Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2026-06-22T15:01:00

(BPT) – By Sami Inkinen, CEO and co-founder of Virta Health

Few pharmacological therapies have captured public attention like GLP-1s.

Originally developed as a medical intervention for diabetes patients to lower their blood sugar, they are now part of everyday conversations about health and weight loss. For many people, these medications have been transformative, helping manage blood sugar, supporting meaningful weight loss, and even lowering the risk of heart attacks, stroke and death.¹

At the same time, the 2026 Virta Vitals report from Virta Health, a provider-led digital health clinic that specializes in metabolic disease reversal, found most Americans surveyed still remain hesitant about these medications, even when recommended by a doctor. High cost, side effects, uncertainty about long-term use, and questions about maintaining results after discontinuing the drugs were among the most common concerns. Those concerns point to a larger question: How do people improve metabolic health, and how do you maintain the results from sustained weight loss to Type 2 diabetes reversal?

Many people have heard terms like “metabolism” and “metabolic health,” but they’re rarely explained. At its simplest, metabolic health refers to how well the body processes and uses energy from the food we eat. When that system begins to break down, blood sugar regulation, hunger signals, fat storage, and many other biological processes can become disrupted. Over time, those disruptions often contribute to weight gain and development of many chronic diseases from type 2 diabetes to liver disease and more.

Metabolic disease is now one of the largest health challenges facing our country. More than 90% of U.S. adults are metabolically unhealthy and affected by one or more chronic metabolic conditions,² including obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. CDC reports that more than $4 trillion of our $5.3 trillion healthcare spending is driven by chronic disease.³ That’s four times our annual military spending.⁴

While medications can help manage many of these chronic conditions, long-term success depends on sustainable changes that improve the underlying drivers of disease. Research has shown that most people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 therapy, not because the medications failed, but because the metabolic dysfunction remains. Lasting health improvements often require lasting changes.

That’s where nutrition, behavior change, and ongoing support become essential to building healthy habits. While GLP-1 drugs do change ‘how much’ one eats by suppressing appetite, only by changing ‘what one eats’ can one achieve metabolic health and sustained results.

Food is one of the most powerful inputs into human metabolism. The way we eat — most importantly ‘what’ we eat — directly influences blood sugar, insulin levels, hunger, body weight, and many other factors that affect long-term health. When nutrition improves metabolic health, the benefits can extend far beyond weight loss alone.

A growing body of peer-reviewed research has also become increasingly important. Studies with peer-reviewed results have shown that a nutrition-focused intervention like the Virta Method™ — Virta’s personalized nutrition-based approach — reduces inflammation, improves glycemic control and reduces weight, improves cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with reduced incidence of liver disease, and even supports pancreatic cancer treatment. Research published in Diabetes Therapy also demonstrated that patients were able to maintain meaningful weight loss even after discontinuing GLP-1 therapy, suggesting that nutrition can play an important role before, during, and after medication use.

One finding in the latest Virta Vitals report stood out to me: 61% of Americans said they would prefer to improve their health through behavior change rather than relying on a prescription.

This statistic reflects something important. While GLP-1s are an important advancement and useful tool for some patients, people still want to play an active role in their own health. They want practical tools, support, and guidance that will help them make changes they can sustain.

The future of metabolic health is not a binary choice between medications and lifestyle change. The more compelling issue is how to best help people address the root causes of disease and give them the tools to build lasting health.

Whether someone uses a GLP-1, chooses not to, or eventually stops taking one, the same principle applies: sustainable metabolic health requires sustainable habits and primarily changing ‘what’ one eats, not just ‘how much.’ Medications can be powerful accelerators, but nutrition, behavior change, and ongoing support are what help turn short-term results into lifelong health.

Americans deserve a path toward better metabolic health that actually lasts.

^[1] https://www.aasld.org/liver-fellow-network/core-series/why-series/why-are-glp-1-agonists-being-used-treat-patients

^[2] Aggarwal R, Ostrominski JW, Vaduganathan M. Prevalence of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Stages in US Adults, 2011-2020. JAMA. 2024;331(21):1858-1860. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.6892

^[3] https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

^[4] https://www.usaspending.gov/agency/department-of-defense?fy=2026

2026-06-22T12:01:00

(BPT) – We’ve long understood that taking care of our bodies is key to remaining vibrant and healthy in our later years. Thanks to these efforts and modern medicine, we are living longer than ever. However, there is an increasing emphasis on supporting brain health as well — ensuring that as our lifespans extend, we maintain the sharp, strong minds needed to keep doing the things we love. The good news is that protecting brain health doesn’t require expensive interventions — it’s about consistency, connection and making smart choices.

The same habits that strengthen the body also protect the mind, from maintaining your hearing and eyesight to having stress-reducing hobbies.

“It’s no longer enough to think about being physically healthy as we age. Instead, we are really focused on whole-person health so we can continue to enjoy both the physical and mental aspects of life,” said Doug Armstrong, vice president, Health Products at AARP Services. “Fortunately, many activities, like having your hearing or vision checked regularly, support both. AARP member benefits can enable anyone to build a brain-healthy lifestyle at a price point that works for them.”

1. Help your hearing

There is an established connection between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, but the mechanism behind that connection remains unclear. Some research has suggested that individuals who experience hearing loss fail to utilize certain auditory functions, resulting in atrophy of parts of the brain. Hearing loss is also critical when it comes to social-emotional connection. Not being able to hear others properly or easily in conversation may lead to isolation and depression, which are risk factors for dementia. Findings indicate that hearing loss, if eliminated, might decrease the risk of dementia in the general population.

Fortunately, there are solutions available to allow those experiencing hearing loss to regain some function. Members have access to savings on hearing aids and hearing care with AARP^® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare^® Hearing. AARP members can save up to 50% on prescription hearing aids and up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids. Members also receive a free hearing exam and consultation, with personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. No insurance is needed to use the program.

2. Verify your vision

Similar to hearing, impaired vision may not only impact your quality of life but also your ability to maintain your cognition. Vision loss can make it more difficult to participate in certain activities, causing people to become isolated. Isolation can cause a lack of brain stimulation and increase depressive symptoms, resulting in subsequent cognitive decline.

Having your vision checked regularly can ensure there are no underlying conditions and that your corrective lenses are up to date. With your AARP member benefits you have several options for saving when purchasing or updating glasses. With Visionworks, members can access exclusive savings, including $200 off a complete pair of glasses when you buy single vision lenses or $250 off with multifocal lenses.

Additionally, with Target Optical, members get 50% off the purchase of additional complete pairs (frames + lenses) of prescription eyewear or sunglasses. Plus, they save an extra $10 off the purchase of a frame, lenses, a complete pair of glasses or contact lenses (2 boxes minimum).

3. Brush up on dental visits

A bright and healthy smile provides a great confidence boost. And when you smile, people smile back. It follows, then, that good dental health is one way to boost serotonin. But researchers are also finding a physiological connection between oral and brain health. One study, for example, found that gum disease and tooth loss were linked to brain shrinkage in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory.

While vision and hearing care might join your wellness checklist later in life, dental care guidance remains the same at six years old as it is at 60: visit the dentist annually, brush twice daily and floss regularly.

If you’re looking to establish care with a new dentist, the Orahh Care Dental Community Selected by AARP^® brings together a network of thousands of supported dentists. The Orahh Care Dental Community was selected by AARP for its commitment to accessible, comprehensive dental care and exceptional patient experiences. Members and non-members can find dentists in this network, who benefit from innovative technology, training and resources that empower them to deliver high-quality care and a positive patient experience. That means more of your dental needs can be addressed in one place, with a team that helps guide your care over time. Members and non-members may visit the Orahh Care Dental Community website to find a dentist in the Orahh Care Network.

4. Talk it out

Getting older, while a privilege, also includes many significant life changes, from retirement and relocation to confronting health challenges and loss. These changes can take an emotional toll, leading to feelings of uncertainty, stress and even depression, which can increase risk of cognitive decline, either because of social isolation or physiological factors.

Working with a therapist can be a powerful tool in strengthening our ability to cope with stress, handle challenges and maintain healthy relationships. With AARP^® Online Therapy by BetterHelp, members can access an online therapy platform with a network of 30,000+ licensed therapists and get matched with a therapist to meet by video, phone or messaging. You can use qualifying private (non-governmental) insurance or get 30% off your first month by paying directly using BetterHelp’s subscription model.

5. Prioritize primary care

Establishing care with a primary care doctor is a great way to monitor any changes in your overall health and even prescribe lifestyle interventions. According to a 2023 report, one-third of people in the United States don’t have a primary care provider. For older adults in that group, there’s Oak Street Health.

Oak Street Health provides personalized care for older adults on Medicare, designed to help you stay healthy. AARP members and non-members get same-day/next-day appointments where available, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. Oak Street Health has over 200 primary care doctor offices across 27 states, making it easier to address health concerns before they interfere with your active lifestyle.

Your doctor might prescribe medication as part of your care plan. You could use your AARP^® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx^® card to manage the cost of those medications. AARP members can download a free prescription discount card from Optum Rx that can be used at 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. The program is open to anyone, whether you’re an AARP member or not — but AARP members get additional benefits, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, savings for your dependents and more.

Support your brain health by approaching it with the same care you give your body. Supplement physical exercises with mental ones, stay up to date on your checkups and take steps to foster a healthy mindset and enjoy the priceless gift of whole-body health. Visit aarp.org/benefits to learn more.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2026-06-18T11:33:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• Academic pathways are often riddled with confusion and barriers.
• Learners desire an education, but are often discouraged by affordability, application and enrollment confusion, and a disconnect in career relevance.
• Institutions that integrate AI platforms into their processes can improve student enrollment and educational outcomes.

For generations, college journeys followed a familiar script: graduate high school, enroll full-time, earn a degree in four years and begin a career. That path still works for some but for millions of others, higher education is no longer linear. Institutions are being challenged to adapt.

Today’s learners are balancing jobs, caregiving responsibilities, rising costs and rapidly changing workforce demands. Some start college and pause. Others transfer schools, return later in life or pursue shorter-term credentials to build new skills. Students now expect education to fit into their lives — not the other way around.

This shift in expectations is forcing colleges and universities to rethink how they support student success. Their focus is no longer on enrollment or graduation rates. It has evolved to prioritize helping learners navigate complex journeys with greater clarity, flexibility and confidence.

The good news is that leading institutions are beginning to embrace new technologies, including AI-powered tools, to create more connected and personalized student experiences. When integrated into application, enrollment and academic planning processes, AI can help simplify complex systems, effectively guide students and provide support throughout the student journey. In short, it allows learners to focus more fully on achieving their educational and career goals.

Hurdles that hinder achievement

The path to education presented by conventional institutional processes is filled with many hurdles linked to affordability, clarity and relevance.

Affordability: Cost remains the leading barrier to pursuing higher education. According to the 2025 Student Voice Report from Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, 53% of high school students who do not plan to enroll cited cost as the top deterrent.

Similarly, 56% of opt-outs (individuals who never attended college) said financial uncertainty was the top reason for not attending, and almost a quarter of stop-outs (students who started but didn’t complete a degree) said they they could not afford the up-front costs to return to school.

While colleges can’t always lower tuition costs, they can make it easier for students to understand expenses, compare aid options and avoid unexpected financial barriers.

Clarity: Administrative tasks students must complete before and after admission can be confusing and unclear, discouraging students from enrolling or returning to college.

In fact, Ellucian’s report found that many high school students are unsure of how to begin the college application process. Instead of seeking information from universities, students are turning to social media for guidance or entering the workforce directly.

Students considering returning to complete their education were discouraged by unclear academic pathways.

According to Ellucian’s report, only 22% of stop-outs understood their remaining credit requirements, and even fewer (15%) felt confident in the credit transfer process. Also, the majority of students interested in transferring credits expressed uncertainty about how their previously earned credits would be recognized.

That said, many former students are interested in returning to their education. Of the students surveyed, 60% of stop-outs said they would return to college with a clear path to completion.

Relevance: Higher education’s benefits and its connection to future careers aren’t always apparent. When surveyed, many individuals opted out because they believed college was not essential for their career goals. Many also didn’t believe the cost and time investment outweighed the benefits of obtaining a college degree/certificate.

Nondegree options that offer upskilling and reskilling opportunities could be a draw for learners seeking a clearer connection to workforce-relevant pathways — if they were aware of them.

The survey report revealed that more than a quarter of enrolled students had never heard of these alternative offerings. Even among those who had heard of nondegree programs, many couldn’t articulate their purpose or value. However, when informed, many graduates, current college students and opt-outs saw the value in nondegree programs.

What can help re-engage learners?

So, the question becomes: how can institutions re-engage learners? It begins with unifying academic, financial and operational processes to simplify the student experience from the first application through graduation day, using an AI-powered system such as Ellucian Student.

When integrated into an institution’s application, enrollment and academic planning processes, AI becomes an ongoing resource for students throughout their educational journey.

AI platforms can automate the educational planning process, helping students better understand which classes meet their degree or certificate requirements and enroll in them each semester. And, as they learn, the platform can provide a transparent map of their educational path, leading to better outcomes.

By offering easy-to-understand financial aid offer letters, automated aid processes and optimized fund utilization, an integrated AI platform can help students better understand the total cost of their education, allowing them to plan how to afford higher education, ultimately reducing the top barrier to student enrollment and persistence.

Students aren’t the only ones who benefit from AI integration. Institutions can improve their efficiency by using AI to automate routine operations, freeing up more time for the human element. When faculty and staff spend less time on operational tasks, they can focus more on students to help learners get on track, stay on track and get ahead.

Just as important, institutions need direct input from students to ensure the technologies and processes they implement truly meet learners’ needs. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, students can help shape more accessible, transparent and effective educational journeys for future generations. Students interested in helping shape the future of higher education technology can join EnlightenED, Ellucian’s student ambassador program. Participants gain opportunities to build career-ready skills, expand their professional networks, contribute their perspectives to conversations about higher education innovation and help influence solutions designed to improve the student experience.

2026-06-18T11:15:00

(BPT) – It’s a Monday afternoon, and you’ve just finished putting away the groceries for the week. You’re so excited to try a new recipe that you’re considering rearranging your weekly meal plan to make it tonight.

Suddenly, the power goes out.

This power outage is more than just an inconvenience. The average American household spends $270 per week on groceries. If you’ve just gone shopping, a single outage lasting more than a few hours will spoil all that food, and you’ll have to spend hundreds more to replace it.

The cost can be even higher if you have medications like insulin that must stay refrigerated. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 705,000 households in 2023 said that their refrigerated medicine spoiled during an extended outage, leaving thousands of people in potentially life-threatening situations.

Given the integral role a refrigerator plays in modern life, it seems impossible that no dedicated layer of protection exists. After all, a smartphone has a case, a car has insurance and a laptop has a warranty. Why doesn’t an appliance that runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep food, drinks, medications and baby formula safe from spoiling have emergency power in case the lights go out?

The power partner your fridge has always deserved

When an outage occurs, you shouldn’t have to worry about the perishable items in your fridge going bad. The good news is that refrigerator power protection now exists.

Jackery — a global leader in home backup, innovative solar generators and clean off-grid energy solutions — has risen to the occasion to create FridgeGuard. This purpose-built home backup system is designed specifically to keep a refrigerator (and other household essentials) running through a power outage, protecting the valuable food and other temperature-sensitive items it houses.

When the lights go out, a 10ms UPS automatic switchover allows you to rest easy knowing that in less than a blink of an eye, your refrigerator’s power partner will respond. That means your food stays cold, your medicine stays safe, and your life can continue uninterrupted, even though the power has gone out and you don’t know when it will come back on.

FridgeGuard isn’t just another power station adapted for home use. Jackery thoughtfully designed this refrigerator backup from the ground up as a home product, one that belongs in a modern kitchen just like a premium appliance.

Unlike traditional generators, this refrigerator-specific power solution is simple to operate and there’s no moving once placed: a one-time set up allows you to stay ready for whenever outages happen. All you need to do is take the FridgeGuard out of the box, plug it into the wall and plug the refrigerator into the FridgeGuard. No installation required. Simple setup, and you’re covered without a second thought.

Best of all? The backup isn’t limited to powering the fridge alone. It can also power your Wi-Fi, a CPAP, lighting, your home office and aquarium within 800W. No matter what you need to keep running during an outage, you have a solution.

A home backup that looks like it belongs

When you picture a generator, do you envision a bulky unit you want to shove out of view? Then you’ll be surprised by the FridgeGuard’s aesthetic appeal.

Designed with the modern home in mind, the FridgeGuard is the world’s thinnest intelligent home backup in its class, measuring just 2.6 inches wide. The silver-gray finish and minimal profile blend seamlessly with stainless-steel refrigerators and other kitchen appliances.

When it comes to placing your FridgeGuard in your kitchen, you have three options: floor placement, wall mounting and placement directly beside the refrigerator. That means you don’t have to rearrange your kitchen or compromise on having a beautiful kitchen and staying prepared. Now, you have the flexibility to integrate this power backup into your design, so you can intentionally place it where it works best for you.

But design isn’t limited to just aesthetics. FridgeGuard’s built-in TFT LCDs show only essential information, and its smart app lets you monitor and schedule power use, including time-of-use control to lower electricity bills. It’s this careful balance of fashion and function that has won the FridgeGuard multiple awards, including the iF Design Award 2026 for international design excellence.

Need more power? No problem. You can expand the backup solution’s power capacity from 1kWh to 2kWh, and it supports up to 500 W of solar input via an MPPT module, so you can recharge the FridgeGuard even when your house is out of power.

No kitchen is complete without a refrigerator, and no refrigerator is complete without essential power protection. To learn more and protect your refrigerator, your food and you, visit Jackery.com.

2026-06-18T12:33:00

(BPT) – Soccer players and cats have a lot in common. The athleticism, the motivation, the occasional disregard for the rules.

“If you have a cat, you have a mini-athlete at home,” said Dr. Annie Valuska, Purina pet behaviorist. “Their bodies are made for movement, allowing them to leap onto your counters and bookcases with ease, pounce on a toy mouse with big-cat ferocity and gracefully land on their feet.”

Soccer players have been known to do the same. One famous player who fully embraced big-cat energy on the field is former U.S. Women’s National Team member and self-described cat grandma Brandi Chastain. Her legendary goal celebration in 1999 was an un-furr-getable soccer moment that went down in sports history. Chastain has teamed up with Friskies, an official partner of U.S. Soccer, to bring that energy to the pitch this summer with the launch of Certified Frisky on the Field*, a summer-long celebration of soccer and cats that will give away 1 million cans of Friskies.

“Soccer players and cats share the same energy — they’re fearless and they do everything on their own terms,” Chastain said. “Embracing that catlike attitude and channeling that feline dexterity and drive can make a huge difference on the field.”

Below, Dr. Annie and Chastain offer insights around the similarities between cats and athletes:

Born to run

Cats and soccer players are both known for their explosive energy and speed. If you’ve ever seen your cat get the zoomies, it’s reminiscent of the incredible sprints strikers achieve when they have a breakaway goal. That’s because cats can bolt at an unbelievable speed of 30 mph, outrunning the average athlete!

Leaps and bounds beyond the competition

A regulation soccer goal measures 8 feet high and 24 feet wide. That means soccer goalies have to make unbelievable jumps and dives to fend off attacks from the opposing team.

While cats can’t jump 8 feet high, the average house cat can leap five feet or more without running! That’s about seven times their own height. If cats were as big as their human companions, they could outshine even the tallest and most dexterous goalie.

A-meow-zing agility

One of the joys of watching soccer is witnessing your favorite player outmaneuver their opponents. By quickly changing direction and using fancy footwork, they can confuse the other team and score from angles that shouldn’t be possible.

Sound familiar? Even if you’ve never played soccer, if you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably seen a similar trick.

“Cats are experts at changing directions at a split second and leaping over opponents,” said Valuska. “It’s what makes catching your cat before they sneak into their treat cupboard so challenging!”

Acting on catlike instinct

How does a soccer player know the right moment to shoot the game-winning goal or which way to dive to make an incredible save? Practice does make purr-fect, but it often comes down to instinct.

“The best moments are the ones you can’t plan for,” Chastain said. “When I’ve let pure instinct take over, I’ve made shots that not only surprise others but also myself.”

Just like when felines know the perfect moment to pounce, soccer players have honed catlike instincts to make incredible plays.

Unbeatable drive and motivation

When a cat wants something — whether it’s a toy, treat or attention — they’ll stop at nothing to get it. It’s that same fur-ocious drive that turns soccer players into soccer stars that go down in history.

Celebrate goals with free Friskies

This summer, sit down with your favorite feline and watch the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) bring catlike energy and attitude to the pitch — and you could score free Friskies.

From now through July 19, when the U.S. Men’s National Team scores a goal, and the celebration captures that unmistakable catlike spirit, Friskies officially declares it Certified Frisky*, triggering a Friskies giveaway for cat-loving fans. Fans will have 30 minutes from the time of the goal to enter for a free $10 coupon for Friskies wet cat food on the MyPurina app, while supplies last.

The first USMNT goal of the match also triggers a 100,000-meal donation to cats in need at shelters in match cities. So, whether you’re a soccer fan or a cat person, you’ve got a reason to cheer. To learn more, visit Purina.com/CertifiedFrisky.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+ (19+ in AL & NE) who are registered myPurina App rewards members. Starts 12:00:00 AM CT on 5/31/26 until 11:59:59 PM CT on 7/19/26. See rules at Purina.com/CertifiedFrisky. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Nestlé USA, Inc.

2026-06-18T09:01:00

(BPT) – For high school students and recent grads, concerns about AI impacting future career paths are looming. Studies show AI is on track to displace a wide range of jobs, primarily in corporate jobs and professional services. The careers most likely to be affected by the growth of AI include positions involving writing, computer programming and web design, to name just a few.

This reality, combined with the attractive nature of a career in providing hands-on technical service and interacting with people in a personal way daily, is leading many students to consider fields that are least likely to be impacted by the AI boom: the skilled trades.

“Four-year degrees from a college or university were historically seen as the only path toward professional growth and stability,” said Ron Gardner, vice president of Operations at San Joaquin Valley College. “However, programs in the skilled trades and industrial sectors offer many opportunities that are increasingly attractive to today’s students, especially those who are wary of AI’s increasing influence.”

Skilled trades accelerate as chosen career path

“More students are seeking careers in which they can develop practical, real-world skills that are in demand,” said Gardner. “They’re also attracted to jobs where they can solve problems and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”

Through a trade program at a school like San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC), which has 15 locations throughout California and Arizona, students can access certificate and degree programs and hands-on training to help prepare them for a wide variety of careers. SJVC’s trades and industrial programs include:

Construction Management: Prepares students to manage residential and commercial construction projects. The program offers an Associate of Science degree in as few as 14 months.

Electrical Technology: Trains students to install, maintain and repair electrical systems with practical experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the California General Electrician’s Certification Exam[1].

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R): Equips students to become HVAC-R technicians earning a certificate in as little as 10 months.

Aviation Maintenance Technology: Prepares students to perform maintenance on aircraft airframes and engines.

Maintenance Technician: Offers hands-on training in industrial systems and equipment, preparing students for entry-level maintenance roles, with a certificate achievable in as few as 7 months.

“SJVC offers trade and industrial programs to help students develop real-world experience through career-focused instruction,” said Gardner. “Our industry-relevant curriculum helps students develop knowledge and experience aligned with real-world applications.”

Creating opportunities for women

Women in the trades are already reshaping the future of technical and industrial careers. In the construction industry alone, women reached a record 11.2% to 11.5% of the construction industry workforce in 2024.

Not only are talent shortages opening up more opportunities in the trades for women, but industry groups and public workforce initiatives are expanding resources and structured support to help women pursue and continue careers in the trades.

“The trades offer a path where the work speaks for itself,” said Gardner. “At SJVC you’ll find a supportive environment where you can learn the ropes from experienced instructors who have actually been there.”

Interest in skilled trades careers among women continues to grow as industries seek skilled professionals across a variety of technical fields. Learn more about career opportunities and the increasing role of women in the trades.

How to know if trade school is right for you

Choosing a training path that’s best for you starts with understanding how you like to learn and what you want from your education.

“SJVC’s trade training programs are designed for individuals who want a more direct, career-focused education, with an emphasis on practical skill development,” added Gardner.

The trades may be a good fit if you:

• Prefer hands-on learning over lecture-based instruction
• Enjoy working with tools, equipment or technology
• Want a career-focused education path that emphasizes real-world applications
• Are interested in building practical skills that can be applied in specific industries
• Value structured training that focuses on job-related tasks and responsibilities

Programs offered at SJVC support a range of career interests, from mechanical and technical fields to construction management and maintenance-related roles. If you’re motivated to learn by doing and want to develop industry-relevant skills, this type of training may align with your goals.

By enrolling in an SJVC program, students will access:

• Career-focused training through programs structured to emphasize the skills used in each field, helping students build a strong foundation they can apply in real work settings.
• Hands-on learning to help students gain experience using the tools, equipment and techniques relevant to their chosen trade, helping to reinforce classroom learning.
• Flexible options including programs offered online or on campus (depending on the program). This allows students to choose what fits their schedule and responsibilities, similar to what many students look for in online trade school programs.
• Support throughout the program from enrollment through completion, with access to guidance and resources designed to help them stay on track.
• Career services support such as assistance with resume development, interview preparation and job search strategies.

Learn more about How a Skilled Trades Education Can Help Prepare You for the Future.

Visit consumerinfo.sjvc.edu for important information on program outcomes.

2026-06-17T12:01:00

(BPT) – The need for behavioral health therapy, the broader term for how actions, habits and behaviors impact a person’s overall physical and mental well-being, is on the rise. Yet, in this age where most everyone has a digital device in their pockets, the tools available to therapists and mental health care clinicians, to help their patients are still rudimentary.

The success of behavioral health therapy is as reliant on what occurs in between sessions, the individual work and record keeping as it is during the scheduled check-in. Patients often are encouraged to write in their journal daily or weekly and practice mental health exercises before their next session, with the hope that vital details could still be recalled at the time of journal entry. They need better tools than pen and paper to help them document progress and keep needed details to share with their mental health care clinicians.

The good news is, change in therapy is coming. New approaches driven by technological advances are making it easier for clinicians to provide services between sessions and show the impact of measurement-based care on patient outcomes and progress to justify insurance reimbursements.

These changes also help clients: Technology transforms mental health care from a segmented, once-a-week appointment cadence into a continuous, supported experience. Today, patients can voice-journal their frustrations on the drive home while their feelings are still raw, track changing moods in real time and work through evidence-based exercises on their own schedule all week long.

This breakthrough provides better tools for patients, while in turn giving back to mental health care clinicians. AI-driven tools can now capture moments that used to fall through the cracks, turning between-session time into an active part of the therapeutic process. For example, a remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) solution called ReliefAI Health uses clinically validated cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a part of the treatment plan that mental health care clinicians can prescribe to their patients. ReliefAI Health operates within the FDA’s framework for clinical decision support software. The platform enables patient and clinicians to track progress along their mental health journey on a daily or even hourly basis.

For mental health care clinicians, ReliefAI’s solution can synthesize patients’ between-session data including voice journals, mood patterns and completed exercises into clear clinical insights they can review before each appointment. Instead of spending the first ten minutes of each session reconstructing the patient’s week, clinicians can focus on the treatment.

The result? Behavioral health care that’s more personalized, more effective and more human — because technology is not replacing the mental health care clinicians, but it is giving them more measurable data to act upon. The clinician now has a more complete understanding of what is truly impacting their patients. This approach documents patients’ progress throughout the process, creating quantifiable data that can show tangible progress and impact.

“We’ve created a solution that strengthens the connection between clinicians and patients, while providing a bigger picture of the therapy experience beyond the traditional session,” said Atul Singh, CEO, ReliefAI Health. “By integrating AI-powered tools, we’re creating a new paradigm of digital empowerment for mental health that drives better results for everyone.”

In the long term, use of RTM will bring positive changes to the industry, enabling therapists and clinics to more effectively treat patients, show measurable value and create a much more personal ongoing process that will lead patients to better mental health outcomes.

What ReliefAI Health provides

ReliefAI is a new LG NOVA-backed venture launched in October 2025 and is just one of the latest innovations in LG’s history of supporting mental health. The platform provides:

• A Patient-Facing Mobile App: The user-friendly application encourages patient engagement through features like mood tracking, voice journaling with AI insights and therapist-assigned CBT goal setting.
• An Integrated Provider Dashboard: The comprehensive dashboard syncs with a practice’s existing electronic health record (EHR) platform for ease of use. It provides therapists with real-time patient activity trends, AI-driven alerts and tools for assigning and monitoring CBT activities.
• Advanced Security: End-to-end data encryption, role-based access control and continuous risk assessment to ensure HIPAA compliance.

Better mental health care tools mean more consistent care

Despite today’s demand for mental health care, 44 percent of patients discontinue therapy within the first four weeks.[1] This represents a critical breakdown in the therapy process, leading to poor outcomes for patients and therapists alike.

According to Singh, ReliefAI not only improves communications between mental health clinicians and their patients, but it also aims to address one of the most pressing challenges in mental healthcare: reducing early patient drop-out rates.

By adjusting communication methods and engagement frequency, providers can gather more data and analysis on a client’s daily challenges and progress, providing a more comprehensive picture of each patient’s mental health and well-being. With more insights, providers can help clients better manage ongoing issues and triggers, while uncovering underlying causes of behavior. This will result in more effective care and lasting improvements, Singh explains.

For providers, ReliefAI boosts patient engagement and retention. These technology and AI capabilities also help increase efficiency, so providers can potentially take on more patients to meet today’s growing need. The connected care platform seamlessly integrates into existing clinical practices to enhance patient retention, outcomes and revenue. By strengthening the therapeutic alliance through AI-driven tools and insights, ReliefAI goes beyond therapy to create the future of digital empowerment for mental health.

“ReliefAI is the only platform delivered through existing outpatient clinics, rather than creating a separate network of providers,” added Singh. “This model ensures that the trusted existing relationship between therapist and patient remains at the center of the care journey.”

Learn more about ReliefAI Health at ReliefAI.co.

[1] “Early Dropout from Psychotherapy for Depression with Group- and Network-model Therapists,” Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 39(6), 440-447, 2012. Accessed 5/19/2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3708590/.

2026-06-17T07:07:00

(BPT) – As backyard barbecues, holiday cookouts and summer gatherings fill the calendar, fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors can help make every meal feel special. With produce at its peak and grilling season in full swing, summer offers plenty of opportunities to create colorful, delicious dishes that are simple to prepare and easy to share.

Whether hosting a holiday celebration, neighborhood cookout or casual family dinner, these easy entertaining tips can help make the most of summer’s freshest flavors.

1. Build a Colorful Plate

One of the easiest ways to create visually appealing meals is to incorporate a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Vibrant orange, red, yellow, green and purple produce contain different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which is why registered dietitians often encourage consumers to “eat the rainbow.”

Colorful dishes not only provide a wider variety of nutrients, but also create an inviting presentation that guests naturally gravitate toward. Seasonal favorites such as berries, tomatoes, watermelon, peaches, peppers and leafy greens can help add flavor and visual appeal to summer meals.

2. Pair Grilled Proteins with Fresh Produce

While burgers and steaks are summer classics, chicken, pork, salmon and shrimp can also create satisfying meals when paired with fresh vegetables and salads.

Take advantage of the grill by cooking vegetables alongside proteins. Fresh corn, zucchini, asparagus, peppers, eggplant and portobello mushrooms develop rich flavor when lightly brushed with olive oil and grilled. Protein and vegetable kebabs are another easy entertaining option that guests can enjoy right off the grill.

3. Choose Versatile Ingredients

Summer entertaining becomes easier when ingredients can be used across multiple dishes. Tomatoes can top burgers, brighten salads and add flavor to side dishes. Zucchini, peppers and mushrooms work equally well raw or cooked, while citrus fruits and pineapple add freshness to savory recipes and desserts.

Selecting versatile ingredients helps simplify shopping, reduce food waste and create a cohesive menu for gatherings of any size.

4. Simplify Prep with Smart Shortcuts

Having a few time-saving ingredients on hand can help make entertaining easier without sacrificing freshness or flavor. Pre-washed greens, prepared vegetables and other ready-to-use ingredients can reduce prep time and give hosts more opportunities outside of the kitchen to enjoy the gathering.

5. Add a Festive Touch

Seasonal celebrations are the perfect opportunity to incorporate fun and festive recipes into the menu. Red, white and blue ingredients can create colorful dishes that are ideal for Independence Day, Labor Day and other summer gatherings.

For an easy crowd-pleasing option, try this Red, White & Blue Gorgonzola Salad featuring strawberries, blueberries, creamy Gorgonzola cheese and Fresh Express^® Sweet Butter™ lettuce. Finished with raspberry vinaigrette and festive star-shaped mozzarella, it’s a colorful addition to any summer celebration.

Red, White & Blue Gorgonzola Salad

Fresh strawberries, blueberries, sliced pear and creamy Gorgonzola are tossed with Fresh Express^® Sweet Butter™ lettuce and finished with a raspberry vinaigrette for a sweet and savory summer salad. Star-shaped mozzarella cutouts provide a star-spangled finishing touch.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (6-ounce) package Fresh Express^® Sweet Butter™
• 2 cups strawberries hulled and sliced
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 fresh pear peeled, cored and sliced into thin wedges (or substitute pears canned in juice)
• 1 lemon zested
• 4 ounces gorgonzola
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 cup of your favorite low fat raspberry vinaigrette

Utensils

• Star shaped cookie cutter

Directions

1. In a large salad bowl, add lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, pear, lemon zest and gorgonzola.
2. Drizzle with dressing, then toss well.
3. Use a small metal star cookie cutter to gently cut out Mozzarella cheese.
4. Portion salads and top each with Mozzarella cut outs for a star-spangled finish.
5. Season to taste with fresh cracked black pepper.

Whether planning a holiday cookout, weekend barbecue or casual summer gathering, fresh produce can help create colorful meals that are simple and memorable. For more recipes, entertaining inspiration and product information, visit FreshExpress.com.

2026-06-17T09:01:00

(BPT) – Key Takeaways

• As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, it’s time to honor the veterans, service members, and their loved ones who have made it possible.
• Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has helped veterans like Mark Lalli (pictured above) find healing and camaraderie after leaving service with mental and physical wounds.
• Supporting warriors is a shared responsibility. Find out how you can do your part to honor and help them and their families now and forever.

For 250 years, the courage, resilience, and strength of service members and their families have shaped the country and secured the promise of freedom — past, present, and future. Whether they’re Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, or Space Force, they share the same commitment and contribution to American strength.

For many veterans and service members, joining the military is more than a calling — it’s a legacy.

“From the Revolution through now, I had somebody in my family serving,” said Army veteran Mark Lalli. “I have my great-grandfather’s dog tags from World War I. My maternal grandfather did seven invasions in the Pacific, and my paternal grandfather served in Europe.”

This is just one story of millions that underscores how service members and their loved ones have made America’s 250th anniversary of independence possible. However, these contributions often come at a personal cost that many warriors contend with in and out of uniform.

“From one generation to the next, warriors have answered the call to defend our freedoms,” said WWP^® CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Walt Piatt. “It’s our duty to ensure they’re never left to carry the cost of that service alone.”

Visible and invisible wounds

Thirteen months after the 9/11 attacks, Lalli joined the U.S. Army to honor his family’s military heritage and desire to protect his country. He eventually became a Black Hawk crew chief, serving as a mechanic and combat gunner.

During a training exercise in Italy, Lalli’s military service was cut short when his helicopter crashed, killing six of the soldiers on board and leaving Lalli with severe injuries. Returning to civilian life, he faced uncertainty, physical challenges, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a loss of the close bonds he had relied on.

2026-06-16T06:15:00

(BPT) – June is National Oral Health Month, the perfect time to learn about a critical yet often overlooked component of feline wellness: dental care. According to MSD Veterinary Manual (MVM), an estimated 70% to 80% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

Most pet parents have no idea their cat is suffering because they’re experts at disguising pain. Hiding pain and discomfort is a survival instinct that serves them well in the wild, helping them avoid attracting predators. However, that same instinct makes it difficult for pet owners to tell when their domesticated feline needs help — especially when it comes to dental disease.

Without a daily dental care routine, your cat may develop oral diseases that develop slowly and can remain undetected. These conditions include:

• Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums.
• Periodontitis: loss of bone and tissue supporting the teeth.
• Tooth resorption: breakdown of tooth structure from the inside out.

Not only are these oral issues painful, they can cause or exacerbate other health problems.

Subtle signs of trouble

Even when a cat experiences severe, throbbing toothaches, they’ll often continue business as usual, playing, purring and greeting you at the door after work. If you’re concerned your cat may have oral health issues, look for these subtle signs and behavioral shifts.

Bad breath: Mild “kitty breath” is normal, but a foul smell signals bacterial overgrowth and possible infection.

Changes in eating behavior: Sudden changes in eating behavior, such as head-tilting while chewing, chewing on only one side of the mouth or a sudden preference for wet food, may indicate oral pain or disease.

Quidding (dropping food): When a cat drops food from their mouth while eating, your feline may be dealing with dental pain or discomfort, often linked to tooth resorption, gingivitis or other oral health issues.

Proactive dental care on a budget

During your cat’s yearly checkup, your veterinarian will examine your pet’s gums and teeth for oral health issues. In between these checkups, it’s vital that you commit to a daily care routine for your feline friend to stave off one of the main culprits of oral disease: plaque.

Just like you, your cat develops plaque on their teeth, which can harden into tartar, trapping bacteria in the gums. Even with professional cleaning, plaque can reform within hours.

While daily brushing is the gold standard, it’s not always feasible. Not only can it be difficult to incorporate into your own routine, but many cats won’t tolerate a teeth brushing. Luckily, there are dental treat products that support daily dental care and help maintain oral health between pet visits.

For example, ProDen PlaqueOff^® line of oral health treats is designed to help reduce plaque, tartar and bad breath in cats. Adding one (or more) of these dental treats offers a simple way to support your pet’s oral hygiene as part of their everyday routine.

Available in powders, chews and bites, these oral health products are made with the 100% natural, clinically studied kelp ingredient A.N. ProDen^®. This kelp ingredient can help control and improve plaque, tartar and bad breath when used as directed.

Consider starting with a bag of ProDen PlaqueOff^® Crunchy Dental Bites, unique crunchy chews. It’s a healthy treat your kitty will love and look forward to having every day. Or, for a seamless and economical addition to your cat’s diet, add a scoop of ProDen PlaqueOff^® Powder. For those looking for an easy-to-administer option that doubles as a reward, ProDen PlaqueOff^® Soft Chews are the way to go, especially if you have older pets with missing teeth.

Consistent daily oral care isn’t just good for your cat now. Brushing, treats and powders can help support lifelong oral health. It may also reduce the need for extensive dental procedures that require X-rays, anesthesia and other treatments. Not only can these procedures be expensive, but they can also be stressful for your pet.

Taking care of your cat’s oral health for a lifetime of wellness

Oral health is key to overall health, and it’s not just for humans. Your feline family member needs just as much dental care as you do to stay healthy and happy. To learn more about caring for your furry family member’s oral hygiene, visit US.Swedencare.com.