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Support is Care: The case for cancer care that treats the whole person

2026-03-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – For anyone who hears the words “you have cancer,” the experience for them and their loved ones can be overwhelming.

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can disrupt nearly every part of life for both the person living with cancer and their family and close friends. There is the emotional toll and side effects of the diagnosis and cancer treatment — then there are logistical and financial challenges that can accompany cancer treatment: Navigating a complicated care plan, scheduling and transportation for appointments, managing prescriptions and understanding benefits and insurance coverage.

These challenges can be daunting for both the patient and the loved ones and family members who help provide care.

The good news is that there is a growing call for expanding access to a type of cancer care called Supportive Cancer Care that bridges medical treatment with emotional, physical and practical support, putting patients and their caregivers at the center of care. However, fewer than one in five patients make use of this kind of whole-person support while going through cancer treatment.

Support is Care: Spreading the word about whole-person care

The new Support is Care campaign, powered by The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation, is raising awareness about Supportive Cancer Care.

Sheri and Les Biller first recognized how vital this aspect of care was after Sheri lost two of her closest friends to breast cancer.

“Watching two of my dearest friends — who were truly like sisters to me — battle cancer was devastating. We saw up close how the emotional and practical toll consumed them and their families: shock, anxiety and exhaustion around the diagnosis and prognosis, the maze of insurance, debilitating physical side effects, lost work hours and mounting bills,” said Sheri Biller. “Far too many families confront the same emotional, practical and financial challenges our friends endured years ago.”

Today, the mission of Support Is Care is simple: to help people living with cancer and those who love them understand Supportive Cancer Care, know that it’s part of high-quality care, and that they can ask for it.

What is Supportive Cancer Care?

Supportive Cancer Care combines medical treatment for cancer — such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and immunotherapy — with emotional, practical and financial support. It supports the whole person while also addressing the symptoms of the disease and the side effects of treatment.

Supportive Cancer Care services can include anything from financial guidance, transportation support and help navigating insurance and billing to pain management, nutrition counseling, emotional support and counseling, plus holistic conversations about treatment options and goals. For caregivers, these services can include counseling and stress management support, as well as practical help that makes caretaking easier and brings clarity to a complicated system.

Research shows that Supportive Cancer Care improves outcomes and quality of life. For example, by proactively managing symptoms, Supportive Cancer Care helps reduce preventable emergency department visits and stays in the hospital. In fact, patients receiving supportive oncology had between 27% and 70% fewer inpatient admissions, and between 16% and 54% fewer emergency department visits compared to patients not receiving supportive oncology. Lifting some of the burden of daily stressors can help patients and their loved ones focus on what matters most: their treatment and their well-being.

“Supportive Cancer Care connects patients and caregivers to real-life support, helping people manage symptoms and side effects, find counseling, talk with their care team about goals and options, plus tackling logistical challenges like insurance, transportation or complex billing. It’s no surprise that many forward-thinking employers are embracing Supportive Cancer Care as a compassionate and smart benefit for employees and their families,” said Les Biller. “Crucially, this care starts early — for every diagnosis — and adapts as needs evolve during treatment, remission and even recurrence.”

What you can do

If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, you can ask your health care team what Supportive Cancer Care services are available to you and your loved ones. Patients and caregivers can find guides for how to talk with your care team at SupportIsCare.org, along with other resources to provide answers to your questions about the treatment journey.

“It’s time to make Supportive Cancer Care the national standard of care for everyone, no matter what stage or type of diagnosis they receive or what zip code they live in,” added Sheri. “It’s time to make sure everyone knows support is care. Supportive Cancer Care isn’t a ‘nice-to-have,’ it’s a ‘must-have.'”

You and your loved ones don’t have to go through cancer treatment alone. Learn more at SupportIsCare.org.

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How to refresh your spring cleaning routine

2026-03-18T10:01:01

(BPT) – Spring brings longer, brighter days, warmer temps, fresh air and a sense of renewal that’s positively inspiring. It’s no wonder this season motivates many to refresh their homes.

While there’s nothing quite like the joy of a sparkling, clean home, spring cleaning can sometimes feel like a chore, but with your favorite Lysol® products, it can become a moment you actually look forward to.

This season, the experts at Lysol share tips to help transform your cleaning routine into a sensory experience.

Declutter before you disinfect

Take a moment to declutter your space. Removing unnecessary items instantly makes rooms feel lighter, brighter and more inviting — and helps you spot messes you didn’t even realize were there.

Tackle one area at a time, like a countertop, shelf or corner. Sort items into three piles: keep, toss and donate. Be honest about what you truly need and let go of what’s just taking up space.

Try Lysol Lavender & Cotton Blossom scented Disinfecting Spray to disinfect both hard and soft surfaces throughout your home. It kills 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, including cold and flu viruses*, and can be used on many frequently touched surfaces like desktops, metal door handles** and countertops.

Let fragrance refresh your cleaning routine

While cleaning and disinfecting your home, play around with the scent of the products you use to help transform cleaning from a chore into an enjoyable ritual.

The Lysol Lavender & Cotton Blossom fragrance is ideal for a spring reset, as the scent blends notes of lavender, jasmine and violet with subtle hints of energizing apple and green pear. Rich sandalwood and white musk, reminiscent of cozy cotton blossoms, round out the scent for a refreshing finish.

The product line has you covered throughout your cleaning routine, including All-Purpose Cleaner, Multi-Surface Cleaner 2X Concentrated Pour, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Disinfectant Spray and Disinfecting Wipes. The products kill 99.9% of germs* while leaving behind a lavender scent you’ll love.

Tackle the hidden spots

Once you’ve tackled the big, obvious areas of your home, it’s time to dig into the spaces that often get ignored but can harbor a surprising amount of dust, grime and germs. Think stovetops, light switches, metal door handles and all those hard-to-reach corners where clutter collects.

Give these hidden areas the same energy you gave to the main rooms. A thorough wipe-down can make a noticeable difference, especially on hard surfaces like sinks, bathtubs, cabinets, appliance exteriors and more.

A little attention here goes a long way.

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Enjoy the sound of music

Make the entire cleaning process a whole lot more fun by cranking up your favorite high-energy or uplifting music that moves you. Let the beat carry you along as you declutter, dust and refresh your home for the season ahead.

When you’re finished, kick back, take a deep breath, relish in your refreshed space and enjoy the atmosphere that comes from a delightfully clean home.

Explore more tips and products to help you embrace your spring cleaning this year at Lysol.com.

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*When used as directed

**Not for use on leather, rayon, silk or satin fabrics or acrylic plastics, or on brass, copper or aluminum or painted wood surfaces.

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LG Home Robots: Beyond Appliances, Toward the Zero-Labor Home

2026-03-18T11:21:00

(BPT) – By Jae-cheol Lyu, President & CEO of LG Electronics

Since CES 2026, much of the spotlight was on industrial robots, led by humanoids. Alongside them, our vision for home robots at LG Electronics drew strong attention by offering a clear and credible blueprint for the role robots can play inside the home — one of the most personal and complex spaces in our lives.

From a robotics perspective, the home is the ultimate unstructured environment. A sock left on the floor, a child suddenly running into a room, or the constantly shifting rhythms of family life expose the limits of robots that lack true situational understanding.

Our differentiated competitiveness in this environment comes from three core strengths. The accompanying infographic, “LG Home Robots: The Final Piece of the Zero-Labor Home,” further details these strengths. It shows they are built on an understanding of key industry growth drivers — such as convenience-driven living, connected smart homes and the demands of an aging society — and highlights LG’s clear roadmap for the future of robotics, from appliance robots to space-driven robots.

First, we are experts in the home. Moravec’s Paradox reminds us that tasks humans find effortless — grasping objects, organizing spaces, adjusting force — are extraordinarily difficult for machines. Even “simple” home robot functions demand exceptional technology and data. Over nearly 70 years, our home appliance and customer service businesses have generated what we call “life data” — deep domain knowledge of real homes, real inconveniences, and moments when customers want to feel genuinely cared for. Guided by our concept of Affectionate Intelligence, we focus on technologies that truly matter in everyday life.

Second, we have built robotics expertise over time. LG CLOiD did not appear overnight. Through sustained investment, we have strengthened key robotics capabilities. Through Bear Robotics — whose solutions have been proven across commercial sites — we have built strong expertise in real-world service environments, while our affiliate ROBOSTAR has advanced industrial robot technologies for smart factories. At the same time, expanded investments in AGIBOT and Figure AI are further accelerating our robotics capabilities across both hardware and software.

Third, we combine internal technologies with strategic partnerships. Our AI-powered appliances have secured strong on-device AI capabilities, supported by vertically integrated hardware and software optimized for robotics. At the same time, we collaborate with global technology leaders — working with Google on Gemini to enhance contextual understanding, and with NVIDIA’s Isaac platform to train and test robots in digital twin environments.

Our roadmap is clear: start with specialized service robots, evolve appliances into robotic solutions, and ultimately introduce robots that act as “conductors of space,” orchestrating the entire home.

Through robotics, we will continue advancing our vision of the Zero Labor Home. Beyond home appliances, LG Electronics is setting a new standard for home robotics — and I invite you to watch this journey unfold.

Infographic

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Top 5 Ways to Keep Disengaged Employees from Costing the World Trillions

2026-03-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – For over a decade, Gallup has shown that engaged employees yield better results than those who are disengaged. In 2023, for example, the analytics firm reported that disengaged employees cost the world $8.8 trillion in lost productivity, or equal to 9% of global GDP.

On the other hand, companies with engaged employees are 23% more profitable, 18% more productive in sales, and 63% safer. If you don’t want your company to be on the wrong side of those percentages, here are the Top 5 things employees want, and how to make them happen.

Stat #1: Employees are 45% less likely to leave their jobs when they receive recognition.

Solution: Publicly praise employees. Managers who make positive recognition part of their day-to-day work ensure their teams know they are valued. “Employee of the Month” and quarterly certificate programs remain popular because they give managers the opportunity to shout out team members during all-hands meetings and regularly celebrate their accomplishments together.

Stat #2: According to a 2021 Grant Thornton study, 45% of workers don’t feel that their needs as employees are understood by their managers.

Solution: Provide feedback and support. Feedback lets employees know that they — and their work — are noticed. Give real-time, positive, constructive feedback and incorporate a mentorship program for newer teammates to learn from more tenured employees. Some companies even provide stipends for one-on-one lunches at popular local restaurants to make the experience more memorable.

Stat #3: Per a 2023 study, 70% of Gen Z expect to be promoted within 18 months of starting a new role.

Solution: Offer career development. Employers provide in-house professional development opportunities through companies like Niche Academy or by offering stipends for conferences, workshops, or webinars.

Stat #4: According to Deloitte, 89% of Gen Z workers consider a sense of purpose to be important to their job satisfaction and well-being.

Solution: Create enjoyable work. SHRM recommends incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to align with employees’ passions. To ensure alignment, companies conduct surveys to identify employees’ passions, then partner with organizations like United Way to coordinate volunteer activities.

Stat #5: Density reports that 87% of employees want the ability to collaborate with team members and build relationships at work.

Solution: Foster collaboration. Create an inviting break room and encourage coworkers to grab a drink and work together in the office rather than venturing out. Some companies offer a variety of beverages, such as Java House’s ready-brewed Peel & Pour Pods, which allow employees to make cafe-quality, eco-friendly cold brews, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate right in the office.

All workplaces and employees have different needs, but the drivers of employee engagement tend to be consistent across the board. Tap into these engagement techniques to help your team and business thrive.

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Frequently asked questions about PVC pipes

2026-03-13T12:33:00

(BPT) – PVC pipe is one of the most common and popular options for providing communities and homes with clean, safe drinking water. In fact, it’s been in use around the world for more than 70 years. Whether as a replacement for aging infrastructure around the country or for new homes and communities, PVC pipe is a viable, cost-effective solution.

Wondering about PVC pipe? Here are some frequently asked questions, many of which are referenced in the recently published Second Edition of Hanser Publications’ PVC Handbook. Designed for a diverse audience of users, the handbook offers an industry standard on all aspects of PVC makeup and manufacturing.

Q: Is PVC pipe safe for drinking water?

A: According to the PVC Handbook, PVC pipe is absolutely safe for drinking water, and government regulations make sure of it year after year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all pipes used for drinking water, PVC included, comply with the rigorous NSF International standard, NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects. NSF International uses exhaustive testing methods to establish independent standards to ensure the safety of drinking water.

Q: Does PVC pipe melt in wildfires?

A: This is a common misperception. Because most PVC water supply pipe is buried underground to a sufficient depth, it’s not exposed to that level of fire in a wildfire situation that will destroy the pipe or impair its functionality. In general, the molecular structure of PVC prevents the material from ever truly melting to a liquid condition, but it does soften enough at hot temperatures used in extrusion processes to be able to form the PVC into pipe.

Q: Does PVC pipe degrade or release chemicals when exposed to disinfectants?

A: Water utilities use chlorinated disinfectants to kill harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli, in drinking water. PVC pipe is inherently resistant to chlorinated disinfectants due to the polar nature of the polymer. The fact that PVC pipe is so widely used for drinking water service and its longevity for use in the presence of disinfectant byproducts is testimony to its chemical resistance.

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Q: How long does PVC pipe last?

A: Testing of in-service water systems from around the world shows that PVC pipes have a service life in excess of 100 years. In fact, a 2023 report on water main breaks in the U.S. and Canada by Utah State University found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate compared to three other commonly used piping materials.

Q: Does PVC pipe become brittle with age or cold temperatures?

A: According to the PVC Handbook, samples of pipe have been extracted after being in the ground for 70 years, and they have retained enough properties to meet the performance standards required of the original pipe. PVC pipe retains its functionality in cold temperatures and has been successfully used in various climatic regions around the world.

Q: Is PVC pipe heat resistant?

A: In general, PVC pipe is pressure rated up to 140 degrees. Hot water lines use CPVC pipe, which is code-approved for use in homes and pressure rated up to 180 degrees. In extreme conditions like a house fire, PVC pipes behind the walls are typically not exposed to the intense heat of the fire until the home is fully engulfed. It will take sustained heat and fire to cause it to sag or lose strength.

Q: Is PVC pipe environmentally sustainable?

A: PVC pipe has several attributes that contribute to its sustainability. From a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, an assessment by Sustainable Solutions Corporation revealed that PVC pipe has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy and longer life attributes — compared to pipe used in equivalent applications made from materials like iron, cement and clay. When considering the impacts throughout the product life cycle, PVC pipes require much less energy to manufacture and transport, and they can operate for more than a century and need fewer replacements over their lifetime.

Finally, while PVC pipe materials are formulated to be durable, they also have the potential to be reused or recycled at the end of their life. Thanks to ongoing efforts by manufacturers and the industry as a whole, there is a strong and growing market that enables the reuse of these valuable materials to make new durable products.

All U.S. producers of PVC resins are certified either Gold or Silver in the Vinyl Sustainability Council’s +Vantage Vinyl™ program. +Vantage Vinyl-verified companies are the industry’s sustainability leaders actively working to improve their sustainability performance in each of the industry’s impact categories — resource efficiency, emissions, and people & community. Their sustainability efforts are verified by GreenCircle Certified, an independent third-party.

Communities rely on PVC pipe

Whether replacing aging infrastructure or providing clean water in new homes, PVC pipes provide a durable, reliable and safe solution. To learn more, visit www.vinylinfo.org.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

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Spring into summer with tech that lets you capture and explore it all

2026-03-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Planning a special spring break trip, exciting weekend getaway or a bucket-list experience? The best travel experiences happen when you embrace simplicity, immersing yourself in and capturing each moment with thoughtful planning and the freedom to explore, unburdened by constant notifications or overpacking.

So before you head out on your spring or summer getaways, make sure you’re fully equipped to make the most of every experience — enjoying and sharing each moment with loved ones right away, and cherishing those memories long after the travel dust has settled.

The experts at Motorola share their tips to help ensure you have an amazing journey wherever you’re headed, plus smartphones designed to go wherever you do.

Plan smart

Looking for simple ways to research and organize your itinerary, build a packing list, and stay on top of travel to-do’s? Motorola razr devices feature Google Gemini, acting as your personal AI assistant. From brainstorming destinations to generating custom packing lists in seconds, Gemini helps streamline every step of your trip planning.

Even better, Gemini is accessible directly on the external display, so you can interact with AI, manage plans, and check details without opening the phone.

Travel light, experience big

When space in your weekender bag is at a premium, devices that fold neatly into your pocket and open when inspiration strikes allow you to stay immersed in the experience, not weighed down by it. The motorola razr family — including the motorola razr, razr+ and razr ultra — delivers pocket-sized freedom without the compromise.

Whether you’re capturing a quiet sunrise or setting up a hands-free photo with friends, the motorola razr, razr+ and razr ultra help preserve every moment, without the added weight of bulky cameras or tripods. Thanks to the device’s versatile form factor and advanced camera capabilities, you can effortlessly capture high-quality photos and videos that are social media-worthy, even when you’re on the go or your hands are occupied.

Motorola razr devices blend design-forward innovation with style, performance and ease, giving you access to AI-powered functionality and enhanced camera capabilities in a compact form that’s perfect for making the most of your travel and entertainment experiences.

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Think fashion-forward with color

The warmer months are the perfect excuse to refresh your look, and when you’re moving from one destination to the next, color and texture are some of the easiest ways to make a bold, visual statement. Think breezy fabrics, playful hues and tactile details that feel as good as they look. You can coordinate your fresh spring and summer travel wardrobe with the latest, trending motorola razr colorways developed in partnership with Pantone. From the soft, optimistic energy of Parfait Pink to the fresh vibrancy of Spring Bud and the rich, coastal-inspired depth of Gibraltar Sea, each shade is paired with Motorola’s signature finishes and textures — from luxe, soft-touch vegan leather to thoughtfully crafted tactile details — designed to elevate both your style and your everyday carry. It’s a seamless way to incorporate your tech into your look, not just something you pack.

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Live fully in the moment

Spring and summer travel is also about balance: knowing when to capture a moment or simply live it. Don’t let text and email notifications interrupt your ability to soak in what’s happening all around you.

With the razr family’s unique external display and AI features like “Catch Me Up,” you can quickly manage notifications and access key information at a glance, keeping you in the moment when exploring a fascinating new city, discovering picturesque landscapes or cheering on your favorite team.

When you truly want to disconnect, take advantage of unique software experiences like Moto Unplugged. This enables you to tailor a digital break based on your individual needs. Simply choose which apps are permitted to send notifications during a customizable time frame and block out the noise from everything else for as long as you choose.

Capture once-in-a-lifetime experiences

No matter where your travel takes you, make sure to seize opportunities that are like no other and find ways to celebrate the kinds of peak experiences that offer a global impact. From electric stadium atmospheres to spontaneous celebrations in city streets, the most unforgettable trips are often shaped by events that unite fans around the world.

In celebration of one of the year’s biggest sporting moments, the motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition captures the energy and excitement of the season in one distinctive device. Inspired by the passion, pride and shared spirit that define the tournament, it’s a statement piece designed for fans who want to carry a piece of the magic wherever the game takes them.

Inspired to hit the road and discover new magical moments? Get ready for whatever journeys await you this year with help from motorola razr.

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Blood Clots: Five Facts You Need to Know

2026-03-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, nearly 900,000 Americans are affected by venous thromboembolism (VTE), a condition in which blood clots form in the veins and can migrate to the lungs. These types of blood clots need immediate attention as they can be life-threatening. As such, blood clots often require quick action and prompt medical attention.

This was the case for Elizabeth Simms, who was 27 years old and 31 weeks pregnant. One morning, she had a hard time breathing but she brushed it off, blaming it on her pregnancy. Her husband insisted she go to her local hospital and rushed her to the emergency room, where the ER team quickly confirmed that she had a significant pulmonary embolism (PE), a blood clot that was blocking blood flow to her lungs. Her condition worsened and she was quickly medevacked to the regional hospital. Given the urgency of her condition, the doctors decided to use computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT™ is an advanced therapy to suction out the blood clot), which restored blood flow to her lungs. Elizabeth’s condition improved quickly, with her oxygen levels returning to normal shortly after the procedure. She was discharged from the hospital the following day and eight weeks later delivered a healthy baby boy.

Elizabeth’s story is just one example of how getting to the hospital and being treated appropriately and in a timely fashion can make a big difference in patient outcomes. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of blood clots. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Blood Clots Affect Hundreds of Thousands Each Year

It’s estimated that up to 100,000 Americans die of VTE each year and many others have long-term complications. VTE includes PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in the legs. These blood clots often go undetected due to symptoms that overlap with those of other, less serious conditions. If left untreated, blood clots can lead to complications or death.

2. Early Diagnosis is Key to Better Outcomes

Prompt diagnosis of blood clots along with timely intervention can improve outcomes significantly. Unfortunately, at times blood clots can be prone to misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis due to symptoms that can be mistaken for another condition. The symptoms — swelling in the legs, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath — are easily mistaken for other, less serious health issues, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Venkat Tummala, a vascular and interventional radiologist in Lakeland, FL, and associate chief medical officer at Penumbra, Inc., underscores the urgency: “Time is critical when it comes to blood clots. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can result in life-threatening complications.”

3. New Treatments Are Changing the Game

New technologies have led to quicker treatments for blood clots. Anticoagulation (blood thinners) are commonly used to treat blood clots. However, their effectiveness on their own may be limited. Newer methods like CAVT enable doctors to rapidly remove blood clots and are minimally invasive. A recent study found the use of CAVT with anticoagulation had better improvements in both clinical and functional outcomes in PE patients compared to anticoagulation alone.

4. Know the Signs and Symptoms

While medical technology is advancing, knowing the signs and symptoms remains crucial. Common signs to watch for include swelling in the extremities, pain or tenderness in the leg, arm or chest, skin that feels warm to the touch, fainting and unexplained shortness of breath or difficulty. Dr. Tummala stresses, “It’s important for patients to be active participants in their care, especially when it comes to proven emerging treatments. Early action and communication with healthcare providers can greatly improve outcomes.” Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, explore the latest treatment methods, and discuss their best options with their doctors.

5. The Future of Blood Clot Treatment Looks Bright

The future of blood clot treatment is promising, with new technologies, specialized response teams, and growing awareness. However, gaps currently remain in standardizing care protocols across healthcare systems. Reducing these gaps is a goal of the Get Out the Clot campaign, a collaborative educational initiative uniting experts to support adoption of uniform approaches to blood clot treatment to help ensure more consistent and effective care for patients nationwide.

The ongoing advancements in blood clot treatments are helping to save lives and improve recovery times for many patients such as Elizabeth. As experts continue to improve care protocols and raise awareness about blood clots, the outlook for these patients is becoming increasingly hopeful with earlier diagnoses, more effective treatments, and better long-term outcomes. If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of a blood clot, seek medical help immediately — early action could save a life.

For more information about blood clots and available treatment options, visit https://www.getouttheclot.com/patient.

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Start preparing for spring allergy season with these expert tips

2026-03-12T10:01:00

(BPT) – Spring is right around the corner! If you’re among the one in four U.S. adults that suffers from seasonal allergies, it’s time to start preparing for the influx of pollen and other allergens.

“The biggest mistake people make with spring allergies is waiting for the first sneeze to take action,” said Dr. Fred Pescatore, M.D., a Manhattan-based natural physician and author of The Allergy and Asthma Cure. “If you wait for symptoms to show up, you’re fighting an uphill battle. Preparing early is the difference between controlling your allergies and letting them control you.”

Check out Dr. Pescatore’s top tips for preparing for allergy season so you can enjoy spring with minimal symptoms.

Change your air filter

Your HVAC air filter works hard year-round to improve your indoor air quality by removing dust, pollen and other allergens from your home. Change the filter at the onset of spring so it is operating optimally before spring allergy season arrives.

Pro tip: If you have severe allergies, don’t replace the filter yourself. The old filter will be full of allergens that can trigger your symptoms during the replacement. Instead, have another household member take on the chore and dispose of it immediately.

Manage inflammation

Leading up to allergy season, make an effort to manage inflammation before it starts. Inflammation is a normal immune response to allergens, triggering symptoms like sneezing, congestion, coughing and watery eyes.

A proactive approach can help reduce the intensity of seasonal symptoms. Foundational habits like limiting excess sugar, gluten and dairy, prioritizing sleep and managing stress all support a more balanced immune response. For those looking to add targeted nutritional support, Pycnogenol® French maritime pine bark extract has been clinically studied for its role in helping to modulate the body’s inflammatory response when taken ahead of allergy season.

While many people rely on over-the-counter antihistamines for short-term symptom relief, some prefer a more natural approach that supports overall immune health rather than simply masking symptoms.

Dr. Pescatore adds, “When recommending Pycnogenol® to my patients, I typically suggest 50 to 100 milligrams daily starting 5-8 weeks before allergy season for best results.”

Reduce pollen exposure

Pollen is one of the most common seasonal allergy triggers, so reducing your exposure is key. This is especially important now, as pollen seasons have become more intense, start earlier and last longer in recent years — largely due to climate change. Warmer weather creates the perfect environment for pollen to thrive, especially during warm days and cool nights.

Even though it’s tempting to let the fresh spring air in, keep doors and windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your home and settling on surfaces. Using a high-quality air purifier with a HEPA filter can also help reduce indoor pollen levels and improve overall air quality. In addition, avoid doing yard work like mowing the lawn before noon, when pollen counts are typically highest, and try to limit outdoor activities on high pollen-count days.

Add a shower to your nighttime routine

If you don’t shower at night, it’s time to start. During the day, pollen settles on and clings to your hair, face and body. Rinsing off before going to bed prevents pollen from settling on your pillow and triggering allergies while you sleep. Plus, having a warm shower before bed can be incredibly relaxing, allowing you to settle into sleep and wake up refreshed to take on another day.

Don’t be reactive. Be proactive.

You can’t control allergens, but you can make intentional changes in your life to reduce your exposure to allergens and manage your symptoms before they start. Use these expert tips to get a jump on allergy season so you can enjoy the warmer weather to the fullest!

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Why do these states rank highest for employee happiness?

2026-03-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Does location shape how happy we are at work? Or is it something deeper?

The latest Happiest States report from BambooHR finds that the gap between the states with the happiest and least happy workers stretches nearly 40 points. Surprisingly, those differences don’t neatly follow regional lines.

With little to no correlation between happiness and geographical regions, the report shows the state-to-state disparities in worker satisfaction may point to a more hidden tension brewing beneath the surface. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side and BambooHR finds that employee happiness is not about where you are, but where you can grow.

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How is employee happiness measured?

The rankings are based on aggregated, anonymized employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) survey data that asks one simple question: How likely are you to recommend your workplace?

Which states have the happiest and unhappiest employees?

Top 5 states in 2025

  1. Rhode Island (eNPS 62.8)
  2. Maine (57.2)
  3. Hawaii (53.1)
  4. Arizona (52.1)
  5. Alaska (50.6)

The report further shows that the mix of top-ranking employee satisfaction states shows no correlation with metrics commonly associated with quality of life, such as household income, education level, population density or political partisanship.

Bottom 5 states in 2025

  1. New Hampshire (eNPS 23.5)
  2. Connecticut (26.3)
  3. Wyoming (30.1)
  4. Montana (32.9)
  5. Oregon (35.5)

The search for patterns among the states with the unhappiest employees yields a similar mystery.

Money and education don’t buy happy workers — New Hampshire and Connecticut rank highly on median income and education attainment, but they’re the two unhappiest labor states in the country. Meanwhile, workers in states with lower earnings and education attainment, like those in Wyoming and Montana, echo similar levels of dissatisfaction.

How opportunity, not geography, is shaping employee happiness

In a cooling labor market, leaders who take turnover and retention metrics at face value run the risk of missing early signs of disengagement.

The findings challenge the assumption that location is a primary driver of employee happiness. If regional culture, politics, income levels or cost of living were decisive factors, satisfaction would cluster predictably by state. According to the report, it doesn’t.

Instead, the clearest pattern in the data points to labor-market dynamics — specifically, access to opportunity.

While some high eNPS states have low turnover compared to the national median, many others have high turnover, challenging the tried-and-true wisdom that low turnover equals a content workforce.

States with both high employee happiness and high turnover, such as Texas, North Carolina and Florida, indicate that some state labor markets are likely benefiting from dynamic movement. These workforces may be focused on opportunities and growth over stability — workers are moving roles frequently, but they might feel optimistic about it.

Inversely, states with both low eNPS scores and low turnover proportions, like California and Minnesota, suggest that unsatisfied workers may be feeling stuck in their jobs, which can lead to workforce trends like job hugging or quiet quitting.

This data points to a hidden risk: The workforce may seem stable now, but if the winds change, there could be a mass exodus or performance plateau.

How business leaders can take workforce metrics to action

“Low turnover alone isn’t a reliable measure of organizational health,” says Wende Smith, senior director of people operations at BambooHR. “Real strength comes from purpose — from employees who understand why their work matters. When we dig deeper into employee sentiment, we can transform maintenance mode into sustainable performance.”

Here’s what leaders should keep in mind:

  1. Relying on surface metrics breeds complacency. Analyze eNPS and wellness surveys alongside key performance metrics and benchmark data to assess regional and industry performance.
  2. Stability is good, but apathy isn’t. Meaningful work and growth opportunities are necessary to keep workforces engaged, even in stable environments.
  3. Transparency and support need to be visible. Leaders must offer consistent clarity and effective manager support, not just lip service.

Business leaders can’t change the labor market overnight, but understanding how the market is actually impacting their workers could make all the difference for employee happiness and drive performance.