COVID-19 Cases Continue to Climb: 5 Things to Know

2025-04-11T12:23:00

(BPT) – If you didn’t get the updated vaccine in fall 2024, it’s not too late to benefit from the protection that vaccines can offer. Over 95% of adults who were hospitalized in 2023-2024 due to COVID-19 had no record of receiving the latest vaccine.1 Being unvaccinated or not being up to date can increase the risk of severe COVID-19.2

If it’s been a while since your last COVID-19 vaccination, it may be time to speak to your healthcare provider about your vaccination status and what you may need to stay protected. If you are over the age of 65 or are chronically immunocompromised, you may be at an increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19. You may be eligible to receive a second updated COVID-19 vaccination if it’s been six months since your last vaccination.3,4,5,6

To help you stay informed, here are the top five things to know about COVID-19:

1. COVID-19 continues to circulate across the United States7

As we approach the five-year anniversary of the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus continues to cause a burden in the U.S.7 Infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu traditionally see increased hospitalizations during the traditional winter season.7 However, while flu prevalence typically decreases during other seasons, COVID-19 continues to cause a significant burden throughout the year.7 COVID-19 vaccination rates remain lower than with influenza, yet there is still a risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes for those who are not vaccinated.2,8,9

Symptoms of COVID-19 are often like other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, and may include coughing, fever and a sore throat, among a multitude of other possible symptoms, ranging from mild to severe illness.10

2. Some Americans may be at higher risk of COVID-19 complications

Your risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases as the number of your underlying medical conditions increases.3 As many as 75% of all adults in the U.S. have underlying conditions that increase their risk for severe COVID-19 complications.11 A study showed that COVID-19 patients with underlying conditions are at a 2-4 times higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness compared to those without.12

There are select factors that increase the risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, including being over age 65, asthma, diabetes, obesity and heart conditions, among others.3 “If you have any of these risk factors, it’s recommended to ask your health care provider about vaccination,” said James Mansi, Vice President of Medical Affairs, North America at Moderna. “It’s also a good idea to let your loved ones who may be at higher risk of severe illness know about the importance of continuing to be vaccinated against COVID-19.”

3. Routine vaccination is essential for protecting your health

The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19, whether or not they have been previously vaccinated.13

The virus that causes COVID-19 is always changing, and protection from a COVID-19 vaccination or infection wanes over time. The updated vaccines are designed to help provide better protection as COVID-19 mutates.13

4. A second dose of the updated vaccine is advised for many

The CDC recommends that people 65 years and older and/or who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 updated COVID-19 vaccine six months after their last dose (and possibly a third dose, after consultation with their healthcare provider) with a two-month minimum time between doses.4,5

If you received the updated COVID-19 vaccine this past fall, it may be time to get your second dose. Mark your calendar six months out from your initial dose to ensure you’re staying on schedule. If you recently had COVID-19, you may consider delaying your vaccine by three months after symptoms started or after receiving a positive test with no symptoms.4

“It’s easy to lose track of when you were last vaccinated and what new vaccines or updated vaccines you are due for. Reaching out to your physician or healthcare team and having a conversation is the best way to find what is right for you,” said Dr. Alex McDonald, family physician and President of the California Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Taking steps now to protect yourself and your family is one of the best things you can do to help protect yourself and those who care about you.”

5. Long COVID still poses a threat

Healthcare professionals believe Long COVID impacts nearly one in five Americans who have had COVID-19, regardless of age or health status, which means anyone who gets COVID is at risk.14 Long COVID can include a wide range of symptoms, such as brain fog, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and chest pain.15 These symptoms may improve, worsen or be ongoing, and can last for a few months or several years.16

Severe acute COVID infection also raises your risk for post-acute sequelae like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney and gastrointestinal disorders, among others.17

Where you can get vaccinated

Talk with your trusted healthcare provider or pharmacist about which vaccines you and your loved ones need to stay healthy. To learn more, and to find vaccinations near you, visit Vaccines.gov.

Sponsored by Moderna.


1. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/risk-factors/older-adults.html

2. CDC. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html

3. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/risk-factors/index.html

4. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

5. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/immunocompromised-people.html

6. CDC. Accessed April 1, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s1023-covid-19-vaccine.html

7. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/surveillance/resp-net/dashboard.html

8. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/vaccination-trends.html

9. Xie Y, Choi T, Al-Aly Z. Risk of Death in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 vs Seasonal Influenza in Fall-Winter 2022-2023. JAMA. 2023;329(19):1697–1699. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.5348

10. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/flu-vs-covid19.html

11. Ajufo E, et al. Am J Prev Cardiol. 2021;6:100156.

12. Moghadas SM, et al. Clin Infect Dis. 2021;73(12):2257-2264.

13. CDC. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html

14. Qasmieh, Saba A., et al. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID in US adults during the BA. 4/BA. 5 surge, June–July 2022. Preventive Medicine. 2023;169:107461.

15. CDC. Signs and Symptoms of Long Covid. Accessed February 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/long-covid-signs-symptoms.html

16. CDC. Long COVID Basics. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html

17. Bowe, B., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 at 2 years. Nat Med 29, 2347–2357 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02521-2

03/25 US-COV-2500051

New Caregiving App for Alzheimer’s: Elevmi

2025-04-11T08:01:00

(BPT) – Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming. Nearly 70% of family caregivers say that coordinating care is stressful, and two-thirds struggle to find information to support their loved one’s needs according to a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association. These challenges, combined with the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, make the journey especially difficult.

To help, a new AI-powered app, Elevmi, offers immediate, personalized support to caregivers. Elevmi can help caregivers find answers related to Alzheimer’s caregiving at a moment’s notice, record observations, prepare for doctors’ visits, and more.

Elevmi: Free personalized AI support for caregivers, by caregivers

Caregivers often become the go-to resource for their loved ones. Now, they have an assistant on their journey: “Elle”, the app’s conversational AI. Elle answers Alzheimer’s care-related questions, provides information about managing symptoms, preparing for doctors’ visits and more, and offers reminders, all based on trusted sources like the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Developed with input from over 300 caregivers, Elle’s features are designed to deliver meaningful, practical support to help users manage their loved one’s condition and their own well-being.

“Caregivers are often the backbone of Alzheimer’s care, balancing an immense load of responsibilities with little support,” said Sanket Shah, President of Otsuka Precision Health, Inc., the app developer. “With Elevmi, we wanted to provide caregivers with a helpful, easy-to-use resource to help manage being a caregiver, including access to accurate, up-to-date information on the condition.”

Information and resources for Alzheimer’s care

Alzheimer’s is a complex and multifaceted condition — with Elevmi, caregivers can stay up to date with knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease. Elevmi helps caregivers understand disease progression, symptom management, and care tips that can make a meaningful difference in their daily routines.

Elevmi provides caregivers with information that may help them:

  • Anticipate changes in behavior, such as increased agitation during the evening (sundowning), difficulty with daily routines, or changes in communication abilities.
  • Understand medical recommendations by explaining the purpose of cognitive assessments, the potential implications of medication adjustments, or the importance of physical and occupational therapies.
  • Prepare for upcoming doctor visits by allowing caregivers to track observations of their loved one over time, craft effective, meaningful questions for healthcare providers on condition management, and conduct structured check-ins to provide helpful updates on a loved one’s needs.
  • Access resources with information on how to manage symptoms like wandering, difficulty sleeping and changes in appetite, all tailored to their loved one’s unique condition based on the questions a caregiver asks.
  • Help support their own mental health with features such as stress management techniques, mindfulness exercises, and reminders to take breaks and care for themselves.

Elevmi helps the individual receiving care but also prioritizes the mental and emotional health of caregivers. “You need a support system. You need to take care of yourself. It’s a long difficult journey at times,” said Deanna, a primary caregiver and member of the Elevmi design committee.

Get started with Elevmi

Elevmi is designed to be easy to use and accessible for Alzheimer’s disease caregivers. Here’s how you can get started for free:

  1. Download the app: Elevmi is available on iOS® and Android™ devices. Simply visit the App Store or Google Play and search for Elevmi.
  2. Create an account: Set up an account by entering your email address and creating a secure password.
  3. Explore the features: Once logged in, use Elevmi’s conversational AI, Elle, to ask questions, get personalized care tips, and prepare for doctor visits.
  4. Stay informed: Access expert-backed resources about Alzheimer’s disease including information on symptom management and care strategies.

To download and learn more, visit www.elevmi.com.

Petals of possibility: 5 fantastic ways to use fresh flowers

2025-04-11T09:05:00

(BPT) – Whether you’ve always had a green thumb or you’re new to gardening, dreams of beautiful flowers spring to life this time of year. For inspiration, trusted seed packet company Ferry-Morse offers creative ideas for using fresh flowers and wildflowers.

With Bulk Flower & Wildflower Seed Mixes, you’ll start the season with gorgeous variety — and enjoy the surprises when your garden starts blooming. This new collection features 50 varieties of one-pound bags of easy-to-grow flower, wildflower and lawn alternative seeds. Choose your favorite mixes by color preference, design trends, preferred garden features and regional conditions to help bring your garden dreams to life.

1. Pretty enough to eat

Did you know that certain flowers are edible? The Edible Flower Mix offers flowers to elevate any dish. Sprinkle calendula petals on a salad for color and a mild peppery taste. Thirsty? Pair a Mint Mojito with refreshing cucumber-like borage, or try this non-alcoholic version:

Cucumber Mint “Faux-Jito”

Cucumbers lime and flowers in a tall cool mocktail

Ingredients

  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 lime
  • 3/4 cup mint
  • 4 teaspoons agave or simple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons cane or raw sugar
  • 8 ounces club soda
  • Ice
  • Fresh borage flowers
  • Dried edible flower petals, blended until fine in a food processor or blender

Instructions
Pour agave or simple syrup on a plate to rim your glass. On separate plate, spread mix of cane or raw sugar and dried edible flowers.
Rim glass with agave or simple syrup, then dip in sugar/dried flower mixture.
Add 3-5 cucumber slices, 2-3 lime slices, mint leaves and 1 teaspoon of agave or simple syrup to the glass.
Muddle ingredients to release flavors.
Add ice, club soda and stir.
Garnish with borage flowers for a cucumber-like flavor that complements your drink perfectly!

Tip: Freeze edible flowers into decorative ice cubes. Try a flower-shaped silicone mold for a unique spin on the fancy ice trend.

2. Nature’s masterpieces

Grow craft-worthy blooms with the Perennial Wildflower Mix — including lupine, sweet William and purple coneflower — for a flower garden to last for seasons to come. Then press fresh flowers to create frameable art.

Pressed flower artwork

Pressed flowers in picture frames on a counter with a bouquet of flowers on the kitchen counter with a Ferry-Morse box filled with flowers.

Materials

  • Flowers/wildflowers of your choice (greenery optional)
  • Flower press or 2-3 large books
  • Parchment paper (2 sheets)
  • Burlap
  • Scissors
  • Tape/glue
  • Frame

Instructions

Don’t have a flower press? Place two layers of parchment paper between pages of a large book.
Place flowers/wildflowers flat between layers of parchment paper.
Carefully close book and weigh down with 1-2 other books or heavy items. Press flowers 2-3 weeks, until dry.
Arrange dried flowers inside the glass/acrylic of your frame “face down” to achieve your desired look.
Cut piece of burlap wide enough to fill the frame, to serve as backdrop for your flowers.
Place burlap over the “back” of the flowers and close the frame. Display your DIY pressed flower art!

Optional: Use tape or glue to secure burlap to the frame’s photo mat to secure flowers.

Tip: Press flowers by putting them between sheets of parchment paper, then iron about 10 seconds or put under heavy microwave-safe dish and microwave 90 seconds on medium. Allow additional time to dry as needed.

3. Wedding-worthy bouquets

Get ready to create stunning bouquets and boutonnieres for weddings, proms, parties or thoughtful gifts. Gardening in the Southwest or Northeast? Regional Mixes feature varieties specifically selected for your local climate to support your creative endeavors.

DIY Bouquets

Bouquet of charming flowers including tiny daisies and mini mums.

Materials

  • Flowers/wildflowers of your choice
  • Greenery: Ferns, branches, hedge clippings
  • Filler flowers (smaller flowers)
  • Vase
  • Floral tissue paper
  • Decorative ribbon

Instructions
Bouquets are traditionally built using the “3-5-8 rule” — 3 big bold flowers, 5 pieces of greenery, 8 filler flowers — for a proportional bouquet. Think about the color story you want to tell while choosing and arranging flowers. Blues, pinks, whites and yellows make beautiful combinations, but get creative and experiment with bright reds, oranges, purples — whatever you enjoy!

  • Place your 3 tallest or boldest-color flowers in a vase. Starting in a vase helps you see how the bouquet is coming together before you wrap it.
  • Add 5 pieces of greenery to the bouquet, turning occasionally to ensure you’re achieving your desired look.
  • Work smaller filler flowers into the bouquet based on what’s visually appealing to you.

To wrap your bouquet, roll 3-4 sheets of floral tissue paper into a cone, place bouquet inside and tie with decorative ribbon. Don’t have floral tissue paper? You can use a paper bag to hold your bouquet!

4. Embrace cottagecore style

If you haven’t heard of “cottagecore,” prepare to be charmed! Imagine an English country cottage bursting with floral patterns and a table set for tea. Adopt the cottage core style with the Cottage Garden Mix, a combination of annuals and perennials blending nostalgic favorites like poppy, cornflower and nasturtium. Display your favorites indoors using whimsical teapots or vintage milk jugs as vases.

Your entire yard can become cottagecore with the Flowering Grass Alternative Mix: fine fescue, flowers and clovers offering a colorful, diverse alternative to all-grass lawns. You’ll have a beautiful carpet of low-growing flowers that’s low maintenance, doesn’t need to be mowed all season — and uses less water.

5. Create a pollinator sanctuary

Want to make an oasis for bees and butterflies? The Bumblebee Buffet Mix, a blend of annuals and perennials including cosmos, zinnia and snapdragon, provides pollen and nectar pollinators love. Make sure to offer shallow pools like bird baths with a few rocks as landing spots for thirsty bees.

Whatever type of garden you dream of, you can make it happen. Visit Ferrymorse.com/pages/flower-seed-mixes to get started.

Looking for additional gardening tips and tricks throughout the season? Ferry-Morse offers a variety of online tools including the Garden Matchmaker Quiz for personalized seed recommendations and The Greenhouse blog for gardening tips and recipes available on FerryMorse.com.

Gardeners of all levels can also tune into Ferry-Morse’s annual Garden Get-Together — now in a new series format — for free advice and inspiration from the brand’s experts and popular gardening influencers. Tune in on the Ferry-Morse Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or YouTube channels to learn more.

Why STI Testing Should Accompany Every Vaginitis Diagnosis

2025-04-09T09:57:00

(BPT) – Each year, millions of women are diagnosed with vaginitis, an infection that most will experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s one of the main reasons women visit their OB/GYN. However, getting the right diagnosis can sometimes be tricky because vaginitis shares symptoms—like vaginal discharge or pain during urination—with other conditions, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This can often lead to delays or misdiagnoses. It’s estimated 30% of women who have vaginitis symptoms are incorrectly diagnosed after they have been evaluated.

In recognition of STI Awareness Month in April, Dr. Staci Tanouye, a board-certified OB/GYN from Women’s Care Florida, is speaking up and sharing a reminder that early diagnosis and proper treatment of both vaginitis and any potential STI co-infections are key to protecting women’s health.

“As an OB/GYN, I’ve heard from many patients that they feel ashamed about their symptoms or simply can’t find the time to make an appointment,” said Dr. Tanouye. “As a result, many women try to self-diagnose, often thinking they have a yeast infection, potentially overlooking other conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common cause of vaginitis. This confusion can lead to serious risks like STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, or pregnancy-related complications.”

With the high number of vaginitis cases we’re seeing every year and its potentially devastating impact on women’s health, it’s crucial to understand the true cause of symptoms—especially with vaginitis linked to an increased risk of STIs.

One study showed that 1 in 5 women with vaginitis symptoms also tested positive for at least one STI. Additionally, women who tested positive for BV had double the rate of STIs compared to those who were negative. Given the proven link between vaginitis and STI co-infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing for STIs in all women diagnosed with BV.

Thankfully, advances in technology have made testing easier and more effective. Now, one simple vaginal swab can test for multiple infections, including the most common STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, and causes of vaginitis.

“The best part about the latest methods is that patients don’t have to come in for additional tests,” said Dr. Tanouye. “The original sample can be used to run multiple tests at once. Women also can choose to collect the sample themselves in a private setting or have the doctor do it — something that many of my patients find comforting.”

Because each case of vaginitis has different treatment needs, it’s crucial for women to get an accurate diagnosis. With the right treatment, symptoms can be resolved quickly, and the risk of recurring infections is reduced.

“By working with a healthcare professional, women can ensure they get the right diagnosis and treatment the first time,” added Dr. Tanouye. “Comprehensive testing accurately detects vaginitis and STI co-infections, which eases anxiety and discomfort, and helps women get back to their daily lives faster.”

5 easy hacks to make spring cleaning a breeze

2025-04-08T08:05:00

(BPT) – Springtime is here! It’s time to open the windows and let in the sunshine and fresh air. It’s also the perfect time to clear out the dirt and grime that’s accumulated in your home during the winter months.

If you find spring cleaning a daunting challenge, don’t worry! All you need are a few tricks, the right products and incentives to make a top-to-bottom home refresh easy breezy.

1. Turn up the tunes

Get yourself moving and grooving with some hip-bumping music! Pick an artist or album that you can’t help but sing and dance along to and watch the time fly by.

Consider making your very own spring cleaning playlist. Include some of your favorite karaoke songs, party rock anthems, salsa classics and maybe even some sentimental tunes your mom blasted while cleaning during your childhood.

So, crank up the jams, sing into your mop or duster and put on a little show while you freshen up your home.

Couple singing in to their mop and duster handles as they clean the living while listening to music.

2. Freshen up your space

It’s amazing how much the right scent can change a room’s ambiance and lift your mood. That’s why it’s important to choose products that will clean or disinfect, while leaving a scent you can enjoy during and after your cleaning routine.

For a scent that captures the freshness of spring, choose Lysol’s new Lavender and Cotton Blossom-scented products. The refreshing scent blends lavender, jasmine and violet with apple, green pear, sandalwood and white musk to create an inviting, clean fragrance.

Whether you use Lysol Lavender and Cotton Blossom Multi-Surface Cleaner, Disinfectant Spray or Disinfecting Wipes, you can rest easy knowing that these products kill 99.9% of germs* and leave a refreshing lavender scent you’ll love.

3. Assemble your tools

Spring cleaning is easier to tackle when you have the right tools. Not only will the right tools ensure you can get every nook and cranny, but they can also help you clean more efficiently so you can get back to enjoying the warmer weather.

In addition to your core cleaning tools like your vacuum, broom, mop and duster, make sure you have a ladder handy to reach high places like the tops of cabinets, dusty corners and ceiling fans. Some other useful tools for deep cleaning include:

  • A silicone toilet brush to get under the toilet bowl lip
  • A cleaning caddy to easily tote your cleaning supplies room to room
  • A microfiber blind duster to get in between every single slat
  • A rubber broom to dehair the carpets

Pro tip: Use old pillowcases as fan blade cleaners! Simply slide a pillowcase over the fan blade so it’s completely covered, then pull the pillowcase along the blade to remove the dust and dirt. The pillowcase will catch the dust and prevent it from falling onto the floor or other surfaces.

Smiling woman relaxing on the couch with her eyes closes and she breaths in a pleasant lavender scent.

4. Schedule tasks ahead of time

As you plan out your spring cleaning goals, know what you need to get done each day to stay on track throughout the week. If Sunday is your rest day (or the closest thing to it), take a moment to write down your spring cleaning goals for the week and keep them realistic! Take inventory of your cleaning products and make sure you have the essentials to tick off every item off your list.

Stick to the schedule as best you can, but don’t get stressed if you fall a little behind — this usually just means you spent some valuable time doing something fun.

5. Treat yourself

Give yourself something to look forward to after you’ve tackled your chores! Before you dive in, think about what reward would make you most happy at the end of a deep clean. Maybe you can enjoy a relaxing bath and mini spa session in your freshly cleaned tub. Or perhaps you want to treat your family to their favorite restaurant or takeout. Whatever you choose, knowing that there’s a reward at the end of the day can make spring cleaning feel more satisfying.

Make chores less of a chore this spring

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a slog. These five tips will make your long list of chores a breeze to complete so you can relax in your clean, disinfected and organized home.

To find more cleaning tips and products that can help you tackle spring cleaning with ease, visit Lysol.com.

Lysol lavender scented family of cleaning products

You can also have the chance to win the complete suite of new Lysol Brand New Day Lavender & Cotton Blossom scented products. To enter or for more information, visit: https://www.lysol.com/sweepstakes-lavender.

*When used as directed.

Cel-e-brate Good Deals: Tips to Get Ahead of Celebration Season

2025-04-08T12:01:00

(BPT) – Every year, consumers spend a lot of money during “celebration season,” which kicks off on Mother’s Day, quickly followed by Father’s Day, graduations, school parties and activities, with Memorial Day BBQs sprinkled in between. But being a host doesn’t have to cost you the most.

“Rising to the occasion during a season of heavy social gatherings and gift giving expectations can take a lot of time and energy — whether you’re hosting, attending or buying,” said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. “With an AARP membership, you can access a wide range of member benefits so you can shop for the best gifts at the lowest prices, find the best restaurants for a celebratory meal or plan your gathering, all with perks.”

From deals on decorations, to steals on gifts and food, AARP member benefits can help you save on celebration season this year and make it one to remember.

1. Unique Gifts from the Past, and Present

No one wants to celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day without a gift showing your appreciation, but it can be easy to blow past your budget without even realizing it. Luckily, FTD offers fresh floral bouquets and planters for every occasion and a wide assortment of gifts to fit any occasion, such as food and drink baskets and customizable sweet treats and desserts. For a limited time AARP members can save 40% sitewide from April 11 until May 11. AARP members automatically save 25% sitewide, 30% off select items with promo code AARP30, and can get $15 off an FTD Plus membership, which includes free shipping for one year.

If you’re looking for something different, give the gift of family history. AARP members save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription to Ancestry. Get access to records and online tools to search, save and share family history. If you’re new to Ancestry, you’ll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. If you already have an Ancestry account, you’ll receive the discount when you renew your subscription for a year. The bonus gift with this subscription is that it’s an activity that your family can participate in together.

2. Red, White, and BBQ

Throwing a BBQ is a fun way to celebrate Memorial Day, however many party hosts find it challenging to source enough of the right food to satisfy all their guests and meet any dietary requirements. Not a fan of cooking? Don’t want to spend too much on catering? Then AARP has the savings you need to help lift your celebration cuisine to the next level. Members can save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages at McCormick and Schmick’s. McCormick & Schmick’s is a seafood and steakhouse restaurant chain known for its fresh seafood, steaks, and a wide variety of bar bites and cocktails, with locations across the U.S.

And, if you’re looking for festive supplies and decorations for your BBQ and don’t have a lot of time to go out and shop, a Walmart+ membership can help save the day, and your precious time. AARP members save $40 off every year of a Walmart+ annual membership, which also boasts free delivery from the store, free shipping with no order minimum, and so much more.

Looking for a venue away from home for your fill of ribs, steaks and burgers? Outback Steakhouse has your back. Members save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages and dine-in service is available at all locations, while curbside carryout is available at participating locations only.

3. Celebrate Savings on the Go

If you’re traveling for a celebration occasion this season, choose Choice Hotels® for an affordable stay. For a limited time, members receive a 15% discount off the Best Available Rate (BAR) for stays at participating Choice Hotels brands in the U.S. including Cambria® Hotels, Comfort® Hotels, and Country Inn and Suites® by Radisson, for a minimum of one night, booked between March 30, 2024, and May 4, 2024, with stays completed by May 18, 2024. Guests must show valid AARP membership at check-in, and the promotions exclude certain rates, reward night stays, complimentary rooms, and other specific exclusions.

And, if you’re worried about running into pesky car troubles on your trip, AARP can help you save on 24/7 roadside assistance with Allstate Roadside. Members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside plans, including Roadside Advantage, Roadside Assist, and Roadside Elite, including access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more.

4. The Perfect Gift is a Stream Away

If you’re not sure what to get for the new graduate in your life, give the gift of binge watching their favorite movies and shows with Paramount+. AARP members can save 10% on any Paramount+ plan and can start streaming over 45,000 episodes and blockbuster movies, live sports, news and exclusive originals all in one place.

Planning celebrations can take its toll if you’re not careful. Breathe in and take a step back this year and let your AARP member benefits help you get ahead and find the best perks for everything you need.

To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for celebration season, please visit aarp.org/save.

AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.

New research shows how retailers can meet consumer expectations

2025-04-08T07:31:00

(BPT) – Consumers today expect seamless, personalized, convenient shopping experiences wherever they shop. How can retailers stay competitive while ensuring they meet these expectations and stay competitive? Global technology leader in supply chain and omnichannel commerce Manhattan Associates recently launched its 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail, co-sponsored by Google Cloud and conducted by Incisiv, to evaluate how 220 North American retailers are demonstrating exceptional omnichannel commerce maturity and delivering highly personalized experiences to their customers, both in-store and online.

The biggest takeaway? Only 5% of retailers achieved “Leader” status, demonstrating the ability to consistently deliver the much desired personalized experiences.

Learn from the Leaders

The overall Leaders of the 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark study were: Apple, Best Buy, Boss, Dick’s Sporting Goods, IKEA, Lululemon, Neiman Marcus, Nike, Ralph Lauren and Sephora. On average, these Leaders achieved 31% lower fulfillment costs and 24% higher customer satisfaction.

A key finding was that from 2023 to 2025, the bar for unified commerce has risen dramatically. One-third (33%) of the capabilities that differentiated Leaders in 2023 are considered basic requirements today, while an all new set of unique capabilities defines Leadership in 2025:

Shopping experience: Today’s consumers move seamlessly across channels and touchpoints. Multi-channel shoppers spend 15% more per order as they blend shopping across social media, online marketplace and brick-and-mortar stores. Leading stores understand this shift (which influences up to 34% of all digital discoveries) more than 1.5 times the industry average.

Woman working in a retail clothing store using a digital tablet.

Checkout experience: Checkout must be reimagined to seamlessly blend operational efficiency with deeper engagement and personalization. 70% of Leaders offer intelligent cart experiences that sync and adapt across channels, compared to just 31% of others. Retailers treating checkout as a strategic touchpoint — optimized for today’s generation of tech-savvy shoppers — see 20% lower cart abandonment rates than the industry average.

Fulfillment experience: Today’s consumers — accustomed to same-day delivery, real-time tracking and flexible pickup options — are redefining fulfillment expectations. 50% of industry leaders empower customers to modify their orders and delivery preferences post-purchase, compared to just 13% of others, setting new standards for convenience and flexibility.

Service experience: Consumers don’t see channels, they see relationships. They expect every interaction to build seamlessly on the last without repeating themselves, no matter who they’re speaking to. 90% of Leaders have unified customer service touchpoints to ensure smooth transitions between store, digital and phone support. The result? They witness half as many support escalations, particularly related to orders, compared to their peers. Additionally, their rapid adoption of GenAI self-service agents should reduce support calls even further.

“Every aspect of unified commerce is a driver of business success, and true leadership requires unwavering focus on every stage of the customer journey — from shopping and checkout to fulfillment and service,” says Ann Ruckstuhl, SVP and CMO at Manhattan.

As the commerce ecosystem transforms at a blistering pace, retailers must continuously evolve their unified commerce capabilities to move forward. Unified commerce integrates all aspects of retail operation, from online and in-store sales to inventory management, order fulfillment and customer data, into a seamless, unified system capable of meeting consumer demand.

Female retail sales person helping another woman try on jewerly.

Factors making the difference

Businesses succeeding in this complex retail ecosystem are leveraging the latest technology to enhance shopper experiences. The conventional wisdom that operational excellence requires trading off efficiency for customer experience is being upended. When done right, customer-centric innovation actually drives operational advantages across every metric.

Optimizing GenAI: While 77% of retailers deploy chatbots for self-service, only 5% harness GenAI to elevate that experience. These technologies can scale personalization, streamline complex decisions and extend human expertise across channels with unprecedented efficiency.

For example, GenAI can use a customer’s purchase and preference history to fix problems — like missing items or returns — before they even complain. Agentic workflows can check inventory and process returns without staff intervention, helping streamline processes.

These technologies don’t simply connect channels; they solve complex challenges that previously limited unified commerce potential. As these capabilities improve, faster adoption will redefine what’s possible in connecting physical and digital retail.

Solving inventory challenges: Real-time inventory visibility drives revenue. Digital integration improves inventory visibility so retailers know exactly where their sellable inventory is — helping them overcome any disruptions and ensuring products they need are in the right place at the right time.

“The outsized impact of inventory on top-line revenue growth is evident. Inventory visibility, availability and seamless shipping have become critical levers for driving business performance in today’s competitive retail landscape,” explained Ruckstuhl.

Woman retail salesperson in a clothing shop using a tablet.

Maximizing customer relationships: The 24% higher customer satisfaction rate among Leaders demonstrates that operational excellence results in loyalty. In fact, operational excellence and customer experience aren’t tradeoffs anymore — they amplify each other and are redefining loyalty. Today’s multi-channel shoppers don’t draw distinctions between channels. They blend discovery, purchase and service, including returns, across channels, demanding consistent expertise at every touchpoint.

Customers who witness consistently convenient, trouble-free experience are more likely to remain loyal to those brands, whenever and wherever they shop.

Learn more about the impact of unified commerce by downloading the 2025 Unified Commerce Benchmark for Specialty Retail or visiting manh.com.

6 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home Ahead of a Fire

2025-04-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – You can’t predict where or when a fire will strike. However, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your family and home. Don’t know where to start? Follow these six crucial steps to prepare your loved ones and property in the event of a fire.

1. Install smoke alarms

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms can save your life in the event of a home fire. According to the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research, when working smoke alarms are present, the risk of a home fire fatality is cut by 60%. Additionally, according to NFPA’s National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, at a minimum, smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room in addition to outside each sleeping area on every level of the home.

To put this into action, take a tour of your home and review the location of the smoke alarms. Smoke alarms require regular maintenance to work effectively, so set a reminder to test the smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2. Use a fireproof safe

For irreplaceable items like birth certificates, passports, family photos, heirlooms and wills, a fireproof safe can provide peace of mind and an extra line of defense against a fire.

The type of safe you buy matters, and while many safes claim to be fireproof, when put to the test, they may burn and fail.

To determine if a fireproof safe is truly fireproof, look for a recognized certification label, usually from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which indicates the safe’s fire resistance rating, including the duration of protection and the maximum internal temperature it can withstand during a fire.

For example, safes from the new Master Lock Premium 2-Hour Fireproof Safe Line are UL Classified and offer unmatched fire and waterproof protection providing up to two hours of fire resistance in temperatures up to 1,850° F and shielding against water for up to 24 hours.

These waterproof features specifically help to protect your valuables from water damage they may sustain from sprinkler systems or fire hoses.

3. Create an escape plan

During a fire, it’s crucial to remain calm and make your way to the nearest exit. Ensure you and your loved ones are prepared by having a fire escape plan in place.

To create an escape plan, you’ll need to identify your home’s exits, plan multiple escape routes and choose a meeting place outside the home. If you have pets, discuss with your family how you will get them safely out of the house if you need to evacuate. Make sure everyone is on the same page by running a fire escape drill a few times throughout the year with your family.

4. Assemble go bags

During a fire, time is of the essence. To get out of the house as fast as possible, create “go bags” for each member of your household. These bags should have the essentials, including medication, important documents, a first-aid kit, water, nonperishable food, clothing and cash. By having these bags prepared, you will have everything you need at your fingertips, saving time when you may need to leave your home in a hurry.

5. Keep up on yard maintenance

During wildfires or home fires, the wind can carry embers more than a mile away, causing spot fires and igniting homes, debris and other objects, according to NFPA. One way to minimize the likelihood of a home fire is to keep up with your yard maintenance by clearing any dry vegetation like dead plants and leaves, debris and pine needles, as well as flammable objects like firewood piles as these can create embers leading to fires. You can also consider creating fire-resistant landscaping to create a defensible zone around your home and other structures on your property, like detached garages and sheds.

6. Stay informed of the latest fire updates

When it comes to fires, every second counts. Staying up to date with the latest news and alerts on fires in your area is essential during an emergency.

To prepare, research community alert programs and sign up to receive real-time updates and information on fires in your area. Your county may also have similar emergency alert systems to keep you and your loved ones in the know. You can also sign up for fire alerts through Watch Duty, a nonprofit that tracks nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real time.

As the adage goes, forewarned is forearmed. With some thoughtful preparations including these six steps, you can help protect your family, pets and home in the event of unexpected fires.

Reading your brain waves to treat a debilitating disease

2025-04-07T07:01:00

(BPT) – Liza Bobrow didn’t think it was a big deal when her handwriting suddenly went haywire.

“It was just so bizarre,” she remembers. “My handwriting was getting teeny-tiny. I couldn’t even sign a check. I had just turned 50 so I thought ‘I’m getting old. I must have arthritis, or a pinched nerve or writer’s cramp.’ So, when the doctors told me it was Parkinson’s Disease, I was terrified.”

Medication helped at first.

Her handwriting returned to near normal. But Parkinson’s is a progressive disease – it usually worsens over time.

Two years after her diagnosis, the medication began triggering bouts of dystonia. She suffered painful muscle spasms in her feet that made walking difficult. Her right arm would suddenly shoot out and she would have to cradle it back in with her left arm.

“The pain was so bad that I didn’t want to take the medication,” she said. “But without the medicine I struggled with motor skills. It was a terrible time.”

Neurologists eventually suggested deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted in specific spots in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation to help control tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Bobrow and her husband spent six months researching DBS and consulting her doctors before deciding to proceed.

“I had never had surgery in my life, so the idea of brain surgery was pretty scary,” she said. “But I had an incredible experience, and the results are profound. My motor skill fluctuation is less and in general it’s just a feeling of relaxation and comfort in my body that I just didn’t have before DBS.”

Liza’s story is based on her individual experience. Not all patients will experience similar results.

Revolutionary leap in DBS therapy

DBS has been around for decades. A pacemaker-like device is implanted in the upper chest and thin wires lead to precise locations in the brain, where electrodes deliver electrical stimulation that can help control some of the symptoms from Parkinson’s.

Even though traditional DBS is proven as a safe and effective treatment for Parkinson’s, the level of stimulation is constant/pre-programmed. But it has limitations. The human body and brain are constantly changing and adjusting, as the various symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and medication levels can fluctuate in intensity throughout the day. So, the amount of electrical stimulation needed to optimally treat Parkinson’s may also change.

“I went through a lot of programming sessions to refine the device settings,” Bobrow said. “You can’t just set it and forget about it.”

For many patients, that’s about to change.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the Medtronic Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation (aDBS) system for use in the U.S. for patients with Parkinson’s disease. With aDBS, the electrodes that deliver electrical stimulation can also sense the patient’s brain signals and automatically adjust the level of stimulation to meet the patient’s needs.1 A few programming adjustment visits may be needed in the first few months after turning on Adaptive Therapy. Patients programmed with Adaptive Therapy may require more programming adjustment visits if they experience stimulation-related side effects or need to further personalize programming settings.

“The aDBS system listens to these brain waves, and then algorithms adjust the stimulation in real time according to what the brain waves tell us about their symptoms. It’s a very exciting development,” said Dr. Simon Little, a neurologist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF).

As with traditional DBS, there are risks and benefits of aDBS. Risks of DBS may include surgical complications, infection, failure to deliver therapy as needed and/or worsening of some symptoms. Talk to your doctor about your medical condition and the risks and benefits of this therapy. A prescription is required, only your doctor can determine whether this therapy is right for you.

The Medtronic Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulator

Living the dream

Liza Bobrow received her DBS device before the FDA approval of aDBS; however, a software upgrade to aDBS does not require surgery. Her device already includes the brain-sensing technology; if her doctors decide she is a candidate for aDBS, it would be a matter of activating this technology in her current device.

“Adaptability is obviously the next frontier. I can tell that my body has ebbs and flows, and clearly real-time stimulation adjustment is something that interests me,” Liza said.

Dr. Philip Starr, professor of neurological surgery at UCSF, adds: “So the dream of these brain pacemakers, which is really what they are, is to go that route and understand brain signals – and how they relate to specific signs and symptoms of movement disorders or other disorders – to understand those signals well enough to use them to auto-adjust stimulator levels. So adaptive deep brain stimulation is really synonymous with closed-loop stimulation.”

Brief Statement: https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/l/patients/treatments-therapies/deep-brain-stimulation-parkinsons-disease/important-safety-information.html

† The sensing feature of the Percept™ PC and Percept™ RC system is intended for use in patients receiving DBS where chronically recorded bioelectric data may provide useful, objective information regarding patient clinical status.

References:

  1. Stanslaski S, Summers RLS, Tonder L, et al. Sensing data and methodology from the Adaptive DBS Algorithm for Personalized Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease (ADAPT-PD) clinical trial. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2024;10(1):174.

One sandwich, endless possibilities: What makes a perfect grilled cheese is up for debate

2025-04-07T10:01:00

(BPT) – In celebration of National Grilled Cheese Day, Borden® Cheese surveyed over 2,000 Americans on their grilled cheese preferences. The results are in! Turns out that what makes a grilled cheese perfect is very personal! From bread and cheese to everything in between, America is split on grilled cheese preferences. Here are the five most important factors to help you make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

1. Consider your base

The type of bread you pick for your sandwich says a lot about you. Are you a traditionalist who uses white bread or a health-conscious eater who prefers whole wheat or rye bread? No matter which bread you use, your base should complement how much cheese you plan to use.

According to the survey, 57% of grilled cheese makers use two slices of cheese, so an average slice of bread should be plenty. However, if you’re part of the 17% that use 3 slices, consider choosing a thicker base to avoid a soggy sandwich.

2. Spread butter or mayo to the edges of the bread

To ensure that your family enjoys every bite of their cheesy dish, make sure to spread butter or mayo to the very edges of the bread. This easy trick ensures there are no dry bites, elevating the taste and texture of your grilled cheese.

3. Don’t rush perfection

How do you like your bread toasted? What’s right for one person isn’t right for all.

According to new data from Borden, one in 10 grilled cheese enthusiasts swear by a deep, burnt toast char for their bread. However, the majority (seven in 10) insist on a golden-brown crisp. If you’re in the latter camp, remember that low and slow is the key to a truly chef-worthy grilled cheese.

Keeping an eye on toast levels is especially important if you’re making this lunchtime classic for your kids. According to Borden’s report, nearly one out of every three parents have remade a grilled cheese because the toast level wasn’t quite right.

4. Pick the right cheese

Now it’s time for the star of the show! The type of cheese you pick can make or break your sandwich. When it comes to the type of cheese, the survey found that American (49%) and Cheddar (46%) dominated the rankings, proving that the most iconic melts are built on tradition. However, the more experimental grilled cheese connoisseur may opt for underdogs like Mozzarella (27%), Swiss (22%), Pepperjack (21%) and Colby Jack (20%).

No matter which type of cheese you choose, remember, grilled cheese is better with Borden. Borden offers many varieties of cheese to make your sandwich truly your own. Best of all, Borden Cheese is made with real dairy from American dairy families and delivers the rich, creamy melt that turns a simple sandwich into a crave-worthy classic.

5. Don’t forget to consider toppings

Nearly half of grilled cheese eaters surveyed were purists, sticking to the basics of cheese and bread to achieve an ooey-gooey sandwich. However, you can get creative by adding your favorite meats, veggies and spreads. The important part is that you make your grilled cheese your way.

Using these five tips, you can make the best grilled cheese that’s perfect just for you. To find more cheese tips and cheese products that suit any taste, visit BordenCheese.com.

Hungry? Here’s how to win free cheese for a year

Starting on Grilled Cheese Day, April 12, and running all month long, Borden is celebrating all things cheese, and you can be part of the fun. You can win a variety of delicious prizes, from 100 instant-win swag packs featuring Borden coupons and fun branded merchandise to cheese for a year.

One grand prize recipient will receive everything needed to create the ultimate grilled cheese experience: a year’s supply of personalized cheese selections and a gourmet panini press to perfect their melt at home. Visit WinFreeBordenCheese.com for your chance to win.

Survey Methodology. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,515 adults, of which 2,330 make grilled cheese sandwiches. Fieldwork was undertaken between March 17th – March 19th 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+).