Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-07-31T07:01:02

(BPT) – As the busy back-to-school season approaches, establishing healthy routines now can help students and their families feel more physically and mentally prepared for a successful start to the school year.

To support families as they prepare, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner offers these helpful tips for reducing stress and boosting energy every day.

Ease into a new schedule

After a summer full of inconsistent schedules, it can be a challenge for kids and parents alike to adapt to the more rigorous school year routine. To make this transition a lot smoother, begin adapting to a back-to-school schedule about two weeks before classes start. By gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up times 15 minutes earlier every few days, everyone will find it a lot easier to wake up energized every morning.

Power down before bed

Building healthy bedtime habits can make it easier to get the quality sleep your body needs. To help wind down at the end of the day, Blatner recommends limiting screen time about 60 minutes before bed.

“Reducing exposure to phones, tablets and other electronic devices in the evening can help promote more restful sleep, which makes it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.”

Wake up the body and mind

A consistent morning routine can help reduce stress and set a positive tone before the school day begins. Blatner recommends incorporating 5 to 10 minutes of dynamic stretching, such as arm circles, leg swings, shoulder rolls or walking lunges to help wake up both the body and mind.

These dynamic movements help increase blood flow, loosen muscles after sleep and improve alertness, helping you start the day feeling energized and prepared for whatever’s ahead.

Start your day with a balanced breakfast

Beginning each morning with a balanced breakfast is one of the best ways to fuel focus, support steady energy and prepare both kids and parents for a busy day ahead. Blatner recommends combining high-quality protein with colorful vegetables to help support overall wellness throughout the school and workdays.

One easy way to put that advice into action is by making these Broccoli & Cheddar Egg Muffins from Eggland’s Best. Made with protein-rich eggs, broccoli, cheddar cheese and red bell pepper, they’re a nourishing grab-and-go breakfast that makes busy school mornings a little easier.

Eggland’s Best eggs contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs to help support energy between breakfast and lunchtime. Eggland’s Best eggs also contain six times more Vitamin D to support your cognitive wellness and motor function. Plus, Eggland’s Best eggs have 25% less saturated fat, more than double the Omega-3s and ten times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs.

Broccoli & Cheddar Egg Muffins

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 18-20 minutes; Yield: 12.

Ingredients

• 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 1/4 cup milk at room temperature
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
2. Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Mix in chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced red bell pepper into the egg mixture.
4. Pour the egg mixture into the muffin cups about 3/4 full.
5. Place the muffin tin in a larger baking dish. Carefully pour hot water into the larger dish, filling it about halfway up the sides of the muffin tin.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the egg cups are set.
7. Allow the egg cups to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack, then garnish with chopped fresh chives before serving.

Pro tips: Bake these muffins the night before and store them in an airtight container for an easy breakfast that saves time on hectic weekday mornings.

Find this and more recipe inspiration at Egglandsbest.com/recipes.

“Positive daily habits and good nutrition can make a big difference to support overall health and well-being, especially at times of transition that can be stressful for both kids and adults,” added Blatner.

By following these tips, you and your family will feel ready to start the school year with more pep in your step.

2026-07-30T09:01:00

(BPT) – Does the back-to-school season feel hectic for your family? If you’re navigating a packed schedule and change in family routine, you’re not alone. A survey commissioned by Bob Evans and conducted by Talker Research found that nearly 8 in 10 parents (77%) say back-to-school season makes everyday life feel more hectic and unpredictable.

One task that increases during the school year is driving. Between school drop-offs and extracurricular commitments, parents spend 6,858 minutes driving kids to and from activities during the school year — that’s about 38 minutes a day which equates to 15 full workdays.

Mealtime is also a big stressor, with 66% of parents saying getting dinner on the table makes them feel overextended. A whopping 90% struggle to come up with appealing new dinner ideas during the school week.

If you’re one of the 53% of parents who say finding easy-to-prepare meals would lower their personal stress levels, Bob Evans has got your back. During this busy season, Bob Evans brings comfort to the table with convenient, quick-to-prepare side dishes that make mealtime — and snack time — easier.

Here are tips and recipes to help you and your family settle into the school year routine.

Keep it simple

Setting up a regular rotation of 5-10 easy weeknight meals simplifies grocery shopping and establishes a familiar routine. On weekends, batch-cook or cut up veggies to have them ready for the week. Plan a couple of meals to be DIY-style, where kids can build their own burgers, pizzas or kebabs.

For weeknights that are especially busy with activities, serve easy staples like tacos or even breakfast for dinner.

Enjoy time-saving sides

Meal prep and cleanup are a breeze with comforting, family-favorite sides that can be prepared in just minutes. Bob Evans ready-to-heat dinner sides provide delicious quick-to-table options in less than 10 minutes, with no mess and no stress. Choose kid-pleasers like Bob Evans Macaroni & Cheese in a family size for everyone to share.

Bob Evans sides can be enjoyed as-is or incorporated in a variety of recipes for added flavor and convenience, giving you more time to enjoy special moments with your family.

Make the most of after-school snacks

After a full day of school, it can be tough for kids to make it until dinnertime without some fuel. Providing a hearty, tasty snack will help give kids the energy they need for homework, chores or playtime before sitting down with the family for a full meal or on weekends between activities. Bob Evans Single Serve Original Mashed Potatoes and Macaroni & Cheese offer convenient after-school options, or try one of these tasty recipes kids are bound to love.

Bacon Macaroni & Cheese Quesadillas

Crispy tortillas, creamy macaroni and cheese and smoky bacon combine for a satisfying, kid-friendly snack that’s ready in minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 28 ounces Bob Evans Family Size Macaroni & Cheese
• 6 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F; place 2 large baking sheets in oven while preheating.
2. Spread macaroni and cheese over one side of each tortilla.
3. Top with bacon and shredded cheese.
4. Fold side of tortillas over filling.
5. Spray preheated baking sheets with cooking spray.
6. Transfer quesadillas to pan and spray tops with cooking spray.
7. Bake 10 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.
8. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Mashed Potato Cheese Sticks

This fun, kid-approved snack was made for dipping: crispy on the outside and gooey inside, and wrapped in rich, buttery mashed potatoes.

Prep time: 30 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12-count mozzarella string cheese snack
• 24 ounces Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 15-ounce jar marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Unwrap cheese sticks.
2. Press potatoes around cheese sticks to coat; dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Lightly beat eggs in a shallow dish.
4. Stir together breadcrumbs, cheese, thyme, rosemary and garlic powder in a second shallow dish.
5. Dip coated cheese sticks in beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
6. Dredge in breadcrumb mixture to coat.
7. Place on lightly greased wire rack.
8. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
9. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray.
10. Place coated cheese sticks half-inch apart in air fryer basket.
11. Spray generously with cooking spray.
12. Air-fry in batches 5 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Turn and air fry 3-4 minutes longer.
14. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Get ready for the school year with the Bob Evans Back-to-School Giveaway

Bob Evans is helping families get ready for the upcoming school year by giving away 50 back-to-school kits filled with everyday essentials to support an easier start to the season. To enter to win, visit the Bob Evans Instagram page @BobEvansGrocery and follow the details listed in the giveaway post.

Find products to make your back-to-school meals easier at BobEvansGrocery.com or a grocery store near you.

2026-07-29T08:05:00

(BPT) – Academic excellence isn’t just about gaining knowledge. When students finally grasp a tough concept or ace a challenging test, they begin to feel more confident in their ideas, their future and, ultimately, themselves.

That said, navigating the sheer volume of information, assignments and deadlines from multiple classes can be overwhelming, leading some students to lose their momentum. Fortunately, students can turn these hurdles into important moments of learning and growth with one simple tool: the power of the pen.

A pen can be an active partner in how students process information. Here are three key ways the right writing tool can transform how students learn, study and manage stress this school year.

Color: A catalyst for energy and focus

Color is more than just an aesthetic choice. Strategically choosing colors for taking notes in class, making notecards at home and taking quizzes and tests can shift your mood, energy and mindset.

This isn’t speculation; it’s color science. Many studies have shown that different hues can evoke certain emotions and stimulate specific brain functions:

• Blues can help in soothing nerves and supporting focus
• Pinks encourage warmth and positive thinking
• Greens are thought to foster balance and harmony
• Purples can help fuel imagination and creativity
• Reds, oranges and yellows promote energy, ideas and motivation

Pilot Pen, the makers of America’s favorite gel ink pen, understands the importance of color. Their G2 Boost Collection makes it easy to put color science into practice with five curated assortments that help students organize ideas, color-code notes and study with intention.

Need a finer-point pen for condensing information onto a single index card? Precise pens are engineered for pinpoint precision and come in a gorgeous range of vibrant colors, so even your smallest handwriting can shift your mood and help with retention.

Unlock mental freedom with the power to erase

Because traditional inks are permanent, note-taking, drafting and test prep can feel daunting. This fear of mistakes can cause students to hesitate and stress before they even put pen to paper.

Instead of staying stuck and frazzled, students can use an erasable pen to overcome the fear of failure. Designed for self-expression without the pressure of perfection, the FriXion erasable pens give students the power to write, erase and reorganize as they study. When a student knows they have the freedom to erase a mistake, reorganize their notes and fix equations on a note card, they can write fearlessly and gain the confidence to try again.

Sensory moments matter

Sensory experiences can have a profound impact on the brain. Tactile stimulation like soothing textures, visual input like vibrant colors and sensory feedback like the smooth glide of a pen on paper can help students move from fight-or-flight mode into a focused and grounded state. That’s because these sensory stimuli activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the system responsible for the body’s relaxation response. Incorporating subtle sensory tools into daily life is a practical, simple way to manage stress levels and return to a sense of calm focus.

To navigate tense moments while learning, studying or taking a test, students should choose the G2 Edge Metallics. This fine-point multisensory pen is available in black ink and five colored metallic inks, and is specifically designed to engage a student’s visual, auditory and tactile senses. The click of the pen, the curve of the clip, the textured barrel, the grounding grip and the smooth glide of the ink work together to keep a student calm, focused and clear-headed.

Transforming stress and frustration into resilience

Instead of backing down from confusing assignments, disorganized notes and difficult tests, students can meet these challenges head-on with writing instruments designed to boost confidence and improve learning.

When looking for the right writing tool this school year, pick pens that deliver the power of color, erasability and sensory design like the tools from Pilot Pen. By intentionally pairing learning with tools that offer curated colors, limitless do-overs and sensory benefits, Pilot Pen is helping students take ownership and pride in their educational journey. To find the smart tools that fit your student’s study style, visit StudySmartWithPilot.com.

2026-07-28T06:01:00

(BPT) – Long-term health conditions are playing an increasingly significant role in the lives of Americans. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and hypertension, are impacting the health of millions of Americans and becoming increasingly common.

In the U.S. alone, three in four adults have at least one chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As these numbers continue to rise, it’s more important than ever that people take steps to reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases.

That said, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice about nutrition, exercise or wellness, you’re not alone.

Recent research from global healthcare company Abbott, conducted by Kantar, revealed that while 74% of U.S. adults believe most chronic diseases are preventable, only one in four feel very confident in their ability to care for their health.

When you don’t know what to do or you feel overwhelmed or confused by sometimes conflicting and changing guidelines, making any change to your health habits can seem impossible. However, experts say taking care of your health can be easier than you think and often comes down to small, consistent choices.

“Healthy living is within reach for most people,” said Dr. Dominique R. Williams, MD, MPH, Nutrition Medical Director at Abbott. “Simple, consistent habits around movement, nutrition and preventive care can make a big difference in your overall and long-term health.”

Williams offers five simple, practical steps you can take every day to reclaim and support your long-term health.

Keep track of your basics

Want to improve your health but aren’t sure where to start? Begin by paying attention to three basics: sleep, hydration and daily movement. You don’t need a complicated system. You can use your phone, a notebook or a smartwatch to spot patterns and identify small changes that can make a difference.

Add nutritious foods to every meal

According to Abbott’s study, 96% of Americans believe good nutrition helps prevent chronic disease, but only 30% say they personally eat “very healthy.” While you may be tempted to overhaul your diet to improve your health, there are easier steps you can take.

Instead of focusing on what to cut from your diet, shift your mindset and add nutrient-dense foods to your meals. Williams recommends incorporating more colorful produce, legumes and nuts into your current meals. It can be as simple as tossing a handful of spinach into your morning eggs, adding beans to your favorite soup or grabbing a handful of almonds for an afternoon snack.

Maintain preventive care

If you haven’t already, schedule your annual checkup and any routine screenings that are due. This information gives your care team a clearer picture of your health, and they may be able to catch potential issues like high blood pressure or blood sugar that can lead to chronic disease.

Find ways to move every day

It’s no secret that exercise is good for your body. It is recommended that adults get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week. That number may sound daunting, but don’t let it intimidate you — you don’t have to do it all at once.

“Start small,” Williams said. “Breaking daily activity into bite-size pieces is easier to do and maintain than committing to an hour or more at the gym.”

This week, try taking a 10-minute walk after lunch or doing a quick 15-minute body weight routine in your living room while you watch your favorite show. Remember, every single step counts and just a little more than 20 minutes a day will get you to the recommended goal. That could simply mean taking the stairs during the day and doing a short walk before or after dinner.

Schedule daily self-care

Chronic stress can take a toll on your health. Get ahead of stress by intentionally scheduling daily self-care. Whether you read a book, spend time in nature, go out for dinner with friends or spend five minutes meditating, these small acts of daily care can go a long way in lowering stress.

Small steps can make a big impact

Every small healthy habit you build can help propel you toward a healthier life and work to prevent chronic disease. To learn more about the survey findings and discover additional practical tips for turning your healthy intentions into daily action, visit Abbott.com/HealthyHabits.

2026-07-27T12:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Sanofi

Key Takeaways:

• Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) is a genetic disease causing the liver to produce insufficient or dysfunctional alpha-1 protein, which can leave the lungs less protected from infection and pollutants.¹
• Symptoms of Alpha-1 are similar to other respiratory diseases, making the condition difficult to diagnose.²
• Alpha-1 can impact lung health and lead to serious lung diseases like COPD or emphysema.² Risk can be impacted by multiple factors such as levels of Alpha-1, lifestyle and environment.
• People with COPD, people with asthma and airflow obstruction that doesn’t fully reverse with treatment and family members of anyone with Alpha-1 should ask about getting tested.²

Daryl Kunz loves distance cycling. By age 54, he had clocked thousands of miles annually, winning a regional championship in a 24-hour bike race and several other medals. He was used to cycling long distances, and considered a “century” (100 miles) an enjoyable outing. But one day, on a brisk 60-mile ride, Daryl began experiencing shortness of breath and wheezing for the first time.

These symptoms led to a multi-year journey of frustration. Doctors prescribed medications for asthma and tested for potential heart conditions, but Daryl was no closer to understanding what was happening.

“I went through four years of searching and changing my lifestyle, making me fear I could potentially lose something I absolutely love doing,” said Daryl.

Finally, his pulmonologist tested him for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1), a rare genetic disease that can impact lung health and cause conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).² Daryl was told that his lung capacity was reduced to 58%, and it was likely that his avid cycling helped him to stay as healthy as possible despite his condition.

“Without knowing it, my passion for cycling actually helped slow the damage to my lungs,” said Daryl. “This made me realize how lucky I was to receive my diagnosis when I did so I could get back on track.”

What is Alpha-1?

Alpha-1 occurs when the body cannot make or use enough alpha-1 antitrypsin,¹ a protective protein made in the liver. This protein travels through the bloodstream to the lungs, where it helps protect lung tissue from damage. When alpha-1 protein levels fall below the normal range, individuals may be at an increased risk for lung disease. This risk may be impacted by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle and environmental exposures.²

It’s estimated between 70,000-100,000 people in the U.S. live with severe Alpha-1 but as many as 90% of these individuals aren’t diagnosed.³ As one of the most underdiagnosed genetic diseases in the world, it can take as long as eight years to be correctly diagnosed.⁴

2026-07-27T09:17:00

(BPT) – As students return to the classroom, back-to-school planning extends beyond school supplies and class schedules. It’s also an ideal time for families to create strong routines that support their children’s wellness, foster family well-being and keep household essentials running smoothly.

From hydration habits to laundry care to snacks, these everyday practices can play a meaningful role in helping families start the school year strong. Consistent routines that prioritize hydration, nutrition, cleanliness and household maintenance can help support healthy, productive learning environments.

Why water quality matters throughout the home

Water plays a bigger role in overall well-being than many families realize. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “even mild dehydration, as little as a 1%–2% loss in body water, can negatively affect children’s attention, memory, mood and cognitive performance, all of which are critical for learning.” While healthy eating habits often receive the most attention, the quality of the water students drink each day is key. Clean, great-tasting water can support healthy hydration habits and make it easier for families to choose water over sugary beverages.

Water quality can influence how much water children and adults drink. When water tastes and smells fresh, family members may be more likely to reach for it throughout the day. Additionally, as concerns about water quality continue to grow, many households are looking for ways to improve the water they use every day. Kinetico^®, a global leader in water treatment solutions, recently introduced HYDRO^® ECO™, an electric tankless reverse osmosis system designed to meet the needs of families. By providing cleaner, better-tasting water, hydration can be a simple and sustainable part of a healthy school-year routine.

Building a healthier lunchbox

A well-balanced lunch can help students be ready to learn throughout the school day. When packing lunches and snacks, families can look for foods that provide a balanced mix of nutrients while also supporting healthy hydration habits.

Pairing water with fruits and vegetables is an easy way to support this balance. Water-rich foods such as watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, celery and bell peppers naturally contain high amounts of water, helping students stay hydrated while providing essential vitamins and minerals.

Families can also encourage healthier beverage choices by packing a reusable water bottle each day. Keeping water readily available makes it easier for students to make hydration a regular part of their school-day routine.

Protecting school clothing and uniforms

Back-to-school shopping extends beyond classroom supplies. Every year, families also invest in back-to-school clothes, uniforms and athletic wear. With households spending hundreds of dollars preparing for the school year, protecting those purchases can be an important part of keeping costs manageable.

That protection often starts in the laundry room. Using a trusted detergent, following garment care instructions and avoiding overloading the washing machine can all help extend the life of clothing. Water quality can also play a role. Hard water can leave mineral residue on fabrics, which may contribute to damage and wear over time. Whole-home water softening solutions, from providers like Kinetico, can help reduce the effects of hard water on laundry, helping school clothes and uniforms look and feel their best longer.

Healthy habits beyond the classroom

The beginning of the school year is an opportunity to build healthy habits that support student and family wellness. By prioritizing hydration, balanced routines and thoughtful home care, families can create a strong foundation for success.

2026-07-27T08:01:00

(BPT) – Most students are focused on just getting through high school. However, some students finish high school with a diploma and a college degree thanks to dual enrollment programs.

That’s what happened to Chicago resident Jennifer Brici. This spring, she graduated from DeVry University Advantage Academy (DUAA) and received not only a high school diploma but also an associate degree in Networking and Systems Administration. Now, she’s off at DePaul University to study psychology.

Enrolling in DUAA offered Brici many academic and extracurricular opportunities that she would not otherwise have experienced at her old school. These opportunities allowed her to explore several of her interests, which eventually led her to choose psychology as her main area of study, and it all started with robotics.

“During my junior year at DUAA, I joined the school’s robotics team,” Brici said. “I’ve always wanted to do robotics but never had the chance at my old high school. During DUAA’s open house, I learned that I could easily join the robotics team and start learning right away.”

Joining a robotics team as a junior among mostly seniors was intimidating, but Brici rose to the challenge. When the group’s adviser asked who would take on which responsibilities, Brici considered her organizational skills and volunteered to manage the team’s tools.

“I organized every tool and part in that room,” Brici said. “Anytime someone needed a part, I could quickly find it and bring it over. I may not have known what the parts did, but I knew where they were. That’s how I found my place on the team and was quickly able to help build our robot and learn along the way.”

Thinking outside the box

Brici’s perspective as a relative outsider to robotics came in handy when the team was stumped with an engineering problem during the First Tech Challenge (FTC). For that year’s competition, teams had to create a robot that could lift itself up. While the rest of the team was trying to make it work with a pull-up in mind, Brici suggested a different approach, flipping the robot’s grip to perform a chin-up instead of a pull-up.

“I just thought to myself, which was easier to perform, a pull-up or a chin-up?” Brici said. “The simple switch ended up making a huge difference. That was when I realized that when it comes to robotics, thinking like an engineer doesn’t always lead you to a solution.”

As the year progressed, Brici became the robot’s co-driver during matches. By the end of the year, the team voted her as team captain for the following school year. That season, the team also qualified for the FTC state competition, marking DUAA’s first state qualification in approximately seven years.

Being part of the DUAA robotics team fed Brici’s love for collaboration, teamwork, organization and problem solving, which served her well during her next project opportunity.

At the end of the robotics season, a professor approached the team and asked if they were interested in collaborating on a project with William Fremd High School (Fremd), another school in the Chicagoland area. Brici and her team were not given any information on what the project entailed, but Brici was excited about another opportunity to learn.

Brici and the DUAA robotics team worked alongside students in Fremd’s business program to create a safety bracelet. The safety bracelet devised by the Fremd students features a hidden button that the wearer can press to text 911 their location in an emergency. To present their business plan, the Fremd group needed a working prototype, which Brici and her team successfully created.

“I’m not an expert in microcontrollers, but I worked closely with my professor and my robotics partner Victor,” Brici said. “Victor worked on coding the device while I handled the physical design. It was a lot of work, but I had so much fun learning how to do it and also seeing how someone would build and present a prototype in the corporate world.”

Expanding horizons

Robotics and business collaboration weren’t the only opportunities enrolling in DUAA gave Brici. During her time in school, she also had the opportunity to participate in an FBI program that aligned with her other interests: criminology and psychology.

“I love teamwork and problem solving,” Brici said. “Problem solving is a useful skill in all careers, but I wanted to find a career that used that skill the most. For me, criminology seemed like the most natural fit. When someone doesn’t feel safe, they’re not going to innovate or change, and communities aren’t going to grow.”

During her time in the FBI program, Brici met many agents from various walks of life, including a Navy SEAL, a kindergarten teacher, and a mental health therapist. Meeting these individuals showed her that criminology wasn’t the only way to make an impact on public safety.

“All these people came from such different backgrounds and specialties, but all of them had transferable skills that allowed them to work at the Bureau,” Brici said. “It made me realize that I didn’t need to pursue criminology to do something like this and be locked into one career. Criminology pushes you toward law enforcement, but psychology is very broad, and I can go anywhere with it if I change my mind in the future.”

Providing opportunities for exploration and success

Brici is just one example of how dual enrollment like DUAA gives students a chance to explore their interests, inform their career decisions and ultimately give them an edge in life.

According to a new report from the Community College Research Center (CCRC) at Teachers College, Columbia University, dual enrollment students have higher rates of college attendance and completion than their peers who don’t participate in similar programs. The report also found that dual enrollment students who enrolled in college in the first year after high school completed college credentials at higher rates than students who entered college immediately after high school without dual enrollment.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we do at DUAA and the students who take every opportunity the program offers to give themselves a head start in higher education and whatever careers they decide to pursue,” said Brian Niro, assistant dean of teaching and learning at DeVry University. “My greatest hope is that every student graduates from this program with the experience, knowledge and self-confidence that will serve them the rest of their lives.”

Brici echoes Niro’s sentiment.

“Enrolling in DUAA opened my eyes to all that I’m capable of,” she said. “It gave me a lot of confidence. It’s that confidence that allowed me to apply to the FBI program, to apply to a school that’s a little more competitive and to apply for scholarships I didn’t think I’d get.”

To learn more about how DUAA is helping high school students gain confidence and find their passions, visit DeVry.com.

2026-07-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways

• Backup power solutions are essential with today’s tech-dependent lifestyles, extreme weather events and aging power grids.
• Solar generators provide a noise-free, fume-free battery backup option for power outages.
• The HomePower Series from Jackery offers power solutions to fit every home, family and budget. And yes, it’s possible for a solar generator, even a portable power station, to power a house during an outage.

With more people working remotely and the expansion of smart technology in recent years, renters and home owners have changed how they use their spaces. Between needing work-from-home options and the growing popularity of smart household appliances, home upgrades in 2026 reflect the demand for continual power without worry about outages, or the stress being placed on the aging power grid.

Reasons to have home backup power

Among today’s remote-capable U.S. employees, over 27% work fully remote and over half (52%) work hybrid. That means the home office is a permanent fixture for most white collar or information workers. For others, a home office is convenient for performing work-related duties on occasion, or managing household tasks.

When you make upgrades in 2026, you’re more likely to be updating computers or other electronic devices, adding a standing desk, buying high-tech appliances or installing a smart thermostat. All these needs are part of today’s lifestyle, which further increases grid stress during hot summer months.

But power interruptions have also become an expected occurrence. In 2024, U.S. electricity customers experienced an average of 11 hours of power interruptions, nearly twice the annual average of the prior decade. In the first half of last year, nearly half (45%) of U.S. utility customers experienced power outages.

Backup power solutions for every home

To help ensure your home’s system can cope with increased energy needs uninterrupted, you’ve probably considered backup power. The good news is, backup power is more accessible than ever and with advancements in battery technology, a solar generator can power a house during an outage.

Home backup power used to be an unvaried product for just one type of household: storm-country homeowners with a generator and a garage. Not anymore. The Jackery HomePower Series offers customized solutions designed for remote workers in a one-bedroom apartment, families that want a backup power solution for keeping a refrigerator running, and homeowners wanting whole-house protection without a fuss. One series. Every home.

2026-07-23T09:01:00

(BPT) – Between move-in checklists and hectic unpacking days, it’s easy to overlook one small item that could make a big difference to your college student’s dorm setup — a good wireless charger. No more digging through moving boxes for a lost cable, or “my phone died and I missed your call” texts, and definitely no more fighting for the one outlet in a shared room. This back-to-school season, a reliable wireless charger is a small investment that will solve a daily headache for them and for you.

Wireless charging has come a long way thanks to the new Qi2 wireless charging standard. With previous wireless chargers, you might have wondered if your device was actually connected. Now, the magnetic snap of Qi2-certified chargers keeps devices perfectly aligned for faster, more reliable and convenient charging.

Most major charger brands now offer Qi2-compatible options, so there’s no need for a clutter of cords and charging blocks for every device. With watches, headphones and phones all needing a charge, these wireless chargers help cut down on the excuses for a dead device.

Here’s our guide to some of the best options for your student.

3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand

SATECHI Qi2 Trio Wireless Charging Pad

The Satechi Qi2 Trio wireless charging pad is the perfect addition to a dorm desk with limited space. Make the most of one outlet without the need for multiple cords to charge your phone, watch and headphones at the same time. Plus the foldable design allows the charger to easily be taken on the go or just folded down for less real estate tableside.

Portable Power Bank

Ugreen MagFlow Power Bank

For the college students who are constantly on the go — between classes, the library and everywhere in between — a wireless power bank is exactly what they need. The Qi2 certification helps to deliver a fast and reliable charge on the go, and this bank can charge up to three devices at once. Forget hunting for an outlet in a busy coffee shop or a crowded lecture hall.

3-in-1 Portable Charger

AUKEY MagFusion Z Pro

Know a college student studying abroad this semester, or one who travels often? This 3-in-1 portable wireless charger is worth considering. The Qi2 magnetic snap keeps devices securely charging, and the ultra-thin, foldable design makes it easy to pack. One less cord to track down when you’re already balancing a suitcase.

Bedside Foldable Charging Station

Prodigee MagChill Station

Settling into a dorm room means making the most of a small space, and this charging stand is an easy way to do it. Set this charging dock on a nightstand; it can charge multiple devices at once, with a sleek, foldable design that won’t crowd a small dorm room.

Speaker Wireless Charger

Acefast Speaker Wireless Charger

For the music-loving student, this charging speaker stand pulls double duty. You can sleekly charge two devices at once while playing music at home or on the go — no extra cords required. This is a tidy desk upgrade for anyone tired of cable clutter paired with great sound quality.

These are just five examples of Qi2-certified wireless chargers that can simplify your student’s life this school year. As back-to-school season nears, consider gifting one of these chargers to help free up space and cut down on daily stress. Once you make the switch to wireless charging, you may not go back.

Interested in a specific brand? Virtually all major wireless charger brands today produce Qi2 Certified wireless chargers. Qi Certified cell phones include iPhone, Samsung and Google Pixel. You can ensure you’re getting a Qi Certified charger by examining the box and/or charger for the Qi or Qi2 logo.

2026-07-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – Simple planning can help families feel ready when a clean changing station is hard to find.

Summer outings with babies and toddlers come with plenty to pack and plan for. But no matter how much you prepare, one disaster can strike at any time: a diaper emergency — capable of derailing even the most carefully planned family adventures and causing parents stress.

It’s not necessarily the diaper change itself that causes stress, but where it has to happen. In fact, a new survey from baby essentials brand Skip Hop found that nearly 60% of U.S. parents of children ages 0 to 3 said diaper changes in public places are stressful, while more than half (55%) have avoided a public changing table because it did not seem clean. More than one in five have even cut a summer outing short because of these concerns, highlighting just how much a lack of clean changing spaces can impact a family’s day out.

The most troublesome spots for parents changing diapers are familiar summer destinations, including public parks (63%), rest stops and gas stations (60%), public pools (48%) and beaches (46%). In other words: the very places families spend much of their time in the summer.

Because diaper emergencies rarely happen at convenient times, having a plan can go a long way toward reducing stress and keeping family outings on track. Fortunately, a few simple habits and the right on-the-go essentials can help parents feel more prepared and make diaper duty away from home cleaner, easier, and more manageable.

1. Check the route before leaving

Roughly 39% of surveyed parents say access to changing stations affects how they plan outings. Before heading out, it can be helpful to identify likely stops along the way, while saving a few backup options in case plans change. Knowing where restrooms and parking areas are located ahead of time can take some of the uncertainty out of summer trips, especially during busy travel days when flexibility often goes a long way.

2. Create a clean zone

Concerns about cleanliness are one of the biggest stressors associated with public diaper changes, making it important to create a comfortable space wherever possible. A portable changing surface can help create a barrier between your baby and a public table while giving parents added peace of mind. The Skip Hop Clean Slate Changing Station is designed to cover an existing public changing table with a clean, portable surface and folds compactly for travel, making it easy to bring along for summer outings. Keeping clean supplies separate from used items, sealing dirty diapers and wipes in a bag, and cleaning hands before and after a change can also help make public changing spaces feel more comfortable when cleaner alternatives aren’t available.

3. Keep little hands busy

A diaper emergency becomes much more challenging when a curious little one is determined to explore. A favorite toy, book, or comfort item can help keep children distracted and cooperative while parents focus on the task at hand. Having a go-to distraction ready can help make the experience smoother for everyone involved and keep little ones occupied during those few crucial minutes.

4. Pack for speed, not just supplies

A well-stocked diaper bag is important, but organization matters just as much when you’re changing a squirming child on the go. Keep your most-used essentials, including diapers, wipes, disposal bags and hand sanitizer, in a dedicated grab-and-go pouch so you don’t have to unpack your entire bag during a diaper emergency. When everything is easy to find, parents can spend less time searching for supplies and more time getting back to the outing.

5. Build in breathing room

Almost 18% of parents said they have skipped summer travel or outings because of diaper-changing concerns. While unexpected messes are part of life with young children, a little extra preparation can help keep them from becoming day-altering disruptions. Building extra time into schedules, identifying a backup stop and packing essentials in advance can help parents feel more confident navigating everything from road trips to afternoons at the park. After all, the goal is to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying those summer moments together.

A little backup for on-the-go diaper changes

The survey findings highlight a reality many parents know all too well: diaper changes don’t stop just because you’re away from home. And while there’s no way to eliminate every unexpected mess, thoughtful preparation and portable solutions can help families feel more confident tackling diaper duty wherever summer takes them.

This was the inspiration behind Skip Hop’s Clean Slate Rescue, a new summer initiative created to help families feel more prepared when diaper changes away from home do not go according to plan by bringing portable diaper-changing essentials directly to parents and caregivers. Skip Hop is giving away 200 kits filled with essentials for outings, travel and everyday adventures. Each Clean Slate Rescue Kit includes a diaper bag, the portable Skip Hop Clean Slate Changing Station, a wipes case, a toy and wipes.

From July 22 through July 29, eligible adults can enter by following @SkipHop on Instagram and commenting on the designated giveaway post with a funny or frustrating on-the-go diaper-changing story. Entry details and official rules are available at carters.com/skiphop-clean-slate-giveaway.html.

Summer is for making memories — not stressing over diaper disasters. With a little planning and a few on-the-go essentials, parents can feel more prepared for whatever the day brings and get back to what matters most: enjoying time together as a family.

Giveaway terms: No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories and Puerto Rico who are physically located in an eligible area and are at least 18 or the age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is greater. The giveaway begins July 22, 2026, on or about 12 a.m. ET and ends July 29, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Limit one entry per person. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited. Instagram does not sponsor, endorse or administer the giveaway and is not associated with it. See the official rules for complete details.

Survey Methodology: The Skip Hop Public Diaper Changing Survey was conducted online among 375 U.S. parents of children ages 0-3 and explored attitudes and behaviors related to diaper changes away from home.