XMWare

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.

2026-06-18T12:33:00

(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.

Lalli’s challenges aren’t uncommon. According to the WWP Warrior Survey:

• 76% of warriors report that pain interferes moderately or severely with their enjoyment of life.
• 63% of warriors reported symptoms of one or more mental health conditions, including PTSD.
• 79% of warriors report that they sometimes or often feel isolated, and 72% feel they lack companionship.

These seen and unseen wounds create barriers for service members to thrive. However, organizations and individuals have stepped up to support the ongoing and evolving care needs of veterans, service members, and their loved ones.

Supporting a brighter future for service members

Lalli’s path to healing and support started when he got connected with WWP.

“I first met Wounded Warrior Project when an outreach coordinator came to visit me in the hospital,” Lalli said. “He showed me that it’s not the end and inspired me to believe that anything is still possible.”

By participating in WWP programs and events, like Soldier Ride^® — a multiday adaptive cycling event — Lalli recovered a sense of community, confidence, and hope.

“Being on Soldier Ride brings back the camaraderie and tribe mentality that we had in the military,” Lalli recalled. “It’s how the environment and being together help each of us bring out the best in one another. It has helped me reignite my drive and has helped me work harder at being the best father, husband, and friend I can be to those around me.”

This is just one example of how WWP supports veterans, service members, and their families across every stage of life and service. The nonprofit strives to help warriors rebuild connections, regain confidence, and move forward after their military service. To that end, WWP programs are designed to meet warriors where they are.

For some, like Lalli, that means connecting veterans with community after isolation. For others, it can mean help navigating mental health challenges, support for improving physical well-being, or resources to strengthen family support. This important work ensures that warriors past and present have what they need — not just to get by, but to truly thrive. WWP remains committed to that mission for years to come.

How you can help warriors thrive for a lifetime

As the U.S. celebrates 250 years of freedom, it’s time to give back to those who have served, are serving, and will continue to serve to protect that freedom. Supporting and empowering service members, their families, and caregivers is a shared responsibility that reflects the values that define America.

“Wounded Warrior Project stands by our nation’s heroes no matter what — keeping the promise to bring every warrior home, mind, body, and soul,” Piatt said. “Caring for those who sacrificed to protect us is a privilege and responsibility we all share.”

To learn more about how you can be part of the next 250 years of strength, resilience, and service and support the nation’s warriors today and always, visit WoundedWarriorProject.org/250Anniversary and WoundedWarriorProject.org/Donate.

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.

2026-06-16T08:13:00

(BPT) – Are you a new mom who is planning to nurse or pump for your bundle of joy? Whether you’re pumping now or preparing to head back to work, the amount of gear to research can feel overwhelming. You’re already thinking about your pump, your parts, your schedule and output — so what can make this all easier? These five picks are essentials to keep at the top of the list to make your feeding journey more enjoyable.

The experts at eufy offer these ideas to help new parents be more prepared for their new arrival, especially moms who are nursing or pumping. Some of these items may not be on your radar, so be sure to add them to your own wish list — or nab one for a friend or family member’s baby shower.

Help relieve nursing strain

A good quality nursing pillow is one must-have that helps make nursing a lot easier for both mothers and babies. The pillow keeps baby at the right height for feeding, alleviating the strain on mom’s neck, back and arms. It’s best to experiment to see which kind of pillow works for each mom (either c-shaped or wraparound style pillows), and how to position it for optimal comfort.

Note: While these pillows are perfect for feeding, they are not safe for baby to sleep on.

A high-tech wearable breast pump

Gone are the days that you need to be tethered to a wall with a bulky pump. Thanks to the eufy line of smart parenting technology, many tasks are now more efficient and comfortable, letting parents focus on what matters most: their new little family member.

The new eufy Wearable Breast Pump S2 Pro slides right into a nursing bra offering warming massage technology. The VibraPump™ system softens tissues for more efficient emptying and clog relief, and HeatFlow™ 2.0 offers 7 adjustable heating levels (97-107F), enhancing output and comfort.

The result? The S2 Pro encourages 35% more milk output, 30% faster. In addition, the eufy app can remotely control settings, customize suction rhythms and allow access to guided meditation sessions to support relaxation. Unveiled at Anker Day 2026 (eufy’s parent company’s annual media event), one tech reviewer even called the S2 Pro “one of the most high-tech models I have seen to date.”

Streamline parental chores

Washing baby bottles and pump accessories is one of most time-consuming tasks for parents of newborns, and often you’re still stuck with hard water deposits and a questionable clean. Enter the eufy Bottle Washer S1 Pro, complete with a built-in water softener for bottles that shine every time. Plus, the S1 Pro offers the largest capacity on the market, holding up to 10 bottles to clean an entire day’s feeding gear in one cycle.

eufy’s proprietary 3D HydroBlast™ technology uses a triple-layer rotating spray to eliminate stubborn milk residue and the 212F true steam sterilization kills 99.99% of common germs. Fast drying is possible with the HygieniDry™ dual-fan heating system and completes 40-minute rapid drying to prevent bacteria growth — no drying rack needed. You can even use the eufy app to activate it at any time, so the cycle is done by the time you’re home from work or errands. This is truly a system for ultimate bottle cleaning.

Safe overnight milk storage in the nursery

Pumping doesn’t take a break — even at two in the morning. A mini fridge used exclusively for the nursery is a helpful item that can be used to store pumped milk after those late-night feedings. Breast milk needs to stay at a consistent 39°F or below to remain safe and fresh, so ensure the fridge can meet this requirement.

Bonus use: Keeping plenty of chilled drinks and snacks on hand for mom while she’s nursing ensures she stays hydrated and keeps up caloric intake, supporting the production of breast milk.

Milk storage on the go

Mom is back at work and pumping like a pro! Now where to store all that liquid gold? A portable milk cooler is a more trendy and convenient way to keep milk safe than traditional ice packs and bulky lunch bags. Look for those with cooling tubes that you throw in the freezer overnight and in the morning, install inside the outer carrying container for all-day insulated cooling.

With these nursing must-haves standing by, new moms will feel much more prepared for all the life changes they’re about to undergo. Find more tech-forward ideas including baby monitors and smart socks, at eufy Mom & Baby.