Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-10-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – For busy adults juggling careers, families and full lives, going back to school has often meant fitting into a system that was not designed with them in mind. The good news is that competency-based education — a more flexible, skills-centered approach that allows learners to progress by demonstrating what they know and can do, rather than simply moving through a traditional schedule — is gaining traction. In fact, as of last year, more than 1,500 U.S. institutions have adopted roughly 2,400 undergraduate and 750 graduate competency-based education programs.

The rise of competency-based education could not have come at a better time. Right now, employers are focused on hiring employees who can demonstrate the skills needed to succeed in their field. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2026 survey, nearly 70% of employers now use skills-based hiring, while SHRM research has found that 78% of HR professionals say pre-employment assessments have improved the quality of hires.

This marriage of learners seeking more control and employers seeking clearer evidence of capability underpins DeVry University’s national study, “Beyond Flexibility: What Today’s Learners Expect From Competency-Based Education,” which has guided the institution’s design of DeVry-Keller Fast Track — the university’s competency-based learning format.

To explore how competency-based learning can address workforce demands and the needs of working adults, Jason Horne, DeVry University’s Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, discusses the trends shaping higher education and how they informed the design of DeVry-Keller Fast Track.

How does competency-based education connect more directly to the skills employers need today?

Higher education as it is currently structured is not always fit for purpose. In a job market where employers seek talent with specific competencies and skills, prospective learners need to see that the education they receive will translate into job opportunities. Competency-based education helps bring those two needs closer together by focusing on what learners can actually demonstrate.

Our research found that 95% of prospective learners said they found competency-based education appealing. What’s even more telling is that 40% of graduate-level prospects and 31% of undergraduate prospects said they would only enroll if a competency-based option were available. These findings indicate that a large group of students is either not adequately served by traditional models or not served at all.

Why is now the right time to introduce a competency-based program like DeVry-Keller Fast Track?

The needs of learners — especially working adult learners — are changing, and higher education must change with them. What we hear again and again is that students are looking for education that is accessible, fits around work and family responsibilities, offers a strong career outcome and provides an attractive time-to-value. Fast Track is our answer to that.

What makes DeVry-Keller Fast Track different from more traditional approaches to higher education and other competency-based programs?

The fundamental difference with competency-based education is that students’ progress is based on demonstrating mastery of those competencies. With DeVry-Keller Fast Track, expert faculty have designed courses and curricula around the skills and competencies that employers seek. They’re baked right into the courses. For students to actually advance, they have to demonstrate through assessments and applied work that they have mastered those skills and can apply what they have learned. This modality is a win for individual learners and employers seeking people who can bring relevant, demonstrated capabilities to the workplace.

That said, DeVry-Keller Fast Track has taken competency-based learning to a new level. It seeks to balance flexibility with the structure many learners value. Our research underscores why that balance matters: Nearly half of the prospective learners we surveyed said structured deadlines help them stay on track, while 58% preferred structured, instructor-led weekly classes.

AI is another important component of the program. Our research found that almost a third of prospective learners expressed concerns about overreliance on AI. With that in mind, faculty remain central, with technology used to support a more responsive learning experience while preserving meaningful human interaction. The goal is to give learners greater control over their educational journey while maintaining clear expectations and strong human support.

How does DeVry-Keller Fast Track fit alongside DeVry’s existing programs and student support model?

By offering competency-based education alongside traditional programs, we recognize that no single learning model is right for everyone. We want students to have freedom and flexibility. That said, we don’t want them to feel like they’re navigating the experience alone.

Flexibility without support can start to feel ambiguous and isolated, and that’s not an environment where students can thrive. That’s also why we’ve put DeVry Care front and center in Fast Track. It’s been our secret weapon in achieving nearly 90% student persistence, and we believe that’s because it provides human-centered support essential to learning.

Why did the university choose the MBA as a starting point for DeVry-Keller Fast Track?

The MBA was a strong starting point because our research showed strong interest among graduate business learners in a competency-based approach. More importantly, MBA learners and prospective learners also tend to be comfortable with a more self-directed learning experience, making the program a natural starting point for this model.

Another reason we chose the MBA program is that the students are often working professionals, our core demographic for Fast Track. They already bring substantial experience and knowledge to the classroom, and that is exactly the type of background that will allow them to advance more quickly through a competency-based program if they can demonstrate, through rigorous assessment, the experience and knowledge they already possess.

How do you see DeVry-Keller Fast Track evolving as learners and workforce needs continue to change?

We see opportunities to expand DeVry-Keller Fast Track into additional programs and reach more students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels.

As we move forward, we hope that DeVry-Keller Fast Track can be more than a new learning modality. It can provide a platform for the university to continue rethinking and reimagining how to make education more personalized, more skills-focused and skills-oriented, and better connected to the workforce.

In short, our vision is to create the most career-relevant 21st-century graduates, and this modality as it’s currently envisioned — and as it continues to evolve — will allow us to deliver that vision.

To learn more about DeVry-Keller Fast Track and other offerings, visit DeVry.com.

2026-10-07T08:01:01

(BPT) – Are you thinking about adding a home backup system to your house in the form of a solar generator or portable power station? If not, it’s a good idea to consider sooner rather than later.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. electricity customers averaged 11 hours of power interruptions in 2024, nearly twice the annual average of the decade before, with major events like hurricanes accounting for 80% of those hours.

Planning ahead for a power outage with a backup battery can give you real peace of mind no matter the weather.

That said, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. The solar power generator that’s perfect for your neighbor may not be right for your household. That’s why it’s crucial to know how much power you’ll need to find the right fit.

Finding the right battery backup for your home may sound intimidating, but it’s actually as simple as 1, 2, 3.

1. Start by making a list of the appliances and devices you cannot go without and how long you want to keep them running.

2. Using that list, find out how much each item needs at one moment (known as watts (W)) and add them together to determine how much power you’ll need.

3. Match it to a battery that can store enough energy over time (watt-hours (WH)) to power your essentials.

With this basic information, you can start to narrow down backup power options. Check out this simple three-tier guide to find the essential home backup that fits your space, your routine and the devices you rely on most.

Tier 1: The apartment or condo

You’re working from home, typing away in your cozy fourth-floor apartment when suddenly the lights go out. You can’t see in the dark and you can’t work or communicate with your team that you’ve lost power. On top of all that, you’re not sure how long the blackout will last, which could mean hundreds of dollars in spoiled groceries.

The good news is that there are home backup options ideal for those who rent an apartment or own a condo.

A portable power station like Jackery’s HomePower 1000 Plus V2 is a small yet powerful plug-and-play option that doesn’t require permanent installation. With an 1800W output and 1024Wh base capacity, it can run roughly 80% of standard household appliances, keeping your router, desktop and refrigerator online during an outage. On its own, it can keep a refrigerator, freezer, Wi-Fi router, phone, computer and lights running together for about 5 hours. Adding battery packs expands the unit’s capacity to 11kWh, so you can start small and grow backup power as your household’s needs grow.

Another great option for apartment and condo residents is the HomePower 2000 Plus V2. This power station weighs 21 pounds less than its predecessor and delivers 2400W output and 2048Wh capacity. Right out of the box, that’s enough to run a refrigerator, freezer, Wi-Fi, phone, computer and lights for about 10 hours. Add one battery pack and that doubles to about 20 hours, with room to expand all the way to 12kWh. Plus, it features Jackery Priority Routing™, which sends remaining power to your essential devices (like your router, refrigerator and lights) first. This unit is a valuable steppingstone for families who want real preparedness without a major up-front investment.

Tier 2: The suburban family home

It’s a quiet Wednesday evening at home. You’re working on storing leftovers in the fridge, while your 10th grader is working on a school presentation in your office and your 6th grader is looking for an outlet near the sofa to charge their phone. The next thing you know, a storm rolls in and knocks out the power.

You can easily keep the kitchen, home office and family room powered for a day or more with a higher-capacity home battery like the compact HomePower 3000. With 2072Wh capacity and 3600W output, it can keep the essentials running through extended outages for a day or two. This compact unit features Jackery’s ZeroDrain™ technology, which keeps the battery at nearly full charge for up to 12 months, so you can easily tuck it away until you need it.

If you want a powerful backup battery on wheels that can easily roll from garage to living room and back, check out the HomePower 3600 Plus. With 3584Wh base capacity and 3600W output, the unit on its own can run a refrigerator, freezer, Wi-Fi, phone, computer and lights for about 18 hours. Add a battery pack for about 36 hours, or expand up to 21kWh and connect to essential home circuits with a Manual Transfer Switch to carry your household through a multiday outage, whether from a wildfire shut-off, a downed line after a storm, or an overloaded grid on an unusually cold night.

Tier 3: The rural or larger home

A winter storm has hit your rural town, knocking out the electricity and your well pump and your HVAC along with it. Now you’re out of power, water and heat.

If you live in a rural or storm-prone area, it’s a good idea to have a heavy-hitter that can minimize grid disruptions, like the Explorer 5000 Plus. With 7200W rated output and 14400W surge power, it can run HVAC, refrigeration and well pumps all at once. A single unit, with no expansion, can keep a refrigerator, freezer, Wi-Fi, phone, computer and lights going for about 25 hours, and modular expansion adds capacity up to a potential 60kWh. With a Smart Transfer Switch, this solar generator can automatically take over essential circuits. It can recharge in 8 ways, including high-voltage solar input. It’s the ideal choice for households that plan ahead of hurricane or winter storm season and want to stay powered independent of the grid.

Find the right size for your home

The best home battery backup is not necessarily the biggest one you can buy. It’s the one that protects the essentials, fits the way you live and gives you enough room to grow if your needs change. To learn more, visit Jackery.com.

2026-10-06T23:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

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

By Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and Comfort Keepers spokesperson

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026-10-06T12:01:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026-10-05T09:01:00

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

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

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

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

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

2026-10-05T08:01:00

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

The importance of closing the skills gap

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

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

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

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

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

The inextricable link between the cybersecurity workforce and education

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

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

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

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

Practical experience that mimics real-world challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026-10-04T23:01:00

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

Key takeaways

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

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

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

1. Start with possibilities, not one destination

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

2. Turn a big goal into a repeatable habit

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

3. Give family and friends an easy way to help

2026-10-02T06:05:00

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

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

What is the canine oral microbiome?

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

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

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

How are plaque and tartar connected to the microbiome?

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

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

What happens when plaque and tartar take over?

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

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

How can I safely prevent and control plaque?

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

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

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

What kind of dental supplements should I give my dog?

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026-10-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human history?

These are just a few of the mysteries explored in Sam Kean’s The Museum of Lost Things: True Tales of Fabled Treasures, Legendary Cities, and Mythical Creatures That Vanished From History.

For anyone drawn to historical mysteries, lost civilizations, extinct species, and the artifacts that help explain the past, Kean’s latest book offers a smart, entertaining guide. The New York Times bestselling author and host of The Disappearing Spoon takes readers on a globe-spanning journey through vanished worlds, legendary treasures, forgotten knowledge, and the discoveries that continue to reshape what we know about human history.

What connects these stories, even across millions of years? Loss. Over 13 chapters, Kean explores a wide range of disappearances and rediscoveries, from missing tombs and lost cities to stolen art, ancient technology, vanished species, and entire bodies of knowledge erased by time.

The result is history writing that feels both deeply researched and highly accessible. Kean has a gift for blending big ideas with vivid detail, surprising context, and moments of humor that make the material feel alive. In the section on Leonardo da Vinci, for example, readers not only encounter the mystery of lost and recovered works, but also a more personal glimpse of the artist, including his habit of clashing with Michelangelo over Dante.

Among the many fascinating subjects covered in The Museum of Lost Things are:

• The lost city of Troy
• The hidden tomb of Genghis Khan
• The destruction of the Library of Alexandria
• The near loss of the Mona Lisa and other priceless works of art
• The decipherment of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs
• The extinction, and possible revival, of dodos, mammoths, and other iconic species

Along the way, readers will pick up plenty of unforgettable stories and surprising facts, including the creation of the Antikythera mechanism, often described as the oldest known analog computer, and the remarkable story of deciphering the Mayan language.

Why The Museum of Lost Things stands out

More than a collection of history stories, Kean’s book explores how fragile human knowledge can be—and how much effort it takes to recover it. Archaeologists, historians, linguists, and scientists all appear in these pages as part of a larger story about curiosity, persistence, and the challenge of reconstructing the past from whatever survives.

That makes The Museum of Lost Things especially appealing for readers interested in archaeology, ancient history, lost artifacts, forgotten civilizations, and the enduring mysteries that still shape our understanding of the world. It’s the kind of book that invites you to look backward—and then wonder what traces of our own era will remain for future generations.

If you’re looking for a compelling history book about lost treasures, legendary cities, extinct animals, and the search for the past, The Museum of Lost Things is well worth adding to your reading list. Find it on Disney Books or wherever books are sold.

2026-09-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you trying to add more whole foods and vegetables to your diet? Consider an often overlooked option: fresh artichokes. This Mediterranean diet staple is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to eat healthier. Plus, artichokes dovetail with many of today’s biggest wellness priorities, from gut health to improved sleep and healthy aging. They’re also surprisingly easy to prepare and remarkably versatile in the kitchen. Here are three reasons artichokes deserve a prime spot on your grocery list.

1. Artichokes are an easy and tasty way to eat more fiber

Fibermaxxing has been getting a lot of attention lately, and for good reason. According to UCLA Health, increasing your fiber intake can help lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of developing several chronic diseases. That said, only 5% of U.S. adults eat the daily recommended amount of fiber.

The good news is that artichokes are a fiber-rich food. Just one medium-sized artichoke contains 7 grams of fiber, roughly one-third of your daily fiber needs. By adding artichokes to your meals, you’re improving your fiber intake, one meaty leaf at a time.

2. They’re a whole food with a whole lot of nutrients

Nutrient-dense artichokes are a whole food that is as good for you as it is delicious. The veggie’s prebiotics and probiotics can improve gut health and balance blood sugar, while its antioxidants support healthy aging. They’re also high in magnesium, which can support better sleep.

3. Artichokes are simple to prepare and easy to add to your meals

If you’ve never cooked an artichoke, you’d be surprised by how simple the vegetables are to prepare. Start by giving them a good rinse and light scrub. Then, snip the top, trim off the end of the stem and remove any small leaves around the base.

Now that your artichokes are clean, you can steam, boil, grill, air fry, microwave or slow cook them. The simplest way to eat artichokes is to dress them with lemon, olive oil and seasonings of your choice, then bake.

Once cooked, you can cool, cover and refrigerate the artichokes so you can incorporate them into your meal plan throughout the week. You reheat and serve them with a savory dip, toss the hearts into salads and grain bowls, or grill them alongside fish or chicken.

An artichoke producer with deep roots

Are you ready to start your artichoke adventure? When searching for artichokes in the produce department, make sure to choose ones from a brand with a history of quality and care like Ocean Mist Farms.

Since 1924, the company has grown to become the largest grower and supplier of fresh artichokes in North America. Its ongoing commitment to thoughtful varietal development and selection, combined with sustainable farming practices, helps ensure the exceptional quality, flavor and year-round availability of its flagship crop. To learn more and discover delicious artichoke recipes, visit OceanMist.com.