Author: admin

2025-06-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – Bringing a dog or cat into your life, whether through adoption or purchase, is a significant decision, as each pet and breed is unique and has its own specific needs. There are many factors to consider, from the energy level and temperament of this new family member to grooming needs and space requirements. Careful consideration when choosing a dog or cat breed can help pet parents prepare for the financial, emotional and time commitments that come with ownership.

“The addition of a dog or cat to the family can be a wonderful thing, but it’s important to do your research to make sure that the breed is compatible with your needs,” says Heather Berst, MA, VMD, Cross Brands Medical Lead at Zoetis, the global leader in animal health. “Finding the perfect furry family member for a given lifestyle ensures that both the pet and owner thrive and continue to strengthen the unique bond they share with each other. Responsible pet ownership starts with trusted veterinary advice.”

A new one-stop shop for all things dogs and cats

“Choosing the right dog for our family was a big decision,” explains Craig Heit. “We’re ‘big dog’ people but, with small children in the house, we needed to make sure we factored things like size, temperament and energy level into our decision-making process. A pet is a huge responsibility, and having a trusted, vet-approved resource is so important because you want to do whatever you can to make sure you made the right decision.”

Recognizing the need for veterinarian-approved, science-backed insights to help current and prospective pet owners make confident, informed decisions — from managing preventative care to breed-specific health needs — Zoetis created its Breed Explorer website. Breed Explorer is a one-stop shop for pet owners and those looking to welcome a new furry best friend into their family, providing them with personalized insights to help them choose a pet that matches their lifestyle and helping to ensure that the unique needs of the family and pet are being met.

“The internet is overflowing with pet care advice but knowing what is accurate and trustworthy can be a challenge,” Dr. Berst explains. “Breed Explorer’s vet-approved breed guides, articles and checklists equip current and potential pet owners with the knowledge needed to navigate every stage of a furry family member’s journey, contributing to a healthier and happier pet and owner.”

A suite of resources to optimize pet ownership and care

While there is no such thing as the perfect dog or cat, there might be a perfect breed for each person and their lifestyle. With a database of over 400 dog and cat breeds, Breed Explorer is the perfect destination to learn more about pet ownership, including:

Traits Explorer: Breed Explorer provides tools to help potential pet owners explore dogs and cats based on size, how good they are with families (especially children) and other pets, intelligence, temperament and even how allergy-friendly they are. Different breeds can have very different physical and personality characteristics. Breed Explorer can help people understand these differences, which can help in the selection process.

Resources: Breed Explorer empowers pet owners with a range of resources, including guides to optimize pet health, helpful downloadable health insights, and even health quizzes to help identify any concerning signs or symptoms a pet might be displaying.

Jeopawdy: Pet lovers can also test their breed knowledge with Jeopawdy! A fun trivia game providing pet lovers with a chance to learn, win a breed-themed prize pack and sign up for personalized pet care tips.

“We live in a small apartment and wanted a cat that was friendly and just the right size for us since we often have people over and want Mani to feel comfortable joining in on the fun,” says Autumn Blackmon-Burk. “What’s great about Breed Explorer is that, even after finding our perfect match, there’s so much more that keeps us coming back to help ensure we’re providing Mani the best care possible and doing everything we can to keep him healthy.”

Pet ownership is a long-term commitment, and by equipping pet owners with the tools and knowledge they need, Zoetis is helping foster stronger, healthier human-animal bonds that enrich lives and create lasting memories. “Zoetis understands the special bond between humans and their pets, and we’re committed to supporting pet owners on every step of their journey, from choosing the right breed to training a new pet and caring for a senior companion,” says Dr. Berst.

To check out the Zoetis Breed Explorer and play a game of Jeopawdy breed-themed trivia for the chance to win a prize pack, visit ZoetisPetcare.com/Breed-Explorer.

All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. © 2025 Zoetis Services LLC. All rights reserved. ZPC-04324

2025-06-13T07:01:00

(BPT) – It’s finally that time of the year when the sun is shining a little brighter, the birds are chirping a little bit sweeter, and the urge to get out and enjoy life keeps getting stronger. With that, a new trend has emerged across neighborhoods and social feeds: people zipping around in golf carts. Creators have been taking to showing off their fantastic new rides online such as cool-girl Olivia Oshry and Lauren Beeston of The Beeston Bunch. Due to a rise in accessibility and interest in leisure activities on and off the golf course, the market is growing and demanding a sweeter way to enjoy life. According to Global Market Insights, golf carts are set to rise to a $3.6 billion industry by 2034, leaving many to ask what has facilitated this sudden rise in golf cart purchases, especially for those who don’t even golf.

Low-Speed Vehicle, High-Speed Summer

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to golf carts. Gone are the days of a small buggy puttering around the course. Golf carts today are vehicles in their own right, with some, like the E-Z-GO Liberty LSV, being street legal. Golf carts, like the one from E-Z-GO, can be outfitted with accessories and luxuries you may expect to see in a traditional vehicle, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system and industry-leading technology in safety features including backup camera, operator protective structure, pedestrian warning system and seatbelts. These street-legal golf carts are perfect for quick trips around town or the neighborhood, allowing you to get groceries and drop the kids off at school without loading everyone in and out of the car. Everyone’s favorite mom Shannon Crittenden-Mann loves driving around the neighborhood in her golf cart with family.

No Mean, All Green

In a world where sustainability is a top priority, golf carts have become more reliable and cost-effective options for those trying to make the world a little greener. With 95% less harmful waste compared to a traditional lead-acid battery, E-Z-GO’s ELiTE™ lithium vehicles, powered by Samsung SDI battery technology, offer a more economically friendly alternative for those looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle. Plus, zero emissions or maintenance, top-tier efficiency and the peace of mind that comes with an 8-year battery warranty make owning an electric golf cart a smart and sustainable vehicle option. This makes it easy for golf pros and enthusiasts like Schyler Horne to do their part, while still loving the game.

Easy-Peasy Accessibility

Golf carts are not only fun to drive and ride around in, but they also make getting around easier and more efficient. Their compact size and maneuverability make them ideal for transporting people and goods over short distances or making the walk from hole to hole just a little shorter.

There is no better or easier time than now to treat yourself like your favorite celebrity with your very own golf cart from E-Z-GO, the leading designer and manufacturer of golf carts and utility vehicles. As the driving force behind National Golf Cart Day on June 13, E-Z-GO is offering a $500 instant rebate off the purchase of any new in-stock model and will stack atop any rebate offered on vehicles eligible for the company’s ongoing “Red, White, & Built Right” savings event. With savings of up to $4,000, you can celebrate National Golf Cart Day like your favorite golf-cart-loving celebrity.

2025-06-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – About half of Americans (44%) say the memories they make when vacationing are priceless, yet economic pressures are reshaping how they approach travel. New Empower research shows that many plan to cut back on travel spending in 2025, embracing “staycations” and using cost-saving strategies to stay under budget in the face of changing economic market conditions.

One in 5 (20%) say they prioritize travel regardless of what’s going on in the economy, while a quarter (24%) prefer to see travel as an investment in themselves rather than focusing on how much it costs. On average, Americans expect to spend approximately $10,600 on trips and vacations in 2025.

Key takeaways

• Nearly half of Americans (47%) say the increased cost of living, economy (44%), and tariffs (30%) are impacting their 2025 travel plans.
• Around a third (32%) plan to spend less on travel this year than they did last year, compared to 18% who expect to spend more.
• Nearly a third (29%) of people will take staycations or day trips instead of domestic or international travel this year.
• 38% of travelers think staying under budget is very important when vacationing, but only 28% actually set a budget.
• Gen Z is around twice as likely to say they’ll be traveling more in 2025 than other generations (23% compared to 13%).
• Over half of Americans (52%) have used or will use AI to plan or enhance their travel this year, such as getting real-time recommendations for restaurants or attraction suggestions.

Americans are spending less on travel this year

Around 1 in 3 people (32%) expect to spend less on travel this year than they did last year, compared to 18% who expect to spend more. Those cutting back say their travel plans are being impacted by increased costs of living (47%), the overall state of the economy (44%), hotel prices (38%), and even tariffs (30%).

In total, only 15% of people are planning more trips than they did in 2024, and another 12% aren’t planning to travel at all. Additionally, over a quarter of Americans (27%) say they won’t travel by plane this year in order to save money, despite flight prices being down 8% compared to April 2024.

This doesn’t mean Americans are skipping vacations this year. Nearly 30% will be taking a staycation instead of booking domestic or international travel. Others (24%) state they’re willing to cut back on expenses to fund their travel plans, while 1 in 5 (20%) say they prioritize travel regardless of what’s going on in the economy.

Cost-saving is key for most travelers

When Americans do travel, the majority (82%) make use of cost-saving strategies like picking budget-friendly destinations (45%), opting for free activities and attractions (37%), or staying in less expensive lodging like hostels or shared homes (35%).

Others say they’re willing to travel during the off-season (32%) and cook their own meals while vacationing (30%). One in 5 (20%) say they’d flex their trip destination or timing to get cheaper plane fares, and 18% use AI to help them find budget-friendly flights, accommodations, or activities.

Overall, 38% of people think staying under budget is very important when traveling, but only 28% set actual limits on how much they can spend during a trip.

For many, traveling is worth any expense

Despite cutting back on vacation spending this year, many Americans believe travel is important, no matter how expensive. Close to half (44%) say the memories they make while traveling are priceless, while a quarter (24%) prefer to see travel as an investment in themselves rather than focusing on how much it costs. On average, Americans expect to spend approximately $10,600 on trips and vacations in 2025.

Some Americans (26%) have gone into debt to fund vacations or holiday travel, and others (13%) have dipped into their retirement savings to pay for trips. These approaches aren’t the norm, however, as Americans typically plan to pay for travel in full using personal savings (41%).

Other popular ways of funding travel include credit card rewards and points (25%) and side hustle earnings (20%). A smaller number are willing to create travel savings funds and postpone their trips until next year (15%). Another 13% say they’re holding off on big travel plans until they retire, but nearly twice as many (22%) prioritize traveling now.

Travel spending habits

A third of Americans (33%) pay only for their own expenses when they travel. Others cover travel costs for their partners (27%) or multiple family and group members (21%). Only 1 in 10 people primarily travel on someone else’s dime.

Comparing age groups, Gen Z is most likely to have their travel funded by somebody else, but 85% still cover some or all of their trip expenses. Gen Z is also around twice as likely to say they’ll be traveling more in 2025 than other generations (23% compared to 13%).

Some 37% of people say they feel pressured to go outside their budget to travel with friends or attend bachelor or bachelorette trips — and this number is higher for Millennials (52%) and Gen Zers (47%) compared to Gen Xers (36%) and Baby Boomers (9%). Across all age groups, Gen Z (14%) is most likely to admit to taking trips they can’t afford, though Gen X (12%) isn’t far behind.

More key findings from the study:

• Rising costs: Americans say high hotel costs (38%), gas prices (34%), and airline fares (33%) are impacting their travel plans this year.
• AI travel partners: Over half of Americans (52%) have used or will use AI to plan or enhance their travel in 2025. The most popular use of AI when traveling is to get real-time recommendations like restaurant or attraction suggestions.
• AI adoption: 65% of Gen Zers and Millennials use AI to enhance their travel, compared to only 29% of Baby Boomers and 52% of Gen Xers.
• Cashing in on refunds: 1 in 10 Americans plan to use their tax refunds to fund travel this year.
• Travel debts: Gen Xers (19%) and Millennials (17%) are nearly twice as likely to say they’ve gone into debt to travel than Gen Z (9%) or Baby Boomers (10%).

Methodology

Empower’s “Priceless Memories: Travel Spending Trends” survey is based on an online survey of 1,031 adults ages 18+ through a third-party provider on May 17, 2025.

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2025-06-12T10:51:00

(BPT) – With millions of kids attending camp each summer in the U.S., parents are gearing up for the return of swim days, tie-dye crafts, and nature hikes. Whether it’s their first camp or their fifth, having the right gear can make or break the experience. Carter’s^® house of brands have rounded up the ultimate camp checklist to make drop-off easier and keep your camper cool, comfortable and confident all season long.

Camp-Ready Activewear

Dressing your kids and toddlers for sports camp is all about balancing comfort, durability and of course, style. At Carter’s, we design clothing that moves with your kids — think fabrics that can handle a day of running, jumping, and playing hard. Lightweight layers, moisture-wicking tanks, and elastic waists keep them cool and comfortable, while UPF 50+ swimwear offers extra protection during outdoor activities. With the right gear, your little athlete can focus on the fun — while you enjoy peace of mind.

Toddler

SPARKLE ACTIVE PULL-ON SKIRT

RIBBED DOUBLE DUTCH TANK

ACTIVE MESH SHORTS

ACTIVE MUSCLE TANK

Kid

ACTIVE MUSCLE TANK

EVERYDAY ACTIVE SHORT

FLIP SHORT

RIBBED TANK TOP

2-PIECE SWIMSUIT & SHORT SET

Accessories

STRAWBERRY PRINT BOW BASEBALL CAP

DINOSAUR SWIM CAP

Overnight Must-Haves

Whether it’s their first sleepaway adventure or they’re a seasoned camper, overnight essentials are key to keeping kids comfy, cozy, and well-rested. Pack soft pajamas that can double as lounge sets, along with extra layers for cooler cabin nights. Don’t forget the little things that make a big difference like a hooded towel for after evening swims, or a favorite water bottle to keep by their bunk. With the right gear in their bag, they’ll be ready to rest up for another day of fun.

Toddler

ORGANIC COTTON TROPICAL PARADISE PAJAMAS

FLORAL PRINT ROMPER

2-PIECE WATERMELON TANK & SHORT SET

FLOWER GRAPHIC TEE

ON-THE-GO PULL-ON SHORTS

SUNNY DAYS GRAPHIC TEE

Kid

LOOSE FIT OCTOPUS PJS

RIBBED DRAWSTRING SKORT

FLORAL TANK ROMPER

POINTELLE BABY TEE

PULL-ON COTTON SHORTS

Accessories

REVERSIBLE SWIM HAT

SPARK STYLE STAINLESS STEEL STRAW BOTTLE

HOODED TERRY CLOTH SWIM COVER-UP

Day Camp Style

From messy crafts to splashy swim days, day camp calls for outfits that show off their personal style while staying comfortable and ready for anything. Bright colors, easy fabrics, and comfy layers make it simple to mix, match, and move through the day in style. Pajama day? Covered. Water play? No problem. Look for pieces that are quick to change, built to play, and ready for whatever the day’s theme brings, because at camp, the best looks are the ones that can do it all.

Toddler

2-PIECE RIBBED TANK & FLORAL PULL-ON SKORT SET

2-PIECE SHARK TANK & PULL-ON SHORT SET

WAFFLE KNIT DRAWSTRING SHORTS

Kid

TENNIS GRAPHIC TEE

ACTIVE TEE

EVERYDAY TREK SHORT

FLORAL ACTIVE RACERBACK TANK

FLORAL STRETCH SKORT

Ready to pack like a pro? Whether you’re sending them off for day camp, art camp, or their first overnight adventure, Carter’s has everything you need to make it a smooth, stylish sendoff. From mix-and-match basics to adventure-ready extras, we’ve thought of every detail — so you don’t have to. Explore the full ultimate summer camp checklist at carters.com and make this summer their best one yet.

2025-06-12T08:01:00

(BPT) – Imagine streaming your favorite show from your backyard hammock or enjoying a playlist with friends by the pool this summer. From relaxing escapes to backyard gatherings, elevate your outdoor adventures this summer by upgrading your mesh wifi system with an outdoor wifi device, extending your internet for tech-fueled fun all summer long.

With outdoor wifi, you can give yourself the freedom to stream, work, play and create outside anytime, anywhere on your property. Check out these seven ways outdoor wifi can help you bring the indoors outdoors so you can make the most of the season.

1. Boost your backyard entertaining

Whether you’re new to outdoor entertaining or regularly host backyard movie nights or game-day watch parties, you’ll need fast, reliable wifi to stream all your favorite media content this summer and beyond.

Make sure you and your guests can enjoy your cinematic experience nearly buffer-free with eero Outdoor 7. This dual-band mesh wifi router allows you to enjoy unlimited outdoor entertainment, rain or shine. With an IP66 rating, eero Outdoor 7 will hold up in even the most extreme temperatures year-round, whether it’s a freezing -40°F or sweltering 131°F.

The eero Outdoor 7 is designed for easy setup via a user-friendly app and was designed with various outdoor surfaces in mind, so your device can seamlessly blend into its environment and be easily installed on stucco, vinyl siding, wood or fiber cement walls.

2. Pump up the jams with outdoor speakers

Do you enjoy DJing your summer pool parties, or streaming music on your smart speakers while you garden or grill? Or maybe you’re just looking for some fun tunes to play during an evening around the firepit. With eero Outdoor 7, you can keep the beats going day or night — or at least until the neighbors ask you to quiet down!

3. Keep your home secure with outdoor cameras

Security cameras are a must for large properties. Not only do they provide peace of mind, but they can also help you keep an eye out for packages or make sure your kids get home safe from their summer activities.

But maintaining a strong wifi connection across a large area can be challenging. With a 15,000-square-foot reach, eero Outdoor 7 extends your existing eero wifi network for maximum coverage so you can easily keep those cameras connected.

4. Bring intelligence to your yard with smart gardening devices

Technological advancements have made gardening easier than ever before. With long-range outdoor wifi, you can monitor birds through wildlife cameras to protect your garden from backyard visitors, or install wifi-enabled smart sprinklers to water your flowers, herbs and vegetables automatically, helping them flourish with ease.

5. Create a strong signal in your garage

Your garage may not be the first spot you think of needing outdoor wifi, but how many times has your smart garage opener failed to connect or your car operating system update stalled? An eero mesh wifi system with eero Outdoor 7 can fix those everyday headaches and keep everything running smoothly by extending your wifi network to those previously untapped dead zones.

For those whose garages double as a workout space, special project workshop or woodworking station, eero Outdoor 7 can help you stream workout videos or keep you entertained as you listen to podcasts while dedicating time to your crafts.

6. Bring on the backyard barbecue with a smart grill

Are you ready to level up your grill game? Whether you already own or have your eye on a specific smart grill model for your summer cookouts, make sure you get the optimal cookout experience with outdoor internet. Wifi-connected grills let you monitor and adjust temperatures remotely through an app, helping you serve up perfectly cooked food every time. With a strong wifi connection powered by eero Outdoor 7, you’ll never have to worry about overdone or underdone meat again.

7. Turn your patio into your outdoor office

If you work from home, give yourself the freedom to roam and work remotely from your patio. With eero Outdoor 7’s lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7, you can enjoy wireless speeds up to 2.1 Gbps. That means you can join your weekly team meetings or video calls from the comfort of your backyard without buffering or dropouts.

This summer, soak up every second of sunshine and fresh air. To learn more about how eero Outdoor 7 can help you take your outdoor summertime fun from good to great, visit eero.com.

2025-06-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you always seeking new ways to improve your culinary creations — as well as your process? If so, you may have heard about induction cooking. But if something is holding you back from trying the method, it’s probably one of the many myths that’s out there.

To help you get started, the experts at KitchenAid^® brand will sort out myth from fact, so you can learn about this method of cooking that may not be familiar to you, but has actually been around for decades.

Myth #1: Induction cooktops are too expensive.

Fact: Consider the value of your purchase. While the initial cost for an induction cooktop may be higher than a gas cooktop, you may soon find that the overall quality of performance that you experience with an induction cooktop is well worth the investment.

Myth #2: You need to buy expensive, induction-compatible cookware options

Fact: You may already have the cookware you need for induction cooking. All you need are pans that have a flat base and a magnetic bottom. Induction cooktops work with most high-quality cookware such as multi-ply stainless steel, enameled steel or cast iron. Aluminum and copper cookware will not work unless it has a base made of iron or steel.

How can you tell if your pan is magnetic? It’s easy: Look for pans marked “Works with Induction” or test to see if a magnet sticks to the bottom.

Myth #3: Induction doesn’t work as well as gas

Fact: Induction works quickly. This is because induction transfers heat directly to the cookware, and is very efficient at dispersing heat across the surface of the cookware.

For one example of a highly efficient induction cooktop, check out the new KitchenAid^® Temp Cook™ Induction Cooktop with 5 Cooking Zones. Its advanced Temp Cook™ Induction Technology lets you set an exact temperature from 120-400°F for precise control beyond the standard high, medium and low settings. Best yet, this cooktop’s Even-Heat™ Zone provides the versatility to cook with large pans, like griddles, grill pans and braising pans — or even two pans at two different temperatures. Unlike traditional round bridge elements, the rectangular zone in this particular model heats evenly edge-to-edge, so the crepe in the back cooks just as beautifully as the one in the center.

Myth #4: Induction cooking is complicated

Fact: Induction is easier than it looks — and it offers greater control over your cooking. Induction cooking offers precise control that’s not reliant on visual cues like how a flame looks.

For instance, the KitchenAid^® Temp Cook™ Induction Cooktop with 5 Cooking Zones makes cooking even easier, with Temp Cook™ Smart Presets that will set and hold the ideal temperature for popular cooking methods and alert you when to add ingredients, so you can perfectly sear salmon, gently simmer sauces and quickly boil water. You can also use the KitchenAid™ App to unlock specialized options like stir fry, melt, chicken cutlets and more.*

In addition, with the KitchenAid^® Temp Cook™ Induction Cooktop with 5 Cooking Zones, you can even use Voice Control, which gives you hands-free control of the cooktop with your Google Assistant or an Alexa-enabled device,* so you can stay hands-on while prepping the rest of your meal or entertaining. Simple voice commands let you set cooking modes for each zone and adjust the heat as needed. And when you’re done cooking on this model, WipeClean™ Coating eliminates scraping, intense scrubbing and harsh cleaners, making this the easiest induction cooktop coating to clean.** Just wet the surface with water and wait five minutes to easily wipe up splatters and spills.

Myth #5: You can’t produce the same results on induction that you can on gas

Fact: Induction cooking can give you better results than gas — and here’s why. The KitchenAid^® Temp Cook™ Induction Cooktop with 5 Cooking Zones, for example, offers precise temperature control and even cooking from side to side of your cookware.

“I’m sure you’ve already heard about the compelling advantages that induction technology offers over traditional gas or radiant electric,” said Annalisa Pacioni, Senior Analyst Food Technology Engineer – GPO cooking at Whirlpool. “But get ready for the KitchenAid Induction Cooktop with Temp Cook™. This new induction cooktop is equipped with dual sensor patented burners that allow you to set your pan to a specific temperature, giving you a much finer control of the cooking temperature compared to the standard Low-Med-High. We designed Temp Cook™ with six default temperature settings, which will enable you to precisely perform a broad range of cooking techniques, from a gentle melt to a quick sear. Feel empowered to get creative: The KitchenAid^® App will unlock specialized options such as confit, slow cook and poach.*”

Make the most of your culinary efforts with Temp Cook™ culinary precision now at your fingertips! Learn more of the facts about how KitchenAid^® induction cooktops can improve your cooking precision, control and mastery at KitchenAid.com.

*Wi-Fi & App required. Features subject to change. For details and privacy information, visit KitchenAid.com/Connect (U.S.) or KitchenAid.ca/Connect (Canada).

**When compared with cooktop with same heating technology at similar power output.

2025-06-10T23:01:01

(BPT) – Every child deserves the chance to play, dream and just be a kid — no matter what their circumstances. That’s why the Unleashed Brands Foundation — the charitable affiliate of the leading youth enrichment platform Unleashed Brands — has pledged $1 million over the next five years to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This significant commitment will support LLS’s mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. With this commitment, the Unleashed Brands Foundation becomes a key supporter of the Dare to Dream Project, LLS’s flagship initiative focused on transforming treatment and care for children with blood cancer.

You might not recognize the Foundation by name, but you’ve likely encountered one of the eight Unleashed Brands youth enrichment companies: Urban Air, The Little Gym, Premier Martial Arts, Snapology, Sylvan Learning, Water Wings Swim School, XP League and Class 101. These brands serve millions of families nationwide, helping kids learn, play, and grow from infancy through adolescence. Through this pledge, the Foundation is turning the everyday moments families already know — birthday parties, play dates, after-school programs — into meaningful action.

Every Guest Can Make a Difference

Beginning this June, families will have a new, simple way to support children battling blood cancers. A new “round-up” feature will be activated across all Unleashed Brands companies, giving guests the opportunity to round up purchases to the nearest dollar at checkout. With 20 million visits expected across the platform this year, these small contributions can add up to big impact — funding research, advancing safer treatments, and supporting families when they need it most.

Sock It to Cancer Returns This Fall

This September, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, all Unleashed Brands locations will join together in the annual Sock It to Cancer campaign by selling limited-edition socks, with proceeds benefiting the LLS Dare to Dream Project.

A history of care and support

The Unleashed Brands Foundation supports national and regional nonprofit partners that provide opportunities to at-risk youth. Together, they are focused on creating the ultimate comeback kids.

While this $1 million pledge is new, the heart behind it isn’t. The Foundation was created to help kids thrive — and across the country, franchisees are bringing that mission to life every day.

While each franchise is its own entity, Unleashed Brands has a culture of care that inspires franchisees to make a meaningful impact. Below are just a few examples of how that commitment is making a difference in communities across the country.

• Urban Air Brockton, MA, stuffed 1,000 teddy bears to deliver to local hospitals and nonprofits, bringing comfort and joy to children across the city.
• The Little Gym of Keller, Texas, teamed up with Toys for Tots to collect gifts for families in need. Their generosity filled donation boxes with toys, ensuring that more children had something to unwrap — and smile about — during the holidays.
• Urban Air of Southlake, Texas, help underserved kids gear up for the school year. Hundreds of kids walked away with backpacks, supplies, food, fun and confidence, all thanks to their community stepping up.
• In Sterling Heights, MI, Urban Air hosted a blood drive, bringing in donors and collecting enough to save dozens of lives.
• In Dayton, OH, Class 101 rallied around Ava, a young woman diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. By providing scholarship support and encouragement, the local Class 101 team showed her and her family that she was not alone.
• In Jersey City, New Jersey, The Little Gym hosted its Third Annual Diaper Derby. This joyful, hilarious and meaningful event supports diaper banks and families in need.

Curious to learn more about Unleashed Brands Foundation? Visit InvestInKids.org to learn how you can support children and families affected by blood cancers.

2025-06-09T07:01:00

(BPT) – If you are a parent, you may have heard about rotavirus — an easily spread disease that can pose a serious risk to infants and young children. Symptoms can include mild to severe diarrhea, vomiting and fever. In rare, severe cases, children can experience up to 20 episodes of diarrhea a day, potentially leading to dehydration that may require hospitalization and can be life-threatening. Rotavirus usually spreads through the fecal-oral route, which means it can be passed from one person to another by touching contaminated hands or objects. The virus can survive on surfaces for a considerable amount of time, sometimes even for weeks or months.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination of infants with rotavirus vaccine. However, about 1 out of 4 children have not been vaccinated. This potentially leaves them at an increased risk of contracting this highly contagious disease. Before the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine, the virus was responsible for more than 400,000 doctor visits, more than 200,000 emergency room visits and up to 70,000 hospitalizations each year among children under five in the United States.

Sue, a mother of three whose children are now grown, remembers when her youngest was hospitalized with rotavirus as a young child. “As a mom, it was hard and concerning to go through this experience with my daughter. Now that we have more options to help with prevention, I urge parents to have open conversations with their pediatricians about how to help protect their children from potentially serious infectious diseases, such as rotavirus,” she said.

Dr. Edwyn Carter, a seasoned pediatrician with over 30 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of discussing vaccination with health care providers. “I’ve seen firsthand the difference that vaccines can make in helping to protect children. I ensure parents are aware that all rotavirus vaccines are oral vaccines, not a shot, and can be given at the same time as other vaccines, according to the recommended CDC vaccination schedule,” he explained. “I strongly encourage parents to consult with their pediatrician to ensure their children are up to date on routine vaccines.”

It is important to speak with your child’s health care provider to learn more about options that may be appropriate for them.

For more information about rotavirus and other common infectious diseases, visit Merck.com.

This information is provided by Merck.

Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. US-ROT-00851 05/25