Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-10-30T15:35:00

(BPT) – If you believe that smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will work indefinitely, you’re not the only one. According to the 2026 First Alert^® Safety Pulse survey*, only 7% of homeowners know that smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.

This is just one of many misconceptions about fire safety that can put your homes and your loved ones at risk. Read on to discover the truth behind some of the most common fire safety myths and learn how to better protect your home and those who live in it.

Myth: I only need smoke and/or CO alarms in the kitchen and common areas.

Fact: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including the basement.

Myth: Alarm batteries are difficult to replace.

Fact: Some newer smoke and CO alarms make it easy to replace batteries. For example, First Alert smoke, CO and combination alarms feature side-load battery drawers, allowing batteries to be replaced without removing the alarm from the ceiling.

Myth: I only need to test a smoke alarm when it’s first installed.

Fact: Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month to ensure they are working properly. This is an often overlooked fire safety task: only 34% of homeowners regularly test their alarms, according to the Safety Pulse report.

Regular testing matters because a working alarm can give you valuable time to react, alert your family and get out safely. Look for next-generation alarms like newer models from First Alert that feature a centrally located Test/Silence button, nearly three times larger than previous models, which provides convenient access for routine testing and temporary alarm silencing.

Myth: Smoke alarms always make annoying chirps when batteries need to be changed.

Fact: That unmistakable chirp does, in fact, signal a low-battery warning, but some alarms are making battery reminders less annoying and more helpful. The next generation of First Alert smoke and CO alarm models feature SoftCue™ replacement reminders. Instead of a grating chirp, SoftCue uses a gentle sound to remind users that the batteries need to be replaced 3-5 days in advance, making the reminders less disruptive and giving homeowners time to address the issue.

Myth: Smoke and CO alarms don’t need to be cleaned.

Fact: Alarms should be cleaned about once a month to ensure they work properly when it matters most. Less than a third of homeowners (29%) regularly clean or dust their smoke alarms, leaving buildup that can trigger nuisance alarms, chirping, reduced performance or other unexpected behavior.

Myth: All fire and CO alarms are basically the same.

Fact: Not all smoke alarms offer the same safety features or technology. For example, First Alert smoke, CO and combination alarms feature Precision Detection™. This advanced sensing technology is designed to provide earlier warning of fires in modern homes, where contemporary building materials and furnishings can burn hotter and spread faster.

Myth: If a fire breaks out, I’ll have plenty of time to get out.

Fact: According to the NFPA, you have as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds. That’s why an important part of fire safety is to create and practice an escape plan at least twice a year.

Knowing what’s true and what’s fiction when it comes to fire safety and devices can help you create a protected, prepared home. To learn more about fire safety, visit the First Alert Safety Corner blog. To learn more about First Alert products, visit FirstAlert.com.

*Resideo Fire Safety Pulse, 2026: Results are based on the responses of 2,000 homeowners aged 18-65 living in the U.S. who completed an online survey.

2026-10-30T14:31:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• Eighty years after Soldiers at Fort Meade, Maryland, invented “touch and tail,” the Army launched its first men’s and women’s flag football teams through its All-Army Sports program.
• Both inaugural U.S. Army flag football teams competed against other military branches and won silver in the Armed Forces Flag Football Championship in San Antonio, Texas.
• As flag football gains momentum worldwide ahead of its 2028 Olympic debut in Los Angeles, the U.S. Army’s Soldier-athletes bring their own backgrounds, skills, and experiences to the field.

Flag football traces its roots to World War II, when Soldiers at Fort Meade, Maryland, created a non-contact version of football called “touch and tail” to pass the time between missions and deployments. Eighty years later, a new generation of Soldiers is carrying this tradition forward.

In 2026, the Army established its inaugural men’s and women’s flag football teams through All-Army Sports, a program that allows Soldiers to compete across a variety of sports at the elite level while maintaining their Army careers. To qualify, Soldiers underwent an intense training camp where they were evaluated on their technical skills, athletic performance, teamwork and ability to perform under pressure.

After finalizing the rosters, the selected teams competed at the Armed Forces Flag Football Championship in San Antonio, Texas. Both teams earned silver medals at the championship, and a deep appreciation for the camaraderie they built during their short time together. Member of the men’s team, Sgt. 1st Class Raekwon Bouges, recalls, “Competing alongside other Soldiers was probably one of the best parts of the entire experience. You have individuals coming from different duty stations, backgrounds, and military occupations, but everyone comes together with the same goal, which is to win and represent the Army.”

The debut of All-Army flag football comes as it gains momentum as one of the world’s fastest growing sports — reporting a 50% increase since 2020 — and prepares to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. For these Soldiers, competing on the field connects the sport’s history with a new, exciting chapter. “Flag football is its own sport, with different positions, strategies, and skill sets that separate it from tackle football. Now, the world is beginning to recognize and appreciate those differences,” says men’s team member, Staff Sgt. Justin Jordan.

Read on to learn more about the Army’s flag football talent:

1st Lt. Ky’Achia Carey returns to the football field with the Army

1st Lt. Ky’Achia Carey was 6 years old when she wandered onto a Cincinnati youth football field where her younger brother was practicing. Despite joining as the only girl on the team after years of playing with her dad and brother, she continued to play football until middle school, before transitioning to softball, track and cross country, and basketball.

She continued her track and cross country career at West Virginia State University, while also enrolling in a military science course. This showed her the possibility of Army service, prompting her to join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), and eventually commissioning into the Army as a Logistics Officer at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Football came back into her life in 2022, when she joined a local women’s team forming nearby, and by the time the Army announced it was building its own flag football roster, she had already played on several teams. She sent in a highlight reel to the coach showing her abilities, saying, “I have a resume. I have the talent. Let’s go play.”

She made the roster and caught the pass that gave the Army its first touchdown of the Armed Forces Flag Football Championship — a full circle moment that reminded her how far she had come from being the only girl on her youth football team. But her clearest memory is from a game against the Air Force. The Army team was down by two and hadn’t put a point on the board when she ran a straight route to the end zone and caught the ball. “That touchdown was sweet,” she said, and one of the four she scored throughout the competition. It was quickly followed by an interception from a teammate that showed what can happen when everyone continues to fight and do their part.

But what stayed with her the most was a children’s camp the players led during training. Carey taught one boy a spin move, then watched him pull it off in a scrimmage minutes later. “I hope this kid looks back at that moment and says, ‘This is why I play football,'” she said.

Maj. Quinetta Forby continues her family legacy of service and sports

As the daughter of two Army Soldiers, Maj. Quinetta Forby lived in North Carolina, Japan, and Germany, before her family settled in Georgia. “I did not want to join the Army, to be honest,” she said. “I wanted to go to college, play sports, and go do other things.” But when she realized that the Army would help pay for her college degree, she joined the ROTC program at Tuskegee University and commissioned into the Army as a Logistics Officer, the same job her mother had held years before her.

She started playing flag football just a few years ago, after growing up playing basketball and running track. When the Army announced the creation of a flag football team, she knew she had to apply — following in her mother’s footsteps again, who played on an All-Army basketball team.

In the Army’s second meeting with the Air Force at the tournament, Forby read the quarterback early, stepped in front of a pass, and ran it back for a touchdown on one of the first plays of the game. “It just so happened to be the only touchdown for that game,” she said.

During competition, she remembers the way the team kept pulling each other up when things went wrong. “Forget all the noise. It’s us out on the field,” she said of the mindset that carried them through.

Educator Staff Sgt. Rayanna Johnson hopes to coach one day

Staff Sgt. Rayanna Johnson had been teaching for more than a decade in Jacksonville, Florida, when she joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 2019. Going active duty never felt right to her. “I love my kids,” she said. “I couldn’t leave them.” Serving in the Reserve let her do both, and she has spent the years since balancing drill weekends while teaching and coaching a variety of sports including volleyball, basketball, and flag football.

Shortly after basic training, a friend invited her to a local co-ed flag football league, and she loved it right away. Six years and dozens of tournaments later, she has played internationally in Colombia and competed at the Flag Football World Championships in Tampa, Florida. While deployed to Kuwait, she organized intramural tournaments on base that drew more than 200 competitors.

When the Army announced it was forming its first flag football roster, friends from her deployment kept sending her the flyer until she gave in. She made the team, and in the tournament, she stepped in front of a pass intended for an Air Force receiver and returned the interception deep into Army territory before being tackled a few yards short of the end zone. “It was the best moment of the game,” she said. “A momentum changer for sure.”

Her next goal is to earn a spot on the combined U.S. military team competing at the 2027 CISM Games, the International Military Sports Council’s world championships. After that, she plans to keep coaching, telling her own students there’s no age limit on starting something new. “You can’t really put a time limit on your own greatness,” she said.

The Army offers plenty of opportunities for Soldiers to continue their athletic goals while representing the Army and the country — from All Army Sports to the World Class Athlete Program, which supports elite Soldier-athletes as they pursue the highest levels of competition, including the Olympic stage.

For more information on these opportunities and all the possibilities of Army service, visit GoArmy.com.

2026-10-30T09:31:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Culinary professionals offer five ways for foodies to discover local foods, cultures, seasons and agriculture.
• Travel can focus on hyperlocal foods and what’s in season to heighten the flavor of culinary travel experiences.
• Tips include seeking food festivals, foraging weekends and farm-to-table wine dinners like those offered throughout agriculturally rich areas like Michigan.

Some of the most meaningful parts of vacations involve experiencing local foods, fresh ingredients and related customs, but how do you find authentic spots and dishes? According to people who work in the food business, you can uncover great culinary moments while traveling using the following tricks.

1. Eat the season: How to align your trip with the harvest

Freshly picked cherries from Klenk Orchards in Sparta, Michigan. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

Epicureans don’t just ask where to eat; they ask when. Timing your travels to the harvest or what’s in season offers a more flavorful experience. In Michigan, the second most agriculturally diverse state in America, this means seeking out peaches and sweet corn in late summer or earthy dishes featuring foraged ramps (wild leeks) and morels in the spring.

“I tell people to plan around produce, from spring rhubarb and asparagus to the last autumn apples and winter squash — even maple tapping season,” says cookbook author and baker Martin Sorge. “Check with local farmers to confirm when peak season is to plan your trip, and remember Northern Michigan can be several weeks behind other areas of the Midwest. You’ll find the best Northern Michigan cherries mid-to-late July, for example.”

“There’s an incredible sense of pride, community and connection to nature in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so I aim to let the land tell the story and guide the menu by using hyperlocal, seasonal produce and foraged goods,” says Carrie Masters, chef and owner of Bird & Toad in Marquette. “My favorite meals are often pieced together from local purveyors, and they are always best enjoyed out in nature right where the ingredients came from.”

2. Follow the footprints of food cultures

Culinary and beverage offerings at Highlands Detroit. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

Authentic food cultures thrive within regional enclaves. Seek out areas where immigrant populations have come to anchor the local cuisine or create fresh fusion experiences, like Detroit-area Levantine bakeries and cafés.

“Detroit has become like a mini-Los Angeles, with pockets of truly surprising and authentic international cuisine and fusions, like Mexican, Cantonese and amazing Korean-American chefs cooking the foods of their home, and adopted city,” says Matt Rodbard, an award-winning food and culture writer and editor of TASTE.

3. Anchor travel around food-focused festivals

Rather than rushing between scattered dining spots, use slow travel principles to anchor your itinerary around regional celebrations, such as harvest and food and wine festivals, like the November Art Coast Food and Wine Festival in Saugatuck Douglas. During these events you can sample a wide range of local flavors at their peak.

4. Engage in the meal prep

True food travel means getting your hands dirty. Seek out u-pick farms and orchards, foraging walks with resort chefs or creamery workshops, like those offered throughout Michigan’s wine coast at properties like Black Star Farms. Participating in the harvest or subsequent meal preparation builds a tangible connection to the land and makes the final dish more rewarding.

“The best culinary experiences give you a sense of place,” says Danny Simmons, director of culinary and events at Black Star Farms. “We believe in the idea that what grows together, goes together, and we build our food and wine experiences around what Northern Michigan is giving us in that moment alongside wines grown and made here. Through experiences like our hands-on cooking classes, dinners and other culinary programs, we invite guests to be part of that connection rather than simply observe it, gaining a deeper understanding of the land, the season and what pairs well together.”

5. Embrace unexpected and interesting pairings

Pair a funky Michigan washed-rind cheese with a dry heirloom hard cider, or local Great Lakes whitefish with a crisp Old Mission Peninsula Riesling. Local wines, beers and aged ingredients are an artifact of the landscape.

Keep these tips in mind as you plan your next vacation. You don’t need to work in the culinary industry to uncover vibrant flavors and authentic experiences when traveling.

Photo above: People enjoying the autumn harvest at Chateau Chantal winery on Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula. Photo credit: Pure Michigan

2026-10-29T13:01:00

(BPT) – Do you know how often you should replace your smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) alarms? When’s the last time you tested your alarm? Do you have enough smoke and CO alarms in your home?

If you don’t know the answer to these simple yet important fire safety questions, you’re not alone. According to the 2026 First Alert^® Safety Pulse survey*, there is a significant gap in homeowners’ knowledge of smoke and CO alarms. Read on to see if you know the answers to these eight critical fire safety questions.

How many smoke alarms do I need for my home?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including the basement.

How often should I replace a smoke or CO alarm?

You should replace your alarms every 10 years. If you assumed that smoke and CO alarms will work forever, you’re not alone. Only 7% of homeowners surveyed know that smoke and CO alarms should be replaced every 10 years.

Are alarm batteries difficult to replace?

How difficult it is to replace alarm batteries depends on the type of alarm you have. Some models require you to remove the alarm from the ceiling to change its batteries, a task that 41% of homeowners don’t want to do. Other models, like the new First Alert alarms, feature side-load battery drawers, allowing batteries to be replaced without removing the alarm from the ceiling.

Do I need to clean the smoke and CO alarms?

Yes, you should regularly clean your alarms, about once a month. Less than a third of homeowners (29%) regularly clean or dust their smoke alarms. Overlooking this simple but important maintenance task can cause dust and debris buildup that can trigger nuisance alarms, chirping, reduced performance or other unexpected behavior.

How often should I test an alarm?

You should test your smoke and CO alarms at least once a month to ensure they are working properly. According to the Safety Pulse survey, only 34% of homeowners regularly test their alarms. Testing your alarm helps ensure you’ll be alerted should a fire break out, giving you valuable time to react, gather your family and get out of the home safely.

To make regular testing easier, consider installing next-generation alarms like First Alert smoke, CO and combination alarms. These alarms feature a centrally located Test/Silence button, nearly three times larger than in previous models, providing convenient access for routine testing and temporary alarm silencing.

Do I need a fire extinguisher?

Yes, you absolutely need a fire extinguisher in your home. The First Alert Safety Pulse found that 65% of homeowners keep a fire extinguisher at home. If you’re one of the 35% who don’t, purchase a fire extinguisher for every level of your house, as well as the kitchen and garage.

If a fire breaks out, how much time do I have to leave?

According to the NFPA, you have as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once a smoke alarm sounds. Contemporary building materials and furnishings can burn hotter and spread faster than older homes built with natural materials. That’s why it’s critical that you install alarms with advanced sensing technology that provides earlier fire warnings, so you can make every second count.

Should I prepare a home fire escape plan?

Yes, you should establish a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year. The survey found that only 19% of homeowners have a home fire escape plan. Having a plan in place and practicing it can help your household stay safe if the worst were to happen.

Home fire safety isn’t difficult. Knowing the answers to these eight important questions can help you better prepare your home in case of a fire. To learn more about fire safety, visit the First Alert Safety Corner blog. To learn more about First Alert products, visit FirstAlert.com.

*Resideo Fire Safety Pulse, 2026: Results are based on the responses of 2,000 homeowners aged 18-65 living in the U.S. who completed an online survey.

2026-10-29T12:01:00

(BPT) – Kairo was a baby when his seizures began. Hospital stays, tests and medications followed, and eventually his family had a name for what he was facing: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).

For families like Kairo’s, epilepsy is only part of the story.

LGS is a rare, severe form of epilepsy that develops in young children and can lead to lifelong disability. The condition affects about 50,000 in the United States and 1 million worldwide.

While seizures are a defining feature of LGS, their impact can extend much further. People with LGS typically experience more than one type of seizure, sometimes several in a single day, and most continue to have seizures despite trying multiple medications. LGS can also affect development, communication and behavior, creating complex and evolving needs for individuals and the families who care for them.

Behind every diagnosis is a family

The journey with LGS can involve uncertainty, medical appointments, treatment decisions and the ongoing demands of care. No two experiences are exactly alike.

Kairo’s family says their early concerns were brushed off, and that some of the hardest moments have come from fighting for access to care and essential equipment, not only from the seizures themselves. What has helped most is doctors who listen and families who understand. As his mom puts it, “Families like ours should not have to fight this hard to keep our children safe.”

Stories like Kairo’s are a reminder that behind every diagnosis is a person, and that LGS affects the entire family.

Awareness can open doors

Every year on Nov. 1, the LGS community comes together for International LGS Awareness Day™. This day brings families, advocates, healthcare professionals, researchers and supporters together to increase understanding of the condition, advocate for change and help accelerate research.

This awareness is important all year long as it helps families find something deeply important: connection.

The LGS Foundation provides opportunities for families to connect through online communities, patient navigators, family ambassadors, private support networks and other resources developed for people affected by LGS.

Families can also help shape the future of LGS research

There is currently no cure for LGS, and more than 85% of children with the condition will continue to experience seizures into adulthood despite available treatments.

Better understanding LGS requires learning directly from the people who live with it. Through the LGS-CORE Study, individuals and families with LGS can contribute information about their experiences, symptoms, treatments, milestones and quality of life. That information can help researchers identify patterns, understand unmet needs and explore new directions for research and care.

The study reflects a larger principle behind the LGS Foundation’s research efforts: Families help shape the questions researchers seek to answer. Its multi-year Powering Breakthroughs research plan puts families at the center and focuses research on improving outcomes that matter to people living with LGS.

Learn, connect and take action

The LGS Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by LGS by supporting families, increasing awareness and advancing research.

Take a moment to learn more about LGS, share reliable information with someone who may benefit, or connect with the community to help make a rare condition more visible and better understood.

Visit the International LGS Awareness Day™ website to learn more and find ways to get involved.

This article was developed by SK Life Science, Inc., a proud supporter of the LGS Foundation.

2026-10-29T12:01:00

(BPT) – Between packed calendars, family activities and preparations for the holidays, figuring out which vaccines you need may not be at the top of your to-do list. But with respiratory illness season underway, a little planning now can help in the months ahead.

From flu and COVID-19 to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease, vaccines are available to help protect against severe illness — and getting vaccinated may be easier than you think.

Respiratory vaccines are offered in a variety of locations, typically at no cost to you. Knowing which vaccines you may need, where to get them and what your insurance covers can help you prepare to protect your health this season.

Start with what’s recommended for you

With several respiratory vaccines available, the vaccines that are right for you can depend on factors such as your age, health and vaccination history.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and leading medical societies broadly includes flu and COVID-19 vaccination for all adults, as well as pneumococcal vaccination for adults ages 50 and older. RSV vaccination is recommended for all adults ages 75 and older, and adults ages 50-74 who are at increased risk for severe illness.

Checking your vaccination history and talking with a trusted healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse or pharmacist, can help you determine your best options. Your provider can also help you better understand your risk for respiratory illness.

Ways to fit vaccination into your schedule

Whether you’re scheduling an annual checkup, stopping by your local pharmacy or simply reviewing your vaccination history, now is a good time to think about protecting your health.

Finding time for another appointment isn’t always easy, but doctors’ offices, pharmacies, community health centers and other local clinics are all convenient places to get vaccinated.

A doctor’s office can be a good place to start, particularly if you have questions. Pharmacies can offer added flexibility, with many providing walk-in appointments or evening and weekend hours. And if you need more than one vaccine, you may be able to receive them during the same visit. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if this is an option.

A little planning can make vaccination easier

Once you’ve decided where to go, a few simple steps can help make your vaccination visit go smoothly.

Wherever you plan to get vaccinated, consider calling ahead to find out which vaccines are available, whether you need an appointment and whether the location accepts your insurance. A quick check can help you know what to expect before your visit.

Private and public health insurance plans cover recommended vaccines at no cost to you. If you don’t have insurance, you may be able to access vaccines free of cost through patient assistance programs or state or local health departments.

Bring your insurance card with you to get vaccinated, along with any available vaccination records. It can also be helpful to have a list of your current medications and allergies, especially if you’re visiting a new provider. Your appointment is also a good opportunity to ask questions about what to expect after getting vaccinated.

Looking for more information? Talk with a healthcare provider and make a plan using CVEEP’s Vaccine Locator to find a vaccination location near you. Visit CVEEP.org to learn about vaccines and how they help protect your health.

2026-10-29T08:01:01

(BPT) – Did you know that if you are on a GLP-1, you may be more prone to certain oral health problems, like cavities? Some people taking GLP-1s have experienced side effects including dry mouth, halitosis (bad breath), and decreased saliva, which may increase your risk for cavities and/or gingivitis. That means it’s especially important to maintain good oral health practices while on this type of medication.

“Oral health is connected to your overall health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Maria Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer at Colgate-Palmolive. “Any time you take a new medication, such as a GLP-1, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider about any potential side effects, so you can proactively address possible issues.”

Try these simple oral health tips, in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, to help you feel more confident throughout your GLP-1 journey.

Keep regular dental appointments

One key way to maintain good oral health is through timely semi-annual cleanings and checkups with your dentist. Preventive dentistry helps ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy, and helps catch issues early, when they’re more easily treatable.

Pro tip: Use your favorite calendar system or app to ensure that you don’t forget about these crucial appointments. Connecting your dental appointments with specific dates, like your birthday or another holiday, can also help you remember to schedule them.

Use products designed specifically for proactive care

The best oral health products help prevent problems before they can even start. For example, you can stay on top of your oral health while on your GLP-1 journey with help from Colgate Total Active Prevention Toothpaste, which fights the root cause of many oral health problems like cavities and gingivitis with twice daily brushing.* Colgate Total toothpaste contains bioactive stannous fluoride, which is specially formulated to provide long-lasting antibacterial protection and a unique mode of action for sensitivity relief, gingivitis, erosion and cavity protection.

“Colgate Total Active Prevention Toothpaste helps you be proactive about your oral health when used as directed by reducing bacteria that accumulates in plaque and hardens to calculus or tartar, causing oral health problems such as cavities, gingivitis, sensitivity, bad breath and weakened enamel,” added Dr. Ryan. “Being proactive about oral hygiene is particularly important when you’re taking any medications that may have an impact on your oral health, such as GLP-1s.”

Pro tip: Stock up on Colgate Total to help maintain your oral hygiene habits at Walmart.com.

Stack hygiene habits

You probably already know that you need to brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss and use mouthwash as needed, but it can be all too easy to forget. Many behavioral experts recommend the practice of “habit stacking,” which can help habits you want to keep become a regular part of your day, so you no longer have to think about them.

For example, if you have a habit you already perform automatically, like taking a shower in the morning or putting in your contact lenses, add brushing and/or flossing your teeth just before or after that habit, to start thinking of them as one complete unit. Stacking habits together makes them automatic, so it’s a lot less likely you’ll forget one part of that routine.

Pro tip: Assemble a portable oral health kit that’s small enough to take along to work or wherever else your day takes you, making it easier to brush and floss after a meal even when you’re away from home.

While you’re taking positive steps to improve your overall physical health, don’t forget that your oral health is just as important. You can find Colgate Total Toothpaste at Walmart.com and all major retailers. You can also visit Colgate.com to learn more about GLP-1s and oral health.

*via bacteria reduction, oral health problem like cavities and gingivitis with twice daily brushing

2026-10-29T09:01:01

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Before surgery, it’s vital for parents and caregivers to help prepare a child by following fasting and medication instructions, and sharing complete information about the child’s health.
• CRNAs, also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, provide anesthesia and pain management before, during and after procedures, including continuous monitoring during anesthesia.
• Parents and caregivers can find practical information, questions to ask and recovery tips by visiting AnesthesiaAnswers.org, a resource from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).

It’s never easy to have a child who needs surgery, and it’s natural to have many questions. To help families find clear, practical information, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology created AnesthesiaAnswers.org, an online resource about anesthesia, procedures and recovery.

AANA represents Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists, who provide anesthesia and pain management before, during and after procedures.

To help families prepare, AANA offers the following guidance about what to expect before, during and after anesthesia.

Why it’s crucial to follow instructions before surgery

You play an essential role in your child’s safety because you know them better than anyone else.

“Parents are an important part of the anesthesia safety team,” said Suzanne Wright, Ph.D., CRNA, FAANA, chair of AANA’s Patient Safety Advisory Panel. “Follow your child’s preoperative instructions carefully, and never hesitate to ask questions. Knowing when your child last ate, drank, or took medication, for example, can make a meaningful difference in keeping them safe during anesthesia.”

Parents will receive specific instructions for their child about when to stop eating and drinking. Following these instructions exactly helps reduce the chance that food or liquid in the stomach could enter the lungs under anesthesia, a serious complication called aspiration.

What you should know before your child gets anesthesia

Before surgery, a CRNA or other anesthesia professional will review when your child last ate or drank, discuss your child’s health and assess their airway.

Make sure to tell the CRNA about any current or recent respiratory illness — including a cold, flu or COVID-19 — and symptoms such as coughing, congestion, fever or wheezing, even if your child seems to have recovered. Recent respiratory infections can leave a child’s airway more sensitive for several weeks and may increase the risk of breathing problems during or after anesthesia. Providing detailed information helps the anesthesia team assess your child’s individual risk and determine whether any changes to the anesthesia plan or timing of an elective procedure should be considered.

The CRNA will:

• Confirm past experiences: You’ll be asked how your child has done with anesthesia before, and about family history of rare reactions.
• Review anesthesia plan: They will explain the plan, introduce the anesthesia professionals caring for your child and review consent forms.
• Ease anxiety: Children may receive medication to help them relax, either by mouth, through the nose or through an IV, depending on their age. Child life specialists may be available to help reduce anxiety.

The most important thing to do before surgery is to follow all your healthcare provider’s instructions.

2026-10-28T10:57:00

(BPT) – As the weather cools and fall routines settle in, there’s something special about gathering around the table to enjoy comforting meals with family and friends. From cozy weeknight dinners to casual weekend gatherings, autumn offers plenty of opportunities to slow down, reconnect and savor the flavors of the season.

But creating a memorable meal doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen, preparing elaborate recipes or planning the perfect gathering. Sometimes, the simplest touches can make an everyday meal feel extraordinary.

Chef and food creator Jenny Martinez, known for her approachable cooking style and flavorful recipes, believes great meals are about more than what’s on the plate. They’re about bringing people together, enjoying delicious food and finding simple ways to make everyday moments special. With that in mind, she shares five easy ways to bring more flavor, freshness and warmth to fall meals without the fuss.

1. Bring Fall Colors and Flavors to the Table

One of the easiest ways to embrace autumn is to incorporate the season’s beautiful colors and comforting flavors into everyday meals. Think roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, colorful vegetables and crisp, fresh greens. Combining warm seasonal ingredients with fresh elements creates a delicious contrast of flavors, colors and textures.

You can carry the seasonal inspiration beyond the plate with a few simple decorative touches. Add a small arrangement of fall flowers, light a few candles or use warm-toned napkins to create an inviting atmosphere. The key is to keep things simple. A colorful meal served in a welcoming setting can make even an ordinary Tuesday dinner feel like a special occasion.

2. Give Everyday Favorites a Restaurant-Inspired Twist

You don’t need a complicated recipe or an expensive restaurant reservation to make dinner feel special. Small upgrades can transform familiar dishes into something exciting. Finish roasted chicken with fresh herbs, add a flavorful sauce to grilled proteins or serve pasta with a colorful salad for a fresh contrast.

Presentation matters, too. Arrange ingredients thoughtfully, use your favorite serving dishes and add a finishing touch of herbs, cheese or crunchy toppings.

3. Balance Comfort Food with Something Fresh

Fall is the season for comforting favorites, from hearty casseroles and roasted meats to warm pasta dishes and savory seasonal vegetables. One simple way to make these meals even more enjoyable is to pair rich, comforting flavors with something crisp and refreshing.

A fresh salad adds a welcome contrast in texture and flavor, helping create a satisfying meal without requiring additional time in the kitchen.

Try pairing roasted chicken with a crunchy chopped salad, serving a fresh green salad alongside baked pasta or adding colorful vegetables to a favorite family dinner. The result is a delicious combination of comforting and fresh flavors that makes seasonal meals feel complete.

4. Keep Fall Entertaining Simple and Stress-Free

Hosting friends and family should be about enjoying time together, not spending the entire gathering in the kitchen. Instead of preparing an elaborate menu, choose a few dishes that are easy to make, serve and share. Build the meal around a favorite main course, then complement it with convenient sides and seasonal ingredients.

Preparing certain dishes ahead of time can also make entertaining easier. Roast vegetables in advance, prepare sauces before guests arrive and choose fresh sides that require minimal preparation. Family-style serving is another simple way to create a relaxed atmosphere. Place dishes in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.

For larger gatherings, invite guests to contribute a favorite appetizer, side dish or dessert. Sharing the preparation makes the occasion feel more collaborative and gives everyone an opportunity to bring something special to the table.

With a few smart shortcuts, you can spend less time preparing and more time enjoying the company.

5. Make Mealtime About More Than the Meal

Some of the most memorable moments happen around the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal with family or a casual gathering with friends, taking time to connect can turn an ordinary dinner into something meaningful.

Create simple traditions that everyone can look forward to, such as a weekly family dinner, taco night or a favorite seasonal meal. Encourage everyone to put away their phones, share stories from their day and enjoy the experience of being together.

And remember, memorable meals don’t have to be elaborate. A delicious main dish, a fresh salad and a welcoming table are often all you need.

For a seasonal dinner that brings comforting flavors and freshness together, try this Thanksgiving Roasted Chicken with Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad. The combination of roasted chicken, butternut squash and a crisp, flavorful salad makes a delicious addition to fall gatherings.

Thanksgiving Roasted Chicken with Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Resting time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (10.9-ounce) package Fresh Express^® Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit
• 1 (6-ounce) package stovetop stuffing
• 2 raw chickens
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Remove the giblets and any other contents from the chicken cavities.
3. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder and black pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
4. Place chickens in an appropriately sized roasting pan or baking dish. Tie legs together and tuck wings underneath. Brush with the seasoned butter mixture.
5. Toss butternut squash with olive oil and remaining Italian seasoning. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and season lightly with salt.
6. Roast chickens for approximately 60 minutes. Add the butternut squash to the oven and continue roasting for approximately 25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Cooking time will vary depending on chicken size. Baste periodically with the butter mixture.
7. Remove chickens from the oven, tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
8. Place the greens from the Fresh Express Sunflower Crisp Chopped Kit in a large bowl. Add the roasted butternut squash and toss gently. Add the included dressing and toppings, then toss to combine.
9. Serve the roasted chicken alongside the Sunflower Crisp salad.

Bring More Freshness and Flavor to Fall

Making fall meals memorable doesn’t require complicated recipes or elaborate preparation. With a few seasonal ingredients, fresh flavors and convenient shortcuts, it’s easy to create delicious meals that bring everyone together.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual fall gathering, the best meals are often the ones that leave more time to enjoy the people around your table. For more entertaining tips and recipe inspirations, visit freshexpress.com.

2026-10-26T13:45:00

(BPT) – There’s something truly special about the cozy, golden-hued magic of a vintage Christmas: the deep emerald greens, rich velvet ribbons, a crackling fireplace and the iconic jewel-toned glow of oversized tree lights from decades past.

In recent years, holiday decor has turned from stark, minimalist monochrome to embrace the warmth of nostalgia. Channeling the cozy chaos of your favorite ’90s Christmas movies, the sophisticated elegance of East Coast maximalism or a playful hot pink retro vibe are all a part of modern holiday styling.

What’s the secret to modern vintage styling? Hint: it’s not about scavenging antiques. Instead, pair classic design elements with modern innovation.

The nostalgia paradox: Tradition meets modern innovation

Before trimming the tree, you’ll need to answer this dilemma: Stick with incandescent lights for that warm retro glow, or switch to modern LEDs? While traditional incandescent lights carry nostalgia, they bring plenty of headaches. Here’s how they stack up against today’s smart LED lights:

• Warmth and glow: Traditional lights have a natural warm glow but a fixed color temperature. With customizable warm RGBIC shades from Govee, you’ll access 16 million colors and tunable whites that can replicate any retro hue.
• Heat and safety: Incandescents get extremely hot, posing a real fire risk. LEDs, however, are cool to the touch and safe around dry pine needles and delicate vintage ornaments.
• Energy and lifespan: Traditional bulbs have high power consumption and bulbs burn out frequently. But LEDs are eco-friendly, long-lasting and use up to 90% less energy.
• Control and customization: Incandescent lights have a single static mode requiring manual plug-in. With today’s LEDs you have full app control for scheduling, plus dynamic scenes and custom color mapping.

The upshot? Traditional incandescents provide warm nostalgia, but smart LEDs refine that experience for the exact retro aesthetics you want — minus the heat and energy draw.

Here are five timeless ways to create vintage holiday decor in your home, and how smart lighting can bring your vision to life.

1. Capture your favorite ’90s cinematic home vibe

Create the perfect Christmas backdrop filled with glowing ornaments and brimming with holiday magic.

How to style: Drape silver globe ornaments along the fireplace mantel together with a natural pine garland to create a warm, layered look for cozy movie nights.

Solution: Govee Christmas 2-in-1 String Lights merge a 99-foot main string light (300 LEDs) with a 26-foot silver ornament strand (20 pull-bulbs). The translucent silver globes project delicate, magical snowflake patterns onto nearby walls and ceilings, instantly transforming your living room into a cozy, snow-dusted ’90s film set.

2. Channel the heritage elegance of The Hamptons

If your holiday mood board is inspired by a classic New England estate — tartan plaids, leather accents, brass bells and deep emerald needles — you need lighting that grounds your tree without visible wires.

How to style: Layer tartan ribbons and brass ornaments on your Christmas tree, keeping the wire invisible deep within the branches.

Solution: Govee Christmas String Lights 2 are designed with a dark green wire that seamlessly vanishes into pine branches. This set features dense RGBWIC LEDs that deliver saturated amber whites, ruby reds and forest greens. Using Govee’s AI Lighting Bot or 130+ present scenes, you can evoke an authentic Hamptons sophistication glow that elevates your tree into an heirloom-worthy centerpiece.

3. Bring back retro dollhouse glam

Love everything pink, vinyl and playful? No need to stick to traditional reds and greens. Instead, your lawn and entryway can be your mid-century pop playground using pink-tinted whites, pastels and jewel tones — with an iconic cone tree silhouette.

How to style: Place a structured cone tree in your entryway, porch or lawn for a bold, multi-dimensional focal point.

Solution: Govee Cone Tree Lights offer high-brightness outdoor smart LEDs for a cone tree that lets you switch between classic red-and-green and dreamlike pink-and-gold color palettes with a single tap. Your outdoor display will have a playful, retro-glam nostalgia, without the hassle of setting up fragile wireframes.

4. Transform windows into vintage storybook and movie displays

In classic holiday cinema, shop windows were transformed into glowing storybooks featuring Santa silhouettes, flickering fireplaces and gentle snowfall.

How to style: Transform a living room window into a dynamic backdrop, layering brass candleholders and velvet drapes on the sill.

Solution: Govee Smart Curtain Lights Pro provides ultra-dense layers of 960 LEDs that let you “paint” pixelated retro Santa art, vintage fireplace flames or soft winter snowfall directly on your window glass, delighting inside guests and outside neighbors alike.

5. Let your lights “dance” to nostalgic music with smart syncing

Music is a big part of holiday magic. Songs from years gone by become the soundtrack to these special times, helping them last a lifetime.

How to style: Create a cozy listening corner with a vintage vinyl player, plush seating and ambient lighting that reacts subtly to the sounds.

Solution: Govee’s built-in Music Sync technology lets your holiday lights react in real time to audio. Simply put on your favorite holiday vinyl or stream a Christmas playlist and use the Govee Home App to synchronize your entire lighting setup. Watch your Govee Christmas Lights softly dance to the rhythm of classic holiday jazz or upbeat carols, creating a fully immersive, multi-sensory vintage experience.

Bringing it all together with Govee

Creating a cozy, retro holiday atmosphere doesn’t mean sacrificing modern convenience or safety. You can celebrate the warmth of past holidays while enjoying the full versatility of today’s technology. Whether you’re evoking holiday film nostalgia, timeless sophistication or a whimsical retro vibe, Govee is the ultimate smart holiday lighting solution to help you bring those vintage vibes to life.

This season, drop the needle on your favorite classic record and elevate your home with style, using dynamic smart features and creating a holiday glow that’s both nostalgic and totally modern.

Visit Govee.com to explore the full Govee Smart Holiday Lighting Collection to customize your holiday decor, bringing timeless festive charm into your home with effortless smart control.