lighting and appliances on, heating and cooling systems running, medical equipment powered and electronic communications open is paramount. In these emergency situations, it’s not enough to have portable power. A solution that can power multiple devices at once and run for an indeterminate amount of time can mean the difference between life and death.

Having a power station on hand that can withstand these real-world emergencies is well worth the investment. In cases where you need to keep appliances and equipment running, you’ll need a backup option that can handle the job. For example, the Explorer 1500 Ultra from Jackery is capable of delivering 1,800W of continuous AC output, with extended peak capacity to support household appliances, heavy-duty tools, pumps and other household essentials, helping to maintain comfort, safety and communication when the grid goes down. Built with extreme weather resilience in mind, its dustproof, waterproof and shock-resistant design ensures dependable indoor and backup performance.

Cold-weather adventures

Cold is one of the main enemies of battery-powered technology. You’ve probably experienced this when using your phone outdoors during the winter. One minute you’re taking a series of gorgeous snow-filled landscapes or filming your friend conquer the slopes, and the next minute your phone powers off without warning.

If you’re skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or winter camping and roadtripping, you don’t want to be in a position where you can’t stay connected, track your position or be unable to use essential equipment to stay safe in frigid conditions. In these demanding conditions, having a reliable portable power source is a must.

That said, one of the challenges of portable power stations is that they’re often too heavy to haul when you want to pack light. Modern users need equipment that’s not only portable, but rugged enough to survive extreme cold, moisture and physical impact. Luckily, portable power design continues to evolve, offering lighter, stronger solutions that don’t compromise on performance.

For example, the Jackery Explorer 1500 Ultra is a professional-grade portable power station made of titanium alloy to balance strength and lightness, coming in at just under 39 pounds — almost half the weight of comparable models. Engineered for extreme environments, it features IP65-rated dustproof and waterproof protection, a 9-level seismic shockproof design, and the ability to deliver up to 10 times longer peak power discharge than standard systems. Its stable EV-grade LiFePO4 battery chemistry performs reliably in temperatures as low as 5°F, helping ensure dependable power even in harsh winter conditions.

Overlanding expeditions

Overlanding expeditions are some of the most demanding trips a person can take, because they’re truly not about the destination. The whole point of overlanding is to journey through unforgiving conditions like windy deserts, towering mountains and rainy forests in remote areas where opportunities to refuel and recharge — literally and physically — are few and far between. It’s a true test of self-reliance that requires rigorous planning and thoughtful preparation, with no guarantee that the road ahead will cooperate.

In situations where you can’t count on finding power along your route, having a power station that packs a punch and can recharge without an electric hookup is crucial, doubly so for filmmakers and other creatives documenting their overlanding journey.

A portable power solution like the Explorer 1500 Ultra can be just as resilient and reliable in overlanding expeditions as it is in more casual adventures. It delivers up to 3,600W of peak power — up to 10 times longer than comparable systems — and can sustain 2,000W output for up to 15 minutes, providing the muscle needed for high-demand gear in remote locations. Using solar power, the unit can reach a full charge in 2.5 hours under optimal conditions, allowing overlanders to travel with peace of mind.

The Explorer 1500 Ultra’s dust- and waterproof construction and one-meter drop resistance reflect the kind of purposeful engineering required for overlanding, an approach that recently earned the power station a Red Dot Design Award. After all, gear has to survive the journey, not just look good doing it.

Living and working off the grid

Off-grid living isn’t just for hermits and survivalists. Van-lifers, off-grid travelers and digital nomads rely on portable power stations to live, work and stay connected as they seek an independent and itinerant lifestyle. It’s not about escaping modern life. It’s redefining where it happens.

For living and working off-grid, having reliable power isn’t just for emergency situations or a temporary journey. These types of travelers require a power source that can withstand daily use to efficiently power appliances, as well as laptops and internet connections.

Not all power stations are made for regular, daily use. Those living an off-grid life will need portable power that offers long-term reliability for years to come. A model like the Explorer 1500 Ultra is the type of equipment to power a nomadic lifestyle. Its EV-grade LiFePO4 battery cells retain up to 70% capacity after 4,000 cycles, supporting up to a decade of dependable use. Plus, multiple output options offer versatile power for modern needs, including supporting Starlink^® connectivity in off-grid locations. It’s built not just to supply power, but to keep up with lives that don’t stand still.

Stay ready for real-world challenges

Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst, it’s about refusing to be stopped by it. From powering through a winter snowstorm at home to navigating remote backcountry terrain, today’s portable power solutions are designed to meet real-world challenges head-on. Explore the quiet confidence that comes from being prepared. To learn more about how portable power stations offer you freedom, security and resilience in parts unknown and at home, visit Jackery.com.

2026-01-27T08:01:01

(BPT) – Is boosting your career one of your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re seeking ways to stand out and improve your productivity on the job, there are several effective strategies and tools that can help you work better, making the best use of your time and energy so you can succeed at your goals.

Try some of these tactics to optimize your efforts in 2026.

1. Learn to prioritize

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by multiple demands, especially when you’ve got a lot on your plate. To help you track tasks and flag those needing immediate attention, keep a running list in the way that’s easiest for you — whether that’s a simple document on your computer, such as on a spreadsheet, or in a notebook. Each task then needs to be clearly coded both by importance and urgency. For each item, ask: How vital is this task? How soon is the deadline? Make sure the most time-sensitive items that are of the highest importance are addressed first.

If prioritizing is difficult for you, consider using software or a system like the Eisenhower Matrix that’s specifically designed for prioritization.

2. Make meetings work for you

Attending meetings can seem like wasted opportunities that use up a lot of your time. You may try taking notes, but find it difficult to understand them later — or discover you can’t focus on what’s happening in the meeting at the time because you’re so busy taking notes. With the soundcore Work AI Note Taker, you can focus and be fully present during meetings, letting the soundcore Work take accurate notes for you. It also saves time by transcribing and summarizing your notes using AI in a number of formats to meet your needs. Powered by an advanced speech-to-text model, the note taker provides a quick content review, streamlines workflows and delivers an AI-driven data summarization.

The soundcore Work is the first coin-sized AI note taker you can clip onto clothing, a necklace or attach to the back of your iPhone or Android phone through magnetic connection. It lets you capture voice recordings in a medium to large conference room (within 16 feet), and you can transcribe and share a summary of the meeting from the soundcore App.

It’s easy to use; just push a button to turn it on and double tap to highlight content you find important. You’ll enjoy eight hours of non-stop recording on a single charge and up to 32 hours with the charging case, and you can keep recording even while it’s in the case.

Your privacy is secured with encryption at all stages. By default, recordings and transcription content are stored locally on your device, and your audio will only be temporarily uploaded to the cloud when you choose to transcribe it. Once transcription is complete, your audio and transcription data will be promptly deleted from the cloud.

Then, by downloading the soundcore app, you’ll access powerful features that transform soundcore Work into your personal assistant. You can activate your soundcore Work to claim free AI transcription minutes for the whole year. With this tool, meetings will be clearly captured and summarized for you, so you can be fully engaged as you participate in the meeting without fear of missing or forgetting important points, and later note items requiring action or follow-up.

Learn more about the soundcore Work AI Note Taker at soundcore.com.

3. Know your daily rhythms

Schedule your time as best you can around your unique daily cycle. Are you a morning person who can tackle complex tasks more easily early in the day? Reserve that time to address those types of duties so you can make the most of that peak energy. And if your energy flags at certain times of day, see if you can build in activities that boost your energy, like a working walk with a colleague, a quick protein snack and chance to hydrate, or checking off items that are easier to accomplish, like responding to emails or organizing the next day’s calendar.

4. Practice time blocking

Getting to know your personal rhythms also helps you create a more workable schedule. Block your time and minimize distractions like calls, messages and emails when you need to focus, instead reserving certain times for responding to them to avoid constant interruptions.

It’s also key to build in regular small breaks for a chance to stretch, move and clear your head, so you can refocus on your next task. If either procrastination or burnout are getting in your way, you may want to try the Pomodoro Technique, which divides work into specific timed intervals of focus and rest.

5. Break up larger projects

Facing a big presentation or project that seems daunting? Divide the work into smaller steps, so you can tackle one thing at a time. Create realistic deadlines for each small task so you’ll be able to complete the whole project by the due date. One trick is to work backwards from your deadline — making sure not to underestimate the time you’ll need for each step.

Using these tips and tools, you’ll be better equipped to be more efficient, productive and successful at work, making 2026 your best year ever.

2026-01-27T08:01:01

(BPT) – Winter can mean cozy moments and festive cheer, but it can mean respiratory illnesses, like flu, RSV and COVID-19, are circulating, too. If you’re feeling sick, especially if you’re at higher risk for serious illness, getting health care promptly is important, since timely treatment can reduce your risk of complications. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate prevention, testing and treatment.

Know your risk

While anyone can get sick, some people are at higher risk of having complications or getting very sick, including:

• Adults 65 years and older
• People with underlying health conditions, like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease
• People with weakened immune systems
• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 2

If you’re at higher risk and start to feel sick, getting care quickly can help reduce your chances of potentially serious complications.

Watch for symptoms and get treatment early

Watch for symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue or sore throat. Get emergency care right away if you experience any warning signs, like trouble breathing or chest pain.

If you feel sick and are at a higher risk for serious illness, don’t wait — get timely treatment to help feel better sooner and protect those around you. Here’s what to know:

• Testing: At-home tests and community-based testing are available. Tests may be available for free or for low-cost. Some tests check for multiple viruses at once, like for flu and COVID-19.
• Treatment: Antiviral medications may be prescribed by your doctor but work best if taken early — within 2 days of symptoms for flu and 5-7 days for COVID-19.

Prevent the spread

If you’re feeling under the weather, take steps to stop the spread:

• Stay home and away from others until you’re fever-free for at least 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medicines) and your other symptoms have improved.
• Then take added precautions for the next five days, like covering your coughs and sneezes and washing your hands often with soap and water. Additional precautions, like avoiding crowded spaces or visiting people who are at higher risk, can be important, too.

Breathe easier all season long. Visit cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses or talk to your healthcare provider to learn more.

2026-01-27T11:59:00

(BPT) – When it comes to healthcare, a new year often means a clean slate. The to-do list of annual appointments and check-ups starts afresh, prescriptions may need to be renewed and the insurance deductible resets. If you made changes to your health plan during the open enrollment period, those changes now take effect as well.

In some cases, starting over might mean an increase in health care spending or discovering certain aspects of routine care aren’t covered with your new plan. Fortunately, AARP member benefits are a great resource for health-related discounts and insurance options to help fill any gaps in coverage you might now face.

“Unanticipated gaps in coverage are challenging at any time, but they can hit especially hard at the start of a new year when you’re adjusting to a new plan while managing deductible and copay expenses,” said Doug Armstrong, Vice President, Health Products at AARP Services Inc. “AARP member benefits provide several different ways to reinforce your insurance coverage, helping members maintain proper care without facing unanticipated costs.”

1. Make a Last-Minute Change

Since the insurance open enrollment period takes place one to two months before your new health insurance kicks in, there is always a possibility that your circumstances may change in the interim. Perhaps you are now confronting a new health issue or, conversely, no longer need as much care as you might have previously. Perhaps your new plan has an exclusion you hadn’t anticipated. Whatever the case may be, people might find themselves needing to adjust their coverage once the new year begins.

If you’re on Medicare and aren’t quite satisfied with your coverage, the good news is that you’re not locked in just yet. Some Medicare-Related Options can be changed until March 31. Just be sure to confirm the details on your specific plan, though, to avoid any penalties.

2. Focus on Your Vision

Proper vision is important to maintaining independence as you age, but even if you see clearly, it’s a good idea to make sure your eyes are healthy as well. An eye exam can help diagnose many chronic diseases and help ensure early treatment.

While a critical part of overall health, routine vision care is often not covered by health insurance plans. To make sure you can continue with regular vision checks, you can take advantage of your AARP member benefits to learn more about vision insurance options with plans that offer a large, nationwide network of eye doctors, generous allowance for glasses or contacts, savings on lens enhancements (like progressives and anti-reflective coatings) and more.

3. Get Help with Your Hearing

The chance of experiencing hearing loss increases with age. According to the National Institute on Aging, one-third of older adults experience it, which impacts their ability to socialize, heed warnings, sustain proper balance and maintain their quality of life.

Hearing aids can be transformative for those who do face hearing loss, but many insurance plans do not cover them. With AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing you have access to savings on hearing aids and hearing care. Members may save up to $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories. Plus, they receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers.

4. Maintain a Healthy Smile

Increasingly, researchers are finding a link between oral health and chronic disease, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even dementia. Regular dental visits every six months can help monitor for and treat issues, such as cavities or gum disease. With health plans that do not include dental insurance, you might end up paying out of pocket for your cleaning and X-rays.

To avoid that, take a look at your coverage. If needed, explore information on dental insurance options for AARP members that offer access to individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures, with the option to enroll at any time during the year. Dental insurance encourages and generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection start to benefit immediately.

5. Discover Additional Insurance Options

Health insurance can be a great resource for medical expenses, but sometimes there are circumstances where coverage is less straightforward. Fortunately, there are insurance options that can provide additional support. One coverage option to consider is long-term care insurance, which helps pay for expenses that you might incur if age, illness, disability or cognitive impairment affect your ability to manage some daily activities, such as housework, meal preparation, pet care, in-home medical care, personal hygiene and more. Many Americans will need some form of long-term care at some point in their lifetimes. Learn about how personalized Long-Term Care Options can help AARP members identify and prepare for the care that’s best for them — both personally and financially.

In addition to these healthcare resources, AARP members can find other ways to save with discount information on prescriptions, eyewear, medication dispenser subscriptions and more. Visit aarp.org/benefits for details.

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AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2026-01-26T13:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine seeing multiple doctors for multiple symptoms — from joint instability, debilitating fatigue and chronic pain to digestive issues, migraines, even heart problems — only to be told your blood tests came back normal, or your symptoms are unrelated. Many patients are then referred to psychiatry or dismissed altogether, marking the beginning of a patient’s years-long search for answers.

This is the lived experience of many people with a condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a complex connective tissue disorder in which symptoms that appear unrelated are, in fact, directly connected. Too often, the lack of an explicit diagnosis leaves patients without clear answers, coordinated care or validation.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are working to change that.

Under the leadership of Russell “Chip” Norris, Ph.D., scientists are using groundbreaking approaches to redefine how EDS is understood. To translate these discoveries into real-world impact, MUSC is in the process of launching a world-class EDS Center, a comprehensive hub for expert care, research and education, led by internationally recognized EDS specialist Anne Maitland, M.D., Ph.D.

Two defining features set MUSC’s trailblazing EDS research apart. First, scientists who themselves live with EDS are actively involved in every stage of the research process, ensuring that studies reflect real patient experience. Second, the team’s unbiased, systems-level approach has revealed a previously unrecognized immunologic component of the condition, opening new avenues for diagnosis, treatment and long-overdue validation for patients.

The most common disease you’ve never heard of

Determining exactly how many people have EDS is difficult. The condition includes 13 different subtypes — most of them extremely rare. However, the most common subtype, hypermobile EDS (hEDS), is greatly underdiagnosed and may affect as many as 1 in 500 people in the U.S., disproportionately affecting women. It often first presents during adolescence, a factor Norris Lab researchers assert has contributed to the disease not being taken seriously by many physicians.

Most types of EDS are caused by defects in the body’s collagen, a critical structural protein. While many people with EDS share a common trait — hypermobile or “bendy” joints — each subtype is genetically distinct, and symptoms can vary widely from person to person. The disease can affect multiple systems, including the heart, gastrointestinal tract, joints, skin and nervous system, making diagnosis especially difficult.

Because EDS has long been classified as a rare disease, it receives limited attention in medical education. As a result, people with EDS often wait as long as 20 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis — a delay that leaves many feeling unheard and unsupported while their health worsens.

The power of listening

The idea for MUSC’s EDS Center began with a conversation. As a professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Norris regularly opened his office to doctoral students seeking guidance. One of them was Cortney Gensemer, now a Ph.D., who lives with EDS.

“Studying my own disease wasn’t something I thought was feasible,” said Gensemer. “There was no one studying it.”

As Norris listened to her describe how much remained unknown about EDS, including its underlying genetics, the seed was planted for a new way of thinking. Focusing on a large family with multiple individuals affected by hEDS, the team saw a rare opportunity to pursue genetic sequencing on an unprecedented scale. That work ultimately laid the foundation for a genetic registry that now includes more than 15,000 EDS patients.

“Thanks to this work, we were able to seek support from MUSC leadership to develop an innovative EDS Center,” said Molly Griggs, program coordinator for the Norris Lab. For Griggs — an EDS patient and mother of teenagers living with EDS — the work is deeply personal. “It’s the only center in the world that integrates broad clinical care and comprehensive research for EDS.”

From the start, it was vital to Norris, Gensemer and their colleagues that EDS patients be involved at every stage of research.

“The best way to learn is to listen to patients. The central component of everything we do is taking a truly honest approach to patient-centered research,” explained Norris. “That means not just having a patient sitting on an advisory board but fully integrating patients into study design, research, publishing and presentations — everything.”

Building on that philosophy, the Norris Lab established patient-scientist internship programs that invite individuals living with EDS who are interested in scientific and health care careers to participate directly in research. The programs provide hands-on experience for those exploring paths in graduate education, medicine, nursing and related fields.

“It’s crucial for participants to see other patient-scientists at work to understand this is something they can do,” said Gensemer, for whom the internship is named. “They see us actively living through the experience of the disease while doing the work. It’s incredibly empowering.”

The patient-scientist programs include:

Gensmer Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Intern Program — An eight-week summer internship for students with a personal connection to EDS who are passionate about advancing EDS research and patient care. Participants gain hands-on experience in genetic and molecular research, receive one-on-one mentorship and join a growing network of patient-scientists.

Visiting Scholars Program — A three-day immersive experience that brings small cohorts of four to six individuals living with EDS to the lab. Participants engage directly with researchers, learn about ongoing studies and connect with a community of peers who share lived experience and a commitment to advancing understanding of EDS.

“We’ve already trained more than 100 students from high school through graduate school to pursue careers as physicians and scientists,” Norris said. “While our discoveries in genetics and biomarkers have reshaped how hEDS is understood, our long-term impact will come from training the hundreds of people who will carry this work forward.”

The immunology connection

In addition to an ongoing biomarker study aimed at identifying genetic and blood markers for hEDS — work that could lead to definitive diagnostic tests — researchers uncovered something potentially game-changing. By analyzing registry data alongside patients’ stories, the team identified a possible connection between hEDS and immune disorders.

“Part of our biomarker study revealed involvement of immune responses, including allergies and mast cell activation syndrome,” Norris said. “Our clinical registry also showed that approximately 70% of patients reported triggering events that worsened symptoms or revealed new ones, including Epstein-Barr virus and COVID — indicating this is likely an immunological problem.”

By grounding discovery in patient experience, MUSC’s approach is already transforming how EDS is studied. With the full clinical implementation of the EDS Center, MUSC will uniquely unite patient-scientists, comprehensive care and translational research — a unique and essential convergence that has the potential to change the future of EDS diagnosis and treatment fundamentally.

Learn more about EDS

Discover the pioneering EDS research at MUSC by visiting TheNorrisLab.com or on social media @thenorrislab.

The complex realities of EDS take center stage in “Complicated,” a riveting documentary that features several MUSC EDS experts, streaming on Apple TV beginning March 20.