(BPT) - We are all busy and distracted these days, and it can often be difficult to find ways to make a difference to those less fortunate in our communities. However, today it is simpler than ever to give back, and you do not have to alter your hectic routine to make an impact.Give back whi…

(BPT) - Looking for easy ways to add zing to snacks and meals, as well as holiday entertaining? Adding just a few flavor-packed ingredients can revamp recipes with very little effort. Consider adding dried fruits to your daily meals and snacks, as they're not only full of flavor, but packed …

(BPT) - The holiday season is full of celebration, social activities and spreading good cheer by exchanging gifts. The problem is gift giving can get expensive if you’re not making a plan and monitoring your spending. A happy holiday doesn't have to mean stressing about finances or going int…

(BPT) - Mornings can be chaotic as you fight the clock to get out the door on time. This is especially true if you have a big family. Wouldn't it be nice if rather than feeling like a stressful race, your morning routine was something you looked forward to?

(BPT) - Today's homeowners are increasingly expecting their bathrooms to mirror some of the spa-like features previously seen only in hotels, resorts and luxury vacation rentals.

(BPT) - There are always reasons to entertain, especially now during the holidays. From decor to dessert, there isn’t one exact recipe for the perfect party, and the right combination can make a real difference. Candy maker HARIBO suggests sprinkling in moments of sweet childlike happiness t…

(BPT) - From mobile deposits to apps that transfer money in the blink of an eye, financial technology (or fintech) is disrupting the financial marketplace in new ways. The latest example is an innovation in the annuity marketplace that expands online access to a conventional retirement produ…

(BPT) - According to the National Retail Federation, 41.4 million people shopped exclusively online from Thanksgiving Day to Cyber Monday in 2018. As the holidays approach, online shopping will continue to grow in popularity, helping families spend more time celebrating the season and less t…

(BPT) - Within eight days, Michael Adams, a 59-year-old husband and father of two from Moore, Oklahoma, suffered a heart attack and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) — and survived them both. While many think a heart attack and SCA are the same, they are not. Recent heart attack victims have a hig…

(BPT) - There are few things more frightening than an advanced cancer diagnosis. Karen Peterson knows this better than most. A 54-year-old single mother from Harlem, she is a cancer survivor three times over. But she almost wasn’t.A childhood cancer survivor, in 2015 Peterson was diagnosed w…

(BPT) - When disasters strike — whether hurricanes and tornadoes or floods and earthquakes — communities and organizations rally to help, using their unique strengths to boost support. While every attempt to support affected families and neighborhoods is appreciated, aid is most effective wh…

(BPT) - Imagine sitting in a stadium cheering on your favorite team with over 42,000 other fans — then, in the blink of an eye, the entire stadium is empty.

(BPT) - Regardless of age, most individuals share a common financial goal: to retire with the confidence that they have enough money to last a lifetime. With some smart planning, simple steps and useful tools this goal can be achieved.

(BPT) - When it comes to health care and dental plans, your options can feel overwhelming. There can be dozens of plans and many variables that go into your decision, which is why it’s worth your time to find the option that best fits your individual or family needs. “We will devote hours of…

(BPT) - What does Napoleon III have to do with the development of margarine? Quite a lot, as it turns out. The origins and evolution of plant-based margarines involve a lot more history — and dramatic changes in how people eat — than you might expect.

(BPT) - After a long summer relaxing on your deck or patio, autumn is a great time to renovate your outdoor space — or build one from scratch. Home improvement expert Alison Victoria, host of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab,” offers five tips for fabulous fall fix-ups.

(BPT) - When summer sadly comes to an end and fall comes around, there's no reason to give up everything that makes the season so enjoyable. Hang on to that summer vibe by extending some of the best of those warm-weather pleasures with your family and friends. Whether you're hosting a large …

(BPT) - Autumn is a great time to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors in the company of your favorite four-legged friend. The temperatures have cooled down and the fall colors are starting to appear, yet it’s not too cold to enjoy a brisk walk or even a leisurely stroll together. It’…

(BPT) - Learning about STEM doesn’t have to be relegated to the classroom in preparation for a future career. At its essence, STEM is about exploration, observation and curiosity, which sounds an awful lot like another four-letter word — PLAY. So often when children are playing, they are tes…

(BPT) - One in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Many will be surprised to learn that age is a major barrier when it comes to patients accessing the information they need to make a better-informed treatment decision.

(BPT) - As a parent, it can be difficult to decide what to buy for your kids. You want clothes that are trendy and versatile, but also items that will last. Even more, you want your kids’ unique personality to shine through!

(BPT) - The holidays are a time to gather for food, friends and festivities. While everything may seem merry and bright, if you have asthma or allergies, this is when you need to be cautious. A season full of tradition and good cheer can often come with hidden allergy triggers if you're not …

(BPT) - Open enrollment season is here, a time when millions of Americans across the country have the opportunity to select or switch their health insurance plan for 2020.

(BPT) - Despite the common belief, falls are not a normal part of aging, and they are largely preventable. In fact, the best way to prevent falls is with a proactive, team approach.

(BPT) - An estimated 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience some form of domestic abuse in their lifetime. Escaping abusive situations and starting over in a new and safe environment is an overwhelming experience for victims, especially when pets are involved. An added challenge is that…

(BPT) - The last thing any company wants is a misstep that hurts the trust it has built with customers. This is especially true for smaller businesses, which may not have the resources to recover from a reputation setback. To prevent mistakes, bad decisions and wrongdoing, smaller businesses…

(BPT) - There’s an invisible disease that affects 31 million Americans. Its symptoms are often debilitating and impact people in various aspects of their lives. The name? It’s called migraine disease.

(BPT) - Do you have a bathroom that's starting to look a little dated and drab, but perhaps doesn't need a complete remodel? If you're craving a change, you can update the space's style with a few strategic steps. Not only will you elevate the appearance of your bathroom, but you'll be boost…

(BPT) - Summer’s over, and with cooler months ahead your outdoor activities begin to change. The lawn and garden are no longer your focus. Now, it’s time to think about what you need to do to get your home ready for fall projects and winter storms. This is especially true if you have old or …

(BPT) - Self-care — the practice of taking care of oneself — has become a hot topic across generational groups, with sleep, stress management and fitness as key areas to build better habits. But where to start? Here are three tips for practicing better self-care.

(BPT) - With the autumn season near, thoughts naturally turn to cooler temperatures, football games and holiday preparations. Another annual ritual synonymous with the season — but not one that many spend enough time on or particularly enjoy — is open enrollment.

(BPT) - Looking for new party ideas for any hour of the day? As fall begins, entertaining can seem challenging, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can make any occasion memorable. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, a casual tailgate or an…

(BPT) - If you look at most people’s calendars, the days that stand out are the big ones — national holidays, anniversaries, graduations — in other words, those occasions that almost require special parties, rituals or ceremonies. But the truth is, it's the everyday moments that people remem…

(BPT) - School is back in session, which means hectic mornings spent searching for missing shoes and backpacks, and jam-packed schedules with homework sessions and extracurricular activities. Morning meals at home or at school are imperative, and for busy parents, breakfast snacks on the go …

(BPT) - Alzheimer’s is a progressive medical condition, and one of the deadliest diseases in the United States. That’s why it is important to learn about the disease along with some simple steps that can help delay the potential onset, or help facilitate an early diagnosis.

(BPT) - Sitting is a part of daily routines and nearly impossible to avoid. Whether during your daily commute, working hard at your desk or watching your favorite TV show on the couch, sitting can provide relief and give you the opportunity to relax. However, sitting for a long period of tim…

(BPT) - This holiday season, what if you could give loved ones a present that makes a meaningful impact on the world? Nothing evokes the holiday spirit more than giving gifts that help others in a direct, effective way. Both you and the gift recipient will know you’re making a difference in …

(BPT) - Movement is crucial to a person’s health, quality of life and independence. For some people, pain makes movement a challenge. Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek health care. A physical therapist (PT) can help people move better and safely and manage their pain.

(BPT) - Breaking up is hard to do, but there’s one relationship you may want to reconsider — the one with your savings account. According to an August 2019 survey from Marcus by Goldman Sachs, which polled 1,053 Americans who have savings accounts with both traditional and online banks, near…

(BPT) - One in four people worldwide die from conditions related to thrombosis, the formation of clots in a blood vessel. Events related to thrombosis cause more deaths each year in the U.S. and Europe than breast cancer, HIV disease and motor vehicle crashes combined, yet few people know ab…

(BPT) - There are more than 100 types of cancer that impact people of all backgrounds. It's likely that cancer has touched you or someone close to you. There is a lot to know about cancer and its effects on people in the United States and around the world. How many of these 10 cancer facts d…

(BPT) - Fall marks the beginning of back to busy — back to school and the office, back to sports and other activities, and back to a season of social occasions with family and friends. Healthy, portable snacks such as fresh California grapes play a key role in providing energy and hydration …

(BPT) - A year ago, Cheri’s chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was classified as stage IV, requiring constant support from an oxygen tank. Even rolling over in bed at night exhausted her.

(BPT) - Planning a party doesn’t have to be difficult. Instead of agonizing over appetizers, opt for serving wine with a charcuterie board — a variety of cured meats, cheeses and condiments that can range from simple to sophisticated. Even a basic spread can look elegant, while providing you…

(BPT) - Face it, getting enough exercise is tough for everyone, and it's certainly true when it comes to our pets. The amount of exercise your dog may need varies, depending on the age, size and breed, but most dogs need more exercise than they're getting, especially during the colder months…

(BPT) - If you’re trying to eat more veggies and you're encouraging your kids to do the same, you may struggle with making meals tasty enough to tempt even the pickiest eaters in your family. The struggle is real! But don’t worry, there are plenty of options that are plant-based, healthy and…