How yearly vet visits could save your cat’s life

2026-02-10T08:19:00

(BPT) – Your cat may seem perfectly healthy, but sometimes serious health problems can be hiding beneath the surface. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common feline heart diseases — and here’s the scary part: most cats don’t show any symptoms until it’s too late to intervene. As a cat parent, you might not know anything’s wrong until it becomes urgent. But here’s the good news: A simple yearly vet visit could make a difference.

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Spotting heart problems in kids: What parents should watch for

2026-02-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Although you may not think of children when you imagine someone with heart problems, congenital heart defects are actually the most common birth defect in the U.S., occurring in about 1% of births. While many of these structural heart issues are discovered in infancy or before a child is born, about 9% of children with congenital heart defects may not have symptoms until later in childhood (or even adulthood).

What does this mean for parents? Simply that it’s important to recognize potential signs of heart issues in children that they might otherwise miss.

“The same way CPR or first aid can save a life, knowing what signs to look for can, too,” said Dr. Tara Karamlou, pediatric congenital heart surgeon at Akron Children’s. “And you should always feel free to ask your child’s pediatrician about any concerns you have about your child’s health.”

Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgen, Tara Karamlou, MD at Akron Children's Hospital.Talking about heart failure in children.
Tara Karamlou, MD, is a pediatric congenital heart surgeon at Akron Children’s in Ohio. She cares for children with complex heart conditions. Through decades of research and leadership, Dr. Karamlou has helped shape advances in care for children born with heart disease.

The pediatric cardiology experts at Akron Children’s want you to know about these indications your child may need immediate medical attention.

Shortness of breath

While shortness of breath can be caused by respiratory issues, persistent breathing difficulties, especially when engaged in active play or exercise, could point to a potential heart problem like congenital heart disease.

Shortness of breath is also a common symptom of heart failure in children, which occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This results in fluid buildup in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.

“If you notice your child having shortness of breath when they’re active, especially along with other symptoms like chest pain, fainting, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue or swelling in their ankles, legs or abdomen, they need prompt medical attention to uncover the underlying cause,” Karamlou said. “Your child’s pediatrician can determine if they need to be seen by a pediatric cardiologist.”

Fainting during play

If your child suddenly faints while playing or exercising, make sure they see a doctor right away. Although fainting can be caused by dehydration, overheating or prolonged standing, fainting during physical activity (not afterward) could be a sign of a cardiac issue such as heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), a structural heart defect, and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) that need immediate attention.

An evaluation from a health care provider is needed especially when fainting is also associated with chest pain, heart palpitations or your family has a history of cardiac issues in young people.

Excessive fatigue

“Excessive fatigue can be hard to recognize, especially when families are busy and nobody gets enough sleep. However, excessive tiredness is a common symptom in children with congestive heart failure or congenital heart defects,” said Dr. Robert Stewart, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Akron Children’s. “In these cases, fatigue and weakness is due to the heart being unable to pump blood effectively, so that fatigue doesn’t improve, even with rest.

Dr. Robert Stewart, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Akron Children's Hospital
Robert Stewart, MD, is chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Akron Children’s Heart Center.

Contact your child’s doctor if extreme fatigue is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain; shortness of breath (especially with activity or while lying down); swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen; a bluish tint to the lips, tongue or nail beds; irregular/rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating. If fatigue lasts more than two weeks, seems severe, increases with physical activity or persists even when your child gets enough sleep, consult your child’s doctor right away.

Early detection and treatment are crucial

Recognizing the subtle signs of a cardiac condition in children is key to getting your child prompt medical attention, which can be lifesaving. If your child has a cardiac issue and you’re seeking the best possible treatment, look for a children’s hospital that specializes in pediatric cardiology. For example, Akron Children’s is ranked in Newsweek’s Best Children’s Hospitals for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. In recognition of Akron Children’s commitment to quality testing for diagnosis of heart disease, the organization’s echocardiography laboratories have been accredited by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in areas of pediatric and fetal echocardiography.

“Akron Children’s uses the latest, most advanced technologies to diagnose and treat all types of pediatric heart disease, from the mild to the extremely complex,” added Stewart. “We’re at the forefront in treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, including development of a procedure to repair irregular heartbeats without the radiation commonly used in such procedures. Our pediatric heart surgeons work with interventional cardiologists even to repair certain types of heart defects in babies, who otherwise would have to wait until they’re big enough to undergo open heart surgery.”

Dr. Robert Stewart, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Akron Children's Hospital talking about heart failure in children.
Dr. Stewart combines clinical care, research and education to help improve outcomes for children with heart disease.

For children needing highly specialized cardiac care, Akron Children’s collaborates with Cincinnati Children’s for procedures including heart transplantation, bi-ventricular repairs and virtual surgical planning. Both hospitals work together with patients and families to coordinate care throughout the process to help ensure the best outcomes.

Learn more about Akron Children’s Heart Center at AkronChildrens.org.

A Presidents Day mystery: What did George Washington sound like?

2026-02-02T13:47:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways:

  • George Washington’s voice didn’t match his appearance.
  • A viral infection caused Washington to speak in a high, breathy voice.
  • Washington’s voice and poor dental health may have caused him to struggle had he lived in the modern era.

Two hundred and fifty years after the founding of the United States, most people know what George Washington looked like. But what did he sound like?

There are many well-known paintings of Washington. The museum at Mount Vernon displays a painstakingly accurate facial reconstruction to definitively show his appearance during his lifetime. He was a big, strapping guy at 6 foot 3 inches tall (which makes him equivalent to 6 foot 9 inches today), with large shoulders and legs.

Knowing this you likely imagine him having a commanding, masculine voice. However, according to Stephen Yoch, author of “Becoming George Washington,” America’s first president didn’t sound like he looked.

What did Washington sound like?

“We all imagine Washington as a strapping guy who had a voice to match,” said Yoch. “But Washington suffered from pleurisy — a viral infection that causes an inflammation in the lining of the lungs — as a child and because of this he spoke in a high, weak and breathy voice.”

According to author Stephen Yoch, America’s first president didn’t sound like he looked.

Washington’s contemporaries often described him as soft-spoken. Yoch says this undoubtedly came from his unexpectedly high voice and from his notoriously bad teeth, which gave him the habit of keeping his mouth closed to hide their appearance and the bad breath that comes with tooth decay.

Would Washington have succeeded as a modern president?

As is so often the case with past presidents, Washington would have struggled in the modern era. “Certainly his dental problems could be corrected,” said Yoch, “but his quiet demeanor and high voice would not have played well in our modern 24/7 news cycle.”

For more about George Washington’s early life and his rise to prominence, visit Amazon.com. Here you can also access Yoch’s newest book, “Becoming Benedict Arnold,” about one of America’s most infamous traitors.

Historical fiction writer Stephen Yoch is based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of “Becoming George Washington” and “Becoming Benedict Arnold.”

[Executive Corner] LG HVAC, Beyond Hardware: Rising to the Challenge of the AI Era

2026-02-08T18:01:00

(BPT) – AI is rewriting the rules across industries, and HVAC is no exception. What was once about cooling and heating is now central to energy efficiency, sustainability and industrial competitiveness. At LG Electronics, our HVAC business sits right at the center of that shift. By anticipating change and moving beyond hardware alone, we’re not just adapting to the AI era — we’re helping shape it.

LG’s HVAC journey began with residential and commercial solutions. Today, it has expanded into high value-added areas such as industrial sites, power plants and specialized facilities. Along the way, our portfolio has grown to include air quality and water temperature management — marking a clear transition from standalone products to integrated, end-to-end solutions.

Execution With Speed and Focus

From residential air conditioners and air care solutions to commercial system air conditioners, VRF systems and chillers, LG HVAC has built a strong foundation of technological leadership and customer trust. This has supported steady growth in global market share.

As competition intensifies, execution matters more than ever. Last year, our focus was on establishing a stable growth base following the launch of the Eco Solution (ES) Company. This year, we are accelerating — prioritizing speed, sharper execution and a stronger market position.

To support this, we are placing R&D, sales and engineering closer to our customers, while operating our global production footprint more efficiently. This approach allows us to respond faster and deliver solutions that reflect local market needs, creating a more sustainable growth structure.

Building “Winning TechThrough Global R&D

LG HVAC’s proprietary technologies and advanced R&D capabilities are key to developing “Winning Tech” — solutions that deliver clear, differentiated value and a sustained competitive advantage in real-world operating environments.

Innovation runs across our entire portfolio, driven by a global R&D network and regional HVAC academies that enable solutions tailored to specific climates and market requirements.

Initiatives such as the LG HVAC R&D Center at Changwon National University focus on advanced HVAC technologies, while the Global Heat Pump Consortium validates performance in extreme environments — from Alaska and Oslo to Saudi Arabia. Testing under real-world conditions strengthens reliability and accelerates innovation.

Strengthening Local Value Chains

We are reinforcing local value chains by integrating product planning, R&D, manufacturing and sales in key markets. While strengthening sales capabilities across the Global South, we are expanding infrastructure in North America, Europe and India.

In the second half of 2026, a new product development center and India’s third air conditioner factory will open near Noida and Sri City. The product development center, in particular, will serve as a core development hub alongside Changwon, Korea — underscoring our commitment to local development and production.

AI is now a core pillar of HVAC competitiveness. It is embedded not only in our products, but across R&D, manufacturing and services. Our Digital Twin technology models the physical conditions of data centers in a virtual environment, forecasting server heat generation and enabling automated optimization of operations. Combined with AI-driven HVAC control that reduces energy consumption, these capabilities are accelerating our AI Transformation (AX) journey.

Moving Forward as a Total HVAC Solution Provider

As LG continues to evolve from a product manufacturer into a global HVAC Total Solution Provider, we are expanding end-to-end solutions in maintenance and services across the U.S., Europe and other major markets.

New growth opportunities are emerging as demand rises for high-efficiency cooling solutions in AI data centers, unitary systems and heating applications. Strategic partnerships play a critical role in these growth areas — particularly in clean-tech domains such as advanced cooling and heat pump solutions.

This expanding ecosystem is also opening pathways to next-generation thermal management technologies, such as chip-level cooling for data centers and advanced commercial heat pumps.

The future of HVAC will be shaped by how effectively companies execute, how deeply technology is embedded across the value chain and how closely solutions reflect local market needs.

By accelerating Winning R&D, strengthening local value chains and advancing AX, LG HVAC is moving beyond hardware toward a more integrated, solution-driven model. Through disciplined execution and continuous innovation, we are building a more efficient and sustainable future — powered by the growing potential of AI.

By James Lee, president of the LG Electronics ES Company

4 easy everyday habits to power a heart-healthy lifestyle

2026-02-06T14:11:00

(BPT) – February is American Heart Month, providing a timely reminder that there are many ways to support your heart health. Living a more heart-healthy lifestyle is easier than you might think, and it often comes down to small, everyday choices that can add up to improved well-being.

To help you make healthier habits part of your routine, Registered Dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner shares easy-to-manage tips designed to optimize your heart health this February, and for the long haul.

1. Manage daily stress through simple practices

Stress is a part of everyday life, but small, intentional practices can help manage it more effectively. Even a few minutes of deep breathing, spending time outdoors and taking regular breaks from screens can support overall well-being. Practices like deep breathing, meditation and yoga have been shown to help lower blood pressure and stabilize your heart rate.

2. Stay active in ways you enjoy

While you may think you have to spend hours at the gym using various machines to be fit, being active does not have to be complicated. Any form of movement can provide benefits, especially when it fits naturally into your day. Walking, stretching or participating in social activities like group walks can make it easier to stay consistent over time. Finding activities you enjoy can help make movement feel like a regular part of your routine rather than a chore.

3. Focus on small, sustainable habits

Rather than making drastic changes all at once, starting with small, achievable habits — like taking the stairs, drinking more water or choosing a balanced meal during the workweek — can be easier to maintain over time.

“Choose a couple of these things to try, repeating them until they become a natural part of your routine,” said Blatner. “This approach can help you see a lasting improvement for your heart health and overall wellness.”

4. Start each day with a nutrient-dense breakfast

Beginning the day with a balanced, nutrient-rich breakfast can help support heart health from the very first meal. Choosing foods that provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients can help fuel your body and support overall wellness. Eggland’s Best eggs provide more of the nutrients people need in their daily diet, including Omega-3s and Vitamin D, to help support heart health.

“Eggland’s Best eggs also have 25% less saturated fat compared to ordinary eggs,” said Blatner. “A diet lower in saturated fat supports healthier cholesterol levels.”

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12, ten times more Vitamin E and six times more Vitamin D compared to ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s superior nutrition is due to its proprietary all-vegetarian hen feed that contains healthy grains, canola oil and a wholesome supplement of rice bran, alfalfa, sea kelp and Vitamin E.

Eggland’s Best continues to be a proud national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good™ movement, which encourages people to take small steps every day to build lifelong healthy habits for themselves and for their families.

Egg “Muffin” Cups with Turkey Sausage and Mushrooms

Prep Time: 5 mins; Cook Time: 35 mins; Yield: 6 servings; Serving Size: 2

Ingredients

  • 7 Eggland’s Best Eggs (large)
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/2 tablespoon canola or corn oil
  • 1 onion (yellow preferred), finely chopped
  • 1 (8-ounce) package sliced white mushrooms
  • 1 (6.4-ounce) package frozen, nitrate-free turkey sausage links (thawed, chopped)
  • 1/4 cup fat-free milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded, fat-free cheddar cheese

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Cook the onions and mushrooms for 10 minutes, or until soft, stirring occasionally.
  3. Meanwhile, warm the turkey sausage according to package directions. Chop the turkey into bite-size pieces. Stir into the onion mixture until well blended. Spoon into the muffin cups.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and pepper. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin cups. Top with the Cheddar.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the eggs are set. Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly. To easily remove the muffins from the pan, run a knife around the edges of each muffin.

Find more health tips, recipes and products at EgglandsBest.com.

Playful twists: How to spice up date night

2026-02-06T14:35:00

(BPT) – Date night doesn’t have to mean reservations, candles or a big production. Sometimes all it takes is a small twist to make a familiar night in feel fresh again.

A fresh take on date night

Date night is being reimagined, with staying in creating space for something different. With less pressure to perform, there’s more room to play, experiment and enjoy rituals that don’t always fit into a traditional night out.

In moments like these, date night doesn’t need more time or more effort. It just needs a spark. A small twist on the familiar, a little experimentation and a bottle that fits the mood can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Start with one of these ideas and see where the night takes you.

Ready-made date night plans

Partner portraits

Channel your inner Picasso as you grab some paper and sketch each other, talent optional. With results usually more silly than serious, it’s a playful, low-pressure way to break the ice and reset into date-night mode. Chardonnay from Bonterra Organic Estates, known for its commitment to organic farming, is a deliciously crowd-pleasing pour that keeps things light and lets the evening build a little spark of its own.

Turn up the heat

A little heat has a way of changing up the vibe. One of the simplest ways to spice up date night is with a Spicy Sauvy B, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a subtle kick from a few slices of jalapeño or spiced rim. Bright, zesty, and unexpected, it wakes up the glass and brings instant lift to the moment. Bonterra California Sauvignon Blanc has the freshness and balance to make this twist feel anything but routine.

Spontaneous stargazing

Grab a blanket, step outside, and look up. Under a glittering night sky, crisp air sharpens the senses and shifts the mood, turning an ordinary night into something quietly electric. Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon brings bold flavor with notes of berry and spice, a natural companion for a date night that’s cozy, connected, and just a little charged.

Whether it’s sketching across the table, stepping outside under the stars or adding a little spice to a familiar pour, these moments invite connection without pressure. That’s where Bonterra fits in, making it easy to turn any evening into something worth lingering over.

Date nights in don’t need a big plan. They thrive on small twists, playful moments and the kind of rituals that linger. When the mood is right, even a simple night in can feel perfectly, unmistakably right for two.

For more information, visit bonterra.com.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.

Could he tell a lie? 5 facts about George Washington

2026-02-02T13:51:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

  • George Washington reportedly couldn’t tell a lie, but can you tell fact from fiction about this president?
  • Washington was more soft-spoken and less truthful than you might expect.
  • Read on for facts about his life, decisions, offspring — or lack thereof — and death.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday this year, award-winning author Stephen Yoch’s research has revealed several interesting facts about President George Washington.

1. Washington was strong in stature, weak in voice

There are many well-known paintings of Washington. The museum at Mount Vernon displays a painstakingly accurate facial reconstruction to definitively show his appearance during his lifetime. He was quite tall at 6 foot 3 inches (which makes him equivalent to 6 foot 9 inches today), but he lacked the commanding voice one might expect from a military leader.

“We all imagine Washington as a strapping guy who had a voice to match,” said Yoch. “But Washington suffered from pleurisy — a viral infection that causes an inflammation in the lining of the lungs — as a child and because of this he spoke in a high, weak and breathy voice.”

Washington’s contemporaries often described him as soft-spoken. Yoch says this undoubtedly came from this high voice and his teeth, which gave him the habit of keeping his mouth closed to hide their appearance and the bad breath that comes with tooth decay.

As is often the case with past presidents, Washington would have struggled in the modern era. “Certainly his dental problems could be corrected,” said Yoch, “but his quiet demeanor and high voice would not have played well in our modern 24/7 news cycle.”

2. Is it a fact that Washington couldn’t tell a lie?

One of the great legends of the nation’s first president was created by biographer Parson Weems. In his account, George Washington chops down a cherry tree and later admits the act to his father, claiming he “cannot tell a lie.” According to author Stephen Yoch, not only is this story made up, but it’s also in direct contrast to young Washington’s behavior.

Yoch says there’s a pattern throughout Washington’s life of claiming victory but blaming others for defeat. “It’s difficult for many people to accept this reality given the legend concocted by Parson Weems relating to the Cherry Tree,” says Yoch. “But the truth that Washington lied and blamed others for his own failure is irrefutable. His lies and willingness to blame others moved his military career forward.”

3. Washington’s worst decision nearly spelled disaster for the Revolution

George Washington was indispensable in the Revolution. Without him, the army may not have achieved victory. His willingness to repeatedly give up power — including the return of his commission to Congress and later stepping down as President — makes him one of the most laudable figures in world history.

Yet, Washington made a catastrophic blunder, appointing Benedict Arnold as the commander of American forces in Philadelphia. Arnold was placed in charge of a city locked in turmoil and led by radicals that opposed the Continental Army. This act, as much as any other, could have meant the failure of the Revolution and Washington’s death, if not for Washington’s luck.

Washington would say “the hand of providence” saved him from his worst mistake and Arnold’s plot was foiled.

4. The father of our country had no children of his own

By the time the Revolution ended, the “father of our country” was father to no one. In a draft of Washington’s first inaugural address, he wrote: “Divine providence hath not seen fit that my blood should be transmitted, or my name perpetuated by the enduring, though sometimes seducing, channel of immediate offspring. I have no child for whom I could wish to make a provision — no family to build in greatness upon my country’s ruins.”

As Yoch notes, “This may have been a fortunate happenstance, as many called for him to be America’s new king. His lack of children allowed him to truly act in the country’s best interests and sealed his legacy as ‘first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.'”

I have no child for whom I could wish to make a provision — no family to build in greatness upon my country’s ruins.

— George Washington

5. Did Washington die peacefully?

After a life of action and harrowing battles, George Washington died peacefully in his bed at Mount Vernon. Or so many school children are taught. In reality, the nation’s first president died a slow and bloody death that was far from a pleasant end of life.

Yoch says the founding father was a lifelong believer in “bleeding” (removing blood) as a medical treatment to balance body humors. “Because of this, Washington and his physicians virtually guaranteed his death by excessive bleeding,” explained Yoch.

For more information on George Washington’s life as well as the life of other historical figures like Benedict Arnold, visit Yoch.com.

Historical fiction writer Stephen Yoch is based in Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is the author of “Becoming George Washington” and “Becoming Benedict Arnold.”

Power’s out? Your backup options are getting better — and smarter

2026-02-06T09:01:00

(BPT) – Power outages have always been part of life, but today they are lasting longer, happening more frequently and hitting harder in places that once saw little extreme weather.

Severe storms are also knocking out local infrastructure for days or even weeks, exposing the limits of an aging electric grid. At the same time, rising electricity demand from data centers is adding strain, creating a system in which outages are becoming harder to predict and slower to resolve.

Electric customers can’t control storms or aging equipment, but they can control how exposed their household is when the power grid fails.

Backup power is evolving

For a long time, backup power meant a clunky gas generator and a plan to keep only a few essentials running. That image doesn’t match homes today, where critical electrical needs spread across the entire house and its devices. Whole-home backup batteries are emerging as a more resilient approach, designed to power the home as a whole and manage it intelligently.

This shift extends beyond emergencies to bring greater control and clearer insight into energy use. A 2025 research study found that 60% of U.S. households are interested in tools like smart appliances and energy-efficient products to monitor and reduce energy use. Electricity prices have climbed, and homeowners want visibility into where power is going and how to lower the bill. Whole-home backup, especially when paired with solar and smart controls, can provide those insights.

A new kind of smart whole-home backup

Instead of outdoor generators and a tangle of extension cords, more homeowners are turning to battery-based systems that can keep their entire home running and, in some cases, work alongside rooftop solar.

EcoFlow is one of the companies responding to that reality. Its DELTA Pro Ultra X is an easy-to-install, whole-home backup power station that can work alongside solar, battery storage and generators, offering homeowners a powerful alternative when the grid goes down. With a capacity that scales to days of backup power, the system is built to support extended outages rather than short interruptions. When paired with EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel 3, it can switch over from grid power in a matter of milliseconds, and automatically adjust how energy is sourced and used as conditions change.

The real upgrade is control at the device level

EcoFlow is addressing another familiar smart-home problem: nothing “talks” to anything else. Many battery systems still manage outages at the circuit level, which can force unwanted tradeoffs when every watt matters. For example, if a kitchen circuit includes both a main refrigerator and a wine fridge, you may want the main refrigerator running and the wine fridge shut down. However, circuit-only control can’t make that distinction.

“We’re entering a new era of home energy, one where independence depends on systems and devices working together, not in silos,” said Jenny Zhang, President of EcoFlow’s Residential Business. “Our goal is to lay the interoperable foundation homeowners need to manage energy intelligently, adapt in real time and stay resilient no matter the state of the grid.”

EcoFlow is leaning into this need for granularity with its Smart Home Energy Management System, which coordinates solar generation, home batteries, household circuits and compatible devices onto a single platform. The point is practical control in an emergency, with clearer visibility into where power is going and more flexibility to decide what stays online as conditions change.

To expand that device-level compatibility, EcoFlow and more than 15 other brands have formed the EcoFlow Ecosystem Alliance, an effort to make energy and smart-home gear more interoperable. Homey, part of LG Electronics, recently reached an agreement with EcoFlow to deepen integration between Homey’s Energy Dongle and EcoFlow’s Smart Home Energy Management System.

Preparedness should not feel extreme

Whole-home backup is becoming a practical answer to a simple question: What happens when the grid can’t deliver? For some homeowners, the case is obvious; for everyone else, the combination of aging infrastructure, growing demand and unpredictable disruptions is making the question worth asking before the next outage.

To learn more about EcoFlow’s whole-home backup solutions and the Ecosystem Alliance, visit EcoFlow.com.

Game day appetizer ideas that will keep your guests asking for more

2026-02-05T17:31:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

  • Sports fans are looking for game day appetizer ideas to wow their guests for watch parties, tailgating and homegating for the Big Game and beyond.
  • Ranch dressing is an increasingly popular choice for fans looking to enhance their game day dips and dunks.
  • Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip is perfect for dipping, dunking and drizzling for crowd-pleasers like wings, pizza and Ranch Guacamole Bites (recipe included).

From the Big Game to upcoming winter sports and plenty of heart-pounding soccer action, 2026 could be called the “year of the sports.” To celebrate these thrilling events, sports fans everywhere are searching for tasty recipe ideas for their watch party get-togethers.

And what’s the most important ingredient to add to your game day shopping list? Ranch dressing, of course.

How popular is ranch dressing?

The stats are clear: According to a 2026 Instacart survey, ranch dressing is ordered 53% more often nationwide than the second most popular dip (French onion). Ranch dressing also tops the list of most popular condiments, second only to mayonnaise.

Some suggest that ranch may now be even more popular than beer. While the iconic American dressing keeps getting more popular, drinking is on the downswing. Almost half of Americans planned to drink less last year, a trend that’s especially gaining ground among younger adults.

To commemorate its relative rise in popularity, Litehouse has created a fun “six-pack” for their Ranch Dressing, along with the slogan: “Thanks, Beer, We’ll Take it from Here.” This six-pack makes the perfect vehicle to bring America’s No. 1 Refrigerated Ranch Dressing Brand* to any Big Game gathering.

How can you use ranch for game day appetizers?

Litehouse Homestyle Ranch Dressing & Dip is perfect for dipping, dunking and drizzling on easy-to-make crowd favorites including any kind of chips, an array of cut-up veggies and even pizza. Enjoy spicy foods? Ranch dressing offers a cool, creamy contrast to game day MVPs like buffalo chicken wings or bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers.

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You can also try some of these other options, which all taste even better with ranch:

  • Potato skins
  • Soft pretzels
  • Mozzarella sticks
  • Fried pickles
  • Stuffed jalapenos
  • French fries

Best yet, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch is refrigerated, so it’s always cold and closely mimics that restaurant style ranch dressing flavor that many love. You can find it in grocery stores across the United States in the produce section, right where you’re picking up carrots, celery and other veggies to fill up your snack tray.

Ranch dressing is ordered 53% more often nationwide on Instacart than the second most popular dip.

What is America’s #1 Refrigerated Ranch Dressing Brand*

Looking for a delicious refrigerated ranch? You can’t go wrong with Litehouse Homestyle Ranch, which packs a punch of herby flavor. Its bold flavor enhances the taste of any game day appetizer, whether as-is for dipping veggies, or to boost the flavor of sliders, tacos, wings and more.

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Blue cheese lovers at your next gathering? Switch it up by adding blue cheese flavor into the mix, with Litehouse Chunky Blue Cheese dressing. It’s made with blue cheese, buttermilk, mayonnaise and the perfect blend of spices. That’s the beauty of Litehouse’s 6-pack and the “Thanks Beer, We’ll Take it from Here” promotion: With so many flavors to choose from, it’s never been easier to bring something to the party your guests will actually love.

Where can you find game day recipes featuring refrigerated ranch?

Whether you’re hosting a watch party or bringing something along to share with friends, Litehouse Homestyle Ranch will always be welcome. It’s a tasty dressing that will add zing to any salad, on sliders or in a variety of recipes that are just right for game day, like this one:

Ranch Guacamole Bites

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Ingredients

Directions

Arrange the tortilla chips on a serving tray. To each cup, add a tablespoon of guacamole, 1/2 tablespoon Litehouse Homestyle Ranch, a sprinkle of bacon, tomatoes and cheese, finished with a sprinkle of Litehouse Freeze Dried Spring Onions.

Pro tip: Litehouse Guacamole Herb Seasoning helps you whip up a quick guacamole everyone will love.

Find this and more recipe inspiration for your next game day gathering at LitehouseFoods.com/recipe.

Litehouse helps you add more flavor to any appetizers or main dishes. With Litehouse in The House, you’ll have a festive and flavorful watch party. Find their products near you at LitehouseFoods.com/how-to-buy.

* Based on Circana U.S. market share sales data in Total Ranch refrigerated salad dressings category (52 weeks of data ending [01/25/2026]).

Pair Winter’s Best Moments With Sun Cruiser, On and Off the Mountain

2026-02-05T13:01:00

(BPT) – Après season is officially here, and Sun Cruiser is celebrating the moments of sun-soaked winter fun we all know and love. The best winter memories aren’t just made on the slopes. They happen in the laid-back, in-between moments with your crew, whether you’re thawing out at the lodge, settling in after a long day in the snow, or keeping the party going. Winter proves that downtime hits just as hard as the action, and it’s even better with a Sun Cruiser in hand.

Made with real vodka and real ingredients, Sun Cruiser is smooth enough to sip while you’re still buzzing from your last run and made for the moments when you’re ready to unwind and warm up. And now it’s easier than ever to pair with winter fun, as Sun Cruiser pops up at some of your favorite winter destinations.

Partnerships Built on Shared Stoke

This winter, Sun Cruiser is bringing the good times to some of the country’s most iconic mountain destinations, built for both action and après. At Steamboat in Colorado, Deer Valley Resort in Utah, Mammoth Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort in California, and Sunday River Ski Resort in Maine, adventure-lovers and lodge loungers alike can pair their winter moments with Sun Cruiser, while enjoying music, sampling and more fan experiences brought to you by the brand — all happening slopeside to bring a little extra fun to the season.

Beyond the mountains, Sun Cruiser is reaching fans of ski and snow culture through a new partnership with Teton Gravity Research, the leading lifestyle brand in action sports, as its official canned alcohol partner. Sun Cruiser is integrated across TGR’s year-round programming, including its signature ski film, sweepstakes, social content, athlete collaborations and more.

A New Flavor for Your Rotation

Sun Cruiser is expanding its lineup of vodka lemonades with its new Blueberry Lemonade flavor, available now. Made with real vodka and real lemonade, it delivers the same refreshing, easy-sipping profile fans love, now with a bright blueberry finish. With just 1 gram of sugar, 100 calories, and 4.5% ABV per 12 oz. serving, it’s light, crisp, and the perfect addition to your winter lineup.

For those who don’t want to choose between iced tea or lemonade, Sun Cruiser is making it easier than ever to explore its fan-favorite flavors with the all-new Sampler Variety Pack featuring Classic Iced Tea, Half & Half, Pink Lemonade, and Classic Lemonade in a convenient 12-pack. No matter which flavor you reach for, Sun Cruiser is made to carry you through every season, from winter sunsets to hot summer days.

Whether you’re on or off the mountain, Sun Cruiser is there for the moments that matter — when the adventure winds down and the good times keep cruising.

Please drink responsibly. Learn more at Responsibility.org.